Cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device which may control each part of a vehicle during a cleaning step of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A cleaning device (1) includes: a cleaning unit (11) having nozzles (111, 112, 113) configured to jet a cleaning fluid (L) to a garbage truck (2); a position sensor (12) which acquires position information on a position of the garbage truck (2); a communication unit (15); and a control unit (10). The control unit (10) controls each part of the cleaning unit (11) on the basis of the position information and controls each part (24, 28, 29, 231) of the garbage truck (2) through the communication unit (15) to clean the garbage truck (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device and a washing method for washing vehicles such as garbage collection trucks. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are washing devices that can wash a vehicle in an appropriate state. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a car washing device that receives vehicle state information, such as the open / closed state of doors and windows, from the vehicle and washes the vehicle when the vehicle state information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0003] When vehicle condition information does not satisfy predetermined conditions, the car wash device of Patent Document 1 outputs a control signal to the vehicle to change the state of each part of the vehicle, and performs the car wash after changing each part of the vehicle to a state suitable for washing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-5302 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, some vehicles have special shapes, such as garbage trucks. For example, when cleaning a garbage truck having a hopper, the hopper needs to be opened and closed during the cleaning process in order to clean the exterior of the vehicle and the inside of the garbage collection box.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing device capable of controlling each part of a vehicle during a vehicle washing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a washing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a washing unit having a nozzle for spraying a washing liquid onto a vehicle to be washed, a position sensor for acquiring position information regarding the position of the vehicle, a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit controls each part of the washing unit based on the position information, and controls each part of the vehicle via the communication unit, thereby washing the vehicle.

[0008] In addition, in a cleaning method according to one aspect of the present invention, a control unit executes a cleaning process that controls each part of a cleaning device having a cleaning unit that sprays cleaning liquid onto a vehicle, and each part of the vehicle, based on position information from a position sensor that acquires position information regarding the position of the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, various parts of a vehicle can be controlled during the vehicle washing process. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing how a garbage collection vehicle is washed by a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning device and a garbage collection vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of a garbage collection vehicle that is an object to be cleaned by a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a cleaning process performed by a control unit of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the process of the first cleaning step S1 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the second cleaning step S2 in FIG. 5. [Figure 8]8 is a side view showing how the garbage collection vehicle is washed by the washing device in S24 of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of closing step S3 in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the cleaning device cleaning the garbage collection vehicle during the closing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0012] [Cleaning equipment configuration] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing how a garbage collection vehicle 2 is washed by the washing device 1. Fig. 2 is a front view of the washing device 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the washing device 1 and the garbage collection vehicle 2. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction, front-rear direction, and left-right direction of the washing device 1 will be defined below as shown by the arrows in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0013] The cleaning device 1 is a device that cleans a vehicle to be cleaned by spraying a cleaning liquid L onto the vehicle. Hereinafter, a case where a garbage truck 2 having an openable and closable hopper 24 is cleaned by the cleaning device 1 will be described as an example of a vehicle to be cleaned. Note that the vehicle is not limited to the garbage truck 2, and may be a dump truck or the like as long as it is a vehicle that can drive a part of the vehicle by receiving a control signal. More specifically, the vehicle may be a vehicle that can drive a drive unit related to opening and closing a cargo box or a cargo bed, dumping up, etc. by receiving a control signal.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cleaning device 1 includes a control unit 10, a cleaning unit 11, a position sensor 12, a pair of support pillars 13, a guard member 14, a communication unit 15, a memory 16, an operation unit 17, and an alarm unit 18.

[0015] The control unit 10 is configured with a processor such as a CPU, etc. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 10 is electrically connected to the cleaning unit 11, the position sensor 12, the communication unit 15, the memory 16, the operation unit 17, and the notification unit 18.

[0016] The control unit 10 performs various controls by executing a control program stored in the memory 16 on the processor. The control unit 10 controls each part of the washing unit 11 based on position information regarding the position of the garbage collection vehicle 2 acquired by the position sensor 12.

[0017] The control unit 10 is also capable of communicating with a transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15. The control unit 10 controls each part of the garbage truck 2 by transmitting a control signal to a control panel 210 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201. The control unit 10 may be built into the washing unit 11 or the support 13, or may be disposed outside the washing unit 11 or the support 13.

