Cleaning device configured to clean an optical surface of an optical sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) configured to clean an optical surface (101) of an optical sensor (102), in particular of a vehicle, comprising: - a first actuator (7), - at least one support (4) for at least one nozzle (5) for spraying cleaning liquid onto the optical surface, - a retractable assembly (2), the support (4) of the spray nozzle (5) being carried by the retractable assembly (2), and the first actuator (7) being able to move the retractable assembly (2) between: - a deployed position in which the spray nozzle (5) is able to spray a cleaning liquid onto the optical surface (101) of the optical sensor (102), and - a retracted position.

Description

Cleaning device configured to clean an optical sensor surface Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device configured to clean an optical surface of a vehicle optical sensor, a detection system with the cleaning device and a vehicle with the detection system. State of the art

[0002] Optical position sensors, now standard equipment on many vehicles, gather information about the vehicle's surroundings to provide the driver and / or the vehicle's control system with assistance in driving and / or maneuvering. To this end, optical sensors are commonly installed to collect information about the vehicle's environment, such as the front, rear, and side areas.

[0003] The optical surface of such a sensor is particularly susceptible to contamination from sources such as dirty water, dust, or other types of debris. Such contamination obstructs the transmission and reception of information and can disrupt the sensor's operation, or even render it inoperable. For this reason, a cleaning device can be incorporated to clean the sensor.

[0004] Since the cleaning device is likely to be implemented in areas of the vehicle where space is limited, there is a need for a vehicle optical sensor surface cleaning device that is compact and can be placed out of the optical sensor's field of vision when not in use.

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a cleaning device configured to clean an optical surface of an optical sensor, in particular of a vehicle, comprising: a first actuator, at least one support for at least one nozzle for projecting cleaning liquid onto the optical surface, a retractable assembly, the support for the projection nozzle being carried by the retractable assembly, and the first actuator being capable of driving the retractable assembly into movement between: a deployed position in which the projection nozzle is capable of projecting a cleaning liquid onto the optical surface of the optical sensor, a retracted position.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the retractable assembly includes a guide on which the support for the projection nozzle is movable.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the retracted position is a position in which the retractable assembly, the projection nozzle and the guide are out of the field of vision of the optical sensor.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a plurality of projection nozzles, in particular three projection nozzles.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a single nozzle support on which all the projection nozzles of the cleaning device are placed.

[0010] Alternatively, the cleaning device includes a plurality of projection nozzle supports.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the support of the projection nozzle is able to move along the guide between an initial projection position and a final projection position.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises two rails.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the retractable assembly is mounted to slide on the rails, and configured to be driven in motion along the rails.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device includes a second actuator, the second actuator being capable of stressing the support of the projection nozzle moving along the guide.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator is carried by the retractable assembly.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device is placed under the vehicle's optical sensor.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device includes a movable aerodynamic deflector.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a hollow base in which the first actuator, the second actuator and the retractable assembly are placed.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the rails are formed by the walls of the hollow base.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow base includes a chamber arranged to contain the retractable assembly when the retractable assembly is placed in the retracted position.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the volume of the hollow base is greater than the volume of the chamber arranged to contain the retractable assembly, so that the hollow base includes a volume for draining the cleaning fluid.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning fluid drainage volume is arranged to collect the cleaning fluid projected onto the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the hollow base includes a cleaning fluid evacuation cannula arranged to evacuate the cleaning fluid projected by the projection nozzles and collected in the cleaning fluid evacuation volume.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the first actuator and / or the second actuator comprises a hydraulic piston, referred to respectively as the first piston and the second piston.

[0025] In particular, the first actuator and / or the second actuator includes a monostable hydraulic piston, comprising a rest position and a deployed position.

[0026] We will subsequently refer to the rest position and the deployed position of the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0027] Alternatively, at least one actuator is an electrical or mechanical actuator.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises a moving part.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the moving part of the first actuator comprises the rod of the first piston.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the moving part of the first actuator includes at least one transmission piece connected to the rod of the first piston and to the retractable assembly, configured to collaborate with the rod of the first piston and the retractable assembly so that the movement of the rod of the first piston causes the retractable assembly to move.

