DE102020121449A1 - Cleaning system for sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system 2 for sensors with a pressure system 1 which has a container 10 for receiving a gas phase and a liquid phase. A gas pump 20; 22 pumps gas into the container 10 to increase an overall pressure in the container. Gas can flow out of the container through a valve 30 arranged on the gas side when the valve 30 is opened. Liquid can flow out of the container through a valve 32 arranged on the liquid side when the valve 32 is opened. An ECU 12 can independently open and close both valves 30, 32 to allow gas flow, liquid flow, or gas and liquid flow.

Description

The present invention relates to a pressure system for a cleaning system for sensors on a means of transport or a supply system for autonomous sensor cleaning, a cleaning system for the sensors, a method for generating pressure, a method for operating the cleaning system, use of the cleaning system and the method for operating the cleaning system and a pressure generating device.

Sensors on means of locomotion, such as on vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicles, robots, spaceships or the like, nowadays fulfill a variety of tasks. In the case of sensors in particular, which are associated with safety-relevant functions, unrestricted function can prevent major damage to property or damage to health. Such a limitation can be a contamination for optical sensors and lead to a significant degradation in performance. Consequently, it makes sense to remove this dirt.

The Patent Disclosure U.S. 2018/0370498 A1 discloses a cleaning system for sensors. A pump pumps a liquid into a cylinder to move a piston, compressing and pressurizing the gas in the piston. Now when a valve is opened, the gas can flow through a pipe to a nozzle aimed at a sensor to clean it. To return the piston to its home position in the cylinder, the pump pumps the fluid back into a fluid reservoir. The piston now moves back to its starting position in the cylinder and new gas is sucked in. Consequently, reloading the gas in the cylinder takes a certain amount of time, since the liquid first has to be pumped back into the container. Continuous operation is therefore not possible. Furthermore, stubborn dirt may remain on the sensor, since pure air is not sufficient for cleaning.

The Patent Disclosure DE 10 2017 223 393 A1 also discloses a cleaning system for an optical sensor. This cleaning system has two pumps, one pump being for pumping a cleaning liquid and the other pump being for pumping air. Thus, the optical sensor can be cleaned by air, by liquid, and by a mixture thereof. In order to be able to use this system, however, two different pumps must be provided in the vehicle, which on the one hand can be difficult for reasons of space and on the other hand increases costs.

The Patent Disclosure DE 10 2012 218 583 A1 discloses a cleaning system for a camera in which a pump pumps air through a duct which then exits through a nozzle. There is a water supply line at the front of the nozzle, with which water can be added to the air flow by opening the valve. Cleaning with just water is not intended.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure system for a sensor cleaning system which overcomes the above problems and is also inexpensive.

This problem is solved by the pressure system for a cleaning system for sensors according to the main claim, dependent claims showing further developments according to the invention and subordinate claims showing further aspects according to the invention.

• einen Behälter, der konfiguriert ist, um mit einem Gas und wenigstens einer Flüssigkeit befüllt zu werden,
• ein erstes Ventil, das mit einem Inneren des Behälters und einer Umgebung verbunden ist und konfiguriert ist, um im Ansprechen auf ein Öffnungssignal das Gas aus dem Behälter strömen zu lassen,
• eine Pumpe, die geeignet ist, einen Druck im Behälter zu erhöhen, und

eine Steuerungseinrichtung, die konfiguriert ist, um die Pumpe im Ansprechen auf ein Anforderungssignal zu betreiben und um im Ansprechen auf eine Öffnungsanweisung Signale an das erste Ventil zu senden, um dieses zu öffnen und/oder zu schließen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Drucksystem aufweist:

• ein zweites Ventil, das mit dem Inneren des Behälters und einer Umgebung verbunden ist und konfiguriert ist, um im Ansprechen auf ein Signal die Flüssigkeit aus dem Behälter strömen zu lassen, wobei
• die Steuerungseinrichtung ferner konfiguriert ist, um im Ansprechen auf eine Öffnungsanweisung Signale an das zweite Ventil zu senden, damit dieses unabhängig vom ersten Ventil öffnet und schließt,
• wobei die Pumpe eine Gaspumpe ist, um den Druck im Behälter zu erhöhen, und so einen druckbehafteten Strom von Gas und einen druckbehafteten Strom von Flüssigkeit aus den Ventilen des Behälters hinaus ermöglicht.

