Vehicle cleaning system

Abstract

Title: Vehicle Cleaning System The invention relates to a cleaning system (2) comprising a wiper blade (4) configured to clean a sweeping area (6, 10) of a glazed surface (8), and a detected contaminant area (12). The wiper blade (4) is configured to be controlled to perform back-and-forth movements (13) within a localized sector (14), this localized sector (14) being strictly smaller than the sweeping area. If the contaminant area is within the sweeping area, cleaning is achieved by the friction of the wiper blade, which performs the movements (13) within the localized sector containing this contaminant area. If the contaminant area is outside the sweeping area, cleaning is achieved by a dedicated cleaning element (15) which performs the movements within the localized sector to clean the contaminant area outside the sweeping area. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle cleaning system

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system, in particular for a vehicle.

[0002] The vehicle may be of a land, sea or air type.

[0003] In certain vehicles, an optical sensor having an optical surface is provided, in particular a camera or a lidar, having such a surface. This optical sensor makes it possible, for example, to improve the safety and comfort of the driver or to ensure autonomous driving of the vehicle.

[0004] This optical sensor can be mounted, for example, in an opening in a glazed surface, for example a windshield, outside the scanning area(s) or mounted on a roof of the vehicle, near the glazed surface.

[0005] During vehicle operation, a pollution zone comprising traces of raindrops, salt, dust, mud, snow, ice, and / or insect tracks may form on the scanning areas or on the optical surface of the optical sensor. The presence of such a pollution zone may impair, for example, the driver's vision or safety.

[0006] The invention aims in particular to improve the cleaning of the optical surface of the optical sensor and on the scanning area(s) of the glass surface, while reducing the use and consumption of the cleaning fluid.

[0007] The invention thus relates to a cleaning system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade configured to clean at least one sweeping zone of a glazed surface, in particular a vehicle windshield, and a detected pollution zone; the pollution zone being able to be within the sweeping zone of the glazed surface or outside the sweeping zone of the glazed surface, the wiper blade being configured to be controlled so as to perform one or more back-and-forth movements in a localized sector, this localized sector being strictly smaller than the sweeping zone, and: • if the pollution area is within the sweeping area, the pollution area is cleaned by the friction of the wiping brush, which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized area containing this pollution area; and • if the pollution area is outside the sweeping area, the cleaning of the pollution area is achieved by a dedicated cleaning device, in particular a nozzle for projecting a cleaning fluid, belonging to the wiper brush which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized area, to clean the pollution area outside the sweeping area.

[0008] Thus, when the contaminated area is within the sweeping zone, a localized sector containing the contaminated area is targeted so that the back-and-forth movement(s) of the mop are performed on this contaminated area. In this way, the cleaning of the contaminated area is made more efficient compared to the case where the mop has to perform the back-and-forth movement(s) over the entire sweeping zone. Consequently, the cleaning time for the contaminated area within the sweeping zone is reduced.

[0009] When the soiled area is located outside the sweeping area, for example, outside the window surface, a localized sector containing the soiled area is targeted so that the dedicated cleaning element of the wiper arm performs the back-and-forth movement(s) on this soiled area. In this way, cleaning the soiled area is made more efficient compared to the case where the cleaning element has to perform the back-and-forth movement(s) over the entire sweeping area. Consequently, the cleaning time for the soiled area outside the sweeping area and the consumption of cleaning fluid are reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, the back-and-forth movement(s) of the wiping brush promote the distribution of the cleaning fluid over several points of impact on and / or around the polluted area, in order to better clean this polluted area.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the localized sector is defined between two extreme positions, in particular between two extreme angular positions of the scanning area.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the localized sector is limited over an angular range, particularly of the wiping arm, between the extreme angular positions of the sweeping zone, namely between an "in-wipe" (IW) angular position and an "out-wipe" (OW) angular position. Preferably, the angular positions of the localized sector are centered around a nominal angle or a nominal position of the soiling zone.

[0013] Alternatively, the localized sector is limited over an angular range, in particular of the wiper arm, between: - one of the inactive angular positions outside the sweeping area, for example an intermittent pause position (IP) or a lowered parking position (DP); and - one of the extreme angular positions of the sweeping area, for example an "in-wipe" angular position (IW) or an "out-wipe" angular position (OW), in such a way that the wiper can perform the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized sector, exceeding, in particular temporarily, at least one of the angular positions of the sweeping area.

[0014] Thus, the back-and-forth movement(s) of the wiping brush allow, in particular temporarily, an angular overtravel, beyond one of the extreme angular positions of the sweeping area without the cleaning system being damaged.

[0015] In this way, when the localized sector containing the pollution zone is located between one of the inactive angular positions outside the scanning area and one of the extreme angular positions, this localized sector can be effectively cleaned.

[0016] The angular overtravel in absolute value is defined as the difference between one of the extreme positions of the sweeping area and the angular position of the wiping brush exceeding said extreme position.

[0017] This angular overtravel is advantageously between 0 and 10°, preferably between 0 and 5°, more particularly between 0 and 3°.

[0018] Alternatively, the localized sector is limited over an angular range, in particular of the wiper arm, between inactive angular positions outside the sweeping area, for example between an intermittent pause position (IP) and a lowered parking position (DP).

