Sensor cleaning device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sensor cleaning device (1) for cleaning an external vehicle sensor device from above, the sensor cleaning device comprising a liquid inlet (10) for receiving pressurized liquid, a first and a second liquid outlet (11, 12) for discharging pressurized liquid received from the liquid inlet (10), a chamber (13) for pressurized liquid fluidly connecting the liquid inlet (10) with the first and second liquid outlet (11, 12), wherein each of the first and second liquid outlet has a width and a length, wherein the length extends in a length direction (L1, L2) and the width extends in a width direction (w1, w2), wherein the length direction is perpendicular to the width direction, and wherein the first and second liquid outlet (11, 12) are configured such that pressurized liquid is discharged laterally through a cross-section defined by the width direction and the length direction, wherein for each first and second liquid outlet the length is larger than the width, thereby forming a first and a second linear liquid outlet (11, 12), and the first and second linear liquid outlet (11, 12) are further configured such that during use pressurized liquid discharged therefrom impinges on each other, thereby forming a resulting liquid curtain (LS).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor cleaning device, a vehicle exterior sensor assembly, a vehicle and / or a method for cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor device.

[0002] The present invention can be applied to heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses and construction equipment. Although the invention will be described with reference to an autonomous heavy truck, the invention is not limited to this particular vehicle, but can also be used in other vehicles, such as light trucks, articulated trailers, excavators, wheel loaders and backhoe loaders. BACKGROUND

[0003] By simultaneously optimizing traffic management and energy efficiency, autonomous vehicles have the potential to increase productivity and flexibility in a sustainable way. Autonomous vehicles can be divided into levels 0 to 5 depending on their level of automation. For example, a fully automated commercial vehicle suitable for performing transport tasks within a limited area, such as a mine, can have an automation level 4 that does not require the driver's attention.

[0004] Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) both require perception sensors as input to the automation system. A range of different sensor technologies are used to collect the required data, such as cameras, RaDAR and LiDAR. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a system that uses active remote sensing to perceive and map its surroundings. The light that is generated and emitted as pulses is in the form of light that is amplified by stimulated emission (laser light). The emitted laser pulses reflect on surfaces and the time it takes for the laser pulses to return to the LiDAR is recorded. There are several different ways to measure the distance to an object on which light is reflected. Time of flight refers to the most common technique where the time it takes for a laser pulse to reach an object, reflect and return is measured. From this, the distance to the surface can be calculated knowing that the laser pulse travels at the speed of light. From the collected data, the on-board computer can construct an image of the surroundings.

[0005] Autonomous vehicles typically use a large number of sensors with different functions to perceive the surroundings and react. Regardless of sensor type, when mounted on a vehicle, the sensor is exposed to the surroundings. To ensure that the vehicle reaches the desired performance level, the sensors need to function properly during use. The main cause of deteriorating sensor function, and subsequently sensor performance, is external factors such as dust and / or rain or snow. These external factors can obscure the intended field of view of the sensor or inhibit the signal input and / or output needed for the sensor to function satisfactorily. To reach the desired level of automation, the system needs to be able to manage the disturbing external factors and re-establish working conditions that enable the desired system performance.

[0006] The patent application WO 2019 / 042547 A1 discloses a sensor mounting device for mounting a sensor to an object, such as a vehicle. The sensor mounting device comprises a cleaning device for cleaning the sensor with at least one cleaning fluid. The invention proposes to provide a fluid channel integrated in an object attachment member, wherein the fluid channel extends in a circumferential direction of a longitudinal direction of the sensor mounting device. The fluid channel is covered by a cover, and the cover comprises one or more fluid outlets arranged to allow fluid to exit the channel to clean the sensor.

