Nozzle assembly for cleaning the sensor, and sensor assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a nozzle assembly for cleaning sensors and a sensor assembly. [Solution] The invention comprises a housing adapted to be coupled to a sensor so that a fluid injected from at least one nozzle is coupled to the sensor to clean a predetermined surface of the sensor; an electrical control assembly disposed inside the housing, comprising an electrical control valve having at least one controllable valve port and coupled to an internal conduit; a sensor module adapted to sense at least one of temperature and pressure in the internal conduit to acquire sensor data; and a control circuit assembly coupled to the electrical control valve and the sensor module, configured to control the electrical control valve based on at least one of sensor data and an external command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of sensor cleaning, and more particularly to a nozzle assembly and a sensor assembly for cleaning sensors.

Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, intelligent transportation systems, and industrial automation equipment, sensor technology is being increasingly widely applied in these fields. Sensors, as components for autonomous vehicles, construction machinery (such as mining (Outer 1) TIFF2026116691000002.tif6170, port facilities, etc.), industrial machinery, and intelligent equipment to sense the surrounding environment, their performance and stability are directly related to the safety and operating efficiency of the equipment. However, when a sensor operates in a complex environment, its surface is easily affected by contaminants such as rainwater, dust, mud, frost, snow, leaves, and bird droppings. These contaminants can lead to a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor, resulting in a complete loss of the sensing function, thereby threatening the normal operation of the equipment and the safety of users. Currently, existing nozzle assemblies are used to remove contaminants, but effective removal of contaminants cannot be achieved.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] A nozzle assembly for cleaning a sensor is provided according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. The nozzle assembly comprises a housing including a fluid inlet, at least one nozzle, and an internal conduit for fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the at least one nozzle, the housing being adapted so that fluid ejected by the at least one nozzle is coupled to the sensor to clean a predetermined surface of the sensor; an electrical control assembly disposed inside the housing, comprising an electrical control valve having at least one controllable valve port and coupled to the internal conduit, the electrical control valve being adapted to be controlled to adjust at least one of the flow rate and frequency of the fluid ejected by the at least one nozzle; a sensor module being adapted to sense at least one of the temperature and pressure in the internal conduit to acquire sensor data; and a control circuit assembly coupled to the electrical control valve and the sensor module, configured to control the electrical control valve based on at least one of the sensor data and an external command.

[0004] In embodiments of this disclosure, the nozzle assembly can achieve efficient and precise fluid injection for cleaning a given surface of a sensor by integrating a fluid inlet, at least one injection outlet, and an internal conduit communicating therewith within a housing. The housing is suitable for direct coupling with the sensor, allowing the injected fluid to act precisely on the given surface of the sensor, effectively removing raindrops, water stains, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, dust, mud, ice, snow, mosquitoes, dead mosquitoes, debris, and other contaminants, thereby ensuring the normal operation and detection accuracy of the sensor. Next, an electrically controlled valve achieves precise adjustment of the flow rate and frequency of the injected fluid through at least one controllable valve port to meet different cleaning needs. The sensor module senses temperature and pressure data from the internal conduit, and in conjunction with real-time control of the electrically controlled valve by the control circuit module, ensures high efficiency and stability of the nozzle module's operation. At the same time, based on the dynamic control capability of sensor data and external commands, the nozzle assembly can adjust the cleaning policy based on actual conditions and improve fluid utilization efficiency. Other advantages will be described below with reference to corresponding embodiments.

[0005] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a telecommunications port adapted to connect to an external plug to supply power to an electrical control assembly and / or to provide data transmission.

[0006] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly further includes a quick joint positioned at the fluid inlet to facilitate connection to a fluid source.

[0007] In some embodiments, the quick joint is connected to the fluid inlet via a screw connection or a snap connection, or the quick joint is integrally formed with the fluid inlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensor module comprises at least one of a temperature sensor adapted to detect at least one of the temperatures of a nozzle assembly or fluid, and a pressure sensor adapted to detect the pressure of fluid in an internal conduit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly is configured to determine the state of the nozzle assembly based on at least one of temperature and pressure, and to control the operation of the electrically controlled valve based on the state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly is further configured to determine whether at least some of the injection ports in at least one injection port are blocked based on whether the pressure in the internal pipeline exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to control the operation of the solenoid valve to clear the blockage by adjusting at least one of the opening degree and opening / closing frequency of a controllable valve port corresponding to at least some of the injection ports in response to the determination that at least some of the injection ports are blocked.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly is further configured to transmit information about the blockage condition to an external device in response to the determination that at least some of the injection outlets are blocked.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly is further configured to determine whether the nozzle assembly is in an air leak condition based on whether the pressure in the internal conduit is below a predetermined threshold, and to transmit information about the air leak condition to an external device in response to the determination that the nozzle assembly is in an air leak condition.

[0013] In some embodiments, the injection angle of at least some of the injection outlets of at least one injection outlet is adjustable.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor assembly for cleaning a sensor is provided. The sensor assembly comprises an environmental sensor for sensing ambient environmental information and a nozzle assembly according to the first aspect.

