Compressed air supply unit, compressed air supply system, vehicle, and operating method

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressed air supply unit (100) comprising a main pneumatic line (12) from the compressed air connection (1) to the compressed air supply connection (2) and comprising an air dryer (5, 51) arranged in the main pneumatic line for drying the compressed air (120). The invention proposes a branching line (14, 14.1, 14.2), which branches off from the main pneumatic line (12) between the compressed air connection (1) and the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2) and which reconnects to the main pneumatic line between the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2) and the compressed air supply connection (2), and a main line switch valve (25), which is arranged upstream of the branching line (14, 14.1, 14.2) between the compressed air connection (1) and the air dryer (5, 5.1) and which blocks the main pneumatic line (12) in a first operating mode (B1). The invention additionally relates to an operating method (2000), to a vehicle (1000), and to a compressed air supply system (1200) comprising a compressed air supply unit (100).

Description

[0001] Compressed air supply system, vehicle and operating procedures

[0002] The present invention relates to a compressed air supply system for a sensor cleaning device of a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with a compressed air connection for connection to a compressed air transmitter, a compressed air supply connection for connection to a compressed air consumer, in particular a sensor cleaning device, a pneumatic main line for guiding compressed air from the compressed air connection to the compressed air supply connection in a filling direction, and an air dryer arranged in the pneumatic main line for drying the compressed air guided in the filling direction in the pneumatic main line.

[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 from a compressed air source such as a compressor. Compressor and compressor are used synonymously in this description and refer to units that compress air. Such a compressor, 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, for example, a 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.Such compressed air supply systems are preferably configured to provide compressed air with a supply pressure of 5 bar and a volume flow of preferably 30-100 l / min. Sensor cleaning devices for vehicles are also known. By means of a sensor cleaning device, surfaces on a vehicle, in particular sensor surfaces of sensors, can be cleaned using at least one cleaning fluid, for example, compressed air. By cleaning sensor surfaces on the vehicle, in particular 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.

[0004] Sensor cleaning systems that use compressed air as a cleaning fluid are connected to a compressed air supply system as compressed air consumers. Drying of the compressed air supplied to the sensor cleaning system by the compressed air supply system is necessary to prevent corrosion and, at temperatures below freezing, frost-related damage and functional impairment to lines and the sensor cleaning system. The substrate in the air dryer is designed to adsorb moisture from the compressed air flowing through the air dryer, whereby the substrate can only adsorb moisture up to a maximum saturation point. To maintain the operation of the air dryer, the air dryer is usually regenerated – either regularly or at the latest when the saturation limit is reached.Regeneration, in this context, refers to the dehumidification of the substrate used for drying in the air dryer. To dehumidify the substrate, drier air than the substrate must be passed through the air dryer. This drier air binds some of the adsorbed moisture and thus reduces the degree of saturation of the substrate. The operating time of the air dryer is limited by the saturation of the substrate in the air dryer. If the air dryer is not regenerated, reaching maximum substrate saturation requires the air dryer or the substrate in the air dryer to be replaced. The challenge with compressed air supply systems for sensor cleaning devices is that the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection cannot be returned to the compressed air supply system, but is expelled for cleaning the sensors.This means that unlike conventional compressed air supply systems, such as those used in...

[0005] DE 102017 010 772 A1 shows no compressed air already dried by the air dryer, which can be used to regenerate the air dryer in the compressed air supply system.

[0006] The operating time of the compressed air supply system for sensor cleaning devices therefore depends largely on the operating time of the air dryer and its saturation level. The operating time of such a compressed air supply system can therefore currently only be achieved by increasing the substrate quantity – i.e., a larger air dryer. However, due to space limitations, such a solution is considered disadvantageous.

[0007] This is where the invention comes in. Its object is to provide a compressed air supply system, a compressed air supply system, a vehicle, and an operating method that overcome at least one of the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to increase the operating time of a compressed air supply system of the type mentioned above while simultaneously implementing a compact design for the compressed air supply system.

[0008] The object relating to a device is achieved in a first aspect of the invention by a device according to claim 1. In a compressed air supply system for, in particular, open pneumatic systems, the invention proposes, according to the first aspect of the invention, a branch line branching off from the pneumatic main line between the compressed air connection and the air dryer and connecting again between the air dryer and the compressed air supply connection, and a pneumatic main line switching valve arranged downstream of the branch line in the filling direction, between the compressed air connection and the air dryer in the pneumatic main line, which is designed to block the pneumatic main line in a first operating mode so that flow can be pneumatically passed through it in the filling direction and to open the pneumatic main line in a second operating mode.

[0009] The invention takes advantage of the realization that the need for extensive drying of the compressed air supplied at the compressed air supply connection depends on the weather. For example, at temperatures well above freezing, and particularly in tropical or subtropical climates, it is not necessary to supply dry compressed air to the compressed air supply connection, for example, to supply a sensor cleaning device. The sensor cleaning device uses the compressed air supplied at the compressed air supply connection to clean sensors with the aim of preventing functional impairment. If a film of moisture forms on the sensors anyway due to weather conditions and there is no risk of freezing, these sensors can also be cleaned with only partially dehumidified or moist compressed air.

[0010] The inventors therefore recognized the advantage of drying the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection only when needed, thus "protecting" the air dryer to a certain extent. A branch line, which branches off from the pneumatic main line upstream of the air dryer and reconnects downstream of the air dryer, provides a bypass through which compressed air can be conveyed toward the compressed air supply connection. The pneumatic main line switching valve, which selectively blocks the pneumatic main line in the filling direction in a first operating mode, prevents compressed air from being conveyed in the filling direction via the air dryer toward the compressed air supply connection. Consequently, in this type of operation, the air dryer does not become saturated, and the operating life of the compressed air supply system as a whole can be increased.The supply of the downstream pneumatic system is ensured via the branch line with compressed air—not dried by the air dryer. The filling direction, as defined by the invention, refers to the direction of the compressed air flowing through a line from the compressed air connection to the compressed air supply connection. The pressurized line can be the main pneumatic line or a branch line designed to carry compressed air to the compressed air supply connection.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The compressed air supply system preferably comprises a branch line switching valve arranged in the branch line, which is designed to selectively open and close the branch line so that flow can be pneumatically passed through it. In embodiments in which the only air dryer is arranged in the main line, the branch line switching valve is designed to open the branch line so that flow can be pneumatically passed through it in the filling direction in the first operating mode and to close it in the second operating mode. The ability to close the branch line as needed ensures, under critical weather conditions, that only compressed air dried by air dryers is provided at the compressed air supply connection. This reliably prevents damage and, in particular, corrosion to the lines or the compressed air consumer.

[0013] Alternatively, the compressed air supply system preferably comprises a branch line throttle arranged in the branch line, which is designed to increase the flow resistance of the branch line compared to the main pneumatic line. In the second operating mode, the branch line throttle ensures that only a portion of the compressed air defined by the flow resistance of the throttle flows through the branch line, and the preferably predominant portion continues to flow through the main pneumatic line and thus to the air dryer. Alternatively, in the second operating mode, the branch line switching valve ensures that no compressed air flows through the branch line and instead continues to flow through the main pneumatic line and thus to the air dryer. Thus, sufficient air drying is ensured in the second operating mode.Preferably, the branch line throttle is further associated with a throttle check valve, which is arranged upstream of the branch line throttle in the filling direction. The throttle check valve is preferably configured to open at an opening pressure upstream of the branch line throttle in the filling direction that is higher than a pressure difference upstream and downstream of the branch line throttle.

[0014] Preferably, the compressed air supply system further comprises a vent port for venting the compressed air supply system and a vent line leading from the pneumatic main line for guiding compressed air to the vent port. Thus, pressure can be released from the compressed air supply system. According to this embodiment, a return direction describes, in particular, the direction of the compressed air guided through a line from the compressed air supply port to the vent port. The pressure-carrying line can be the pneumatic main line or a branch line from which a vent line leads to the vent port.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the compressed air supply system comprises a pneumatic arrangement assigned to the compressed air supply connection, which is designed to distribute the compressed air in the compressed air supply system.

[0016] Preferably, the compressed air supply system further comprises a water separator arranged in the pneumatic main line between the compressed air connection and the air dryer, in particular between the compressed air connection and the pneumatic main line switching valve. The water separator, which separates some of the moisture from the compressed air supplied at the compressed air connection, slows down the saturation of the substrate in the air dryer. This increases the operating time of the compressed air supply system, even in environments where, due to weather conditions, the compressed air must be dried using the air dryer.

[0017] It is further preferred that the water separator comprises a condensation dryer for condensing moist compressed air and a drain device, in particular a drain valve for draining condensate. The compressed air provided by the compressed air source, such as in particular a compressor, generally has high temperatures due to compression. By cooling the moist compressed air, a condensation dryer can expediently separate some of the moisture from the hot compressed air as condensate and ultimately drain it through a drain device. Such a condensation dryer preferably comprises liquid cooling, in particular water cooling.

[0018] The main line switching valve is preferably a magnetic switching valve configured to be connected to an electronic control device in a signal-conducting manner. The magnetic switching valve is preferably designed as a 2 / 2-way valve. The magnetic directional valve is particularly preferably designed as a normally closed valve.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Further preferably, the compressed air supply system has an external ventilation unit associated with the water separator. Particularly preferably, the external ventilation unit includes a fan. Thus, the water separator is assisted by the ventilation unit in cooling the hot compressed air provided at the compressed air connection. This results in a greater cooling of the hot compressed air and thus a greater degree of dehumidification.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the air dryer is a first air dryer, and the compressed air supply system further comprises a second air dryer arranged in the branch line. Thus, in the event of saturation of the first air dryer, safe operation can be ensured even at temperatures below freezing. This increases the operational readiness of the compressed air supply system. The second air dryer, which is, for example, smaller than the first air dryer, can ensure, in particular, emergency operation in the event of saturation of the first air dryer.

