Cleaning system for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system (1) for a vehicle (2) and a method for triggering a cleaning process by a cleaning system (1), wherein the cleaning system (1) has a sensor unit (31) that monitors a first pump unit (10), wherein a second pump unit (20) is controlled by a control unit (30) depending on the monitoring result of the sensor unit (31).

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning system for a vehicle, comprising a triggering device for initiating a cleaning process, a first control device for a first pump unit for spraying cleaning fluid onto a first vehicle surface, and a second control device for a second pump unit for spraying cleaning fluid onto a second vehicle surface. The vehicle cleaning system further comprises a control unit and a sensor unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the first and / or the second control device of the respective first and second pump units, and the sensor unit is configured to monitor at least one state of the first pump unit and to transmit the monitoring result of the monitoring of the first pump unit to the control unit. The invention further relates to a method for initiating a cleaning process by a cleaning system. Modern vehicles, especially automobiles, can be equipped with a cleaning system for multiple surfaces, such as a windshield and / or a headlight lens. Such a combined cleaning system often includes, in addition to a pump unit for cleaning the first surface, a second pump unit that pressurizes the cleaning fluid so that it sprays from nozzles directed at the second surface, washing away dirt and grime. The individual components of the cleaning system are, of course, connected by lines for transporting the cleaning fluid. DC motors controlled by semiconductors are often used in the pump units of cleaning systems. If a pump unit motor becomes blocked, particularly due to freezing of the cleaning fluid, this places an additional load on the control electronics. This can shorten the service life of such a control device. It is known to measure the current drawn by the motor of a pump unit and to switch off the pump unit as early as possible if a blockage is detected. However, this approach has the disadvantage that it cannot completely prevent the additional load on the control device. From GB 2 253 338 A a windshield washer system for vehicles with two containers for windshield washer fluid is known, one of which can contain windshield washer fluid in normal or summer concentration and the other windshield washer fluid in higher or winter concentration, wherein means are provided by which windshield washer fluid can be taken from one or the other of the containers depending on the outside temperature. DE 10 2007 046 121 A1 discloses a device for applying various fluids to transparent parts of a means of transport, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first storage tank for a first fluid, at least one first pump, and at least one first outlet, which are connected to each other by fluid lines. The device further provides that at least one second storage tank for a second fluid is provided and that at least one outlet is connected to both the first and second storage tanks by fluid lines in such a way that the first and / or the second fluid can optionally be conveyed to the outlet. This enables, using components already common in conventional car washes, the separate cleaning and de-icing of the windows and / or headlights, respectively, in accordance with environmental requirements. The object of the invention is to provide an improved cleaning system for a vehicle of the type mentioned above, as well as an improved method for triggering a cleaning process by a vehicle's cleaning system. This problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle cleaning system according to claim 1 and by a method for triggering a cleaning process by a cleaning system according to claim 9. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the figure, and the description. Features and details described in connection with the cleaning system naturally also apply in connection with the method for triggering a cleaning process by a cleaning system, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always refers to, or can refer to, each other. According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a vehicle cleaning system. The cleaning system according to the invention comprises a triggering device for initiating a cleaning process and a first pump unit for spraying a first cleaning fluid onto a first vehicle surface with a first control device. Furthermore, the cleaning system according to the invention comprises a second pump unit for spraying a second cleaning fluid onto a second vehicle surface with a second control device and a control unit for controlling the first and / or the second control device. Preferably, the two control devices of the respective pump units are connected to the control unit for receiving and / or sending signals. The cleaning system also comprises a sensor unit for monitoring at least one state of the first pump unit.This sensor unit is designed to transmit the monitoring results from the first pump unit to the control unit. Furthermore, the cleaning system is designed such that the second control device of the second pump unit can be controlled based on the monitoring results from the first pump unit, as