[0018] 2, the cleaning unit 11 is supported by a pair of support columns 13. The cleaning unit 11 is configured to be movable up and down via a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0019] The washing unit 11 has a first nozzle 111, a second nozzle 112, and a third nozzle 113. The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are examples of nozzles that spray the washing liquid L onto the vehicle to be washed.

[0020] The cleaning unit 11 is capable of rotating a predetermined angle, for example, about 40°, in the vertical direction around an axis 110 extending in the left-right direction. The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are fixed to the cleaning unit 11, and the spray directions of each of them move in the vertical direction as the cleaning unit 11 rotates.

[0021] The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are each configured to be able to swing left and right within a predetermined range, for example, about 40°. Note that the first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 may not be configured to swing left and right if the range of the cleaning liquid L sprayed by each of the nozzles 111, 112, and 113 is wide.

[0022] Furthermore, the spray distances of the cleaning liquid L from the first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 may be different from each other. For example, the spray distance of the first nozzle 111 may be greater than the spray distances of the second nozzle 112 and the third nozzle 113.

[0023] The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are connected to a tank (not shown) in which cleaning liquid L containing shampoo or the like is stored, and the cleaning liquid L is supplied from the tank.

[0024] 1, a position sensor 12 is provided in front of each support pillar 13. The position sensor 12 includes a light projector 12a and a light receiver (not shown) that receives light from the light projector 12a, and is supported by a support member 120. The light projector 12a has a plurality of light projecting units 121a. The light receiver has a plurality of light receiving units (not shown) that are paired with the plurality of light projecting units 121a.

[0025] The multiple light-projecting units 121a and the multiple light-receiving units are arranged to face each other across the travel path R of the garbage truck 2. The multiple light-projecting units 121a and the multiple light-receiving units form multiple horizontal optical axes that cross the travel path R of the garbage truck 2 at a right angle.

[0026] At least some of the optical axes are located between the rear end of the reversing garbage truck 2 and the cleaning device 1. The position sensor 12 is an area sensor that detects that an optical axis is blocked by the garbage truck 2 or an object such as a person, and detects the position of the garbage truck 2 or the object. The position sensor 12 can also detect the state of each part of the garbage truck 2, for example, the open / closed state of the hopper 24.

[0027] The pair of support pillars 13 are erected at both sides in the width direction of the cleaning unit 11 with a predetermined gap therebetween in the left-right direction. The pair of support pillars 13 support the cleaning unit 11 so that the cleaning unit 11 can be raised and lowered in the up-down direction.

[0028] A guard member 14 is disposed on the upper portion of each support pillar 13 so as to straddle the support pillars 13. The guard member 14 is made of, for example, a square pipe, and is a member for protecting the cleaning unit 11 and each support pillar 13 when a hopper 24 of the garbage collection truck 2 or the like collides with the cleaning device 1.

[0029] The communication unit 15 is for wireless communication with the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2, and has an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 15 communicates with the transceiver 201 at a predetermined frequency. The frequency is set for each garbage truck 2.

[0030] As a communication method between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201, other standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may also be used.

[0031] The memory 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The memory 16 stores a control program for operating each unit of the cleaning device 1 and the like. The memory 16 also stores a plurality of different frequencies linked to each chassis number or each registration number of the plurality of garbage collection vehicles 2.

[0032] The operation unit 17 is disposed, for example, on the side surface of the support pillar 13. The operation unit 17 has a touch panel, buttons, etc., and is used to input cleaning conditions, etc. for the garbage collection truck 2 to be used by the cleaning device 1. The operation unit 17 may be disposed at a position a predetermined distance away from the support pillar 13, and the position of the operation unit 17 can be changed as appropriate.

[0033] The notification unit 18 has, for example, a plurality of indicator lights. As shown in Fig. 2, the notification unit 18 has a green indicator light 181, a red indicator light 182, and a yellow indicator light 183. The green indicator light 181 notifies the driver that the vehicle must move backward because the distance between the garbage collection vehicle 2 and the cleaning device 1 in the front-rear direction is too far.