[0007] Although the above patent application shows a design for cleaning a sensor, there is still a desire to develop a further improved sensor cleaning device, in particular for perception sensors on fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. SUMMARY

[0008] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sensor cleaning device, an improved vehicle exterior sensor assembly, an improved vehicle and / or an improved method for cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor device, which at least alleviates at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, and / or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a sensor cleaning device according to the present invention. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle exterior sensor assembly according to the present invention. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a vehicle according to the present invention. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a method according to the present invention.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a sensor cleaning device for cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor device from above, the sensor cleaning device comprising:

[0011] a liquid inlet for receiving pressurized liquid;

[0012] a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet for discharging pressurized liquid received from the liquid inlet;

[0013] a chamber for pressurized liquid, the chamber fluidly connecting the liquid inlet with the first and second liquid outlets,

[0014] wherein each of the first and second liquid outlets has a width and a length,

[0015] wherein the length extends in a length direction and the width extends in a width direction,

[0016] wherein the length direction is perpendicular to the width direction, and wherein the first liquid outlet and the second liquid outlet are configured such that pressurized liquid is discharged laterally through a cross-section defined by the width direction and the length direction, wherein,

[0017] for each of the first liquid outlet and the second liquid outlet, the length is greater than the width, thereby forming a linear first liquid outlet and a linear second liquid outlet, and,

[0018] the linear first liquid outlet and the second liquid outlet are further configured such that pressurized liquid discharged therefrom collide with each other during use, thereby forming a resulting curtain of liquid.

[0019] By providing a sensor cleaning device as disclosed herein, an improved cleaning of a vehicle exterior sensor can be achieved. More specifically, the inventors have realized that providing a sensor cleaning device comprising one or more conventional nozzles for cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor can not be sufficient and / or cost-effective, especially in harsh conditions, e.g. when driving in a mine area with a lot of dirt, gravel, mud, etc. The reason for this is that it has been found that in order to cover the entire area to be cleaned; many nozzles can be required, thus increasing the costs. Another reason is that when using conventional nozzles, it can not be possible to remove all dirt, as the directed liquid spray can miss certain areas that should be cleaned. Even though the pressurized liquid from the conventional nozzles can hit the surface to be cleaned with a high impact force, the liquid can “jump off’ the surface, thus missing other areas on which cleaning is required. The present invention provides an improved cleaning of a vehicle exterior sensor, wherein it has two liquid outlets, which are linear and configured such that pressurized liquid discharged therefrom collide with each other during use, thereby a resulting curtain of liquid can be formed to clean the sensor. By directing the curtain of liquid towards the vehicle exterior sensor, the entire or at least almost the entire surface to be cleaned can be exposed to the cleaning liquid. Thus, when cleaning the vehicle exterior sensor, no or almost no parts of the surface to be cleaned will be missed. Thus, an improved cleaning of a vehicle exterior sensor can be achieved. Furthermore, by providing a first and a second linear liquid outlet as disclosed herein, it has been found that a more cost-effective sensor cleaning device can be achieved. More specifically, no expensive nozzles are required, instead, the linear liquid outlets can be produced, e.g. by more cost-effective techniques, e.g. by 3D printing the sensor cleaning device or at least some parts thereof.

[0020] As used herein, the term “collide” means that the pressurized liquid discharged from the linear liquid outlets collide or hit each other when and / or after being discharged from the linear liquid outlets.

[0021] As used herein, the term "liquid curtain" refers to a liquid flow that is not beam-like, such as a liquid beam and / or spray that is expelled from a conventional nozzle. Instead, the liquid curtain can extend over a distance that is perpendicular to the flow direction of the expelled pressurized liquid. The distance at the outlet can be equal to or substantially equal to the length of the linear first and second liquid outlets.

[0022] Optionally, the linear first and second liquid outlets can be further configured such that, during use, the outlet flow directions of the pressurized liquid expelled from each of the linear first and second liquid outlets are angled relative to each other by an angle of 30 to 120 degrees, such as 50 to 110 degrees, 80 to 100 degrees, or 85 to 95 degrees. Such impingement angles have proven to provide a uniform and reliable generated liquid curtain.

[0023] Optionally, the length of the linear first and / or second liquid outlets can be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100 or more times the width.

[0024] Optionally, each of the linear first and second liquid outlets can extend in its length direction, thereby forming a continuous uninterrupted liquid outlet. Thereby, the risk of missing any portion of the surface to be cleaned can be reduced.

