Automatic carwash machine and control method thereof

Abstract

An automatic car wash machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The automatic car wash machine and the method for controlling the same according to the present invention comprises the steps of: sensing a vehicle with a sensing unit; generating a profile corresponding to the external shape of the vehicle based on data from the sensing unit; spraying washing water onto the vehicle with a first unit; spraying a detergent onto the vehicle with a second unit; removing contaminants from the vehicle with a third unit; and drying the vehicle with a fourth unit, wherein at least one of the first to fourth units moves from an initial position of the first to fourth units to a standby position corresponding to the profile of the vehicle before each step begins, and returns to the initial position after operation at the operating position according to the progress of each step. According to the present invention, the operation of the car wash unit of the automatic car wash machine can be optimized according to the vehicle.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic car wash machine and a control method thereof that can optimize the operation of a car wash unit of the automatic car wash machine according to a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic car washes are devices that clean the exterior of vehicles, and they are being actively distributed to meet the growing demand for car washing that accompanies the increase in the number of vehicles.

[0003] Automatic car washes can be classified into tunnel-type automatic car washes and gantry-type automatic car washes.

[0004] In a tunnel-type automatic car wash, the mechanisms necessary for washing vehicles are arranged sequentially inside the main body, and the washing process is carried out as the vehicle moves through the main body by means such as a conveyor belt. Tunnel-type automatic car washes have the advantage of preventing interference between washing processes and enabling the implementation of various functions, but they may require sufficient installation space, such as for entry and exit areas.

[0005] The gantry-type automatic car wash was developed to operate in relatively confined spaces, and the main body moves back and forth over a stationary vehicle to perform the wash.

[0006] Recently, there has been a growing need for the development of various value-added services to attract customers, along with the development of car wash processes for effective washing. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems. Another objective is to provide an automatic car wash remote monitoring system and a method thereof that can optimize the operation of a car wash unit of an automatic car wash machine according to the vehicle. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above or other purposes, the method comprises: sensing a vehicle with a sensing unit; generating a profile corresponding to the external shape of the vehicle based on data from the sensing unit; spraying washing water onto the vehicle with a first unit; spraying detergent onto the vehicle with a second unit; removing contamination from the vehicle with a third unit; and drying the vehicle with a fourth unit, wherein at least one of the first to fourth units moves from an initial position of the first to fourth units to a standby position corresponding to the profile of the vehicle before each step begins, and returns to the initial position after operation at the operating position as each step proceeds.

[0009] The distance from the outer side of the vehicle to the waiting position may be smaller than the distance from the outer side of the vehicle to the initial position.

[0010] The above standby position may be a position in which at least one of the first to fourth units is located within a predetermined distance from the outer side of the vehicle.

[0011] At least one of the first to fourth units can operate at a speed of either the basic operating speed of the first to fourth units or a rapid operating speed faster than the basic operating speed.

[0012] The above waiting position may vary depending on the shape of the profiled vehicle.

[0013] If the expected position of the vehicle according to the profiled vehicle shape and the actual position of the vehicle are different, the method may further include the step of moving the first to fourth units, which were moved to the standby position, to an avoidance position separated from the actual position at a rapid operation speed faster than the basic operation speed.

[0014] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above or other purposes, the apparatus may include: a first unit for spraying washing water onto a vehicle; a second unit for spraying detergent onto the vehicle; a third unit for removing contamination from the vehicle; a fourth unit for drying the vehicle; a sensing unit for detecting the external shape of the vehicle; and a control unit that generates a control signal to move at least one of the first to fourth units from an initial position of the first to fourth units to a waiting position corresponding to the profile before each step begins, based on a profile corresponding to the external shape of the vehicle generated according to the data of the sensing unit, and to return to the initial position after operation at the operating position according to the progress of each step.

[0015] The above sensing unit may be located on the front side in the direction of entry of the vehicle compared to the first to fourth units.

[0016] The control unit can set the standby position such that at least one of the first to fourth units is close within a preset distance from the outer side of the vehicle.

[0017] The above control unit can set the standby position differently according to the above profile. Effects of the invention

[0018] The effects of the automatic car wash remote monitoring system and method according to the present invention are described as follows.