[0034] The red indicator light 182 indicates that the garbage truck 2 is at the cleaning position P and that the vehicle must stop. The cleaning position P is a position where the cleaning unit 11 can properly clean the object to be cleaned. The cleaning position P is set, for example, at a position where the rear of the garbage truck 2 is detected by the position sensor 12. The yellow indicator light 183 indicates that the distance between the garbage truck 2 and the cleaning device 1 in the front-to-rear direction is too close and that the vehicle must move forward.

[0035] [Garbage truck configuration] Fig. 4 is a side view of the garbage truck 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the garbage truck 2 includes a cab 21, a chassis 22, and wheels W. The cab 21 and the chassis 22 form a vehicle body 20. Note that the vehicle to be washed is not limited to the garbage truck 2, and may be, for example, a dump truck. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction and the front-rear direction of the garbage truck 2 are defined below as shown by the arrows in Fig. 4.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a waste collection box 23 is mounted on the chassis 22. An opening 23a is formed in the rear surface of the waste collection box 23. An openable and closable hopper 24 is provided in the opening 23a. The hopper 24 is tilted about a pin 26 by a tilting cylinder 25 provided between the waste collection box 23 and the hopper 24, thereby performing an opening and closing operation.

[0037] An inlet (not shown) is formed at the rear of the hopper 24. A garbage loading device (not shown) is provided inside the hopper 24 for compressing garbage thrown into the inlet and loading it into the garbage storage box 23. As shown in FIG. 1, a sliding plate 28 is housed inside the hopper 24. The sliding plate 28 is formed so as to extend across the entire width of the hopper 24. The sliding plate 28 reciprocates obliquely up and down by the extension and contraction of a sliding cylinder (not shown).

[0038] A compression plate 29 is supported at the lower end of the sliding plate 28. The compression plate 29 is disposed so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction by the expansion and contraction of a swing cylinder 29a. The compression plate 29 is formed so as to extend over the entire width of the hopper 24. The tip of the compression plate 29 is bent forward.

[0039] A discharge plate 231 is disposed in the waste collection box 23 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The discharge plate 231 is a plate-shaped member formed to have approximately the same size as the width and the height in the up-down direction of the waste collection box 23. The discharge plate 231 slides back and forth within the waste collection box 23 by the extension and contraction action of a discharge cylinder 231a.

[0040] 4, an operation panel 202 is provided inside the cab 21. In addition, a rear panel 203 is disposed at the rear of the hopper 24. The operation panel 202 and the rear panel 203 are provided with a lowering button for lowering the sliding plate 28, an uppering button for raising the sliding plate 28, a reverse button for reversing the compression plate 29, an emergency stop button, and the like.

[0041] Next, the electrical configuration of the garbage collection vehicle 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the transceiver 201 is for wireless communication with the communication unit 15 of the cleaning device 1. The transceiver 201 transmits a control signal transmitted from the control unit 10 via the communication unit 15 to the control panel 210.

[0042] The operation panel 202 issues commands to the control panel 210. Commands from the operation panel 202 are input to the control panel 210. Commands from the rear panel 203 are also input to the control panel 210.

[0043] The control panel 210 controls the hydraulic pressure switching unit 204 based on control signals from the control unit 10, the operation panel 202, and the rear panel 203. The hydraulic pressure switching unit 204 has a plurality of solenoid valves (not shown). The hydraulic pressure switching unit 204 controls the hopper 24, the sliding plate 28, the compression plate 29, the discharge plate 231, and the like via a plurality of cylinders.

[0044] Specifically, the hopper 24 opens and closes by a tilting cylinder 25. The sliding plate 28 rises and falls by a sliding cylinder. The compression plate 29 is compressed or inverted by a swinging cylinder 29a. The discharge plate 231 moves back and forth within the waste collection box 23 by a discharge cylinder 231a.

[0045] Hydraulic oil discharged from a hydraulic pump (not shown) is supplied to each cylinder via a hydraulic switching unit 204 and piping. The hydraulic pump is driven by power from an engine (not shown) of the garbage collection truck 2.

[0046] The control panel 210 supplies hydraulic oil to a desired cylinder by switching the open / close ports of each solenoid valve of the hydraulic switching unit 204, and controls the operation of a desired part via the cylinder. That is, the control panel 210 controls the opening and closing operation of the hopper 24, the raising or lowering operation of the sliding plate 28, the compression or reversing operation of the compression plate 29, and the forward and backward movement of the discharge plate 231.

