Cleaning assembly for motor vehicle sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a smart geometry for a housing (11) containing a sensor (12), such as a LIDAR, and a cleaning boom (13) used to spray a fluid for cleaning an optical surface (114) of the housing (11) or of the sensor (12) onto said optical surface (114). Ingenuously, a cleaning boom (13) is not adhesively bonded to the optical surface (114), but is located at a distance (d) from the optical surface (114), such that there is a non-zero gap between the cleaning boom (13) and the optical surface (114) that forms a slot (LUM), the slot (LUM) is formed so as to enable ejection fluid (FLD) flowing on the optical surface (114) to be discharged from the optical surface (114) by flowing through the slot (LUM) thus formed.

Description

[0001] The technical background of the invention is on-board sensors in motor vehicles and devices for cleaning optical surfaces through which the sensors make their measurements. More particularly, the invention relates to a cleaning assembly for motor vehicles.

[0002] In general, the present invention relates to a cleaning assembly that enables cleaning of objects in contact with an optical surface of a sensor. In this context, "cleaning" is understood to mean that the cleaning assembly is configured to remove objects in contact with the optical surface so that after the cleaning operation, the optical surface is not affected by said objects.

[0003] In the prior art, many cleaning assemblies are known that enable cleaning of the optical surface of a sensor. Such a cleaning assembly comprises: at least one sensor; an optical surface located in front of the at least one sensor relative to the propagation direction of a signal emitted or received by the at least one sensor; and a cleaning arm configured to spray a fluid onto the optical surface.

[0004] As is known, the discharge of the jetted fluid is essential to ensure both the proper operation of the sensor and the proper cleaning of the optical surface. This discharge can be performed in two ways. Firstly, in the presence of sufficient relative wind at the optical surface (e.g. caused by the travel speed of the motor vehicle and / or by the wind flowing around the motor vehicle), the jetted fluid present on the optical surface is pushed towards the edge of the optical surface by the relative wind. Alternatively, if the relative wind is insufficient, the jetted fluid present on the optical surface can flow towards the lower edge of the optical surface due to simple gravity.

[0005] This cleaning assembly has a major disadvantage, which is the discharge of the fluid ejected by the cleaning arm from the optical surface. Specifically, the geometry of the optical surface and / or the sensor, and / or the presence of technical components in the immediate vicinity may impair or even prevent the correct and complete discharge of the fluid flowing on the optical surface.

[0006] By way of example, document US2020023814A1 is known, which describes a cleaning assembly comprising: a housing comprising at least one peripheral side wall substantially perpendicular to a side of a vehicle to which the housing is fastened; a cover; and a visual system comprising at least one sensor housed inside the housing. The cleaning assembly further comprises: an optical surface movably located in front of the sensor so as to be able to tilt toward the inside of the housing and toward the rear; and at least one nozzle configured to spray a cleaning liquid onto the optical surface. Thus, the cleaning assembly described in document US2020023814A1 enables, in the case of sufficient relative wind, the cleaning liquid to be discharged from the optical surface by tilting the optical surface toward the rear so as to allow the cleaning liquid to be discharged from the optical surface. In contrast, in the case of insufficient relative wind, the cleaning liquid sprayed onto the optical surface falls to the base of the cleaning assembly due to gravity and accumulates at the base.

[0007] Such accumulation is undesirable because it may result in accumulation and deposition of particles at the base, or may even result in seepage of the cleaning liquid near the base of the cleaning assembly.

[0008] Another disadvantage of the cleaning assembly described in document US2020023814A1 is the complexity of its implementation and the need to control the actuation of the optical surface in order to drain excess cleaning liquid.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to propose a novel cleaning assembly in order to address the above problems at least to a large extent and also to produce other advantages.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to enable better drainage of fluids impinged on optical surfaces.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a technical solution that is simple to implement, robust and reliable.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose an economical solution.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the above objects is achieved by a cleaning assembly for a motor vehicle, the cleaning assembly comprising: (i) at least one sensor, (ii) an optical surface located in front of the at least one sensor with respect to the propagation direction of the signal emitted and / or received by the at least one sensor, (iii) a cleaning arm configured to spray a fluid onto the optical surface. Particularly advantageously, in the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the cleaning arm is arranged at a distance from the optical surface so as to allow a fluid to flow between the at least one sensor and the cleaning arm.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the at least one sensor is a sensor of the type used in the field of motor vehicles, for example to detect road scenes, detect obstacles, measure speed. By way of non-limiting example, the at least one sensor may take the form of an optical remote sensing device (such as LIDAR), a photographic device, a camera, a radar, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic rangefinder. According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the at least one sensor takes the form of LIDAR (which stands for Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging, meaning laser-based remote sensing).