[0019] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is an advantage that the operation of the car wash unit of an automatic car wash machine can be optimized according to the vehicle.

[0020] Further scopes of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as being given merely as examples. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIGS. 1 to 5 are drawings illustrating an automatic car wash machine according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a method for scanning the exterior of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the operation of a car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the time required for car washing according to the operation of a car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating the standby position of a car wash unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the avoidance maneuver of a car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0023] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0024] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0025] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] FIGS. 1 to 5 are drawings illustrating an automatic car wash machine according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an automatic car wash machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can operate between the entry and exit of a vehicle (20) to perform a car wash on the vehicle (20).

[0029] The automatic car wash machine (10) may be configured as a tunnel type or a gate type. In the case of the gate type, the vehicle (20) remains stationary while the automatic car wash machine (10) moves forward and backward to perform the car wash, and in the case of the tunnel type, the vehicle (20) moves by a moving unit including a conveyor belt while the automatic car wash machine (10) remains stationary to perform the car wash. In the description of the present invention, the automatic car wash machine (10) is depicted in a tunnel type for ease of understanding, but it is understood that the case where the automatic car wash machine (10) is in a gate type is not excluded.

[0030] The automatic car wash machine (10) may include a plurality of units depending on its configuration and / or function. For example, the automatic car wash machine (10) may include at least one of a first unit (S1) that sprays washing water onto an incoming vehicle (20), a second unit (S2) that sprays detergent onto the vehicle, a third unit (S3) that removes dirt from the vehicle, a fourth unit (S4) that coats the vehicle, and a fifth unit (S5) that dries the vehicle. In this case, one unit may perform two or more functions, or a specific unit may be omitted. For example, this means that the fourth unit (S4) that coats the vehicle may be omitted, or the third unit (S3) that removes dirt and the fourth unit (S4) that coats the vehicle may be merged into a single unit. In such a case, it can be said that washing water is sprayed onto the vehicle (20) with the first unit (S1), detergent is sprayed onto the vehicle (20) with the second unit (S2), contaminants are removed from the vehicle (20) with the third unit (S3), and the vehicle (20) is dried with the fourth unit (S4).

[0031] In the case of the tunnel type, each unit is arranged sequentially and operates when a vehicle passes through, while in the case of the gate type, units are placed inside and can operate when their turn comes.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an automatic car wash machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first shooting unit (S6).

[0033] The first shooting unit (S6) can photograph the vehicle (20) after the car wash process using the first to fifth units (S1 to S5) is completed. By photographing through the first shooting unit (S6), image data can be obtained that captures the tires, floor surface, exterior surface, etc. of the vehicle (20). Since the vehicle (20) has undergone the car wash process using the first to fifth units (S1 to S5), the contamination on the tires, floor surface, exterior surface, etc. of the vehicle (20) may be removed. Therefore, clearer image data can be obtained, and the usability of the obtained image data can be increased.

[0034] A control unit (SV) according to one embodiment of the present invention can generate state information of a vehicle (20) by analyzing captured image data. The acquisition, analysis, comparison, and generation of state information of image data through the first shooting unit (S6) will be explained in more detail in the corresponding section.

[0035] The control unit (SV) can control the automatic car wash machine (10) and manage data generated by the automatic car wash machine (10). For example, the control unit (SV) can acquire information about a vehicle (20) entering the automatic car wash machine (10) and store it in a storage unit (33), and the control unit (31) can generate control signals for the first to sixth units (S1 to S6) according to the characteristics of the vehicle (20). For example, the control unit (SV) can acquire the number of the vehicle (20) entering the machine and enable the automatic car wash machine (10) to perform an optimized car wash process according to the car wash cycle of the vehicle (20), management characteristics of the vehicle (20) by driver, degree of contamination, etc.

[0036] The control unit (SV) can exchange data with the automatic car wash machine (10), the manager terminal (37), and / or the customer terminal (39) through the communication unit (35). For example, the control unit (SV) and / or the automatic car wash machine (10) can provide various information related to car washing to a manager connected through the manager terminal (37) and execute specific commands received from the manager. For example, the control unit (SV) and / or the automatic car wash machine (10) can receive an automatic car wash reservation from the driver of the vehicle (20) connected through the customer terminal (39), transmit the progress of the car wash process to the customer terminal (39), or transmit data obtained from the automatic car wash machine (10) to the customer terminal (39).

