Cleaning device for sensor and vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a cleaning device for a sensor and a vehicle. The cleaning device comprises an air pump which comprises an air outlet; each gas storage tank comprises a gas outlet end and a gas inlet end coupled to a gas outlet of the gas pump through a one-way valve, and the gas storage tanks are suitable for storing gas provided by the gas pump within a preset gas pressure range; the valve assembly is coupled to the air outlet end of the at least one air storage tank and comprises a plurality of valve outlets, and the valve assembly is suitable for being controlled to connect or disconnect an air flow passage between the air outlet end and at least one of the valve outlets; and a plurality of nozzle assemblies each including a nozzle inlet coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of valve outlets and at least one nozzle portion in airflow communication with the nozzle inlet, the at least one nozzle portion disposed proximate the sensor, when the corresponding gas flow path is connected, the gas with the preset pressure is sprayed to the sensor to clean the sensor. Therefore, the surface cleaning effect of the sensor can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of vehicles, and in particular to a cleaning device for a sensor and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the rapid development and application scenarios of remote driving technology, from automatic driving on highways to remote navigation in urban traffic, remote driving systems are profoundly changing people's travel mode. Currently, in the field of remote driving, sensors as the "eyes" of the remote driving system, their accuracy and reliability directly affect the performance and safety of the driving system. Remote driving systems use a variety of sensors, such as cameras, radars, LiDARs, etc., to perceive the surrounding environment in real time.

[0003] However, sensors are inevitably affected by external environmental factors during operation, especially the surface is easy to accumulate dust, rainwater, snowflakes, bird droppings and other pollutants. These pollutants will interfere with the normal operation of the sensor, leading to inaccurate perception data, and thus affecting the decision-making and safety of the remote driving system. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning device for a sensor is provided. The cleaning device comprises: a gas pump comprising a gas outlet; at least one gas storage tank, each comprising a gas outlet end and a gas inlet end coupled to the gas outlet of the gas pump via a one-way valve, and adapted to store gas provided by the gas pump at a predetermined pressure range; a valve assembly coupled to the gas outlet end of the at least one gas storage tank and comprising a plurality of valve outlets, the valve assembly being adapted to be controlled to turn on or turn off a gas flow path between the gas outlet end and at least one valve outlet of the plurality of valve outlets; and a plurality of nozzle assemblies, each comprising a nozzle inlet and at least one nozzle portion in gas flow communication with the nozzle inlet, the nozzle inlet being coupled to a corresponding valve outlet of the plurality of valve outlets, and the at least one nozzle portion being arranged adjacent to the sensor to spray gas with a predetermined pressure to the sensor to clean the sensor if the corresponding gas flow path is turned on.

[0005] In embodiments according to the present disclosure, the cleaning device can rapidly provide high-pressure gas when needed by the gas pump and the gas storage tank, achieving instant cleaning. The gas storage tank is connected to the gas pump through a one-way valve, ensuring that the gas can be stored and released within a predetermined pressure range, avoiding interference with the sensor detection function during cleaning. Precise control of the valve assembly allows the gas flow to be adjusted as needed, ensuring the targeting and efficiency of the cleaning process.

[0006] In addition, the nozzle assembly of the cleaning device is arranged near the sensor, ensuring that high-pressure gas is directly sprayed onto the sensor surface, thereby improving cleaning efficiency. Each nozzle assembly is independently controlled, allowing for personalized cleaning strategies for different sensors, further improving the flexibility and adaptability of the cleaning device. At the same time, the cleaning device can clean in real time or on demand during driving, without affecting the normal operation of the sensor. The cleaning device reduces manual intervention and reduces maintenance costs. In addition, the cleaning device uses high-pressure gas for cleaning, which has stronger cleaning ability than traditional low-pressure gas cleaning solutions. It can quickly and effectively remove various contaminants on the sensor surface, ensuring the cleanliness of the sensor and improving the accuracy of its perception data. Other benefits will be described in conjunction with the corresponding embodiments below.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further comprises an air drying device arranged between the air outlet of the air pump and the air inlet end of the at least one gas tank to dry the gas provided by the air pump.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further comprises a plurality of quick connectors arranged between at least one of the following: between the air outlet of the air pump and the air inlet end of the at least one gas tank; between the air outlet end of the at least one gas tank and the valve assembly; between the valve assembly and the plurality of nozzle assemblies.

[0009] In some embodiments, the valve assembly comprises at least one of: at least one one-in-one-out solenoid valve; at least one one-in-multiple-out solenoid valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the gas tank further comprises a pressure relief valve configured to open when the gas tank is above a pressure threshold, and a pressure sensor arranged to obtain pressure data inside the gas tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cleaning device further comprises a controller coupled to the pressure sensor and the air pump, and configured to control the start and stop of the air pump based on the pressure data obtained by the sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the gas tank further comprises a drain valve and is adapted to actively or passively drain liquid from the gas tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly further comprises a nozzle holder arranged adjacent to the sensor or integrated with the sensor, and comprising a nozzle inlet and at least one nozzle portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air drying device comprises a gas-water separation device, a desiccant drying device, or a combination thereof.

[0015] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises: the cleaning device of the above first aspect; and a plurality of sensors arranged at a plurality of locations of the vehicle and coupled to the cleaning device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air pump and the at least one air reservoir of the cleaning device are arranged at a bottom of the vehicle; and / or the valve assembly and the plurality of nozzle assemblies of the cleaning device are arranged at a top of the vehicle.

