Motor vehicle having plurality of sensors and cleaning device, and method for operating cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of sensors (1) and a cleaning device (2) for applying a water-based cleaning liquid (3) taken from a liquid reservoir (4) to the sensors (1), an electrocatalytic unit (9) being provided, the electrocatalytic unit is used to produce a final product in the form of an alcohol (8), which can be added as an additive to the cleaning liquid (3), from air as reactants and water in the cleaning liquid (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a plurality of sensors and a cleaning device for applying a water-based cleaning fluid taken from a reservoir to the sensors. Background Art

[0002] As the degree of automation and autonomy in motor vehicles increases, the number of sensors required for the relevant technology also increases. In particular, sensors located on the outside of the motor vehicle must be cleaned periodically and according to the degree of contamination. Therefore, the consumption of the required washing water (hereinafter also referred to as cleaning fluid) will naturally increase. In a level 4 autonomous vehicle, the estimated consumption is about 10 liters per 450 km. At this time, the user of the motor vehicle must not only remember to regularly replenish the water in the cleaning fluid, but also to buy suitable antifreeze and add it to the cleaning fluid at least in the colder seasons. The purchase process is cumbersome, because it is usually necessary to go to the gas station for this, which is sometimes overlooked and results in the antifreeze not being added, which can cause the cleaning fluid to freeze and no longer be able to clean the sensors. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on the problem of specifying an improved motor vehicle.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, motor vehicles of the type mentioned at the outset have an electrocatalytic unit for preparing / generating an end product in the form of alcohol from air and water in the cleaning fluid as reactants, which end product can be added to the cleaning fluid as an additive.

[0005] The invention provides an electrocatalytic unit integrated in a motor vehicle, with which an antifreeze in the form of an alcohol can be prepared on board the vehicle and can be added to a cleaning fluid. This provides convenience for the user and avoids the need for the user to purchase and store antifreeze separately. In particular, since the alcohol is preferably added automatically to the cleaning fluid, manual addition is no longer necessary, so that it can be ensured that the cleaning fluid does not freeze. The alcohol is prepared from the water in the cleaning fluid, that is, from a medium that is always present in the vehicle.

[0006] In the electrocatalytic unit, not only electrolysis reactions but also catalytic reactions occur. In order to carry out these reactions, the unit has corresponding components. In order to carry out the electrolysis reaction, at least two electrodes, i.e., an anode and a cathode, are required, which are connected to a DC voltage source. In order to carry out the catalytic reaction, at least one catalyst configured for the intended reaction is required. For the electrocatalytic unit, reactants are supplied to the unit from the outside. The reactants are air and water in a cleaning liquid. Water is electrolyzed in the electrocatalytic unit, wherein hydrogen and oxygen are generated as electrolysis products. In at least one catalytic process, hydrogen from the electrolysis product, oxygen from the electrolysis product or air, and carbon dioxide from the air are converted into alcohols, for example, by catalysis or synthesis. Alcohol is output from the electrocatalytic unit and added to the cleaning liquid in the reservoir as an additive, which can be done manually or automatically. Alcohol as an antifreeze agent is used as an additive. Adding alcohol to the cleaning liquid reduces the freezing point of the cleaning liquid. Since the present invention proposes a water-based cleaning liquid, it is advantageous that the miscibility of alcohol with water is not limited. Suitable alcohols are methanol, ethanol and propan-1-ol. In the case of alcohols as additives, a particularly advantageous property is that they are fat-soluble, so that the alcohols impart an additional advantageous cleaning effect to the cleaning liquid.

[0007] Preferably, the electrocatalytic unit is divided into three reaction chambers, wherein the reaction chambers are divided into an electrolysis chamber and a first catalytic chamber and a second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber. This has the advantage that the reactants and products in the individual reaction steps are prevented from mixing. In addition, the individual reaction chambers can be optimally designed according to a specific reaction. For example, the corresponding reaction temperature and the optimal pressure can be adjusted in one of the catalytic chambers or the synthesis chamber during the gas reaction.

[0008] As another option, the reaction chambers may preferably have a modular structure so that when one reaction chamber fails, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire electrocatalytic unit, but only to replace one chamber, which will make the maintenance of the electrocatalytic unit more convenient.