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the optical surface takes the form of a surface that is transparent with respect to the transmitted and / or received signals, thereby allowing the signals to pass through the optical surface. In the context of the present invention, the optical surface may take the form of a textured or smooth flat or curved surface. Preferably, the optical surface is flat and smooth. The optical surface may be formed of a transparent plastic material or a transparent glass material.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, transparency is understood as the ability of a surface or material to allow a signal emitted and / or received by the at least one sensor to propagate in and / or through the surface or material. More particularly, the optical surface and / or the material used to form the optical surface allows the passage of optical signals whose spectrum is in the infrared range.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, a cleaning arm is a cleaning system that enables cleaning of an optical surface by ejecting at least one liquid or gaseous fluid on top of the optical surface. The cleaning arm extends transversely to the optical surface so as to allow the fluid to be ejected on all or part of the optical surface, and preferably at least on a central area of ​​the optical surface corresponding to the field of view of the at least one sensor. To this end, the cleaning arm comprises a strip whose position and orientation relative to the at least one sensor and to the optical surface are predefined so as to allow the fluid to be effectively ejected onto the optical surface. The cleaning arm is located in front of the at least one sensor without overlapping the field of view of the at least one sensor. Generally, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the optical surface, the cleaning arm is located between the upper edge and the lower edge of the optical surface. This advantageous configuration enables the fluid to be effectively ejected onto the largest portion of the optical surface. Of course, according to the present invention, there is a non-zero distance between the edge of the cleaning arm facing the lower edge of the optical surface and the lower edge of the optical surface, and / or there is a non-zero distance between the edge of the cleaning arm facing the upper edge of the optical surface and the upper edge of the optical surface.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, a cleaning system comprises a reservoir, a pump and at least one diffusion nozzle, the at least one diffusion nozzle being configured to eject a fluid onto an optical surface. Depending on the size of the optical surface, the cleaning system may comprise one or more diffusion nozzles. Potentially, the cleaning arm comprises at least one diffusion nozzle, the at least one diffusion nozzle being movable along the cleaning arm translationally and being moved by an actuator. Alternatively, the cleaning arm comprises one or more static diffusion nozzles. Advantageously, the cleaning arm incorporates the at least one diffusion nozzle, each at least one diffusion nozzle being fluidly coupled to the reservoir and the pump via a distribution line held to the cleaning arm.

[0019] Particularly advantageously, the cleaning arm holder is not adhesively bonded to the optical surface.In contrast, the cleaning arm holder is located at a distance from the optical surface such that there is a non-zero gap between the facing surface of the cleaning arm holder close to the optical surface and said optical surface.

[0020] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention solves the technical problem that placing the cleaning arm at a distance from the optical surface allows fluid sprayed onto said optical surface to drain away and does not allow said fluid to accumulate near the cleaning arm.

[0021] In addition, the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the invention proposes a technical solution that is simpler to implement, more robust and ultimately more reliable than previously known technical solutions. Specifically, the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the invention dispenses with movable and controlled components for managing fluid discharge by proposing an architecture and a clever geometry.

[0022] Finally, the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the invention proposes an economical solution to the above-mentioned technical problem.

[0023] The cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention advantageously comprises at least one of the following improvements, the technical features constituting these improvements being able to be considered individually or in combination:

[0024] - the cleaning assembly comprises a slot delimited on the one hand by the optical surface and on the other hand by the cleaning arm, the slot forming a through opening so as to allow a fluid to flow through the slot. In particular, the slot forms a through opening between the cleaning arm, more particularly its strip, and the optical surface. In other words, the slot is positioned directly adjacent to one end of the optical surface. The slot may take any form. Advantageously, the slot has an elliptical or rectangular form and extends over all or part of the edge of the optical surface against which the slot is formed. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to effectively drain the fluid flowing on the optical surface, thereby avoiding the maintenance of stagnation zones;

[0025] - the width of the slot (measured as the smallest distance separating the cleaning arm from the optical surface) is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm. This advantageous configuration enables the fluid flowing on the optical surface to be discharged with a sufficient flow rate to avoid accumulation of said fluid at the boundaries of the optical surface. A smaller width renders the invention ineffective, since the desired discharge of the fluid flowing on the optical surface would be prevented by the capillary action generated by such a too small width. The width of the slot is preferably constant over the entire length of said slot;

