Method for controlling a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component, cleaning system for a motor vehicle component, and motor vehicle having a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component (S1, S2, S3), wherein the cleaning system has: a fluid delivery device (10); a pressure sensor (20) for determining the pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); a fluid dispensing device (30) having at least one input connection (31) fluidically connected to the fluid delivery device (10) and at least two output connections (321, 322, 323) fluidically connected to the input connection (31), each output connection (321, 322, 323) being adjustable between an open position and a closed position; at least two cleaning devices (41, 42, 43), each of which is fluidically connected to a respective output connection (321, 322, 323) via a line (51, 52, 53); and a control device (60) data-coupled to the fluid delivery device (10), the pressure sensor (20) and the fluid dispensing device (30) for transmitting and / or receiving signals wherein the method simplifies the control of the cleaning system and reduces the error susceptibility of the cleaning system. The invention also relates to a cleaning system for carrying out the method and to a motor vehicle having a correspondingly configured cleaning system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component. The invention also relates to a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component for carrying out the method. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a component cleaning system.

[0002] Motor vehicles, in particular motor vehicles that are configured for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, usually have a large number of sensors, by means of which the surroundings of the motor vehicle and / or the driving situation can be monitored. These motor vehicle components configured as motor vehicle sensors can, for example, have optical sensors, cameras, radar sensors or lidar sensors.

[0003] In order to ensure the functionality and operational readiness of motor vehicle components, in particular motor vehicle components formed by motor vehicle sensors, they must be cleaned regularly. Depending on the motor vehicle component or on the type of sensor and the degree of contamination, a cleaning device (cleaning nozzle) of a cleaning system must apply a cleaning fluid to the relevant component and / or the relevant sensor at a predetermined fluid pressure for a predetermined time in response to a cleaning request.

[0004] The cleaning systems envisaged so far have a large number of pressure sensors or flow sensors, which are usually each assigned to a cleaning nozzle. These large number of pressure sensors or flow sensors are arranged in the cleaning system in this way and are configured to determine the fluid pressure or flow of the cleaning fluid output from the corresponding cleaning nozzle. Through this fluid pressure information, the central fluid delivery device (pump) is controlled in this way so that the cleaning requirements are met.

[0005] Therefore, the cleaning systems known in the prior art have a large number of components, in particular a large number of pressure sensors and / or flow sensors. Therefore, these cleaning systems are prone to errors and are cost-intensive. The methods for controlling the corresponding cleaning systems are correspondingly complex.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a method of controlling a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component which enables a simplified control of the cleaning system and also enables a cleaning system that is less error-prone and less costly.

[0007] The solution for achieving this object according to the invention is a method having the features of claim 1. Embodiments of the method are described in the claims dependent thereon.

[0008] More specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a method for controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle parts, wherein the cleaning system has: a fluid conveying device; a pressure sensor for determining the pressure generated by the fluid conveying device; a fluid distribution device having at least one input interface fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device and at least two output interfaces fluidly connected to the input interface, wherein each output interface can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position; at least two cleaning devices, each of which is fluidically connected to a corresponding output interface via a pipeline line; and a control device, which is data-coupled with the fluid conveying device and the fluid distribution device to transmit and / or receive signals. The method of the present invention has the following method steps:

[0009] - Determine the cleaning requirements for all cleaning equipment;

[0010] - determining a pressure setting value for at least one first cleaning device;

[0011] - setting the output interface of the fluid distribution device to its open position or its closed position according to the cleaning requirements;

[0012] - determining the actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device;

[0013] - determining a total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device based on the actual fluid pressure;

[0014] - determining a first flow rate through the first cleaning device based on the total flow rate;

[0015] - determining, taking into account the first flow rate, a first pressure loss in a pipeline line via which the first cleaning device is fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device;

[0016] - determining a pressure control value based on the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss; and

[0017] - The fluid delivery device is arranged such that the pressure of the fluid provided by the fluid delivery device varies in the direction of the pressure control value.

[0018] The method according to the invention has the advantage that a cleaning system for motor vehicle components can be designed in a significantly simplified manner. In particular, the cleaning system makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of monitoring devices for monitoring the cleaning pressure and / or the cleaning quantity which must be provided by the individual cleaning devices of the cleaning system in order to ensure that the desired cleaning effect is achieved. This is because the method makes it possible to centrally determine the cleaning pressure at a point in the cleaning system, wherein the cleaning pressure or the cleaning quantity at the respective cleaning device is calculated by interpolation.

[0019] The motor vehicle component can be configured as a motor vehicle sensor or have a motor vehicle sensor, which in turn can have, for example, an optical sensor. For example, the motor vehicle sensor can have at least one camera and / or at least one lidar sensor. In addition, the motor vehicle sensor can have a radar sensor. The motor vehicle component can also be configured as or have, for example, a windshield, a rear windshield, headlights, taillights, warning lights and / or other lighting devices.

[0020] The fluid delivery device may also be referred to as a fluid pump or simply a pump. The fluid delivery device has at least one fluid input interface, through which the cleaning fluid is supplied to the fluid delivery device. For example, the fluid delivery device is fluidically connected to a cleaning container via the fluid input interface, wherein the cleaning fluid may be injected into the cleaning container. The fluid delivery device also has at least one fluid output interface, through which the cleaning fluid may be pressurized and output.

