Method for checking operation of a vehicle surface cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking the operation of a vehicle surface cleaning device (2) intended to be installed on a motor vehicle, the method comprising at least one of the following steps: commanding the activation of a pump (6) to inject cleaning fluid into at least one valve (12) during a determined period, the command to activate the pump (6) to inject cleaning fluid into the fluid inlet hole of the valve (12) being coupled with the maintenance of the valve(s) (12) in a closed state; at least one measurement, by at least one pressure sensor (16), of a parameter related to the pressure of the cleaning fluid in a section of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of the valve(s) (12); comparison of the measured pressure-related parameter with a predetermined expected value; determination of the operating state of the cleaning device (2) as a function of the comparison between the measured pressure-related parameter and the predetermined expected value, and generation of an alert signal in the event of a malfunction of the cleaning device (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning the surface of a motor vehicle, the apparatus being mounted on the motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Many surfaces, such as driver assistance sensors in motor vehicles, can be affected by various types of dirt and grime. These sensors include, for example, various cameras or distance sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar, lidar sensors, or rain sensors placed on the vehicle.

[0003] At this point, such dirt may cause some driver assistance devices to malfunction, or cause difficulties for vehicle users (low visibility due to dirt on the windshield). Therefore, it is necessary to provide at least one device for cleaning these surfaces.

[0004] Traditionally, such cleaning devices include a reservoir that stores cleaning fluid therein and a fluid distribution circuit consisting of various conduits or pipes that can deliver the cleaning fluid to at least one cleaning nozzle placed in front of the surface so as to spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface (typically, there are multiple cleaning nozzles for multiple surfaces).

[0005] Pumps used to push cleaning fluid from the fluid distribution circuit to the cleaning nozzles are typically mounted directly on the reservoir. More specifically, the pump's inlet is press-fitted into an opening formed in the reservoir (a seal is used to ensure the assembly is leak-proof), and the outlet is connected to the fluid distribution circuit.

[0006] Positioning a cleaning fluid distribution block on the fluid distribution circuit is also a known practice. This distribution block includes, for example, several valves between the pump and one or more cleaning nozzles, each valve being fluidly connected to one or more cleaning nozzles. The valve block allows, for example, the valves to open selectively, such that cleaning fluid is sprayed only through those cleaning nozzles facing the surface to be cleaned, while other cleaning nozzles remain inactive. The distribution block can also be used as an intermediate level to achieve maximum pressurization of the portion of the fluid distribution circuit located between the pump and the distribution block, thereby limiting the pressure drop up to the cleaning nozzles.

[0007] When (for example, automatically) a malfunction of a driver assistance sensor due to the presence of dust is detected, or when a user initiates a cleaning command, a pump draws cleaning fluid from a reservoir at a pressure similar to atmospheric pressure (depending on the level of cleaning fluid in the reservoir) and pushes it into the fluid distribution circuit at a higher pressure (the pressure differential depends on the pump's capacity). The pressurized cleaning fluid passes through one or more valves in the open position and is sprayed by one or more cleaning nozzles onto one or more sensors (or some other surface to be cleaned).

[0008] As mentioned earlier, the cleaning device ensures the cleanliness of sensors, which is crucial for vehicle users and thus partially ensures their proper operation. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to verify the correct operation of the cleaning device to avoid discovering this only when one or more sensors are malfunctioning. This becomes even more important in the case of autonomous vehicles. Specifically, it can alert the vehicle user and, if possible, switch the operation of the cleaning device or sensors to a degraded mode. For example, defective operation might be due to a pump malfunction (the pump is no longer running or is malfunctioning), a pipe malfunction (e.g., a perforation), or a fluid distribution block malfunction (one or more valves fail to open or close completely or partially). Summary of the Invention

[0009] A significant objective of this invention is to provide a verification method for checking the operation of a device used to clean the surface of a vehicle, to ensure that the cleaning device operates correctly, thereby predicting, where applicable, defective operation of driver assistance sensors present on a motor vehicle.

