Sensor cleaning system

Abstract

A sensor cleaning system includes: an air nozzle that injects compressed air toward a sensor; a liquid nozzle that sprays a liquid toward the sensor; a fluid tank storing compressed air to be supplied to the air nozzle and liquid to be supplied to the liquid nozzle; an air compressor which compresses outside air and supplies the compressed air into the fluid tank; and a dispenser selectively supplying compressed air from the fluid tank to the air nozzle and selectively supplying liquid from the fluid tank to the liquid nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor cleaning system for cleaning a sensor installed in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a camera or lens used in a sensor installed in or on a vehicle detects or captures surrounding images and is arranged in the same position for a long time. The lens of such a sensor may be easily contaminated by the surrounding environment, and the sharpness or clarity of the captured image may be easily degraded by such contamination. In addition, in the case of a sensor required for autonomous driving of a vehicle, serious problems may occur due to the deterioration of the accuracy of the sensor used to drive the vehicle.

[0003] Due to such problems, the sensor is usually mounted in a housing with a protective glass in front of the sensor to prevent contamination of the sensor. However, the protective glass exposed to the outside will eventually be contaminated by the external environment. Therefore, even when the sensor is protected from direct contamination, the sharpness or clarity of the captured image may be easily degraded due to contamination of the protective glass.

[0004] Therefore, sensor cleaning systems are used to remove contaminants from the sensor or the cover glass protecting the outer surface of the sensor.

[0005] A conventional sensor cleaning system for a vehicle is provided with a liquid cleaning device using liquid and an air cleaning device using air. The liquid cleaning device and the air cleaning device are configured separately. Therefore, there is a problem in that the manufacturability of the sensor cleaning system is reduced because the size or volume of the sensor cleaning system is excessively increased and necessary electrical wiring and piping become excessive.

[0006] Specifically, the conventional sensor cleaning system has a problem that the air tank is provided separately from the liquid tank, resulting in an overly large or complicated layout. The system becomes complicated because electrical wiring components and piping components are required for connection between the air compressor and the air tank and connection between the liquid pump and the liquid tank for pressurizing and delivering the air and the liquid. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure is provided in view of the above-mentioned problems and attempts to provide a sensor cleaning system capable of achieving improved manufacturability and improved efficiency by simplifying the system configuration and structure.

[0008] The purpose of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. A person skilled in the art can clearly understand other purposes of the present disclosure not mentioned above from the following description.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes a sensor cleaning system. The system includes an air nozzle that sprays compressed air toward the sensor and a liquid nozzle that sprays liquid toward the sensor. The system also includes a fluid tank that stores compressed air to be supplied to the air nozzle and liquid to be supplied to the liquid nozzle. The system also includes an air compressor that compresses external air and supplies the compressed external air to the fluid tank. The system also includes a distributor that selectively supplies compressed air from the fluid tank to the air nozzle and selectively supplies liquid from the fluid tank to the liquid nozzle.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid tank may be configured to utilize the pressure of the compressed air in the fluid tank to pressurize and transport the liquid in the fluid tank.

[0011] In addition, the dispenser may include: a housing having an air chamber connected to an air nozzle and a liquid chamber connected to a liquid nozzle; an air chamber valve disposed in the housing and controlled to open or close a vent port of the air chamber; and a liquid chamber valve disposed in the housing and controlled to open or close the vent port of the liquid chamber.

[0012] The fluid tank may be connected to the air chamber via an air line. The air line may include an air supply control valve configured to control the flow of compressed air supplied from the fluid tank to the air chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, the fluid tank may be connected to the liquid chamber via a liquid line. The liquid line may include a liquid supply control valve configured to control the flow of liquid supplied from the fluid tank to the liquid chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, a pressure relief line may be branched from the air line, and the pressure relief line may include an electronic pressure relief valve controlled by the controller.

