Fixed type vehicle washer

Abstract

To provide a fixed type vehicle washer that is able to prevent damage to a rotary brush and a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle washer that performs a washing process on a traveling vehicle includes a top brush. When a load exceeding a predetermined degree is applied to the top brush, the top brush is raised and is not lowered for a predetermined time. The vehicle washer also includes vehicle detection means having a plurality of detection elements. The top brush is raised when a positional relation between an element at the highest position among detection elements in a state of detecting the vehicle and the top brush satisfies a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixed car wash apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] A fixed type car wash device is described in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-192965 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-329737 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2). A fixed type car wash device is a car wash device fixed to the ground, and washes the vehicle by bringing a rotating brush into contact with the vehicle as it moves and spraying washing water onto the vehicle.

[0003] Also, Japanese Patent No. 4022331 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 3) describes a mobile car wash device. The mobile car wash device has wheels and a motor for driving the wheels, and while moving across a stopped vehicle, it performs a washing process by abutting a rotating brush against the vehicle and spraying washing water onto the vehicle.

[0004] A fixed car wash apparatus is easier to install than a mobile car wash apparatus because it does not require the installation of rails for the car wash apparatus. Due to these characteristics, the fixed type is a method that is particularly suitable for car wash apparatuses for washing medium-sized and large automobiles. This is because car wash apparatuses for washing medium-sized and large automobiles tend to have larger main body dimensions than car wash apparatuses for washing small and ordinary automobiles, and ease of installation is required. In addition, since the fixed car wash apparatus is self-propelled during the washing process, it can wash a wide variety of vehicles, including long vehicles, and in this respect it is also suitable for the purpose of washing medium-sized and large automobiles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-192965 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-329737 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 4022331 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, because fixed car wash devices perform a cleaning process on self-propelled vehicles, if the vehicle moves irregularly during the cleaning process, there is a risk that the rotating brush may collide with the vehicle, resulting in damage to the rotating brush or the vehicle.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a fixed car wash device capable of preventing damage to the rotating brush and the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A car wash device relating to one solution of the present invention is a car wash device that performs a washing process on a moving vehicle, and is equipped with a main body portion formed in a gate shape, a top brush, a driving means for driving the top brush, a load detection means for detecting the load applied to the driving means, and a control unit, and is characterized in that the control unit controls the raising and lowering of the top brush based on the load applied to the driving means when washing a vehicle, and when the load detection means detects a load exceeding a predetermined level, raises the top brush and does not lower it for a predetermined period of time.

[0009] In addition, a car wash device according to one solution of the present invention is a car wash device that performs a washing process on a moving vehicle, and is equipped with a main body portion formed in a gate shape, a top brush, a driving means for driving the top brush, a vehicle shape detection means for detecting the top surface shape of the vehicle, and a control unit, wherein the vehicle shape detection means has a plurality of detection elements, and the control unit controls the lifting and lowering of the top brush based on the top surface shape of the vehicle detected by the vehicle shape detection means, and is characterized in that it raises the top brush when the positional relationship between the highest detection element among the detection elements detecting the vehicle and the top brush satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0010] In addition, a car wash device relating to one solution of the present invention is a car wash device that performs a washing process on a moving vehicle, and is characterized in that it comprises a main body portion formed in a gate shape, a top brush, and a guide light, the main body portion has opposing legs between which vehicles can pass, the guide light is provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the legs, and the installation position is on the exit road side of the main body portion rather than the top brush. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to one solution of the present invention, a fixed car wash device capable of preventing damage to the rotating brush and the vehicle can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a car wash apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the car wash apparatus 10 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism of a top brush 20 of the car wash apparatus 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism for side brushes 40a and 40b of the car wash apparatus 10 shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the car wash apparatus 10 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the top brush 20. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a car wash apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the car wash apparatus 200 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the car wash apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a vehicle C2, a top brush 20, and a vehicle shape sensor 220. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a car wash apparatus 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic side view of the car wash apparatus 300 shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a vehicle C3 and a main body 301 during cleaning of a cabin B. FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0013] In the following embodiments of the present invention, the description will be divided into multiple sections, etc., if necessary, but in principle, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a partial or complete modification, detail, etc. of the other. For this reason, in all drawings, members having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the number of components (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is not limited to a specific number, except when specifically stated or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, and may be more than or less than a specific number. In addition, when referring to the shape of a component, etc., it includes those that are substantially similar or similar to that shape, etc., except when specifically stated or when it is clearly not considered to be the case in principle.

[0014] First embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a car wash apparatus 10, and Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the car wash apparatus 10. The car wash apparatus 10 has a processing function for washing a vehicle. The car wash apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can wash a large vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle C). In this description, a large vehicle refers to a vehicle having a height higher than that of a normal automobile, such as a boxcar, a bus, a flatbed, or a trailer.