The above-mentioned pressure system for a cleaning system for sensors on a means of transport, in particular a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicle, robot, spaceship or the like, for detecting environmental information has:

• a container configured to be filled with a gas and at least one liquid,
• a first valve connected to an interior of the canister and an environment and configured to vent the gas from the canister in response to an opening signal,
• a pump capable of increasing a pressure in the container, and

a controller configured to operate the pump in response to a demand signal and to send signals to the first valve to open and/or close in response to an opening command, characterized in that the pressure system comprises:

• a second valve connected to the interior of the container and an environment and configured to flow the liquid from the container in response to a signal, wherein
• the control device is further configured to send signals to the second valve in response to an opening instruction so that it opens and closes independently of the first valve,
• the pump being a gas pump to increase the pressure in the vessel to allow pressurized flow of gas and pressurized flow of liquid out of the valves of the vessel.

This invention provides for the first time that a pressure is generated in a container with a gas and liquid phase by a gas pump.

Generating the pressure in the container using the gas pump offers the advantage that only one gas pump is required in order to be able to operate the pressure system. The pressure system is therefore on the one hand inexpensive and low-maintenance, since only one pump has to be installed, which only has to be suitable for pumping the gas. On the other hand, the structure of the system is simple. You only need supply lines for one pump, e.g. for electricity, control signals, etc. In addition, only one supply line is required from one pump to the container, through which the gas is pumped.

The invention also provides for the first time that a second valve for the outflow of liquid is attached to the container, which contains both gas and liquid, in combination with a first valve for the outflow of gas. Furthermore, the invention provides for the first time a control device that can open and close both valves, as described above, independently of one another.

By this combination of the valves together with the control means it is possible to let a flow of gas, a flow of liquid or a flow of gas and liquid flow out of the container. Consequently, it is possible to let different streams or mixtures thereof flow out of one container by opening the valves.

Together with the gas pump, the result is that liquid, gas and liquid-gas streams can already flow out of the container with a simple pump.

In a first embodiment, the first valve is connected to the container on the gas side and the second valve is connected to the container on the liquid side.

The first embodiment specifies the location of the valves on the container. It is advantageous to attach the valves to the container as described to ensure that gas will flow out when the first valve is opened and liquid will flow out when the second valve is opened.

In a second embodiment, the control device can influence the gas/liquid ratio during outflow by the degree of opening of the first valve and the second valve, and adjust the gas/liquid ratio depending on the opening instruction.

By controlling the degree of opening of the valves, a certain mixture of liquid and gas can flow out of the container. For example, pure liquid can be used for cleaning, and a mixture of gas and liquid can be advantageous for dust removal, with only gas being required for drying. The degrees of opening of the valves can therefore be specifically adapted depending on the application or requirement.

In a third embodiment, the pressure system further includes a pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure within the container.

In order to reach a certain pressure without the pressure sensor, it is possible that the pump is operated for a certain time. This time can be determined in advance by experiments or by calculations. If valves were or are open and the pressure in the container thus drops, the pump can be operated again for a second specific time in order to increase the pressure in the container or to keep it constant. In this case, the second specific time can be determined in advance by experiments, by calculations or by a characteristic map that associates valve opening durations and valve opening degrees with pump operating durations, with valve opening durations and pump operating durations and thus indirectly a flow from the valves being able to be included in the calculation.

The third embodiment enables the pressure in the container to be measured. In this way, the pump service life can be set as a function of the pressure that is detected by the pressure sensor. This type of pump control offers the advantage that the pump can be controlled more easily and thus less computing power or storage capacity of a memory of the control device is required. In addition, an unforeseen event, such as a low liquid level in the container, can be inferred from the change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

In a specification of the third embodiment, in response to the demand signal, the controller operates the pump to pressurize the gas in the container and, when the sensor detects a predetermined pressure in the container, the controller opens direction depending on the opening instruction at least one of the valves.