[0025] Optionally, the linear first and second liquid outlets can further be arranged parallel with respect to their length direction. Thereby, the generated liquid curtain can be similarly shaped along the length of the linear liquid outlets, which can provide a more reliable cleaning of the surface to be cleaned.

[0026] Optionally, each of the linear first and second liquid outlets can have a curvature shape with a radius extending from a central axis of the sensor cleaning device to the respective linear first and second liquid outlets. The curvature shape can be annular, such as circular, with respect to the central axis. Preferably, the curvature shape of the linear liquid outlets can substantially follow the curvature shape of the surface to be cleaned.

[0027] Optionally, the sensor cleaning device can be formed such that the chamber comprises one or more separate channels formed as respective radially extending arms extending from a central region of the sensor cleaning device to the linear first and second liquid outlets. Providing such separate channels can facilitate the manufacturing of the sensor cleaning device, thereby reducing costs. Moreover, such separate channels can also ensure a substantially uniform liquid pressure along the linear liquid outlets during use, thereby enabling a reliable cleaning.

[0028] Optionally, the sensor cleaning device can further comprise a gas inlet and at least one gas outlet, wherein the gas inlet is configured to receive pressurized gas and the at least one gas outlet is configured to discharge pressurized gas received from the gas inlet. The gas used can preferably be air. Still optionally, the at least one gas outlet can be arranged between the linear first and second liquid outlets. The gas outlet can be used to dry the vehicle exterior sensor device after it has been subjected to the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, arranging the at least one gas outlet between the linear first and second liquid outlets can allow using the at least one gas outlet for providing a different liquid flow than the liquid curtain generated. Thus, different cleaning modes can be provided, which in turn can improve cleaning.

[0029] Optionally, the at least one gas outlet can have a width and a length, wherein the length extends in a length direction and the width extends in a width direction, wherein the length direction is perpendicular to the width direction, and wherein the at least one gas outlet is configured such that pressurized gas is discharged laterally through a cross-section defined by the width direction and the length direction. Furthermore, the length can be greater than the width, thereby forming a linear gas outlet. Preferably, the length direction of the at least one linear gas outlet can be arranged parallel with respect to the length direction of at least one of the linear first and second liquid outlets.

[0030] Optionally, the sensor cleaning device can further comprise a valve for opening and closing fluid communication from an external pressurized gas source to the gas inlet.

[0031] Optionally, the linear first liquid outlet can be arranged closer to a central axis of the sensor cleaning device than the linear second liquid outlet, wherein a first volume of the chamber is smaller than a second volume of the chamber, wherein the first volume is fluidly connected to and arranged close to the linear first liquid outlet and the second volume is fluidly connected to and arranged close to the linear second liquid outlet. This configuration can cause liquid to be discharged first from the linear first liquid outlet after pressurized liquid has been provided to the liquid inlet and before liquid is discharged from the linear second liquid outlet. Thus, the above configuration can cause liquid to be discharged from the linear first liquid outlet when starting to provide pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet without hitting any other pressurized liquid. It has been found that such a discharge of liquid without hitting any other discharged liquid can be used to provide a liquid barrier, for example, when an external moving object passes the vehicle exterior sensor device.

[0032] Optionally, the sensor cleaning device can further comprise a valve for opening and closing fluid communication from an external pressurized liquid source to the liquid inlet.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present application, the object is achieved by a vehicle exterior sensor assembly comprising a sensor cleaning device according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present application and a vehicle exterior sensor device.

[0034] The advantages and effects provided by the second aspect of the present application are largely analogous to the advantages and effects provided by the first aspect of the present application. It should also be noted that all embodiments of the second aspect of the present application are applicable to and can be combined with all embodiments of the first aspect of the present application and vice versa.