determined by the sensor unit. The condition of the first pump unit indicates whether the cleaning system can operate correctly. When the cleaning system is operating correctly, the first and second cleaning fluids are sprayed onto the first and second vehicle surfaces, respectively, by the first and second pump units. These cleaning fluids can be water-based, alcohol-based, or water-alcohol mixtures. Often, they also contain surfactants. The first and second cleaning fluids can be either two different types or the same type. In the simplest case, water can be used as the cleaning fluid. The condition of the first pump unit during operation may differ from its condition under normal operating conditions, for example, if the cleaning fluid is missing or frozen.The inventive design of the vehicle cleaning system makes it possible for the second control device of the second pump unit to be activated only in situations where normal operation of the second pump unit is expected. In situations where normal operation of the second pump unit is not expected, the second control device is not activated. This omission can be achieved, for example, by the control unit not sending a control signal. However, other implementation options are also conceivable, such as sending a "stop" signal or appropriately modifying or blocking a control signal already sent by the control unit to the second control device during transmission to the second control device.By monitoring the condition of the first pump unit, which can be designed to be less sensitive and therefore less expensive than the second pump unit, the second pump unit and its associated second control unit can be protected. This leads to a longer service life for the cleaning system, especially for the second pump unit and its associated second control unit, and consequently to cost reductions. In a preferred embodiment of a cleaning system, the monitoring result can depend on whether a specific first limit value is exceeded and / or whether a specific second limit value is not met. To determine this, a reference unit can be provided, for example. This reference unit can be part of the control unit. The condition of the first pump unit, determined by the monitoring result of the first pump unit, is compared with predefined limit values. Depending on the type of predefined limit values, this allows it to be determined whether the monitoring result is above or below a specific value, or whether it lies within or outside a specific range of values.This makes it possible to set very precise limits for a monitoring result of the monitoring of the first pump unit, which indicate that the first pump unit is operating correctly. According to the invention, the control unit is designed to activate the control unit of the second pump unit with a time delay relative to the activation of the control unit of the first pump unit. In this configuration, when the trigger device of the cleaning system is activated by the control unit, the first control unit of the first pump unit is activated first, followed after a short interval, in particular less than one second, by the second control unit of the second pump unit. This time delay makes it possible to evaluate the monitoring result generated by the sensor unit for the first pump unit and, if necessary, not to activate the second control unit of the second pump unit.This ensures that the second control device of the second pump unit is only activated when proper operation of the second pump unit can be expected. Furthermore, in a cleaning system according to the invention, the control unit and / or the sensor unit can be integrated into the first control unit of the first pump unit or into the second control unit of the second pump unit. The control unit or the sensor unit is thus part of the respective control unit. Integration of the control unit and the sensor unit into the first control unit of the first pump unit is particularly preferred. In this way, the control and monitoring of a cleaning system according to the invention can be implemented in a compact and space-saving manner. The triggering device can be a conventional operating lever, switch, or button that the vehicle user operates manually. However, it can also be an automatically operating triggering device, such as a timer for an interval wiper system or a rain / humidity sensor for an automatic wiper control. In a cleaning system according to the invention, the first vehicle surface can be a vehicle window or a headlight cover, or the second vehicle surface can be a vehicle window or a headlight cover. The first vehicle surface can be a headlight cover and the second vehicle surface can be a vehicle window. However, it is particularly preferred that the first vehicle surface is a vehicle window and the second vehicle surface is a headlight cover. The second pump unit, which, in the latter embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention, sprays the second cleaning fluid onto a headlight cover, often operates at a higher pressure (and is therefore often more expensive) than the first pump unit.The second pump unit, and therefore also the second control unit, is usually subjected to greater stress. By monitoring the first pump unit, which is subject to less stress, the second pump unit and thus the second control unit can be better protected in the event of a detected malfunction of the cleaning system. Furthermore, a