WO2024094618A1

WO2024094618A1 - Motorized cleaning system for cleaning an optical surface

Info

Publication number: WO2024094618A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/080228
Authority: WO
Inventors: William TERRASSE; Frederic Bretagnol
Original assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
Priority date: 2022-11-03
Filing date: 2023-10-30
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Also published as: FR3141661A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motorized cleaning system (6) for cleaning at least one optical surface (41), comprising a device for detecting an element (5) blocking a localized zone (51, 52) of the optical surface (41) and a cleaning member (7), the cleaning member (7) comprising a cleaning element (8) for cleaning the optical surface (41) and an actuating element (63) capable of moving the cleaning element (8) between a rest position and a working position facing the localized zone, the cleaning element (8) being configured, in this working position, to remove the blocking element (5) from the localized zone (51, 52).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title: Motorized cleaning system for an optical surface.

The present invention relates to the field of cleaning systems, and more particularly a cleaning system capable of ensuring localized cleaning of an optical surface of a sensor.

Motor vehicles are now commonly equipped with driving assistance devices making it possible to ensure, depending on the system, a degree of autonomy to the vehicle for driving or parking maneuvers, or alerts for the driver to secure his conduct. These driving assistance devices include data acquisition means which can take, for example, the form of sensors intended to evaluate an external environment of the motor vehicle, or even the form of cameras intended to offer the driver visibility on an environment external to the motor vehicle, visually inaccessible to the driver's seat.

Such data acquisition means comprise at least one optical surface, through which waves specific to the type of acquisition implemented pass, this optical surface being positioned on the vehicle as a function of the detection field of the external environment to the desired motor vehicle. The optical surface of a data acquisition means is thus highly exposed to external dirt. For example, in rainy weather, there are splashes of rain and dirt which can greatly affect the operability of the driving assistance system including such a sensor. The glass surfaces of the sensors/transmitters must therefore be protected and cleaned to ensure their good working condition.

To this end, it is known to associate with the driving assistance devices a cleaning device capable of cleaning the optical surface of the data acquisition means as soon as dirt is detected. Such a cleaning device may include means for projecting fluid from cleaning against said optical surface, associated where appropriate with blowing or wiping means.

The cleaning devices currently used within driving assistance devices carry out complete cleaning of the optical surface, as soon as dirt is detected, which in the example previously mentioned involves the projection of a large quantity of cleaning fluid. Such an operating mode also has the disadvantage of making the data acquisition means incapable of collecting data during cleaning of the optical surface.

Furthermore, particularly in the summer period, external dirt impacting the optical surfaces may consist of organic dirt, notably insects, which are more difficult to clean than splashes of rain or dirt previously mentioned. The cleaning devices then use a large quantity of fluid, projected at high pressure, to be certain of removing the detected dirt which may be organic. The waste of cleaning fluid, due to the fact that the entire optical surface is cleaned regardless of the size or location of the dirt, is then even greater.

The present invention proposes to overcome some of the drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to propose a cleaning system allowing a data acquisition means to continue its data collection during the cleaning of an optical surface located in front of said means of data acquisition. The present invention also proposes to limit the quantity of fluid used during cleaning of the optical surface to a quantity justified according to the dimensions of the dirt detected on the optical surface.

The invention therefore relates to a motorized cleaning system for at least one optical surface comprising a device for detecting an element blocking a localized area of the optical surface and a cleaning member, the cleaning member comprising a cleaning element. cleaning the optical surface and an actuating element capable of moving the cleaning element between a rest position and a working position facing the localized area, the cleaning element being configured in this working position to remove the element blocking the localized area.

The blocking element can equally be organic waste, such as an insect, or inorganic dirt, such as raindrops or traces of mud. The presence of this shutter element on the optical surface is detected by the detection device, for example by appropriate image processing means which analyze whether the extent of the detection field remains the same image after image. The detection device is configured to determine a localized area including the shutter element, and provide corresponding information. This localized zone has a shape and dimensions which are a function of the shape and dimensions of the closing element. More precisely, this localized zone has a shape including the entire closing element and the smallest possible dimensions.

In other words, the localized zone represents a minimal portion of the optical surface, and can for example extend over an extent of the order of 5 to 20% of the overall extent of the optical surface.

The information relating to the positioning of this localized zone is transformed into a control instruction for the actuating element, in order to be able to bring the cleaning element into a working position facing this localized zone.