[0035] Optionally, the sensor cleaning device can be provided as a separate component, which is connected to the vehicle exterior sensor device. Thereby, the sensor cleaning device can be more easily replaced, if necessary. Furthermore, by not integrating the sensor cleaning device with the vehicle exterior sensor device, manufacturing can be facilitated. According to another embodiment, the sensor cleaning device is integrated with the vehicle exterior sensor device.

[0036] Optionally, the vehicle exterior sensor device can be any one of a LiDAR sensor, a RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) sensor, a camera sensor, a SoNaR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) sensor, etc.

[0037] Optionally, the sensor cleaning device can be arranged above the vehicle exterior sensor device, such that the sensor cleaning device can clean the outer circumferential surface of the vehicle exterior sensor device from its top to its bottom, as observed when the vehicle exterior sensor assembly is mounted to the vehicle.

[0038] Optionally, the first and second liquid outlets can be further configured such that the generated curtain of liquid is directed towards the outer circumferential surface of the vehicle exterior sensor.

[0039] Optionally, the linear first liquid outlet can be configured such that the outlet flow direction of the pressurized liquid expelled therefrom during use is directed away from the outer circumferential surface of the vehicle exterior sensor device, and the second liquid outlet is configured such that the outlet flow direction of the pressurized liquid expelled therefrom during use is directed towards the outer circumferential surface of the vehicle exterior sensor device.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the present application, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a sensor cleaning device according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present application and / or a vehicle exterior sensor assembly according to any of the embodiments of the second aspect of the present application.

[0041] The advantages and effects provided by the third aspect of the application are largely similar to the advantages and effects provided by the first and second aspects of the application. It should also be noted that all embodiments of the third aspect of the application are applicable to and can be combined with all embodiments of the first and second aspects of the application, and vice versa.

[0042] According to a fourth aspect of the application, the object is achieved by a method of cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor arrangement from above by using a sensor cleaning device according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the application. The method comprises:

[0043] - providing pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet for a time period, preferably by opening a valve for the liquid inlet as described above, such that the resulting liquid curtain cleans the outer peripheral surface of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement,

[0044] - stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet when the time period has elapsed, preferably by closing the valve.

[0045] The advantages and effects provided by the fourth aspect of the application are largely similar to the advantages and effects provided by the first, second and third aspects of the application. It should also be noted that all embodiments of the fourth aspect of the application are applicable to and can be combined with all embodiments of the first, second and third aspects of the application, and vice versa.

[0046] Optionally, the time period can be a predetermined time period. Thereby an automatic cleaning procedure can be achieved.

[0047] Optionally, when the sensor cleaning device comprises a gas inlet for receiving pressurized gas and at least one gas outlet for discharging pressurized gas, the method can further comprise the step of: after stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet, providing pressurized gas to the gas inlet, preferably by opening a valve for the gas inlet as described above.

[0048] Still optionally, the method can further comprise the step of: simultaneously providing pressurized gas to the gas inlet and pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet. Thereby, the speed of the discharged pressurized liquid can be increased, which can be beneficial for providing an alternative cleaning which can remove other dirt, particles, etc. which cannot be removed by using the resulting liquid curtain.

[0049] Optionally, the method can further comprise the step of: identifying when an external moving object passes the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement, and in response thereto, providing pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet for a predetermined time period. Thereby, a liquid barrier of liquid can be provided as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] The embodiments of the present application exemplified below will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows.

[0051] In the drawings:

[0052] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 A perspective view of a sensor cleaning device and a vehicle exterior sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a sensor cleaning device and a vehicle exterior sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0055] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Two cross-sectional views of a sensor cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present application are shown;

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic view of a sensor cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, seen from below;

[0057] Figure 6 A perspective view and a partial perspective view of a sensor cleaning device and a vehicle exterior sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present application are shown; and

