Motorized cleaning system for an optical surface.

Abstract

Title: Motorized Cleaning System for an Optical Surface. The present invention relates to a motorized cleaning system (6) for at least one optical surface (41) comprising a device for detecting a blocking element (5) in a localized area (51, 52) of the optical surface (41) and a cleaning member (7), the cleaning member (7) comprising a cleaning element (8) for the optical surface (41) and an actuating element (63) adapted to move the cleaning element (8) between a rest position and a working position with respect to the localized area, the cleaning element (8) being configured in this working position to remove the blocking element (5) from the localized area (51, 52). (Figure 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Motorized cleaning system for an optical surface.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cleaning systems, and more particularly to a cleaning system capable of ensuring localized cleaning of an optical surface of a sensor.

[0002] Motor vehicles are now commonly equipped with driving assistance devices that provide, depending on the system, a degree of autonomy for the vehicle when driving or parking, or alerts to the driver to make driving safer. These driving assistance devices include data acquisition means that may take, for example, the form of sensors intended to evaluate an environment outside the motor vehicle, or the form of cameras intended to provide the driver with visibility of an environment outside the motor vehicle, visually inaccessible from the driver's seat.

[0003] Such data acquisition means comprise at least one optical surface, through which pass waves specific to the type of acquisition implemented, this optical surface being positioned on the vehicle according to the detection field of the environment outside the desired motor vehicle. The optical surface of a data acquisition means is thus highly exposed to external dirt. For example, in rainy weather, there are projections of rain and dirt which can greatly affect the operability of the driver assistance system comprising such a sensor. The glass surfaces of the sensors / transmitters must therefore be protected and cleaned in order to guarantee their proper operating condition.

[0004] To this end, it is known to associate with the driving assistance devices a cleaning device capable of cleaning the optical surface of the data acquisition means as soon as dirt is detected. Such a cleaning device may comprise means for projecting cleaning fluid against said optical surface, associated where appropriate with blowing or wiping means.

[0005] The cleaning devices currently used in driving assistance devices carry out a complete cleaning of the optical surface, as soon as dirt is detected, which involves in the example mentioned above the projection of a large quantity of cleaning fluid. Such an operating method also has the disadvantage of making the data acquisition means incapable of collecting data during the cleaning of the optical surface.

[0006] Furthermore, particularly in the summer period, external dirt impacting the optical surfaces may consist of organic dirt, in particular insects, which are more difficult to clean than rain or dirt splashes previously mentioned. The cleaning devices then use a large quantity of fluid, projected at high pressure, to be certain of removing the detected dirt which may be organic. The waste of cleaning fluid, due to the fact that the entire optical surface is cleaned regardless of the size or location of the dirt, is then all the greater.

[0007] The present invention proposes to overcome some of the drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to propose a cleaning system allowing a data acquisition means to continue its data collection during the cleaning of an optical surface located in front of said data acquisition means. The present invention also proposes to limit the quantity of fluid used during the cleaning of the optical surface to a quantity justified according to the dimensions of the dirt detected on the optical surface.

[0008] The invention therefore relates to a motorized cleaning system for at least one optical surface comprising a device for detecting an element blocking a localized area of ​​the optical surface and a cleaning member, the cleaning member comprising an element for cleaning the optical surface and an actuating element capable of moving the cleaning element between a rest position and a working position opposite the localized area, the cleaning element being configured in this working position to remove the element blocking the localized area.

[0009] The blocking element can be organic waste, such as an insect, or inorganic dirt, such as raindrops or traces of mud. The presence of this blocking element on the optical surface is detected by the detection device, for example by suitable image processing means which analyze whether the extent of the detection field remains the same image after image. The detection device is configured to determine a localized area comprising the blocking element, and provide corresponding information. This localized area has a shape and dimensions which are a function of the shape and dimensions of the blocking element. More precisely, this localized area has a shape fully comprising the blocking element and the smallest possible dimensions.

[0010] In other words, the localized zone represents a minimal portion of the optical surface, and can for example extend over an area of ​​the order of 5 to 20% of the overall area of ​​the optical surface.

[0011] The information relating to the positioning of this localized zone is transformed into a control instruction for the actuating element, in order to be able to bring the cleaning element in a working position opposite this localized area.