[0010] Therefore, one subject of the present invention is a verification method for verifying the operation of a vehicle surface cleaning device intended to be installed on a motor vehicle, the cleaning device comprising: a reservoir containing cleaning fluid; at least one nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned; a fluid distribution circuit designed to deliver the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the cleaning nozzle; and a pump designed to inject the cleaning fluid contained in the reservoir into the fluid distribution circuit, the fluid distribution circuit including a cleaning fluid distribution block comprising at least one valve and located between the pump outlet and the nozzle, the method comprising at least one of the following steps:

[0011] The command to start the pump during a defined time period to inject cleaning fluid into the valve, and the command to start the pump to inject liquid into the valve's inlet, are coupled with keeping one or more valves closed.

[0012] - Use at least one pressure sensor to measure at least once a parameter related to the pressure of the clean fluid in a section of the fluid distribution loop located upstream of one or more valves.

[0013] - Compare the measured pressure parameters with the predetermined expected values, and

[0014] -Based on the comparison between pressure-related measurement parameters and predetermined expected values, the operating status of the cleaning device is determined, and

[0015] - Generates a warning signal in case of a malfunction in the cleaning device.

[0016] Therefore, what is obtained is a method that can ensure the proper operation of the pump and liquid distribution block.

[0017] Specifically, by pressurizing the section of the fluid distribution circuit located between the pump's outlet and the valve (i.e., by starting the pump and closing one or more valves in the fluid distribution block), it is possible to measure, for example, whether the obtained pressure is indeed as expected. If not, there is a malfunction in the cleaning device, which could be a pump malfunction (failing to adequately pressurize the relevant section) or a distribution block malfunction (including at least one valve that is not fully closed, resulting in a leak).

[0018] Pressure can also be measured after pressurization and opening at least one valve in the distribution block to ensure that the pressure drops to the desired level. Failure to reduce pressure or a pressure drop that is too slow will suggest a malfunction in the partial or full opening of at least one valve in the distribution block.

[0019] Depending on further optional features of the cleaning system, individually or in combination:

[0020] - The duration for which the pump is commanded to start while keeping one or more valves closed can be greater than or equal to the duration for which maximum pressure can be obtained in the section of the fluid distribution circuit between the pump outlet and the valve during normal operation;

[0021] - The steps of the process can occur, for example, when the engine of a motor vehicle is started. In this case, checks should be performed as early as possible to quickly ensure that the cleaning device is operating correctly or to quickly identify faults;

[0022] - Each step of the method can occur at least once during a cycle of cleaning at least one surface of a motor vehicle. The cleaning device is activated as necessary to perform one or more measurements to verify its correct operation;

[0023] Measurements of parameters related to pressure in a section of a fluid distribution circuit located upstream of one or more valves occur, for example, before the valve is first opened or between two openings. This is another possibility for the measured value, in which case the value reflects an increase in pressure;

[0024] - After commanding the pump to inject liquid into the valve's inlet, the valve remains open for a defined period of time, and is opened before measuring parameters related to the pressure in the section of the fluid distribution circuit located upstream of one or more valves. This is another possibility for the measured value, in which case the value reflects a decrease in pressure;

[0025] - Valve opening occurs particularly after the pressure in the section of the fluid distribution loop upstream of one or more valves has reached its maximum value. This limits the pressure drop in the fluid distribution loop by establishing pressurization stages;

[0026] - The predetermined expected value corresponds to a pressure lower than the pressure in the fluid distribution loop upstream of one or more valves before the valve opens. This is a specific example of measuring the expected pressure drop after the valve opens;

[0027] - Pressure sensors are particularly connected to the section of the fluid distribution circuit located upstream of one or more valves;

[0028] - The cleaning device includes, in particular, an electronic control unit connected to a pressure sensor, pump, and valve to control the start-up of the pump, the opening and closing of the valve, and the measurement of pressure-related parameters;

[0029] - The cleaning device also includes, for example, at least one flow sensor, and the verification method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0030] The command initiates the pump during a defined time period to inject liquid into the valve.

[0031] - Measure at least one flow rate of the cleaning fluid.

