Vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system, control method, vehicle, and computing device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning, and discloses a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system, a control method, a vehicle and a computing device. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system comprises a water-gas mixing control unit, a water path, a gas path, a multi-path distribution control unit, a plurality of cleaning branches and a control module. The water-gas mixing control unit is configured to selectively communicate at least one of the water path and the gas path with an output end of the water-gas mixing control unit. The multi-path distribution control unit distributes fluid to each cleaning branch. The control module controls the on-off of the water path and the gas path, so that the system executes a water spraying mode, a gas spraying mode or a high-pressure cleaning mode. The application integrates water-gas mixing and distribution functions, simplifies the system structure, reduces the occupied space and cost, and realizes flexible switching of multiple cleaning modes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive optical component cleaning technology, and more specifically, to an automotive optical component cleaning system, control method, vehicle, and computing device. Background Technology

[0002] In in-vehicle intelligent sensing systems, automatic cleaning technology for optical components such as cameras and lidar is a key element in ensuring their continuous and reliable operation. To cope with different types of contaminants such as dust, mud, and water stains, the cleaning system needs to provide diverse cleaning methods to ensure that the performance of optical components can be effectively restored under various environmental conditions, thereby guaranteeing the functional safety of systems such as autonomous driving and environmental perception.

[0003] In related technologies, two main approaches are typically used to achieve the aforementioned cleaning goals. One approach involves setting up a separate water spray cleaning system to remove stains through liquid rinsing. However, this method often leaves water droplets or films on the lens surface after cleaning, and conventional water pressure has limited cleaning power for some stubborn stains. The other approach involves setting up a separate air jet cleaning system to blow away surface dust or water droplets using high-speed airflow. However, this method is not effective for cleaning stubborn dirt and grime. To accommodate different cleaning needs, some technical solutions attempt to configure two separate subsystems—one for water and one for air—each equipped with dedicated pipes and nozzles to perform water spraying and air jetting functions. While this approach provides two cleaning modes, the need to arrange two sets of fluid supply and delivery components in parallel leads to a complex overall system structure, increased difficulty in layout within the limited space of a vehicle, and higher manufacturing costs.

[0004] Therefore, in the field of automotive optical component cleaning, how to overcome the problems of complex system structure, large space occupation and high cost caused by setting up independent water and air channels in the existing technology, and thus realize a solution that can flexibly provide multiple cleaning modes such as liquid cleaning and gas drying under the premise of compact structure and controllable cost, has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an in-vehicle optical component cleaning system, control method, vehicle, and computing device, which solves the problems of existing in-vehicle optical component cleaning systems, which are structurally complex due to the independent setting of water and air circuits, and cannot meet the needs of cleaning, drying, and high-pressure cleaning due to their single function.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, one embodiment of this application provides a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system, the system comprising: A water-air mixing control unit has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a first output terminal; The water path is connected to the first input terminal of the water-air mixing control unit and is used to transport liquid; The gas path is connected to the second input terminal of the water-gas mixing control unit for delivering gas; The multi-channel distribution control unit has a main input port and multiple sub-output ports, wherein the main input port is connected to the first output terminal of the water-air mixing control unit; Multiple cleaning branches, each cleaning branch being connected to a sub-output port of the multi-path distribution control unit, are used to clean the corresponding optical components; A control module is used to control the on / off state of the water passage and the gas passage; The water-air mixing control unit is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal; The control module is configured to cause the system to execute the following modes by controlling the on / off states of the water and air passages: Water spray mode: Control the water path to be open and the air path to be closed, so that the liquid is delivered to the cleaning branch through the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit; Jet mode: Controls the water path to be closed and the air path to be open, so that the gas is delivered to the clean branch via the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit; High-pressure cleaning mode: both the water path and the air path are open, so that the liquid and gas are delivered to the cleaning branch via the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit together or sequentially.

[0007] The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system provided in this embodiment simplifies the system architecture by setting up a water-air mixing control unit and configuring it to selectively connect at least one of the water and air paths to a first output terminal. This allows the traditionally independent liquid and gas supply paths to converge at the source and distribute downstream through a shared multi-path distribution control unit and cleaning branches. This solves the problems of complex piping and large space occupation caused by the independent setting of water and air paths. At the same time, through the coordinated control of the on / off of water and air paths by the control module, the system can execute water spray mode, air spray mode, and high-pressure cleaning mode. In the high-pressure cleaning mode, by controlling the conduction of both water and air paths, the liquid and gas can act on the cleaning branches together or sequentially. This integrates multiple functions such as basic cleaning, rapid drying, and high-pressure impact cleaning within a single system, solving the problem of single function failing to meet different cleaning needs.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the water-air mixing control unit includes a three-way valve, the three-way valve including a liquid interface, a gas interface and an output interface, the liquid interface serving as the first input terminal, the gas interface serving as the second input terminal, and the output interface serving as the first output terminal.

[0009] This technical solution uses a three-way valve as the core component of the water-gas mixing control unit, integrating the liquid interface, gas interface, and output interface into a single valve body. This results in a compact system structure and clearly defined interfaces, simplifying pipeline layout and reducing assembly complexity. Furthermore, by utilizing the selective flow path switching characteristic of the three-way valve, selective delivery of liquid and gas is reliably achieved. This provides a simple and effective hardware foundation for the system's multi-mode operation, including water spraying, air spraying, and high-pressure cleaning. It also helps reduce manufacturing costs and improve control reliability.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the water circuit includes a liquid supply device and a first check valve, the output end of the first check valve being connected to the liquid interface, and the input end of the first check valve being connected to the liquid supply device.

[0011] This technical solution involves connecting a first one-way valve in series between the liquid supply device and the liquid interface in the water circuit. By utilizing its one-way conduction characteristic, it effectively prevents the backflow or reverse flow of liquid from the water-air mixing control unit to the supply device. This not only ensures the certainty of the liquid delivery direction and improves the stability of the system operation, but also avoids abnormal liquid supply caused by pressure fluctuations, thereby ensuring the reliable execution of the cleaning mode and simplifying the water circuit control logic.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the gas path includes a gas supply device and a second check valve, the output end of the second check valve being connected to the gas interface, and the input end of the second check valve being connected to the gas supply device.

[0013] This technical solution, by installing a second one-way valve between the gas supply device and the gas interface in the gas circuit, effectively prevents gas backflow from the water-gas mixing control unit to the supply device, ensuring the stability and reliability of the gas delivery direction. This not only avoids airflow turbulence that may be caused by pipeline pressure fluctuations or system mode switching, but also ensures the timely and pure gas supply in jet mode and high-pressure cleaning mode, while simplifying the structure of the gas circuit control.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the gas path further includes a solenoid valve disposed between the gas supply device and the second check valve.

[0015] This technical solution achieves rapid and precise electronic control of the gas path opening and closing by adding a solenoid valve between the gas supply device and the second one-way valve. This not only enables the control module to actively start and close the gas supply with higher response speed and more flexible timing, enhancing the precise control capability of the cleaning process, but also, through coordinated operation with the second one-way valve, further improves the reliability of gas path control while ensuring unidirectional gas flow.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, in the high-pressure cleaning mode, the control module is configured to first control the water path to conduct liquid, and then control the gas path to conduct gas.

[0017] This technical solution configures the high-pressure cleaning mode with a timing control logic that first delivers liquid through a water channel and then gas through an air channel, resulting in an orderly segmented cleaning process of first wetting and rinsing, followed by gas purging. This sequence fully utilizes the dissolving and wetting effect of liquid on dirt and the peeling and drying effect of gas on residual droplets and loose stains, improving the thoroughness of cleaning and optimizing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, after the gas is delivered, the control module is further configured to maintain the gas path open for a preset period of time.

[0019] This technical solution adds a controllable delayed purging phase by maintaining the gas path open for a preset time after gas delivery. This continuous gas supply for a preset duration ensures that liquids, water films, and fine dirt residues remaining on the surface of optical components after cleaning are completely blown away, improving drying efficiency and thoroughness. This effectively avoids water stains and dirt that may be left due to natural evaporation of liquids, ensuring that the optical components can quickly recover their surface dryness after cleaning.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, in the high-pressure cleaning mode, the control module is configured to simultaneously control the conduction of the water path and the air path.