[0012] More particularly, by means of the actuating element, the cleaning element is brought to the working position. It is understood that the cleaning element moves from its rest position to its working position as a function of the detection of a localized area by the cleaning system and as a function of an instruction given to this actuating element which is a function of the detected position of the localized area.

[0013] Defining a localized area, and configuring the cleaning element to remove the sealing element when this cleaning element is opposite the localized area, allows the cleaning system to clean only a limited area of ​​the optical surface, i.e. only the area that is soiled and not capable of ensuring data acquisition, which allows the data acquisition means to continue its data collection via other areas of the optical surface. It is understood that the cleaning of this localized area by the cleaning system does not prevent the collection of data by the data acquisition means.

[0014] As mentioned, the cleaning element is configured to remove the closing element when this cleaning element is in the working position. It should be understood by this characteristic of the invention that the cleaning element has a first configuration, called the rest configuration, in which the cleaning element is not able to perform a cleaning function of the optical surface, the cleaning element retaining this first configuration until it is in the working position and is configured to remove the closing element, that is to say made able to perform a targeted cleaning function.By way of example, to illustrate what should be understood by the configuration of the cleaning element when it is in the working position, it can be provided, if the cleaning element is a broom or a brush, that the cleaning element moves from the rest position to the working position, thanks to the actuating element, while being at a distance from the optical surface, without contact with it, and that the cleaning element only comes into contact with the optical surface when it is in the working position, opposite the localized area.If the cleaning element comprises one or more nozzles for projecting cleaning fluid, it is understood that the cleaning element moves from the rest position to the working position, thanks to the actuating element, without projecting cleaning fluid, with all of the nozzles made inactive by an appropriate solenoid valve for example, and that the cleaning element is configured to allow the projection of cleaning fluid, by the opening of at least one projection nozzle, only when it is in the working position, opposite the localized area.

[0015] When the cleaning system is not in operation, the cleaning element is in the rest position. According to a characteristic of the invention, in the position rest position, the cleaning element is arranged on a support of the cleaning system. More particularly, in this rest position of the cleaning element, the latter is outside the optical surface.

[0016] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element comprises at least one nozzle for projecting a cleaning fluid towards the optical surface. As mentioned previously, the cleaning element, when it is configured in the working position for removing the sealing element, is controlled to carry out this removal by the projection of a cleaning fluid via one or more projection nozzles. The projection of cleaning fluid is carried out in a targeted manner on the localized area, and not on the entire optical surface.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning system comprises a single cleaning fluid distribution circuit to ensure the cleaning of a plurality of optical surfaces or a plurality of localized zones within the same optical surface. It is understood that it is indeed a single cleaning element which is moved, via the associated actuating element, opposite such or such localized zone, or opposite such or such optical surface.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the detection device of the cleaning system is configured to detect the nature of the closing element present in the localized area. The cleaning element can be configured, in the working position, according to the detection information of the nature of the closing element. The cleaning element can be configured so as to adapt the flow rate and / or the pressure of the cleaning fluid leaving the cleaning element according to the nature of the closing element.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element is configured to perform a plurality of cleaning functions for the localized area. It is understood by this characteristic that the cleaning element can incorporate several different means all having the function of cleaning or participating in the cleaning of the localized area.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element can carry at least one nozzle for projecting cleaning fluid, to ensure a cleaning function by jet of liquid or air, and / or heating means to enable a function of defrosting or decomposition of organic dirt, and / or mechanical friction means, such as a brush or a broom.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element can be made mobile, for example in rotation around its own axis, once the working position has been reached, in a specific movement distinct from that which brought it into the working position.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element comprises a friction cleaning means. This friction cleaning means may comprise a foam, a wiping blade or a brush. This cleaning method is designed to ensure local cleaning and not complete cleaning of the optical surface.

[0023] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element comprises reversible fixing means for fixing the cleaning means to the optical surface.

