Control method for a compressed air supply system, control device, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control method (2000, 3000, 4000) for a compressed air supply system (1200) with which a control device (1300) is associated, said method comprising the steps of: - using the control device (1300) to receive (2100) a supply demand (BV), - using the control device (1300) to activate (2200) a compressed air generator (200) in order to provide compressed air (110) at a compressed air connection (1) when the control device (1300) receives a supply demand (BV), - using the control device (1300) to identify (2300) a regeneration execution time (BR) depending on the supply demand (BV) and / or a degree of saturation (G) of an air dryer (5, 5.1), - using the control device (1300) to activate (2400) a switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) in order to open a branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) when the control device (1300) identifies a regeneration execution time (BR), - returning (2500) compressed air (141) from the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) counter to a filling direction (B) through a pneumatic main line (12) in order to regenerate the air dryer (5, 5.1). The invention also relates to a control device for carrying out the method and to a vehicle comprising such a control device.

Description

[0001] Control method for a compressed air supply system, control device and vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a control method for controlling a compressed air supply system for a vehicle, a control device for controlling a compressed air supply system and a vehicle having the same.

[0003] In vehicles, compressed air supply systems are used to supply compressed air to compressed air consumers. For this purpose, compressed air is supplied to the compressed air supply system via the compressed air connection by a compressed air source such as a compressor. Compressor and compressor are used synonymously in this description and usually refer to motor-driven units that compress air. Such a compressed air source, together with the compressed air supply system, forms a compressed air supply system. The control of such a compressed air supply system is preferably via an electronic control device or an electronic control unit (ECU). Such compressed air supply systems are also used, in particular, to supply compressed air to sensor cleaning devices as compressed air consumers.Preferably, such compressed air supply systems are designed to provide compressed air with an operating pressure of 5 bar and a volume flow of preferably 30-100 l / min.

[0004] Sensor cleaning systems for vehicles are also known. By means of a sensor cleaning system, surfaces on a vehicle, in particular sensor surfaces, can be cleaned using at least one cleaning fluid, for example, compressed air. By cleaning sensor surfaces on the vehicle, especially regularly, it can be achieved that sensors are less contaminated and therefore function more reliably. A clean sensor surface thus advantageously increases the reliability of driver assistance functions and / or semi-autonomous and / or autonomous driving functions of a vehicle. The safety of the vehicle, its occupants, and other road users is thus advantageously increased by a sensor cleaning system.

[0005] Sensor cleaning systems that use compressed air as a cleaning fluid are connected to a compressed air supply system as compressed air consumers. The compressed air supplied to the sensor cleaning system by the compressed air supply system must be dried to prevent corrosion and, at temperatures below freezing, frost-related damage and functional impairment to lines and the sensor cleaning system. A drying substrate in the air dryer is designed to adsorb moisture from the compressed air flowing through the air dryer. The drying substrate can only adsorb moisture up to a maximum saturation point. To maintain the operation of the air dryer, the air dryer is therefore usually regenerated automatically when compressed air from a compressed air consumer flows back through the compressed air supply connection.Regeneration, in this context, refers to the dehumidification of the drying substrate used in the air dryer. To dehumidify the drying substrate, drier air must be passed through the air dryer compared to the moisture content of the drying substrate. This drier air binds some of the adsorbed moisture of the drying substrate and thus reduces the saturation level of the air dryer. The operating time of the air dryer is limited by the saturation of the drying substrate in the air dryer. If the air dryer is not regenerated, reaching the maximum saturation of the drying substrate requires the air dryer or the drying substrate in the air dryer to be replaced.

[0006] The challenge with compressed air supply systems or compressed air supply systems for sensor cleaning devices is that the compressed air supplied at the compressed air supply connection cannot be returned to the compressed air supply system, but is instead expelled for cleaning the sensors. Thus, unlike with known compressed air supply systems, such as those shown in DE102017010772 A1, no compressed air already dried by the air dryer, which could be used to regenerate the air dryer, remains in the compressed air supply system.

[0007] The operating time and operational readiness of the compressed air supply system for sensor cleaning devices therefore depend significantly on the operational readiness of the air dryer. The operating time of such a compressed air supply system for sensor cleaning devices can therefore currently only be achieved by increasing the substrate quantity – i.e., by using a larger air dryer. However, due to space constraints, such a solution is considered disadvantageous.

[0008] A compressed air supply system which overcomes these disadvantages is assigned a control device and further comprises a compressed air transmitter for providing compressed air at a compressed air connection, a pneumatic main line with a water separator for separating moisture from the compressed air, an air dryer arranged downstream of the water separator in a filling direction for drying and guiding compressed air to the compressed air supply connection in the filling direction and a branch line leading from the pneumatic main line upstream of the air dryer in the filling direction and connecting again downstream of the air dryer.The branch line of such a compressed air supply system has a branch line switching valve that, in a first operating mode, opens the branch line pneumatically, allowing flow through it. The main pneumatic line is designed to return compressed air against the filling direction. On its way to the air dryer, the compressed air passes through at least one throttle, which expands the compressed air before it flows through the air dryer.

[0009] The use of at least partially dehumidified compressed air to regenerate the air dryer fundamentally enables regeneration of the air dryer. However, unlike known compressed air supply systems, such as those described in DE102017010772 A1, such regeneration does not occur automatically when compressed air flows back from the air bellows. Instead, a controlled start to the regeneration of the air dryer is required, such that the compressed air supply system must be activated to operate in the first operating mode, in which regeneration of the air dryer occurs.Since the compressed air flowing back against the filling direction cannot be used or can only be used to a limited extent to supply a compressed air consumer via the compressed air supply connection during regeneration, the air dryer may only be regenerated in situations in which there is no safety risk due to an interrupted or reduced supply of compressed air at the compressed air supply connection.

[0010] This is where the invention comes in. Its object is to provide a control method for controlling a compressed air supply system for a vehicle that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a control method that enables demand-based regeneration of the air dryer while simultaneously ensuring a sufficient compressed air supply at the compressed air supply connection.

[0011] In a first aspect, the invention proposes a control method for solving the aforementioned problem. The control method for a compressed air supply system of the type described above comprises the steps:

[0012] Receiving a supply requirement from the compressed air consumer by the control device,

[0013] Controlling the compressed air generator, in particular an electric motor associated with a compressor, by the control device to provide compressed air at the compressed air connection, depending on the supply requirement received from the compressed air consumer,

[0014] Controlling a pneumatic branch line switching valve by the control device for pneumatically opening the branch line in a first operating mode, in the event that the control device identifies a regeneration execution time, identifying a regeneration execution time by the control device depending on the supply requirement and / or on a state variable of the compressed air supply system defining the saturation level of the air dryer, and

[0015] Return of compressed air from the branch line against the filling direction through the pneumatic main line to regenerate the air dryer in the first operating mode.

[0016] It should be understood that the method is not limited to carrying out the method steps in the order described above.

[0017] Depending on the design of the respective valve, controlling a switching valve to block a pneumatic line can be understood as either energizing or de-energizing the line. Similarly, controlling a switching valve to release a pneumatic line can be understood as either energizing or de-energizing the line, depending on the design of the respective valve.

[0018] By opening the branch line switching valve as required in the first operating mode such that pneumatic flow can occur through the branch line in the direction of the compressed air supply connection, the compressed air from the branch line is guided against the filling direction, i.e. in a return direction, through the air dryer in the main pneumatic line. Due to this flow against the filling direction, the compressed air partially dehumidified by the water separator can be used to regenerate the air dryer in the return direction. The compressed air is guided in particular through a throttle arranged downstream of the air dryer in the filling direction and expanded by this. This expansion reduces the relative humidity of the compressed air. In the sense of the invention, saturation of the air dryer is understood to mean saturation of the drying substrate in the air dryer by the moisture adsorbed by the compressed air to be dried.The adsorption capacity of the drying substrate is guaranteed up to a maximum saturation, beyond which the drying substrate can no longer adsorb any further moisture.

[0019] The degree of saturation is therefore defined as the saturation of the drying substrate relative to the maximum possible saturation of the drying substrate. The degree of saturation provides the decisive measure for the condition-dependent regeneration time of the air dryer. If the degree of saturation corresponds to 100% or 1, the air dryer can no longer adsorb moisture from the compressed air in the main pneumatic line. This degree of saturation can preferably also be determined sensorically using at least one dew point sensor.

[0020] The filling direction within the meaning of the invention refers to the direction of the compressed air guided through a line from the compressed air connection to the compressed air supply connection. The pressurized line can be the pneumatic main line or a branch line designed to guide compressed air to the compressed air supply connection. In embodiments in which the branch line is designed not only to return compressed air to the pneumatic main line but also to provide compressed air to the compressed air supply connection, the filling direction simultaneously describes the direction in which flow can occur through the branch line in the first operating mode; in this case, the filling direction corresponds to the direction of the compressed air supply connection.To vent the compressed air receiver, the compressed air is returned through the pneumatic main line in a venting direction, i.e., opposite to the filling direction, and is released into the atmosphere via the vent connection. To regenerate the air dryer, the compressed air is fed from the branch line into the pneumatic main line in a regeneration direction, i.e., also opposite to the filling direction, and then returned via the air dryer in the opposite direction to the filling direction. The return direction, as defined by the invention, refers to the direction of the compressed air flowing through a line from the compressed air supply connection, opposite to the filling direction.

[0021] The received supply requirement can preferably also include negative values, for example, in the event that venting of the pneumatic system is necessary and no compressed air supply and provision of compressed air by the compressed air provider is required. Furthermore, the supply requirement can assume the value 0 in the event that venting is not required, but nonetheless no compressed air supply and provision of compressed air by the compressed air provider is required. The received supply requirement can preferably assume positive values ​​in the event that a compressed air supply and provision of compressed air by the compressed air provider is required.

[0022] Such a control device preferably comprises one or more communicating control units. For example, a first control unit can be configured to control the compressed air consumer, a second control unit can be configured to control the compressed air supply system, and a third control unit can be configured to control the compressed air generator. Communication between such control units enables reliable data exchange and joint control of the compressed air supply system, as well as the compressed air consumer and the compressed air generator.

[0023] The invention makes use of the knowledge that the identification of a regeneration execution time dependent on the supply requirement and the resulting control of a branch line switching valve in the event of regeneration enables a low or possibly non-existent supply requirement by the compressed air consumer to easily allow the use of the compressed air dehumidified by the water separator for regeneration. In this case, the regeneration does not impair the supply of the compressed air consumer by the compressed air supply system, so that it is advantageous to also carry out regeneration as a precautionary measure in order to reduce the saturation of the air dryer. Furthermore, the invention advantageously recognizes that the identification of a regeneration execution time by the control device depends on the degree of saturation of the air dryer orone or more of these defining state variables and the subsequent control of the branch line switching valve enable regeneration of the air dryer when saturation is almost reached or has been reached. In other words, this enables demand-based regeneration of the air dryer. By regenerating the air dryer exclusively on demand, the operation of the air supply system, whose task is to provide a compressed air supply for a compressed air consumer, can be reduced to a necessary minimum. The control method according to the invention thus enables, on the one hand, situation-dependent regeneration of the air dryer, which can be carried out whenever possible, and, on the other hand, demand-based and condition-dependent regeneration of the air dryer, which is only carried out when the air dryer actually requires regeneration.

[0024] Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, which further develop the concept of the invention with regard to advantageous features within the scope of the task and with regard to further advantages.

[0025] Preferably, receiving the supply requirement by the control device further comprises receiving a supply pressure and / or a supply volume flow of the compressed air to be provided at the compressed air supply connection by the control device. Alternatively, the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow can also be determined by the controller depending on the received supply requirement. For example, the supply requirement can indicate that two of five nozzles of the sensor device are required for cleaning. Thus, the control device can determine, depending on this, that the supply volume flow is 2 / 5 of the maximum volume flow of the compressed air supply system. By receiving or determining the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow as the supply requirement, the regeneration execution time can also be identified depending thereon.The control device preferably identifies a difference between the system pressure provided at the compressed air connection and the supply pressure to be provided or requested at the compressed air supply connection. Depending on the pressure difference, compressed air remains, which can be used to regenerate the air dryer. If, for example, the supply requirement indicates that no supply pressure is to be provided at the compressed air supply connection, the entire compressed air provided at the compressed air connection can be used to regenerate the air dryer. If, however, only a portion of the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection is required at the compressed air supply connection, the difference between the supplied compressed air and the required compressed air can be used to regenerate the air dryer.In a corresponding manner, the supply volume flow to be provided at the compressed air supply connection and its difference compared to the volume flow provided at the compressed air connection also indicates a volume flow available for the regeneration of the air dryer.