[0022] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the branch line is a first branch line and the air dryer is a first air dryer, wherein the compressed air supply system further comprises a second branch line leading between the compressed air connection and the first air dryer and connecting again between the air dryer and the compressed air supply connection, and a second air dryer arranged in the second branch line.

[0023] The compressed air supply system can thus provide dried compressed air via a second air dryer to regenerate the first air dryer. The compressed air dried by the second air dryer is preferably fed through the pneumatic main line against the filling direction in order to regenerate the first air dryer - i.e. to remove the adsorbed moisture from the substrate located in the first air dryer. Thus, even during regeneration of the first air dryer, compressed air can continue to be supplied to the compressed air supply connection via the first branch line for operating a pressure sensor, such as a sensor cleaning device. Just as the first air dryer can be regenerated, the second air dryer can also be regenerated, and in this case, a parallel supply to a compressed air sensor is also possible via the first branch line.In this case, compressed air is dried via the pneumatic main line and the first air dryer and conveyed through the second air dryer via the second branch line, opposite to the filling direction, i.e., in the direction of the compressed air connection. If a water separator, as described above according to a preferred further development, is provided, the regeneration of the first air dryer can also take place via the first branch line, and dried compressed air can be simultaneously supplied to the compressed air supply connection via the second branch line. This allows the compressed air supply system to be permanently operational, even at temperatures below freezing.

[0024] Further preferably, the vent line is a first vent line, and the compressed air supply system further comprises a second vent line branching from the second branch line to the vent connection. Through such a second vent line, the compressed air exiting the second air dryer in the opposite direction to the filling direction can be discharged through the corresponding second vent line assigned to the second air dryer, analogous to the regeneration of the first air dryer.

[0025] The compressed air supply system preferably further comprises a main line throttle arranged in the pneumatic main line, which is configured to interact with the branch line throttle to adjust a volume flow ratio between the pneumatic main line and the branch line in the second operating mode. Preferably, the main line throttle and / or the branch line throttle is a controllable throttle or a controllable throttle valve. Thus, the volume flow ratio between the compressed air guided through the pneumatic main line and the branch line in the second operating mode can be controlled.

[0026] Further preferably, the compressed air supply system, in particular the pneumatic arrangement, comprises a shut-off valve arranged in the pneumatic main line between the air dryer and the compressed air supply connection, which is designed to cooperate with the main line switching valve and to block the return of compressed air against the filling direction in the first operating mode. The pneumatic main line is thus blocked both in the filling direction and against the filling direction in the first operating mode, so that the air dryer is protected from still-moist compressed air and progressive saturation of the air dryer is prevented.

[0027] In embodiments in which the air dryer in the pneumatic main line is a first air dryer, the shut-off valve is accordingly arranged in the pneumatic main line downstream of the first air dryer in the filling direction. The air dryer or the first air dryer is thus pneumatically decoupled from the branch line. When the compressed air supply system is operated in the first operating mode, in which the compressed air is provided exclusively via the branch line at the compressed air supply connection, no still moist compressed air reaches the air dryer and promotes its saturation. Such a shut-off valve is preferably a switchable shut-off valve, particularly preferably an electrically controllable 2 / 2-way valve. In addition, such pneumatic decoupling of the air dryer from the branch line carrying moist compressed air enables a more precise prediction of the degree of saturation of the respective air dryer.

[0028] More preferably, in embodiments in which a second air dryer is provided, the pneumatic arrangement further comprises a second shut-off valve assigned to the second air dryer and cooperating with the branch line switching valve, which is arranged between the second air dryer and the compressed air supply connection. In embodiments in which the second air dryer is arranged in the only branch line, the branch line shut-off valve is designed to shut off the branch line in the second operating mode. Thus, in the second operating mode, in which compressed air is supplied via the main pneumatic line to the compressed air supply connection, the second air dryer can be pneumatically decoupled from the main pneumatic line, and thus the saturation of the second air dryer can be calculated more precisely.In embodiments in which the second air dryer is arranged in the second branch line, the second shut-off valve is preferably designed to shut off the second branch line in the first operating mode. Thus, the second air dryer can also be pneumatically decoupled from the first branch line, which carries moist or partially dehumidified compressed air in the first operating mode.

[0029] In embodiments in which the branch line is a first branch line, the corresponding branch line switching valve is a first branch line switching valve arranged in the first branch line and a second branch line switching valve is arranged in a second branch line, if present.

[0030] Preferably, the compressed air supply system further comprises a pressure sensor arranged upstream of the branch line or the vent line, which is designed to detect the pressure in the pneumatic main line between the water separator and the outgoing branch line. In particular, the branch line can also be the first branch line and / or the second branch line. Thus, the pressure in the pneumatic main line can be monitored, wherein the pressure sensor preferably communicates with the electronic control device, and at least one of the switching valves and / or the pneumatic arrangement is controlled based on the signals provided by the pressure sensor.

[0031] To achieve this objective, the invention, in a second aspect, provides a compressed air supply system according to claim 13. The compressed air supply system for a sensor cleaning device of a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, according to the second aspect comprises a compressed air generator, in particular a compressor, for providing compressed air at a compressed air connection, and a compressed air supply system connected to the compressor via the compressed air connection for providing compressed air for a compressed air consumer, in particular a sensor cleaning device. The initially stated objective is achieved in such a compressed air supply system in that the compressed air supply system is designed according to the first aspect of the invention.Preferred embodiments and advantages described with respect to the first aspect of the invention are therefore also advantages and preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0032] Preferably, the compressed air supply system further comprises an additional compressed air source that is connectable to a control device and configured to be controlled by the control device for connection to the main pneumatic line as needed. Thus, an additional compressed air source is connected in addition to the compressed air supply. An additional compressed air source increases the available compressed air quantity, i.e., the available volume flow, and allows for response to varying system requirements.

[0033] Furthermore, the compressed air source is preferably designed to provide an inlet pressure above the supply pressure of, for example, 5 bar at the compressed air connection. The increased inlet pressure improves the efficiency of the water separator and thus the pre-drying of the compressed air, so that switching on the compressed air source to increase the inlet pressure slows down the saturation of the air dryer. Specifically, the increased inlet pressure increases the temperature of the compressed air provided by the compressor and thus also its water quantity per m³. 3 . Due to the higher temperature, cooling of the compressed air in the water separator to temperatures below the condensation temperature is easier, as the resulting increase in the amount of water per m 3 Compressed air the condensation temperature rises.

[0034] It is preferred that the compressed air supplier is a first compressor and that the compressed air source further comprises a second compressor which is designed to provide compressed air at the compressed air connection. By means of two compressors, compressed air with an increased volume flow and an increased pressure can be provided at the compressed air connection, or the compressed air supplier can be switched off as required, with compressed air preferably being provided by the compressor. Alternatively or additionally, the compressed air source comprises a reservoir which is fluidly connected to the pneumatic main line and / or the second branch line. By means of such a reservoir, compressed air with an increased volume flow and an increased pressure can be provided at the compressed air connection, or the compressed air supplier can be switched off as required, with compressed air preferably being provided by the compressed air source, i.e. the reservoir.

[0035] The pneumatic arrangement preferably comprises a controllable throttle valve designed to throttle compressed air fed to the compressed air supply connection in 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 main pneumatic line downstream of the throttle point. Alternatively, the throttle valve is preferably electrically controllable and designed to regulate the flow cross-section by actuation by means of the control device. 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 area, this impedes the flow of compressed air in the main pneumatic line, increasing the resistance to the compressed air flow. This, in turn, increases the back pressure upstream of the throttle point. The throttle valve is designed to throttle the pressure at the supply port, i.e., downstream of the throttle valve, to the supply pressure and / or the supply flow rate.

[0036] The pressure is throttled to the supply pressure by reducing the flow cross-section in the area of ​​the throttle point and then releasing the compressed air passing through the throttle point. If the flow cross-section is reduced to its maximum by the throttle valve, no more compressed air is directed to the supply connection.

[0037] 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 for supply at the compressed air connection and an excess portion, which is returned against the filling direction for regeneration of the air dryer.

[0038] The pneumatic arrangement preferably comprises at least one 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 preferably further 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.

[0039] 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 the second air dryer and the compressed air supply connection. The compressed air must be in the branch line orThe compressed air in the main pneumatic line is thus forced to pass through the controllable throttle valve, which is designed to throttle the pressure of the compressed air flowing to the respective air dryer or to completely block the line. This compressed air is then preferably passed through a throttle located downstream of the air dryer in the filling direction, where it is expanded. The resulting expansion of the compressed air reduces its relative humidity.

[0040] Further preferably, in a third operating mode, the pneumatic arrangement is configured to allow compressed air to be returned from the first branch line and / or the main pneumatic line to the second branch line, counter to the filling direction. Thus, regeneration of the second air dryer can also be controlled via the pneumatic arrangement.

[0041] To achieve this object, the invention, in a fourth aspect, provides a particularly open pneumatic system of a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, according to claim 16, having a compressed air supply system according to the second aspect of the invention and a sensor cleaning device connected to the compressed air supply system via the compressed air supply connection. The object mentioned above is thus achieved in a third aspect in that the compressed air supply system of the pneumatic system is designed according to the second aspect of the invention. Preferred embodiments and advantages that were described with reference to the second aspect of the invention are therefore also advantages and preferred embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0042] It is preferred that the sensor cleaning device has at least one heatable nozzle valve. A heatable nozzle valve reduces the risk of frost damage at temperatures close to freezing. The threshold above which only compressed air dried by the air dryer may be fed to the compressed air supply connection is thus shifted toward lower temperatures.Preferably, one, several or all of the following are designed as normally closed solenoid directional control valves: the at least one main line switching valve, 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 ability to heat 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.