[0031] Alternatively, the rod of the first piston is configured to collaborate directly with the retractable assembly, so that the movement of the rod of the first piston causes the retractable assembly to move.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the first actuator is configured to collaborate with the retractable assembly so that, when the first actuator is activated, the retractable assembly is set in motion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical surface.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the retractable assembly is arranged to be moved in translation between the deployed position and the retractable position.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the first actuator comprises a fixed part positioned fixed relative to the hollow base of the cleaning device.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator includes a moving part.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the moving part of the second actuator comprises the rod of the second piston.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the moving part of the second actuator comprises a transmission assembly connected to the rod of the second piston and the support of the projection nozzle, configured to collaborate with the rod of the second piston and the support of the projection nozzle so that the movement of the rod of the second piston causes the support of the projection nozzle to move.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the transmission assembly comprises a pulley-belt assembly.

[0039] Alternatively, the rod of the second piston is configured to collaborate directly with the projection nozzle support, so that the movement of the rod of the second piston causes the projection nozzle support to move.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the support for the projection nozzle is arranged to be moved in translation parallel to the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator is configured to collaborate with the projection nozzle support so that, when the second actuator is activated, the projection nozzle support is set in motion in a direction substantially parallel to the optical surface.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator comprises a fixed part placed fixed relative to the retractable assembly.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide is straight, and parallel to the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector is able to take a stowed position and a protective position.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the stowed position is a position in which the deflector does not significantly impact the airflow around the optical sensor.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector is arranged to take a stowed position when the retractable assembly is in the retracted position.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector is arranged to take a protective position when the retractable assembly is in the deployed position.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the protection position is a position in which the deflector deflects an airflow, in particular the airflow related to the movement of the vehicle, from the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0049] Advantageously, the airflow deflection improves the cleaning of the optical surface when the cleaning liquid is projected onto the optical surface by the projection nozzle.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector is arranged to collaborate with the retractable assembly, so that the retractable assembly drives the deflector from the stowed position to the protective position when the retractable assembly is driven in movement from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device includes an elastic spring-type element arranged to collaborate with the deflector so that the deflector is moved from the protective position to the stowed position when the retractable assembly is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a hydraulic circuit including, in the order of circulation of the actuating fluid: an actuating fluid inlet cannula, the first actuator, a first conduit, the second actuator, a second conduit, the support of the projection nozzle, the projection nozzle.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the actuation fluid of the hydraulic circuit is the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the moving part of the first actuator and / or the moving part of the second actuator is driven in motion by the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device.

[0055] Advantageously, the same fluid thus enables the deployment of the device via hydraulic actuators, and the cleaning of the optical surface by projecting the fluid onto the optical surface.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the first conduit and the second conduit are flexible pipes arranged respectively to fluidly connect the first actuator to the second actuator, and the second actuator to the support of the projection nozzle.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the first actuator is fluidly connected to the inlet cannula of the cleaning fluid, and includes a first outlet cannula fluidly connected to the first conduit.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator comprises a second inlet cannula fluidly connected to the first conduit, and a second outlet cannula fluidly connected to the second conduit.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the first actuator is arranged to supply the first conduit and the second actuator with actuation fluid only when the first actuator is placed in the deployed position.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator is arranged to be driven into motion when the first actuator is placed in the deployed position.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the second actuator is arranged to supply the second conduit and the projection nozzle support with actuation fluid only when the first actuator is placed in the deployed position.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the moving part of the first actuator and / or the moving part of the second actuator are arranged to collaborate with the hydraulic circuit so that the moving part of the first actuator and / or the moving part of the second actuator are set in motion by the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic circuit.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the first piston and / or the second piston includes a return spring arranged to return the first actuator and / or the second actuator to the rest position when the pressure exerted by the fluid in the first or second actuator is less than a threshold value corresponding to the return force of the return spring.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the projection nozzle is capable of projecting cleaning liquid onto the optical surface as it moves along the optical surface.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the projection nozzle is capable of projecting a jet of cleaning liquid into a plane comprising the direction of movement of at least one nozzle, a plane orthogonal to the direction of movement of at least one nozzle, or a plane inclined at an angle greater than 0° and less than 150°, in particular less than 90°, with respect to the direction of movement of at least one nozzle.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the projection jet from at least one projection nozzle is a fan-type jet.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device includes a distribution pump fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit and arranged to supply the hydraulic circuit with cleaning fluid.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution pump is arranged to control the fluid pressure, in particular the cleaning fluid pressure, in the hydraulic circuit.