[0009] In the electrolysis chamber, preferably water (H 2 O) to produce hydrogen (H 2 ) and oxygen (O 2 ) as a product. This reaction chamber contains two electrodes, a cathode and an anode, which are connected to a direct current source. Both electrodes are immersed in a cleaning liquid that is fed into this chamber. During electrolysis, the cleaning liquid, which is entirely or at least mostly composed of water, is decomposed into gas. The following overall reaction occurs:

[0010] 2H 2 O(f)→2H 2 (g)+O 2 (g),

[0011] Wherein, (f) represents the liquid state of the substance, and (g) represents the gaseous state of the substance. Here, hydrogen (H 2 ) and produces oxygen (O 2 ). Alternatively, the electrolysis chamber can be constructed similarly to a Hofmann hydrolysis device. Here, the two electrodes are located in different subchambers, so that the gaseous products rise in different subchambers and can be collected separately at this time. There are also corresponding pipelines for the cleaning liquid to be transported from the reservoir to the electrolysis chamber, and for hydrogen (H) in the first catalytic chamber downstream. 2 ) and optionally a pipeline for oxygen (O) from the electrolysis chamber to a downstream second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber. 2 ) pipeline.

[0012] In a modified embodiment of the present invention, in the first catalytic chamber, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and hydrogen (H 2 ) to prepare alkanes (C n H 2n+2 ) as a product. The first catalytic chamber contains a catalyst suitable for the intended reaction. In this chamber, two gaseous reactants react to produce two gaseous products, wherein oxygen (O 2 ) is a by-product, but optionally, this by-product can also be used in the subsequent process, so in this case it is not necessary to separate the product. The reactants enter the catalytic chamber from one side and flow through the catalyst, wherein the product is drawn out of this (catalytic) chamber at the other end of this (catalytic) chamber. The following overall reaction occurs in the first catalytic chamber:

[0013] nCO 2 (g)+n+1H 2 (g) → C n H 2n+2 (g)+nO 2 (g)

[0014] It is worth mentioning here that methane (n=1) and ethane (n=2) are lighter than carbon dioxide and rise above carbon dioxide in the absence of air turbulence. Therefore, the gas can be collected at the upper end of this chamber. The first catalytic chamber is connected to the pipelines leading to other reaction chambers respectively. On the one hand, these pipelines are hydrogen pipes from the electrolysis chamber and pipelines for alkanes and oxygen that are led from the first catalytic chamber to the second catalytic chamber or the synthesis chamber. In addition, a pipeline leading out of the electrocatalytic chamber is arranged at the first catalytic chamber for transporting carbon dioxide from the ambient air to the first catalytic chamber. In order to increase the output of the catalytic reaction, that is, to push the reaction equilibrium to move in the direction of the product, the catalytic chamber can be designed so that the chamber itself or the catalyst can be heated. In addition, it is beneficial to the reaction balance that in addition to higher temperatures, higher pressures can also be achieved in this chamber.

[0015] In a modified embodiment of the present invention, in the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber, the alkane (C n H 2n+2 ) and oxygen (O 2 ) to produce alcohol as product (C n H 2n+2 O). The second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber contains a catalyst configured for the reaction performed therein. In this reaction chamber, two gaseous reactants react to form a liquid product, wherein the product at this time is also the final product of the electrocatalytic unit. Here, the reactants enter the catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber from one side and flow through the catalyst, and react according to the following overall reaction equation:

[0016] 2C n H 2n+2 (g)+O 2 (g) → 2C n H 2n+2 O(f).

[0017] The liquid final product (alcohol) can be collected at the bottom of the chamber. It is particularly advantageous that the chamber bottom is designed like a funnel bottom, or that the chamber bottom has a slope that descends towards the corner. This makes it easier to collect the liquid and transfer the liquid to the liquid pipeline for delivery to the liquid reservoir. In addition to the alkane pipeline and the oxygen pipeline from the first catalytic chamber, there is also an additional pipeline for the air to be transported, preferably a pipeline leading from the electrocatalytic chamber. In order to increase the output of the catalytic reaction or synthesis, that is, to push the reaction equilibrium towards the product, the catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber itself or the catalyst can be heated. The reaction chamber can also be designed in such a way that a higher pressure can be achieved.