[0015] (Main body) The car wash apparatus 10 has a main body 11. The main body 11 has legs 12a and 12b and a beam 13. The legs 12a and 12b are fixed to the ground G by, for example, anchor bolts, and are arranged to stand above the ground G. The beam 13 is provided on the upper parts of the legs 12a and 12b. This forms a space S in the main body 11 that allows a vehicle C to pass through. The size of the space S (i.e., the distance between the legs 12a and 12b and the height of the beam 13) can be set appropriately based on the specifications of the vehicle to be washed.

[0016] A vehicle sensor 14 is provided on the legs 12a and 12b. The vehicle sensor 14 is provided at a position where it can detect the entry of a vehicle into the space S. The sensor may be of a transmission type, for example, for its detection method.

[0017] (Top Brush) The car wash apparatus 10 includes a top brush 20 that is movable in the standing direction of the legs 12a and 12b (the vehicle height direction, vertical direction of the vehicle C). The top brush 20 can rise and fall in the space S while rotating.

[0018] 3 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism for the top brush 20 provided in the car wash apparatus 10. The car wash apparatus 10 has a rotating shaft 21, carriers 22a and 22b, rails 23a and 23b, and a motor 39. The rail 23a is housed in the leg 12a. The rail 23b is housed in the leg 12b. The carrier 22a is attached to the rail 23a and connected to one end of the rotating shaft 21. The carrier 22b is attached to the rail 23b and connected to the other end of the rotating shaft 21. The motor 39 is provided on one of the carriers 22a and 22b. The rotating shaft 21 is rotatably connected to the carriers 22a and 22b, and rotates as the motor 39 is driven in the forward and reverse directions.

[0019] The car wash apparatus 10 has chains 24a and 24b, sprockets 25a and 25b, sprockets 26a and 26b, and a rotating shaft 27. Sprocket 25a is provided on the upper part of leg 12a. Sprocket 26a is provided on the lower part of leg 12a. Sprocket 25b is provided on the upper part of leg 12b. Sprocket 26b is provided on the lower part of leg 12b. The upper and lower ends of chain 24a are connected endlessly and attached to sprockets 25a and 26a. The upper and lower ends of chain 24b are connected endlessly and attached to sprockets 25b and 26b. The rotating shaft 27 connects the sprockets (sprockets 25a and 25b) located on the upper parts of legs 12a and 12b.

[0020] The car wash device 10 has a motor 28, a switch 29, and a switch 30. The motor 28 is attached to one of the sprockets 25a, 25b, 26a, and 26b, and can rotate the attached sprocket by driving it in the forward and reverse directions. The rotation of the sprockets is transmitted to each sprocket by the chains 24a and 24b and the rotating shaft 27. The rotation of each sprocket and the chains 24a and 24b causes the carriers 22a and 22b to move up and down on the rails 23a and 23b. In this way, the top brush 20 can move up and down in the space S while rotating. The switches 29 and 30 are provided at the lift limit positions of the carriers 22a or 22b on one of the legs 12a and 12b. The switches 29 and 30 are switched on and off by contacting the carriers 22a or 22b, and detect that the carriers are at the lift limit positions.

[0021] (Side brush) The car wash apparatus 10 includes side brushes 40a and 40b that are movable horizontally (in the width direction of the vehicle C) between the legs 12a and 12b. The side brushes 40a and 40b can open and close in the space S while rotating.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism of the side brushes 40a and 40b included in the car wash apparatus 10. The car wash apparatus 10 has rotating shafts 41a and 41b, carriers 42a and 42b, a rail 43, and motors 44a and 44b. The rail 43 is housed in the beam portion 13. The carrier 42a is attached to the rail 43 and connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 41a. The carrier 42b is attached to the rail 43 and connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 41b. The motor 44a is provided on the carrier 42a, and the motor 44b is provided on the carrier 42b. The rotating shaft 41a is rotatably connected to the carrier 42a and rotates as the motor 44a is driven in the forward and reverse directions. Similarly, the rotating shaft 41b is rotatably connected to the carrier 42b and rotates as the motor 44b is driven in the forward and reverse directions.

[0023] The car wash apparatus 10 has a chain 45, sprockets 46a and 46b, a chain 47, and sprockets 48a and 48b. Sprocket 46a is provided on the upper part of leg 12a. Sprocket 46b is provided on the upper part of leg 12b. The upper and lower ends of the chain 45 are connected endlessly and attached to sprockets 46a and 46b. Sprocket 48a is provided on the upper part of leg 12b. Sprocket 48b is provided on the upper part of leg 12b. The upper and lower ends of the chain 47 are connected endlessly and attached to sprockets 48a and 48b.