[0021] The fluid conveying device can also have two or more than two fluid outlet connections, which are preferably each adjustable between an open position and a closed position.

[0022] The fluid distribution device is used to distribute the cleaning fluid provided by the fluid delivery device to the cleaning device of the cleaning system. The fluid distribution device can also be called a valve block.

[0023] When the output interface of the fluid dispensing device is in the open position, the fluid is allowed to be transported from the input interface of the fluid dispensing device through the relevant output interface, and when the output interface is in the closed position, the fluid is prevented from being transported from the input interface through the relevant output interface. Preferably, the corresponding output interface can be discretely adjusted between its open position and its closed position, that is, when the output interface is in the open position, it is fully open, and when the output interface is in the closed position, it is fully closed.

[0024] The fluid distribution device preferably has more than two output interfaces. For example, the fluid distribution device has three, four, five, six or more output interfaces. According to the present invention, there is no limitation in the number of output interfaces.

[0025] The cleaning device is preferably configured as a cleaning nozzle. Preferably, the cleaning system has a number of cleaning devices corresponding to the number of outlet interfaces.

[0026] Each cleaning device can be connected to the output interface of the fluid distribution device via a pipeline line (also referred to as a fluid pipeline). For example, the first cleaning device can be connected to the first output interface via a first pipeline line, the second cleaning device can be connected to the second output interface via a second pipeline line, and so on.

[0027] The cleaning fluid or fluid is preferably a liquid, such as water and / or a cleaning solution. Therefore, the fluid delivery device can also be referred to as a liquid delivery device or a liquid pump.

[0028] The control device is also preferably data-coupled to the pressure sensor in order to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0029] Preferably, the fluid delivery device is data-coupled to the pressure sensor for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0030] In the method step of determining the cleaning requirements for all cleaning devices, requirement information is determined, which includes information about which output interfaces should be opened. This means that the requirement information includes information about which motor vehicle components are to be cleaned. In addition, the cleaning requirements also include information about the fluid pressure output from the respective cleaning device and optionally information about the duration of the output of the cleaning fluid from the respective cleaning device. For example, the cleaning requirements are determined by receiving the cleaning requirements.

[0031] For example, a cleaning requirement may contain the following information: cleaning fluid should be applied to a first motor vehicle sensor at a fluid pressure of 3 bar for a duration of one second, and cleaning fluid should be applied to a second motor vehicle sensor at a fluid pressure of 2.7 bar for a duration of two seconds.

[0032] The pressure at the cleaning nozzle automatically determines the flow rate through the cleaning nozzle.

[0033] In the method step of determining a pressure setting value for at least one first cleaning device, the pressure setting value is reached during an iterative execution of the method. The pressure setting value can be determined by reading in the cleaning requirement.

[0034] In the method step of determining the pressure setting value of at least one first cleaning device, a plurality of pressure setting values ​​may preferably be determined. Based on the plurality of pressure setting values, a pressure setting value may be calculated as a basis for subsequent method steps. For example, an average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​may be used as the pressure setting value.

[0035] The pressure setting value determined by averaging the pressure setting values ​​may also be referred to as a target pressure setting value.

[0036] In the method step of arranging the output interface of the fluid distribution device in its open position or its closed position, the output interface is preferably discretely transferred to its open position or its closed position. This means that: preferably, the corresponding output interface has no intermediate position. For example, if it is determined that the cleaning requirement is to clean the first motor vehicle sensor and the third motor vehicle sensor, but not the second motor vehicle sensor, the first output interface and the third output interface are transferred to their respective open positions, and the second output interface is transferred to its closed position.

[0037] The above three method steps are preferably performed once for each cleaning order or until the cleaning order is finished. The method steps described below are preferably performed until the difference between the first pressure setting value and the fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device is below a predetermined limit.

[0038] In the method step of determining the actual fluid pressure, the fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device during the determination is determined. In the progressive iteration steps of the method, the actual fluid pressure approaches a control setting, wherein the control setting is obtained by adding a pressure setting value (target pressure setting value) and a first pressure loss. The actual fluid pressure is determined by a pressure sensor.

[0039] The total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device is proportional to the actual fluid pressure, so the total flow can be determined based on the actual fluid pressure.

[0040] The total flow is preferably determined by calculating the total flow.

[0041] The determination of the first flow through the first cleaning device depends on the total flow provided by the fluid delivery device, which is divided among the cleaning devices that are assigned to the outlet interface of the fluid distribution device in the open position. It is therefore feasible to determine the first flow through the first cleaning device based on the total flow.

[0042] In the method step of determining a first flow rate through a first cleaning device, at least one further flow rate through at least one further cleaning device can also be additionally determined based on the total flow rate.

[0043] The determination of the first pressure loss depends on the first flow rate through the first cleaning device. The pipeline line (via which the first cleaning device is fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device, more specifically to the fluid output interface of the fluid conveying device) for example comprises: a collecting fluid pipeline from the fluid output interface to the fluid distribution device; a fluid distribution device; a first fluid pipeline, via which the first output interface of the fluid distribution device is fluidically connected to the first cleaning device; and a first fluid distribution device. The determination of the first pressure loss is preferably performed by calculation.

