WO2022184723A1

WO2022184723A1 - Cleaning device for a glazed surface of a detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2022184723A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/055171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Francois Rousseau
Original assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
Priority date: 2021-03-01
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Also published as: FR3120222A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (12) for a glazed surface (10) of a detection device (8) fitted to a vehicle, the cleaning device (12) being designed to be secured to said vehicle, the cleaning device (12) comprising at least one device (18) for spraying a cleaning fluid onto the glazed surface (10), the cleaning device (12) being characterized in that it comprises at least one deformation device (30) that is able to bring about a deformation of a body element of the vehicle, this being localized around the detection device (8).

Description

Cleaning device for a glazed surface of a detection device.

The present invention relates to the field of vehicle cleaning devices. More particularly, the invention relates to cleaning devices for sensors integrated in vehicle driving assistance devices.

Driving assistance devices are now commonly used in motor vehicles, and in particular make it easier for a user to drive the vehicle. The driving aid devices may comprise detection devices which may take the form, for example, of sensors intended to evaluate an environment outside the motor vehicle, or even the form of a camera intended to offer the driver visibility of an environment outside the vehicle. motor vehicle, visually inaccessible to the driver's seat. Such detection devices then comprise at least one glazed surface positioned within the vehicle in such a way that it is capable of sensing the environment outside the motor vehicle, in a desired zone. We therefore understand the need for the glazed surfaces of the detection devices to be clear of external pollution such as dust or insects, so that they offer optimal visibility to the sensor or to the user of the motor vehicle.

To this end, driving aid devices usually comprise a cleaning device capable of cleaning the glazed surface of the detection device by spraying a cleaning fluid against said glazed surface. The cleaning devices currently used within vehicle driving assistance devices are visible from outside said vehicle. Thus, although these may have satisfactory cleaning capabilities, their integration within the motor vehicle can be improved. In addition, the current arrangement of cleaning devices in vehicles requires adaptation of the bodywork elements according to the type of cleaning device used.

The object of the present invention is therefore to simplify the integration of cleaning devices within vehicles, while maintaining optimal cleaning capacities. In addition, the invention proposes to design a cleaning device that is satisfactory and adaptable to any type of vehicle without this having any impact on the design of the bodywork element.

The invention therefore relates to a cleaning device for a glazed surface of a detection device fitted to a vehicle, the cleaning device being intended to be secured to said vehicle, the cleaning device comprising at least one device for projecting a cleaning fluid on the glazed surface, the cleaning device being characterized in that it comprises at least one deformation device capable of generating deformation of a vehicle bodywork element localized around the detection device.

The detection device and the cleaning device may be those of a driving aid device housed within a motor vehicle. For example, the detection device can be a camera or a sensor making it possible to increase the visibility of a user of the motor vehicle on the external environment of said vehicle. Thus the detection device can comprise at least the glazed surface so that it is able to pick up data from the environment outside the motor vehicle. The cleaning device therefore makes it possible to clean the glazed surface of the detection device so that said glazed surface is freed from external pollutants and thus this optical performance is not degraded.

By glazed surface is meant any type of optical surface allowing the passage of signals from the detection device. The glazed surface can thus be made of glass, plastic or any type of material known to those skilled in the art allowing the passage of signals from the detection device.

It is understood that the deformation device is configured to transmit a force capable of deforming the bodywork element.

It is understood that the deformation of the bodywork element of the vehicle can be an elastic deformation, in other words the bodywork element is configured to return to its initial shape.

For example, the force transmitted by the deformation device to the bodywork element is between 80 and 200 Newton.

For example, the force transmitted by the deformation device to the bodywork element is between 90 and 150 Newton.

For example, the force transmitted by the deformation device to the bodywork element is between 100 and 120 Newton.

For example, the force transmitted by the deformation device to the bodywork element is at least 100 Newton, or approximately 10.2 kg.

For example, the force transmitted by the deformation device to the bodywork element is about 100 Newton, or about 10.2 kg.

These provisions allow a non-permanent deformation of the bodywork element, which makes it possible to avoid damage. The force generated is also sufficient to allow cleaning of the glass surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the deformation zone of the bodywork element can correspond to a surface that can extend over at least one meter in length by three hundred millimeters in height around the detection device.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the deformation zone may be devoid of ribs in order to facilitate its deformation.

The cleaning device, according to one aspect of the invention, is arranged behind the bodywork element when it is in a rest position, so that said cleaning device is imperceptible from outside the motor vehicle. The deformation device therefore makes it possible to generate a deformation of the bodywork element in order to allow the use of the cleaning device, and in particular of the cleaning fluid projection device. In other words, the deformation device makes it possible to generate a space behind the bodywork element, located at the periphery of the glazed surface of the detection element, in order to allow the projection device to extend and spray cleaning fluid against the glass surface.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the projection device is arranged so as to remain behind the bodywork element when the cleaning device is placed in a working position.