[0069] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to improve the compactness of the cleaning device.

[0070] In particular, the improved compactness of the cleaning device allows it to be installed under the optical sensor.

[0071] The invention also advantageously allows for the cleaning of larger optical surfaces.

[0072] The invention also relates to a detection system comprising an optical sensor surface and a cleaning device as described above, configured to clean the optical surface of the optical sensor.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method of cleaning an optical surface of an optical sensor of a vehicle by a cleaning device as described, comprising: a step of deploying the retractable assembly, a step of moving the nozzle forward along the guide, a step of moving the nozzle back along the guide, a step of retracting the retractable assembly.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the deployment step of the retractable assembly comprises: a step of supplying the hydraulic circuit with cleaning fluid by the distribution pump, a step of activating the first actuator by the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the first actuator, a step of moving the moving part of the first actuator by the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device, a step of driving the retractable assembly in motion from the retracted position to the deployed position by the moving part of the first actuator, a step of supplying the first conduit with cleaning fluid by the first actuator.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of supplying the first conduit with cleaning fluid starts when the step of driving the retractable assembly in motion from the retracted position to the deployed position is completed, that is to say when the retractable assembly has reached its deployed position.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of moving the nozzle along the guide comprises: a step of supplying the second actuator with cleaning liquid through the first conduit, a step of activating the second actuator by the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the first actuator, a step of moving the moving part of the second actuator by the cleaning liquid of the cleaning device, a step of driving the support of the projection nozzle in motion from the initial projection position to the final projection position by the moving part of the second actuator, a step of supplying the second conduit with cleaning liquid by the first actuator, a step of projecting cleaning liquid onto the optical surface of the optical sensors by the projection nozzle.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the return movement step of the nozzle along the guide comprises: a step of stopping the supply of cleaning liquid to the second actuator by the first conduit, a step of stopping the supply of cleaning liquid to the second conduit by the first actuator, a step of stopping the projection of cleaning liquid onto the optical surface of the optical sensors by the projection nozzle, a step of deactivating the second actuator, a step of returning the moving part of the second actuator by the return spring of the second actuator, a step of driving the support of the projection nozzle in motion from the final projection position to the initial projection position by the moving part of the second actuator.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the retracting step of the retractable assembly comprises: a step of stopping the supply of cleaning fluid to the hydraulic circuit by the distribution pump, a step of stopping the supply of cleaning fluid to the first conduit by the first actuator, a step of deactivating the first actuator, a step of returning the moving part of the first actuator by the return spring of the first actuator, a step of driving the retractable assembly in motion from the deployed position to the retracted position by the moving part of the first actuator.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning process includes a step of opening the deflector, and a step of closing the deflector.

[0080] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening step of the deflector includes a step of driving the deflector into movement by the retractable assembly from the stowed position to the protective position.

[0081] According to one aspect of the invention, the opening step of the deflector is arranged to be carried out simultaneously with the step of driving the retractable assembly in motion from the retracted position to the deployed position by the moving part of the first actuator

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector closing step includes a step of driving the deflector into motion by the elastic element from the protective position to the stowed position.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the deflector closing step is arranged to be carried out simultaneously with the step of returning the moving part of the first actuator by the return spring of the first actuator. List of figures

[0084] 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 attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0085] This is a representation of a detection system 100 in which the retractable assembly 2 of the cleaning device 1 is placed in the retracted position,

[0086] This is a representation of a detection system 100 in which the retractable assembly 2 of the cleaning device 1 is placed in the deployed position,

[0087] This is a representation of a cleaning device according to the invention, in which the retractable assembly is placed in the retracted position,

[0088] This is a representation of a cleaning device according to the invention, in which the retractable assembly is placed in the deployed position,

[0089] This is a block diagram representation of a process for cleaning the optical surface of a vehicle's optical sensor using a cleaning device.

[0090] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art. Detailed description

[0091] We have represented on the detection system 100 in which the retractable assembly 2 of the cleaning device 1 is placed in the retracted position.