More particularly, by means of the actuating element, the cleaning element is brought to the working position. It is understood that the cleaning element moves from its rest position to its working position depending on the detection of a zone located by the cleaning system and depending on an instruction given to this actuating element which is function of the detected position of the localized area.

Defining a localized area, and configuring the cleaning element to remove the sealing element when that cleaning element is opposite the localized area, allows the cleaning system to clean only a limited area of the optical surface, that is to say only the soiled area and not capable of ensuring data acquisition, which allows the data acquisition means to continue its data collection via other areas of the optical surface. It is understood that cleaning this localized area by the cleaning system does not prevent the collection of data by the data acquisition means.

As mentioned, the cleaning element is configured to remove the blocking element when this cleaning element is in the working position. It should be understood by this characteristic of the invention that the cleaning element has a first configuration, called rest configuration, in which the cleaning element is not capable of carrying out a cleaning function of the optical surface, the cleaning element retaining this first configuration until it finds itself in the working position and is configured to remove the blocking element, that is to say made capable of carrying out a targeted cleaning function. By way of example, to illustrate what should be understood by the configuration of the cleaning element when it is in the working position, we can predict, if the cleaning element is a broom or a brush , that the cleaning element moves from the rest position to the working position, thanks to the actuating element, being at a distance from the optical surface, without contact with it, and that the element cleaning comes into contact with the optical surface only when it is in the working position, facing the localized area. If the cleaning element comprises one or more cleaning fluid projection nozzles, it is understood that the cleaning element moves from the rest position to the working position, thanks to the actuating element, without projecting of cleaning fluid, with all of the nozzles made inactive by an appropriate solenoid valve for example, and that the cleaning element is configured to allow the projection of cleaning fluid, by the opening of at least one projection nozzle, only when it is in the working position, facing the localized area.

When the cleaning system is not in operation, the cleaning element is in the rest position.

According to one characteristic of the invention, in the rest position, the cleaning element is placed on a support of the cleaning system. More particularly, in this rest position of the cleaning element, the latter is outside the optical surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element comprises at least one nozzle for projecting a cleaning fluid towards the optical surface. As mentioned previously, the cleaning element, when it is configured in the working position to remove the closing element, is controlled to achieve this removal by the projection of a cleaning fluid via one or more projection nozzles. The cleaning fluid is projected in a targeted manner on the localized area, and not on the entire optical surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning system comprises a single cleaning fluid distribution circuit to ensure the cleaning of a plurality of optical surfaces or a plurality of zones located within the same optical surface. We understand that it is indeed the same cleaning element which is moved, via the associated actuating element, opposite this or that localized zone, or opposite this or that optical surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the detection device of the cleaning system is configured to detect the nature of the sealing element present in the localized area. The cleaning element can be configured, in the working position, according to the detection information of the nature of the closing element. The cleaning element can be configured so as to adapt the flow rate and/or pressure of the cleaning fluid leaving the cleaning element depending on the nature of the closing element.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element is configured to perform a plurality of cleaning functions of the localized area. We understand by this characteristic that the cleaning element can carry several different means all having the function of cleaning or participating in the cleaning of the localized area.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element can carry at least one cleaning fluid projection nozzle, to ensure a cleaning function by jet of liquid or air, and/or heating means to enable a defrosting or decomposition function of organic dirt, and/or mechanical friction means, such as a brush or broom.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuating element is capable of moving the cleaning element in at least two intersecting directions between them and parallel to the plane of the optical surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuating element is capable of moving the cleaning element in at least two directions perpendicular to each other and parallel to the plane of the optical surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuating element is capable of moving the cleaning element from its rest position to its working position by moving the cleaning element along a first rectilinear component oriented in a first direction , then by moving the cleaning element according to a second rectilinear component superimposed on the first rectilinear component oriented in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

For example, the actuating element is capable of moving the cleaning element along the first rectilinear component from a first edge of the optical surface towards a second edge of the optical surface, the second edge being adjacent to said first edge of the optical surface. It is understood here that the cleaning element does not move in an angular back and forth movement. It is also understood that the cleaning element does not perform a linear movement from a first edge of the optical surface towards a second edge of the optical surface being located opposite the first edge.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuating element is capable of moving the cleaning element from its rest position to its working position by moving the cleaning element along a first rectilinear component oriented in a first direction , then by moving the cleaning element according to a second rectilinear component secant to the first rectilinear component oriented in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element can be made mobile, for example in rotation around its own axis, once the working position has been reached, in a specific movement distinct from that which brought it into the working position.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element comprises a friction cleaning means. This friction cleaning means may include foam, a wiping blade or a brush. This cleaning means is sized to ensure local and not complete cleaning of the optical surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element comprises reversible fixing means for fixing the means for cleaning the optical surface.