[0024] The car wash apparatus 10 has motors 49a and 49b. The motor 49a is attached to the sprocket 46a and can rotate the sprocket 46a by driving it in the forward and reverse directions. The motor 49b is attached to the sprocket 48b and can rotate the sprocket 48b by driving it in the forward and reverse directions. The rotation of the sprocket 46a is transmitted to the sprocket 46b by the chain 45. Similarly, the rotation of the sprocket 48b is transmitted to the sprocket 48a by the chain 47. The rotation of the sprockets 46a and 46b and the chain 45 causes the carrier 42a to move horizontally on the rail 43. Similarly, the rotation of the sprockets 48a and 48b and the chain 47 causes the carrier 42b to move horizontally on the rail 43. In this way, the side brushes 40a and 40b can open and close in the space S while rotating.

[0025] (Watering nozzle) The car wash device 10 is equipped with a plurality of spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are connected to a water supply source and can spray wash water into the space S. The spray nozzles are not shown in the figure because their mounting positions can be set appropriately in the main body 11. The positions and number of the spray nozzles may be determined according to the size of the space S, etc.

[0026] (Control unit) The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with a control unit 50 and a memory unit 51. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the car wash apparatus 10. The control unit 50 is composed of, for example, a CPU. The memory unit 51 is composed of, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an external memory, etc. The memory unit 51 stores various programs related to the functions of the car wash apparatus 10 and a series of flows of the washing process. The control unit 50 can execute the programs and processes stored in the memory unit 51.

[0027] The control unit 50 is connected to the vehicle sensor 14 , the memory unit 51 , an operation unit 70 (described later), a drive mechanism for the top brush 20 , a drive mechanism for the side brush 40 , and a water supply valve 65 .

[0028] The memory unit 51 stores a load threshold value for determining the contact state between the brush and the vehicle C from the load applied to the brush when the brush, such as the top brush 20 or the side brush 40, is brought into contact with the vehicle C. The load threshold value may be set, for example, for the current value, voltage value, torque value, frequency value, etc. of the motor related to driving the brush. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a load threshold value is set for the current value of the motors 39, 44a, 44b related to the rotational operation of each brush, and the load applied to the brush is detected from the current value of each motor.

[0029] The control unit 50 has a function (current detection function 52) of detecting the current value of the motor 39 related to the rotational operation of the top brush 20, a function (rotation control function 53) of controlling the motor 39, and a function (lifting and lowering control function 54) of controlling the motor 28 related to the lifting and lowering operation of the top brush 20.

[0030] The control unit 50 also has a function (current detection function 55) of detecting the current value of the motors 44a and 44b related to the rotation operation of the side brush 40, a function (rotation control function 56) of controlling the motors 44a and 44b, and a function (opening / closing operation control function 57) of controlling the motors 49a and 49b related to the opening and closing operation of the side brush 40.

[0031] In addition, the control unit 50 has a function (water supply control function 58) of controlling the water supply valve 65 and starting and stopping the water supply from the watering nozzle. The water supply valve is provided in the pipeline connecting the water supply source and the watering nozzle. The structure of the pipeline and the position of the water supply valve can be set appropriately depending on the position and number of the watering nozzles.

[0032] (Operation unit) The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with an operation unit 70. The operation unit 70 has a number of buttons. A user of the car wash apparatus 10 can issue instructions to the control unit 50, such as an emergency stop of the washing process, by operating the buttons on the operation unit 70. In this embodiment, the operation unit 70 is described as being provided on the leg 12b, but the operation unit 70 may be provided separately from the main body 11. The operation unit 70 may be a touch panel type instead of a button type.

[0033] (Cleaning operation) The washing operation of the car wash apparatus 10 thus configured will now be described.

[0034] When not cleaning, the top brush 20 is housed in the beam portion 13. The side brush 40a is housed in the leg portion 12a, and the side brush 40b is housed in the leg portion 12b.

[0035] A user of the car wash apparatus 10 first moves the vehicle C into the space S between the legs 12a and 12b. When the vehicle sensor 14 detects the vehicle C, the control unit 50 executes the washing process sequence stored in the memory unit 51. Since the user does not need to perform a reception process to start the car wash by operating a button or the like, the car wash apparatus 10 can efficiently perform the washing process.

[0036] When the vehicle sensor 14 detects the vehicle C, the control unit 50 starts sprinkling water from the sprinkler nozzle, and moves the top brush 20 and the side brushes 40a and 40b closer to the vehicle C while rotating them. That is, the control unit 50 controls the motor 28 to lower the top brush 20, and the control unit 50 controls the motors 49a and 49b to move the side brushes 40a and 40b closer to each other.