[0043] To achieve this object, the invention, in a fourth aspect, provides a vehicle according to claim 18 with a compressed air supply system. The vehicle, in particular a passenger car, according to the fourth aspect of the invention comprises a pneumatic consumer, in particular a sensor cleaning device connected to a compressed air supply connection, a compressed air supply system for providing compressed air in the compressed air supply connection, and an electronic control device for controlling the compressed air supply system. The initially stated object is achieved in a fourth aspect in that the compressed air supply system of the vehicle is designed according to the second aspect of the invention and further in that the electronic control device (ECU) is signal-conductingly connected at least to the pneumatic main line switching valve, in particular also to the branch line switching valve and preferably to the pneumatic arrangement.Preferred embodiments and advantages described with respect to the second aspect of the invention are therefore also advantages and preferred embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0044] The control device is thus configured to control at least the pneumatic main line switching valve and is preferably connected to the pressure sensor in a signal-conducting manner. The control device can thus selectively block the pneumatic main line and thus only use the air dryer when needed, in the event that weather conditions actually require drying of the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection. The air dryer is thus "protected." Furthermore, the control device is preferably configured to control the first and, in particular, also the second branch line switching valve and, if necessary, to control the first or second shut-off valve. Preferably, the control device is a central vehicle control system that receives signals from other sensors of the vehicle and is configured to detect critical weather conditions that require drying of the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection.

[0045] Depending on the design of the respective valve, controlling a switching valve to block a pneumatic line can be understood as switching on and off the power supply, i.e., the absence of power. Similarly, controlling a switching valve to release a pneumatic line can be understood as switching on and off the power supply, depending on the design of the respective valve.

[0046] Further preferably, the control device is signal-conductingly connected to a vent valve in a vent line leading from the main pneumatic line. Preferably, the control device is designed to control the pressure within the compressed air supply system as a function of the inlet pressure detected by the pressure sensor, in particular at the compressed air connection, and particularly preferably to limit it to a maximum pressure of preferably 5 bar at the compressed air supply connection. This makes it possible to react to, for example, thermally induced pressure fluctuations. In particular, however, a pressure above the supply pressure of 5 bar can be supplied to the compressed air supply system. As described above, this increases the temperature of the compressed air provided at the compressed air connection and its humidity per m3 of compressed air, thereby improving the efficiency of the water separator.

[0047] The control device is preferably designed to connect the compressed air source to the pneumatic main line as needed, depending on the supply demand of the compressed air consumer. An increased supply demand in terms of the supply volume 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 demand, it is possible to respond to such supply demands, and a sufficient supply volume flow with the supply pressure to supply all nozzles can be provided.

[0048] Further preferably, the control device is designed to connect the compressed air source to the pneumatic main line as needed, depending on sensor signals. The compressed air supply system preferably comprises at least one temperature sensor designed to monitor a temperature of the compressed air source, in particular of the compressor, and to provide sensor signals, wherein the control device is connected to the temperature sensor in a signal-conducting manner. Switching off the compressed air source may be necessary in the event of impending overheating. By switching on the compressed air source depending on the sensor signals of the temperature sensor monitoring the compressed air source, such impending overheating can be detected, and operation of the compressed air supply system can be maintained by the compressed air source.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is preferably designed to monitor a saturation level of the air dryer and, if necessary, to connect a compressed air source or sources to the main pneumatic line. Furthermore, by switching on the compressed air source, a volume flow at the compressed air connection, i.e. an input volume flow, above the supply volume flow of, for example, 30 l / min can preferably be provided. 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 switching on the compressed air source is particularly advantageous in the event of high saturation orA high saturation level is advantageous. In this way, the saturation level can be reduced quickly. Particularly advantageous is the ability to regenerate two air dryers simultaneously by switching on the compressed air source to provide an input flow rate above the supply flow rate.

[0050] Preferably, the control device is further configured to selectively supply one, several or all of the following solenoid directional control valves with the opening control current and the heating control current: the at least one main line switching valve, 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.

[0051] The possibility of heating the aforementioned valves reduces the risk of frost damage to the pneumatic system and of any impairment of functionality overall. 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 existing coil of the solenoid directional valves eliminates the need for additional heating elements. It should be understood that heating the solenoid directional valves is particularly necessary before opening, as they remain closed for extended periods of time. Functional impairment due to icing is particularly likely if a possibly icy valve or its armature is moved. Energizing the solenoid directional valve before it actually opens prevents it from freezing due to heating of the valve, which preferably occurs continuously during operation.

[0052] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved in a fourth aspect by a method according to claim 21.The method for operating a compressed air supply system, in particular a compressed air supply system according to the second aspect of the invention, preferably comprises the steps: a) providing compressed air at a compressed air connection which is connected to a compressed air supply connection via a pneumatic main line, b) drying the dehumidified compressed air guided in the pneumatic main line in a filling direction to the compressed air supply connection with an air dryer in a second operating mode of a pneumatic main line switching valve, c) blocking the pneumatic main line in the filling direction in a first operating mode of the pneumatic main line switching valve, d) guiding compressed air through a branch line leading from the pneumatic main line between the compressed air connection and the air dryer and connecting again between the air dryer and the compressed air supply connection in the filling direction in the first operating mode.

[0053] By routing compressed air through the branch line leading from the pneumatic main line and blocking the pneumatic main line in the first operating mode of the pneumatic main line switching valve, the air dryer is not used for drying, thus slowing down its saturation. In the second operating mode, however, the compressed air is routed through the pneumatic main line and dried by the air dryer. This process allows the air dryer to be used selectively only under weather conditions that actually require drying of the compressed air provided at the compressed air supply connection. Under non-critical weather conditions, such as high temperatures or subtropical conditions, the compressed air can be routed exclusively via the branch line, thus avoiding or reducing saturation of the air dryer.The method for operating a compressed air supply system thus also incorporates the advantages described above with respect to the first and second aspects of the invention. The preferred embodiments and advantages described with respect to the first two aspects are thus equally preferred embodiments and advantages with respect to the method, and vice versa.

[0054] Preferably, the method further comprises at least one of the following steps: e) opening a branch line through which pneumatic flow can occur in the direction of the compressed air supply connection in the first operating mode, f) blocking the branch line by means of a pneumatic branch line switching valve in the second operating mode, g) returning compressed air from a first branch line and / or a second branch line into the pneumatic main line against the filling direction in a third operating mode.h) returning compressed air from a first branch line and / or the pneumatic main line into a second branch line against the filling direction in a fifth operating mode, i) distributing compressed air from the branch line in a fourth operating mode such that a first portion of the compressed air is returned to the pneumatic main line against the filling direction and further a second portion of the compressed air is provided at the compressed air supply connection, wherein step i) preferably comprises receiving control signals and controlling the first portion and the second portion depending on the received control signals by a pneumatic arrangement.

[0055] By selectively opening and closing the branch line, it can be used to supply compressed air to the compressed air supply connection on an as-needed basis. In particular, compressed air can be supplied via the branch line during non-critical weather conditions, while under critical weather conditions, such as temperatures below freezing, compressed air can be supplied exclusively via the air dryer to the compressed air supply connection.

[0056] Furthermore, by returning compressed air to the main pneumatic line against the filling direction in a first operating mode, regeneration of the air dryer is enabled, thus increasing the range of the compressed air supply system. Similarly, by returning compressed air to the second branch line against the filling direction in a second operating mode, regeneration of any second air dryer that may be present is also enabled. By distributing compressed air from the branch line in a second operating mode, compressed air can be provided at the compressed air supply connection in parallel, and at least partially dehumidified compressed air can be used to regenerate the respective air dryer.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing, which shows:

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a compressed air supply system in a perspective view;

[0060] FIG. 2a shows a compressed air supply system for a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment in a first operating mode;

[0061] FIG. 2b shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 2a in a second operating mode;

[0062] FIG. 3a shows a compressed air supply system for a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment in a first operating mode;

[0063] FIG. 3b shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 3a in a second operating mode; FIG. 3c shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 3a in a third operating mode;

[0064] FIG. 4a shows a compressed air supply system for a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment in a first operating mode;

[0065] FIG. 4b shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 4a in a second operating mode;

[0066] FIG. 4c shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 4a in a third operating mode;

[0067] FIG. 5a shows a compressed air supply system for a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 according to a fourth embodiment in a first operating mode;

[0068] FIG. 5b shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 5a in a second operating mode;

[0069] FIG. 5c shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 5a in a third operating mode;

[0070] FIG. 5d shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 5a in a fourth operating mode;

[0071] FIG. 5e shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 5a in a fifth operating mode;

[0072] FIG. 6a shows a compressed air supply system for a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 according to a fifth embodiment in a first operating mode; FIG. 6b shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 6a in a second operating mode;

[0073] FIG. 6c shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 6a in a third operating mode;

[0074] FIG. 6d shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 6a in a fourth operating mode;

[0075] FIG. 7a shows a compressed air supply system for a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 according to a fifth embodiment in a first operating mode;

[0076] FIG. 7b shows the compressed air supply system according to FIG. 7a in a second operating mode;

[0077] FIG. 8 shows a vehicle with a compressed air supply system schematically in a first embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 9 shows a vehicle with a compressed air supply system schematically in a second embodiment;

[0079] FIG. 10 shows a vehicle with a compressed air supply system schematically in a third embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 11 shows a solenoid directional control valve for a vehicle according to FIGS. 8 to 9;

[0081] FIG. 12a shows a first embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement;

[0082] FIG. 12b shows a second embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement;

[0083] FIG. 12c shows a third embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement; FIG. 12d shows a fourth embodiment of a pneumatic arrangement; and

[0084] FIG. 13 shows a method for operating a compressed air supply system according to FIG. 1 schematically.