[0017] It should be understood that nothing in this Background section is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments of the present disclosure are presented only "after" consideration of this content, or that the content represents facts "known" to the applicant prior to the filing date of this patent application. The content may contain information that is out of date or superseded by subsequent developments. It is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0020] Figures 2 to 4 A block diagram of a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it is understood that the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather should be construed to encompass all alternatives and modifications falling within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] It is noted that the headings provided herein are not limitations of the various embodiments described in the sections / sub-sections. Various embodiments are described throughout this document and any type of embodiment can be included under any section / sub-section. Moreover, embodiments described in any section / sub-section can be combined with any other embodiment described in the same section / sub-section and / or a different section / sub-section in any manner.

[0023] In the description of embodiments of the disclosure, the term “includes” and its conjugates are to be construed as open-ended, i.e., “includes but is not limited to.” The term “based on” is to be construed as “based at least in part on.” The term “one embodiment” or “the embodiment” is to be construed as “at least one embodiment.” The term “some embodiments” is to be construed as “at least some embodiments.” Other explicit or implicit definitions can also be included below. The terms “first,” “second,” etc. can refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions can also be included below.

[0024] As used herein, the term “model” can learn the association between the corresponding input and output from the training data, so that the corresponding output can be generated for a given input after the training is completed. The generation of the model can be based on machine learning techniques. Deep learning is a machine learning algorithm that processes input and provides a corresponding output by using multiple layers of processing units. In this text, “model” can also be referred to as “machine learning model”, “machine learning network” or “network”, which are used interchangeably in this text. One model can also include different types of processing units or networks.

[0025] As used herein, “unit”, “operational unit” or “sub-unit” can be composed of any suitable structure of machine learning model or network. As used herein, a group of elements or similar expressions can include one or more such elements. For example, “a group of convolution units” can include one or more convolution units.

[0026] As briefly mentioned earlier, sensors are susceptible to external environment during operation, and their surfaces will accumulate dust, rain, snow, and other pollutants. These pollutants not only interfere with the normal operation of the sensor, causing inaccurate perception data, but also affect the decision-making and safety of the remote driving system.

[0027] Currently, there are several solutions to the problem of sensor cleaning. First, the water jet cleaning solution. This solution installs a spray head near the sensor, and uses a control unit to spray cleaning liquid or water when needed to flush the lens or detection surface of the sensor. Second, the mechanical wiping cleaning solution, which uses a mechanical arm or similar transmission device to drive a cleaning cloth or specially designed cleaning brush to wipe the lens surface or detection surface of the sensor according to the set trajectory, and starts the cleaning process periodically or on demand. In addition, the air blowing cleaning solution, which uses a blower or fan to blow low-pressure air flow through a ventilation duct to remove dust or water droplets attached to the surface of the sensor.

[0028] However, the water jet cleaning and mechanical wiping cleaning solutions will temporarily block the detection surface of the sensor when working, resulting in inaccurate perception data of the sensor and even misidentification, thereby affecting the normal operation of the remote driving system. In addition, these cleaning operations are carried out during the operation of the remote driving system, which has certain safety risks. The air blowing cleaning solution has poor cleaning effect due to its dependence on a low-pressure gas source, and has limited effect on removing dirt on the surface of the sensor.

[0029] To solve or at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems or other potential problems of cleaning the sensor of the existing solutions, embodiments of the present disclosure propose a solution of a cleaning device for a sensor. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning device includes a gas pump. The gas pump has one gas outlet. Further, the cleaning device includes at least one gas storage tank, each of which includes a gas outlet end and a gas inlet end connected to the gas outlet of the gas pump through a one-way valve. The gas storage tank can store high-pressure gas provided by the gas pump within a predetermined pressure range, ensuring that the gas can be quickly released for cleaning when needed.

[0030] Further, the cleaning device includes a valve assembly and a plurality of nozzle assemblies. The valve assembly is coupled to the gas outlet end of at least one gas storage tank, and the valve assembly includes a plurality of valve outlets. The valve assembly can adjust the opening and closing of the gas flow passage according to a preset program or real-time control, so that the gas can flow from the gas storage tank to the corresponding nozzle assembly as needed. Further, each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle inlet and at least one nozzle portion in gas flow communication therewith. The nozzle inlet is directly connected to the corresponding valve outlet of the valve assembly, and the at least one nozzle portion is arranged near the sensor. When the valve assembly opens the gas flow passage, the high-pressure gas in the gas storage tank is sprayed to the surface of the sensor through the nozzle assembly, and the impact force of the high-pressure gas flow is used to remove contaminants such as raindrops, water stains, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, dust, mud, ice, snow, insects, insect carcasses, debris, etc. on the sensor.

[0031] In this way, the cleaning device of the present disclosure can clean the sensor in real time or as needed during the operation of the remote driving system, not only improving the cleaning efficiency, but also not interfering with the detection function of the sensor, ensuring the normal operation of the sensor and the safety of the remote driving system.

[0032] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figures 2 to 4 A block diagram of a cleaning device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The following will be described in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4An example structure and working process of the cleaning device 100 for the sensor 101 in the vehicle 1 will be described. The vehicle 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include a remote driving vehicle, or any other appropriate vehicle other than the remote driving vehicle. Hereinafter, the concept of the present disclosure will be mainly described taking the vehicle 1 as a remote driving vehicle as an example. It should be understood that the case of other vehicles is also similar, which will not be described separately hereinafter.

