Cleaning systems for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning system (2) suitable for installation on a motor vehicle (4), the cleaning system comprising at least one first and one second cleaning device, each cleaning device comprising a cleaning fluid container, at least one cleaning nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid, a fluid distribution circuit arranged to deliver the cleaning fluid from the container to the cleaning nozzle, and a pump arranged to inject the cleaning fluid contained in the container into the fluid distribution circuit. The cleaning system further comprises a bypass device connecting the at least two cleaning devices via their respective fluid distribution circuits, the bypass device comprising a backup line and a solenoid valve placed on the backup line, the solenoid valve being controlled according to the failure state of the pump, and arranged to supply the cleaning nozzle of the other cleaning device (6, 8) from the container (10) of one cleaning device. Each cleaning device (6, 8) includes a check member (28) between its container (10) and the connection point with the bypass device (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for cleaning the surface of motor vehicles, particularly for cleaning motor vehicle sensors, which are adapted to be installed on motor vehicles, and more particularly to a system comprising multiple cleaning devices. Background Technology

[0002] Many motor vehicle sensors are placed in areas exposed to different types of dirt. These include, for example, various driver assistance cameras or distance sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar, lidar sensors, or rain sensors. Autonomous vehicles have many of these sensors; by definition, autonomous vehicles must be able to operate without user intervention.

[0003] The aforementioned dirt can cause these sensors to malfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to provide multiple cleaning devices (distributed throughout the vehicle) to ensure their satisfactory long-term operation; for example, one cleaning device could be placed at the front of the vehicle, and another at the rear. Frost buildup on the sensors can also cause sensor malfunction.

[0004] Traditionally, such cleaning devices consist of a container for storing cleaning liquid and a fluid distribution circuit consisting of various pipes or conduits that allow the cleaning liquid to be delivered to at least one cleaning nozzle placed in front of the sensor so that the cleaning liquid can be sprayed onto it (typically, there are multiple cleaning nozzles for multiple sensors).

[0005] Pumps suitable for propelling cleaning fluid from a fluid distribution circuit to a cleaning nozzle are typically mounted directly on the container. More specifically, the pump's liquid inlet conduit is press-fitted into an opening formed in the container (using a seal to ensure the assembly is leak-proof), and the liquid outlet port is connected to the fluid distribution circuit.

[0006] When a sensor malfunction due to the presence of dirt is detected (e.g., automatically), a pump draws cleaning fluid from a container at a pressure similar to atmospheric pressure (depending on the level of cleaning fluid in the container) and propels it into the fluid distribution loop at a higher pressure (the pressure differential depends on the pump's capacity). A cleaning nozzle then sprays the pressurized cleaning fluid onto the sensor.

[0007] Therefore, various cleaning devices enable the cleaning of all sensors on the vehicle to ensure their optimal operation.

[0008] For example, a vehicle may include two cleaning devices as described above, one located at the front of the vehicle and the other at the rear. Each device includes a cleaning fluid container and at least one cleaning nozzle, both connected via a fluid distribution circuit. Each cleaning device includes its own pump, enabling pressurized cleaning fluid to be delivered to the cleaning nozzle(s). These cleaning devices operate independently of each other, cleaning the surfaces at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively.

[0009] However, this system has a drawback, especially in the event of a malfunction.