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the extreme angular positions of the localized sector are between 0 and 20°, advantageously between 5 and 10° relative to the nominal angle or the nominal position.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the extreme angular positions of the sweep zone are between 0 and 120°, advantageously between 0 and 110°, for example on the passenger side (CP). The extreme angular positions of the sweep zone are between 0 and 89°, advantageously between 0 and 80°, for example on the driver's side (CC). In particular, the extreme angular positions of the sweep zone are referenced to a lowered parking position (DP).

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the frequency of the back-and-forth movement is 20, or even 40 to 60 cycles per minute. In particular, the frequency of the back-and-forth movement is 20 when the vehicle is stationary.

[0022] Alternatively, the back-and-forth movement is done with an angle step greater than or equal to 3°.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle pitch increments or decrements over the localized sector, for example in an oscillating manner.

[0024] The extreme angular positions of the pollution zone are between 0 and 120°, advantageously between 0 and 110°, for example on the passenger side. The extreme angular positions of the sweep zone are between 0 and 89°, advantageously between 0 and 80°, for example on the driver's side.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system further comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one area of ​​pollution which may be in the scanning area of ​​the glass surface or outside the scanning area of ​​the glass surface.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system includes a control module configured to control an electric motor configured to position a wiping brush arm on the glazed surface, in particular a windshield, towards a nominal angle or towards a nominal position.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the electric motor is coupled to an angular position sensor arranged to determine the angle that the wiper brush arm makes with respect to a reference position, namely the nominal angle or the nominal position.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to control the electric motor configured to drive the back-and-forth movement(s) of a wiper arm on the glazed surface, in particular the windshield, around the nominal angle or nominal position.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system includes a sensor arranged to detect the pollution zone. Advantageously, the sensor is located outside the scanning area.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to control the cleaning element of the wiper blade when it receives a signal from the pollution zone detection sent by the sensor, so as to clean the pollution zone located outside the sweeping zone.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the sensor is an optical sensor having an optical surface. Advantageously, the optical sensor is of the infrared type. The optical sensor may be a camera, a reversing camera, or a lidar, preferably arranged to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle.

[0032] The term “glass surface” means any type of surface made of glass, for example a vehicle windshield.

[0033] The term "sweeping zone" refers to the area that can be reached by the maximum stroke of a wiping mop during normal cleaning. This sweeping zone is defined between the two extreme positions, an "in-wipe" (IW) angular position and an "out-wipe" (OW) angular position.

[0034] A "nominal angle" or "nominal position" is understood to be an angle or position around which the back-and-forth movement of the wiper blade(s) is performed. Preferably, the contamination zone is centered around this nominal angle or nominal position. The contamination zone is defined between two extreme positions, in particular between two extreme angular positions. The positions Extreme angular values ​​of the pollution zone are defined around this nominal angle or nominal position.

[0035] Preferably, the localized sector is centered with respect to the nominal angle or the nominal position, in particular with respect to the nominal angle or the nominal position of the pollution zone.

[0036] The "nominal angle" or the "nominal position" can be measured by the sensor optical, in particular by a camera.

[0037] When the pollution zone is on the optical surface of the optical sensor, the nominal angle or nominal position is obtained with respect to the position of the optical sensor, in particular this position being known from the design of the vehicle.

[0038] The term “cleaning fluid” means any type of cleaning fluid such as alcohol, water, a mixture of alcohol and water or air.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning fluids are the same for all wiping brushes.

[0040] Alternatively, the cleaning fluids are different from one mop to the other. For example, one of the cleaning fluids on one of the mop heads may be a washing liquid such as alcohol, water or a mixture of the two, and the cleaning fluid on the other mop head may be air, in particular air in the form of a jet.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the wiping mop includes the cleaning member, in particular a cleaning fluid projection nozzle.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning system includes a control module configured to trigger the projection of the cleaning fluid through a projection nozzle.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the projection nozzle is configured to project cleaning fluid towards the localized area or towards the area of ​​contamination outside the sweeping area. For example, the projection nozzle is made on an end fitting disposed at the end of the mop or on a mount of the mop.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to trigger the projection of the cleaning fluid onto the entire optical surface of the optical sensor by the projection nozzle when the pollution area is on the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0045] Alternatively, the control module is configured to trigger the projection of the cleaning fluid onto the localized sector of the optical surface of the optical sensor by the projection nozzle when the pollution area is on the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0046] Alternatively, the control module is configured to trigger the projection of the cleaning fluid through the respective nozzles of the wiping brushes in such a way staggered, in particular following a cleaning sequence which includes first the projection of the cleaning fluid from one of the wiping brushes and then, the projection of the cleaning fluid from the other of the wiping brushes.

[0047] In other words, the two cleaning fluids from the wiper blades are not projected simultaneously but one after the other.

[0048] Alternatively, the two cleaning fluids from the wiper brushes are projected simultaneously.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle is arranged to project the cleaning fluid in the form of a jet or vaporization of cleaning fluid.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning member is arranged at one end of the wiping mop.

