Patent Publication Number: US-2023143462-A1

Title: Multi-channel cleaning device, multi-channel sensor cleaning module, vehicle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of international patent application PCT/EP2021/068926, filed Jul. 8, 2021, designating the United States and claiming priority from German application 10 2020 119 475.7, filed Jul. 23, 2020, and the entire content of both applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to a multi-channel cleaning device. Moreover, the disclosure relates to a multi-channel sensor cleaning module. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cleaning devices for vehicles, in particular for cleaning a number of surfaces, are generally known. 
     DE 101 10 490 A1 describes a device for controlling a fluid reservoir, in which it is provided that the fluid reservoir is divided into a working container and at least one reservoir container for refilling the working container. In an approach of this type, relatively high system costs arise due to the plurality of individual components. 
     Such approaches are in need of further improvement, in particular with respect to the reliable supply of multiple cleaning jets, in particular for cleaning multiple sensors or cameras with the lowest technical complexity possible. 
     It is an object of the disclosure to improve the function and the configuration of the cleaning device, in particular to enable a supply of multiple cleaning nozzles with relatively low technical complexity. 
     An object addressed by the disclosure is to provide an improved cleaning device, in which, in particular, a supply of multiple cleaning nozzles is enabled in an improved manner with relatively low technical complexity. 
     The object with respect to the cleaning device is, for example, achieved by the disclosure in a first aspect with a multi-channel cleaning device for providing at least one of a liquid flow and a compressed air flow for a number of cleaning jets. The multi-channel cleaning device includes: a module compressed air connection configured to receive compressed air; a module liquid connection configured to receive a cleaning liquid; at least two nozzle branches including a first nozzle branch configured to supply at least one cleaning nozzle independently of another of the at least two nozzle branches, wherein each of the at least two nozzle branches has: a pump configured to deliver cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid provided at the module liquid connection as a function of a pump control signal and to provide the delivered cleaning liquid in a form of a liquid flow at a liquid nozzle line of the nozzle branch; and, a branch valve configured to pneumatically connect the module compressed air connection to a compressed air nozzle line of the nozzle branch as a function of a valve control signal for providing a compressed air flow at the compressed air nozzle line in a de-aerating position. 
     The disclosure is directed to a multi-channel cleaning device for providing a liquid flow and/or a compressed air flow for a number of cleaning nozzles, having:
         a module compressed air connection for receiving compressed air,   a module liquid connection for receiving cleaning liquid.       

     According to the disclosure, in the multi-channel cleaning device, at least two nozzle branches are provided, wherein one nozzle branch is configured for supplying at least one cleaning nozzle independently of another nozzle branch, wherein each nozzle branch has:
         a pump configured for delivering a cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid provided at the module liquid connection, in particular without pressure, as a function of a pump control signal and for providing the delivered cleaning liquid in the form of a liquid flow, in particular under a delivery pressure, at a liquid nozzle line of the nozzle branch,   a branch valve configured for pneumatically connecting the module compressed air connection to a compressed air nozzle line of the nozzle branch as a function of a valve control signal for providing a compressed air flow at the compressed air nozzle line in an aerating position.       

     The disclosure is based on the finding that one possibility for supplying multiple cleaning nozzles is advantageous, in principle, with respect to the increased requirements on autonomous and semi-autonomous driving functions in a vehicle and the associated increased number of sensors, the cleaning of which is important for a reliable function. 
     In this regard, the disclosure has surprisingly recognized that it can be advantageous, in particular with respect to costs, weight, and/or susceptibility to failure, to provide a separate pump for each nozzle branch for delivering a cleaning liquid and providing the cleaning liquid in the form of a liquid flow. This finding is to be considered, in particular, against the background of conventional technically complex and costly approaches, in which a number of cleaning nozzles are connected via a relatively large central pump and a number of hydraulic and/or fluid valves. 
     The disclosure includes the finding that high requirements on a light weight, small installation space, and low costs prevail with respect to a vehicle. The disclosure also includes the finding that a cleaning device should be easy to repair, to service, and to retrofit. 
     Due to a central multi-channel cleaning device, a number of nozzle branches can be advantageously provided for independently supplying respective cleaning nozzles. As a result, all essential components that are required for suitably providing cleaning media, in particular a liquid flow and a compressed air flow, are provided in the form of a multi-channel cleaning device. Such a central multi-channel cleaning device is therefore advantageous as compared to other cleaning architectures, for example, pumps distributed in the vehicle for delivering cleaning liquid, in particular such that the multi-channel cleaning device can be installed, serviced, repaired, and/or retrofitted as a unit with relatively low effort. 
     In particular, a nozzle branch includes a liquid nozzle connection and a compressed air nozzle connection. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, it is provided that the pump is configured as an electric pump, in particular as a washing water pump. 
