Method of cleaning a motor vehicle glazing surface

Abstract

System (7) for cleaning a glass surface of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper (19) and drive means (21) for driving at least said wiper (19) along a translation axis (200) substantially perpendicular to said wiper, characterized in that said glass surface is a detection surface (9) of a sensor / emitter of a detection assembly, and in that said drive means (21) comprise at least one drive motor (27) for driving a rotation about a rotation axis (100) substantially perpendicular to said translation axis (200) and at least one conversion device (29) for converting the rotational motion of said drive motor into a rectilinear motion along said translation axis (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection assembly for motor vehicles, and more specifically, to a cleaning system associated with a sensor / transmitter of such a detection assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, especially motor vehicles, are increasingly incorporating automated systems, such as driver assistance systems. These automated systems particularly include at least one detection component comprising: one or more sensors / transmitters enabling the acquisition of signals representing the vehicle's surrounding environment and external parameters; and at least one control unit configured to interpret the collected information and make necessary decisions based on that information.

[0003] Therefore, it should be understood that checking the proper functioning of these sensors / transmitters throughout the vehicle's lifespan is particularly important. In particular, these sensors / transmitters are typically located externally to the vehicle, such as mounted on the body, and may become dirty, which could make it difficult or even impossible to acquire information. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a cleaning system capable of effectively removing debris, dust, organic matter, and other destructive components.

[0004] Such cleaning systems must be specifically tailored to the dimensions of the glass surfaces to be cleaned. Providing a cleaning system capable of properly cleaning elongated glass surfaces (i.e., those with a longitudinal dimension greater than their corresponding transverse dimension) is particularly problematic. Therefore, known practice involves providing a cleaning system in which the wiper is driven by a rotary motor to rotate about a transverse axis. However, the glass surface of the sensor / transmitter should be curved, not flat, so that the wiper can be pressed firmly against the surface to be cleaned.

[0005] The rotational motion can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0006] An alternative particularly suitable for flat glass surfaces is to provide a cleaning system in which a wiper is driven to perform a longitudinal translational motion along the maximum dimension of the sensor / transmitter, thereby wiping its flat glass surface. However, such cleaning systems may prove cumbersome, especially since they require the use of a lever that can be deployed in the translational direction of the wiper. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention falls into this category and proposes an alternative system for cleaning sensors / transmitters of detection components, aiming to at least address the aforementioned drawbacks, wherein the cleaning system can be used to clean the flat or curved glass surfaces of the sensors / transmitters.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that provides better performance, particularly by reducing the time required to clean the glass surface by reducing the time the cleaning system spends moving on the glass surface to be cleaned.

[0009] The present invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning the glass surface of a motor vehicle, the cleaning system comprising at least one wiper and a drive device for driving at least the wiper along a translation axis substantially perpendicular to the wiper, characterized in that the glass surface is a detection surface of a sensor / emitter of a detection component, and the drive device comprises at least one drive motor for driving rotation about a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the translation axis, and at least one conversion device for converting the rotational motion of the drive motor into linear motion along the translation axis.

[0010] This invention is specifically designed for cleaning glass surfaces of sensors / transmitters, i.e., glass surfaces with dimensions smaller than those associated with the passenger compartment of a vehicle (such as windshields or rear windows). The dimensions of the glass surface are particularly adapted to the nature of the associated sensor / transmitter. For example, when the detection component is an optical component and the sensor / transmitter is an optical sensor, the longitudinal dimension of the optical surface to be cleaned can be approximately 300 to 400 mm, and the lateral dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension can be approximately 50 to 100 mm.

[0011] The cleaning system according to the invention is particularly suitable for cleaning glass surfaces with elongated shapes, i.e., the main elongation dimension of the glass surface (corresponding to the longitudinal dimension in this case) is at least twice the vertical dimension of the glass surface (the transverse dimension in this case).

[0012] The glass surface is characterized as a flat structure substantially contained within an extending plane, or it may have a curved structure that bends about a longitudinal axis corresponding to the axis of the maximum dimension of the glass surface.

[0013] The drive unit is configured to longitudinally translate the wiper between a first end position and a second end position on the glass surface. For example, the end positions may be located near two opposing edges of the glass surface, such as two opposing side edges or two opposing longitudinal edges, arbitrarily forming an upper edge and a lower edge. In other words, the drive unit is configured to allow a reciprocating motion of longitudinal translation between the two end positions based on a rotational motion initiated by a rotary drive motor. This drive unit is particularly suitable for cleaning glass surfaces via translational motion, which is especially well-suited for effectively cleaning the entire glass surface of a sensor / transmitter using a standard rotary motor arranged on one edge of the glass surface to be cleaned.

[0014] Alternatively, the end position can define a limited area of ​​the glass surface, such as the field of view of an optical sensor.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the conversion device includes, on the one hand, a hinged connecting member to which the wiper is attached via at least one connector, and on the other hand, a fixed motor hinge point that is rotatably and rigidly fixed to the output shaft of a drive motor.

[0016] The wiper includes at least one scraper for cleaning the glass surface of the sensor / transmitter by wiping, and at least one scraper holder attached to a conversion device via a connector. Specifically, the connector may be located at the center of the wiper or arranged at its axial end. The arrangement of the conversion device between the hinged connecting member and the fixed motor hinge point makes it possible to convert rotational motion about an axis passing through the fixed hinge point into precise translational motion unaffected by the installation tolerances of the cleaning system.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, at least one axial end of the wiper includes at least one guide member configured to guide the wiper along its translational axis.

[0018] The guide member ensures that the wiper is kept in a direction substantially perpendicular to the translation axis that defines its linear movement, thereby preventing the wiper blade from moving while wiping the glass surface.

[0019] For example, the guide member may be a protrusion configured to extend parallel to at least one wall of the sensor / transmitter housing, the wall bearing the glass surface to be cleaned. Alternatively, the guide member may be configured to interact with the sensor / transmitter, for example, with a channel included in the housing wall or the glass surface.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the conversion device includes at least a linkage system and / or a cam.