[0032] - Compare the measured flow rate with the predetermined desired flow rate, and

[0033] - Determine the operating status of the cleaning device.

[0034] This is an additional measurement that allows us to check if the cleaning device is operating correctly;

[0035] - A flow sensor can be connected to a pump to measure the flow rate of clean fluid leaving the pump;

[0036] - The distribution block includes a valve, and a flow sensor, for example, is connected to the valve to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving the valve, or

[0037] - The distribution block includes several valves, with at least one flow sensor connected to all or some of the valves to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving the valves.

[0038] This is two alternative setups for one or more flow sensors; and

[0039] -This verification method includes at least one of the following steps:

[0040] The command initiates the pump during a defined time period to inject liquid into the valve.

[0041] -Measure the power consumption of the pump.

[0042] - Compare the pump's power consumption with the predetermined expected current draw, and

[0043] - Determine the operating status of the cleaning device.

[0044] This is also an additional measurement that allows us to check if the cleaning device is operating correctly. 。 Attached Figure Description

[0045] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates two normal operating modes of the cleaning device according to the present invention, presented in the form of a graph.

[0048] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates three defective operating modes of the cleaning device according to the present invention, presented in the form of a graph.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of each step in the method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are examples. Although this description relates to one or more embodiments, it does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that each feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of various embodiments may also be combined to create other embodiments.

[0051] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to position elements / devices in the direction in which the flow of the material to be processed is transported. 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.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 1 The figure illustrates an onboard cleaning system 2 on a motor vehicle. The purpose of this cleaning system 2 is to enable the cleaning of various surfaces of the motor vehicle, such as onboard sensors, windshields, or rear windows.

[0053] The cleaning device includes a cleaning fluid reservoir (not shown) on which a pump 6 is mounted. The pump 6 is mounted in a recess within the reservoir for receiving the pump 6. The reservoir includes an orifice through which the inlet pipe of the pump 6 is installed, and a seal is provided around the orifice at the interface between the reservoir and the pump 6 to ensure the assembly is sealed. Typically, the pump 6 is a standard pump comprising, for example, a tubular body. This body may consist of a first section for pumping and a second section including an electric motor for driving. The first section for pumping includes an inlet pipe and a outlet pipe, allowing it to receive cleaning fluid from the reservoir and discharge the cleaning fluid at a pressure higher than the inlet pressure of the pump 6. The inlet pipe may be positioned at the free end of the first section for pumping and is coaxial with the body of the pump 6, sharing the same axis of rotation. The second section for discharging extends from the first section for pumping in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the body.

[0054] In contrast, pump 6 can be installed independently of the reservoir, for example, mounted on the vehicle structure between the reservoir and the solenoid valve, as in a variant embodiment not shown. In this configuration, a first conduit is located between the reservoir and the pump, and a second conduit is located between the pump and the solenoid valve. This configuration is particularly common in trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.

[0055] The second part for driving can be located above the first part for pumping and includes an electric motor, and a connector is included at the free end of the second part, which allows the pump 6 to be connected to a power source.

[0056] One or more cleaning nozzles (not shown) are located at the other end of the cleaning device and are designed to be placed in front of the surface of the vehicle to be cleaned so as to spray pressurized cleaning fluid onto it.

[0057] The cleaning device also includes pipes (or pipelines) that connect different components (pump 6, cleaning nozzles, etc.) to form a fluid distribution loop 8.

[0058] The cleaning device 2 also includes a cleaning fluid distribution block 10, which includes at least one valve 12 (five in this case). The pump 6 is configured to pump cleaning fluid from the tank and deliver it to the distribution block 10 and the nozzle.

[0059] The valves 12 of the distribution block 10 are configured to be fluidly connected to nozzles respectively (e.g., one valve 12 connected to one nozzle, the number of valves and nozzles can vary). The valves 12 are configured to selectively deliver pumped cleaning fluid to the relevant cleaning nozzle. The valves 12 are, for example, solenoid valves conventionally used in this type of cleaning device. The valves 12 can be arranged in parallel, meaning they are all connected to a fluid passage of the distribution block 10. This fluid passage is connected to the inlet 10a of the distribution block 10, which is connected to the pump 6. The outlet 10b of the distribution block 10 is itself closed by an end cap 14.