[0015] When the controller detects that the liquid inlet provided in the fluid tank is opened, the compressed air in the fluid tank may be delivered by operating the electronic pressure relief valve and the air supply control valve in an open mode.

[0016] Furthermore, the controller may be configured to operate the air chamber valve in the open mode when the electronic pressure relief valve and the air supply control valve are operated in the open mode.

[0017] Additionally, the controller may be configured to monitor the internal pressure of the fluid tank via a pressure sensor.

[0018] The liquid inlet may be provided with a mechanical pressure relief valve to release the overpressure in the fluid tank. When the internal pressure of the fluid tank exceeds a predetermined pressure, the mechanical pressure relief valve may discharge compressed air to the outside of the fluid tank by opening the liquid inlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the interior of the fluid tank may include a baffle module, the baffle module dividing the internal space of the fluid tank into two, and the baffle module has a ventilation structure through which the fluid can flow.

[0020] Specifically, the baffle module may include a plurality of baffles that divide the internal space of the fluid tank into two. The plurality of baffles may have vents and may be spaced apart from each other in rows. The vents of each baffle are positioned at different positions along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the baffles. In addition, each baffle may have a structure that is inclined from its edge to the vent located at its center.

[0021] Furthermore, the liquid nozzle may be connected to the liquid chamber through a liquid pipe. The liquid pipe may be provided with a heater that selectively operates according to an external temperature.

[0022] According to the embodiments for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides the following effects.

[0023] First, the air tank and liquid tank of the conventional sensor cleaning system are integrated together. Therefore, compressed air and liquid can be pressurized and delivered to the sensor using only an air compressor. Therefore, the system configuration and structure can be simplified, while improving system efficiency and reducing cost and weight.

[0024] Second, because a separate liquid pump is not required, vibration and noise caused by the liquid pump are reduced or eliminated, and the operating power of the system is also reduced compared to conventional systems.

[0025] Third, since the air tank and liquid tank of the conventional sensor cleaning system are integrated together, and since compressed air and liquid can be pressurized and delivered to the sensor using only an air compressor, the electrical wiring components and piping components in the system are simplified, thereby reducing the energy loss caused by pressurized delivery of the fluid.

[0026] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects. A person skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects of the present disclosure not mentioned above from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sensor cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures 2 to 4 is a view showing an operating state of a sensor cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a mechanical pressure relief valve of a sensor cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a view showing an operating state of a mechanical pressure relief valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 is a view showing a baffle module provided in a fluid tank of a sensor cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a forced draining process of a fluid tank in a sensor cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Items or components included in the accompanying drawings are shown to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and may be different from those items or components actually implemented.

[0034] In addition, in the present disclosure, it should be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. can be used in this article to describe multiple elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from another element. For example, without departing from the teaching of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element can also be referred to as the first element. When the parts, equipment, elements, etc. of the present disclosure are described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the parts, equipment, or elements should be considered to be "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function in this article.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the sensor cleaning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an air nozzle 10 for spraying compressed air toward a sensor 90 to be cleaned; a liquid nozzle 20 for spraying liquid toward the sensor 90; and a fluid tank 30 for storing compressed air and liquid.

[0036] The air nozzle 10 cleans the sensor 90 by spraying compressed air toward the sensor 90, and the liquid nozzle 20 cleans the sensor 90 by spraying liquid toward the sensor 90. The liquid may be a cleaning liquid for cleaning the sensor 90.

[0037] The fluid tank 30 stores compressed air supplied to the air nozzle 10 and stores liquid supplied to the liquid nozzle 20. In the fluid tank 30, the compressed air and the liquid can be separated by density difference and gravity. The compressed air is stored in the first space of the internal space of the fluid tank 30, and the liquid is stored in the second space of the internal space of the fluid tank 30. The internal space of the fluid tank 30 includes a first space and a second space. Based on the direction of gravity, the first space can be an upper space above the second space. In other words, the first space can be an upper space of the internal space of the fluid tank 30, and the second space can be a lower space of the internal space of the fluid tank 30.