[0021] The linkage system includes multiple links hinged relative to each other. A first link forms a fixed motor hinge point at its first end and is rotatably mounted on a drive motor. As the first link rotates via the drive motor, a second end opposite the first end defines a circular path.

[0022] At least one link in the linkage system, different from the first link, participates in forming a hinged connection at the opposite end of the first link, which connects the wiper to the switching device. Specifically, the link may be directly or indirectly hinged to the first link.

[0023] In one embodiment of the conversion device with a cam, the connector that ensures the connection between the wiper and the conversion device may, for example, include a pin configured to move along the outer edge of the cam or along a groove formed in the cam.

[0024] The conversion device may include a combination of a cam and a linkage system, wherein at least one link of the linkage system is connected to a connector and / or includes a pin configured to interact with the cam.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the linkage system includes at least a first linkage attached to a drive motor to form a fixed motor hinge point, and at least two hinged linkage quadrilaterals, namely a first quadrilateral and a second quadrilateral, wherein at least the hinged connecting member is common to the first quadrilateral and the second quadrilateral, and the second quadrilateral includes a fixing point for a switching device.

[0026] In other words, the linkage system can be composed of a Peaucellier-Lipkin device that converts the circular path defined by the second end of the first linkage into the translational motion of the hinged connecting member of the conversion device, thereby driving the wiper along the translational axis.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, a connector may be arranged at a first axial end of the wiper, and at least one guide member may be arranged at a second axial end of the wiper opposite to the first axial end.

[0028] In this context, the "first axial end" refers to the end of the wiper closest to the rotation axis of the drive motor. Therefore, the "second axial end" is the far end of the wiper relative to the rotation axis.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connector may be located at the center of the wiper, i.e., the connector is equidistant from the first axial end and the second axial end of the wiper.

[0030] The alternative of centering the connector is particularly suitable for cleaning assemblies in which the wiper has a large axial dimension, which is essentially the maximum dimension of the glass surface to be cleaned. For example, such embodiments can be implemented to ensure that the longest dimension perpendicular to the glass surface is wiped. In other words, the wiper extends along the longest dimension of the glass surface, thus advantageously reducing the travel time of the cleaning system on the glass surface, and therefore reducing the time required to clean the glass surface.

[0031] Advantageously, when the cleaning system according to the invention has such an alternative, it preferably has a guide device at each of its longitudinal ends.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, regardless of the implementation embodiment, the wiper may include at least one supply device for supplying cleaning fluid and at least one spraying device for spraying said cleaning fluid onto at least a glass surface of the sensor / transmitter.

[0033] For example, the supply device may consist of at least one pipe, while the device for spraying the cleaning fluid may consist of at least one conduit formed in the scraper holder and multiple nozzles leading to the conduit. Thus, the cleaning fluid is introduced into the cleaning system through the supply device, and then flows through the conduit of the spraying device to the glass surface to be cleaned before being sprayed through the nozzles.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, the conversion device may include at least one control element for controlling the supply device and the spraying of cleaning fluid.

[0035] The control component may consist of a contactor and an on / off switch, used to supply cleaning fluid to the cleaning system when the control component is actuated for the first time, and to cut off the flow of cleaning fluid when the control component is actuated for the second time, thereby cutting off the jetting of cleaning fluid.

[0036] For example, when the switching device is generated according to one of the alternatives to the first embodiment, the control member can be carried by one of the links of the linkage system, and the control member can be actuated by adjacent links, for example, hinged to the same link.

[0037] Alternatively, when the conversion device is generated according to one of the alternatives of the second embodiment, the control member may be carried by a connector, and the cam may include at least one actuating member, such as a finger, extending from the cam and configured to actuate the control member.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a detection assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a sensor / transmitter, at least a glass surface, and at least a cleaning system as described above.

[0039] According to one feature of the invention, the main dimension of the wiping blade is substantially equal to one of the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the glass surface to be cleaned.

[0040] In particular, the main dimension of the wiper blade holder can be much larger than the longitudinal dimension of the wiper blade.

[0041] Alternatively, the length of the wiper blade can be much smaller than the longitudinal or transverse dimensions of the glass surface. In this way, the wiping performed by the wiper can be limited to the field of view of the sensor / transmitter, i.e., limited to the functional portion of the glass surface.

[0042] According to the present invention, the glass surface may be curved, and the glass surface is defined at least by a guideline and a generatrix, and the translation axis of the wiper extends parallel to at least the generatrix of the glass surface of the sensor / transmitter.

[0043] In other words, the wiper, which is essentially perpendicular to the translation axis, extends at least perpendicular to the generatrix of the glass surface.

[0044] The term "curved" refers to a glass surface that forms part of a cylinder defined by a guideline and a generatrix.

[0045] Advantageously, the wiper can have a curvature configured to match the curve of the glass surface.

[0046] According to one feature of the invention, when the sensor / transmitter includes a curved glass surface, the cleaning system can be configured such that the switching device is substantially contained in a principal plane that is perpendicular or parallel to the generatrix that helps define the glass surface.

[0047] According to one feature of the invention, when the sensor / transmitter includes a flat glass surface, the main plane including the conversion device may extend parallel to or perpendicular to an extension plane of the glass surface.

[0048] In other words, the conversion device may extend perpendicular to at least one of the walls of the sensor / transmitter housing, particularly the side wall, top wall, or bottom.