[0047] [Cleaning process flow by the control unit] Next, an example of the flow of the cleaning process performed by the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 10. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the cleaning process performed by the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1.

[0048] In the flowchart shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 10 executes a first cleaning step (S1), a second cleaning step (S2), and a closing step (S3) in the cleaning process in this order. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is an example, and is not limited to this. Below, a case where the garbage truck 2 is washed by a driver of the garbage truck 2 will be described, but the garbage truck 2 may be washed by a dedicated worker.

[0049] First, the driver obtains a predetermined frequency to be used for communication between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2. Specifically, the driver inputs the chassis number or registration number of the garbage truck 2 to the operation unit 17 of the cleaning device 1. The control unit 10 refers to the input chassis number or registration number, obtains the frequency of the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned from the memory 16, and displays the obtained frequency on the display unit (not shown). The driver sets the frequency of the communication unit 15 to the frequency displayed on the display unit, thereby enabling wireless communication between the cleaning device 1 and the garbage truck 2.

[0050] In addition, a password linked to each chassis number or registration number of each garbage collection truck 2 may be set, and when the chassis number or registration number and password are input into the operation unit 17, wireless communication may be performed between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201 of the garbage collection truck 2.

[0051] <First cleaning process> Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the first cleaning step S1 in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 starts acquiring position information of the garbage collection vehicle 2 by the position sensor 12 (S11).

[0052] After S11, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the garbage truck 2 is at a predetermined cleaning position P based on the position information from the position sensor 12 (S12). The cleaning position P is a position where the rear of the garbage truck 2 can be properly cleaned by the cleaning device 1, and is set in consideration of the spray distance of the spray liquid L sprayed from each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113, etc.

[0053] Until the garbage truck 2 reaches the cleaning position P (S12: NO), the driver of the garbage truck 2 reverses the garbage truck 2 to approach the cleaning device 1. When the garbage truck 2 is located ahead of the cleaning device 1, the control unit 10 turns on the green indicator light 181 of the notification unit 18 to notify the driver that the garbage truck 2 is reversing.

[0054] When the garbage truck 2 reaches the cleaning position P (S12: YES), the control unit 10 turns on the red indicator light 182 of the notification unit 18 (S13) to notify the driver that the garbage truck 2 has stopped. The driver visually confirms that the red indicator light 182 is turned on and stops the garbage truck 2 at the cleaning position P. If the garbage truck 2 is too close to the cleaning device 1, the control unit 10 turns on the yellow indicator light 183 of the notification unit 18 to notify the driver that the garbage truck 2 is moving forward.

[0055] Next, the driver operates the operation unit 17 to start washing the rear of the garbage collection vehicle 2 with the washing device 1. When the control unit 10 receives an instruction from the driver to start washing via the operation unit 17 (S14: YES), it starts washing the front side of the hopper 24 (S15).

[0056] Specifically, while the hopper 24 is closed, the control unit 10 rotates each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 in the left-right direction, and, as shown in FIG. 1, directs the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 diagonally upward and forward, thereby spraying cleaning liquid L from each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113, thereby starting cleaning of the upper part of the front side of the hopper 24.

[0057] Next, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, and 113 while lifting the cleaning unit 11 (S16). Specifically, the control unit 10 gradually lifts the cleaning unit 11 and gradually moves the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, and 113 diagonally downward and forward while continuing to spray the cleaning liquid L, thereby cleaning the central part and the lower part in the vertical direction of the front side of the hopper 24.

[0058] In this manner, while the cleaning unit 11 is raised, the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 is gradually shifted from an upwardly forward diagonal direction to a downwardly forward diagonal direction, thereby cleaning the hopper 24 from the top to the bottom. This allows the garbage adhering to the upper part of the front side of the hopper 24 to fall, and then the lower part of the front side of the hopper 24 to be cleaned. In other words, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L depending on the part of the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned, thereby allowing the garbage truck 2 to be effectively cleaned.

[0059] When the front side of the hopper 24 is washed by the washing unit 11, the control unit 10 may send a control signal to the control panel 210 via the communication unit 15 to raise and lower the sliding plate 28 and compress and invert the compression plate 29. This makes it possible to satisfactorily wash the front side of the hopper 24.