[0037] As the brushes are driven, the current detection functions 52 and 55 of the control unit 50 monitor the current values ​​of the motors (motors 39, 44a, and 44b) involved in the rotational drive of each brush. When the brushes come into contact with the vehicle C, a load is placed on the motors involved in the rotational drive, and the current values ​​detected by the current detection functions 52 and 55 become larger. The stronger the brushes are applied to the vehicle C, the greater the load on the motors becomes, and the greater the current values ​​detected by the current detection functions 52 and 55 become. Therefore, the control unit 50 controls the motors (motors 28, 49a, and 49b) involved in raising, lowering, and opening and closing the brushes so that the detected current values ​​are equal to or less than the load threshold value stored in the memory unit 51. Through this control by the control unit 50, the car wash apparatus 10 can apply each brush to the vehicle C with an appropriate pressure, preventing damage to each brush.

[0038] When the water spray and brush washing starts, the user of the car wash device 10 moves the vehicle C forward at a low speed. This causes the top and sides of the vehicle C to be washed with water and brushes from the front to the rear of the vehicle C. The appropriate timing and speed for moving the vehicle C may be notified by voice or the like.

[0039] When the vehicle C passes through the main body 11, the vehicle sensor 14 goes into a vehicle non-detection state. When the vehicle sensor 14 goes into a vehicle non-detection state, the control unit 50 stops water spraying and returns each brush to its non-washing position. This completes the washing operation of the car wash device 10.

[0040] (Damage prevention control) When washing a vehicle with a brush, if the vehicle suddenly accelerates, it is expected that the vehicle will collide with the brush, placing an excessive load on the vehicle and the brush. Therefore, it is advisable to set a threshold separate from the load threshold related to the raising and opening / closing of the brush, and when a load on the brush that exceeds the separate threshold is detected, control will be performed to prevent damage to the vehicle and brush due to the excessive load.

[0041] 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the top brush 20 during cleaning. When cleaning a vehicle C having multiple protrusions (P1, P2, P3) on its upper surface, the top brush 20 is controlled to move, for example, along a trajectory of T1.

[0042] When the top brush 20 comes into contact with the protrusion P1, the current value of the motor 39 detected by the current detection function 52 increases. When a current value exceeding the load threshold is detected, the control unit 50 raises the top brush 20 and moves it away from the vehicle C. Once the top brush 20 moves away from the vehicle C, the load on the motor 39 decreases, and the current value of the motor 39 detected by the current detection function 52 becomes close to the value when there is no load. Then, the control unit 50 moves the top brush 20 closer to the vehicle C again. In this way, the top brush 20 is driven to follow the shapes of the protrusions P1, P2, and P3 of the vehicle C.

[0043] However, if the driver mistakenly accelerates the vehicle C when the top brush 20 is in front of a protrusion, or if the forward speed of the vehicle C is too fast in the first place, an excessive load may be applied to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C. For example, if the vehicle C accelerates when the top brush 20 is in front of the protrusion P2 and the protrusion P2 bites into the top brush 20, an excessive load is applied to the top brush 20 and the protrusion P2 of the vehicle C. Due to this load, a current value that greatly exceeds the load threshold value stored in the memory unit 51, for example, is detected from the motor 39.

[0044] Such excessive load on the top brush 20 and the vehicle C may result in fatigue damage to the protrusions of the top brush 20 and the vehicle C, for example. Large vehicles in particular often have multiple protrusions on their top surfaces, such as air conditioning equipment in buses, and there is a risk of excessive load being placed on the top brush 20 and the vehicle C every time the protrusions are brush-cleaned. Therefore, it is advisable to store a threshold value separate from the load threshold value related to the normal raising / lowering and opening / closing of the brush in the memory unit 51, and control the brush so that it does not lower (or close) for a predetermined period of time when a load exceeding the threshold value is detected. Hereinafter, the threshold value separate from the load threshold value related to the raising / lowering and opening / closing of the brush will be described as the "damage prevention threshold value."

[0045] 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the top brush 20 when such control is performed. As described above, when the top brush 20 comes into contact with the projection P1, the current value of the motor 39 detected by the current detection function 52 increases. When a current value exceeding the load threshold is detected, the control unit 50 raises the top brush 20 and moves it away from the vehicle C. Once the top brush 20 moves away from the vehicle C, the load on the motor 39 decreases, and the current value of the motor 39 detected by the current detection function 52 becomes close to the value when there is no load. Therefore, the control unit 50 moves the top brush 20 closer to the vehicle C again.

[0046] Assume that the driver of vehicle C mistakenly increases the forward speed when the top brush 20 comes into contact with the protrusion P2. In this case, the protrusion P2 bites into the top brush 20, and an excessive load is applied to the top brush 20 and the protrusion P2 of vehicle C. Due to this load, a current value exceeding the damage prevention threshold is detected from the motor 39.