[0026] -The cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a housing which houses the at least one sensor, the housing comprising two sides located on either side of the signal emitted or received by the at least one sensor, the slot extending laterally between the two sides of the housing. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the slot measured along its maximum length is equal to the dimension of the housing measured between its two sides, or may be smaller than the dimension of the housing measured between its two sides. In this case, the housing forms a receiving portion for each at least one sensor. In this case, the invention provides for the slot to have a sufficient extension to cover all or part of the width of the housing considered between the two sides:

[0027] - the housing comprises a base extending between the two sides, the optical surface forming an acute angle with the base. In other words, the optical surface does not form a right angle with the base. In contrast, the optical surface is inclined towards the rear, that is to say towards the at least one sensor incorporated in the housing, so as to form an inclined slope along which the fluid can flow. As mentioned above, in the case of sufficient relative wind at the optical surface (for example caused by the travel speed of the motor vehicle and / or by the wind flowing around the motor vehicle), the fluid ejected on the optical surface can be pushed by the relative wind towards the upper edge of the optical surface. In this case, the upper edge is considered to be that edge of the optical surface close to the upper side of the housing, facing the base. As an alternative, if the relative wind is insufficient, the fluid ejected on the optical surface can flow towards the lower edge of the optical surface due to simple gravity. In this case, the lower edge is considered to be that edge of the optical surface close to the base of the housing. Therefore, the angle formed between the optical surface and the base is preferably between 30° and 89°. According to a preferred embodiment, the angle formed between the optical surface and the base of the housing is equal to 78°;

[0028] - more generally, the optical surface forms an acute angle with the horizontal plane of the motor vehicle in which the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. The horizontal plane considered in this case is, for example, the reference plane formed by the bearing points of the wheels of the motor vehicle when said motor vehicle is parked on level and flat terrain;

[0029] - As an alternative, the optical surface can also form an obtuse angle with the base of the housing. In this embodiment variant, the optical surface is inclined towards the front (that is to say in the direction away from the sensor incorporated in the housing) so as to form an inclined slope. In other words, the upper edge of the optical surface located at the upper side of the housing is positioned farther in front of the at least one sensor incorporated in the housing than the lower edge of the optical surface. In this embodiment variant, in the case of sufficient relative wind at the optical surface (for example, relative wind caused by the speed of travel of the motor vehicle and / or by the wind flowing around the motor vehicle), as in the case of insufficient relative wind, the ejected fluid present on the optical surface can be pushed accordingly by the relative wind or flow towards the lower edge of the optical surface due to simple gravity. Therefore, this embodiment variant cleverly enables better control of the discharge of the fluid ejected onto the optical surface, because in the two specific cases mentioned here, the fluid flows towards the narrow slot at the lower edge of the optical surface and flows through the narrow slot;

[0030] - According to a first embodiment variant, the cleaning assembly comprises a support part which is not directly fastened to the at least one sensor and to which the cleaning arm is firmly fastened, such that the slot is formed by an orifice provided between the support part and / or the cleaning arm on the one hand and the optical surface on the other hand. The expression "not directly fastened" to the at least one sensor is understood to mean that the support part is fastened to a part separate from the sensor. In this first embodiment variant, the cleaning arm is not directly held to the at least one sensor or its housing. This is the case, for example, if the cleaning arm is fastened to the support part, for which the structural chain for assembly on the motor vehicle is separate from the structural chain for the at least one sensor or its housing. This may be the case, for example, if the at least one sensor is, for example, a sensor of the LIDAR type mounted on a first support part, and if the cleaning arm is mounted in the vicinity of the at least one sensor by means of a second support part, the first support part and the second support part can be held to each other via one or more intermediate parts. It should then be understood that in this case, due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, the position of the cleaning arm relative to the optical surface is more difficult to control;

[0031] - according to a second embodiment variant, the cleaning assembly comprises a support plate which is firmly fastened to the housing of the at least one sensor and to the cleaning arm support, such that the slot is formed by an orifice provided between the cleaning arm support and the optical surface. In this embodiment variant, the cleaning arm support and the at least one sensor or its housing are held to the same support plate, thus facilitating the assembly and placement of the cleaning arm support relative to the optical surface;