cleaning system according to the invention may be provided with at least one cleaning fluid reservoir, wherein the first pump unit and the second pump unit are each connected to a cleaning fluid reservoir. Two separate cleaning fluid reservoirs, each connected to one of the two pump units, allow the use of two different cleaning fluids in the two pump units. However, two cleaning fluid reservoirs can also be provided when using only one type of cleaning fluid. Alternatively, and preferably, when using only one type of cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid reservoir containing one cleaning fluid can be connected to both pump units. Several pipe arrangements are possible.For example, each pump unit can be connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir via a separate line, or a line connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir can split into two lines, each connected to a pump unit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit of a cleaning system can be configured to monitor the load current drawn by the first pump unit. When the first pump unit is operating correctly, this load current lies within a fixed range that can be determined in advance. If the first pump unit is not operating correctly, the load current reading from the sensor unit may fall outside this range. For example, a lower load current is expected if there is no cleaning fluid. Conversely, a higher load current is expected if the first pump unit is blocked, for example, by frozen cleaning fluid in the entire piping system of the cleaning system. In both cases, the second control unit of the second pump unit is not activated, since proper operation of the second pump unit cannot be expected.Unnecessary strain on the second pump unit and the second control unit can thus be avoided. In a supplementary or alternative embodiment of the cleaning system, the first pump unit can be designed as a rotary pump, and the sensor unit can be configured to monitor the rotational speed of the rotary pump. Even in this embodiment of the invention, the monitoring result for the condition of the first pump unit, when operating correctly, remains within a constant range that can also be determined in advance. If there is no cleaning fluid, the rotational speed of the first pump unit will be significantly higher than during normal operation. In the event of icing, the pump unit is blocked or nearly blocked, and the rotational speed of the rotary pump is therefore zero or nearly zero.Both monitoring results are outside the normal range; the second control device of the second pump unit is not activated, thus avoiding unnecessary operation of the second pump unit. According to a further supplementary or alternative embodiment of the cleaning system, the sensor unit can be designed to monitor the flow of cleaning fluid through the first pump unit. If the first pump unit malfunctions, for example due to a lack of cleaning fluid, frozen cleaning fluid, or a blockage in the cleaning system's lines, the cleaning fluid flow rate will be lower than when the first pump unit is operating correctly. Upon receiving such a monitoring result from the sensor unit, which is then sent to the cleaning system's control unit, the second control device of the second pump unit will not be activated. Thus, in this embodiment as well, operation of the second pump unit can be avoided if its proper operation cannot be expected. Furthermore, in a cleaning system according to the invention, the first and second pump units can be formed by different pressure delivery ranges of a single pump. For example, the pump can be operated in a low-pressure delivery range for cleaning the first vehicle surface, in particular a vehicle window, and in a high-pressure delivery range for cleaning the second vehicle surface, in particular a headlight lens. The distribution of the pumped cleaning fluid to the application point can be controlled, for example, by valves, in particular solenoid valves. The pump is initially operated in the low-pressure delivery range and, provided that proper operation of the pump is confirmed, is switched to the high-pressure delivery range to clean the second vehicle surface. Alternatively, in a cleaning system according to the invention, the first and second pump units can be separate pumps. The pumps can be identical or different in design. Different pump types, such as a rotary or a piston pump, and different pressure delivery ranges can also be provided for the two pumps. In this way, a cleaning system according to the invention can be adapted to a wide variety of requirements. According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a method for triggering a cleaning process using a cleaning system. The cleaning system is designed according to the first aspect of the invention. The advantages described for the cleaning system naturally also apply to the method for triggering a cleaning process when a corresponding cleaning system is used. The method is started by triggering the triggering device, thereby activating the cleaning system. The first control device of the first pump unit is then activated. The first control device of the first pump unit then switches on the first pump unit, which subsequently begins pumping cleaning fluid onto the first vehicle surface.The status of the first pump unit is monitored by the sensor unit, which then transmits the monitoring result to the control