[0049] According to one feature of the invention, the housing may include at least one opening configured to allow passage of a drive mechanism of the wiper system, i.e., a switching device or a drive motor, or a connecting member that connects them to each other. For example, the opening may be formed in one of the side walls, the lower part, or the upper wall of the housing, and the opening is configured to accommodate movement of the drive mechanism between a first end position and a second end position. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description for informational purposes, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a front view of a motor vehicle including the detection components according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the detection component, in which the cleaning system extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of an alternative arrangement of the detection component, in which the cleaning system extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;

[0054] Figure 4 A cleaning system according to a first embodiment is schematically depicted, including means for converting rotational motion into linear motion, the means including a linkage system;

[0055] Figure 5 A cleaning system according to an alternative to the first embodiment is schematically depicted, wherein the switching device is a linkage system including the Boselier-Lipkin device shown at a first end position;

[0056] Figure 6 schematically depicted Figure 5 The cleaning system shown has the conversion device in the middle position;

[0057] Figure 7 schematically depicted Figure 5 and 6 The cleaning system shown, wherein the conversion device is in the same position as... Figure 5 The second end position is shown relative to the first end position;

[0058] Figure 8 The schematic depiction is based on, for example Figures 4 to 7 The cleaning system generated by the alternative to the first embodiment shown;

[0059] Figure 9 The schematic depiction is based on, for example Figures 4 to 8 The cleaning system generated by the alternative to the first embodiment shown; and

[0060] Figure 10 A cleaning system generated according to the second embodiment is schematically depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0061] First, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings have been provided to illustrate the invention in order to realize the invention, and it should be understood that the drawings can be used to define the invention more clearly where applicable.

[0062] In the remainder of the specification, the term “longitudinal” as indicated by reference numeral Ox refers to the direction of the longest dimension of the glass surface to be cleaned by the detection component according to the invention, contained between the two side edges, while the term “transverse” as indicated by reference numeral Oy refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, extending between the upper and lower edges of the glass surface.

[0063] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 including a detection component 3 is shown, in which the detection component 3 is arranged in the grille of the vehicle, but without departing from the context of the invention, the detection component 3 may be arranged in front, rear and / or side of the motor vehicle 1.

[0064] exist Figure 2 The detection component 3 is shown in more detail in the image.

[0065] The detection component 3 includes at least one sensor / transmitter 5 and a cleaning system 7 configured to wipe the glass surface 9 of the sensor / transmitter 5. The term "sensor / transmitter 5" refers to a component configured to acquire data relating to the external environment of the motor vehicle 1 and transmit the acquired data to the control unit, and in this case, any type of detection can be used.

[0066] For example, the sensor / transmitter 5 shown could be a RADAR (radio detection and ranging) system that emits radio waves, or a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) system that emits light waves (such as laser beams).

[0067] Since this information has been received from sensor / transmitter 5, the control unit is configured to send one or more commands to initiate or assist in the handling of the motor vehicle.

[0068] The sensor / transmitter with a glass surface to be cleaned will be described below as an optical sensor, the optical surface of which will be cleaned by the wiping system according to the invention. It should be understood that this is not limiting, and the invention includes any type of sensor / transmitter, such as sensors capable of emitting and receiving light or electromagnetic waves.

[0069] The optical sensor 5 includes a housing 11 that carries an optical surface 9, which is held in place by at least two walls of the housing 11. In the example shown, the optical surface 9 extends between the upper wall 13, the lower portion 15, and the two side walls 17 of the housing 11, and faces the road.

[0070] It is worth noting, for example, Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, the glass surface associated with the cleaning system according to the invention has an elongated shape, i.e., it has a main elongation dimension, which corresponds here to the longitudinal direction, parallel to the direction of movement of the wiper of the cleaning system along the glass surface. As a non-limiting example, the longitudinal main elongation dimension or longitudinal dimension of the glass surface is at least twice the transverse dimension or height of the glass surface. For example, the longitudinal dimension may be approximately 300 mm, and the height may be approximately 100 mm.

[0071] As shown in the figure, the optical surface 9 can be flat, and the surface is substantially contained within the extending plane 900.

[0072] According to the invention and as described below, the optical surface 9 can also be curved about a longitudinal axis, which is an axis parallel to the maximum dimension of the optical surface and the direction of translational movement of the cleaning system. Advantageously, the wiper can be substantially curved to ensure optimal wiping of the optical surface 9.

[0073] The optical sensor 5 must be able to operate optimally under all conditions. To optimize image acquisition by the optical sensor 5, it is necessary to prevent the accumulation of particles and dust on the optical surface 9. For this purpose, the cleaning system 7 of the detection component 3 is configured to wipe at least a portion of the optical surface 9, such as its field of view, or even the entire optical surface 9.

[0074] The cleaning system 7 includes at least one wiper 19 movably mounted relative to the optical surface 9 and a drive unit 21.

[0075] The wiper 19 includes a scraper 23 that is effectively pressed against the optical surface 9 to wipe the surface, and a scraper holder 25 that carries the scraper 23.

[0076] The drive unit 21 consists of a rotary drive motor 27 and a conversion device 29. The rotary drive motor 27 is in Figure 2 The output shaft 32 is schematically shown in dashed lines and configured to drive the output shaft 32 about a rotation axis 100. The conversion device 29 is used to convert the rotational motion of the drive motor 27 into linear motion along the main extension axis of the glass surface, which is in this case in the longitudinal direction. The rotational motion can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0077] The conversion device 29 includes a hinged connection member 31 to which the wiper 19 is attached, and the conversion device 29 is connected to the output shaft 32 at a fixed motor hinge point 35. The term "fixed motor hinge point" refers to a connection point through which the motion of the motor is transmitted to the conversion device, and whose spatial position, particularly its arrangement relative to the glass surface, remains substantially the same throughout the movement of the conversion device 29.

[0078] As will be described in more detail below, the switching device 29, inserted between the wiper 19 and the drive motor 27, is configured such that the wiper is driven by the rotation of the drive motor 27 to move linearly along the translation axis 200 between a first end position and a second end position relative to the optical surface 9.

[0079] The conversion device 29, schematically shown in this case in the form of a parallelogram, may include a linkage system and / or at least one cam. Various embodiments and arrangements of the conversion device 29 will be explained in more detail below.