[0047] When a current value exceeding the damage prevention threshold is detected, the lifting / lowering control function 54 of the control unit 50 lifts the top brush 20 and moves it away from the vehicle C. By moving the top brush 20 away from the vehicle C, the load on the top brush 20 and the vehicle C can be reduced. Then, even if the top brush 20 moves away from the vehicle C and the value of the motor 39 detected by the current detection function 52 becomes close to the value when no load is applied, the top brush 20 is not moved closer to the vehicle C. That is, the lifting / lowering control function 54 does not lower the top brush 20, but controls the top brush 20 to move upward based on the current value. When a current value exceeding the damage prevention threshold is detected, such a state may be continued for a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds). After the predetermined time has elapsed, control may be performed to move the top brush 20 closer to the vehicle C again.

[0048] By carrying out such a process, it is possible to prevent the brush from repeatedly getting caught between the protrusions. This reduces the situation where the brush and vehicle C are subjected to excessive load when cleaning the protrusions, and prevents damage to the brush and vehicle C. It is also possible to reduce the risk of damage to the brush and vehicle due to irregular acceleration by the driver. Even with vehicles that move forward too quickly, the number of contacts is reduced, and damage to the brush and vehicle C is prevented.

[0049] When the current detection function 52 detects a current value exceeding the damage prevention threshold, the brush may be moved away from the vehicle C at a speed faster than the brush drive speed during cleaning. For example, when the current detection function 52 detects a current value exceeding the damage prevention threshold at the position of the protrusion P2, the lift control function 54 may raise the top brush 20 at a speed faster than the normal lifting and lowering speed of the top brush 20. By performing such processing, the top brush 20 can be quickly moved away from a vehicle that is accelerating irregularly or a vehicle moving forward too quickly, thereby reducing the load on the top brush 20 and the vehicle C. This prevents damage to the brush and the vehicle C.

[0050] Although the above description has been based on the operation of the top brush 20, similar processing may be performed for the side brush 40. For example, the current detection function 55 may monitor the current value of the motors 44a and 44b related to the rotational operation of the side brushes 40a and 40b, and when a current exceeding a damage prevention threshold is detected in the motor 44a, control may be performed to move the side brush 40a away from the vehicle C and not approach the vehicle C for a predetermined period of time. By performing such processing, damage to the side brush 40 and the protrusions of the vehicle C can be prevented when washing the vehicle C having multiple protrusions on its side.

[0051] However, the above-mentioned treatment to prevent damage to the brush is particularly suitable for washing the top surface of a large vehicle. Among large vehicles, buses often have air conditioning equipment and ducts installed on the roof surface, and often have multiple protrusions on the top surface of the vehicle body. If the above-mentioned treatment to prevent damage is performed when washing the top surface of a large vehicle, damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C can be effectively prevented.

[0052] The specific value of the damage prevention threshold can be appropriately set to a value higher than the load threshold value for normal brush lifting and lowering drive (a value indicating a larger load). The damage prevention threshold value may also be set as a parameter separate from the load threshold value. For example, the load threshold value may be set to the motor current value, and the damage prevention threshold value may be set to the motor torque value, voltage, rotation speed, etc.

[0053] Second Embodiment As another embodiment of the present invention, a car wash apparatus 200 having a vehicle shape sensor 220 will be described. Fig. 7 is a schematic front view of the car wash apparatus 200, and Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the car wash apparatus 200. The car wash apparatus 200 has a function of acquiring vehicle shape information by the vehicle shape sensor 220 and driving the top brush 20 based on that information.

[0054] (Main body) The car wash apparatus 200 includes a main body 201. The main body 11 has legs 202a and 202b and a beam 203. The legs 202a and 202b are fixed to the ground G with anchor bolts and are provided so as to stand above the ground G. The beam 203 is provided on the upper parts of the legs 202a and 202b.

[0055] The car wash apparatus 200 includes a top brush 20 and an encoder 211. The encoder 211 detects the number of rotations of a motor 28 related to the lifting and lowering operation of the top brush 20. Since the top brush 20 is lifted and lowered by the rotation of the motor 28, the position of the top brush 20 can be converted into the number of rotations of the motor 28.

[0056] The car wash apparatus 200 is equipped with a vehicle shape sensor 220. The vehicle shape sensor 220 is a transmission type photoelectric sensor, and has a light emitting element 221 and a light receiving element 222. The light emitting element 221 is provided on either side of the leg portion 202. The light receiving element 222 is provided so as to face the light emitting element 221. A plurality of the light receiving / emitting elements 221 and light receiving elements 222 are provided at a predetermined distance interval (e.g., 25 cm interval) along the height direction of the main body portion 201. The light emitting elements 221 and the light receiving elements 222 are arranged in pairs at the same height, and a horizontal optical axis is formed between them.