[0032] - according to a third preferred embodiment variant, the cleaning arm support is firmly fastened to the housing of the at least one sensor, so that the slot is formed by an orifice provided between the cleaning arm support and the optical surface. This third embodiment variant modifies the most direct mechanical assembly, as well as the shortest possible kinematic and structural chain between the cleaning arm support and the housing, thus ensuring a more precise assembly;

[0033] - In a third embodiment variant, the cleaning arm holder is securely fastened to the housing by means of a fastening tab, making it possible to keep the cleaning arm holder at this distance relative to the optical surface. In other words, the fastening tab makes it possible to fasten the cleaning arm holder with an overhang relative to the housing, which cleaning arm holder is not positioned in line with the fastening tab. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to provide the necessary space between the cleaning arm holder and the optical surface in order to allow the flow of fluid;

[0034] - according to a first embodiment of the third embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly, the fastening tab of the cleaning assembly comprises a first fastening tab secured to a first side of the housing, and a second fastening tab secured to a second side of the housing, the second side being opposite to the first side with respect to the signals emitted or received by the at least one sensor housed in the housing;

[0035] - according to a second embodiment of the third embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly, the fastening tabs of the cleaning assembly comprise a first fastening tab and a second fastening tab secured to an upper face of the housing, the upper face being opposite to the base of the housing with respect to the signals emitted or received by the at least one sensor and connecting the two side faces of said housing;

[0036] - according to a third embodiment of the third embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly, the fastening tab of the cleaning assembly comprises a first fastening tab and a second fastening tab, the first fastening tab and the second fastening tab being fastened to the base of the housing;

[0037] - in any of the embodiments of the third embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly, each fastening tab comprises (i) a cylindrical bearing surface cooperating with a complementary cylindrical lug formed by the housing, and (ii) a prismatic bearing surface protruding from the cylindrical bearing surface towards the front relative to the direction of propagation of the signal emitted or received by the at least one sensor, the cleaning arm being secured to the free end of the prismatic bearing surface;

[0038] - the prismatic and / or cylindrical bearing surface of each fastening tab is located at a distance from the housing. In other words, one of the faces of the prismatic and / or cylindrical bearing surface, which faces the housing to which the fastening tab is fastened, is located at a distance from said face of the housing, so that there is a non-zero space between said faces of the bearing surface and said face of the housing. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to promote the flow of the fluid away from the optical surface and avoid the creation of stagnation zones on the housing itself, near the optical surface and the cleaning arm;

[0039] - the slot extends between the fastening tabs of the cleaning arm;

[0040] - the cleaning arm is positioned facing the lower edge of the optical surface, which extends between the sides of the housing and is located on one side of the base of said housing. In this embodiment, the cleaning arm is located at the lower part of the optical surface and in particular facing its lower edge. In this configuration, placing the cleaning arm at a distance from the optical surface and more particularly from its lower edge makes it possible to prevent fluid flowing along the optical surface due to gravity from accumulating at the cleaning arm. In contrast, such fluid flowing on the optical surface due to gravity can now flow through the slot and the cleaning arm in order to be discharged towards a low point;

[0041] - the cleaning arm is positioned facing the upper edge of the optical surface, which extends between the sides of the housing and is located on one side of the upper face of said housing. In this configuration, placing the cleaning arm at a distance from the optical surface and more particularly from its upper edge makes it possible to prevent the fluid flowing on the optical surface due to the effect of a significant relative wind from accumulating at the cleaning arm and at the upper edge of the optical surface. In contrast, this fluid flowing on the optical surface due to aerodynamic effects can now flow through the slot and the cleaning arm in order to be discharged towards the upper face of the housing;

[0042] - the cleaning arm member is immovably mounted relative to the at least one sensor and the optical surface;

[0043] - The fluid sprayed by the cleaning arm onto the optical surface is of liquid and / or gaseous fluid type.

[0044] The cleaning arm comprises a system for spraying a fluid. The spraying system comprises one or more diffuser nozzles for spraying a cloud of cleaning liquid or a stream of air onto the optical surface;

[0045] - According to a particularly ingenious embodiment of the invention, the system for spraying a fluid comprises means for spraying a liquid onto the optical surface and means for spraying an air layer onto the optical surface. Thus, in this embodiment, the invention combines the use of a spraying device for spraying a cleaning liquid onto the optical surface and the use of a device for spraying an air layer in order to blow an air stream onto the optical surface, thereby making it easier to remove particles and liquid present. Thus, the presence of a cleaning arm located at a certain distance from the optical surface makes it possible to appropriately prevent the liquid sprayed onto the optical surface from subsequently falling back into the means for spraying an air layer or into the means for spraying a liquid.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicle is proposed, the motor vehicle comprising a cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention or according to any one of the improvements thereof.