The reversible fixing means make it possible to attach various cleaning means to the cleaning element, chosen according to the cleaning function that one wishes to see provided by the cleaning element. It is understood that the cleaning element can thus provide a large number of cleaning functions with a standard base on which specific cleaning means are reported on demand.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the actuating element comprises at least one articulated arm extending between a first end and a second end, the articulated arm being connected at its first end to the cleaning element and at its second end to a drive motor.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the at least one articulated arm is set in motion via the drive motor, the operation of which relates to the control instruction received following detection of the shutter element .

According to one characteristic of the invention, the at least one articulated arm is deployed to bring the first end, and therefore the cleaning element, facing the localized area, the movement of the actuating element causing the movement of the cleaning element. More precisely, the actuating element comprises two articulated arms, each being connected on the one hand to a drive motor of its own and on the other hand to the cleaning element, the two articulated arms jointly participating in moving the cleaning element.

According to one characteristic of the invention, each articulated arm is connected at its first end to a ring secured to the cleaning element, the rings being arranged, one above the other, around a hinge pin.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning system comprises at least one clearance zone provided outside the optical surface and intended to receive the cleaning element in its rest position. Each clearance zone essentially has the function of offering a rest position, in which the cleaning element of the cleaning system is inoperative, but it can be planned to equip at least one clearance zone with a means of processing the cleaning element, capable of making the cleaning element operational for the next time it is moved to the working position. By way of example, this or these treatment means may be heating means, capable of bringing the cleaning element to a temperature favorable to a future cleaning action, and/or drying means, capable of draining the cleaning element during the rest position, through holes provided for this purpose in the clearance zone.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element is capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface. This movement must be considered as an additional movement, different from the main movement of the cleaning element implemented by the actuating element. This additional movement is directed substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the cleaning element is mainly caused to move between its rest position and its working position. This additional movement can be achieved by means of a drive motor located, for example, in the cleaning element and allowing the cleaning element to come into contact with the optical surface. This additional movement is implemented especially when the cleaning element is in its working position. It is understood that such a movement can allow the cleaning means to provide a defrosting or even wiping function.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element is able to move in rotation around an axis substantially perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface, or in other words a plane of elongation in which the cleaning element mainly moves from the rest position to the working position. The cleaning element thus configured is capable of rotating on itself at high speed, once in the working position, to carry out cleaning of the localized area by centrifugation.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the cleaning fluid circulates to the cleaning element by means of a flexible following at least one of the articulated arms.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the cleaning fluid circulates to the cleaning element by means of a conveying conduit provided within at least one articulated arm.

The invention also relates to a method of cleaning at least one optical surface by a cleaning system conforming to any of the preceding characteristics, the cleaning method implementing:

- at least a first step during which a shutter element is detected on the optical surface,

- at least a second step during which a movement instruction is transmitted to an actuating element of a cleaning member so as to move a cleaning element of this cleaning member opposite the closing element,

- at least a third step during which a cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member.

The movement instruction makes it possible to move the cleaning element from its rest position to a working position or from a working position at a first localized zone to a working position at a second zone localized. We understand that this movement instruction takes into account the position of the cleaning element as well as the position of the localized area requiring cleaning.

The cleaning instruction includes information relating to the configuration that the cleaning element must present once it has reached the working position. By way of example, the cleaning instruction may include information relating to the opening of a solenoid valve allowing the projection of a cleaning fluid and information relating to the pressure and/or flow rate of the cleaning fluid which should come out of the cleaning element.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand. share, on which:

[Fig.i] represents a motor vehicle comprising a data acquisition means associated with a motorized cleaning system according to the invention;

[Fig.2] represents the system for cleaning an optical surface of the data acquisition means, according to a first embodiment, Figure 2 making visible two localized zones comprising elements closing the optical surface;

[Fig.3] represents the cleaning system of Figure 2, during the cleaning operation, illustrating more particularly the movement of a cleaning element from a rest position to a working position facing a first localized zone comprising a closing element;

[Fig.4] represents the cleaning system of Figure 2, during the cleaning operation, illustrating more particularly the cleaning element configured to carry out cleaning of the first localized area;

[Fig.5] represents the cleaning system of Figure 2, during the cleaning operation, illustrating more particularly the movement from the cleaning element from the first localized zone to a second localized zone;