     In particular a washing water pump, which is normally used in vehicles for delivering cleaning liquid, in particular, for windshield wiper systems and/or windshield cleaning systems, can be used as a cost-effective pump in the multi-channel cleaning device, in particular as a standard component that has a relatively low weight and dimensions and defined mechanical and control-related interfaces and is reliable. 
     Within the scope of a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the branch valve is configured as a 2/2-way valve, in particular as a 2/2-way solenoid valve. With a branch valve configured as a 2/2-way valve, in particular as a 2/2-way solenoid valve, the multi-channel cleaning device can be realized in a structurally simple and cost-effective way. 
     The cleaning liquid can be, in particular, water, or a mixture of water with cleaning agent and/or with antifreeze fluid. 
     In an embodiment having branch valves configured as 2/2-way valves, in particular as 2/2-way solenoid valves, the pump of a nozzle branch is preferably controlled via a pump control connection, and the branch valve is controlled independently thereof via a nozzle control connection, in particular to be able to provide the compressed air flow and the liquid flow independently of each other with respect to time. In particular, in this way, a sensor surface can be acted upon first by a liquid flow to soften, in particular dried, dirt particles, and, thereafter, by a compressed air flow to remove the softened dirt particles. It is also possible to repeat this sequence or to simultaneously act upon the sensor surface with a liquid flow and a compressed air flow or by other, simultaneous or consecutive sequences of one or multiple liquid flows and one or multiple compressed air flows. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment it is provided that the branch valve is configured as a 3/2-way valve, in particular as a 3/2-way solenoid valve, wherein the 3/2-way valve has a de-aerating connection and is configured for establishing a pneumatic connection between the compressed air nozzle line of the nozzle branch and the de-aerating connection. In a refinement of this type, in particular, a de-aeration of the compressed air nozzle line is enabled, in particular when means are provided in this liquid nozzle line for generating a compressed air cleaning pulse. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment it is provided that a quick vent valve is arranged in the compressed air nozzle line of the nozzle branch, the quick vent valve being configured for receiving the bypass compressed air flow and providing a compressed air cleaning pulse. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, it is provided that all nozzle branches of the multi-channel cleaning device are identically configured. Within the scope of an embodiment, it is provided that the pumps of all nozzle branches of the multi-channel cleaning device are identically configured. Within the scope of an embodiment, it is provided that the branch valves of all nozzle branches of the multi-channel cleaning device are identically configured. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, it is provided that, in the nozzle branch, the pump has a pump control connection and/or the branch valve has a valve control connection, which, in particular, are configured to be controllable independently of each other. The pump control connection and/or the valve control connection are/is configured to be connectable to a vehicle control line, in particular in a signal-routing manner in each case. Due to an independent controllability of the pump control connection and of the valve control connection, cleaning liquid and compressed air can be advantageously provided independently of each other for acting upon the sensor surface for cleaning. In particular, a cleaning can be carried out in an advantageously liquid-conserving manner only with compressed air, by providing only a compressed air flow. 
     In multi-channel cleaning devices that have nozzle branches including quick vent valves, such a refinement having pump control connections and valve control connections that are controllable independently of one another can include, in particular, a branch valve, which is configured as a normally open valve, in particular as a normally open 3/2-way valve. A “normally open valve” means that the valve, in this case the 3/2-way valve, is in its aerating position when in the non-activated, in particular non-energized condition, and is switched into its de-aerating position—de-aerating the quick vent valve at its second connection for emitting the compressed air cleaning pulse—only when a compressed air cleaning pulse is to be provided. In particular, the quick vent valve is arranged between the branch valve and the cleaning nozzle. In this way, in embodiments that include quick vent valves, an unnecessary activation, in particular an energization, of the branch valve is advantageously avoided over a long period of time. 