[0026] Furthermore, after receiving the supply requirement, the method comprises determining a permissible moisture content of the compressed air to be provided at the compressed air supply connection by the control device. By determining the permissible moisture content of the compressed air to be provided at the compressed air supply connection, the admissibility of rapid regeneration of the air dryer to ensure sufficient air drying can be further identified. If drying by the air dryer is required due to the permissible moisture content, the air dryer is not regenerated, and accordingly, no regeneration execution time is formally identified.In fact, the air dryer may require regeneration, but due to environmental conditions that preclude regeneration, no regeneration execution time is identified, and the subsequent process steps are therefore not initiated. However, if drying by the air dryer is not required due to the permissible moisture content of the compressed air, regeneration of the air dryer can be performed even at lower saturation levels, and a regeneration execution time for the air dryer is identified accordingly.

[0027] Preferably, the control device determines the permissible moisture content depending on one, several or all of the following variables: a temperature and / or air humidity of an environment, which is detected in particular via at least one temperature sensor arrangement and / or an air humidity sensor, an operating time of the compressed air generator, in particular of the electric motor, which is monitored by the control device via a signal-conducting connection, in particular via a CAN bus connection, a motor speed of the motor, in particular of a BLDC electric motor, which is monitored by the control device via a signal-conducting connection, in particular via a CAN bus connection.

[0028] By determining the ambient temperature, the control device can, for example, prevent the compressed air supplied at the compressed air supply connection from freezing at a temperature of at least 20 °C, eliminating the need to use the air dryer. This minimizes the risk of freezing. According to the invention, the risk of freezing is defined as the risk of moisture contained in the compressed air supplied at the compressed air supply connection freezing.

[0029] Furthermore, in the case of a long operating time of the compressed air source, such as a compressor, and the associated heating of the compressor due to the increased temperature of the compressed air, the control device can prevent the compressed air from freezing even at ambient temperatures below 20°C, so that the air dryer does not need to be used in this case either due to the low risk of freezing. The same applies to a high speed of the electric motor, since in this case, too, an increased temperature of the compressed air compressed by the compressor is to be expected, and this presents only a low risk of freezing due to the elevated temperature when provided at the compressed air supply connection.

[0030] In this context, the operating time of the compressed air supply is understood to mean at least one of the following: cumulative total operating time since a vehicle was put into operation, an operating time since the start of the journey, an operating time within a current compressed air supply by the compressed air supply. The operating time is particularly preferably an operating time within a current compressed air supply by the compressed air supply. This takes into account the work the compressed air supply has already had to perform – without an intermediate cooling phase. This operating time and the duration of any cooling phases are decisive for the temperature of the compressed air supply.

[0031] The control method preferably further comprises regulating the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow of the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection, in particular of the pneumatic arrangement, by the control device depending on the supply requirement. Thus, the control method extends the function of the control device beyond simply receiving the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow at the compressed air supply connection to include regulating the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow at the compressed air supply connection. The control device is connected in a signal-conducting manner to at least one pressure sensor arranged in the pneumatic main line for providing sensor signals and to a pressure regulator assigned to the pneumatic main line and / or the compressed air connection, wherein the control device controls the pressure regulator depending on the sensor signals.The supply volume flow is thus controlled depending on the pressure in the main pneumatic line, which connects the compressed air connection to the compressed air supply connection. The control device can thus react directly to pressure fluctuations in the main pneumatic line. Additionally or alternatively, the control device is preferably connected to the electric motor, in particular the BLDC electric motor, in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to control a motor speed of the electric motor in order to provide compressed air with the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow at the compressed air supply connection. Thus, the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow can optionally also be controlled by controlling the motor speed of the electric motor driving the compressed air generator, in particular the compressor.Such control of the engine speed also enables indirect pressure control through the direct influence on the performance of the compressed air sensor.

[0032] Preferably, the control device is connected to a pneumatic arrangement associated with the compressed air supply connection. The method further preferably comprises controlling the pneumatic arrangement by the control device depending on sensor signals from a temperature sensor arrangement associated with the compressed air supply and / or the supply requirement and / or a saturation level of the air dryer.

[0033] The pneumatic arrangement preferably comprises a controllable throttle valve designed to throttle compressed air supplied to the compressed air supply connection in the filling direction in the second operating mode. The throttle valve preferably has a variable flow cross-section, with the control device controlling the throttle valve to change the flow cross-section. The throttle valve influences the compressed air flow by changing the flow cross-section in the main pneumatic line. If the valve reduces the flow cross-section, this impedes the compressed air flow in the main pneumatic line, increasing the resistance to the compressed air flow. This, in turn, causes the pressure upstream of the throttle point to rise.The method thus throttles the pressure to the supply pressure by controlling the throttle valve, reducing the flow cross-section in the area of ​​the throttle valve and subsequently releasing the compressed air. If the throttle valve is controlled by the control device according to the method, for example, in the first operating mode, in such a way that a maximum cross-section reduction occurs, no more compressed air is supplied to the supply connection.

[0034] To throttle the volume flow, the throttle valve cooperates in particular with a pressure relief valve, such as a vent check valve arranged in the vent line. The flow cross-section in the throttle valve is reduced until the back pressure upstream of the throttle valve reaches the pressure relief valve and provides sufficient pressure to open the valve. The vent check valve preferably opens at a pressure of at least 0.5 bar. By controlling the throttle valve in this way, the input volume flow provided at the compressed air connection can be divided into the supply volume flow provided at the compressed air connection and an excess portion, which is returned against the filling direction for regeneration of the air dryer.

[0035] The pneumatic arrangement further preferably comprises at least a first check valve opening in the filling direction and a bypass line branching off downstream of the check valve and connecting upstream of the check valve, with a second check valve opening in the return direction—i.e., opposite to the filling direction. The pneumatic arrangement further preferably comprises a throttle valve arranged in the bypass line downstream of the second check valve in the return direction, which is designed to throttle compressed air supplied to the air dryer opposite to the filling direction. For this purpose, the throttle valve preferably has a throttle point with a variable flow cross-section. The throttle valve preferably has a control pressure line and is designed to regulate the flow cross-section depending on the control pressure.The control pressure line preferably connects to the bypass line downstream of the throttle point in the return direction - i.e., opposite to the filling direction. The first check valve is preferably arranged in the pneumatic main line, with the first check valve and the second check valve being arranged between the (first) air dryer and the compressed air supply connection. Alternatively or additionally, the first check valve is preferably arranged in the (second) branch line, with the first check valve and the second check valve being arranged between a second air dryer and the compressed air supply connection. In order to be returned in the branch line or the pneumatic main line, the compressed air must therefore inevitably pass through the controllable throttle valve, which is designed to throttle the pressure of the compressed air flowing to the respective air dryer.This compressed air is then preferably passed through a throttle located downstream of the air dryer in the filling direction, where it is further expanded. The resulting expansion of the compressed air allows it to absorb more moisture during the air dryer's regeneration.

[0036] Furthermore, the method preferably comprises the on-demand activation or connection of an additional compressed air source depending on the supply requirement and / or a saturation level of the air dryer and / or a sensor signal from a temperature sensor arrangement assigned to the compressed air source. Thus, an additional compressed air source is connected in addition to the compressed air source. An additional compressed air source increases the available compressed air quantity, i.e., the available volumetric flow, and allows for response to varying system requirements. An increased supply requirement with respect to the supply volumetric flow can occur, for example, if all nozzles of a sensor cleaning device need to be supplied with compressed air.Because the control device can switch on an additional compressed air source depending on this supply requirement, it is possible to react to such supply requirements and provide a sufficient supply volume flow with the supply pressure to supply all nozzles. Furthermore, it may be necessary to switch off one of the compressed air sources in the event of impending overheating. By switching on the additional compressed air source depending on the sensor signals from the temperature sensor arrangement monitoring the first compressed air source, such overheating can be detected early, and the operation of the compressed air supply system can be maintained by the compressed air source.

[0037] Furthermore, by connecting the compressed air source, a volume flow at the compressed air connection, i.e., an input volume flow, can preferably be provided above the supply volume flow of, for example, 30 l / min. An increased input volume flow, which is above the supply volume flow to be provided at the compressed air supply connection, is particularly advantageous during the regeneration of the first or second air dryer, or during simultaneous regeneration of the air dryer and provision of compressed air at the compressed air supply connection. The increased input volume flow improves the efficiency of the regeneration, so that connecting the compressed air source is advantageous, particularly in the event of high saturation or a high degree of saturation. In this way, the degree of saturation can be quickly reduced.Particularly advantageously, two air dryers can be regenerated simultaneously by switching on the compressed air source to provide an input volume flow above the supply volume flow.

[0038] Furthermore, the compressed air source is preferably designed to provide an input pressure above the supply pressure of, for example, 5 bar at the compressed air connection. The increased input pressure improves the efficiency of regeneration, so that connecting the compressed air source to increase the input pressure is advantageous, particularly in the case of high saturation or a high degree of saturation.

[0039] The control device further preferably identifies a regeneration execution time in the event that the supply pressure and / or the supply volume flow and / or the permissible moisture content of the compressed air and / or the state variable lies outside a predefined value range. Thus, depending on the performance requirements of the compressed air supply system and the safety requirements of a vehicle having such a compressed air supply system, one or more corresponding value ranges can be defined and different requirements can be responded to. The predefined value range specifies a range within which regeneration should not be carried out. This is the case, for example, when a supply requirement with a high supply pressure or a high supply volume flow of, in particular, 5 bar or at least 30 l / min is requested, or when the air dryer is only used for a short period of time.The permissible moisture content of intake air is, for example, > 1g / m. 3 . Regeneration is therefore only carried out if the humidity of the intake air is, for example, < 1 g / m 3 lies.

[0040] The state variable(s) preferably comprise(s) one, several, or all of the following: operating time of the compressed air sensor, number of regenerations and / or period since the last regeneration and / or a number of activations and / or an activation duration of the branch line switching valve and / or a main line switching valve arranged in the pneumatic main line. The saturation level of the air dryer correlates with these state variables and can therefore be suitably defined by them. By increasing the operating time of the compressed air sensor, a larger quantity of compressed air is simultaneously passed through the air dryer, so that a higher saturation level is generally achieved. The same applies to a long period since the last regeneration of the air dryer. A high number of regenerations within a defined period, on the other hand, indicates a lower saturation level of the air dryer.

[0041] It is further preferred that the method comprises calculating the saturation level of the air dryer by the control device, wherein the saturation level is calculated as a function of an ambient temperature and an ambient humidity, as well as one, several, or all of the following state variables: running time and / or motor speed of the compressed air generator, number of regenerations, and time since the last regeneration. If the saturation level is determined based on all of these variables, it can be calculated with high accuracy within the framework of a saturation simulation. Especially since the saturation level correlates with each of these state variables, one of these variables, in conjunction with the temperature and the humidity, is sufficient to calculate at least an approximate saturation level of the air dryer.

[0042] It is further preferred that the temperature and / or the air humidity comprise a current temperature and / or air humidity of the environment, wherein the method comprises the control device retrieving the current temperature and / or air humidity from at least one signal-conductingly connected temperature sensor arrangement and / or air humidity sensor or from a signal-conductingly connected vehicle electrical system. By retrieving the current temperature, a regeneration execution time can be reliably identified depending on the current ambient conditions. In particular, fluctuations compared to, for example, an average temperature or even a predicted temperature are taken into account in this way. A temperature sensor arrangement or an air humidity sensor can detect such a temperature or air humidity directly in the environment of the vehicle.An on-board network can also retrieve this temperature and / or humidity from signal-conductingly connected temperature sensors of a temperature sensor arrangement or humidity sensors, or retrieve the temperature via wireless data connections from weather stations in the surrounding area or from the Internet, taking into account the current vehicle position.

[0043] The control device preferably has a memory and is designed to retrieve information relating to the temperature and / or humidity or state variables during the operating time of the air dryer. Further preferably, the control device is designed to retrieve information from a dew point sensor for determining the degree of saturation.

[0044] More preferably, the temperature and / or humidity comprises a predicted ambient temperature and / or humidity along a route and / or at a destination. The method preferably comprises retrieving location information relating to the route and / or destination and retrieving ambient information associated with the location information by the control device from a signal-conductingly connected on-board network and / or a navigation system. By retrieving location information and ambient information, such as a temperature or humidity, predicted ambient temperatures and / or humidity can be determined. This enables predictive control of the compressed air supply system, particularly with regard to identifying the time at which regeneration should be carried out.The control system can thus also consider future situations that influence the supply requirements and, in particular, the permissible humidity of the compressed air at the compressed air supply connection. For example, if a temperature below freezing is predicted at the destination, the control system will identify a regeneration execution time early on based on the resulting future supply requirements. This provides predictive control and a control method with increased operational reliability.

[0045] Preferably, the method further comprises the control device controlling a vent valve to open a vent line leading from the pneumatic main line to the vent connection upstream of the air dryer in the filling direction, in the event that the control device identifies a regeneration execution time. Thus, the compressed air exiting the air dryer opposite to the filling direction can be guided via the vent line to the vent connection and discharged therefrom.