[0044] In the method step of determining or calculating the pressure control value, the pressure value that the fluid delivery device should generate is determined so that the cleaning fluid with the pressure setting value can be output from the first cleaning device. For example, the pressure control value is calculated by adding the pressure setting value and the first pressure loss.

[0045] In the method step of setting the fluid delivery device so that the fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device changes in the direction of the pressure control value, the power level of the fluid delivery device is adjusted accordingly. The power level of the fluid delivery device can be, for example, the rotation speed of the fluid delivery device.

[0046] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device is performed using information about the power level of the fluid delivery device.

[0047] A correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the total flow delivered by the fluid conveying device can be determined with improved accuracy.

[0048] The power rating of the fluid delivery device may be, for example, the rotational speed of the fluid delivery device. For some fluid delivery devices, the rotational speed of the fluid delivery device is proportional to the fluid flow rate that can be pumped through the fluid delivery device. For example, in the case of a fluid delivery device configured as a centrifugal pump or a brushless DC pump, the rotational speed of the DC pump is proportional to the fluid flow rate that can be pumped through the DC pump.

[0049] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid conveying device is performed using a characteristic curve diagram of the fluid conveying device, which indicates the total flow that can be achieved by the fluid conveying device as a function of the fluid pressure for different power levels of the fluid conveying device.

[0050] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the total flow delivered by the fluid conveying device can be determined with improved accuracy and more quickly.

[0051] Preferably, the method is designed such that the fluid conveying device is set to the lowest power level at which a pressure control value can be achieved by the fluid conveying device.

[0052] This correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the fluid conveying device is not operated unnecessarily at an excessively high power level, which reduces energy consumption on the one hand and the noise generated by the fluid conveying device on the other hand.

[0053] Preferably, the method is designed in such a way that the method step of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device is also performed on the basis of the switch position of the outlet connection of the fluid distribution device.

[0054] The correspondingly configured method has the advantage that the first flow rate through the first cleaning device is determined with increased accuracy. The control accuracy of the correspondingly configured method is thus significantly improved.

[0055] The cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device is divided into pipeline lines in which the output interfaces of the fluid distribution device assigned to these pipeline lines are in their respective open positions. The total flow is divided according to the flow resistance of the pipeline lines located downstream of the output interfaces. For example, if the flow resistance of the pipeline line assigned to the first cleaning device is less than the flow resistance of the pipeline line assigned to the third cleaning device, the flow of the cleaning fluid through the pipeline line assigned to the first cleaning device will be greater than the flow of the cleaning fluid through the pipeline line assigned to the third cleaning device.

[0056] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining a first flow through a first cleaning device is also performed on the basis of a first conversion table which indicates the ratio of the flow through the line paths assigned to the respective cleaning device as a function of the fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device.

[0057] This correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the computational effort for determining the flow through the first cleaning device is reduced. This is because the first conversion table (which can also be referred to as a first look-up table) is preferably stored in the control device or in another electronic memory, so that the ratio of the flow does not always have to be recalculated in each iteration step of the method.

[0058] In the first conversion table, for a large number of fluid pressures provided by the fluid delivery device, the proportion of the flow through the pipeline paths allocated to the corresponding cleaning device is indicated. Wherein, these proportions of the flow through the pipeline paths allocated to the corresponding cleaning device are preferably standardized to the pipeline path with the smallest flow at a predetermined pressure among all pipeline paths. This pipeline path is preferably standardized to 1, so that the flow through other pipeline paths is greater than 1.

[0059] An example of the corresponding first conversion table is indicated below:

[0060]

[0061] According to the exemplary first conversion table, when the actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device is 3.5 bar, the cleaning fluid flow through the first cleaning device is 2.8 times the cleaning fluid flow through the third cleaning device. The cleaning fluid flow through the second cleaning device is 1.85 times the cleaning fluid flow through the third cleaning device.

[0062] Preferably, the method is constructed such that the method step of determining the first flow through the first cleaning device is also carried out based on at least one second conversion table, wherein in the second conversion table, for all permutations and combinations of switch positions of all output interfaces of the fluid distribution device under the fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device, the percentage flow through the pipeline path assigned to the corresponding cleaning device is indicated.

[0063] This correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the computational effort for determining the flow through the first cleaning device is reduced. This is because the second conversion table (which can also be referred to as a second look-up table) is preferably stored in the control device or in another electronic memory, so that the ratio of the flow does not always have to be recalculated in each iteration step of the method.

[0064] Preferably, there is a second conversion table for each of a plurality of fluid pressures provided by the fluid delivery device and is stored in the control device or in another electronic memory.

[0065] For each permutation of the switch positions of all outlet connections of the fluid distribution device, the sum of the percentage flows through the line paths assigned to the corresponding cleaning devices should always be 100% of the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device.

[0066] The first conversion table and all second conversion tables can be determined via a computer simulation, in which the cleaning system is digitized. It is also possible that the first conversion table and all second conversion tables are determined via preliminary measurements of a specific cleaning system.

[0067] The following is an example of a corresponding second conversion table for an actual fluid pressure of 3.5 bar:

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] According to the exemplary second conversion table, when, for example, the actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device is 3.5 bar, the first output interface and the second output interface are in the closed position and the third output interface is in the open position, 100% of the total fluid flow flows through the third output interface (the first row of the second conversion table corresponds to the first switch arrangement combination).