[0024] The reversible fixing means make it possible to fix to the cleaning element various cleaning means, chosen according to the cleaning function that one wishes to see provided by the cleaning element. It is understood that the cleaning element can thus provide a significant number of cleaning functions with a standard base on which specific cleaning means are added on demand.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the invention, the actuating element comprises at least one articulated arm extending between a first end and a second end, the articulated arm being connected at its first end to the cleaning element and at its second end to a drive motor.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one articulated arm is set in motion by means of the drive motor, the operation of which is relative to the control instruction received following the detection of the closing element.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the invention, the at least one articulated arm is deployed to bring the first end, and therefore the cleaning element, opposite the localized area, the movement of the actuating element causing the movement of the cleaning element. More precisely, the actuating element comprises two articulated arms, each being connected on the one hand to a drive motor of its own and on the other hand to the cleaning element, the two articulated arms jointly participating in moving the cleaning element.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the invention, each articulated arm is connected at its first end to a ring secured to the cleaning element, the rings being arranged, one above the other, around an articulation axis.

[0029] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning system comprises at least one clearance zone arranged outside the optical surface and intended to receive the cleaning element in its rest position. Each clearance zone essentially has the function of providing a rest position, in which the cleaning element of the cleaning system is inoperative, but it may be provided to equip at least one clearance zone with a means for treating the cleaning element, capable of making the cleaning element operational for the next time it is moved into the working position. By way of example, this or these treatment means may be heating means, capable of bringing the cleaning element to a temperature favorable to a future cleaning action, and / or drying means, capable of draining the cleaning element during the rest position, through holes provided for this purpose in the clearance area.

[0030] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element is capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface. This movement must be considered as an additional movement, different from the main movement of the cleaning element implemented by the actuating element. This additional movement is directed substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the cleaning element is caused to move mainly between its rest position and its working position. This additional movement can be achieved by means of a drive motor located, for example, in the cleaning element and allowing the cleaning element to come into contact with the optical surface. This additional movement is implemented in particular when the cleaning element is in its working position.It is understood that such a movement can allow the cleaning means to perform a defrosting or even wiping function.

[0031] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning element is capable of moving in rotation around an axis substantially perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface, or in other words an elongation plane in which the cleaning element mainly moves from the rest position to the working position. The cleaning element thus configured is capable of rotating on itself at high speed, once in the working position, to carry out cleaning of the localized area by centrifugation.

[0032] According to a characteristic of the invention, the cleaning fluid circulates to the cleaning element by means of a hose following at least one of the articulated arms.

[0033] According to another characteristic of the invention, the cleaning fluid circulates to the cleaning element by means of a conveying conduit provided within at least one articulated arm.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for cleaning at least one optical surface by a cleaning system conforming to any one of the preceding characteristics, the cleaning method implementing: - at least a first step during which a blocking element is detected on the optical surface, - at least a second step during which a movement instruction is transmitted to an actuating element of a cleaning member so as to move a cleaning element of this cleaning member opposite the closing element, - at least a third step during which a cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member.

[0035] The move instruction allows the cleaning element to be moved from its rest position to a working position or from a working position at a first localized area to a working position at a second localized area. It is understood that this movement instruction takes into account the position of the cleaning element as well as the position of the localized area requiring cleaning.

[0036] The cleaning instruction comprises information relating to the configuration that the cleaning element must have once the working position has been reached. For example, the cleaning instruction may comprise information relating to the opening of a solenoid valve allowing the projection of a cleaning fluid and information relating to the pressure and / or the flow rate of the cleaning fluid which must exit the cleaning element.

[0037] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0038] [Fig-1] represents a motor vehicle comprising a means for acquiring data associated with a motorized cleaning system according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] represents the cleaning system of an optical surface of the means data acquisition, according to a first embodiment, [Fig.2] making visible two localized zones comprising elements blocking the optical surface;

[0040] [Fig.3] represents the cleaning system of [Fig.2], during the operation of cleaning, more particularly illustrating the movement of a cleaning element from a rest position to a working position opposite a first localized zone comprising a closing element;

[0041] [Fig.4] represents the cleaning system of [Fig.2], during the operation of cleaning, more particularly illustrating the cleaning element configured to carry out the cleaning of the first localized area;

[0042] [Fig.5] represents the cleaning system of [Fig.2], during the operation of cleaning, more particularly illustrating the movement of the cleaning element from the first localized area to a second localized area;

[0043] [Fig.6] represents the cleaning system of [Fig.2], during the operation of cleaning, more particularly illustrating the cleaning element configured to carry out the cleaning of the second localized area;

[0044] [Fig.7] represents the cleaning system of [Fig.2], at the end of the operation of cleaning, more particularly illustrating the return of the cleaning element from a working position to its rest position, on a support of the cleaning system;

[0045] [Fig.8] represents an example of the structure of the cleaning element visible on the figures 2 to 7;

[0046] [Fig.9] represents a sectional view of the cleaning element of [Fig.8], leaving see a projection nozzle formed from a projection channel and an opening provided in the cleaning element;

[0047] [Fig. 10] shows a sectional view of the cleaning element according to [Fig.9], the cleaning element comprising a friction cleaning means;

[0048] [Fig. 11] represents the cleaning system of an optical surface of the data acquisition means, according to a second embodiment, making visible the cleaning of a localized zone comprising an element closing the optical surface.