In other words, when the deformation device of the cleaning device deforms the bodywork element, said cleaning device is capable of moving to its working position in which the projection device moves longitudinally in front of the glazed surface. of the detection device, the longitudinal direction corresponding to a direction parallel to a direction of main elongation of the cleaning device.

Advantage is then taken of the cleaning device according to the invention from the fact that the latter, in its rest position and in its working position, remains behind the bodywork element in such a way that it is imperceptible by a user from the exterior of the motor vehicle.

According to one aspect, the deformation device is configured to occupy a close position in which the deformation device is close to the glazed surface and a remote position in which the deformation device is distant from the glazed surface and in which the deformation device is deformation is configured to deform the body element.

It is understood that the deformation device is in the remote position when the cleaning device is in the working position.

It is understood that the deformation device is in the close position when the cleaning device is in a rest position.

It is understood that the force generated for the movement of the deformation device from the close position to the remote position is greater than a force necessary for the movement of the deformation device. It is understood that the force generated for the displacement of the deformation device is greater than a force necessary to deform a bodywork element of a vehicle.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the deformation mainly takes place in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a direction of main elongation of the cleaning device.

It is understood that the deformation device is configured to move between the close position and the remote position in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to a main plane in which the vehicle body element extends.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the deformation device comprises at least one contact element configured to bear against the bodywork when the deformation device moves from the close position to the remote position.

For example, the contact element comprises a contact surface making it possible to distribute a force generated during the deformation of the bodywork element.

For example, the contact element is a ring intended to distribute a force generated during the deformation of the bodywork element around the detection device.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the ring extends radially around the glazed surface of the detection device in a rest position of the cleaning device.

Thus it is understood that the ring of the deformation device makes it possible to distribute the thrust force of the deformation device against the bodywork element, radially around the glazed surface along a longitudinal projection of said glazed surface on the bodywork element. This makes it possible to limit the risks of material rupture of the bodywork element following a localized thrust force at a single point of contact against said bodywork element.

According to one aspect of the invention, the projection device is secured to the deformation device.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the spraying device comprises at least one nozzle capable of spraying the cleaning fluid against the glazed surface of the detection device.

According to a feature of the invention, said nozzle is secured to the deformation device.

It is then understood that in such a configuration, the nozzle is capable of spraying the cleaning fluid against the glazed surface of the detection device when the cleaning device passes into the working position, and that the spraying device extends longitudinally forward of the glazed surface following the deformation of the bodywork element operated by the deformation device.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the deformation device is configured to be driven in translation between the close position and the remote position by at least one actuation device.

It is understood that the actuation device is configured to generate a force capable of deforming the bodywork element.

It is understood that the force generated by the actuation device is greater than a force necessary to deform the bodywork element of the vehicle.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the projection device is integral in movement with the deformation device and in particular with the contact element.

It is understood that the projection device is thus driven longitudinally in front of the glazed surface simultaneously with the movement of the deformation device. Such attachment thus facilitates synchronization between the deformation device and the projection device of the cleaning device.

For example, the projection device is configured to be placed on the deformation device facing the glazed surface.

In other words, the projection device is configured to be arranged on a face of the deformation device opposite the face intended to bear against the bodywork element, in other words, opposite the contact surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning fluid recuperator capable of collecting at least part of the cleaning fluid sprayed by the spraying device.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a reservoir intended to contain the cleaning fluid.

For example, the recuperator is hydraulically connected to the reservoir so as to return the cleaning fluid collected to said reservoir.

Advantage is taken of the cleaning fluid recuperator fluidically connected to the reservoir in that it makes it possible to save volumes of cleaning fluid necessary for cleaning the glass surface. It also allows a reduction in the interventions necessary for the user to fill the reservoir with cleaning fluid, thus facilitating the use of the motor vehicle integrating the cleaning device according to the invention.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the recuperator is secured to the deformation device. It is therefore understood that in such a configuration, the recuperator is intended to translate longitudinally simultaneously with the deformation device. Since the projection device can be integral with the deformation device, it is understood that such a characteristic of the recuperator could also make it possible to optimize the collection of the cleaning fluid sprayed by the projection device against the glazed surface.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the nozzle is integral with the fluid recuperator.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the device for actuating the deformation device comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder able to move the deformation device in the longitudinal direction between the close position and the remote position.

For example, the hydraulic cylinder comprises a chamber intended to contain the cleaning fluid.

