Device for cleaning optical surface of optical sensor of vehicle, and detection system

Abstract

A device (10) for cleaning an optical surface (13) of an optical sensor (12) of a vehicle comprises a first section and a second section (14) having a cleaning fluid circulation channel and a connector (22), respectively, the first section and the second section (14) each comprising a cleaning fluid inlet (18) and at least one fluid diffusion nozzle (20), the first section (14) and the second section (14) are configured to be attached to each other so as to form a circular arc, and the connectors (22) have complementary shapes and are configured to interact so as to enable locking of the first section and the second section relative to each other in an axial direction and a radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning an optical surface of an optical sensor of a vehicle and to a detection system comprising such a cleaning device. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with optical elements, such as optical position sensors. The function of optical position sensors is to collect information about the area surrounding the vehicle, in particular for assisting the driver in driving and / or maneuvering this vehicle. For this purpose, optical sensors are usually mounted on the vehicle in order to collect information about the area surrounding the vehicle. However, such optical sensors are particularly exposed to dirt, such as dirty water, dust or other types of spray. Such dirt impedes the transmission and reception of information and can interfere with the operation of the optical sensor or even cause it to cease operation.

[0003] It has been proposed to use devices for cleaning the optical surfaces of optical elements in order to remove such dirt from the optical elements. These cleaning devices have a complex structure and it is possible that the cleaning device has manufacturing defects. The problem is then that the entire device is rejected.

[0004] There is a need for a device for wiping optical surfaces of optical elements of a vehicle that addresses this problem. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for cleaning optical surfaces of an optical sensor of a vehicle which prevents the entire device from being rejected in the event of a manufacturing defect.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a device for cleaning an optical surface of a vehicle optical sensor, the device comprising a first section having a first cleaning fluid circulation channel and a first connector, a second section having a second cleaning fluid circulation channel and a second connector, the first section and the second section each comprising a cleaning fluid inlet and at least one nozzle, the at least one nozzle being used to diffuse the cleaning fluid toward the optical surface, the first section and the second section being configured to be attached to each other to form an arc, the arc defining an axial direction passing through the center of the arc and a radial direction along the radius of the arc, the first connector and the second connector having complementary shapes and being configured to interact with each other so as to enable the first section and the second section to be locked relative to each other in the axial direction and in the radial direction.

[0007] According to a variant, the connectors of the sections attached to each other form a detachable fastening device.

[0008] According to a variant, the connector comprises a projection on one of the segments and a hole in the other segment, the engagement of the projection in the hole preventing translational movement of the segments relative to each other in a radial direction and in a tangential direction orthogonal to the radial and axial directions.

[0009] According to a variant, the projection can snap into place in the hole, the snapping of the projection in the hole preventing a translational movement of the segments relative to one another in the axial direction.

[0010] According to a variant, the connector additionally comprises, on at least one of the segments, pads and / or lugs which interact with the other segment and prevent the segments from rotating relative to each other around the axial direction.

[0011] According to a variant, the connector comprises tabs on at least one of the segments, these tabs engaging with the other segment and preventing translational movement of the segments relative to each other in the axial direction.

[0012] According to a variant, the connector additionally comprises lugs on at least one of the segments, which engage with the other segment and prevent the segments from rotating relative to each other around the axial direction, and / or a post on at least one of the segments and an orifice in the other segment, the engagement of the post in the orifice and the snapping of the protrusion in the hole preventing the segments from rotating relative to each other around the axial direction.

[0013] According to a variant, the connector of one of these segments includes a tongue that engages in a receiving part of another connector of another segment, the fastening of the tongue in the receiving part preventing these segments from moving in translation relative to each other in the tangential direction, the radial direction, and the axial direction and around the axial direction.

[0014] According to a variant, the device comprises a passage for an attachment member for attaching the cleaning device to the sensor support, the passage passing through the connector.

[0015] According to a variant, the segments form an annular structure with two segments attached to one another in pairs, preferably with three segments attached to one another in pairs, preferably with four segments attached to one another in pairs.

[0016] According to a variant, at least some of these sections are identical modules.