[0047] Different embodiments of the invention are foreseeable, combining the various optional features described here in all possible combinations.

[0048] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and from a number of exemplary embodiments provided as non-limiting illustrations, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0049] [ Figure 1 ] shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment variant of a cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0050] [ Figure 2 ] shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0051] [ Figure 3 ] shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0052] [ Figure 4 ] shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment variant of the cleaning assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0053] [ Figure 5 ] shows the Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning assembly of a second embodiment variant shown in FIG.

[0054] [ Figure 6 ] shows Figure 5 A three-dimensional first view of the cleaning component shown in FIG.

[0055] [ Figure 7 ] shows Figure 5 A three-dimensional second view of the cleaning component shown in FIG.

[0056] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are compatible or not mutually exclusive. In particular, it will be possible to envision a variant of the present invention comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from other features described, provided that such selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0057] In particular, all variants and all embodiments described can be combined with one another if nothing prevents this from a technical point of view.

[0058] In the drawings, elements common to several figures retain the same reference numerals.

[0059] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a cleaning assembly 1 for a motor vehicle, the cleaning assembly 1 comprising:

[0060] - at least one sensor 12;

[0061] an optical surface 114 situated in front of the at least one sensor 12 with respect to the direction of propagation of the signals emitted and / or received by the at least one sensor 12;

[0062] a cleaning arm 13 configured to spray a fluid onto the optical surface 114 , the cleaning arm 13 being arranged at a distance d from the optical surface 114 so as to allow a fluid flow between the at least one sensor 12 and the cleaning arm 13 .

[0063] In the context of the present invention, various configurations are foreseen between the cleaning arm support 13 and the at least one sensor 12. In particular, the cleaning arm support 13 may be secured to the housing 11 housing the at least one sensor 12, directly or indirectly.

[0064] Directly fastened to the housing is understood to mean that the cleaning arm 13 is securely fastened to the housing 11, in particular via the fastening tabs 135. In this case, Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the distance d separating the fastening arm from the optical surface 114 is determined by the fastening tab 135 and the mechanical connection connecting the cleaning arm 13 to the housing 11. In particular, reference will be made to the exemplary embodiments with reference to Figures 1 to 4 This particular case is described in more detail. In this particular case, the structural link connecting the housing 11 to the cleaning arm support 13 is shorter, so the distance d separating the cleaning arm support 13 from the optical surface 114 can be better controlled.

[0065] In contrast, indirect fastening to the housing 11 is understood to mean that the cleaning arm support 13 is connected to the housing 11 via an intermediate fastening member, such as a support plate to which both the cleaning arm support 13 and the housing 11 are fastened. In this case, the structural chain connecting the housing 11 to the cleaning arm support 13 is slightly longer, since it now passes through the support plate. This advantageous configuration therefore makes it possible to propose a module formed simultaneously by the housing 11 accommodating the at least one sensor 12, the support plate and the cleaning arm support.

[0066] In the context of the present invention, the cleaning arm support 13 and the housing 11 accommodating the at least one sensor 12, or even the at least one sensor 12 without the housing 11, can be placed in position relative to each other without being connected to each other directly or through a support plate. In contrast, in this specific case, the cleaning arm support 13 is fixed to a first support member, while the at least one sensor 12 is fixed to a second support member separated from the first support member. The first support member and the second support member can then be connected to each other by a structural element of the motor vehicle, on which the at least one sensor 12 and the cleaning arm support 13 are mounted, so as to cooperate together. In this specific case, the kinematic chain is long and the at least one sensor 12 and the cleaning arm support 13 form two separate modules separately mounted on the motor vehicle.

[0067] The first two cases are of course preferred because they provide better performance resulting from better assembly precision, in particular from controlling the distance d separating the cleaning arm 13 from the optical surface 114 .

[0068] The preferred embodiment addresses the direct assembly of the cleaning arm 13 on the housing 11 containing the at least one sensor 12. Figures 1 to 4 The following are described in detail in three embodiment variants schematically shown in FIG.