[0037] The control unit (SV) may be a separate device physically separated from a specific automatic car wash machine (10). For example, it means that it may be a server that collects and processes data from multiple automatic car washes (10).

[0038] The control unit (SV) may be a device installed virtually integrally with a specific automatic car wash machine (10). For example, it means that it may be a controller attached to the specific automatic car wash machine (10) to collect and process data.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 3, an automatic car wash machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first shooting unit (S6) separated from the first to fifth units (S1 to S5). For example, this means that the first shooting unit (S6) and the first to fifth units (S1 to S5) may be physically spaced apart. In other words, this means that a vehicle (20), after the car wash process is completed through the first to fifth units (S1 to S5), may be photographed by the first shooting unit (S6) after moving a certain distance. When the first shooting unit (S6) is physically separated from the first to fifth units (S1 to S5), the effect of arranging the space for the installation of the automatic car wash machine (10) more efficiently can be expected. For example, this means that if there is not enough space to arrange the first to fifth units (S1 to S5) and the first shooting unit (S6) in a row, the first shooting unit (S6) can be placed in a spaced-away space after arranging the first to fifth units (S1 to S5).

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an automatic car wash machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a second shooting unit (S7).

[0041] The second shooting unit (S7) can photograph the vehicle (20) before the car wash process. The image may include at least one of a video and a still image. The condition of the vehicle (20) before the car wash process can be determined more accurately by using the image data captured by the second shooting unit (S7). For example, this means that the condition of the vehicle can be identified by using the image data captured by the second shooting unit (S7) along with information on general matters such as the type of vehicle reserved and the car wash cycle through a customer terminal (39 in FIG. 2), and the first to fifth units (S1 to S5) can be controlled to operate optimally accordingly. For example, the effect of the car wash can be determined by comparing the image data captured by the second shooting unit (S7) before the car wash process with the image data captured by the first shooting unit (S6) after the car wash process. For example, the car wash process can be optimized based on the characteristics of the vehicle (20) by comparing the before and after image data. For example, if it is determined that the contamination of a specific part of a specific vehicle (20) has not been removed, it means that the first to fifth units (S1 to S5) can be controlled in a differentiated manner by considering the characteristics of the vehicle (20), such as its shape, so that the contamination of the specific part can be removed during the next car wash process.

[0042] The second shooting unit (S7) can be used as a means to obtain an image that can check whether the vehicle (20) is damaged. For example, this means that the damage to the vehicle during the car wash process can be checked by using image data before and after the car wash process.

[0043] The second shooting unit (S7) and / or the second shooting unit (S6) can be used as a means to secure images that can be linked to various services, such as the replacement or repair of specific parts of the vehicle (20). For example, based on data capturing images of the vehicle's (20) tires, if the tires are worn or damaged beyond a certain point, it means that the user of the vehicle (20) can be notified that there is a need for a service to replace or repair the tires, and a tire repair or replacement service linked to a car wash service can be provided. For example, if the result of image analysis indicates that maintenance or repair of the vehicle (20) is required, it means that a linked maintenance service can be provided. For example, it means that the data of the images of the vehicle (20) can be linked to a vehicle (20) trading service. For example, it means that it can be linked to a service for determining the value of the vehicle (20).

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 5, an automatic car wash machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include first and second shooting units (S6, S7) separated from first to fifth units (S1 to S5). That is, by allowing the first to fifth units (S1 to S5), which have a relatively large volume and thus a low degree of freedom for installation, to be installed separately from the first and second shooting units (S6, S7), which have a relatively small volume, it means that the space for installing the automatic car wash machine (10) can be used more efficiently.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a method for scanning the exterior of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As described herein, a surface image (SI) can be obtained using a surface sensing unit (SS). The surface sensing unit (SS) may be included in the first and / or second shooting units (S6, S7). The surface sensing unit (SS) may be included in the first shooting unit (S6). In other words, it can be said to be located on the front side in the direction of vehicle entry compared to the car wash units.

[0047] The surface image (SI) may be a profile corresponding to the external shape of the vehicle (20). For example, it may be the shape of the vehicle including the contour of the vehicle (20). For example, it may include the overall shape of the vehicle (20) and / or the shape of the side mirrors, doors, bumpers, and the presence and shape of attachments of the vehicle (20).