[0051] Alternatively, the cleaning element comprises a retractable element mounted on the wiper blade. The retractable element includes a cleaning element arranged to clean the optical surface of the optical sensor. This retractable element is preferably mounted at the end of the wiper blade so that it faces the area of ​​contamination located outside the sweeping area. A "retractable element" is understood to mean an element that can be concealed, for example by being folded or retracted, inside the wiper blade when not in use. During use, it can be uncovered to optimize the compactness of the wiper blade.

[0052] The control module is configured to control the retractable element so as to conceal or unconceal said retractable element.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the localized sector represents at most 20% of the scanning area, advantageously below 15% of the scanning area, more particularly below 10% of the scanning area.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the back-and-forth movement of the wiping brush is rotary.

[0055] Alternatively, the back-and-forth movement of the wiping brush is rectilinear along a longitudinal direction. This longitudinal direction can be defined along the longest edge of the glass surface.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the wiper blades is configured to be placed on the vehicle on the driver's side (CC) while the other of the wiper blades is configured to be placed on the passenger's side (CP).

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the wiper arm(s) are arranged to be installed on the driver's side (CC) and / or the passenger's side (CP).

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the back-and-forth movement is triggered regularly, advantageously every hour.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the back-and-forth movement pauses, particularly between extreme angular positions. In this way, the broom movement is jerky.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the back-and-forth movement is continuous. A "continuous back-and-forth movement" is understood to mean one where this movement does not stop.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to control the wiper brush for a predefined number of wiper brush back-and-forth movements.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to control the wiper blade as long as the pollution zone is detected by a sensor, in particular by an optical sensor.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the wiping brush is configured to be connected to a wiping brush arm.

[0064] In a particular embodiment, the control module is configured to move the wiper arm to at least one inactive position outside the sweeping area.

[0065] This inactive position is, for example, an intermittent pause position in which the wiper blades remain temporarily stationary when the user completes the wiping operation (called intermittent pause position (IP) in English), and / or a lowered parking position, a storage position in which the wiper blades are at least partially covered by the hood of the vehicle (called depressedparkposition (DP) in English).

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution area when the vehicle is stopped or when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to 2 km / h.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution zone when the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than or equal to 2 km / h, preferably at a speed between 2 and 200 km / h, more particularly at a speed between 2 and 130 km / h. This speed range can be adjusted depending on whether or not there is a wind likely to push the vehicle off course, particularly laterally.

[0068] Alternatively, the control module is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution area when the vehicle engine is started.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the control module is configured to implement the cleaning of the contaminated area, using the wiping brushes and the cleaning fluid for said brushes, taking into account at least one of the following parameters: - the number of back-and-forth movements, which may be equal at 1, 2 or more; - the speed of the vehicle; - the outside temperature of the vehicle; - the viscosity of the cleaning fluid; - the rotational speed of the engine or engines that operate the wiper brush(s).

[0070] For example, the nature of the cleaning fluid (washing liquid or air, for example) and / or its dosage can be adjusted according to at least one of the parameters above. It is thus possible, for example, to spray more cleaning fluid when the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed.

[0071] In addition, the duration of projection of the cleaning fluid onto the optical surface can be adjusted according to at least one of the aforementioned parameters.

[0072] The invention also relates to a cleaning method, particularly for a vehicle, comprising: - providing at least one wiper blade configured to clean at least one sweep area of ​​a glazed surface, particularly a vehicle windshield; - detecting at least one area of ​​contamination, which may be within a sweep area of ​​a glazed surface or outside the sweep area of ​​the glazed surface; - controlling the wiper blade so that the wiper blade performs one or more back-and-forth movements within a localized sector, this localized sector being strictly smaller than the sweep area, and: • if the pollution area is within the sweeping area, the pollution area is cleaned by the friction of the wiping brush, which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized area containing this pollution area; and • If the contaminated area is outside the sweeping area, cleaning of the contaminated area is achieved by a dedicated cleaning device, in particular a nozzle for projecting a cleaning fluid, belonging to the mop head which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized area, to clean the contaminated area outside the sweeping area.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the detection of the contaminated area is followed by a measurement of a nominal angle or a nominal position relative to the contaminated area. Preferably, the nominal angle and / or nominal position are measured relative to the center of the contaminated area.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises: activating a motor so as to position an arm of a wiper brush towards a nominal angle or towards a nominal position.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises: centering the localized sector with respect to the nominal angle or the nominal position.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises: oscillating the wiper arm with an angular amplitude around the nominal angle or with a displacement amplitude around the nominal position.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning process comprises at least one cleaning cycle, said cleaning cycle comprising: - at least one sweeping sequence with a plurality of back-and-forth movements of the wiping brush over the sweeping area, called a normal sweeping sequence.

[0078] The glass surface can be cleaned over the entire scanning area during a "normal scanning sequence".

[0079] This "normal sweeping sequence" differs in particular from an "intensive sweeping sequence", during which the cleaning of the pollution area is achieved by rubbing the wiping brush which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized sector which contains this pollution area in the sweeping area.

[0080] The normal sweeping sequence includes an activation of the cleaning fluid projection onto the sweeping area which takes place for a duration corresponding to at least 50% of the duration of the back-and-forth movement of the broom in the sweeping area, preferably at least 75% of the duration of the back-and-forth movement in the sweeping area.