[0015] In some embodiments, the environmental sensor comprises at least one of the following: a laser radar, a video camera, an ultrasonic radar, an infrared radar, and a millimeter-wave radar.

[0016] It should be understood that the content described herein is not intended to limit any or any significant features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of each embodiment of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the drawings and the detailed description below. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements.

[0018] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. While the drawings illustrate several embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Conversely, providing these embodiments should lead to a more detailed and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0020] The titles of any sections / subsections provided herein are not limiting. This specification provides a general overview of various embodiments, and any type of embodiment may be included in any section / subsection. Furthermore, any embodiment described in any section / subsection may be combined with any other embodiment described in the same section / subsection and / or a different section / subsection.

[0021] In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, “including” and similar terms should be understood as “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “based at least in part.” The term “one embodiment” or “this embodiment” should be understood as “at least one embodiment.” The term “several embodiments” should be understood as “at least several embodiments.” Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may refer to different objects or the same object. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0022] As used herein, the term “model” refers to a system that can learn corresponding input-output associations from training data, thereby enabling it to produce a corresponding output for a given input after training is complete. Model generation can be based on machine learning techniques. Depth learning is a machine learning algorithm that uses multi-layer processing units to process inputs and provide corresponding outputs. In this specification, “model” may also be referred to as “machine learning model,” “machine learning network,” or “network,” as used interchangeably herein. A single model may further include different types of processing units or networks.

[0023] As used herein, a "unit", "operation unit", or "sub-unit" may be composed of a machine learning model or network of any suitable structure. As used herein, a set of elements or similar expressions may include one or more such elements. For example, a "set of convolutional units" can include one or more convolutional units.

[0024] As described above, in the conventional nozzle assembly, contaminants on the sensor surface cannot be effectively cleaned. Specifically, in the conventional nozzle assembly, the solenoid valve and the nozzle are arranged as independent components and connected via joints and pipelines. Such a separated arrangement requires adding a plurality of joints and pipeline components, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost, transportation cost, assembly and management cost of the nozzle assembly.

[0025] Next, the connection reliability of the nozzle assembly is poor. Specifically, the nozzle and the solenoid valve are connected via a joint and an air pipe. The reliability and stability of such a multi-point connection method are relatively poor. Especially in high-frequency use or extreme environments (such as high temperature and high pressure), problems such as loosening of the joint and failure of the seal are likely to occur. The increase in connection points also directly increases the risk of air leakage, reducing the durability and service life of the nozzle assembly.

[0026] In the conventional nozzle assembly, after the solenoid valve is opened, high-pressure gas needs to be transported to the nozzle through the pipeline to complete the cleaning of the injection fluid. Due to the presence of the pipeline, the gas causes a certain fluid resistance in the transportation process, and the length and shape of the connecting air pipe also cause pressure loss. These factors slow down the response speed of the nozzle assembly, reduce the cleaning efficiency, and particularly make it difficult to meet the rapid cleaning demand in a dynamic environment.

[0027] Meanwhile, the connecting air pipe between the nozzle of the nozzle assembly and the solenoid valve is a pressureless space in the non-injection state. When the solenoid valve opens, the gas first fills the pipeline, establishes a certain pressure difference, and then needs to eject from the nozzle. As a result, the initial injection pressure of the nozzle is insufficient, and the cleaning effect is reduced. Especially when the pipeline is long, the air pressure loss is more significant. When the exhaust volume per time is constant, the injection effect is significantly reduced, and it is difficult to effectively clean the surface of the sensor.

[0028] Also, in the conventional nozzle assembly, in order to significantly improve the complexity of the nozzle assembly, additional pipelines and joint assemblies are required. This not only increases the workload of installation and debugging, but also improves the possibility of failure and the difficulty of subsequent maintenance.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a nozzle assembly and a sensor assembly solution for cleaning a sensor to solve or at least partially solve the above problems or other potential problems of the nozzle assembly by the conventional method for cleaning the sensor. This nozzle assembly includes a housing. This housing is a housing including a fluid inlet, at least one injection outlet, and an internal pipeline that fluidly communicates the fluid inlet and the at least one injection outlet, and is adapted such that the fluid injected by the at least one injection outlet is coupled to the sensor to clean a predetermined surface of the sensor. Further, an electric control assembly is disposed inside the housing. This electric control assembly includes an electric control valve. This electric control valve includes at least one controllable valve port, is coupled to the internal pipeline, and is adapted to be controlled to adjust at least one of the flow rate and frequency of the fluid injected by the at least one injection outlet. This electric control assembly includes a sensor module adapted to at least sense at least one of the temperature and pressure inside the internal pipeline to obtain sensor data. This electric control assembly includes a control circuit assembly coupled to the electric control valve and the sensor module and configured to control the electric control valve based on at least one of the sensor data and an external command.