[0038] Compressed air is air that is pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The compressed air is pressurized by the air compressor 38 and then supplied to the fluid tank 30. The liquid is selectively pressurized by the pressure of the compressed air and then delivered from the fluid tank 30. The liquid can be pressurized by the pressure of the compressed air in the fluid tank 30 and then delivered from the fluid tank 30 to the liquid nozzle 20, and can be sprayed toward the sensor 90 through the liquid nozzle 20.

[0039] The air compressor 38 may be provided at an upper end of the fluid tank 30. The air compressor is provided in the fluid tank 30 such that the air compressor is connected to a first space of the fluid tank 30 storing compressed air. The operation of the air compressor 38 is controlled by the controller 80.

[0040] The controller 80 generally controls the sensor cleaning system. The controller 80 may monitor the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 through the pressure sensor 39 that detects the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30. In this case, the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 may refer to the pressure of the compressed air.

[0041] The fluid tank 30 includes an air outlet 31 for discharging compressed air, a liquid outlet 32 ​​for discharging liquid, and a liquid inlet 33 for injecting or supplying liquid. Figure 1 , the air outlet 31 is positioned at the upper portion of the fluid tank 30, and the liquid outlet 32 ​​is positioned at the lower portion of the fluid tank 30. The liquid inlet 33 may be positioned at one side of the fluid tank 30 regardless of the height of the liquid stored in the fluid tank 30.

[0042] The air outlet 31 is connected to an air line 34 for compressed air to flow through. The liquid outlet 32 ​​is connected to a liquid line 35 for liquid to flow through. The fluid tank 30 is connected to a distributor 40 through the air line 34 and the liquid line 35, through which fluids (e.g., air and liquid, respectively) can flow. In addition, the fluid tank 30 is connected to the air nozzle 10 and the liquid nozzle 20 through the distributor 40.

[0043] The distributor 40 is configured to selectively supply the compressed air supplied from the fluid tank 30 to the air nozzle 10 and to selectively supply the liquid supplied from the fluid tank 30 to the liquid nozzle 20 .

[0044] Specifically, the dispenser 40 includes a shell 41, an air chamber valve 46 and a liquid chamber valve 48. The shell has an air chamber 42 and a liquid chamber 44 which are independent of each other. The air chamber valve is used to open or close the discharge port 43 of the air chamber 42, and the liquid chamber valve is used to open or close the discharge port 45 of the liquid chamber 44.

[0045] The air chamber 42 is connected to the fluid tank 30 via the air line 34 so that air can flow therethrough. The liquid chamber 44 is connected to the fluid tank 30 via the liquid line 35 so that liquid can flow therethrough.

[0046] Furthermore, the discharge port 43 of the air chamber 42 is connected to the air nozzle 10 via the air tube 12 so that the fluid can flow therethrough. The discharge port 45 of the liquid chamber 44 is connected to the liquid nozzle 20 via the liquid tube 22 so that the fluid can flow therethrough.

[0047] The air chamber valve 46 is an electronic solenoid valve controlled by the controller 80. The air chamber valve 46 is configured to open or close the exhaust port 43 of the air chamber 42 by a plunger 47 linearly moved by electromagnetic force. Figure 1 The air chamber valve 46 is positioned at a lower portion of the air chamber 42 and is configured to open or close the exhaust port 43 of the air chamber 42 by linear movement of a plunger 47 .

[0048] The liquid chamber valve 48 is also an electronic solenoid valve controlled by the controller 80. The liquid chamber valve 48 is configured to open or close the discharge port 45 of the liquid chamber 44 by a plunger 49 linearly moved by electromagnetic force. Figure 1 The liquid chamber valve 48 is positioned at a lower portion of the liquid chamber 44 and is configured to open or close the discharge port 45 of the liquid chamber 44 by linear movement of a plunger 49 .