[0081] The normal sweeping sequence includes at least one back-and-forth movement of the "wet" mop with at least one activation of the cleaning fluid spray, followed by at least one back-and-forth movement of the "dry" mop. A "dry" back-and-forth movement is understood to occur when no cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the sweeping area, while a "wet" back-and-forth movement is understood to occur simultaneously with an activation of the cleaning fluid spray.

[0082] The cleaning cycle can be repeated so as to effectively clean the polluted area.

[0083] The cleaning cycle includes a transitional period separating the normal scanning sequence and the intensive scanning sequence.

[0084] This transient duration includes a sensor response time between the appearance of a pollution zone and the detection of the pollution zone. This response time is less than or equal to a few milliseconds. For example, this sensor response time includes image acquisition and image analysis.

[0085] According to one aspect of the invention, this transient duration further includes a transmission time of the signal from the sensor to a control module in order to initiate the intensive scanning sequence. This transmission time is less than or equal to a few milliseconds.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning cycle further comprises at least one drying sequence. The drying sequence is carried out, for example, using air or any other type of gas.

[0087] According to one aspect of the invention, if the detected pollution area contains a liquid, the cleaning cycle includes: - at least one sweeping sequence; and / or - at least one sequence of projecting the cleaning fluid, in particular the cleaning liquid; and - at least one drying sequence.

[0088] In this way, any potential "runs" of pollution or residual cleaning fluid can be avoided on the contaminated area. Preferably, the cleaning cycle includes a drying sequence after the last projection of the cleaning fluid.

[0089] A "sequence of the cleaning fluid projection" means a series of at least one activation of the cleaning fluid projection.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, if the detected contamination area contains a solid, the cleaning cycle comprises: - a sweeping sequence, and / or - a blowing sequence using air or any other type of gas. The air or gas flow rate used for the blowing sequence may be greater than that of the drying sequence.

[0091] “Drying” aims to remove moisture or liquids from a polluted area, while “blowing” aims to move impurities, particularly solid ones, located on the polluted area.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the sequence of the projection of the cleaning fluid is carried out along an interval of the localized sector, said interval comprising the extreme angular positions of the localized sector and the extreme angular positions of the pollution zone.

[0093] Alternatively, when the pollution zone is located outside the sweeping zone, the cleaning fluid projection sequence takes place along an interval of the localized sector, said interval excluding the extreme angular positions of the localized sector.

[0094] Alternatively, when the pollution zone is located on the sweeping zone, the activation of the projection of the cleaning fluid onto the pollution zone takes place only at one of the extreme angular positions of the localized sector.

[0095] Thus, the back-and-forth movement(s) of the wiping brush allow the cleaning fluid to be dragged to the pollution area located in the localized sector, thereby reducing the consumption of cleaning fluid.

[0096] Alternatively, the cleaning fluid projection sequence is carried out only on the pollution area located on or outside the sweeping area.

[0097] Alternatively, the cleaning fluid projection sequence is carried out continuously throughout the intensive cleaning sequence.

[0098] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning fluid projection sequence ends when the sweeping cycle is complete.

[0099] Optionally, the cleaning cycle further includes an additional cleaning sequence so as to clean the pollution area on or outside the sweeping area.

[0100] This additional cleaning sequence includes: - a sequence of spraying the cleaning fluid on and / or outside the sweeping area; and / or - one or more back-and-forth movements of the wiping brush on the localized area located and / or outside the sweeping area.

[0101] This additional cleaning sequence can take place simultaneously with the cleaning fluid projection sequence. This additional cleaning sequence allows for more effective cleaning of the contaminated area on and / or outside the sweeping area.

[0102] This additional cleaning sequence can be implemented by the control module, such as an on-board computer. A decision to trigger the additional cleaning sequence can be made by artificial intelligence integrated into the control module.

[0103] According to one aspect of the invention, during the additional cleaning sequence, the localized sector is strictly located on the scanning area.

[0104] Alternatively, during the additional cleaning sequence, one of the extreme positions of the localized sector may be, in particular temporarily, outside the scanning area.

[0105] Detection takes place when the pollution area has a surface area greater than 1 cm2, advantageously a surface area greater than 5 cm2.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning process includes a step of stopping a cleaning cycle after a predefined number of back-and-forth movements of the wiping brush.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning process includes a step of stopping a cleaning cycle when the pollution zone ceases to be detected by a sensor, in particular by an optical sensor.

[0108] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0109] [Fig.1] Fig.1 illustrates, schematically and partially, a vehicle cleaning system in an antagonistic configuration according to an example of implementation of the invention;

[0110] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically and partially, a vehicle cleaning system in a parallel configuration according to an example of implementation of the invention;

[0111] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically and partially, a wiper blade of a vehicle's cleaning system;

[0112] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a front view of a vehicle cleaning system of a pollution area located on a sweeping area;

[0113] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a front view of a vehicle cleaning system of a pollution area located outside the sweeping area, in accordance with the example of the [Fig.4];

[0114] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 schematically represents a flowchart illustrating a process according to the invention; and

[0115] [Fig.7] Fig.7 schematically represents a summary of the implementation of the process according to the invention.

