Method for verifying operation of a vehicle surface cleaning device - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for checking the operation of a vehicle surface washing device (2) intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the method comprising at least one of the following steps: commanding to operate a pump (6) for injecting washing liquid into at least one valve (12) during a determined period of time, the commanding to operate the pump (6) for injecting liquid into an inlet orifice of the valve (12) in conjunction with maintaining the one or more valves (12) in a closed state; measuring by at least one pressure sensor (16) at least one parameter related to the pressure of the washing liquid in a segment of a fluid distribution circuit (8) arranged upstream of the one or more valves (12), comparing the measured pressure-related parameter with a predetermined expected value, determining the operating state of the washing device (2) depending on the result of the comparison of the measured pressure-related parameter with the predetermined expected value, and generating an alarm signal in case of a malfunction of the washing device (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cleaning motor vehicle surfaces, intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Many surfaces, such as driving assistance sensors in an automobile, can be subject to different types of contamination, including for example various cameras or distance sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar, LIDAR sensors or rain sensors installed in the vehicle.

[0003] Now, this dirt can cause certain driving assistance devices to malfunction or the user of the vehicle to start experiencing difficulties (lack of visibility due to a dirty windshield), so it is necessary to provide at least one device for cleaning these surfaces.

[0004] Conventionally, such a cleaning device comprises a reservoir in which the cleaning liquid is stored and a fluid distribution circuit consisting of various pipes or tubes that convey the cleaning liquid to at least one cleaning nozzle placed in front of a surface so that the cleaning liquid can be sprayed thereon (as a rule there are several cleaning nozzles for several surfaces).

[0005] A pump intended to propel cleaning fluid through a fluid delivery circuit to a cleaning nozzle is generally attached directly to the reservoir, more specifically, the pump's liquid intake tube is press-fit into an opening formed in the reservoir (seals are used to make the assembly leak-proof) and the liquid outlet orifice is connected to the fluid delivery circuit.

[0006] It is also known to position a cleaning fluid distribution block on the fluid distribution circuit, for example between the pump and one or more cleaning nozzles, with each valve being fluidly connected to one or more cleaning nozzles. This valve block allows for selective opening of the valves, for example so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed only through the cleaning nozzles located facing the surface to be cleaned, while the other cleaning nozzles remain inactive. It is also possible to use the distribution block as an intermediate stage level to maximally pressurize the part of the fluid distribution circuit located between the pump and the distribution block, limiting the pressure drop to the cleaning nozzles.

[0007] When a malfunction of a driver assistance sensor due to the presence of dirt is detected (e.g., automatically) or when a user activates a wash command, the pump draws cleaning fluid from a reservoir at a pressure similar to atmospheric pressure (the pressure depends on the height of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir) and propels it into a fluid distribution circuit at a higher pressure (the pressure difference depends on the capacity of the pump). The pressurized cleaning fluid passes through one or more valves in an open position and is sprayed by one or more wash nozzles onto one or more sensors (or some other surface to be cleaned).