[0030] Thus, this nozzle assembly, through its integrated design, combines the fluid inlet, injection outlet, internal piping, and electrical control assembly within the housing, significantly improving the compactness and reliability of the nozzle assembly. The proper coupling of the housing and sensor allows the nozzle to precisely align with the sensor's designated surface for fluid injection cleaning, effectively removing contaminants and ensuring the sensor's detection performance. The electrical control valve in the electrical control assembly can flexibly adjust the fluid injection flow rate and frequency, thereby adapting to different cleaning needs and enhancing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. The sensor module monitors the temperature and pressure in the internal piping in real time, providing operational data. This data, combined with the control function of the control circuit module, enables precise adjustment of the nozzle injection state, further improving the nozzle module's response speed and operational stability. Furthermore, the electrical control assembly can autonomously adjust based on sensor data and external commands, ensuring cleaning under different operating conditions.

[0031] Hereinafter, an exemplary configuration and operating process of the nozzle assembly 100 in the sensor assembly will be described with reference to Figure 1. The nozzle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an environmental sensor and the nozzle assembly 100. By integrating the environmental sensor and the nozzle assembly 100, the sensor assembly can monitor ambient environmental information in real time and can clean the detection surface of the environmental sensor (i.e., the predetermined surface described above) via the nozzle assembly 100 to prevent contaminants on the detection surface from affecting the detection performance of the environmental sensor.

[0032] Specifically, an environmental sensor comprises a detection surface (e.g., lens, window, or housing surface) for sensing various information in the surrounding environment, such as visual information, distance and spatial information, temperature information, humidity and meteorological information, ambient lighting information, audio information, air quality information, magnetic field information, vibration and acceleration information, or other information. Environmental sensors are placed in areas exposed to the outside, and their detection surfaces are susceptible to rainwater, dust, mud, leaves, and other contaminants. In other words, it is understood that the cleanliness of this detection surface directly affects the performance of the sensor and the accuracy of the output data.

[0033] Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 100 cleans the detection surface of the environmental sensor. The nozzle assembly 100 is used in cooperation with the environmental sensor, which is positioned in close proximity to the environmental sensor. Depending on the degree of contamination of the detection surface, the nozzle assembly 100 adjusts the fluid injection pressure, flow rate, frequency, and angle to clean a predetermined surface of the sensor, achieving efficient cleaning.

[0034] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 100 can be linked to data feedback from an environmental sensor. For example, if the environmental sensor detects that the detection surface is contaminated, the nozzle assembly 100 can initiate a cleaning process by spraying fluid to clean the detection surface. The nozzle assembly 100 can also be coupled to an external control system to ensure that the sensor maintains good performance and high detection accuracy under various operating environments by receiving external commands to initiate or adjust cleaning operations.

[0035] By integrating the nozzle assembly 100 and the environmental sensor in this way, the sensor assembly can provide sustained and reliable performance in a variety of application scenarios, while simultaneously reducing maintenance requirements and improving the stability and operational efficiency of the cleaning sensor.

[0036] In some embodiments, the environmental sensor may include one or more types of sensors, such as laser radar, video camera, ultrasonic radar, infrared radar, and millimeter-wave radar.

[0037] Specifically, laser radar can be used to measure the distance and shape of target objects and has high-precision spatial sensing capabilities, but its optical window surface is susceptible to contamination by dust, rainwater, and other contaminants, affecting its measurement accuracy. Furthermore, video cameras are used for visual information collection, such as environmental sensing in autonomous vehicles and image acquisition in surveillance devices, and their lens surfaces must be kept clean to avoid a decrease in image quality. In addition, ultrasonic radar uses ultrasonic signals to sense the distance of target objects and can be used in vehicle parking assistance systems, but its probes are prone to accumulating dirt in poor environments, affecting its function. Furthermore, infrared radar detects objects and the environment by sensing thermal radiation or infrared light signals, and its lens surface is interfered with by dirt, affecting thermal signal conduction. Furthermore, millimeter-wave radar explores the speed, direction, and distance of objects and is used for vehicle collision avoidance and environmental sensing, but its surface antenna window can also be covered with contaminants, reducing signal propagation and reception efficiency.

[0038] Any of the above sensors can work in cooperation with the nozzle assembly 100, which can adjust the cleaning policy, such as spray pressure, flow rate, angle, and frequency, according to the type of sensor and the degree of contamination, in order to effectively clean the sensor's detection surface and sensing element. This not only ensures the continuous and stable operation of the sensor but also extends its service life.

[0039] The specific structure of the nozzle assembly 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 1. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the nozzle assembly 100 generally comprises a housing 110 and an electrical control assembly to precisely control the flow rate and frequency of the injected fluid, thereby achieving an efficient sensor cleaning function.

[0040] Specifically, the housing 110 comprises a fluid inlet 1101, at least one nozzle 1102, and an internal conduit 1103 connecting the fluid inlet 1101 and the nozzle 1102. The fluid inlet 1101 is connected via a suitable interface to a cleaning fluid source, for example, a cleaning fluid source where the fluid source is high-pressure gas. At least one nozzle 1102 guides the fluid to a predetermined surface of the sensor via the internal conduit 1103 for cleaning, and the number of nozzles 1102 and the spraying method can be configured according to the cleaning requirements. The housing 110 is suitable for coupling with the sensor surface, ensuring that the sprayed fluid acts directly on the sensor surface to remove contaminants such as dirt, raindrops, and dust. For example, the housing 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 can be the housing structure of the entire device (such as a cleaning sensor). Furthermore, the material of the housing 110 can be selected according to the actual environmental requirements, and is not limited to materials such as metal, carbon fiber, and plastic, but can also be made of materials that are resistant to high temperatures, corrosion, and ultraviolet rays.