[0033] The vehicle 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the cleaning device 100 and a plurality of sensors 101. The plurality of cleaning devices 100 are respectively coupled to the plurality of sensors 101. Meanwhile, the plurality of sensors 101 are respectively arranged at a plurality of positions of the vehicle 1, and are respectively installed at the front, rear, side and roof of the vehicle, etc. to achieve all-around environmental perception. The sensor 101 types include but are not limited to LiDAR, camera, radar, etc., which collectively provide the necessary environmental data for the remote driving system.

[0034] Further, the control system on the vehicle 1 is connected with the sensor 101 cleaning device 100, and automatically adjusts the cleaning frequency and spraying intensity through the cleaning state fed back by the sensor 101 and the driving state of the vehicle 1. During the driving process in severe weather or for a long time, the cleaning device 100 can automatically or periodically clean according to the user settings to ensure that the sensor 101 always maintains the best working state. In addition, the control system of the vehicle 1 can also adjust the cleaning frequency of the cleaning device 100 in real time according to the working state of the sensor 101, to ensure that the sensor 101 can be efficiently cleaned under different working environments.

[0035] When the vehicle 1 starts and enters the working state, the cleaning device 100 will automatically detect and clean the surface of the sensor 101 according to the preset cleaning period or the cleaning needs of the sensor 101 without affecting the performance of the vehicle 1 and the function of the sensor 101. The vehicle 1 integrates the cleaning device 100 of the sensor 101, which not only can keep the sensor 101 clean in various driving environments and avoid the accumulation of dust, rainwater and other pollutants, but also can ensure the efficient operation of the cleaning device 100 through automatic control, so that the vehicle 1 can maintain good sensing ability in all-weather and various weather conditions, thereby providing high-precision data support for the remote driving system, effectively improving the safety, stability and reliability of the remote driving system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the air pump 110 and the at least one air tank 120 of the cleaning device 100 are arranged at the bottom of the vehicle 1. Since the air pump 110 and the air tank 120 are large in volume and require high air pressure support, arranging them at the bottom of the vehicle 1 can effectively utilize the chassis space and maintain the balance of the center of gravity of the vehicle 1, avoiding unnecessary occupation of space in other parts of the vehicle body. Arrangement at the bottom can also reduce the impact of these components on the interior or external appearance of the vehicle 1, making the design of the vehicle 1 more simple and beautiful.

[0037] Further, the valve assembly 130 and the plurality of nozzle assemblies 140 of the cleaning device 100 are arranged at the top of the vehicle 1. Since the sensors 101 can be installed at the front, roof or other positions of the vehicle 1, the nozzle assemblies 140 arranged on the roof can effectively clean the sensors 101 on the roof, such as the positions of sensors 101 such as radars, LiDARs and cameras. Installing the nozzle assemblies 140 on the roof can ensure the directionality of the cleaning airflow, ensuring that the airflow can be directly sprayed onto the surface of the sensors 101, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0038] The valve assembly 130 is connected to the plurality of nozzle assemblies 140 through pipes, and the valve assembly 130 can adjust the distribution of the airflow according to the cleaning needs, ensuring that the nozzles at different sensor 101 positions receive the correct airflow supply when needed. Through the plurality of nozzle assemblies 140 installed on the top of the vehicle 1, the cleaning needs around the roof sensors 101 can be efficiently covered, ensuring the normal operation of the sensors 101 in various driving environments.

[0039] For example, when the vehicle 1 starts, the air pump 110 arranged at the bottom starts to work, delivering air to the air tank 120 through the pipes. The air is stored in the air tank 120 at a predetermined pressure. When the sensors 101 need to be cleaned, the control system adjusts the airflow passage through the valve assembly 130, selectively opens the valve port connected to the specific nozzle assembly 140, and the air is sprayed onto the surface of the sensors 101 in the form of high-pressure airflow, removing dust, water droplets, leaves and other pollutants. In this way, the nozzle assemblies 140 can effectively clean the sensors 101 on the roof and other positions, ensuring that the sensing system of the vehicle 1 always remains in the best working state.

[0040] This arrangement can effectively improve the reliability and cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device 100, ensuring the stable operation of the remote driving system while also ensuring the long-term and efficient operation of the cleaning device 100. In addition, with this layout, the vehicle 1 is more compact and can adapt to various road conditions and environments, improving the overall performance and safety of the vehicle 1.

[0041] The following will be combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4The specific structure of the cleaning device 100 will be described. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaning device 100 generally includes an air pump 110, an air tank 120, a valve assembly 130, and a plurality of nozzle assemblies 140, which are designed to clean the surface of the sensor 101 by high-pressure gas injection to ensure that the sensor 101 can maintain cleanliness under various environmental conditions, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the remote driving system.

[0042] Further, the air pump 110 serves as the air source of the cleaning device 100 and has an air outlet for generating and outputting high-pressure gas. The working pressure of the air pump 110 can be adjusted according to the cleaning needs of the sensor 101 to ensure that the gas pressure is sufficient to effectively remove contaminants on the surface of the sensor 101. The working pressure of the air pump 110 is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the air pump 110 can adopt a high-pressure air pump, and the working pressure of the air pump 110 can be 20 bar or higher.

[0043] At the same time, the air pump 110 has a small volume and can be easily installed in the limited space of the vehicle 1, saving installation space and adapting to the needs of different vehicle models. The mounting point of the air pump 110 is provided with a damping device, which effectively reduces the vibration generated during operation, thereby avoiding the influence of vibration on the air pump 110 and other system components, and reducing the risk of vibration being transmitted to other components of the vehicle 1. The air pump 110 has an efficient heat dissipation design, which can maintain a suitable working temperature during long-term operation, avoid equipment failure due to overheating, and ensure the stability and durability of the air pump 110 under high load conditions. The air pump 110 adopts a low-noise design, which can effectively reduce the noise generated during operation, avoid discomfort to people inside and outside the vehicle, and ensure the driving experience of the vehicle owner and passengers.