[0049] In addition, the air line 34 is provided with an air supply control valve 36 that controls the compressed air flowing from the fluid tank 30 to the air chamber 42 through the air line 34. The liquid line 35 is provided with a liquid supply control valve 37 that controls the liquid flowing from the fluid tank 30 to the liquid chamber 44 through the liquid line 35. The air supply control valve 36 and the liquid supply control valve 37 are controlled by the controller 80.

[0050] In the sensor cleaning system of the present disclosure configured as described above, when the air compressor 38 is operated by the controller 80 (e.g., under the instruction of the controller) and the air supply control valve 36 and the air chamber valve 46 are operated in the open mode, the compressed air in the fluid tank 30 flows to the air chamber 42 through the air line 34, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The compressed air flowing into the air chamber 42 is supplied to the air nozzle 10 through the discharge port 43 of the air chamber 42 , and is ejected toward the sensor 90 through the air nozzle 10 , thereby cleaning the sensor 90 .

[0051] Furthermore, in the sensor cleaning system, when the air compressor 38 is operated by the controller 80 (e.g., under the instruction of the controller) and the liquid supply control valve 37 and the liquid chamber valve 48 are operated in the open mode, the liquid in the fluid tank 30 flows to the liquid chamber 44 through the liquid line 35, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The liquid flowing into the liquid chamber 44 is supplied to the liquid nozzle 20 through the discharge port 45 of the liquid chamber 44, and is ejected toward the sensor 90 through the liquid nozzle 20, thereby cleaning the sensor 90. In this case, the liquid is pressurized by the pressure of the compressed air in the fluid tank 30 and is delivered from the fluid tank 30 to the liquid nozzle 20, and then ejected toward the sensor 90.

[0052] In addition, the liquid pipe 22 is provided with a heater 23 to prevent the liquid nozzle 20 and the liquid pipe 22 from freezing when the external temperature is low. The heater 23 is controlled by the controller 80 and selectively operates (e.g., selectively generates heat) according to the external temperature. When the heater 23 heats the liquid pipe 22, the liquid nozzle 20 is heated by transferring the heat of the heater 23 to the liquid nozzle 20. In addition, when the end portion of the heater 23 is in contact with the liquid nozzle 20 or is adjacent to the liquid nozzle, the heater enables direct heating of the liquid nozzle 20. The heater 23 can be connected to the controller 80 through a connector 24 provided in the distributor 40. The controller 80 can be stacked on the lower portion of the distributor 40 (see Figure 1 ).

[0053] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the sensor cleaning system can also simultaneously spray compressed air and liquid toward the sensor 90. In this case, the control of the controller 80 to spray compressed air toward the sensor 90 through the air nozzle 10 and the control of the controller 80 to spray liquid toward the sensor 90 through the liquid nozzle 20 are simultaneously executed.

[0054] Meanwhile, the liquid inlet 33 in the fluid tank 30 is provided with a mechanical pressure relief valve 50. The mechanical pressure relief valve 50 for releasing excess pressure (i.e., overpressure of the fluid tank 30) discharges compressed air from the fluid tank 30 by selectively opening the liquid inlet 33. For example, if the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 exceeds a predetermined pressure when starting or parking the vehicle, the mechanical pressure relief valve 50 releases the overpressure of the fluid tank 30 by opening the liquid inlet 33.

[0055] To this end, the liquid inlet 33 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the fluid tank 30 and is positioned higher than a predetermined maximum height of the liquid to be stored in the fluid tank 30 .

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the mechanical pressure relief valve 50 is configured to include: a valve housing 51 equipped with an exhaust hole 52 ; a valve body 53 located in the valve housing 51 to open or close the exhaust hole 52 ; and a valve cover 54 to elastically press the valve body 53 toward the exhaust hole 52 .

[0057] In order to enable the mechanical pressure relief valve 50 to function as a cover for the liquid inlet 33, the valve housing 51 is detachably assembled to the liquid inlet 33. The vent hole 52 is directly connected to the liquid inlet 33.