[0008] As explained above, the cleaning device makes it possible to ensure the cleanliness of sensors that may be important for the user of the vehicle and therefore, in part, to ensure that the sensors are properly operable. It is therefore necessary to be able to check the proper operation of the cleaning device in order to avoid that cleanliness is not achieved until one or more sensors are unable to operate properly. This becomes even more important in the case of autonomous vehicles. In particular, it may be possible to switch the operation of the cleaning device or the sensor to a downgraded mode, if possible, while at the same time warning the user of the vehicle. Malfunctions of operation may result, for example, from pump failure (pump no longer operating or operating poorly), pipe failure (e.g. punctured) or liquid distribution block failure (total or partial failure of one or more valves in terms of opening or closing). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] A notable object of the present invention is to provide a method for verifying the operation of an apparatus for cleaning surfaces of a vehicle in order to ensure that the cleaning apparatus is operating properly and thus, where applicable, to predict malfunctions of driver assistance sensors present in the motor vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To that end, one subject of the invention is a method for checking the operation of a vehicle surface washing device intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle, the washing device comprising a reservoir with a washing fluid, at least one nozzle for spraying the washing fluid on the surface to be washed, a fluid distribution circuit designed to convey the washing fluid from the reservoir to the washing nozzle, and a pump designed to inject the washing fluid contained in the reservoir into the fluid distribution circuit, the fluid distribution circuit comprising at least one valve and a washing fluid distribution block positioned between the outlet orifice of the pump and the nozzle, the method comprising at least one of the following steps: - a command to operate a pump to inject cleaning fluid up to a valve for a determined period of time, the command being coupled to maintaining one or more valves in a closed state and to operate the pump to inject liquid up to an inlet orifice of the valve; - measuring at least one parameter related to the pressure of the cleaning liquid in a segment of the fluid distribution circuit arranged upstream of the one or more valves using at least one pressure sensor; - comparing the measured pressure parameters with predetermined expected values; - determining the operating state of the cleaning device based on the result of the comparison of the measured pressure parameter with a predetermined expected value; - generation of a warning signal if the cleaning device is malfunctioning; The method includes:

[0011] Thus, a method is provided that allows one to ensure that the pump and liquid distribution block are operating properly.

[0012] Specifically, by pressurizing a segment of the fluid delivery circuit located between the pump's outlet orifice and the valve (i.e., by activating the pump and closing one or more valves of the liquid delivery block), it is possible, for example, to determine whether the pressure reached is indeed as expected: if not, the cleaning apparatus potentially has a pump failure (not being able to sufficiently pressurize the relevant segment) or a delivery block failure (including at least one valve that is not completely closed, resulting in a leak).

[0013] The pressure may also be measured after pressurization and opening of the at least one valve of the dispense block to ensure that the pressure drops to an expected level. If the pressure cannot be dropped, or drops too slowly, it may be possible to conclude that there is a partial or total failure of the opening of the at least one valve of the dispense block.

[0014] According to further optional features of the cleaning system, individually or in combination: the duration between commands to operate the pump while maintaining one or more valves in a closed state may be equal to or greater than the duration that allows a maximum pressure to be reached in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit located between the outlet orifice of the pump and the valve in normal operation; - the method steps may be carried out, for example, when starting the engine of the motor vehicle, in which case a check is carried out as early as possible in order to quickly ensure that the washing device is operating properly or to quickly identify malfunctions; - the method steps may be performed at least once during a cycle of washing at least one surface of a motor vehicle, for example, which then utilizes the required actuation of the washing device to perform one or more measurements to ensure that the washing device is operating properly; - the measurement of a parameter related to the pressure in a segment of the fluid distribution circuit located upstream of one or more valves is carried out, for example, before the first opening of the valve or between two openings of the valve. These are other possibilities of measuring a value that reflects an increase in pressure in this example; - opening the valve for a determined duration after a command to activate the pump so as to inject liquid up to the inlet orifice of the valve, this opening of the valve being preceded by the measurement of a parameter related to the pressure in a segment of the fluid distribution circuit located upstream of one or more valves, which is another possibility of measuring a value reflecting a drop in pressure in this example; the opening of the valve takes place in particular after the pressure in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit arranged upstream of one or more valves has reached, for example, a maximum value, thereby limiting the pressure drop in the fluid distribution circuit by creating a pressurized stage level; the predetermined expected value corresponds to a pressure lower than the pressure in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit located upstream of the one or more valves before the valves are opened, which is a specific embodiment of a measurement of the expected pressure drop after the valves are opened; the pressure sensor is connected in particular to a segment of the fluid distribution circuit arranged upstream of one or more valves; the cleaning device comprises an electronic control unit connected to the pressure sensor, the pump and the valves, in particular for controlling the operation of the pump, the opening and closing of the valves and the measurement of parameters related to pressure; The cleaning device further comprises at least one flow sensor, and the checking method comprises at least one of the following steps: a command to operate the pump to inject liquid up to the valve for a determined period of time; - measuring at least one flow rate of a cleaning liquid; - comparing the measured flow rate with a predetermined expected flow rate; - Determining the operating state of the cleaning device; Includes.