For example, the chamber is hydraulically connected to the nozzle.

For example, the hydraulic cylinder comprises at least one rod secured to at least one piston.

For example, the piston is located in the chamber intended to contain the cleaning fluid.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the projection device is carried by the rod of the hydraulic cylinder opposite the piston in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device.

For example, said rod comprises at least one internal channel formed in its material and making it possible to fluidically connect the projection device to the chamber of the hydraulic jack.

For example, the hydraulic cylinder and the nozzle are fluidically connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir.

For example, the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder is intended to contain the cleaning fluid coming from the reservoir.

According to a feature of the invention, the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a pump of the cleaning device.

For example, said pump is configured to allow the filling of the chamber with cleaning fluid from the reservoir. It is then understood that in this configuration, the filling of the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder has the effect on the one hand of exerting a force against the piston carried by the rod so that the latter translates longitudinally, and on the other hand to exert hydraulic pressure in the internal channel of the rod so that the projection device sprays the cleaning fluid against the glazed surface.

It is understood that the force generated by the pump is greater than a force necessary to deform the bodywork element of the vehicle.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the actuation device comprises at least one electric actuator. The electric actuator may for example be an electrically actuated shape memory wire.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuating device comprises at least a first rack and a second rack, capable of cooperating with each other by means of a gear such that they are movable longitudinally relative to each other, the first rack being secured to the hydraulic cylinder.

More specifically, the first rack is integral with the rod of the hydraulic cylinder intended to be movable in longitudinal translation, said rod being integral with the ring of the deformation device.

According to a feature of the invention, said rod is integral with the ring of the deformation device via the nozzle. Thus, it is understood that the first rack translates longitudinally simultaneously with the rod of the hydraulic cylinder when the cleaning device passes from its rest position to its working position.

A forward direction of movement is defined when the cleaning device moves longitudinally in the direction of the bodywork element, and a rear direction of movement when said cleaning device moves longitudinally away from the bodywork element. In other words, the forward direction corresponds to the passage of the cleaning device from its rest position to its working position and the rear direction corresponds to the passage of the cleaning device from its working position to its rest position.

Thus, it is understood that when the first rack is driven in the forward direction simultaneously with the rod of the hydraulic cylinder during the working position of the cleaning device, the second rack is driven in the rear direction by means of the gear. Once the glass surface has been cleaned, the electric actuator drives the second rack in the forward direction so that the gear drives the first rack in the reverse direction and therefore also the rod of the hydraulic cylinder. It is therefore understood that the second rack facilitates the transition from the working position of the cleaning device to its rest position by participating at least in the movement of the rod of the hydraulic cylinder in the aforementioned rear direction.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuation device comprises at least one push stud integral with the first rack.

More specifically, the thrust pad is carried by the first rack so that it faces the ring of the deformation device.

According to a feature of the invention, the thrust stud participates in applying a force against the ring simultaneously with the driving force of the ring exerted by the nozzle when the cleaning device translates in the forward direction. This optimizes the distribution of the forces exerted against the ring and therefore facilitates the deformation of the bodywork element by the latter.

According to a first alternative of the invention, the actuating device comprises at least one articulated support, and at least one actuating member participating in generating a movement of the articulated support in the longitudinal direction.

The actuating device can then be an electric actuator able to control the actuating member so that the latter generates the movement of the articulated support in the longitudinal direction.

According to the first alternative, the articulated support is provided with at least one articulation on which a lever tilts, at least one of the ends of the lever carrying a thrust stud in contact with the ring, the actuating member being driven in such a way in translating the thrust stud in two opposite directions in the longitudinal direction.

According to a second alternative of the invention, the actuation device comprises at least one slide able to slide longitudinally along a base, said slide being integral with at least one thrust pad in contact with the ring.

The slide is able to move forwards and backwards under the effect of the electric actuator. Thus, in the forward direction it participates in exerting a force against the ring by means of the thrust stud and moves in the rear direction once the cleaning of the glazed surface has been carried out and the passage of the cleaning device from its working position to its resting position.

According to a third alternative of the invention, the deformation device comprises at least one strip deformable via an electric current intended to be mounted on the bodywork element. For example, the deformable strip is intended to be incorporated into the bodywork element.

The elastically deformable strip is therefore capable of deforming the bodywork element so that the cleaning device arranged at the rear of the latter is capable of spraying the cleaning fluid against the glazed surface of the detection element.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a cleaning device according to the third alternative and a bodywork element which comprises at least the electrically deformable strip.