[0010] As described above, in vehicles comprising two (or more) cleaning systems, one of the cleaning units installed on the vehicle may cease operation due to a failure of the pump used to propel the cleaning fluid into the fluid distribution circuit. No fluid can then be drawn from the container to be delivered to the cleaning nozzle(s) supplied by the faulty pump. The operation of sensors placed in a certain area of ​​the vehicle (e.g., at its front or rear) may be impaired, which can become critical, especially for autonomous vehicles where satisfactory sensor operation is a major concern. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is particularly intended to provide a system suitable for installation on a motor vehicle for cleaning the surface of the motor vehicle, the system including a device that allows the cleaning device to operate even in the event of a failure of the pump for supplying the cleaning nozzle(s), although the operation of the cleaning device is degraded.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention relates to a cleaning system suitable for installation on a motor vehicle, the cleaning system comprising at least one first cleaning device and one second cleaning device, each cleaning device comprising a cleaning liquid container, at least one cleaning nozzle for spraying the cleaning liquid, a fluid distribution circuit arranged to deliver the cleaning liquid from the container to the cleaning nozzle, and a pump arranged to inject the cleaning liquid contained in the container into the fluid distribution circuit. The cleaning system further comprises a bypass device connecting the at least two cleaning devices via corresponding fluid distribution circuits of the at least two cleaning devices, the bypass device comprising a backup line and a solenoid valve disposed on the backup line, the solenoid valve being controlled according to the pump failure state and arranged to supply from the container of one cleaning device to the cleaning nozzle of the other cleaning device, each cleaning device comprising a check member between its container and the connection point with the bypass device.

[0013] Therefore, the malfunction of the cleaning device can be overcome by supplying cleaning fluid from another cleaning device to the cleaning device.

[0014] When all cleaning devices are in operation, the solenoid valve of the bypass device is closed, making fluid communication between the cleaning devices impossible.

[0015] However, the malfunction is detected (e.g., through self-diagnosis) when the cleaning unit's pump is no longer able to deliver cleaning fluid to the cleaning nozzles. The bypass solenoid valve then opens, and the operating pump of another cleaning unit is activated to supply the cleaning nozzle(s) of the non-operating cleaning unit. Thus, even with degradation, operation is ensured. The presence of a check valve ensures that the cleaning fluid injected via the bypass is correctly directed to the cleaning nozzles of the non-operating cleaning unit.

[0016] Further optional features, whether used individually or in combination, depending on the cleaning system:

[0017] - A first cleaning device is placed, for example, at the front of the motor vehicle, and a second cleaning device is placed, for example, at the rear of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the motor vehicle includes different cleaning devices distributed as close as possible to the area to be cleaned;

[0018] - The bypass device may include a bidirectional pump located on the backup line. Therefore, when cleaning fluid enters the backup line to supply a failed cleaning device, the pump prevents pressure drops regardless of which cleaning device fails.

[0019] - The check component can include a check valve. This results in a simpler assembly.

[0020] - The check valve may include a solenoid valve, preferably located on a pump configured to inject cleaning fluid contained in a container into a fluid distribution circuit. The advantage of this solution is that the solenoid valve can be closed to function as a check valve, but can also be opened, for example, to fill an empty container of another cleaning device with cleaning fluid from a container of one cleaning device.

[0021] - A cleaning system may include two or more cleaning devices, one of which has a fluid distribution circuit that can be connected to at least one fluid distribution circuit of another cleaning device via a bypass device. Therefore, it is possible to create pairs of cleaning devices, where each device can compensate for the failure of the other, or to connect all cleaning devices installed on a motor vehicle.

[0022] Each cleaning device may include: a liquid distributor that connects a main pipe from a pump to a series of secondary pipes from multiple cleaning nozzles; and a control unit configured to shut off the liquid distributor of another cleaning device based on a pump failure status of one cleaning device. Thus, in the event of a failure in the first cleaning device, the distributor of the second cleaning device, particularly the solenoid valve present on it, can be closed to ensure that all cleaning liquid drawn from the container of the second cleaning device is delivered to the fluid distribution circuit and cleaning nozzles of the first cleaning device.

[0023] The cleaning system may include circuitry for monitoring the operational status of a first and a second cleaning unit, and a control unit connected to the monitoring circuitry and configured to open a solenoid valve for a bypass device. This enables automatic detection of cleaning unit malfunctions and activation of the bypass device in response to the diagnosis.