[0048] A surface image (SI) can be obtained when the vehicle (20) enters the vehicle for washing. Thus, it is possible to check for accidents, scratches, or contamination on the vehicle (20). In other words, this means that cumulative and traceable management of the vehicle (20) can be performed by the control unit (SV) simply by the customer entering the vehicle (20) for washing.

[0049] The surface image (SI) may be a scanned image of the surface of the vehicle (20). For example, it may be an image of the painted surface of the vehicle (20). The surface image (SI) of the painted surface may be effective data for determining damage when captured while applying uniform light. In particular, as in one embodiment of the present invention, if the surface image (SI) partially acquired is accumulated immediately after the vehicle (20) has been washed, it may be easier to calculate damage and / or changes in the condition of the vehicle (20).

[0050] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the operation of a car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As described herein, an automatic car wash machine (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the operation of a car wash unit (U) to correspond to the shape of a vehicle (20) so that a more efficient car wash process can be performed.

[0052] The car wash unit (U) can operate at different locations depending on the progress of the car wash process for the vehicle (20). For example, the initial position before the vehicle (20) enters to perform a specific car wash process, the waiting position moved to perform the car wash process corresponding to the profile of the vehicle (20), and the operating position for performing the specific car wash process can be defined.

[0053] The initial position may be the position of the car wash unit (U) at the first time point (t1). That is, it may be the position of the car wash unit (U) before the car wash process is performed. When a vehicle (20) enters the automatic car wash machine (10), the control unit (SV) can generate a profile corresponding to the exterior shape of the vehicle (20) through the surface sensing unit (SS). If the car wash unit (U) is a wash water spraying unit, the vehicle (20) may still be in a state before the wash water is sprayed. That is, it may be in the process of profiling the exterior shape of the vehicle (20). Until this point, the car wash unit (U) may be waiting at the initial position. For example, the initial position may be a position spaced W1 in the horizontal direction and H1 in the vertical direction from the reference point so as not to interfere with other internal structures.

[0054] The waiting position may be the position of the car wash unit (U) at the second time point (t2). That is, it may be a state where profiling of the vehicle (20) is completed. In other words, it may be a state where profiling is completed but has not yet entered a specific car wash process. The control unit (SV) can move the car wash unit (U) in correspondence with the vehicle (20) whose shape has been recognized through profiling. The control unit (SV) can move the car wash unit (U) to the waiting position when profiling is completed to the extent necessary to move it to the waiting position. For example, if profiling of a part of the front of the vehicle (20), including the front bumper, is completed, it means that the car wash unit (U) of the next process can be moved to the waiting position even if profiling of the middle and rear of the vehicle (20) is in progress.

[0055] The standby position may be a position closer to the outer surface of the vehicle (20) than the distance from the initial position when based on the outer surface of the vehicle (20). That is, it may be a position spaced W2 in the horizontal direction and H2 in the vertical direction from the outer surface of the vehicle, which is the reference point.

[0056] The waiting position may be a position where the vehicle (20) can be washed efficiently. For example, if the car wash unit (U) is a washing water spray unit, spraying the washing water as close as possible to the outer surface of the vehicle (20) may be efficient for removing contaminants. If the car wash unit (U) is a coating liquid spray unit, spraying the coating liquid at a distance from the washing water spray unit may be efficient.

[0057] The standby position may be a preparation position before the car wash for the vehicle (20) begins. That is, the second time point (t2) at which the car wash unit (U) moves to the standby position may be immediately before the car wash process for the vehicle (20) begins. For example, this means that while the process of spraying washing water on the vehicle (20) is in progress, the car wash units (U) for the subsequent car wash process may be moved to the standby position in advance. This differs from the conventional method in which control for each car wash unit (U) was initiated in accordance with the time when a specific car wash process begins. For example, in the conventional method, when the detergent spraying process for spraying detergent begins, the car wash unit (U) for spraying detergent moves from the initial position to the standby position and starts operation; however, the present invention means that the car wash unit (U) for spraying detergent may be moved from the initial position to the standby position before the start of the detergent spraying process.