     In embodiments without quick vent valves, the branch valve can be preferably configured as a normally closed valve, in particular as a normally closed 2/2-way valve or 3/2-way valve. “Normally closed valve” therefore means that the valve, in particular the 3/2-way valve, is in its de-aerating position when in the non-activated, in particular non-energized, condition. Due to a normally closed branch valve is therefore advantageously activated, in particular energized, only for providing a compressed air flow. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, it is provided that the pump and the branch valve of a nozzle branch have a common combination control connection, which combines a pump control connection of the pump and a valve control connection of the branch valve and is configured for jointly activating the pump and the branch valve of a particular nozzle branch with a single combination control signal. In a refinement of this type that includes a common combination control connection of a nozzle branch, the pump and the branch valve of a nozzle branch can be advantageously activated simultaneously, in particular with a control voltage. Such a refinement is advantageous, in particular, in multi-channel cleaning devices that have nozzle branches that include quick vent valves: Upon activation, in particular upon application of a control voltage, the pump of the nozzle branch is activated for providing a liquid flow and, simultaneously, compressed air is provided by switching the branch valve into the aerating position for filling the compressed air buffer of the quick vent valve. In the absence of the activation, in particular if the control voltage drops, the provision of the liquid flow and, thus, the application of cleaning liquid onto a sensor surface, is terminated and, simultaneously, due to a switching of the branch valve into the de-aerating position, a compressed air cleaning pulse is provided by the quick vent valve for acting upon the sensor surface with compressed air in an impulse-like manner. In this way, a cleaning of the sensor surface can be advantageously implemented with simplified control. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, a central pump unit is provided, in which the pumps of multiple, in particular all, nozzle branches are arranged, in particular housed in a pump module. In a refinement of this type, the structural integration of the multi-channel cleaning device can be further improved by jointly arranging the pumps in a pump housing, in particular for achieving reduced installation space. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, a module control connection is provided. Via a module control connection, the pump control connections and/or the valve control connections and/or the combination control connections can be advantageously provided in the form of an, in particular standardized, interface, which, in particular, simplifies assembly. 
     Within the scope of an embodiment, a module control unit is provided, which is configured for communication between the multi-channel cleaning device, in particular the module control connection of the multi-channel cleaning device, and a vehicle control unit of the vehicle, in particular via a vehicle bus. Alternatively or in addition to the module control connection, the module control unit can also be connected to pump control connections and/or valve control connections in a signal-routing manner. 
     In a second aspect, the disclosure yields a multi-channel sensor cleaning module including a module housing, in particular a valve cartridge housing, and a multi-channel cleaning device according to the first aspect of the disclosure. The advantages of the multi-channel cleaning device are therefore advantageously utilized in the multi-channel sensor cleaning module. In particular, the integration of the multi-channel cleaning device in the form of a closed multi-channel sensor cleaning module that includes defined interfaces and/or connections permits an improved integration into a vehicle, in particular with relatively little installation effort. A multi-channel sensor cleaning module of this type also enables, in an improved way, a retrofitting into existing vehicles. The module housing can be made of a suitable material, in particular of a plastic having sufficient strength, or of aluminum. A valve cartridge housing is formed, in particular of aluminum or plastic or a similarly suitable material, as a block into which a number of valve inserts has been introduced using suitable machining operations, including appropriate bores or similar air- and/or fluid-conveying lines between the valve inserts and/or external connections. 
     In a third aspect, the disclosure relates to a vehicle, in particular a passenger car or a commercial vehicle or a trailer, including at least one multi-channel cleaning device according to the first aspect of the disclosure and/or to a sensor cleaning module according to the second aspect of the disclosure. In a vehicle according to the third aspect of the disclosure, the advantages of the multi-channel cleaning device according to the first aspect of the disclosure and/or a sensor cleaning module according to the second aspect of the disclosure can be advantageously utilized. In particular, a reliable cleaning of sensor surfaces of the sensors of the vehicle by an improved multi-channel cleaning device according to the concept of the disclosure permits a more reliable function of driver assistance functions, autonomous driving functions, and/or semi-autonomous driving functions of the vehicle based on these sensors. The trailer can be configured, in particular, as a commercial vehicle trailer or a passenger car trailer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows a multi-channel cleaning device according to the concept of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 A  shows, by way of example, a branch valve configured as a 2/2-way valve; and, 
         FIG.  2    shows a schematic representation of a vehicle including a multi-channel cleaning device according to the concept of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    shows a multi-channel cleaning device  100  according to the concept of the disclosure. The multi-channel cleaning device  100  in the present case has four nozzle branches  520 . 1 ,  520 . 2 ,  520 . 3 ,  520 . 4 , wherein each nozzle branch  520 . 1 ,  520 . 2 ,  520 . 3 ,  520 . 4  is configured for providing a liquid flow SF 1 , SF 2 , SF 3 , SF 4  and a compressed air flow SD 1 , SD 2 , SD 3 , SD 4  for acting upon a sensor surface  300 . 1 ,  300 . 2 ,  300 . 3 ,  300 . 4  of a sensor  301 . 1 ,  301 . 2 ,  301 . 3 ,  301 . 4  for cleaning purposes. 
     The multi-channel cleaning device  100  has a module compressed air connection  272  for providing compressed air DL from a compressed air source  600 , in particular from a compressor  602  and/or a compressed air reservoir  604  of a compressed air supply system  606 . 