[0024] - The monitoring circuit can be configured to detect the malfunction of the pump in the first or second cleaning unit. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to malfunctions of the pump used to draw cleaning fluid from the container of the cleaning unit;

[0025] The monitoring circuit may include a pressure sensor located upstream of the pump and another pressure sensor located downstream of the pump and upstream of the check valve. This is an example of a component that allows, for example, the recording of insufficient pressure downstream of the pump, thereby indicating a pump malfunction and a cleaning device malfunction; and

[0026] The monitoring circuitry is specifically configured to detect when the liquid level in the container of the first or second cleaning device falls below a predetermined threshold. Therefore, it is conceivable to fill this container with another container, for example, to allow the cleaning device to continue operating. If the architecture of the cleaning system does not allow for such filling, then detecting an insufficient cleaning fluid level allows another cleaning device to supply cleaning nozzles through a backup line.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning motor vehicle sensors using a cleaning system according to the present invention, comprising the following steps:

[0028] -Detect a malfunction in the first cleaning unit.

[0029] - Command to open the solenoid valve of the bypass device, and

[0030] - The command starts the pump of the second cleaning device to inject cleaning liquid from the backup line into the cleaning nozzle of the first cleaning device.

[0031] As described above, the faulty cleaning device can continue to operate, at least in degraded mode, by using another cleaning device to supply the fluid distribution circuit and cleaning nozzles of the faulty cleaning device.

[0032] Further optional features depending on whether the cleaning methods are used individually or in combination:

[0033] - The step of commanding the pump of the second cleaning device can be combined with the command to start the bidirectional pump placed on the standby line. Therefore, the series operation of the two pumps makes it possible to limit or even compensate for the pressure drop caused by the flow of cleaning fluid from the container of the second cleaning device to the cleaning nozzle of the first cleaning device;

[0034] The method may include, after a malfunction of the first cleaning device has been detected, shutting off the liquid distributor of the second cleaning device, which connects the main pipe from the pump of the second cleaning device to a series of secondary pipes from a plurality of cleaning nozzles of the second cleaning device. Thus, in the event of a malfunction of the first cleaning device, the distributor of the second cleaning device, and in particular the solenoid valve present on the distributor, can be shut off to ensure that all cleaning liquid drawn from the container of the second cleaning device is delivered to the fluid distribution circuit and its cleaning nozzles of the first cleaning device.

[0035] - Faults in the first cleaning device can be detected by circuitry used to monitor the operating status of both the first and second cleaning devices. The command to open the solenoid valve of the bypass device is controlled by the control unit. This achieves automatic detection of cleaning device faults and activation of the bypass device in response to the diagnosis.

[0036] - The monitoring circuitry can detect malfunctions in the pump of the first cleaning unit. Therefore, particular attention is paid to malfunctions in the pump used to draw cleaning fluid from the container of the cleaning unit; and

[0037] A malfunction of the pump in the first cleaning unit can be detected by pressure measurements taken from a pressure sensor located upstream of the pump and another pressure sensor located downstream of the pump and upstream of the check element. This is an example of a component that allows insufficient pressure downstream of the pump to be recorded, for example, indicating a malfunction of the pump and the cleaning unit. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to the present invention, including a first cleaning device and a second cleaning device in an operational state.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cleaning system, in which the first cleaning device has failed;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cleaning system shows a container being filled from the second cleaning device into the first cleaning device;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to a variant of the present invention, wherein the first cleaning device has failed;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating different steps of the cleaning method according to the present invention in the event of a cleaning device failure; and

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the different steps of a cleaning method when filling the container of one cleaning device with the contents of another.

[0045] The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Although the description relates to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that every reference relates to the same embodiment, or that a feature is applicable only to a single embodiment. Various features of the various embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0046] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to position elements / devices in the direction of transport of the material flow. Thus, if the material is first processed by a first device and then by a second device, the first device or element (e.g., a pump) is located upstream of the second device or element. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Now for reference Figure 1 The figure illustrates a cleaning system 2 installed on a motor vehicle 4. The purpose of the cleaning system 2 is to enable the cleaning of various surfaces of the motor vehicle 4, such as sensors mounted on the vehicle, or the windshield or rear window. The figure includes arrows 32, which indicate the flow direction of the cleaning fluid depending on the operating state of the cleaning system 2.