[0018] In addition to the electrocatalytic unit, a storage chamber can be provided for storing the prepared alcohol. This has the advantage that if the liquid level in the reservoir is so low that alcohol can no longer be produced, the stored alcohol can still be delivered to the reservoir when needed. Even if the cleaning liquid already contains enough antifreeze (this will be explained below, for example, this can be detected by measurement technology), the supply can be stopped. If such a storage is provided, the user can start the reserve production of alcohol in this case via a menu item or button in the vehicle console. Of course, the storage chamber is connected to the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber and the reservoir via a pipeline.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, one or more pumps are provided for conveying reactants, products and end products, wherein one pump or a portion of the pumps is used as a metering pump. Positive displacement pumps, in particular diaphragm pumps, are particularly suitable for such conveying, wherein these pumps are also suitable as metering pumps. The pipeline between the reservoir and the electrocatalytic unit and the pipeline from the electrocatalytic unit to the reservoir, as well as any other pipelines that require accurate metering of liquids or gases, should be equipped with metering pumps.

[0020] The reservoir can have a sensor, by which the alcohol content in the cleaning fluid can be detected. The alcohol production in the electrocatalytic unit is controlled according to the detection result of the sensor. If the alcohol content in the cleaning fluid is below a certain threshold value (which is stored in the control device that controls the operation), the required amount of alcohol is prepared. For this purpose, an appropriate amount of cleaning fluid is taken from the reservoir, which should then be converted into alcohol. If the determined alcohol content in the cleaning fluid is above a certain threshold value (which is stored in the control device), there is no need to prepare alcohol with the help of the electrocatalytic unit. Here, in order to be able to add it to the reservoir immediately, the preparation of alcohol is automatically completed by the control device that controls the corresponding components. The control device can be connected to a communication interface, for example. The communication interface can access weather data by a wireless transmission method, and transmit the weather data to the control device, and thus adapt the alcohol content of the cleaning fluid according to the predicted weather. Therefore, abnormal cold periods or low temperatures can be taken into account. It is also conceivable that the user can enter the planned itinerary in advance through the operating element of the infotainment system, and can adapt the alcohol content in the antifreeze according to the predicted weather events that occur due to geographical reasons, such as when going on vacation to the Alps.

[0021] Preferably, the reservoir can have a liquid level sensor, through which the liquid level of the reservoir can be detected. Because the sensor, especially the sensor located outside, may not be kept clean when the cleaning liquid is insufficient. Since the contaminated sensor can only play a limited function, the highly automated driving function must be turned off. In order to prevent this, an optical and / or acoustic signal is output to the user of the vehicle according to the detection result of the sensor. For example, the liquid level information can be indicated by a display as a relative liquid level indication, wherein 100% indicates that the reservoir is full and 0% indicates that the reservoir is empty. In addition, when a specific liquid level (for example 25%) is reached, the user can be reminded that water should be added to the reservoir again. An advantageous improvement scheme can also be that the cleaning liquid consumption can be calculated and the user is indicated: how many kilometers the current liquid level is sufficient before he needs to refill water. When the liquid level is too low, the removal of cleaning liquid for the purpose of preparing alcohol can also be stopped, that is, the removal can finally be controlled according to the liquid level.

[0022] In a refinement of the invention, at least one collecting device can be provided for collecting the cleaning water when cleaning the sensor, and / or the condensed water collected on the evaporator of the air conditioning system, and / or the rainwater, wherein these waters can be conveyed to the reservoir. This refinement has the advantage that the user no longer needs to frequently refill the reservoir with water. As a result, the number of stops for refilling can be significantly reduced. For example, in the external sensor, a trough-like collecting device can be provided in the area of ​​the external sensor, which collects the outflowing cleaning liquid and is connected to the reservoir via a pipeline. The condensed water on the evaporator of the air conditioning system can be collected by a collecting basin below the evaporator and conveyed to the reservoir. The rainwater can be collected in the form of a collecting trough, for example at the lower edge of the windshield, wherein the initial impurities in the water can be filtered by means of a filter, for example a zeolite layer.

[0023] The reservoir may have one or more inlets and one or more outlets, wherein at least a portion of the inlets or the plurality of inlets are provided with a liquid filter, and at least a portion of the outlets or the plurality of outlets are provided with a liquid filter. Impurities may just be collected at the same time in the collected water and / or the recycled cleaning liquid. In order to prevent impurities from accumulating in the cleaning liquid and in particular in the reservoir, a liquid filter may be provided at a suitable location. It is also advantageous that no impurities enter the electrocatalytic unit. Impurities in the electrocatalytic unit may also cause pipe blockages, erroneous reactions and destruction of the catalyst. In this regard, it may also be advantageous to filter not only the liquid but also the inhaled external air.

