Abstract: The fluid dispensing system (100) comprises at least one fluid source (110), at least one pump (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, . . . , 130-N), at least one telescopic fluid dispenser (140?-1?, 140?-2?, 140?-3?, . . . , 140?-M?); a control unit (160) to operate the pump (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, . . . , 130-N) for supplying fluid (120) according to a received command of washing at least one target object (150-1, 150-2, 150-3, . . . , 150-O), a manifold (180), and at least one control valve assembly (V-1, V-2, . . . , V?-P?) comprising a fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the at least one fluid source (110), a first fluid outlet for discharging fluid into the at least one telescopic fluid dispenser (140?-1, 140?-2, 140?-3, . . . , 140?-M?), and a second fluid outlet for allowing fluid to flow back away from the telescopic fluid dispensers (140?-1, 140?-2?, 140?-3?, . . . , 140?-M?) when retracting from the extended position to the rest position.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a first sensing device, a sensor housing, a bracket, a second sensor, and a channel plate. The sensor housing includes a first sensor window and a top panel, and the first sensing device has a field of view through the first sensor window. The bracket is mounted on top of the top plate. The second sensor is held by the bracket and includes a second sensor window. The channel plate is fixed to the bracket. The bracket includes a first nozzle aimed at the first sensor window and a second nozzle aimed at the second sensor window. The bracket includes a channel fluidly connected to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The channel plate covers the channel.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaner system includes: a cleaner unit mounted on a vehicle and configured to clean an external sensor acquiring information on outside of the vehicle; an advanced notification information acquiring unit configured to acquire expressway advanced notification information notifying that the vehicle has arrived within a predetermined distance from an entrance of an expressway; and a cleaner control unit configured to, when the advanced notification information acquiring unit has acquired the expressway advanced notification information, control the cleaner unit to clean the external sensor or diagnose whether or not the external sensor needs to be cleaned by the cleaner unit.

Abstract: A device for distributing washer fluid includes a cover portion into which a washer fluid is introduced, a moving shaft assembly located inside the cover portion, a motor assembly located at one end of the moving shaft assembly and configured to rotate the moving shaft assembly, one or more flow holes located in the moving shaft assembly, a plurality of distribution units located to correspond to the one or more flow holes, and a controller configured to control a rotation amount of the motor assembly which is configured to selectively discharge an washer fluid introduced into the one or more flow holes to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A cleaning target provided to a vehicle is automatically cleaned in an appropriate manner. A vehicle cleaning system includes a cleaning section configured to clean a cleaning target provided to a vehicle, and a control section configured to control cleaning of the cleaning target by the cleaning section according to at least one out of a travel situation of the vehicle, an environmental situation of the vehicle, or an indicator relating to adhesion of adhered material to the cleaning target of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vehicle technology, and more particularly, to an unmanned vehicle and its sensor device and cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes: a housing, a cleaning element, a driving component transmissively connected to the cleaning element and a control unit installed within a receiving cavity. The housing has a light transmissive element provided on a side surface thereof. The cleaning element is pivotable about one end thereof and mounted to the housing. The cleaning element, when pivoting, frictionally interacts with a surface of the light transmissive element that is away from the receiving cavity to clean the light transmissive element. The control unit is communicatively connected to the driving component for controlling the driving component.

Abstract: A windshield wiper has a high-pressure fluid pump in hydraulic communication with a plurality of spray nozzles disposed upon a manifold. The manifold is configured to be mounted on an upper edge of at least one (1) windshield wiper. The fluid pump is in electrical communication with a switch which is disposed on a dashboard of a vehicle upon which the spray mechanism is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an exterior surface including an aperture, a sensor defining a field of view oriented through the aperture, a nozzle shell on the exterior surface and including a nozzle panel facing the aperture, and a heating element disposed in or on the nozzle panel. The nozzle panel includes a nozzle.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor window; a first nozzle adjacent to the sensor window and oriented to blow across the sensor window, the first nozzle positioned below the sensor window and in a first horizontal direction away from the sensor window, the first nozzle being slot-shaped with a first length and a first thickness; and a second nozzle adjacent to the first nozzle and oriented to blow across the sensor window, the second nozzle positioned below the sensor window and in the first horizontal direction away from the sensor window, the second nozzle being slot-shaped with a second length and a second thickness. The second nozzle is farther from the sensor window in the first horizontal direction than the first nozzle, and the first length of the first nozzle is greater than the second length of the second nozzle.