The invention also relates to a device for aiding the driving of a vehicle comprising at least one detection device and a cleaning device according to the preceding characteristics, the detection device comprising at least one glazed surface and the cleaner being adapted to spray a cleaning fluid against the glazed surface.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one bodywork element and at least one driving aid device according to the preceding characteristic.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below for information purposes in connection with drawings in which:

is a schematic general view of a vehicle comprising at least one driving aid device comprising at least one cleaning device according to the invention;

is a general view of the driver assistance device of the comprising at least one detection device and the cleaning device;

is a close-up view of the driver assistance device of the wherein the cleaning device is in a rest position;

is a close-up view of the driver assistance device of the wherein the cleaning device is in a working position;

is a close-up view of the driver assistance device of the showing a cleaning device according to a first alternative of the invention;

is a close-up view of the driver assistance device of the showing a cleaning device according to a second alternative of the invention;

is a close-up view of the driver assistance device of the showing a cleaning device according to a third alternative of the invention;

is a close-up view of the driver assistance device of the showing a cleaning device according to a fourth alternative of the invention.

It should first be noted that if the figures expose the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course be used to better define the invention, if necessary. It should also be noted that these figures only show exemplary embodiments of the invention. Finally, the same references designate the same elements in all the figures.

The illustrates a motor vehicle 1 comprising at least one body 2, four wheels 4 of which at least part is visible and a driving aid device 6. The body 2 of the motor vehicle 1 comprises at least one body element 2a, here a front bumper or a rear bumper, at the level of which the driving aid device 6 is arranged. The driving aid device 6 comprises at least one detection device 8, visible in FIG. example a sensor or a camera making it possible to increase the visibility of a driver of the motor vehicle 1 .

According to the invention, the detection device 8 is housed in the motor vehicle 1 and comprises at least one glazed surface 10. The detection device 8 is then housed in the motor vehicle such that it is behind the bodywork element 2a and that its glazed surface 10 faces an opening 11 formed in said bodywork element 2a and visible to the . Furthermore, the glazed surface 10 is arranged facing the opening 11 of the bodywork element 2a such that it does not extend beyond a main plane in which said bodywork element extends 2a. In other words, the detection device 8 is arranged within the motor vehicle 1 in such a way that only its glazed surface 10 is perceptible from outside the motor vehicle 1 by a user.

The driving aid device 6, visible on the according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises at least the detection device 8 which comprises the glazed surface 10 and a cleaning device 12 capable of spraying a cleaning fluid against the glazed surface 10. The detection device 8 comprises in particular at least one main body 14 which houses the electronic elements necessary for the operation of the detection device 8, said main body 14 being extended in a longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8 parallel to a main direction of extension of the aid device to the pipe 6 by an optical element 16 carrying the glazed surface 10 at one of its longitudinal ends. It should be considered that the detection device 8 and in particular its main body 14 is electrically and electronically connected to an on-board driving assistance system housed in the motor vehicle, but that said connection between the detection device 8 and the system embedded is not shown in this document.

The cleaning device 12 comprises at least one device 18 for spraying a cleaning fluid against the glazed surface 10. The spraying device 18 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8, on the periphery of said detection 8. More specifically, the projection device 18 comprises a first longitudinal end 20 at which it is fluidically connected to a reservoir 22 of cleaning fluid by means of a distribution pipe, not visible. The reservoir 22 of cleaning fluid ensures at least the supply of the cleaning fluid to be projected against the glazed surface 10 by the projection device 18.

The projection device 18 also comprises a second longitudinal end 26, opposite the first longitudinal end 20 along the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8, which carries a nozzle 28. The nozzle 28 is then positioned on the periphery of the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8, said nozzle 28 being intended to project the cleaning fluid coming from the tank 22 of cleaning fluid against the glazed surface 10. The means implemented in order to spray the cleaning fluid against the glazed surface 10 will be detailed later in the following description, in particular at .

The cleaning device 12, particularly visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, also comprises at least one deformation device 30 capable of generating a deformation of the bodywork element 2a of the vehicle, located around the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8 and visible at . To this end, the deformation device 30 comprises at least one contact element which may for example be a ring 32, intended to distribute a force generated during the deformation of the bodywork element 2a around the glazed surface 10 of the deformation device. detection 8. More specifically, the ring 32 extends around the periphery of the detection device 8, radially around its glazed surface 10, when the cleaning device 12 is in a rest position.

The rest position of the cleaning device 12 and a working position of the cleaning device 12 are defined. More precisely, the rest position of the cleaning device 12 corresponds to a position of the latter relative to the detection device 8 in which its deformation device 30 does not deform the bodywork element of the motor vehicle as is visible at the . The working position of the cleaning device 12 then corresponds to a position of the cleaning device 12 in which its deformation device 30 deforms the bodywork element 2a of the motor vehicle located around the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8 according to a longitudinal projection of said glazed surface 10 onto bodywork element 2a, as is visible in . The deformation of the bodywork element 2a takes place in particular by longitudinal translation at least of the ring 32 towards the bodywork element 2a.

