Pneumatic cleaning system, vehicle and method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic cleaning system (800) comprising a compressed air supply system (500) and a sensor cleaning system (200) having at least one sensor cleaning device (100), and comprising an electronic control module (700), wherein the compressed air supply system (500) is designed to provide compressed air (DL) to a pneumatic main line (600) and to provide the compressed air (DL) for the sensor cleaning system (200) via a compressed air supply line (610), wherein the compressed air supply system (500) further comprises: - a compressor unit (602) pneumatically connected to the pneumatic main line (600), - a supporting compressed air source (690), wherein the supporting compressed air source (690) has a compressed air accumulator (660) and / or a supporting compressor (608), wherein the supporting compressed air source (690) can be controlled by the electronic control module (700) and is designed to provide supporting compressed air (DLU) for the sensor cleaning system (200), and - the electronic control module (700) is designed to control the supporting compressed air source (690) and the compressor unit (602) for the controlled provision of supporting compressed air (DLU) and / or compressed air (DL) for the sensor cleaning system (200) from the supporting compressed air source (690) and / or the compressor unit (602).

Description

[0001] Hanover, August 29, 2024 IP, Rabe, Dr. Nuts / Kw 202100218-DE-NP EM 2021 E00123DE

[0002] Pneumatic cleaning system, vehicle and method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system

[0003] The invention relates to a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 or a vehicle according to claim 18. The invention also relates to a method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system.

[0004] The pneumatic cleaning system comprises a compressed air supply system and a sensor cleaning system with at least one sensor cleaning device and an electronic control module. The sensor cleaning system has at least one sensor cleaning device, and the compressed air supply system is designed to provide compressed air to the sensor cleaning system via a pressure supply line and a main pneumatic line to provide compressed air to one or more main compressed air consumers and / or to one or more secondary compressed air consumers.

[0005] A cleaning device of the type mentioned above, particularly for cleaning sensors in vehicles, is generally known; for example, DE102015 013203 A1 describes a cleaning unit for an image acquisition unit of a vehicle intended for environmental sensing, comprising at least one washer nozzle designed to spray washer fluid onto a transparent cover surface of the image acquisition unit, at least one wiper designed to mechanically dry the cover surface of the image acquisition unit, and at least one compressed air nozzle designed to apply compressed air to the cover surface of the image acquisition unit. The concept still requires improvement, particularly regarding the dependence of the cleaning process on a mechanical wiper.

[0006] Vehicle systems with high autonomy requirements or operating in highly autonomous driving environments necessarily have a high demand for sensors and a high demand for sensor availability, not only to control and / or regulate vehicle operation, but also to ensure safe vehicle operation in the first place. In other words, sensor operation must not only be appropriate, but also guaranteed at all times – this regularly means that corresponding sensor areas for orientation must be kept available; this applies to virtually all orientation-providing sensors. Optical sensors, radar sensors, or other radiation-based orientation sensors are just a few examples.Especially under adverse environmental conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or even ice, and heavy soiling, it is essential to ensure that sensors are not only adequately cleaned, but that this cleaning can also be carried out efficiently and as quickly as possible. If such cleaning of the sensors used for orientation is not ensured promptly or sufficiently, this directly leads to a limitation or even a complete failure of a vehicle's functionality, which in the worst case can result in the vehicle being taken out of service for safety reasons or even poses a risk of accidents.

[0007] These guidelines apply even when compressed air is used as the cleaning fluid; but also when a cleaning liquid is used that is applied alone or in combination with compressed air (together or alternately). Most cleaning systems as they are currently known primarily rely on compressed air. While many cleaning systems also offer liquid-based cleaning functionality, which may be combined with compressed air-based cleaning functionality, the basis of all cleaning systems is, for a variety of reasons, a compressed air-based cleaning function.

[0008] An improved cleaning device of EP 3 707 035 B1 for cleaning sensors in vehicles comprises, for applying a medium sequence of at least a first medium and a second medium to a surface: a nozzle designed for applying the second medium to the surface and a cleaning valve with a holding port, a pressure port, a plunger, and a pressure outlet. In this cleaning device, the pressure outlet is designed for pulsed application of the first medium to the surface, a high-pressure reservoir is designed for storing the first medium, in particular pressurized to a storage pressure, and a switching valve is provided for selectively establishing a connection between a first medium supply line and a holding line connected to the holding port.In general --but especially under adverse environmental conditions-- it is problematic to provide sufficient quantity (l / min) and sufficient pressure (bar) of compressed air with appropriate equipment to achieve a beneficial cleaning effect.

[0009] In a fundamentally advantageous sensor cleaning system for vehicle sensors according to DE 102019 125 970 A1, it is provided that a cleaning fluid and / or a cleaning gas can be conveyed to a respective nozzle, and that a switching unit is arranged so that at least one sensor can be cleaned via the at least one nozzle line with the cleaning fluid and / or the cleaning gas exiting from the at least one nozzle.The sensor cleaning system comprises a liquid reservoir for holding a cleaning fluid, a control unit for activating a switching unit, and at least one nozzle for spraying at least one sensor. The switching unit is located between the liquid reservoir and the at least one nozzle. A fluid line and at least one nozzle line are provided between the switching unit and the at least one nozzle. A gas reservoir, fluidically connected to the liquid reservoir, is provided for holding a cleaning gas. A gas line is provided between the gas reservoir and the switching unit such that the cleaning fluid and cleaning gas are pressurized during operation.

[0010] To supply compressed cleaning gas to a gas storage tank, a pressurized gas source controlled by the control unit is provided. For example, a high-pressure pump, such as those used in vehicles for air suspension or level control, can be used. Consequently, no additional pump is required as a delivery unit for the sensor cleaning system. However, a small, low-powered, and therefore energy-saving, pump can be used to compress the cleaning gas, since the gas storage tank does not need to be filled all at once.

[0011] It turns out that the functional requirements for compressed air-based cleaning – whether as a standalone compressed air-based cleaning, in combination with liquid-based cleaning, or to support or drive a purely liquid-based cleaning – should always have sufficient compressed air available.

[0012] Specifically, this means that the compressed air present in the vehicle is generated, for example by maintaining sufficient compressor operation. However, the aforementioned approach according to DE 102019 125 970 A1 can still be improved, particularly with regard to the availability of compressed air.

[0013] It is desirable to be able to control the available compressed air sources in an improved manner, especially according to demand.

[0014] This is where the invention comes in, the object of which is to provide a device and a method, wherein the pneumatic cleaning system of a vehicle and the method for operating the pneumatic cleaning system are advantageously further developed in such a way that the latter is also designed to supply a sensor cleaning system with at least one sensor cleaning device in an advantageous and improved manner.

[0015] The problem relating to a device is solved in a first aspect of the invention by a pneumatic cleaning system according to claim 1.

[0016] The invention therefore relates to a pneumatic cleaning system mentioned at the outset, comprising a compressed air supply system and a sensor cleaning system with at least one sensor cleaning device and comprising an electronic control module, wherein

[0017] - the sensor cleaning system has at least one sensor cleaning device and the compressed air supply system is designed to provide compressed air at a pneumatic main line and to provide compressed air for the sensor cleaning system via a pressure supply line.

[0018] In particular, in a preferred further training, the pressure supply line can be pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line.

[0019] The compressed air supply system further includes: a compressor unit pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line, designed to supply compressed air for the sensor cleaning system via the pressure supply line,

[0020] - an auxiliary compressed air source, wherein the auxiliary compressed air source has a compressed air reservoir and / or an auxiliary compressor.

[0021] The auxiliary compressed air source is controllable by the electronic control module and designed to provide auxiliary compressed air for the sensor cleaning system.

[0022] The electronic control module is designed to control the auxiliary compressed air source and the compressor unit for the controllable provision of auxiliary compressed air and / or compressed air for the sensor cleaning system from the auxiliary compressed air source and / or the compressor unit.

[0023] According to the invention, the pressure supply line can optionally be pneumatically connected to the compressor unit in a way that allows compressed air to pass through:

[0024] - in a first operating mode only the support compressed air source, or

[0025] - in a second operating mode, the support compressed air source and the compressor unit

[0026] Furthermore, the invention provides

[0027] - a pneumatic regulating device for regulating the compressed air flow when providing the support compressed air or the support compressed air and the compressed air for the sensor cleaning device.

[0028] The regulation of compressed air flow particularly concerns the regulation of a pressure-dependent volume flow.

[0029] To put it another way, both the auxiliary compressed air source and the compressor unit are pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply line, allowing either simultaneous delivery of compressed air from the compressor and the auxiliary compressed air source (i.e., a parallel connection) or the use of only the auxiliary compressed air source for the compressed air supply line. These two options are in addition to the existing option of connecting only the compressor unit, as described in the compressed air supply instructions, to the compressed air supply line.The availability of the option to simultaneously supply compressed air from the compressor and from the auxiliary compressed air source (i.e., a parallel connection) or only from the auxiliary compressed air source to the compressed air supply line creates better conditions in line with the objective, according to the concept of the invention.

[0030] The invention recognizes the increasing importance of ensuring the availability of compressed air for a sensor arrangement or a sensor system with a sensor arrangement in order to guarantee autonomous driving functionality of the vehicle. This means ensuring sufficient quantity and pressure, achieved through the aforementioned separate measures and structures. Specifically, this means that the compressed air present in the vehicle is generated and / or stored according to the concept of the invention, for example, by maintaining sufficient compressor operation and / or appropriately designing the storage capacity.

[0031] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle or passenger car, comprising a pneumatic cleaning system according to the concept of the invention.

[0032] 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 problem statement and with regard to further advantages.

[0033] Optionally, the main pneumatic line can also be designed to supply compressed air to one or more primary compressed air consumers and / or to one or more secondary compressed air consumers. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the compressed air is preferably provided only for the sensor cleaning system and the auxiliary compressed air source.

[0034] Particularly preferred is a valve assembly, especially one directly or indirectly controllable, configured to provide support compressed air for the sensor cleaning system from the support compressed air source, particularly one connected to the electronic control module. The valve assembly connected to the electronic control module is, in particular, a valve unit that can be controlled directly (e.g., electronically) or indirectly (e.g., pneumatically). A valve unit that can be controlled directly (e.g., electronically) can be a solenoid valve. A valve unit that can be controlled indirectly (e.g., pneumatically) can be a relay switching valve that is pressurized via a control valve that can be controlled indirectly (e.g., electronically).

[0035] In one variation, the valve assembly may not be connected to the electronic control module; in this case, it may be designed as a self-regulating valve assembly—for example, a self-regulating valve assembly formed with one or more check valves. In a further development of this design, the electronic control module may be configured to directly control the auxiliary compressed air source in the form of an auxiliary compressor unit. Specifically, the electronic control module may be linked to the pneumatic regulating device.

[0036] In a preferred further development of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the pressure supply line is pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line and that the pneumatic regulating device for regulating the compressed air flow to the sensor cleaning device when providing the support compressed air is designed as a pneumatic device for active or passive pressure regulation, in particular pressure monitoring and / or pressure control.

[0037] In a preferred further development of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the pneumatic regulating device is pneumatically connected in or to the main pneumatic line or the pressure supply line.

[0038] In a preferred further development of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the pneumatic regulating device (400) for regulating the compressed air flow comprises one or more of the units selected from the group of pneumatic devices consisting of:

[0039] - a buffer storage,

[0040] - a pressure sensor, - a valve assembly comprising a directional control valve in the form of a first and / or second solenoid valve,

[0041] - a pressure limiting device (650), in particular comprising a throttle and / or a check valve,

[0042] - a proportional valve.

[0043] In a preferred further development of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the compressed air storage tank and the compressor unit are pneumatically connected to the pressure supply line in a pneumatic parallel circuit, in particular via the main pneumatic line, to provide compressed air for one or more main compressed air consumers.