[Fig.6] represents the cleaning system of Figure 2, during the cleaning operation, illustrating more particularly the cleaning element configured to carry out cleaning of the second localized zone;

[Fig.7] represents the cleaning system of Figure 2, at the end of the cleaning operation, illustrating more particularly the return of the cleaning element from a working position to its rest position, on a support of the cleaning system;

[Fig.8] represents an example of the structure of the cleaning element visible in Figures 2 to 7;

[Fig.9] represents a sectional view of the cleaning element of Figure 8, revealing a projection nozzle formed by a projection channel and an opening provided in the cleaning element;

[Fig.10] represents a sectional view of the cleaning element according to Figure 9, the cleaning element comprising a friction cleaning means;

[Fig.11] represents the system for cleaning an optical surface of the data acquisition means, according to a second embodiment, making visible the cleaning of a localized area comprising an element closing the optical surface.

It should first be noted that if the figures present 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 examples of embodiments of the invention.

The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. We could in particular imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference. It should be noted that the representations of the cleaning system in dotted lines visible in Figures 3 to 7 represent a previous position of the cleaning member and the articulated arms of the cleaning system. It should also be noted that the arrows visible in Figures 3 to 7 represent the movement of the cleaning member from its previous position, visible in dotted lines, to a new position, visible in solid lines.

Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 1 comprising at least one body 2 and four wheels 3, at least part of which is visible, and a data acquisition means 4. This data acquisition means 4 is, in the mode embodiment shown, arranged at the level of a front bumper of the motor vehicle 1. The data acquisition means 4 is equipment of the motor vehicle 1 capable of collecting and transmitting data to facilitate the driving of the motor vehicle 1. More precisely, the data acquisition means 4 is, in this embodiment shown, a sensor protected by a transparent optical surface, visible in Figures 2 to 7. It should be noted that this data acquisition means 4 could , alternatively, be a camera making it possible to increase the visibility of a driver of the motor vehicle 1, and that it could be placed in other places of the vehicle.

The data acquisition means 4 is housed in the motor vehicle 1 and comprises, as visible in Figure 2, at least one optical surface 41 intended to protect the sensor or the camera. This optical surface 41 is a transparent surface on which obturating elements 5, such as inorganic dirt formed for example by mud or organic dirt formed for example by insect impacts, can be deposited when driving or parking of the motor vehicle 1.

Figures 2 to 7 illustrate a motorized cleaning system 6 according to a first embodiment of the invention, intended to clean the surface optical 41 of the data acquisition means 4, in the event that obturating elements 5, preventing or making data acquisition unreliable, come to be deposited on the optical surface 41. It should be noted that in the mode of embodiment represented by Figures 2 to 7 the cleaning system 6 is associated with a single optical surface 41. Of course, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the number of optical surfaces 41 can be greater. These optical surfaces 41 can in particular be optical surfaces of the same data acquisition means 4 separated from each other or distinct optical surfaces of several data acquisition means 4. In other words, the system of cleaning 6 is capable of cleaning a plurality of distinct optical surfaces.

The motorized cleaning system 6 comprises a support 61, arranged in the vicinity of the optical surface, on the bodywork or on a structural element of the vehicle, and a cleaning member 7 mounted on this support 61.

The cleaning member 7 is formed of a cleaning element 8 intended to carry out targeted cleaning of the optical surface 41, in a localized area in which dirt has been detected, and of an actuating element 63 intended to move the cleaning element 8 towards this localized area to carry out said targeted cleaning. At least one drive motor, here two drive motors 62, are fixed on the support 61 and each comprise an output shaft 621 by which the drive motors 62 are connected to the actuating element 63 .

The actuating element 63 comprises at least one articulated arm associated with a drive motor. In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 63 comprises two articulated arms 631 respectively associated with a drive motor. Each articulated arm 631 extends between a first end and a second end opposite the first end. More precisely, each articulated arm 631 comprises at its first end means of fixing to the cleaning element 8 and is connected by its second end to one of the drive motors 62. It should be noted that the means fixing between articulated arm and cleaning element are described in more detail in connection with Figures 8 to 10. Each drive motor 62 is, in the embodiment shown, a servomotor capable of ensuring a desired position of the articulated arm associated with it, and therefore of ensuring the position of the cleaning element 8 jointly carried by the two arms articulated.

