METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A CLEANING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE COMPONENTS, CLEANING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE COMPONENTS AND MOTOR VEHICLE WITH CLEANING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE COMPONENTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle components. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cleaning system for motor vehicle components for implementing the method. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a component cleaning system.

[0002] Motor vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles designed for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, typically have a multitude of sensors that can be used to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and / or driving situation. These motor vehicle components designed as motor vehicle sensors can include, for example, optical sensors, cameras, radar sensors, or lidar sensors.

[0003] To ensure the functionality and operational readiness of motor vehicle components, and in particular, components designed as motor vehicle sensors, these components must be cleaned regularly. Depending on the motor vehicle component or the type of sensor and the degree of contamination, a cleaning device (cleaning nozzle) of a cleaning system must apply a cleaning fluid at a predetermined fluid pressure to the relevant component and / or sensor for a predetermined period of time, in accordance with a cleaning request.

[0004] Previously, cleaning systems were envisioned that included a plurality of pressure sensors or flow sensors, each of which is typically assigned to a cleaning nozzle. These plurality of pressure sensors or flow sensors are arranged in the cleaning system and designed to determine the fluid pressures or the flow rate of the cleaning fluid discharged from the respective cleaning nozzles. Using this fluid pressure information, a central fluid delivery device (pump) is controlled in such a way that a cleaning requirement is met.

[0005] The cleaning systems known from the prior art therefore comprise a multitude of components, and in particular, a multitude of pressure sensors and / or flow sensors. This makes these cleaning systems error-prone and costly. The methods for controlling the corresponding cleaning systems are correspondingly complex.

[0006] US 2019 / 275990 A1 shows a method for controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle components according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing a method for controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle components, which method enables simplified control of the cleaning system and further enables the cleaning system to be less error-prone and less cost-intensive.

[0008] The object underlying the present invention is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Embodiments of the method are described in the claims dependent on claim 1.

[0009] More specifically, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by a method for controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle components, wherein the cleaning system comprises a fluid conveying device, a pressure sensor for determining a pressure generated by the fluid conveying device, and a fluid distribution device with at least one input port fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device and at least two output ports fluidly connected to the input port, each output port being adjustable between an open position and a closed position, at least two cleaning devices, each fluidly connected to an output port via a line string, and a control device that is data-coupled to the fluid conveying device and the fluid distribution device for transmitting and / or receiving signals. The method according to the invention comprises the following method steps:Determining a cleaning requirement for all cleaning devices; determining a pressure setpoint for at least a first cleaning device; setting the output ports of the fluid distribution device in their open position or in their closed position according to the cleaning requirement; determining an actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device; determining a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device based on the actual fluid pressure; determining a first flow rate through the first cleaning device based on the total flow rate; determining a first pressure loss in a line string via which the first cleaning device is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery device, taking into account the first flow rate; determining a pressure control value based on the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss;and adjusting the fluid delivery device such that a fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device is changed in the direction of the pressure control value. ;

[0010] 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 can enable a significantly reduced number of monitoring devices for monitoring the cleaning pressures and / or cleaning volumes that must be provided by the individual cleaning devices of the cleaning system to ensure a required cleaning result. This is because the method enables a central determination of a cleaning pressure at a point in the cleaning system, with the cleaning pressures or cleaning volumes being calculated by interpolation at the respective cleaning devices.

[0011] The motor vehicle components can be designed, for example, as motor vehicle sensors or can comprise motor vehicle sensors, which in turn can comprise, for example, optical sensors. For example, the motor vehicle sensors can comprise at least one camera and / or at least one lidar sensor. Furthermore, the motor vehicle sensors can comprise a radar sensor. The motor vehicle components can also be designed, for example, as windshields, rear windows, headlights, taillights, warning lights, and / or other lighting devices.

[0012] The fluid conveying device can also be referred to as a fluid pump or simply as a pump. The fluid conveying device has at least one fluid inlet connection through which the fluid conveying device is supplied with a cleaning fluid. For example, the fluid conveying device is fluidly connected to a cleaning container via the fluid inlet connection, wherein a cleaning fluid can be filled into the cleaning container. The fluid conveying device further has at least one fluid outlet connection through which the cleaning fluid can be discharged under pressure.

[0013] The fluid conveying device may also have two or more than two fluid output connections, each of which is preferably adjustable between an open position and a closed position.

[0014] The fluid distribution device serves to distribute the cleaning fluid provided by the fluid delivery device to the cleaning devices of the cleaning system. The fluid distribution device can also be referred to as a valve block.

[0015] In the open position of an output port of the fluid distribution device, fluid conveyance from the input port of the fluid distribution device through the respective output port is enabled, whereas in the closed position of an output port, fluid conveyance from the input port through the respective output port is prevented. Preferably, the respective output ports are discretely adjustable between their open and closed positions, i.e., in the open position of an output port, it is completely open, whereas in the closed position of an output port, it is completely closed.