[0044] Main compressed air consumers include, among other things, a braking system, a suspension and / or leveling system. One or more auxiliary compressed air consumers, such as a horn, pneumatic bearings, or similar devices, may also be connected to supply compressed air to these.

[0045] In a preferred further development of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that

[0046] - the valve device, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, comprises a first switching valve, in particular a solenoid valve, which is configured to pneumatically connect the compressed air reservoir to the pressure supply line in a controllable manner, and / or

[0047] - the valve assembly, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, comprises a second switching valve, in particular a solenoid valve, which is designed to pneumatically connect the compressed air reservoir to the pressure supply line.

[0048] As an example of this further development, a system S1.1 in FIG. 1 is explained in a non-restrictive manner in the embodiments; in this and generally concerning such a further development, a switching valve, in particular a solenoid valve, can preferably be electronically pulsed controllable.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the second solenoid valve is pneumatically connected in a pneumatic bypass line that is arranged in parallel to the first solenoid valve. The first and second solenoid valves can therefore preferably be arranged in a pneumatic parallel switching arrangement (or, in principle, in a pneumatic sequential switching arrangement). As an example of this embodiment, system S1.2 is described in FIG. 1 in a non-limiting manner.

[0050] Preferably the first solenoid valve has a first nominal diameter (NW1) and the second solenoid valve has a second nominal diameter (NW2), in particular wherein the first nominal diameter (NW1) of the first solenoid valve is different from the second nominal diameter (NW2) of the second solenoid valve.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the second solenoid valve is arranged in the pressure supply line. As an example of this embodiment, system S1.5 is described in FIG. 6 in a non-limiting manner.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that a pressure limiting device of the pneumatic regulating device is pneumatically arranged between the compressed air reservoir and the pressure supply line, preferably pneumatically arranged between the valve device, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, and the pressure supply line, and

[0053] - the pressure limiting device is effective in a second flow direction (from the compressed air reservoir to the pressure supply line)

[0054] As examples of this further development, a system S1.3.1 in FIG. 3 and a system S1.3.2 in FIG. 4 are explained in a non-restrictive manner in their embodiments.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that a pressure limiting device of the pneumatic regulating device is pneumatically arranged between the compressed air reservoir and the pressure supply line, preferably pneumatically arranged between the valve device, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, and the pressure supply line, and that the pressure limiting device is arranged in the pressure supply line.

[0056] As an example of this further development, a system S1.4 is explained in FIG. 5 in a non-restrictive manner in its embodiments.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, particularly in relation to the aforementioned alternative embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the valve device, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, comprises a proportional valve of the pneumatic regulating device, preferably a magnetic or electrical proportional valve.

[0058] As an example of this further development, a system S1.3.2 is explained in FIG. 4 in a non-restrictive manner in its embodiments.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the pneumatic regulating device includes a pressure sensor, which is preferably pneumatically connected to the pressure line for determining a supply pressure or to the compressed air reservoir for determining a storage pressure. Preferably, the pressure sensor is arranged in or on the auxiliary compressed air source, in particular in or on the compressed air reservoir.

[0060] As an example of this further development, a system S1.6 is explained in FIG. 7 in a non-restrictive manner in its embodiments.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the compressor unit has a two-stage compressor with a first compressor stage and a second compressor stage, in particular wherein the second compressor stage has a charging inlet which can be pneumatically connected to the auxiliary compressed air source, preferably the compressed air reservoir, by means of a charging line.

[0062] Preferably, the compressed air supply system includes a charging valve arranged in the charging line for the controllable pneumatic connection of the auxiliary compressed air source, preferably the compressed air reservoir, to the second compressor stage. As an example of this further development, system S2 is explained in FIG. 8 in a non-limiting manner in the embodiments.

[0063] In a preferred further development of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the support compressed air source comprises only one support compressor.

[0064] Preferably, the compressor unit is designed as a multi-compressor unit with at least the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor. Particularly preferably, the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor are identical in design. Particularly preferably, the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor are two-stage compressors. Particularly preferably, the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane. Both compressors can preferably be operated sequentially or alternately, but, especially under special requirements, also simultaneously for a performance operating mode (BM3) or an emergency mode (BM4). The pressure-dependent volume flow can be controlled via the compressor motors (BLDC).

[0065] Particularly in this further development, it is advantageous that the valve assembly is not connected to the electronic control module; in this respect, it is formed in the form of a self-controlled valve assembly – for example, a self-controlled valve assembly formed with one or more check valves. In particular, in a further development following this embodiment, the electronic control module can be configured to directly control the auxiliary compressed air source in the form of an auxiliary compressor unit. As an example of this further development, system S3.1 is explained in FIG. 9 in a non-limiting manner.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the compressed air supply system includes a buffer pressure accumulator which is pneumatically connected to a compressor outlet of the compressor and pneumatically to the pressure supply line, and preferably to an auxiliary compressor outlet of the auxiliary compressor. In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the compressed air supply system includes a valve assembly, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit with a proportional valve, in the pressure supply line between the buffer pressure accumulator and the sensor cleaning system. This allows a high pressure in the buffer accumulator to be advantageously controlled and released via the pneumatic regulating device, e.g., with a proportional valve or the pressure limiter.

[0067] As an example of this further development, system S3.2 in FIG. 10 (analogous to system S3.2 in FIG. 9) is explained in a non-restrictive manner in its embodiments. In particular, the electronic control module for this further development can be connected to the pneumatic regulating device; in system S3.2 in FIG. 10, the pneumatic regulating device is designed as a self-regulating proportional valve as a pressure limiting device.

[0068] It is also possible, preferably, to design the compressor as a single-stage compressor. Preferably, the compressor can be a dry-running compressor.

[0069] Preferably, the compressed air supply system includes a drain valve (also known as a "drainage valve"). The drain valve is particularly preferably arranged on or in the compressed air reservoir.

[0070] Preferably, the compressed air supply system does not include an air dryer; it proves superfluous only for use in a pneumatic cleaning system; moreover, this is an open air system; the compressed air is released into the atmosphere after cleaning – the compressed air cannot be, and therefore is not, used for regenerating an air dryer.

[0071] Nevertheless, the main pneumatic line is optionally equipped in a further development (not shown here) to provide compressed air for one or more main compressed air consumers and / or for one or more secondary compressed air consumers; in the event that these are pneumatically connected to a compressed air supply connection for the supply of compressed air, an air dryer is then advantageously provided so that the main compressed air consumers and / or secondary compressed air consumers can be supplied with sufficiently dried compressed air.In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatic cleaning system, it is advantageously provided that the compressor unit has a two-stage compressor with a first compressor stage and a second compressor stage, wherein the second compressor stage has a charging inlet which can be pneumatically connected to the auxiliary compressed air source, preferably the compressed air reservoir, by means of a charging line.

[0072] In a second aspect, the invention also leads to a method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system according to the concept of the invention; in particular a sensor cleaning system with the at least one sensor cleaning device and the compressed air supply system.

[0073] According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

[0074] Operating a compressor unit to provide compressed air at a pressure supply line, in particular in a normal operating mode (BM2), operating an auxiliary compressed air source to provide auxiliary compressed air at the pressure supply line when an auxiliary condition is met, preferably in a power operating mode (BM3) or an emergency operating mode (BM4), in particular with the function of a maximum power operating mode.

[0075] According to the invention, the method provides that

[0076] - in a first operating mode only the support compressed air source is operated, or

[0077] - in a second operating mode, the auxiliary compressed air source and the compressor unit are operated.

[0078] Preferably, in the high-performance operating mode (BM3), compressed air (DL) and auxiliary compressed air (ACA) with a total delivery rate (TR) in the range of 35 l / min to 100 l / min at a total pressure (PG) of 3 bar to 5 bar are provided. Preferably, in the emergency operating mode (BM4), particularly with the function of a maximum-performance operating mode, compressed air (DL) and auxiliary compressed air (ACA) with a total delivery rate (TR) of greater than 100 l / min at a total pressure (PG) of 3 bar to 5 bar are provided. The method specifically provides:

[0079] Operating a compressor unit to supply compressed air to the auxiliary compressed air source designed as a compressed air storage unit in an energy storage operating mode (BM1).

[0080] Preferably, in the energy storage operating mode (BM1), compressed air (DL) with a fill quantity (VF) in the range of 16 l / min to 26 l / min at a fill pressure (PF) of, for example, 18 bar is provided.

[0081] A total output quantity (VG) and / or a total pressure (PG) can be adjusted by means of the compressor unit and / or by means of an auxiliary compressor and / or by means of a valve device, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, preferably by means of an electronic control module.

[0082] Embodiments of the invention are now described below with reference to the drawings and comparison with the prior art, some of which is also shown. These drawings are not necessarily to scale; rather, where explanatory, they are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. For further details regarding the teachings directly apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that numerous modifications and changes concerning the form and details of an embodiment can be made without deviating from the general idea of ​​the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the drawings, and the claims can be essential for the further development of the invention, both individually and in any combination.Furthermore, the invention encompasses all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawing, and / or the claims. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact shape or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below, nor is it limited to an object that would be restricted compared to the object claimed in the claims. For specified dimensioning ranges, values ​​lying within the stated limits are also disclosed as limit values ​​and are freely usable and claimable. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this is shown in:

[0083] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a pneumatic cleaning system in a first basic variant, that is, a system S1.1 in the form of a cleaning system with a compressed air supply system, a sensor cleaning system, an electronic control module and, most importantly, a support compressed air source and a pneumatic regulating device according to the concept of the invention;

[0084] FIG. 2 shows a second variant of the first embodiment as a system S1.2, in which the pneumatic regulating device is designed differently from the first variant;

[0085] FIG. 3 shows a third variant of the first embodiment as a system S1.3.1, in which the pneumatic regulating device is again designed differently from the first variant;

[0086] FIG. 4 shows a further third variant of the first embodiment as a system S1.3.2, in which a modification in the sense of an alternative to the pneumatic regulating device of FIG. 3 is shown;

[0087] FIG. 5 shows a fourth variant of the first embodiment as a system S1.4, according to which the pneumatic regulating device is positioned differently than in the third variant and its modification;

[0088] FIG. 6 shows a fifth variant as a system S1.5, in which the pneumatic regulating device is arranged as in the fourth variant, but is designed in a modified form;

[0089] FIG. 7 shows a sixth variant of the first embodiment as a system 1.6, in which the pneumatic regulating device is designed in principle as in system 1.1 according to the first variant of the first embodiment, but with a modified arrangement of the pressure sensor; FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment as a system S2 in the form of the pneumatic cleaning system, again analogous to system S1.1 according to the first variant of the first embodiment, but with an additional charging functionality of the compressed air supply system and corresponding adaptation of the pneumatic regulating device;

[0090] FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment as a system S3.1 in the form of the pneumatic cleaning system in a first variant, again designed approximately like the first variant of the first embodiment, but with an additional support or modification of the support compressed air source, namely in this case in the form of a support compressor as a second compressor in addition to the first compressor, as described in the first and second embodiments;

[0091] FIG. 10 shows a second variant of the third embodiment, a system S3.2 in the form of the pneumatic cleaning system, i.e. again with an auxiliary compressor, wherein the pneumatic regulating device is designed in contrast to the system S3.1 according to the first variant of FIG. 9;

[0092] FIG. 11 shows a scheme illustrating a method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system with certain different operating modes BM1, BM2 and advantageously with certain further different operating modes BM3 and BM4 according to a preferred embodiment;

[0093] FIG. 12 shows a volume flow diagram versus a filling pressure for the specific different operating modes BM1, BM2 and advantageously for the specific different further operating modes BM3 and BM4 of the method for operating the pneumatic cleaning system according to FIG. 11; and

[0094] FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B show a first and second preferred embodiment of a two-stage compressor in a preferred compressed air supply system, which also optionally has an air dryer unit; FIG. 14 shows a preferred embodiment of a vehicle with the pneumatic cleaning system as shown schematically in the preceding embodiments and which is feasible in principle.