[0057] The vehicle-shaped sensor 220 is provided closer to the vehicle entrance road side than the top brush 20, and therefore detects the vehicle C2 before the top brush 20 comes into contact with the vehicle C2.

[0058] (Control unit) The car wash apparatus 200 is equipped with a control unit 250. The car wash apparatus 200 is equipped with a control unit 250 and a memory unit 251. The control unit 250 is composed of, for example, a CPU. The memory unit 251 is composed of, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an external memory, etc. The memory unit 251 stores various programs related to the functions of the car wash apparatus 200 and a series of flows of the washing process. The control unit 250 can execute the programs and processes stored in the memory unit 251.

[0059] 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the car wash apparatus 200. The control unit 250 is connected to the vehicle sensor 14, a storage unit 251, a drive mechanism for the top brush 20, the water supply valve 65, the encoder 211, and the vehicle shape sensor 220.

[0060] The storage unit 251 stores a load threshold value for determining the contact state between the top brush 20 and the vehicle C2 from the load applied to the brush when the top brush 20 is brought into contact with the vehicle C2. In this embodiment, too, a load threshold value is set for the current value of the motor 39 related to the rotational operation of the top brush 20, and the load applied to the brush is detected from the current value of the motor 39.

[0061] The control unit 250 has a function for detecting the current value of the motor 39 related to the rotational operation of the top brush 20 (current detection function 52), a function for controlling the motor 39 (rotation control function 53), a function for controlling the motor 28 related to the lifting and lowering operation of the top brush 20 (lifting and lowering control function 252), and a function for controlling the start and stop of water supply (water supply control function 58).

[0062] The lifting control function 252 has a function of controlling the lifting and lowering of the top brush 20 based on the load threshold value, as well as a function of controlling the lifting and lowering of the top brush 20 based on vehicle shape information obtained from the vehicle shape sensor 220 and the rotation speed of the motor 28 obtained from the encoder 211. The lifting and lowering control function 252 may be configured to control the lifting and lowering of the top brush 20 by referring only to the vehicle shape information.

[0063] The control unit 250 has a function of driving the vehicle-shaped sensor 220 and forming an optical axis between the light-emitting element 221 and the light-receiving element 222 (vehicle-shaped sensor driving function 253).

[0064] (Cleaning operation) The washing operation of the car wash apparatus 200 thus configured will now be described.

[0065] A user of the car wash apparatus 200 first moves the vehicle C2 into the space S between the legs 202a and 202b. When the vehicle sensor 14 detects the vehicle C2, the control unit 250 executes the washing process sequence stored in the storage unit 251.

[0066] When the vehicle sensor 14 detects the vehicle C2, the control unit 250 starts sprinkling water from the sprinkler nozzle and moves the top brush 20 closer to the vehicle C2 while rotating it. That is, the control unit 250 controls the motor 28 to lower the top brush 20. Furthermore, the control unit 250 drives the vehicle-shaped sensor 220 to form an optical axis between the light-emitting element 221 and the light-receiving element 222.

[0067] As the top brush 20 is driven, the control unit 250 monitors the current value of the motor 39 involved in the rotational drive of the top brush 20. The control unit 250 controls the motor 28 involved in the lifting and lowering operation of the top brush 20 so that the detected current value is equal to or less than the load threshold value stored in the memory unit 251. This control by the control unit 250 enables the car wash apparatus 200 to apply the top brush 20 to the vehicle C with an appropriate pressure, preventing damage to the top brush 20.

[0068] When the water spray and brush driving start, the user of the car wash apparatus 200 moves the vehicle C2 forward at a low speed, so that the top and sides of the vehicle C2 are washed with water and the brushes from the front to the rear.

[0069] When the vehicle C2 passes through the main body 201, the vehicle sensor 14 goes into a vehicle non-detection state. When the vehicle sensor 14 goes into a vehicle non-detection state, the control unit 250 stops water sprinkling and returns the top brush 20 to the non-washing position. This completes the washing operation of the car wash device 200.

[0070] (Protrusion evacuation process) 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the vehicle C2, the top brush 20, and the vehicle shape sensor 220. If the vehicle C2 suddenly accelerates while being washed with the top brush 20, the vehicle C2 may collide with the brush, causing excessive load to be applied to the vehicle C2 and the brush. For example, if the driver mistakenly accelerates the vehicle C2 when the top brush 20 is in front of a protrusion on the top surface of the vehicle, the protrusion may bite into the top brush 20, causing excessive load to be applied to the vehicle C2 and the top brush 20.