[0058] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0059] The drawings show diagrammatic exemplary embodiments of the present application, therefore not necessarily to scale. It should be understood that the illustrated and described embodiments are examples and that the present application is not limited to these embodiments. It should also be noted that for the sake of better understanding and description of the present application, certain details in the drawings can be exaggerated. Identical reference signs refer to identical elements throughout the description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1 A vehicle 2 is shown, which comprises a vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 comprising a sensor cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle 2 is here a truck, or more precisely a heavy truck, configured to be self-driving. The vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 comprises a vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 30, which in this embodiment is a perception sensor, such as a LiDAR sensor, and is used to provide input about the environment surrounding the vehicle 2 for controlling the self-driving. Figure 1Only one vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 is shown. However, it should be noted that preferably more than one vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 is mounted to the vehicle 100, for example two vehicle exterior sensor assemblies at the front side and two vehicle exterior sensor assemblies at the rear side. Although an autonomous truck is shown, it should be noted that the present invention is also applicable to other vehicles, for example non-autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, in which part of the driving is controlled without any human input.

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail, in particular with reference to Figures 2 to 6 A sensor cleaning device 1 for cleaning the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 30 from above will be described in more detail. The sensor cleaning device 1 comprises a liquid inlet 10 for receiving pressurized liquid and a first liquid outlet 11 and a second liquid outlet 12 for discharging pressurized liquid received from the liquid inlet 10. The sensor cleaning device 1 further comprises a chamber 13 for pressurized liquid, which chamber fluidly connects the liquid inlet 10 with the first liquid outlet 11 and the second liquid outlet 12, see for example Figure 3 and Figure 4a These figures show cross-sectional views of the vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 and the sensor cleaning device 1. These cross-sectional views are defined by a cross plane of the vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 and the sensor cleaning device 1, which cross plane is defined by a center axis A of the longitudinal extension of the vehicle exterior sensor assembly 100 and the sensor cleaning device 1.

[0062] Each of the first liquid outlet 11 and the second liquid outlet 12 has a width and a length, wherein the length extends in a length direction L1, L2 and the width extends in a width direction w1, w2, wherein the length direction is perpendicular to the width direction and the first liquid outlet 11 and the second liquid outlet 12 are configured such that pressurized liquid is discharged transversely through the cross plane defined by the width direction w1, w2 and the length direction L1, L2. As shown, the length direction L1, L2 can extend in a circumferential direction of the sensor cleaning device 1 with respect to the center axis A, whereby the width direction w1, w2 can extend in a radial direction of the sensor cleaning device 1 with respect to the center axis A. Figure 5 A more detailed view of the first liquid outlet 11 and the second liquid outlet 12 is shown in which a schematic view of the liquid outlets 11, 12 is shown from below in the direction of the center axis A. Furthermore, as shown, for each first liquid outlet 11 and second liquid outlet 12, the length is larger than the width, thereby forming a linear first liquid outlet 11 and a linear second liquid outlet 12. In the shown embodiment, the linear liquid outlets 11, 12 extend in a circumferential direction with respect to the center axis A.Figure 5 It is shown that the two linear liquid outlets 11, 12 extend along a portion of the outer circumference. It is noted that the extension of the two outlets 11, 12 can correspond to 10 degrees to 360 degrees of the entire outer circumference, such as 10 degrees to 330 degrees, 10 degrees to 300 degrees, 20 degrees to 360 degrees, 20 degrees to 330 degrees, 20 degrees to 300 degrees, 30 degrees to 360 degrees, 30 degrees to 330 degrees or 30 degrees to 300 degrees of the entire outer circumference, according to different embodiments of the present application. More precisely, the liquid outlets 11, 12 should preferably extend over at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface 31 of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 30 having its field of view, etc. Thus, this portion of the outer circumferential surface 31 can be effectively cleaned.

[0063] It is further seen in Figure 5 for example, that the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 can be offset a radial distance r1 relative to each other. It is noted that the radial distance r1 can be exaggerated in Figure 5 , in preferred embodiments, the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 are arranged close to each other with only a small offset, such as a small radial offset. The radial distance r1 can be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0064] Furthermore, the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 are further configured such that pressurized liquid expelled from the first liquid outlet 11 and the second liquid outlet 12 collide with each other during use, thereby forming a generated liquid curtain LS. The generated liquid curtain LS is preferably directed towards the outer circumferential surface 31 of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 30. In the shown embodiment, the generated liquid curtain LS is directed radially inwards and downwards towards the central axis A, thereby cleaning the outer circumferential surface 31 from top to bottom.