While it is envisaged that a pressure will be maintained within the container during operation, it is also possible for the container to be at ambient pressure internally without a request signal having been received. Due to this condition, that there is an ambient pressure inside the container without a request signal, a possible expansion of the container is avoided or a pressure loss due to an undesired outflow of gas or liquid due to a material defect can be avoided.

In a fourth embodiment, the pump is provided inside the container on the liquid side, and the pumped gas is sucked from the outside by the pump.

By positioning the pump in the liquid-side area of the container, waste heat generated by the pump can be released directly to the liquid. Cooling of the pump is therefore not required, which saves costs. Furthermore, noise generated by pumping the gas is muffled by the liquid surrounding the pump. A volume of the printing system can thus be reduced, which increases the comfort or well-being of people in the vicinity.

In a fifth embodiment of the pressure system, gas and liquid in the container can be heated by a heat radiating device that radiates heat in response to an instruction, or by waste heat from the pump.

In case the pressure system is mounted in e.g. Heating the gas and/or the liquid makes it possible to clean these sensors and bring them into an operational state. Furthermore, freezing of the valves and any other lines is avoided. Even outside of a cold environment, it can have a positive effect on the cleaning performance of the overall system if the gas and/or liquid is heated before it flows out.

In a sixth embodiment, the container has a separating device, with gas and liquid being separated from one another in a liquid-impermeable manner by the separating device.

A liquid-impermeable separating device offers the advantage that an area, in particular for the liquid, is limited. If the gas pump now pumps gas into the container, it is ensured that there is also a certain amount of space available for the gas. Furthermore, the positioning of the valves is easy if the gas area is clearly delimited at the maximum liquid level. The demarcation is provided by the liquid impervious property of the separator.

In a seventh embodiment, the liquid is a first liquid and the printing system includes a second liquid different from the first liquid, a second separator which is liquid impermeable and which separates the second liquid from at least the first liquid, such a portion of the second liquid is formed, and a third valve disposed at the second liquid portion of the container and configured to direct the second liquid from the container, wherein the controller is operable to signal the third valve in accordance with the opening instruction , so that the third valve can open independently of the first and second valve.

A second liquid increases the range of application of the pressure system. For example, it becomes possible to use different detergents to remove different contaminants in one system, where the detergents cannot mix in the tank. It is also possible, for example, for the first liquid to be a cleaning agent and the second liquid to be a preservative, in order to prevent a sensor from becoming soiled after cleaning and subsequent preservation with a preservative.

A second aspect relates to a cleaning system for sensors on the means of transport, the cleaning system comprising a pressure system according to any one of the preceding claims, sensors for detecting environmental information, nozzles pointing in the direction of the sensors, and line elements which are configured to remove the gas and /or directing at least one liquid to the nozzles, wherein the control device of the pressure system can send signals to the valves so that they open in order to let the gas and/or at least one liquid flow through the line elements from the nozzles onto the sensors to clean them of foreign matter or liquids.

The cleaning system has all the advantages that result from the pressure system. It shows how the printing system is designed in the application and thus illustrates a together hang between the pressure system for a cleaning system and a cleaning system.

1. a) Empfangen eines Anforderungssignals von der Steuerungseinrichtung, und
2. b) Erhöhen des Drucks im Behälter durch die Gaspumpe.

A third aspect relates to a method for generating pressure in a printing system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, which has the following steps:

1. a) receiving a request signal from the controller, and
2. b) increasing the pressure in the container by the gas pump.

Opening the valves then results in a flow of gas and/or a liquid from the container when the system is at a higher pressure than the area behind the valve. The third aspect of the present invention shows how the gas pump can increase the pressure in the system in response to a demand signal from the controller.