[0015] This is an additional measurement that makes it possible to check that the cleaning equipment is working properly; - a flow sensor may be connected to the pump to measure the flow rate of liquid exiting the pump; the distribution block comprises one valve and a flow sensor is connected to the valve, for example to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving the valve, or The distribution block comprises several valves, with at least one flow sensor connected to all or some of the valves to measure the flow rate of the liquid exiting the valve.

[0016] These are two alternative locations for one or more flow sensors; and - Check the method at least once, following steps: a command to operate the pump to inject liquid up to the valve for a determined period of time; - Measuring the power consumption of the pump; - comparing the power consumption of the pump with a given expected current draw; - Determining the operating state of the cleaning device; Includes.

[0017] This is also an additional measurement that makes it possible to check that the cleaning device is working properly.

[0018] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description, given purely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates, in graphical form, two normal operating modes of a cleaning device according to the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates, in graphical form, three failure modes of a cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of the various steps in the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The embodiments described with reference to the drawings are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment or that a feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of various embodiments can also be combined to create other embodiments.

[0021] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to locate elements / apparatus in the direction in which the flow of material being processed is being transported. Thus, if a material is first handled by a first device and then handled by a second device, the first device or element, e.g., a pump, is located upstream of the second device or element.

[0022] Reference is now made to Figure 1 which shows a washing system 2 mounted on a motor vehicle, the purpose of which is to enable the washing of various surfaces of the motor vehicle, such as for example sensors mounted on the vehicle or the windscreen or rear window.

[0023] The cleaning device comprises a cleaning liquid reservoir (not shown) in which a pump 6 is mounted. The pump 6 is mounted in a recess of the reservoir intended to accommodate the pump 6, the reservoir comprising an orifice in which the inlet tube of the pump 6 is mounted, with a seal at the interface between the reservoir and the pump 6 around the orifice to ensure leak-proofness of the assembly. As is conventional, the pump 6 is a standard pump, for example comprising a tubular body. This body can be composed of a first part for pumping and a second part for driving with an electric motor. The first part for pumping comprises a liquid inlet tube and a liquid outlet tube such that it can receive the cleaning liquid from the reservoir and discharge the cleaning liquid at a pressure higher than the inlet pressure of the pump 6. The liquid inlet tube is installed at the free end of the first part for pumping and is coaxial with the body of the pump 6 and can share the same axis of rotation with the body of the pump 6. The second part for discharging can extend from the first part for pumping in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the body.

[0024] In contrast, the pump 6 may be mounted independently of the reservoir, for example on the vehicle structure, between the reservoir and the solenoid valve, as in a variant not shown. In such an arrangement, a first pipe is provided between the reservoir and the pump, and a second pipe is provided between the pump and the solenoid valve. Such an arrangement is particularly common in trucks and other large vehicles.

[0025] The second driving part may be located above the first pumping part and may comprise an electric motor and at its free end a connector making it possible to connect the pump 6 to a power source.

[0026] One or more cleaning nozzles (not shown) are located at the other end of the cleaning apparatus and are intended to be placed in front of the surface to be cleaned on the automobile to spray pressurized cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0027] The cleaning device further comprises pipes (or tubing) connecting the different components (pump 6 , cleaning nozzles, etc.) with each other to form a fluid distribution circuit 8 .

[0028] The cleaning device 2 further comprises a cleaning fluid distribution block 10 comprising at least one valve (five in this example) 12. A pump 6 is configured to pump the cleaning fluid from a tank and deliver it to the distribution block 10 and to the spray nozzles.

[0029] The valves 12 of the distribution block 10 are configured to be fluidly connected to the nozzles respectively (e.g. the number of valves and nozzles can be varied, with the valves 12 connected to the nozzles). The valves 12 are configured to selectively send the pumped cleaning liquid to the associated cleaning nozzles. The valves 12 are, for example, solenoid valves, which are conventionally used in this type of cleaning device. The valves 12 may be arranged in parallel, meaning that they are all connected to one fluid channel of the distribution block 10. This fluid channel is connected to an inlet 10a of the distribution block 10, which in turn is connected to the pump 6. The outlet 10b of the distribution block 10 is itself countered by a cap 14.