[0017] The invention also relates to a detection system comprising an optical sensor of a vehicle and a cleaning device as described above, the device being configured to clean an optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0018] According to a variant, the optical sensor has a cylindrical optical surface, the segments forming an annular structure around at least a part of the circumference of the optical surface.

[0019] All preferred embodiments and all advantages of the cleaning device according to the invention can be transferred mutatis mutandis to the present detection system. The different embodiments can be used in combination or considered in isolation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, for understanding of which reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] - Figure 1 is a view of the cleaning device;

[0022] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A view of a section of the device in FIG.

[0023] - Figure 3 is a view of an example of a connector;

[0024] - Figure 4 is a view of an example of a connector;

[0025] - Figure 5 is a view of an example of a connector;

[0026] - Figure 6 is a view of an example of a connector;

[0027] - Figure 7 is a view of an example of a connector.

[0028] The figures in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings, similar elements are generally represented by similar reference numerals. In the context of this document, identical or similar elements may have the same reference numerals. In addition, the presence of reference numerals or letters in the accompanying drawings shall not be considered restrictive, including when these numerals or letters are indicated in the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention provides a device for cleaning the optical surface of an optical sensor of a vehicle. The device includes a first section having a first cleaning fluid circulation channel and a first connector. The device also includes a second section having a second cleaning fluid circulation channel and a second connector. The first section and the second section each include a cleaning fluid inlet and at least one nozzle, and the at least one nozzle is used to diffuse the cleaning fluid toward the optical surface. The first section and the second section are configured to be attached to each other so as to form an arc. In addition, the first connector and the second connector have complementary shapes and are configured to interact so as to enable the first section and the second section to be locked relative to each other in the axial direction and in the radial direction. As a result, the cleaning device is formed by a plurality of sections attached to each other. This makes it possible to reject independently of another section if a defect occurs in one of these sections. If one section is faulty, it is not necessary to reject all devices.

[0030] Figure 1 A cleaning device 10 is shown. The cleaning device 10 can be used in particular in a detection system 11 of a vehicle comprising an optical sensor 12. The optical sensor 12 enables information to be collected about the position of the motor vehicle and the area around the motor vehicle, in particular in order to assist the driver in driving and / or maneuvering this vehicle. The optical sensor 12 is mounted on the vehicle in order to collect information about the area in front of, behind and / or to the sides of the vehicle: the optical sensor 12 is for example mounted at the front end and / or at the rear end. The optical sensor 12 is for example a LIDAR, which stands for "Light Detection and Ranging" or "Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging".

[0031] The sensor 12 interacts with the surrounding area via an optical surface 13. The optical surface may be a protective surface between the optical element and the surrounding area. For example, the optical surface may be the surface of a window pane mounted between the sensor and the surrounding area, or may be the surface of a housing surrounding the sensor (such as the face of a LIDAR housing). The surface may be opaque (to visible wavelengths). The surface may be transparent to the emission wavelength and the reception wavelength of the sensor 12. It is also conceivable that multiple sensors interact with the surrounding area via a single optical surface.

[0032] The shape of the optical surface 13 may vary depending on the location and purpose of the sensor 12 in the vehicle and on the degree of sensor crowding. The optical surface 13 may have some circular portions and other rectilinear portions. Figure 1 , the optical surface 13 has a cylindrical shape.

[0033] The device 10 comprises a plurality of sections 14, in particular at least two sections 141, 142. Figure 1, the device comprises, for example, four segments 141, 142, 143, 144; it is conceivable that the device 10 comprises a different number of segments. The segments 14 are configured to be attached in pairs. For example, the first segment 141 and the second segment 142 are configured to be attached to each other.

[0034] The segments can be identical or have different shapes. The shape of the segments is thus adapted to the shape of the optical surface 13 and the surrounding area. The segments 14 form modules; the segments 14 are independent modules. In the device 10, at least some of the segments are identical modules; this enables simple assembly of the device and also simple replacement of defective segments. This makes it easier to manufacture the device. Figure 1 , all sections are the same module.