1. a) Betreiben einer Pumpe, um einen Druck in einem Behälter auf einen vorbestimmten Druck zu erhöhen,
2. b) Empfangen einer Öffnungsanweisung, die Öffnungsinformationen enthält, die Öffnungsgrade und Öffnungsdauern von Ventilen enthalten,
3. c) Öffnen von jeweiligen Ventilen in Übereinstimmung mit den Öffnungsinformationen, so dass ein in den Öffnungsinformationen bestimmtes Gas-Flüssigkeits-Gemisch aus Düsen auf die Sensoren strömen kann, und
4. d) Schließen des jeweiligen Ventils nach Erreichen der Öffnungsdauer, wobei die Pumpe aus Schritt a) eine Gaspumpe ist, die Gas pumpt, um den Gesamtdruck

im Behälter zu erhöhen.A fourth aspect relates to a method for operating the cleaning system of the second aspect of the invention, the method having the following steps:

1. a) operating a pump to increase a pressure in a container to a predetermined pressure,
2. b) receiving an opening instruction containing opening information including opening degrees and opening durations of valves,
3. c) opening respective valves in accordance with the opening information so that a gas-liquid mixture specified in the opening information can flow from nozzles onto the sensors, and
4. d) Closing the respective valve after the opening duration has been reached, the pump from step a) being a gas pump which pumps gas to the total pressure

increase in the container.

The fourth aspect shows how the cleaning system of the third aspect is operated. In the method for operating the cleaning system, the advantage again becomes clear that gas, liquid or a mixture of both can flow out using only one pump.

In a first embodiment of the fourth aspect, step a) of the fourth aspect may be performed after step b) and the pressure build-up in step a) may be limited such that the container is at ambient pressure after step d).

The first embodiment of the fourth aspect shows operating the printing system according to the specification of the third embodiment of the printing system.

A fifth aspect relates to using the cleaning system according to the second aspect and the method according to the fourth aspect for cleaning sensors on a means of transportation, in particular a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicle, robot, spaceship or the like.

A sixth aspect relates to a pressure generating device that includes a container that contains gas and liquid, a first valve that is connected to a gas-side interior of the container and an environment, a pump that is connected to the container interior, and a control device that is at least is connected to the first valve and the pump, characterized in that the pressure generating device further comprises a second valve which is connected to a liquid-side interior of the container and an environment, wherein the control device is further connected to the second valve, and the pump is a gas pump.

Elements of different aspects or embodiments can be combined arbitrarily as long as there is no technical reason to prevent the combination. It is also noted that the terms used or examples given are not meant to be limiting, which also does not exclude other examples not given. Furthermore, elements common to multiple embodiments or aspects may have the same specifications and/or variations.

For example, the vehicle may be a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicle, robot, or spacecraft, but the sensor may be attached to other devices that have optical sensors and are capable of containing the pressure system.

The gas can be filtered or unfiltered air drawn in from outside, but the air can also be carried in a tank. The gas can also be another gaseous medium. For example, in some applications it may make sense to use carbon dioxide or another gas. The liquid can be water, but it can also be a detergent or a mixture of water and a detergent or a mixture of water and another liquid or detergent and another liquid.

The first and second valves can be any valves capable of opening and closing in response to an open signal. The opening signal can be sent automatically by a central control device, for example a vehicle, but can also be triggered by an input, for example from an occupant of a vehicle. In addition, the opening signal can be sent by a central control device, for example a vehicle, at specific time intervals in order to ensure unrestricted functioning of the sensor.

The pump is operated to build up the pressure in the container. The request signal for operating the pump can come from a central control device, for example a vehicle, can be triggered by an internal clock, or can be a manual input. The pump is a gas pump that pumps the gas.

The controller may be a single controller, but the control operations may also be performed by a central controller, such as a vehicle.

The degree of opening of the valves can be between 0% and 100%. That is, it is possible that at 100% respective valves are fully open, that one valve is 50% open and another valve is 100% open, or that only one valve is 50% open and another valve is closed is. The opening degrees of the first valve and the second valve may be different from each other or the same. The degree of opening of the valves can be 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 80% or 90%. The degrees of openness recited herein are not limiting and all intervals between the degrees of openness recited are inclusive.

