Method for cleaning a sensor by means of a cleaning device

Abstract

Method for cleaning a sensor by means of a cleaning device, in particular for cleaning a sensor of a vehicle, wherein the cleaning device comprises a valve and a nozzle with a nozzle head which is aimed at the sensor, wherein the valve comprises a first restoring means which is formed from a shape memory alloy, a second restoring means, at least one flow channel and a closure element which can be moved between an open and closed position and closes the flow channel in the closed position, having the following method steps: heating the first restoring means by energizing same, whereby the length of the first restoring means is shortened, the shortened first restoring means acts on the closure element with a force such that the closure element is transferred from the open position into the closed position and, in the open position, a cleaning medium flows through the flow channel of the valve and the nozzle; allowing the first restoring means to cool down by de-energizing same, whereby the first restoring means relaxes back to its original length; and transferring the closure element from the open position into the closed position by means of a second restoring means, such that the flow channel is entirely closed.

Description

[0001] Method for cleaning a sensor using a cleaning-

[0002] device

[0003] The invention relates to a method for cleaning a sensor by means of a cleaning device, in particular for

[0004] Cleaning a sensor of a vehicle according to the features of claim 1 and a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning device in a vehicle according to the features of claim 10.

[0005] Modern vehicles have a wide variety of different features.

[0006] Security systems. These security systems monitor with

[0007] Sensors monitor the vehicle's exterior and transmit information to the driver or independently initiate actions such as braking maneuvers. With increasing levels of automation and the associated self-control of the vehicle, the demands on the reliability of the information transmitted by the sensors also rise. In adverse weather conditions, such as rain, the sensors can become dirty, leading to a degree of inaccuracy in the information gathering. Therefore, safety-critical sensors, such as LIDAR (light detection and ranging) or LADAR (laser detection and ranging) sensors, and, where applicable, lane departure warning sensors, must always be free of dirt and other contaminants. For this reason, one or more cleaning devices are used to continuously clean the sensors during ferry operation and ensure that the sensors function correctly.

[0008] Provide information.

[0009] A sensor device with a sensor cleaning function in a vehicle is disclosed in DE 10 2022 12 52 43 A1. A method for operating a cleaning device is disclosed in

[0010] DE 10 2020 11 57 54 Al described. The switching valves disclosed in the invention are electrically controlled solenoid valves. This type of switching valve has the

[0011] A disadvantage is that they produce a loud switching noise. This switching noise is further amplified by the vehicle body, which acts as a kind of resonator. Furthermore, electrically controlled solenoid valves are heavy, bulky, and expensive due to the required coil.

[0012] Such a cleaning device has proven its worth in the past; however, it has become apparent that with the increasing number of sensors in a vehicle, cheaper, quieter, and more compact solutions must be used.

[0013] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a suitably improved method for cleaning a

[0014] to propose a suitable improved cleaning device for sensors by means of a cleaning device, as well as an appropriately improved cleaning device that eliminates the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0015] These tasks are accomplished through a cleaning process.

[0016] Sensors solved by means of a cleaning device with the features of claim 1 and a cleaning device with the features of claim 10.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0018] According to the invention, a method for cleaning a

[0019] Sensors by means of a cleaning device, in particular for

[0020] Cleaning a sensor of a vehicle, wherein the cleaning device comprises a valve and a nozzle with a nozzle head directed towards the sensor, wherein the valve comprises a first restoring element formed from a shape memory alloy, a second restoring element, and at least one

[0021] The system comprises a flow channel and a closing element that is movable between an open and closed position and closes the flow channel in the closed position. The process involves the following steps: heating the first

[0022] The first restoring element is shortened by applying current to it. The shortened first restoring element exerts a force on the closure element, causing it to move from the open to the closed position. In the open position, a cleaning medium flows through the valve's flow channel and nozzle. The first restoring element is then cooled by de-energizing it, causing it to relax back to its original length. The closure element is then moved from the open to the closed position by means of a second restoring element, so that the flow channel is completely sealed.

[0023] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​implementing a cleaning device for cleaning sensors, wherein the cleaning device, in particular the one for

[0024] The valve used to control the cleaning medium is compact, lightweight and quiet.

[0025] Preferably, the first restoring element is energized in pulses and / or at intervals and / or continuously. The first restoring element is energized by applying a voltage between its ends, resulting in a current flowing through it.

[0026] sets aside reserve funds.

[0027] The voltage applied across the first restoring device is preferably 3.3 V, particularly preferably 5 V, and most preferably at least 10 V.

[0028] Here and in the following, a distinction is made between the energizing interval and the de-energizing interval. The energizing interval defines the duration of an uninterrupted energization of the first restoring element. The de-energizing interval, on the other hand, defines the duration between two energizing intervals, during which the first restoring element is not energized.

[0029] It is powered by electricity.