[0116] Figures 1 to 4 show a vehicle cleaning system 2 comprising two wiper blades 4 configured to each clean a sweeping area 6 of a glazed surface 8 or windscreen 8, using an associated squeegee blade (not shown) which is in contact with the windscreen 8.

[0117] In this example, the overall sweep area 10 corresponds to the juxtaposition of these sweep areas 6 of each of the wiper blades 4.

[0118] In the example of [Fig. 1], the wiping brushes 4 operate in an antagonistic configuration, namely that the brushes 4 are set in wiping motion so that the brushes 4 oscillate in opposite directions of rotation.

[0119] In the example of [Fig.2], the wiping brushes 4 operate in a parallel configuration, namely that the brushes 4 are set in wiping motion so that the brushes 4 oscillate in the same direction.

[0120] One of the wiper blades 4 is configured to be placed on the vehicle on the driver's side (CC) while the other of the wiper blades 4 is configured to be placed on the passenger's side (CP).

[0121] The wiping movement of the wiping brushes 4 can be done in a synchronized manner for both antagonistic and parallel configurations.

[0122] In these examples, the back-and-forth movements of the wiper brushes 4 are rotary.

[0123] Of course, the cleaning system 2 may only include one wiper brush 4. The cleaning system 2 can be adapted for other conventional wiper brush 4 configurations.

[0124] With reference in particular to Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning system 2, in parallel configuration, includes a detected pollution zone 12.

[0125] Still in the example illustrated in figures 3 and 4, we see that the pollution zone 12 can be in the global sweep zone 10 of the windscreen 8 or outside the global sweep zone 10 of the windscreen 8.

[0126] The wiping brushes 4 are configured to be controlled so as to perform one or more back-and-forth movements in a localized sector 14, this localized sector 14 being strictly smaller than the sweeping area 6.

[0127] The localized sector 14 represents at most 20% of the scanning area 6, advantageously below 15% of the scanning area 6, more particularly below 10% of the scanning area 6.

[0128] As illustrated in [Fig.3], if the pollution zone 12 is in the sweeping zone 6 (or in the overall sweeping zone 10), the cleaning of the pollution zone 12 is achieved by rubbing the wiping brushes 4 which perform the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized sector 14 which contains this pollution zone 12.

[0129] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, if the pollution zone 12 is outside the overall sweeping zone 10, the cleaning of the pollution zone 12 is achieved by a dedicated cleaning device 15, in particular a projection nozzle 16 of a cleaning fluid, belonging to the wiper brushes 4 which perform the back-and-forth movement(s) 13 in the localized sector 14, to clean the pollution zone 12 outside the overall sweeping zone 10.

[0130] In the example of figures 3 to 4, the pollution zone 12 is defined between two extreme angular positions 82. The extreme angular positions 82 of the pollution zone 12 are defined around the nominal angle 42 or the nominal position 42.

[0131] The localized sector 14 is centered with respect to the nominal angle 42 or the nominal position 42 of the pollution zone 12.

[0132] The angular positions of the localized sector 14 are centered around a nominal angle 42 or a nominal position 42 of the pollution zone 12.

[0133] The extreme angular positions 80 of the localized sector 14 are between 0 and 20°, advantageously between 5 and 10° relative to the nominal angle 42 or the nominal position 42.

[0134] The extreme angular positions IW, OW of the sweep zone 6 are between 0 and 120°, advantageously between 0 and 110°, for example on the passenger side. The extreme angular positions of the pollution zone are between 0 and 89°, advantageously between 0 and 80°, for example on the driver's side. In particular, the extreme angular positions IW, OW of the sweep zone 6 are referenced to a lowered parking position (DP).

[0135] The localized sector 14 is limited over an angular range of a wiping brush arm 40, between the extreme angular positions of the sweeping area, namely between the "in-wipe" (IW) angular position and the "out-wipe" (OW) angular position.

[0136] The angular overtravel in absolute value is defined as the difference between one of the extreme positions IW, OW of the sweeping area 6 and the angular position of the wiping brush 4 exceeding said extreme position.

[0137] This angular overtravel is advantageously between 0 and 10°, preferably between 0 and 5°, more particularly between 0 and 3°.

[0138] Alternatively, the localized sector 14 is limited over an angular range, in particular of the wiper arm 40, between inactive angular positions outside the sweeping area 6, for example between the intermittent pause position (IP) and the lowered parking position (DP).

[0139] The frequency of the reciprocating motion 13 is 20, or even 40 to 60 cycles per minute. In particular, the frequency of the reciprocating motion 13 is 20 when the vehicle is stationary.

[0140] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the cleaning system 2 further includes a camera 18 having an optical surface 22, said camera 18 being configured to detect the pollution zone 12 which may be in the scanning zone 6 of the windshield 8 or outside the scanning zone of the windshield 8.

[0141] In particular in the example of [Fig.4], the pollution zone 12 is on the optical surface 22 of the lidar mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

[0142] The camera 18, which in the example described in Figures 1 to 4, is of the infrared type. This camera 18 is assembled with a vehicle windshield 8, protruding from this windshield 8. Alternatively, the camera 18 is assembled with the windshield 8, being flush with this windshield 8.