[0041] Furthermore, an electrical control assembly is located inside the housing 110. This electrical control assembly includes an electrical control valve 1301, a sensor module, and a control circuit assembly 1302. The electrical control valve 1301 also includes at least one controllable valve port and is connected to an internal conduit 1103. The electrical control valve 1301 is used to adjust at least one of the flow rate and frequency of the injected fluid by an external control signal, for precise control based on different cleaning conditions. For example, the electrical control valve 1301 may be a solenoid valve, a proportional valve, or other valve type suitable for fluid control, and is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this disclosure. By controlling the degree of opening and frequency of the electrical control valve 1301, the fluid injection pressure, injection duration, and injection interval can be adjusted, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect and avoiding excessive fluid consumption.

[0042] In some embodiments, the diameter and cumulative diameter of the controllable valve opening are adjustable, and the material of the controllable valve opening can be selected according to actual environmental requirements. Materials with high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, and durability can be employed, but the material is not limited to plastic, metal, carbon fiber, etc. Furthermore, the number of opening and closing cycles of the controllable valve opening can meet the entire lifecycle of the nozzle group. For example, the controllable valve opening can be compatible with 12V and 24V power supply systems and has high-speed opening and closing response performance.

[0043] Furthermore, the sensor module is integrated into the housing 110 to sense the operating status of the internal conduit 1103 of the nozzle assembly 100. Specifically, by the sensor module sensing at least one of the sensor data of temperature and pressure, the control circuit assembly 1302 can determine in real time whether the fluid is operating normally and make timely adjustments. The sensor data can also be used for fault diagnosis, such as when the temperature is too high or the pressure is too low, and the control circuit assembly 1302 can issue an alarm or take automatic adjustment measures to prevent damage or performance degradation of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0044] Furthermore, the control circuit assembly 1302 is coupled to the electric control valve 1301 and the sensor module to adjust the state of the electric control valve 1301 based on data collected by the sensors and external commands (commands from the vehicle control system). The control circuit assembly 1302 not only automatically adjusts the fluid injection conditions based on temperature and pressure data monitored in real time, but can also receive external commands such as cleaning mode, cleaning cycle, and cleaning intensity set manually by the user. Exemplarily, the control circuit assembly 1302 includes components such as a microprocessor, circuit board, and control chip, which can perform complex calculations and formulations, ensuring that the nozzle assembly 100 operates efficiently and stably under various operating environments.

[0045] During the operation process, an external control system or sensor data transmits control signals to the electrically controlled valve 1301 via the control circuit assembly 1302, adjusting the degree of valve opening and further controlling the flow rate and frequency of the injected fluid. The sensor module continuously monitors the temperature and pressure in the internal conduit 1103 and feeds the monitoring data back to the control circuit assembly 1302 to further adjust the fluid injection state. For example, in a low-temperature environment, the control circuit assembly 1302 can automatically increase the fluid flow rate to ensure that the cleaning effect is not affected, while if the pressure is too high, the control circuit can also automatically reduce the flow rate or adjust the injection frequency to prevent excessive injection from damaging the sensor surface.

[0046] Furthermore, the control circuit can also receive external commands, such as those from the vehicle's central control system or user operation settings. These commands can control the nozzle opening and closing time, spray frequency (e.g., constant spraying or spraying at a fixed / variable frequency), and cleaning mode, allowing the nozzle assembly 100 to flexibly adapt to different work scenarios. For example, on rainy days or in polluted environments, the nozzle assembly 100 can automatically increase the spray frequency and flow rate, while in environments with low cleaning demands, it can conserve resources by lowering the spray parameters.

[0047] In this way, the nozzle assembly 100 can achieve precise fluid control, ensure cleaning effectiveness, and extend the lifespan of the equipment. The cooperative operation of the electric control valve 1301 and the control circuit assembly 1302 makes fluid use more efficient and reduces energy waste in the cleaning process. Real-time feedback of sensor data allows the control circuit assembly 1302 to timely detect abnormalities such as excessively high temperature or pressure, preventing equipment damage due to improper operation. In response to external commands and changes in internal sensor data, the nozzle assembly 100 can flexibly adjust under different environments and operating conditions, meeting the cleaning needs of different sensors. Furthermore, this nozzle assembly 100 not only reduces manufacturing, management, transportation, and assembly costs, but also eliminates extra piping and fittings, resulting in a more integrated and simpler nozzle assembly 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, the housing 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 further comprises a telecommunications port 1104. The telecommunications port 1104 is connected to an external plug and provides the power and data transmission required for the electrical control assembly. Specifically, the telecommunications port 1104 is connected to an external control system via a standardized interface and supports providing the power (12V, 24V voltage, or other voltage) required for the electrical control assembly inside the nozzle assembly 100, ensuring that the electrical control assembly operates correctly. The telecommunications port 1104 can also be used to perform data interaction with an external control system (e.g., an on-board computer system in a vehicle, a sensor management system, etc.) and to realize data transmission functions.