The various degrees of valve opening are achieved, for example, by adjusting the opening width of a valve. The control for opening a valve to a specific degree of opening can be designed in different ways. For example, an analog or digital signal can cause a valve to open. The valve opening can be controlled via a type of control in which, for example, a signal is modulated by means of PWM or pulse width modulation or pulse width modulation or a different duty cycle is set.

The pressure sensor can be any sensor that can detect a total pressure or a pressure change. The pressure sensor can be, for example, a sensor that uses the piezoresistive effect or the piezoelectric effect. Further examples are a pressure sensor with a Hall element, a capacitive pressure sensor or an inductive pressure sensor. A plurality of pressure sensors is also possible. In this case, for example, a pressure sensor can detect a total pressure in the container and another pressure sensor can detect a pressure change in the pressure in the container.

The predetermined pressure in the specification according to the third embodiment may be a preset constant pressure, or may be set depending on the demand signal.

The gas drawn in by the pump may be air as described above. In the case of air, the air can be drawn in from an environment, for example the environment of a vehicle, and a filter can be provided for filtering particles from the drawn-in air. If the sucked gas is not air, "outside" can also be understood to mean outside the pressure system and the gas can be sucked from another container, such as a gas cylinder or similar.

The heat-radiating device can be arranged on the liquid side, but can also be arranged on the gas side. The type of heat-radiating device is not limited here. If waste heat from the pump is to heat gas and liquid, the waste heat can be supplied via the supplied air, via contact with the container or via the positioning of the pump in the container, as described in the fifth embodiment.

The separator can be any form of separator as long as it is liquid impervious. This can be a flexible membrane, a solid structure or the like. The design of the separating device as a membrane has the advantage, among other things, that the membrane can deform if necessary when the liquid level in the container is low, when gas is pumped into the container. Since there are no moving parts in the system, sealing is easy. Forming the separating device as a solid structure, such as a piston, would be mechanically more stable, but requires a complex seal between the piston and the container. Furthermore, the separating device can enable a connection to the outside, so that the liquid can be refilled. The separator can be gas permeable. If the liquid level in the container then drops, the gas can also penetrate through the separating device. The pressure in the container can therefore continue to be increased with the same positioning of the separating device.

When selecting the second liquid, the same extensive selection options result as for the first liquid, but the second liquid differs from the first liquid. So it can be a cleaning agent or water or something similar. The second separator is configured like the first separator and is liquid impervious. The second separating device can also be gas-permeable. The area of the second liquid can be located anywhere in the container. For example, it can be formed on the liquid side or border on the gas and the first liquid. The second separating device can enable a connection to the outside, so that the second liquid can be refilled.

The sensors described in the second aspect can be of different types. The sensors should be able to capture environmental information such as pressure, temperature, humidity or light. However, they can also emit a signal and detect a reflection, which is then evaluated, as is the case with ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors or the like, for example.

The nozzles of the second aspect can be fixed shape nozzles but can also be variable area nozzles so that they can be adapted to the application. Furthermore, the orientation of the nozzles can be variable, so that it is possible to flow or spray different sensors with just one nozzle.

The line elements can be hoses or rigid pipes. They must be able to direct gas and liquid to a specific location while being as tight as possible. Furthermore, they should have sufficient resistance to stretching so that the flow under pressure cannot or only slightly expand the line element and the pressure remains and damage to the line element is avoided.

• 1 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Drucksystems nach dem Hauptanspruch.
• 2 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Drucksystems nach der dritten Ausführungsform.
• 3 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Drucksystems nach der vierten Ausführungsform.
• 4 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Drucksystems nach der fünften Ausführungsform.
• 5 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Drucksystems nach der sechsten Ausführungsform.
• 6 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Drucksystems nach der siebten Ausführungsform.
• 7 zeigt ein Schaubild eines Reinigungssystems nach einem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung.
• 8 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines dritten Aspekts der Erfindung.
• 9 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines vierten Aspekts der Erfindung.
• 10 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm einer ersten Ausführungsform des vierten Aspekts der Erfindung.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawing.