[0030] In pulsed current application, the current-on interval and the current-off interval are approximately equal in length. Pulsed current causes the cleaning medium to exit the nozzle head in pulses. Pulsed means that the cleaning medium exits the nozzle head with fluctuating flow rates.

[0031] Pressure is released. It has been shown that, in particular, smaller contaminants located on the sensor can be removed more effectively by the pulsed release of the cleaning medium from the nozzle head than if the cleaning medium is released continuously. Continuously means that the cleaning medium is released from the nozzle head at a constant pressure.

[0032] Intermittent energizing of the first restoring element means that the duration of the energizing interval and the duration of the de-energizing interval are different. For example, the duration of the energizing interval can be longer than the duration of the de-energizing interval, or vice versa. For example, the energizing interval can have a duration of 0.2 s and the de-energizing interval a duration of ls.

[0033] Care must be taken to ensure that the current is applied for a sufficient duration so that the first restoring element heats up and thus shortens. It is also essential to ensure that the current-free interval is long enough to allow the first restoring element to cool down and relax back to its original length.

[0034] Preferably, the first one is pulsed.

[0035] Restoring means with a frequency between 0, 2 and 2000 Hz.

[0036] The pulsed current can also assume a higher or lower frequency. The maximum frequency depends on the thermal behavior of the first restoring element, in particular on how quickly it heats up or cools down.

[0037] According to a particularly advantageous process step of the invention, the duration of an energizing interval of the first restoring element is at most 0.5 s, and most preferably at most 0.25 s. If the first restoring element is energized for too long, it could be permanently destroyed, for example by overheating.

[0038] According to an advantageous step of the invention, the cleaning medium exits the nozzle head at a speed of at least 10 m / s, preferably at least 20 m / s or 25 m / s. A higher exit speed ensures that even stubborn soiling on the sensor surface is removed.

[0039] The nozzle head is the end of the nozzle that is oriented towards the sensor to be cleaned and from which the cleaning medium exits the nozzle.

[0040] Preferably, the cleaning medium is compressed within the cleaning device by means of a compressor.

[0041] It is necessary to compress the cleaning medium so that a working pressure builds up inside the cleaning device.

[0042] The level of working pressure is primarily responsible for the speed or pressure at which the

[0043] Cleaning medium exits from the nozzle head. Compressors can include, for example, piston compressors, rotary compressors,

[0044] Axial compressors, radial compressors or diaphragm compressors are used.

[0045] After a particularly advantageous process step, the

[0046] The nozzle, in particular the nozzle head, is movable by means of an actuator. Repositioning the nozzle head relative to the sensor can ensure that contaminants which could not be removed in the initial position can now be removed by changing the position. The nozzle head can

[0047] Perform axial and / or radial movement.

[0048] The nozzle head can vary its distance to the sensor and perform a rotating movement during the cleaning process.

[0049] Preferably, the locking element is movable in an axial direction, preferably along the longitudinal axis. The locking element is movable in an axial direction, preferably along the longitudinal axis.

[0050] The closing element is preferably movable in only one axial direction. This allows for a particularly simple mechanical design of the cleaning device. Preferably, the force of the second restoring element acting on the closing element opposes the force of the shortened first restoring element. The shortening of the first

[0051] The restoring agent is formed as a result of the heating of the first restoring agent due to its shape memory properties when current is applied.

[0052] For example, the first restoring element can be designed as a thin wire and connected to two connection points on a printed circuit board. The wire is significantly longer than the direct connection between the two connection points, so that the wire has an arc-shaped path. The...

[0053] The locking element is arranged. The wire rests against the top of the locking element in the assembled state and is preferably slightly clamped between a second retraction element and the wire. When the thin wire is energized, it shortens, so that the clamping force of the wire is transferred to the

[0054] The locking element becomes larger than the force exerted by the second

[0055] The restoring agent acts on the locking element. The Ver-

[0056] The closing element moves in an axial direction towards the second closing element and opens the flow channel.

[0057] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second restoring element is designed as a spring. The spring can be designed as a compression spring, torsion spring, leaf spring, rubber spring, gas spring, or disc spring. The second restoring element can also be a magnet, in particular as

[0058] The permanent magnet can be designed as a torsion bar or as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. According to the invention, a cleaning device for cleaning sensors, in particular for cleaning sensors in a

[0059] Vehicle. The cleaning device comprises a nozzle with a nozzle head, and a valve that supplies an energizable first

[0060] A restoring element formed from a shape memory alloy, a second restoring element, one between an open position and a closed position in axial

[0061] The device includes a movable closure element and a flow channel. The first restoring element acts in the energized area.

[0062] state against a force of the second restoring device on the

[0063] The locking element moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0064] The closing element in the closed position completely seals the flow channel. In the open position, the valve's flow channel and the nozzle form a common unit.

[0065] Channel off.

[0066] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closure element comprises a sealing element, a guide element and a base element.

[0067] The sealing element preferably closes in a closed position.