[0069] - As in Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the drawings, according to the first exemplary embodiment and the third exemplary embodiment, respectively, the fastening tab 135 of the cleaning assembly 1 comprises a first fastening tab 135 and a second fastening tab 135, which are fixed to the base 113 of the housing 11. Therefore, the cleaning arm holder 13 is located at the lower part of the cleaning assembly 1 according to the present invention, and the distance d provided between the cleaning arm holder 13 and the optical surface 114 allows the fluid flowing on the optical surface 114 to flow away from the optical surface 114 due to simple gravity without being hindered by the cleaning arm holder 13. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment visible in FIG, the optical surface extends towards the rear, towards the at least one sensor 12 and forms an acute angle ANG with the base 113. Figure 3In the exemplary embodiment visible in , the optical surface extends toward the front, in a direction away from the at least one sensor 12 and forms an obtuse angle ANG with the base 113;

[0070] - As in Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure and according to the second exemplary embodiment, the fastening tab 135 of the cleaning assembly 1 comprises a first fastening tab 135 and a second fastening tab 135, which are fixed to the upper side 112 of the housing 11, which is opposite to the base 113 of the housing 11 with respect to the signal transmitted or received by the at least one sensor 12, and connects the two side faces 15 of the housing 11. Therefore, the cleaning arm support 13 is located at the upper part of the cleaning assembly 1 according to the invention, and the distance d provided between the cleaning arm support 13 and the optical surface 114 allows the fluid flowing on the optical surface 114 to flow away from the optical surface 114 under the action of the aerodynamic flow caused by sufficient relative wind at the optical surface 114, without being hindered by the cleaning arm support 13;

[0071] - As in Figure 3 1 and according to the third exemplary embodiment, the fastening tabs 135 of the cleaning assembly 1 include a first fastening tab 135 secured to the first side 115 of the housing 11, and a second fastening tab 135 secured to the second side 115 of the housing 11, the second side 115 being opposite to the first side 115 with respect to the signal transmitted or received by the at least one sensor 12 housed in the housing 11. In this third exemplary embodiment, the cleaning arm holder 13 may not be preferably located at the upper or lower portion of the optical surface 114.

[0072] In all the exemplary embodiments shown, the cleaning arm 13 is advantageously placed outside the field of view FOV of the at least one sensor 12 so as not to have a restrictive effect on the at least one sensor.

[0073] Furthermore, the cleaning arm 13 is arranged such that the sprayed fluid FLD covers at least the entirety of the portion of the optical surface 114 covered by the field of view FOV of the at least one sensor 12 in order to ensure proper cleaning and optimal operation of the at least one sensor 12 .

[0074] As in Figures 1 to 7 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the cleaning arm holder 13 is not adhesively bonded to the optical surface 114. In contrast, the cleaning arm holder 13 is located at a distance d from the optical surface 114, so that there is a non-zero gap between the facing surface 133 of the cleaning arm holder 13 close to the optical surface 114 and the optical surface 114.

[0075] More particularly, the cleaning assembly 1 comprises a slot LUM delimited on the one hand by the optical surface 114 and on the other hand by the cleaning arm support 13, the slot LUM forming a through opening so as to allow a fluid to flow through the slot LUM. The slot LUM thus forms a through opening between the cleaning arm support 13 (and more particularly its strip 131) and the optical surface 114. The slot LUM is positioned so as to be aligned with the lower edge 116 of the optical surface 114 (e.g. Figure 1 ) or the upper edge 117 of the optical surface 114 (as shown in Figure 2 ) or generally directly adjacent to any portion of the optical surface 114.

[0076] The slot LUM may take any form and preferably extends from one side edge of the cleaning arm bracket 13 and bar 131 to the other side edge of the cleaning arm bracket and bar.

[0077] The width of the narrow groove LUM that forms the minimum distance d separating the facing surface 133 of the cleaning arm 13 from the optical surface 114 is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm. As can be seen in the figure, the width of the narrow groove LUM is preferably constant along the strip 131 and the optical surface 114, over the entire length of the narrow groove LUM.

[0078] As in Figures 1 to 7 and more specifically in Figures 5 to 7 As can be seen in the figure, the housing 11 has a prismatic general form and comprises two side faces 15 situated on either side of the signal emitted or received by the at least one sensor 12. The housing 11 also comprises a base 113 extending between the two side faces 15, and an upper face 112 positioned facing the base 113, so that the side faces 15, the base 113 and the upper face 112 together form a receiving portion for the at least one sensor 12.