[0021] This technical solution achieves synchronous output and mixing of liquid and gas by configuring the high-pressure cleaning mode to simultaneously control the water and gas paths. This design allows the gas to instantly entrain and accelerate the liquid, forming a gas-liquid two-phase flow with higher kinetic energy and uniform coverage. This enables the simultaneous wetting, rinsing, and removal of stains upon impact with the surface of optical components. This not only enhances the instantaneous cleaning efficiency and impact force but also shortens the overall cleaning cycle by eliminating the waiting time for staged delivery. As a result, it achieves a more efficient and thorough cleaning effect when dealing with stubborn or large-area contamination.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the water-air mixing control unit is configured to: connect one of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal in the water spray mode or the air jet mode; and in the high-pressure cleaning mode, connect one or both of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal according to a control command, or achieve sequential delivery of liquid and gas through timing control switching.

[0023] This technical solution enables the water-air mixing control unit to perform single-path connectivity in water spray or air spray modes, while in high-pressure cleaning mode, it can flexibly achieve selective connectivity, common connectivity, or time-sequential switching connectivity based on instructions. This design allows the same hardware unit to support various refined cleaning strategies, such as pure water, pure air, water-air mixing, and water-air segmentation, in an integrated structure. This not only enhances the system's adaptability to different pollution conditions and cleaning needs but also simplifies the system logic through a unified control interface, achieving an optimized balance between cleaning effect, operational flexibility, and system economy.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, each of the cleaning branches is constituted by a single common conduit, which connects a sub-output port of the multi-way distribution control unit to a corresponding optical component.

[0025] This technical solution simplifies and modularizes the piping structure by configuring an independent cleaning branch consisting of a single shared conduit for each optical component. This design allows each cleaning branch to connect only one output port of the multi-way distribution control unit to its corresponding optical component. This not only reduces the number of pipe intersections and interfaces, lowering system complexity and installation and maintenance costs, but also ensures the independence and specificity of the cleaning process for each optical component. It effectively avoids crosstalk or uneven distribution of the cleaning medium among multiple components, thereby improving the system's structural reliability and maintainability while guaranteeing a stable cleaning effect for each optical component.

[0026] Secondly, one embodiment of this application provides a control method for a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system. The system includes a water-air mixing control unit, a water path, an air path, a multi-path distribution control unit, multiple cleaning branches, and a control module. The water-air mixing control unit has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a first output terminal. The water path is connected to the first input terminal for conveying liquid. The air path is connected to the second input terminal for conveying gas. The multi-path distribution control unit has a main input port and multiple branch output ports, the main input port being connected to the first output terminal. Each cleaning branch is connected to one branch output port for cleaning a corresponding optical component. The water-air mixing control unit is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal. The control method includes: In response to the mode selection command, perform the operation of any of the following cleaning modes: In water spray mode, the water path is opened and the air path is closed; In jet mode, the water path is closed and the air path is opened; In high-pressure cleaning mode, high-pressure cleaning operation is performed, and the water path and the air path are both opened, so that the liquid and gas are delivered to the cleaning branch through the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit together or sequentially.

[0027] This technical solution provides an integrated control method based on a system architecture consisting of a water-air mixing control unit, a multi-path distribution control unit, and cleaning branch lines. It defines a unified process for executing different cleaning operations in response to mode commands. This method, through centralized decision-making by the control module, can precisely switch and execute between water spray mode, air spray mode, and high-pressure cleaning mode. This adapts to the maintenance needs of various vehicle-mounted optical components, ranging from routine cleaning and drying to deep cleaning. While ensuring targeted cleaning of each optical component, it standardizes the operating process, improving the adaptability and overall management efficiency of the cleaning system.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, in the high-pressure cleaning mode, the high-pressure cleaning operation specifically includes: first performing the supply of liquid to the cleaning branch, and then performing the supply of gas to the cleaning branch to assist in cleaning.

[0029] This technical solution, by explicitly defining the order of supplying liquid first and then gas in high-pressure cleaning mode, creates two stages in the cleaning process: first, the liquid thoroughly wets, rinses, and dissolves the stains, and then the gas effectively peels off, removes, and dries them. This sequential control not only fully leverages the synergistic cleaning effect of the two media, enhancing the cleaning power and thoroughness for stubborn stains, but also optimizes media utilization efficiency and system reliability while achieving deep cleaning results.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, after performing the supply of gas to the cleaning branch to assist cleaning, the method further includes: maintaining the gas supply for a preset drying time.

[0031] This technical solution achieves proactive management of the post-cleaning treatment stage by adding a control step to maintain gas supply for a preset drying time after gas-assisted cleaning. This preset duration ensures sufficient time for the gas to thoroughly clean the surface of optical components, effectively removing residual droplets and loose dirt, thereby improving surface drying speed and cleanliness, and preventing water residue from affecting optical performance. Simultaneously, by precisely setting the drying time, gas consumption is optimized while ensuring cleaning quality, achieving an optimal balance between cleaning effect and energy efficiency.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: controlling the multiplexing control unit in response to a cleaning command for a specific optical component to selectively deliver at least one of a liquid and a gas to one or more of the cleaning branches corresponding to the specific optical component.

[0033] This technical solution achieves precision in cleaning operations and high efficiency in resource utilization by introducing a method that responds to cleaning commands for specific optical components and controls a multi-path distribution control unit to selectively deliver liquids and / or gases to the cleaning branches corresponding to one or more specific optical components requiring cleaning, thereby avoiding unnecessary media consumption and energy waste, and improving the flexibility and economy of the cleaning system.

[0034] Thirdly, one embodiment of this application also provides a vehicle including an on-board optical component cleaning system as described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0035] Fourthly, one embodiment of this application also provides a computing device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the control method of the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system as described above.

[0036] Fifthly, one embodiment of this application also provides a computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium; a processor of a computer device reads the computer program from the computer-readable storage medium, and when the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system described above. Optionally, the computer program may be stored in the readable storage medium of the computer device or in the cloud; the processor of the computer device reads the computer program from the readable storage medium or in the cloud.

[0037] Sixthly, one embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control method of the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a computing device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the embodiments of this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to avoid confusion of the constituent elements.

[0043] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout this specification, "a plurality of" means "at least two," and "including" is interpreted as open-ended or encompassing, that is, "including, but not limited to." In the description of this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Overview With the rapid development of automotive intelligence and autonomous driving technologies, the number of environmental perception systems that vehicles rely on, such as cameras and LiDAR, is increasing, and their performance requirements are becoming more stringent. The mirrors or lenses of these optical components are exposed to the complex external environment, making them susceptible to contamination from dust, mud, insect residue, rain, snow, and other pollutants. This can lead to decreased image quality or signal attenuation, consequently affecting the reliability and safety of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems. Therefore, efficient cleaning of automotive optical components has become one of the key technologies for ensuring driving safety.

[0046] To address the aforementioned cleaning needs, those skilled in the art have proposed various technical solutions, which can be mainly categorized into three types: the first is a pure water spray cleaning system, the second is a pure air spray cleaning system, and the third is an independent dual system of water and air.

[0047] Pure water spray cleaning systems typically include a reservoir, a water pump, distribution piping, and nozzles. Their working principle involves pumping the cleaning solution through the water pump, delivering it via piping to the nozzles, and spraying it onto the surface of optical components. The liquid removes stains through rinsing and dissolving. However, such systems have significant drawbacks: First, limited by the power and size of the vehicle-mounted water pump, the water pressure provided is usually limited, making it insufficient for cleaning stubborn stains such as dried and hardened mud and insect residue. Second, water droplets or uneven water films can easily remain on the surface of optical components after spraying, especially on curved lens surfaces. These residual liquids can distort light, affecting image sharpness in the short term, and pose a risk of freezing in low-temperature environments.

[0048] Pure air jet cleaning systems typically include an air source, an air storage device, distribution lines, and nozzles. Their working principle involves using compressed gas to create a high-speed airflow that sweeps across the surface of optical components. This method can remove floating dust, light debris, and surface water; however, the shearing force of the high-speed airflow lacks effective dissolving and peeling capabilities against firmly attached dirt, oil stains, and other contaminants, resulting in limited cleaning effectiveness.

