# US 2019/0171004 A1 · Device for protecting an optical sensor and driver assistance system comprising an optical sensor > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0171004 A1 - Document ID: US20190171004A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/321,241 - Filed: 2017-06-09 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2016-07-28 - Assignees: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage - Applicants: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage - Inventors: Frédéric Bretagnol; Marcel Trebouet - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190171004A1 ## CPC - G02B 27/0006: {with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation (G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B)} - G02B 1/10: Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements (G02B1/08 takes precedence) - H04N 23/51: Housings - H04N 23/811: {by dust removal, e.g. from surfaces of the image sensor or processing of the image signal output by the electronic image sensor} - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION ## Abstract The invention concerns a driver assistance system (1) comprising a device (2) for protecting an optical sensor (11) for a motor vehicle comprising a protective box (13) in which a housing (26) is provided that is configured to house an optical sensor (11), the device further comprising: a support (15) movably mounted on the protective box (13) and bearing a membrane (19) attached by its periphery to the support (15) and intended to be arranged opposite the optical sensor (11), the membrane (19) comprising an optically transparent material that is elastically deformable; and at least one actuator (21) borne by the protective box (13) and configured to move the support (15) bearing the membrane. The support (15), under the effect of the moving of the support (15) by the actuator (21), is configured to deform the membrane (19) between a resting position in which the membrane (19) is in a first state of tension and an active position in which the membrane (19) is in a second state of tension. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A protection device protecting an optical sensor for a motor vehicle comprising: a protection casing in which is formed a housing configured to house an optical sensor; a support movably mounted on the protection casing and bearing a membrane fixed by its periphery to the support and arranged facing the optical sensor, the membrane comprising an optically transparent and elastically deformable material; and at least one actuator borne by the protection casing and configured to move the support bearing the membrane; wherein the support, under the effect of the moving of the support by the actuator, is configured to deform the membrane between a position of rest in which the membrane is in a first state of tension and an active position in which the membrane is in a second state of tension. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optically transparent and elastically deformable material of the membrane is an elastomer. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protection casing has: a substantially central opening configured to allow the passage of an optic of the optical sensor; and at least one first guiding member configured to cooperate with a complementary second guiding member borne by the support. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support comprises a plate secured to at least one second guiding member and comprising an opening in which the membrane is placed, the plate being oriented substantially at right angles to the optical axis of the optical sensor. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support comprises a ring for fixing the membrane surrounding the opening and in which the membrane is placed. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the complementary guiding members are oriented so as to allow a translational movement of the support along an axis substantially at right angles to the plate of the support. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the opening of the plate is configured to accommodate the optic such that the optic protrudes from the opening and is in contact with the elastic membrane. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the complementary guiding members are formed by a rod/cylinder system. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator of the support comprises at least one of the elements chosen from the grow consisting of: a piezoelectric transducer, an electromagnet, and a mechanical system comprising a toothed wheel and a rack. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is arranged inside the protection casing. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is arranged outside the protection casing. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to move the support at a frequency lying within the ultrasound range. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The protection device protecting an optical sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation of the elastomer forming the membrane exhibits properties of resistance to ultraviolet radiations and/or non-stick properties. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A driving assistance system comprising: an optical sensor; and the protection device as claimed in claim 1. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The driving assistance system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the actuator is configured to move the support along the optical axis of the optical sensor. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The driving assistance system as claimed in claim 15, wherein: wherein the protection casing has: a substantially central opening configured to allow the passage of an optic of the optical sensor; and at least one first guiding member configured to cooperate with complementary second guiding member borne by the support, wherein the support comprises a plate secured to at least one second guiding member and comprising an opening in which the membrane is placed, the plate being oriented substantially at right angles to the optical axis of the optical sensor, and wherein the optic of the optical sensor protrudes through an opening of the plate of the support and is in contact with the elastic membrane arranged on the plate.