[0092] The detection system 100 includes an optical surface 101 of optical sensor 102 and a cleaning device 1 configured to clean the optical surface 101 of optical sensor 102.

[0093] The cleaning device 1 is placed under the optical sensor 102 of the vehicle.

[0094] The cleaning device 1 includes a retractable assembly 2, not visible in this figure, comprising a guide 3 on which is movable a support 4 of a cleaning liquid projection nozzle 5.

[0095] The retractable assembly 2 is placed in a retracted position in which the retractable assembly 2, the projection nozzle 5 and the guide 3 are out of the field of vision of the optical sensor 102.

[0096] The cleaning device 1 includes a movable aerodynamic deflector 6 50. The deflector 6 is placed in a stowed position in which the deflector 6 does not significantly impact the airflow 50 around the optical sensor 102.

[0097] The deflector 6 is arranged to take a stowed position when the retractable assembly 2 is in the stowed position.

[0098] We have represented on the detection system 100 in which the retractable assembly 2 of the cleaning device 1 is placed in the deployed position.

[0099] The cleaning device 1 comprises a plurality of projection nozzles 5, in particular three projection nozzles 5, and a nozzle support 4 on which all the projection nozzles of the cleaning device are placed.

[0100] In an embodiment not shown, the cleaning device 1 comprises a plurality of supports 4 for projection nozzles.

[0101] The deflector 6 is placed in a protective position in which the deflector 6 deflects an airflow 50, in particular the airflow related to the movement of the vehicle, from the optical surface 101 of the optical sensor 102.

[0102] The deflector 6 is arranged to take a protective position when the retractable assembly 2 is in the deployed position.

[0103] We have represented on the diagram a cleaning device 1 according to the invention in which the retractable assembly 2 is placed in the retracted position.

[0104] The cleaning device 1 configured to clean the optical surface 101 of optical sensor 102, in particular of a vehicle, and includes: a first actuator 7, the support 4 carrying three nozzles 5 for projecting cleaning liquid onto the optical surface 102, a second actuator 8.

[0105] The projection nozzles 5 are capable of projecting cleaning liquid onto the optical surface 101 as it moves along the optical surface.

[0106] The projection nozzles 5 are suitable for projecting a jet of cleaning liquid, in particular a fan-type jet, in a plane comprising the direction of movement of the projection nozzles, a plane orthogonal to the direction of movement of the projection nozzles or an inclined plane at an angle greater than 0° and less than 150°, in particular less than 90°, with respect to the direction of movement of the projection nozzles.

[0107] The cleaning device 1 includes a hollow base 60 in which are placed the first actuator 7, the second actuator 8 and the retractable assembly 2.

[0108] The hollow base 60 includes a chamber 61 arranged to contain the retractable assembly 2 when the retractable assembly 2 is placed in the retracted position.

[0109] The volume of the hollow base 60 is greater than the volume of the chamber 61 arranged to contain the retractable assembly 2, so that the hollow base has a drainage volume 63 for the cleaning fluid arranged to collect the cleaning fluid projected onto the optical surface 101 of the optical sensor 102.

[0110] The hollow base 60 has a cleaning fluid evacuation cannula 64 arranged to evacuate the cleaning fluid projected by the projection nozzles 5 and collected in the cleaning fluid evacuation volume 63.

[0111] The support 4 for the projection nozzles 5 is carried by the retractable assembly 2, and the first actuator 7 is capable of driving the retractable assembly 2 in movement between: the deployed position in which the projection nozzles 5 are capable of projecting a cleaning liquid onto the optical surface 101 of the optical sensor 102, the retracted position in which the retractable assembly 2, the projection nozzles 5 and the guide are out of the field of vision of the optical sensor 102,

[0112] The first actuator 7 is configured to work with the retractable assembly 2 so that, when the first actuator 7 is activated, the retractable assembly 2 is moved in translational motion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical surface 101 between the deployed position and the retracted position. Of the retractable assembly 2.

[0113] The cleaning device 1 comprises two rails 10. The retractable assembly 2 is mounted to slide on the rails 10, and configured to be driven in motion along the rails 10 by the first actuator 7.