As mentioned above, the projection device 18 comprises the nozzle 28 and according to the invention, the latter is integral with the deformation device 30. More particularly, and according to an example of the invention, the nozzle 28 is integral with the ring 32 of the deformation device 30. It is thus understood from the above that in the working position of the cleaning device 12, the nozzle 28 is positioned longitudinally in front of the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8, said nozzle 28 being integral with the ring 32 of the deformation device 30. It is therefore understood that in the working position of the cleaning device 12, its projection device 18 and its deformation device 30 are at least partly longitudinally in front of the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8. This allows optimal cleaning of the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8 and thus increases the performance of the driving aid device. ite 6.

In order to operate this deformation of the bodywork element 2a visible at the , the deformation device 30 comprises at least one actuating device 34 capable of driving the ring 32 of the deformation device 30 in translation along the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8. According to the first example of the invention of FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuating device 34 may comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder 36 forming part of the projection device 18. More precisely, between the first longitudinal end 20 and the second longitudinal end 26 of the projection device 18, extends the hydraulic ram 36.

The hydraulic cylinder 36 comprises in particular at least one chamber, not visible, intended to contain the cleaning fluid, and a rod 38 which carries the nozzle 28 and which is integral with a piston, not visible, housed in the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder. 36. Thus, it is understood that on the one hand, the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 is fluidically connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir mentioned above, and on the other hand that the nozzle 28 is fluidically connected to said chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 at the means of an internal channel, not visible, formed in a material of the rod 38.

Between the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 and the reservoir 22 of cleaning fluid is arranged a pump, not visible, which fills the chamber with the cleaning fluid included in said reservoir 22. The pump also makes it possible to fill the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 following a certain pressure. Thus, when filling the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 with the cleaning fluid, the latter pressurized by means of the pump generates a force against the piston of the rod 38 having the effect of translating it in the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8 while generating a pressure in the internal channel of the rod 38, allowing the projection of the cleaning fluid by the nozzle 28.

It is then understood that the nozzle 28 being integral with the ring 32, the translation of the rod 38 of the hydraulic cylinder 36 under the effect of the pump, in the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8, during the filling of the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36, causes the movement of the ring 32 of the deformation device 30 in this same direction, against the bodywork element 2a as visible in .

It should therefore be understood here that the hydraulic cylinder 36 has a dual function by participating on the one hand in the deformation of the bodywork element and on the other hand by participating in the projection of the cleaning fluid against the glazed surface 10 of the device. detection 8. It should also be understood that the translational force generated by the pump, the rod 38 and the nozzle 28 of the cleaning device 12 is a force greater than a force necessary to deform the bodywork element.

Once the cleaning of the glass surface 10 has been carried out, the pump interrupts the filling of the chamber with cleaning fluid and the nozzle 28 projects the volume of cleaning fluid remaining in the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 so that the latter vacuum of said cleaning fluid. This emptying of the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 36 then has the consequence of longitudinally translating the rod 38 of the hydraulic cylinder 36 in a direction opposite to the bodywork element, the nozzle 28 integral with the rod 38 causing the ring 32 to which it is also integral, in longitudinal translation in the direction opposite to the bodywork element, so that the cleaning device 12 returns to its rest position visible to the .

Furthermore, the bodywork element 2a visible at , is made of an elastically deformable material such that it is able to deform, in particular during the working position of the cleaning device 12, then is able to return to an undeformed position, in particular during the position of rest of the cleaning device 12, without this deformation causing breakage or damage to its material. By way of example, the bodywork element 2a can be made of a plastic material.

According to an example of the invention, visible in Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning device 12 may comprise at least one cleaning fluid recuperator 40 able to collect at least part of the cleaning fluid sprayed by the projection device 18. More specifically, the cleaning fluid collector 40 is positioned on the periphery of the detection device 8, and comprises at least one gutter 42 positioned in line with the glazed surface 10 so that the cleaning fluid, when it is flows along the glazed surface 10, or collected by said gutter 42. Furthermore, the cleaning fluid recuperator 40 is secured to the ring 32 of the deformation device 30 such that said recuperator 40 is driven in longitudinal translation during the transition from the rest position of the cleaning device 12 to its working position.

Thus, the gutter 42 of the recuperator 40 of cleaning fluid has a longitudinal dimension such that when the cleaning device 12 is in its working position, said gutter 42 is always in line with the glazed surface 10. This allows the collection of the cleaning fluid in a zone lying longitudinally between the nozzle 28 and the glazed surface 10.