[0085] The compressed air supply system 1200 according to FIG. 1 comprises a compressed air supply system 100 and a compressed air generator 200, which is preferably designed as a compressor 201 or compressor 202. The compressor 202 is driven by an electric motor 203.

[0086] The compressed air supply system 1200 is connected to the compressed air generator 200 via a compressed air connection 1 (see FIGS. 2a to 10). The compressed air supply system 100 comprises a pneumatic main line 12 (see

[0087] FIG. 2a to FIG. 10) and a water separator 6 arranged between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air connection 1 (cf. FIG. 2a to FIG. 10). Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 comprises a pressure control module 101 which has a number of pneumatic valves (not shown) for distributing the pressure within the compressed air supply system 100.

[0088] The functioning of the compressed air supply system 1200 and in particular of the compressed air supply system 100 is explained below using preferred embodiments in FIGS. 2a to 10.

[0089] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a first embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100.

[0090] The compressed air supply system 100 comprises a compressed air connection 1 for connection to a compressed air generator 200 (see FIG. 1) and a compressed air supply connection 2, to which a compressed air consumer 300 can be connected (see FIG. 8 to FIG. 10). The compressed air connection 1 is connected to the compressed air supply connection 2 via a pneumatic main line 12. A vent line 13 preferably leads from the pneumatic main line 12 to a vent connection 3, which is configured to vent the pneumatic main line 12. The compressed air supply system 100 further comprises an air dryer 5 arranged in the pneumatic main line 12. The air dryer 5 is designed 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 (see Fig. 2b).

[0091] A vent valve arrangement 23 with a vent valve 23.1, which is preferably an electrically controllable 2 / 2-way valve, is preferably arranged in the vent line 13. Furthermore, the vent valve arrangement 23 preferably comprises a vent check valve 23.2 arranged downstream of the vent valve 23.1 in the direction of the vent line 3, which preferably opens in a pressure-controlled manner in the direction of the vent connection. When the vent valve 23.1 is open, the vent check valve 23.2 thus preferably 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 on the main line 12.

[0092] Advantageously, the compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a main line throttle 8. The main line throttle 8 is preferably arranged downstream of the air dryer 5 in the filling direction B (see FIG. 2a). The main line throttle 8 is configured to throttle the compressed air 120' dried by the air dryer 5 and to provide it at a defined supply pressure of preferably 5 bar at the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0093] Between the compressed air connection 1 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. Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 has a main line switching valve 25 in the pneumatic main line 12 downstream of the outgoing branch line 14 in the filling direction B, which is designed to block the pneumatic main line 12 in a first operating mode B1 (see FIG. 2a) and to open the pneumatic main line 12 in a second operating mode B2 (see FIG. 2b).

[0094] A branch line throttle 7 is arranged in the branch line 14 and is designed to increase the flow resistance of the branch line 14 to a value higher than the flow resistance of the main pneumatic line. Thus, in the second operating mode, the compressed air flows preferentially through the main pneumatic line 12 due to the lower flow resistance, and consequently, compressed air dried predominantly by the air dryer 5 reaches the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0095] The compressed air supply system 100 has the pressure control module 101 shown in FIG. 1. The pressure control module 101 is assigned the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 and the vent valve 23.1.

[0096] FIG. 2a shows the compressed air supply system 100 in the first operating mode B1. In the first operating state B1, the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 is designed to block the pneumatic main line 12. The pneumatic main line switching valve 25 is designed here as a normally closed 2 / 2-way valve, so that the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12 in the first operating state B1 when de-energized. The compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1 is thus guided exclusively via the branch line 14 in the filling direction B, i.e., from the compressed air connection 1 to the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0097] The vent valve 23.1 is also designed as a normally closed 2 / 2-way valve and, in its de-energized state, blocks the vent line 13 in the first operating mode B1, as shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2b shows the compressed air supply system 100 in the second operating mode B2. The pneumatic main line switching valve 25 is designed to open the pneumatic main line 12 so that flow can pass through it in the filling direction B, so that compressed air 110, 120 can be guided from the compressed air connection 1 to the air dryer 5 and dried thereby. The dried compressed air 120' is then fed to the main line throttle 8 and, as throttled compressed air, is provided together with the compressed air 141 guided through the branch line 14 at the compressed air supply connection 2 as a common compressed air stream 150.

[0098] The common compressed air flow 150 provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 comprises a portion of dried air 120' from the pneumatic main line and a portion of moist air 141 from the branch line 14, so that the air in the common compressed air flow 150 is at least partially dehumidified. The portion of the compressed air 120' dried by the air dryer 5 depends, as described above, on the level of the flow resistance caused by the branch line throttle 7.

[0099] The vent valve 23.1 is also designed to block the vent line 13 in the second operating mode B2.

[0100] FIGS. 3a to 3c show a second embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100. Identical components have identical reference numerals, and to avoid repetition, only the differences between the first and second embodiments of the compressed air supply system 100 will be discussed.

[0101] The second embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100 is further developed by a water separator 6 arranged between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air connection 1 (see FIGS. 2a and 2b). The water separator 6 comprises a condensation dryer 16 and a drain element 26, which is designed in particular as a drain valve, which are configured to remove at least a portion of the moisture from the compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1. Thus, the saturation of the air dryer 5 is slowed by the partially dehumidified compressed air 120 (see FIG. 3b) in the pneumatic main line 12.

[0102] FIG. 3a shows the compressed air supply system 100 in a first operating mode B1. In the first operating mode, the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12 in a known manner. The compressed air 141, which is at least partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 with the condensation dryer 16 and the separator valve 26, is thus guided exclusively via the branch line 14 in the filling direction B to the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0103] FIG. 3b shows the compressed air supply system 100 in a second operating mode B2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 is energized in the second operating mode B2, so that it opens the pneumatic main line 12 so that it can flow pneumatically in the filling direction B. The compressed air 120 partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 is thus guided in the pneumatic main line 12 to the air dryer 5 and then throttled as dry compressed air 120' by the main line throttle 8. Due to the at least partial dehumidification of the compressed air 110 by the water separator 6, a lower saturation or slower saturation of the air dryer 5 also occurs in the second operating mode B2. Furthermore, a portion of the compressed air 141 partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 is guided through the branch line 14 in the filling direction B.

[0104] The throttled dry compressed air 120' from the pneumatic main line together with the compressed air 141 from the branch line forms a common compressed air flow 150, which is provided at the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0105] FIG. 3c shows the compressed air supply system 100 in a third operating mode B3. In the third operating mode B3, the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12, and the compressed air 141 partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 is guided through the branch line 14 and returned through the pneumatic main line 12 in a return direction R, opposite to the filling direction B. In the pneumatic main line 12, the compressed air 141 is first depressurized by the main line throttle 8 and used as depressurized compressed air 141' to regenerate the air dryer 5. The moist compressed air 131 exiting the air dryer 5 is then guided via the vent line 13 to the vent connection 3. The vent valve 23.1 is designed to open the vent line 13 in the third operating mode B3 so that flow can occur pneumatically in the venting direction E.

[0106] The return direction in the sense of the invention refers to the direction of the compressed air guided through a line from the compressed air supply connection opposite to the filling direction.

[0107] FIGS. 4a to 4c show a third embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals as in the previous embodiments of the compressed air supply system 100. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description of the compressed air supply system according to the first embodiment, and only differences are discussed below.

[0108] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2b by a branch line switching valve 24 arranged in the branch line 14, which is designed to open the branch line 14 pneumatically so that air can flow through it in the first operating mode B1 and to close the branch line 14 in the second operating mode B2. The branch line switching valve 24 is preferably designed as a 2 / 2-way valve. Particularly preferably, the branch line switching valve 24 is designed as a normally closed valve. Thus, as an alternative to the branch line throttle 7 (cf. FIGS. 2a and 2b), the branch line switching valve 24 can ensure the provision of dried compressed air in the second operating mode.

[0109] FIG. 4a shows the compressed air supply system 100 in a first operating mode B1. Partially dehumidified compressed air 141 continues to flow from the water separator 6 toward the compressed air supply connection 2 through the branch line switching valve 24.

[0110] FIG. 4b shows the compressed air supply system 100 in the second operating mode B2. In the second operating mode B2, the advantage of the pneumatic branch line switching valve 24 arranged in the branch line becomes clear. The branch line switching valve 24 is designed to block the branch line 14 in the second operating mode B2. Thus, in the second operating mode B2, compressed air 120 from the water separator 6 reaches the compressed air supply connection 2 exclusively via the pneumatic main line 12. In the pneumatic main line 12, the compressed air 120 is dried by the air dryer 5 and throttled by the main line throttle 8 and forwarded as dried, throttled compressed air 120' in the filling direction B and provided at the compressed air supply connection 2. Thus, only completely dried compressed air 120' is now provided at the compressed air supply connection 2.This is particularly advantageous at temperatures below freezing, especially at temperatures of -20 °C or less, and ensures reliable and damage-free operation of the compressed air consumers (not shown) connected to the compressed air supply system 100.

[0111] FIG. 4c shows the compressed air supply system 100 in a third operating mode B3. The branch line switching valve 24 and the vent valve 23.1 are shown in the energized state and are thus designed to open the branch line 14 and the vent line 13, respectively. The compressed air 141 guided through the branch line 14 is returned through the pneumatic main line 12 in a return direction R, counter to the filling direction B (see FIG. 4b). The compressed air 141 is first depressurized by the main line throttle 8, whereby the relative humidity of the compressed air 141 decreases. The relaxed compressed air 141' is then fed to the air dryer 5 for regeneration and finally, after absorbing at least a portion of the moisture of the drying substrate of the air dryer 5, is guided as moist compressed air 131 in the venting direction E via the venting line 13 and the venting valve 23.1 in the direction of the venting connection 3.