[0049] To address the limitations of single-media cleaning, solutions have emerged in the field that integrate both water and air cleaning systems. These solutions attempt to combine the advantages of water and air sprays, switching between them depending on the type of stain. However, such systems require separate supply systems, distribution networks, and nozzles for both water and air, leading to issues such as large space requirements, complex wiring, and high costs. This contradicts the trend towards highly integrated and lightweight automotive electronic components, limiting their practical application, especially in space-constrained passenger vehicles.

[0050] In summary, the technical problems in this field can be summarized as follows: the existing vehicle optical component cleaning systems have complex structures due to the independent setting of water and air channels, and cannot meet the needs of cleaning, drying and high-pressure cleaning due to their single function.

[0051] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes an inventive concept from the perspective of fluid path reuse and intelligent control, constructing a shared fluid path that can selectively transport liquids or gases, or even collaboratively transport both media, to replace the traditionally independent water and gas paths.

[0052] Specifically, the inventive concept of this application has evolved as follows: First, define the most basic system requirements: a liquid supply source, a gas supply source, a path to guide the cleaning medium to the optical components, and a control unit. In traditional solutions, the liquid and gas paths are completely independent from source to end.

[0053] Secondly, a fluid routing hub with selection capabilities is introduced between the fluid supply source and the optical components. This hub has at least two inlets and one outlet, and can, upon instruction, direct the fluid from one of the inlets to the outlet, or combine the fluid from both inlets in a specific manner and direct it to the outlet. This means that only a shared transport path needs to be established from the hub's outlet to the optical components.

[0054] Next, when a pipeline alternately or jointly transports liquids and gases, how can we prevent liquids from flowing back into the gas supply system under pressure, causing contamination or corrosion, and how can we prevent gas from flowing back into the liquid supply system? This application solves this backflow interference problem by installing unidirectional conduction elements in the liquid supply path and the gas supply path, thereby ensuring the independence and cleanliness of the upstream supply source while sharing the downstream path.

[0055] Furthermore, considering the cleaning requirements of multiple optical components, a fluid distribution hub is added downstream of the aforementioned fluid routing hub. This fluid distribution hub has a main inlet and multiple sub-outlets. The main inlet connects to a shared path, and each sub-outlet connects to its corresponding optical component via an independent shared branch. In this way, the system can extend its service to multiple cleaning points through a single supply and routing device.

[0056] Finally, to achieve optimal cleaning results and expand application scenarios, the control logic underwent in-depth development. This not only implements basic water spray and air jet modes but also a high-pressure cleaning mode. This high-pressure cleaning mode is not simply about simultaneously outputting water and air; rather, based on an understanding of fluid dynamics, it uses precise timing control. For example, it first guides the liquid to soak the stains and fill part of the pipe, then guides high-pressure gas to propel the liquid out of the pipe at high speed. This utilizes the pressure energy of the gas to increase the exit kinetic energy of the liquid jet, achieving a cleaning impact force far exceeding that of conventional water spray pressure. Afterward, a period of gas purging can be maintained for rapid drying.

[0057] Therefore, the inventive concept of this application is: an on-board optical component cleaning system, which selectively connects at least one of the liquid supply path and the gas supply path to a shared output path through a water-gas mixing control unit, and optionally distributes the shared output path to multiple cleaning branches through a multi-path distribution control unit; prevents media backflow interference by setting unidirectional conduction elements on each supply path; and executes multiple mode control logic, including a high-pressure cleaning mode, through a control module, thereby achieving efficient and multi-scenario adaptable optical component cleaning function under a single, integrated pipeline architecture.

[0058] Exemplary System Example 1 This embodiment provides a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system provided in Embodiment 1 of this application. See also... Figure 1 The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system 100 includes: a water-air mixing control unit 10, a water path 20, an air path 30, a multi-path distribution control unit 40, multiple cleaning branches 50, and a control module 60.

[0059] The water-air mixing control unit 10 has a first input terminal 11, a second input terminal 12, and a first output terminal 13. The water-air mixing control unit 10 is the pivotal component of this system, used for fluid selection and guidance. The water-air mixing control unit 10 is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path 20 and the air path 30 to the first output terminal 13 according to control commands or internal logic. Here, the fluid flowing out of the first output terminal 13 can be a liquid from the water path 20, a gas from the air path 30, or a mixed fluid from the water path 20 and the air path 30 sequentially or simultaneously under a specific control sequence.

[0060] Water path 20 is connected to the first input terminal 11 of water-air mixing control unit 10 and is used to deliver cleaning liquid to the system. The starting point of water path 20 is a liquid supply device, such as a storage tank and a water pump. Water path 20 may include necessary pipelines, filters, pressure regulators, and other components, with the purpose of stably delivering cleaning liquid with a certain pressure and flow rate to the first input terminal 11.

[0061] Air path 30 is connected to the second input terminal 12 of water-air mixing control unit 10 for supplying clean gas to the system. The starting point of air path 30 is a gas supply device, such as an on-board air pump, accumulator, or vehicle brake air source (which requires drying and pressure regulation). Air path 30 may include pipelines, filters, pressure regulating valves, etc., for providing dry, clean, and pressure-controlled compressed air or inert gas.

[0062] The multi-way distribution control unit 40 has a main inlet 41 and multiple sub-outlets 42. The main inlet 41 is connected to the first output terminal 13 of the water-air mixing control unit 10 via a connecting pipe. The multi-way distribution control unit 40 is used for fluid distribution, distributing fluid received from a single source or a mixture of sources from the main inlet 41 to one or more sub-outlets 42 as needed. Each sub-outlet 42 corresponds to an optical component 101 that needs to be cleaned. The multi-way distribution control unit 40 can be a multi-port mechanical connector that enables simultaneous distribution to all branches, or an electrically controllable switching distribution valve that enables selective distribution to designated branches.

[0063] Multiple cleaning branches 50 are provided, each connected to a branch output port 42 of the multiplexing control unit 40 and extending to the cleaning location of the corresponding optical component 101 on the vehicle. Each cleaning branch 50 is used to clean the corresponding optical component 101. The cleaning branch 50 is typically constructed of flexible or semi-rigid tubing, with nozzles installed at its ends to spray fluid at a suitable shape and angle onto the mirror or protective cover of the optical component 101. Notably, for each optical component 101, only one cleaning branch 50 may be provided, which handles the delivery of all cleaning media (water or air), thus achieving tubing reuse.

[0064] The control module 60 is used to control the on / off state of the water circuit 20 and the air circuit 30. The control module 60 is typically an electronic control unit containing a microprocessor. It receives cleaning request commands from other vehicle components such as the domain controller, environmental sensing sensors, and manual switches. Based on pre-stored program logic, it outputs control signals to drive the water pump in the water circuit 20, the air pump in the air circuit 30, or solenoid valves, thereby achieving automated management of the entire cleaning process. For example, the control module 60 is electrically or communicatively connected to the water-air mixing control unit 10, and the control module 60 outputs control signals to the water-air mixing control unit 10.

[0065] The water-air mixing control unit 10 is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path 20 and the air path 30 to the first output terminal 13.

[0066] The control module 60 is configured to cause the system to execute the following modes by controlling the on / off state of the water passage 20 and the air passage 30: Water spray mode: The water path 20 is opened and the air path 30 is closed, so that the liquid is delivered to the cleaning branch 50 via the water-air mixing control unit 10 and the multi-way distribution control unit 40.

[0067] Jet mode: Control water path 20 to close and air path 30 to open, so that gas is delivered to clean branch 50 via water-air mixing control unit 10 and multiple distribution control unit 40.

[0068] High-pressure cleaning mode: both water path 20 and air path 30 are open, so that liquid and gas are delivered to the cleaning branch 50 together or sequentially through water-air mixing control unit 10 and multi-path distribution control unit 40.