[0016] The fluid distribution device preferably has more than two output ports. For example, the fluid distribution device has three, four, five, six, or more output ports. According to the invention, there are no restrictions on the number of output ports.

[0017] The cleaning devices are preferably designed as cleaning nozzles. The cleaning system preferably has a number of cleaning devices corresponding to the number of output connections.

[0018] Each cleaning device can be fluidically connected to an output port of the fluid distribution device via a respective line string, which can also be referred to as a fluid line. For example, a first cleaning device can be fluidically connected to a first output port via a first line string, a second cleaning device can be fluidically connected to a second output port via a second line string, etc.

[0019] The cleaning fluid or fluid is preferably a liquid, for example, water and / or a cleaning solution. Consequently, the fluid conveying device can also be referred to as a liquid conveying device or liquid pump.

[0020] The control device is preferably also data-coupled to the pressure sensor for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0021] Preferably, the fluid conveying device is data-coupled to the pressure sensor for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0022] During the process step of determining the cleaning request for all cleaning devices, request information is determined. This information contains information about which output ports should be opened. This means that the request information contains information about which of the vehicle components are to be cleaned. Furthermore, the cleaning request contains information about the fluid pressure to be output from the respective cleaning devices and, optionally, the duration for which cleaning fluid is to be output from the respective cleaning devices. For example, the cleaning request is determined by receiving it.

[0023] For example, the cleaning request may contain information that a first motor vehicle sensor is to be supplied with cleaning fluid at a fluid pressure of 3 bar for a duration of one second, a second motor vehicle sensor is to be supplied with no cleaning fluid, and a third motor vehicle sensor is to be supplied with cleaning fluid at a fluid pressure of 2.7 bar for a duration of two seconds.

[0024] The pressure at the cleaning nozzle automatically determines the flow rate through the cleaning nozzle.

[0025] In the method step of determining a pressure setpoint for at least one first cleaning device, this pressure setpoint is reached during the iterative execution of the method. The pressure setpoint can be determined by reading the cleaning request.

[0026] In the method step of determining a pressure setpoint for at least one first cleaning device, a plurality of pressure setpoints can preferably be determined. Based on this plurality of pressure setpoints, a pressure setpoint can be calculated, which serves as the basis for the subsequent method steps. For example, an average of the determined pressure setpoints can be adopted as the pressure setpoint.

[0027] The pressure setpoint determined by averaging the pressure setpoints can also be referred to as the target pressure setpoint.

[0028] During the method step of setting the output ports of the fluid distribution device to their open or closed positions, the output ports are preferably discretely moved into their open or closed positions. This means that there are preferably no intermediate positions for the respective output ports. For example, if a cleaning request is determined according to which a first motor vehicle sensor and a third motor vehicle sensor, but not a second motor vehicle sensor, are to be cleaned, the first and third output ports are moved to their respective open positions, and the second output port is moved to its closed position.

[0029] The three method steps described above are preferably performed once per cleaning job or until the completion of a cleaning job. The method steps described below are preferably performed repeatedly until the difference between the first pressure setpoint and the fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device falls below a predetermined limit.

[0030] In the process step for determining the actual fluid pressure, the fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device is determined at the time of the determination. As the process progresses through iterative steps, the actual fluid pressure approximates a controlled setpoint, which is determined by adding the pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint) to the initial pressure loss. The actual fluid pressure is determined using the pressure sensor.

[0031] The total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device is proportional to the actual fluid pressure, so that the total flow rate can be determined based on the actual fluid pressure.

[0032] The determination of the total flow rate is preferably carried out by calculating the total flow rate.

[0033] The determination of the first flow rate through the first cleaning device depends on the total flow rate provided by the fluid delivery device, which is distributed among the cleaning devices associated with an open-positioned output port of the fluid distribution device. Therefore, it is possible to determine the first flow rate through the first cleaning device based on the total flow rate.

[0034] In the method step of determining the first flow rate by the first cleaning device, at least one further flow rate can additionally be determined by at least one further cleaning device based on the total flow rate.

[0035] The determination of the first pressure loss depends on the first flow rate through the first cleaning device. The line string, via which the first cleaning device is fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device, more precisely to the fluid output port of the fluid conveying device, comprises, for example, a collecting fluid line from the fluid output port to the fluid distribution device, the fluid distribution device, a first fluid line, via which a first output port of the fluid distribution device is fluidly connected to the first cleaning device, and the first fluid distribution device. The determination of the first pressure loss is preferably carried out by means of a calculation.

[0036] In the process step for determining or calculating the pressure control value, the pressure value that the fluid delivery device should generate is determined so that cleaning fluid can be discharged from the first cleaning device at the setpoint pressure. The pressure control value is calculated, for example, by adding the setpoint pressure and the first pressure loss.

[0037] During the method step of adjusting the fluid delivery device such that the fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device is changed toward the pressure control value, a power level of the fluid delivery device is adjusted accordingly. The power level of the fluid delivery device can, for example, be a rotational speed of the fluid delivery device.