[0071] According to the third row of the above-mentioned second conversion table (corresponding to the third switch arrangement combination), when the first output interface is in the closed position and the second output interface and the third output interface are respectively in the open position, 66% of the total fluid flow flows through the second output interface and 33% of the total fluid flow flows through the third output interface.

[0072] According to the seventh row of the above-mentioned second conversion table (corresponding to the seventh switch arrangement combination), when the first output interface, the second output interface and the third output interface are respectively in the open position, 57.1% of the total fluid flow flows through the first output interface, 28.6% of the total fluid flow flows through the second output interface, and 14.3% of the total fluid flow flows through the third output interface.

[0073] Preferably, the method is designed in such a way that the method step of determining the first pressure loss is also carried out taking into account the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device.

[0074] The correspondingly configured method has the advantage that the first flow through the first cleaning device is determined with increased accuracy. As a result, the control accuracy of the correspondingly configured method is significantly improved. In addition, the correspondingly configured method achieves a more efficient cleaning of the motor vehicle component and reduces fluid consumption and energy consumption.

[0075] The cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device is divided into pipeline lines, in which the output interfaces of the fluid distribution device assigned to these pipeline lines are in their respective open positions. Before the cleaning fluid is divided into the corresponding pipeline lines, the cleaning fluid passes through the collecting line located between the fluid delivery device and the fluid distribution device, which also causes a first pressure loss. Therefore, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device passes through the collecting line.

[0076] Preferably, the method is designed such that in the method step of determining at least one pressure setting value for at least one first cleaning device, at least one further pressure setting value for at least one second cleaning device is additionally determined and values ​​calculated based on these determined pressure setting values ​​are used as pressure setting values.

[0077] This correspondingly configured method has the advantage that, in the event of a cleaning request for more than one motor vehicle component, cleaning fluid is applied to at least two of these motor vehicle components at a corresponding fluid pressure at least close to the corresponding pressure setting value, thereby improving the cleaning result of multiple motor vehicle components.

[0078] For example, by calculating the average value of the determined pressure setting values, a value based on the determined pressure setting values ​​is calculated, and this value is adopted as the pressure setting value.

[0079] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning system which is less prone to errors and less expensive.

[0080] The solution to this problem according to the invention is a cleaning system having the features of claim 10 .

[0081] More specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a cleaning system, which has: a fluid conveying device; a pressure sensor for determining the pressure generated by the fluid conveying device; a fluid distribution device, which has at least one input interface fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device and at least two output interfaces fluidly connected to the input interface, wherein each output interface can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position; at least two cleaning devices, each of which is fluidically connected to a corresponding output interface via a pipeline line; and a control device, which is data-coupled with the fluid conveying device and the fluid distribution device to transmit and / or receive signals. The cleaning system of the present invention is characterized in that the control device is configured to perform one of the above methods.

[0082] The cleaning system of the invention has the advantage that it has a reduced number of components and thus a simplified design. More specifically, the cleaning system of the invention has a significantly reduced number of monitoring devices for monitoring the cleaning pressure and / or the cleaning amount that must be provided by the individual cleaning devices of the cleaning system in order to ensure that the desired cleaning effect is achieved. As a result, the cleaning system of the invention is less prone to errors and is less costly.

[0083] The motor vehicle component can be configured as a motor vehicle sensor or have a motor vehicle sensor, which in turn can have, for example, an optical sensor. For example, the motor vehicle sensor can have at least one camera and / or at least one lidar sensor. In addition, the motor vehicle sensor can have a radar sensor. The motor vehicle component can also be configured as or have, for example, a windshield, a rear windshield, headlights, taillights, warning lights and / or other lighting devices.

[0084] The fluid delivery device may also be referred to as a fluid pump or simply a pump. The fluid delivery device has at least one fluid input interface, through which the cleaning fluid is supplied to the fluid delivery device. For example, the fluid delivery device is fluidically connected to a cleaning container via the fluid input interface, wherein the cleaning fluid may be injected into the cleaning container. The fluid delivery device also has at least one fluid output interface, through which the cleaning fluid may be pressurized and output.

[0085] The fluid conveying device can also have two or more than two fluid outlet connections, which are preferably each adjustable between an open position and a closed position.

[0086] The fluid distribution device is used to distribute the cleaning fluid provided by the fluid delivery device to the cleaning device of the cleaning system. The fluid distribution device can also be called a valve block.

[0087] When the output interface of the fluid dispensing device is in the open position, the fluid is allowed to be transported from the input interface of the fluid dispensing device through the relevant output interface, and when the output interface is in the closed position, the fluid is prevented from being transported from the input interface through the relevant output interface. Preferably, the corresponding output interface can be discretely adjusted between its open position and its closed position, that is, when the output interface is in the open position, it is fully open, and when the output interface is in the closed position, it is fully closed.

[0088] The fluid distribution device preferably has more than two output interfaces. For example, the fluid distribution device has three, four, five, six or more output interfaces. According to the present invention, there is no limitation in the number of output interfaces.

[0089] The cleaning device is preferably designed as a cleaning nozzle. Preferably, the cleaning system has a number of cleaning devices corresponding to the number of outlet connections. In a motor vehicle component designed as a windshield, for example, several cleaning devices are fluidically connected to one outlet connection.