[0030] Thus, during operation, activation of the pump 6 makes it possible to pump the cleaning fluid from the tank towards the distribution block 10 and towards the cleaning nozzles whose associated valves 12 are open.

[0031] Since the distribution block 10 is a modular block, the number of solenoid valves 12 can be easily changed and adapted, for example to match the number of cleaning nozzles depending on the model of the car if the cleaning device 2 is installed in a car, or to match the specific configuration of the cleaning device. Different distribution blocks 10 can also be combined.

[0032] The cleaning device 2 finally comprises at least one pressure sensor 16 allowing the measurement of a parameter related to the pressure in the segment between the outlet orifice of the pump 6 and the inlet orifice of one or more valves 12 (corresponding to the inlet 10a of the distribution block). In this case, this is the segment located upstream of the one or more valves, as mentioned elsewhere in this specification. The pressure sensor 16 may be connected to the segment of the fluid distribution circuit located between the outlet orifice of the pump 6 and the one or more valves 12.

[0033] With respect to the verification method, the first step corresponds to commanding a pump to inject cleaning fluid up to the valve for a determined period of time, the commanding the pump to inject fluid up to the inlet orifice of the valve being coupled to maintaining the valve in a closed state.

[0034] This step constitutes the pressurization of the system and makes it possible to subsequently determine whether the upper limit has been reached or whether this value has changed.

[0035] The second step comprises measuring, using at least one pressure sensor, at least one parameter related to the pressure of the cleaning fluid in a segment of the fluid delivery circuit located between the outlet orifice of the pump and the valve.

[0036] This step then makes it possible to obtain, at least once, the value of a parameter related to the pressure after a pressurization step. As we will see later, this can be done immediately after pressurization of the segment of the fluid distribution circuit 8 located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10 and / or after opening and / or closing of at least one valve 12 (various possibilities that can be combined with one another are described below).

[0037] Regarding the measured parameter, this may be pressure or any other parameter indicative of pressure.

[0038] The third step of the validation method consists of comparing the measured parameter related to pressure with a predetermined expected value.

[0039] In particular, one or more predefined values ​​are recorded, for example in a control unit that controls the checking method, making it possible to check whether one or more measured values ​​match the expected value. For example, if one wishes to check that the above-mentioned pressurization has indeed occurred, it is possible to pressurize a segment of the fluid delivery circuit 8 located between the pump 6 and the delivery block 10 (by operating the pump 6 long enough to achieve a theoretical maximum pressure), measure the pressure achieved, and compare the pressure achieved with a predefined expected value, which is the maximum pressure expected in the segment.

[0040] The fourth step consists of determining the operating state of the cleaning device: in particular, a difference in values ​​may point to the conclusion that a leak in the system or a malfunction of the pump is preventing the cleaning device from operating properly, which may make it possible, for example, to switch the cleaning device into a downgraded mode and to warn the user of the vehicle.

[0041] 2 illustrates two normal operating modes of the cleaning device 2. This is a measurement of pressure (vertical axis) as a function of time (horizontal axis), showing the time when the pump 6 is on or off, and the time when one or more valves 12 are open and closed.

[0042] An embodiment of the invention will now be described in which the parameter being measured is pressure.

[0043] The first portion 18, in both curves, corresponds to operation of the pump 6 with one or more valves 12 closed to pressurize the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10, for example when the vehicle is started or when a wash cycle is required.

[0044] In theory, this would allow e.g. 閉 ", which may be the maximum pressure of the segment or any other pressure corresponding to the operating time of a pump with a given output.

[0045] The two curves then include a portion 20 corresponding to stopping the pump or opening at least one valve 12 for flushing for a determined duration, causing the pressure to drop in the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10. Here, for example, "P 静止 It should be noted that a residual pressure, denoted as "," can remain in the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10.