[0049] Furthermore, the telecommunications port 1104 can be connected to an external plug via a wired connection. This wired connection allows the electrical control assembly to receive power from an external device, and simultaneously enables bidirectional data transmission. Additionally, the wired connection avoids communication instability caused by wireless signal interference, making it suitable for applications requiring high reliability.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the telecommunications port 1104 can also exchange data with external devices via wireless transmission. In this case, the electrical control assembly can communicate data with external devices or cloud systems via a wireless module (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.) without requiring physical plug connections. Such wireless communication methods offer greater flexibility to the cleaning sensor and can be applied particularly to application scenes where space is limited or remote control is required. For example, the sensor module can wirelessly upload real-time data to a cloud system for analysis and formulation by the user or a background monitoring system, and can simultaneously receive commands from the cloud to adjust its operation.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the telecommunications port 1104 can also provide dual-mode wired and wireless communication simultaneously. Specifically, when the nozzle assembly 100 is connected to an external device at a short distance, wired communication can be used for high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission, and it can switch to wireless communication when long distances or flexible mounting are required. In this way, the nozzle assembly 100 can adaptively select the appropriate communication method under different operating environments, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0052] Furthermore, the telecommunications port 1104 can employ a dustproof and waterproof interface structure to adapt to adverse conditions such as high temperature, humidity, and vibration in the in-vehicle environment. For example, the nozzle assembly 100 can meet dustproof and waterproof levels of IP67 or higher and vehicle EMC requirements. The interface of the telecommunications port 1104 can be selected according to actual needs, using different criteria such as a CAN bus interface, LIN bus interface, PWM interface, USB interface, RJ45 interface, or dedicated connection plug, and users can select different connection methods as needed, without being specifically limited to the embodiments of this disclosure. In addition, multiple PIN pins can be arranged on the telecommunications port 1104 to ensure future expandability.

[0053] Thus, the telecommunications port 1104 not only supplies power but can also enable communication with external controllers, sensor systems, and other devices, including but not limited to parameters such as sensor status, equipment diagnostic information, temperature and pressure data, and cleaning mode settings.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly 100 further comprises a quick joint 140. This quick joint 140 is positioned at the fluid inlet 1101 of the housing 110 for the purpose of quick and easy connection to an external fluid source. Specifically, the quick joint 140 allows the nozzle assembly 100 to quickly dock with a fluid source (e.g., a compressed air source), reducing the time and complexity required for connection.

[0055] Furthermore, the Quick Joint 140 can employ a standardized interface structure to accommodate different types and sizes of fluid piping. Its simple insertion operation ensures a secure connection to the piping interface, preventing fluid leakage and ensuring a stable connection, thus avoiding leakage problems caused by improper connections. The Quick Joint 140 boasts high-efficiency sealing performance, ensuring effective sealing even under high pressure or complex environments.

[0056] In this way, by installing the quick joint 140, the nozzle assembly 100 can achieve a fast and reliable connection with the fluid source, further improving the installation, maintenance, and replacement of the nozzle assembly 100, and enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, the quick joint 140 can be connected to the fluid inlet 1101 in two ways to ensure a stable connection between the nozzle assembly 100 and the fluid source and efficient fluid transport. Specifically, the quick joint 140 can be connected to the fluid inlet 1101 by a screw connection or a snap connection. The screw connection method can provide a relatively strong fixing effect and can be applied to application scenes that require higher connection strength and long-term stability, while the snap connection method is more convenient and enables quick connection and disconnection with a simple insertion and removal operation, making it suitable for scenes where the fluid source is frequently replaced or maintained. Both screw and snap connections can ensure that fluid does not leak and maintain the stability of the fluid flow. In some embodiments, the quick joint 140 can be of an insertable type or a type that is insertable but not removable, and is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the quick joint 140 is integrally formed with the fluid inlet 1101. Specifically, the quick joint 140 is directly integrated into the fluid inlet 1101 portion of the housing 110, and the quick joint 140 is integrated with the housing 110 through an integral molding process. Such a structure can simplify the manufacturing process, reduce the number of parts, and increase the integration and structural compactness of the nozzle assembly 100. This makes the connection part of the nozzle assembly 100 stronger and more reliable, not only avoiding problems such as rattling and water leakage caused by external connecting members, but also improving the durability and stability of the nozzle assembly 100. The quick plug 140 can also be connected to the fluid inlet 1101 by laser welding or grouting. The material of the quick plug 140 can be selected according to the actual environmental requirements, and high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, and durability performance can be adopted.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sensor module of the nozzle assembly 100 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1304 and a pressure sensor 1303 to monitor the operating state of the nozzle assembly 100 in real time to ensure the efficiency and safety of fluid injection.