[0080] exist Figure 2 and 3 In this system, the optical surface 9 is flat, and the wiper 19 has a substantially straight structure. The wiper 19 extends parallel to the extension plane 900, and the scraper 23 of the wiper 19 contacts the optical surface 9 so as to be able to wipe the optical surface during the movement of the cleaning system 7.

[0081] The wiper 19 extends in the direction defined by the extension line 600, perpendicular to the translation axis 200. The wiper can be arranged such that the extension line extends between the upper edge 37 and the lower edge 39 of the optical surface 9, parallel to the lateral direction Oy and parallel to the shortest dimension of the optical surface 9.

[0082] Alternatively, and as will be explained in more detail below, the wiper 19 may be mounted such that the extension line 600 extends parallel to the upper edge 37 or the lower edge 39, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal direction Ox or parallel to the longest dimension of the optical surface 9.

[0083] The arrangement of the wiper 19 relative to the optical surface 9 depends particularly on the structure of the optical surface 9. Specifically, for a flat optical surface, the wiper can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction Ox or parallel to the transverse direction Oy. On the other hand, when the optical surface 9 is curved, the orientation of the wiper 19 will depend on the curvature direction of the optical surface 9, which will be explained in detail below.

[0084] From this arrangement, it can be concluded that, according to the implemented embodiment, the wiper 19 can perform linear motion between the upper edge 37 and the lower edge 39, along the lateral dimension 150 of the optical surface 9, such that the translation axis 200 extends parallel to the lateral direction, as... Figure 2 As shown; or, the wiper can move along the longitudinal dimension 160 of the optical surface 9, which is formed by the longest dimension of the optical surface 9 between the two side edges 41, parallel to the longitudinal direction, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. It should be understood that the wiper 19 is capable of moving in two opposite directions along the translation axis 200.

[0085] In the example shown, the wiper 19 is connected to the drive unit 21 via a connector 33, more specifically, to a hinged connecting member 31, which is attached to a first axial end 43 of the wiper 19, while a second axial end 45 opposite the first axial end 43 includes a guide member 47.

[0086] In this configuration, the guide member 47 has a tongue-like or protruding shape that extends toward the optical surface 9 to ensure that the wiper 19 remains substantially perpendicular to the translation axis 200 during linear movement along the translation axis 200. Advantageously, the wiper 19 may include a plurality of guide members 47, respectively mounted on a first axial end 43 and a second axial end 45.

[0087] Figure 2A first embodiment of the cleaning system 7 is shown in more detail, wherein the conversion device 29 is substantially included in a transversely arranged main plane 950 perpendicular to the wiper 19. The conversion device 29 extends partly inside the housing 11 and partly outside the optical sensor 5.

[0088] Therefore, in order to allow the conversion device 29 to move between the first end position and the second end position of the cleaning system, the housing 11 (in this case, its lower part 15) includes an opening 49 through which the conversion device 29 extends.

[0089] Alternatively, the arrangement of the cleaning system 7 relative to the sensor can be reversed, such that the switching device 29 extends toward the upper wall 13, which includes the opening 49.

[0090] According to another alternative, and as described below, the cleaning system can be arranged such that the conversion device 29 faces one of the side edges 41 of the optical surface 9. In this optical system, the opening 49 will be formed in the corresponding sidewall 17 of the housing 11.

[0091] In addition, according to Figure 2 In the example shown, the cleaning system 7 can be configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the optical surface 9. To this end, the cleaning system 7 may include at least one supply device 51 for supplying cleaning fluid to the wiper 19, such as at least one tube, and at least one device 53 for spraying cleaning fluid, which is carried on the wiper and ensures that the cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the optical surface 9.

[0092] For example, the spraying device 53 may include: at least one conduit 55 formed along the wiper blade holder 25 and fluidly connected to the supply device 51 of the cleaning system 7; and at least one nozzle 57 carried by the wiper blade holder, facing the optical surface 9 and exposed in the conduit 55. Advantageously, a plurality of nozzles 57 may be distributed along the wiper blade holder 25. Thus, according to the example shown, cleaning fluid is injected into the supply device 51 and then flows in the conduit 55 of the spraying device 53 before being sprayed toward the optical surface 9 through the nozzles 57.

[0093] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the cleaning system 7 is shown in more detail, which is substantially the same as described above, but wherein the conversion device 29 extends substantially in the main plane 950, which is substantially parallel to the extension line 600 of the wiper 19 and the lateral direction Oy, which here corresponds to the shortest dimension of the optical surface 9.

[0094] In this optical component 3, the lower portion 15 of the housing also includes an opening 49 configured to allow the drive motor 27 to pass through. In this case, the size of the opening 49 is smaller than... Figure 2 The dimensions shown are because they are configured to allow only the output shaft 32 of the drive motor to pass through, which is connected to the conversion device 29 to transmit rotational motion about the rotation axis 100. This rotational motion does not involve changes in the position of the drive motor 27 in the longitudinal Ox and / or lateral Oy directions.

[0095] As described above, the arrangement of the cleaning system 7 relative to the optical sensor can be modified such that the conversion device 29 extends toward the upper wall 13, which includes the opening 49; or the conversion device 29 extends toward one of the side walls 17 of the housing 11.

[0096] Note that, although Figure 2 and Figure 3 An optical assembly is shown, wherein the optical sensor 5 includes a flat optical surface 9, but the features described above that are relevant to the present invention can also be applied to a curved optical surface 9. Details relating to the arrangement of the wiper relative to the curved optical surface will be explained in more detail below.

[0097] Figures 4 to 10 Various embodiments and alternatives of the conversion device 29 are shown. For clarity, the conversion devices 29 shown are arranged such that their principal plane 950 extends substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned, and therefore parallel to both the lateral and longitudinal directions, as shown. Figure 3 As shown. However, it should be understood that, for all embodiments described below, the conversion device 29 can be arranged such that its principal plane 950 extends perpendicular to the glass surface, as described above for... Figure 2 As stated above.