[0044] The air pump 110 has high air charging efficiency and can quickly respond to cleaning needs to achieve instantaneous start and cleaning effect, ensuring timely cleaning of the sensor 101 and not affecting the remote driving function of the vehicle 1. The air pump 110 has multiple safety protection functions such as overcurrent, overheating, short circuit, and reverse connection of power supply, which can automatically stop working when abnormal conditions occur to avoid safety problems caused by equipment failure. The air pump 110 has ultra-long durability, with a design life greater than or equal to the service life of the vehicle 1, which can work stably for a long time to meet the long-term use needs of the vehicle 1 and avoid frequent maintenance or replacement due to air pump 110 failure.

[0045] Further, the gas outlet of the air pump 110 is connected to the gas inlet of at least one gas tank 120 through a one-way valve 111 with high-pressure and high-temperature resistance, ensuring that the gas can only flow in one direction and preventing the gas in the cleaning device 100 from flowing back to the air pump 110. The gas tank 120 can store high-pressure gas provided by the air pump 110 within a predetermined pressure range, ensuring that the gas can be quickly released when needed to clean the sensor 101. Each gas tank 120 has a gas outlet for delivering the stored gas to the valve assembly 130 and the nozzle assembly 140 when cleaning is needed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the air pump 110 can be installed at the center of the bottom of the vehicle 1 or other areas that do not affect the normal operation of the vehicle 1, and the gas tank 120 can be configured as one or more according to actual needs and arranged in appropriate positions under the vehicle, such as the gap under the vehicle frame. The capacity of the gas tank 120 can be selected according to the cleaning needs and frequency of the vehicle 1 to ensure that enough gas can be stored to meet long-term cleaning tasks. The position of the air pump 110 and the gas tank 120 in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited. For example, the gas tank 120 can be made of cast aluminum, stainless steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or other rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials.

[0047] In this way, the combination of the air pump 110 and the gas tank 120 not only provides high-pressure gas in real time or on demand during the driving of the vehicle 1, but also ensures the safety and reliability of the system. The use of the gas tank 120 allows the air pump 110 to work intermittently, reducing the long-term operating burden of the air pump 110, while also improving the response speed of the cleaning device 100, ensuring that the gas can be quickly sprayed to the surface of the sensor 101 when cleaning is needed.

[0048] Further, the valve assembly 130 is coupled to the gas outlet of at least one gas tank 120 for controlling the flow of gas. The valve assembly 130 is provided with multiple valve outlets, each corresponding to one or more nozzle assemblies 140 for controlling the passage of gas from the gas tank 120 to the nozzle assembly 140.

[0049] The valve assembly 130 can be controlled according to a pre-set program or real-time needs to turn on or off the gas flow passage between each valve outlet and the gas outlet of the gas tank 120, so that the cleaning device 100 can accurately adjust the flow direction of the gas and ensure that the gas is sprayed to the surface of the sensor 101 that needs to be cleaned as needed. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 130 can be a solenoid valve or other type of control valve (such as a distribution valve, etc.), which has high-frequency on-off capability and can quickly respond to cleaning needs. The position of the valve assembly 130 in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited.

[0050] In this way, the valve assembly 130 not only enables precise control of the gas flow direction, but also ensures the pertinence and efficiency of the cleaning process. The valve assembly 130 can enable the cleaning device 100 to clean the sensors 101 in real time or on demand during the driving of the vehicle 1, reducing interference with the detection function of the sensors 101 and improving the efficiency and safety of cleaning. At the same time, the use of the valve assembly 130 also makes the gas consumption more reasonable, reducing the energy consumption and maintenance cost of the cleaning device 100.

[0051] Further, the plurality of nozzle assemblies 140 can effectively clean the sensors 101 at different positions on the vehicle 1. Each nozzle assembly 140 includes a nozzle inlet and at least one nozzle part in flow communication with the nozzle inlet. The nozzle inlet is directly coupled to the corresponding outlet of the valve assembly 130 through a pipeline or other connection means, ensuring that high-pressure gas can flow from the gas tank 120 to the nozzle assembly 140 on demand. For example, the gas flow path can be achieved by a pipeline, and the material of the pipeline is not limited to nylon, plastic, rubber, etc.

[0052] The nozzle part is arranged near the sensor 101, ensuring that when the valve assembly 130 turns on the gas flow path, the gas can be directly sprayed to the surface of the sensor 101. This arrangement not only improves the cleaning efficiency, but also reduces the diffusion of gas outside the sensor 101, reducing gas consumption. The nozzle assembly 140 can be arranged according to the shape, size and installation position of the sensor 101 to ensure that the gas spray can cover the parts of the sensor 101, such as the lens and the detection surface.

[0053] In this way, the nozzle assembly 140 can clean the sensors 101 in real time or on demand during the driving of the vehicle 1, ensuring the cleanliness and accuracy of the sensors 101. Each nozzle assembly 140 is independently controlled, allowing for individualized cleaning strategies for different sensors 101, further improving the flexibility and adaptability of the cleaning device 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 100 further comprises an air drying device 112. The air drying device 112 is arranged between the gas outlet of the air pump 110 and the gas inlet end of at least one gas tank 120. The air drying device 112 dries the gas provided by the air pump 110, preventing moisture in the air from entering the cleaning device 100 and affecting the service life and cleaning effect of the cleaning device 100.

