Car washing device and car washing system

Abstract

To enable effective cleaning of various vehicles.SOLUTION: A car washing device includes: vehicle washing means (for example, a top brush 30 and a side brush 31) that washes a vehicle C; vehicle identification means 56; a control part 50; a database 61 in which a washing procedure for each vehicle C is recorded; and a storage part 60 that stores the database 61. The control part 50 identifies the vehicle C to be washed, by the vehicle identification means 56 and washes the vehicle C on the basis of the washing procedure for washing the identified vehicle C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-269419 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) describes a custom mirror detection device and a car wash equipped with the same. The car wash disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a vehicle shape detection means and a brushing device, and drives the brushing device in and out based on vehicle shape data obtained by detecting the vehicle shape to wash the vehicle. In this case, the area near the front end of the vehicle is designated as the attachment range for protruding objects such as custom mirrors, and the presence or absence of protruding objects within that range is determined from the vehicle shape data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-269419 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, self-driving vehicles have been put into practical use. Since self-driving vehicles obtain information about their surroundings from sensors and drive automatically, the shapes, numbers, and locations of sensors attached to the vehicle body vary. Therefore, there is a demand for a means that can effectively clean a variety of vehicles, not just those with protruding objects near the tip.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to effectively clean a wide variety of vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A car wash device according to one solution of the present invention comprises a vehicle washing means for washing vehicles, a vehicle identification means, a control unit, a database in which washing procedures for each vehicle are recorded, and a memory unit for storing the database, and is characterized in that the control unit identifies the vehicle to be washed using the vehicle identification means, and washes the vehicle based on the washing procedure for washing the identified vehicle.

[0007] Another solution of the present invention is a car wash system having a server, a car wash device, and a vehicle identification means, wherein the server has a server control unit, a database in which washing procedures for each vehicle are recorded, and a server memory unit that stores the database, the car wash device has a vehicle washing means that washes vehicles and a car wash device control unit, the vehicle identification means identifies the vehicle to be washed, and the car wash device washes the vehicle based on the washing procedure for washing the identified vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] One solution of the present invention allows for effective cleaning of a wide variety of vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a car wash apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the car wash apparatus 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a control system of the car wash apparatus 10. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle shape data created by a vehicle shape data creation function 54. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of a washing process in the car wash apparatus 10. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a car wash system 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow diagram showing an example of a flow up to the start of a washing process in the car wash system 100. FIG. [Figure 8]10 is a flow chart showing another example of the flow of the washing process of the car wash apparatus 10. FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following embodiments of the present invention, the description will be divided into multiple sections, etc., as necessary. In principle, these sections are not unrelated to one another, and one section is a partial or complete modification, detail, etc. of the other. For this reason, in all drawings, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the number of components (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is not limited to a specific number unless otherwise specified or clearly limited to a specific number in principle, and may be greater than or less than the specific number. Furthermore, when referring to the shape of a component, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or approximate to that shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or clearly considered not to be the case in principle.

[0011] (First embodiment) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of a car wash apparatus 10 and Fig. 2 is a side view of the car wash apparatus 10. As shown in Figs.

[0012] The car wash apparatus 10 includes a main body 11 that stands on the ground G. The main body 11 is capable of performing a washing process on a vehicle C. The main body 11 is configured in a gate shape so that it can straddle the vehicle C to be treated. For this reason, the main body 11 includes legs 12 and 13 that stand on the ground G, and a beam 14 that spans the legs 12 and 13.

[0013] The car wash apparatus 10 includes rails 15, 16, and wheels 17. The rails 15 and 16 are laid on the ground G so that they are parallel to each other. The wheels 17 are provided on the bottom of the legs 12 and 13. With the vehicle C parked between the rails 15 and 16, the main body 11 can move back and forth (reciprocate) on the rails 15 and 16 via the wheels 17.

[0014] The car wash apparatus 10 includes a switch 18, a dock 19, and a dock 20. The switch 18 is provided at the bottom of the leg 12. The dock 19 and the dock 20 are provided on the rail 15. The switch 18 switches between the dock 19 and the dock 20 as the main body 11 moves, and detects the movement limit of the main body 11. Therefore, the main body 11 can move between the dock 19 and the dock 20 so as to straddle the stopped vehicle C and pass in the vehicle length direction.