[0098] Furthermore, in all the following figures, the optical surface 9 has a curved structure, the curvature of which is schematically defined by the dashed guideline 110. These figures are by no means limiting and are intended to illustrate the relative arrangement of the curve and generatrix 120 of the wiper 19 with respect to the curved optical surface. However, as stated above, the optical assembly 3 may include a flat optical surface 9 without altering the arrangement of the optical assembly 3.

[0099] Figures 4 to 9 Various examples of the first embodiment are shown, wherein the conversion device 29 includes a linkage system 60. Figure 4 An example of a simple structure of the linkage system 60 is shown, while Figures 5 to 9 Various embodiments of the cleaning system 7 are shown, wherein the cleaning system 7 includes a linkage system 60, such as the Posellier-Lipkin device.

[0100] Figure 4 The optical component 3 shown has a curved optical surface 9, the shape of which is defined by a guideline 110 that is curved around a transverse axis and a generatrix 120 that extends perpendicular to the guideline and is substantially parallel to the transverse direction Oy.

[0101] Within the cleaning system 7, a wiper 19 is arranged to extend perpendicular to the generatrix 120 of the optical surface 9, and the wiper 19 moves along a straight path of translation axis 200 and substantially parallel to the generatrix 120. Note that this relative arrangement of the wiper 19 and the generatrix of the optical surface 9 is replicated for various embodiments of the invention that realize curved optical surfaces.

[0102] The wiper blade 23 of the wiper 19, which is schematically shown here in dashed lines, is characterized by a length of 180, which is measured along the extension line 600 of the wiper 19, and is substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension 160 of the optical surface 9, which is measured between its two side edges 41.

[0103] Alternatively, the length 180 of the wiper blade 23 may be less than the longitudinal dimension 160 of the optical surface 9 in order to limit wiping to a portion of the optical surface 9.

[0104] In the example shown, the wiper 19 is connected to the conversion device 29 via a connector 33 located at the center of the wiper holder 25. In other words, the connector 33 is equidistant from the first axial end 43 and the second axial end 45 of the wiper 19. Note that the connector 33 is shown schematically here, and an embodiment of the connector 33 is illustrated; its structure is not limited in any way. The connector 33 includes: at least one attachment member 61 for attaching the connector 33 to the wiper holder 25, such as a plurality of claws or clamping members; and at least one connecting device 63 for connecting the connector 33 to at least one link 64 of the linkage system 60, the connecting device 63 including, for example, a hole or pivot system, forming part of the hinged connecting member 31 of the cleaning system.

[0105] Figure 4 The wiper 19 shown includes two guide members 47 extending on either side of the optical surface 9, facing the side edge 41. The guide members 47 are designed to ensure the stability of the wiper 19 and the linearity of its translational movement along the translation axis 200 between a first end position and a second end position, such that the wiper 19 remains substantially perpendicular to the generatrix 120 of the optical surface 9. The guide members may, in particular, include a slider housed in a guide rail suitably formed on the housing at the side edge 41.

[0106] Alternatively, it is still conceivable to arrange the connector 33 at one end of the wiper 19, as shown below for other embodiments, and to provide a single guide member 47 at the opposite end of the wiper 19.

[0107] The movement of the wiper 19 is ensured by a drive unit 21, which includes a conversion device 29 (in this case, a linkage system 60) and a drive motor (not shown). Specifically, as described above, the connection between the drive motor and the conversion device 29 is formed at an opening 49 formed in the lower part 15 of the housing 11.

[0108] In this configuration, the linkage system 60 includes two links 64, referred to as the first link 65 and the second link 67. In this configuration, the conversion device 29 is essentially contained within a principal plane 950, which extends parallel to the translation axis 200 and the generatrix 120 of the optical surface 9, and perpendicular to the rotation axis 100 of the drive motor 27.

[0109] The first link 65 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the first end 69 of the first link 65 forms a fixed motor hinge point 35. The statement "fixed motor hinge point 35" means that the first end 69 of the first link 65 is arranged in the axial extension of the output shaft of the drive motor, and therefore will not move in space along the longitudinal Ox and / or lateral Oy directions.

[0110] Therefore, the first link 65 rotates about the rotation axis 100 and has a second end 71 opposite to the first end 69. Thus, when the drive motor 27 is running, the second end 71 moves in an arc path along the first circle 710 centered on the rotation axis 100.

[0111] The second link 67 is hinged to the first link 65, and the first link 65 and the second link 67 are connected at the first pivot 73. The second link 67 is also connected to the connector 33 to carry the wiper 19, and the connection between the connector 33 and the second link 67 forms the hinged connection member 31 of the cleaning system.

[0112] Therefore, when the drive motor is actuated, the first link 65 rotates, and the second end 71 of the first link 65, and thus the first pivot 73, moves along the first circle 710. This causes the second link 67 to move, and when the wiper translates under the guidance of the guide member 47, this movement generates a thrust or pull on the connector, and thus the wiper moves between the first end position and the second end position along a straight path of the translation axis 200 and parallel to the generatrix 120 of the optical surface 9.

[0113] The dimensions of the linkage affect the lateral travel of the wiper, and these dimensions are set such that the end position of the wiper can correspond to the area near the upper edge 37 and lower edge 39 of the optical surface 9, so that the wiper 19 can move over the entire lateral dimension 150 of the optical surface 9.

[0114] Alternatively, the cleaning system 7 can be configured, in particular by means of a specific dimension of the link or by means of an adjacent device that prevents the first link 65 from rotating, to wipe a limited portion of the lateral dimension 150 of the optical surface 9, thus reducing the gap between the first end position and the second end position and the range of motion of the wiper 19.

[0115] This linkage system 60 has the advantages of being simple, compact, and inexpensive to implement. The embodiment given below implements a more complex linkage system 60 of the type of Posellier-Lipkin device, which advantageously imparts greater stability to the conversion device 29 and thus optimizes the linearity of the linear motion of the wiper 19 along the translation axis 200.