[0069] The water spray mode is suitable for removing general dust and light dirt, or for pre-wetting surfaces. The air jet mode is suitable for quickly blowing away floating dust and water droplets, or for quickly drying surfaces after cleaning to prevent icing. The high-pressure cleaning mode uses the synergistic effect of liquid and gas to generate a high-impact cleaning jet to deal with stubborn stains such as firmly attached mud spots and insect residue. The simultaneous or sequential delivery reveals two strategies in the high-pressure cleaning mode: one is that the liquid and gas begin to mix at the water-gas mixing control unit 10, forming a gas-liquid two-phase flow that is output together; the other is that the liquid is output first, followed by the gas, using the gas to propel the liquid remaining in the pipeline at high speed, the latter typically producing a higher instantaneous liquid flow velocity.

[0070] The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system 100 provided in this embodiment, by setting a water-air mixing control unit 10 and configuring it to selectively connect at least one of the water path 20 and the air path 30 to the first output terminal 13, converges the traditionally independent liquid and gas supply paths at the source and distributes them downstream through a shared multi-path distribution control unit 40 and cleaning branch 50, simplifies the system architecture and solves the problems of complex pipelines and large space occupation caused by the independent setting of water and air paths. At the same time, through the coordinated control of the on and off of water path 20 and air path 30 by control module 60, the system can execute water spray mode, air spray mode and high-pressure cleaning mode. In the high-pressure cleaning mode, by controlling both water path 20 and air path 30 to be open, the liquid and gas can act on the cleaning branch 50 together or sequentially, thereby integrating multiple functions such as basic cleaning, rapid drying and high-pressure impact cleaning in a single system, solving the problem of single function and inability to meet different cleaning needs.

[0071] Example 2 Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment elaborates in detail on the specific implementation of the water-air mixing control unit 10, the water path 20, and the air path 30. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system provided in Embodiment 2 of this application. See also... Figure 2 This embodiment provides an on-board optical component cleaning system 200, wherein the water-air mixing control unit 10 includes a three-way valve 110. The three-way valve 110 includes a liquid interface 111, a gas interface 112, and an output interface 113. The liquid interface 111 serves as the first input terminal of the water-air mixing control unit 10, the gas interface 112 serves as the second input terminal, and the output interface 113 serves as the first output terminal. The three-way valve 110 here acts as a fluid confluence cavity, and its internal flow channels connect both the liquid interface 111 and the gas interface 112 to the output interface 113. Exemplarily, the three-way valve 110 can be a T-type or Y-type three-way connector, in which liquid and gas mix naturally or flow in a direction determined by upstream pressure. Here, by using a three-way valve as the core component of the water-air mixing control unit, the liquid interface, gas interface, and output interface are integrated into a single valve body, making the system structure compact and the interfaces clear. This not only simplifies the pipeline layout and reduces assembly complexity, but also reliably realizes the selective delivery of liquid and gas by utilizing the flow path switching characteristics of the three-way valve. This provides a simple and effective hardware foundation for the system's multi-mode operation, such as water spraying, air spraying, and high-pressure cleaning. At the same time, it also helps to reduce manufacturing costs and improve control reliability.

[0072] Furthermore, to prevent backflow interference between the water path 20 and the air path 30, this embodiment features a special design for the water path 20 and the air path 30. Specifically, the water path 20 includes a liquid supply device 210 and a first check valve 220. The liquid supply device 210 includes a storage tank 211 and a water pump 212. The storage tank 211 is used to store washing liquid or clean water, and the inlet of the water pump 212 is connected to the storage tank 211. The first check valve 220 has an input end 221 and an output end 222. The output end 222 of the first check valve 220 is connected to the liquid interface 111 of the three-way valve 110 via a pipeline, and the input end 221 of the first check valve 220 is connected to the liquid supply device 210 via a pipeline. The first check valve 220 is configured to allow fluid to flow only from its input end 221 to its output end 222, and to shut off the flow in the opposite direction. When the water pump 212 operates, the pressure generated causes the first check valve 220 to open, allowing the liquid to flow smoothly to the three-way valve 110. When the water pump 212 stops or the gas pressure is high, the first check valve 220 closes under reverse pressure differential, effectively preventing gas or mixed fluid from the three-way valve 110 from flowing back into the water circuit 20, thereby protecting the water pump 212 and the storage tank 211 from gas intrusion or contamination. Here, by connecting the first check valve in series between the liquid supply device and the liquid interface in the water circuit, its unidirectional conduction characteristic effectively prevents the backflow or reverse flow of liquid from the water-air mixing control unit to the supply device. This not only improves the certainty of the liquid delivery direction and enhances the stability of the system operation, but also avoids abnormal liquid supply caused by pressure fluctuations, thus ensuring the reliable execution of the cleaning mode and simplifying the water circuit control logic.

[0073] The gas path 30 includes a gas supply device 310 and a second check valve 320. The gas supply device 310 can be an on-board air pump or connected to the vehicle's brake air source. The second check valve 320 has an inlet 321 and an outlet 322. The outlet 322 of the second check valve 320 is connected to the gas port 112 of the three-way valve 110 via a pipeline, and the inlet 321 of the second check valve 320 is connected to the gas supply device 310 via a pipeline. The second check valve 320 is configured to allow fluid to flow only from its inlet 321 to its outlet 322. When the gas supply device 310 is operating, the second check valve 320 opens, and gas flows to the three-way valve 110. When the gas supply device 310 stops or the water pressure is high, the second check valve 320 closes to prevent liquid from flowing back into the gas path 30, thus avoiding liquid corrosion of gas path components, blockage of the dryer, or contamination of the gas source. Here, by installing a second one-way valve 320 between the gas supply device 310 and the gas interface 112 in the gas path, its one-way conduction characteristic effectively prevents the backflow of gas from the water-gas mixing control unit 10 to the gas supply device 310, ensuring the stability and reliability of the gas delivery direction. This not only avoids airflow turbulence that may be caused by pipeline pressure fluctuations or system mode switching, but also ensures the timely and pure gas supply in jet mode and high-pressure cleaning mode, while simplifying the structure of the gas path control.

[0074] Furthermore, to improve the accuracy and response speed of the on / off control of the gas path 30, the gas path 30 also includes a solenoid valve 330. The solenoid valve 330 is positioned between the gas supply device 310 and the second check valve 320. Specifically, the input terminal 331 of the solenoid valve 330 is connected to the gas supply device 310, and the output terminal 332 of the solenoid valve 330 is connected to the input terminal 321 of the second check valve 320. The solenoid valve 330 is directly driven by the control module 60. The control module 60 sends an electrical signal to the coil of the solenoid valve 330, causing its valve core to move, thereby quickly opening or cutting off the airflow. Because this embodiment includes the solenoid valve 330, the gas supply device 310 can operate continuously to maintain stable gas source pressure, while the precise on / off control is achieved by the faster-responding solenoid valve 330, which is beneficial for meeting the timing control requirements in high-pressure cleaning mode. The valve port of the solenoid valve 330 is typically designed with components such as rubber sealing rings to ensure a tight seal in the power-off closed state, preventing gas leakage. Here, by adding a solenoid valve 330 between the gas supply device 310 and the second one-way valve 320, rapid and precise electronic control of the gas path 30 is achieved. This not only enables the control module 60 to actively open and close the gas supply with a higher response speed and more flexible timing, enhancing the precise control capability of the cleaning process, but also, through its coordinated operation with the second one-way valve 320, further improves the reliability of the gas path control while ensuring unidirectional gas flow.

[0075] The first check valve 220 and the second check valve 320 can achieve water-air isolation. Their working principle can be based on a spring-loaded ball valve, cone valve, or diaphragm structure. For example, a miniature check valve contains a valve core pressed against the valve seat by a light spring. When the upstream pressure exceeds the sum of the spring preload and the downstream pressure, the valve core is pushed open, forming a flow channel. When the upstream pressure decreases or the downstream pressure exceeds the upstream pressure, the valve core quickly returns to its original position under the action of spring force and pressure difference, tightly sealing the valve seat and achieving one-way shut-off. The valve body material of the check valve is generally compatible with the fluid; for example, a water check valve can use chemically resistant engineering plastics or stainless steel, while a gas check valve can use aluminum alloy or plastic.

[0076] In this embodiment, the function of the water-air mixing control unit 10 is achieved collaboratively by a three-way valve 110, a first one-way valve 220, a second one-way valve 320, and a solenoid valve 330. The three-way valve 110 provides a physical junction point. The first one-way valve 220 and the second one-way valve 320 constitute a reliable isolation barrier, ensuring that water and air media will not back-contaminate each other's supply systems regardless of the operating mode. The solenoid valve 330 provides active and rapid electronic control capability for the air path.