     Each nozzle branch  520  has a pump  5100  and a branch valve  3600 . The first nozzle branch  520 . 1  has a first pump  5101 . The first pump  5101  is configured for delivering cleaning liquid F, wherein the cleaning liquid F is provided via a module liquid connection  618 , in particular without pressure. In particular, the module liquid connection  618  is connected in a fluid-conveying manner to a liquid source  400 , in particular a water tank or a washing agent tank. In particular, the module liquid connection  618  can be connected in a fluid-conveying manner to an intake nozzle, which terminates within the water tank or washing agent tank, in particular at the base of the water tank or the washing agent tank. The module liquid connection  618  is connected in a fluid-conveying manner within the multi-channel cleaning device  100  to a module liquid line  628 , which splits at a liquid distributor  629  in accordance with the number of nozzle branches  520 , in the present case into a first liquid line  628 . 1 , a second liquid line  628 . 2 , a third liquid line  628 . 3 , and a fourth liquid line  628 . 4 . The first pump  5101  is configured for drawing in cleaning liquid F via the first liquid line  628 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 , the module liquid line  628 , and the module liquid connection  618 , for delivering cleaning liquid F and, in particular, providing cleaning liquid F at a first liquid nozzle line  626 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 , in particular under a first delivery pressure PF 1 , as the first liquid flow SF 1 . The first liquid nozzle line  626 . 1  is connected in a fluid-conveying manner to a first liquid nozzle connection  102 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 . 
     The module compressed air connection  272  is pneumatically connected via a compressed air connection line  273  to a first compressed air connection line  273 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  extending to the first branch valve  3601 , a second compressed air connection line  273 . 2  of the second nozzle branch  520 . 2  extending to the second branch valve  3602 , a third compressed air connection line  273 . 3  of the third nozzle branch  520 . 3  extending to the third branch valve  3603 , and a fourth compressed air connection line  273 . 4  of the fourth nozzle branch  520 . 4  extending to the fourth branch valve  3604 . 
     The pumps  5100 , in particular the pumps  5101 ,  5102 ,  5103 ,  5104  of all nozzle branches  520 . 1 ,  520 . 2 ,  520 . 3 ,  520 . 4 , can preferably be configured as electric pumps  512 , particularly preferably as washing water pumps  514 . The delivery pressure PF can be, in particular, between 1.2 bar and 3.0 bar, preferably between 1.8 bar and 2.6 bar, particularly preferably 2.2 bar or 2.5 bar. The pumps  5100 , in particular the pumps  5101 ,  5102 ,  5103 ,  5104  of all nozzle branches  520 . 1 ,  520 . 2 ,  520 . 3 ,  520 . 4 , can preferably be housed together in a central pump unit  530  and/or together in a pump module  532 . 
     The mode of operation is described in the following for the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  by way of example. The same applies for the remaining nozzle branches  520 , in particular the second nozzle branch  520 . 2 , the third nozzle branch  520 . 3 , and the fourth nozzle branch  520 . 4 . 
     The first pump  5101  is connected in a signal-routing manner via a first pump control line  214 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  to a first pump control connection  592 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  for receiving a first pump control signal  1042 . 1 . The power of the first pump  5101  can be selectively set, in particular switched on or off, as a function of the first pump control signal  1042 . 1 . The first pump control signal  1042 . 1  can be formed, in particular, as a control voltage. 
     The first nozzle branch  520 . 1  also includes a first branch valve  3601 , which is configured for selectively providing a first compressed air flow SD 1  at a first compressed air nozzle line  278 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 . The first compressed air nozzle line  278 . 1  is pneumatically connected to a first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 . 
     The first branch valve  3601  is preferably configured as a 3/2-way valve  3660 , particularly preferably as a 3/2-way solenoid valve  3680 . 
     The first branch valve  3601  is connected in a signal-routing manner via a first valve control line  216 . 1  to a first valve control connection  594 . 1  for receiving a first valve control signal  1044 . 1 . 
     The first branch valve  3601  is configured for blocking, in a first de-aerating or venting position  3601 A, a first connection  3601 . 1 , which is pneumatically connected to the module compressed air connection  272  via a first compressed air connection line  273 . 1 , and connecting a second connection  3601 . 2 , which is pneumatically connected to the first nozzle compressed air line  278 . 1 , to a third de-aerating connection  3601 . 3  venting, in particular, into the surroundings. 
     The first branch valve  3601  is configured for blocking, in a second aerating position  3601 B, the de-aerating connection  3601 . 3  and pneumatically connecting the first connection  3601 . 1  to the second connection  3601 . 2  of the first branch valve  3601 . In the aerating position  3601 B, the module compressed air connection  272  is therefore pneumatically connected to the first compressed air nozzle line  278 . 1  for providing a first compressed air flow SD 1  at the first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1 . 
     Via the first liquid nozzle connection  102 . 1  and the first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 , one or multiple cleaning nozzle(s)  320 , in particular a first cleaning nozzle  320 . 1 , can be connected, in order to direct the first liquid flow SF 1  and/or the first compressed air flow SD 1  provided by the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  onto a first sensor surface  300 . 1  of a first sensor  301 . 1  for cleaning purposes. 