[0071] Therefore, it is advisable to detect that the top brush 20 is in a position where it may hit a protrusion in the future and to move the top brush 20 away in advance. That is, it is advisable to monitor the position of the highest element (element 222L in FIG. 10) among the light-shielded light-receiving elements 222 and the position of the top brush 20, and to raise the top brush 20 away from the vehicle C2 when the light-shielded element 222L and the top brush 20 are in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0072] By carrying out such a protrusion retraction process, it is possible to reduce the risk of the top brush 20 being damaged by a driver accelerating irregularly. Since the top brush 20 can be retracted from the protrusion in advance even for vehicles traveling at high forward speeds, damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C2 can be prevented.

[0073] After the protrusion retraction process is performed and the predetermined positional relationship between the highest light receiving element 222L among the light-shielding elements 222 and the top brush 20 is resolved, the top brush 20 can be brought closer to the vehicle C2 again. By performing such a process, damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C2 can be prevented, while reducing the amount of the vehicle top surface that remains unwashed.

[0074] For example, if the top brush 20 is located lower than the element 222L, the protrusion retraction process may be performed. The height of the top brush 20 may be compared with the height of the element 222L plus an arbitrary value (e.g., 300 mm), and if the height of the top brush 20 is lower, the protrusion retraction process may be performed. If the difference between the height of the element 222L and the height of the top brush 20 is within a predetermined numerical range (e.g., -150 mm to 150 mm), the protrusion retraction process may be performed.

[0075] The reference height of the top brush 20 may be the position of the rotation axis or the position of the tip of the bristles.

[0076] Third embodiment As another embodiment of the present invention, a car wash apparatus 300 having a guide light 310 will be described. Fig. 11 is a front view of the car wash apparatus 300, and Fig. 12 is a side view of the car wash apparatus 300. The car wash apparatus 300 includes a main body 301. The main body 301 includes legs 302a and 302b and a beam 303.

[0077] (Guide lights) Main body 301 is provided with guide lights 310, 311, 312 having light sources such as LEDs on either one of legs 302a and 302b. Guide light 310 is provided on the front side of main body 301 (i.e., the entrance road side of car wash apparatus 300). Guide light 311 is provided on the exit road side inside the gate of main body 301. Guide light 312 is provided on the rear side of main body 302 (i.e., the exit road side of car wash apparatus 300).

[0078] (Control unit) Car wash apparatus 300 includes control unit 350 and memory unit 351. Control unit 350 is connected to guide lights 310, 311, and 312. Memory unit 351 stores conditions related to control of the on / off and light emission color of each guide light. Control unit 350 can control the on / off and light emission color of each guide light based on the conditions stored in memory unit 351.

[0079] (Cleaning operation) The washing operation of the car wash apparatus 300 thus configured will now be described.

[0080] A user of the car wash apparatus 300 first moves the vehicle C3 to be washed into the space S between the legs 302a and 302b. When the vehicle sensor 14 detects the vehicle C3, the control unit 350 executes the washing process sequence stored in the memory unit 351.

[0081] When the vehicle sensor 14 detects the vehicle C3, the car wash apparatus 300 uses the guide lights to instruct the driver of the vehicle C3 to stop, and starts sprinkling water from the sprinkler nozzles. The side brushes 40a and 40b are rotated and closed to wash the front of the vehicle C3. Furthermore, the top brush 20 is rotated and lowered onto the vehicle C to wash the top surface of the vehicle C3.

[0082] Since the guide lights 310 are provided on the front surface of the main body 301, the driver of the vehicle C3 can see the guide lights 310 and 311. The instruction to stop may be given, for example, by making each guide light flash red.

[0083] After washing the front surface of the vehicle C3, the car wash apparatus 300 opens the side brushes 40a and 40b and lights up the guide lights 310 and 311 in blue to encourage the vehicle C3 to move forward. While the vehicle C3 is moving forward, the side brushes 40a and 40b wash the sides of the vehicle C3, and the top brush 20 washes the top surface of the vehicle C3.

[0084] When vehicle C3 passes through main body 301, vehicle sensor 14 goes into a vehicle non-detection state. When vehicle sensor 14 goes into a vehicle non-detection state, control unit 350 stops watering and returns each brush to its non-washing position. This marks the end of the washing operation of car wash device 300. The driver of vehicle C3 can know that the washing operation of car wash device 300 has ended by the light color of guide light 312, for example.

[0085] (Damage prevention notification) As described above, if the self-propelled speed of the vehicle C3 during cleaning is too fast or if the driver mistakenly accelerates the vehicle C3, a load is applied to the top brush 20 or protrusions of the vehicle C3. Therefore, it is preferable to use a guide light to notify the driver that the control unit 350 has detected a load that exceeds the load threshold or the damage prevention threshold. By performing such processing and encouraging the driver to stop, the load applied to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C3 can be reduced and damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C3 can be prevented.