[0116] In particular, the embodiments of the invention described below show a relative arrangement of the optical surface 9 and the wiping system 7, without a housing for the optical sensor. However, it should be understood that the features described above regarding the housing, such as the presence of an opening allowing mechanical connection between the drive motor and the conversion device, also apply to the various alternatives described below.

[0117] Usually, such as Figures 5 to 9 The conversion device 29 shown includes a linkage system 60 with a plurality of links 64, which are substantially contained in the principal plane 950 and substantially parallel to the generatrix 120 and the transverse direction Oy of the optical surface.

[0118] One of the links 64 in the linkage system 60 is referred to as the first link 65, and has similar features as described above, namely: the first link 65 is attached to and pivotally mounted on the drive motor 27 to form a fixed motor hinge point 35, and the first end 69 of the first link 65 is located in the extension of the output shaft and the rotation axis 100, substantially perpendicular to the generatrix 120 of the optical surface 9, such that the second end 71 of the first link 65 moves along a first circle 710 centered on the rotation axis 100.

[0119] The linkage system 60 also includes at least two hinged quadrilaterals, namely the first quadrilateral 75 and the second quadrilateral 77 of the linkage 64, and at least the hinged connecting member 31 is formed by the first quadrilateral 75 and the second quadrilateral 77.

[0120] The first quadrilateral 75 is a rhombus formed by a second link 67, a third link 79, a fourth link 81, and a fifth link 83, all of identical size. The second link 67 and the third link 79 are hinged to the second end 71 of the first link 65, thereby forming the aforementioned first pivot 73. Similarly, the second link 67 and the fourth link 81 are connected to form the second pivot 85, while the third link 79 and the fifth link 83 are connected to form the third pivot 87.

[0121] The fourth link 81 and the fifth link 83 are connected to the connector 33 to form a hinged connection member 31 that connects the conversion device 29 to the wiper 19. The first quadrilateral 75 of the link 64 thus extends between the first link 65 at the first pivot 73 and the wiper at the hinged connection member 31.

[0122] The second quadrilateral 77 of link 64 includes the sixth link 89 and the seventh link 91, as well as the aforementioned fourth link 81 and fifth link 83. In other words, the fourth link 81 and the fifth link 83 are shared by the first quadrilateral 75 and the second quadrilateral 77 of the link system 60. This also applies to the hinged connection member 31 that connects the fourth link 81 and the fifth link 83. The sixth link 89 is connected to the fourth link 81 at the second pivot 85, and the seventh link 91 is connected to the fifth link 83 at the third pivot 87.

[0123] Specifically, the sixth link 89 and the seventh link 91 have essentially the same dimensions, which are larger than the dimensions of the fourth link 81 and the fifth link 83, while the links of the first quadrilateral 75 all have the same dimensions in this case.

[0124] The sixth link 89 and the seventh link 91 are pivotally mounted around a common fixed point 93 of the conversion device 29. In other words, the first end 891 of the sixth link and the first end 911 of the seventh link are pivotally mounted around a pivot axis 300, which is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 100 of the drive motor 27 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Ox and the lateral direction Oy, and the ends do not move in space relative to the longitudinal direction Ox and the lateral direction Oy. The second end 892 of the sixth link and the second end 912 of the seventh link are opposite ends, corresponding to the second pivot 85 and the third pivot 87, respectively, and are driven along an arcuate path defined by a second circle 895 centered on the pivot axis 300.

[0125] Note that the fixing point 93 is arranged on the first circle 710 that defines the path of the second end 71 of the first link 65. Furthermore, the second quadrilateral 77 of the link 64 is not directly connected to the first link 65.

[0126] For the first embodiment, Figures 5 to 7 The details of the wiper 19 are shown. Figure 5The first end position visible in the middle and Figure 7 The movement between the second end positions visible in the image, wherein the wiper is substantially arranged near the side edge 41 of the optical surface 9. In this embodiment, the wiper 19 thus moves in the longitudinal direction 160 of the optical surface 9, and the switching device 29 is arranged facing the lower edge 39 of the optical surface 9. Alternatively, it may be arranged facing the upper edge 37.

[0127] When the drive motor 27 is running, the second end 71 of the first link 65, together with the first pivot 73 of the first quadrilateral 75 of the link 64, is driven along an arcuate path on the first circle 710. This movement of the first link 65 tends to move the second pivot 85 and the third pivot 87, which are connected to the first pivot 73 via the second link 67 and the third link 79, respectively. As described above, due to the connection between these pivots and the common fixed point 93 shared by the sixth link 89 and the seventh link 91, these second and third pivots move along the second circle 895, and the sixth link 89 and the seventh link 91 are themselves driven by the movement of the second and third pivots.

[0128] This linkage system 60, combined with the translational guide of the wiper on or at least along one side of the glass surface, ensures that the circular path defined by the first circle 710 is converted into a linear path of the hinged connecting member 31 along the main axis 210 parallel to the translational axis of the wiper 19, which is carried by the hinged connecting member 31 via a connector 33, which may take the form of a rigid arm.

[0129] The movement of the wiper 19 between the first end position and the second end position is characterized by the gradual deformation of the first quadrilateral 75 and the second quadrilateral 77 of the connecting rod 64.

[0130] For example, when the wiper 19 is from such Figure 5 The first end position shown can be moved to any intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position. Figure 6 When an example is shown, the first quadrilateral 75 and the second quadrilateral 77 change shape as the second pivot 85 and the third pivot 87 gradually separate. For the first quadrilateral 75, the result is that the hinged connecting member 31 and the first pivot 73 move closer together; for the second quadrilateral 77, the result is that the hinged connecting member 31 and the fixed point 93 move closer together.