[0114] The 10 rails were formed by the walls of the hollow base 60.

[0115] The support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 is able to move along the guide 3 between an initial projection position 11 and a final projection position 12, and the second actuator 8 is able to urge the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 to move along the guide 3.

[0116] The guide 3 is straight and parallel to the optical surface 101 of the optical sensor 102, and the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 is arranged to be moved in translation parallel to the optical surface 101 of the optical sensor 102.

[0117] The second actuator 8 is configured to collaborate with the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 so that, when the second actuator 8 is activated, the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 is driven into motion in a direction substantially parallel to the optical surface 101.

[0118] The second actuator 8 is carried by the retractable assembly 2.

[0119] The first actuator 7 and the second actuator 8 have a hydraulic piston, called respectively first piston 13 and second piston 14.

[0120] The first actuator 7 and the second actuator 8 comprise a monostable hydraulic piston, including a rest position and a deployed position, named the rest positions and deployed positions of the first actuator 7 and the second actuator 8.

[0121] In an embodiment not shown, at least one actuator is an electrical or mechanical actuator.

[0122] The first actuator 7 includes a moving part 18, comprising the rod 15 of the first piston 1, and a transmission part 17 connected to the rod 15 of the first piston and to the retractable assembly 2, and configured to collaborate with the rod of the first piston 15 and the retractable assembly 2 so that the movement of the rod of the first piston 15 causes the retractable assembly 2 to move.

[0123] In an embodiment not shown, the rod of the first piston 15 is configured to collaborate directly with the retractable assembly 2, so that the movement of the rod of the first piston 15 causes the retractable assembly 2 to move.

[0124] The first actuator 7 includes a fixed part 61 placed fixed relative to the hollow base 60 of the cleaning device 1.

[0125] The second actuator 8 includes a moving part 19, comprising: the rod of the second piston 16, a transmission assembly 20 connected to the rod of the second piston 16 and to the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5, configured to collaborate with the rod of the second piston 16 and the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 so that the movement of the rod of the second piston 16 causes the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 to move.

[0126] The transmission assembly 20 includes a pulley-belt assembly 21.

[0127] In an embodiment not shown, the rod of the second piston 16 is configured to collaborate directly with the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5, so that the movement of the rod of the second piston 16 causes the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 to move.

[0128] The second actuator 8 includes a fixed part 62 positioned fixed relative to the retractable assembly 2.

[0129] The cleaning device 1 includes a hydraulic circuit 30 comprising, in the order of circulation of the actuating fluid: an inlet cannula 31 of the actuating fluid, the first actuator 7, the first conduit 32, the second actuator 8, a second conduit 33, the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5, the projection nozzles 5.

[0130] The actuation fluid of the hydraulic circuit 30 is the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device 1, and the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7 and the moving part 19 of the second actuator 8 are driven in movement by the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device 1.

[0131] Advantageously, the same fluid thus enables the deployment of the device via hydraulic actuators, and the cleaning of the optical surface by projecting the fluid onto the optical surface.

[0132] The first conduit 32 and the second conduit 33 are flexible pipes arranged respectively to fluidly connect the first actuator 7 to the second actuator 8, and the second actuator 8 to the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5.

[0133] The first actuator 7 is fluidly connected to the inlet cannula 31 of the cleaning fluid, and includes a first outlet cannula 34 fluidly connected to the first conduit 32.

[0134] The second actuator 8 includes a second inlet cannula 35 fluidly connected to the first conduit 32, and a second outlet cannula 34 fluidly connected to the second conduit 33.

[0135] The first actuator 7 is arranged to supply the first conduit 32 and the second actuator 8 with actuation fluid only when the first actuator 7 is placed in the deployed position, and the second actuator 8 is arranged to be driven into motion when the first actuator 7 is placed in the deployed position.

[0136] The second actuator 8 is arranged to supply the second conduit 33 and the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 with actuation fluid only when the first actuator 7 is placed in the deployed position.

[0137] The moving part 18 of the first actuator 7 and the moving part 19 of the second actuator 20 are arranged to collaborate with the hydraulic circuit 30 so that they are set in motion by the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic circuit 30.