[0112] FIGS. 5a to 5e show the compressed air supply system 100 according to a fourth embodiment. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals, and to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the third embodiment of the compressed air supply system, and only differences from the previous embodiments are discussed.

[0113] The fourth embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c in that the branch line 14.1 is a first branch line 14.1 with a first pneumatic branch line switching valve 24.1. The compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a second branch line 14.2 with a second pneumatic branch line switching valve 24.2. Furthermore, the air dryer 5.1 is a first air dryer to which the main line throttle 8 is assigned, and the compressed air supply system 100 further comprises a second air dryer 5.2 and preferably a branch line regeneration throttle 11 arranged between the second air dryer 5.2 and the compressed air supply connection 2 and assigned to the second air dryer 5.2. The second air dryer 5.2 and the branch line regeneration throttle 11 are arranged in the second branch line 14.2.The branch line regeneration throttle 11 relaxes the compressed air guided through the second branch line for regeneration of the second air dryer 5.2 in the opposite direction to the filling direction, so that it can absorb more moisture.

[0114] The embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100 according to FIG. 5a to FIG. 5e differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c by a water separator 6 arranged between the air dryer 5 and the compressed air connection 1 (cf. FIGS. 2a and 2b). The water separator 6 comprises a condensation dryer 16 and a drain element 26, which is designed in particular as a drain valve, which are configured to remove at least a portion of the moisture from the compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1. Thus, the saturation of the air dryer 5 is slowed by the partially dehumidified compressed air 120 in the pneumatic main line 12.

[0115] Furthermore, the vent line 13.1 is a first vent line, and the vent valve 23.1 is a first vent valve arranged in the first vent line 13.1. The first vent line 13.1 branches off from the pneumatic main line 12 between the water separator 6 and the first air dryer 5.1. Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 comprises a second vent line 13.2, in which a second vent valve 23.3 is arranged. The second vent line 13.2 branches off from the second branch line 14.2 between the second branch line switching valve 24.2 and the second air dryer 5.2. The vent check valve 23.2 is preferably arranged downstream of the first and second vent valves 23.1, 23.3 in the direction of the vent connection 3.

[0116] Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 comprises a pneumatic arrangement 20, which is designed to allow a return of compressed air against the filling direction B through the pneumatic main line 12 in the third operating mode. Furthermore, the pneumatic arrangement 20 is designed to selectively allow a supply of compressed air from the first branch line 14.1, the second branch line 14.2 and the pneumatic main line 12 in the direction of the compressed air supply connection 2. Furthermore, the pneumatic arrangement 20 is also designed to distribute the compressed air 140 provided by the branch lines 14.1, 14.2 into a first portion 140.1 for return through the pneumatic main line 12 and a second portion 140.2 for provision at the compressed air supply connection 2. Furthermore, the pneumatic arrangement 20 is designed to allow compressed air to be returned against the filling direction B through the second branch line 14.2.The compressed air supply system 100 has the pressure control module 101 shown in FIG. 1. The pressure control module 101 is assigned the first and second branch line switching valves 24.1, 24.2, the pneumatic main line switching valve 25, and the first and second vent valves 23.1, 23.3.

[0117] FIG. 5a again shows a first operating mode B1 of the compressed air supply system 100, in which the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12. Furthermore, the second branch line switching valve 24.2 is also designed to block the second branch line 14.2 in the first operating mode B1. Thus, compressed air 110 from the compressed air supply connection 1 reaches the compressed air supply connection 2 as compressed air 141 exclusively via the first branch line 14.1, which is opened by the first branch line switching valve 24.1 in the first operating mode B1. The normally closed 2 / 2-way valve, which is provided as the first branch line switching valve 24.1, is energized for this purpose. Thus, in the first operating mode B1, both the first air dryer 5.1 and the second air dryer 5.2 are not actively used and are thus “protected” and the compressed air 141 is provided exclusively via the first branch line 14.1.This moist compressed air 141 can be used especially when temperatures are well above freezing.

[0118] FIG. 5b shows the compressed air supply system 100 in the second operating mode B2. In the second operating mode B2, the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 is designed to open the main line 12 so that air can flow through it pneumatically. In the second operating mode B2, the first and second branch line switching valves 24.1, 24.2 are designed to block the respective branch line 14.1, 14.2. Compressed air 110 from the compressed air connection 110 thus reaches the compressed air supply connection 2 exclusively via the pneumatic main line 12 as dried and throttled compressed air 120'. This throttled and dried compressed air 120' enables safe operation of compressed air consumers (not shown) that can be connected to the compressed air supply system 100, even at temperatures below freezing. FIG. 5c shows the compressed air supply system 100 in a third operating mode B3. In the third operating mode B3, the first and / or second branch line switching valve 24 is / are.1, 24.2 are designed to open the respective branch line 14.1, 14.2 pneumatically so that air can flow through it. The pneumatic main line switching valve 25 is designed to block the pneumatic main line 12. In a first variant of the third operating mode B3, the first branch line switching valve 24.1 is designed to open the first branch line 14.1 pneumatically so that air can flow through it, so that compressed air 141 pre-dried by the water separator is returned to the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B. In this case, the second air dryer 5.2 is further protected. In a second variant of the third operating mode B3, the second branch line switching valve 24.2 is designed to open the second branch line 14.2 pneumatically so that air can flow through it, so that air pre-dried by the water separator 16 and by the air dryer 5.2, the dried compressed air 142 is returned to the main pneumatic line 12 opposite to the filling direction B. In this case, a higher efficiency is achieved in the regeneration of the first air dryer 5.1. In a third variant of the third operating mode B3, both two-line switching valves 14.1, 14.2 can also be opened pneumatically to allow flow.

[0119] Furthermore, the first vent valve 23.1 is designed to open the first vent line 13.1 so that pneumatic flow can pass through it, and the second vent valve 23.3 is designed to block the second vent line 13.2. The pneumatic arrangement 20 is designed to allow compressed air from the first and second branch lines 14.1, 14.2 to be returned through the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B—i.e., in a return direction R. The compressed air 141, 142 from the first and second branch lines 14.1, 14.2 is returned to the pneumatic main line 12 as a common compressed air flow 140 and is depressurized by the main line throttle 8. The relaxed compressed air 140' is then passed through the first air dryer 5.1 for its regeneration and then discharged as moist compressed air 131 in the venting direction E via the first venting line 13.1.

[0120] FIG. 5d shows a fourth operating mode B4, in which, in contrast to the third operating mode, the combined compressed air flow 140 of the first branch line 14.1 and the second branch line 14.2 is not exclusively returned to the pneumatic main line 12, but rather only a first portion 140.1 is returned and a second portion 140.2 is provided at the compressed air supply connection 2. Thus, regeneration of the first air dryer 5.1 and supply of compressed air 140.2 to a compressed air consumer (not shown) can occur simultaneously.

[0121] FIG. 5e shows a fifth operating mode B5 of the compressed air supply system 100, in which a common compressed air flow 150 from the pneumatic main line 12 and / or the first branch line 14.1 is returned to the second branch line 14.2 in order to regenerate the air dryer 5.2.

[0122] In a first variant of the fifth operating mode B5 (not shown in Fig. 5e), the first branch line switching valve 24.1 is designed to pneumatically open the first branch line 14.1 so that compressed air 141 pre-dried through the water separator 6 is returned to the second branch line 14.2 against the filling direction B, where it is initially expanded by the branch line throttle 11. The expanded compressed air 141' is then passed through the second air dryer 5.2 in order to bind a portion of the moisture in the drying substrate of the second air dryer 5.2. Moist compressed air 132 is then passed via the second vent line 13.2 to the vent connection 3. In this case, the first air dryer 5.1 continues to be protected.

[0123] In a second variant of the fifth operating mode B5 (not shown in Fig. 5e), the main line switching valve 25 is designed to open the pneumatic main line 12 so that it can flow through pneumatically, so that compressed air 120 pre-dried through the water separator 16 and compressed air 120' post-dried through the air dryer 5.1 are returned from the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B into the second branch line 14.2, where it is initially expanded by the branch line throttle 11. The expanded compressed air 120' is then passed through the second air dryer 5.2 in order to bind a portion of the moisture of the drying substrate of the second air dryer 5.2. Moist compressed air 132 is then passed via the second vent line 13.2 to the vent connection 3. In this case, a higher efficiency is achieved in the regeneration of the second air dryer.

[0124] 5.2 reached.

[0125] In a third variant of the fifth operating mode B5, which is shown in Fig. 5e, the first branch line switching valve 24.1 and the main line switching valve 25 can also be opened pneumatically. The compressed air 120' from the pneumatic main line 12 and the compressed air 141 from the first branch line 14.1 form a common compressed air flow 150, which flows in a return direction R through the second branch line

[0126] 14.2 and is initially expanded there by the second branch line throttle 11. The expanded compressed air 150' is then passed through the second air dryer 5.2 in order to bind a portion of the moisture of the drying substrate of the second air dryer 5.2. Subsequently, moist compressed air 132 is passed via the second vent line 13.2 to the vent connection 3. The second vent valve 23.3 is shown in the energized state for this purpose and is used to release the second vent line

[0127] 13.2 trained.