The cleaning fluid collector 40 may further comprise side walls 44 which extend longitudinally from the ring 32 of the deformation device 30, and such that the gutter 42 of the collector 40 connects them. In other words, the side walls 44 frame the detection device 8, such that one of the side walls 44 extends between the hydraulic cylinder 36 and the detection device 8. This makes it possible to optimize the collection cleaning fluid when the latter is projected against the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8, and in particular by collecting the splashes generated by this projection.

As seen at the , the gutter 42 of the recuperator 40 of cleaning fluid is hydraulically connected to the reservoir 22, by means of a recovery pipe 43, so that the recuperator 40 brings back the cleaning fluid collected to said reservoir 22. This makes it possible to saving volumes of cleaning fluid necessary for cleaning the glazed surface 10 and greater fluidic autonomy of the driving aid device 6 is allowed.

Advantage is taken of the cleaning device 12 as it has just been described according to this first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, in that it allows the projection device 18 to be placed behind the element of body 2a of the vehicle, whether the cleaning device 12 is in the rest position or in the working position, without this particular positioning within the vehicle impacting the cleaning performance of the glazed surface 10. The cleaning device 12 according to the invention is therefore imperceptible to a user positioned outside the motor vehicle. On the other hand, such a cleaning device 12 according to the invention makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the bodywork element 2a, the latter requiring only the opening for the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8.

A second embodiment of the invention and in particular of the actuating device 34 of the deformation device 30 will now be described by means of the . It should then be considered that only the distinct characteristics of the first embodiment described above will be the subject of a detailed description, for the common elements it is appropriate to refer to Figures 1 to 4.

As seen at the , the actuating device 34 comprises the hydraulic cylinder 36 mentioned above. The actuating device 34 also comprises at least a first rack 46 and a second rack 48, capable of cooperating with each other by means of a gear 50, so that they are movable longitudinally. one relative to the other. More specifically, the assembly formed by the first rack 46 and the second rack 48 is positioned longitudinally behind the ring 32 of the deformation device 30, that is to say the longitudinal opposite of the element body with respect to ring 32.

The first rack 46 then corresponds to a rack intended to be secured to the hydraulic cylinder 36 and the latter comprises at least one thrust stud 52 secured to one of these ends facing the ring 32 of the deformation device 30. more precisely, the first rack 46 is secured to a part of the rod 38 of the hydraulic cylinder 36, said rod 38 forming one of the moving parts of said hydraulic cylinder 36. The second rack 48 then corresponds to a mobile rack independently of the hydraulic cylinder 36 and is connected to at least one electric actuator 54 of the actuation device 34. The electric actuator 54 is then connected to an electric control system, not visible, making it possible to control the longitudinal movement of the first rack 46. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the electric actuator 54 is a retractable wire.

It is then understood that during the longitudinal translation of the rod 38 of the hydraulic cylinder 36 in the direction of the bodywork element of the motor vehicle, defined as a forward AV direction, said rod 38 drives in translation the first rack 46 to which it is secured in the same direction before AV. Thus, the longitudinal displacement of the first rack 46 in the front AV direction, causes the longitudinal displacement of the second rack 48 in a rear rear direction, opposite to the bodywork element, by means of the gear 50. The stud thrust 52, carried by the first rack 46, then bears against the ring 32, which makes it possible to distribute the thrust force against the ring 32 between the nozzle 28 and the thrust pad 52.

Once the optical surface 10 has been cleaned, the electric actuator 54 connected to the second rack 48 drives the second rack 48 in longitudinal translation in the forward direction AV. In this way, the first rack 46 is driven in longitudinal translation by means of the gear 50 in the rear rear direction and carries with it the rod 38 of the hydraulic cylinder 36 to which it is integral. Thus, the ring 32 integral with the nozzle 28 is driven longitudinally in the rear direction AR so that it no longer applies a thrust force against the bodywork element, the cleaning device 12 returning to its rest position.

It is therefore understood that in this embodiment the

racks

46, 48 ensure on the one hand a better distribution of the thrust force against the ring 32, and on the other hand, facilitates the transition from the working position to the position of rest of the cleaning device 12.

A third embodiment of the invention and in particular of the actuating device 34 will now be described in relation to the . It should then be considered that only the distinct characteristics of the first embodiment described above will be the subject of a detailed description, for the common elements it is appropriate to refer to Figures 1 to 4.