[0055] Further, the air drying device 112 is arranged between the air pump 110 and the air tank 120, which does not affect the working efficiency of the air pump 110 and does not increase the burden of the air tank 120, and is convenient for maintenance and replacement of consumables. The use of the air drying device 112 further enhances the reliability and effectiveness of the cleaning device 100, ensures that the sensor 101 can be kept clean under various environmental conditions, and improves the safety and performance of the remote driving system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the air drying device 112 includes a gas-water separation device, a desiccant drying device, or a combination thereof. The air drying device 112 is used to remove moisture in the air flow from the air pump 110, prevent damage to the cleaning device 100 and its components caused by moisture, and ensure the cleanliness of the gas to improve the cleaning effect and the long-term stability of the cleaning device 100. Specifically, the air drying device 112 includes one of the following three forms or a combination thereof:

[0057] First, the air drying device 112 can be a gas-water separation device. The gas-water separation device is arranged between the air outlet of the air pump 110 and the air inlet of the air tank 120, and is used to separate water and other impurities in the air to ensure that the air entering the air tank 120 is dry. The gas-water separation device can use a filter screen, centrifugal force separation, or condensation technology to remove moisture from the air flow by physical means. The air drying device 112 can effectively prevent water droplets from entering the air tank 120 or the nozzle, avoid corrosion, icing or nozzle blockage of the cleaning device 100 caused by humid gas, and thus improve the cleaning effect and system life. At the same time, the air drying device 112 also ensures that the sensor 101 surface is not secondarily contaminated by the presence of water when the gas is sprayed.

[0058] Further, the gas-water separation device can be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or engineering plastics to ensure stability and durability during long-term use. The external structure can be arranged to be detachable to facilitate regular cleaning and maintenance, thereby maintaining efficient moisture separation function.

[0059] In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the air drying device 112 can be a desiccant drying device. The desiccant drying device further dries the gas by adsorbing moisture in the air. The desiccant can be various materials such as silica gel, molecular sieve, activated carbon or other materials, which can effectively adsorb moisture in the air flow to ensure that the gas remains dry before entering the air tank 120 and the nozzle, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not make specific limitations. The desiccant can be replaced or regenerated regularly according to actual needs to ensure continuous drying capacity.

[0060] Further, the desiccant drying device can adopt a sealed structure to prevent moisture in the air from being re-introduced into the cleaning device 100. Its installation position is behind the air-water separation device, ensuring that the air flow that has been preliminarily separated can be further dried, providing better air flow quality.

[0061] In addition, in some embodiments, the combination of the air-water separation device and the desiccant drying device is used in the air drying device 112 to ensure the best drying effect. The air-water separation device first removes most of the moisture in the air flow, and the desiccant drying device further adsorbs the trace amount of moisture in the air flow, thereby ensuring that the gas entering the gas storage tank 120 meets the dry standard. Through this combination, the moisture content of the air entering the gas storage tank can be significantly reduced, while the cleanliness and stability of the air flow are improved.

[0062] For example, if the operating environment of the cleaning device 100 is relatively humid or the moisture content of the air flow is high, the desiccant drying device can be used preferentially, and if the operating environment is relatively dry, the air-water separation device can be used alone. When both are used together, not only can the air drying effect be improved, but also the operating cost of the cleaning device 100 can be reduced, and the reliability and stability of the cleaning device 100 can be improved.

[0063] By configuring the air-water separation device and / or the desiccant drying device, the accumulation of moisture in the cleaning device 100 can be effectively prevented, and the negative effects of moisture on the air pump 110, the gas storage tank 120, and the nozzle assembly 140, such as corrosion and blockage, can be reduced, thereby improving the long-term stability of the cleaning device 100. In addition, the dried gas can provide more stable and efficient cleaning effect, avoiding problems such as icing and condensation on the surface of the sensor 101 caused by moisture, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the cleaning of the sensor 101.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cleaning device 100 further includes a plurality of quick connectors 113 arranged at positions to achieve quick connection and disconnection between the components inside the cleaning device 100.

[0065] First, the quick connectors 113 are arranged between the air outlet of the air pump 110 and the air inlet of the air tank 120. Through these quick connectors 113, the air pump 110 can be quickly connected to the air tank 120, ensuring that the gas can flow smoothly into the air tank 120 and be stored, while also facilitating future maintenance and replacement. Since the air pump 110 needs to be regularly inspected or maintained, the arrangement of the quick connectors 113 makes the connection and disconnection simple and fast. Further, the one-way valve 111 is connected to the pipeline through an external or integrated quick connector 113, and further connected to the air drying device 112 through the quick connector 113. The air drying device 112 is connected to the pipeline through the quick connector 113, and further connected to the air tank 120 through the quick connector 113.

[0066] Second, the quick connectors 113 are arranged between the air outlet of the air tank 120 and the valve assembly 130. These connectors are used to connect the air tank 120 and the valve assembly 130, ensuring that the gas stored in the air tank 120 can flow smoothly to the valve assembly 130 and be controlled by the valve assembly 130 to distribute the gas flow. The use of quick connectors 113 makes this connection process efficient and easy to disassemble, facilitating the inspection or replacement of the valve assembly 130.