[0038] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device is carried out using power level information of the fluid delivery device.

[0039] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device can be determined with improved accuracy.

[0040] The performance level of the fluid conveying device can, for example, be a rotational speed of the fluid conveying device. For certain fluid conveying devices, the rotational speed of the fluid conveying device is proportional to the fluid flow rate that can be conveyed by the fluid conveying device. For example, in fluid conveying devices designed as centrifugal pumps or brushless DC pumps, the rotational speed of the DC pump is proportional to the fluid flow rate that can be conveyed by the DC pump.

[0041] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device is carried out using a characteristic map of the fluid delivery device which indicates the total flow rate achievable by the fluid delivery device as a function of the fluid pressure for different power levels of the fluid delivery device.

[0042] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the total flow rate delivered by the fluid conveying device can be determined with improved accuracy and more quickly.

[0043] Preferably, the method is designed such that the fluid conveying device is set to the lowest power level with which the pressure control value can be achieved by the fluid conveying device.

[0044] The correspondingly designed process has the advantage that the fluid conveying system is not unnecessarily operated at excessive power levels. This reduces energy consumption and noise emissions from the fluid conveying system.

[0045] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device is also carried out based on switching positions of the output connections of the fluid distribution device.

[0046] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the first flow rate is determined with increased accuracy by the first cleaning device. Thus, the control accuracy of the correspondingly designed method is significantly improved.

[0047] The cleaning fluid conveyed by the fluid conveying device is distributed among the line sections in which the output ports of the fluid distribution device assigned to these line sections are in their respective open positions. The total flow rate is distributed according to the flow resistances of the line sections located downstream of the output ports. For example, if the flow resistance of a line section assigned to the first cleaning device is lower than the flow resistance of a line section assigned to the third cleaning device, the cleaning fluid flow through the line section assigned to the first cleaning device will be higher than the flow rate of the cleaning fluid flow through the line section assigned to the third cleaning device.

[0048] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device is also carried out based on a first conversion table which indicates the ratios of the flow rates through the line paths assigned to the respective cleaning devices as a function of fluid pressures which are provided by the fluid conveying device.

[0049] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the flow rate is determined by the first purification device with reduced computational effort. This is because the first conversion table, which can also be referred to as the first look-up table, is preferably stored in the control device or in another electronic memory, so that the flow rate ratios do not have to be recalculated at each iteration step of the method.

[0050] The first conversion table specifies the ratios of the flow rates through the line paths assigned to the respective cleaning devices for a variety of fluid pressures provided by the fluid delivery device. These ratios of the flow rates through the line paths assigned to the respective cleaning devices are preferably normalized to the line path that has the lowest flow rate among all line paths at a given pressure. This line path is preferably normalized to 1, so that the flow rates through the other line paths are correspondingly greater than 1.

[0051] Below is an example of a corresponding first implementation table: Actual fluid pressure Flow through first purification device Flow through second purification device Flow through third purification device 2.5 bar 2.54 1.68 1 (Reference) 3 bar 2.7 1.75 1 (Reference) 3.5 bar 2.8 1.85 1 (Reference) 4 bar 2.9 1.9 1 (Reference)

[0052] According to this exemplary first conversion table, at an actual fluid pressure of 3.5 bar generated by the fluid delivery device, 2.8 times as much cleaning fluid flows through the first cleaning device as through the third cleaning device. 1.85 times as much cleaning fluid flows through the second cleaning device as through the third cleaning device.

[0053] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device is also carried out based on at least one second conversion table, wherein in a second conversion table the percentage flow rates through the line paths assigned to the respective cleaning devices are specified for all permutations of switching positions of all output connections of the fluid distribution device for a fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device.

[0054] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the flow rate is determined by the first purification device with reduced computational effort. 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 flow rate ratios do not have to be recalculated at each iteration step of the method.

[0055] Preferably, a second conversion table is provided 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.

[0056] For each permutation of the switching positions of all output connections of the fluid distribution device, the sum of the percentage flow rates through the line paths assigned to the respective cleaning devices is always 100% of the total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device.

[0057] Both the first conversion table and all second conversion tables can be determined using a computer simulation that is digitized into the cleaning system. Furthermore, it is also possible for the first conversion table and all second conversion tables to be determined using preliminary measurements on the specific cleaning system.

[0058] Below is an example of a corresponding second conversion table for an actual fluid pressure of 3.5 bar: first output port second output port third output port 0 0 100 0 100 0 0 66 33 100 0 0 80 0 20 66 33 0 57.1 28.6 14.3

[0059] According to this exemplary second conversion table, for example, with an actual fluid pressure of 3.5 bar generated by the fluid delivery device, with the first and second output ports in the closed position and the third output port open, 100% of the total fluid flow flows through the third output port (first row of the second conversion table corresponding to a first switching permutation).