[0077] The control module 60 is electrically connected to the water pump 212 of the liquid supply device 210 and the solenoid valve 330 of the air passage 30. It controls the opening and closing of the water passage 20 and the air passage 30 to switch between water spray, air spray, or high-pressure cleaning modes of multiple cleaning branches 50. The control logic of the control module 60 is based on a preset program. For example, in water spray mode, the water pump 212 is turned on, and the solenoid valve 330 is kept closed; in air spray mode, the solenoid valve 330 is turned on, and the water pump 212 is kept closed; in high-pressure cleaning mode, the water pump 212 and the solenoid valve 330 are controlled to open and close according to a specific timing sequence. It is understood that the control module 60 can also be electrically connected to the air pump in the gas supply device 310 to control the gas supply of the gas supply device 310.

[0078] Example 3 Based on Embodiments 1 and 2, this embodiment further elaborates on the specific control logic of the high-pressure cleaning mode, the configuration variation of the water-air mixing control unit 10, and the structural features of the cleaning branch 50, focusing on demonstrating the fluid path and state under different modes.

[0079] See Figure 2 First, regarding the specific implementation of the high-pressure cleaning mode, the control module 60 can be configured with different control strategies.

[0080] The first strategy, in high-pressure cleaning mode, configures control module 60 to first open water path 20 to deliver liquid, and then open air path 30 to deliver gas. This is a liquid-to-gas sequential control mode. By configuring the high-pressure cleaning mode with the sequential control logic of first opening water path 20 to deliver liquid and then opening air path 30 to deliver gas, the cleaning process presents an orderly segmentation of wetting and rinsing followed by gas blowing. This sequence fully utilizes the dissolving and wetting effect of liquid on dirt and the peeling and drying effect of gas on residual droplets and loose stains, improving the thoroughness of cleaning and optimizing cleaning efficiency and effect. The specific working process can be broken down as follows: 1. Liquid Filling Stage: The control module 60 issues a command to activate the liquid supply device 210, while ensuring that the gas path 30 is closed. Under the pressure of the water pump 212, the cleaning fluid flows into and fills the pipeline of the target cleaning branch 50 through the first one-way valve 220, the three-way valve 110, and the multi-way distribution control unit 40, and is sprayed out from the nozzle (not shown) for a duration of T1, for example, 0.5-2 seconds. The main purpose of this stage is to wet the stains on the surface of the optical component 101 with liquid, soften and dissolve them, and ensure that there is sufficient liquid in the pipeline as a working fluid for the subsequent gas propulsion stage.

[0081] 2. Gas Propulsion Stage: Control module 60 closes water circuit 20 and opens air circuit 30 almost simultaneously (or allows a short interval to establish a pressure difference). High-pressure gas rapidly enters three-way valve 110 through second one-way valve 320. Since water pump 212 has stopped at this time, the water circuit pressure drops sharply, and first one-way valve 220 reliably closes under the action of the pressure difference, preventing gas from entering the water circuit in reverse. High-pressure gas surges into the shared pipeline that has been partially filled with liquid. The gas expands and does work, generating a strong pushing force on the liquid plunger in the pipeline, causing it to be ejected from the nozzle with high acceleration, forming droplets or water jets with instantaneous speeds far exceeding those of pure water mode. The impact force is greatly enhanced, effectively removing stubborn stains. This stage lasts for T2, for example, 0.3-1 second.

[0082] 3. Purging and Drying Phase (Optional): After supplying gas to the cleaning branch 50 to assist cleaning, the control module 60 is also configured to maintain the gas path 30 open for a preset time T3, for example, 1-3 seconds. After the high-pressure rinsing is mainly completed during the T2 time period, a clean, dry, high-speed airflow continues to purge the surface of the optical component 101 during the continuous T3 time period. This quickly removes residual fine water droplets and water films after rinsing, accelerating the surface drying process. This feature is particularly important in cold climates, minimizing the risk of surface icing after cleaning and ensuring that the optical component can quickly return to its optimal working condition. The specific durations of T1, T2, and T3 can be determined through bench testing and vehicle calibration and stored in the non-volatile memory of the control module 60. Here, by maintaining the gas path 30 open for a preset time after gas delivery, a controllable delayed purging phase is added. This preset duration of continuous gas supply ensures that the liquid, water film, and fine dirt remaining on the surface of the optical component 101 after cleaning are completely blown away, improving drying efficiency and thoroughness. This effectively avoids water stains and dirt that may be left due to natural evaporation of liquid, and ensures that the surface of the optical component 101 can be quickly restored to dryness after cleaning.

[0083] The second strategy, in high-pressure cleaning mode, involves the control module 60 being configured to simultaneously control the flow of water path 20 and air path 30. This is a gas-liquid mixing mode; by configuring the high-pressure cleaning mode to simultaneously control the flow of water path 20 and air path 30, synchronous output and mixing of liquid and gas are achieved. This design allows the gas to instantly entrain and accelerate the liquid, forming a gas-liquid two-phase flow with higher kinetic energy and uniform coverage. This enables the simultaneous wetting, rinsing, and removal of stains upon impact with the surface of the optical component 101. This not only enhances the instantaneous cleaning efficiency and impact force but also shortens the overall cleaning cycle by eliminating the waiting time for staged delivery, thus achieving a more efficient and thorough cleaning effect when dealing with stubborn or large-area contamination.

[0084] Control module 60 starts water pump 212 and opens solenoid valve 330 almost simultaneously. Liquid and gas mix instantly within the chamber of three-way valve 110, forming a two-phase flow, which is then delivered to the nozzle via multi-way distribution control unit 40 and cleaning branch 50. During delivery, the gas and liquid interact, potentially forming a foamy or mist-like mixture. When ejected from the nozzle, the gas expands, helping to atomize the liquid into finer droplets, potentially covering a wider area while also providing a certain scouring force. This mode features simple control logic, fast response, and is suitable for scenarios requiring slightly lower cleaning impact but desiring continuous mixing and cleaning effects.

[0085] Secondly, regarding the configuration of the water-air mixing control unit 10, it can be configured to adapt to the different control strategies mentioned above. Specifically: In water spray mode or air jet mode, the water-air mixing control unit 10 connects one of the water path 20 and the air path 30 to the first output terminal (output interface 113). In high-pressure cleaning mode, according to different control commands from the control module 60, the water-air mixing control unit 10 can selectively connect one or both of the water path 20 and the air path 30 to the first output terminal (output interface 113), or achieve sequential delivery of liquid and gas through timing control switching. Here, by configuring the water-air mixing control unit 10 in a modular way, it can perform single flow path connection in water spray or air jet mode, while in high-pressure cleaning mode, it can flexibly achieve selective connection, joint connection, or timing-switching connection according to commands. This design allows the same hardware unit to support various refined cleaning strategies such as pure water, pure air, water-air mixing, and water-air segmentation in an integrated structure. This not only enhances the system's adaptability to different pollution conditions and cleaning needs, but also simplifies the system logic through a unified control interface, achieving an optimized balance between cleaning effect, operational flexibility, and system economy.

[0086] For the combined structure of the three-way valve 110, the first check valve 220, and the second check valve 320 described in Embodiment 2, it always physically connects the two input ports and the output port. Selective connection is achieved by controlling the opening and closing of the water path 20 or the air path 30. Simultaneous connection is achieved by simultaneously opening the water pump 212 and the second check valve 320. Sequential delivery is achieved by controlling the timing of opening the water pump 212 first, then closing it, and then opening the second check valve 320. For other possible implementations of the water-air mixing control unit, such as an integrated electrically controlled switching valve, the valve core itself may have different working positions to achieve the above-mentioned selective, simultaneous, or neutral-position closed functions.