unit. Depending on the monitoring result, the second control device of the second pump unit is either activated or deactivated by the control unit. If the second control device of the second pump unit is activated, the second pump unit is switched on to pump cleaning fluid onto the second vehicle surface. The decision to activate or deactivate depends on whether proper operation of the second pump unit can be expected. Activating the second pump unit when malfunction is anticipated can thus be avoided. According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the monitoring result of the sensor unit can be compared by the control unit with a specific first limit value and / or a specific second limit value. If this comparison reveals that the monitoring result exceeds the specified first limit value and / or falls below the specified second limit value, the second control device of the second pump unit is subsequently not activated, as proper operation of the second pump unit cannot be expected. Unnecessary stress on the second pump unit and its associated second control device due to malfunction is thus avoided. Furthermore, in a further advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that if the control unit detects that the first defined limit value has not been exceeded and the second defined limit value has not been undershot, based on the monitoring result of the first pump unit's condition by the sensor unit, the second control device of the second pump unit can be activated by the control unit. In this case, the activation of the second control device of the second pump unit is delayed compared to the activation of the first control device of the first pump unit. If neither the first defined limit value has been exceeded nor the second defined limit value has been undershot, proper operation of the second pump unit is expected.In this case, it is assumed that the cleaning system can be operated properly, both pump units are controlled, and cleaning fluid can also be sprayed onto the second vehicle surface. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which an embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to the drawing. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle having a cleaning system designed according to the inventive principle. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a cleaning system 1 for a vehicle 2, designed according to the principle of the invention. After triggering the triggering device 3, for example by the user of the vehicle 2 or automatically by a time interval switch or a rain / humidity sensor of the vehicle electronics, a cleaning process is initiated. For this purpose, a control signal is sent via the control unit 30 to the first control device 11 of the first pump unit 10. In this embodiment, the first and second pump units 10, 20 are provided as separate pumps. After the first control device 11 is triggered, it switches on the first pump unit 10. The first pump unit 10 then pumps cleaning fluid 5a. In the illustrated embodiment of the cleaning system 1, only one cleaning fluid reservoir 4 is provided; the cleaning fluids 5a, 5b are identical.The cleaning fluid 5a, symbolized by an arrow, is directed by the first pump unit 10 to the first nozzle 12, through which it is sprayed onto the first vehicle surface 6, in this case a vehicle window. The status of the first pump unit 10 is monitored by a sensor unit 31. The monitoring result of the first pump unit 10 by the sensor unit 31 is transmitted to the control unit 30. In this configuration of the cleaning system, the monitoring result of the sensor unit 31 is compared in a comparison unit 32 of the control unit 30 with a first and / or second limit value, which was / are determined beforehand. If the comparison of the monitoring result with the first and / or the second limit value is positive, the second control device 21 of the second pump unit 20 is activated by the control unit 30.This activates the second pump unit 20, and cleaning fluid 5b, symbolized by an arrow and pre-pumped by the first pump unit 10, is directed by the second pump unit 20 to the second nozzle 22 and from there sprayed onto the second vehicle surface 7, in the illustrated embodiment a cover lens of a headlight 8. In this embodiment of the invention, the first and second control devices 11, 21 of the first and second pump units 10, 20 are thus controlled with a time delay. If the comparison of the monitoring result from the sensor unit 31 yields a negative result, the second control device 21 of the second pump unit 20 is not controlled by the control unit 30, since proper operation of the second pump unit 20 cannot be expected in this case.The non-activation of the second control device 21 of the second pump unit 20 can be achieved, for example, by the control unit 30 not sending a control signal. Other possibilities are also conceivable, such as the control unit 30 sending a "stop" signal or a suitable modification or blocking of a control signal already sent by the control unit 30 to the second control device 21 during transmission to the second control device 21. This can be the case, for example, if cleaning fluids 5a, 5b are missing or frozen. In this case, operation of the second pump unit 20 is avoided, thus preventing unnecessary strain on the second pump unit 20 and the second control device 21.This increases the service life of the second control unit 21 and the second pump unit 20, and thus of the entire cleaning unit 1, resulting in a cost advantage. Reference symbol list 1 Cleaning system 2 Vehicle 3 Triggering device 4 Cleaning fluid reservoir 5a First cleaning fluid 5b Second cleaning fluid 6 First vehicle surface 7 Second vehicle surface 8 Headlights 10 First pump unit 11 First control unit 12 First nozzle 20 Second pump unit 21 Second control unit 22 Second nozzle 30 Control unit 31 Sensor unit 32 Comparison unit