[0060] According to the third row (corresponding to a third switching permutation) of the second conversion table above, when the first output port is in the closed position and the second and third output ports are each in the open position, 66% of the total fluid flow flows through the second output port and 33% through the third output port.

[0061] According to the seventh row (corresponding to a seventh switching permutation) of the second conversion table above, when the first, second and third output ports are in the open position, 57.1% of the total fluid flow flows through the first output port, 28.6% of the total fluid flow through the second output port and 14.3% through the third output port.

[0062] Preferably, the method is designed such that the method step of determining the first pressure loss also takes into account the total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device.

[0063] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that the first flow rate is determined with increased accuracy by the first cleaning device. Thus, the control accuracy of the correspondingly designed method is significantly improved. Furthermore, the correspondingly designed method achieves more efficient cleaning of the vehicle components and reduces fluid consumption and energy requirements.

[0064] The cleaning fluid conveyed by the fluid conveying device is distributed among the line branches in which the outlet ports of the fluid distribution device assigned to these line branches are in their respective open positions. Before the cleaning fluid is distributed among the respective line branches, the cleaning fluid passes through a collecting line located between the fluid conveying device and the fluid distribution device, which also contributes to the first pressure loss. Consequently, the total flow conveyed by the fluid conveying device passes through this collecting line.

[0065] Preferably, the method is designed such that in the method step of determining at least one pressure setpoint for at least one first cleaning device, at least one further pressure setpoint is additionally determined for at least one second cleaning device and a value calculated based on these determined pressure setpoints is adopted as the pressure setpoint.

[0066] The correspondingly designed method has the advantage that, in the case of a cleaning request for more than one motor vehicle component, at least two of the motor vehicle components are subjected to the cleaning fluid at a fluid pressure that at least approximately corresponds to the respective pressure setpoint values, so that a cleaning result for a plurality of motor vehicle components is improved.

[0067] For example, the value based on the determined pressure setpoints, which is adopted as the pressure setpoint, is calculated by calculating the mean value of the determined pressure setpoints.

[0068] The present invention is also based on the object of providing a cleaning system which is less error-prone and less cost-intensive.

[0069] This object underlying the present invention is achieved by a cleaning system having the features of claim 10.

[0070] More specifically, the problem underlying the present object is solved by a cleaning system comprising a fluid conveying device, a pressure sensor for determining a pressure generated by the fluid conveying device, and a fluid distribution device having at least one input port fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device and at least two output ports fluidly connected to the input port, each output port being adjustable between an open position and a closed position, at least two cleaning devices each fluidly connected to an output port via a line string, and a control device which is data-coupled to the fluid conveying device and the fluid distribution device for transmitting and / or receiving signals.The cleaning system according to the invention is characterized in that the control device is designed to carry out one of the methods described above.

[0071] The cleaning system according to the invention has the advantage of having a reduced number of components and thus a simplified design. More specifically, the cleaning system according to the invention has a significantly reduced number of monitoring devices for monitoring cleaning pressures and / or cleaning volumes that must be provided by the individual cleaning devices of the cleaning system to ensure the required cleaning result. Thus, the cleaning system according to the invention is less error-prone and less cost-intensive.

[0072] The motor vehicle components can be designed, for example, as motor vehicle sensors or can comprise motor vehicle sensors, which in turn can comprise, for example, optical sensors. For example, the motor vehicle sensors can comprise at least one camera and / or at least one lidar sensor. Furthermore, the motor vehicle sensors can comprise a radar sensor. The motor vehicle components can also be designed, for example, as windshields, rear windows, headlights, taillights, warning lights, and / or other lighting devices.

[0073] The fluid conveying device can also be referred to as a fluid pump or simply as a pump. The fluid conveying device has at least one fluid inlet connection through which the fluid conveying device is supplied with a cleaning fluid. For example, the fluid conveying device is fluidly connected to a cleaning container via the fluid inlet connection, wherein a cleaning fluid can be filled into the cleaning container. The fluid conveying device further has at least one fluid outlet connection through which the cleaning fluid can be discharged under pressure.

[0074] The fluid conveying device may also have two or more than two fluid output connections, each of which is preferably adjustable between an open position and a closed position.

[0075] The fluid distribution device serves to distribute the cleaning fluid provided by the fluid delivery device to the cleaning devices of the cleaning system. The fluid distribution device can also be referred to as a valve block.

[0076] In the open position of an output port of the fluid distribution device, fluid conveyance from the input port of the fluid distribution device through the respective output port is enabled, whereas in the closed position of an output port, fluid conveyance from the input port through the respective output port is prevented. Preferably, the respective output ports are discretely adjustable between their open and closed positions, i.e., in the open position of an output port, it is completely open, whereas in the closed position of an output port, it is completely closed.

[0077] The fluid distribution device preferably has more than two output ports. For example, the fluid distribution device has three, four, five, six, or more output ports. According to the invention, there are no restrictions on the number of output ports.