     The multi-channel cleaning device  100  can have a nozzle connection line  108  in one or multiple nozzle branch(es)  520 , the nozzle connection line  108  being configured for connecting one or multiple cleaning nozzle(s)  320  to the multi-channel cleaning device  100  in an air- and/or liquid-conveying manner. The nozzle connection line  108  can be configured as a common line, which is configured for conveying compressed air and cleaning liquid simultaneously and/or one after the other. In another embodiment, the nozzle connection line  108  can have a liquid nozzle connection line  108 . 1  and a compressed air nozzle connection line  108 . 2  and, thus, be configured for guiding the media separately to the cleaning nozzle  320 . For example, the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  has a first nozzle connection line  108  that includes a first liquid nozzle connection line  108 . 1 B and a first compressed air nozzle connection line  108 . 1 A. 
     The first liquid nozzle connection  102 . 1  and the first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  can be combined to form a first combination nozzle connection  106 . 1 , which enables, in particular, a separate guidance of both media but also a common mechanical connection, in particular via screwing-in, snapping-in, or placing-on, the first cleaning nozzle  320 . 1  or a first nozzle connection line  108 . 1  with respect to the multi-channel cleaning device  100  and/or a multi-channel sensor cleaning module  200 . 
     In embodiments in which, as shown here, the first branch valve  3601  is configured as a 3/2-way valve  3660 , in particular as a 3/2-way solenoid valve  3680 , a first quick vent valve  3401  can be optionally arranged, as a refinement, in the compressed air nozzle line  278 . 1 , the first quick vent valve  3401  being configured for receiving the first compressed air flow SD 1  and providing a first compressed air cleaning pulse DRI 1 . 
     The quick vent valve  3401  has a first connection  3401 . 1 , which pneumatically connects the quick vent valve  3400  to the second connection  3601 . 2  of the first branch valve  3601 . The first quick vent valve  3401  has a second connection  3401 . 2 , which pneumatically connects the quick vent valve  3400  via the first compressed air nozzle line  278 . 1  to the first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1 . The quick vent valve  3400  also has a third connection  3400 . 3 , at which a first compressed air buffer  341 . 1  of the first quick vent valve  3401  is pneumatically connected. The first quick vent valve  3401  is formed in the manner of a selection valve including a first valve body  3401 . 4 , which, with respect to the first connection  3401 . 1  and the second connection  3401 . 2 , blocks the one at which the lower air pressure is present and pneumatically connects the particular other connection to the third connection  3401 . 3 . 
     When, in an embodiment that includes a quick vent valve  3401 , the first branch valve  3601  is switched into the aerating position  3601 B, this results in compressed air DL present at the module compressed air connection  272  being delivered further to the first connection  3401 . 1  of the first quick vent valve  3401  in the form of the compressed air flow SD, as the result of which the first valve body  3401 . 4  is pressed in a blocking manner against the second connection  3401 . 2  and the first compressed air buffer  341 . 1  is filled with compressed air DL via the third connection  3401 . 3 . If the branch valve  3601  is now switched into the de-aerating position  3601 A, the second connection  3601 . 2  of the first branch valve  3601  is pneumatically connected to the de-aerating connection  3601 . 3  and the first connection  3601 . 1  is blocked. As a result, the air pressure at the first connection  3401 . 1  of the quick vent valve drops to an ambient pressure and the first valve body  3401 . 4  is pressed, in particular via a first quick vent valve control line  3401 . 5 , by the pressure of the compressed air DL stored in the first compressed air buffer  341 . 1  in a blocking manner against the first connection  3401 . 1  of the first quick vent valve  3401 . Consequently, the second connection  3401 . 2  of the first quick vent valve  3401  is opened, as the result of which the compressed air DL stored in the first compressed air buffer  341 . 1  can be provided at the first nozzle compressed air connection  104 . 1  in the form of the first compressed air cleaning pulse DRI 1  via the second connection  3401 . 2  of the first quick vent valve  3401  and the first compressed air nozzle line  278 . 1 . 
     In embodiments that include a first quick vent valve  3401 , the first branch valve  3601  is configured, in particular, as normally open, that is, is in the aerating position  3601 B when in a non-activated, in particular non-energized, condition. In this way, the first compressed air buffer  341 . 1 , in the non-activated condition of the first branch valve  3601 , is always acted upon by compressed air DL from the module compressed air connection  272 , although delivery does not continue further to the first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1  due to the blocking of the first valve body  3401 . 4 . A first compressed air cleaning pulse DRI 1  is provided at the first compressed air nozzle connection  104 . 1  due to the above-described mode of operation of the quick vent valve  3401  only when the first branch valve  3601  is switched via activation into the de-aerating position  3601 A. 