[0046] The curve on the right represents the closing of one or more relief valves 12 with the pump 6 running, and thus a new increase in pressure (e.g., pressure P 閉 is reached again) followed by a stop of the pump, e.g. similar to portion 20, and two other portions 22 and 24 corresponding respectively to a drop in pressure in the segment located between pump 6 and distribution block 10. Here too, residual pressure may remain in the segment located between pump 6 and distribution block 10.

[0047] Figure 3, on the other hand, illustrates three malfunction modes of the cleaning device 2. Like Figure 2, this shows measurements of pressure (vertical axis) as a function of time (horizontal axis), showing the times when the pump 6 is on or off, and the times when one or more valves 12 are open and closed.

[0048] In the left curve, the portion 18' represents the expected pressure, e.g. P 閉 1 illustrates operation of pump 6 with one or more valves 12 closed for a theoretically sufficient period to allow a pressure increase of 1.0 MPa to be achieved. However, the pressure achieved and illustrated by portion 18' is lower than would be expected (potentially there may be no pressure increase at all). These steps of the verification method according to the invention (pressurization, measurement of a parameter, which in this example is pressure, P in this example) 閉and determining the operating state of the cleaning device after this comparison) makes it possible to identify a difference between the measured value and the predetermined expected value and therefore to conclude that the cleaning device is malfunctioning, which may, for example, enable the cleaning device to switch to a downgrade mode and enable the use of the vehicle to be warned.

[0049] With regard to the failure scenarios observed here, this could be, for example, a leak due to failure or lack of closure of at least one valve 12, or a failure of the pump 6 to properly pressurize the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10.

[0050] The middle curve in Figure 3 illustrates the second failure scenario.

[0051] In this scenario, portion 18' coincides with portion 18 because pressurization was sufficient. However, portion 20', like this curve, may demonstrate a lack of pressure drop, or a slower than expected drop in pressure. As a result, after opening at least one valve 12 for a determined duration, the measured pressure is higher than the predetermined expected pressure, and after comparing the two values, a problem is identified. In this particular case, this may be a partial or complete failure to open one or more valves 12 that should be open.

[0052] The right curve itself illustrates the third failure scenario.

[0053] Portions 18' and 20' overlap portions 18 and 20, respectively, demonstrating normal operation up to this point.

[0054] However, upon reclosing of one or more valves 12, with pump 6 still operating for the determined duration, it is seen that the reclosing causes a drop in pressure (portion 20) and a slower than expected increase in pressure (possibly even no increase in pressure at all), as shown by portion 22' compared to portion 22 of the same period. A problem is therefore noted, which again may correspond to a poor or missing closure of at least one valve 12, or a failure of pump 6 to properly pressurize the segments located between pump 6 and distribution block 10.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows the various steps indicated by curved segments 18, 20, 22 and 24.

[0056] A first step 26 corresponds to activating the pump 6 with one or more valves 12 closed, thus corresponding to an increase in pressure, corresponding to portion 18. This is followed by step 28, which corresponds to the opening of at least one valve 12, thus a drop in pressure, as indicated by portion 20. Step 30 corresponds to returning one or more open valves to a closed state, with the pump 6 still operating, thus corresponding to portion 22, which indicates a new increase in pressure. Finally, step 32 can correspond to switching off the pump 6, thus corresponding to a drop in pressure, indicated by portion 24.

[0057] Steps 34, 36, and 38 are performed to obtain the three pressure measurements mentioned above, i.e. Between steps 26 and 28, to verify that a predetermined pressure, e.g. a maximum pressure, has been reached; - to verify that there has been a drop in pressure after the opening of at least one valve 12 between steps 28 and 30; and between steps 30 and 32 to verify that there has been a new increase in pressure after closing of one or more relief valves 12, with the pump 6 still running; Corresponds to.

[0058] As mentioned above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the command for activating the pump is a command for a duration that allows a maximum pressure to be reached in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit located between the outlet orifice of the pump and the valve, the predetermined expected value corresponding to the maximum pressure. This is a confirmation that corresponds to the portions 18 and 22 of the curves in figures 2 and 3. As mentioned above, the pump 6 is activated for a determined duration that allows a predetermined expected value of pressure to be reached, in this example the maximum pressure. Measuring the pressure and then comparing it with the expected value makes it possible, as mentioned above, to notice a malfunction of the cleaning device.