[0060] Therefore, during operation, the start of pump 6 allows the cleaning fluid to be delivered from the tank toward the distribution block 10 and toward the cleaning nozzle, with the associated valve 12 of the cleaning nozzle open.

[0061] The distribution block 10 is a modular component, so the number of solenoid valves 12 can be easily changed to suit the number of cleaning nozzles or a specific configuration of the cleaning device, for example, depending on the model of the vehicle if the cleaning device 2 is installed on a motor vehicle. Different distribution blocks 10 can also be combined.

[0062] The cleaning device 2 finally includes at least one pressure sensor 16, which allows measurement of parameters related to the pressure in the section between the outlet of the pump 6 and the inlet of one or more valves 12 (corresponding to the inlet 10a of the distribution block). As described elsewhere in this document, this section is the section located upstream of one or more valves. The pressure sensor 16 may be connected to the section of the fluid distribution circuit located between the outlet of the pump 6 and one or more valves 12.

[0063] Regarding the verification method, its first step corresponds to the command to start the pump to inject cleaning fluid into the valve during a defined time period. The command to start the pump to inject liquid into the valve's inlet is coupled with keeping the valve in the closed state.

[0064] This step constitutes pressurization of the system and allows it to be subsequently determined whether the upper limit has been reached or whether the value has changed.

[0065] The second step includes: using at least one pressure sensor to measure at least one parameter related to the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the section of the fluid distribution circuit located between the pump's outlet and the valve.

[0066] This step then allows the values ​​of parameters related to the pressure following the pressurization step to be obtained at least once. As will be seen later, this can be done after pressurizing the section of fluid distribution circuit 8 located between pump 6 and distribution block 10 and / or immediately after opening and / or closing at least one valve 12 (various possibilities that can be combined with each other will be described later).

[0067] The measured parameter can be pressure or any other parameter indicating pressure.

[0068] The third step of the verification method includes comparing the pressure-related measurement parameters with predetermined expected values.

[0069] Specifically, one or more predetermined values ​​can be recorded, for example, in a control unit that controls the verification method, so that it can be verified whether one or more measured values ​​are consistent with expected values. For example, if it is desired to verify that the pressurization has indeed occurred, the section of fluid distribution loop 8 located between pump 6 and distribution block 10 can be pressurized (by operating pump 6 for a sufficiently long duration to theoretically achieve maximum pressure), the achieved pressure can be measured and compared with a predetermined expected value, which is the expected maximum pressure in that section.

[0070] The fourth step involves determining the operating status of the cleaning device. Specifically, numerical discrepancies may indicate that a leak in the system or a pump malfunction is preventing the cleaning device from operating correctly, and this may, for example, allow it to be switched to a degraded mode and alert the vehicle user.

[0071] Figure 2 Two normal operating modes of the cleaning device 2 are shown. The pressure measurements (vertical axis) are a function of time (horizontal axis), showing the time when pump 6 is started or not started, and the time when one or more valves 12 are closed and opened.

[0072] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, wherein the measured parameter is pressure.

[0073] In the two curves, the first part 18 corresponds to the start-up of pump 6, such as when the vehicle is started or when a cleaning cycle is required, while one or more valves 12 are closed to pressurize the section located between pump 6 and distribution block 10.

[0074] In theory, this makes it possible to obtain, for example, denoted as "P". closed The pressure can be the maximum pressure of the section or any other pressure corresponding to the start-up time of a pump with a given output.

[0075] Subsequently, the two curves include section 20, which corresponds to a defined period of time during which the pump is stopped or at least one valve 12 for cleaning is opened, causing a pressure drop in the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10. It is important to note here that residual pressure, denoted as "P", is considered. rest ", may be retained in the section located between pump 6 and distribution block 10.