[0143] Of course, the cleaning system 2 may include other types of sensors, for example visible, infrared, and / or ultraviolet light sensors, configured to detect the pollution zone 12.

[0144] The optical surface 22 is the surface through which electromagnetic radiation enters the optical sensor 18, 20.

[0145] The optical sensor 18, 20 can be a camera 18 (see Figures 1 to 2), a reversing camera (not shown) or a lidar 20 arranged to be mounted on a roof of the vehicle (see [Fig.3] to 4).

[0146] In the example described in figures 1 to 2, the camera 18 is arranged to detect the presence of water droplets on the windscreen 8, so as to trigger the operation of the wiper blade(s) 4 in the event of water droplet detection.

[0147] The "nominal angle" 42 or the "nominal position" 42 can be measured by the camera 18.

[0148] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the cleaning system 2 includes a control module 30 (for example, of the electronic type) configured to control a electric motor 32 configured to drive the back-and-forth movement(s) 13 of the wiper arm 40 on the windshield 8.

[0149] The electronic control module 30 is configured to control the electric motor 32 configured to position a wiper arm 40 on the windshield 8, towards the nominal angle 42 or towards the nominal position 42.

[0150] The control module 30 is configured to control the electric motor 32 configured to drive the back-and-forth movement(s) 13 of the wiper arm 40 on the windshield 8, around the nominal angle 42 or the nominal position 42.

[0151] As can be seen in particular in [Fig.5], the control module 30 is configured to control the cleaning element 15 of the wiper blade when it receives a detection signal 31 of the pollution zone 12 sent by the optical sensor 18, 20 so as to clean the pollution zone 12 located outside the sweeping zone 6.

[0152] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.5], the cleaning system 2 includes a control module 30 configured to control the electric motor configured to drive the back-and-forth movement(s) of a wiper arm on the glazed surface, in particular the windscreen 8, around the nominal angle 42 or the nominal position 42.

[0153] The control module 30 is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution zone 12 can be executed when the vehicle is stationary or when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to 2 km / h.

[0154] The control module 30 is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution zone 12, using the wiper blades 4 and the cleaning fluid of said blades 4, taking into account at least one of the following parameters: - the number of back-and-forth movements, which can be equal to 1, 2 or more; - the speed of the vehicle; - the outside temperature of the vehicle; - the viscosity of the cleaning fluid; - the rotational speed of the motor or motors 32 which actuate the wiper blade(s) 4.

[0155] For example, the nature of the cleaning fluid (washing liquid or air, for example) and / or its dosage can be adjusted according to at least one of the parameters above. It is thus possible, for example, to spray more cleaning fluid when the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed.

[0156] In addition, the duration of projection of the cleaning fluid onto the optical surface 22 can be adjusted according to at least one of the aforementioned parameters above.

[0157] With reference in particular to [Fig.7], the control module 30 is configured to move the wiper arm 40 to at least one inactive position outside the overall sweeping area 10.

[0158] This inactive position is, for example, an intermittent pause position in which the wiper blades 4 remain temporarily stationary when the user completes the wiping operation (called intermittent pause position (IP) in English), and / or a lowered park position, a storage position in which the wiper blades 4 are at least partially covered by the hood (not shown) of the vehicle (called depressed park position (DP) in English).

[0159] As illustrated for example in [Fig.5], the wiping brush 4 includes the cleaning member 15. The cleaning member 15 includes a projection nozzle 16 configured to project a cleaning fluid towards the pollution area 12.

[0160] The projection nozzle 16 is configured to project cleaning fluid towards the localized sector 14 or towards the pollution zone 12 outside the sweeping zone 6.

[0161] The projection nozzle 16 is arranged at one end 46 of the wiping brush 4.

[0162] The projection nozzle 16 is made on an end piece 50 (also called " endclip » in English) located at the end 46 of the wiping brush 4.

[0163] Alternatively, the nozzle 16 for projecting the cleaning fluid can be made on a mount of the wiping brush 4, and not on the end tip 50.

[0164] The spray nozzle 16 includes, for example, an outlet orifice shaped like a converging cone to accelerate the cleaning fluid. The nozzle 16 is connected to a fluid supply pipe 52. This pipe 52 connects an electric compressor 54 to the spray nozzle 16.

[0165] The wiping brush 10 is attached to a wiping brush arm 18, and the hose 52 which connects the compressor 54 to the projection nozzle 16 runs along, for a certain length, the wiping brush arm 40.

[0166] The compressor 54 is arranged to bring the cleaning fluid to the projection nozzle 16.

[0167] The wiping brush arm 40 is mechanically connected to an electric motor 32 arranged to set it in wiping motion.

[0168] The electric motor 32 is coupled to an angular position sensor 60 arranged to determine the angle that the wiper arm 40 makes with respect to a reference position, namely a nominal angle 42 or a nominal position 42.

[0169] In the example described, the cleaning system 2 further includes a cleaning fluid reservoir 70.

[0170] The control module 30 is configured to control the angular position sensor 60 to measure the angular position of the wiper blades 4.

[0171] The control module 30 is configured to trigger the projection of the cleaning fluid through the projection nozzle 16.

[0172] The cleaning fluids are the same for all 4 mop heads.