[0059] In a variant, the method steps may be carried out, for example, at the start of the engine of the motor vehicle. This is preferably a check mode corresponding to pressurizing the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10. Of course, the method with check at pressurization may also be carried out during a cleaning cycle (i.e. the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10 may be pressurized before opening the at least one valve 12). It is also possible to carry out the above-mentioned pressurization at the start of the vehicle and then measure the pressure drop, as described above.

[0060] The method steps include: after pressurization and before the first opening of valve 12, after opening at least one of the valves 12 for a determined duration, in order to measure the drop in a parameter related to pressure and compare it with a predetermined expected value (in this case, the pressure measured in the segment located between the pump 6 and the distribution block 10 must be lower than the pressure before the opening of one or more of the valves 12), between two openings of one or more valves 12 (the repressurization shown by portion 22, or the pressure drop between two openings of one or more valves 12), and after pump 6 has stopped, At least one measurement of one of the pressures described above and shown in Figures 2 and 3, i.e., measuring a parameter related to the pressure in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit located between the outlet orifice of the pump and the valve, and comparing this with a predetermined expected value may be performed at least once during a cycle of cleaning at least one surface of the vehicle.

[0061] The opening of the valve preferably occurs after the pressure in the segment of the fluid delivery circuit located between the pump outlet orifice and the valve has reached a maximum value, which makes it possible to create a stage level that ensures that the pressure passing through the one or more opening valves 12 is at a maximum pressure, thus limiting the pressure drop along the length of the fluid delivery circuit 8.

[0062] An electronic control unit may be connected to the pressure sensors, the pumps and the valves in order to control the operation of the pumps, the opening and closing of the valves and the measurement of parameters related to pressure. This control unit thus allows the control of the various elements enabling the cleaning cycle, but also makes it possible to carry out methods for checking the operation of the cleaning device.

[0063] In addition to measuring pressure related parameters, the flow rate of cleaning fluid within the fluid delivery circuit 8 can be monitored.

[0064] To perform monitoring, the verification method must perform the following steps at least once: a command to operate the pump to inject liquid up to the valve for a determined period of time; - measuring at least one flow rate of a cleaning liquid; - comparing the measured flow rate with a predetermined expected flow rate; - Determining the operating state of the cleaning device; may include.

[0065] In such a type of validation, the advantage is that it is possible to verify that the liquid flow rate is indeed what is expected under determined conditions and at a determined location (the four-stage operating principle is the same as above).

[0066] For example, a flow sensor may be connected to the pump to measure the flow rate of liquid exiting the pump.

[0067] Alternatively, the following options: the distribution block comprises one valve and the flow sensor is connected to the valve to measure the flow rate of the liquid exiting the valve; or the distribution block comprises several valves, and at least one flow sensor is connected to all or some of the valves for measuring the flow rate of the liquid leaving the valves, At least one flow sensor may be present in the distribution block 10 according to any of the above.

[0068] In addition to measuring a parameter related to pressure, and instead of or in addition to measuring the flow rate, it is possible to measure the power consumption of the pump 6 during operation.

[0069] Specifically, the current drawn by pump 6 when operating under given conditions (e.g., temperature) is known. Thus, a power consumption value can be determined and recorded. This can be, for example, the power consumption of pump 6 upon pressurization of a segment of fluid delivery circuit 8 comprised between pump 6 and delivery block 10.

[0070] The method then comprises the following steps, carried out at least once: a command to operate the pump to inject liquid up to the valve for a determined period of time; - Measuring the power consumption of the pump; - comparing the power consumption of the pump with a given expected current draw; - Determining the operating state of the cleaning device; may include.

[0071] This scenario, like the flow measurement scenario, uses the same type of measurement means (sensors for measuring the power consumption of the pump) and control means (control unit for receiving, measuring, comparing data with expected values ​​and determining the operating state of the cleaning device) that allow checking via pressure-related parameters.