[0024] In addition to the motor vehicle according to the invention, the invention also relates to a method for operating a cleaning device for cleaning motor vehicle sensors, in which method an end product in the form of an alcohol is produced in an electrocatalytic unit from air as reactants and water in a cleaning fluid, which end product is added to the cleaning fluid as an additive.

[0025] Preferably, at least two processes are carried out in the electrocatalytic unit, wherein at least one electrolysis process and at least one catalytic process or synthesis process are carried out in the electrocatalytic unit.

[0026] In a modification of the method, three processes are carried out in the electrocatalytic unit: an electrolysis process, a first catalytic process and a second catalytic process or a synthesis process. The method of dividing into multiple process steps has the advantage that optimal reaction conditions can be created for each process step to achieve a high output and / or a high production rate. In the catalytic process, oxygen and hydrogen are produced from water, wherein the water required for this comes from a clean liquid. In the first catalytic process, carbon dioxide obtained from the air and hydrogen from the electrolysis process react with each other to form alkanes. In the second catalytic process or the synthesis process, oxygen either from the electrolysis process or as a by-product from the alkane production process or from the air reacts with alkanes to be converted into alcohols. Subsequently, the prepared alcohol is added to the clean liquid in the reservoir.

[0027] Additionally, the alcohol content in the cleaning liquid can be determined, wherein the alcohol production in the electrocatalytic unit is controlled as a function of the determination result. If the alcohol content in the cleaning liquid is below a threshold value stored in the control device, the production process for the required amount of alcohol is started. This occurs automatically. Furthermore, if there is a possibility for storing alcohol, the production of alcohol can be started by the user himself by means of a button or a menu option, and the produced alcohol can be stored for future use.

[0028] The filling level of the liquid reservoir can be determined by measuring technology, wherein an optical and / or acoustic signal is output to a user as a function of the determination result. In a further development of the method, the filling level can also be indicated to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Further advantages and details of the invention are obtained from the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the device according to the invention, and

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an electrocatalytic unit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In a motor vehicle (not shown in detail) with driver assistance systems and / or highly automated driving functions, there are a plurality of sensors 1 which are arranged on the outside of the vehicle and are used, for example, to record information in the vehicle environment. The sensors 1 are exposed to different weather conditions, dust, dirt and other contaminants, which can lead to coatings on the sensors and even blockage. In order to still ensure the function of the sensors 1, they must be cleaned regularly and according to the degree of contamination. For example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG, a cleaning device 2 is provided on the motor vehicle side for cleaning. For this purpose, a water-based cleaning liquid 3 is taken from a reservoir 4 and conveyed to a nozzle 7 via a line 6 by means of a pump 5. The nozzle 7 then cleans the external sensor 1 by a certain fluid pressure and also by the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid 3.

[0033] Since motor vehicles have a plurality of sensors 1, the cleaning requirements are high. The high cleaning requirements also lead to a high consumption of cleaning fluid. Accordingly, the user of the motor vehicle must regularly supply a relatively large amount of cleaning fluid 3 to the reservoir 4. In this case, the reservoir 4 should be supplied not only with water, but also with a corresponding amount of antifreeze, at least in the colder seasons. Here, alcohol 8 can be used as antifreeze, which is added to the cleaning fluid 3 as an additive. Alcohol 8 is prepared as required on the motor vehicle. Preparation is achieved by an electrocatalytic unit 9 integrated in the vehicle. In order to prepare alcohol 8 in the electrocatalytic unit 9, only air and water in the cleaning fluid 3 are required, wherein preferably ambient air is used.

[0034] Furthermore, a control device 11 is provided, which controls the operation of the electrocatalytic device and other components integrated in the system and communicates with corresponding sensors, pumps, valves, etc. integrated in the system.

[0035] The level sensor 10 installed at the reservoir 4 determines the liquid level of the reservoir 4. Here, an acoustic signal can be transmitted to the user through a suitable speaker 12 or the like, and / or an optical signal can be transmitted to the user through a display device 13 (such as a display or a light source, etc.) according to the determination result. The signal can be an alarm signal, which indicates to the user that the liquid level is below a certain threshold value, for example, below 25% of the liquid level, and that the reservoir 4 needs to be filled with water in time. It is also advantageous to inform the user of the motor vehicle about the current liquid level of the reservoir 4 at any time. At this time, this information can be displayed by a display on the dashboard or by a screen on the center console. Thus, not only the current liquid level of the reservoir 4 can be displayed, but also the estimated consumption can be determined, thereby indicating to the user how many kilometers the filling amount of the reservoir 4 can last.