[0078] The cleaning devices are preferably designed as cleaning nozzles. The cleaning system preferably has a number of cleaning devices corresponding to the number of outlet ports. For example, in a motor vehicle component designed as a windshield, several cleaning devices are fluidically connected to one outlet port.

[0079] Each cleaning device can be fluidically connected to an output port of the fluid distribution device via a respective line string, which can also be referred to as a fluid line. For example, a first cleaning device can be fluidically connected to a first output port via a first line string, a second cleaning device can be fluidically connected to a second output port via a second line string, etc.

[0080] The cleaning fluid or fluid is preferably a liquid, for example, water and / or a cleaning solution. Consequently, the fluid conveying device can also be referred to as a liquid conveying device or liquid pump.

[0081] The control device is preferably also data-coupled to the pressure sensor for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0082] Preferably, the fluid conveying device is data-coupled to the pressure sensor for transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0083] Preferably, the control device is designed as part of the fluid conveying device and / or integrated therein.

[0084] The present invention is further based on the object of providing a motor vehicle which enables improved cleaning of motor vehicle components while simultaneously reducing the number of components.

[0085] This object underlying the present invention is achieved by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 11.

[0086] Further advantages, details, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments. In particular, they show: Figure 1: a schematic representation of the cleaning system according to the invention; Figure 2: a flow diagram of a method according to the invention for controlling a Figure 1 illustrated cleaning system; Figure 3: a characteristic map of the fluid conveying device, which indicates the total flow rate achievable by the fluid conveying device for different power levels of a fluid conveying device as a function of the fluid pressure; and Figure 4: a schematic representation of a cleaning system according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] In the following description, identical reference numerals designate identical components or identical features, so that a description given with reference to one figure regarding a component also applies to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive description. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0088] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a cleaning system according to the invention for motor vehicle components S1, S2, S3, which in the exemplary embodiments described below are designed as motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3. However, the present invention is not limited to the motor vehicle components being designed as or having motor vehicle sensors. The motor vehicle components can also be designed as or have windshields, rear windows, headlights, taillights, warning indicator lights, and / or generally as lighting devices.

[0089] The motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 can, for example, comprise optical sensors. For example, the motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 can comprise at least one camera and / or at least one lidar sensor. Furthermore, the motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3 can comprise a radar sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system comprises three motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3; however, the present invention is not limited to this number of motor vehicle sensors. The cleaning system according to the invention can comprise two or more (for example, four, five, six, or more) motor vehicle sensors.

[0090] The cleaning system comprises a fluid conveying device 10, which is also referred to as a fluid pump 10 or simply as a pump 10. The fluid conveying device 10 has at least one fluid inlet connection 11, via which the fluid conveying device 10 is supplied with a cleaning fluid. For example, the fluid conveying device 10 is fluidly connected via the fluid inlet connection 11 to a cleaning container (not shown in the figures), wherein a cleaning fluid can be filled into the cleaning container. The fluid conveying device 10 further comprises at least one fluid outlet connection 12, via which the cleaning fluid can be discharged under pressure.

[0091] The cleaning system further comprises a fluid distribution device 30 with at least one inlet port 31 fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device 10, wherein the inlet port 31 of the fluid distribution device 30 is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet port 12 of the fluid conveying device 12 by means of a collecting fluid line 54. The fluid distribution device 30 further comprises at least two outlet ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 fluidly connected to the inlet port 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid distribution device 30, which can also be referred to as a valve block 30, has three outlet ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3. However, the fluid distribution device 30 can also have more than three outlet ports. Each of the outlet ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 is adjustable between an open position and a closed position.In the open position of an output connection 32_1, 32_2, 32_3, fluid conveyance from the input connection 31 of the fluid distribution device 30 through the respective output connection 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 is enabled, whereas in the closed position of an output connection 32_1, 32_2, 32_3, fluid conveyance from the input connection 31 through the respective output connection 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 is prevented.

[0092] The cleaning system further comprises a pressure sensor 20 for determining a pressure generated by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0093] Furthermore, the cleaning system has at least two cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, each fluidically connected to an output port 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 via a fluid line 51, 52, 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system has three cleaning devices 41, 42, 43; however, the cleaning system can also have more than three (e.g., four, five, six, or more) cleaning devices 41, 42, 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are designed as cleaning nozzles 41, 42, 42. The cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 are designed to dispense or spray the cleaning fluid conveyed by the fluid conveying device 10 onto the motor vehicle sensors S1, S2, S3. In the illustrated embodiment, a cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is assigned to each motor vehicle sensor S1, S2, S3.