[0087] Finally, regarding the specific structure of the cleaning branch 50, each cleaning branch 50 consists of a single common conduit. The common conduit connects a branch output port 42 of the multi-way distribution control unit 40 to the corresponding optical component 101. This is a direct reflection of the simplified architecture of this application. By configuring an independent cleaning branch consisting of a single common conduit for each optical component 101, the conduit structure is simplified and modularized. This design allows each cleaning branch 50 to connect only one branch output port 42 of the multi-way distribution control unit 40 to the corresponding optical component 101, reducing not only the number of conduit intersections and interfaces, and lowering system complexity and installation and maintenance costs, but also ensuring the independence and specificity of the cleaning process for each optical component 101. This effectively avoids crosstalk or uneven distribution of the cleaning medium among multiple components, thereby improving the reliability and maintainability of the system structure while ensuring that each optical component 101 achieves a stable cleaning effect. Since the water-air mixing control unit 10 and the multi-way distribution control unit 40 have already completed the medium selection and distribution, the final path to each optical component 101 does not need to distinguish the medium and uses a single common conduit. This shared piping needs to be flexible enough to accommodate vehicle body vibrations, have a smooth inner wall to reduce flow resistance, and withstand the long-term effects of water, detergent, and compressed air. Its inner diameter requires careful design considerations: a smaller diameter increases liquid flow pressure drop but may aid gas acceleration; a larger diameter may reduce pressure transmission efficiency when gas propels liquid. An optimal inner diameter range is 2mm to 6mm. Piping materials can include nylon, polyurethane, or fluoropolymers.

[0088] Exemplary methods This embodiment provides a control method for a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system. This control method can be based on the aforementioned Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the control method is described using Embodiment 1 as an example. See also... Figure 1 The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system includes a water-air mixing control unit 10, a water path 20, an air path 30, a multi-path distribution control unit 40, multiple cleaning branches 50, and a control module 60. The water-air mixing control unit 10 has a first input terminal 11, a second input terminal 12, and a first output terminal 13. The water path 20 is connected to the first input terminal 11 for delivering liquid. The air path 30 is connected to the second input terminal 12 for delivering gas. The multi-path distribution control unit 40 has a main input port 41 and multiple branch output ports 42, with the main input port 41 connected to the first output terminal 13. Each cleaning branch 50 is connected to a branch output port 42 for cleaning the corresponding optical component 101. The water-air mixing control unit 10 is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path 20 and the air path 30 to the first output terminal 13.

[0089] The control method includes the following steps: S101: System initialization.

[0090] The control module 60 performs a power-on self-test to confirm that all sensors and actuators (water pump, solenoid valve, air pump, etc.) are functioning normally. The control outputs of water circuit 20 and air circuit 30 are turned off, and the multi-channel distribution control unit 40 is reset to its default position, either completely shut down or connected to a default branch. It is understood that this step is not mandatory, and the execution of the control method can begin directly from step S102 below.

[0091] S102: In response to the mode selection command, perform cleaning mode operation.

[0092] The control module 60 continuously monitors and awaits cleaning commands. Cleaning commands can originate from multiple sources: for example, the driver manually presses the cleaning button; the advanced driver assistance system automatically determines the level of dirt based on camera image analysis algorithms and issues a request; the vehicle triggers the process based on rainfall, light conditions, or timed logic; or a cleaning command is received for a specific optical component 101. Cleaning commands typically include or imply mode information and target information. Mode information includes water spraying, air spraying, and high-pressure cleaning, while target information includes which component(s) to clean.

[0093] Based on the received mode selection instruction, the control module 60 executes the operation of any of the following cleaning modes: In water spray mode, water path 20 is activated and air path 30 is deactivated. Specifically, control module 60 first controls multiplexing control unit 40 to connect the main input port 41 to the branch output port 42 of the cleaning branch 50 of the corresponding target optical component 101, based on target information. Then, control module 60 sends a start signal to water path 20 while ensuring that air path 30 remains closed. When water path 20 is operating, liquid passes through water-air mixing control unit 10 and multiplexing control unit 40, and is finally sprayed onto the target optical component 101 through the designated cleaning branch 50. The duration of water spray can be preset or fixed by command. After completion, water path 20 is deactivated.

[0094] In jet mode, water path 20 is closed and air path 30 is opened. Specifically, first, the multi-path distribution control unit 40 is controlled to connect the target branch. The control module 60 ensures that water path 20 is closed. Then, air path 30 is opened. High-pressure gas passes through the water-air mixing control unit 10 and the multi-path distribution control unit 40, and is ejected as a high-speed airflow through the cleaning branch 50 to sweep the surface of the target optical component 101. After the jetting duration ends, air path 30 is closed.

[0095] In high-pressure cleaning mode, high-pressure cleaning operation is performed, and both water path 20 and air path 30 are opened, so that liquid and gas are delivered to the cleaning branch 50 together or sequentially through water-air mixing control unit 10 and multi-way distribution control unit 40.

[0096] The aforementioned control method, based on the system architecture of the water-air mixing control unit 10, the multi-path distribution control unit 40, and the cleaning branch 50, defines a unified process for executing different cleaning operations in response to mode commands. Through centralized decision-making by the control module 60, this method can precisely switch and execute between water spray mode, air spray mode, and high-pressure cleaning mode, thereby adapting to the maintenance needs of various vehicle-mounted optical components, from routine cleaning and drying to deep cleaning. While ensuring targeted cleaning of each optical component, it standardizes the operating process, improving the adaptability and overall management efficiency of the cleaning system.

[0097] In an optional implementation, in high-pressure cleaning mode, the high-pressure cleaning operation specifically includes: first supplying liquid to cleaning branch 50, and then supplying gas to cleaning branch 50 to assist cleaning. This is the aforementioned liquid-to-gas sequence. The detailed steps can be broken down as follows: The control unit 40 connects the target branch. The control module 60 opens the water circuit 20 while keeping the air circuit 30 closed. Liquid enters the system and continues for a first preset time T1 to achieve stain wetting and pipe filling.

[0098] Control module 60 shuts off water circuit 20. Immediately afterwards, air circuit 30 is opened. High-pressure gas enters the system, propelling the liquid remaining in the pipeline at high speed for a second preset time T2, achieving high-pressure flushing.

[0099] This implementation method, by explicitly defining the order of supplying liquid first and then gas in high-pressure cleaning mode, creates two stages in the cleaning process: first, the liquid thoroughly wets, rinses, and dissolves the stains, and then the gas effectively peels off, removes, and dries them. This timing control not only fully leverages the synergistic cleaning effect of the two media, enhancing the cleaning power and thoroughness for stubborn stains, but also optimizes media utilization efficiency and system reliability while achieving deep cleaning results.

[0100] Furthermore, after supplying gas to the cleaning branch 50 to assist cleaning, the method further includes maintaining the gas supply for a preset drying time T3. Specifically, after the rinsing gas jet is completed, the control module 60 does not immediately shut off the gas path 30, but keeps the gas path 30 open, continuing to supply pure gas to the target optical component 101 for a third preset time T3. Here, by adding a control step to maintain the gas supply for a preset drying time after performing gas-assisted cleaning, proactive management of the post-cleaning treatment stage is achieved. This preset duration ensures that the gas has sufficient time to thoroughly clean the surface of the optical component, effectively removing residual droplets and loose dirt, thereby improving the surface drying speed and cleanliness, and preventing water residue from affecting optical performance. At the same time, by precisely setting the drying time, gas consumption is optimized while ensuring cleaning quality, achieving the best balance between cleaning effect and energy efficiency control.

[0101] In addition, the high-pressure cleaning operation can also involve simultaneously opening water path 20 and air path 30, and then simultaneously closing water path 20 and air path 30 after a period of time. The control module 60 selects which high-pressure cleaning sub-process to execute based on a pre-programmed strategy.

[0102] After the current cleaning mode operation is completed, the control module 60 shuts down all actuators (water pump, solenoid valve), resets the multi-way distribution control unit 40, and optionally sends a cleaning completion signal to the vehicle bus or user interface. The system returns to standby mode, waiting for the next instruction.

