Device for keeping clean optical elements on motor vehicle clean, in particular covers for sensors or cameras

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein a shield (5) is provided projecting essentially perpendicularly from the transparent cover (2), which encloses the transparent cover (2) approximately in a ring shape and forms a buffer space (55) in front of the surface (20, 22) of the cover (2).

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein the transparent cover (2) is part of a lens of the optical element (1), such as in particular an optical sensor (1) or an optical camera (71), or is a special part that is positioned in front of the lens as a separate part.

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein at least one fluid spray nozzle (70) is provided for cleaning the surface (20) of the cover (2).

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein a heater (72), preferably an electrical heater, is provided on or in the cover (2).

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein a heater is provided for the gas or air supply and/or a heater is provided for the cleaning fluid.

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein a controller (82) is provided which actuates the gas or air supply (4, 74), the fluid supply (70), if necessary, and/or the heater (72), if necessary, according to demand.

The device as recited in one of the preceding claims,

• wherein a compressor (76) is provided to generate and produce adequately high gas pressure, in particular air pressure, to produce a sufficient stream of gas or air (4) to blow the surface (20, 22) of the transparent cover (2) clear of foreign bodies and of cleaning fluid, if any, or of other solid or liquid substances which impair the optical transmittance of the transparent cover (2).