     With respect to the lowest possible pressure losses and, as a result, a strongest possible bypass compressed air cleaning pulse BDRI, it is advantageous to keep the line length between the quick vent valve  3401  and the cleaning nozzle  320  as short as possible. In alternative embodiments, instead of the first quick vent valve  3401  shown, an alternative further first quick vent valve  3401 ′ (shown highly simplified here) can be arranged closer to the cleaning nozzle  320 , for example, between the first compressed air nozzle connection  104  and the first cleaning nozzle  320  in the first nozzle connection line  108 , in particular in the first compressed air nozzle connection line  108 . 1 A. The first cleaning nozzle  320 . 1 , the first nozzle connection line  108 , and the first quick vent valve  340  can be formed, in particular, as part of the multi-channel cleaning device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 A , in alternative embodiments of the disclosure, the branch valves  3600 , in this case the first branch valve  3601  by way of example, can also be configured as a 2/2-way valve  3620 , in particular as a 2/2-way solenoid valve  3640 . In embodiments of this type, the first branch valve  3601  does not have a de-aerating connection  3601 . 3 , and so the first branch valve  3601  is configured in these cases to pneumatically connect the first connection  3601 . 1  and the second connection  3601 . 2  in the aerating position  3601 B, in particular an open position  3620 B of the 2/2-way valve  3620 , and to pneumatically disconnect the first connection  3601 . 1  and the second connection  3601 . 2  in the de-aerating position, in particular a blocking position  3620 A of the 2/2-way valve  3620 ,  3601 A. In embodiments in which the first branch valve  3601  is configured as a 2/2-way valve  3620 , the first branch valve  3601  is preferably configured as a normally closed valve, that is, the branch valve  3601  is in its blocking position  3620 A when in the non-activated, in particular non-energized or currentless condition, and in its open position  3620 B for providing a compressed air flow SD when in the activated, in particular energized, condition. 
     The first pump control connection  592 . 1  and the first valve control connection  594 . 1  of the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  can—as explicitly shown in  FIG.  1    for illustration only for the first nozzle branch  520 . 1 , but possible for all nozzle branches  520 . 1 - 4 —be combined in particular in the form of a common combination control connection  598 . 1 , in particular for jointly activating the first pump  5101  and the first branch valve  3601  of the first nozzle branch via a first combination control signal  1046 . 1 . 
     The entirety of the preceding comments presented in detail for the first nozzle branch  520 . 1  apply similarly for further nozzle branches  520 , in particular the components (correspondingly numbered here) of the second nozzle branch  520 . 2 , of the third nozzle branch  520 . 3 , and of the fourth nozzle branch  520 . 4 . 
     In some embodiments, all nozzle branches of the multi-channel cleaning device  100  can be identically configured. Nevertheless, however, differently configured nozzle branches can be provided in a multi-channel cleaning device  100  within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The multi-channel cleaning device  100  can have a module control connection  590 , which provides, in particular, the pump control connections  592 . 1 ,  592 . 2 ,  592 . 3 ,  592 . 4  and the valve control connections  594 . 1 ,  594 . 2 ,  594 . 3 ,  594 . 4  in a combined manner, in particular in the form of a uniform plug or a row of individual plugs arranged next to one another. Via a module control connection  590 , the multi-channel cleaning device  100  can be connected in a signal-routing manner to a vehicle control unit  1020  for exchanging control signals  1022 , in particular via a vehicle control line  1024 . 
     Alternatively or additionally, the multi-channel cleaning device  100  can have a module control unit  210 , which is configured to be connectable in a signal-routing manner to the vehicle control unit  1020  of the vehicle  1000 , in particular via a vehicle control line  1024 , which is configured as a vehicle bus  1026 . The module control unit  210  is used, in particular, as an interface between the cleaning device  100 —in particular pump control connections  592 . 1 ,  592 . 2 ,  592 . 3 ,  592 . 4  and/or valve control connections  594 . 1 ,  594 . 2 ,  594 . 3 ,  594 . 4  and/or the module control connection  590 —and the vehicle control unit  1020  and enables a signal-routing communication via the vehicle bus  1026  in a suitable protocol, in particular CAN. In particular, the vehicle bus  1026  of the vehicle  1000  is configured as a CAN bus. 
     The module control connection  590  can, in particular within the scope of the electrical supply and/or activation, also have a ground connection  596 , in particular a common ground connection  596  for all pumps  5101 ,  5102 ,  5103 ,  5104  and branch valves  3601 ,  3602 ,  3603 ,  3604  of the multi-channel cleaning device  100 . 
     The multi-channel cleaning device  100  shown in  FIG.  1    can be housed in a module housing  290  for forming a multi-channel sensor cleaning module  200 . The module housing  290  can be made of a suitable material, in particular of a plastic having sufficient strength, or of aluminum. 