[0068] Position the flow channel of the valve. The sealing element is preferably made of an elastomer.

[0069] The guide element ensures that the locking element moves exclusively in the axial direction, particularly along the

[0070] The longitudinal axis is movable. The guide element is preferably designed as a brass pin.

[0071] The base element is preferably made of a plastic and mechanically connects the sealing element and the guide element. The first restoring element is inserted into a guide of the base element.

[0072] Preferably, the cleaning device includes a compressor that compresses the cleaning medium and is preferably designed as a pump. Instead of a compressor, a fan, a diffuser, or a turboexpander can also be used.

[0073] Preferably, the cleaning device is designed as a hydraulic system. Preferably, the operating pressure within the hydraulic system is at least 2 bar, particularly preferably at least 5 bar, and most preferably at least 11 bar. The burst pressure is often preferably 9 bar. The operating pressure and the burst pressure can also be in a different range.

[0074] Preferably, the cleaning device is pneumatic.

[0075] System designed. Preferably, the air pressure within the pneumatic system is at least 1.2 bar, particularly preferably at least 1.5 bar, and most preferably at least 5 bar. The operating pressure or the burst pressure of the pneumatic system can also be in a different range.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a pressure accumulator, a pressure relief valve, a filter and / or an air dryer.

[0077] The pressure accumulator can be designed as a bladder accumulator, consisting of a rigid pressure vessel containing a flexible [material / structure].

[0078] A bladder, which is usually made of rubber, is located there.

[0079] Pressure accumulators can also be designed as diaphragm accumulators, piston accumulators, or spring-loaded accumulators. The pressure-

[0080] The reservoir maintains the pressure within the system and compensates for pressure fluctuations in the system.

[0081] The pressure relief valve protects the system from damage that can be caused by excessive pressure. The pressure relief valve opens automatically when the pressure in the system exceeds a preset value. The pressure relief valve can be a spring-loaded pressure relief valve or a pilot-operated pressure relief valve.

[0082] It may be a pressure relief valve or designed as a thermal pressure relief valve.

[0083] Air dryers are only used in cleaning systems where the cleaning medium is gaseous. An air dryer removes moisture from the compressed air. Air dryers improve the quality of the compressed air and thus ensure a longer service life for the overall system. The air dryer can be designed as a refrigeration dryer, absorption dryer, or membrane dryer.

[0084] The filter's primary function is to remove particles, oil and other contaminants.

[0085] To filter out impurities from the cleaning medium.

[0086] The filter can be designed as a particle filter and / or as a coalescing filter and / or as an activated carbon filter.

[0087] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first restoring element is designed as a thin wire, preferably as a wire with a diameter of less than or equal to 0.3 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 0.2 mm, and most preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The wire can also have a

[0088] have a diameter greater than 0.3 mm.

[0089] The diameter of the wire simply needs to be small enough so that when current is applied, the wire heats up quickly enough to cause it to shorten.

[0090] The return mechanism can also consist of more than one wire. For example, two, three, or four wires can be electrically connected to one and / or more circuit boards and, in the open position, exert a force on the device.

[0091] The final element has an effect.

[0092] Preferably the first restoring element is made of the material

[0093] The first retaining element can be made of nitinol, nickel-titanium-copper, iron-manganese-silicon, or copper-zinc. The first retaining element can also be made of a different material, as long as the material exhibits the properties of a shape memory alloy.

[0094] Shape memory alloys are based on a phase transformation between two crystal structures. A distinction is made between the martensitic phase and the austenitic phase.

[0095] The martensitic phase occurs at low temperatures.

[0096] During this phase, the alloy can be deformed. The austenitic phase is stable at high temperatures.

[0097] The shortening, which refers to the change in length before and after heating, is preferably at least 0.2%, particularly preferably at least 2%, and most preferably at least

[0098] 5% of the total length of the first restoring element in the de-energized state.

[0099] Preferably, the cleaning device has a temperature sensor that transmits the current outside temperature to the control unit. The duration of the current-energizing interval can be adjusted depending on the temperature. The colder the outside temperature, the longer the current-energizing interval must last so that the first restoring agent heats up sufficiently to achieve the required shortening and thus the necessary force output.

[0100] To achieve an effect on the locking element. In warmer temperatures

[0101] The opposite is true for outside temperatures.

[0102] Preferably, the stroke with which the ver-

[0103] The closing element moves axially by at least 0.2 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.8 mm, and most preferably at least 2 mm. The stroke must be sufficiently large to allow a sufficiently large volume of air to exit the nozzle head.

[0104] Preferably, the valve is modularly designed to be connectable with other valves to form a valve block, the valve block preferably being controlled by a central control unit. The individual valves of a valve block can also each have their own control unit. The individual valves or the valve block can also be controlled by a central control system, for example, by the vehicle's control unit.