• 1 shows a diagram of a printing system according to the main claim.
• 2 Fig. 12 shows a diagram of a printing system according to the third embodiment.
• 3 Fig. 12 shows a diagram of a printing system according to the fourth embodiment.
• 4 Fig. 12 shows a diagram of a printing system according to the fifth embodiment.
• 5 Fig. 12 shows a diagram of a printing system according to the sixth embodiment.
• 6 12 is a diagram of a printing system according to the seventh embodiment.
• 7 Figure 12 shows a diagram of a cleaning system according to a second aspect of the invention.
• 8th Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a third aspect of the invention.
• 9 Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a fourth aspect of the invention.
• 10 Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a first embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention.

It should be noted that in different embodiments only different components are described, the starting point of each embodiment being the printing system 1 from 1 is.

1 shows a printing system 1. This printing system 1 has a container 10 which is suitable for being filled with gas and liquid. A gas pump 20 is attached to the container 10 and is capable of pumping gas into the container 10 . Preferably, the gas is pumped into an upper region of the container 10 (hereinafter referred to as "gas side"). Furthermore, two valves 30, 32 are attached to the container 10. The first valve 30 is attached so as to communicate with an interior of the container and an environment. The second valve 32 is attached to communicate with an interior of the container and an environment.

Furthermore, the printing system 1 has a control device 12 (also called “ECU”), which is connected both to the pump and to the two valves 30, 32.

The controller 12 is able to send a request signal to the gas pump 20 . This signal causes the gas pump 20 to pump a gas into the container to increase a pressure in the container. As the gas pressure in the container 10 increases, the pressure of the liquid also increases and hence the overall pressure in the container 10.

Furthermore, the control device 12 is able to send an opening signal to the valves 30, 32. This opening signal contains information about an opening and a closing of the respective valve 30, 32. The valves 30, 32 can in response open and close independently of each other in response to the opening signal.

Opening the first valve 30 allows a gas in the container 10 to flow through the first valve 30 . By closing the first valve 30, the flow of gas from the container 10 is inhibited. Similarly, opening the second valve 32 allows liquid to flow from the container 10 through the second valve 32 . Closing will impede the flow of liquid.

In 1 the second embodiment of the printing system is also visible. In the second embodiment, the position of the first valve 30 is gas side and that of the second valve 32 is liquid side. This positioning of the valves additionally ensures that gas flows out of the container when the first valve 30 opens and liquid flows out of the container when the second valve 32 opens.

The second embodiment specifies the control of the ECU 12. The ECU 12 is not only capable of controlling the opening and closing of the valves 30, 32, but can also control the opening degree of each valve. The valves can be controlled, for example, via PWM control. Thus, the valves 30, 32 can be controlled independently with different degrees of opening between 0% and 100%.

2 Fig. 12 shows a printing system of the third embodiment. the end 2 it can be seen that there is a pressure sensor 14 in the container. This pressure sensor 14 detects the pressure in the container 10. The pressure sensor 14 is connected to the control device 12. The control device 12 can thus receive, read out or query the pressure in the container 10 from the pressure sensor 14 . Among other things, this allows the pump operation to be controlled depending on the pressure in the container 10.

How out 3 shows, a gas pump 22 is arranged in the container 10 . Like the gas pump 20, the gas pump 22 pumps a gas into the container 10 and thus increases the pressure in the container. The gas pump 22 is connected to an atmosphere through the container wall and thus introduces gas from the outside of the container 10 .

4 Fig. 12 shows the printing system according to the fifth embodiment. In the container 10 a heater 16 is arranged. The heater 16 can be provided on the gas side or on the liquid side. The heater 16 is connected to and controlled by the ECU 12 .

5 Fig. 12 shows the printing system according to the sixth embodiment. The container 10 has a separating device 40. This is 5 represented by a dashed line. The separator 40 is liquid impervious. The separating device 40 is arranged in such a way that there is sufficient space for liquid below the separating device 40 . In order to fill liquid that is to be present below the separator 40 into the container 10, the separator 40 has a filling mechanism (not shown) via which liquid can be filled. However, the filling mechanism can also be located on the side of the container or on the floor. It only has to be designed in such a way that it is possible to fill in or fill up a liquid.