[0060] Specifically, the temperature sensor 1304 is configured to detect the temperature of the nozzle assembly 100 or the fluid. This allows for real-time monitoring of temperature changes inside the nozzle assembly 100, preventing the nozzle assembly 100 from becoming unstable or damaged due to excessively high or low temperatures. For example, the temperature sensor 1304 can be installed at the nozzle outlet to monitor the temperature of the fluid injection to ensure that the injected fluid is within a predetermined operating range, or it can be provided in the housing 110 portion of the nozzle assembly 100 to detect the temperature of the nozzle assembly 100 itself and avoid failure due to overheating. The temperature sensor 1304 can provide accurate temperature data for the control circuit assembly 1302 to adjust or alarm in real time, ensuring that the nozzle assembly 100 always operates within a safe temperature range.

[0061] Furthermore, the pressure sensor 1303 is used to detect the pressure of the fluid in the internal conduit 1103. It can monitor changes in the fluid pressure in the conduit in real time, ensuring stable fluid supply and preventing the performance of the nozzle assembly 100 from being affected by pressures that are too high or too low. The pressure sensor 1303 is installed in the fluid inlet 1101 of the internal conduit 1103 or in a conduit segment close to the nozzle, and can collect pressure data in the conduit in real time. This pressure sensor 1303 is used to ensure that the nozzle assembly 100 is always maintained within a set pressure range and to prevent safety problems such as instability of the injection effect due to pressure fluctuations and leakage due to excessively high pressure. In addition, the material of the pressure sensor 1303 can be selected according to the actual environmental requirements and can employ high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, and durability performance.

[0062] By integrating the temperature sensor 1304 and the pressure sensor 1303, the sensor module can provide real-time monitoring functionality to the nozzle assembly 100, helping the nozzle assembly 100 achieve dynamic adjustment spraying (for example, automatically adjusting the flow rate if the temperature or pressure is too high), and can also provide fault diagnosis data, enabling effective maintenance of the nozzle assembly 100. Furthermore, the materials of the temperature sensor 1304 and the pressure sensor 1303 can be selected according to the actual environmental requirements, and can employ high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, and durability performance.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly 1302 of the nozzle assembly 100 is configured to have a self-diagnostic function that can determine the operating state of the nozzle assembly 100 based on temperature and pressure data monitored in real time, and control the operation of the electric control valve 1301 based on the state information.

[0064] Specifically, the state of the nozzle assembly 100 is determined based on at least one of temperature and pressure data. The control circuit assembly 1302 can receive real-time data from the temperature sensor 1304 and the pressure sensor 1303. The temperature sensor 1304 can provide information about the nozzle assembly 100 or the fluid temperature, and the pressure sensor 1303 can provide data about the pressure in the fluid pipeline. Based on this data, the control circuit assembly 1302 evaluates the operating state of the nozzle assembly 100 in real time. For example, if the temperature or pressure exceeds a predetermined normal range, the control circuit assembly 1302 can identify that there is an abnormality in the nozzle assembly 100, such as overheating, overpressure, or too low pressure.

[0065] Furthermore, the operation of the electric control valve 1301 is controlled based on the state. If the control circuit assembly 1302 detects that the temperature is too high or the pressure is too low, the control circuit assembly 1302 can change the fluid flow rate by adjusting the degree to which the electric control valve 1301 is open in order to avoid damage to the nozzle assembly 100 or a decrease in work efficiency. In addition, the control circuit assembly 1302 can also take different response policies depending on different abnormal situations, for example, by closing the electric control valve 1301 to prevent further damage to the nozzle assembly 100, or by adjusting the injection frequency and flow rate to return to normal operation.

[0066] Furthermore, the self-diagnostic function of the control circuit assembly 1302 includes not only real-time status monitoring but also fault diagnosis and alarms. If sensor data such as temperature and pressure exceed a set safety range, the control circuit can automatically identify and trigger the corresponding alarm signal, prompting the user to inspect or maintain the equipment. At the same time, by continuously monitoring the sensor data, the control circuit assembly 1302 can also evaluate whether there are any faults or variations in the sensor module, thereby preventing failure of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0067] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly 1302 is configured to include a nozzle blockage self-diagnosis function and a self-blockage clearing function that can determine whether there is a blockage in the nozzle assembly 100 based on pressure data in the internal conduit 1103, and adjust the operation of the electric control valve 1301 to effectively clear the blockage and ensure normal fluid injection operation.

[0068] Furthermore, the control circuit assembly 1302 monitors the fluid pressure in the internal conduit 1103 and compares the real-time pressure value with a predetermined normal operating threshold. If it detects that the pressure value exceeds the predetermined threshold (i.e., that the fluid flow is obstructed), the control circuit assembly 1302 determines that there is a blockage in at least one nozzle 1102. In other words, if the fluid cannot pass through the blocked nozzle, the pressure in the internal conduit 1103 rises sharply, triggering the abnormality detection function of the control circuit assembly 1302.