Abstract: An on-board sensor cleaning device includes nozzle ports. The on-board sensor cleaning device ejects fluid from the nozzle ports in a predetermined order to clean a sensing surface of an on-board sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle travel control system installed on a vehicle includes: a recognition sensor configured to recognize a situation around the vehicle; a sensor cleaning device configured to clean the recognition sensor; and a control device configured to execute vehicle travel control based on result of recognition by the recognition sensor, and to actuate the sensor cleaning device to execute sensor cleaning processing that cleans the recognition sensor. The control device permits execution of the sensor cleaning processing in a situation where decrease in recognition performance has a small influence on the vehicle travel control. For example, when a surrounding vehicle recognized by a first recognition sensor is also recognized by a second recognition sensor, the control device permits execution of the sensor cleaning processing that cleans the first recognition sensor.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis, and an annular member coupled to the sensor window and rotatable about the axis. The annular member includes a nozzle aimed at the sensor window and oriented at an acute angle from a radial direction toward the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

Abstract: A wiper arm device with at least one duct connecting unit (10) for connecting at least two wiper fluid duct sections to each other, with at least one duct retaining unit (14) which can be arranged on at least one wiper arm (12) and is configured in order to retain at least the duct connecting unit (10) on the wiper arm (12) and with at least one auxiliary nozzle unit (16). The wiper arm device has a connecting unit (18) which is configured in order to connect the at least one auxiliary nozzle unit (16) detachably to the duct connecting unit (10), in particular non-destructively.

Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a window panel having an electrically conductive element disposed thereat. An electrical connector is attached at the window panel and is electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive element. The electrical connector includes a ferromagnetic material. The electrical connector is attached at the window panel via solder, and the electrical connector is held in place via an electromagnet during the soldering process.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm includes: an arm piece to which a wiper blade wiping a wiping surface is connected; a hose supplied with washer fluid; and a washer nozzle connected to the hose and mounted on the arm piece on the base end side with respect to a portion connected to the wiper blade. The washer nozzle includes: a first flowpath extending in a longitudinal direction; a second flowpath connected to the first flowpath and extending in a wiping direction which intersects the longitudinal direction, and in which the wiper blade can move when wiping the wiping surface; a third flowpath connected to the second flowpath and extending in a vertical direction which is along a normal line of the wiping surface while intersecting the longitudinal direction and the wiping direction; and a fitting groove into which the arm piece is fitted and which extends along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An alignment device includes a first body and a second body, at least one retention member flexibly coupled to the first body, and a locking member coupled to the first body. The second body has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical opening, a first retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall and a second retention opening extending through the cylindrical wall. The first body translates within the cylindrical opening of the second body and the locking member engages with the first retention opening to position the alignment device in a first position and the locking member engages with the second retention opening to position the alignment device in a second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical sensor (2) of an optical detection system for a motor vehicle, said device comprising an assembly for guiding and distributing a cleaning fluid and a drying fluid. Electric motor-driven means (9) are used to move said fluid-guiding and fluid-distributing assembly in a linear movement between a working position in which the fluids can be distributed over an outer surface of the optical sensor (2) and an idle position. Said invention is applicable to motor vehicles.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods to remove vehicle sensor debris are disclosed. A disclosed cleaning assembly for a vehicle includes a track coupled to the vehicle. The cleaning assembly also includes an arm adjustably coupled to the track and having a nozzle positioned on the arm. The arm is moveable, via the track, near an exterior surface of the vehicle that is associated with a vehicle sensor. The cleaning assembly also includes a first motor operatively coupled to the arm configured to move the arm along the track relative to debris positioned on the exterior surface. The cleaning assembly also includes a pump fluidly coupled to the nozzle configured to expel the fluid from the nozzle to remove the debris.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hood assembly includes a hood shell, an insulation layer, carried on the hood shell, and a fluid reservoir packaged between the hood shell and the insulation layer.

Abstract: A telescopic cleaning device, for a glass surface to be cleaned of a motor vehicle, includes at least one hollow conveying body (5) for the cleaning fluid, closed at an upstream end by an inlet flange (12) and accommodating a movable piston (8) which is configured so as to slide in said hollow conveying body (5). The hollow conveying body (5) additionally accommodates a rod (14) which extends jutting out from the inlet flange and around which the movable piston is capable of sliding, the movable piston and/or the rod being configured so as to allow the fluid to flow between them from the inlet flange to the distribution element. The rod comprises a heating device (22), which comprises at least one heating element (24) extending in the interior of a heat conducting tube (26), along the axis of elongation (X) of the device.

Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor defining a field of view. The assembly includes a diverter valve having an input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The assembly includes a fluid nozzle in fluid communication with the first output port and facing the field of view. The assembly includes a cooler in fluid communication with the second output port.