[0048] In the example shown, the cleaning system includes a first cleaning device 6 located at the front of the vehicle and a second cleaning device 8 located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0049] Each cleaning device includes a cleaning liquid container 10 on which a pump 12 is mounted. The pump 12 is mounted in a recess of the container 10 for receiving the pump 12. The container 10 includes an orifice through which the suction conduit of the pump 12 is installed. A seal is provided around the orifice at the interface between the container 10 and the pump 12 to ensure the assembly is sealed. Typically, the pump 12 is a standard pump comprising, for example, a tubular body. This body may consist of a first pumping section and a second drive section including an electric motor. The first pumping section includes a liquid inlet conduit and a liquid outlet conduit, allowing it to receive cleaning liquid from the container 10 and discharge the cleaning liquid at a pressure higher than the inlet pressure of the pump 12. The liquid inlet conduit may be positioned at the free end of the first pumping section and coaxial with the body of the pump 12, sharing the same axis of rotation. The second drive section extends from the first pumping section in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the body.

[0050] The second drive section may be located above the first pumping section and includes an electric motor, and has a connector at its free end that allows the pump 12 to be connected to a power source.

[0051] Multiple cleaning nozzles (not shown) are located at the other end of cleaning devices 6 and 8 and are adapted to be placed in front of the surface of the motor vehicle to be cleaned so as to spray pressurized cleaning fluid onto it.

[0052] Each cleaning device also includes pipes (or conduits) that connect different components to each other to form a fluid distribution circuit 14 (pump 12, cleaning nozzle, etc.).

[0053] If a single container 10 supplies multiple cleaning nozzles, each cleaning device may include a liquid distributor 16, which allows a main pipe 18 from pump 12 to be connected to a series of auxiliary pipes 20 from the multiple cleaning nozzles, as shown. Conventionally, a cleaning device may include one or more solenoid valves to allow or block supply to the auxiliary pipes 20. It is conceivable that a solenoid valve is present on the main pipe at the inlet of the liquid distributor 16 to control the supply to all auxiliary pipes 20, or that a solenoid valve is present on each auxiliary pipe 20 for specific control of the supply to each cleaning nozzle. Any type of solenoid valve can be used, such as normally open or normally closed solenoid valves.

[0054] The cleaning system may also include a control unit 21 that enables the opening and closing of a liquid distributor (e.g., a solenoid valve), for example, to cut off the supply of cleaning fluid to the cleaning nozzles of the cleaning device in operation, so as to ensure that the cleaning fluid of the device is redirected to the malfunctioning cleaning device.

[0055] The cleaning system 2 also includes a bypass device 22, which connects the two cleaning devices 6 and 8 through corresponding fluid distribution loops 14.

[0056] The bypass device 22 includes a backup circuit 24 that connects the fluid distribution circuit 14 of the first cleaning device 6 to the fluid distribution circuit 14 of the second cleaning device 8, preferably between the pump 12 and the liquid distributor 16 of each cleaning device. Thus, fluid communication is established between the two cleaning devices, allowing cleaning liquid stored in the container 10 of the other cleaning device to be supplied to one cleaning device.

[0057] The bypass device 22 also includes a solenoid valve 26, which is located on the backup line 24 and controlled according to the pump's failure status. In other words:

[0058] -like Figure 1 As shown, when both cleaning devices are operating, solenoid valve 26 is closed to prevent fluid communication between them, but

[0059] - When one of the two cleaning units fails, solenoid valve 26 opens to allow the operating cleaning unit to operate the other cleaning unit, at least in degraded mode. Figure 2 ,3 As shown in Figure 4.

[0060] Any type of solenoid valve can be used, such as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0061] If the number of cleaning devices is greater than two, it can be ensured that each cleaning device is connected to one or more other cleaning devices, and it is even conceivable that all cleaning devices are connected to each other through bypass device 22.

[0062] Each cleaning device includes a check member 28 between its container 10 and the connection point with the bypass device.

[0063] according to Figures 1 to 3 The first variant shown includes a check valve 28 that allows only liquid from the pump 12 of the cleaning unit involved to pass through. This is a simple method to prevent cleaning fluid from the operating cleaning unit from returning to the container 10 of the malfunctioning cleaning unit.