[0076] The curve on the right includes two additional sections, 22 and 24, which correspond to the closing of one or more valves 12 that were open during the operation of pump 6, and thus to a new increase in pressure in the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10 (e.g., until pressure P is reached again). closed (This is followed by, for example, pump shutdown, which, like part 20, causes a pressure drop in the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10. Here, residual pressure will still exist in the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10.)

[0077] on the other hand, Figure 3 Three defective operating modes of cleaning device 2 are shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the pressure measurements (vertical axis) are displayed as a function of time (horizontal axis), and the time during which pump 6 was started or not started, as well as the time during which one or more valves 12 were closed and opened.

[0078] On the curve to the left, section 18' shows the closing of one or more valves 12 and the simultaneous activation of pump 6 for a theoretically sufficient period of time to allow the desired pressure, such as P, to be reached. closed However, the pressure achieved and shown by this section 18' is lower than the expected pressure (there may be no increase in pressure at all). The steps of the verification method according to the invention (pressurization, measurement of the parameter (in this case, the parameter is pressure), comparison with a predetermined expected value (in this case, the expected value is P) closed (and after the comparison, the operating status of the cleaning device is determined) so that the difference between the measured value and the predetermined expected value can be identified, and thus it can be inferred that the cleaning device has malfunctioned. This can, for example, allow it to switch to a degraded mode and allow the vehicle user to be warned.

[0079] The failure conditions observed here could be leakage, for example due to a faulty or non-closed valve 12, or due to a failure of pump 6 that prevents the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10 from being properly pressurized.

[0080] Figure 3 The intermediate curve in the figure illustrates the second type of failure.

[0081] In this situation, section 18' coincides with section 18 because the pressurization is satisfactory. However, as shown in the curve, section 20' may exhibit no pressure drop or a pressure drop that is slower than expected. As a result, for a defined period of time after at least one valve 12 has been opened, the measured pressure is higher than the predetermined expected pressure, and a problem is identified after comparing the two values. In this particular case, the problem may be that one or more valves 12 that should have been open have not opened or have failed to open at all.

[0082] The curve on the right illustrates the third type of failure.

[0083] Parts 18' and 20' overlap with parts 18 and 20 respectively, proving that the operation so far has been normal.

[0084] However, upon reclosing one or more valves 12 (which has already caused a pressure drop (section 20), and pump 6 remains operational for a given period of time), it was found that for the same period of time, the pressure increase was slower than expected compared to section 22, as shown in section 22' (or perhaps there was no pressure increase at all). This raises a problem, which here likely corresponds again to a faulty or non-closed state of at least one valve 12, or a malfunction of pump 6 that prevents the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10 from being properly pressurized.

[0085] Figure 4 The steps shown in curves 18, 20, 22 and 24 are illustrated.

[0086] The first step 26 corresponds to starting pump 6 when one or more valves 12 are closed, and therefore corresponds to the pressure increase corresponding to section 18. Next is step 28, which corresponds to opening at least one valve 12, and therefore corresponds to a pressure drop, as shown in section 20. Step 30 corresponds to the one or more valves that were open returning to the closed state, while pump 6 remains running, and therefore corresponds to a new pressure increase in section 22. Finally, step 32 can correspond to closing pump 6, and therefore corresponds to the pressure drop shown in section 24.

[0087] Steps 34, 36, and 38 correspond to the three pressure measurements mentioned above, namely:

[0088] - Between steps 26 and 28, to verify that the predetermined pressure, such as the maximum pressure, has been reached.

[0089] - Between steps 28 and 30, to verify that the pressure has decreased after at least one valve 12 has been opened, and

[0090] - Between steps 30 and 32, in order to verify that after closing one or more open valves 12, there is a new increase in pressure, while pump 6 is still running.

[0091] As described above, according to one embodiment of the invention, the command to start the pump has a duration that allows maximum pressure to be achieved in the section of the fluid distribution circuit located between the pump's outlet and the valve, with a predetermined desired value corresponding to the maximum pressure. This corresponds to... Figure 2 and Figure 3Verification of sections 18 and 22 of the curves. As mentioned above, pump 6 is activated for a defined duration during which a pressure with a predetermined expected value should be achieved, in this case, the maximum pressure. As mentioned above, measuring this pressure and then comparing it with the expected value can reveal any malfunctions in the cleaning device.