[0060] After S16, the control unit 10 judges whether or not cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is completed (S17). In S17, the control unit 10 judges whether or not the cleaning time for the front side of the hopper 24 has elapsed a predetermined time, and judges that cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is completed if the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0061] The control unit 10 continues cleaning the front side of the hopper 24 until cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is completed (S17: NO), and when it is determined that cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is completed (S17: YES), it lowers the cleaning unit 11 to a predetermined position (S18). In this way, the control unit 10 positions the cleaning unit 11 downward before opening the hopper 24 in S21 described later, thereby preventing the hopper 24 from colliding with the cleaning unit 11. This completes the first cleaning step S1 shown in FIG. 6.

[0062] <Second cleaning process> Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the second cleaning step S2 in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 10 starts the opening operation of the hopper 24 (S21). Specifically, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal for opening the hopper 24 to the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15.

[0063] When the control panel 210 of the garbage collection vehicle 2 receives a control signal from the cleaning device 1 via the transceiver 201, it controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 to perform an opening operation to change the hopper 24 from a closed state to an open state.

[0064] After S21, the control unit 10 starts cleaning the back side of the hopper 24 by spraying the cleaning liquid L toward the back side of the hopper 24 while the opening operation of the hopper 24 is being performed. Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 while raising the cleaning unit 11 (S22). At this time, the control unit 10 rotates each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 in the left-right direction, and sprays the cleaning liquid L from each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 in a forward and upward diagonal direction.

[0065] Then, the control unit 10 gradually opens the hopper 24 and gradually raises the cleaning unit 11, while gradually moving the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 diagonally downward and forward so that the entire back side of the hopper 24 is cleaned. At this time, the control unit 10 detects the degree of opening of the hopper 24 based on the detection result of the position sensor 12, and controls the vertical position of the cleaning unit 11 and the spray direction of the spray liquid L according to the degree of opening of the hopper 24. This makes it possible for the cleaning unit 11 to clean the back side of the hopper 24 well.

[0066] Next, the control unit 10 judges whether or not cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 has been completed (S23). In S23, the control unit 10 judges whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed for cleaning the back side of the hopper 24, and judges that cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 has been completed if the predetermined time has elapsed. Note that it is assumed that the opening operation of the hopper 24 is completed before cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 is completed.

[0067] Here, Fig. 8 is a side view showing the state of cleaning of the garbage collection vehicle 2 by the cleaning device 1 in S24 of Fig. 7. The control unit 10 repeats S23 until cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 is completed (S23: NO), and when cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 is completed (S23: YES), as shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 so that the spray liquid L is sprayed into the garbage collection box 23, thereby cleaning the inside of the garbage collection box 23 (S24).

[0068] In S24, the control unit 10 moves the discharge plate 231 in the forward and backward directions while cleaning the inside of the garbage collection box 23 with the cleaning unit 11. Specifically, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal for moving the discharge plate 231 in the forward and backward directions to the transceiver 201 of the garbage collection truck 2 via the communication unit 15.

[0069] When the control panel 210 of the garbage collection vehicle 2 receives a control signal from the cleaning device 1 via the transceiver 201, it controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 to move the discharge plate 231 in the forward and backward directions. This makes it possible to thoroughly clean the entire inside of the garbage collection box 23.

[0070] The control unit 10 repeats S24 until cleaning of the inside of the dust collection box 23 is completed (S25: NO), and when cleaning of the inside of the dust collection box 23 is completed (S25: YES), ends the second cleaning step S2 shown in FIG. 7.

[0071] <Closing process> Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the process of the closing step S3 in Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a side view showing the state of the periphery of the garbage truck 2 by the cleaning apparatus 1 during the closing step S3. As shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 10 of the cleaning apparatus 1 starts acquiring position information of the garbage truck 2 by the position sensor 12 (S31).

[0072] After S31, the control unit 10 starts the closing operation of the hopper 24 (S32), as shown by the outlined arrow in Fig. 10. In S32, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal for closing the hopper 24 to the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15.