[0103] Furthermore, the method may also include: in response to a cleaning command for a specific optical component 101, controlling a multiplexing control unit 40 to selectively deliver at least one of the liquid and gas to one or more cleaning branches 50 corresponding to the specific optical component 101. This means that the control method not only supports global cleaning of all optical components 101, but also supports targeted cleaning. For example, when the left rear-side camera is splashed with mud, the system can only initiate cleaning of the cleaning branch where the left rear-side camera is located, executing a high-pressure cleaning mode without affecting other clean cameras. This is achieved by the control module 60 sending an address selection signal to the active multiplexing control unit 40. Here, by introducing a method that responds to a cleaning command for a specific optical component 101 and controls the multiplexing control unit 40 to selectively deliver liquids and gases, the precision of the cleaning operation and the efficiency of resource utilization are achieved. This design allows the system to selectively deliver liquids and / or gases only to the cleaning branches 50 corresponding to one or more specific optical components 101 that need cleaning, thereby avoiding unnecessary media consumption and energy waste, and improving the flexibility and economy of the cleaning system.

[0104] Exemplary vehicle In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a vehicle is also provided, which includes an on-board optical component cleaning system as described in any of the preceding embodiments, the on-board optical component cleaning system being integrated into the vehicle's body structure, chassis, and electrical system. See also... Figure 3 The main components and their arrangement in a vehicle's onboard optical component cleaning system are as follows: The control module 60 can be configured independently or integrated into the vehicle's existing body control module, autonomous driving domain controller, or vehicle controller. The control module 60 communicates with other vehicle systems via in-vehicle networks such as the vehicle controller area network, local area network, or Ethernet. For example, the control module 60 can receive signals of decreased image clarity from the forward-facing camera system, severe weather signals from rain and light sensors, manual cleaning commands from the driver, or automatically trigger cleaning programs according to preset timing strategies.

[0105] The fluid supply system 210 typically includes a reservoir 211 and a water pump 212. The reservoir 211 can be located in an easily accessible location within the engine compartment, such as behind the front wheel arch liner, in the upper space of the front bumper beam, or shared with or alongside the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The water pump 212 is typically mounted on or near the reservoir 211, and its power and head are selected based on the pipe length, number of branches, and required nozzle pressure. A level sensor may be installed within the reservoir 211, feeding the signal back to the control module 60 to warn the driver via the instrument panel when the fluid level is too low.

[0106] The gas supply device 310 typically has several integration options. Option 1: Use an independent miniature electric air pump, which can be installed in the engine compartment, luggage compartment, or a protected cavity under the chassis. The air inlet needs to be connected to a venting line with a filter. Option 2: Utilize the vehicle's existing brake air source. In this case, a branch line needs to be drawn from the clean air line after the brake air dryer, and a pressure reducing valve and a precision filter need to be added to ensure that the gas is dry, clean, and has stable pressure. Option 3: Utilize the compressor of the intelligent air suspension system. The start-up, shutdown, and pressure regulation of the gas supply device 310 are controlled by the control module 60.

[0107] The water-air mixing control unit 10 and the multi-way distribution control unit 40 are preferably integrated and mounted on a common valve body module or mounting bracket, which can be located near the engine compartment firewall, in the space under the dashboard, or on the subframe. The selection principle is to be as close as possible to the geometric center of the vehicle to average the pipe length of each optical component and reduce pressure loss differences.

[0108] The various cleaning branch lines 50 extending from the branch output port 42 of the multi-way distribution control unit 40 constitute a cleaning fluid delivery network covering the entire vehicle. These lines must comply with vehicle wiring harness routing specifications. Cleaning branch road 50 should be bundled together with the vehicle's main wiring harness as much as possible, or it can pass through existing holes, slots and reserved pipes in the vehicle body structure, such as along the A-pillar, roof longitudinal beam, door sill beam, and the inside of the rear fender.

[0109] Pipelines must be secured to the vehicle body using plastic cable ties, clips, or special brackets to avoid interference with moving parts such as the steering column and suspension. Rubber sleeves must be installed when passing through holes in metal plates to prevent wear.

[0110] The end of each cleaning branch 50 is connected to a cleaning nozzle near the corresponding optical component 101. The nozzle is typically embedded or fixed in the housing, mounting bracket, or surrounding body panel of the optical component itself.

[0111] Optical components on a vehicle that require cleaning may include, but are not limited to: Environmental perception cameras: forward-looking monocular / stereo cameras, surround-view cameras, rear-view cameras, electronic rearview mirror cameras, driver monitoring cameras, etc.

[0112] Optical radar: Solid-state lidar located on the roof or front bumper of the vehicle.

[0113] Lighting components: headlights, taillights, and fog light covers.

[0114] Each optical component 101 faces different types and degrees of contamination due to its different installation location, orientation, and function, which requires differentiated processing through the software strategy of the control module 60.

[0115] The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system is deeply integrated into the overall functionality and safety system of the vehicle. Specifically, the system is powered by the vehicle's power system. The control module 60 can have a low-power sleep mode, and only enters full-function operation when it receives a valid wake-up signal from the network (such as an ignition switch ON signal, remote command, or sensor trigger signal) to save energy.

[0116] The trigger signals received by the control module 60 include two types: active requests and automatic triggers. Active requests are initiated by the driver via the cleaning button on the steering wheel or center console. Automatic triggers are based on multi-dimensional conditions, specifically including: image analysis (the advanced driver assistance system camera detects changes in image clarity in real time through the image processor; when the level of dirt exceeds a threshold, a cleaning request is sent with a mode suggestion, such as air spray for slightly blurry images and high-pressure cleaning for severely obstructed images); environmental sensors (rain sensors detect heavy rain or mud splashes, or ambient light / temperature sensors work together to determine the risk of icing); event linkage (the windshield is cleaned in conjunction with the forward-facing camera, and the rear-view camera is automatically triggered to spray clean when reverse gear is engaged); and mileage / time-based periodic maintenance (preventive cleaning is performed according to mileage or a fixed period). The system also has a complete safety and fault handling mechanism: the control module 60 achieves self-diagnosis by monitoring the water pump current (to determine if the pump is stalled or lacks liquid), the air pump pressure / current, and the solenoid valve circuit impedance. Fault information is stored in the form of diagnostic fault codes and can be read by the vehicle diagnostic system. When a serious fault such as liquid leakage is detected, the system is automatically disabled and an alarm is triggered. In low-temperature environments (such as below 0°C), the pure water spray mode is automatically disabled, or a high-pressure cleaning mode with extended drying time is forcibly executed after water spraying to prevent freezing.

[0117] Examples of applications for different optical components are as follows: Example 1: Cleaning the Forward-Facing Main Camera. The forward-facing main camera is typically installed near the rearview mirror base inside the windshield, an area susceptible to insect impacts, mud splashed by other vehicles, and salt water stains accumulated in winter. The cleaning pipeline runs along the inside of the upper trim panel of the windshield, with nozzles integrated into the camera housing and the nozzles facing outwards towards the lens protective glass. When the image analysis system detects moderate stains, it automatically triggers a high-pressure cleaning mode: first, detergent is sprayed to dissolve insect residue and salt; then, high-pressure gas propels the liquid into a high-speed jet for rinsing; finally, residual liquid is dried with air. The entire process is completed within seconds, effectively minimizing interference with the camera's visual capture.

[0118] Example 2: Cleaning of Side Surround View Cameras. Side surround view cameras are typically integrated into the bottom of the left and right exterior rearview mirror housings. This area is very compact and easily exposed to direct rain and snow, as well as dust kicked up during driving. To address the space constraints inside the rearview mirrors, a single, shared cleaning pipeline significantly optimizes the layout. The pipeline enters the housing along with the rearview mirror wiring harness. The nozzles are small, and the spray angle is precisely adjusted to cover the entire field of view. Routine cleaning uses an air jet mode to quickly remove surface dust without residue. If mud or other contamination is detected, a targeted high-pressure cleaning mode is automatically triggered, cleaning only the camera on that side, achieving efficient resource utilization.

[0119] Example 3: LiDAR Cleaning. LiDAR systems are typically installed on the roof or front bumper of a vehicle. Due to the large area of ​​the light-transmitting cover in this area, any dirt can interfere with the emission and reception of the laser beam. Therefore, the uniformity and thoroughness of cleaning are crucial. In system applications, multiple nozzles are arranged around the light-transmitting cover, supplied by a cleaning branch via a micro-distributor. Given its high-value characteristics and cleanliness requirements, the system can execute a powerful high-pressure cleaning mode while ensuring sufficient drying time to prevent water stains from affecting optical performance. Simultaneously, a jet cleaning mode can be used for routine snow removal and thick dust removal.