[0064] according to Figure 4 as well as Figure 3 The second variant shown includes a check valve 28 comprising a solenoid valve 29, 29A for a front cleaning device and a solenoid valve 29R for a rear cleaning device. Solenoid valves 29, 29A, and 29R are located on a pump configured to inject liquid contained in container 10 into a fluid distribution circuit (not shown). This variant has the advantage of providing a dynamic system. In other words:

[0065] When the cleaning device is in operation, solenoid valve 29 opens to allow cleaning liquid from container 10 to pass through, and solenoid valve 26 closes.

[0066] - When the cleaning device malfunctions, particularly the pump, solenoid valve 29 closes to prevent cleaning fluid from the operating cleaning device from flowing back into the container 10 of the malfunctioning cleaning device, and solenoid valve 26 opens.

[0067] If it is necessary to fill the cleaning liquid container 10 of the cleaning device, but the pump 12 is operational, the solenoid valve 29 opens to allow cleaning liquid from another cleaning device to reach container 10. The control unit 21 of the liquid distributor can close it to prevent cleaning liquid from being discharged from the cleaning nozzles of the cleaning device from which container 10 is to be filled. For the same reason, the liquid distributor 16 of the cleaning device from which liquid is drawn is also closed.

[0068] About filling Figure 3As shown in the diagram, for the container 10 used as the first container, the cleaning system 2 may include a monitoring circuit 31 configured to detect when the liquid level in the container 10 of the first or second cleaning device is below a predetermined threshold, for example, by including a probe to measure the liquid level in the container 10. When an insufficient liquid level is detected, the container 10 can be filled with cleaning fluid from the other cleaning device by activating the pump 12 of the other cleaning device, opening the solenoid valve 26 of the bypass device 22, and opening the solenoid valve 29A forming a check valve. Figure 3 As shown, the valves(s) of the liquid distributors 16 of the two cleaning devices are closed to prevent the cleaning nozzles from discharging cleaning liquid when not needed.

[0069] If the check member 28 includes a check valve, then insufficient liquid level can be likened to a failure of another cleaning device to supply cleaning nozzles.

[0070] exist Figure 4 In the variant shown, the bypass device also includes a bidirectional pump 30 located on the backup line. As described above, this allows for overcoming the pressure drop caused by the flow of cleaning fluid from the container 10 of the operating cleaning device to the cleaning nozzle of the failed cleaning device, regardless of which cleaning device fails. It is even possible to ensure that the nozzle outlet pressure is greater than the outlet pressure of the pump 12 operating the cleaning device, depending on the capacity of the bidirectional pump 30. Even without the bidirectional pump 30, it is still possible to ensure at least degraded operation of the failed cleaning device.

[0071] As described above, the cleaning system may include a monitoring circuit 31 for measuring the fill level of the containers 10 of the first cleaning device 6 and the second cleaning device 8. Clearly, this monitoring circuit 31 can be used to monitor the operating status of the first and second cleaning devices and thus detect malfunctions in the cleaning devices.

[0072] For example, monitoring circuit 31 can be specifically configured to detect a malfunction in pump 12 of the first cleaning device 6 or the second cleaning device 8. Monitoring circuit 31 may include a pressure sensor located upstream of pump 12 and another pressure sensor located downstream of pump 12 and upstream of check element 28. If no pressure increase is recorded downstream of pump 12, a malfunction in the cleaning device is recorded.

[0073] The monitoring circuit 31 can be connected to the control unit 21. Then, the monitoring circuit 31 transmits the observation of the fault to the control unit 21, which opens the solenoid valve 26 and can also start the pump of the operating cleaning device connected to the faulty cleaning device.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4(Including variations of the solenoid valve 26 on the backup line 24 and the solenoid valve forming the check element 28) describes the operating mode of the cleaning system as described above in the event of a failure of the first cleaning device 6. The operating mode is the same for a failure of the second cleaning device 8. Figure 5 This explains the different steps involved in this operating mode.