[0058] Specifically, the valve housing 51 may have an outer surface with a spiral structure, which may be fastened to the inner surface of the liquid inlet 33. The valve housing 51 may have an exhaust hole 52 on its bottom surface. The upper surface of the valve housing is covered by a valve cover 54. The valve cover 54 is assembled on the upper side of the valve housing 51 to be linearly movable.

[0059] The spring member 56 is connected and positioned between the valve cover 54 and the valve body 53. The valve body 53 is pressed downward toward the exhaust hole 52 by the elastic restoring force of the spring member 56.

[0060] The valve body 53 is assembled to be linearly movable inside the valve housing 51 , and moves in a direction in which the exhaust hole 52 is opened by selectively compressing the spring member 56 using the pressure of compressed air flowing through and acting on the exhaust hole 52 .

[0061] The valve cover 54 has a cover outlet 55 which is selectively connected to the exhaust hole 52 and discharges the compressed air to the outside through the cover outlet 55 when the exhaust hole 52 is opened. Figure 6 As shown, when the user rotates the valve cover 54 in a direction in which the valve cover 54 is loosened in the valve housing 51, the valve cover 54 moves linearly away from the exhaust hole 52. Therefore, as the spring member 56 relaxes, the elastic restoring force of the spring member 56 pressing on the valve body 53 decreases and the exhaust hole 52 opens. In this way, the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 can be manually released as needed.

[0062] In addition, if Figure 7As shown, when overpressure occurs in the fluid tank 30, the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 increases and becomes greater than the elastic restoring force of the spring member 56. Therefore, the spring member 56 is further compressed, causing the valve body 53 to move toward the valve cover 54 located at a position opposite to the exhaust hole 52. Therefore, when the exhaust hole 52 is opened, the compressed air in the fluid tank 30 is discharged to the outside and the overpressure in the fluid tank 30 is released.

[0063] In this way, when the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 increases and exceeds a predetermined pressure, the overpressure in the fluid tank 30 is released by discharging the compressed air in the fluid tank 30 to the outside through the mechanical pressure relief valve 50 .

[0064] In addition, the cover outlet 55 may be connected to an exhaust hose 57. The exhaust hose 57 may be laid toward the lower side of the vehicle or in a manner that the user is not obstructed when operating the mechanical pressure relief valve 50.

[0065] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 0 is an enlarged view of the baffle module 60 shown in FIG. The baffle module 60 is disposed inside the fluid tank 30. The baffle module 60 divides the internal space of the fluid tank 30 into two, namely, a first space and a second space.

[0066] The first space of the fluid tank 30 stores compressed air, the second space of the fluid tank 30 stores liquid, and a portion of the second space of the fluid tank 30 (ie, a space adjacent to the baffle module) may store compressed air.

[0067] The baffle module 60 prevents liquid from flowing into the first space of the fluid tank 30 due to vibration or impact on the fluid tank 30 when the vehicle is running.

[0068] In addition, the baffle module 60 divides the internal space of the fluid tank 30 into two, a first space and a second space, and has a ventilation structure through which fluid can flow so as to allow the pressure of the compressed air stored in the first space to act on the liquid stored in the second space.

[0069] In other words, the baffle module 60 has at least one vent 64 , 65 and 66 to allow the pressure of the compressed air to act on the second space of the fluid tank 30 while preventing the liquid from flowing into the first space of the fluid tank 30 .

[0070] like Figure 8As shown, the baffle module 60 includes a plurality of baffles 61, 62, 63, which divide the internal space of the fluid tank 30 into two, namely, a first space and a second space. The plurality of baffles 61, 62, 63 are spaced apart in rows in the fluid tank 30, and each has a vent 64, 65, 66. The plurality of baffles 61, 62, 63 can be positioned up and down (e.g., vertically) in the fluid tank 30.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the baffle module 60 includes a first baffle 61, a second baffle 62, and a third baffle 63. The first baffle 61 has a first vent 64 located at the center thereof and an edge portion fixed in the inner wall surface of the fluid tank 30. The second baffle 62 is positioned above the first baffle 61, and has a second vent 65 located at the center thereof and an edge portion fixed in the inner wall surface of the fluid tank 30. In addition, the third baffle 63 is positioned above the second baffle 62, and has a third vent 66 located at the center thereof and an edge portion fixed in the inner wall surface of the fluid tank 30.