[0092] In one variant, the method steps occur when the engine of the motor vehicle is started. This would preferably correspond to a check mode that pressurizes the section located between pump 6 and distribution block 10. Clearly, the method involving checking during pressurization can be performed during a cleaning cycle (i.e., the section located between pump 6 and distribution block 10 can be pressurized before at least one valve 12 is opened). The pressurization described above can also be performed when the vehicle is started, and then, as described above, the pressure drop is measured.

[0093] Each method step can occur at least once during a cycle of cleaning at least one surface of a motor vehicle, so as to measure at least once the steps described above and Figure 2 and Figure 3 One of the pressures shown is a parameter related to the pressure in the section of the fluid distribution circuit located between the pump's outlet and the valve, which is then compared to a predetermined expected value.

[0094] -After pressurization and before the first opening of valve 12

[0095] - After opening at least one of the valves 12 for a defined period of time to measure the drop in pressure-related parameters and compare it with a predetermined expected value (in this case, the pressure measured in the section between pump 6 and distribution block 10 needs to be lower than the pressure before opening one or more valves 12).

[0096] - The pressure drop between two openings of one or more valves 12 (repressurization shown by part 22, or pressure drop between two openings of one or more valves 12).

[0097] -And after pump 6 was decommissioned.

[0098] The valves preferably open after the pressure in the section of the fluid distribution loop between the pump's outlet and the valve has reached its maximum value. This allows for the creation of staged pressure levels, ensuring that the pressure passing through one or more valves 12 that are open will be the maximum pressure. Therefore, the pressure drop along the length of the fluid distribution loop 8 can be limited.

[0099] The electronic control unit can be connected to pressure sensors, pumps, and valves to control pump startup, valve opening and closing, and the measurement of pressure-related parameters. Therefore, this control unit allows control of various components that enable cleaning cycles and facilitates the execution of methods for verifying the operation of the cleaning equipment.

[0100] In addition to measuring pressure-related parameters, the flow rate of the cleaning fluid in the fluid distribution loop 8 can also be monitored.

[0101] Therefore, the verification method may include at least one of the following series of steps:

[0102] The command starts the pump during a defined time period to inject liquid into the valve.

[0103] - Measure at least one flow rate of the cleaning fluid.

[0104] - Compare the measured flow rate with the predetermined desired flow rate, and

[0105] - Determine the operating status of the cleaning device.

[0106] The advantage of this type of verification is that the liquid flow rate can be verified to be as expected under specific conditions and at specific locations (the four-step operation principle is the same as described above).

[0107] For example, a flow sensor can be connected to a pump to measure the flow rate of liquid leaving the pump.

[0108] Alternatively, at least one flow sensor may be present at distribution block 10, depending on one of the following options:

[0109] - The distribution block includes a valve and a flow sensor connected to the valve to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving the valve, or

[0110] - The distribution block includes several valves, with at least one flow sensor connected to all or some of the valves to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving the valves.

[0111] In addition to measuring pressure-related parameters, or alternatively, in addition to measuring flow rate, the power consumption of pump 6 during startup can also be measured.

[0112] Specifically, when operating under given conditions (e.g., temperature), the current drawn by pump 6 is known. Therefore, the power consumption value can be determined and recorded. For example, it could be the power consumption of pump 6 at the moment when the section of fluid distribution circuit 8 contained between pump 6 and distribution block 10 is pressurized.

[0113] In this case, the method may include performing the following steps at least once:

[0114] The command starts the pump during a defined time period to inject liquid into the valve.

[0115] -Measure the power consumption of the pump.

[0116] - Compare the pump's power consumption with the predetermined expected current draw, and

[0117] - Determine the operating status of the cleaning device.