[0046] Preferably, the method further comprises controlling a main line switching valve to block the pneumatic main line in the filling direction, particularly upstream of the air dryer, in the event that the control device identifies a regeneration execution time. Thus, the compressed air returned in the pneumatic main line against the filling direction for regenerating the air dryer does not have to first displace the compressed air in the pneumatic main line, but can be guided unhindered through the pneumatic main line against the filling direction and preferably discharged via the vent connection.

[0047] More preferably, the method comprises the following step:

[0048] Flushing the pneumatic main line and / or the branch line by means of compressed air provided at the compressed air connection and discharging the compressed air via the vent line, wherein the compressed air is preferably dried by the air dryer and the flushing of the pneumatic main line is carried out against the filling direction and / or the flushing of the branch line is carried out in the filling direction, and / or

[0049] Flushing the compressed air receiver with compressed air provided at the compressed air connection and preferably dried by the air dryer and discharging the compressed air via the compressed air receiver.

[0050] Flushing the pneumatic main line and / or branch line removes residues, particularly water accumulation, from the lines, and, in particular, allows air with a high moisture content to be released from the compressed air supply system via the vent line to the vent connection. Flushing the compressed air receiver with dried compressed air ensures that moisture does not freeze in the compressed air receiver during extended downtimes, even if previously operated with only partially dehumidified or moist compressed air. However, if purging is generally performed with compressed air that has not been dried by an air dryer, moisture accumulation in valves can be blown out.

[0051] More preferably, the method comprises the following step:

[0052] Control of the main line switching valve and the branch line switching valve for pneumatically decoupling the pneumatic main line and the branch line from the compressed air connection. In particular, the air dryer located in the pneumatic main line is also pneumatically decoupled from the compressed air supply. By pneumatically decoupling the pneumatic main line or the branch line from the compressed air connection, the system is depressurized into a standby mode in which neither compressed air is supplied to the compressed air supply connection nor is the air dryer regenerated. In this way, the saturation of the air dryer is stopped and the branch line and the pneumatic main line are protected against possible later frost-related damage. This takes into account that the ambient conditions can change, for example, when a vehicle is parked.For example, nighttime frost could otherwise cause frost damage, which is prevented in this way. Preferably, the method further comprises controlling the vent valve to pneumatically decouple the vent line from the environment. Thus, the vent line is also protected in standby mode.

[0053] Furthermore, by controlling the pneumatic arrangement by the controller for distributing the compressed air conducted in the branch line, it is possible to simultaneously regenerate the air dryer and provide compressed air at the compressed air supply connection via the branch line.

[0054] Further preferably, the branch line is a first branch line, and the compressed air supply system further comprises a second branch line with a second branch line switching valve and a second air dryer, and the regeneration execution time is a first regeneration execution time, the air dryer is a first air dryer, and the saturation level is a first saturation level. Preferably, the control device selectively defines the first branch line switching valve and / or the second branch line switching valve depending on a state variable that determines the saturation level of the second air dryer, in the event that the sensor cleaning device identifies a regeneration execution time. Thus, depending on the regeneration execution time or the extent or intensity of the regeneration execution time, the first and / or the second branch line switching valve can be selectively controlled.Regeneration of the first air dryer via the second branch line with the second air dryer enables faster regeneration of the air dryer, since drier compressed air is fed into the second branch line due to the second air dryer and can therefore be returned to the main pneumatic line against the filling direction. If only a short regeneration execution time is identified, regeneration can still be performed by controlling the first switching valve in the first branch line, with only compressed air dehumidified by the water separator being returned through the main pneumatic line against the filling direction to regenerate the first air dryer.

[0055] Preferably, the method further comprises the steps:

[0056] Identifying a regeneration execution time of the second air dryer by the control device depending on the supply requirement and / or a saturation level of the second air dryer defined by at least one state variable, selectively controlling the first branch line switching valve and / or the main line switching valve by the control device for pneumatically flow-through opening of the first branch line and / or the pneumatic main line in the event that the control device identifies a regeneration execution time of the second air dryer,

[0057] Returning compressed air from the first branch line and / or the main pneumatic line through the second branch line against the filling direction to regenerate the second air dryer. Thus, the control method according to the invention can also identify a regeneration execution time of the second air dryer and perform regeneration of the second air dryer. The regeneration execution time of the second air dryer is identified, in particular, depending on the same state variables with respect to the second air dryer as were described above with respect to the first air dryer.Preferably, one, several or all of the following are designed as normally closed solenoid directional control valves: the at least one branch line switching valve, the at least one nozzle valve of a sensor cleaning device connected to the compressed air supply system, the at least one vent valve, and a compressor vent valve, wherein the solenoid directional control valves have a coil for generating a magnetic force and an armature which can be moved by the magnetic force against a spring force acting in the direction of a valve seat, and are designed to be moved away from the valve seat by being energized with an opening control current against the spring force and to rest against the valve seat by being energized with a heating control current which is smaller than the opening control current, wherein the coil is designed to heat the solenoid directional control valve when the heating control current is applied.The possibility of heating these valves reduces the risk of malfunctions in the pneumatic system due to freezing. This applies not only to the sensor cleaning device and other compressed air consumers, but also, in particular, to the compressed air supply system.

[0058] Preferably, the method further comprises selectively energizing one, several or all of the following solenoid directional control valves with an opening control current and a heating control current: the at least one branch line switching valve, the at least one nozzle valve of a sensor cleaning device connected to the compressed air supply system, the at least one vent valve, and the compressor vent valve.

[0059] The ability to heat the aforementioned valves reduces the overall risk of malfunctions in the pneumatic system due to freezing. This applies not only to the sensor cleaning device and other compressed air consumers, but also, in particular, to the compressed air supply system. Using the solenoid valves' existing coil eliminates the need for additional heating elements. It should be understood that heating the solenoid valves is particularly necessary before opening, as they remain closed for extended periods of time. Damage to the valve only occurs when a possibly frozen valve or its armature is moved. Energizing the solenoid valve before it actually opens prevents it from freezing by heating the valve, which is preferably maintained permanently during operation.

[0060] A heated nozzle valve reduces the risk of frost damage at temperatures close to freezing. The threshold at which only compressed air dried by the air dryer may be fed to the compressed air supply connection is therefore shifted to lower temperatures.

[0061] Furthermore, the compressed air supply system preferably further comprises a compressor vent line with a compressor vent valve. The method preferably comprises controlling the compressor

[0062] Vent valve for venting a line volume between the compressed air supply and the compressed air supply. This reduces the starting resistance for the compressor.

[0063] The invention solves the aforementioned problem in a second aspect by a control device according to claim 17. According to the second aspect, the invention proposes a control device for controlling a compressed air supply system for a vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The control device is assigned to the compressed air supply system for supplying a compressed air consumer via a compressed air supply connection, and the compressed air supply system comprises a compressed air generator for providing compressed air at a compressed air connection, a pneumatic main line with an air dryer for drying and guiding compressed air to the compressed air supply connection in a filling direction, and a branch line branching off from the pneumatic main line upstream of the air dryer in the filling direction and reconnecting downstream of the air dryer.The control device is configured to receive a supply requirement from the compressed air consumer and to control the compressed air supply, and is connectable to the compressed air consumer and the compressed air supply in a signal-conducting manner. Furthermore, the control device is configured to identify a regeneration execution time, in particular a first saturation level of the first air dryer and / or a second saturation level of the second air dryer, depending on the supply requirement and / or a saturation level of the air dryer defined by at least one state variable. Furthermore, the control device is configured to control the branch line switching valve to pneumatically open the branch line upon identification of a regeneration execution time.

[0064] The control device is thus particularly designed to carry out a control method according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and preferred embodiments described with reference to the first aspect are thus also advantages and preferred embodiments of the control device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0065] Preferably, one, several or all of the following are designed as normally closed solenoid directional control valves: the at least one branch line switching valve, the at least one nozzle valve of a sensor cleaning device connected to the compressed air supply system, the at least one vent valve, and the compressor vent valve, wherein the solenoid directional control valves have a coil for generating a magnetic force and an armature which can be moved by the magnetic force against a spring force acting in the direction of a valve seat, and are designed to be moved away from the valve seat by being energized with an opening control current against the spring force and to rest against the valve seat by being energized with a heating control current which is smaller than the opening control current, wherein the coil is designed to heat the solenoid directional control valve when the heating control current is applied.The possibility of heating these valves reduces the risk of frost damage to the pneumatic system as a whole. This applies not only to the sensor cleaning device and other compressed air consumers, but also, in particular, to the compressed air supply system.

[0066] Preferably, the control device is further configured to selectively supply one, several or all of the following solenoid directional control valves with an opening control current and a heating control current: the at least one branch line switching valve, the at least one nozzle valve, the at least one vent valve, and the compressor vent valve.

[0067] The ability to heat the aforementioned valves reduces the overall risk of malfunctions in the pneumatic system due to freezing. This applies not only to the sensor cleaning device and other compressed air consumers, but also in particular to the compressed air supply system. Using the solenoid valves' existing coil eliminates the need for additional heating elements. It should be understood that heating the solenoid valves is particularly necessary before opening, as they remain closed for extended periods of time. Damage to the valve only occurs when a possibly frozen valve or its armature is moved. Energizing the solenoid valve before it actually opens prevents it from freezing due to heating of the valve, which preferably occurs or is maintained permanently during operation.

[0068] The invention solves the aforementioned problem in a third aspect by a vehicle according to claim 18. According to the third aspect, the invention proposes a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a compressed air supply system for supplying a compressed air consumer via a compressed air supply connection. The compressed air supply system comprises a compressed air generator for providing compressed air at a compressed air supply connection, a pneumatic main line with an air dryer for drying and guiding compressed air to the compressed air supply connection in a filling direction, and a branch line branching off from the pneumatic main line upstream of the air dryer in the filling direction and reconnecting downstream of the air dryer.Furthermore, the vehicle comprises a control device according to the second aspect of the invention assigned to the compressed air supply system and a compressed air consumer, in particular a sensor cleaning device connected to the compressed air supply connection. Such a control device enables the vehicle to benefit from the advantages described in relation to the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention. Preferred embodiments and advantages according to the first aspect of the invention are likewise preferred embodiments and advantages of the vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0069] The vehicle preferably further comprises at least one sensor and / or a data interface, preferably a vehicle data bus, in particular a CAN bus, which is signal-conductingly connected to the control device and is designed to provide sensor and / or memory data for determining a saturation level of the air dryer and / or a humidity defined by at least one state variable. Thus, the controller can retrieve necessary information regarding the saturation level of the air dryer and / or a humidity or temperature either directly via at least one sensor or via a corresponding data interface. This information, in particular, enables a calculation or estimation of the saturation level of the air dryer.The humidity of the ambient air, which is sucked in and compressed by the compressed air supplier, in particular a compressor, in conjunction with the permissible moisture content of the compressed air to be provided at the compressed air connection, consequently also influences the saturation of the air dryer.

[0070] More preferably, the vehicle further comprises an on-board electrical system which is connected to the control device via the data interface and is designed to provide one, several or all of the following data: location information from a navigation system, memory data from an on-board electrical system memory, sensor information from at least one sensor connected to the on-board electrical system, in particular a temperature sensor of a temperature sensor arrangement and / or a humidity sensor and a compressed air sensor. Furthermore, the vehicle preferably comprises an on-board electrical system battery which is designed to provide a power supply for the on-board electrical system and / or the compressed air consumer and / or the control device and / or the compressor. Thus, a power supply for the vehicle components relating to the supply and control of the compressed air supply system is provided centrally via the on-board electrical system battery.The invention advantageously takes into account that, for example, the compressor requires an increased energy requirement to compress the compressed air taken in.

[0071] Sensor information in the present case includes a temperature detected by a temperature sensor arrangement and / or a pressure detected by a pressure sensor and / or a humidity detected by a humidity sensor.

[0072] Accordingly, a central power supply for the compressed air receiver via the vehicle's battery is also advantageous. The compressed air supply system itself, or the electrically controlled pneumatic solenoid valves, are preferably supplied with power via the control unit. Such a power supply or de-energization by the control unit can preferably be used to control the branch line switching valves.

[0073] Further preferably, the control device is designed to determine, depending on the provided data, the current and / or predicted ambient temperature and / or the current and / or predicted ambient humidity at at least one of the following positions: at a current location, along a route, and at a destination. A suitably designed control device can thus determine the ambient temperature and / or humidity not only at a current location, but also proactively along the route or at a destination. This enables proactive regeneration of the air dryer, taking future ambient conditions into account. Such ambient conditions can, in particular, relate to low temperatures or very high air humidity.For example, high ambient humidity leads to increased moisture storage in the air dryer, or low temperatures require the air dryer to be ready for operation.