[0079] In the context of the present invention, the optical surface 114 may adopt any configuration relative to the base 113:

[0080] -exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the optical surface 114 forms an acute angle ANG relative to the base 113, and the optical surface 114 is inclined toward the rear, that is, toward the at least one sensor 12 incorporated in the housing 11 and toward the rear face 111 of the housing 11, so as to form an inclined slope, along which the fluid FLD ejected by the cleaning arm 13 can flow. Therefore, the angle ANG formed between the optical surface 114 and the base 113 is preferably between 30° and 89°. According to Figures 5 to 7 In the preferred embodiment shown in , the angle ANG formed between the optical surface 114 and the base 113 of the housing 11 is equal to 78°;

[0081] -exist Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the optical surface 114 forms an obtuse angle ANG with respect to the base 113, and the optical surface 114 is inclined toward the front in a direction away from the at least one sensor 12 incorporated in the housing 11. Therefore, the angle ANG formed between the optical surface 114 and the base 113 is preferably between 90° and 140°, and preferably between 100° and 120°.

[0082] The optical surface 114 has a rectangular general form and is bounded by a lower edge 116 and an upper edge 117 which, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings, are rectilinear and preferably parallel.

[0083] Therefore, in the case where there is sufficient relative wind at the optical surface 114 (e.g., relative wind caused by the travel speed of the motor vehicle and / or by wind flowing around the motor vehicle), the fluid FLD ejected by the cleaning arm 13 and present on the optical surface 114 may be pushed by the relative wind toward the upper edge 117 of the optical surface 114. Alternatively, if the relative wind is insufficient, the fluid FLD ejected by the cleaning arm 13 and present on the optical surface 114 may flow toward the lower edge 116 of the optical surface 114 due to simple gravity.

[0084] According to the invention, the cleaning arm 13 is located at a distance d from the optical surface 114, whatever the position of the cleaning arm 13 relative to the optical surface 114. This distance d is expressed in particular relative to a longitudinal direction defined in general by the average direction of propagation of the signal SGNL emitted or received by the at least one sensor 12. This direction generally corresponds to the longitudinal axis X of the motor vehicle extending from the rear to the front.

[0085] Therefore, the facing surface 133 of the cleaning arm 13 is positioned facing the optical surface 114 and forms a narrow groove LUM through which fluid can flow, and the facing surface extends parallel to the optical surface 114, or makes the distance d between the facing surface 133 and the optical surface 114 constant for the entire narrow groove LUM.

[0086] exist Figures 5 to 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the cleaning arm holder 13 is firmly fastened to the housing 11 by means of a fastening tab 135, so that the cleaning arm holder 13 can be held at a distance d relative to the optical surface 114 and thus the slot LUM described above is formed. In other words, the fastening tab 135 positions the cleaning arm holder 13 with an overhang relative to the housing 11 and the optical surface 114.

[0087] In order to provide an optimal cleaning of the optical surface 114, the cleaning arm 13 is not positioned in line with the fastening tab 135. In contrast, in a cross-sectional plane considered parallel to the side 15 of the housing 11, the cleaning arm 13 is located in an intermediate position between the upper edge 117 and the lower edge 116 of the optical surface 114 relative to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, according to the invention, there is a non-zero distance d measured relative to the longitudinal axis X between the facing face 133 of the strip 131 and the upper edge 117 or the lower edge 116 of the optical surface 114.

[0088] As in Figures 5 to 7 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , each fastening tab 135 comprises (i) a cylindrical bearing surface 137 cooperating with a complementary cylindrical lug 118 formed by the housing 11, and (ii) a prismatic bearing surface 134 protruding from the cylindrical bearing surface 137 toward the front relative to the propagation direction of the signal emitted or received by the at least one sensor 12, the cleaning arm 13 being fixed to the free end of the prismatic bearing surface 134. In addition, as in particular in Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the prismatic bearing surface 134 and the cylindrical bearing surface 137 of each fastening tab 135 do not contact the housing 11 (and in particular in FIG. Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the upper surface 112 of the housing 11 is in contact.

[0089] In order to enable the fluid to be sprayed onto the optical surface 114, the cleaning arm 13 comprises a spraying system 132 comprising one or more diffusion nozzles enabling a cloud of cleaning liquid and / or a stream of air to be sprayed onto the optical surface 114. The fluid FLD sprayed onto the optical surface 114 is delivered via a distribution line 136 coupled to the bar 131 and to the diffusion nozzles.