[0120] Example 4: Intelligent Headlight Cleaning. The intelligent headlights are installed on both sides of the front bumper. The main challenge is removing mud, ice, and snow to restore brightness and pattern integrity. In system application, the headlight cleaning function is integrated into this system. The output ports of the multi-channel distribution control unit are connected to the headlight washer with telescopic nozzles via cleaning branches. In winter, a high-pressure cleaning mode is used to break up the ice layer. After muddy sections, a water spray mode is first used to rinse away mud and dirt, then the system switches to an air jet mode to assist in drying, preventing water residue from affecting the optical performance of the headlight covers.

[0121] The implementation of the vehicle is not limited to the specific arrangement described above, but includes: modular variations, where the number of output ports and corresponding cleaning branches of the multi-way distribution control unit can be increased or decreased to accommodate the number of optical components equipped on the vehicle; distributed architecture variations, where regional water-air mixing and distribution sub-modules need to be set up in large vehicles to reduce pressure loss and response delay caused by ultra-long pipelines; thermal management integration, where in cold regions, heat exchange can be designed between some cleaning branches flowing through the engine compartment and the vehicle's coolant pipelines, or heating devices can be added to the reservoir to prevent the washer fluid from freezing; and collaboration with advanced driver functions, where in autonomous vehicles, the cleaning system can work deeply with the planning and decision-making module, for example, performing preventative jet cleaning on all key perception cameras in advance before the system predicts that it will enter a dusty or muddy area, or automatically evaluating the cleaning effect and deciding whether to repeat the cleaning process after high-pressure cleaning.

[0122] In summary, the vehicle provided in this embodiment achieves precise and efficient on-demand cleaning of key optical components throughout the vehicle by integrating a highly integrated on-board optical component cleaning system into the overall vehicle layout and control logic. This system effectively solves the problems of complex piping, large space occupation, and limited functionality inherent in traditional solutions. With low cost and a simple structure, it enhances the robustness and continuous operation of the perception system in harsh environments, providing a fundamental guarantee for high-level autonomous driving and all-weather driving safety.

[0123] Exemplary computing device In one exemplary embodiment of this application, a computing device, such as a vehicle or a control terminal, is also provided. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a computing device provided for one embodiment of the present application. The computing device includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the steps in the control method of the vehicle optical component cleaning system according to various embodiments of the present application as described in the above embodiments.

[0124] The computing device includes a processor, memory, network interface, and input devices connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage medium. The network interface is used to communicate with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it follows the steps of the control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to various embodiments of this application as described in the above embodiments.

[0125] The processor may include the main processor, as well as baseband chips, modems, etc.

[0126] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0127] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Specifically, non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM). It should be noted that the memory in the devices and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0128] Input devices may include devices that receive data and information input by the user, such as keyboards, mice, cameras, scanners, light pens, voice input devices, touch screens, pedometers, or gravity sensors.

[0129] Output devices may include devices that allow information to be output to the user, such as displays, printers, speakers, etc.

[0130] The communication interface may include any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, Radio Access Network (RAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), etc.

[0131] The computing device may also include a display component and a voice component. The display component may be a liquid crystal display screen or an e-ink display screen. The input device of the computing device may be a touch layer covering the display component, or a button, trackball or touchpad set on the casing of the computing device, or an external keyboard, touchpad or mouse, etc.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 3 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computing device on which the present application is applied. The specific computing device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0133] Exemplary computer program products and storage media In addition to the methods and devices described above, the control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system provided in the embodiments of this application can also be a computer program product, which includes computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are run by a processor, the processor causes the processor to perform the steps in the control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to various embodiments of this application as described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0134] The aforementioned computer program product can be implemented through hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In one optional embodiment, the computer program product is specifically embodied in a computer storage medium; in another optional embodiment, the computer program product is specifically embodied in a software product, such as a software development kit (SDK), etc.

[0135] The computer program product can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​to perform the operations of the embodiments of this application. The programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's computing device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server.

[0136] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being executed by a processor of the steps in the control method of the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to various embodiments of this application as described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0137] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in a variety of forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), RAMbus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0138] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0139] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system, characterized in that, include: A water-air mixing control unit has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a first output terminal; The water path is connected to the first input terminal of the water-air mixing control unit and is used to transport liquid; The gas path is connected to the second input terminal of the water-gas mixing control unit for delivering gas; The multi-channel distribution control unit has a main input port and multiple sub-output ports, wherein the main input port is connected to the first output terminal of the water-air mixing control unit; Multiple cleaning branches, each cleaning branch being connected to a sub-output port of the multi-path distribution control unit, are used to clean the corresponding optical components; A control module is used to control the on / off state of the water passage and the gas passage; The water-air mixing control unit is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal; The control module is configured to cause the system to execute the following modes by controlling the on / off states of the water and air passages: Water spray mode: Control the water path to be open and the air path to be closed, so that the liquid is delivered to the cleaning branch through the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit; Jet mode: Controls the water path to be closed and the air path to be open, so that the gas is delivered to the clean branch via the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit; High-pressure cleaning mode: both the water path and the air path are open, so that the liquid and gas are delivered to the cleaning branch via the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit together or sequentially.

2. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-air mixing control unit includes a three-way valve, which includes a liquid interface, a gas interface, and an output interface. The liquid interface serves as the first input terminal, the gas interface serves as the second input terminal, and the output interface serves as the first output terminal.

3. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water circuit includes a liquid supply device and a first check valve. The output end of the first check valve is connected to the liquid interface, and the input end of the first check valve is connected to the liquid supply device.

4. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas path includes a gas supply device and a second check valve. The output end of the second check valve is connected to the gas interface, and the input end of the second check valve is connected to the gas supply device.

5. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas path also includes a solenoid valve, which is disposed between the gas supply device and the second check valve.

6. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the high-pressure cleaning mode, the control module is configured to first control the water path to deliver liquid, and then control the air path to deliver gas.

7. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the gas is delivered, the control module is also configured to maintain the gas path open for a preset period of time.

8. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the high-pressure cleaning mode, the control module is configured to simultaneously control the conduction of the water path and the air path.

9. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-air mixing control unit is configured to: connect one of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal in the water spray mode or the air jet mode; and in the high-pressure cleaning mode, connect one or both of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal according to the control command, or realize the sequential delivery of liquid and gas through timing control switching.

10. The vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the cleaning branches consists of a single common conduit, which connects a sub-output port of the multi-way distribution control unit to a corresponding optical component.

11. A control method for a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system, the system comprising a water-air mixing control unit, a water path, an air path, a multi-path distribution control unit, multiple cleaning branches, and a control module; the water-air mixing control unit has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a first output terminal; the water path is connected to the first input terminal for conveying liquid; the air path is connected to the second input terminal for conveying gas; the multi-path distribution control unit has a main input port and multiple sub-output ports, the main input port being connected to the first output terminal; each cleaning branch is connected to one sub-output port for cleaning a corresponding optical component; The water-air mixing control unit is configured to selectively connect at least one of the water path and the air path to the first output terminal; the control method includes: In response to the mode selection command, perform the operation of any of the following cleaning modes: In water spray mode, the water path is opened and the air path is closed; In jet mode, the water path is closed and the air path is opened; In high-pressure cleaning mode, high-pressure cleaning operation is performed, and the water path and the air path are both opened, so that the liquid and gas are delivered to the cleaning branch through the water-air mixing control unit and the multi-path distribution control unit together or sequentially.

12. The control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the high-pressure cleaning mode, the high-pressure cleaning operation specifically includes: first, supplying liquid to the cleaning branch, and then supplying gas to the cleaning branch to assist in cleaning.

13. The control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 12, characterized in that, After supplying gas to the cleaning branch to assist in cleaning, the process further includes maintaining the gas supply for a preset drying time.

14. The control method for the vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: in response to a cleaning command for a specific optical component, controlling the multiplexing control unit to selectively deliver at least one of a liquid and a gas to one or more of the cleaning branches corresponding to the specific optical component.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the vehicle optical component cleaning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. A computing device, characterized in that, The system includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements a control method for a vehicle-mounted optical component cleaning system as described in any one of claims 11 to 14.

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