[0036] If the driver has to add water to the reservoir 4, this is done via the water tank opening 14. For example, the water tank opening 14 can be provided with a threaded connection or a plug-in connection for connecting a water pipe to the motor vehicle. In the line 15 connecting the water tank opening 14 to the reservoir 4, there may also be a liquid filter 16 for removing impurities from the water. If clean water is added to the cleaning liquid 3 in the reservoir 4, the concentration of the alcohol 8 that may already be present in the cleaning liquid 3 naturally also changes. In order to check whether the alcohol concentration in the cleaning liquid 3 is above a certain threshold value, an alcohol sensor 17 is arranged on the reservoir 4. The alcohol sensor 17 determines the alcohol concentration of the cleaning liquid 3. If the alcohol concentration is below a given limit value, the control device 11 that communicates with the alcohol sensor 17 starts the preparation process in the electrocatalytic unit 9. At this time, a certain amount of cleaning liquid 3 is delivered to the electrocatalytic unit 9 via the line 19 and the metering pump 20. Subsequently, as will be described below, the alcohol 8 is prepared in the electrocatalytic unit 9 from the cleaning liquid 3 and air. Subsequently, the alcohol 8 used as antifreeze is fed back to the reservoir 4 via another pipeline 21 and a metering pump 22 .

[0037] In this example, water can not only be supplied to the reservoir 4 manually by the user through the water tank opening 14, but also the motor vehicle itself can collect water by means of a collecting device for subsequent supply to the reservoir 4. On the one hand, the used cleaning fluid 3 can be collected by means of a collecting device 23 on the external sensor 1. This can be done, for example, by means of a small collecting trough surrounding the external sensor 1. Expediently, the collected water and / or cleaning fluid 3 is guided through a liquid filter 25 before it reaches the reservoir 4 via the line 24, so that impurities cannot reach the reservoir 4 and the cleaning fluid 3. In the embodiment shown, provision can also be made for condensed water to be collected on the evaporator 26, wherein a collecting basin 27 for collecting condensed water is provided below the evaporator 26. The water is also filtered by means of a liquid filter 29 before it reaches the reservoir 4 via the line 28. Provision is also made for collecting rainwater, preferably rainwater at the windshield, wherein a collecting trough 30 is located at the lower end of the windshield so that rainwater can be wiped into the collecting trough 30 by means of a windshield wiper. In the collecting trough 30, for example, a zeolite filter can be present, so that coarse dirt is already pre-filtered out of the rainwater. Nevertheless, in the line 31 from the rainwater collecting trough to the reservoir 4, a liquid filter 32 is also present in order to separate even the last impurities from the water. These additional collecting devices have the effect that the motor vehicle user only has to plan for a few parking times to fill the reservoir 4.

[0038] Figure 2In the embodiment, the electrocatalytic unit 9 is divided into three reaction chambers, wherein the electrocatalytic unit is divided into an electrolysis chamber 33, a first catalytic chamber 34 and a second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35. The cleaning liquid 3 is conveyed from the liquid reservoir 4 to the electrocatalytic unit 9 via the pipeline 19 by means of a metering pump 20, wherein the cleaning liquid 3 reaches the electrolysis chamber 33. For example, the electrolysis chamber 33 can be constructed like a Hofmann water splitting device, which is the case in this example. Here, the container 36 of the cleaning liquid 3 is divided into three interconnected subchambers. Here, the two outer chambers on the left and right also form subchambers containing electrodes 37. There is an anode 38 in the left subchamber, and a cathode 39 in the right subchamber. The two electrodes 37 are connected to each other by a direct current source. During the electrolysis reaction, the water in the cleaning liquid 3 is decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen. At this time, the corresponding gas rises in its subchamber, wherein oxygen rises and is collected at the anode 38, and hydrogen rises and is collected at the cathode 39.

[0039] The two gases are conveyed separately to one of the downstream chambers via lines 40, 41 and pumps 42, 43, wherein hydrogen is conveyed to the first catalytic chamber 34 and oxygen is conveyed to the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35. In addition to hydrogen, carbon dioxide from the external air is conveyed to the first catalytic chamber 34 via a pump 44 or a blower via a line 45 provided for this purpose, and it is advantageous at this time to purify the air via an air filter 46 before the air reaches the electrocatalytic unit. In the first catalytic chamber 34, there is a first catalyst 47 that is arranged for the reaction in this chamber. In the intended reaction, hydrogen and carbon dioxide react to form alkanes and oxygen, wherein alkanes are the main products and oxygen is a by-product. Advantageously, oxygen and alkanes are discharged from the first catalytic chamber 34 separately from each other via lines 40, 48 and by means of pumps 42, 49.