[0090] Each cleaning device can be connected to the output interface of the fluid distribution device via a pipeline line (also referred to as a fluid pipeline). For example, the first cleaning device can be connected to the first output interface via a first pipeline line, the second cleaning device can be connected to the second output interface via a second pipeline line, and so on.

[0091] The cleaning fluid or fluid is preferably a liquid, such as water and / or a cleaning solution. Therefore, the fluid delivery device can also be referred to as a liquid delivery device or a liquid pump.

[0092] The control device is also preferably data-coupled to the pressure sensor in order to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0093] Preferably, the fluid delivery device is data-coupled to the pressure sensor for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0094] Preferably, the control device is designed as part of the fluid conveying device and / or is integrated in the fluid conveying device.

[0095] It is also an object of the invention to provide a motor vehicle which makes it possible to improve the cleaning of motor vehicle components while reducing the number of components.

[0096] The solution to this problem according to the invention is a motor vehicle having the features of claim 11 .

[0097] More advantages, details and features of the present invention can be obtained from the embodiments described below. Specifically:

[0098] Figure 1A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to the present invention;

[0099] Figure 2 The method for controlling the Figure 1 A flow chart of a method of cleaning a system as shown in ;

[0100] Figure 3 showing a characteristic curve diagram of the fluid delivery device, which indicates the total flow rate achievable by the fluid delivery device as a function of fluid pressure for different performance levels of the fluid delivery device; and

[0101] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a cleaning system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] In the following description, the same reference numerals indicate the same components or features, and therefore, the description of components made with reference to one figure is also applicable to other figures, thereby avoiding repeated description. In addition, the features described in conjunction with one embodiment may also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0103] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cleaning system of the present invention for motor vehicle parts S1, S2, S3 is shown, which are configured as motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 in the embodiments described below. However, the present invention is not limited to motor vehicle parts being configured as or having motor vehicle sensors. Motor vehicle parts may also be configured as or have windshields, rear windshields, headlights, taillights, warning lights, and / or generally configured as or have lighting devices. Motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 may, for example, have optical sensors. For example, motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 may have at least one camera and / or at least one laser radar sensor. In addition, motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 may have radar sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system has three motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3, but the present invention is not limited to this number of motor vehicle sensors, and the cleaning system of the present invention may have two or more (e.g., four, five, six or more) motor vehicle sensors.

[0104] The cleaning system has a fluid conveying device 10, also referred to as a fluid pump 10 or simply a pump 10. The fluid conveying device 10 has at least one fluid input interface 11, through which a cleaning fluid is supplied to the fluid conveying device 10. For example, the fluid conveying device 10 is fluidically connected to a cleaning container (not shown) via the fluid input interface 11, wherein the cleaning container may be filled with a cleaning fluid. The fluid conveying device 10 also has at least one fluid output interface 12, through which the cleaning fluid may be pressurized and output.

[0105] The cleaning system also has a fluid distribution device 30, which has at least one input interface 31 connected to the fluid conveying device 10, wherein the input interface 31 of the fluid distribution device 30 is connected to the fluid output interface 12 of the fluid conveying device 12 through a collecting fluid pipeline 54. The fluid distribution device 30 also has at least two output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, and 32_3 connected to the fluid of the input interface 31. In the embodiment shown, the fluid distribution device 30 (also referred to as the valve block 30) has three output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, and 32_3. However, the fluid distribution device 30 may also have more than three output interfaces. Each of these output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, and 32_3 can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. When the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 are in the open position, fluid is allowed to be delivered from the input interface 31 of the fluid distribution device 30 through the corresponding output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3, while when the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 are in the closed position, fluid is prevented from being delivered from the input interface 31 through the corresponding output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.

[0106] The cleaning system also has a pressure sensor 20 which serves to determine the pressure generated by the fluid conveying device 10 .

[0107] In addition, the cleaning system has at least two cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, which are each connected to the corresponding output interface 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 fluid via a fluid line 51, 52, 53. In the embodiment shown, the cleaning system has three cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, but the cleaning system can also have more than three (for example, four, five, six or more) cleaning devices 41, 42, 43. In the embodiment shown, the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are configured as cleaning nozzles 41, 42, 42. The cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are configured to output or spray the cleaning fluid transported by the fluid transport device 10 to the motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3. Among them, in the embodiment shown, the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are respectively assigned to the motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3.

[0108] In addition, the cleaning system has a control device 60, which is data-coupled with the fluid conveying device 10, the pressure sensor 20 and the fluid distribution device 30 via a data line 61 or a signal line 61, respectively, to transmit and / or receive signals. The control device 60 is configured to receive data determined by the pressure sensor 20. In addition, the control device is configured to receive data transmitted by the fluid conveying device 10, which data represent the power level of the fluid conveying device 10. In addition, the control device 60 is configured to transmit a control signal to the fluid conveying device 10 to set the power level of the fluid conveying device 10. In addition, the control device is configured to receive data transmitted by the fluid distribution device 30, which data represent the switch positions of the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, and 32_3. In addition, the control device 60 is configured to transmit a control signal to the fluid distribution device 30 to adjust the switch positions of the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, and 32_3.

[0109] The control device 60 is configured to execute Figure 2 The method steps shown and described below.