In the example illustrated, the actuating element 63 is such that each of the articulated arms 631 is formed of two connecting rods 632 articulated together by a ball joint 633. This ball joint 633 makes it possible to generate an angle between each connecting rod 632 of the same articulated arm 631. The implementation of a drive motor 62 generates the rotation, simultaneously with the output shaft 621, of the connecting rod 632 directly connected to the drive motor 62 and therefore the rotation of the ball joint 633. The movement of at least one of the ball joints 633 modifies the center distance between the two ball joints 633, which implies a modification of the position of the connecting rods 632 connected to the same cleaning element 8. The cleaning element 8 is arranged facing a specific zone of the optical surface 41 ensuring an appropriate position of the articulation balls 633 of each of the articulated arms 631, by appropriate control of the two motors training 62.

The cleaning element 8 is able to move, via the implementation of the actuating element 63, along the optical surface 41 to move from a rest position visible in Figure 2 to a position of work, one of which is visible in Figure 3.

In the rest position, the cleaning element 8 is present on a clearance zone 65, here provided at the level of the support 61. This clearance zone 65 is intended to accommodate the cleaning element 8 when no closing element 5 is not detected by the cleaning system 6. The clearance zone 65, and therefore the associated rest position, is arranged outside the optical surface 41, and more generally, outside the detection field of the means 'data acquisition. It should be noted that this clearance zone 65 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a plurality of orifices 651 passing through the support 61. Without this being limiting to the invention, a heating and/or drying means can be associated with this clearance zone 65 so that a flow of hot air can be directed, through the orifices, towards the cleaning element 8.

In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the optical surface 41 is made dirty by the presence of two distinct shutter elements 5, arranged in distinct localized areas of the optical surface, and each of which can cause a relative malfunction of the acquisition means data 4. Such shutter elements 5 require cleaning by the cleaning system 6 and the cleaning system 6 according to the invention allows targeted cleaning of one then the other of the shutter elements, without requiring the entire optical surface is hampered by the presence of the cleaning system.

More precisely, these two obturating elements 5 are detected by a detection device which can be integrated into the data acquisition means 4. In this case, the data acquisition means successively processes the data that it acquires and analyzes if a local change in light intensity detected is standard or representative of the presence of dirt. It should be noted that alternatively this detection device can be an attached element specifically dedicated to monitoring the cleanliness of the optical surface, of the camera type. In the example illustrated, the detection device is able to define a first localized zone 51 comprising a closing element 5 and a second localized zone 52 comprising another closing element 5.

The detection of the closing elements 5 generates the transmission of a movement instruction to the drive motors 62 so that the cleaning system 6 can clean the localized area 51, 52 comprising a closing element 5. As visible in Figures 3 and 4, this movement instruction transmitted to the drive motors 62 causes the cleaning element 8 to be moved by the actuating element 63 from the rest position of the cleaning element 8 towards a working position, facing any of the first or second localized zones 51 or 52 and in which the cleaning element 8 is configured to remove the closing element 5. In the embodiment shown, visible in Figure 3, the movement instruction given initially to the drive motors 62 is to move the actuating element 63 so that the cleaning element 8 is in position. view of the first localized zone 51.

In the working position of the cleaning element 8, that is to say when the cleaning element 8 is opposite a localized zone to be cleaned, here the first localized zone 51, the cleaning element is configured to remove the closing element 5, that is to say to carry out a cleaning function targeted on the localized area. It should be noted that the cleaning element is thus configured, that is to say that it receives a specific cleaning instruction, only when it has arrived in the working position and is not there. not when it is in the rest position and when it is moving between the rest position and the working position.

The specific cleaning instruction, sent to the cleaning element when it is in the working position, may include an instruction relating to, for example, triggering a projection of a cleaning fluid from the cleaning element. cleaning 8 in the direction of the optical surface 41, and/or an instruction relating to a particular movement of the cleaning element 8, such as for example pressing against the optical surface and/or a back and forth movement parallel to the optical surface within the first localized zone 51.

It should be noted that this cleaning instruction may include various information and in particular control instructions for means embedded on the cleaning element, in order to allow the cleaning element 8 to perform a plurality of cleaning functions of the localized area. By way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, the cleaning instruction may include an instruction for starting a heating element embedded on the cleaning element, to ensure defrosting of the optical surface 41, and/or an instruction for operation of a pump associated with the cleaning fluid distribution circuit to ensure a jet of more or less stripping cleaning fluid, and/or an instruction to start a motor on board the wiping element to carry out a specific movement of this wiping element, for example rotation for cleaning by centrifugation.