[0040] In this example, the main product and the by-product of the first catalytic chamber 34 are conveyed to the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35. In the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35, there is a second catalyst 50 which is arranged to react in this chamber. In the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35, the alkane and oxygen undergo a catalytic reaction to produce alcohol 8. Since the produced alcohol 8 is in liquid form, the alcohol can drip directly to the bottom of the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35. At the bottom of the reaction chamber, the pipeline 21 is connected to the subordinate metering pump 22, and then the alcohol 8 is quantitatively distributed from the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber 35 to the reservoir 4 by the subordinate metering pump, and preferably can be delivered according to the alcohol content in the cleaning liquid measured by the alcohol sensor 17. Alcohol preparation or alcohol delivery can be carried out until a specific alcohol content is measured again in the cleaning liquid.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle having a plurality of sensors (1) and a cleaning device (2) for applying a water-based cleaning liquid (3) taken from a reservoir (4) to the sensors (1), characterized in that: An electrocatalytic unit (9) is provided for preparing, from air and water in the cleaning liquid (3) as reactants, a final product in the form of an alcohol (8), which can be added to the cleaning liquid (3) as an additive.

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrocatalytic unit (9) is divided into three reaction chambers, wherein the reaction chambers are divided into an electrolysis chamber (33), a first catalytic chamber (34) and a second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber (35).

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the catalyst chamber (33), hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) can be generated as products from water (H2O) as a reactant, wherein the water is a component of the cleaning liquid (3).

4. A motor vehicle according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that In the first catalytic chamber (34), alkanes (C n H 2n+2 ) as a product.

5. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that In the second catalytic chamber or synthesis chamber (35), the alkane (C n H 2n+2 ) and oxygen (O2) from air and / or electrolysis chamber (33) to produce alcohol (8) as the final product (C n H 2n+2 O).

6. The motor vehicle according to claims 2 to 5, characterized in that A storage room is provided for storing the produced alcohol.

7. The motor vehicle according to claims 2 to 6, characterized in that One or more pumps (20, 22, 42, 43, 44, 49) are provided for conveying reactants, products and final products, wherein the one or part of the pumps are used as metering pumps (20, 22).

8. A motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid reservoir (4) has a sensor (17) by means of which the alcohol content in the cleaning liquid (3) can be detected, wherein the alcohol production in the electrocatalytic unit (9) can be controlled as a function of the detection result.

9. A motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fluid reservoir (4) has a sensor (10) by means of which the fill level of the fluid reservoir (4) can be detected, wherein optical and / or acoustic signals (12, 13) can be output to a user of the vehicle as a function of the detection result.

10. A motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one collecting device (23, 27, 30) is provided for collecting cleaning water when cleaning the sensor (1) and / or condensation water and / or rain water on the evaporator (26) of the air conditioning system, which can be conveyed to the reservoir (4).

11. A motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid reservoir (4) has one or more inlets and one or more outlets, wherein the one inlet or at least a part of the multiple inlets are equipped with a liquid filter (16, 25, 29, 32), and the one outlet or at least a part of the multiple outlets are equipped with a liquid filter (16, 25, 29, 32).

12. A method for operating a cleaning device (2) for cleaning a sensor (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the electrocatalytic unit (9), from air and water in the cleaning liquid (3) as reactants, an end product in the form of an alcohol (8) is produced, which is added as an additive to the cleaning liquid (3).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that At least one electrolytic process and at least one catalytic process or synthesis process are carried out in the electrocatalytic unit (9).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that In the electrocatalytic unit (9), hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) are produced from water (H2O) in an electrolysis process, and in a first catalytic process, alkanes (C n H 2n+2 ), in the second catalytic process or synthesis process, the alkane (C n H 2n+2 ) and oxygen (O2) from electrolysis and / or from air to produce alcohol (C n H 2n+2 O)(8).

15. The method according to claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The alcohol content in the cleaning liquid (3) is determined, wherein the production of alcohol (8) in the electrocatalytic unit (9) is controlled in dependence on the result of the determination.

16. The method according to claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The filling level of a liquid reservoir (4) is determined, wherein an optical and / or acoustic signal (12, 13) is output to a user as a function of the determination result.

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