[0049] It should first be noted that although the figures set out the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course be used to better define the invention, where appropriate. It should also be noted that these figures only set out examples of embodiments of the invention.

[0050] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

[0051] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference. It should be noted that the representations of the cleaning system in dotted lines visible in Figures 3 to 7 represent a previous position of the cleaning member and the articulated arms of the cleaning system. It should also be noted that the arrows visible in Figures 3 to 7 represent the movement of the cleaning member from its previous position, visible in dotted lines, to a new position, visible in solid lines.

[0052] [Fig. 1] represents a motor vehicle 1 comprising at least one body 2 and four wheels 3, at least part of which is visible, and a data acquisition means 4. This data acquisition means 4 is, in the embodiment shown, arranged at a front bumper of the motor vehicle 1. The data acquisition means 4 is equipment of the motor vehicle 1 capable of collecting and transmitting data to facilitate the driving of the motor vehicle 1. More precisely, the data acquisition means 4 is, in this embodiment shown, a sensor protected by a transparent optical surface, visible in FIGS. 2 to 7. It should be noted that this data acquisition means 4 could, alternatively, be a camera making it possible to increase the visibility of a driver of the motor vehicle 1, and that it could be arranged in other places of the vehicle.

[0053] The data acquisition means 4 is housed in the motor vehicle 1 and comprises, as visible in [Fig. 2], at least one optical surface 41 intended to protect the sensor or the camera. This optical surface 41 is a transparent surface on which blocking elements 5, such as inorganic dirt formed for example by mud or organic dirt formed for example by insect impacts, can be deposited when driving or parking the motor vehicle 1.

[0054] Figures 2 to 7 illustrate a motorized cleaning system 6 according to a first embodiment of the invention, intended to clean the optical surface 41 of the data acquisition means 4, in the event that blocking elements 5, preventing or making data acquisition unreliable, would be deposited on the optical surface 4L. It should be noted that in the embodiment represented by Figures 2 to 7, the cleaning system 6 is associated with a single optical surface 4L. Of course, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the number of optical surfaces 41 may be greater. These optical surfaces 41 may in particular be optical surfaces of the same data acquisition means 4 separated from each other or distinct optical surfaces of several data acquisition means 4. In other words, the cleaning system 6 is capable of cleaning a plurality of distinct optical surfaces.

[0055] The motorized cleaning system 6 comprises a support 61, arranged in the vicinity of the optical surface, on the bodywork or on a structural element of the vehicle, and a cleaning member 7 mounted on this support 61.

[0056] The cleaning member 7 is formed of a cleaning element 8 intended to carry out targeted cleaning of the optical surface 41, in a localized area in which soiling has been detected, and of an actuating element 63 intended to move the cleaning element 8 towards this localized area to carry out said targeted cleaning there. At least one drive motor, here two drive motors 62, are fixed on the support 61 and each comprise an output shaft 621 by which the drive motors 62 are connected to the actuating element 63.

[0057] The actuating element 63 comprises at least one articulated arm associated with a drive motor. In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 63 comprises two articulated arms 631 respectively associated with a drive motor. Each articulated arm 631 extends between a first end and a second end opposite the first end. More specifically, each articulated arm 631 comprises at its first end means for attachment to the cleaning element 8 and is connected by its second end to one of the drive motors 62. It should be noted that the attachment means between the articulated arm and the cleaning element are described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 8 to 10. Each drive motor 62 is, in the embodiment shown, a servomotor capable of ensuring a desired position of the articulated arm associated with it, and therefore of ensuring the position of the cleaning element 8 jointly carried by the two articulated arms.