It is understood from what has just been described that the cleaning system 6 implements a cleaning process in which a first step consists of the detection of at least one shutter element 5 on the optical surface 41 by a detection device appropriate. As mentioned, this detection device is able to provide information on the location of the closing element, in relation to the rest position of the cleaning element, or in any case in relation to the previous position of the cleaning element. During a second step, a movement instruction is transmitted to the drive motors 62 so as to move the cleaning element 8 opposite the localized zone associated with the closing element 5, by a movement such that mentioned articulation ball joints 633. During the movement of the cleaning element, the latter is not configured to carry out a cleaning operation. Then, during a third step, once the cleaning element is in the working position, a cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member 7 so that it performs a cleaning function capable of removing the shutter element 5.

When the closing element 5 located at the level of the first localized zone 51 is removed from the optical surface 41, the cleaning element 8 returns to its rest position located at the level of the clearance zone 65 provided on the support 61 or 5, a movement instruction is transmitted to the drive motors 62 so as to move the cleaning element 8 opposite the second localized zone 52 comprising another closing element 5.

At this second localized zone 52, a new cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member 7 so that the latter performs a cleaning function and for example a projection of fluid by the cleaning element 8 and/or, as visible in Figure 6, a back and forth movement of the cleaning element 8 within the second localized zone 52 in order to remove the closing element 5. In an embodiment mentioned previously where the cleaning system 6 is provided with a motor on board the cleaning element to make it possible to generate a movement of the cleaning element 8 independently of the movement of the actuating element 63 , the cleaning instruction transmitted in the third step includes in particular an instruction for controlling this on-board motor.

By way of example, this movement of the cleaning element 8 generated by the on-board motor makes it possible to move the cleaning element 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface 41. in other words, this on-board motor makes it possible to bring the cleaning element 8 closer or further away from the optical surface 41. Therefore, in the second step where the cleaning element moves opposite the optical surface to reach the position working facing the localized area, the cleaning element is at a distance from the optical surface and does not rub against it. Such a movement of the cleaning element 8 is particularly advantageous in the case where the cleaning system 6 is intended to clean several optical surfaces 41 separated for example by an element of the bodywork 2.

Alternatively, the cleaning element may be in contact with the optical surface both in the working position and when moving between the rest position and the working position. It should then be noted that the contact of the cleaning element with the optical surface during the movement of the second stage cannot be considered as a configuration of the cleaning element to perform a cleaning function, insofar as according to the invention a specific instruction is given to this effect after the second step, once the working position has been reached.

Figure 7 illustrates the return of the cleaning element 8 from its working position to its rest position on the clearance zone 65 of the support 61. It should be noted that in this Figure 7, the support 61 of the cleaning system 6 includes two additional clearance zones 66. These clearance zones 65, 66 are arranged outside the optical surface 41 and are, as mentioned previously, intended to accommodate the cleaning element 8 in a rest position.

The clearance zones 65, 66, and more particularly the additional clearance zones which are not encumbered by the drive motors 62, can be equipped with means capable of carrying out a plurality of tasks on the cleaning element while it is in use. is in a resting position. In particular, the clearance zones may include air blowing means, to dry the cleaning element after a cleaning operation, and/or means for heating the cleaning element 8 by projecting a flow hot air or by switching on a resistive element.

The different drying or heating flows can pass through orifices similar to the orifices 651 represented on the clearance zone 65, these orifices can also be used for draining the cleaning element 8.

Additionally or alternatively, the clearance zones, and more particularly the additional clearance zones which are not encumbered by the drive motors 62, may comprise a means of assembling a cleaning means, which will be described more in detail. detail in connection with Figure 10, allowing the cleaning element 8 to provide a plurality of cleaning functions on one or more localized areas. Such an assembly means can in particular make it possible to fix in a reversible manner the cleaning means which can be, for example, a foam or a brush making it possible to clean with greater efficiency the localized area of the optical surface 41 by friction or a heating element to ensure defrosting of the optical surface 41.

Figures 2 to 7 have made it possible to illustrate different embodiments and different positions of the cleaning system 6 according to the invention, particularly in that it allows targeted cleaning of localized areas of an optical surface, by implementing distinctly instructions for moving a cleaning element to a localized area and an instruction for cleaning to be respected when the cleaning element has arrived next to the localized area. It should be noted that the cleaning system 6 can be associated with an overall cleaning device for the optical surface 41, for example in the form of a set of cleaning fluid projection nozzles arranged in a fixed manner at the periphery of the optical surface. . The overall cleaning device or the cleaning member 7 specific to the invention are activated selectively according to the size of the localized zone and/or the type of obturating element detected. For example, the overall cleaning device can be activated when the number of elements blocking the optical surface is greater than a threshold value, for example two, and the saving in cleaning fluid which is authorized by the cleaning system targeted cleaning according to the invention is counterbalanced by too large a number of movements of the cleaning system to be generated.