[0065] It is further shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4a for example, that the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 can be further configured such that the outlet flow direction of pressurized liquid expelled from each of the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 during use is angled relative to each other by an angle of 30 degrees to 120 degrees, such as 50 degrees to 110 degrees, 80 degrees to 100 degrees or 85 degrees to 95 degrees. In the shown embodiment, the angle is approximately 90 degrees, which has been found to provide a reliable liquid curtain LS.

[0066] Furthermore, each of the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 can extend in its length direction L1, L2, thereby forming a continuous uninterrupted liquid outlet, as shown in Figure 5 for example.

[0067] As shown, the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 are further arranged in parallel with respect to their length directions LI, L2.

[0068] Each of the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12 can have a curvature shape with a radius extending from a central axis A of the sensor cleaning device 1 to the respective linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12. For example, as shown in Figure 5 the curvature shape is annular, and more precisely circular, in the shown embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 2 showing a perspective view of the sensor cleaning device 1, Figure 6 It can be observed that the sensor cleaning device 1 can be formed such that the chamber 13 comprises one or more separate channels 131 formed as respective radially extending arms extending from a central region of the sensor cleaning device to the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12. The central region is the region provided with the central axis A.

[0070] For example Figure 4b and Figure 5 The sensor cleaning device 1 shown in Figs. 1-2 further comprises a gas inlet 20 for receiving pressurized gas and at least one gas outlet 21 for discharging the pressurized gas received from the gas inlet 20. As shown, the at least one gas outlet 21 can be arranged between the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12. Further, as shown, the at least one gas outlet 21 can have a width and a length, wherein the length extends in a length direction and the width extends in a width direction. The length direction is perpendicular to the width direction, similar to the configuration of the linear liquid outlets 11, 12. Further, the at least one gas outlet 21 is configured such that the pressurized gas is discharged transversely through a cross-section defined by the width direction and the length direction, and wherein the length is greater than the width, thereby forming a linear gas outlet. In the shown embodiment, the length direction of the at least one linear gas outlet 21 is arranged in parallel with respect to the length directions of the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the linear second liquid outlet 12. The sensor cleaning device 1 can further comprise a valve (not shown) for opening and closing the fluid communication from an external pressurized gas source to the gas inlet 20. The valve is preferably positioned close to the gas inlet 20 and close to the gas outlet 21 to prevent any time delay between the opening of the valve and the discharge of the gas from the gas outlet 21. As previously mentioned, the gas is preferably pressurized air. For example Figure 4bAs shown, the gas outlet 21 provides a gas flow GF, which is preferably directed towards the outer periphery 31.

[0071] As further shown in the embodiments, the linear first liquid outlet 11 can be arranged closer to the central axis A of the sensor cleaning device 1 than the linear second liquid outlet 12, wherein a first volume 14 of the chamber 13 is smaller than a second volume 15 of the chamber 13, wherein the first volume is fluidly connected to and arranged close to the linear first liquid outlet 11 and the second volume is fluidly connected to and arranged close to the linear second liquid outlet 12.

[0072] Further, as shown, the linear first liquid outlet 11 can be configured to, during use, have an outlet flow direction of the pressurized liquid exiting the linear first liquid outlet 11 directed away from the outer periphery 31 of the vehicle exterior sensor device 30, while the second liquid outlet 12 is configured to, during use, have an outlet flow direction of the pressurized liquid exiting the second liquid outlet 12 directed towards the outer periphery 31 of the vehicle exterior sensor device. This can enable the linear first liquid outlet 11 to provide an outwardly directed spray from the start, when the first volume 14 is smaller than the second volume 15. Such an outwardly directed spray can provide a liquid barrier for the vehicle exterior sensor device 30 and can for example be used when meeting other vehicles, whereby the liquid barrier can protect the vehicle exterior sensor device 30 from dirt from the meeting vehicles.

