The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for a detection system (2) in a vehicle, comprising an air circuit (4) and a liquid circuit (7) configured to spray air and liquid on the detection system (2), the cleaning device (1) comprising a first chamber (6) and a second chamber (9). The first chamber (6) is configured to be filled by one of air and liquid, whereas the second chamber (9) is configured to be filled by the other one of said air and liquid. The total volume of the first and second chambers (6, 9) is fixed, and the cleaning device (1) is configured to vary the volume of one of the first and second chambers (6, 9) so as to change the pressure in the other one of the first and second chambers (6, 9).

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for a detection system (2) in a vehicle, comprising an air circuit (4) and a liquid circuit (7) configured to spray air and liquid on the detection system (2), the cleaning device (1) comprising a first chamber (6) and a second chamber (9). The first chamber (6) is configured to be filled by one of air and liquid, whereas the second chamber (9) is configured to be filled by the other one of said air and liquid. The total volume of the first and second chambers (6, 9) is fixed, and the cleaning device (1) is configured to vary the volume of one of the first and second chambers (6, 9) so as to change the pressure in the other one of the first and second chambers (6, 9).

A washer fluid distribution device includes a plurality of nozzle units formed consecutively, a transfer conduit configured to pass through the plurality of nozzle units and having one end fluidly connected to an introduction part, the introduction part located at one end of the transfer conduit and configured to allow a washer fluid to be introduced from a washer pump, a plurality of discharge holes configured to correspond to the number of the nozzle units in the transfer conduit and having different angles based on a center of the transfer conduit, and a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the transfer conduit to allow the discharge holes to correspond to the nozzle units in response to a user’s request.

A washer fluid distribution device includes a plurality of nozzle units formed consecutively, a transfer conduit configured to pass through the plurality of nozzle units and having one end fluidly connected to an introduction part, the introduction part located at one end of the transfer conduit and configured to allow a washer fluid to be introduced from a washer pump, a plurality of discharge holes configured to correspond to the number of the nozzle units in the transfer conduit and having different angles based on a center of the transfer conduit, and a controller configured to control a rotation angle of the transfer conduit to allow the discharge holes to correspond to the nozzle units in response to a user’s request.

A branching tool serving as a check valve incorporated in a cleaner device includes: a main unit provided with an inflow channel and a first outflow channel; a sealing member that allows a flow of cleaning fluid from the inflow channel to the first outflow channel when the cleaner device is in operation and that is formed to seal a backflow of the cleaning fluid from the first outflow channel to the inflow channel when the cleaner device is not in operation; and a lid member that is combined with the main unit so as to form a housing chamber for the sealing member. The lid member has a communication hole that allows the housing chamber to communicate with the outside. The lid member or the main unit is provided with a water receiving recess arranged around the communication hole.

A branching tool serving as a check valve incorporated in a cleaner device includes: a main unit provided with an inflow channel and a first outflow channel; a sealing member that allows a flow of cleaning fluid from the inflow channel to the first outflow channel when the cleaner device is in operation and that is formed to seal a backflow of the cleaning fluid from the first outflow channel to the inflow channel when the cleaner device is not in operation; and a lid member that is combined with the main unit so as to form a housing chamber for the sealing member. The lid member has a communication hole that allows the housing chamber to communicate with the outside. The lid member or the main unit is provided with a water receiving recess arranged around the communication hole.

A system to localize debris on an optical surface of a vehicle includes a first array along a first side of a perimeter of the optical surface and including a light source to emit light into a thickness of the optical surface. A second array is along a second side of the perimeter, opposite the first side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter in the thickness and provide a corresponding output. A third array is along a third side of the perimeter and includes a light source to emit light. A fourth array is along a fourth side of the perimeter, opposite the third side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter and provide a corresponding output. A controller identifies a presence of the debris, determines a position of the debris based on the output from the light detectors, and remediates the debris.

A system to localize debris on an optical surface of a vehicle includes a first array along a first side of a perimeter of the optical surface and including a light source to emit light into a thickness of the optical surface. A second array is along a second side of the perimeter, opposite the first side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter in the thickness and provide a corresponding output. A third array is along a third side of the perimeter and includes a light source to emit light. A fourth array is along a fourth side of the perimeter, opposite the third side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter and provide a corresponding output. A controller identifies a presence of the debris, determines a position of the debris based on the output from the light detectors, and remediates the debris.

A sensor system includes a sensor and a plurality of panels connected to each other in a loop around the sensor. A duct is positioned to direct air towards the sensor. A heating element is disposed in the duct. First and second valves are disposed in the duct and spaced from each other along the duct. The first and second valves are selectively actuatable between an open position permitting airflow through the duct and a closed position blocking airflow through the duct. A computer is communicatively coupled to the heating element and the first and second valves. The computer is programmed to, upon determining a first difference between one respective panel temperature and an ambient temperature is greater than a first threshold, actuate the second valve to the closed position and maintain the first valve in the open position. The computer is further programmed to actuate the heating element to a first heating level based on the first difference.

A sensor unit to be mounted on a vehicle, the sensor unit includes: a LiDAR; a housing configured to accommodate the LiDAR; and a cleaner attached to the housing and including a first nozzle configured to jet air at a first surface to be cleaned corresponding to the LiDAR and a second nozzle configured to jet a cleaning liquid at the first surface to be cleaned. The first nozzle is disposed above the second nozzle, a jetting direction of the air from the first nozzle is a direction that is parallel to a horizontal direction or a direction that is more downward-trending than the horizontal direction, and a jetting direction of the cleaning liquid from the second nozzle is a direction that is more upward-trending than the horizontal direction.