6 12 shows a second separating device 42 which separates a region of a second liquid from at least a region of the first liquid. The second separator 42 is liquid impervious. In the region of a second liquid is a second liquid different from the first liquid.

Furthermore, in 6 a third valve 34 is shown. The third valve 34 is connected to the ECU 12 and located at the second liquid portion. When the third valve 34 is opened by an opening instruction from the ECU 12, the second liquid can flow out of the container 10. In addition, the ECU 12 may close the third valve 34 . The ECU 12 can control all the valves 30, 32, 34 independently of one another, ie open and close them to a certain degree of opening.

7 Figure 1 shows the cleaning system 2 according to the second aspect of the invention. In addition to the printing system 1 of one of the embodiments of the printing system, the cleaning system has nozzles 50 and sensors 52 . The nozzles 50 are connected to line elements 54 in which the streams of the at least one valve 30, 32, 34 converge. The nozzles 50 are suitable for directing the stream, which flows through the line elements 54 as a result of the opening of the at least one valve 30, 32, 34, onto the sensors 52 and thus freeing them of dirt or the like.

8th FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a method for generating pressure in a printing system according to one embodiment of the printing system. The procedure of 8th corresponds to the third aspect of the invention. After the process is started, a request signal is received from the ECU 12 in step S80. In response to this request signal, the ECU 12 controls the pump so that a pumping operation increases the pressure in the tank 10 in step S82.

9 Figure 12 shows a flow chart showing a method of operating the cleaning system 2 according to the second aspect of the invention. The procedure of 9 corresponds to the fourth aspect of the invention. After the process is started, the pump is operated to increase the pressure in the container 10 in step S90. An opening instruction is received from the ECU 12 in step S92. The opening instruction contains opening information that contains, among other things, the degree of opening and the opening duration of at least one valve 30, 32, 34.

In response to receiving the opening information, the ECU 12 sends opening signals to the respective valve so that at least one of the valves 30, 32, 34 is opened in step S94. In step S96, after the opening duration has been reached, the at least one open valve 30, 32, 34 is closed. After all valves are closed, the process is finished.

10 shows a flowchart showing a variation of the method shown in 9 is shown, shows. Here, step S100 corresponds to step S92, and step S102 corresponds to step S90. In step S100, an open instruction is received. Based on this opening instruction, the pressure in the container 10 required for the commanded flow of gas and/or liquid can be calculated by the ECU 12 or the pressure in the container 10 required for the commanded flow of gas and/or liquid is contained in the opening command as information . Subsequently, in step S102, the pump 20; 22 is operated in such a way that a pressure in the container 10 required for the commanded flow of gas and/or liquid is achieved. Steps S104 and S106 correspond to steps S94 and S96, respectively 9 , with the description of steps S94 and S96 being omitted. However, it is emphasized that after the procedure of 10 is finished, an ambient pressure in the container 10 prevails.

Reference List

1

printing system

2

cleaning system

10

container

12

ECU

14

pressure sensor

16

heating

20

gas pump

22

gas pump

30

first valve

32

second valve

34

third valve

40

First separator

42

Second separator

50

nozzles

52

sensors

54

line elements

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US 2018/0370498 A1 [0003]
• DE 102017223393 A1 [0004]
• DE 102012218583 A1 [0005]

Claims (15)