[0058] In the example illustrated, the actuating element 63 is such that each of the articulated arms 631 is formed of two connecting rods 632 articulated together by a ball joint 633. This ball joint 633 makes it possible to generate an angle between each connecting rod 632 of the same articulated arm 631. The implementation of a drive motor 62 generates the rotation, simultaneously with the output shaft 621, of the connecting rod 632 directly connected to the drive motor 62 and therefore the rotation of the ball joint 633. The movement of at least one of the ball joints 633 modifies the center distance between the two ball joints 633, which implies a modification of the position of the connecting rods 632 connected to the same cleaning element 8.The cleaning element 8 is arranged opposite a specific area of ​​the optical surface 41, ensuring an appropriate position of the articulation ball joints 633 of each of the articulated arms 631, by appropriate control of the two drive motors 62.

[0059] The cleaning element 8 is able to move, via the implementation of the actuating element 63, along the optical surface 41 to pass from a rest position visible in [Fig.2] to a working position, one of which is visible in [Fig.3].

[0060] In the rest position, the cleaning element 8 is present on a clearance zone 65, here arranged at the level of the support 61. This clearance zone 65 is intended to accommodate the cleaning element 8 when no closing element 5 is detected by the cleaning system 6. The clearance zone 65, and therefore the associated rest position, is arranged outside the optical surface 41, and more generally, outside the detection field of the data acquisition means. It should be noted that this clearance zone 65 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a plurality of orifices 651 passing through the support 61. Without this being limiting of the invention, a heating and / or drying means may be associated with this clearance zone 65 so that a flow of hot air can be directed, through the orifices, towards the cleaning element 8.

[0061] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the optical surface 41 is made dirty by the presence of two separate closing elements 5, arranged in separate localized areas of the optical surface, and each of which can cause a relative malfunction of the data acquisition means 4. Such closing elements 5 require cleaning by the cleaning system 6 and the cleaning system 6 according to the invention allows targeted cleaning of one then the other of the closing elements, without the entire optical surface being hindered by the presence of the cleaning system.

[0062] More precisely, these two closing elements 5 are detected by a detection device which can be integrated into the data acquisition means 4. In this case, the data acquisition means successively processes the data it acquires and analyzes whether a local modification of the detected light intensity is standard or representative of the presence of dirt. It should be noted that alternatively this detection device can be an added element specifically dedicated to monitoring the cleanliness of the optical surface, of the camera type. In the example illustrated, the detection device is capable of defining a first localized zone 51 comprising a closing element 5 and a second localized zone 52 comprising another closing element 5.

[0063] The detection of the closing elements 5 generates the transmission of a movement instruction to the drive motors 62 so that the cleaning system 6 can clean the localized zone 51, 52 comprising a closing element 5. As visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, this movement instruction transmitted to the drive motors 62 causes the movement of the cleaning element 8 by the actuating element 63 from the rest position of the cleaning element 8 to a working position, opposite any one of the first or second localized zones 51 or 52 and in which the cleaning element 8 is configured to remove the closing element 5.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, visible in [Fig. 3], the movement instruction given initially to the drive motors 62 is to move the actuating element 63 so that the cleaning element 8 is opposite the first localized zone 51.

[0065] In the working position of the cleaning element 8, i.e. when the cleaning element 8 is facing a localized area to be cleaned, here the first localized area 51, the cleaning element is configured to remove the closing element 5, i.e. to perform a cleaning function targeted on the localized area. It should be noted that the cleaning element is thus configured, i.e. it receives a specific cleaning instruction, only when it has arrived in the working position and that it is not when it is in the rest position and when it is moving between the rest position and the working position.

[0066] The specific cleaning instruction, sent to the cleaning element when it is in the working position, may comprise an instruction relating to, for example, the triggering of a projection of a cleaning fluid from the cleaning element 8 towards the optical surface 41, and / or an instruction relating to a particular movement of the cleaning element 8, such as for example a pressing against the optical surface and / or a back-and-forth movement parallel to the optical surface within the first localized zone 51.

[0067] It should be noted that this cleaning instruction may include various information and in particular instructions for controlling means embedded on the cleaning element, in order to allow the cleaning element 8 to perform a plurality of cleaning functions of the localized area. By way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, the cleaning instruction may comprise an instruction to start a heating element embedded on the cleaning element, to ensure the defrosting of the optical surface 41, and / or an instruction to operate a pump associated with the cleaning fluid distribution circuit to ensure a more or less stripping jet of cleaning fluid, and / or an instruction to start a motor embedded on the wiping element to perform a specific movement of this wiping element, for example a rotation for cleaning by centrifugation.