[0095] The requirements for compressed air availability, particularly for a sensor array, differ somewhat from those of other vehicle functionalities, as explained above. This means that compressed air for sensor cleaning must be available regularly in a wide range of pressures and volumes, but above all efficiently – i.e., readily available at any time and practically instantly – with operating cycles of up to 100% continuous availability. Furthermore, these are "open" compressed air systems, meaning without air recirculation; the compressed air is released into the atmosphere after use.

[0096] These requirements are explained in detail below, particularly with reference to the method in FIG. 11 and the volumetric flow diagram in FIG. 12, in connection with the embodiments described below according to the concept of the invention. The focus here is on volumetric flow availabilities of at least 30 l / min, regularly between 30 l / min and 100 l / min, and in certain operating modes even above 100 l / min; this at pressures of approximately 5 bar, i.e., 3–5 bar or even more than 5 bar. This availability must be guaranteed continuously. It has been recognized that this necessitates separate measures and structures.

[0097] It should be mentioned in advance that the compressed air availability in normal operating mode BM2 --as shown in FIG. 12-- requires compressed air volumes of 20 l / min to 50 l / min at pressures between 3 and 5 bar; this compressed air availability is ensured by most compressed air supply systems within pneumatic cleaning systems using a compressor, for example.

[0098] The compressed air availability shown in FIG. 12 for an energy storage operating mode BM1 at significantly higher pressures of approximately 18 bar or more with volume requirements between 16 l / min and 26 l / min is regularly ensured by compressed air supply systems with compressor operation, for example, a compressor, simply because a compressed air supply system, as a central compressed air generation unit, has to ensure the filling of the storage tank for other vehicle functionalities such as braking systems or level control and suspension systems, and can implement this after a venting process, usually without an urgent time requirement.

[0099] Furthermore, the basis of the concept of the invention, which is explained below with reference to the embodiments, is a guarantee of compressed air availability even in cases where compressed air is required for sensor cleaning, especially with high volume requirements, possibly also at high pressures, which in any case --at least with regard to volume requirements- are above a normal operating mode or an energy storage operating mode and should be available instantly.

[0100] One operating mode shown in FIG. 11, which is called performance operating mode BM3, should be mentioned here and - as shown in FIG. 12 - requires compressed air availability at moderate pressures between 3 and 5 bar, but with a high volume requirement between 35 l / min and 100 l / min; this is mostly efficient and with practically instantaneous demand.

[0101] In the BM3 power operating mode, compressed air must be regularly available either as a continuous airflow or in pulsed form.

[0102] Another operating mode shown in FIG. 11 is described below as emergency operating mode BM4, which, according to FIG. 12, requires a compressed air supply with a volume well above 100 l / min at moderate pressures of 3 to 5 bar. Such compressed air volumes should be regularly provided as a continuous compressed air flow, for example, for the initial, simultaneous cleaning of all sensors. The problem with both the performance operating mode and the emergency operating mode is that compressed air volumes of this magnitude cannot be guaranteed even with continuous compressor operation, at least not without placing excessive strain on the compressor.

[0103] In the emergency operating mode BM4 shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the compressed air must be regularly available as a continuous airflow.

[0104] FIG. 1 shows, in a first variant of a first embodiment according to the concept of the invention, a system S1.1 as a pneumatic cleaning system 800 with a compressed air supply system 500 and a sensor cleaning system 200, which has at least one sensor cleaning device 100 and an electronic control module 700.

[0105] The aforementioned problem of ensuring compressed air availability, even in cases where compressed air is required for sensor cleaning, especially with high volume requirements and possibly also at high pressures, is solved according to the concept of the invention with the pneumatic cleaning system 800 in such a way that the compressed air supply system 500 is equipped with an additional compressed air source 690 to support the compressor unit 602, which can be switched on and off as needed to provide compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200 by means of the electronic control module 700 and a valve device 640 connected thereto.

[0106] The compressor unit 602 of the compressed air supply system 500 is shown here only schematically; in detail, a preferred compressor unit in a particularly preferred embodiment with the compressed air supply system 500 is also shown and explained with reference to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B.

[0107] Having stated this in advance, the sensor cleaning system 200 comprises at least one sensor cleaning device 100; details of this are shown with an implementation in a vehicle 1000 with reference to FIG. 14. The compressed air supply system 500 serves to generate compressed air at a compressed air connection 1 and to supply the compressed air DL at a compressed air supply connection 2 for the sensor cleaning system 200 via a compressed air supply line 610 and a pneumatic main line 600.

[0108] Furthermore, compressed air DL is supplied at compressed air supply connection 2 for one or more main compressed air consumers (not shown) and / or for one or more auxiliary compressed air consumers (not shown). In this context, main compressed air consumers are understood to be, in particular, one or more brake systems as well as a level control and suspension system; these belong to the system that ensures the main functionality of a vehicle 1000, as schematically depicted in FIG. 14. Auxiliary compressed air consumers also include compressed air applications such as the cabin or seat suspensions of a commercial vehicle, a horn system, or simply auxiliary compressed air consumers for external use or trailer systems.The preferred compressed air supply system 500 shown here is to be understood in particular as a central compressed air supply unit which, via a compressed air supply connection 2 (shown here only symbolically), can supply the main compressed air consumers and / or secondary compressed air consumers and the sensor cleaning system 200 with compressed air DL via the compressed air supply line 610; which is therefore also designed in the manner described to supply a sensor cleaning system 200 with compressed air DL in addition to the main compressed air consumers and / or secondary compressed air consumers. In principle, the compressed air supply connection 2, as explained above, also serves to connect main and / or secondary compressed air consumers to a further compressed air supply line, which is not shown in detail here.

[0109] For the purpose of illustrating the concept of the invention, the compressed air supply line 610 is connected here to the pneumatic main line 600 at the compressed air supply connection 2 in particular to provide the compressed air DL to a sensor cleaning system 200.

[0110] The compressed air supply system 500 is equipped with a vent or supply air connection 3, 0, via which the compressor unit 602 of the compressed air supply system 500 can draw in supply air ZL via the soft supply air connection 0, so that it can provide the compressed air at the compressed air connection 1 via the aforementioned compressor unit 602.

[0111] Similarly, compressed air from the compressed air supply system 500 can be released into the environment via a vent connection 3.

[0112] Details of such a compressed air supply system 500, or especially of an optionally advantageously improved compressor unit 602, are explained below with reference to FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B.

[0113] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the compressor unit 602 is shown here as a two-stage compressor 606, that is, with a first and second compressor stage 606.1, 606.2, which are driven here, by way of example, by piston operation via a motor M. It should be understood that the compressor unit 602 preferably shown here does not necessarily have to be designed as a two-stage compressor 606; the illustration here is merely exemplary.

[0114] Although some of the embodiments described below appear to be advantageous for a two-stage compressor unit 602, the concept of the invention is also satisfied with a compressor unit 602 that would be designed as a single-stage compressor unit, in an embodiment not shown here.

[0115] In connection with the embodiments described below, they all have in common that the compressed air supply system 500 of the pneumatic cleaning system 800 is basically designed – at least for the operating modes BM1, BM2 explained in Fig. 11 – to supply compressed air DL at the compressed air connection 1 into the main pneumatic line 600 by means of the compressor unit 602 with a required fill quantity VF and fill pressure PF, which is then available via the compressed air supply connection 2; this – as will be explained below – according to a total delivery quantity VG at a total pressure PG to the sensor cleaning system 200.

[0116] The compressed air DL is supplied via the aforementioned compressed air supply line 610, in particular to the sensor cleaning system 200, which is schematically illustrated here with three sensor cleaning devices 100 for six sensors. Each of the sensor cleaning devices 100 is expressly equipped, by way of example, with two pressure-controlled switching valves in the form of two 2 / 2-way valves each with a pneumatic control connection (not further specified). As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 14, each of the sensor cleaning devices 100 can switchably supply compressed air DL of the aforementioned type to a sensor and cleaning arrangement 300, which is shown only schematically here. In a concrete embodiment, the cleaning arrangement can have nozzles, motion actuators, or the like, which are positioned relative to a sensor surface.

[0117] In accordance with the invention, the aforementioned auxiliary compressed air source 690 is also connected to the main pneumatic line 600. This auxiliary compressed air source is configured to supply auxiliary compressed air (DLU) to the compressed air supply connection 2 via the main pneumatic line 600 for the sensor cleaning system 200. In this case, the auxiliary compressed air source 690 is connected downstream of the compressed air supply connection 2 – i.e., in the filling direction, corresponding to a first flow direction SR1. However, the auxiliary compressed air source 690 is configured to deliver the auxiliary compressed air (DLU) in the opposite direction (i.e., in the venting direction), corresponding to a second flow direction SR2, to the main pneumatic line 600 at the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0118] In the embodiments described below – as also shown in FIG. 1 – the auxiliary compressed air source 690 comprises a compressed air reservoir 660 or at least a reservoir that performs its function. The compressed air reservoir 660 is indirectly pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply port 2 of the main pneumatic line 600, namely via a reservoir port 2.7 of the reservoir line 620, which is pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line 600. The reservoir line 620, in turn, is connected to the main pneumatic line 600 by means of a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit or similar valve device 640 – i.e., in this case, for interrupting or enabling a compressed air supply to the reservoir line 620 and the compressed air reservoir 660.

[0119] The compressed air reservoir 660 can be dehumidified via a drainage connection with a moisture filter (shown symbolically here) and / or drain 680. In addition to or as an alternative to a compressed air reservoir 660, the auxiliary compressed air source 690 – as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 9 and 10 – can also or only comprise an auxiliary compressor 608 or a number of auxiliary compressors.

[0120] In the first variant of the embodiment - as shown in FIG. 1 and also in FIG. 2 to FIG. 10 - the support compressed air source 690 can be controlled by the aforementioned electronic control module 700.

[0121] The electronic control module 700 is generally designed to control the auxiliary compressed air source 690 and the compressor unit 602, in particular to provide the compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200, or more specifically the auxiliary compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200, from the auxiliary compressed air source 690 or the compressor unit 602, in a demand-oriented and controllable manner. In addition, the pressure sensor 630 is connected to the electronic control module 700; it provides the control parameter Up for the required pressure.

[0122] In the present case, as well as in the other embodiments, both – i.e., the support compressed air source 690 or the compressor unit 602 – can be connected to the compressed air supply line 610 to enable simultaneous or sequential delivery of compressed air from the compressor unit 602 and from the support compressed air source 690; i.e., in the sense of a parallel connection, whereby only one compressed air source – i.e., only the support compressed air source 690 or the compressor unit 602 – can also be used.

[0123] For this purpose, the electronic control module 700 is connected to the aforementioned valve assembly 640 – shown here in its simplest form. The valve assembly 640, connected to the electronic control module 700, is designed to controllably supply auxiliary compressed air (ACA) for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the aforementioned auxiliary compressed air source 690, and can optionally be pneumatically connected to the pressure supply line 610, or alternatively to the compressor unit 602.

[0124] - only the support compressed air source 690, or

[0125] - the support compressed air source 690 and the compressor unit 602.

[0126] The valve assembly 640 is shown in FIG. 1 as a directly controllable switching valve in the form of a 2 / 2-way valve between the pneumatic main line 600 and the storage line 620. This can be electrically controlled directly by the electronic control module 700 as a solenoid valve. This switching valve of the aforementioned valve assembly 640 serves to form a pneumatic regulating device 400 and is designed here – for the relatively simple load when used for the sensor cleaning system 200 – as a directly electronically controllable switching valve or similar valve unit.