[0074] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings in comparison to the prior art, some of which is also shown. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, where useful for explanation, the drawings are schematic and / or slightly distorted. With regard to additions to the teachings immediately apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that many modifications and changes to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without departing from the general idea of ​​the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for the further development of the invention, both individually and in any combination.Furthermore, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings, and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below, nor is it limited to an object that would be limited compared to the object claimed in the claims. In the case of specified dimensioning ranges, values ​​within the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed as limit values ​​and can be used and claimed as desired.

[0075] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show: FIG. 1 shows a compressed air supply system with an associated control device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0076] FIG. 2a shows a vehicle with a compressed air supply system schematically in a basic operating mode in a first embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 2b shows the vehicle according to FIG. 2a with the compressed air supply system schematically in a first operating mode in a first embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle with a compressed air supply system schematically in a basic operating mode in a second embodiment;

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with a compressed air supply system in accordance with a third embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 5 shows a solenoid directional control valve for a vehicle according to FIGS. 2a to 4;

[0081] FIG. 6a shows a first embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement;

[0082] FIG. 6b shows a second embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement;

[0083] FIG. 6c shows a third embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement;

[0084] FIG. 6d shows a fourth embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement;

[0085] FIG. 7 shows the sequence of a method for the control device 1300 of a compressed air supply system for a vehicle according to FIGS. 2a and 2b according to a first embodiment; FIG. 8 shows the sequence of a method for the control device 1300 of a compressed air supply system for a vehicle according to FIGS. 2a and 2b according to a second embodiment;

[0086] FIG. 9 shows the sequence of a method for the control device 1300 of a compressed air supply system for a vehicle according to FIG. 3 according to a third embodiment; and

[0087] The compressed air supply system 1200 according to FIG. 1 comprises a compressed air supply system 100. Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 1200 comprises a compressed air generator 200, which preferably comprises a compressor 201 driven by an electric motor 203.

[0088] The compressed air generator 200 is connected to the compressed air supply system 100 via a compressed air connection 1 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b). The compressed air supply system 100 comprises an air dryer 5 arranged in a pneumatic main line 12 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b) and a water separator 6 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) arranged fluidically between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air connection 1 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b). Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 comprises a pressure control module 101, which has a number of branch line switching valves (not shown) for distributing the pressure within the compressed air supply system 100.

[0089] The compressed air supply system 1200 is assigned a control device 1300 for controlling the compressed air supply system 1200.

[0090] An ambient temperature sensor 410 and a humidity sensor 400 are preferably connected in a signal-conducting manner to the control device 1300. These sensors are designed to provide sensor information S, T, H (see FIG. 7) for determining a saturation level G (see FIG. 7) of the air dryer 5 and / or a permissible humidity Hmax (see FIG. 7) of the compressed air to be provided at the compressed air supply connection 2. Alternatively or additionally, a dew point sensor (e.g., in the air dryer, not shown) for determining the saturation level G (see FIG. 7) of the air dryer 5 can also be connected to the control device.

[0091] Furthermore, at least one data interface 70, preferably a vehicle data bus 71, in particular a CAN bus 72, is preferably connected to the control device 1300 in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to provide stored sensor information S, T, H (see FIG. 7) for determining a saturation level G (see FIG. 7) of the air dryer 5 and / or a permissible humidity Hmax (see FIG. 7). The data interface 70 connects the control device 1300 to an on-board electrical system 1600 or a navigation system 1700. Alternatively, the connection to the navigation system 1700 can also be made indirectly via the on-board electrical system 1600, wherein the on-board electrical system 1600 retrieves and / or receives location information IGPS (see FIG. 7) from the navigation system 1700. The on-board electrical system 1600 preferably comprises an on-board electrical system memory 1610, in which the sensor information S, T, H is stored.Furthermore, the control device 1300 is preferably configured to store a predefined value range W for a supply pressure Vp and / or a supply volume flow Vv and / or a permissible moisture content Hmax and / or a state variable Z, which is preferably retrieved in step 2300 and / or step 4300 in the method shown in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0092] The on-board electrical system 1600 further comprises an on-board electrical system battery 1620, which is designed to supply the on-board electrical system 1600 and / or the compressed air transmitter 200 and / or the compressed air receiver 300 (cf. FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) and / or the control device 1300 with current I.

[0093] The operation of the control device 1300 is explained in detail in connection with the preferred embodiments of the vehicle 1000 shown in FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0094] FIG. 2a shows a vehicle 1000, in particular a passenger car 1100. The passenger car 1100 comprises a compressed air supply system 1200 as well as an electronic control unit 1300 (ECU) and a compressed air collector 300, which in this case is a sensor cleaning device 301.

[0095] The compressed air supply system 1200 comprises a compressed air supply system 100 and a compressed air generator 200 connected to the compressed air supply system 100 via a compressed air connection 1. The compressed air generator 200 here comprises a compressor 201 with an electric motor 203.

[0096] The compressed air supply system 100 comprises a compressed air connection 1 for connection to the compressed air generator 200 (see FIG. 1) and a compressed air supply connection 2 for connecting the compressed air consumer 300. The compressed air connection 1 is connected to the compressed air supply connection 2 via a pneumatic main line 12. From the pneumatic main line 12, a vent line 13 also leads to a vent connection 3, which is configured to vent the pneumatic main line 12. The compressed air supply system 100 further has an air dryer 5 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12. The air dryer 5 is configured to dry the compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1 and guided in a filling direction B through the pneumatic main line 12.

[0097] A water separator 6 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is also arranged in the pneumatic main line 12 between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air connection 1. The water separator 6 comprises a condensation dryer 16 and a drain element 26, preferably a drain valve, which are designed to remove at least a portion of the moisture from the compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1 as condensate K. The water separator 6 further comprises a ventilation unit 36. The ventilation unit 36 ​​is arranged between the compressed air connection 1 and the condensation dryer 16. Alternatively, the ventilation unit 36 ​​can also be arranged downstream of the condensation dryer 16 in the filling direction B (see FIG. 2b). The water separator 6 with the condensation dryer 16, the drain member 26 and the ventilation device 36 is preferably arranged in a front part 1400 of the vehicle 1000 in the direction of travel F.Thus, the airflow occurring during operation can also be used to cool the compressed air compressed by compressor 201. Thus, the saturation of the air dryer 5 is slowed by the partially dehumidified compressed air 120 in the pneumatic main line 12.

[0098] In the present case, a water separator 6 is understood to be a unit consisting of a number of components whose function is to separate water from the compressed air or to support this separation.

[0099] The compressed air supply system comprises a vent valve arrangement 23. A vent valve 23.1 (see Fig. 3) of the vent valve arrangement 23 is arranged in the vent line 13, which is preferably an electrically controllable 2 / 2-way valve. Furthermore, a vent check valve 23.2 of the vent valve arrangement 23 is preferably arranged downstream of the vent valve 23.1 (see Fig. 3) in the direction of the vent line 13, which preferably opens in a pressure-controlled manner towards the vent connection 3. When the vent valve 23.1 is open, the vent check valve 23.2 thus preferentially opens the vent line 13 due to the compressed air in the vent line 13. At the same time, the vent check valve 23.2 prevents moisture from entering via the vent line 13.It should also be understood that the vent line 13 can branch off at any position of the main line 12 in the filling direction B upstream of the air dryer 5.

[0100] The compressed air supply system 100 advantageously further comprises a throttle 8. The throttle 8 is preferably arranged downstream of the air dryer 5 in the filling direction B. The throttle 8 is designed to expand the compressed air that may be returned for the regeneration of the air dryer 5. Between the water separator 6 and the air dryer 5, a branch line 14 also branches off from the pneumatic main line 12, which connects back to the pneumatic main line 12 between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air supply connection 2. The branch line 14 has a branch line switching valve 24. The branch line switching valve 24 is preferably designed as an electrically controllable 2 / 2-way valve and can be selectively switched such that the compressed air supply system 100 can be operated in a basic operating mode N according to FIG. 2a and a first operating mode B1 according to FIG. 2b.

[0101] The compressed air supply system 100 has the pressure control module 101 shown in FIG. 1. The branch line switching valve 24 and the vent valve 23.1 are assigned to the pressure control module 101.

[0102] The compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a pressure sensor 9, which is arranged in the pneumatic main line 12 between the water separator 6 and the air dryer 5. The pressure sensor 9 is configured to detect an inlet pressure P in the pneumatic main line 12, i.e., the pressure of the moist compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1 or the compressed air 120 partially dehumidified by the water separator 6, and to provide a sensor signal S. The pressure sensor 9 is connected in a signal-conducting manner via a first signal line S1 to the control unit 1300, which is thus configured to monitor the inlet pressure P.

[0103] The control device 1300 is further connected to the branch line switching valve 24 via a second signal line S2 and to the vent valve 23.1 via a third signal line S3. Furthermore, the control device 1300 is connected via a fourth signal line S4 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) to a pneumatic arrangement 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), which is assigned to the compressed air supply connection 2. The control device 1300 is configured to control the switching valve 24 for selectively releasing the branch line 14 or the vent valve 23.1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) for selectively releasing the vent line 13.

[0104] The control device 1300 is preferably further configured to control the compressed air transmitter 200 depending on the detected sensor signal S of the pressure sensor 9 in order to control the pressure in the pneumatic main line 12 - at least in the filling direction B upstream of the throttle 8 - and to limit it to a maximum supply pressure Vp, preferably of 5 bar.

[0105] The control device 1300 is further connected to the compressed air consumer 300 via a fifth signal line S5. The control device 1300 is configured to receive a supply requirement Bv (see FIG. 7) of the compressed air consumer 300, preferably via the fifth signal line S5. Preferably, receiving the supply requirement Bv (see FIG. 7) via the fifth signal line S5 by the control device 1300 further comprises receiving a supply pressure Pv and / or a supply volume flow Vv (see FIG.

[0106] FIG. 7). Alternatively or additionally, receiving the supply requirement Bv (cf. FIG. 7) by the control device 1300 further comprises determining a permissible moisture content Hmax of the compressed air 120' to be provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 by the control device 1300. For this purpose, the control device 1300 preferably has a computing device 1310, in particular a processor 1320, which is designed to determine the supply pressure Pv and / or the supply volume flow Vv and / or the permissible moisture content Hmax depending on the supply requirement Bv (cf. FIG. 7).

[0107] Furthermore, the control device 1300 is connected to the compressed air supply 200 via a sixth signal line S6. The control device 1300 is configured to monitor an operating time tß of the compressed air supply 200, which in this case comprises a compressor 201 with an electric motor 203. Furthermore, the control device 1300 is configured to monitor a motor speed M (see FIG. 7) of the electric motor 203. The electric motor 203 is preferably a BLDC electric motor 204 (see FIG. 1).

[0108] The signal lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 can be either wired or wireless. Preferably, the signal lines S5, S6 each comprise a data interface, in particular a vehicle data bus or CAN bus. The signal line S6 is preferably embodied as a CAN bus connection S6.1. The signal lines S2 and S3 can preferably also be merely electrical lines, through which the control device 1300 controls the branch line switching valve 24 and the vent valve 23.1 by energizing or de-energizing them.

[0109] Furthermore, the control device 1300 is preferably designed to regulate the supply pressure Pv and / or the supply volume flow Vv of the compressed air 120' provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 depending on the supply requirement Bv (see FIG. 7) of the compressed air consumer 300. To regulate the supply pressure Pv and / or the supply volume flow Vv, the control device 1300 is signal-conductingly connected to the pressure sensor 9 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12, wherein the pressure sensor 9 is designed to detect the inlet pressure P in the pneumatic main line 12. Preferably, a pressure regulator 40 (see FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3 and 4) is further assigned to the compressed air connection 1, and the control device 1300 is designed to control the pressure regulator 40 to regulate the supply pressure Pv and / or the supply volume flow Vv depending on the sensor signals S of the pressure sensor 9.

[0110] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 1300 is connected to the electric motor 203 via the sixth signal line S6 and is designed to regulate a motor speed M of the electric motor 203 in order to provide compressed air 120' with the supply pressure Pv and / or the supply volume flow Vv at the compressed air connection 1. The control device 1300 is designed to receive a supply requirement Bv (cf. FIG. 7) of the compressed air consumer 300, preferably via the fifth signal line S5, and to control the compressor 201, in particular the electric motor 203 assigned to the compressor 201, to provide compressed air 110 at the compressed air connection 1 upon receipt of a supply requirement Bv (cf. FIG. 7). Furthermore, the control device 1300 is designed to determine a regeneration execution time BR (cf. FIG. 7) of the air dryer 5 as a function of the supply requirement Bv (cf. FIG.7) and / or a degree of saturation of the air dryer 5, which is defined by at least one state variable and is defined by one or more state variables Z (cf. FIG. 7). The control device 1300 is configured to retrieve an operating time tß of the compressor 201 via the sixth signal line S6 as a state variable, as well as a number x of regenerations of the air dryer 5 and a period tR since the last regeneration (cf. FIG. 7). The control device 1300 is preferably configured to determine this degree of saturation G as a function of the operating time tß of the compressor 201, the number x of regenerations of the air dryer 5 and the period tR since the last regeneration, as well as the temperature T of the environment A and the air humidity H of the environment A (cf. FIG. 7). The temperature T and the air humidity H can preferably be provided as sensor information T, H.