Figure 8 represents an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning element 8 of the cleaning member 7, part of the actuating element also being visible.

The cleaning element 8 is here formed of a first shell 81 intended to face the optical surface 41, of two rings 82 each secured to a connecting rod 632 of one of the articulated arms 631, and of a second shell 83 separated from the first shell 81 by the two rings 82. The shells and the rings are assembled superimposed on each other, defining an axis of elongation 100 which passes substantially through the center of each of the shells and rings and which is intended to be perpendicular to the optical surface when the cleaning element is in the working position.

The two rings are mounted movable in rotation, independently of each other, around an axis of rotation formed by the axis of elongation 100, such rotation of the rings making it possible to adjust the angular spacing of the connecting rods of the two articulated arms secured to these rings and thus making it possible to position the cleaning element in any area of the optical surface. If necessary, the first shell 81 intended to face the optical surface 41 can also be made movable in rotation around the axis of elongation to allow the element to cleaning 8 to carry out cleaning of the optical surface 41 by centrifugation.

In addition, each of the connecting rods of the actuating element 63 here comprises a conveying conduit 9 intended to supply the cleaning element 8 electrically or with cleaning fluid. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, a fluid cleaning circulates through the routing conduit 9 provided within a first articulated arm 631 and electrical power cables, here not shown, allowing, for example, the electrical supply of an on-board motor for the implementation in rotation of the cleaning element 8 or the electrical supply of a resistive heating element, circulate in the routing conduit 9 provided within the other articulated arm 631.

It should be noted that alternatively the cleaning fluid and/or the electrical power supply can be conveyed to the cleaning element 8 by a flexible hose, not shown here, along one of the articulated arms 631. It is also note that the articulated arms 631 can be formed of an electrically conductive metallic material capable of transmitting an electric current to the cleaning element 8, where appropriate by electrically insulating the articulated arm(s) 631 in an insulating sheath.

It is notable that in the case of a cleaning element equipped with cleaning fluid projection nozzles, the cleaning system is such that with a single cleaning fluid distribution circuit, and for example a distribution circuit taking a conveying conduit, a cleaning element is capable of selectively cleaning a plurality of distinct localized zones of the same optical surface and/or a plurality of optical surfaces 41.

Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view of the cleaning element 8 as shown in Figure 8. More precisely, Figure 9 illustrates a projection nozzle 94 provided at the level of the first shell 81 of the cleaning element 8 and formed by an opening 93 and a portion of a projection channel 92 provided across the first shell 81. The cleaning fluid circulating through the conveying conduit 9 provided within an articulated arm 631 reaches a distribution conduit 91 provided in the ring 82 associated with said articulated arm 631. This distribution conduit 91 is connected at one end with said conveying conduit 9 and through an opposite end with the projection channel 92.

The projection channel 92 extends across the first shell 81 and opens through an orifice passing through the first shell 81 and forming the opening 93 towards the outside of the cleaning element 8 so that the fluid from cleaning circulating in the projection channel 92 is projected towards the optical surface 41 through the opening 93. The axis of the projection channel 92 is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation 100 such that the rotation if necessary of the first shell 81 and the rotation of the ring 82 do not prevent the projection of cleaning fluid through the opening 93.

The projection nozzle 94 formed by the projection channel 92 and the opening 93 makes it possible to project the cleaning fluid towards the optical surface 41 in a targeted manner, being directly above the dirt. As may have been mentioned, a pump not shown here is associated with the conveying conduit to ensure that the cleaning fluid is projected via the projection nozzle with sufficient pressure to effectively remove a blocking element 5, and therefore with a limited quantity of cleaning fluid. Furthermore, to facilitate the removal of the sealing element 5, the cleaning fluid projected by the projection nozzle 94 can be heated. This different information relating to the projection pressure of the cleaning fluid as well as the temperature of the cleaning fluid is transmitted to the cleaning member 7 with the cleaning instruction.

Figure 10 represents a sectional view of the cleaning element 8 visible in Figure 9 on which a reversible fixing means 84 is installed on an external face of the first shell 81 intended to face the optical surface 41. By way of non-limiting example, the reversible fixing means may consist of an adhesive layer, or else of snap-fastening means. This reversible fixing means 84 makes it possible to fix a cleaning means 85 of the optical surface 41. In the mode of embodiment shown in Figure 10, this cleaning means 85 is a foam making it possible to clean and/or wipe the optical surface 41.