[0058] The operating position may be the position of the car wash unit (U) at the third time point (t3). The operating position may be a position that changes as the car wash process progresses, rather than a specific position. For example, this means that the car wash unit (U) moves along the car wash path (C) corresponding to the outer shape of the vehicle (20) and performs the car wash process. After performing the car wash process corresponding to the operating position, the car wash unit (U) may return to the initial position.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the time required for car washing according to the operation of a car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] As described above, according to the control operation of the car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, the car wash process can be carried out more efficiently compared to the conventional method.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 8(a), conventionally, the car wash process can be said to have been performed between t1 and t5. For example, this means that wash water can be sprayed between t1 and t2, detergent can be sprayed between t2 and t3, brushes can be operated between t3 and t4, and dryers can be operated between t4 and t5. In this case, the start of each car wash process may substantially be delayed by d1 to d4. For example, this means that a delay of d1 occurs for the car wash unit to move from the initial position to the standby position for spraying wash water, and the spraying of wash water can begin from the time point t1+d1. Therefore, the actual wash water spraying process can be performed in the interval between t1+d1 and t2. In each car wash process, a delay may occur for each car wash unit to move from the initial position to the standby position.

[0062] In the conventional case, the operation of the car wash unit for the vehicle (20) that entered the car wash process was performed through sensors installed in each car wash unit. That is, for a specific car wash process to proceed, the car wash unit of the corresponding car wash process is moving at a low speed to avoid collision while sensing the distance from the vehicle (20) from the initial position to the waiting position. In other words, since there was no shape information of the vehicle (20), the car wash unit could not move to the waiting position in advance before the start of a specific car wash process, and due to the inability to move to the waiting position in advance, a delay occurred in moving to the waiting position after each car wash process had started.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 8(b), according to one embodiment of the present invention, a car wash unit can be moved from an initial position to a waiting position before the start of each process. That is, since profile information has been obtained through scanning the exterior of the vehicle (20), the control unit (SV) can move each car wash unit to an appropriate waiting position in advance to correspond to the shape of the vehicle (20) that has entered. Therefore, even when the same car wash process is performed, it means that the car wash process can be completed faster than conventional methods by t10 to t11 based on the time t10 when the car wash process is completed. The t10 to t11 interval can be expressed as corresponding to the sum of d1 to d4 due to delay.

[0064] The operating speed of the car wash unit at the operating position can be expressed as the basic operating speed. In other words, the normal movement of the car wash unit can be described as the basic operating speed. In contrast, the operating speed of the car wash unit moving from the initial position to the waiting position can be expressed as the rapid operating speed. The rapid operating speed can be faster than the basic operating speed. That is, since the vehicle (20) has not yet entered the specific car wash unit, there is no possibility of collision with the vehicle (20), so it means that it can move at a faster speed. Therefore, compared to the conventional method of moving from the initial position to the waiting position at the basic operating speed, it is possible to proceed with the car wash process faster.

[0065] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating the standby position of a car wash unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] As illustrated in these drawings, a car wash unit (U) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a waiting position set corresponding to the exterior shape of a vehicle (21, 22).

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 9 (a) and (b), the vehicles (21, 22) can be of various forms. For example, the first vehicle (21) may be a truck and the second vehicle (22) may be a van.

[0068] The control unit (SV) can adjust the standby position of the car wash unit (U) to correspond to the profile of each sensed vehicle (21, 22). For example, this means that the first vehicle (21) with a high ground clearance can be set to the H1 position, and the second vehicle (H2) with a low ground clearance can be set to the H2 position as the standby position of the car wash unit (U).

[0069] The control unit (SV) can control the car wash unit (U), which started from different waiting positions, to different car wash paths (C1, C2) and allow the car wash process to proceed.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, the waiting position of each car wash unit may vary depending on the vehicle.

[0071] The initial position can be set to a specific position for each car wash unit. For example, the highest movable H3 position can be set as the initial position for each car wash unit. For example, it can be a position to avoid interference with a manager working to manage the inside of the automatic car wash machine (10).