[0105] The advantage of having a dedicated control unit for the valve block or an individual valve is that the control system can be designed to be platform-independent. This allows the system to be used in a wide variety of applications, for example, different

[0106] Vehicle types or vehicle equipment can be easily integrated.

[0107] Preferably at least four, and especially preferably at least eight, valves are joined together to form a valve block.

[0108] More or fewer valves can be combined to form a valve block. In principle, any number of valves can be combined to form a valve block, provided the number of valves is greater than one. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the

[0109] Valve with at least two valve connections for accommodating two

[0110] Nozzles off. This allows two sensors to be cleaned with one valve. The valve can also handle more than two valve connections.

[0111] Conclusions indicate that more sensors can be used with a single

[0112] The valve can be cleaned.

[0113] Preferably, each valve has a valve connection s for

[0114] A nozzle is mounted on a screen. It follows that a valve has a...

[0115] The sensor cleaning point is controlled. At high required levels...

[0116] Two valves can also operate one sensor cleaning point.

[0117] Advantageously, the cleaning medium is a liquid or gaseous cleaning medium; preferably, it is

[0118] Cleaning medium made of water, air, or ethanol.

[0119] Preferably, the valve has a watertight diaphragm that separates the flow channel of the valve from the electrical and water-sensitive components of the valve. Preferably, the watertight diaphragm is made of an elastomer, for example nitride rubber or EPDM, a polymer, for example PTFE or polyurethane, or metal-coated materials.

[0120] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve has a circuit board which is connected to the first

[0121] The first restoring element is electrically connected to a power source. The first restoring element can also be connected to a power source via wires.

[0122] The energy source must be electrically connected and at a

[0123] The plate or other body must acquire the mechanical stability necessary to exert force on the locking element. Several cleaning devices can be arranged within a vehicle, operating independently of one another. In particular, several cleaning devices with different cleaning media can be arranged within the vehicle. For example, a cleaning device is equipped with

[0124] Water, another cleaning device powered by air.

[0125] Three, four, or five cleaning devices can also be arranged inside a vehicle. The number of cleaning devices is not limited.

[0126] In the case of particularly safety-critical sensors, it can be one

[0127] Redundancy is required. Two nozzle heads from different cleaning systems are directed at this one safety-critical sensor.

[0128] A cleaning device can also have several valve blocks arranged at different locations within the vehicle. The cleaning device with multiple

[0129] Valve blocks have one or more compressors, a

[0130] Pressure accumulator, a pressure relief valve, a filter and / or a

[0131] Air dry.

[0132] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a compressor, in particular a pump, feeds several valve blocks and / or valves.

[0133] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the

[0134] Cleaning device a star-shaped wiring system on . In a

[0135] A central pressure reservoir and a star-shaped pipeline system feed into the system.

[0136] Compressors, in particular a central pump, several lines or nozzles leading in a star configuration to the individual sensors. Star-type systems are characterized by their simplicity, low cost, and ease of monitoring.

[0137] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device has a ring main system.

[0138] In a ring main system, a central pressure reservoir and a compressor, in particular a pump, feed the closed ring main system with a cleaning medium, whereby all lines or nozzles leading to a sensor are fluidically connected to the ring main system and the

[0139] A ring main system, at the end of which it is connected back to the pressure accumulator. This creates a circuit in which the cleaning medium can flow in a closed loop.

[0140] Advantageously, the valve is available as a 2 / 2-way valve, 2 / 3-

[0141] The valve can be configured as a 3 / 3-way valve or a 3 / 5-way valve. It can also be configured as an n / h-way valve, where n and h are natural numbers.

[0142] An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0143] Detailed description. It shows:

[0144] Figure 1 shows a top view of a cleaning device in a vehicle,

[0145] Figure 2A shows a schematic representation of a cleaning-

[0146] Device with ring circuit system

[0147] Figure 2B shows a schematic representation of a cleaning-

[0148] Device with star-shaped wiring system

[0149] Figure 3 shows an air valve of a cleaning device in the open position ,

[0150] Figure 4 shows an air valve of a cleaning device in the closed position.

[0151] Figure 5 shows a water valve of a cleaning device in the closed position, and

[0152] Figure 6 shows a water valve of a cleaning device in the closed position.

[0153] Identical or functionally equivalent parts or features are indicated by the same reference symbols in the following detailed description of the figures. Likewise, in the

[0154] Figures do not all have identical or functionally identical parts or features assigned a reference number.

[0155] In Fig. 1 a vehicle 10 with a [missing information] located therein is shown.

[0156] Cleaning device 1 is shown. The cleaning device 1 is designed as a hydraulic system with water as the cleaning medium. The cleaning medium can also be another liquid suitable for cleaning.

[0157] The cleaning medium can also be a gas, especially air, in which case the cleaning device 1 is designed as a pneumatic system.

[0158] The cleaning device 1 comprises a pressure accumulator 20, three compressors 30 designed as pumps, three valve blocks 40 with modularly connectable valves 45, and a plurality of nozzles 50 with a nozzle head 51, wherein the

[0159] Nozzle head 51 is aligned with a sensor 60.