[0069] Furthermore, if the control circuit assembly 1302 determines that there is a blockage in the nozzle, it automatically controls the operation of the solenoid valve and takes effective measures to clear the blockage. Specifically, the control circuit assembly 1302 can clear the blockage by adjusting at least one of the valve opening (i.e., degree of opening) and opening / closing frequency of the electric control valve 1301 corresponding to at least a partially blocked nozzle. For example, the control circuit assembly 1302 can increase the opening time of the solenoid valve, extend the injection cycle, or increase the injection frequency to increase the impact force of the fluid (e.g., high-pressure gas) and help clear the blocked portion. In addition, the control circuit assembly 1302 can also adjust the injection flow rate by inverter adjustment to ensure that the blocked nozzle is sufficiently cleaned and restored.

[0070] Furthermore, after detecting an obstruction, the control circuit assembly 1302 continues to monitor the state of the nozzle assembly 100 and automatically adjusts the injection conditions until the obstruction is cleared. In this way, the nozzle assembly 100 can automatically clear the obstruction without requiring manual intervention, ensuring that the nozzle assembly 100 is in good working order. After the obstruction is cleared, the feedback from the pressure sensor 1303 returns to the normal range, and the control circuit assembly 1302 automatically switches to the normal operating mode.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly 1302 is further configured to transmit information about the blockage condition to an external device if it determines that at least a portion of the nozzle outlet 1102 is blocked. Specifically, the control circuit assembly 1302 exchanges information with an external device (e.g., a vehicle control system, a diagnostic tool, or a user terminal device) via a built-in communication module. If the control circuit assembly 1302 detects an abnormal blockage of the nozzle outlet 1102 via the pressure sensor 1303 and other monitoring assemblies, the control circuit assembly 1302 automatically generates a fault information sheet containing detailed information such as the location where the blockage occurred, the severity of the blockage, and its impact on the operation of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0072] Furthermore, such information transmission can be carried out via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, or cellular network) or wired communication (e.g., CAN bus, LIN bus). When an external device receives blockage information, it can issue an alarm to the user or maintenance personnel, or automatically trigger further diagnostic and repair processes.

[0073] The control and diagnostic methods in the embodiments of this disclosure not only include I / O drive methods (e.g., low-side drive, high-side drive, PWM drive, HSD drive, etc.) but also have compatibility with multiple bus control methods (including, but not limited to, CAN bus, LIN bus, FlexRay, Ethernet, IIC, RS232 / 485, etc.), and the controller can be directly integrated into the assembly body of the nozzle assembly 100 to achieve a high degree of integration, or it can exist as an independent controller unit, thereby adapting to the architectural needs of different cleaning sensors, and this is understood to be not specifically limited in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0074] In some embodiments, the control circuit assembly 1302 is also configured to have a function for detecting and diagnosing gas leak conditions. When the nozzle assembly 100 is operating, the control circuit assembly 1302 determines whether the nozzle assembly 100 is in a gas leak condition based on pressure data in the internal conduit 1103, and if a gas leak is detected, it can transfer the relevant information to an external device for further processing.

[0075] Furthermore, the control circuit assembly 1302 can monitor the pressure value in the internal conduit 1103 in real time. Under normal conditions, the fluid in the internal conduit 1103 is maintained within a predetermined pressure range. If a gas leak occurs from the nozzle assembly 100, the pressure in the internal conduit 1103 drops below a set normal operating threshold. By comparing this with a predetermined pressure threshold, the control circuit assembly 1302 can detect a pressure anomaly and determine that there is a gas leak problem in the nozzle assembly 100.

[0076] Furthermore, the control circuit assembly 1302 determines that the nozzle assembly 100 is in a gas leak state and automatically generates and transmits a single alarm message regarding the gas leak state to an external device. The external device may be the vehicle's main control system, a maintenance diagnostic tool, a user terminal, etc. Such information transmission allows the external device to issue a timely gas leak warning to the operator or record the gas leak event for subsequent maintenance procedures.

[0077] Furthermore, information transmission can be performed via wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®) or wired communication (e.g., CAN bus, LIN bus). After an external device receives gas leak information, it can display a warning, allowing maintenance personnel to identify the source of the gas leak in a timely manner and take appropriate repair measures, thereby avoiding reduced efficiency or further damage to the nozzle assembly 100 due to the gas leak problem.

[0078] In some embodiments, the spray angle of at least some of the spray outlets 1102 of at least one spray outlet 1102 is adjustable, allowing the nozzle assembly 100 to flexibly adjust the direction of the spray fluid according to different cleaning needs or installation environments, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and meeting the cleaning needs of different sensors.

[0079] Furthermore, the injection angle of the injection port 1102 can be controlled by an internal adjustment mechanism. This adjustment mechanism can take various forms, such as mechanical adjustment, electronic adjustment, or hydraulic adjustment, and is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this disclosure. The injection port 1102 within the nozzle assembly 100 may comprise a rotatable nozzle assembly that can rotate or tilt about one or more axes to change the direction of the injection port 1102. The adjustment method may be manual or electric, or it may be automatically adjusted as needed by the control circuit assembly 1302.