[0127] The valve assembly 640 can also be configured, in a manner not shown here, as an indirectly pneumatically actuated valve unit, which has an electronically actuated control valve (not shown here) in the form of a solenoid valve that actuates a relay valve. Generally, the pneumatic regulating device 400 – in this case with the valve assembly 640 – is configured for the controllable supply of auxiliary compressed air (ACA) for the sensor cleaning system from the auxiliary compressed air source 690. The pneumatic regulating device 400 can also be configured differently, in particular without the aforementioned valve assembly 640, for the controllable supply of auxiliary compressed air (ACA) for the sensor cleaning system from the auxiliary compressed air source 690; this is evident, inter alia, from the embodiments in FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10.

[0128] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 specifically concerning system 1.1, the support compressed air source 690 is optionally connectable to the compressed air supply line 610 via the pneumatic regulating device 400 - here implemented in the form of a pneumatically directly controllable valve unit 640 - allowing compressed air to pass through - i.e. optionally to the compressor unit 602 depending on the switching position of the valve unit 640 of the pneumatic regulating device 400 shown here.

[0129] More precisely, the pneumatic regulating device 400 with the valve device 640 implemented here is designed in such a way that (optionally to the compressor unit 602) either only the support compressed air source 690 or the support compressed air source 690 and the compressor unit 602 can be pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply line 610.

[0130] Put simply, in the aforementioned first case of the optional option, with the compressor operation stopped (i.e., without compressed air DL at compressed air connection 1 or compressed air supply connection 2), only auxiliary compressed air DLU from the auxiliary compressed air source 690 via the storage line 620 and the valve unit 640 of the pneumatic regulating device 400 in a suitable switching state could be present at compressed air supply connection 2.

[0131] In the aforementioned second case of the optional feature, if the switched valve assembly 640 is in the appropriate open position as part of the pneumatic control unit 400, not only compressed air DL supplied by the running compressor unit 602 could be available at the compressed air supply connection 2, but also auxiliary compressed air DLU from the auxiliary compressed air source 690. That is, as shown here in FIG. 1, both compressed air DL and auxiliary compressed air DLU can be available at the compressed air supply connection 2 via the main compressed air line 600, corresponding to a total delivery quantity VG and a total pressure PG in the compressed air supply line 610 to the sensor cleaning system 200.

[0132] According to the concept of the invention, in addition to the mere release of support compressed air DLU from the support compressed air source 690 by means of the valve device 640 connected to the electronic control module 700 as part of the pneumatic regulating device 400, means - i.e. a pneumatic regulating device 400 - are also available for regulating the compressed air flow when providing the support compressed air DLU to the sensor cleaning device 100.

[0133] It is evident that, to adequately ensure sensor cleaning functionality, both the compressed air DL and the auxiliary compressed air DLU must be regulated using appropriate pneumatic or electronic means. For this purpose, the pneumatic regulating device 400 also includes a compressed air sensor 630, which is capable of measuring a filling pressure PF in the compressed air reservoir 660; in particular, the pressure sensor can also measure the compression pressure PF generated solely by the compressor unit 602 and / or the total pressure PG from the compressor 602 and the auxiliary compressed air source 690.

[0134] In the pneumatic main line 600 between compressed air supply system 500 and compressed air supply connection 2, a compressed air buffer storage tank 668 is also pneumatically connected, which is designed to moderate pressure amplitudes of the compressed air DL or - with corresponding throttling devices not shown here - to provide compressed air DL at the required fill quantity or fill pressure VF, PF independently of pressure fluctuations at the output of the compressor 606.

[0135] The compressed air buffer tank 668 also serves as a reference to supply compressed air (DL and DLU) to the pressure supply line 610 according to the desired total delivery quantity or pressure VG, PG. Just as the pressure in the auxiliary compressed air source 690 can be measured by the pressure sensor 630 on the main pneumatic line 600, so too can the pressure p in the buffer tank 668 be measured by the pressure sensor 630; i.e., to convert a corresponding pressure value P into a voltage U and thus into a control parameter Up for the pressure. A corresponding pressure value P – represented symbolically – for example, for a filling pressure PF in the compressed air tank 660 or a supply pressure PV in the buffer tank 668, can be made available to the control module 700 as a control parameter UP for the pressure P via a voltage U and then a signal line (not shown in detail here). The control module 700, with its corresponding dashed connection, is able to adjust the pressure value P – i.e.,According to the control parameter UP for the pressure P, the valve device 640 and / or the compressor 606 are to be switched in order to release or switch support compressed air DLU and / or compressed air DL in the manner previously explained for the pressure supply line 610 to the sensor cleaning system 200.

[0136] Overall, the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a first basic variant shows a pneumatic cleaning system 800, comprising a compressed air supply system 500 and a sensor cleaning system 200 with at least one sensor cleaning device 100 and an electronic control module 700, wherein the compressed air supply system 500 is designed to provide compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200 via a pressure supply line 610 and a pneumatic main line 600 to provide compressed air DL for one or more main compressed air consumers and / or for one or more secondary compressed air consumers.

[0137] The compressed air supply system 500 further comprises: a compressor unit 602 pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line 600, designed to supply compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200 via a pressure supply line 610 and the auxiliary compressed air source 690 via a main pneumatic line 600,

[0138] - a buffer storage tank 668, a support compressed air source 690 with a compressed air storage tank 660 and / or a support compressor 608, in particular only the support compressed air source 690, which is controllable by the electronic control module 700 and is configured to provide support compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200, and the electronic control module 700, which is configured to control the support compressed air source 690 and the compressor unit 602 for the controllable provision of support compressed air DLU and / or compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the support compressed air source 690 and / or the compressor unit 602.

[0139] According to the concept of the invention, it is also provided that

[0140] - a valve device 640 connected to the electronic control module 700, which is designed for the controllable provision of support compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the support compressed air source 690, wherein it can be pneumatically connected to the pressure supply line 610, optionally to the compressor unit 602:

[0141] - only the support compressed air source 690, or

[0142] - the support compressed air source 690 and the compressor unit 602, and

[0143] - a pneumatic regulating device 400 for regulating the compressed air flow when providing the support compressed air DLU to the sensor cleaning device 100.

[0144] The pressure supply line 610 is pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line 600, and the pneumatic regulating device 400 for regulating the compressed air flow to the sensor cleaning device 100 when providing the auxiliary compressed air is designed as a pneumatic device for active or passive pressure regulation, in particular pressure monitoring and / or pressure control. The following embodiments explain and show in detail variants in which the pneumatic regulating device 400 is pneumatically connected in or to the main pneumatic line 600 or the pressure supply line 610. The compressed air reservoir 660 and the compressor unit 602 are, in particular, pneumatically connected to the pressure supply line 610 in a parallel pneumatic circuit, especially via the main pneumatic line 600, to provide compressed air DL for one or more main compressed air consumers.

[0145] The operation of the pneumatic cleaning system 800 according to the first variant of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 is as follows with regard to the operating modes as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In an energy storage operating mode BM1 – in which the compressed air reservoir 660 of the support compressed air source 690 is to be filled at comparatively high pressures of 18 bar or more with exemplary volume flows of compressed air from 16 l / min to 26 l / min – the two-stage compressor 606, shown here as an example, is operated with the first and second compressor stages 606.1, 606.2, and provides compressed air DL at the compressed air connection 1 and in the buffer reservoir 668, whereby the compressed air DL is then also available at the compressed air supply connection 2.While the switching valves of the sensor cleaning devices 100 block the corresponding flow of compressed air in the compressed air supply line 610, the compressed air passes through the open valve assembly 640 with the corresponding predefined fill quantity VF and fill pressure PF to or into the compressed air reservoir 660. The pressure control is carried out via the pressure value p read from the pressure sensor 630 in the electronics 700 (hysteresis control).

[0146] In a second normal operating mode BM2 – in which compressed air at a comparatively low pressure between 3 and 5 bar and a relatively low volume flow rate of 20 l / min to 50 l / min is supplied to the sensor cleaning system 200 for sensor cleaning – the valve device 640 in the main pneumatic line 600 is not switched; thus, as shown in FIG. 1, it blocks the auxiliary compressed air source 690. The compressed air DL supplied by the compressor 606 – and this can include the operation of both compressor stages 606.1, 606.2 as well as only one of the compressor stages 606.1 or 606.2 – then flows via the compressed air supply line, for example with the switching valve of the sensor cleaning device 100 shown in the middle of FIG. 1 open, to the sensor and cleaning arrangement 300 to perform the cleaning function.

[0147] Following the concept of the invention, the system S1.1 can be operated as a pneumatic cleaning system 800 as shown in FIG. 1, also in a power operating mode BM3 and an emergency operating mode BM4.

[0148] In performance operating mode BM3, compressed air must be provided at a moderate pressure of 3 to 5 bar, but with a comparatively high volume flow rate of at least 35 l / min to 100 l / min. In this case, both the valve assembly 640 (pulsed, for flow rate regulation by means of a "regulated" valve nominal diameter) and the switching valves of the sensor cleaning devices are switched on to allow auxiliary compressed air DLU to enter the sensor cleaning system 200 and from there to the sensor and cleaning arrangement 300, in addition to compressed air DL from the compressor operation of the compressor unit 602. In performance operating mode BM3, the flow rate is high because many, but possibly not all, switching valves of the sensor cleaning device are open to allow compressed air to pass through to the sensor and cleaning arrangement 300.

[0149] In the emergency operation BM4 illustrated in FIG. 11 (for a virtually maximum required delivery rate), all switching valves are open to allow the passage of compressed air while ensuring the total delivery rate and total pressure PG. This means that the pneumatic cleaning system 800 is operated with both stages 606.1 and 606.2 of the two-stage compressor 606 of the compressor unit 602 running, as well as with the release of additional compressed air DLU from the auxiliary compressed air source 690, i.e., the compressed air reservoir 660 with a continuously actuated switching valve 640.

[0150] The guarantee of pressure amplitudes in operating modes BM3 and BM4 can be monitored via the pressure sensor 630 and accordingly a nominal diameter adjustment can be made as necessary in the pneumatic regulating device 400, for example at the valve device 640 (unpulsed or pulsed operation) and / or buffer storage 668, or it can also be adapted according to the operation of the two-stage compressors.

[0151] The following embodiments explain and show in detail variants in which the pneumatic regulating device 400 for regulating the compressed air flow comprises one or more of the units selected from the group of pneumatic devices consisting of:

[0152] - a buffer storage tank 668,

[0153] - a pressure sensor 630,

[0154] - a directional control valve, in particular a first and / or second solenoid valve 642, 644,

[0155] - a pressure limiting device 650, in particular comprising a throttle and / or a check valve,

[0156] - a proportional valve 647.

[0157] FIG. 2 shows a second variant of the first embodiment of a system S1.2 as a pneumatic cleaning system 800 in a fundamentally similar manner, which nevertheless differs structurally with respect to the pneumatic regulating device 400 and the associated design of the valve assembly 640 from the valve assembly 640 of the first variant in FIG. 1. This also entails further functionality regarding the advantageously improved provision of support compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200, particularly with respect to the performance and emergency operating modes BM3 and BM4 shown in FIG. 11.

[0158] For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals will be used in the following sections for FIG. 2 and for the description of FIG. 3 to FIG. 14 in general for identical or similar features or features with the same or similar function. Furthermore, reference is made below to the basic description of the pneumatic cleaning system and its functionality, as shown and described in FIG. 1. The following section focuses primarily on the aforementioned differences between the further variants (second to sixth variants) and the first embodiment, as well as the further differences between the second and third embodiments (FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10).

[0159] In this respect, FIG. 2 shows a second variant of the first embodiment, a system S1.2 with a different design of the pneumatic regulating device 400, in which the varied valve device 640 has a first and second switching valve, each as a first and second solenoid valve 642, 644.