[0035] The segment 14 has an elongated shape between the two ends. The first segment 141 and the second segment 142 are configured to be attached to each other to form an arc. An arc is a portion of a curve defined by two points of the curve; an arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle having a center and a radius. The arc defines an axial direction Z passing through the center of the arc, a radial direction Y along the radius of the arc, and a tangential direction X tangent to a portion of the circle of the arc. The arc can extend in a plane (that is, a two-dimensional space), but can also be shaped so that the arc extends partially in a plane and in three dimensions. The specific shape of each segment 14 depends on the shape of the optical surface 13. At least some of these segments are in the form of arcs, such as the first segment 141 and the second segment 142. This enables at least partially surrounding the optical surface 13.

[0036] Figure 2 An example of a segment 14 is shown. The segment 14 has an arc shape as defined above. As above, the arc formed by the segments 141 and 142 can extend three-dimensionally, and one segment 14 can have a chamfer between its ends. In the bottom view, the segment 14 is still an arc. The shape of the segment also depends on the area surrounding the optical surface 13 and is adapted to the degree of crowding of the optical surface 13. The segment 14 can have an arc shape that varies from one segment to the next. This enables it to be adapted to the shape of the optical surface 13 and the surrounding area.

[0037] Some segments 14 may have an arc shape, and some segments may have a straight line shape or indeed any shape at all. The device is shaped so that the segments face the optical surface 13. The optical surface 13 is at least partially surrounded by the device 10 (at least in the portion through which the one or more sensors 12 interact with the surrounding area). The device 10 may have a closed shape (e.g. Figure 1) or an open shape. The device 10 may have a circular overall shape, with the directions X, Y, and Z as defined above. Figure 1 , it is conceivable that the segments 14 form an annular structure. The (360°) annular structure may have two segments attached to each other in pairs (each segment represents 180°), or three segments attached to each other in pairs (each segment represents 120°), or four segments attached to each other in pairs (each segment represents 90°). Figure 1 , the segments 14 form a circle around the optical surface 13, which has a cylindrical shape. The directions X and Y are in the same plane (the plane of the device 10), the tangential direction X extends tangentially to the circle, and the radial direction Y extends radially toward the center of the circle; the axial direction Z is orthogonal to the directions X and Y and passes through the center of the circle. The direction Z can extend along the height of the optical surface 13.

[0038] The segments 14 each have a cleaning fluid circulation channel 16. The channel 16 in the segment is a flow duct having a hollow and elongated form, allowing the fluid to pass through to clean the optical surface 13. The channel 16 follows the shape of the segment 14, that is to say an arc as described above. Figure 2 , the first section 141 shown comprises a first circulation channel 16, and the second section 142 has a second circulation channel 16. The same applies to any other additional sections 14. Each channel 16 extends over at least some of the length of the respective section 14, but does not extend from one section to the next; the channels 16 define a flow duct specific to each section 14. Since the channels 16 are independent of each other, the device can have an open shape, such as an open ring.

[0039] Furthermore, the segments 14 each comprise a cleaning fluid inlet 18 and at least one nozzle 20 for diffusing the cleaning fluid towards the optical surface 13. The inlet 18 is connected to the cleaning fluid distribution network and enables the supply of cleaning fluid to the channel 16. Thus, each segment 14 comprises its own fluid inlet 18; the fluid is then supplied to each segment 14 independently. The inlet 18 can extend along the axis Z, but another shape can be envisaged, such as a curved shape, to adapt to the area around the sensor. The channel 16 of each segment 14 then enables the distribution of the cleaning fluid to one or more fluid diffusion nozzles 20. In Figure 2 In the example, five nozzles 20 are shown on the section 14; also by way of example, Figure 1 The segments 14 in each have four nozzles 20. These segments have a number of nozzles 20 specific to them, depending on the position of the segment 14 relative to the optical surface 13 and the position relative to the portion to be cleaned of the optical surface 13. Similarly, the nozzles 20 are distributed on each segment 14 according to the portion to be cleaned of the optical surface 13.