[0110] In method step V1, the cleaning requirements of all cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are determined. The cleaning requirements contain information about which motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 should be cleaned. The cleaning requirements therefore contain information about which cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 should be activated. The cleaning requirements also contain information about how high the fluid pressure should be at the outlet of the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43. Furthermore, the cleaning requirements can contain information about how long the cleaning devices should output cleaning fluid.

[0111] In method step V2, at least one pressure setting value is determined for at least one first cleaning device 41, 42, 43. It is also possible that in method step V2, at least one further pressure setting value is additionally determined for at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 43 and an average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​is used as the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value).

[0112] In method step V3 , the outlet connections 32_1 , 32_2 , 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 are arranged in their open position or their closed position, depending on the cleaning requirements.

[0113] In method step V4, the actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid conveying device 10 is determined by the pressure sensor 20. The fluid pressure generated by the fluid conveying device 10 during the determination is determined. In the progressive iteration steps of the method, the actual fluid pressure approaches the control setting, wherein the control setting is obtained by adding the pressure setting value and the first pressure loss.

[0114] In method step V5, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined based on the actual fluid pressure. The total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is proportional to the actual fluid pressure, so the total flow can be determined based on the actual fluid pressure.

[0115] In method step V5 of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10, this can be done using information about the power level of the fluid delivery device 10. In a fluid delivery device 10 designed as a brushless DC pump 10, for example, the rotational speed of the pump 10 is the power level of the pump 10.

[0116] In method step V5 of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10, this can be done using Figure 3 This is done with reference to the characteristic curve diagram of the fluid conveying device 10 shown in , which indicates the total flow rate that can be achieved by the fluid conveying device 10 as a function of the fluid pressure for different power levels of the fluid conveying device 10 .

[0117] from Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , as the power level increases, a greater fluid pressure can be achieved by the fluid delivery device 10 , while the flow rate also increases.

[0118] In method step V6, a first flow through the first cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 is determined based on the total flow. The determination of the first flow through the first cleaning devices 41, 42, 42 depends on the total flow provided by the fluid conveying device 10, which is divided among the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, which are assigned to the outlet connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 in the open position of the fluid distribution device 30. It is therefore possible to determine the first flow through the first cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 based on the total flow.

[0119] If an additional pressure setting value of at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 is determined in method step V2 and the average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​is used as the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value), then in method step V6 for determining the first flow through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43, at least one additional flow through at least one other cleaning device 41, 42, 43 can also be additionally determined based on the total flow.

[0120] In method step V6 of determining first flow rates through first cleaning device 41 , 42 , 43 and, if appropriate, further flow rates through further cleaning devices 41 , 42 , 43 , these are also determined based on the switch positions of output connections 32_1 , 32_2 , 32_3 of fluid distribution device 30 .

[0121] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is divided into pipeline lines in which the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these pipeline systems are in their respective open positions. The total flow is divided according to the flow resistance of the pipeline lines located downstream of the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.

[0122] In method step V7 , taking into account the first flow rate, a first pressure loss is determined in the line 54 , 30 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 41 , 42 , 43 via which the first cleaning device 41 , 42 , 43 is fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device 10 .

[0123] If an additional pressure setting value of at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 is determined in method step V2 and the average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​is used as the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value), then in method step V7, taking into account the first flow, at least one second pressure loss in the pipeline line 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43 can be determined, and the other cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device 10 via this pipeline line.

[0124] The determination of the pressure loss depends on the flow through the corresponding cleaning device 41, 42, 43. The pipeline line (the corresponding cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device 10, more specifically to the fluid output interface 12 of the fluid conveying device 10) for example has: a collecting fluid pipeline 54 from the fluid output interface 12 to the fluid distribution device 30; the fluid distribution device 30; a fluid pipeline, the first output interface 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 is fluidically connected to the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 via the fluid pipeline; and the corresponding fluid distribution devices 41, 42, 43.

[0125] Method step V7 of determining the first pressure loss or the plurality of pressure losses also takes place taking into account the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 .

[0126] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is divided into pipeline lines, in which the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these pipeline systems are in their respective open positions. Before the cleaning fluid is divided into the corresponding pipeline lines, the cleaning fluid passes through the collection line 54 located between the fluid delivery device 10 and the fluid distribution device 30, which also causes a first pressure loss. Therefore, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 passes through the collection line 54.

[0127] In method step V8, a pressure control value is determined based on the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value) and the first pressure loss. In method step V8 of determining or calculating the pressure control value, a pressure value that the fluid delivery device 10 should generate is determined so that the cleaning fluid with the pressure setting value can be output from the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43. For example, the pressure control value is calculated by adding the pressure setting value and the first pressure loss.

[0128] In method step V9 , the fluid conveying device 10 is set in such a way that the fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device 10 is varied in the direction of the pressure control value.

[0129] Method steps V1 to V3 are only performed once for each cleaning request, whereas method steps V4 to V9 are performed until the actual fluid pressure approaches a predetermined distance from the pressure control value.

[0130] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The cleaning system shown in corresponds essentially to Figure 1 The cleaning system shown in FIG. 1 is different in that, in the latter cleaning system, the control device 60 is only coupled to the fluid delivery device 10 and the fluid distribution device 30 via the data line 61 to transmit and / or receive signals, but is not coupled to the pressure sensor 20. Figure 4 In the cleaning system shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid delivery device 10 is data-coupled to the pressure sensor 20 via a data line or signal line 62 to transmit and / or receive signals. The fluid delivery device 10 is configured to receive data determined by the pressure sensor 20 .