[0138] The first piston 13 and the second piston 14 include a return spring, not shown in the figure, arranged to return the first actuator 7 and the second actuator 8 to the rest position when the pressure exerted by the fluid in the first actuator 7 or the second actuator 8 is less than a threshold value corresponding to the return force of the return spring.

[0139] The cleaning device includes a distribution pump, not shown in the figure, fluidly connected to the hydraulic circuit 30 and arranged to supply the hydraulic circuit 30 with cleaning fluid.

[0140] The distribution pump is arranged to control the fluid pressure, including the cleaning fluid pressure, in the hydraulic circuit 30.

[0141] We have represented on the diagram a cleaning device 1 according to the invention in which the retractable assembly 2 is placed in the deployed position.

[0142] The deflector 6 is arranged to cooperate with the retractable assembly 2, so that the retractable assembly 2 drives the deflector 6 from the stowed position to the protective position when the retractable assembly 2 is driven in movement from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0143] The cleaning device 1 includes an elastic spring-type element, not shown in this figure, arranged to collaborate with the deflector 6 so that the deflector 6 is moved from the protective position to the stowed position when the retractable assembly 2 is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0144] Advantageously, the airflow deflection 50 improves the cleaning of the optical surface 101 when the cleaning liquid is projected onto the optical surface 101 by the projection nozzles 5.

[0145] Advantageously, the invention of two actuators makes it possible to improve the compactness of the cleaning device 1 and its installation under the optical sensor 102.

[0146] The invention also advantageously allows for the cleaning of larger optical surfaces.

[0147] We have represented on the chart a cleaning process 200 of an optical surface 101 of an optical sensor 102 of a vehicle by a cleaning device 1 as described, comprising: a deployment step 201 of the retractable assembly 2, a forward movement step 202 of the projection nozzles 5 along the guide 3, a return movement step 203 of the projection nozzles 5 along the guide 3, a retraction step 204 of the retractable assembly.

[0148] The deployment step 210 of the retractable assembly 2 includes: a step of supplying the hydraulic circuit 30 with cleaning fluid by the distribution pump, a step of activating the first actuator 7 by the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the first actuator 7, a step of moving the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7 by the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device 1, a step of driving the retractable assembly 2 in motion from the retracted position to the deployed position by the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7, a step of supplying the first conduit 32 with cleaning fluid by the first actuator 7.

[0149] The supply step 209 of the first conduit 32 with cleaning fluid starts when the drive step 208 of the retractable assembly moving from the retracted position to the deployed position is completed, i.e. when the retractable assembly 2 has reached its deployed position.

[0150] The forward movement step 202 of the projection nozzles 5 along the guide 3 includes: a step 210 of supplying the second actuator 8 with cleaning liquid through the first conduit 32, a step 211 of activating the second actuator 8 by the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the first actuator, a step 212 of moving the moving part 19 of the second actuator 8 by the cleaning liquid from the cleaning device 1, a step 213 of driving the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 in motion from the initial projection position 11 to the final projection position 12 by the moving part of the second actuator 8, a step 214 of supplying the second conduit 33 with cleaning liquid through the first actuator 7, a step 215 of projection of cleaning liquid onto the optical surface 101 of the optical sensors 102 by the projection nozzles 5.

[0151] The return movement step 203 of the projection nozzles 5 along the guide 3 includes: a step of stopping the supply 216 of the second actuator 8 of cleaning liquid through the first conduit 32, a step of stopping the supply 217 of the second conduit 33 of cleaning liquid through the first actuator 7, a step of stopping the projection 218 of cleaning liquid onto the optical surface 101 of the optical sensors 102 by the projection nozzles 5, a step of deactivating 219 of the second actuator 8, a step of returning 220 of the moving part of the second actuator 8 by the return spring of the second actuator 8, a step of driving the support 4 of the projection nozzles 5 in motion from the final projection position 12 to the initial projection position 11 by the moving part 19 of the second actuator 8.

[0152] The retracting step 204 of the retractable assembly 2 includes: a step of stopping the supply 222 of the hydraulic circuit 30 of cleaning fluid by the distribution pump, a step of stopping the supply 223 of the first conduit 32 of cleaning fluid by the first actuator 7, a step of deactivation 224 of the first actuator 7, a step of return 225 of the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7 by the return spring of the first actuator 7, a step of driving 226 of the retractable assembly 2 in movement from the deployed position to the retracted position by the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7.