[0040] The segments 14 also have connectors 22. The first segment 141 has a first connector 22 and the second connector 142 has a second connector 22. The same applies to any additional segments 14. The segments 14 are configured to be attached in pairs and depending on the segment 14 to form an arc. The segments 14 are attached to each other by their respective connectors 22. The first connector 22 and the second connector 22 have complementary shapes and are configured to interact so as to enable the first segment 141 and the second segment 142 to be locked relative to each other in the axial direction Z and in the radial direction Y. As a result, the segments 141 and 142 are attached to each other to form the device 10. The interaction between the connectors 22 enables one segment to be fixed relative to the other segment in order to constitute the device 10. The locking of the segments 14 makes it possible to give the device 10 an integral nature so that it can be subsequently assembled in an appropriate position in the vehicle. Therefore, the device includes modular segments, each of which has a connector, and the interaction between the connectors provides an integral nature and ensures easy assembly around the optical surface 13. Furthermore, the segments 14 are modular elements that can be replaced in the event of a defect, in particular when the segments are assembled to one another. This enables corrections to be made when assembling the device 10 without completely scrapping the device 10; all that is required is the replacement of one or more defective segments.

[0041] The device 10 may have a number of sections depending on the optical surface 13 to be cleaned. A section 14 may then include two connectors 22, one at each end of the section 14. This enables a section 14 to be connected to two other adjacent sections 14. Figure 1 , each segment 14 is connected to two adjacent segments 14 via its two connectors 22. The device 10 can thus form a closed loop. However, the device 10 can be an open loop, with the connectors 22 of the end segments 14 not being connected to adjacent segments.

[0042] The connector 22 may allow two adjacent sections 14 to be detachably joined. This enables the device 10 to be repaired after it has been assembled and while it is in use, without having to scrap the entire device 10. A faulty section may be replaced. The connector 22 may enable two adjacent sections 14 to be fastened. In other words, the connector 22 forms a clip. This enables the connectors 22 to be easily assembled to each other and to detachably lock the sections.

[0043] Figures 3 to 7 An example of a connector 22 is shown. The connector 22 has a complementary shape for securing one section to the next section.

[0044] Figures 3 to 6A connector 22 is shown, comprising a protrusion 26 on one of the segments and a hole 28 in the channel of the other. The engagement of the protrusion 26 in the hole 28 prevents the segments 141, 142 from moving in translation relative to each other along the radial direction Y and the tangential direction X. The first and second connectors 22 interact to enable the segments 141, 142 to be locked relative to each other in a plane containing X and Y. The connectors 22 engage each other along the direction Z.

[0045] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the projection 26 can be snapped in the hole 28, the snapping of the projection 26 in the hole 28 preventing the segments 141, 142 from moving in translation relative to each other along the axial direction Z. As a result, the first connector and the second connector 22 interact to enable the segments 141, 142 to be locked relative to each other in three directions X, Y, Z. The snapping is performed by one of the segments 141 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The plurality of shoulders 30 on the connector 22 of the section 142) are obtained by connecting the shoulders to another section 14 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shoulder 30 and the reduced diameter portion 32 form a clip, thereby ensuring easy engagement. Once the shoulder 30 is engaged with the reduced diameter portion 32, the segments are secured. In addition, one of the segments 14 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The slot 34 in the segment 142 in the connector 22 makes the engagement of the connector 22 detachable. Pressure applied on the slot 34 along the direction Y of the connector 22 makes it possible to remove the connectors 22 from each other. This makes it possible to disassemble the two segments 141, 142 and replace one of them if necessary.

[0046] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the connector 22 additionally comprises a pad 36 and / or a lug 38 on at least one of the segments 14 , which pads and / or lugs interact with the other segment and prevent the segments 14 from rotating relative to each other around the axial direction Z. This gives the device 10 a one-piece nature, avoiding deformation when the device is installed in a vehicle and throughout the service life of the device 10 .

[0047] More specifically, Figure 3A pad 36 on the connector 22 of each of the segments 141, 142 is presented. The pad 36 on one segment 14 abuts the end of the other segment 14. The abutment of the end of one segment 14 against the pad 36 prevents the segments from rotating relative to each other around the direction Z. For example, the connector 22 of each of the segments 141, 142 has two pads 36 on the face facing the other segment. The two pads 36 on one of the connectors 22 abut the end of the other segment 14 and prevent the segments from rotating relative to each other around the direction Z.