[0072] The first baffle 61, the second baffle 62, and the third baffle 63 are sheet-like structures, and the edges of these baffles are tightly and completely engaged with the inner wall surface of the fluid tank 30. The first baffle 61, the second baffle 62, and the third baffle 63 allow the fluid to flow only through each vent 64, 65, 66, respectively. At this time, in order to prevent the liquid from flowing into the first space of the fluid tank 30 through the vent 64, 65, 66, the first vent 64, the second vent 65, and the third vent 66 are positioned at different positions along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the baffles 61, 62, 63. For example, when the baffles 61, 62, 63 are arranged up and down (for example, vertically), the vents 64, 65, 66 are positioned relative to each other at different positions in the horizontal direction.

[0073] In addition, when liquid moves into the first space of the fluid tank 30 through the vents 64, 65, 66, each baffle 61, 62, 63 has a structure that is inclined from its edge to the central vent 64, 65, 66 in order to allow the liquid to smoothly return to the second space of the fluid tank 30. For example, each baffle 61, 62, 63 may have a funnel-shaped structure or a trumpet-shaped structure.

[0074] In addition, when the moisture in the compressed air is condensed, the condensed water formed can also flow into the second space of the fluid tank 30 through the inclined structure of the baffles 61, 62, and 63. Figure 1 As shown, the liquid inlet 33 of the fluid tank 30 may be positioned at a position lower than the baffle module 60 .

[0075] At the same time, reference Figure 1A pressure relief line 70 is branched (eg, branched, bifurcated) from the air line 34 connected to the fluid tank 30 . The pressure relief line 70 is provided with an electronic pressure relief valve 71 controlled by a controller 80 .

[0076] The electronic pressure relief valve 71 can force the compressed air in the fluid tank 30 to be discharged before injecting or providing liquid into the fluid tank 30 and filling the fluid tank 30. In other words, when the liquid inlet 33 is opened for injecting liquid into the fluid tank 30, the electronic pressure relief valve 71 can forcibly release the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 until it reaches atmospheric pressure by operating in an open mode.

[0077] refer to Fig. 9 When the controller 80 detects that the liquid inlet 33 is open, that is, S100, the controller causes the electronic pressure relief valve 71 and the air supply control valve 36 to operate in the open mode, that is, S110. Thereafter, the controller 80 determines whether the internal pressure (P tank) of the fluid tank 30 reaches the atmospheric pressure, that is, S120. When the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 reaches the atmospheric pressure, the controller 80 causes the electronic pressure relief valve 71 and the air supply control valve 36 to operate in the closed mode, that is, S130.

[0078] Furthermore, when the controller 80 operates the electronic pressure relief valve 71 and the air supply control valve 36 in the open mode, the controller may also operate the air chamber valve 46 in the open mode, thereby reducing the forced exhaust time in the fluid tank 30 .

[0079] The controller 80 may monitor the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 through the pressure sensor 39. The pressure sensor 39 is disposed in the fluid tank 30 and detects the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 in real time. When the controller 80 detects that the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 is reduced below a predetermined pressure, the controller 80 may determine that the liquid inlet 33 is opened. The liquid inlet 33 is opened by disconnecting the valve housing 51 of the mechanical pressure relief valve 50 from the liquid inlet 33.

[0080] Additionally, the controller 80 may control the operation of the air compressor 38 based on the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 .