[0131] Figure 4 The remaining structure of the cleaning system shown in corresponds to Figure 1 The cleaning system shown in , therefore reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition.

[0132] The control device 60 and / or the fluid delivery device 10 are configured to perform Figure 2 Method steps V1 to V9 shown in FIG. 1 and described below.

[0133] In method step V1, the cleaning requirements of all cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are determined. The cleaning requirements contain information about which motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 should be cleaned. The cleaning requirements therefore contain information about which cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 should be activated. The cleaning requirements also contain information about how high the fluid pressure should be at the outlet of the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43. In addition, the cleaning requirements can contain information about how long the cleaning devices should output cleaning fluid. This method step is performed by the control device 60.

[0134] In method step V2, at least one pressure setting value of at least one first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is determined. It is also possible that in method step V2, at least one further pressure setting value of at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is additionally determined, and the average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​is used as the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value). This method step is performed by the control device 60 or by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0135] In method step V3 , the outlet connections 32_1 , 32_2 , 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 are set to their open position or their closed position, depending on the cleaning requirements. This method step is performed by the control device 60 .

[0136] In method step V4, the actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid conveying device 10 is determined by the pressure sensor 20. In this case, the fluid pressure generated by the fluid conveying device 10 during the determination is determined. In the progressive iteration steps of the method, the actual fluid pressure approaches the control setting, wherein the control setting is obtained by adding the pressure setting value and the first pressure loss. This method step is performed by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0137] In method step V5, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined based on the actual fluid pressure. The total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is proportional to the actual fluid pressure, so the total flow can be determined based on the actual fluid pressure. This method step is performed by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0138] In method step V5 of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10, this can be done using information about the power level of the fluid delivery device 10. In a fluid delivery device 10 designed as a brushless DC pump 10, for example, the rotational speed of the pump 10 is the power level of the pump 10.

[0139] In method step V5 of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10, this can be done using Figure 3 This is done based on the characteristic diagram of the fluid conveying device 10 shown in FIG. , which has been described above.

[0140] In method step V6, a first flow through the first cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 is determined based on the total flow. The determination of the first flow through the first cleaning devices 41, 42, 42 depends on the total flow provided by the fluid conveying device 10, which is divided among the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, which are assigned to the outlet connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 in the open position. It is therefore possible to determine the first flow through the first cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 based on the total flow. This method step is performed by the control device 60 or by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0141] If an additional pressure setting value of at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 is determined in method step V2 and the average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​is used as the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value), then in method step V6 for determining the first flow through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43, at least one additional flow through at least one other cleaning device 41, 42, 43 can also be additionally determined based on the total flow.

[0142] In method step V6 of determining first flow rates through first cleaning device 41 , 42 , 43 and, if appropriate, further flow rates through further cleaning devices 41 , 42 , 43 , these are also determined based on the switch positions of output connections 32_1 , 32_2 , 32_3 of fluid distribution device 30 .

[0143] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is divided into pipeline lines in which the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these pipeline systems are in their respective open positions. The total flow is divided according to the flow resistance of the pipeline lines located downstream of the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.

[0144] In method step V7, taking into account the first flow rate, a first pressure loss is determined in the line 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43 via which the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device 10. This method step is performed by the control device 60 or by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0145] If an additional pressure setting value of at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 is determined in method step V2 and the average value of the determined pressure setting values ​​is used as the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value), then in method step V7, taking into account the first flow, at least one second pressure loss in the pipeline line 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43 can be determined, and the other cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are fluidically connected to the fluid conveying device 10 via this pipeline line.

[0146] Method step V7 of determining the first pressure loss or the plurality of pressure losses also takes place taking into account the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 .

[0147] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is divided into pipeline lines, in which the output interfaces 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these pipeline systems are in their respective open positions. Before the cleaning fluid is divided into the corresponding pipeline lines, the cleaning fluid passes through the collection line 54 located between the fluid delivery device 10 and the fluid distribution device 30, which also causes a first pressure loss. Therefore, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 passes through the collection line 54.

[0148] In method step V8, a pressure control value is determined based on the pressure setting value (target pressure setting value) and the first pressure loss. In method step V8 of determining or calculating the pressure control value, a pressure value that the fluid conveying device 10 should generate is determined so that a cleaning fluid with a pressure setting value can be output from the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43. For example, the pressure control value is calculated by adding the pressure setting value and the first pressure loss. This method step is performed by the control device 60 or by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0149] In method step V9 , the fluid conveying device 10 is set in such a way that the fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device 10 is changed in the direction of the pressure control value. This method step is executed by the control device 60 or by the fluid conveying device 10 .

[0150] Method steps V1 to V3 are only performed once for each cleaning request, whereas method steps V4 to V9 are performed until the actual fluid pressure approaches a predetermined distance from the pressure control value.