[0131] When the wiper 19 from Figure 6 Move the middle position in the middle to, for example Figure 7At the second end position shown, the hinged connecting member 31 and the first pivot 73 will gradually continue to approach each other until the fixed point 93, the fixed motor hinge point 35, the first pivot 73, and the hinged connecting member 31 are aligned, and then separate again until the wiper reaches the second end position. The drive motor 27 is then actuated in the opposite direction, causing the linkage system to move in the opposite direction to the previous movement to return to the first end position.

[0132] Advantageously, when the wiping system is configured to spray cleaning fluid onto the optical surface 9, the wiping system includes at least a conduit 55, schematically shown in dashed lines, and a plurality of nozzles 57 forming the spraying device 53; the switching device 29 may be equipped with a control member 95 for controlling the supply and spraying device 53, which regulates the flow and spraying of the cleaning fluid.

[0133] The control component 95 may specifically include a contactor 97 connected to the cleaning fluid supply control valve. For example, the contactor 97 may be carried by a fourth link 81 such that when the second pivot 85 and the third pivot 87 are brought together in the first end position, the fifth link 83 contacts the contactor 97 carried by the fourth link 81, allowing electrical contact and sending a command to open the valve, thereby allowing the cleaning fluid to flow. Then, during the entire movement of the wiper 19 from the first end position to the second end position, the cleaning fluid is distributed into the cleaning system 7 and sprayed toward the optical surface 9.

[0134] When the second pivot 85 and the third pivot 87 rejoin, the wiper is in the second end position, and the fifth link 83 re-engages with the contactor 97, allowing electrical contact and sending a command to close the aforementioned valve, thereby cutting off the flow of cleaning fluid. Therefore, when the wiper 19 moves from the second end position to the first end position, no fluid is sprayed onto the optical surface 9.

[0135] In this configuration, the cleaning fluid nozzle 57 is redirected to the second end position, such that the optical surface 9 is first wetted by the cleaning fluid and then wiped by the scraper 23 of the wiper 19. The direction of the nozzle and the end position that triggers the valve to open or close can be modified without departing from the invention.

[0136] Another alternative could include changing the position of contactor 97, for example, between the second link 67 and the third link 79, or between the sixth link 89 and the seventh link 91.

[0137] Figure 8An alternative example of the first embodiment is shown, which advantageously makes it possible to reduce the range of motion of the wiper 19, and thus reduce the duration of the sensor surface cleaning operation, and makes it possible to make the linkage system 60 compact. In this cleaning system 7, the wiper 19 extends parallel to the longitudinal dimension 160 of the optical surface 9, i.e., between the side edges 41, and the wiper 19 translates laterally between a first end position and a second end position located near the upper edge 37 and the lower edge 39 of the optical surface 9, respectively.

[0138] Note that, as described above, this embodiment of the invention can only be achieved when the wiper 19 moves along the translation axis 200 parallel to the generatrix 120 of the optical surface 9. Therefore, Figure 8 The optical surface 9 shown has a different characteristic from the previous one. Figures 4 to 7 The curvature described herein lies around the transverse axis. In other words, while the position of the drive unit 21, and particularly the position of the conversion unit 29, can be changed, it is important for optimal operation of the invention that the wiper 19 extends perpendicular to the generatrix 120 and moves along the translation axis 200, its movement substantially parallel to the generatrix 120. On the other hand, this limitation does not occur when the optical surface 9 is flat.

[0139] therefore, Figure 8 The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 4 to 7 The difference in the embodiment is that the wiper 19 has a larger size, so the length 180 of the wiper blade is greater than the longitudinal dimension 160 of the optical surface 9, approximately 300 to 400 mm, and the conversion device 29 is arranged to face one of the side edges 41 of the optical surface 9.

[0140] Therefore, the motion principle of the wiper 19 and the positional changes of the various links 64 of the conversion device 29 between the first end position and the second end position are the same as described above, except that the conversion device 29 is arranged opposite to one of the side edges 41, and the hinged connecting member 31 moves along the main axis 210, which extends along the side edge 41 and is substantially parallel to the lateral direction.

[0141] Because the lateral dimension 150 of the optical surface 9 is smaller than its longitudinal dimension 160, the distance traveled by the wiper 19 between the first end position (e.g., near the upper edge 37) and the second end position (e.g., near the lower edge 39) is smaller. This results in a reduction in the time spent on cleaning operations and a reduction in size due to the drive mechanism 21. Specifically, the size of the "Boselier-Lipkin" conversion device 29 itself is also reduced due to the smaller degree of movement of the wiper 19; however, the features associated with the relative arrangement of the various quadrilaterals remain similar to those described above.

[0142] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, connector 33 extends between hinged connecting member 31 and first axial end 43. Alternatively, as... Figure 9 As shown or as above regarding Figure 4 The connector 33 is centered between the first axial end 43 and the second axial end 45, along the longest dimension of the wiper 19. This configuration helps enhance the stability of the wiper 19 and limits the misalignment of the extension line 600 of the wiper 19 relative to the perpendicular line of the translation axis 200. (As stated above...) Figure 4 As shown in the embodiment, the wiper 19 preferably includes a guide member 47 at each of its axial ends 43, 45, and the conversion device 29 is arranged at the lower edge 39 or the upper edge 37.

[0143] Note that, as stated above, for clarity, all the examples and embodiments described above represent situations where the conversion device 29, as... Figure 3 The conversion device 29 is shown extending substantially parallel to the glass surface to be cleaned. However, Figures 5 to 9 The example shown, and any of the alternatives or combinations described therein, can be modified such that the conversion device 29 extends substantially perpendicular to the glass surface.

[0144] Figure 10 A second embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the conversion device 29 includes at least one cam 99. The cam 99 is rotatably rigidly fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor 27 so as to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation 100 substantially perpendicular to the glass surface and its generatrix 120. The cam has a hole 101 for mounting around the output shaft, and this connection is configured to form a fixed motor hinge point 35.