[0068] It is understood from what has just been described that the cleaning system 6 implements a cleaning method in which a first step consists of the detection of at least one closing element 5 on the optical surface 41 by an appropriate detection device. As mentioned, this detection device is able to give information on the location of the closing element, relative to the rest position of the cleaning element, or in any case relative to the previous position of the cleaning element. During a second step, a movement instruction is transmitted to the drive motors 62 so as to move the cleaning element 8 opposite the localized zone associated with the closing element 5, by a movement as mentioned of the articulation ball joints 633. During the movement of the cleaning element, the latter is not configured to carry out a cleaning operation.Then, during a third step, once the cleaning element is in the working position, a cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member 7 so that it performs a cleaning function capable of removing the closing element 5.

[0069] When the closing element 5 located at the first localized zone 51 is removed from the optical surface 41, the cleaning element 8 returns to its rest position located at the clearance zone 65 provided on the support 61 or, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], a movement instruction is transmitted to the drive motors 62 so as to move the cleaning element 8 opposite the second localized zone 52 comprising another closing element 5.

[0070] At this second localized zone 52, a new cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member 7 so that the latter performs a cleaning function and for example a projection of fluid by the cleaning element 8 and / or, as visible in [Fig. 6], a back and forth movement of the cleaning element 8 within the second localized zone 52 in order to remove the closing element 5.

[0071] In an embodiment mentioned above where the cleaning system 6 is provided with a motor embedded on the cleaning element to enable a movement of the cleaning element 8 to be generated independently of the movement of the element actuation 63, the cleaning instruction transmitted in the third step includes in particular an instruction for controlling this on-board motor.

[0072] By way of example, this movement of the cleaning element 8 generated by the on-board motor makes it possible to move the cleaning element 8 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the optical surface 41. In other words, this on-board motor makes it possible to move the cleaning element 8 closer to or further away from the optical surface 41. Therefore, in the second step where the cleaning element moves opposite the optical surface to reach the working position opposite the localized area, the cleaning element is at a distance from the optical surface and does not rub against it. Such a movement of the cleaning element 8 is particularly advantageous in the case where the cleaning system 6 is intended to clean several optical surfaces 41 separated for example by an element of the bodywork 2.

[0073] Alternatively, the cleaning element may be in contact with the optical surface both in the working position and during movement between the rest position and the working position. It should then be noted that the contact of the cleaning element with the optical surface during the movement of the second step cannot be considered as a configuration of the cleaning element to perform a cleaning function, insofar as according to the invention a specific instruction is given to this effect after the second step, once the working position has been reached.

[0074] [Fig.7] illustrates the return of the cleaning element 8 from its working position to its rest position on the clearance zone 65 of the support 61. It should be noted that in this [Fig.7], the support 61 of the cleaning system 6 comprises two additional clearance zones 66.

[0075] These clearance zones 65, 66 are arranged outside the optical surface 41 and are, as mentioned previously, intended to accommodate the cleaning element 8 in a rest position.

[0076] The clearance zones 65, 66, and more particularly the additional clearance zones which are not encumbered by the drive motors 62, may be equipped with means capable of carrying out a plurality of tasks on the cleaning element while it is in a rest position. In particular, the clearance zones may comprise air blowing means, for drying the cleaning element after a cleaning operation, and / or means for heating the cleaning element 8 by projecting a flow of hot air or by starting a resistive element.

[0077] The various drying or heating flows can pass through orifices similar to the orifices 651 shown on the clearance zone 65, these orifices which can also be used for draining the cleaning element 8.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the clearance zones, and more particularly the additional clearance zones which are not cluttered with the drive motors 62, may comprise a means for assembling a cleaning means, which will be described in more detail in connection with [Fig. 10], allowing the cleaning element 8 to provide a plurality of cleaning functions on one or more localized zones. Such an assembly means may in particular make it possible to reversibly fix the cleaning means which may be, for example, a foam or a brush making it possible to clean the localized zone of the optical surface 41 more efficiently by friction or even a heating element to ensure defrosting of the optical surface 41.