[0094] The cleaning system further comprises a control device 60, which is data-coupled to the fluid delivery device 10, the pressure sensor 20, and the fluid distribution device 30 via a data line 61 or signal line 61, respectively, for transmitting and / or receiving signals. The control device 60 is designed to receive data determined by the pressure sensor 20. Furthermore, the control device is designed to receive data transmitted from the fluid delivery device 10, which represent the power level of the fluid delivery device 10. Furthermore, the control device 60 is designed to transmit control signals to the fluid delivery device 10 for adjusting the power level of the fluid delivery device 10. Furthermore, the control device is designed to receive data transmitted from the fluid distribution device 30, which represent the switching positions of the output connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.Furthermore, the control device 60 is designed to transmit control signals to the fluid distribution device 30 for adjusting the switching positions of the output connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.

[0095] The control device 60 is designed to Figure 2 to carry out the procedural steps shown and described below.

[0096] In a method step V1, a cleaning request is determined for all cleaning devices 41, 42, 43. The cleaning request contains information about which motor vehicle sensor S1, S2, S3 is to be cleaned. Consequently, the cleaning request contains information about which cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is to be activated. Furthermore, the cleaning request contains information about the fluid pressure at the outlets of the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 should be. Furthermore, the cleaning request can contain information about the duration for which the cleaning devices should dispense cleaning fluid.

[0097] In a method step V2, at least one pressure setpoint 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 setpoint is additionally determined for at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 43, and an average of the determined pressure setpoints is adopted as the pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint).

[0098] In a method step V3, the output connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 are set in their open position or in their closed position according to the cleaning requirement.

[0099] In a method step V4, an actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined using the pressure sensor 20. The fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined at the time of the determination. As the method progresses through iteration steps, the actual fluid pressure approximates a control setpoint, which is determined by adding the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss.

[0100] In a method step V5, a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined based on the actual fluid pressure. The total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is proportional to the actual fluid pressure, so that the total flow rate can be determined based on the actual fluid pressure.

[0101] In method step V5 for determining a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10, this can be done using power level information of the fluid delivery device 10. For a fluid delivery device 10 configured, for example, as a brushless DC pump 10, a speed of the pump 10 is a power level of the pump 10.

[0102] In method step V5 for determining a total flow rate conveyed by the fluid conveying device 10, this can be determined using a Figure 3 shown characteristic map of the fluid conveying device 10, which indicates the total flow rate achievable by the fluid conveying device 10 as a function of the fluid pressure for different power levels of the fluid conveying device 10.

[0103] Out of Figure 3It can be seen that with increasing power level, higher fluid pressures and simultaneously higher flow rates can be achieved by the fluid conveying device 10.

[0104] In a method step V6, a first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is determined based on the total flow rate. The determination of the first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 depends on the total flow rate provided by the fluid delivery device 10, which is distributed among the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 assigned to an open-positioned output port 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30. Therefore, it is possible to determine the first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 based on the total flow rate.

[0105] If in method step V2 an additional pressure setpoint is determined by at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 and an average value of the determined pressure setpoints is adopted as pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint), then in method step V6 of determining the first flow rate by the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43, at least one further flow rate can additionally be determined by at least one further cleaning device 41, 42, 43 based on the total flow rate.

[0106] In method step V6 of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 and, if applicable, further flow rates through the further cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, their determination is also based on switching positions of the output connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30.

[0107] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is distributed among the line sections in which the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these line sections are in their respective open positions. The total flow rate is distributed according to the flow resistances of the line sections located downstream of the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.

[0108] In a method step V7, a first pressure loss in a line string 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43, via which the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device 10, is determined taking into account the first flow rate.

[0109] If in method step V2 an additional pressure setpoint is determined by at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 and an average value of the determined pressure setpoints is adopted as pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint), then in method step V7 at least one second pressure loss in a line string 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43, via which the further cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device 10, can be determined taking into account the first flow rate.

[0110] The determination of a pressure loss depends on the flow rate through the corresponding cleaning device 41, 42, 43. The line string via which the corresponding cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device 10, more precisely to the fluid output port 12 of the fluid conveying device 10, has, for example, a collecting fluid line 54 from the fluid output port 12 to the fluid distribution device 30, the fluid distribution device 30, a fluid line via which an output port 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 is fluidly connected to the corresponding cleaning device 41, 42, 43, and the corresponding fluid distribution device 41, 42, 43.

[0111] The method step V7 of determining the first pressure loss or the multiple pressure losses is also carried out taking into account the total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0112] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is distributed among the line branches in which the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these line branches are in their respective open positions. Before the cleaning fluid is distributed among the respective line branches, the cleaning fluid passes through the collecting line 54 located between the fluid delivery device 10 and the fluid distribution device 30, which also contributes to the first pressure loss. Consequently, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 passes through this collecting line 54.

[0113] In a method step V8, a pressure control value is determined based on the pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint) and the first pressure loss. In method step V8 for determining or calculating the pressure control value, the pressure value that the fluid delivery device 10 is to generate is determined so that cleaning fluid can be discharged from the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 at the pressure setpoint. The pressure control value is calculated, for example, by adding the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss.

[0114] In a method step V9, the fluid conveying device 10 is adjusted such that a fluid pressure provided by the fluid conveying device 10 is changed in the direction of the pressure control value.