[0173] Figure 6 shows in particular a cleaning process 200, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: - initializing the parameters (step S205); - providing at least one wiper blade 4 configured to clean a sweep area 12 of a windscreen 8 of a vehicle (step S210); - detecting at least one pollution area 12 which may be in a sweep area 6 of a windscreen 8 or outside the sweep area 6 of the windscreen 8 (step S220).

[0174] The S220 detection takes place when the pollution zone 12 has an area greater than 1 cm2, advantageously an area greater than 5 cm2.

[0175] The detection of the pollution zone (S220) is followed by a measurement of a nominal angle 42 relative to the pollution zone (S260). In this example, the nominal angle 42 is measured relative to the center of the pollution zone 12.

[0176] The cleaning process 200 includes: - controlling the wiping brush 4 so that the wiping brush 4 makes one or more back-and-forth movements in a localized sector 14 (step S230), this localized sector 14 being strictly smaller than the sweeping area 6.

[0177] The method includes: activating a motor so as to position an arm 40 of the wiper brush towards the nominal angle 42 (S270).

[0178] The method 200 comprises: centering the localized sector 14 with respect to the nominal angle 42 (S280).

[0179] The method includes: oscillating the arm 40 of the wiping brush with an angular amplitude around the nominal angle 42 (S232).

[0180] If the pollution zone 12 is in the sweeping zone 6, the cleaning of the pollution zone 12 is achieved by rubbing the wiping brush 4 which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) 13 in the localized sector 14 which contains this pollution zone 12 (step S240)

[0181] If the pollution zone 12 is outside the sweeping zone 6, the cleaning of the pollution zone 12 is achieved by a dedicated cleaning device 15, in particular a projection nozzle 16 of a cleaning fluid, belonging to the wiping brush 4 which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized sector 14, to clean the pollution zone 12 outside the sweeping zone 6 (step S250).

[0182] The cleaning process 200 further includes a confirmation step S295 of the disappearance of the pollution zone 12 following the cleaning of the pollution zone during step S240 or step S250.

[0183] Figure 7 shows in particular a summary of the implementation of process 200 according to the invention.

[0184] The cleaning process 200 comprises at least one cleaning cycle 300, said cleaning cycle comprising: - at least one sweeping sequence with a plurality of back-and-forth movements 13 of the wiping brush 4 on the sweeping area 6, called a normal sweeping sequence 310.

[0185] The windscreen 8 can be cleaned over the entire sweep area 6 during a "normal sweep sequence" 310.

[0186] This "normal sweeping sequence" 310 differs in particular from an "intensive sweeping sequence" 320, during which the cleaning of the pollution zone 12 is achieved by rubbing the wiping brush 4 which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) 13 in the localized sector 14 which contains this pollution zone 12 in the sweeping zone 6.

[0187] The normal sweeping sequence 310 includes an activation of the cleaning fluid projection 330 onto the sweeping area 12 which takes place for a duration corresponding to at least 50% of the duration of the back-and-forth movement 13 of the broom 4 in the sweeping area 6.

[0188] In this example, the normal sweeping sequence 310 includes a back-and-forth movement 13 of the "wet" mop with an activation of the cleaning fluid projection 330, followed by two back-and-forth movements of the "dry" mop.

[0189] The cleaning cycle 300 can be repeated so as to effectively clean the pollution area 12.

[0190] The cleaning cycle 300 includes a transient duration 340 separating the normal scanning sequence 310 and the intensive scanning sequence 320.

[0191] As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, this transient duration 340 includes a sensor response time 332 between the appearance S290 of the pollution zone 12, such as an insect, and the detection of the pollution zone S210. This response time 332 is less than or equal to a few milliseconds. For example, this sensor response time 332 includes image acquisition and image analysis.

[0192] This transient duration 340 further includes a transmission time of the signal from the sensor 334 to a control module 30 in order to initiate the intensive scanning sequence 320. This transmission time 334 is less than or equal to a few milliseconds.

[0193] The cleaning cycle 300 further includes at least one drying sequence (not shown). The drying sequence is carried out, for example, using air or any other type of gas.

[0194] If the detected pollution zone 12 contains a liquid, the cleaning cycle 300 includes: - a normal sweeping sequence 310 or intensive sweeping sequence 320; and / or - a cleaning fluid projection sequence 3300, in particular the cleaning fluid; and - a drying sequence.

[0195] In this way, any potential "spills" of pollution or residual cleaning fluid can be avoided on the pollution zone 12. Preferably, the cycle cleaning 300 includes the drying sequence after the last 3300 projection sequence of the cleaning fluid.

[0196] If the detected contamination zone 12 contains a solid, the cleaning cycle 300 includes: - a normal sweeping sequence 310 or intensive sweeping sequence 320, and / or - a blowing sequence (not shown) using air or any other type of gas. The air or gas flow rate used for the blowing sequence may be higher than that of the drying sequence.

[0197] “Drying” aims to remove moisture or liquids from a pollution zone 12, while “blowing” aims to move impurities, including solids, located on the pollution zone 12.

[0198] The sequence of the projection of the cleaning fluid 3300 takes place along an interval of the localized sector 14, said interval comprising the extreme angular positions 80 of the localized sector 14 and the extreme angular positions 82 of the pollution zone 12.