[0160] The pressure accumulator 20 and a valve block 40 are located in the front area of ​​the vehicle 10. Another valve block 40 is located in the middle area of ​​the vehicle 10. A further valve block 40 is located in the rear area of ​​the vehicle. It is recommended to plan the pipe and nozzle paths of a

[0161] To keep vehicle 10 as short as possible, since over its

[0162] Over time, an adverse pressure drop occurs.

[0163] The cleaning device 1 is designed as a star piping system. The star piping system has a central pressure reservoir 20. Starting from this central pressure reservoir

[0164] Lines 25 each lead to a valve block 40. A compressor 30 is arranged between each pressure accumulator 20 and valve block 40. The valves 45 of the valve blocks

[0165] 40 nozzles 50 are connected via valve connections 46, which lead to the sensors 60 to be cleaned. The cleaning device 1 can also be designed as a ring main system. The cleaning medium is temporarily stored in the pressure accumulator 20 and made available as needed. In addition, the

[0166] Pressure accumulator 20 absorbs pressure fluctuations in the cleaning device 1. The pressure accumulator 20 is usually designed as a type of tank. The pressure accumulator 20 is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant and lightweight material. The pressure accumulator 20 is often made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. More than one pressure accumulator 20 can also be arranged within the vehicle 10. For example, two or three pressure accumulators 20 can be installed in a

[0167] Vehicle 10 will be arranged.

[0168] The pressure accumulator 20 has three connections 21, each of which is fluidically connected to a compressor 30 in the form of a pump. The pressure accumulator 20 can also be fluidically connected to one, two, or more than three compressors 30. The pressure accumulator 20 can also

[0169] It should be the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

[0170] The three compressors 30, which are designed as pumps, are preferably arranged near the pressure accumulator 20. The pumps compress the cleaning medium such that a working pressure prevails within the cleaning device 1. The operating pressure in the cleaning device 1 is preferably 5 bar.

[0171] The pressure accumulator 20 is fluidically connected to a valve block 40 via a line 25. The valve block 40 has a connection point 41 that connects the line 25 to the valve block 40.

[0172] Each valve block 40 has eight valves 45. A valve block 40 can also have more or fewer valves 45. The number of valves 45 in the valve blocks 40 of a vehicle 10 can also vary. For example, one valve block 40 may have four valves and another valve block 40 may have eight valves.

[0173] Each valve block 40 preferably has its own control unit 70. The control unit 70 causes the valves 45 of a valve block 40 to open and close. Each valve 45 can also have its own control unit 70. The control unit 70 of the

[0174] Valve 45 can also be controlled via the vehicle's control system. An advantage of a separate control unit 70 is that the cleaning device 1 can be installed independently of the platform and integration into the overall system is not required from a software perspective.

[0175] The valves 45 of a valve block 40 are modular and can be plugged together. If one valve 45 fails, the entire block does not need to be replaced.

[0176] Valve block 40 needs to be replaced, but the faulty one...

[0177] Valve 45 is replaced by a faultless valve 45.

[0178] Each valve 45 has an open or a closed position depending on its operating state. In the open position, a cleaning medium can flow through the flow channel and a nozzle. In the closed position, the flow channel of the valve 45 is closed and no cleaning medium can flow through the flow channel or the nozzle 50.

[0179] Each valve 45 is connected via a valve connection 46 to a

[0180] A nozzle 50 is connected to a nozzle head 51. A valve 45 can also have more than one valve port 46, so that two, three, or more nozzles 50 can be connected to one valve 45. When the valve 45 is opened, the cleaning medium flows through each of the connected nozzles 50. The nozzle head 51 is usually located at the end of the nozzle 50.

[0181] The nozzle head 51 has a nozzle housing, a nozzle opening, and may include a nozzle needle or a spray cone. The nozzle head 51 is arranged such that it directs the cleaning medium towards a sensor 60.

[0182] An actuator can be attached to the nozzle head 51 and / or the nozzle 50, which can move the nozzle head 51 relative to the sensor 60. The movement of the actuator can be rotary or axial.

[0183] The sensor 60 to be cleaned can be a camera, in particular a reversing camera, a front camera or an surround view camera, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, an infrared sensor or a rain sensor. The cleaning device 1 can also be used to clean headlights or as a windshield washer system.

[0184] Fig. 2A shows a schematic representation of a cleaning-

[0185] Device 1 with ring main system.

[0186] The ring main system includes a 30 compressor, a

[0187] Pressure accumulator 20, a pressure relief valve 90, an air dryer

[0188] 91 , a filter 92 , a valve block 40 with at least one, preferably at least three valves 45 and at least three nozzles 50, which are aligned with their nozzle head 51 towards a cleaning point, preferably a sensor 60 .