[0067] In addition, the quick connectors 113 are arranged between the valve assembly 130 and the plurality of nozzle assemblies 140. These quick connectors 113 are used to connect the valve assembly 130 and the nozzle assemblies 140, ensuring that the gas flow from the valve assembly 130 flows through the pipeline to the nozzle position, and finally cleans the surface of the sensor 101. Since the nozzle assemblies 140 may need to be regularly cleaned or replaced, the application of quick connectors 113 in this part can greatly improve the maintenance convenience of the cleaning device 100, while reducing unnecessary downtime.

[0068] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 130 of the cleaning device 100 includes at least one type of electromagnetic valve for controlling the opening and closing of the gas flow path and adjusting the distribution of the gas flow. For example, the valve assembly 130 includes metal valves or plastic valves with high and low temperature resistance and high pressure resistance. These electromagnetic valves control the on-off of the gas flow, ensuring that the cleaning device 100 can accurately clean the sensor 101 according to actual needs. Specifically, the valve assembly 130 includes at least one of the following: at least one one-in-one-out electromagnetic valve 131; at least one one-in-multiple-out electromagnetic valve 132.

[0069] Specifically, in some embodiments, as Figure 2As shown, the valve assembly 130 can include at least one one-in-one-out solenoid valve 131 having one inlet and one outlet. This type of solenoid valve is capable of opening or closing the gas flow path upon receiving a control signal, thereby achieving the control of gas inflow and outflow. Specifically, when the one-in-one-out solenoid valve 131 is open, gas will flow from the pipeline of the gas pump 110 and the gas tank 120 into the inlet of the solenoid valve, and then through its outlet to the nozzle assembly 140, achieving the cleaning of the sensor 101. When the solenoid valve is closed, the gas flow is completely cut off, preventing unnecessary gas leakage. The application of this solenoid valve simplifies the complexity of gas flow control, and can complete the opening and closing of gas flow in a short time, meeting the high response demand of the cleaning device 100 for gas flow regulation.

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve assembly 130 can also include at least one one-in-multiple-out solenoid valve 132. This solenoid valve has one inlet and multiple outlets, and is capable of distributing gas flow to multiple outlets. This type of solenoid valve is suitable for situations where gas needs to be distributed to multiple nozzle assemblies 140, ensuring that gas flow can simultaneously clean the surfaces of multiple sensors 101 according to demand. The one-in-multiple-out solenoid valve 132 is used to distribute gas from the gas tank 120 to each nozzle assembly 140 through different outlets according to the working mode of the cleaning device 100. By controlling this solenoid valve, the gas flow distribution of each nozzle assembly 140 during the cleaning process can be precisely adjusted, making the cleaning of the sensor 101 more uniform and efficient. Further referring to Figure 3 , the valve assembly 130 can use a combination of one-in-one-out solenoid valves 131 and one-in-multiple-out solenoid valves 132 to distribute gas flow.

[0071] Further, the opening and closing of the solenoid valve is adjusted by the control system. When sensor 101 cleaning is needed, the control system will control the working state of the corresponding solenoid valve according to the cleaning demand and the specific location of the sensor 101. For the one-in-one-out solenoid valve 131, the control system will open or close the valve within a predetermined time, precisely controlling the on-off of the gas flow. For the one-in-multiple-out solenoid valve 132, the control system can selectively open the corresponding outlet according to the demand of each nozzle assembly 140, adjusting the cleaning intensity and gas flow distribution of different sensors 101. The precise control of the solenoid valve ensures that the cleaning device 100 can maximize efficiency and reduce energy waste during operation.

[0072] In this way, through the combination of one-in-one-out solenoid valve 131 and one-in-multiple-out solenoid valve 132, flexible air flow control is achieved. The use of solenoid valves ensures precise regulation and distribution of air flow, enabling the cleaning device 100 to optimize work efficiency according to actual conditions. Through the one-in-multiple-out solenoid valve 132, multiple sensors 101 can be cleaned simultaneously in one working cycle, reducing cleaning time and improving the cleaning efficiency of the system; while the one-in-one-out solenoid valve 131 provides precise cleaning control for individual sensors 101.

[0073] In some embodiments, the gas tank 120 of the cleaning device 100 also includes a pressure relief valve 121 and a pressure sensor 122. The gas tank 120 not only stores high-pressure gas provided by the gas pump 110, but also ensures that the gas tank 120 is always within a safe and stable pressure range during operation.

[0074] Further, the pressure relief valve 121 is configured to automatically open when the gas pressure in the gas tank 120 exceeds a pre-set safety pressure threshold, releasing excess gas to prevent the gas pressure in the gas tank 120 from being too high. The opening of the pressure relief valve 121 ensures that the gas tank 120 can effectively prevent the risk of damage or explosion due to overpressure in the case of overpressure. For example, when the gas pressure in the gas tank 120 exceeds the set safety threshold, the pressure relief valve 121 will open and release gas to the external environment through a dedicated exhaust passage, thereby reducing the pressure inside the gas tank 120 and protecting the safe operation of the cleaning device 100. The pressure relief valve 121 can ensure the reliability of the cleaning device 100 under long-term and high-pressure conditions. For example, the pressure relief valve 121 can use active relief or passive relief.

[0075] Secondly, the pressure sensor 122 is also arranged in the gas tank 120 to monitor the gas pressure changes in the gas tank 120 in real time. The pressure sensor 122 can obtain pressure data in the gas tank 120 and transmit these data to the control system. According to the data feedback from the sensor 101, the control system can judge the working state of the gas tank 120 in real time and adjust the gas pressure or start other protection measures as needed. Through the pressure sensor 122, the cleaning device 100 can automatically start the gas pump 110 for replenishment when the gas pressure is too low, and when the gas pressure is too high, the control system can activate the pressure relief valve 121 for gas release or shut down the gas pump 110, thereby ensuring that the entire cleaning device 100 always operates within a safe working pressure range.