[0128] FIGS. 6a to 6d show a fifth embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals here, and to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the first to fourth embodiments of the compressed air supply system, and only differences from the previous embodiments are discussed. In the fifth embodiment, a first shut-off valve 32, in particular as part of the pneumatic arrangement 20, is arranged in the pneumatic main line 12 between the compressed air supply connection 2 and the first air dryer 5.1. The first shut-off valve 32 is designed to cooperate with the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 and, in the event that the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12, to block the return of compressed air in the return direction R through the pneumatic main line 12.Furthermore, a second shut-off valve 34, particularly as part of the pneumatic arrangement 20, is arranged in the second branch line 14.2 between the compressed air supply connection 2 and the second air dryer 5.2. The second shut-off valve 34 is designed to cooperate with the second branch line switching valve 24.2 and, in the event that the second branch line switching valve 24.2 blocks the second branch line 14.2, to block the return of compressed air in the return direction R through the second branch line 14.2.

[0129] In the first operating mode B1 shown in FIG. 6a, the first shutoff valve 32 cooperates with the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 such that the shutoff valve 32 shuts off the pneumatic main line. Moist compressed air from the first branch line 14.1 cannot thus penetrate into the pneumatic main line 12 and thus lead to water absorption by the air dryer 5.1 in the first operating mode B1. Similarly, the second shutoff valve 34 is also designed to shut off the second branch line 14.2 in the first operating mode B1. Thus, no compressed air can flow from the first branch line 14.1 into the second branch line 14.2 and thus to the second air dryer 5.2, contrary to the filling direction B.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 6b, the first shutoff valve 32 opens the pneumatic main line 12 in the second operating mode B2, in which the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 also opens the pneumatic main line 12, allowing pneumatic flow. Since the second air dryer 5.2 is not used in the second operating mode B2, the second shutoff valve 34 blocks the second branch line 14.2, so that no compressed air can flow to the second air dryer 5.2 in the return direction R, contrary to the filling direction B. Such shutoff valves also allow for better calculation of the saturation level of the first and second air dryers 5.1, 5.2.

[0131] Furthermore, the first shut-off valve 32 is designed to open the pneumatic main line 12 in the third operating mode B3, as shown in FIG. 6c, so that compressed air 140 for regeneration can be guided in the return direction R through the pneumatic main line 12 to the first air dryer 5.1 and released again via the vent connection 3.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 6d, in the fifth operating mode, the first switching valve 32 is configured to open the pneumatic main line, and the second shut-off valve 34 is configured to open the second branch line 14.2 so that air can flow through it pneumatically. For the regeneration of the second air dryer 5.2, compressed air from the pneumatic main line 2 and / or the first branch line 14.1 can thus be recirculated as a common compressed air stream 150 in the return direction R.

[0133] FIGS. 7a to 7b show a sixth embodiment of the compressed air supply system 100. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals, and to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment of the compressed air supply system, and only differences from these previous embodiments are discussed. The compressed air supply system 100 does not have a branch line throttle 7, which is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The compressed air supply system 100 has a shut-off valve 32, arranged in particular as part of the pneumatic arrangement 20. The shut-off valve 32 is designed to cooperate with the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 and, in the event that the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 blocks the pneumatic main line 12, to block a return of compressed air in the return direction R through the pneumatic main line 12. FIG.8 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 device 1300 and a compressed air receiver 300, which in this case comprises a sensor cleaning device 301. The compressed air supply system 1200 and the sensor cleaning device 301 form a pneumatic system 1500.

[0134] 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 202 with an electric motor 203.

[0135] The compressed air supply system 100 is shown here in a sixth embodiment. Identical or similar components again have identical reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, and to avoid repetition, only differences, particularly from the second embodiment (see FIGS. 3a to 3c), will be discussed.

[0136] In this case, the water separator 6 further comprises, in addition to the condensation dryer 16 and the discharge element 26, a ventilation device 36. The ventilation device 36 is arranged between the compressed air connection 1 and the condensation dryer 16 and increases the degree of cooling of the compressed air in the condensation dryer 16. The water separator 6 with the condensation dryer 16, the discharge element 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 airstream occurring during operation can also be used to cool the compressed air compressed by the compressor 202.

[0137] Furthermore, the compressed air supply system 100 according to the sixth embodiment shown 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 a pressure P in the pneumatic main line 12, i.e., the compressed air 110 provided at the compressed air connection 1 or the compressed air 120 partially dehumidified by the water separator 6. The pressure sensor 9 is connected in a signal-conducting manner via a first signal line S1 to the control device 1300, which is thus configured to monitor the pressure P.

[0138] The control device 1300 is further connected to the switching valve 24 via a second signal line S2 and to the vent valve 23.1 via a third signal line S3.

[0139] The control device 1300 is configured to control the main line switching valve 25 for selectively releasing the main line 12 or the vent valve

[0140] 23.1 for selectively releasing the vent line 13. Furthermore, the control device 1300 is connected via a fourth signal line S4 to the pneumatic arrangement 20, which was described with reference to the fourth and fifth embodiments. The control device 1300 is configured to control the first portion by controlling the pneumatic arrangement 20.

[0141] 140.1 (1 see FIG. 6c) of the compressed air and the second portion of the compressed air 140.2 (see FIG. 6c).

[0142] The control device 1300 is configured to control the compressed air transmitter 200 depending on the detected sensor signal of the pressure sensor 9. Furthermore, the control device 1300 can control the main line switching valve 25 and the vent valve 23.1 to release compressed air in the pneumatic main line—at least in the filling direction B upstream of the main line throttle 8.

[0143] The signal lines S1, S2, S3, S4 can be either wired or wireless.

[0144] The compressed air supply system 100 has the pressure control module 101 shown in FIG. 1. The pressure control module 101 is assigned the pneumatic main line switching valve 25 as well as the vent valve 23.1 and the pressure sensor 9.

[0145] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the vehicle 1000. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the vehicle 1000 according to the first embodiment in FIG. 8, and only differences are discussed. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals. The compressed air supply system 1200 and the sensor cleaning device 301 form a pneumatic system 1500.

[0146] The second embodiment of the vehicle 1000 shown in FIG. 9 differs from the first embodiment in that the compressor

[0147] 201.1, a first compressor 201.1 is formed with a first electric motor 203.1. Furthermore, the vehicle 1000 or the compressed air supply system 1200 comprises an additional compressed air source 50 with a second compressor

[0148] 201.2 and a second electric motor 203.2.

[0149] The control device 1300 is preferably configured to selectively connect the compressed air source 50 in addition to connecting and controlling the compressed air supply 200. Both the compressed air supply 200 and the compressed air source 50 are connected to the compressed air connection 1 for supplying the compressed air supply system 100 with compressed air 110.

[0150] Preferably, the compressed air supply system 1200 in the embodiments according to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 further comprises a temperature sensor 60 for monitoring the temperature of the compressed air generator 200, wherein the temperature sensor 60 is connected to the control device 1300 in a signal-conducting manner and is designed to provide sensor signals S.

[0151] FIG. 10 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 FIG. 8, and only differences are discussed. Identical or similar components have identical reference numerals.

[0152] The third embodiment of the vehicle 1000 shown in FIG. 10 differs from the first embodiment in that the main line throttle 8 is now arranged as a displaced main line throttle 8' in the branch line 14 upstream of the branch line switching valve 24, instead of in the pneumatic main line 12. The displaced main line throttle 8' expands the compressed air 141 provided at the compressed air connection 1 at the beginning of the branch line 14. This allows, on the one hand, the provision of compressed air at the compressed air connection 1 at a pressure above the supply pressure to be provided, in particular 5 bar, whereby more effective condensation drying is achieved by the condensation dryer 16. Furthermore, throttling the compressed air to preferably 5 bar leads to a reduction in the relative humidity.

[0153] Furthermore, a branch line switching valve 24 is arranged in the branch line 14, as described with reference to FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c.

[0154] The vent valve arrangement 23 has a control valve 23.5 in the form of a 2 / 2-way solenoid valve 31. 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, the control valve 23.5 can be moved from a normally closed position (as shown here) to a pneumatically open position (not shown), in which a pressure diverted via a pneumatic control line 23.5A from the branch line 14 in the filling direction B upstream of the displaced main line throttle 8' is passed on to the pneumatic control of the controllable vent valve 23.1 by means of a bypass 23.5B. Alternatively, pressure can also be diverted from the pneumatic main line 12 (not shown). The control valve 23.5 isolates the control line 23 when closed.5A and is pneumatically connected to the vent port 3 via another pneumatic line 23.5C.

[0155] 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. The line volume between the compressed air source 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 through the compressor vent line 13.3. The starting resistance for the compressor 202 is thus reduced.

[0156] 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 here as solenoid directional control valves 31, in particular normally closed solenoid directional control valves 31.

[0157] 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 designed as solenoid directional control valves 31, in particular as normally closed solenoid directional control valves 31.

[0158] Such a solenoid directional control valve is shown as an example in Fig. 11 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 creates 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 the holding control current S12 required to hold the nozzle valve 302 in the open position. The magnitude of the force exerted by a magnetic field induced by the coil 307 on the armature 308.1 at a constant current depends on the distance of the 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 armature 308.1 moves into an open position, its distance from the magnetic field is reduced and a lower holding control current S12 is sufficient to hold 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.

[0162] The control device 1300 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is designed to provide a control current Si equal to the opening control current S13 (see FIG. 10) for opening the compressor vent valve 23.4, the branch line switching valve 24, the main line switching valve 25, and the nozzle valves 302, 303. Furthermore, the control device 1300 is also designed to apply a heating control current S13 to one, several, or all of these valves.

[0163] FIGS. 12a to 12d show a section of the compressed air supply system 1200 according to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, with various embodiments of the pneumatic arrangement 20 shown in detail. To avoid repetition and to explain the operation of the pneumatic arrangement 20, reference is therefore made to the description of FIGS. 8, 9, and 10.

