A sensor protection apparatus includes a first sensor cover movable between a sensor covering position and a first cover waiting position; a second sensor cover movable between the sensor covering position and a second cover waiting position, wherein each of the first and second sensor covers is located at the sensor covering position for protecting the surface of the sensor from being contaminated by foreign matter; and an actuator configured to move the first and second sensor covers such that the first sensor cover and the second sensor cover are alternately located at the sensor covering positions thereof.

An imaging device for a vehicle and a vehicle are disclosed. The imaging device includes: a casing, a camera, a wiping member, and a drive device. The casing includes a casing body and a transparent cover disposed to the casing body, and the transparent cover is rotatable relative to the casing body. The camera is disposed in the casing and configured to obtain image information outside the transparent cover through the transparent cover. The wiping member is disposed to the casing and is stationary relative to the camera. The drive device is connected with the transparent cover and configured to drive the transparent cover to rotate to enable the wiping member to wipe an outer surface of the transparent cover.

This disclosure relates to techniques for implementing a windshield wiper system with an actively movable platform. The windshield wiper system can include a windshield wiper arm mechanically coupled to a platform and an actuator mechanically coupled to the platform. The windshield wiper arm can be configured to move through a planar range of motion that is substantially parallel to a surface of a vehicle when the platform is positioned at a first spatial location and the movable windshield wiper arm can be configured constrained from moving through the planar range when the platform is positioned at a second spatial location.

A sensor protection apparatus includes a first sensor cover movable between a sensor covering position and a first cover waiting position; a second sensor cover movable between the sensor covering position and a second cover waiting position, wherein each of the first and second sensor covers is located at the sensor covering position for protecting the surface of the sensor from being contaminated by foreign matter; and an actuator configured to move the first and second sensor covers such that the first sensor cover and the second sensor cover are alternately located at the sensor covering positions thereof.

An imaging device for a vehicle and a vehicle are disclosed. The imaging device includes: a casing, a camera, a wiping member, and a drive device. The casing includes a casing body and a transparent cover disposed to the casing body, and the transparent cover is rotatable relative to the casing body. The camera is disposed in the casing and configured to obtain image information outside the transparent cover through the transparent cover. The wiping member is disposed to the casing and is stationary relative to the camera. The drive device is connected with the transparent cover and configured to drive the transparent cover to rotate to enable the wiping member to wipe an outer surface of the transparent cover.

A harsh environment sensor housing and cleaning system includes sensor enclosures with a rotationally symmetrical lens that can be cleaned in a lens washing space defined by the sensor enclosure. Each sensor enclosure includes a motor coupled to the lens to rotate the lens within the sensor enclosure, allowing a dirty portion of the lens move through the lens washing space for cleaning, and a clean portion of the lens to be placed in front of a sensor or camera within the sensor enclosure. A sensor enclosure and cleaning system incorporates a control unit, fluid control valves, a manifold, and fluid conduits to deliver wash fluid to each sensor housing. The fluid control valves have a reduced part count and can be used to control flow of liquids or gasses such as air.

The present disclosure provides a windscreen wiper for a vehicle, the windscreen wiper having a wiper arm, a wiper blade, and a cover attached to the wiper arm. The windscreen wiper comprises at least one nozzle for windscreen washing fluid that forms part of the cover or is fastened to the cover. The-present disclosure also provides a vehicle comprising the windscreen wiper, a method of fastening the windscreen wiper to the vehicle, and a method of cleaning a windscreen of a vehicle.

A harsh environment sensor housing and cleaning system includes sensor enclosures with a rotationally symmetrical lens that can be cleaned in a lens washing space defined by the sensor enclosure. Each sensor enclosure includes a motor coupled to the lens to rotate the lens within the sensor enclosure, allowing a dirty portion of the lens move through the lens washing space for cleaning, and a clean portion of the lens to be placed in front of a sensor or camera within the sensor enclosure. A sensor enclosure and cleaning system incorporates a control unit, fluid control valves, a manifold, and fluid conduits to deliver wash fluid to each sensor housing. The fluid control valves have a reduced part count and can be used to control flow of liquids or gasses such as air.

A cleaning system includes an arm configured for connection to a cleaning implement. A base is spaced from the arm in an extension direction such that the cleaning implement is positionable between the arm and the base. The base and the arm are configured to move together in the extension direction between a recessed position and a raised position relative to a surface, and the arm is configured to rotate relative to the base in the raised position.

This disclosure relates to techniques for implementing a windshield wiper system with an actively movable platform. The windshield wiper system can include a windshield wiper arm mechanically coupled to a platform and an actuator mechanically coupled to the platform. The windshield wiper arm can be configured to move through a planar range of motion that is substantially parallel to a surface of a vehicle when the platform is positioned at a first spatial location and the movable windshield wiper arm can be configured constrained from moving through the planar range when the platform is positioned at a second spatial location.