[0076] Further, the cooperation of the pressure relief valve 121 and the pressure sensor 122 can achieve automatic control and safety redundancy protection of the gas tank 120. In some embodiments, the cleaning device 100 comprises a controller 150 (i.e., the control system described above), which is connected with the pressure sensor 122 and the air pump 110, and is configured to control the start and stop of the air pump 110 according to the pressure data obtained by the pressure sensor 122, so as to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the cleaning device 100.

[0077] Further, by monitoring the pressure data in the gas tank 120 in real time, the controller 150 can determine whether the cleaning device 100 needs to be replenished with gas or whether the pressure is too high. When the pressure in the gas tank 120 is lower than the preset threshold, the controller 150 will start the air pump 110 to replenish the gas in the gas tank 120, so as to ensure that the system can quickly provide high-pressure gas for cleaning when needed. Conversely, when the pressure sensor 122 detects that the pressure in the gas tank 120 exceeds the preset safety threshold, the controller 150 will stop the operation of the air pump 110 to prevent overpressure, and at the same time can trigger the pressure relief valve 121 to release excess gas, so as to ensure the safety of the system.

[0078] In this way, by combining the cooperation of the controller 150, the pressure sensor 122 and the air pump 110, the cleaning device 100 in the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve precise pressure management, ensuring stable and appropriate supply of gas during cleaning. The controller 150 remotely controls the air pump 110 according to the real-time data provided by the pressure sensor 122, effectively avoiding the situation of excessively high or low pressure, and ensuring the smooth operation of the air pump 110 and the efficient cleaning of the cleaning device 100. In addition, the use of the controller 150 enables the cleaning device 100 to dynamically adjust the gas supply according to actual needs, reducing manual intervention and maintenance costs.

[0079] In some embodiments, the gas tank 120 comprises a drain valve 123 configured to actively or passively drain the liquid accumulated in the gas tank 120, so as to ensure the purity of the gas in the gas tank 120 and the stable operation of the cleaning device 100. For example, the drain valve 123 can be connected with the gas tank 120 by screw connection or other connection methods.

[0080] Further, the drain valve 123 is used to drain the liquid (moisture or other impurities) that may accumulate inside the gas tank 120, which may come from the condensation of moisture in the air or water droplets generated during the cleaning process. If these liquids are accumulated in the gas tank 120 for a long time, they may affect the stability of the system pressure, the service life of the equipment and the cleaning effect.

[0081] Further, the drain valve 123 can actively or passively drain the liquid in the gas tank 120 according to the needs. In the passive drainage mode, the accumulated water in the gas tank 120 naturally flows out by gravity. The drain valve 123 can be configured as a self-weight valve that automatically opens when the liquid level in the gas tank 120 reaches a certain height, and the liquid then flows out. To avoid excessive liquid accumulation, the drain valve 123 can be set with a threshold, so that the valve will only open when the amount of accumulated water reaches a certain amount.

[0082] In the active drainage mode, the drain valve 123 is connected to the controller 150 and can be triggered by the controller 150 or the operator's instruction. When drainage is needed, the controller 150 sends a signal to start the vehicle 1 drainage mechanism by pneumatic or electric means, forcibly draining the liquid in the gas tank 120. This mode is suitable for regular cleaning of the gas tank 120 or working in high humidity environment, to ensure that the system is not affected by moisture through active drainage.

[0083] Further, the drain valve 123 can be made of high-pressure and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure reliability and durability during long-term use. The materials can include stainless steel, plastic, aluminum alloy, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not make specific limitations on these materials, which have strong weather resistance, corrosion resistance and stability under high pressure. The interface of the drain valve 123 needs to match the drainage pipeline of the gas tank 120, and a sealing ring is arranged to ensure the sealing to prevent gas leakage.

[0084] During the operation of the cleaning device 100, when the air pump 110 is working, the moisture in the air can condense in the gas tank 120, causing water accumulation. If the controller 150 is set to active drainage, the controller 150 can periodically monitor the water level in the gas tank 120 and open the drain valve 123 for liquid discharge as needed; in the passive mode, when the water level reaches a certain height, the drain valve 123 will automatically open and the liquid will be discharged. The opening and closing of the drain valve 123 is associated with the gas pressure or liquid level sensor 101 to ensure the automation and accuracy of the drainage process.

[0085] In this way, the cleaning device 100 can effectively remove the liquid accumulated in the gas tank 120 during use, avoiding the interference of the liquid with the gas pressure of the gas tank 120 and the damage to the equipment. Whether it is active drainage or passive drainage, it can ensure that the gas tank 120 maintains a clean and dry environment, thereby ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the cleaning device 100. In addition, the configuration of the drain valve 123 reduces the frequency of manual maintenance, improves the convenience of use of the cleaning device 100, and provides users with a more efficient and reliable cleaning solution.

[0086] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 140 can include a nozzle holder arranged adjacent to or integrated with the sensor 101, and the nozzle holder includes a nozzle inlet and at least one nozzle portion. The nozzle holder not only ensures that the nozzle assembly 140 can be precisely aligned with the surface of the sensor 101, but also stably supports the nozzle to ensure the effective spraying of the cleaning gas flow.