[0160] Both the first and second solenoid valves 642, 644 are configured to pneumatically connect the compressed air reservoir 660 of the auxiliary compressed air source 690 to the compressed air supply line 610 in order to provide auxiliary compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the auxiliary compressed air source 690, either alone or in addition to the compressed air DL from the compressor unit 602, as described in relation to FIG. 1, and to fill the reservoir 660 with compressed air from the compressor unit 602. Both the first and second switching valves 642, 644 are designed as directly controllable solenoid valves and as pneumatically actuated relay valves via a control valve, the control valve being directly electrically actuated by the electronic control module 700.

[0161] The first and second solenoid valves 642 and 644 can also be implemented as directly electrically controlled solenoid valves, as shown here as a preferred embodiment. The first and second directly electrically controlled solenoid valves—generally switching valves—can be controlled individually and separately from the electronic control module and are connected to it for control purposes.

[0162] The first switching valve 642 is pneumatically connected between the compressed air supply connection 2 and the compressed air reservoir 660 in the pneumatic main line; in this respect, the first switching valve 642 fulfills the analogous function of the valve unit 640 described in relation to the first variant in FIG. 1 in the form of the single switching valve shown there.

[0163] The second switching valve 644, in the form of a solenoid valve that can be switched directly electrically from the control module, is pneumatically connected in a bypass line 510 branching off to the main pneumatic line.

[0164] The pneumatic bypass line branches off from the main pneumatic line at a bypass port 2.2 between the first switching valve 642 and the compressed air reservoir 660 and, contrary to the filling direction BE of the main pneumatic line 600, rejoins the main pneumatic line 600 between the compressed air supply port 2 and the first switching valve 642, where it is pneumatically connected to the pressure sensor port 2.1. In principle, the bypass line could also rejoin the main pneumatic line at a different port, for example, a bypass port 2.3 – both possibilities are symbolically shown here with the pressure sensor port 2.1 and the bypass port 2.3 in FIG. 2. In the present case, however, the combination of the bypass port 2.3 and the sensor port 2.1 is particularly advantageous, since, as will be shown, this results in a particularly preferred pressure measurement function.

[0165] Furthermore, it is to be assumed here, as well as in the following, that the designation of a closed switching valve or a switching valve in a closed state means that the switching valve is in a switching state in which a corresponding pneumatic connection is separated by the switching position, i.e., a flow of pneumatic compressed air or pressure equalization is prevented.

[0166] In contrast, an open state of a switching valve or an open switching valve is to be understood as meaning that a flow of pneumatic compressed air or pressure equalization is allowed in the corresponding pneumatic connection; in other words, the pneumatic connection is open to a flow of compressed air, so that compressed air can flow through the pneumatic connection via the open switching state of the switching valve.

[0167] In this sense, the preferred functionality of the second variant of the first embodiment with respect to the operating modes of an energy storage operating mode or a normal operating mode with the second switching valve 644 in the form of a solenoid switching valve (here by way of example a 2 / 2-way valve) shown in FIG. 11 is completely analogous to that described with reference to the first variant of the first system according to the first embodiment in FIG. 1.

[0168] Furthermore, the performance operating mode BM3 and the emergency operating mode BM4 also benefit from enhanced functionality and improvements, which are explained below. These enhancements and improvements result from the availability of the second solenoid valve 644. The second solenoid valve 644 is arranged in a pneumatic bypass line 510, which is parallel to the first solenoid valve 642. Preferably, the first solenoid valve 642 and / or the second solenoid valve 644 can be electronically pulsed to execute a switching operation.

[0169] For example, it is possible and preferred to use the first solenoid valve 642 – with a smaller nominal diameter NWx for a lower flow rate requirement – ​​as the main valve and the second solenoid valve 644 – with a larger nominal diameter NWy for a higher flow rate requirement in a medium range – as the auxiliary valve, and to operate both electronically in pulsed mode. If the solenoid valves 642 and 644 were operated in parallel, they could be used for an even higher flow rate requirement in a high range. The operation of the solenoid valves 642 and 644 can be pulsed, with each solenoid valve 642 and 644 being individually and independently controllable.

[0170] In power operating mode BM3, the second switching valve 644 is closed, i.e., as shown in FIG. 2, the bypass line 510 is blocked for compressed air flow, as already explained in the energy storage operating mode BM1 and normal operating mode BM2. In this case, power operating mode BM3 results—in the form of a first power operating mode BM3.1—in a completely analogous manner.

[0171] An extended possibility of a second operating mode BM3.2 arises when the first switching valve 642 is in the closed position and the second switching valve 644 is in the open position. In this case, the main pneumatic line 600 is blocked for compressed air flow between the first bypass port 2.2 and the pressure sensor port 2.1 or second bypass port 2.3; the auxiliary compressed air DLU made available in the second operating mode BM3.2 thus flows from the compressed air reservoir of the auxiliary compressed air source 690 via the bypass line 510 – i.e., starting from the first bypass port 2.2 to the pressure sensor port 2.1 or second bypass port 2.3 – back into the main pneumatic line 600 and from there into the compressed air supply line 610 at the compressed air supply port 2.In this switching position of the pneumatic regulating device 400 according to the second variant of the first system of the first embodiment, it is possible to achieve a higher flow rate of compressed air of 75 l / min in the second power operating mode BM3.2 in contrast to a lower volume flow rate of 50 l / min in the first power operating mode BM3.1.

[0172] It can also be advantageous to provide that the second switching valve 644 is equipped with a significantly larger nominal diameter in the passage, i.e., when open, so that more compressed air can flow through the larger nominal diameter. Accordingly, the first solenoid valve 642 can have a first nominal diameter NW1 and the second solenoid valve 644 can have a second nominal diameter NW2, whereby it is particularly advantageous that the first nominal diameter NW1 of the first solenoid valve 642 is different from the second nominal diameter NW2 of the second solenoid valve 644, and in particular is smaller.

[0173] The emergency operating mode BM4 can also be advantageously designed in the second variant of the first system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 according to system S1.2 with regard to the flow rate of compressed air from the compressed air reservoir of the auxiliary compressed air source to the compressed air supply connection 2 and from there into the pressure supply line 610. In this case, both the first nominal diameter NW1 of the first switching valve 642 in the pneumatic main line and the larger second nominal diameter NW2 of the second switching valve 644 in the bypass line 510 are available for compressed air flow. Therefore, compressed air as auxiliary compressed air DLU can reach the compressed air supply connection 2 and from there into the pressure supply line 610 in a significantly larger quantity, well over 100 l / min, depending on the requirements of a total delivery quantity VG or a total pressure PG.

[0174] Furthermore, in both the first and second performance operating modes BM3 as well as in the emergency operating mode BM4, pressure measurement by the pressure sensor 630 at the pressure sensor connection 2.1 of the pneumatic main line 600 proves to be sufficiently accurate in every respect for all the aforementioned operating modes, in particular also the operating modes BM1 , BM3.1 , BM3.2 and BM4.

[0175] FIG. 3 shows a third variant of the first embodiment, a modified design of the pneumatic regulating device according to system S1.3.1 as a cleaning system 800. Here, a pressure limiting device 650 (with internal bypass 653 and flow-effective check valve 652 in the storage filling direction) of the pneumatic regulating device 800 is pneumatically arranged between the compressed air storage tank 660 and the pressure supply line 610, preferably pneumatically arranged between the valve device 640, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, and the pressure supply line 610, and the pressure limiting device 65 is effective in a second flow direction SR2 from the compressed air storage tank 660 to the pressure supply line 610.

[0176] System S1.3.1 of the third variant of the first embodiment according to Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to the structure of system S1.1 of the first variant of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. However, a pressure limiting device 650 is now additionally provided for regulating the pressure and volume flow parameters of the auxiliary compressed air DLU in the main pneumatic line 600.

[0177] The pressure limiting device 650 consists of an adjustable throttle 651 in the pneumatic main line 600, a barrier line 652 bypassing the adjustable throttle 651, and a check valve 653 that blocks the flow of the auxiliary compressed air DLU in the direction SR2 and opens automatically in the filling direction (against the flow direction SR2). The adjustable throttle 651 is self-regulating in that it throttles the flow of auxiliary compressed air DLU at pressures above 5 bar. The adjustable throttle 651 is pressure-regulated via a pressure-regulating line 654, which, acting as a control line, taps control pressure from the pneumatic main line between compressed air supply port 2 and the adjustable throttle 651. This control pressure is drawn from the control pressure port 2.4 and applied to the adjustable throttle 651 to reduce its nominal diameter.

[0178] In this way, the flow of support compressed air in the direction of flow SR2 to the compressed air supply connection 2 is limited to a maximum pressure of 5 bar by the adjustable throttle 651, while the pneumatic regulating device 400 of the third variant, designed in this way, is open in the filling direction against the direction of flow SR2 via the automatically opening check valve 653 for filling the compressed air reservoir 660 of the support compressed air source 690, i.e., is particularly open to the flow of compressed air in the case of the energy storage operating mode BM1.

[0179] The normal operating mode BM2 under compressor operation and for the provision of compressed air DL via the compressed air supply connection 2 into the compressed air supply line 610 is also possible by means of the self-opening check valve 653 in the line 652 with measurement of the pressure at the pressure sensor 630.

[0180] The previously explained maximum pressure limitation to 5 bar by means of the adjustable throttle 651 in the regulating device 400 is particularly noticeable in the power operating mode as well as the emergency operating mode, so that, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, it is possible with a guaranteed volume flow of compressed air as support compressed air DLU, but with a limited maximum pressure of 5 bar.

[0181] FIG. 4 shows a modification of the third variant (system S3.1.1) of the first embodiment, in which, according to system S1.3.2, a pressure limiting device 650 of the pneumatic regulating device is pneumatically arranged between the compressed air reservoir 660 and the pressure supply line 610, preferably pneumatically arranged between the valve device 640, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, and the pressure supply line 610. The system S1.3.2 shown in FIG. 4, a modification of the third variant (system S1.3.1 in FIG. 3), achieves an analogous function to system S1.3.1 of the third variant via a proportional valve 647 with control pressure line 648 as part of the pneumatic regulating device 400.

[0182] The proportional valve is designed as an adjustable solenoid valve with a nominal diameter that can be adjusted according to pressure. In other words, a high air flow rate of up to 100% availability can be guaranteed at a pressure below 5 bar in the pneumatic main line 600. If the pressure exceeds a threshold of 5 bar, the proportional valve I 647 can be throttled depending on the pressure or according to a defined proportional characteristic curve by means of active control, thus achieving an analogous function to the adjustable throttle 651 from the first modification of the third variant.

[0183] The other operating modes result in an analogous manner as already explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, whereby the characteristics of the proportional valve 647 are particularly relevant in the power operating mode BM3 and emergency operating mode BM4, but less so in the normal operating mode BM2 or energy storage operating mode BM1.

[0184] FIG. 5 shows a fourth variant of the first embodiment as a system S1.4 in the form of a cleaning system 800, in which a pressure limiting device is arranged in the pressure supply line 610. According to the variant of the first embodiment, the valve device 640, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, comprises a proportional valve 646 of the pneumatic regulating device, preferably a magnetic or electric proportional valve 647.

[0185] Referring further to FIG. 5, this shows a fourth variant of the first embodiment, the system S1.4 in the form of the pneumatic cleaning system 800 with a modification of the pneumatic regulating device 400.