[0189] The compressor 30 compresses the cleaning medium and stores it in a pressure accumulator 20. The pressure accumulator 20 serves as a buffer zone in which pressure fluctuations are compensated. A pressure relief valve 90 monitors the pressure within the cleaning device 1 and reduces it as soon as the pressure within the cleaning device 1 reaches a certain level.

[0190] Exceeds limit value.

[0191] The embodiment shown in Fig. 2A is a pneumatic system which uses air as the cleaning medium. For this purpose, an air dryer 91 is placed between the

[0192] The pressure accumulator 20 and the valve block 40 are arranged. The air dryer 91 dries the compressed air and thus prevents, in particular, corrosion and ice formation.

[0193] Additionally, a filter 92 is arranged, which removes dirt, particles and other impurities from the compressed air.

[0194] The valve block 40 has its own control unit 70, preferably an ECU. The valve block 40 comprises at least one valve 45, preferably eight valves 45.

[0195] The at least one nozzle 50, connected to the valve 45 via the valve port 46 of the valve 45, has three nozzle heads 51, each directed towards a different cleaning point, preferably a sensor 60. The at least one nozzle 50 is directly fluidically connected to the pressure accumulator 20 and forms a ring.

[0196] Fig. 2B shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 1 with a star-shaped piping system.

[0197] The design of the star piping system, from the compressor 30 to the valve block 40, is identical to the ring piping system described above. The star piping system also includes a compressor 30, a pressure accumulator 20, a pressure relief valve 90, an air dryer 91, and a filter 92. The valve block 40 preferably also has its own

[0198] Control unit 70, preferably an ECU, on . The valve block

[0199] 40 includes w valves 45 which are modularly pluggable, where w is a natural number .

[0200] Each valve 45 is connected to a valve port 46 via a

[0201] Nozzle 50 is fluidically connected and can be individually controlled via the control unit 70.

[0202] Each nozzle 50 has at its end a nozzle head 51 which is directed towards a cleaning point, preferably towards a sensor 60.

[0203] Fig. 3 shows a valve 45 in the closed position, of which

[0204] The cleaning medium is air, which means that valve 45 is designed as an air valve 100.

[0205] The air valve 100 comprises a circuit board 110, a first

[0206] Restoring instrument 130, a second restoring instrument 140, a Ver-

[0207] End element 120, a flow channel 180 and a valve connection 101.

[0208] The printed circuit board 110 is preferably made of an epoxy resin with conductive traces and electrical components and electrical connections 160 located on it. The printed circuit board

[0209] 110 is preferably electrically connected to a power source (not shown). The power source can preferably provide a voltage of at least 3.3 V.

[0210] Electrical connections are located at the ends 99 of the circuit board 110.

[0211] The terminals 101 are arranged. The electrical connections 160 can be arranged on the circuit board side 111A that points towards the locking element 120. The electrical connections 160 can also be located on the circuit board side

[0212] 111B should be arranged in a manner that does not point in the direction of the locking element 120.

[0213] The electrical terminals 160 are electrically connected to the ends 112 of the first restoring device 130. The first

[0214] The restoring agent 130 is preferably connected to the electrical connections.

[0215] Keys 160 are soldered on, so that an electrical and mechanical connection is established between them.

[0216] The length of the first restoring element 130 is longer than the direct connection path between the two electrically fresh terminals 160 of the circuit board 110. As a result, the first restoring element 130, which is preferably formed as a wire, has an approximately arc-shaped profile.

[0217] The wire preferably has a diameter of 0.1 mm.

[0218] The wire can also have a diameter of more or less than 0.1 mm. For example, the wire can have a

[0219] They have diameters of 0.5 mm, 1 mm or 2 mm.

[0220] The wire is made of a shape memory alloy.

[0221] Shape memory alloys shorten when heated and return to their original length when cooled.

[0222] The wire is preferably made of nitinol. The wire can also be made of nickel-titanium-copper, iron-manganese-silicon, or

[0223] It must be formed from copper and zinc.

[0224] The locking element 120 has a guide element 121, a

[0225] Base element 122 and a sealing element 123 are mounted on the base element 122. The guide element 121 is preferably designed as a brass pin. Other materials for the guide element 121 are also conceivable. For example, the guide element 121 can be made of a copper-nickel alloy, bronze, a simple steel, or the like. The base element 122 is made of brass.

[0226] The sealing element 123 is made of plastic and has a guide. It is preferably made of an elastomer.

[0227] The base element 122 connects the guide element 121 with the

[0228] Sealing element 123 mechanically connected.

[0229] In the assembled state, the first restoring element 130 is inserted into the guide of the base element 122 and pre-tensioned. The sealing element 123 is arranged in the assembled state such that the first restoring element 130 cannot come out of the

[0230] The guide of the base element 122 can be removed.