These cleaning means 85 can be installed on the different clearance zones 65, 66 previously mentioned and a cleaning means is mounted or disassembled automatically when the cleaning element comes to cover the clearance zone. For example, each additional clearance zone may include a different cleaning means 85 which can be assembled to the cleaning element 8 via the reversible fixing means 84. It is understood that the cleaning element 8 is thus capable of ensuring a plurality of cleaning functions.

Figure 11 represents the cleaning system 6, according to a second embodiment of the invention, during the cleaning of a shutter element 5 present on the optical surface 41 at a third localized zone 53. In this mode of embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system 6 comprises a first articulated arm 631a and a second articulated arm 631b, each articulated arm comprising a connecting rod 632 and a shaft, respectively a first shaft 632a and a second shaft 632b, articulated on the connecting rod 632 by a ball joint 633. The cleaning element 8 is connected to the first articulated arm 631a via the first shaft 632a, and more specifically by one end of said first shaft 632a, the opposite end being linked to the articulation ball 633 of the articulated arm 631a.

The second embodiment is particular in that only the end of the first articulated arm 631a is linked to the cleaning element 8, the end of the second articulated arm 631b being linked to the first articulated arm 631a.

More particularly, the second shaft 632b of the second articulated arm 631b is connected by one end to the articulation ball 633 of the second articulated arm 631b and by an end opposite to an articulation ring 635, which forms a junction element between the first shaft 632a and the second shaft 632b.

The hinge ring 635 is configured such that the angle between the first shaft 632a of the first articulated arm 631a and the second shaft 632b of the second articulated arm 631b can vary to accompany the movement of the first articulated arm carrying the cleaning element 8. By way of example, the second shaft 632b of the second articulated arm 631b can be mounted movable in rotation on the articulation ring 635 which is made integral with the first shaft 632a of the first articulated arm. The articulation ring extends at a distance from the cleaning element 8 and the articulation ball 633 of the first articulated arm 631a.

It should be noted that in this second embodiment the cleaning element 8 may differ from what has been previously described and comprise a single ring 82 linked to the first shaft 631a.

It appears from the preceding description that the invention achieves the goal it had set for itself by proposing a motorized cleaning system which allows the cleaning of an optical surface of a data acquisition means on a restricted localized area compared to the extent of the optical surface. Such cleaning of the optical surface not obstructing the entire optical surface allows the data acquisition means to continue collecting data while cleaning the localized area of the optical surface.

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 equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims

1. Motorized cleaning system (6) of at least one optical surface (41) comprising a device for detecting a closing element (5) a localized zone (51, 52) of the optical surface (41) and a member cleaning member (7), the cleaning member (7) comprising a cleaning element (8) of the optical surface (41) and an actuating element (63) capable of moving the cleaning element (8) between a rest position and a working position facing the localized area, the cleaning element (8) being configured in this working position to remove the closing element (5) from the localized area (51, 52).

2. Cleaning system (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cleaning element (8) comprises at least one projection nozzle (94) of a cleaning fluid in the direction of the optical surface (41) .

3. Cleaning system (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a single cleaning fluid distribution circuit to ensure the cleaning of a plurality of optical surfaces (41) or a plurality of zones located within the same optical surface.

4. Cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element (8) is configured to perform a plurality of cleaning functions of the localized area (51, 52).

5. Cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element (8) comprises a friction cleaning means (85).

6. Cleaning system (6) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cleaning element (8) comprises reversible fixing means (84) for fixing the friction cleaning means (85).

7. Cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuating element (63) comprises at least an articulated arm (631, 631a) extending between a first end and a second end, the articulated arm (631, 631a) being connected at its first end to the cleaning element (8) and at its second end to a drive motor (62).

8. Cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one clearance zone (65, 66) provided outside the optical surface (41) and intended to receive the the cleaning element (8) in its rest position.

9. Cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element (8) is able to move in a direction perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface ( 41).

10. Method for cleaning at least one optical surface (41) by a cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, the cleaning method implementing:

- at least a first step during which a shutter element (5) is detected on the optical surface (41),

- at least a second step during which a movement instruction is transmitted to an actuating element (63) of a cleaning member so as to move a cleaning element (8) of this cleaning member opposite to the closing element (5),

- at least a third step during which a cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member (7).