[0081] Meanwhile, when the vehicle is restarted, it is impossible to clean the sensor 90 when the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 at atmospheric pressure rises by the air compressor 38. Therefore, the controller 80 may forcibly clean the sensor 90 by pressurizing and delivering compressed air to the air nozzle 10 when the fluid inlet 33 is opened immediately after the engine of the vehicle is turned off. Therefore, it is unnecessary to clean the sensor 90 immediately after the vehicle is restarted.

[0082] In addition, when the liquid inlet 33 is not opened after the engine of the vehicle is turned off, the internal pressure of the fluid tank 30 is maintained. In addition, when the engine of the vehicle is turned off, the constant power of the vehicle is used for the pressure sensor 39 to detect whether the liquid inlet 33 is opened and for forced exhaust of the fluid tank 30.

[0083] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, but the terms used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted in their ordinary or dictionary meanings. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and improvements of the basic concepts of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims by ordinary technicians in the field are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A sensor cleaning system, comprising: an air nozzle configured to spray compressed air toward the sensor; a liquid nozzle configured to spray liquid toward the sensor; a fluid tank configured to store compressed air to be supplied to the air nozzle and liquid to be supplied to the liquid nozzle; an air compressor configured to compress external air and supply the compressed external air to the fluid tank; as well as A distributor is configured to selectively supply compressed air from the fluid tank to the air nozzle and selectively supply liquid from the fluid tank to the liquid nozzle.

2. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid tank is configured to pressurize and transport the liquid in the fluid tank by utilizing the pressure of the compressed air in the fluid tank.

3. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein: The distributor comprises: a housing having an air chamber connected to the air nozzle and a liquid chamber connected to the liquid nozzle; an air chamber valve disposed in the housing and controlled to open or close a discharge port of the air chamber; and A liquid chamber valve is provided in the housing and is controlled to open or close the discharge port of the liquid chamber.

4. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein: The fluid tank is connected to the air chamber through an air line, and wherein the air line includes an air supply control valve configured to control the flow of compressed air supplied from the fluid tank to the air chamber.

5. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein: The fluid tank is connected to the liquid chamber through a liquid line, and wherein the liquid line includes a liquid supply control valve configured to control the flow of liquid supplied from the fluid tank to the liquid chamber.

6. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein: A pressure relief line branches off from the air line, and the pressure relief line includes an electronic pressure relief valve controlled by a controller.

7. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is configured to deliver the compressed air in the fluid tank by operating the electronic pressure relief valve and the air supply control valve in an open mode when the controller detects that a liquid inlet provided in the fluid tank is opened.

8. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein: The controller is configured to operate the air chamber valve in an open mode when the electronic pressure relief valve and the air supply control valve are operated in an open mode.

9. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is configured to monitor the internal pressure of the fluid tank via a pressure sensor.

10. The sensor cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein: The liquid inlet is provided with a mechanical pressure relief valve to release excess pressure in the fluid tank.

11. The sensor cleaning system of claim 10, wherein: When the internal pressure of the fluid tank exceeds a predetermined pressure, the mechanical pressure relief valve discharges the compressed air in the fluid tank to the outside of the fluid tank by opening the liquid inlet.

12. The sensor cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: A baffle module is disposed in the fluid tank, wherein the baffle module divides the internal space of the fluid tank into two, and the baffle module has a ventilation structure through which fluid can flow.

13. The sensor cleaning system of claim 12, wherein: The baffle module includes a plurality of baffles that divide the internal space of the fluid tank into two parts, wherein the plurality of baffles have a plurality of vents, and the plurality of baffles are spaced apart from each other in rows, and wherein the vent of each of the plurality of baffles is positioned at a different position along a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the plurality of baffles.

14. The sensor cleaning system of claim 13, wherein: Each of the baffles has a structure that is inclined from an edge of the baffle to a vent located at the center.

15. The sensor cleaning system of claim 3, wherein: The liquid nozzle is connected to the liquid chamber through a liquid pipe, and the liquid pipe is provided with a heater that selectively operates according to an external temperature.

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