[0186] With regard to its construction, this is designed as in FIG. 3 for system S1.3.1 of the first-mentioned third variant of the first embodiment; in system S1.4, in the form of the pneumatic cleaning system 800, the pneumatic regulating device 400, according to the fourth variant, also has an adjustable throttle 651, a self-opening check valve 653 in a line 652, and a regulating control pressure line 654. However, in the variant shown here in FIG. 5, the adjustable throttle 651 is pneumatically connected in the pressure supply line 610, while the control pressure line 654 taps the control pressure at a control pressure port 2.4 in the main pneumatic line 600 (as also in the first-mentioned third variant (3.1) in FIG. 3). Therefore, the same reference numerals are used here for identical or similar features or features of identical or similar function as in FIG. 3.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 6, this shows a system S1.5 in the form of a pneumatic cleaning system 800 as a fifth variant of the first embodiment, in which the pneumatic regulating device 400 is basically formed with a first switching valve 642 completely analogous to the valve device 640 of the first variant, that is, as a valve unit that can be directly electrically controlled via the control module 700.

[0188] However, in the fifth variant, a second switching valve 644 is provided, which can be switched electrically directly by the control module 700, separately and independently of the aforementioned first switching valve 642. In this case, the second switching valve 644 is pneumatically connected in the pressure supply line 610.

[0189] The second switching valve 644 can therefore controllably disconnect or allow compressed air to flow through the pressure supply line, depending on the signal from the control module 700. In the switching position shown in FIG. 6, the second switching valve 644 is closed, meaning that the pressure supply line 610 is disconnected from the flow of compressed air; the sensor cleaning system 200 cannot be supplied with compressed air, and this air cannot reach the sensor cleaning devices 100. This has the advantage that a single second switching valve 644 can disconnect all sensor cleaning devices 100 from the supply of compressed air DL or auxiliary compressed air DLU. The second switching valve 644 thus functions as a shut-off valve. However, the second switching valve can also act as a throttle or pressure limiter, depending on its nominal diameter.In normal operating mode BM1, a flow rate of 35 l / min can be achieved, but especially in high-performance operating mode BM3, flow rates of 35 l / min up to 100 l / min can be achieved with a continuously running compressor unit and the first switching valve 642 open.

[0190] Referring further to FIG. 7, a system S1.6 in the form of a pneumatic cleaning system 800 is shown there as a sixth variant of the first embodiment, wherein the pneumatic regulating device 400 is again designed with a comparatively simple valve assembly 640 as a single, directly controllable valve unit; in this respect identical in construction to the first variant according to system S1.1 in the first embodiment of FIG. 1. In contrast, the valve assembly 640 is designed here with a pressure-regulating set nominal diameter NW in the second switching position for compressed air flow in the pneumatic main line. The pneumatic regulating device 400 comprises a pressure sensor 630, which is preferably connected to the pressure line 610 for determining a supply pressure PV or – as shown here in FIG. 7 – to the compressed air reservoir 660 or directly to the compressed air reservoir 660 with the pressure sensor connection 2.6 is pneumatically connected to determine a storage pressure PS. Preferably, the pressure sensor 630 is arranged on the compressed air storage tank 660; alternatively, it can also be arranged inside the compressed air storage tank 660.

[0191] This supports the fact that when providing support compressed air DLU from the compressed air reservoir 660 to the support compressed air source 690, a maximum pressure limit of 5 bar or a pressure regulation to around 5 bar can be achieved; for this purpose, in particular a nominal diameter NW can be set accordingly for the valve device 640.

[0192] Nevertheless, the compressed air reservoir 660 of the auxiliary compressed air source 690 can be designed as a high-pressure reservoir. To monitor its pressure level as accurately as possible, the pressure sensor 630 is not connected to the main pneumatic line as in the previous variants, but directly to the compressed air reservoir 660. Here, too, the measured pressure p can be made available to the control module 700 via a signal line (not shown). Due to the high pressure amplitude in the high-pressure reservoir, i.e., the compressed air reservoir 660, the nominal diameter NW in the valve assembly 640 is appropriate and helpful in limiting the pressure and flow rates of the auxiliary compressed air DLU for feeding into the pressure supply line 610 at the compressed air supply connection 2 for the sensor cleaning system 200.

[0193] FIG. 8 shows a system S2 as a second embodiment according to the concept of the invention for a pneumatic cleaning system 800, which is basically based on the first embodiment of system S1.1 shown in FIG. 1 in the form of the cleaning system 800 according to the first variant of the first embodiment. Preferably, system S2 in the form of the cleaning system 800 has the compressed air supply system 500, which has a charging valve 522 arranged in the additive charging line 520 for the controllable pneumatic connection of the support compressed air source 690, preferably for the controllable pneumatic connection of the compressed air reservoir 660, to the second compressor stage 606.2.

[0194] The pneumatic regulating device, otherwise implemented analogously, is also comparatively simple in the second embodiment, consisting of a valve assembly 640, which is connected to the electronic control module 700 and pneumatically connected in the main pneumatic line 600 as a directly controllable switching valve. In this case, a pressure sensor 630 is provided as a pressure sensor 631 on the main pneumatic line 600 for sensing a supply pressure PV in the buffer storage tank 668. This pressure sensor is pneumatically connected to the first pressure sensor port 2.1; i.e., for converting a corresponding pressure value P into a voltage U and thus into a control parameter U1p for the supply pressure PV. In this case, a pressure sensor 630 is also provided for sensing a filling pressure PF to the buffer storage tank 668.A pressure sensor 630 is provided in the compressed air storage tank 660 as a further pressure sensor 632 on the storage line 620 or - as shown here - directly on the compressed air storage tank 660, which is pneumatically connected to the second pressure sensor connection 2.6; i.e. for converting a corresponding pressure value P into a voltage U and thus into a control parameter U2p for the filling pressure PF.

[0195] Furthermore, a charging line 520 (also called boost line) is connected to the boost port 2.2 between the valve assembly 640 and the compressed air reservoir 660 of the auxiliary compressed air source 690 on the main pneumatic line 600; the boost port 2.2 can therefore be understood as a bypass port 2.2 of FIG. 2. The charging line 520 is routed against the filling direction, i.e., in the flow direction SR2, to a charging inlet 607, which also terminates as compressor port 2.5 on the second stage 606.2 of the two-stage compressor 606.

[0196] The valve assembly 640, as well as the pressure sensor 630, is connected between compressed air supply port 2 and boost port 2.2 on the main pneumatic line 600. In other words, as explained in the first variant of the first embodiment with FIG. 1, auxiliary compressed air from the compressed air reservoir of the auxiliary compressed air source 690 can reach the compressed air supply port 2 in the flow direction SR2 to the pressure supply line 610 via the valve assembly 640 when the charging valve 522 (boost valve) in the charging line 520 (boost line) is closed; that is, the charging line 520 is blocked for the flow of compressed air (in this case, the auxiliary compressed air DLU) from the compressed air reservoir 660. Likewise, when the charging valve 522 is in the closed position, not only the normal operating mode BM2 but also the energy storage operating mode BM1 can be used, as shown in FIG. 1. 1. It will be explained and implemented.

[0197] In normal operating mode, in addition to the charging valve 522, the valve assembly 640 – in this case, a directly controllable switching valve – is also in a closed position. To prevent feedback of auxiliary compressed air DLU to the compressor of the compressor unit 602, a non-return valve 669, which blocks backflow (i.e., in the flow direction SR2), is pneumatically connected in the main pneumatic line between the compressed air connection 1 and the compressed air supply connection 2, instead of the buffer storage tank 668.

[0198] The previously explained emergency operating mode BM4 can also be implemented with the charging valve 522 closed, i.e., with the charging line 520 disconnected, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0199] For the performance operating mode BM3, based on the second embodiment of system S2 in the form of the cleaning system 800, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to implement sensor cleaning as a kind of boost mode. That is, in contrast to system S1.2 shown in FIG. 2, according to the second variant of the first embodiment (where the support compressed air DLU and the compressed air DL are brought together from different directions in the pneumatic main line at the compressed air supply connection 2), the support compressed air DLU is now supplied in the flow direction SR2 into the charging line 520 with the valve assembly 640 closed and the charging valve 522 open, pulsed depending on the pre-pressure.

[0200] In other words, the pneumatic main line 600 is in this state isolated from the flow of compressed air, in particular from the flow of auxiliary compressed air DLU, due to the closed position of the valve device 640, and the charging line 520 is permeable to the flow of auxiliary compressed air DLU when the charging valve 522 is open.

[0201] The auxiliary compressed air DLU thus reaches the charging inlet at charging port 2.5 of the second stage 606.2 of the two-stage compressor 606 together with the pre-compressed compressed air from the first stage 606.1 of the two-stage compressor 606.

[0202] This means that the compressed air supplied from this boost mode at compressed air connection 1 to compressed air supply connection 2 is already intended for provision in the pressure supply line 610 according to the total delivery quantity and total pressure VG, PG.

[0203] Unlike known variants of boost modes, in this case the pressure sensor 630, which is connected to the control module 700 for signaling purposes, as well as the pressure sensor 640, which is directly connected to the pneumatic main line 600 at pressure sensor connection 2.1 or at pressure sensor connection 2.6, are intended to monitor the boost operation with regard to sensor cleaning, i.e., for the performance operating mode BM3.

[0204] The boost mode can preferably be implemented by sequentially opening and closing the charging valve 522, so that the total pressure PG does not exceed the total delivery quantity VG of compressed air in the system 3 to 5 bar with an available compressed air quantity between 35 l / min and 100 l / min.

[0205] A significantly higher flow rate for emergency operating mode BM4 can, however, be achieved without the boost mode, i.e., with the charging valve 522 closed and the valve device 640 open, (optionally) combined with the activated, compressed air-supplying compressor unit 500. FIG. 9 shows, as system S3.1, a third embodiment of a pneumatic cleaning system 800, in which the compressed air supply system 500 and the pneumatic regulating device together have two compressors, namely a first compressor in the form of the compressor unit 602 described above, for example, consisting of a two-stage compressor 606 within the compressed air supply system 500, and a second compressor in the form of an auxiliary compressor 608 as part of the auxiliary compressed air source or as an alternative to an energy storage device, an auxiliary compressed air source 690.

[0206] The compressors are preferably operable sequentially, but also both simultaneously for operating modes BM3 and BM4. Preferably, the compressor unit 602 is configured with at least the compressor 604, in particular as a multi-compressor unit. The multi-compressor unit can include the support compressor 608. The support compressor 608 can also be provided separately, as shown here. The compressor 604 and the support compressor 608 can be controlled separately or together—in the same way or differently—by the electronic control module 700.

[0207] Particularly preferred are the compressor 604 and the support compressor 608 of identical construction. Particularly preferred are the compressor 604 and the support compressor 608 each two-stage compressor 606, as shown by way of example.

[0208] Both compressors 604 and 608 (hereinafter referred to as first compressor 604, second compressor 608, or main compressor 604 and auxiliary compressor 608) are essentially identical in construction and analogous to each other, and each is pneumatically connected to a main compressed air connection 1.1 or auxiliary compressed air connection 1.2 on the main pneumatic line. Both compressors 604 and 608 are designed as two-stage compressors, each with a first and second stage 606.1 and 606.2, respectively.

[0209] The first and second compressed air connections 1.1, 1.2 are pneumatically decoupled by means of self-opening check valves 669.1, 669.2 in the pneumatic main line 600, which open in the filling direction of the first and second compressor units 604, 608. The self-opening check valves 669.1, 669.2 in the pneumatic main line 600 are configured here as a further preferred option for implementing the valve assembly 640 for the controllable supply of the support compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the support compressed air source 690 or for the controllable supply of the compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the compressed air supply system. The self-opening check valves 669.1, 669.2 are not connected to the electronic control module 700. They therefore provide a self-controlled valve device 640.

[0210] Specifically, the check valve 669.1 is designed as a check valve blocking in SR2 (towards the compressor, i.e. towards the compressor 604) and the check valve 669.2 is designed as a check valve blocking in SR1 (towards the additional compressor, i.e. towards the support compressor 608).