[0075] The first step 34 includes detecting, for example, a malfunction of the first cleaning device 6. This malfunction can be detected, in particular, by the monitoring circuit 31. This can be done as described above, using sensors located upstream and downstream of the pump 12 or probes measuring the liquid level within the container 10. At this stage, the anomaly causing the malfunction of the first cleaning device 6 has been diagnosed.

[0076] The second step, 36, is a command to open the solenoid valve 26 of the bypass device 22, for example, based on the control unit 21 coupled to the monitoring circuitry. This opening command depends on the type of solenoid valve used. It is also conceivable at this point to close the liquid distributor 16 of the second cleaning device 8 and the solenoid valve 29 forming the check member 28 of the first cleaning device 6. At this stage, the bypass device 22 can deliver liquid from the second cleaning device 8 to the first cleaning device 6. If the liquid distributor 16 of the second cleaning device 8, together with the possible solenoid valve 29 forming the check member 28 on the first cleaning device 6, is already closed, then everything is ready to inject liquid from the second cleaning device 8 into the first cleaning device 6. Therefore, steps 36 and, optionally, 38, prepare for the redirection of the cleaning liquid.

[0077] The third step, 40, is to command the activation of pump 12 in the second cleaning device 8 or one of the second cleaning devices to spray cleaning liquid from the backup line 24 onto the cleaning nozzle of the first cleaning device 6. If the bidirectional pump 30 is present on the backup line 24, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the backup line is preferably started synchronously with the pump 12 of the second cleaning device 8 (step 42 of the method). During this step, the liquid distributor 16 of the second cleaning device 8 and the solenoid valve 29 forming a check valve 28 on the first cleaning device 6 can be closed. Therefore, cleaning liquid is drawn from the container 10 of the second cleaning device 8 and injected into the cleaning nozzle of the first cleaning device 6 through the backup line 24 of the bypass device 22.

[0078] After this series of steps 34, 36 and 40, and when the operation of the first cleaning device is no longer necessary, for example after repair or maintenance operations, the solenoid valve 26 can be switched back to the closed state, the bidirectional pump 30 can be deactivated together with the pump 12 of the second cleaning device 8, and all closed components are reopened to restore the original state (step 44, returning to the initial state).

[0079] If it is necessary to fill container 10 of the first cleaning device 6 with cleaning liquid from container 10 of the second cleaning device 8 (e.g.) Figure 6 If shown in the image, then perform the following steps:

[0080] - Step 46, for example, by detecting through a probe of the monitoring circuit that the level of cleaning liquid in container 10 of the first cleaning device 6 is lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0081] - Step 48, command to open solenoid valve 26 and possibly close liquid distributor 16 of the first and second cleaning devices 6 and 8 (step 50), open solenoid valve forming check member 28 on the first cleaning device 6 (passive or active, depending on the type of solenoid valve, step 52),

[0082] - Step 54: Command to start pump 12 of the second cleaning device 8 so as to inject cleaning liquid in the standby line 24 into container 10 of the first cleaning device 6.

[0083] List of reference numerals

[0084] 2: Cleaning System

[0085] 4: Motor vehicles

[0086] 6: First cleaning device

[0087] 8: Second cleaning device

[0088] 10: Container

[0089] 12: Pump

[0090] 14: Fluid distribution loop

[0091] 16: Liquid Dispenser

[0092] 18: Main pipeline

[0093] 20: Secondary pipe

[0094] 21: Control Unit

[0095] 22: Bypass device

[0096] 24: Backup piping

[0097] 26: Solenoid valve of bypass device

[0098] 28: Check valve component

[0099] 29, 29A, 29R: Solenoid valves that form check valve components

[0100] 30: Two-way pump

[0101] 31: Monitoring circuit

[0102] 32: Direction of cleaning liquid

[0103] 34: Detecting malfunctions in the first cleaning unit

[0104] 36, 48: Command to open the bypass device solenoid valve

[0105] 38: Close the solenoid valve that shuts off the liquid distributor of the second device and forms the check valve of the first device.

[0106] 40, 54: Command to start the pump of the second unit.

[0107] 42: Activate the bidirectional pump

[0108] 44: Return to the initial state

[0109] 46: Cleaning fluid level detected below threshold

[0110] 50: Turn off the liquid dispensers of the first and second devices.