Abstract: Cleaning device for cleaning a transparent cover of a camera, in particular a lens of the camera, comprising at least one cleaning agent feed line and at least two cleaning agent spraying elements.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for cleaning a solar panel includes a solar panel, one or more fluid reservoirs, a fluid dispenser at a first side of a solar panel, a mechanism for providing pressurized fluid to the fluid dispenser from the fluid reservoir(s), and a mechanism for dispensing the fluid from the dispenser. The solar panel is periodically cleaned and the motivation for cleaning may be a detected output condition of the panel, a detected weather condition, an expired time condition, detected precipitant accumulation, a manual command, or the like. The fluid(s) may include a gas and/or one or more liquids. A heater may be provided to heat the fluid(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning sensors of a vehicle using a spray pattern are provided. A sensor cleaning system can include a fluid source that supplies a fluid and a nozzle configured to provide a spray of the fluid to a sensor of an autonomous vehicle to remove debris from the sensor. The sensor cleaning system can further include a controller comprising one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that collectively store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to perform operations. The operations can include obtaining sensor data from the sensor, determining a spray pattern based at least in part on the sensor data; and controlling a flow of the fluid from the fluid source to the nozzle based at least in part on the spray pattern.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a water collection system including a deployable channel movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for capturing water, a filter for filtering the water collected by the deployable channel, and a tank for storing the water filtered by the filter.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle includes a sensor module configured to be disposed at the vehicle. The sensor module includes a sensor disposed in a housing, which includes a mounting portion and a cover portion. The mounting portion is configured to attach at a portion of the vehicle such that the cover portion is at an exterior of the vehicle. The cover portion is removably attached at the mounting portion and includes tamper resistant attaching elements such that an attempt to remove the cover portion or sensor module damages the sensor module. The sensor module may include a washer nozzle for directing pressurized fluid or spray onto a window of the sensor module. Responsive to an output of the sensor, a control determines the presence of one or more objects exterior the vehicle and within the field of sensing of the sensor.

Abstract: A window wash nozzle for a vehicle includes a housing in which a nozzle element is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis. Actuation of an adjustment element pivots the nozzle element. A sliding piece mounted in an axially displaceable manner in the housing interacts with the adjustment element such that actuation of the adjustment element brings about an axial displacement of the sliding piece. A guiding cam is formed on the sliding piece and interacts with a transmission element such that the transmission element is adjusted in a direction transversely with respect to the direction of movement of the sliding piece during axial displacement of the sliding piece. The transmission element acts on the nozzle element excentrically with respect to the pivot axis of the nozzle element such that an adjustment of the transmission element brings about pivoting of the nozzle element about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A wiper arm includes an arm main body having a blade joining portion at a distal end side in a length direction of the arm main body; a first nozzle portion disposed at a proximal end side from the blade joining portion in the length direction of the arm main body; a second nozzle portion disposed at a distal end side from the first nozzle portion in the length direction of the arm main body; a first line hose; and a second line hose, wherein the second nozzle portion jets washing fluid toward a wiping direction forward side when the arm main body moves toward an upper turning position, and the first washer nozzle portion jets washing fluid toward a wiping direction forward side and further toward the proximal end side than a length direction center of the wiper blade when the arm main body moves toward a lower turning position from the upper turning position.

Abstract: An aerodynamic lift enhancing system for increasing aerodynamic lift generated by a body of an automotive flying vehicle is disclosed. The automotive flying vehicle includes a vehicle body enclosing a passenger compartment and having an upper surface at least partially defined by a hood, a roof extending over the passenger compartment, and a front windshield disposed between the hood and roof. The front windshield includes a leading edge positioned proximate a trailing edge of the hood and a trailing edge positioned adjacent the roof. The automotive flying vehicle includes wings extending laterally outward from the vehicle body. The aerodynamic lift enhancing system includes an air discharge nozzle located upstream from the leading edge of the front windshield, the air discharge nozzle operable to discharge a stream of air over the upper surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention consists in a device for cleaning a sensor of a motor vehicle. A piston (2) is able to slide in a circular hollow body (1) having a longitudinal axis (XX) and carrying at a first end a single nozzle (4) for distributing one or more fluids, said piston being hollow to enable the routing to the nozzle of at least one first fluid. The hollow piston is rendered mobile, between a rest position and a working position, by the effect of a second fluid to take up a working position in which the nozzle is deployed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hood assembly includes a hood shell and a fluid reservoir having a body including a stringer section and a plurality of finger sections that are connected to and extend from the stringer section along a longitudinal axis of the hood shell. The fluid reservoir may be provided packaged between the hood shell and an insulation layer of the hood assembly. A filling port is provided to assure the fluid is replenished by gravity once it's emptied from the reservoir.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a windshield washer system of a vehicle includes a fluid feed line (106) that is configured to receive washer fluid from a washer fluid storage tank, at least one ball jet line (108, 110) coupled to the fluid feed line, and at least one fluidic line (112) coupled to the fluid feed line.