[0048] Figure 4 Lugs 38 on at least one of the connectors 22 are presented. The lugs 38 on one segment 14 engage with the connector 22 of the other segment. The other segment may have slots 40 through which the lugs 38 engage. The engagement of the lugs 38 with the other segment prevents the segments from rotating relative to each other around the direction Z. For example, the connector 22 of segment 141 has four lugs 38 around the hole 28 on the face facing the other segment 142. The four lugs 38 engage in corresponding slots 40 of the other segment 142 and prevent the segments from rotating relative to each other around the direction Z.

[0049] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , protrusion 26 (at Figure 6 The connector 22 may be substantially hidden behind the connector 22 in the hole 28, wherein the engagement of the protrusion 26 in the hole 28 prevents the segments 141, 142 from moving in translation relative to each other along the directions X and Y. In addition, the interaction between the connectors 22 is elastic, and the connector 22 may include at least one ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The tabs 42 on the section 141 in the middle, which are connected to the other section 14 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The tabs 42 engage with the other segment and prevent the segments from moving in translation relative to each other along the axial direction Z. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector 22 interact with each other so as to prevent the segments 141, 142 from moving relative to each other in three directions X, Y, and Z. The tabs 42 form a clip, thereby ensuring easy engagement. The tabs 42 also make the engagement of the connectors 22 detachable. Once the tabs 42 engage with the other segment, the segments are detachably fastened. The spacing between the tabs 42 along the direction Y makes it possible to remove the connectors 22 from each other. This makes it possible to disassemble the two segments 141, 142 and replace one of them if necessary. In addition, the other segment ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The section 142 in the middle may have a recess 44 in which the tab 42 may engage.

[0050] More specifically, Figure 5 A lug 38 is presented on at least one of the connectors 22. The lug 38 on one segment 14 engages with the other segment. The lug 38 may engage in a notch 40 of the other segment. The engagement of the lug 38 with the other segment prevents the segments from rotating relative to each other about the axial direction Z. For example, the connector 22 of segment 141 has four lugs 38 in pairs on both sides of the tab 42 on the face facing the other segment 142. These four lugs 38 engage in corresponding notches 40 of the other segment 142 and prevent the segments from rotating relative to each other about the axial direction Z. These lugs 38 give the device 10 an integral nature, thereby avoiding deformation when the device is installed in a vehicle and throughout the service life of the device 10.

[0051] Figure 6 At least one of the sections 14 (e.g. Figure 6 The column 46 on the section 141 in the middle and the column 46 on another section 14 (e.g. Figure 6 The engagement of the stud 46 in the aperture 48 and the snapping of the protrusion 26 in the aperture 28 prevent these segments from rotating relative to each other about the axial direction Z. This gives the device 10 a one-piece nature, thereby avoiding deformation when the device is installed in a vehicle and throughout the service life of the device 10.

[0052] according to Figure 7 , one of the sections 14 (e.g., according to Figure 7 The connector 22 of the section 141 of the embodiment includes a tongue 50. Another section 14 (e.g., according to Figure 7 The first and second connectors 22 thus interact to enable the segments 141, 142 to be locked relative to each other along the tangential direction X, the radial direction Y, and the axial direction Z. The connectors 22 engage with each other along the direction X, which is marked by the arrow 54.

[0053] In order to ensure that the two sections 141 and 142 are prevented from moving in translation relative to each other once the tongue 50 is engaged in the receiving portion 52, the connector 22 equipped with the tongue 50 can include a clamp 56 with slots, each of which interacts with a rib 58 of the other connector 22. This makes it possible to removably fasten the connector 22. Pressure exerted on the slots along the direction Y of the clamp 56 makes it possible to remove the connectors 22 from each other. This makes it possible to disassemble the two sections 141, 142 and replace one of them if necessary.

[0054] The segments 14 may include a passage 24 for an attachment member for attaching the cleaning device 10 to the sensor support 12, the passage 24 passing through the connector 22. The passage 24 passing through the respective connector 22 is an interface for attaching the device 10 to the support; no other attachment means (such as attachment tabs) need to be provided, which simplifies the device 10. Furthermore, the attachment member of the device 10 extending through the connector 22 makes it possible to enhance the locking of the segments relative to each other and avoid the risk of the segments 14 coming apart during use due to vibrations in the vehicle. Figures 3 to 6 , the passage 24 passes through the protrusion 26 and the hole 28; once the protrusion 26 is engaged in the hole, the passage 24 of each connector 22 is coaxial with the passage 24 of the other connector. Figure 7 , the passage 24 passes through the tongue 50 and the receiving portion 52; once the tongue 50 is engaged in the hole 52, the passage 24 of each connector 22 is coaxial with the passage 24 of the other connector. This enables the attachment member 10 of the device to be inserted into the area around the sensor 12. The attachment member is, for example, a screw or a gasket forming a clip.