[0231] The second restoring means 140 is preferably designed as a spring, in particular as a compression spring 141. The compression spring

[0232] The compression spring 141 is arranged around the guide element 121, which is preferably designed as a brass pin. With one end face 142A, the compression spring 141 rests against the locking element 120, in particular against the base element 122. With the other end face 142B, the compression spring 141 rests against a counterpart 170.

[0233] The counterpart 170 is preferably made of plastic and is in direct operative contact with the circuit board 110.

[0234] Circuit board 110 may have a hole through which the

[0235] counterpart 170 is at least partially slidable and that

[0236] Counterpart 170 is fixed on the circuit board 110 together with the second return element 140.

[0237] The air valve 100 has a flow channel 180. The

[0238] Flow channel 180 can be divided into two flow channel sections.

[0239] 181A, 181B are subdivided into a single-channel flow channel section 181A, which is formed in the area of ​​the valve connection 101, and a two-channel flow channel section 181B.

[0240] In the closed position, the sealing element 123 seals the

[0241] Flow channel 180, in particular the single-channel flow channel section 181A in the area of ​​the valve connection 101, completely closed.

[0242] The valve connection 101 is preferably a quick coupling.

[0243] (Push-to-connect connection) designed. Quick couplings have the advantage that they allow quick and tool-free pre-connection and disconnection of the nozzle (not shown) with the air valve 100.

[0244] The air valve 100 preferably has a housing (not shown) which is preferably made of plastic.

[0245] Fig. 4 shows the air valve 100 from Fig. 3 in the open position.

[0246] A voltage, preferably 3.3 V, is applied to the first restoring element 130 via the electrical connections 160 on the circuit board 110. The applied voltage causes a current to flow through the first restoring element 130, which then heats up. The heating causes the first

[0247] The restoring element 130, which is made of a shape memory alloy, shortens. The ends of the first restoring element 130 are firmly connected to the circuit board 110.

[0248] An increasing shortening of the first restoring element 130 causes the tension, and thus the force, exerted by the first restoring element 130 on the base element 122 of the locking element 120 to increase in the direction of the circuit board 110 and against the force of the second restoring element 140. If the force acting on the base element 122 of the first restoring element 130 exceeds that of the second restoring element 140, the locking element 120 moves towards the circuit board.

[0249] 110 . The flow channel 180 is opened and the cleaning medium can flow through the flow channel 180 .

[0250] When the first restoring element 130 is de-energized by cutting off the voltage across it, it cools down and relaxes back to its original length. The force exerted by the second restoring element 140 on the base element 122 exceeds the force of the first restoring element 130, and the closing element 120 moves towards the valve port 101 until the

[0251] Sealing element 123 of the closure element 120 the flow channel

[0252] 180 completely sealed again.

[0253] By pulsed current through the first restoring element 130, the cycle described above can be repeated any number of times. The cycle speed depends on the current frequency.

[0254] Fig. 5 shows a water valve 200 in the closed position, where the cleaning medium is water.

[0255] The water valve 200 has a similar design to the

[0256] Air valve 100 from Fig. 3 and 4 on .

[0257] The water valve 200 comprises a circuit board 210, a first

[0258] Restoring device 230, a second restoring device 240, a Ver-

[0259] End element 220, a valve connection 201, a counterpart

[0260] 270 and a flow channel 280, all the same as in the

[0261] Air valve 100 is arranged and designed. Additionally, the water valve 200 has a diaphragm 290.

[0262] The membrane 290 is made of a waterproof material, preferably an elastomer. The membrane 290 provides a watertight seal between the two-channel flow channel section 281A and the electrical components, in particular the circuit board 210 and the first restoring element 230.

[0263] The membrane 290 is preferably mechanically connected to the sealing element 223. In the closed position, the sealing element 223 completely closes the flow channel 280.

[0264] Fig. 6 shows the water valve 200 from Fig. 5 in the open position.

[0265] Position .

[0266] The first restoring element 230 is energized, causing it to shorten and the sealing element 220 to move towards the circuit board 210. The flow channel 280 opens and the cleaning medium, preferably water, flows through it.

[0267] Flow channel 280 .