[0199] Still in the example of [Fig.7], the cleaning cycle 300 further includes an additional cleaning sequence 380 so as to clean the pollution zone 12 on or outside the overall sweeping zone 10.

[0200] This additional cleaning sequence 380 includes: - the sequence of projecting the cleaning fluid 3300 onto and / or outside the overall sweeping area 10; and / or - the back-and-forth movement(s) 13 of the wiping brush 4 onto the localized sector 14 located on and / or outside the overall sweeping area 10.

[0201] This additional cleaning sequence 380 can take place at the same time as the cleaning fluid projection sequence 3300. This additional cleaning sequence 380 allows for more effective cleaning of the pollution area 12 on and / or outside the overall sweeping area 10.

[0202] This additional cleaning sequence 380 can be implemented by the control module 30, like an on-board computer. A decision to trigger the additional cleaning sequence 380 can be made by artificial intelligence integrated into the control module 30.

Claims

Demands

1. Cleaning system (2), in particular of a vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade (4) configured to clean at least one sweep area (6, 10) of a glazed surface (8), in particular a windscreen (8) of a vehicle, and a detected pollution area (12); the pollution zone (12) being able to be in the sweeping zone (10) of the glazed surface (8) or outside the sweeping zone (10) of the glazed surface (8), the wiping brush (4) being configured to be controlled so as to perform one or more back-and-forth movements (13) in a localized sector (14), this localized sector (14) being strictly smaller than the sweeping zone (10), and: • if the pollution zone (12) is in the sweeping zone (10), the cleaning of the pollution zone (12) is achieved by rubbing the wiping brush (4) which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) (13) in the localized sector (14) which contains this pollution zone (12);and • if the pollution zone (12) is outside the sweeping zone (6, 10), the cleaning of the pollution zone (12) is achieved by a dedicated cleaning device (15), in particular a projection nozzle (16) of a cleaning fluid, belonging to the wiper brush (4) which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) (13) in the localized sector (14), to clean the pollution zone (12) outside the sweeping zone (10).

2. Cleaning system (2) according to claim 1, comprising a control module (30) configured to control an electric motor (32) configured to position a wiping brush arm (40) on the glazed surface (8), in particular a windshield (8), towards a nominal angle (42) or towards a nominal position (42).

3. Cleaning system (2) according to claim 2, wherein the control module (30) is configured to control the electric motor (32) configured to drive the back-and-forth movement(s) (13) of the wiper arm (40) on the glazed surface (8), in particular the windshield (8), around the nominal angle (42) or nominal position (42).

4. Cleaning system (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control module (30) is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution area (12) when the vehicle is stationary or when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to 2 km / h.

5. Cleaning system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control module (30) is configured to implement the cleaning of the pollution area (12) when the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than or equal to 2 km / h, preferably at a speed between 2 and 200 km / h, more particularly at a speed between 2 and 130 km / h.

6. Cleaning system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control module (30) is configured to control the wiping brush (4) for a predefined number of back-and-forth movements (13) of the wiping brush (4).

7. Cleaning system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the localized sector (14) is limited over an angular range, in particular of the wiping brush arm (40), between the extreme positions of the sweeping area (6), in particular between the "in-wipe" (IW) angular position and the "out-wipe" (OW) angular position.

8. Cleaning system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the localized sector (14) is limited over an angular range, in particular of the wiping brush arm (40), between: - one of the inactive angular positions outside the sweeping area (6), for example an intermittent pause position (IP) or a lowered parking position (DP); and - one of the extreme positions of the sweeping area (6), for example an "in-wipe" angular position (IW) or an "out-wipe" angular position (OW), such that the wiping brush (4) can perform the back-and-forth movement(s) in the localized sector (14), including temporarily exceeding at least one of the angular positions of the sweeping area (6).

9. Cleaning method (200), in particular of a vehicle, comprising: - providing at least one wiping brush (4) configured to clean at least one sweeping area (6, 10) of a glazed surface (8), in particular a windscreen (8) of a vehicle (S210);

10. - detect at least one pollution zone (12) which may be in a scanning zone (6, 10) of a glazed surface (8) or outside the scanning zone (10) of the glazed surface (8) (S220); - to control the wiping brush (4) so ​​that the wiping brush (4) performs one or more back-and-forth movements (13) in a localized sector (14), this localized sector (14) being strictly smaller than the sweeping area (S230), and: • if the pollution zone (12) is within the sweeping zone (8), the cleaning of the pollution zone (12) is achieved by the friction of the wiping brush which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) (13) in the localized sector (14) which contains this pollution zone (S240); and • if the pollution zone (12) is outside the sweeping zone (8), the cleaning of the pollution zone (12) is achieved by a dedicated cleaning device (15), in particular a cleaning fluid projection nozzle (16), belonging to the wiper brush (4) which performs the back-and-forth movement(s) (13) in the localized sector (14), to clean the pollution zone (12) outside the sweeping zone (10) (S250). Cleaning method (200) according to claim 9, wherein the detection (S210) of the pollution zone (12) is followed by a measurement of a nominal angle (42) or a nominal position (42) relative to the pollution zone (12).

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