[0072] The waiting position may vary depending on the profiled vehicle. The waiting position may vary depending on each car wash unit. In other words, the waiting position may vary depending on the profiled vehicle and / or car wash unit. For example, the control unit (SV) may set a first waiting position and a second waiting position for a specific profiled vehicle. Even within each waiting position, the waiting position of each car wash unit may vary. For example, in the first waiting position for a specific truck, the waiting position of the nozzle for spraying wash water may be position H1, and the waiting position of the nozzle for spraying detergent may be a specific position between H2 and H3. The waiting position of each car wash unit may be a waiting position optimized for the progress of each car wash process. That is, this means that in a process where it is desirable to be close to the surface of the incoming vehicle, the waiting position may be set to be close to the vehicle, and in a process where it is desirable to be separated from the surface of the incoming vehicle, the waiting position may be set to be separated from the vehicle. Therefore, a more effective car wash can be performed.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the avoidance maneuver of a car wash unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] As described herein, a control unit (SV) according to one embodiment of the present invention can cause a car wash unit (U) to perform an evasive maneuver at a rapid operation speed when the expected position of the vehicle (20) and the actual position of the vehicle (20) are different.

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 11 (a), the control unit (SV) can move the car wash unit (U) to a standby position. That is, it means that the car wash unit (U) can be moved in advance to a standby position corresponding to the profile of the vehicle (20).

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 11(b), a protruding situation may occur in which the vehicle (20) moves forward by M from the profiled position. In other words, this can be described as a situation where the expected position and the actual position differ according to the shape of the profiled vehicle (20). The protruding situation may occur due to arbitrary vehicle operation by the driver, profile errors, etc.

[0077] The control unit (SV) can control the car wash unit (U) to move at a rapid operation speed faster than the basic operation speed when a protrusion occurs, moving it to an avoidance position separated from the actual position. Therefore, the car wash unit (U), which had moved to the standby position, can prevent a situation in which it collides with the vehicle (20).

[0078] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0079] 10 : Automatic car wash 20 : Vehicle

Claims

Claim 1 A control method for an automatic car wash machine comprising: a step of sensing a vehicle with a sensing unit; a step of generating a profile corresponding to the exterior shape of the vehicle based on data from the sensing unit; a step of spraying washing water onto the vehicle with a first unit; a step of spraying detergent onto the vehicle with a second unit; a step of removing contamination from the vehicle with a third unit; and a step of drying the vehicle with a fourth unit, wherein at least one of the first to fourth units moves from an initial position of the first to fourth units to a standby position corresponding to the profile of the vehicle before each step begins, and returns to the initial position after operation at an operating position according to the progress of each step. Claim 2 A control method for an automatic car wash machine according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the outer side of the vehicle to the waiting position is smaller than the distance from the outer side of the vehicle to the initial position. Claim 3 A control method for an automatic car wash machine according to claim 1, wherein the waiting position is a position in which at least one of the first to fourth units is located within a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the vehicle. Claim 4 A control method for an automatic car wash machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first to fourth units operates at a speed between a basic operating speed of the first to fourth units and a rapid operating speed faster than the basic operating speed. Claim 5 In claim 1, the control method of an automatic car wash machine, wherein the waiting position is different according to the profiled vehicle shape. Claim 6 A control method for an automatic car wash machine according to claim 1, further comprising the step of moving the first to fourth units, which were moved to the standby position, to an avoidance position separated from the actual position at a rapid operation speed faster than the basic operation speed if the expected position of the vehicle according to the profiled vehicle shape and the actual position of the vehicle are different. Claim 7 An automatic car wash machine comprising: a first unit for spraying washing water onto a vehicle; a second unit for spraying detergent onto the vehicle; a third unit for removing contamination from the vehicle; a fourth unit for drying the vehicle; a sensing unit for detecting the exterior shape of the vehicle; and a control unit for generating a control signal to move at least one of the first to fourth units from an initial position of the first to fourth units to a waiting position corresponding to the profile before each step begins, based on a profile corresponding to the exterior shape of the vehicle generated according to the data of the sensing unit, and to return to the initial position after operation at the operating position according to the progress of each step. Claim 8 In claim 7, the sensing unit is an automatic car wash located on the front side in the direction of entry of the vehicle compared to the first to fourth units. Claim 9 In claim 7, the control unit sets the standby position such that at least one of the first to fourth units is close within a preset distance from the outer surface of the vehicle. Claim 10 In claim 7, the control unit sets the waiting position differently according to the profile.

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