[0079] Figures 2 to 7 have made it possible to illustrate different embodiments and different positions of the cleaning system 6 according to the invention, in particular in that it allows targeted cleaning of localized areas of an optical surface, by distinctly implementing instructions for moving a cleaning element towards a localized area and a cleaning instruction to be followed when the cleaning element has arrived opposite the localized area. It should be noted that the cleaning system 6 can be associated with a device for overall cleaning of the optical surface 41, for example in the form of a set of nozzles for projecting cleaning fluid arranged in a fixed manner on the periphery of the optical surface. The overall cleaning device or the cleaning member 7 specific to the invention are activated selectively according to the size of the localized area and / or the type of blocking element detected.By way of example, the global cleaning device can be activated when the number of elements blocking the optical surface is greater than a threshold value, for example two, and the saving of cleaning fluid which is permitted by the targeted cleaning system according to the invention is counterbalanced by too many movements of the cleaning system to be generated.

[0080] [Fig. 8] represents an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning element 8 of the cleaning member 7, a part of the actuating element also being visible.

[0081] The cleaning element 8 is here formed of a first shell 81 intended to be opposite the optical surface 41, of two rings 82 each secured to a connecting rod 632 of one of the articulated arms 631, and of a second shell 83 separated from the first shell 81 by the two rings 82. The shells and the rings are assembled superimposed on each other, defining an elongation axis 100 which passes substantially through the center of each of the shells and rings and which is intended to be perpendicular to the optical surface when the cleaning element is in the working position.

[0082] The two rings are mounted to be able to rotate, independently of each other, around an axis of rotation formed by the elongation axis 100, such rotation of the rings making it possible to adjust the angular spacing of the connecting rods of the two articulated arms secured to these rings and thus making it possible to position the cleaning element in any area of ​​the optical surface. Where appropriate, the first shell 81 intended to be opposite the optical surface 41 can also be made movable in rotation around the elongation axis to allow the cleaning element 8 to carry out cleaning of the optical surface 41 by centrifugation.

[0083] Furthermore, each of the connecting rods of the actuating element 63 here comprises a conveying duct 9 intended to supply the cleaning element 8 electrically or with cleaning fluid. More precisely, in the embodiment shown, a cleaning fluid circulates through the conveying duct 9 arranged within a first articulated arm 631 and electrical power supply cables, not shown here, allowing, for example, the electrical power supply of an on-board motor for rotating the cleaning element 8 or the electrical power supply of a resistive heating element, circulate in the conveying duct 9 arranged within the other articulated arm 631.

[0084] It should be noted that alternatively the cleaning fluid and / or the electrical supply can be conveyed to the cleaning element 8 by a hose, not shown here, following one of the articulated arms 631. It should also be noted that the articulated arms 631 can be formed from an electrically conductive metallic material capable of transmitting an electrical current to the cleaning element 8, where appropriate by electrically insulating the articulated arm(s) 631 in an insulating sheath.

[0085] It is notable that in the case of a cleaning element equipped with nozzles for spraying cleaning fluid, the cleaning system is such that with a single cleaning fluid distribution circuit, and for example a distribution circuit using a conveying conduit, a cleaning element is capable of selectively cleaning a plurality of distinct localized zones of the same optical surface and / or a plurality of optical surfaces 41.

[0086] [Fig. 9] illustrates a sectional view of the cleaning element 8 as represented by [Fig. 8]. More specifically, [Fig. 9] illustrates a projection nozzle 94 provided at the first shell 81 of the cleaning element 8 and formed by an opening 93 and a portion of a projection channel 92 provided across the first shell 81.

[0087] The cleaning fluid circulating through the conveying conduit 9 formed within an articulated arm 631 reaches a distribution conduit 91 formed in the ring 82 associated with said articulated arm 631. This distribution conduit 91 is connected by one end with said conveying conduit 9 and by an opposite end with the projection channel 92.

[0088] The projection channel 92 extends across the first shell 81 and opens out through an orifice passing through the first shell 81 and forming the opening 93 towards the outside of the cleaning element 8 such that the cleaning fluid circulating in the projection channel 92 is projected towards the optical surface 41 through the opening 93. The axis of the projection channel 92 is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation 100 such that the rotation, if any, of the first shell 81 and the rotation of the ring 82 do not prevent the projection of cleaning fluid through the opening 93.