[0111] Preferably, the compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a main line switching valve 25 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12. The control device 1300 is preferably connected to the main line switching valve 25 via a seventh signal line S7.

[0112] The vehicle 1000 further comprises an on-board network 1600, which is connected to the control device 1300 via an eighth signal line S8.

[0113] FIG. 2a shows the compressed air supply system 1200 in a basic operating mode N. The compressed air supply system 1200 remains in the basic operating mode N in the event that the control device 1300 does not identify a regeneration execution time BR, but does identify a supply requirement Bv (see FIG. 7). In the basic operating mode N, the compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1 is guided via the pneumatic main line 12 and dried by the air dryer 5 before being provided at the compressed air supply connection 2. In this basic operating mode N, the branch line switching valve 24 blocks the branch line 14 by de-energizing it using the control device 1300. Furthermore, the control device 1300 controls the vent valve arrangement 23 such that the vent valve 23.1 preferably blocks the vent line 13.

[0114] FIG. 2b shows the compressed air supply system 1200 in a first operating mode B1. The compressed air supply system 1200 is operated in this operating mode B1 in the event that the control device 1300 identifies a regeneration execution time BR (see FIG. 7) depending on the supply demand Bv (see FIG. 7) and / or a saturation level G of the air dryer 5 defined by at least one state variable. If the control device 1300 identifies such a regeneration execution time BR, it controls the branch line switching valve 24 by energizing it.The branch line switching valve 24, designed as a normally closed 2 / 2-way valve, then opens the branch line 14 so that it can flow pneumatically in the filling direction B, wherein the pneumatic main line 12 is designed in the first operating mode B1 to allow a return of compressed air 141 from the branch line 14 against the filling direction B for regenerating the air dryer 5.

[0115] The control device 1300 is designed to further control the vent valve arrangement 23 to release the vent line 13 in the first operating mode B1 by energizing the vent valve arrangement 23. The compressed air 131 guided through the air dryer 6 counter to the filling direction B can thus be released into the environment A via the vent connection 3 after exiting the air dryer 5. In embodiments in which the compressed air supply system 1200 and in particular the compressed air supply system 100 has a main line switching valve 25 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12, the control device 1300 is further designed to control the main line switching valve 25 to block the pneumatic main line 12.Preferably, the main line switching valve 25 is designed as a normally closed 2 / 2-way valve, so that the main line switching valve blocks the pneumatic main line 12 in the event that the control device 1300 switches the main line switching valve 25 to a normally closed state.

[0116] After performing the regeneration in the first operating mode B1 or after providing compressed air 120' at the compressed air supply connection 2 in the basic operating mode N, the compressed air supply system 1200 can further be operated in a sleep mode (not shown) in the event that the control device 1300 neither identifies a regeneration execution time BR (see FIG. 7) nor receives a supply requirement Bv (see FIG. 7). If this is the case, the control device 1300 is preferably designed to provide compressed air 110 at the compressed air connection 1 for a further moment by controlling the compressor 201, which is used to flush the pneumatic main line 12 and / or the branch line 14 with compressed air 120' provided at the compressed air connection 1, via the corresponding lines 12, 13 and dried by the air dryer 5 and finally via the vent line 13 with the vent valve 23 open.1 is released via the vent connection 3. Thus, the pneumatic main line 12 and the branch line 14 are freed of residues and, in particular, residual moisture. Preferably, after flushing the lines 12, 14, the control device 1300 is configured to actuate the main line switching valve 25 and the branch line switching valve 24 to decouple the respective line 12, 14 from the compressed air connection 1 in such a way that the pneumatic main line 12 and the branch line 14 are blocked in the filling direction B, thereby establishing a standby mode.

[0117] The control device 1300 connected to the pneumatic arrangement 20 via the signal line S4 is preferably further configured to divide the compressed air 141 between the pneumatic main line 12 for regenerating the air dryer 5 and the compressed air supply connection 2 by controlling the pneumatic arrangement 20 in order to enable simultaneous compressed air supply and regeneration.

[0118] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals here, and reference is made to the description of the first embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. FIG. 3 shows the vehicle 1000 in basic operating mode N. The compressed air supply system 1200 of the vehicle 1000 differs from the first embodiment in that the branch line 14.1 is a first branch line 14.1 with a first branch line switching valve 24.1, and the compressed air supply system 1200, in particular its compressed air supply system 100, further comprises a second branch line 14.2 with a second branch line switching valve 24.2. Furthermore, the air dryer 5.1 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12 is a first air dryer 5.1 and the compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a second air dryer 5.2 arranged in the second branch line 14.2.

[0119] The control device 1300 is further designed to identify a regeneration execution time BR (see FIG. 7) of the second air dryer 5.2 depending on the supply requirement Bv (see FIG. 7) and a state variable which characterizes the saturation level G of the second air dryer 5.2.

[0120] The control device 1300 is designed to control the main line switching valve 25 via a seventh signal line S7 and / or the first branch line switching valve 24.1 via the second signal line S2 upon identification of a regeneration execution time BR (see FIG. 7) of the second air dryer 5.2, to release the pneumatic main line 12 or the first branch line 14.1, respectively, in order to open the respective line 12, 14.1 so that pneumatic flow can pass through it. The compressed air 120', 141 guided in the main line 12 and / or the first branch line 14.1 in the filling direction B is then returned through the second branch line 14.2, counter to the filling direction B, for regeneration of the second air dryer 5.2 and discharged via the vent connection 3. For delivery via the vent connection 3, the control device 1300 is designed to have a second vent valve 23.2 in a second vent line 13.2 via a tenth signal line S10 so that the second vent line 13.2 is opened pneumatically.

[0121] The second embodiment of the vehicle 1000 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the first embodiment in that the compressed air generator 200 comprises a first compressor 201.1 with a first electric motor 203.1 and in that an additional compressed air source 50 is provided, which comprises a second compressor 201.2 with a second electric motor 203.2. The compressed air supply system 1200 preferably further comprises a temperature sensor arrangement 60, which is connected to the control device 1300 in a signal-conducting manner and is used to monitor the temperature of the compressed air generator 200. The temperature sensor arrangement 60 preferably monitors the temperature of the first compressor 201.1 with the first electric motor 203.1. The temperature sensor arrangement 60 preferably monitors the temperature of the compressed air source 50, in particular of the second compressor 201.2 with the second electric motor 203.2.The control device 1300 is configured to connect the second compressed air source 50 as needed, depending on the monitored temperature of the compressed air supply 200, and preferably to turn off the compressed air supply 200. In this way, overheating of the compressed air supply 200 can be detected early and operation can be maintained. Furthermore, the control device 1300 is configured to connect the second compressed air source 50 as needed, depending on the supply demand Bv of the compressed air consumer 300.

[0122] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the vehicle 1000. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the vehicle 1000 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 2a and 2b, and only differences are discussed. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals. FIG. 4 shows a second operating mode B2, in which compressed air 141 from the branch line 14 is distributed to the pneumatic main line 12 for regenerating the air dryer 5 and to the compressed air supply connection 2 for supplying the compressed air consumer 300.

[0123] The third embodiment of the vehicle 1000 shown differs from the first embodiment in that the throttle 8 is now arranged in the branch line 14 upstream of the branch line switching valve 24 instead of in the pneumatic main line 12. The arrangement of the throttle in the branch line 14, with appropriate dimensioning, results in a higher operating pressure, which is advantageous for the air dryer, when the air is guided through the branch line 14. The throttle 8 expands the compressed air 141 provided at the compressed air connection 1 at the beginning of the branch line 14, whereby the compressed air 141 is drier due to the lower air pressure. Thus, the branch line 14 and the branch line switching valve 24 arranged therein, as well as the downstream components, are protected from frost-related malfunctions.At the same time, in the case of the return of the compressed air 141 through the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B, the throttle 8 achieves a relaxation necessary for the regeneration of the air dryer 5.

[0124] Furthermore, a main line switching valve 25 is arranged in the pneumatic main line 12.

[0125] The vent valve arrangement 23 has a control valve 23.5 in the form of a 3 / 2-way solenoid valve. Furthermore, the vent valve 23.1 is designed as a pneumatically actuated vent valve 23.1. The control valve 23.5 can be controlled via electrical control signals in the form of a voltage and / or current signal. When controlled by the controller 1300 via an eleventh signal line S11, the control valve 23.5 can be moved from a normally closed position to a pneumatically open position (not shown), in which a pressure derived from the pneumatic main line 12 via a pneumatic control line 23.5A is passed on for the pneumatic control of the controllable vent valve 23.1 by means of a bypass 23.5B.

[0126] The non-return valve 23.6 protects the 3 / 2-way valve 23.5 on the one hand from water ingress from the environment and on the other hand prevents unwanted opening of the pneumatically controlled vent valve 23.1 when the compressor vent line 13.3 is activated.

[0127] When closed, the control valve 23.5 separates the control line 23.5A and is pneumatically connected to the vent port 3 via another pneumatic line 23.5C.

[0128] The vent line 13.1 is a first vent line 13.1 in this case, and the compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a compressor vent line 13.3. The compressor vent line 13.3 branches off from the pneumatic main line 12 upstream of the main line switching valve 25 in the filling direction B. The vent valve arrangement 23 has a compressor vent valve 23.4 in the compressor vent line 13.3. Through the compressor vent line 13.3, a line volume VL between the compressed air generator 200, preferably a compressor 202 in this case, and the branch line switching valve 24 and the main line switching valve 25 can be vented. The starting resistance for the compressor 202 is thus reduced.

[0129] The vent valve 23.1, the compressor vent valve 23.4 as well as the branch line switching valve 24 and the main line switching valve 25 are designed as solenoid valves, in particular normally closed solenoid valves.

[0130] Preferably, the compressed air supply system 1200 in the embodiments according to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3 and 4 further comprises a temperature sensor arrangement 60 for monitoring the temperature of the compressed air generator 200 and / or the compressed air source 50, wherein the temperature sensor arrangement 60 is connected to the control device 1300 in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to provide sensor signals S.

[0131] The compressed air receiver 300, which in this case is a sensor cleaning device 301, further comprises a first nozzle valve 302 and a second nozzle valve 303. The nozzle valves 302, 303 are also solenoid valves, in particular normally closed solenoid directional control valves.

[0132] Such a solenoid directional control valve is shown as an example in Fig. 5 using a possible design of a nozzle valve 302. The nozzle valve 302 is a normally closed 2 / 2-way valve 304. The nozzle valve 302 comprises a magnetic part 305 and a pneumatic part 306. The magnetic part 305 has an electrical coil 307, an armature 308.1 that can be actuated magnetically and under the influence of a spring force, and a stationary magnetizable core 308.2. An air gap 309 is formed between the armature 308.1 and the core 308.2, which defines the possible stroke of the armature 308.1.

[0133] The pneumatic part 306 comprises a first compressed air passage 310 and a second compressed air passage 311. The pneumatic part 306 further comprises a valve stem part 312, which has an abutment surface 313 pointing toward the armature 308.1.

[0134] The nozzle valve 302 further comprises a valve spring 314, which is configured to apply a spring force FF to the armature 308.1 in the direction of the valve stem part 312, in particular the abutment surface 313. In the open state of the nozzle valve 302, the armature 308.1 is spaced from a valve seat 315 of the pneumatic part 306.

[0135] The armature 308.1 is movably received in the magnetic part 305 and the pneumatic part 306. By energizing the electrical coil 307, it generates a magnetic field with a magnetic force FM. The resulting magnetic field generates a magnetic pole on the core 308.2, which attracts the armature 308.1 and moves it away from the valve seat 315 against the spring force FF of the valve spring 314, so that the first compressed air passage 310 and the second compressed air passage 311 are fluidly connected. The magnitude of the magnetic force FM depends on the applied control current Si, which is provided by the control device 1300. The opening control current Sn required to open the nozzle valve 302 is greater than that required to hold the nozzle valve.