[0073] When the control panel 210 of the garbage collection vehicle 2 receives a control signal from the cleaning device 1 via the transceiver 201, it controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 to perform a closing operation to change the hopper 24 from an open state to an open state.

[0074] After S32, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is an object other than the garbage truck 2, such as the driver M, between the garbage truck 2 and the cleaning unit 11, based on the detection result of the position sensor 12 (S33). When the position sensor 12 detects that the optical axis has been blocked by the driver M or the like, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 10. Based on the detection signal from the position sensor 12, the cleaning device 1 can detect that there is an object other than each part of the garbage truck 2 between the garbage truck 2 and the cleaning device 1.

[0075] When the control unit 10 determines based on the detection signal from the position sensor 12 that a driver M or the like is present between the garbage collection vehicle 2 and the cleaning unit 11, as shown in FIG. 10 (S33: YES), it executes a predetermined warning operation (S34).

[0076] In S34, the control unit 10 executes a warning operation such as turning on an indicator light (not shown) indicating a warning in the notification unit 18 and outputting a warning sound from a speaker (not shown). After that, the control unit 10 stops the operation of each part of the cleaning device 1 and each part of the garbage collection truck 2 (S35). This makes it possible to avoid a collision between the driver M and the like and the hopper 24 of the garbage collection truck 2.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that the driver M or the like is not present between the garbage collection vehicle 2 and the washing unit 11 (S33: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the closing operation of the hopper 24 has been completed (S36). If the closing operation of the hopper 24 has been completed (S36: YES), the control unit 10 ends the closing step S3 shown in FIG.

[0078] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the cleaning device 1 described above, during the second cleaning step S2 of the garbage truck 2, the control unit 10 can control the nozzles 111, 112, 113, etc. of the cleaning unit 11, as well as the hopper 24, etc. of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15. This can eliminate the need for manpower to operate the operation panel 202, etc. on the side of the garbage truck 2 during the second cleaning step S2.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can simultaneously control each part of the garbage collection vehicle 2 and each part of the cleaning unit 11, for example, to clean the back side of the hopper 24 with the cleaning unit 11 while the hopper 24 of the garbage collection vehicle 2 is being opened. This makes it possible to shorten the time it takes for the cleaning device 1 to clean the garbage collection vehicle 2, and to clean the garbage collection vehicle 2 efficiently.

[0080] In addition, the control unit 10 can link the operations of each part of the garbage truck 2 and the cleaning unit 11 according to the part to be cleaned of the garbage truck 2, for example, by moving the discharge plate 231 of the garbage truck 2 in the forward and backward directions while cleaning the inside of the garbage collection box 23 with the cleaning unit 11. This allows the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned more effectively.

[0081] Furthermore, when the garbage truck 2 approaches the cleaning device 1, the control unit 10 notifies the driver of the garbage truck 2 of the approach of the vehicle through the notification unit 18 based on the position information from the position sensor 12. This allows the driver to stop the garbage truck 2 at a predetermined cleaning position P. This makes it possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the cleaning device 1 and the garbage truck 2, and allows the cleaning unit 11 to clean each part of the garbage truck 2 well.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first cleaning step S1 and the second cleaning step S2, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L from each of the nozzles 111, 112, 113 so that the upper side of the garbage truck 2 is cleaned before the lower side. This allows the lower side of the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned after the garbage on the upper side of the garbage truck 2 has fallen, and the garbage truck 2 can be cleaned well by the cleaning unit 11.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L depending on the part to be cleaned in the garbage truck 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, when cleaning the upper part of the garbage truck 2, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L from each of the nozzles 111, 112, and 113 to be upward.

[0084] 8, when cleaning the underside of the garbage truck 2, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L from each of the nozzles 111, 112, and 113 downward. In this manner, the garbage truck 2 can be effectively cleaned by the cleaning unit 11.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 10 controls the vertical position of the cleaning unit 11 and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L depending on the part of the garbage truck 2 to be washed. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, when washing the upper part of the garbage truck 2, the cleaning unit 11 is positioned downward and sprays the cleaning liquid L upward. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, when washing the lower part of the garbage truck 2, the cleaning unit 11 is moved upward and sprays the cleaning liquid L downward. In this way, even a garbage truck 2 having a special shape can be satisfactorily washed by the cleaning unit 11.