[0055] The present invention also relates to Figure 1 The detection system 11 shown comprises an optical sensor 12 of a vehicle and a cleaning device 10. The device 10 is configured to clean an optical surface 13 of the optical sensor. According to one embodiment, the optical surface 13 of the optical sensor 12 is cylindrical, and the segment 14 forms an annular structure around at least a portion of the circumference of the optical surface. The advantages of the described device 10 are applicable to the system 11.

[0056] The present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, which have illustrative value only and should not be considered limiting. In general, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples shown and / or described above.

Claims

1. A device (10) for cleaning an optical surface (13) of an optical sensor (12) of a vehicle, the device include: a first section (14) having a first cleaning fluid circulation channel (16) and a first connector (22), a second section (14) having a second cleaning fluid circulation channel (16) and a second connector (22), - the first section and the second section (14) each comprise a cleaning fluid inlet (18) and at least one nozzle (20) for diffusing the cleaning fluid towards the optical surface, - the first segment and the second segment (14) are configured to be attached to each other so as to form an arc, the arc defining an axial direction (Z) passing through a center of the arc and a radial direction (Y) along a radius of the arc, The first connector (22) and the second connector (22) have complementary shapes and are configured to interact so as to enable locking of the first section and the second section relative to each other in the axial direction (Z) and in the radial direction (Y).

2. The device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, in, The connectors (22) of the sections attached to each other form a detachable fastening arrangement.

3. The device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, in, The connector (22) comprises a protrusion (26) on one of the segments and a hole (28) in the other segment, engagement of the protrusion (26) in the hole (28) preventing translational movement of the segments relative to each other in the radial direction (Y) and in a tangential direction (X) orthogonal to the radial direction (Y) and the axial direction (Z).

4. The device (10) as claimed in claim 3, in, The projection (26) is snappable in the hole (28), the snapping of the projection (26) in the hole (28) preventing translational movement of the segments relative to each other in the axial direction (Z).

5. The device (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, in, The connector additionally comprises a gasket (36) and / or a lug (38) on at least one of the segments (14) which interacts with the other segment and prevents the segments from rotating relative to each other about the axial direction (Z).

6. The device (10) as claimed in claim 3, in, The connector (22) includes a tab (42) on at least one of the segments that engages the other segment and prevents translational movement of the segments (14) relative to each other in the axial direction (Z).

7. The device (10) as claimed in claim 6, in, The connector additionally includes a lug (38) on at least one of the segments, said lug engaging with said other segment and preventing said segments from rotating relative to each other about said axial direction (Z), and / or - a stud (46) on at least one of the segments and an orifice (48) in the other segment, the engagement of the stud in the orifice and the snapping of the projection (26) in the hole (28) preventing the segments from rotating relative to each other around the axial direction (Z).

8. The device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, in, The connector (22) of one of the segments (14) comprises a tongue (50) which engages in a receiving portion (52) of another connector (22) of the other segment (14), the tightening of the tongue (50) in the receiving portion (52) preventing the segments from translating relative to each other in the tangential direction (X), the radial direction (Y), and the axial direction (Z) and around the axial direction (Z).

9. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a passage (24) for an attachment member for attaching the cleaning device (10) to a sensor support (12), the passage (24) passing through the connector (22).

10. The device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in, The segments (14) form an annular structure having two segments attached to each other in pairs, preferably three segments attached to each other in pairs, preferably four segments attached to each other in pairs.

11. The device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in, At least some of the sections (14) are identical modules.

12. A detection system (11) comprising an optical sensor (12) of a vehicle and a cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the device being configured for cleaning an optical surface (13) of the optical sensor.

13. System (11) according to the preceding claim, in, The optical sensor (12) has a cylindrical optical surface (13), and the segment (14) forms an annular structure around at least a portion of the circumference of the optical surface.

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