[0211] The check valves 669.1 , 669.2 in the pneumatic main line 600 each flank the pneumatically connected buffer pressure accumulator 668 on one side in the pneumatic main line, which is therefore still arranged in the filling direction upstream of the compressed air supply connection 2 or at the compressed air supply connection 2.

[0212] In the filling direction, downstream in the flow direction of the pressure supply line 610, an extended pneumatic regulating device 400 with a self-regulating proportional valve 647 as a pressure limiting device 650 is further developed, as has already been explained in detail, according to the system S3.2 shown in FIG. 10 according to the second variant of the third embodiment.

[0213] Here too, the first and second compressed air connections 1.1 , 1.2 are pneumatically decoupled in the pneumatic main line 600 via check valves 669.1 , 669.2 which open automatically in the filling direction of the first and second compressor units 604, 608.

[0214] The self-opening check valves 669.1, 669.2 in the pneumatic main line 600 are also designed in the embodiment of FIG. 10 as a further preferred possibility for realizing the valve device 640 for the controllable provision of the support compressed air DLU for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the support compressed air source 690 or for the controllable provision of the compressed air DL for the sensor cleaning system 200 from the compressed air supply system.

[0215] The self-opening check valves 669.1, 669.2 are not connected to the electronic control module 700; they thus provide a self-controlled valve assembly 640. In this embodiment, the electronic control module 700—unlike the embodiment of FIG. 9—is connected to the pneumatic regulating device 400 with the self-regulating proportional valve 647 as a pressure limiting device 650.

[0216] Specifically, the check valve 669.1 is designed as a check valve blocking in SR2 (towards the compressor, i.e. towards the compressor 604) and the check valve 669.2 is designed as a check valve blocking in SR1 (towards the additional compressor, i.e. towards the support compressor 608).

[0217] With regard to the operating modes BM1, BM2 and BM3, BM4 shown in FIG. 12, these are as follows in view of the first and second variants of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9 (System S3.1) and FIG. 10 (System S3.2).

[0218] A total output quantity VG and / or a total pressure PG can be set by means of the compressor unit 602 and / or by means of an auxiliary compressor 608 and / or by means of a valve device 640, in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, preferably by means of an electronic control module 700.

[0219] In energy storage operating mode BM1, the buffer pressure accumulator 668 serves as a pressure accumulator and is filled with compressed air by the first compressor 604, which is already in operation, in the manner already described. A compressor unit 602 is operated to supply the compressed air DL to the auxiliary compressed air source 690, which is designed as a compressed air accumulator 660, in energy storage operating mode BM1.

[0220] For the system S3.1 shown in FIG. 9, compressed air DL with a flow rate VF in the range of 20 l / min to 50 l / min at a filling pressure PF of 5 bar is preferably provided in the energy storage operating mode BM1. Since no pressure limiter unit is downstream of the system S3.1, an overpressure of > 5 bar would be consumed inefficiently by the sensor and cleaning arrangement 300 of the sensor cleaning system 200 (at a required system pressure of -5 bar). High-pressure filling would only be useful for the initial filling of the compressed air storage tank 660 of the support compressed air source 690 in order to extend the initial "range".

[0221] For the system S3.2 shown in FIG. 10, a compressed air DL with a fill quantity VF in a range of 16 l / min to 26 l / min at a fill pressure PF of 18 bar is preferably provided in the energy storage operating mode BM1.

[0222] In normal operating mode BM2, sensor cleaning is operated only with compressed air on the first compressor 604; that is, in a manner known per se, compressed air is supplied at the first compressed air connection 1.1 while the main compressor 604 is operating and fed into the buffer pressure accumulator 668 via the main pneumatic line 600 and from there pneumatically regulated via the pneumatic regulating device 400 and the compressed air supply line 610, supplied to the sensor cleaning system 200.

[0223] In performance operating mode BM3, both the main compressor 604 and the auxiliary compressor 608 can be operated simultaneously, supplying compressed air 1.1 and compressed air 1.2 (compressed air DL and auxiliary compressed air DLU, respectively) via the buffer pressure accumulator 668 to the pressure supply line 610 leading to the sensor cleaning system 200. Preferably, in performance operating mode BM3, compressed air DL and auxiliary compressed air DLU are provided with a total delivery rate VG in the range of 35 l / min to 100 l / min at a total pressure PG of 3 bar to 5 bar.

[0224] This operating mode can also be extended to the emergency operating mode BM4 in order to achieve a relatively high flow rate and pressure amplitude at a comparatively moderate system pressure of 3 to 5 bar, either in the performance operating mode BM3 with a flow rate of 35 l / min to 100 l / min or in the emergency operating mode BM4 with a flow rate above 100 l / min. Preferably, in the emergency operating mode BM4, compressed air DL and auxiliary compressed air DLU with a total delivery rate VG of greater than 100 l / min are provided by the two simultaneously operated compressors 604 and 608 at a total pressure PG of 3 bar to 5 bar. A particularly advantageous feature of the third embodiment is that the buffer pressure accumulator 668 plays a central role in all operating modes and thus serves as a pressure accumulator for auxiliary compressed air DLU.

[0225] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system with certain different operating modes BM1, BM2, and advantageously with certain further different operating modes BM3 and BM4 according to a preferred embodiment. This is explained below together with that of FIG. 12.

[0226] In this regard, it should be noted that, among other things, the pressure sensor 630, described in the previous embodiments, provides an input signal (not shown here) for the ECU or a controller for the cleaning system 800 or the compressed air supply 500; namely, the aforementioned control parameter pressure UP. Based on this, the ECU or a controller for the cleaning system 800 or the compressed air supply 500—shown here generally as the control module 700—issues corresponding control commands to the compressor controller for its operation. The other actuators, such as any additional compressors, as well as the valve and distributor, are also controlled by the ECU. Corresponding control connections, such as lines or interfaces, are not shown here for clarity.

[0227] FIG. 12 shows a diagram with areas to represent the individual operating modes BM1 to BM4 in relation to the axes for a flow rate “Vol. compressed air” in l / min or a pressure amplitude of a pressure P in bar for compressed air in the pressure supply line, that is, corresponding to a total delivery quantity and total pressure VG, PG.

[0228] In addition to the explanations given above, it should be noted that the performance operating mode BM3 also has a lower range BM3.1 with a slightly lower flow rate and an upper range BM3.2, which allows for a somewhat higher flow rate. The boundary between the first and second performance operating modes BM3.1 and BM3.2 is approximately 50 l / min to 75 l / min. This difference has been explained with regard to the first and second variants concerning the first embodiment with respect to system S1.3.1 in FIG. 3 and system S1.3.2 in FIG. 4.

[0229] FIGS. 13A and 13B show optional embodiments for a detailed compressed air supply system 500A, 500B with a compressor unit 602 designed specifically for increased efficiency. FIGS. 13A and 13B are described together here to a large extent, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar features or features of identical or similar function as in the previous embodiments.

[0230] Each of the first and second compressed air supply systems 500A, 500B has a two-stage compressor 606 of the type described above, configured as a compressor unit 602 for compressing supply air ZL to compressed air DL. The corresponding inlets and outlets of the first and second stages 606.1, 606.2 are protected against backflow by non-return valves (shown symbolically and not specified in detail) in the direction of flow.

[0231] The compressed air connection 1 serves to supply compressed air DL, with the desired flow rate and pressure amplitude VF, PF, into the pneumatic main line 600 to a compressed air supply connection 2; in particular, a compressed air supply connection 2 as described in the previously explained embodiments. A previously described pneumatic regulating device 400 and support compressed air source 690 are not shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, which illustrate the compressed air supply systems 500A, 500B; however, they are pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply connection 2 as described in the previously explained embodiments.

[0232] In the pneumatic main line 600 of an embodiment not shown here, an air dryer LT can (but does not have to) be pneumatically connected between the compressed air connection 1 and the compressed air supply connection 2. An air dryer LT is therefore optional. In such an embodiment (not shown here), a vent line would branch off upstream of an air dryer LT, i.e., upstream of the air dryer in the filling direction BF, between the compressed air connection 1 and the air dryer LT to the vent connection 3. In the embodiment shown here, the pneumatic main line 600 does not have an air dryer LT, as is also the case in accordance with the embodiments described above.

[0233] The vent line is traversed in the venting direction EN to a vent connection 3 as soon as a vent valve arrangement 50 is opened. In principle, a directly controllable switching valve, for example a solenoid switching valve as a 2 / 2-way valve, can be arranged in the vent line and controlled by the control module 700.

[0234] A particularly advantageous feature here, for increasing the efficiency of the compressor or similar compressor unit, such as the two-stage compressor 606 shown here, is a preferred pneumatic connection and wiring, which contributes to achieving higher duty cycles and thus protects the compressor.

[0235] As in the previously described embodiments, the first stage 606.1 of the two-stage compressor 606 is connected to each other via a pneumatic compressor line 550. Furthermore, a separate pneumatic line, connected via a switching valve in the form of a compressor valve 560, is provided as a stage line 570. Through this line, the first stage 606.1 can directly supply compressed air from the first stage 606.1 to the main pneumatic line 600, i.e., to the compressed air connection 1. Depending on the switching position of the compressor valve 560, compressed air can thus be supplied to the compressed air connection 1 from the second stage 606.2 via the intermediate line 550 (specifically for high-pressure compression, for example to 10-18 bar). Both compressor stages 606.1 and 606.2 thus function as a series compressor with individual intake via the first stage 606.1.

[0236] However, when the compressor valve 560 is switched, compressed air from the first stage 606.1 can also be fed directly into the subsequent stage line 570, so that compressed air that was only compressed in the first stage 606.1 is available at the compressed air connection 1 via the stage line 570 (namely, in particular for low-pressure compression, for example, to 0-10 bar). Both compressor stages then act as parallel compressors with separate intake and compression.

[0237] Furthermore, the compressor unit 602 provides that a first-stage line 580 from the supply air inlet 0 for the supply air ZL passes through a corresponding filter F to the first stage 606.1 and a second-stage line 590 is then able to supply the second stage

[0238] 606.2 of the compressor 606 to supply with supply air ZL.

[0239] Via the boost functionality B, shown here only symbolically, already compressed air VL from the system - for example in the manner explained according to FIG. 8 from a boost connection 2.2 to the compressor connection 2.5 - can be supplied directly (bypassing the first stage 606.1) to the second stage 606.2 of the two-stage compressor 606.

[0240] At low pressure but relatively high flow rates, for example in the performance operating mode BM3 or the emergency operating mode BM4, the compressor stages are connected in parallel. In this configuration, both the first stage 606.1 and the second stage 606.2 draw air from the supply air connection 0 via the first-stage line 570 and the second-stage line 590, respectively, and supply compressed air to a compressed air connection 1. In the normal operating mode BM2, either the first stage 606.1 or the second stage 606.2 can be used, depending on the switching position of the compressor valve 560, to provide pressure with a low pressure amplitude and a comparatively high volume flow rate. For high pressure requirements (for example, in the energy storage operating mode BM1), the compressor stages are connected in series by actuating the switching valve 560, as the two-stage compression results in higher efficiency at high pressures.

[0241] In contrast to embodiment 500A, the compressor valve 560 of embodiment 500B is designed as a directly electronically controlled 3 / 2-way valve. The 3 / 2-way valve of the first embodiment is designed as a relay valve and switches automatically to a second switching state under pressure control, thus toggling between the activation of both the first and second stages and the operation of only the first stage.

[0242] FIG. 14 shows a vehicle with a pneumatic cleaning system 800 or, better yet, with a distribution network 900 to the pneumatic cleaning system 800 and with a sensor and cleaning arrangement 300 in the vehicle according to the concept of the invention.