Abstract: Embodiments provide vehicle camera cleaning systems used for cleaning foreign matter off of a camera lens, including, for example, a water flow nozzle arranged to eject water flow, an air nozzle arranged to eject air, and a central controller used to control the water flow nozzle and air nozzle. In certain embodiments, a plurality of sensing devices are used for sensing the conditions of the camera lens, such as an infrared water drop sensor, a temperature sensor, a camera sensing sensor, and the like. The central controller may determine whether there are water drops, ice, snow, or other foreign matter on the lens based on signals received from the plurality of sensing devices, and may control the air nozzle and the water flow nozzle to clean the camera lens based on the foreign matter present.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate oscillating fluid flows in heat exchangers are disclosed. A disclosed fluid flow apparatus includes a repeating pattern of fins arranged in rows, where fins of each row are separated from one another by channels, where the fins have respective sub-channels extending therethrough to facilitate oscillation of fluid moving through the channels, and where each of the sub-channels defines a sub-channel inlet and a sub-channel outlet of a respective fin of the pattern.

Abstract: A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera has a camera housing and a lens. A cover element is removably disposed at the camera. The cover element includes a curved transparent portion and a mounting portion. The curved transparent portion of the cover element, when the cover element is disposed at the camera, protects the lens so that the lens is not exposed to the environment external the vehicle. The cover element may be configured to be fixedly mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, such that the camera is removably mounted at the vehicle by detachable attachment at the cover element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealed and ventilated receptacle for storing equipment, such as firefighter turnout gear, that generally includes a base, at least one sidewall extending from the base, and a top wall that covers the opposite end of the sidewall. A sealable door may be positioned on the sidewall to access the inside of the receptacle and to prevent any contaminants from exiting the receptacle. The receptacle may also include an intake fan and exhaust fan that are each connected to a duct for providing fresh air to and removing contaminated air from the inside of the receptacle. The receptacle may further include a temperature control unit for regulating the temperature inside of the receptacle. Additionally, a hook for hanging a firefighter coat, trousers, or other items may also be included on the inside of the receptacle.

Abstract: A low profile, integrated camera wash nozzle assembly 1010 is readily and unobtrusively integrated into a vehicle's exterior trim surfaces 1420 to make a more visually appealing exterior design while not compromising spray performance. A system and nozzle assembly (e.g., 710, 810, 1010) for cleaning an exterior objective lens or wide-angle sensor's exterior surface 1022 to remove accumulated debris sprays washer fluid at a selected shallow angle which is substantially transverse to the lenses central viewing axis 1050. A low-profile conformal housing fixture 1011 is adapted to receive and aim a very compact fluidic circuit insert 1200 that can generate a wide spray which substantially covers the lens surface, despite being very close to the edge of the lens 1022.

Abstract: A system includes a nozzle directed toward a sensor window and a Venturi valve including a discharger that is connected to the nozzle. The Venturi valve is connected to a fluid input valve and an air source.

Abstract: A very compact nozzle assembly 100, 200, 300 and spray head for an automotive washer nozzle is configured for inclusion into an automotive trim component. The compact nozzle assembly and spray head generate a very effective cleaning spray at a selected spray fan angle, yaw angle and roll angle and, in an exemplary embodiment, the spray fan is dual shear shaped, producing an even distribution, which may be varied from 30° to 120°. Spray head may be as small as 5 mm in diameter and be aimed to provide a spray with various spray aim, yaw and roll angles. The design accounts for better mold ability and versatility of application.

Abstract: A washer nozzle device for spraying a washer fluid onto a front window panel is mounted to a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a front hood disposed in front of the front window panel, and a hood garnish disposed on the front hood. The hood garnish is disposed over an upper surface of the front hood at an interval and extended along a rear end of the front hood in a vehicle width direction. The washer nozzle device is positioned between the upper surface of the front hood and a lower surface of the hood garnish.

Abstract: A motor vehicle hood assembly includes a hood shell and a fluid reservoir having a body including a stringer section and a plurality of finger sections that are connected to and extend from the stringer section. The fluid reservoir may be provided packaged between the hood shell and an insulation layer of the hood assembly. A filling port is provided to assure the fluid is replenished by gravity once it's emptied from the reservoir.