[0268] Reference character list

[0269] 1 Re in igungs device

[0270] 10 vehicles

[0271] 20 pressure accumulators

[0272] 21 connection

[0273] 25 lines

[0274] 30 compressors

[0275] 40 Valve block

[0276] 41 liaison point

[0277] 45 valve

[0278] 46 valve connections

[0279] 50 nozzles

[0280] 51 Nozzle head

[0281] 60 Sensor

[0282] 70 Control

[0283] 90 Pressure relief valve

[0284] 91 air dryers

[0285] 92 filters

[0286] 100 air valve

[0287] 101 Valve connection

[0288] 110 circuit boards

[0289] 111A PCB side

[0290] 111B PCB side

[0291] 112 ends

[0292] 120 locking elements

[0293] 121 Leadership learning t

[0294] 122 Basic element

[0295] 123 Sealing element 130 First restoring agent

[0296] 131 End of first reserve fund

[0297] 140 Second reserve fund

[0298] 141 Compression spring

[0299] 142A Front

[0300] 142B Front

[0301] 160 electrical connections

[0302] 170 counterpart

[0303] 180 Flow channel

[0304] 181A Single-channel flow channel section

[0305] 181B Two-channel flow channel section

[0306] 200 water valve

[0307] 201 Valve connection

[0308] 210 circuit board

[0309] 220 Ver Schluss element

[0310] 223 Sealing element

[0311] 230 First reserve fund

[0312] 240 Second reserve

[0313] 270 counterpart

[0314] 280 Flow channel

[0315] 281A Single-channel flow channel section

[0316] 281B Two-channel flow channel section

[0317] 290 Membran

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) by means of a cleaning device (1), in particular for cleaning a sensor (60) of a vehicle (10), wherein the cleaning device (1) comprises a valve (45, 100, 200) and a nozzle (50) with a nozzle head (51) directed towards the sensor (60), wherein the valve (45, 100, 200) has a first A restoring element (130, 230) which is formed from a shape memory alloy, a second restoring element (140, 240), at least one flow channel (180, 280) and a The closing element (120, 220), which is movable between an open and closed position and closes the flow channel (180, 280) in the closed position, comprises the following process steps: Heating the first restoring agent (130, 230) by Be- The flow of the same causes the first restoring element (130, 230) to shorten in length; the shortened first restoring element (130, 230) acts on the closing element (120, 220) with a force such that the closing element (120, 220) is removed from the open position is transferred to the closed position and in the open position a cleaning medium flows through the flow channel (180, 280) of the valve (45, 100, 200) and the nozzle (50), Allowing the first resetting medium (130, 230) to cool down by switching off the current to the same, whereby the first Restoring means (130, 230) relaxed to their original length, and Moving the locking element (120, 220) from the open position to the closed position by means of a second reserve (140, 240) , so that the The flow channel (180, 280) is completely closed.

2. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning- The flow of the first restoring medium is pulsed and / or intermittent and / or continuous.

3. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pulsed current is supplied to the first restoring means (130, 230) at a frequency between 0.2 and 20Hz.

4. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a current-energizing interval of the first restoring means (130, 230) is at most 0.5s.

5. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cleaning medium exits the nozzle head (51) at a velocity of at least 10 m / s.

6. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cleaning medium is compressed within the cleaning device (1) by means of a compressor (30).

7. Method for cleaning a sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the nozzle (50) , in particular the nozzle head (51) , can be moved by means of an actuator.

8. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the Ver- The closing element (120, 220) is movable in the axial direction, preferably along the longitudinal axis (L).

9. Method for cleaning a sensor (60) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the force of the second restoring means (140, 240), which is applied to the Ver- The closing element (120, 220) acts against the force of the shortened first restoring element (130, 230).

10. Cleaning device (1) for cleaning sensors (60), in particular for cleaning sensors (60) in a vehicle (10), comprising a nozzle (50), with a nozzle head (51), a valve (45, 100, 200), which has an energizable first The first restoring means (130, 230), which is made of a shape memory alloy, comprises a second restoring means (140, 240), a closure element (120, 220) movable in the axial direction between an open position and a closed position, and a flow channel (180, 280), the first restoring means (130, 230) in the energized state against a force of the second restoring means. (140, 240) acts on the locking element (120, 220) and the locking element (120, 220) is moved from the closed position to the open position, the locking element (120, 220) in the closed position In the open position, the flow channel (180, 280) completely seals the flow channel (180, 280), and the nozzle (50) form a common channel.

11. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) comprises a compressor (30) which compresses the cleaning medium.

12. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) is pneumatic or hydraulic The system is trained.

13. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the cleaning device (1) comprises a pressure accumulator (20), a pressure relief valve (90) and / or an air dryer (91).

14. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the fact that the first The restoring means (130, 230) is formed as a thin wire, preferably with a diameter less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

15. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the fact that the first The restoring material (130, 230) is made of the material Nitinol, nickel-titanium-copper, iron-manganese-silicon or copper-zinc.

16. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the valve (45, 100, 200) is modular with other valves (45, 100, 200) can be connected to a valve block (45), wherein the Valve block (45) preferably by a central control (70) is controlled.

17. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the valve (45, 100, 200) has at least two valve ports (46, 101, 201) to accommodate two nozzles (50) .

18. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the second restoring means (140, 240) is designed as a spring, preferably as a compression spring (141).

19. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the cleaning medium is a liquid or gaseous cleaning medium, preferably the cleaning medium is water or air.

20. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the valve (45, 100, 200) has a waterproof membrane (290) that separates the flow channel (180, 280) from the electrical components of the valve (45, 100, 200).

21. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the valve (45, 100, 200) has a circuit board (110, 210) which is connected to the first restoring means (130, 230) and a The energy source is electrically connected.

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