     An optional second quick vent valve  3402 , an optional third quick vent valve  3403 , and an optional fourth quick vent valve  3404  are shown in  FIG.  1    merely in a highly simplified manner. The comments presented with respect to the first quick vent valve  3401 , in particular with similarly numbered reference characters, apply in this regard. 
       FIG.  2    shows a schematic representation of a vehicle  1000 , in particular of a passenger car  1002  or a commercial vehicle  1004 —in the present case in the form of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle—including a multi-channel cleaning device  100  having a number of nozzle branches  520  for a number of at least two cleaning nozzles  320 , in the present case having a first nozzle branch  520 . 1  for a first cleaning nozzle  320 . 1  for cleaning a first sensor surface  300 . 1  of a first sensor  301 . 1  configured as an optical sensor, for example, as a camera, and having a second nozzle branch  520 . 2  for a second cleaning nozzle  320 . 2  for cleaning a second sensor surface  300 . 2  of a second sensor  301 . 2  configured as an optical sensor, for example, as a camera. Nevertheless, a use of the multi-channel cleaning device  100  in other vehicles is possible. 
     The multi-channel cleaning device  100  is configured, in particular, as a sensor cleaning module  200 . The cleaning device  100  has a module control connection  590 , which is connected in a signal-routing manner to a vehicle control unit  1020  via a vehicle control line  1024 . The vehicle control line  1024  is configured, in particular, as a vehicle bus  1026 , in particular a CAN bus. 
     The first sensor  301 . 1  is connected in a signal-routing manner to the vehicle control unit  1020  via a first signal line  306 . 1  for transmitting first sensor signals  305 . 1 . In particular, a first cleaning check signal  307 . 1  for determining whether a first liquid cleaning pulse FRI 1  has been output can be transmitted to the vehicle control unit  1020  via the first sensor line  306 . 1 . Similarly, the second sensor  301 . 2  is connected in a signal-routing manner to the vehicle control unit  1020  via a second sensor line  106 . 2  for transmitting second sensor signals  305 . 2 , in particular a second cleaning check signal  307 . 2 . 
     In the case of a sensor  301 . 1 ,  301 . 2  configured as a camera, in particular having means for image recognition, a cleaning check signal  307 . 1 ,  307 . 2  can be generated, for example, due to the detection of liquid particles in the camera image. Alternatively or additionally, a cleaning check signal  307 . 1 ,  307 . 2  can be generated by way of a current consumption of the pump and/or of the branch valve of the particular nozzle branch being evaluated. 
     The cleaning nozzles  320 . 1 ,  320 . 2  are configured for acting upon the sensor surface  300 . 1 ,  300 . 2 , respectively, with a liquid flow SF 1 , SF 2  and/or a compressed air flow SD 1 , SD 2  and/or a compressed air cleaning pulse DRI 1 , DRI 2 . 
     Each cleaning nozzle  320 . 1 ,  320 . 2  is connected in a fluid-conveying manner to the multi-channel cleaning device  100  via a nozzle liquid connection  102 . 1 ,  102 . 2  and a nozzle compressed air connection  104 . 1 ,  104 . 2 . In embodiments in which the cleaning nozzle  320  is not arranged directly at the cleaning device  100  or the sensor cleaning module  200 , the cleaning nozzle  320  can be connected in a fluid-conveying manner via a nozzle connection line  108 . 1 ,  108 . 2  to the nozzle liquid connection  102  and/or the nozzle compressed air connection  104 . 