[0086] The area around the cabin of the truck (for example, around cabin B in vehicle C3) is particularly undulating, and it is expected that the top brush 20 will be subjected to frequent loads when cleaning the area around cabin B. For example, it is expected that the top brush 20 may get caught on the step between the cabin and the container, causing excessive loads to be placed on the top brush 20 and vehicle C3. For this reason, it is advisable to provide guide lights in positions that are easily visible to the driver of vehicle C3 while the cabin is being cleaned. This will allow the driver to be promptly urged to stop, and will effectively prevent damage to the top brush 20 and vehicle C3.

[0087] 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the vehicle C3 and the main body 301 during cabin B washing. Since the vehicle C3 is located inside the main body 301 (inside the space S) during cabin B washing, it is preferable to provide the guide lamp 311 inside the main body 301. In this case, if the guide lamp 311 is provided on the entrance road side of the main body 301, there is a risk that the guide lamp 311 will be overlooked when the mirrors are folded or in a blind spot. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the guide lamp 311 on the exit road side of the main body 301 so that the driver can directly see the guide lamp 311. In this way, by providing the guide lamp 311 in a position that is easily visible to the driver during cabin B washing, damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C3 can be effectively prevented.

[0088] While the present invention has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0089] For example, the car wash apparatus 10 described in the first embodiment may be equipped with a vehicle shape sensor 220, and the lift control of the top brush 20 based on the damage prevention threshold and the lift control of the top brush 20 based on the protrusion retraction process may be combined. By combining a number of measures, damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C can be more reliably prevented.

[0090] Similarly, the guide lights described in the third embodiment can be mounted on the car wash devices described in the other embodiments. For example, the guide lights 310, 311, and 312 described in the third embodiment may be mounted on the car wash device 200 described as the second embodiment. In that case, for example, when it is detected that the top brush 20 is in a lower position than the highest element among the light receiving elements 222 in the light blocking state (i.e., the condition related to the protrusion retraction control is satisfied), it is preferable to prompt the driver to slow down by making the guide lights emit yellow or flash. This can prevent the top brush 20 from hitting a protrusion or the like, and damage to the top brush 20 and the vehicle C is prevented.

[0091] Due to the difference in height between the cabin B and the container, the conditions related to the protrusion evacuation control are likely to be met around the cabin B. Therefore, the guide lamp 311 provided in a position that is easily visible to the driver while the top brush 20 is cleaning the area around the cabin B is particularly effective in preventing damage to the top brush 20 and vehicles such as the vehicle C3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Car wash equipment 11 Main body 20 Top Brush 39 Motor 50 Control section 52 Current detection function 54 Lifting control function

Claims

1. A car wash apparatus for performing a washing process on a traveling vehicle, The cleaning device includes a main body formed in a gate shape, a top brush, a driving means for driving the top brush, a load detection means for detecting a load applied to the driving means, and a control unit, The control unit controls the top brush to move up and down based on a load applied to the driving means during vehicle washing, A car washing apparatus characterized in that, when the load detection means detects a load exceeding a predetermined level, the top brush is raised and is not lowered for a predetermined period of time.

2. The car wash device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the raising and lowering of the top brush based on a first load standard to wash the vehicle, and raises the top brush and does not lower it for a predetermined period of time when a load exceeding a second load standard is detected.

3. The car wash device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the control unit detects a load exceeding a second load standard, it raises and lowers the top brush faster than the raising and lowering speed of the top brush based on the first load standard.

4. A car wash apparatus for performing a washing process on a traveling vehicle, The cleaning device includes a main body formed in a gate shape, a top brush, a driving means for driving the top brush, a vehicle shape detection means for detecting the shape of the top surface of the vehicle, and a control unit, The vehicle shape detection means has a plurality of detection elements, The control unit controls the top brush to be raised and lowered based on the top surface shape of the vehicle detected by the vehicle shape detection means, A car wash apparatus characterized in that the top brush is raised when the positional relationship between the highest one of the detection elements detecting the vehicle and the top brush satisfies a predetermined condition.

5. 5. The car wash apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit compares the position of the top brush with the highest one of the detection elements detecting the vehicle, and raises the top brush when the top brush is in a low position.

6. A car wash apparatus for performing a washing process on a traveling vehicle, The device is provided with a gate-shaped main body, a top brush, and a guide light. The body portion has opposing legs between which a vehicle can pass, The car wash apparatus is characterized in that the guide light is provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the leg portion and is attached at a position closer to the exit path of the main body portion than the top brush.

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