[0164] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 12a comprises a 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. The throttle valve 21 is designed to throttle the pressure in the pneumatic main line 12 to a supply pressure to be provided, in particular 5 bar, by changing the flow cross-section Q. 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.

[0165] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 12b comprises a throttle valve 21, analogous to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12a. 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 202 in FIG. 8. 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 (see FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) is signal-conductingly connected to a reservoir pressure sensor 53 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 main pneumatic line 12, with the control device regulating the pressure quantity via the signals from the reservoir pressure sensor 53. The required compressed air is thus immediately available.

[0166] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 12c 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.

[0167] 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 (see Fig. 3C).

[0168] The pneumatic arrangement 20 according to FIG. 12d is designed for use with compressed air supply systems as shown in FIGS. 5a-5e or FIGS. 6a-6d, i.e. for compressed air supply systems with two air dryers 5.1, 5.2. A first pair of counter-opening and fluidically parallel-connected check valves 27.1, 28.1 with a corresponding return throttle valve 29.1, as described with reference to the embodiment according to FIG. 12c, is assigned to the first air dryer 5.1 and arranged between the first air dryer 5.1 and the compressed air connection 2.

[0169] 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. 12d, is assigned to the second air dryer 5.2 and arranged between the second air dryer 5.2 and the compressed air connection 2.

[0170] FIG. 13 shows a method 2000 for operating compressed air supply system 1200 (cf. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10), wherein the method 2000 comprises providing compressed air 110 at a compressed air connection 1, which is connected to a compressed air supply connection 2 via a pneumatic main line 12, in a first step 2100.

[0171] In a first operating mode B1 or third operating mode B3 or fourth operating mode B4, the method 2000 further comprises, in a second step 2200, blocking the pneumatic main line 12 by a main line switching valve 25 (cf. FIGS. 2a to 10) and, in a third step 2300, guiding compressed air through the branch line in the filling direction B. Preferably, guiding compressed air through the branch line in step 2300 further comprises first opening the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 so that pneumatic flow can pass through it in the filling direction B. In the first operating mode B1, the third step 2300 is followed by providing the compressed air 141, 142, 140 guided in the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 at the compressed air supply connection 2 in step 2400.

[0172] In the third operating mode B3, the third step 2300 is followed by the return of dehumidified compressed air 140, 142 from the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 through the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B in step 2500. Furthermore, the step 2500 preferably comprises, as sub-step 2510, the relaxation of compressed air returned against the filling direction B in the pneumatic main line 12.

[0173] In the fourth operating mode B4, the third step 2300 is followed by the distribution of the compressed air 140, 141 guided in the branch line 14, 14.1, 14.2 such that a first portion of the compressed air 140.1 is returned to the pneumatic main line 12 against the filling direction B and furthermore a second portion 140.2 of the compressed air 140 is provided at the compressed air supply connection 2 in step 2600. This preferably comprises receiving control signals and controlling the first portion and the second portion depending on the received control signals by a pneumatic arrangement.

[0174] In a second operating mode B2, the method from the first step 2100 further preferably comprises blocking the branch line in step 2700. The method 2000 further comprises, following the first step 2100 or blocking the branch line in step 2700, in a further step 2800, guiding in the filling direction B and drying the compressed air 120 guided in the filling direction B in the pneumatic main line 12 and finally providing the dried compressed air 120' guided in the pneumatic main line 12 at the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0175] In the context of the invention, it should be understood that the first operating mode B1 designates a bypass mode in which undried compressed air or compressed air only partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 is conveyed to the compressed air supply connection 2. The second operating mode B2 relates to a basic operating mode in which compressed air dried by the (first) air dryer 5, 5.1 is conveyed to the compressed air supply connection 2. The third operating mode B3 relates to a first regeneration mode for regenerating the (first) air dryer, and the fifth operating mode B5 relates to a second regeneration mode for regenerating the second air dryer. The fourth operating mode relates to a distribution mode in which part of the compressed air is used to regenerate the first air dryer, and the remaining part of the compressed air partially dehumidified by the water separator 6 or a second air dryer 5.2 is conveyed to the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0176] Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0177] 1 compressed air connection

[0178] 2 compressed air supply connection

[0179] 3 vent connection

[0180] 5 air dryers

[0181] 5.1 first air dryer

[0182] 5.2 second air dryer

[0183] 6 water separators

[0184] 7 Branch line choke

[0185] 8 Main line throttle

[0186] 8' shifted main line throttle

[0187] 9 Pressure sensor

[0188] 11 Branch line regeneration choke

[0189] 12 pneumatic main lines

[0190] 13 Ventilation line

[0191] 13.1 first vent line

[0192] 13.2 second vent line

[0193] 13.3 Compressor vent line

[0194] 14 Branch Management

[0195] 14.1 first branch line

[0196] 14.2 second branch line

[0197] 15 Bypass line

[0198] 16 condensation dryers

[0199] 20 Pneumatic arrangement

[0200] 21 Throttle valve in pneumatic main line

[0201] 21A throttle point

[0202] 21 B Control pressure line

[0203] 23 Vent valve arrangement

[0204] 23.1 first vent valve

[0205] 23.2 Vent check valve

[0206] 23.3 second vent valve

[0207] 23.4 Compressor vent valve .5 Control valve .5A Control line .5B Bypass .5C Line

[0208] Branch line switching valve .1 Branch line switching valve in branch line .2 Third switching valve in branch line Main line switching valve

[0209] Drainage device, 27.1, 27.2 first check valve, 28.1, 28.2 second check valve, 29.1, 29.2 return throttle valve

[0210] Solenoid directional control valve first shut-off valve second shut-off valve ventilation unit compressed air source reservoir

[0211] Reservoir switching valve

[0212] Reservoir pressure sensor

[0213] Temperature sensor 0 Compressed air supply system 1 Pressure control module 0 Compressed air at the compressed air supply 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 (first) vent line 2 Moist compressed air in the second vent line 0 Recirculated compressed air flow from the first and second branch line 0' Relaxed compressed air flow from the first and second branch line .1 First portion of compressed air, recirculated compressed air in the pneumatic main line .2 Second portion of compressed air

[0214] Compressed air in / from first branch line ' relaxed compressed air in / from first branch line

[0215] Compressed air in second branch line ' dried compressed air in / from second branch line recirculated compressed air flow from first branch line and pneumatic main line ' relaxed compressed air flow from first branch line and pneumatic main line

[0216] compressed air sensor

[0217] Compressor .1 first compressor .2 second compressor

[0218] compressor

[0219] Electric motor .1 first electric motor .2 second electric motor pneumatic pickup

[0220] Sensor cleaning device first nozzle valve second nozzle valve

[0221] 2 / 2-way valve

[0222] Magnetic part

[0223] Pneumatic part

[0224] Coil .1 movable armature .2 fixed core

[0225] Air gap, pole distance first compressed air passage second compressed air passage

[0226] Valve stem part 313 butt surface

[0227] 314 valve spring

[0228] 315 valve seat

[0229] 1000 vehicles

[0230] 1100 passenger cars

[0231] 1200 compressed air supply system

[0232] 1300 control device

[0233] 1400 front area of ​​the vehicle

[0234] 1500 pneumatic system

[0235] 2000 procedures

[0236] 2100 Provision of compressed air

[0237] 2200 Blocking the pneumatic main line

[0238] 2300 Supplying compressed air through the branch line

[0239] 2310 Opening a branch line

[0240] 2400 Providing compressed air from the branch line at

[0241] Compressed air supply connection

[0242] 2500 Return of dehumidified compressed air to the pneumatic main line

[0243] 2510 Relieving recirculated compressed air

[0244] 2600 Distribution of compressed air

[0245] 2700 Branch line closures

[0246] 2800 Supplying and drying compressed air in pneumatic

[0247] Main line

[0248] 2900 Providing compressed air from the pneumatic main line to the compressed air supply connection

[0249] S1 first signal line

[0250] S2 second signal line

[0251] S3 third signal line

[0252] S4 fourth signal line

[0253] S sensor signal

[0254] F Direction of travel

[0255] B Filling direction R Return direction

[0256] E Ventilation direction

[0257] B1 first operating mode

[0258] B2 second operating mode

[0259] B3 third operating mode

[0260] B4 fourth operating mode

[0261] B5 fifth operating mode

[0262] K Condensate

[0263] P pressure

[0264] G Saturation level

[0265] FF spring force

[0266] FM magnetic force

[0267] Si control current

[0268] Sn opening control current

[0269] 512 Holding control current

[0270] 513 Heating control current

[0271] Ps control pressure

[0272] Q flow cross-section

Claims

Patent claims 1. Compressed air supply system (100) for a sensor cleaning device (301) of a vehicle (1000), in particular a passenger car (1100), with a compressed air connection (1) for connection to a compressed air generator (200), a compressed air supply connection (2) for connection to a sensor cleaning device (301), a pneumatic main line (12) for guiding compressed air from the compressed air connection (1) to the compressed air supply connection (2) in a filling direction (B), an air dryer (5, 5.1) arranged in the pneumatic main line (12) for drying the compressed air (119) guided in the filling direction (B) in the pneumatic main line (12), and characterized by a compressed air line (119) leading from the pneumatic main line (12) between the compressed air connection (1) and the air dryer (5, 5.1) and between the air dryer (5, 5.1) and Compressed air supply connection (2) and connecting branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2), and a pneumatic main line switching valve (25) arranged in the filling direction downstream of the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2), between the compressed air connection (1) and the air dryer (5, 5.1) in the pneumatic main line (12), which is designed to block the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B) in a first operating mode (B1) and to open the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B) in a second operating mode (B2) so that it can flow through the pneumatic main line (12).