Printing system for a cleaning system for sensors on a means of transport, in particular a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicle, robot, spaceship or the like, for detecting environmental information, which has: a container (10) configured to be filled with a gas and at least to be filled with a liquid, a first valve (30) connected to an interior of the container (10) and an environment and configured to flow the gas from the container in response to a signal, a pump (20 ; 22) adapted to increase a pressure in the container (10), and a controller (12) configured to operate the pump (20; 22) in response to a demand signal and to operate in response to a Sending opening instruction signals to the first valve (30) in order to open and/or close it, characterized in that the pressure system (1) comprises: a second valve (32) which connected to the interior of the container (10) and an environment and configured to flow the liquid from the container (10) in response to a signal, the controller (12) being further configured to, in response to a to send opening instruction signals to the second valve (32) so that it opens and closes independently of the first valve (30), the pump (20; 22) a gas pump to increase the pressure in the vessel (10) and thus a pressurized flow of gas and a pressurized flow of liquid out of the valves (30, 32; 30, 32, 34) of the vessel (10). allows. printing system claim 1 wherein the first valve (30) is in gas communication with the container (10) and the second valve (32) is in liquid communication with the container (10). Printing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12) can influence the ratio of gas to liquid during the outflow by the degree of opening of the first valve (30) and the second valve (32), and can adjust the ratio of gas to liquid depending on the opening command. A printing system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a pressure sensor (14) configured to sense the pressure in the container (10). printing system claim 4 , wherein in response to the demand signal the controller (12) operates the pump (20; 22) to pressurize the gas in the container and when the sensor detects a predetermined pressure in the container (10), the controller (12 ) depending on the opening instruction at least one of the valves (30, 32; 30, 32, 34) opens. Pressure system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (22) is provided inside the container (10) on the liquid side and the pumped gas is sucked from the outside by the pump (22). A printing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein gas and liquid in the container can be heated by heat radiating means (16) radiating heat in response to an instruction or by waste heat from the pump (20;22). Printing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) has a separating device (40) and Gas and liquid are separated from one another in a liquid-tight manner by the separating device (40). Printing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is a first liquid and the printing system (1) comprises: a second liquid different from the first liquid, a second separator (42) which is liquid impermeable and which separates at least the second liquid from the first liquid, thus forming a region of the second liquid, and a third valve (34) located at the second liquid portion of the container (10) and configured to direct the second liquid out of the container (10), wherein the control device (12) can send signals to the third valve according to the opening instruction, so that the third valve (34) can open independently of the first and second valve (30, 32). Cleaning system for sensors on a means of transport, in particular a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicle, robot, spaceship or the like, which has: Printing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, sensors (52) for detecting environmental information, Nozzles (50) pointing in the direction of the sensors and line elements (54) are configured to direct the gas and/or at least one liquid to the nozzles, the control device (12) of the printing system (1) sending signals to the valves (30, 32; 30, 32, 34) so that they open in order to let the gas and/or at least one liquid flow through the line elements (54) out of the nozzles (50) onto the sensors (52), to clean them of foreign matter or liquids. Method for generating pressure in a pressure system according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , comprising the steps of: a) receiving a request signal (S80) from the control device, and b) increasing the pressure in the container by operating a gas pump (S82). Procedure for operating the cleaning system claim 10 , comprising the steps of: a) operating a pump (S90) to increase a pressure in a container to a predetermined pressure, b) receiving an opening instruction (S92) containing opening information including opening degrees and opening durations of valves, c ) Opening respective valves (S94) in accordance with the opening information, so that a gas-liquid mixture specified in the opening information can flow from nozzles onto the sensors, and d) closing the respective valve (S96) after the opening duration has been reached, wherein the pump of step a) is a gas pump that pumps gas to increase the overall pressure in the container. procedure after claim 12 , wherein step a) can be carried out after step b), and the pressure build-up in step a) is limited such that there is ambient pressure in the container after step d). use of the cleaning system claim 10 and the procedure claim 12 or 13 for cleaning sensors on a means of transportation, in particular a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, autonomous transport vehicle, robot, spaceship or the like. Pressure generating device comprising: a container (10) containing gas and liquid, a first valve (30) connected to a gas-side interior of the container (10) and an environment, a pump (20; 22) connected to connected to the interior of the container, and a control device (12) which is connected at least to the first valve (30) and the pump (20; 22), characterized in that the pressure generating device further comprises: a second valve (32) which is connected to a liquid-side interior of the container (10) and an environment, wherein the control device (12) is further connected to the second valve (32), and the pump (20; 22) is a gas pump.

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