[0153] The cleaning process includes an opening step 230 of the deflector 6, and a closing step 231 of the deflector 6.

[0154] The opening step 230 of the deflector 6 includes a drive step 232 in movement of the deflector 6 by the retractable assembly 2 from the stowed position to the protection position.

[0155] The opening step 230 of the deflector 6 is arranged to be carried out simultaneously with the drive step 208 of the retractable assembly 2 moving from the retracted position to the deployed position by the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7.

[0156] The closing step 231 of the deflector 6 includes a driving step 233 in movement of the deflector 6 by the elastic element from the protection position to the stowed position.

[0157] The closing step 231 of the deflector 6 is arranged to be carried out simultaneously with the return step 225 of the moving part 18 of the first actuator 7 by the return spring of the first actuator 7.

Claims

A cleaning device (1) configured to clean an optical surface (101) of an optical sensor (102), particularly of a vehicle, comprising: a first actuator (7), at least one support (4) for at least one nozzle (5) for projecting cleaning fluid onto the optical surface, a retractable assembly (2), the support (4) of the projection nozzle (5) being carried by the retractable assembly (2), and the first actuator (7) being capable of driving the retractable assembly (2) in movement between: a deployed position in which the projection nozzle (5) is capable of projecting cleaning fluid onto the optical surface (101) of the optical sensor (102), and a retracted position. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, in which the retractable assembly (2) includes a guide (3) on which the support (4) of the projection nozzle (5) is movablely placed. Cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second actuator (8), the second actuator (8) being able to stress the support (4) of the projection nozzle (5) in motion, in particular along the guide (3). Cleaning device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second actuator (8) is carried by the retractable assembly (2). Cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a hollow base (60) in which are placed the first actuator (7), the retractable assembly (2) and optionally the second actuator (8). Cleaning device (1) according to claim 3, and optionally one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the first actuator (7) and / or the second actuator (8) comprises a hydraulic piston (13, 14), in particular a monostable hydraulic piston, comprising a rest position and a deployed position. Cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuator (7) is configured to collaborate with the retractable assembly (2) such that, when the first actuator (7) is activated, the retractable assembly (2) is set in motion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical surface. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 3, and optionally any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second actuator (8) is configured to collaborate with the support (4) of the projection nozzle (5) such that, when the second actuator (8) is activated, the support (4) of the projection nozzle (5) is driven into motion in a direction substantially parallel to the optical surface (101). Cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a movable aerodynamic deflector (6), capable of taking a stowed position and a protective position. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the deflector (6) is arranged to collaborate with the retractable assembly (2), so that the retractable assembly (2) drives the deflector (6) from the stowed position to the protective position when the retractable assembly (2) is driven in movement from the stowed position to the deployed position. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 3, and optionally any one of claims 4 to 10, comprising a hydraulic circuit (30) comprising, in the order of circulation of the actuating fluid: an inlet cannula (31) of the actuating fluid, the first actuator (7), a first conduit (32), the second actuator (8), a second conduit (33), the support (4) of the projection nozzle (5), the projection nozzle (5), Cleaning device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the actuation fluid of the hydraulic circuit (30) is the cleaning fluid of the cleaning device (1). Cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cleaning fluid discharge volume (63) arranged to collect the cleaning fluid projected onto the optical surface (101) of the optical sensor (102), and a cleaning fluid discharge cannula (64) arranged to discharge the cleaning fluid projected by at least one projection nozzle (5) and collected in the cleaning fluid discharge volume (63). Detection system (100) comprising an optical surface (101) of optical sensor (102) and a cleaning device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims configured to clean the optical surface (101) of the optical sensor (102). Method of cleaning (200) an optical surface (101) of an optical sensor (102) of a vehicle by a cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: a deployment step (201) of the retractable assembly (2), a forward movement step (202) of the projection nozzle (5) along the guide (3), a return movement step (203) of the projection nozzle (5) along the guide (3), a retraction step (204) of the retractable assembly (2). Cleaning method (200) according to claim 14, comprising an opening step (230) of the deflector (6), and a closing step (231) of the deflector (6).

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