[0086] Other embodiments In the above embodiment, the cleaning unit 11 is configured to move up and down, but this is not limiting and the cleaning unit 11 may not move up and down. For example, three cleaning units 11 may be fixed and disposed at the upper, middle, and lower portions between a pair of support columns 13.

[0087] Further, the cleaning unit 11 has three nozzles, the first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113, but is not limited to this, and the number and arrangement positions of the nozzles may be changed as appropriate.

[0088] In addition, in the above embodiment, the control unit 10 starts the opening operation of the hopper 24 (S21) while the second cleaning process S2 is being performed, but this is not limited to the above, and the second cleaning process S2 may be performed after the hopper 24 is opened.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the garbage truck 2 is driven by a driver to move to the cleaning position P, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of actuators may be provided to operate the steering wheel, shift lever, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, etc. of the garbage truck 2, and the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 may transmit a control signal to the control panel 210 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15 to control each actuator, thereby stopping the garbage truck 2 at the cleaning position P. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the need for a driver to drive the garbage truck 2 when cleaning the garbage truck 2.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the driver inputs the chassis number or registration number of the garbage collection truck 2 into the operation unit 17 of the cleaning device 1 to obtain the frequency used for wireless communication between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201, but this is not limited to this. For example, a sticker with a two-dimensional code printed on it may be attached to the garbage collection truck 2, and the two-dimensional code may contain data related to the frequency linked to the chassis number or registration number. In this case, the driver can obtain the frequency by reading the two-dimensional code with a reading unit such as a mobile terminal.

[0091] 〔summary〕 (1) A washing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a washing unit having a nozzle for spraying a washing liquid onto a vehicle to be washed, a position sensor for acquiring position information on the position of the vehicle, a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit controls each part of the washing unit based on the position information, and controls each part of the vehicle via the communication unit, thereby washing the vehicle.

[0092] According to the above configuration, during the vehicle washing process, the control unit of the washing device can control each part of the washing unit as well as each part of the vehicle via the communication unit. This can reduce the number of personnel who operate the operation panel on the vehicle side when washing the vehicle. In addition, by using the position information of the position sensor, it is possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the vehicle and the washing device, and each part of the vehicle can be washed well by the washing unit.

[0093] (2) In a cleaning device according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1 above, the control unit executes a cleaning process including a plurality of cleaning steps for cleaning each part of the vehicle, and controls each part of the vehicle and / or each part of the cleaning unit in each of the plurality of cleaning steps.

[0094] According to the above configuration, the control unit can operate or link each part of the vehicle and / or each part of the washing device according to the washing process. In addition, the control unit can simultaneously control each part of the vehicle and each part of the washing device during the washing process, thereby shortening the washing time.

[0095] (3) The washing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the washing device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a driver of the vehicle. The control unit transmits a notification instruction to the notification unit to issue a notification based on the position information.

[0096] According to the above configuration, when the vehicle approaches the washing device, i.e., when the vehicle backs up, the notification unit issues a notification regarding the vehicle's approach based on the vehicle's position information, so that the driver can stop the vehicle in an appropriate position. This allows the vehicle to be properly washed by the washing device.

[0097] (4) In a cleaning device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to third aspects, the position sensor is an area sensor that detects an object other than the vehicle by forming a plurality of horizontal optical axes that cross the moving path of the vehicle at right angles using a plurality of light-emitting elements and a plurality of light-receiving elements, and at least some of the plurality of optical axes are located between the vehicle and the cleaning device.

[0098] According to the above configuration, the area sensor can detect the presence of an object other than the vehicle between the vehicle and the washing device during the washing process of the vehicle, in addition to the vehicle position information, thereby making it possible to avoid a collision between the vehicle and the object.

[0099] (5) In the cleaning method according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, a control unit executes a cleaning process that controls each part of a cleaning device having a cleaning unit that sprays cleaning liquid onto a vehicle, and each part of the vehicle, based on location information from a position sensor that acquires location information regarding the position of the vehicle.

[0100] According to the above configuration, by using the position information of the position sensor, it is possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the vehicle and the washing device, and each part of the vehicle can be washed well by the washing unit. Furthermore, since each part of the vehicle can be controlled via the communication unit in addition to each part of the washing device, it is possible to reduce the number of personnel who operate the operation panel on the vehicle when washing the vehicle.