[0087] Further, the nozzle holder is used to securely position the nozzle portion and the nozzle inlet near the sensor 101 to ensure that the high-pressure gas can be sprayed at a predetermined angle and intensity to the surface of the sensor 101 for cleaning. The nozzle holder can effectively prevent the nozzle from shifting or vibrating during use, thereby ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the cleaning process.

[0088] The nozzle holder can be made of lightweight and durable materials to ensure its stability and durability under the action of high-pressure gas flow. The size and shape of the nozzle holder can be set according to the arrangement requirements of the actual sensor 101, and can be set as an adjustable structure to allow the nozzle assembly 140 to be flexibly installed according to different vehicle 1 configurations.

[0089] The nozzle holder is arranged close enough to the surface of the sensor 101 to ensure that the gas flow can effectively cover the surface of the sensor 101 and will not interfere with the normal operation of the sensor 101. In addition, in some embodiments, the nozzle holder can be integrated with the sensor 101 to reduce the installation space and improve the overall compactness and stability of the system.

[0090] The arrangement of the nozzle holder can ensure that the nozzle portion always maintains a suitable distance from the surface of the sensor 101, avoiding excessive interference of the gas flow during the spraying process with the function of the sensor 101. The nozzle portion is connected to the gas flow pipe through the nozzle inlet and can accurately spray compressed gas to the surface of the sensor 101 to remove contaminants such as dust, water droplets, bird droppings, leaves, etc. By closely integrating or arranging the nozzle holder adjacent to the sensor 101, the direction of the gas flow and the spraying angle during the cleaning process can be optimized to ensure the maximization of the cleaning effect.

[0091] The nozzle holder also includes a structural component that secures the nozzle portion to ensure that the gas flow can be sprayed with optimal effect. The nozzle portion can include multiple nozzle holes that can be precisely adjusted as needed to adapt to different types of sensors 101 or cleaning needs. For example, the size, shape, and spraying angle of the nozzle holes can be arranged according to the surface structure of the sensor 101. Therefore, the nozzle assembly 140 can provide uniform and effective gas flow during cleaning, thereby avoiding missed cleaning areas or damage to the sensor 101 due to excessive gas flow.

[0092] By using the nozzle support, the nozzle assembly 140 can be better positioned and supported, ensuring accurate jetting of the airflow and efficient cleaning of the surface of the sensor 101. The stability and flexibility of the nozzle support guarantee the consistency and reliability of the cleaning effect during long-term use. In addition, arranging or integrating the nozzle support adjacent to the sensor 101 can avoid physical contact between the nozzle and the sensor 101, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the sensor 101.

[0093] The implementations of the disclosure have been described above with the understanding that these implementations are exemplary, are not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed implementations. Many modifications and changes to this technology will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described implementations. The choice of words in this document is intended to best explain the principles of the implementations, practical applications, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable other ordinary skilled persons in the art to understand the various implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for sensors, characterized in that, include: An air pump (110) including an air outlet; At least one gas storage tank (120), each including an outlet end and an inlet end coupled to the outlet of the gas pump (110) via a one-way valve (111), and adapted to store gas supplied by the gas pump (110) within a predetermined pressure range; A valve assembly (130) coupled to the outlet of the at least one gas storage tank (120) and including a plurality of valve outlets, the valve assembly (130) being adapted to be controlled to open or close an airflow passage between the outlet and at least one of the plurality of valve outlets; as well as Multiple nozzle assemblies (140) each include a nozzle inlet and at least one nozzle portion in airflow communication with the nozzle inlet, the nozzle inlet being coupled to a corresponding valve outlet among the multiple valve outlets, and the at least one nozzle portion being arranged adjacent to the sensor (101) to spray gas at a predetermined pressure onto the sensor (101) to clean the sensor (101) when the corresponding airflow passage is opened.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An air drying device (112) is arranged at the outlet of the air pump (110) and the inlet of the at least one air storage tank (120) to dry the gas supplied by the air pump (110).

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple quick-connectors (113) are respectively arranged in at least one of the following locations: Between the air outlet of the air pump (110) and the air inlet of the at least one air storage tank (120); Between the outlet end of the at least one gas storage tank (120) and the valve assembly (130); Between the valve assembly (130) and the plurality of nozzle assemblies (140).

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly (130) includes at least one of the following: at least one inlet and one outlet solenoid valve (131); at least one inlet and multiple outlet solenoid valve (132).

5. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gas storage tank (120) also includes: A pressure relief valve (121) is configured to open when the pressure in the gas reservoir (120) exceeds a pressure threshold; and A pressure sensor (122) is arranged to acquire pressure data within the gas storage tank (120).

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A controller (150) is coupled to the pressure sensor (122) and the air pump (110) and is configured to control the start and stop of the air pump (110) based on the pressure data acquired by the sensor (101).

7. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gas storage tank (120) also includes: A drain valve (123) is provided, and is adapted to actively or passively drain the liquid from the gas storage tank (120).

8. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, 6 and 7, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly (140) also includes: The nozzle support is arranged adjacent to or integrated with the sensor (101) and includes the nozzle inlet and the at least one nozzle portion.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air drying device (112) includes: an air-water separation device, a desiccant drying device, or a combination thereof.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9; as well as Multiple sensors (101) are arranged at multiple locations in the vehicle and coupled to the cleaning device.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that, The air pump (110) and at least one air tank (120) of the cleaning device are arranged at the bottom of the vehicle; and / or The valve assembly (130) and multiple nozzle assemblies (140) of the cleaning device are arranged on the top of the vehicle.

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