[0080] Furthermore, the angle of the spray outlet 1102 can be automatically adjusted by an electric drive device. The control circuit assembly 1302 can control an electric motor or a servo motor to precisely adjust the angle of the nozzle assembly. This automatic adjustment method can combine sensor data to adjust the spray angle in real time, ensuring cleaning effectiveness.

[0081] Furthermore, the adjustable spray angle function of the spray outlet 1102 can be applied to sensors such as video cameras (e.g., long-range, medium-range, and short-range cameras), laser radar, millimeter-wave radar, infrared cameras, signal recognition cameras, fisheye cameras, ultrasonic radar, and other in-vehicle sensors. In other words, this nozzle assembly 100 can be applied to remote vehicles, not limited to automobiles, mining cars, port facilities, and industrial machinery, and is not specifically limited to the embodiments of this disclosure. By adjusting the spray angle, the nozzle assembly 100 can control the spray direction of the cleaning fluid according to the sensor mounting angle, the surrounding environment, and the distribution of contaminants, thereby improving the cleaning effect and reducing energy consumption.

[0082] Furthermore, the control circuit assembly 1302 can monitor the nozzle angle in real time via an angle sensor and ensure that the spray angle is adjusted within a predetermined range. If the user or operator needs to adjust the spray angle, the control circuit assembly 1302 can receive a command via an external interface and adjust it automatically, or it can automatically adjust the spray angle based on the settings of the control circuit assembly 1302 under specific operating conditions.

[0083] While various implementations of this disclosure have been described above, these descriptions are illustrative, incomplete, and not limited to the various implementations disclosed. Many modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the implementations described. The choice of terms used herein is intended to best describe the principle, practical use, or improvements in the technology in the market of each implementation, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand each embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A housing (110) comprising a fluid inlet (1101), at least one injection outlet (1102), and an internal conduit (1103) that fluid-connects the fluid inlet (1101) and the at least one injection outlet (1102), wherein the housing (110) is adapted so that the fluid injected by the at least one injection outlet (1102) is coupled to the sensor to clean a predetermined surface of the sensor, An electrical control assembly disposed inside the housing (110), comprising an electrical control valve (1301) having at least one controllable valve port and coupled to an internal conduit (1103), wherein the electrical control valve (1301) is adapted to be controlled to adjust at least one of the flow rate and frequency of the fluid injected by the at least one injection port (1102), A sensor module adapted to sense at least one of the temperature and pressure within the internal conduit (1103) and acquire sensor data, The system comprises an electrically controlled valve (1301) and a sensor module, and a control circuit assembly (1302) configured to control the electrically controlled valve (1301) based on at least one of the sensor data and an external command. A nozzle assembly for cleaning sensors.

2. The housing (110) is The system further comprises a telecommunications port (1104) adapted to connect to an external plug for supplying power to the electrical control assembly and / or for providing data transmission, The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

3. To facilitate connection to a fluid source, the fluid inlet (1101) is further provided with a quick joint (140). The nozzle assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The quick joint (140) is connected to the fluid inlet (1101) via a screw connection or a snap connection, or The quick joint (140) is integrally formed with the fluid inlet (1101). The nozzle assembly according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned sensor module is A temperature sensor (1304) adapted to detect at least one of the temperatures of the nozzle assembly or the fluid, The system comprises at least one of the following: a pressure sensor (1303) adapted to detect the pressure of the fluid in the internal conduit (1103), The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4.

6. The control circuit assembly (1302) is The state of the nozzle assembly is determined based on at least one of the temperature and the pressure, and The system is configured to control the operation of the electric control valve (1301) based on the above state. The nozzle assembly according to claim 5.

7. The control circuit assembly (1302) further comprises: Based on the fact that the pressure in the internal conduit (1103) exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined whether at least some of the injection outlets (1102) in the at least one injection outlet (1102) are blocked, and In response to determining that at least some of the injection outlets (1102) are in a blocked state, the operation of the solenoid valve is controlled to clear the blockage by adjusting at least one of the opening degree and opening / closing frequency of a controllable valve port corresponding to at least some of the injection outlets (1102). The nozzle assembly according to claim 6.

8. The control circuit assembly (1302) further comprises: In response to the determination that at least some of the injection outlets (1102) are in a blocked state, the system is configured to transmit information regarding the blocked state to an external device. The nozzle assembly according to claim 7.

9. The control circuit assembly (1302) further comprises: Based on the fact that the pressure in the internal conduit (1103) is below a predetermined threshold, it is determined whether the nozzle assembly is in an air leak state, and In response to the determination that the nozzle assembly is in an air leak state, it is configured to transmit information regarding the air leak state to an external device. The nozzle assembly according to claim 6.

10. The injection angle of at least some of the injection outlets (1102) among the at least one injection outlet (1102) is adjustable. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6 to 9.

11. Environmental sensors for sensing surrounding environmental information, A nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Equipped with, Sensor assembly.

12. The environmental sensor comprises at least one of the following: a laser radar, a video camera, an ultrasonic radar, an infrared radar, and a millimeter-wave radar. The sensor assembly according to claim 11.

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