[0089] The projection nozzle 94 formed by the projection channel 92 and the opening 93 makes it possible to project the cleaning fluid towards the optical surface 41 in a targeted manner, while being directly above the dirt. As has been mentioned, a pump, not shown here, is associated with the conveying conduit to ensure that the cleaning fluid is projected via the projection nozzle with sufficient pressure to effectively remove a closing element 5, and therefore with a limited quantity of cleaning fluid. Furthermore, to facilitate the removal of the closing element 5, the cleaning fluid projected by the projection nozzle 94 can be heated. This various information relating to the projection pressure of the cleaning fluid as well as the temperature of the cleaning fluid is transmitted to the cleaning member 7 with the cleaning instruction.

[0090] [Fig. 10] represents a sectional view of the cleaning element 8 visible in [Fig. 9] on which a reversible fixing means 84 is installed on an external face of the first shell 81 intended to be opposite the optical surface 4L. As a non-limiting example, the reversible fixing means may consist of an adhesive layer, or of snap-on fixing means. This reversible fixing means 84 makes it possible to fix a cleaning means 85 of the optical surface 4L. In the embodiment represented by [Fig. 10], this cleaning means 85 is a foam making it possible to clean and / or wipe the optical surface 4L.

[0091] These cleaning means 85 can be installed on the different clearance zones 65, 66 previously mentioned and a cleaning means is mounted or dismounted automatically when the cleaning element covers the clearance zone. For example, each additional clearance zone can comprise a different cleaning means 85 which can be assembled to the cleaning element 8 by means of the reversible fixing means 84. It is understood that the cleaning element 8 is thus capable of providing a plurality of cleaning functions.

[0092] [Fig. 11] represents the cleaning system 6, according to a second embodiment of the invention, during the cleaning of a closing element 5 present on the optical surface 41 at the level of a third localized zone 53. In this embodiment According to the invention, the cleaning system 6 comprises a first articulated arm 631a and a second articulated arm 631b, each articulated arm comprising a connecting rod 632 and a shaft, respectively a first shaft 632a and a second shaft 632b, articulated on the connecting rod 632 by a ball joint 633. The cleaning element 8 is connected to the first articulated arm 631a via the first shaft 632a, and more specifically by one end of said first shaft 632a, the opposite end being connected to the ball joint 633 of the articulated arm 631a.

[0093] The second embodiment is particular in that only the end of the first articulated arm 631a is connected to the cleaning element 8, the end of the second articulated arm 631b being connected to the first articulated arm 631a.

[0094] More particularly, the second shaft 632b of the second articulated arm 631b is connected by one end to the articulation ball joint 633 of the second articulated arm 631b and by an opposite end to an articulation ring 635, which forms a junction element between the first shaft 632a and the second shaft 632b.

[0095] The articulation ring 635 is configured such that the angle between the first shaft 632a of the first articulated arm 631a and the second shaft 632b of the second articulated arm 631b can vary to accompany the movement of the first articulated arm carrying the cleaning element 8. By way of example, the second shaft 632b of the second articulated arm 631b can be mounted so as to be able to rotate on the articulation ring 635 which is made integral with the first shaft 632a of the first articulated arm. The articulation ring extends at a distance from the cleaning element 8 and from the articulation ball joint 633 of the first articulated arm 631a.

[0096] It should be noted that in this second embodiment the cleaning element 8 may differ from what has been previously described and comprise a single ring 82 linked to the first shaft 631a.

[0097] It appears from the preceding description that the invention indeed achieves the aim it set for itself by proposing a motorized cleaning system which allows the cleaning of an optical surface of a data acquisition means over a localized area restricted relative to the extent of the optical surface. Such cleaning of the optical surface not obstructing the entire optical surface allows the data acquisition means to continue collecting data while cleaning the localized area of ​​the optical surface.

[0098] The invention as just described cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to all equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Method for cleaning at least one optical surface (41) by a cleaning system (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, the cleaning method implementing: - at least a first step during which a closing element (5) is detected on the optical surface (41), - at least a second step during which a movement instruction is transmitted to an actuating element (63) of a cleaning member so as to move a cleaning element (8) of this cleaning member opposite the closing element (5), - at least a third step during which a cleaning instruction is transmitted to the cleaning member (7).

Images