[0111] 52: Open the solenoid valve that forms the check valve component of the first device.

Claims

1. A cleaning system (2) adapted for installation on a motor vehicle (4) and comprising at least one first cleaning device and a second cleaning device (6, 8), wherein each cleaning device (6, 8) comprises a cleaning liquid container (10), at least one cleaning nozzle for spraying the cleaning liquid, a fluid distribution circuit (14) arranged to deliver the cleaning liquid from the container (10) to the cleaning nozzle, and a pump (12) arranged to inject the cleaning liquid contained in the container (10) into the fluid distribution circuit (14). Its features are, The cleaning system (2) also includes a bypass device (22) connected to the at least two cleaning devices (6, 8) via corresponding fluid distribution loops (14). The bypass device includes a backup line (24) and a solenoid valve (26) located on the backup line (24). The solenoid valve is controlled according to the failure state of the pump (12), and the bypass device is arranged to supply cleaning nozzles of the other cleaning device (6, 8) from the container (10) of one cleaning device (6, 8). Each cleaning device (6, 8) includes a check member (28) between its container (10) and the connection point with the bypass device (22).

2. The cleaning system (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The first cleaning device (6) is located at the front of the motor vehicle (4), and the second cleaning device (8) is located at the rear of the motor vehicle (4).

3. The cleaning system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bypass device (22) includes a bidirectional pump (30) placed on the backup line (24).

4. The cleaning system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The check component (28) includes a check valve.

5. The cleaning system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The check valve (28) includes a solenoid valve located on a pump (12) which is arranged to inject a cleaning liquid contained in the container (10) into the fluid distribution circuit (14).

6. The cleaning system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims includes more than two cleaning devices (6, 8), wherein the fluid distribution circuit (14) of one of the cleaning devices (6, 8) is connected via a bypass device (22) to at least one fluid distribution circuit (14) of the other cleaning devices (6, 8).

7. The cleaning system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each cleaning device (6, 8) includes: a liquid distributor (16) that connects a main pipe (18) from a pump (12) to a series of secondary pipes (20) from a plurality of cleaning nozzles; and a control unit (21) configured to shut off the liquid distributor (16) of another cleaning device based on a fault state of the pump (12) of one cleaning device.

8. The cleaning system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring the operating status of the first cleaning device and the second cleaning device (6, 8), and a control unit (21) connected to the monitoring circuit and configured to open the solenoid valve (26) of the bypass device (22).

9. The cleaning system (2) according to claim 8, wherein, The monitoring circuit is configured to detect the fault status of the pump (12) of the first cleaning device or the second cleaning device (6, 8).

10. The cleaning system (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The monitoring circuit includes a pressure sensor located upstream of the pump (12) and another pressure sensor located downstream of the pump (12) and upstream of the check member (28).

11. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The monitoring circuit is configured to detect that the liquid level in the container (10) of the first or second cleaning device (6, 8) is lower than a predetermined threshold.

12. A method for cleaning a motor vehicle sensor using a cleaning system (2) as described in any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: Detecting a malfunction in the first cleaning device (6), Command to open the solenoid valve (26) of the bypass device (22), and The command starts the pump (12) of the second cleaning device (8) to inject the cleaning liquid in the backup line (24) into the cleaning nozzle of the first cleaning device (6).

13. The cleaning method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of ordering the pump (12) of the second cleaning device (8) to start is combined with the ordering the bidirectional pump (30) placed on the standby line (24).

14. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 12 and 13, comprising the step of shutting off the liquid distributor (16) of the second cleaning device after a malfunction of the first cleaning device (6) has been detected, the liquid distributor connecting the main pipe (18) of the pump (12) of the second cleaning device (8) to a series of secondary pipes (20) of a plurality of cleaning nozzles of the second cleaning device (8).

15. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The malfunction of the first cleaning device (6) is detected by a monitoring circuit for monitoring the operating status of the first cleaning device and the second cleaning device (6, 8), and the command to open the solenoid valve (26) of the bypass device (22) is controlled by the control unit (21).

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