[0101] (6) In a cleaning method according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure, in the above aspect 5, the vehicle is a garbage truck having an openable and closable hopper. The cleaning process includes a first cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid toward the garbage truck with the hopper closed, and a second cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid toward the inside of the garbage truck with the hopper open.

[0102] According to the above configuration, the control unit of the cleaning device can collectively control the opening and closing of the hopper of the garbage collection vehicle and the cleaning unit, so that the garbage collection vehicle can be efficiently cleaned.

[0103] (7) In the cleaning method according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure, in aspect 6 above, in the first cleaning process and the second cleaning process, the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid so that cleaning proceeds from the top of the vehicle downward.

[0104] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the spray direction of the cleaning liquid is moved from above to below, so that the upper side of the garbage collection vehicle is washed before the lower side, and thus the lower side of the garbage collection vehicle can be washed after the garbage on the upper side of the garbage collection vehicle has fallen off, and the garbage collection vehicle can be washed well.

[0105] (8) In a cleaning method according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the cleaning unit is movable in a vertical direction. After the first cleaning step, the control unit positions the cleaning unit below the cleaning device before opening the hopper.

[0106] According to the above configuration, the control unit positions the cleaning unit below before opening the hopper, thereby preventing the hopper from colliding with the cleaning unit.

[0107] (9) In a cleaning method according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 6 to 8 above, in the second cleaning process, the control unit sprays the cleaning liquid toward each part of the garbage collection vehicle while the hopper is opening or closing.

[0108] According to the above configuration, the control unit can spray cleaning liquid toward each part of the garbage collection vehicle while performing the hopper opening or closing operation, allowing the cleaning device to clean efficiently and shortening the cleaning process time.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Cleaning equipment 2. Garbage Truck 10 Control section 11 Cleaning unit 12 Position Sensor 15 Communications Department 18. Notification Department 24 Hopper 28 Sliding plate 29 Compression plate 111 No. 1 nozzle 112 No. 2 nozzle 113 3rd nozzle 231 Discharge plate L Cleaning Solution S1 First cleaning process S2 2nd cleaning process S3 Closing process

Claims

1. A cleaning unit having a nozzle for spraying cleaning liquid onto a vehicle to be cleaned; a position sensor for obtaining position information relating to a position of the vehicle; A communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle; A control unit, The control unit controls each part of the washing unit based on the position information, and also controls each part of the vehicle via the communication unit, thereby washing the vehicle.

2. The control unit executes a cleaning process including a plurality of cleaning steps for cleaning each part of the vehicle, The washing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit configured to control each part of the vehicle and / or each part of the washing unit in each of the plurality of washing steps.

3. A notification unit that notifies a driver of the vehicle, The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits a notification instruction to the notification unit to issue a notification based on the position information.

4. the position sensor is an area sensor that detects an object other than the vehicle by forming a plurality of horizontal optical axes that cross a moving path of the vehicle at right angles using a plurality of light-emitting elements and a plurality of light-receiving elements; The cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of optical axes are located between the vehicle and the cleaning device.

5. A cleaning method in which a control unit executes a cleaning process that controls each part of a cleaning device having a cleaning unit that sprays cleaning liquid onto a vehicle, and each part of the vehicle, based on position information from a position sensor that acquires position information regarding the position of the vehicle.

6. the vehicle is a garbage collection truck having an openable and closable hopper; The cleaning process includes a first cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid toward the garbage collection vehicle while the hopper is closed; The cleaning method according to claim 5 , further comprising a second cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid toward the inside of the garbage collection vehicle while the hopper is in an open state.

7. The cleaning method according to claim 6 , wherein in the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step, the control unit controls a spray direction of the cleaning liquid such that cleaning proceeds downward from above the vehicle.

8. The cleaning unit is movable in a vertical direction, The cleaning method according to claim 6 , wherein after the first cleaning step, the control unit positions the cleaning unit below the cleaning device before opening the hopper.

9. The cleaning method according to claim 6 , wherein in the second cleaning step, the control unit sprays the cleaning liquid toward each part of the garbage collection vehicle while the hopper is being opened or closed.

Images