     It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferred embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
       100  multi-channel cleaning device 
       102  liquid nozzle connection 
       102 . 1 - 4  first through fourth liquid nozzle connection 
       104  compressed air-compressed air connection 
       104 . 1 - 4  first through fourth compressed air-compressed air connection 
       106  combination nozzle connection 
       106 . 1 - 4  first through fourth combination nozzle connection 
       108  nozzle connection line 
       108 . 1 - 4  first through fourth nozzle connection line 
       108 A compressed air nozzle connection line 
       108 . 1 - 4 A first through fourth compressed air nozzle connection line 
       108 B liquid nozzle connection line 
       108 . 1 - 4 B first through fourth liquid nozzle connection line 
       200  sensor cleaning module 
       210  module control unit 
       214  pump control line 
       214 . 1 - 4  first through fourth pump control line 
       216  valve control line 
       216 . 1 - 4  first through fourth valve control line 
       272  module compressed air connection 
       273  compressed air connection line 
       273 . 1 - 4  first through fourth compressed air connection line 
       278  compressed air nozzle line 
       290  module housing 
       300  sensor surface 
       300 . 1 - 4  first through fourth sensor surface 
       301  sensor 
       301 . 1 - 4  first through fourth sensor 
       305  sensor signal 
       305 . 1 ,  305 . 2  first, second sensor signal 
       306  sensor line 
       306 . 1 ,  306 . 2  first, second sensor line 
       307  cleaning check signal 
       307 . 1 ,  307 . 2  first, second cleaning check signal 
       320  cleaning nozzle 
       320 . 1 - 4  first through fourth cleaning nozzle 
       341  compressed air buffer 
       400  liquid source 
       512  electric pump 
       514  washing water pump 
       530  central pump unit 
       532  pump module 
       520  nozzle branch 
       520 . 1 - 4  first through fourth nozzle branch 
       590  module control connection 
       592  pump control connection 
       592 . 1 - 4  first through fourth pump control connection 
       594  valve control connection 
       594 . 1 - 4  first through fourth valve control connection 
       596  ground connection 
       598  combination control connection 
       598 . 1 - 4  first through fourth combination control connection 
       600  compressed air source 
       602  compressor 
       604  pressure reservoir 
       606  compressed air supply system 
       626  liquid nozzle line 
       626 . 1 - 4  first through fourth liquid nozzle line 
       628  module liquid line 
       628 . 1 - 4  first through fourth module liquid line 
       629  liquid distributor 
       1000  vehicle 
       1002  passenger car 
       1004  commercial vehicle 
       1006  trailer 
       1020  vehicle control unit 
       1024  vehicle control line 
       1026  vehicle bus 
       1042  pump control signal 
       1042 . 1 - 4  first through fourth pump control signal 
       1044  valve control signal 
       1044 . 1 - 4  first through fourth valve control signal 
       1046  combination control signal 
       1046 . 1 - 4  first through fourth combination control signal 
       3400  quick vent valve 
       3401  first quick vent valve 
       3401 . 1  first connection of the first quick vent valve 
       3401 . 2  second connection of the first quick vent valve 
       3401 . 3  third connection of the first quick vent valve 
       3401 . 4  valve body of the first quick vent valve 
       3401 . 5  quick vent valve control line of the first quick vent valve 
       3402  second quick vent valve 
       3402 . 1  first connection of the second quick vent valve 
       3402 . 2  second connection of the second quick vent valve 
       3402 . 3  third connection of the second quick vent valve 
       3402 . 4  valve body of the second quick vent valve 
       3402 . 5  quick vent valve control line of the second quick vent valve 
       3403  third quick vent valve 
       3403 . 1  first connection of the third quick vent valve 
       3403 . 2  second connection of the third quick vent valve 
       3403 . 3  third connection of the third quick vent valve 
       3403 . 4  valve body of the third quick vent valve 
       3403 . 5  quick vent valve control line of the third quick vent valve 
       3404  fourth quick vent valve 
       3404 . 1  first connection of the fourth quick vent valve 
       3404 . 2  second connection of the fourth quick vent valve 
       3404 . 3  third connection of the fourth quick vent valve 
       3404 . 4  valve body of the fourth quick vent valve 
       3404 . 5  quick vent valve control line of the fourth quick vent valve 
       3600  branch valve 
       3601  first branch valve 
       3601 . 1  first connection of the first branch valve 
       3601 . 2  second connection of the first branch valve 
       3601 . 3  de-aerating connection of the first branch valve 
       3601 A de-aerating position of the first branch valve 
       3601 B aerating position of the first branch valve 
       3602  second branch valve 
       3602 . 1  first connection of the second branch valve 
       3602 . 2  second connection of the second branch valve 
       3602 . 3  de-aerating connection of the second branch valve 
       3602 A de-aerating position of the second branch valve 
       3602 B aerating position of the second branch valve 
       3603  third branch valve 
       3603 . 1  first connection of the third branch valve 
       3603 . 2  second connection of the third branch valve 
       3603 . 3  de-aerating connection of the third branch valve 
       3603 A de-aerating position of the third branch valve 
       3603 B aerating position of the third branch valve 
       3604  fourth branch valve 
       3604 . 1  first connection of the fourth branch valve 
       3604 . 2  second connection of the fourth branch valve 
       3604 . 3  de-aerating connection of the fourth branch valve 
       3604 A de-aerating position of the fourth branch valve 
       3604 B aerating position of the fourth branch valve 
       3620  2/2-way valve 
       3620 A blocking position of the 2/2-way valve 
       3620 B open position of the  2 / 2 -way valve 
       3640  2/2-way solenoid valve 
       3660  3/2-way valve 
       3680  3/2-way solenoid valve 
     DL compressed air 
     DRI compressed air cleaning pulse 
     DRI 1 - 4  first through fourth compressed air cleaning pulse 
     F cleaning liquid 
     PF delivery pressure 
     PF 1 - 4  first through fourth delivery pressure 
     SD compressed air flow 
     SD 1 - 4  first through fourth compressed air flow 
     SF liquid flow 
     SF 1 - 4  first through fourth liquid flow