[0115] Process steps V1 to V3 are executed only once per cleaning request, whereas process steps V4 to V9 are executed as often as necessary until the actual fluid pressure has approached a predetermined distance from the pressure control value.

[0116] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The cleaning system shown essentially corresponds to the one in Figure 1 cleaning system shown with the exception that the control device 60 is only data-coupled to the fluid conveying device 10 and to the fluid distribution device 30 via data lines 61 for transmitting and / or receiving signals, but not to the pressure sensor 20. In contrast, in the Figure 4In the cleaning system shown, the fluid delivery device 10 is data-coupled to the pressure sensor 20 via a data line or signal line 62 for transmitting and / or receiving signals. The fluid delivery device 10 is designed to receive data determined by the pressure sensor 20.

[0117] The remaining structure of the Figure 4 The cleaning system shown corresponds to that of the Figure 1 cleaning system shown, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description.

[0118] The control device 60 and / or the fluid conveying device 10 are designed to Figure 2 The process steps V1 to V9 shown and described below must be carried out.

[0119] In method step V1, a cleaning request is determined for all cleaning devices 41, 42, 43. The cleaning request contains information about which motor vehicle sensor S1, S2, S3 is to be cleaned. Consequently, the cleaning request contains information about which cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is to be activated. Furthermore, the cleaning request contains information about the fluid pressure at the outlets of the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 should be. Furthermore, the cleaning request can contain information about the duration for which the cleaning devices should dispense cleaning fluid. This method step is executed by the control device 60.

[0120] In method step V2, at least one pressure setpoint is determined for at least one first cleaning device 41, 42, 43. It is also possible for at least one further pressure setpoint to be determined for at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 43 in method step V2, and for an average of the determined pressure setpoints to be adopted as the pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint). This method step is executed either by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0121] In process step V3, the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 are set to their open or closed positions according to the cleaning requirement. This process step is executed by the control device 60.

[0122] In method step V4, an actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined using the pressure sensor 20. The fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined at the time of the determination. As the method progresses through iteration steps, the actual fluid pressure approximates a control setpoint, which is determined by adding the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss. This method step is performed by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0123] In method step V5, a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is determined based on the actual fluid pressure. The total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is proportional to the actual fluid pressure, so that the total flow rate can be determined based on the actual fluid pressure. This method step is executed either by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0124] In method step V5 for determining a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10, this can be done using power level information of the fluid delivery device 10. For a fluid delivery device 10 configured, for example, as a brushless DC pump 10, a speed of the pump 10 is a power level of the pump 10.

[0125] In method step V5 for determining a total flow rate conveyed by the fluid conveying device 10, this can be determined using the Figure 3 shown characteristic map of the fluid conveying device 10, which has already been described above.

[0126] In method step V6, a first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is determined based on the total flow rate. The determination of the first flow rate by the first cleaning device 41, 42, 42 depends on the total flow rate provided by the fluid delivery device 10, which is distributed among the cleaning devices 41, 42, 43 assigned to an output port 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 that is in the open position. Therefore, it is possible to determine the first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 based on the total flow rate. This method step is carried out either by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0127] If in method step V2 an additional pressure setpoint is determined by at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 and an average value of the determined pressure setpoints is adopted as pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint), then in method step V6 of determining the first flow rate by the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43, at least one further flow rate can additionally be determined by at least one further cleaning device 41, 42, 43 based on the total flow rate.

[0128] In method step V6 of determining the first flow rate through the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 and, if appropriate, further flow rates through the further cleaning devices 41, 42, 43, their determination is also based on switching positions of the output connections 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30.

[0129] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is distributed among the line sections in which the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these line sections are in their respective open positions. The total flow rate is distributed according to the flow resistances of the line sections located downstream of the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3.

[0130] In method step V7, a first pressure loss in a line string 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43, via which the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery device 10, is determined taking into account the first flow rate. This method step is carried out either by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0131] If in method step V2 an additional pressure setpoint is determined by at least one second cleaning device 41, 42, 42 and an average value of the determined pressure setpoints is adopted as pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint), then in method step V7 at least one second pressure loss in a line string 54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43, via which the further cleaning device 41, 42, 43 is fluidly connected to the fluid conveying device 10, can be determined taking into account the first flow rate.

[0132] The method step V7 of determining the first pressure loss or the multiple pressure losses is also carried out taking into account the total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0133] This is because the cleaning fluid delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 is distributed among the line branches in which the output ports 32_1, 32_2, 32_3 of the fluid distribution device 30 assigned to these line branches are in their respective open positions. Before the cleaning fluid is distributed among the respective line branches, the cleaning fluid passes through the collecting line 54 located between the fluid delivery device 10 and the fluid distribution device 30, which also contributes to the first pressure loss. Consequently, the total flow delivered by the fluid delivery device 10 passes through this collecting line 54.