As seen at , the actuating device 34 comprises at least the hydraulic cylinder 36 mentioned above. Actuation device 34 also comprises at least one articulated support 56 and at least actuating member 58 which can take the form of a shape-memory wire, for example, and participate in generating a movement of articulated support 56 according to the longitudinal direction L of the driving aid device 6. More precisely, the articulated support 56 comprises at least one base 60 which extends along the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8 and is provided with at least one articulation 62 on which tilts at least one lever 64 of the articulated support 56.

A proximal end 66 and a distal end 68 of the base 60 of the articulated support 56 are defined, opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8, the proximal end 66 being closest to the ring 32 along this same direction and the distal end 68 being furthest from said ring 32. Thus, the at least one articulation 62, here first articulation 62a and the at least one lever 64, here a first lever 64a, of the articulated support 56 are positioned at the proximal end 66 of said articulated support 56, and in such a way that said first lever 64a extends in a vertical direction V of the driving aid device 6 perpendicular to its longitudinal direction L.

According to the invention, a first end 78 of the first lever 64a positioned opposite the ring 32 of the deformation device 30 carries the thrust stud 52, such that the latter is opposite the said ring 32. example of the invention illustrated, the actuating member 58 comprises at least a first member 58a and a second member 58b which each extend along the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8 and respectively from the first end 78 of the first lever 64a and a second end 80 of the first lever 64a, opposite the first end 78 in the vertical direction V of the detection device 8. A second lever 64b extends parallel to the first lever 64a, at the level of the distal end 68 of the base 60 and in such a way that it connects one end of the first member 58a and one end of the second member 58b of the actuating member 58. The base 60 then comprises a second joint 62b on which the second lever 64b.

Each of the levers 64 of the articulated support 56 are configured such that they tilt along the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8 and in the forward direction AV and the rear direction AR. It is then understood that the movements of the first lever 64a and of the second lever 64b of the articulated support 56 are coordinated and simultaneous, each of said levers 64 being integral with the first member 58a and the second member 58b of the actuating member 58. Thus, the actuating device 34, which may include the electric actuator, is capable of controlling the operation of the actuating member 58 such that the first member 58a and the second member 58b of the latter causes the tilting of the levers 64 of the articulated support 56.

More precisely, the actuating device 34 is able to generate the longitudinal displacement L of the second member 58b of the actuating member 58, for example under the effect of the electric actuator not shown here, according to the direction rear rear, having the effect of causing the longitudinal displacement L of the first member 58a of the actuating member 58 in the forward direction AV by means of the first lever 64a. Such a movement of the first member 58a in the front AV direction then has the effect of driving the thrust stud 52 against the ring 32 in the front AV direction, so that the latter deforms the bodywork element.

Once the glass surface 10 has been cleaned, the actuating device 34 is capable of generating the longitudinal displacement of the second member 58b of the actuating member 58 in the forward direction AV, having the effect of causing the displacement longitudinal of the first member 58a in the rear rear direction. Such a displacement of the first member 58a in the rear rear direction then allows the ring 32 of the deformation device 30 to translate longitudinally in the rear rear direction, for example under the effect of the hydraulic cylinder 36 to which it is secured by means of the nozzle 28 .

According to the example of the invention illustrated, the articulated support 56 may also comprise an arm 82 carrying an additional thrust stud 84 opposite the ring 32. More specifically, the arm 82 extends in the longitudinal direction L and carries at one end, facing the ring 32, the additional thrust pad 84, while the other end disposed at the level of the distal end 68 of the articulated support 56 and secured to a connection piece 86 connecting said arm 82 to the second lever 64b of the articulated support 56. Thus, it is understood that the longitudinal movement of the second lever 64b in the forward AV direction or the rear AR direction causes the longitudinal movement of the arm 82 in an identical direction. More particularly, during the longitudinal displacement of the first member 58a in the forward AV direction, the arm 82 of the articulated support 56 is also driven longitudinally in the forward AV direction by means of the second lever 64b and the connection piece 86. thus to optimize the distribution of the thrust force exerted against the ring 32 during the deformation of the bodywork element, between the thrust stud 52 and the additional thrust stud 84.

A fourth embodiment of the invention and in particular of the actuating device 34 of the deformation device 30 will now be described by means of the . It should then be considered that only the distinct characteristics of the first embodiment described above will be the subject of a detailed description, for the common elements it is appropriate to refer to Figures 1 to 4.

In this embodiment of the invention, the actuating device 34 comprises the hydraulic cylinder 36 mentioned above. Furthermore, the actuating device 34 comprises at least one slide 72 capable of sliding longitudinally along a base 74 of the slide itself integral with the motor vehicle. The slide 72 then comprises the push stud 52 on one of its longitudinal ends facing the ring 32, and such that the push stud 52 is in contact with said ring 32. Furthermore, the slide 72 is connected to the electric actuator 54 which is capable of translating the slide 72 longitudinally in the front AV direction and the rear AR direction.