[0136] 302 in the open position required holding control current S12. The magnitude of the force that a magnetic field induced by coil 307 exerts on armature 308.1 at a constant current depends on the distance of armature 308.1 relative to the magnetic field, i.e., the size of the air gap 309 between armature 308.1 and core 308.2. At a greater distance, a weaker magnetic field acts. In the closed position, armature 308.1 is initially at a greater distance from the magnetic field, so that an increased current, namely an opening control current S11, is provided. The opening control current S11 required to open nozzle valve 302 refers to the current required to reduce the distance between armature 308.1 and core 308.2 and thus the air gap 309. As soon as the armature 308.1 moves into an open position, its distance to the magnetic field is reduced and a lower holding control current S12 is sufficient to hold the armature 308.1 in this position.Preferably, the control device 1300 is further configured to apply a heating control current S13 to the nozzle valve 302, which is smaller than the opening control current S11, in particular also smaller than the holding control current S12, such that the nozzle valve 302 is heated by the generated magnetic field in the closed state.

[0137] The control device 1300 shown in FIG. 2a to FIG. 4 is designed to open the compressor vent valve 23.4 as well as the branch line switching valve 24, the main line switching valve 25 and the nozzle valves 302,

[0138] 303 to provide a control current Si equal to the opening control current S13 (cf. FIG. 5). Furthermore, the control device 1300 is also designed to supply one, several or all of these valves with a heating control current S13. FIGS. 6a to 6d show a section of the compressed air supply system 1200 according to FIGS. 2a, 2b, wherein various embodiments of the pneumatic arrangement 20 are shown in detail. To avoid repetition and to explain the functioning of the pneumatic arrangement 20, reference is therefore made to the description of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3 and 4 and in particular to the description of the second operating mode, as in FIG. 1. The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIGS. 6a to 6d allows, in a second operating mode B2, as shown in FIG. 4 shows a distribution of the voltages in the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 guided compressed air 141 depending on the supply requirement Bv and the identified regeneration execution time BR to the pneumatic main line 12 for return against the filling direction B and to the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0139] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 6a comprises a controllable throttle valve 21, which is designed to throttle compressed air guided to the compressed air supply connection 2 in the filling direction B. The throttle valve 21 has a variable flow cross-section Q and is connected for control purposes, i.e., in a signal-conducting manner, to the control device 1300 (cf. FIG. 2a or 2b). The control device 1300 is designed to control the throttle valve 21 to change the flow cross-section Q in order to throttle the pressure in the pneumatic main line 12 to a supply pressure to be provided, in particular 5 bar. The throttle valve 21 has a throttle point 21A with a variable flow cross-section Q, wherein the throttle valve 21 has a control pressure line 21B for carrying a control pressure Ps and is designed to regulate the flow cross-section Q depending on the control pressure Ps.

[0140] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 6b comprises a controllable throttle valve 21, analogous to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a. Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 1200 comprises an additional compressed air source 50 in addition to the compressed air generator 200, which is designed as a compressor 201 in FIG. 3. The compressed air source 50 comprises a reservoir 51 for storing compressed air, wherein the reservoir is connected to the pneumatic main line 12 via a reservoir switching valve 52. The compressed air source 50 is designed to be connected to the pneumatic main line 12 as needed by controlling the reservoir switching valve 52. The control device 1300 (cf. FIG. 2a or 2b) is connected to a reservoir pressure sensor 53 in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to control the reservoir switching valve 52.By controlling the reservoir switching valve 52, a defined amount of compressed air can be fed into the pneumatic main line 12, wherein the control device 1300 regulates the pressure quantity via the signals of the reservoir pressure sensor 53.

[0141] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 6c comprises a pair of counter-opening and fluidically parallel-connected check valves 27, 28, which are arranged between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0142] The pair of check valves 27, 28 comprises a first check valve 27 opening in the filling direction B, which is arranged in the pneumatic main line 12, and a second check valve 28 opening in the return direction R. The second check valve 28 is arranged in a bypass line 15, which forms a bypass around the first check valve 27. The pneumatic arrangement 20 further comprises a return throttle valve 29 arranged downstream of the second check valve 28 in the return direction R.

[0143] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 6d is designed for use with compressed air supply systems as shown in Fig. 3, i.e. for compressed air supply systems with two air dryers 5.1, 5.2. A first pair of counter-opening and fluidically parallel check valves

[0144] 27.1. 28.1 with a corresponding return throttle valve 29.1, as described with reference to the embodiment according to FIG. 6c, is assigned to the first air dryer 5.1 and is arranged between the first air dryer

[0145] 5.1 and the compressed air connection 2. A second pair of counter-opening and fluidically parallel check valves 27.2, 28.2 with a corresponding second return throttle valve 29.2, as described with reference to the embodiment according to FIG. 6c, is assigned to the second air dryer 5.2 and arranged between the second air dryer 5.2 and the compressed air connection 2.

[0146] FIGS. 7-9 show the flow of a control method 2000, 3000 and 4000 schematically.

[0147] The control method 2000 shown in FIG. 7 comprises, in a first step 2100, receiving a supply requirement Bv of the compressed air consumer 300 by the control device 1300. Receiving the supply requirement Bv according to the first step 2100 further preferably comprises, as sub-step 2110, determining or receiving a supply pressure Vp and / or a supply volume flow Vv of the compressed air 120', 141 to be provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 by the control device 1300 and preferably further determining a permissible moisture content Hmax of the compressed air to be provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 by the control device 1300 in a further sub-step 2120.

[0148] The permissible moisture content Hmax is preferably determined in step 2110 as a function of a temperature T and / or air humidity H of an environment, which is detected in particular via at least one temperature sensor arrangement and / or an air humidity sensor.

[0149] Furthermore, the permissible moisture content Hmax is preferably determined in step 2110 as a function of an operating time tß of the compressed air generator 200, in particular of the electric motor 203, which is monitored by the control device 1300 via a signal-conducting connection, in particular via a CAN bus connection S6.1. Furthermore, the permissible moisture content Hmax is preferably determined in step 2110 as a function of a motor speed of the motor 203, in particular of a BLDC electric motor 204, which is monitored by the control device 1300 via a signal-conducting connection, in particular via a CAN bus connection S6.1.

[0150] In a second step 2200, the method comprises controlling the compressor 201 by the control device 1300 to provide compressed air at the compressed air supply connection 1 in the event that the control device 1300 receives a supply requirement Bv. Preferably, the second step further comprises regulating 2210 the supply pressure Vp and / or the supply volume flow Vv of the compressed air 120', 141 to be provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 by the control device 1300 depending on the supply requirement Bv. The control device 1300 is signal-conductingly connected to at least one pressure sensor 9 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12 for providing sensor signals S relating to an inlet pressure P and to a pressure regulator 40 assigned to the pneumatic main line 12 and / or the compressed air connection 2.The regulation of the supply pressure 2210 preferably comprises the control of the pressure regulator 40 by the control device 1300 depending on the sensor signals S. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 1300 is signal-conductingly connected to the electric motor 203, in particular BLDC electric motor 204, and the regulation of the supply pressure 2210 comprises the regulation 2220 of a motor speed M of the electric motor 203 by the control device 1300.

[0151] Furthermore, the control of the compressor 201 in step 2200 preferably also includes the control of an additional compressed air source 50, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6b, as needed. Control of an additional compressed air source 50 is understood here to mean connecting and / or activating the compressed air source 50 to the pneumatic main line 12. By means of an additional compressed air source 50, which can be an additional compressor 201.2 and / or a reservoir 51, the available compressed air quantity, i.e. the available volume flow, is increased, and it is possible to respond to varying system requirements. In step 2220, the control device 1300 controls the compressed air source 50 depending on the supply requirement Bv of the compressed air consumer 300 and / or a temperature of the compressed air generator 200 detected by the temperature sensor arrangement 60 or a saturation level G of one of the air dryers 5 or 6 monitored by the control device 1300.a first air dryer 5.1.

[0152] Furthermore, in a third step 2300, the method 2000 comprises identifying a regeneration execution time BR by the control device 1300 as a function of the supply requirement Bv and / or a degree of saturation G of the air dryer 5 or of the first air dryer 5.1 defined by at least one state variable Z. Furthermore, the state variables used in the third step 2300 to identify a regeneration execution time BR preferably comprise an operating time tß of the compressor 201 or a number x of regenerations of the air dryer 5, 5.1 or a period tR since the last regeneration.Particularly preferably, the identification of the regeneration execution time BR as sub-step 2310 comprises calculating a saturation level G as state variable Z depending on the operating time tß of the compressor 201 and / or the motor speed M of the electric motor 203, and / or the number x of regenerations and / or the period tR since the last regeneration and / or the temperature T and / or the air humidity H of the environment A and / or an activation number nA and / or activation duration tA of the branch line switching valve 24, 24.1, 24.2 and / or a main line switching valve 25 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12. The temperature T and / or the air humidity H of the environment A, which are used according to step 2310 to calculate the saturation level G as the current and / or future saturation level G as state variable Z, relate to temperatures orHumidity at a current location and / or a destination and / or along the route, wherein in sub-step 2320 the current temperature T and / or humidity H are retrieved by the control device 1300, and in a sub-step 2330 location information IGPS and associated environmental information lu are retrieved by the control device 1300. Location information is also understood to include, in particular, GPS data retrieved or provided by the navigation system.

[0153] In this case, a regeneration execution time BR is identified in the event that the supply pressure Vp and / or the supply volume flow Vv and / or the permissible moisture content Hmax and / or the state variable Z is / are outside a value range W stored in the control device 1300 (cf. FIG. 2a to FIG. 4).

[0154] Furthermore, in a fourth step 2400, the method 2000 comprises the actuation of the switching valve 24, 24.1, 24.2 by the control device 1300 for pneumatically opening the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 in a first operating mode B1, in the event that the control device 1300 identifies a regeneration execution time BR, as well as the actuation or de-energization of the branch line switching valve 24, in particular the first branch line switching valve 24.1 and / or the second branch line switching valve 24.2 for blocking the branch line 14, in particular the first branch line 14.1 and / or the second branch line 14.2, in the basic operating mode N, in the event that the control device 1300 does not identify a regeneration execution time BR, but does identify a supply requirement.

[0155] Preferably, the fourth step 2400 comprises, as sub-step 2410, the actuation 2410 of the vent valve 23.1 by the control device 1300 to release the vent line 13 leading from the pneumatic main line 12 to a vent connection 3 upstream of the air dryer 5, 5.1 in the filling direction B, in the event that the control device 1300 identifies a regeneration execution time BR.

[0156] The fourth step 2400 preferably comprises, as sub-step 2420, the actuation or de-energization of the main line switching valve 25 by the control device 1300 to block the pneumatic main line 12 in a first operating mode B1, in the event that the control device 1300 identifies a regeneration execution time BR, as well as the actuation of the main line switching valve 25 to open the pneumatic main line 12 in the basic operating mode N, in the event that the control device 1300 does not identify a regeneration execution time BR, but identifies a supply requirement.

[0157] Further preferably, the fourth step 2400 comprises, as sub-step 2430, which preferably in addition to sub-step 2410 and / or sub-step 2420, the actuation of the pneumatic arrangement 20 by the control device 1300 to distribute the compressed air 141 guided in the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 depending on the supply requirement Bv and the identified regeneration execution time BR to the pneumatic main line 12 for return against the filling direction B and to the compressed air supply connection 2. In this case, the compressed air supply system is operated in a second operating mode B2. The actuation of the pneumatic arrangement 20 preferably comprises the actuation 2341 of a throttle valve 21 according to FIG. 6a or 6b for regulating the supply pressure Vp at the compressed air supply connection 2 or the control 2432 of a return throttle valve 29, 29.1, 29.2 for regulating the pressure of the compressed air returned opposite to the filling direction B.

[0158] By controlling the branch line switching valve, in a fifth step 2500, compressed air 141 from the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 is returned against the filling direction B through the pneumatic main line 12 for regenerating the air dryer 5 or the first air dryer 5.1 in the first operating mode B1.

[0159] Furthermore, in a sixth step 2600, the method 2000 preferably comprises flushing the pneumatic main line 12 and / or the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 with compressed air 120' provided at the compressed air connection 1 and dried by the air dryer 5, and discharging the compressed air 120' via the vent line 13. Alternatively or additionally, as sub-step 2610, the method further comprises flushing 2610 the compressed air consumer 300 with compressed air 120' provided at the compressed air connection 1 and preferably dried by the air dryer 5, and discharging the compressed air 120' via the compressed air consumer 300.

[0160] Preferably, the method 2000 further comprises, in a further sub-step 2620 of the sixth step 2600, controlling the compressor venting valve 23.4 to vent a line volume between the compressor 201 and the branch line switching valve 24, 24.1, 24.2 and the main line switching valve 25. Alternatively, the venting can also take place before the second step 2200, i.e., before controlling the compressor 201.

[0161] The method 2000 further preferably comprises, in a seventh step 2700, controlling the main line switching valve 25 and the branch line switching valve 24, 24.1, 24.2 for pneumatically decoupling the pneumatic main line 12, in particular the air dryer 5 or the first air dryer 5.1, such that the main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12, and such that the branch line switching valve 24, 24.1, 24.2 blocks the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 for decoupling the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 from the compressed air connection 1. In the seventh step 2700, the compressed air supply system 100 is thus depressurized. When operated again, the compressed air supply system 100 starts without pressure when the compressed air transmitter 200 is activated in step 2200.