[0134] In method step V8, a pressure control value is determined based on the pressure setpoint (target pressure setpoint) and the first pressure loss. In method step V8 for determining or calculating the pressure control value, the pressure value that the fluid delivery device 10 should generate is determined so that cleaning fluid with the pressure setpoint can be discharged from the first cleaning device 41, 42, 43. The pressure control value is calculated, for example, by adding the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss. This method step is carried out either by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0135] In method step V9, the fluid delivery device 10 is adjusted such that a fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device 10 is changed in the direction of the pressure control value. This method step is carried out either by the control device 60 or by the fluid delivery device 10.

[0136] Process steps V1 to V3 are executed only once per cleaning request, whereas process steps V4 to V9 are executed as often as necessary until the actual fluid pressure has approached a predetermined distance from the pressure control value. List of reference symbols

[0137] 1 Cleaning system 10 Fluid conveying device / pump 11 Fluid inlet connection (of the fluid conveying device) 12 Fluid outlet connection (of the fluid conveying device) 20 Pressure sensor 30 Fluid distribution device / valve block 31 Inlet connection (of the fluid distribution device) 32_1 (first) outlet connection (of the fluid distribution device) 32_2 (second) outlet connection (of the fluid distribution device) 32_3 (third) outlet connection (of the fluid distribution device) 41 (first) cleaning device / cleaning nozzle 42 (second) cleaning device / cleaning nozzle 43 (third) cleaning device / cleaning nozzle 51 (first) fluid line 52 (second) fluid line 53 (third) fluid line 54 Collecting fluid line 60 Control device 61 Data line / signal line 62 Data line / signal line S1 (first) automotive component / (first) sensor / automotive sensor / optical sensor S2 (second) automotive component / (second) sensor / automotive sensor / optical sensor S3 (third) automotive component / (third) sensor / automotive sensor / optical sensor V1Process step V2Process step V3Process step V4Process step V5Process step V6Process step V7Process step V8Process step V9Process step

Claims

1. A method of controlling a cleaning system for motor vehicle components (S1, S2, S3), the cleaning system comprising: - a fluid delivery device (10); - a pressure sensor (20) for determining a pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); - a fluid distribution device (30) with at least one input port (31) fluidly connected to the fluid delivery device (10) and with at least two output port (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) fluidly connected to the input port (31), wherein each output port (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 fluidly connected via a fluid line (51, 52, 53) to a respective output port (32_1, 32_2, 32_3); 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 method comprises the following process steps: - determining (V1) a cleaning request for all cleaning devices (41, 42, 43); - determining (V2) a pressure setpoint for at least one first cleaning device (41, 42, 43); - adjusting (V3) the output ports (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) of the fluid distribution device (30) in their open position or in their closed position according to the cleaning request; - determining (V4) of an actual fluid pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); wherein the method is characterized by the following process steps: - determining (V5) a total flow rate delivered by the fluid delivery device (10) based on the actual fluid pressure; - determining (V6) a first flow rate through the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) based on the total flow rate; - determining (V7) a first pressure loss in a line path (54, 30, 51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43) via which the first cleaning device (41, 42, 43) is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery device (10), taking into account the first flow rate; - determining (V8) a pressure control value based on the pressure setpoint and the first pressure loss; and - adjusting (V9) of the fluid delivery device (10) in such a way that a fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device (10) is changed in the direction of the pressure control value.

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

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

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

5. Method according to 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 carried out based on switching positions of the output ports (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) of the fluid distribution device (30).

6. Method according to 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 carried out based on a first conversion table indicating the ratios of the flow rates through the line paths (51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43) assigned to the respective cleaning devices (41, 42, 43) as a function of fluid pressures provided by the fluid delivery device (10).

7. Method according to 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 carried out based on at least one second conversion table, wherein in a second conversion table the percentage flow rates are determined by the line paths (51, 52, 53, 41, 42, 43) assigned to the respective cleaning devices (41, 42, 43) for all permutations of switching positions of all output ports (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) of the fluid distribution device (30) for a fluid pressure provided by the fluid delivery device (10).

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

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the method step (V2) of determining at least one pressure setpoint for at least one first cleaning device (41, 42, 43), at least one further pressure setpoint for at least one second cleaning device (41, 42, 43) is additionally determined and a value calculated on the basis of these determined pressure setpoints is adopted as the pressure setpoint.

10. Cleaning system for motor vehicle components (S1, S2, S3), comprising: - a fluid delivery device (10); - a pressure sensor (20) for determining a pressure generated by the fluid delivery device (10); - a fluid distribution device (30) with at least one input port (31) fluidly connected to the fluid delivery device (10) and with at least two output ports (32_1, 32_2, 32_3) fluidly connected to the input port (31), wherein each output port (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 fluidly connected via a fluid line (51, 52, 53) to a respective output port (32_1, 32_2, 32_3); 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 designed to carry out a method according to one of the claims 1 to 9.

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