Abstract: A housing including at least one flow path in fluid communication with a mixing chamber, a windshield air outlet, a windshield air flap, a dashboard air outlet, and a dashboard air flap. A bypass is in fluid communication with the dashboard outlet and configured to conduct a cool air flow around the at least one flow path and the mixing chamber. A flow conduit extends from the mixing chamber to the windshield air outlet. The flow conduit is constructed as one part and comprises a wall enclosing a circumference thereof. The flow conduit extends through the bypass, wherein the warm air flow is separated from a warm air flow through the flow conduit by the wall of the flow conduit. The bypass is formed in a bipartite manner around the flow conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pane of glass and a flush mount washer assembly. The flush mount washer assembly includes a panel, and the panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The panel defines an aperture through the outer and inner surfaces. The assembly further includes a mount coupled to the inner surface of the panel. The assembly also includes a nozzle secured to the mount. The nozzle includes a show surface substantially aligning with the aperture and positioned such that the show surface does not extend beyond the outer surface of the panel to create a flush exterior appearance of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a windshield-cleaning liquid for windshield wiper blades of a motor vehicle, comprising: a hydraulic pipe (7, 8) having at least one liquid flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b); at least one hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15) for transporting of liquid to said pipe or discharging the liquid from said pipe, characterized in that the dispensing device also comprises at least one non-return valve (20) received in the flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) or in a hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15).

Abstract: A rainwater collection system is provided for a motor vehicle. That rainwater collection system includes a rainwater collector, a gate for the rainwater collector and a controller. The controller is configured to open and close the gate in response to data input respecting the occurrence of precipitation, a level of windshield washer fluid in a windshield washer system of the motor vehicle and in accordance with other monitored parameters including motor vehicle speed and battery voltage level. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air passage and two lines of cleaning liquid paths are provided in a nozzle, and the air passage is bifurcated into two lines of distal end portions. Then, a distal end portion of the cleaning liquid path and the distal end portion of the air passage are merged. Thus, if the compressed air is supplied to the air passage, the resulting air flow causes a negative pressure on the downstream side. This enables making a cleaning liquid into the form of a mist and suctioning it, and to mix the cleaning liquid in the form of a mist with the compressed air, whereby it is possible to clean the lens surface and to reduce the amount of the cleaning liquid used.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable program products for maintaining windscreen visibility using surface monitoring are disclosed. In embodiments, the system comprises a set of sensors for monitoring a state of a windscreen surface and for generating one or more signals representing that state; a control system for analyzing the one or more signals to identify defined conditions of the surface of the windscreen and to generate one or more control signals; and a set of activatable devices for receiving the one or more control signals. The control signals activate the activatable devices to remove the identified conditions of the surface of the windscreen. In embodiments, the set of activatable devices includes air jets and cleaning fluid jets, and the control signals activate these jets to direct air and cleaning fluids onto the windscreen. This may be done to remove rain drops or dirt from the windscreen.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure includes a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel. The hood outer panel includes at least one character line extending substantially in a vehicle front-rear direction. The character line intersects a central line that extends in a vehicle width direction and that passes through a central point where a center of the hood outer panel in the vehicle front-rear direction and a center of the hood outer panel in the vehicle width direction are superposed on each other. The character line intersects the central line at an intersection point positioned within a region extending from the central point by 300 mm or less in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A window and/or lamp washer system for a vehicle comprising a washer fluid container, a washer fluid pump arranged in fluid communication with the washer fluid container, at least one washer fluid pressure tank for storing pressurized fluid, arranged in fluid communication with the washer fluid pump, and comprising a fluid inlet for receiving pressurized fluid from the pump and at least one fluid outlet for providing pressurized fluid in the form of a washer fluid jet, sensor means arranged to provide a signal representing the measured pressure within the at least one washer fluid pressure tank, a control unit connected to the sensor means and the washer fluid pump, and arranged to receive the signal, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the washer fluid pump based on the signal, whereby a signal representing a value below a predetermined level cause the pump to increase the pressure.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting to a plurality of fluid containers that have openings, and a sample analyzer body for analyzing samples using reagent, is disclosed, which comprises: a plurality of tubular members for passing liquid, the plurality of tubular members being inserted in the fluid containers through the openings of the plurality of fluid containers; a holding member to hold the plurality of tubular members; and a plurality of cover members to be fitted to the opening of the fluid container, wherein the plurality of cover members are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship on the holding member side of the plurality of tubular members; configured with a continuously decreasing cross sectional area toward the fluid container side; and the shape of the cross section of the cover member is substantially the same as the shape of the corresponding opening of the fluid container.