[0118] As with flow measurement, this scenario employs the same type of measuring device (a sensor for measuring the pump's power consumption) and control device (a control unit for receiving data, measuring, comparing with expected values, and determining the operating status of the cleaning unit) that allows verification via pressure-related parameters.

[0119] The present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and further embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The architecture of the cleaning device 2 (i.e., the layout of the various devices presented) may obviously differ from the architecture described above. Measurements can also be performed at times other than those shown in the figures, as long as the measured values ​​can be compared with predetermined desired values.

[0120] Reference tag list

[0121] 2: Cleaning device

[0122] 6: Pump

[0123] 8: Fluid distribution loop

[0124] 10: Allocation Block

[0125] 12: Valve

[0126] 14: End cap

[0127] 16: Pressure sensor

[0128] 18, 20, 22, 24: Pressure curve sections related to normal operation

[0129] 18', 20', 22": Fault-related pressure curve sections

[0130] 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38: Steps in the verification method.

Claims

1. A verification method for checking the operation of a vehicle surface cleaning device (2) intended to be installed on a motor vehicle, the cleaning device comprising: A reservoir containing cleaning fluid; At least one nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned; The fluid distribution circuit (8) is designed to deliver cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the cleaning nozzle; And a pump (6), designed to inject cleaning fluid contained in a reservoir into a fluid distribution circuit (8), the fluid distribution circuit (8) including a cleaning fluid distribution block (10), the cleaning fluid distribution block including at least one valve (12) and positioned between the outlet and nozzle of the pump (6), the method being characterized in that it includes at least one of the following steps: The command to start the pump (6) during a defined time period to inject cleaning fluid into the valve (12), and the command to start the pump (6) to inject liquid into the inlet of the valve (12) are coupled with keeping one or more valves (12) in the closed state. At least one pressure sensor (16) is used to measure at least once a parameter related to the pressure of the cleaning fluid in the section of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of the one or more valves (12). The pressure-related measurement parameters are compared with predetermined expected values. Based on the comparison between the pressure-related measurement parameters and the predetermined expected value, the operating state of the cleaning device (2) is determined, and An alarm signal is generated in the event of a malfunction in the cleaning device (2). The valve (12) is opened for a defined period of time after the pump (6) is started to inject liquid into the inlet of the valve (12), and before the pressure-related parameters in the section of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of the one or more valves (12) are measured.

2. The verification method according to claim 1, wherein, The duration between commands to start the pump (6) while keeping one or more valves closed is greater than or equal to the duration for which the fluid distribution circuit (8) in normal operation achieves maximum pressure in the section between the outlet of the pump (6) and the valve (12).

3. The verification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method steps occur when the engine of the motor vehicle is started.

4. The verification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method steps occur at least once during a cycle of cleaning at least one surface of the motor vehicle.

5. The verification method according to claim 4, wherein, Measurements of parameters relating to pressure in the section of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of one or more valves (12) occur before the first opening of the valve (12) or between two openings of the valve (12).

6. The verification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cleaning device (2) further includes at least a flow sensor, and the verification method includes at least one of the following steps: The command starts the pump (6) during a defined time period to inject liquid into the valve (12). Measure at least one flow rate of the cleaning fluid. The measured flow rate is compared with the predetermined desired flow rate, and Determine the operating status of the cleaning device (2).

7. The verification method according to claim 6, wherein, The flow sensor is connected to the pump (6) to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving the pump (6).

8. The verification method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The dispensing block (10) includes a valve (12), to which a flow sensor is connected to measure the flow rate of liquid leaving the valve (12), or The distribution block (10) includes several valves (12), and at least one flow sensor is connected to all or some of the valves (12) to measure the flow rate of the cleaning fluid leaving the valve (12).

9. The verification method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cleaning device (2) also includes a measuring device for measuring the power consumption of the pump (6), and the verification method includes at least one of the following steps: The command starts the pump (6) during a defined time period to inject cleaning fluid into the valve (12). Measure the power consumption of the pump (6). The power consumption of the pump (6) is compared with the predetermined desired current draw, and Determine the operating status of the cleaning device (2).

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