Fluid and air nozzle and method for cleaning vehicle lenses

Abstract

Fluid and air nozzle assemblies are capable of propelling streams of a cleaning fluid and air mixture onto a vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. These nozzle assemblies are mounted on a vehicle adjacent to the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor and positioned such that liquid and air jets from the nozzles intersect prior to impinging upon the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor to form a spray mixture that cleans the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. These nozzle assemblies have an adjustment feature for the purpose of aiming the fluid-air spray toward the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. The nozzle assemblies are associated with a control valve capable of connection in a pressurized air system on the vehicle and in the pressurized washer system for the windshield wipers and also capable of automatically directing liquid from the vehicle washer system and pressurized air on the vehicle to the liquid and air nozzles perform cleaning of a vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor upon manual activation of the pressurized windshield washer system of the vehicle, upon activation of brakes, or upon timed intervals.