[0162] Preferably, the method 2000 additionally comprises, in a sub-step 2710 of the seventh step, the actuation 2710 of the vent valve 23.1 for pneumatically decoupling the compressed air supply system 100 from the compressed air generator 200 and the environment.

[0163] FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the method 3000 according to the invention. Identical or similar method steps have identical reference numerals in this case, and reference is made to the description of the method shown in FIG. 7, with only differences being discussed. FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the method 4000 according to the invention for controlling a compressed air supply system, as shown in FIG. 3. Identical or similar method steps have identical reference numerals in this case, and reference is made to the description of the method shown in FIG. 7, with only differences being discussed. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from the method 2000 described above and shown schematically in FIG. 7 in that the control device 1300, following the second step 2200, either sets a regeneration execution time BR of the air dryer 5 in the third step 2300.If the air dryer is a first air dryer 5.1 and the compressed air supply system 100 has a second air dryer 5.2, in the third step 2300 a first regeneration execution time BRI of the first air dryer 5.1 is identified or an identification 4300 of a second regeneration execution time BR2 of the second air dryer 5.2 follows by the control device 1300, depending on the supply requirement Bv and / or a saturation level G of the second air dryer 5.2. The identification 4300 of a second regeneration execution time BR2 of the second air dryer 5.2 preferably comprises the steps 2320 and 2330 described with regard to the identification of the regeneration execution time BR of the air dryer 5 or the first regeneration execution time BRI of the first air dryer 5.1 in a corresponding manner.

[0164] In this case, a second regeneration execution time BR2 is identified in the event that the supply pressure Vp and / or the supply volume flow Vv and / or the permissible moisture content Hmax and / or the state variable Z is / are outside a value range W stored in the control device 1300 (cf. FIG. 2a to FIG. 4).

[0165] In a sub-step 4310, however, in contrast to sub-step 2310, a second saturation level G2 of the second air dryer 5.2 is determined.

[0166] The determination of the first saturation level G1 in sub-step 2310 is preferably carried out depending on a current Tactual temperature and / or predicted temperature T P the environment A and / or a current humidity Hist and / or forecast humidity H Pthe environment A, which is determined on the basis of the provided sensor information S, T, H and / or location information IGPS and / or the environment information lu at at least one of the following positions: at a current location P1, along a route Pn and at a destination P2.

[0167] Accordingly, the determination of the second saturation level G2 in sub-step 4310 preferably takes place depending on a current Tactual temperature and / or predicted temperature T P the environment A and / or a current humidity Hist and / or forecast humidity H P the environment A, which is determined on the basis of the provided sensor information S, T, H and / or location information IGPS and / or the environment information lu at at least one of the following positions: at a current location P1, along a route Pn and at a destination P2.

[0168] Furthermore, the method 4000 according to the third embodiment comprises a selective actuation 4400 of the first branch line switching valve 24.1 and / or the main line switching valve 25 by the control device 1300 for pneumatically flow-through opening of the first branch line 14.1 and / or the pneumatic main line 15 in the event that the control device 1300 identifies a regeneration execution time BR of the second air dryer 5.2.

[0169] Furthermore, the method 4000 according to the third embodiment comprises a return 4500 of compressed air 141 from the first branch line 14.1 and / or the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B through the second branch line 14.2 for regenerating the second air dryer 5.2.

[0170] The remaining method steps described with reference to the first embodiment, in particular the sixth step 2600 to seventh step 2700, can preferably also follow the return of compressed air for regeneration through the second branch line 14.2 or the pneumatic main line 12 of the respective air dryer 5.1, 5.2.

[0171] FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the inventive method 5000 for controlling a compressed air supply system, as shown in FIG. 3. Identical or similar method steps have identical reference numerals, and reference is made to the description of the method shown in FIG. 7, with only differences being discussed. The method 5000 comprises the first step 2100 to the seventh step 2700 of the method 2000 according to FIG. 7. The method 5000 further comprises, before the control device 1300 actuates the compressor 201 to provide compressed air at the compressed air supply connection 1 in the second step 2200, energizing at least one of the branch line switching valves 24, 24.1, 24.2, one of the nozzle valves 302, 303 of a sensor cleaning device 301 connected to the compressed air supply system 100 according to FIG. 4, one of the vent valves 23, 23.1, 23.3, and the compressor vent valve 23 in step 5100.4 with a heating current Si3. This allows the valves to be heated first before they are energized with an opening current Sn to release the respective flow path.

[0172] In the context of the invention, it should be understood that the first operating mode B1 refers to a bypass mode in which compressed air that is not dried or only partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 is delivered to the compressed air supply connection 2. The basic operating mode N refers to an operating mode in which compressed air dried by the (first) air dryer 5, 5.1 is delivered to the compressed air supply connection 2. The second operating mode B2 refers to a distribution mode in which a portion of the compressed air is used to regenerate the first air dryer, and the remaining portion of the compressed air partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 or a second air dryer 5.2 is delivered to the compressed air supply connection 2. Reference numerals (part of the description)

[0173] 1 compressed air connection

[0174] 2 compressed air supply connection

[0175] 3 vent connection

[0176] 5 air dryers

[0177] 5.1 first air dryer

[0178] 5.2 second air dryer

[0179] 6 water separators

[0180] 8 Throttle

[0181] 8.1 first throttle

[0182] 8.2 second throttle

[0183] 9 Pressure sensor

[0184] 12 pneumatic main line

[0185] 13 Ventilation line

[0186] 13.1 first vent line

[0187] 13.2 second vent line

[0188] 13.3 Compressor vent line

[0189] 14 Branch Management

[0190] 14.1 first branch line

[0191] 14.2 second branch line

[0192] 15 Bypass line

[0193] 16 condensation dryers

[0194] 20 Pneumatic arrangement

[0195] 21A throttle point

[0196] 21 B Control pressure line

[0197] 23 Vent valve arrangement

[0198] 23.1 first vent valve

[0199] 23.2 Vent check valve

[0200] 23.3 second vent valve

[0201] 23.4 Compressor vent valve

[0202] 23.5 Control valve

[0203] 23.6 Backflow protection valve .5A Control line .5B Bypass .5C Line

[0204] Switching valve .1 first switching valve in branch line .2 second switching valve in branch line pneumatic main line switching valve drain device , 27.1 , 27.2 first check valve , 28.1 , 28.2 second check valve , 29.1 , 29.2 return throttle valve

[0205] ventilation unit

[0206] pressure regulator

[0207] Compressed air source

[0208] reservoir

[0209] Reservoir switching valve

[0210] Reservoir pressure sensor

[0211] Temperature sensor arrangement 0 Compressed air supply system data interface

[0212] Vehicle data bus

[0213] CAN bus 0 Compressed air supply system 1 Pressure control module 0 Compressed air at the compressed air connection 0 Partially dehumidified compressed air in the pneumatic main line 0' Dried compressed air in the pneumatic main line 1 Moist compressed air in the vent line 1 Compressed air in / from the first branch line 1 ' Relaxed compressed air from the first branch line 0 Compressed air sensor 1 Compressor 3 Electric motor 204 BLDC electric motor

[0214] 300 compressed air consumers

[0215] 301 Sensor cleaning device

[0216] 302 first nozzle valve

[0217] 303 second nozzle valves

[0218] 304 2 / 2-way valve

[0219] 305 magnetic part

[0220] 306 Pneumatic part

[0221] 307 coil

[0222] 308 anchors

[0223] 309 Air gap

[0224] 310 first compressed air passage

[0225] 311 second compressed air passage

[0226] 312 valve stem part

[0227] 313 impact surface

[0228] 314 valve spring

[0229] 315 valve seat

[0230] 400 Humidity Sensor

[0231] 410 Ambient temperature sensor

[0232] 1000 vehicles

[0233] 1100 passenger cars

[0234] 1200 compressed air supply system

[0235] 1300 control unit

[0236] 1310 computing device

[0237] 1320 processor

[0238] 1400 front area of ​​the vehicle

[0239] 1600 on-board network

[0240] 1610 On-board network memory

[0241] 1620 On-board network battery

[0242] 1700 Navigation system 2000, 4000, 5000 Procedure 2100 Receiving a supply demand 2110 Receiving a supply pressure and / or a supply flow rate

[0243] 2120 Determining an acceptable moisture content

[0244] 2200 Control of a compressed air sensor

[0245] 2210 Control of supply pressure and / or volume flow

[0246] 2220 Control of an additional compressed air source

[0247] 2300 Identify a regeneration execution time of the (first) air dryer

[0248] 2310 Calculating a saturation level

[0249] 2320 Retrieving location and surrounding information

[0250] 2330 Location information (IGPS) and environmental information

[0251] 2400 Control of a (first) branch line switching valve

[0252] 2410 Controlling a vent valve

[0253] 2420 Control of a main line switching valve

[0254] 2430 Control of a pneumatic arrangement

[0255] 2431 Control of a throttle valve

[0256] 2432 Control of a feedback throttle valve

[0257] 2500 Return of compressed air through the pneumatic main line

[0258] 2600 Flushing the pneumatic main line and / or branch line

[0259] 2610 Flushing the compressed air collector

[0260] 2620 Control of the compressor vent valve

[0261] 2700 pneumatic decoupling

[0262] 4300 Identify a regeneration execution time of the second air dryer

[0263] 4400 selectively controlling a first branch line switching valve and / or main line switching valve

[0264] 4500 Return of compressed air through the second branch line

[0265] 5100 Energize with a heating current

[0266] S1 first signal line to the temperature sensor arrangement

[0267] S2 second signal line to the (first) branch line switching valve 53 third signal line to the (first) vent valve

[0268] 54 fourth signal line to the pneumatic arrangement

[0269] 55 fifth signal line to the compressed air receiver

[0270] 56 sixth signal line to the compressed air sensor

[0271] S6.1 CAN bus connection

[0272] 57 seventh signal line to the main line switching valve

[0273] 58 eighth signal line to the vehicle electrical system

[0274] 59 ninth signal line to the second branch line switching valve

[0275] 510 tenth signal line to the compressor vent valve

[0276] 511 eleventh signal line to the second vent valve

[0277] 512 twelfth signal line to the vent valve control valve

[0278] F Direction of travel

[0279] B Filling direction

[0280] R Return direction

[0281] E Ventilation direction

[0282] B1 first operating mode

[0283] B2 second operating mode

[0284] N Basic operating mode

[0285] K Condensate

[0286] P Inlet pressure, sensor information

[0287] PV supply pressure

[0288] Vv supply volume flow

[0289] Bv supply needs

[0290] BR regeneration implementation time

[0291] BRI first regeneration implementation date

[0292] BR2 second regeneration implementation time

[0293] H max permissible moisture content

[0294] H Humidity, sensor information

[0295] Hist current humidity, sensor information

[0296] H Ppredicted humidity, sensor information

[0297] T Temperature, sensor information

[0298] T current temperature, sensor information

[0299] T P predicted temperature, sensor information S sensor signal

[0300] Z state variable

[0301] Z is the current state variable

[0302] Z P predicted state variable

[0303] G Saturation level

[0304] G1 first degree of saturation

[0305] G2 second saturation level

[0306] M Engine speed

[0307] IGPS location information

[0308] P1 starting position

[0309] P2 target position

[0310] Pn Route lu Environmental information tß Operating time tR Period since last regeneration x Number of regenerations

[0311] I Current

[0312] VL line volume

[0313] FF spring force

[0314] FM magnetic force

[0315] Si control current

[0316] Sn opening control current

[0317] 512 Holding control current

[0318] 513 Heating control current

[0319] Ps control pressure

[0320] Q flow cross-section

[0321] W Value range

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (2000, 4000, 5000) for controlling a compressed air supply system (1200) for a vehicle (1000), in particular a passenger car (1100), wherein a control device (1300) is assigned to the compressed air supply system (1200) for supplying a compressed air consumer (300) via a compressed air supply connection (2), and the compressed air supply system (1200) comprises a compressed air generator (200), in particular a compressor (201), for providing compressed air (110) at a compressed air connection (1), a pneumatic main line (12) with a water separator (6) for separating moisture from the compressed air (110), an air dryer (5, 5.1) arranged downstream of the water separator (6) in a filling direction (B) for drying and guiding compressed air (120, 120') to Compressed air supply connection (2) in the filling direction (B) and one from the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B) upstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1 ) and downstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1 ) has a branch line (14, 14.1 , 14.2), and the method (2000, 3000, 4000) comprises the steps:. Receiving (2100) a supply requirement (Bv) of the compressed air consumer (300) by the control device (1300), Identifying (2300) a regeneration execution time (BR) of the air dryer (5, 5.1) by the control device (1300) depending on the supply requirement (Bv) and / or a saturation level (G) of the air dryer (5, 5.1) defined by at least one state variable (Z), Controlling (2200) the compressed air generator (200), in particular an electric motor (203) associated with the compressed air generator (200), by the control device (1300) to provide compressed air (110) at the compressed air connection (1), in the event that the control device (1300) receives the supply requirement (Bv) of the compressed air consumer (300), Controlling (2400) a branch line switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) by the control device (1300) for pneumatically flow-through opening of the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) in a first operating mode (B1), in the event that the control device (1300) identifies a regeneration execution time (BR), Returning (2500) compressed air (141) from the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) against the filling direction (B) through the pneumatic main line (12) to regenerate the air dryer (5, 5.1) in the first operating mode (B1).

2. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 1, wherein receiving (2100) the supply requirement (Bv) further comprises: receiving (2110) a supply pressure (Vp) and / or a supply volume flow (Vv) of the compressed air (110) to be provided at the compressed air supply connection (2) by the control device (1300), and / or Determining (2120) a permissible moisture content (Hmax) of the compressed air (120, 141) to be provided at the compressed air supply connection (2) by the control device (1300).

3. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 2, wherein the control device (1300) determines the permissible moisture content (Hmax) depending on one, several or all of the following: a temperature (T) and / or air humidity (H) of an environment (A), which is detected in particular via at least one ambient temperature sensor (300) and / or an air humidity sensor (400), an operating time (tß) of the compressed air generator (200), in particular of the electric motor (203), which is monitored by the control device (1300) via a signal-conducting connection (S6), in particular via a CAN bus connection (S6.1).

4. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control device (1300) is connected to a pneumatic arrangement (20) associated with the compressed air supply connection (2), and the actuation of the compressed air generator (200) by the control device (1300) further comprises at least one of the following steps: Regulating (2210) the supply pressure (Vp) and / or the supply volume flow (Vv) of the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection (2), in particular for the pneumatic arrangement (20), by the control device (1300) depending on the supply requirement (Bv) and furthermore a pressure (P) in the pneumatic main line (12) detected by a pressure sensor (9) and / or a motor speed (M) of an electric motor (203) connected to the control device (1300) in a signal-conducting manner, wherein the control device (1300) is connected to the electric motor (203), in particular a BLDC electric motor (204), in a signal-conducting manner, and the regulation of the supply pressure (2210) comprises the regulation of the motor speed (M) of the electric motor (203) by the control device (1300): Controlling the pneumatic arrangement (20) by the control device (1300) depending on sensor signals (S) of a temperature sensor arrangement (60) associated with the compressed air generator (200) and / or the supply requirement (Bv) and / or the saturation level (G) of the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2), and / or Controlling an additional compressed air source (50) depending on the supply requirement (Bv) and / or the degree of saturation (G) of the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2) and / or a sensor signal (S) of a temperature sensor arrangement (60) assigned to the compressed air generator (200).

5. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control device (1300) identifies a regeneration execution time (BR) in the event that the supply pressure (Vp) and / or the supply volume flow (Vv) and / or the permissible moisture content (Hmax) and / or the state variable (Z) lies outside a predefined value range (W).

6. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the state variable (Z) comprises one, several or all of the following: operating time (tß) of the compressed air generator (200) and / or motor speed (M) of the electric motor (203), number (x) of regenerations and period (tp) since the last regeneration of the air dryer (5, 5.1), and wherein the method (2000, 4000, 5000) comprises calculating (2310) the degree of saturation (G) as a function of a temperature (T) of the environment (A) and the air humidity (H) of the environment (A) as well as one, several or all which comprises the following state variables (Z): operating time (tß) of the compressed air transmitter (200) and / or motor speed (M) of the electric motor (203), number (x) of regenerations, period (tp) since the last regeneration of the air dryer (5, 5.1), a control number (nA) and / or control duration (tA) of the branch line switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) and / or a main line switching valve (25) arranged in the pneumatic main line (12).

7. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 6, wherein the temperature (T) and / or the air humidity (H) comprise a current temperature (T) and / or air humidity (H) of the environment (A), and the method (2000, 4000, 5000) comprises retrieving (2320) the current temperature (T) and / or air humidity (H) by the control device (1300) from at least one signal-conductingly connected ambient temperature sensor (300) and / or air humidity sensor (400) or from a signal-conductingly connected on-board network (1600).

8. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the temperature (T) and / or the humidity (H) of the environment (A) comprises a predicted temperature (T) and / or humidity (H) of the environment (A) along a route and / or at a destination, and the method (2000, 4000, 5000) for identifying (2300) a regeneration execution time (BR) comprises retrieving (2330) location information (IGPS) and environmental information (lu) depending on the location information (IGPS) by the control device (1300) from a signal-conductingly connected on-board network (1600) and / or a navigation system (1700).

9. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Actuating (2410) a vent valve (23.1) by the control device (1300) to release a vent line (13) leading from the pneumatic main line (12) to a vent connection (3) upstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1) in the filling direction (B), in the event that the Control device (1300) identifies a regeneration execution time (BR), and / or Controlling (2620) a compressor venting valve (23.4) for venting a line volume (VL) between the compressed air transmitter (200) and the compressed air receiver (300).

10. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 9, further comprising: controlling (2420) one or the main line switching valve (25) for Blocking the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B), in particular upstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1), in the event that the control device (1300) identifies a regeneration execution time (BR).

11. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of the following steps: Flushing (2600) the pneumatic main line (12) against the filling direction (B) and / or the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) in the filling direction (B) by means of compressed air (120') provided at the compressed air connection (1) and dried by the air dryer (5, 5.2) and discharging the compressed air (120') via the vent line (13), and / or Flushing (2620) the compressed air receiver (300) by means of compressed air (120') provided at the compressed air connection (1) and dried by the air dryer (5, 5.2) and discharging the compressed air (120') via the compressed air receiver (300), and / or Controlling (2700) the main line switching valve (25), the branch line switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) for pneumatically decoupling the pneumatic main line (12), in particular the air dryer (5, 5.1), and the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) from the compressed air connection (1), and / or Controlling (2700) the main line switching valve (25), the branch line switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) and controlling (2710) the vent valve (23.1) for pneumatically decoupling the compressed air supply system (100) from the compressed air generator (200) and the environment (A).

12. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed air supply system (1200) has a pneumatic arrangement (20) associated with the compressed air supply connection (2) and connected to the control device (1300) in a signal-conducting manner, and the method (2000, 4000, 5000) further comprises at least one of the following steps: Pre-filling (3110) the pneumatic main line (12) with compressed air (110, 120) via the compressed air connection (1), wherein the pneumatic arrangement (20) pneumatically decouples the pneumatic main line (12) and / or the compressed air supply connection (2) from the compressed air consumer (300), Controlling (3120) the pneumatic arrangement (20) to release the compressed air supply connection (2) and / or the pneumatic main line (12) after pre-filling (3110) the pneumatic main line (12).

13. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed air supply system (1200) has a pneumatic arrangement (20) associated with the compressed air supply connection (2) and connected to the control device (1300) in a signal-conducting manner, and the method (2000, 4000, 5000) further comprises: Controlling (2430) the pneumatic arrangement (20) by the control device (1300) to distribute the compressed air (141) guided in the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) depending on the supply requirement (Bv) and the identified regeneration execution time (BR) to the pneumatic main line (12) for return against the filling direction (B) and / or to the compressed air supply connection (2).

14. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 13, further comprising: Controlling (2431) a throttle valve (21) of the pneumatic arrangement (20) for regulating the supply pressure (Vp) at the compressed air supply connection (2) and / or Controlling (2432) a return throttle valve (29, 29.1, 29.2) for regulating the pressure (P) of the compressed air (121, 141) returned opposite to the filling direction (B).

15. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the regeneration execution time (BR) is a first regeneration execution time (BR) and the air dryer (5.1) is a first air dryer (5.1 ) and the saturation level (G) is a first saturation level (G1 ) and the branch line (14.1 ) is a first branch line (14.1 ) and the compressed air supply system (1200) further comprises a second branch line (14.2) with a second switching valve (24.2) and a second air dryer (5.2), wherein the method (2000, 4000, 5000) comprises, depending on a second saturation level (G2) of the second air dryer (5.2), the selective actuation of the first branch line switching valve (24.1 ) and / or the second branch line switching valve (24.2) in the event that the control device (1300) identifies a first regeneration execution time (BR) of the first air dryer (5.1 ).

16. Control method (2000, 4000, 5000) according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: Identifying (4300) a second regeneration execution time (BR2) of the second air dryer (5.2) by the control device (1300) depending on the supply requirement (Bv) and / or a second saturation level (G2) of the second air dryer (5.2) selectively controlling (4400) the first branch line switching valve (24.1) and / or the main line switching valve (25) by the control device (1300) for pneumatically flow-through opening of the first branch line (14.1) and / or the pneumatic main line (12) in the event that the control device (1300) identifies a regeneration execution time (BR2) of the second air dryer (5.2), Returning (4500) compressed air (141) from the first branch line (14.1) and / or the pneumatic main line (12) against the filling direction (B) through the second branch line (14.2) to regenerate the second air dryer (5.2).

17. Control device (1300) for controlling a compressed air supply system (1200) for a vehicle (1000), in particular a passenger car (1100), wherein the control device (1300) is assigned to the compressed air supply system (1200) for supplying a compressed air consumer (300) via a compressed air supply connection (2), and the compressed air supply system (1200) comprises a compressed air generator (200), in particular a compressor (201), for providing compressed air (110) at a compressed air connection (1), a pneumatic main line (12) with an air dryer (5, 5.1) for drying and guiding compressed air (110, 120, 120') to the compressed air supply connection (2) in a filling direction (B), and a pneumatic main line (12) leading from the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B) upstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1 ) and downstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1 , 5.2) connecting branch line (14, 14.1 , 14.2), wherein the control device (1300) is designed to receive a supply requirement (Bv) of the compressed air consumer (300) and to control the compressed air transmitter (200) and is connectable to the compressed air consumer (300) and the compressed air transmitter (200) in a signal-conducting manner, and the control device (1300) is designed to identify a regeneration execution time (BR, BRI, BR2) depending on the supply requirement (Bv) and / or a saturation level (G) of the air dryer (5,), in particular a first saturation level (G1) of the first air dryer (5.1) and / or a second saturation level (G2) of the second air dryer (5.2), and to control the branch line switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) for pneumatically flow-through opening of the branch line (14, 14.1 , 14.2) upon identification of a regeneration execution time (BR, BRI , BR2).

18. Vehicle (1000), in particular a passenger car (1200), with a compressed air supply system (1200) for supplying a compressed air consumer (300) via a compressed air supply connection (2), wherein the compressed air supply system (1200) comprises a compressed air generator (200), in particular Compressor (201) for providing compressed air (110) at a compressed air connection (1), a pneumatic main line (12) with an air dryer (5, 5.1) for drying and guiding compressed air (110, 120, 120') to the compressed air supply connection (2) in a filling direction (B) and a branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) branching off from the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B) upstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1) and reconnecting downstream of the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2), a control device (1300) assigned to the compressed air supply system (1200) according to claim 17, and a compressed air consumer (300), in particular a sensor cleaning device (301) connected to the compressed air supply connection (2).

19. Vehicle (1000) according to claim 18, further comprising: at least one sensor (9, 410, 400) which is connected to the control device (1300) in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to provide sensor information (S, T, H) for determining a degree of saturation (G, G1, G2) of the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2) and / or a permissible humidity (Hmax), and / or at least one data interface (70), preferably a vehicle data bus (71), in particular a CAN bus (72), which is connected to the control device (1300) in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to provide stored sensor information (S, T, H) for determining a degree of saturation (G, G1, G2) of the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2) and / or a permissible humidity (Hmax).

20. Vehicle according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: an on-board network (1600) which is connected to the control device (1300) via the data interface (70) and is designed to provide one, several or all of the following: location information (IGPS) of a navigation system (1600), environmental information (lu) associated with the location information (IGPS), stored sensor information (S, T, H) of an on-board network memory (1610), sensor information (S, T, H) of at least one a sensor (410, 400) connected to the vehicle electrical system (1600), in particular a temperature sensor (300) and / or a humidity sensor (400), and a vehicle electrical system battery (1620) which is designed to supply the vehicle electrical system (1600) and / or the compressed air transmitter (200) and / or the compressed air receiver (300) and / or the control device (1300) with current (I), wherein the control device (1300) is preferably designed to determine a current (Tactual) temperature and / or a forecast temperature (T P ) of the environment (A) and / or a current humidity (Hist) and / or forecast humidity (H P ) of the environment (A) at at least one of the following positions: at a current location (P1), along a route (Pn) and at a destination (P2).

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