[0243] In a sensor and cleaning arrangement 300, a number of corresponding sensor arrangements 301.1, 301.2, etc., are paired with suitable cleaning arrangements 320.1, 320.2, etc. – these combinations each form a sensor and cleaning unit 300.1, 300.2, etc., of the sensor and cleaning arrangement 300. The sensor and cleaning arrangement 300, which has already been schematically shown in the embodiments, is pneumatically connected to a central pneumatic cleaning system 800, which includes the previously described compressor unit 602, the pneumatic regulating device 400, and the auxiliary compressed air source 690.

[0244] Due to the comparatively long paths over which the compressed air is distributed in the vehicle, it is advantageous and sensible to provide corresponding pressure amplitudes for different functionalities and paths, either for a compressed air DL or a support compressed air DLU, alone or in combination, so that sensor cleaning can be reliably successful and the corresponding compressed air DL and support compressed air DLU are instantly available in the appropriate pressure amplitudes and quantities.

[0245] List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0246] 1 compressed air connection

[0247] 1.1 Main compressed air connection

[0248] 1.2 Support compressed air connection

[0249] 2 compressed air supply connections

[0250] 2.1 Sensor connection

[0251] 2.2 First bypass port or boost port

[0252] 2.3 Second bypass connection

[0253] 2.4 Control pressure connection, B

[0254] 2.5 Compressor connection

[0255] 2.6 Pressure sensor connection

[0256] 2.7 Memory connection

[0257] 0, 3 Supply air connection, exhaust air connection

[0258] F Filter

[0259] 50 Venting valve arrangement

[0260] 100 Sensor cleaning device

[0261] 200 Sensor cleaning system

[0262] 300 sensor and cleaning arrangement

[0263] 301 Sensor arrangement

[0264] 320 Cleaning order

[0265] 400 pneumatic regulating devices

[0266] 500, 500A, 500B Compressed air supply system

[0267] 510 Bypass line

[0268] 520 charging cable

[0269] 522 Charging valve

[0270] 550 pneumatic compressor line

[0271] 560 Compressor valve, switching valve

[0272] 570 step line

[0273] 580 First-level management

[0274] 590 Second-stage line 600 Pneumatic main line

[0275] 602 compressor unit

[0276] 604 compressors

[0277] 604.2 Compressor output

[0278] 606 compressors, two-stage

[0279] 606.1, 606.2 first, second compressor stage

[0280] 607 Charging input

[0281] 608 Support compressors

[0282] 608.2 Support compressor output

[0283] 610 Pressure supply line

[0284] 620 storage line

[0285] 630, 631, 632 Compressed air sensor, at sensor connection 2.1 of the pneumatic main line

[0286] 600 or at pressure sensor connection 2.6 of a compressed air reservoir 660

[0287] 640 Valve assembly, directly or indirectly controllable valve unit

[0288] 642; 644 Switching valve, solenoid valve

[0289] 646; 647 Proportional valve

[0290] 648 Control pressure line

[0291] 650 Pressure limiter device

[0292] 651 adjustable throttle

[0293] 652 Barrier line

[0294] 653 Check valve of the regulating device

[0295] 654 Pressure regulating line

[0296] 655 Throttle

[0297] 660 compressed air reservoirs

[0298] 668 buffer storage

[0299] 669, 669.1 in SR2 (towards the compressor) blocking check valve

[0300] 669.2 in SR1 (towards the additional compressor) blocking check valve

[0301] 680 indulgence

[0302] 690 Support compressed air source

[0303] ZL supply air

[0304] VL compressed air from the system DL compressed air

[0305] DLU Support Compressed Air

[0306] LT air dryer

[0307] M Motor

[0308] NW2 nominal diameter

[0309] NW1 nominal diameter

[0310] SR1 first flow direction, filling direction

[0311] SR2 second flow direction, venting direction EN

[0312] PS Storage pressure

[0313] 604.2 Compressor output

[0314] BU support condition

[0315] BM1 Energy Storage Operating Mode

[0316] BM2 Normal operating mode

[0317] BM3 Performance Operating Mode

[0318] BM3.1 first performance operating mode

[0319] BM3.2 second power operating mode

[0320] BM4 Emergency Operating Mode

[0321] PV supply pressure

[0322] VG Total Delivery Quantity

[0323] PG Total Pressure

[0324] VF Fill quantity

[0325] PF filling pressure, compaction pressure

[0326] UP, U1P, U2P control parameters pressure

[0327] P pressure value

[0328] U voltage

[0329] 700 control module

[0330] 800 Pneumatic Cleaning System

[0331] 900 distribution network with pneumatic cleaning system 800 and with sensor and cleaning arrangement 300

[0332] 1000, 1002, 1004 Vehicle, commercial vehicle, passenger car

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) comprising a compressed air supply system (500) and a sensor cleaning system (200) with at least one sensor cleaning device (100) and comprising an electronic control module (700), wherein - the sensor cleaning system (200) comprises at least one sensor cleaning device (100) and the compressed air supply system (500) is configured to provide compressed air (DL) at a pneumatic main line (600) and to provide the compressed air (DL) for the sensor cleaning system (200) via a pressure supply line (610), in particular wherein the pressure supply line (610) is pneumatically connected to the pneumatic main line (600), wherein the compressed air supply system (500) further comprises: a compressor unit (602) pneumatically connected to the pneumatic main line (600), configured to provide the compressed air (DL) for the sensor cleaning system (200) via the pressure supply line (610), an auxiliary compressed air source (690), in particular wherein the compressed air (DL) is provided only for the sensor cleaning system (200) and the auxiliary compressed air source (690),wherein the support compressed air source (690) has a compressed air reservoir (660) and / or a support compressor (608), wherein the support compressed air source (690) is controllable by the electronic control module (700) and is configured to provide support compressed air (DLU) for the sensor cleaning system (200), and the electronic control module (700) is configured to control the support compressed air source (690) and the compressor unit (602) for the controllable provision of support compressed air (DLU) and / or compressed air (DL) for the sensor cleaning system (200) from the support compressed air source (690) and / or the compressor unit (602), - which can optionally be pneumatically connected to the compressor unit (602) via the pressure supply line (610): - in a first operating mode only the support compressed air source (690), or - in a second operating mode, the auxiliary compressed air source (690) and the compressor unit (602), and - a pneumatic regulating device (400) for regulating the compressed air flow during the provision of the support compressed air (DLU) or the support compressed air (DLU) and the compressed air (DL) to the sensor cleaning device (100).

2. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to claim 1, characterized in that a valve device (640), in particular connected to the electronic control module (700), is designed for the controllable provision of the support compressed air (DLU) for the sensor cleaning system (200) from the support compressed air source (690).

3. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure supply line (610) is pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line (600) and the pneumatic regulating device (400) is pneumatically connected in or to the main pneumatic line (600) or the pressure supply line (610).

4. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the pneumatic regulating device (400) for regulating the compressed air flow to the sensor cleaning device (100) when providing the support compressed air (DLU) and / or compressed air (DL) is designed as a pneumatic device for active or passive pressure regulation, in particular pressure monitoring and / or pressure control, and / or - the pneumatic regulating device (400) for regulating the compressed air flow comprises one or more of the units selected from the group of pneumatic devices consisting of: - a buffer storage (668), - a pressure sensor (630), - a valve assembly (640) comprising a directional control valve in the form of a first and / or second solenoid valve (642, 644), - a pressure limiting device (650), in particular comprising a throttle (655) and / or a check valve (653), - a proportional valve (647).

5. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to claim 4, characterized in that the compressed air storage tank (660) and the compressor unit (602) are pneumatically connected in a pneumatic parallel circuit to the pressure supply line (610), in particular via the main pneumatic line (600), for providing compressed air (DL).

6. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve assembly (640), in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, has a first switching valve in the form of a solenoid valve (642), which is configured to pneumatically connect the compressed air reservoir (660) to the pressure supply line (610) in a controllable manner, and / or the valve assembly (640), in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, has a second switching valve in the form of a solenoid valve (644), which is configured to pneumatically connect the compressed air reservoir (660) to the pressure supply line (610) in a controllable manner.

7. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second solenoid valve (644) is pneumatically connected in a pneumatic bypass line (510) which is arranged in parallel to the first solenoid valve (642) in a switchable manner.

8. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second solenoid valve (644) is pneumatically connected in the pressure supply line (610) such that it is arranged in series with the first solenoid valve (642) in a switchable manner.

9. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure limiting device (650) of the pneumatic regulating device (800) is pneumatically connected between the compressed air reservoir (660) and the pressure supply line (610), preferably pneumatically connected between the valve device (640), in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, and the pressure supply line (610), and - the pressure limiting device (650) is effective in a second flow direction (SR2) from the compressed air reservoir (660) to the pressure supply line (610).

10. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure limiting device (650) of the pneumatic regulating device (800) is pneumatically arranged between the compressed air reservoir (660) and the pressure supply line (610), preferably pneumatically arranged between the valve device (640), in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, and the pressure supply line (610), or the pressure limiting device (650) is arranged in the pressure supply line (610).

11. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the valve assembly (640), in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, comprises a proportional valve (646) of the pneumatic regulating device (400), preferably a magnetic proportional valve (646) or an electric proportional valve (647).

12. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pneumatic regulating device (400) comprises a pressure sensor (630) which is preferably pneumatically connected to the pressure line (610) or the pneumatic main line (600) for determining a pressure (P), and is in particular arranged and designed for determining a storage pressure (PS) in the compressed air storage tank (660) or buffer storage tank (668).

13. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressor unit (602) has a two-stage compressor (606) with a first compressor stage (606.1) and a second compressor stage (606.2), wherein the second compressor stage (606.2) has a charging inlet (607) which can be pneumatically connected to the auxiliary compressed air source (690), preferably the compressed air reservoir (660), by means of a charging line (520).

14. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support compressed air source (690) comprises only one support compressor (608).

15. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed air supply system (500) has a buffer pressure accumulator (668) which is pneumatically connected to a compressor outlet (604.2) of the compressor (604) and pneumatically to the pressure supply line (610), and preferably to an auxiliary compressor outlet (608.2) of the auxiliary compressor (608).

16. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed air supply system (500) in the pressure supply line (610), between the buffer pressure accumulator (668) and the sensor cleaning system (200), comprises a valve device (640), in particular a directly or indirectly controllable valve unit, with a proportional valve (646).

17. Pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressor unit (602) has a two-stage compressor (606) with a first compressor stage (606.1) and a second compressor stage (606.2), wherein the second compressor stage (606.2) has a charging inlet (607) which can be pneumatically connected to the auxiliary compressed air source (690), preferably the compressed air reservoir (660), by means of a charging line (520).

18. Vehicle (1000), in particular commercial vehicle (1002) or passenger car (1004), comprising a distribution network (900) with a sensor and cleaning arrangement (300) and a pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Method for operating a pneumatic cleaning system (800) according to one of claims 1 to 17, namely comprising a compressed air supply system (500) and a sensor cleaning system (200) with at least one sensor cleaning device (100) and an electronic control module (700), in particular with a distribution network (900) with a sensor and cleaning arrangement (300) and the pneumatic cleaning system (800) wherein the method comprises the steps: Operating a compressor unit (602) to supply compressed air (DL) to a pneumatic main line (600) (BM1), Operating a compressor unit (602) to supply compressed air (DL) at a pressure supply line (610) (BM2), in particular wherein the pressure supply line (610) is pneumatically connected to the main pneumatic line (600), and / or Operating an auxiliary compressed air source (690) to provide auxiliary compressed air (APU) at the pressure supply line (610) when an auxiliary condition (AC) is met, preferably in a power operating mode (BM3) or an emergency operating mode (BM4), wherein - in a first operating mode only the support compressed air source (690) is operated, or - in a second operating mode the support compressed air source (690) and the compressor unit (602) are operated.

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