It is therefore understood that the slide 72 participates in moving the ring 32 of the deformation device 30 in the longitudinal direction L of the detection device 8 so that it deforms the bodywork element as mentioned above.

A fifth embodiment of the invention and in particular of the actuation device 34 and of the deformation device 30 will now be described by means of the .

In this fifth embodiment, the deformation device 30 comprises at least one electrically deformable strip 76 intended to be incorporated into the bodywork element 2a. More precisely, the electrically deformable strip 76 is arranged in a material of the bodywork element 2a and is configured to deform said bodywork element 2a at the periphery of the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8. More particularly, the strip electrically deformable 76 deforms the bodywork element 2a longitudinally in the forward AV direction. Furthermore, it is understood that once the cleaning of the glazed surface 10 of the detection device 8 has been carried out, the electrically deformable strip 76 is able to move the bodywork element 2a longitudinally in the rear direction AR so that said element body 2a is in its initial position, before deformation.

The electrically deformable strip 76 acts on the bodywork element 2a under the effect of an electric current granted by an electrical control system, not visible, and housed within the motor vehicle 1. The electrical control system then makes it possible to activate the electrically deformable strip 76 simultaneously with the passage from the rest position to the working position of the cleaning device, that is to say during the longitudinal translation of the rod of the cylinder hydraulics mentioned above.

It is therefore understood that in this embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device and the deformation device 30 are positioned at separate locations of the motor vehicle 1, said cleaning device being positioned at the rear of the body 2a while the deformation device 30 is integrated into the material of the body element 2a.

Advantage is taken of the cleaning device as it has just been described in that it makes it possible to be camouflaged behind a bodywork element of a vehicle while ensuring optimal cleaning of a glazed surface of a device of detection. It also makes it possible to simplify the design and manufacture of the bodywork element, the latter now only requiring an opening for the glazed surface of the detection device.

The invention as it has just been described cannot however be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to all means or configurations, equivalents and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims

Cleaning device (12) for a glazed surface (10) of a detection device (8) fitted to a vehicle (1), the cleaning device (12) being intended to be secured to said vehicle (1), the cleaning device (12) comprising at least one device (18) for spraying a cleaning fluid onto the glazed surface (10), the cleaning device (12) being characterized in that it comprises at least one deformation device ( 30) capable of generating a deformation of a bodywork element (2a) of the vehicle (1) localized around the detection device (8).
Cleaning device (12) according to the preceding claim, in which the projection device (18) is arranged in such a way as to remain behind the bodywork element (2a) when the cleaning device (12) is placed in a position of work.
A cleaning device (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformation device (30) is configured to transmit a force capable of deforming the bodywork element (2a).
Cleaning device (12) according to the preceding claim, in which the force configured to be transmitted by the deformation device (30) to the bodywork element (2a) is between 80 and 200 Newton.
Cleaning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deformation mainly takes place in a longitudinal direction (L) substantially parallel to a direction of main elongation of the cleaning device (12).
A cleaning device (12) according to any preceding claim, wherein the deformation device (30) is configured to occupy a close position in which the deformation device (30) is close to the glazed surface (10). and a remote position in which the deforming device (30) is remote from the glazed surface (10) so as to allow the cleaning of the glazed surface (10) by the at least one projection device (18) and in which the deformation device (30) is configured to deform the bodywork element (2a).
Cleaning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deformation device (30) comprises at least one contact element intended to distribute a force generated during the deformation of the bodywork element (2a) around the detection device (8).
Cleaning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the projection device (18) is integral in movement with the deformation device (30).
Cleaning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deformation device (30) comprises at least one actuation device (34) in translation in the longitudinal direction (L).
Cleaning device (12) according to the preceding claim, comprising a reservoir (22) intended to contain the cleaning fluid, the reservoir being fluidically connected to the projection device.
Cleaning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the actuating device (34) comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder (36) able to translate in the longitudinal direction (L)
Cleaning device (12) according to the preceding claim, in which the hydraulic cylinder (36) comprises a chamber intended to contain the cleaning fluid, the chamber being hydraulically connected to the projection device (28).
Cleaning device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the deformation device (30) comprises at least one electrically deformable strip (76) intended to be incorporated into the bodywork element (2a).
Assembly comprising a cleaning device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims and a bodywork element (2a).
Driving aid device (6) for a vehicle (1) comprising at least one detection device (8) and a cleaning device (12) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, the detection device (8) comprising at least one glazed surface (10) and the cleaning device (12) being capable of spraying a cleaning fluid against the glazed surface (10).