Claims

Cleaning system (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a triggering device (3) for initiating a cleaning process, a first pump unit (10) for dispensing a first cleaning fluid (5a) by means of a first nozzle (12) onto a first vehicle surface (6) with a first control device (11), a second pump unit (20) for dispensing a second cleaning fluid (5b) by means of a second nozzle (22) onto a second vehicle surface (7) with a second control device (21), a control unit (30) for controlling the first and / or the second control device (11, 21) and a sensor unit (31) for monitoring at least one state of the first pump unit (10), wherein the sensor unit (31) is configured to transmit the monitoring result of the monitoring of the first pump unit (10) to the control unit (30), characterized in thatthat the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) is designed to be controllable depending on the monitoring result, and that the control unit (30) is designed to control the control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) with a time delay relative to the control device (11) of the first pump unit (10), wherein the control unit is designed to evaluate the monitoring result of the monitoring of the first pump unit within this time delay, wherein the second control device of the second pump unit is only controlled if proper operation of the second pump unit is to be expected. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the dependence of the monitoring result is an exceedance of a certain first limit value and / or a fall below a certain second limit value. Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the control unit (30) is integrated in the first control device (11) of the first pump unit or in the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20). Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first vehicle surface (6) is a vehicle window or a cover lens of a headlight of the vehicle (2) or that the second vehicle surface (7) is a vehicle window or a cover lens of a headlight of the vehicle (2). Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one cleaning fluid reservoir (4) is provided, wherein the first pump unit (10) and the second pump unit (20) are each connected to a cleaning fluid reservoir (4). Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor unit (31) is designed to monitor the load current received by the first pump unit (10), and / or that the first pump unit (10) is a rotary pump and that the sensor unit (31) is designed to monitor the rotational speed of the first pump unit (10), and / or that the sensor unit (31) is designed to monitor the flow of cleaning fluid (5) through the first pump unit (10). Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first pump unit (10) and the second pump unit (20) are formed by different pressure delivery ranges of a pump or that the first pump unit (10) and the second pump unit (20) are separate pumps. Method for triggering a cleaning process by a cleaning system (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is characterized by the following process steps: a) triggering the triggering device (3) and thereby activating the cleaning system (1), b) controlling the first control device (11) of the first pump unit (10), c) switching on the first pump unit (10) to pump cleaning fluid (5a) onto the first vehicle surface (6) by the first control device (11), d) monitoring the state of the first pump unit (10) by the sensor unit (31) and transmitting the monitoring result of the monitoring of the first pump unit (10) to the control unit (30), e) controlling by the control unit (30) or not controlling the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) depending on the monitoring result,wherein when the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) is activated, the second pump unit (20) is switched on to pump cleaning fluid (5b) onto the second vehicle surface (7). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit (30) compares the monitoring result with a certain first limit value and / or a certain second limit value and, if the monitoring result detects an exceedance of the certain first limit value and / or a fall below the certain second limit value, the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) is not controlled. Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the control unit (30) compares the monitoring result with a specific first limit value and / or a specific second limit value and, if no exceedance of the specific first limit value and / or a fall below the specific second limit value is detected by the monitoring result, the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) is activated, wherein the second control device (21) of the second pump unit (20) is activated by the control unit (30) with a time delay compared to the activation of the first control device (11) of the first pump unit (10).

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