2. Compressed air supply system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by a pneumatic branch line switching valve (24, 24.1, 24.2) arranged in the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2), which is designed for selectively blocking and pneumatically flow-through opening of the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) in the filling direction (B), or a branch line throttle (7) arranged in the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) which is designed to increase the flow resistance of the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) relative to the pneumatic main line (12).

3. Compressed air supply system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a pneumatic arrangement (20) assigned to the compressed air supply connection (2), which is designed to distribute the compressed air (120, 120', 141) in the compressed air supply system (100).

4. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a water separator (6) arranged in the pneumatic main line (12) between the compressed air connection (1) and the air dryer (5, 5.1) and the pneumatic main line switching valve (25), wherein the water separator (6) has a condensation dryer (16) for condensing moist compressed air (110) and a drain member (26) for draining condensate (K), wherein the water separator (6) is preferably assigned an external ventilation device (36).

5. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air dryer (5.1) 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 branch line (14, 14.2).

6. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the branch line (14.1) is a first branch line (14.1) and the air dryer (5.1) is a first air dryer (5.1) and the compressed air supply system (100) further comprises a pneumatic main line (12) between the compressed air connection (1) and the first air dryer (5.1 ) outgoing and connecting second branch line (14.2) between the first air dryer (5.1) and the compressed air supply connection (2) and a second air dryer (5.2) arranged in the second branch line (14.2).

7. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a main line throttle (8) arranged in the pneumatic main line (12), which is designed to cooperate with the branch line throttle (7) in order to set a volume flow ratio between the pneumatic main line (12) and the branch line (14), in particular the first branch line (14.1) and / or the second branch line (14.2) in the first operating mode (B1).

8. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of claims 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the pneumatic branch line switching valve (24) is arranged between the compressed air connection (1) and the second air dryer (5.2) in the branch line (14), or the second branch line switching valve (24.2) is arranged in the second branch line (24.2) between the compressed air connection (1) and the second air dryer (5.2).

9. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a shut-off valve (32) arranged in the pneumatic main line (12) between the air dryer (5), in particular the first air dryer (5.1), and the compressed air supply connection (2), which is designed to cooperate with the pneumatic main line switching valve (25) and to selectively block a return of compressed air (141, 142, 140) through the pneumatic main line (12) against the filling direction (B) in the first operating mode (B1).

10. Compressed air supply system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the check valve (32) is a first check valve (32) and the pneumatic arrangement (20) further comprises a second check valve (34) arranged between the second air dryer (5.2) and the compressed air supply connection (2), wherein the second check valve (34) is designed to cooperate with the branch line switching valve (24), in particular the second branch line switching valve (24.2), and to selectively block a return of compressed air (141, 150) through the branch line (14, 14.2) against the filling direction (B).

11. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a venting connection (3) for venting the compressed air supply system (100), a venting line (13) leading from the pneumatic main line (12) to the venting connection (3), and a pressure sensor (9) arranged upstream of the venting line (13) in the filling direction (B), which is designed to detect a pressure (P) in the pneumatic main line (12), in particular between the water separator (6) and the outgoing branch line (14), in particular the first branch line (14.1) and / or the second branch line (14.2).

12. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the pneumatic arrangement (20) comprises a controllable throttle valve (21) which is designed to throttle compressed air (120, 141, 142, 140, 150) guided to the compressed air supply connection (2) in the filling direction (B), wherein 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).

13. Compressed air supply system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the pneumatic arrangement (20) has at least one first check valve (27, 27.1, 27.2) opening in the filling direction (B). and a bypass line leading downstream of the first check valve (27, 27.1, 27.2) and connecting again upstream of the first check valve (27, 27.1, 27.2) with a second check valve (28, 28.1, 28.2) opening in the return direction (R), and wherein the pneumatic arrangement (20) comprises a return throttle valve (29) arranged downstream of the second check valve (28, 28.1, 28.2) in the return direction (R).

14. Compressed air supply system (1200) for a sensor cleaning device (301) of a vehicle (1000), in particular a passenger car (1100), with a compressed air generator (200), in particular a compressor (201, 201.1, 201.2), for providing compressed air (120) at a compressed air connection (1), a compressed air supply system (100) connected via the compressed air connection (1) to the compressed air generator (200), in particular a compressor (202), for providing compressed air (120, 140, 140.1) for a sensor cleaning device (301), characterized in that the compressed air supply system (100) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Compressed air supply system (1200) according to claim 14, characterized by a compressed air source (50) which can be connected to a control device (1300) and is designed to be controlled by the control device (1300) for connection to the pneumatic main line (12) as required.

16. Compressed air supply system (1200) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the compressed air generator (200) comprises a first compressor (201.1 ), and the compressed air source (50) further comprises a second compressor (201.2) which is designed to provide compressed air (110) to a compressed air connection (1 ), and / or the compressed air source (50) has a reservoir (52) which is connected to the pneumatic main line (12) and / or the branch line (14), in particular the first th branch line (14.1) and / or the second branch line (14.2), is fluidly connected.

17. Pneumatic system (1500) of a vehicle (1000), in particular a passenger car (1100), with a compressed air supply system (1200) according to one of claims 14 to 16, and a sensor cleaning device (301) connected to the compressed air supply system via the compressed air supply connection (2), wherein the sensor cleaning device (301) has at least one heatable nozzle valve (302, 303).

18. Pneumatic system (1500) according to claim 17, characterized in that one, several or all of the following are designed as normally closed solenoid directional control valves (31): the at least one main line switching valve (25, 32), the at least one 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, 34), the at least one first and / or second nozzle valve (302, 303), the at least one first and / or second vent valve (23.1, 23.3), and the compressor vent valve (24.4), and a coil (307) for generating a magnetic force (FM) and an armature (308).1 ) which is movable by the magnetic force (FM) against a spring force (FF) acting in the direction of a valve seat (315), and are designed to be moved away from the valve seat (315) against the spring force (FF) by energizing it with an opening control current (Sn) and to rest against the valve seat (315) by energizing it with a heating control current (S13) which is smaller than the opening control current (S11), wherein the coil (307) is designed to heat the solenoid directional control valve (31 ) when the heating control current (S13) is applied.

19. Vehicle (1000), in particular passenger car (1100), with a pneumatic pickup (300), in particular a Compressed air supply connection (2) connected to the sensor cleaning device (301), a compressed air supply system (1200) for providing compressed air (120) at the compressed air supply connection (2), and an electronic control device (1300) for controlling the compressed air supply system (1200), characterized in that the compressed air supply system (1200) is designed according to one of claims 14 to 16, and in that the electronic control device (1300) is connected in a signal-conducting manner at least to the pneumatic main line switching valve (25).

20. Vehicle (1000) according to claim 19, characterized in that the control device (1300) is designed to: pneumatically connect the compressed air source (50) to the pneumatic main line (12) depending on at least one of the following: the supply requirement (Bv) of the compressed air consumer (300), sensor signals (S), in particular at least one temperature sensor (60) which is designed to monitor a temperature (T) of the compressed air generator (200) and to provide the sensor signals (S), a saturation level (G) of the air dryer (5, 5.1, 5.2), wherein the control device (1300) is designed to monitor the saturation level (G); and / or to selectively supply one, several or all of the following solenoid directional control valves (31) with the opening control current (Sn) and the heating control current (S13): the at least one main line switching valve (25, 32), the at least one branch line switching valve (24), or the first branch line switching valve (24.1) and / or the second branch line switching valve (24.2, 34), the at least one first and / or second nozzle valve (302, 303), the at least one first and / or second vent valve (23.1, 23.3), and the compressor vent valve (24.4).

21. Vehicle (1000) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the compressed air supply system (100), preferably the compressed air generator (200) and / or the water separator (6), in particular the discharge member (26) is arranged in a front region of the vehicle (1000) in the direction of travel (F).

22. Method (2000) for operating a compressed air supply system (1200), in particular a compressed air supply system (1200) according to one of claims 14 to 16, comprising the steps: a) providing (2100) compressed air (120) at a compressed air connection (1) which is connected to a compressed air supply connection (2) via a pneumatic main line (12), b) blocking (2200) the pneumatic main line (12) in the filling direction (B) in a first operating mode (B1) of the pneumatic main line switching valve (25), c) guiding (2300) compressed air (141) through a branch line branching off from the pneumatic main line (12) between the compressed air connection (1) and the air dryer (5, 5.1) and connecting again between the air dryer (5, 5.1) and the compressed air supply connection (2) (14, 14.1 , 14.2) in the filling direction (B) in the first operating mode (B1 ), d) providing (2400) the in the branch line (14, 14.1 , 14.2) guided compressed air (141, 142) at the compressed air supply connection (2) in the first operating mode (B1).

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein step e) preferably comprises opening (2310) a branch line (14, 14.1) through which pneumatic flow can take place in the direction of the compressed air supply connection (2) in the first operating mode (B1), and the method (2000) further comprises at least one of the following steps: e) guiding in the filling direction (B) and drying (2800) compressed air (120, 120') in the pneumatic main line (12) in the second operating mode (B2), wherein step e) preferably comprises blocking (2710) the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) by a pneumatic branch line switching valve (24, 24.1) in the second operating mode (B2), f) providing (2900) the compressed air (120') guided in the pneumatic main line (12) at the compressed air supply connection (2) in the second operating mode (B1), g) returning (2500) compressed air (140, 141) from the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) such that the compressed air (141) from the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) into the pneumatic main line (12) against the filling direction (B) is returned (2510) in a third operating mode (B3), h) distributing (2600) compressed air (140, 141) from the branch line (14, 14.1, 14.2) in a fourth operating mode (B4) such that a first portion of the compressed air (140.1 ) is returned to the pneumatic main line (12) against the filling direction (B) and furthermore a second portion of the compressed air (140.2) is provided at the compressed air supply connection (2).

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