[0072] The invention is not limited to the embodiment presented, further embodiments will be clear to the person skilled in the art. It is especially possible that the architecture of the cleaning device 2 (i.e. the layout of the various means present) differs from that described above. It is also possible to carry out measurements at times other than those shown in the figure, provided that it is possible to compare the measured values ​​with predetermined expected values. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2. Cleaning equipment 6. Pump 8 Fluid distribution circuit 10 Distribution Block 12 Valves 14 Cap 16 Pressure Sensor 18, 20, 22, 24 Pressure curve portion for normal operation 18', 20', 22' Pressure curve portion related to malfunction 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 Steps for checking

Claims

1. A verification method for verifying the operation of a vehicle surface washing device (2) intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle, said washing device comprising a reservoir with a washing fluid, at least one nozzle for spraying said washing fluid on a surface to be washed, a fluid distribution circuit (8) designed to convey said washing fluid from said reservoir to said nozzle, and a pump (6) designed to inject said washing fluid contained in said reservoir into said fluid distribution circuit (8), said fluid distribution circuit (8) comprising at least one valve (12) and a washing fluid distribution block (10) positioned between an outlet orifice of said pump (6) and said nozzle, said verification method comprising at least one of the following steps: - a command for operating the pump (6) to pump cleaning fluid up to the valve (12) during a determined period of time, the command being coupled to maintaining one or more of the valves (12) in a closed state and for operating the pump (6) to pump liquid up to the inlet orifice of the valve (12); - opening of said valve (12) after said command to operate said pump (6); - after said opening of said valve (12), measuring, using at least one pressure sensor (16), at least one parameter related to the pressure of said cleaning liquid in a segment of said fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of one or more of said valves (12); - a comparison of the measured parameter related to the pressure with a predetermined expected value; - determining the operating state of the cleaning device (2) based on the result of the comparison between the measured parameter related to the pressure and the predetermined expected value; - generating a warning signal in case of malfunction of said cleaning device (2); A method of verification comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the duration between the commands to operate the pump (6) while maintaining one or more of the valves in the closed state is equal to or greater than the duration that allows a maximum pressure to be reached in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located between the outlet orifice of the pump (6) and the valve (12) in normal operation.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein each step of the method is performed when the engine of the automobile is started.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each step of the method is performed at least once during a cycle of cleaning at least one surface of the motor vehicle.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the measurement of the parameter related to the pressure in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of one or more of the valves (12) is performed between two openings of a valve (12).

6. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: opening the valve (12) for a determined duration after the command to operate the pump (6) to inject liquid up to an inlet orifice of the valve (12); and the opening of the valve (12) precedes the measurement of the parameter related to the pressure in the segment of the fluid distribution circuit (8) located upstream of one or more of the valves (12).

7. The cleaning device (2) further comprises at least one flow sensor, and the checking method includes at least one of the following steps: a command to operate the pump (6) to pump liquid up to the valve (12) for a determined period of time; - measuring at least one flow rate of a cleaning liquid; - comparing the measured flow rate with a predetermined expected flow rate; - determining the operating state of said cleaning device (2), The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein a flow sensor is connected to the pump (6) to measure the flow rate of liquid exiting the pump (6).

9. - said distribution block (10) comprises one valve (12), a flow sensor being connected to said valve (12) to measure the flow rate of liquid leaving said valve (12), or - said distribution block (10) comprises several valves (12), at least one flow sensor being connected to all or some of said valves (12) so as to measure the flow rate of the liquid leaving said valves (12); The verification method according to any one of claims 7 and 8.

10. The cleaning device (2) further comprises a measuring device for measuring the power consumption of the pump (6), and the checking method comprises at least one of the following steps: a command to operate the pump (6) to pump liquid up to the valve (12) for a determined period of time; - measuring the power consumption of the pump (6), - comparing said power consumption of said pump (6) with a predetermined expected current draw; - determining the operating state of said cleaning device (2), The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:

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