[0073] Similar to the above described valve for gas, the sensor cleaning device 1 can also comprise a valve (not shown) for opening and closing fluid communication from an external pressurized liquid source to the liquid inlet 10. Such a valve can also preferably be positioned close to the liquid inlet 10 and liquid outlets 11, 12 to prevent any time delay between the opening of the valve and the liquid being expelled from the liquid outlets 11, 12.

[0074] In the shown embodiment, the sensor cleaning device 1 is arranged as a separate component, which is connected to the vehicle exterior sensor device 30. As can be observed, the sensor cleaning device 1 is arranged above the vehicle exterior sensor device 30, as observed when mounted to the vehicle 2. Thereby, the sensor cleaning device 1 can clean the outer periphery 31 of the vehicle exterior sensor device 30 from its top to its bottom.

[0075] Figure 7A flow chart of a method of cleaning the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 30 from above by using the sensor cleaning device 1 according to any of the embodiments in the first aspect of the present application is shown. The method comprises the following steps:

[0076] S1 : providing pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet 10 for a period of time, preferably by opening a valve for the liquid inlet 10 as previously described, to cause a generated liquid curtain to clean the outer peripheral surface 31 of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 1,

[0077] S2: stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet 10 when the period of time has elapsed, preferably by closing the valve.

[0078] The method can further comprise an optional step S3, indicated by the dashed box S3 in Figure 7 after stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet 10, preferably by opening a valve for the gas inlet.

[0079] The method can further comprise a further optional step S4, which is to simultaneously provide pressurized gas to the gas inlet 20 and pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet 10. Thus, a generated flow of a different type than the liquid curtain LS can be generated. As previously described, this can be used to remove dirt etc. that cannot be removed by using the generated liquid curtain LS.

[0080] Still further, the method can further comprise a step S5, which is to identify when an external moving object passes the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement 30, and in response thereto, can comprise a subsequent step S6, which is to provide pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet 10 for a predetermined period of time.

[0081] The steps S1, S2 and S3 are preferably performed in consecutive order. The same applies to the steps S5 and S6, while the step S4 can be performed in any order and at any time, independent of the other steps. Figure 7 The dashed boxes in

[0082] It should be understood that the application is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor cleaning device (1) for cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor arrangement from above, the sensor cleaning device comprising: a liquid inlet (10) for receiving pressurized liquid; a first liquid outlet (11) and a second liquid outlet (12) for discharging pressurized liquid received from the liquid inlet (10); a chamber (13) for pressurized liquid fluidly connecting the liquid inlet (10) with the first and second liquid outlets (11, 12), wherein each of the first and second liquid outlets has a width and a length, wherein the length extends in a length direction (LI, L2) and the width extends in a width direction (wl, w2), wherein the length direction is perpendicular to the width direction, and wherein the first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) are configured such that pressurized liquid is discharged laterally through a cross-sectional plane defined by the width direction and the length direction, characterized in that for each of the first and second liquid outlets, the length is greater than the width, forming a linear first and second liquid outlet (11, 12), the linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) are further configured such that pressurized liquid discharged from the linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) during use impinges on each other, thereby forming a resulting liquid curtain (LS), and wherein each of the linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) has a curvature shape with a radius extending from a central axis (A) of the sensor cleaning device (1) to the respective linear first and second liquid outlet (11, 12).

2. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) are further configured such that during use, the outlet flow direction of pressurized liquid discharged from each of the linear first and second liquid outlets is angled relative to each other by an angle of 30 to 120 degrees.

3. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 2, wherein The angle is 50 to 110 degrees.

4. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 2, wherein The angle is 80 to 100 degrees.

5. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 2, wherein The angle is 85 to 95 degrees.

6. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Each of the linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) extends in its length direction, forming a continuous uninterrupted liquid outlet.

7. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12) are further arranged parallel relative to their length direction.

8. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The sensor cleaning device (1) is formed such that the chamber (13) comprises one or more individual channels formed as respective radially extending arms extending from a central region of the sensor cleaning device to the linear first and second liquid outlets (11, 12).

9. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a gas inlet (20) and at least one gas outlet (21), wherein, The gas inlet (20) is configured to receive pressurized gas, and the at least one gas outlet (21) is configured to discharge pressurized gas received from the gas inlet (20).

10. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, wherein The at least one gas outlet (21) is arranged between the linear first liquid outlet (11) and the linear second liquid outlet (12).

11. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, wherein The at least one gas outlet (21) has a width and a length, wherein the length extends in a length direction and the width extends in a width direction, wherein the length direction is perpendicular to the width direction, and wherein the at least one gas outlet is configured such that pressurized gas is discharged transversely through a cross-section defined by the width direction and the length direction, and wherein the length is greater than the width, thereby forming a linear gas outlet.

12. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 11, wherein The length direction of the at least one linear gas outlet is arranged parallel with respect to the length direction (L1, L2) of at least one of the linear first liquid outlet (11) and the linear second liquid outlet (12).

13. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, further comprising a valve for opening and closing fluid communication from an external pressurized gas source to the gas inlet (20).

14. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The linear first liquid outlet (11) is arranged closer to a central axis (A) of the sensor cleaning device (1) than the linear second liquid outlet (12), wherein a first volume (14) of the chamber (13) is smaller than a second volume (15) of the chamber (13), wherein the first volume is fluidly connected to and arranged close to the linear first liquid outlet (11), and the second volume is fluidly connected to and arranged close to the linear second liquid outlet (12).

15. The sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a valve for opening and closing fluid communication from an external pressurized liquid source to the liquid inlet.

16. A vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) comprising a sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30).

17. The vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) of claim 16, wherein, The sensor cleaning device (1) is arranged as a separate component which is connected to the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30).

18. The vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The sensor cleaning device (1) is arranged above the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30) such that the sensor cleaning device (1) can clean an outer peripheral surface (31) of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30) from its top to its bottom, as observed when the vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) is mounted to a vehicle.

19. The vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The first liquid outlet (11) and the second liquid outlet (12) are further configured such that the generated liquid curtain is directed towards the outer peripheral surface (31) of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30).

20. The vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The first liquid outlet (11) of the line is configured such that, during use, the outlet flow direction of pressurized liquid exiting the first liquid outlet of the line is directed away from the outer peripheral surface (31) of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30), and the second liquid outlet (12) is configured such that, during use, the outlet flow direction of pressurized liquid exiting the second liquid outlet is directed towards the outer peripheral surface (31) of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30).

21. A vehicle (2) comprising a sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and / or a vehicle exterior sensor assembly (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

22. A method for cleaning a vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30) from above by using a sensor cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising the steps of: - providing pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10) for a period of time, whereby a resulting liquid curtain cleans the outer peripheral surface (31) of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30) (SI), - stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10) when the period of time has elapsed (S2).

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The period of time is a predetermined period of time.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The sensor cleaning device (1) comprises a gas inlet (20) and at least one gas outlet (21) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the gas inlet (20) is for receiving pressurized gas and the at least one gas outlet (21) is for expelling pressurized gas, the method further comprising the step (S3) of providing pressurized gas to the gas inlet (20) after stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10).

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the step (S4) of simultaneously providing pressurized gas to the gas inlet (20) and pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10).

26. The method according to claim 22 or 23, further comprising the steps of identifying when an external moving object passes the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30) (S5) and, in response thereto, providing pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10) for a predetermined period of time (S6).

27. The method of claim 22, wherein, The provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10) for a period of time, whereby a resulting liquid curtain cleans the outer peripheral surface (31) of the vehicle exterior sensor arrangement (30) (SI), is performed by opening the valve according to claim 15.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein, The stopping of the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10) when the period of time has elapsed (S2) is performed by closing the valve according to claim 15.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein, The provision of pressurized gas to the gas inlet (20) after stopping the provision of pressurized liquid to the liquid inlet (10) is performed by opening the valve according to claim 13.

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