[0145] The connector 33, which provides the connection between the wiper 19 and the conversion device 29, includes a pin 103 configured to move along the peripheral edge 105 of the cam 99. The pin 103 extends in the direction of the cam 99, for example parallel to the axis of rotation 100 of the drive motor 27.

[0146] Alternatively, the connector 33 and the cam 99 can be configured such that the pin 103 can travel along the groove 107 formed in the cam 99, as shown by the dashed line.

[0147] In order for the wiper 19 to move along the translation axis 200 between the first end position and the second end position, that is, on the lateral dimension 150 of the optical surface 9, the cam 99 has an asymmetrical structure, and the hole 101 through which the rotation axis 100 of the drive motor 27 passes is eccentric.

[0148] This conversion device 29, including the cam 99, is implemented to ensure that the optical surface 9 is wiped along its lateral dimension 150, rather than along its longitudinal dimension 160, as described above for... Figures 4 to 7 This is to maintain an acceptable size for the cam 99 and limit the size of the cleaning system 7.

[0149] In the example shown, the cam 99 has a flat structure, with its main surface 109 substantially contained in a main plane 950 that extends substantially parallel to the glass surface to be cleaned.

[0150] To limit the obstruction of the field of view of the optical sensor 5 by the cam 99 during pivoting, an alternative is conceivable, wherein the switching device 29 includes a combination of the cam 99 and a linkage system 60, with at least one linkage 64 connected to the connector 33 and / or including a pin 103 configured to interact with the cam 99. Thus, when the wiper moves between a first end position and a second end position near the lower edge 39 and the upper edge 37 of the optical surface 9, respectively, the cam 99 is not positioned between the optical surface 9 and the external environment of the vehicle.

[0151] Advantageously, the conversion device 29, including the cam 99, can be arranged to ensure the flow and spraying of cleaning fluid, as described above, the wiper 19 includes a supply device and / or a dispensing device. For example, the connector 33 can be equipped with a contactor and a cam having an activation member that protrudes from the main surface 109 and projectes from the cam 99 toward the connector 33.

[0152] As can be understood from the foregoing, this invention proposes a cleaning system for wiping glass surfaces, the glass surface being formed by a detection surface of a sensor / transmitter. The cleaning system includes a wiper and a driving device, which includes a rotary drive motor and a means for converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, the means driving the wiper to move linearly along an optical surface. This invention also relates to a detection assembly including the cleaning system and a sensor / transmitter, the glass surface of which can be flat or curved.

[0153] The cleaning system according to the invention advantageously allows the use of rotary drive motors, which are conventionally used for cleaning glass surfaces such as windshields.

[0154] However, the invention is not limited to the devices and configurations described and shown herein, and it also includes any equivalent devices or configurations and any technically feasible combinations thereof. In particular, the positions of connectors, conversion devices, or guide members can be modified without adversely affecting the invention, provided that the cleaning system ultimately achieves the same function as described herein.

Claims

1. A cleaning system (7) for cleaning the glass surface of a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one wiper (19) and a drive device (21) for driving at least the wiper (19) along a translation axis (200) substantially perpendicular to the wiper (19), the glass surface being a detection surface (9) of a sensor / emitter (5) of a detection assembly, and the drive device (21) comprising at least one drive motor (27) for driving rotation about a rotation axis (100) substantially perpendicular to the translation axis (200) and at least one conversion device (29) for converting the rotational motion of the drive motor (27) into linear motion along the translation axis (200); in, The conversion device (29) includes, on the one hand, a hinged connecting member (31) to which the wiper is attached via at least one connector (33), and on the other hand, a fixed motor hinge point (35) which is rotatably and rigidly fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor (21). The conversion device (29) further includes a linkage system (60), which includes at least: A first link (65) includes a first end (69) and a second end (71), and is attached at the first end (69) to the drive motor (27) to form the fixed motor hinge point (35); and The link (64) has at least two hinged quadrilaterals (75, 77), namely the first quadrilateral (75) and the second quadrilateral (77) of the link (64), at least the hinged connecting member (31) is shared by the first quadrilateral (75) and the second quadrilateral (77), and the second quadrilateral (77) includes the fixing point (93) of the conversion device (29); Wherein, the first quadrilateral (75) is a rhombus formed by a second link (67), a third link (79), a fourth link (81) and a fifth link (83) of identical size. The second link (67) and the third link (79) are hinged to the second end (71) of the first link (65) to form a first pivot (73). The second link (67) and the fourth link (81) are connected to form a second pivot (85). The third link (79) and the fifth link (83) are connected to form a third pivot (87). The fourth link (81) and the fifth link (83) are connected to the connector (33) to form the hinged connection member (31). The second quadrilateral (77) includes a sixth link (89) and a seventh link (91), as well as a fourth link (81) and a fifth link (83). The sixth link (89) is connected to the fourth link (81) at the second pivot (85), and the seventh link (91) is connected to the fifth link (83) at the third pivot (87). The sixth link (89) and the seventh link (91) are pivotally mounted around the fixed point (93).

2. The cleaning system (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one axial end (43, 45) of the wiper (19) includes at least one guide member (47) for guiding the wiper (19) along the translation axis (200).

3. The cleaning system (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (33) is arranged at the first axial end (43) of the wiper (19), and the at least one guide member (47) is arranged at the second axial end (45) of the wiper (19) opposite to the first axial end (43).

4. The cleaning system (7) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The connector (33) is located at the center of the wiper (19).

5. A detection assembly (3) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one sensor / transmitter (5), at least a glass surface (9), and at least a cleaning system (7) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. The detection component (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main dimensions of the scraper (23) of the wiper (19) are substantially equal to the longitudinal or transverse dimensions of the glass surface (9) to be cleaned.

7. The detection component (3) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The glass surface (9) to be cleaned is curved and is defined at least by a guideline (110) and a generatrix (120). The translation axis (200) of the wiper (19) extends parallel to at least the generatrix (120) of the glass surface (9) of the sensor / transmitter (5).

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