[0090] In short, the present invention relates to an ingenious geometry for a housing 11 housing a sensor 12 (such as a LIDAR) and a cleaning arm 13 used to eject fluid onto an optical surface 114 of the housing 11 or sensor 12 for cleaning said optical surface 114. Ingeniously, the cleaning arm 13 is not adhesively bonded to the optical surface 114, but is located at a distance d from the optical surface 114 so that there is a non-zero gap between the cleaning arm 13 and the optical surface 114 forming a slot LUM, so that the ejected fluid FLD flowing on the optical surface 114 can be discharged from the optical surface 114 by flowing through the slot LUM formed thereby.

[0091] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the present invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are mutually compatible or not mutually exclusive. In particular, all variants and embodiments described above may be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A cleaning assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, the cleaning assembly (1) comprising: - at least one sensor (12); an optical surface (114) located in front of the at least one sensor (12) with respect to the direction of propagation of a signal emitted and / or received by the at least one sensor (12); - a cleaning arm (13) configured to spray a fluid onto the optical surface (114); The cleaning arm bracket (13) is characterized in that the cleaning arm bracket (13) is arranged at a certain distance (d) from the optical surface (114) so ​​as to allow the fluid to flow between the at least one sensor (12) and the cleaning arm bracket (13).

2. A cleaning assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The cleaning assembly (1) comprises a slot (LUM) delimited on the one hand by the optical surface (114) and on the other hand by the cleaning arm (13), the slot (LUM) forming a through opening so as to allow the fluid to flow through the slot (LUM).

3. A cleaning assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The cleaning assembly (1) comprises a housing (11) which accommodates the at least one sensor (12), the housing (11) comprising two side surfaces (15) located on both sides of a signal transmitted or received by the at least one sensor (12), the slot (LUM) extending laterally between the two side surfaces (15) of the housing (11).

4. The cleaning assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The cleaning arm (13) is immovably mounted relative to the at least one sensor (12) and the optical surface (114).

5. A cleaning assembly (1) according to claim 3, possibly in combination with claim 4, wherein: The cleaning assembly (1) comprises a support plate which is securely fastened to the housing (11) of the at least one sensor (12) and the cleaning arm support (13) such that the slot (LUM) is formed by an orifice disposed between the cleaning arm support (13) and the optical surface (114).

6. The cleaning assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The cleaning assembly (1) comprises a support member which is not directly fastened to the at least one sensor (12), the cleaning arm holder (13) being firmly fastened to the support member so that the slot (LUM) is formed by an orifice arranged between the support member and / or the cleaning arm holder (13) on the one hand and the optical surface (114) on the other hand.

7. The cleaning assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The cleaning arm (13) is fastened to a support component for which a structural chain for assembly on the motor vehicle is separate from a structural chain for the at least one sensor (12) or a housing (11) for accommodating the at least one sensor (12).

8. The cleaning assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The cleaning arm support (13) is securely fastened to the housing (11) of the at least one sensor (12) such that the slot (LUM) is formed by an orifice disposed between the cleaning arm support (13) and the optical surface (114).

9. A cleaning assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The cleaning arm holder (13) is securely fastened to the housing (11) by means of a fastening tab (135), thereby enabling the cleaning arm holder (13) to be maintained at the distance (d) relative to the optical surface (114).

10. Cleaning assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The fastening tab (135) of the cleaning component (1) comprises a first fastening tab (135) and a second fastening tab (135), wherein the first fastening tab and the second fastening tab are fixed to the upper surface (112) of the shell (11), the upper surface (112) being opposite to the base (113) of the shell (11) with respect to the signal transmitted or received by the at least one sensor (12), and connecting the two side surfaces (15) of the shell (11).

11. The cleaning assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein Each fastening tab (135) comprises: - a cylindrical bearing surface (137) cooperating with a complementary cylindrical lug (118) formed by the housing (11); and - a prismatic support surface (134) which projects forward from the cylindrical support surface (137) relative to the direction of propagation of the signal emitted or received by the at least one sensor (12), the cleaning arm (13) being fixed to the free end of the prismatic support surface (134).

12. A cleaning assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cleaning arm (13) comprises a system (132) for spraying the fluid, the system (132) for spraying the fluid comprising means for spraying liquid onto the optical surface (114) and means for ejecting an air layer onto the optical surface (114).

13. A motor vehicle comprising a cleaning assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

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