[0151] Reference numerals list

[0152] 1 Cleaning system

[0153] 10 Fluid transport device / pump

[0154] 11 Fluid input interface (of fluid delivery device)

[0155] 12 (fluid delivery device) fluid output interface

[0156] 20 Pressure sensor

[0157] 30 Fluid distribution device / valve block

[0158] 31 Input interface (of fluid distribution device)

[0159] 32_1 (First) output interface of (fluid distribution device)

[0160] 32_2 (Second) output interface of (fluid distribution device)

[0161] 32_3 (Third) output interface of (fluid distribution device)

[0162] 41 (First) Cleaning device / cleaning nozzle

[0163] 42 (Second) Cleaning device / cleaning nozzle

[0164] 43 (Third) Cleaning device / cleaning nozzle

[0165] 51 (First) Fluid Pipeline

[0166] 52 (Second) Fluid pipeline

[0167] 53 (Third) Fluid pipeline

[0168] 54 Fluid pipeline

[0169] 60 Control device

[0170] 61 Data line / signal line

[0171] 62 Data line / signal line

[0172] S1 (First) motor vehicle component / (First) sensor / motor vehicle sensor / optical sensor

[0173] S2 (Second) Motor Vehicle Component / (Second) Sensor / Motor Vehicle Sensor / Optical Sensor

[0174] S3 (Third) Motor Vehicle Component / (Third) Sensor / Motor Vehicle Sensor / Optical Sensor

[0175] V1 Method Steps

[0176] V2 Method Steps

[0177] V3 Method Steps

[0178] V4 Method Steps

[0179] V5 Method Steps

[0180] V6 Method Steps

[0181] V7 Method Steps

[0182] V8 Method Steps

[0183] V9 Method Steps

Claims

1. A method for controlling a cleaning system for a motor vehicle component (S1, S2, S3), wherein the cleaning system has: - a fluid delivery device (10); - a pressure sensor (20) for determining the pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); - a fluid distribution device (30) having at least one fluid delivery device (10) A fluidically connected input interface (31) and at least two output interfaces (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) fluidically connected to the input interface (31), wherein each output interface (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) is adjustable between an open position and a closed position; - at least two cleaning devices (41, 42, 43), each of which is fluidically connected to a corresponding output interface (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) via a fluid line (51, 52, 53); and a control device (60) which is data-coupled to the fluid conveying device (10) and the fluid dispensing device (30) for transmitting and / or receiving signals, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: - determining (V1) the cleaning requirements of all cleaning devices (41, 42, 43); - determining (V2) a pressure setting value of at least one first cleaning device (41, 42, 43); - according to the cleaning requirement, setting (V3) the output interface (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) of the fluid distribution device (30) to its open position or its closed position; - determining (V4) the actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); - based on the actual fluid pressure determination (V5) by the fluid delivery device (10) Total flow delivered; - determining (V6) a first flow rate through the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) based on the total flow rate; - taking into account the first flow rate, determining (V7) a first pressure loss in the pipeline line (54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43), the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) being fluidly connected to the fluid delivery device (10) via the pipeline route; - determining (V8) a pressure control value based on said pressure setpoint and said first pressure loss; and - setting (V9) the fluid delivery device (10) so that the fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device (10) changes in the direction of the pressure control value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method step (V5) of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device (10) is performed using power level information of the fluid delivery device (10).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method step (V5) of determining the total flow delivered by the fluid conveying device (10) is carried out using a characteristic curve diagram of the fluid conveying device (10), which indicates the total flow that can be achieved by the fluid conveying device (10) in the form of a function of the fluid pressure for different power levels of the fluid conveying device (10).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fluid delivery device (10) is set to a lowest power level at which the pressure control value can be achieved by the fluid delivery device (10).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method step (V6) of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) is also performed based on the switch position of the output connection (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) of the fluid distribution device (30).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method step (V6) of determining the first flow through the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) is also carried out on the basis of a first conversion table, which indicates the ratio of the flow through the pipeline paths (51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43) assigned to the respective cleaning device (41, 42, 43) in the form of a function of the fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device (10).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method step (V6) of determining the first flow through the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) is also performed based on at least one second conversion table, wherein in the second conversion table, under the fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device (10), all permutations and combinations of switch positions of all output interfaces (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) of the fluid distribution device (30) indicate the percentage flow through the pipeline paths (51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43) assigned to the corresponding cleaning device (41, 42, 43).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method step (V7) of determining the first pressure loss is also performed taking into account the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device (10).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the method step (V2) of determining at least one pressure setting value for at least one first cleaning device (41, 42, 43), at least one further pressure setting value for at least one second cleaning device (41, 42, 43) is additionally determined, and values ​​calculated based on these determined pressure setting values ​​are used as pressure setting values.

10. A cleaning system for a motor vehicle component (S1, S2, S3), the cleaning system comprising: - a fluid delivery device (10); - a pressure sensor (20) for determining the pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); - a fluid distribution device (30) having at least one fluid delivery device (10) A fluidically connected input interface (31) and at least two output interfaces (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) fluidically connected to the input interface (31), wherein each output interface (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) is adjustable between an open position and a closed position; - at least two cleaning devices (41, 42, 43), each of which is fluidically connected to a corresponding output interface (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) via a fluid line (51, 52, 53); and - a control device (60) which is data-coupled to the fluid delivery device (10) and the fluid distribution device (30) for transmitting and / or receiving signals, wherein the cleaning system is characterized in that the control device (60) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A motor vehicle having at least two motor vehicle components (S1, S2, S3) and having a cleaning system according to claim 10 for cleaning the motor vehicle components (S1, S2, S3).

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