[0015] The car wash apparatus 10 includes a motor 21 and an encoder 22. The motor 21 is provided on the leg 12 and the leg 13, and is connected to the wheels 17. The motor 21 is configured to be rotatable forward and reverse, and moves the main body 11 back and forth via the connected wheels 17. The encoder 22 is connected to the output shaft of one of the motors 21. The encoder 22 detects the rotation direction of the motor 21 and outputs a pulse signal for each unit angle rotation.

[0016] The car wash apparatus 10 includes a top brush 30 and a pair of side brushes 31 as vehicle cleaning means. The top brush 30 is rotatably supported by the legs 12 and 13. The top brush 30 moves up and down while rotating in accordance with the movement of the main body 11, and can mainly brush the top surface of the vehicle C. The pair of side brushes 31 are rotatably supported by the beams 14. The side brushes 31 open and close (moving towards and away from each other) while rotating in accordance with the movement of the main body 11, and can mainly brush the front, side, and rear of the vehicle C. A motor, for example, can be used to rotate and lift the top brush 30. Similarly, a motor, for example, can be used to rotate and open and close the side brushes 31.

[0017] The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with a top spray 32 and a side spray 33 as vehicle washing means. The top spray 32 is provided on the beam portion 14. The top spray 32 sprays cleaning liquid such as water and detergent from multiple nozzles, and can mainly clean the top surface of the vehicle C as the main body portion 11 moves. The side sprays 33 are provided on the leg portions 12 and 13. The side sprays 33 spray cleaning liquid such as water and detergent from multiple nozzles, and can mainly clean the side surfaces of the vehicle C as the main body portion 11 moves.

[0018] The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with a top nozzle 34 (blower nozzle) and a side nozzle 35 (blower nozzle) as vehicle washing means. The top nozzle 34 is pivotally supported on the legs 12 and 13 so as to be able to swing. The top nozzle 34 moves up and down as the main body 11 moves, and can mainly dry the top surface of the vehicle C. The side nozzles 35 are provided on the legs 12 and 13. The side nozzles 35 move up and down as the main body 11 moves, and can mainly dry the side surfaces of the vehicle C. A motor, for example, can be used to move the top nozzle 34 up and down.

[0019] The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with a photoelectric sensor 36 as a means for detecting the shape of the vehicle C. The photoelectric sensor 36 is equipped with a light-emitting unit 37 having a plurality of light-emitting elements and a light-receiving unit 38 having a plurality of light-receiving elements. The light-emitting unit 37 is provided on the leg 12, and the light-receiving unit 38 is provided on the leg 13. Light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting unit 37 forms a plurality of optical axes between the light-emitting unit 37 and the light-receiving unit 38. The shape of the vehicle C is detected based on the light-transmitting / light-blocking state of each optical axis.

[0020] The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with a photoelectric sensor 39 as means for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle C. The photoelectric sensor 39 is made up of a light-emitting unit 40 having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving unit 41 having a light-receiving element, and is provided between the rails 15 and 16. An optical axis is formed between the light-emitting unit 40 and the light-receiving unit 41 by light emitted from the light-emitting element of the light-emitting unit 40. The presence or absence of a vehicle C is detected based on the light-transmitting or light-blocking state of this optical axis.

[0021] The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with an imaging device 42. The imaging device 42 has a function of taking an image of the vehicle C before washing or during washing, for example.

[0022] The main body 11 waits until the start of the car wash process in a position where the switch 18 switches with the dock 19. In this description, this position is referred to as the standby position of the main body 11. While the main body 11 is in the standby position, each means for washing the vehicle C is held in its respective standby position. For example, the top brush 30 and the top nozzle 34 wait while housed in the beam portion 14. The side brush 31 and the side nozzle 35 wait while housed in the leg portions 12 and 13.

[0023] The car wash apparatus 10 is equipped with a control unit 50 and a memory unit 60. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the control system of the car wash apparatus 10. The control unit 50 is equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit 60 is equipped with storage means such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an external memory. The control unit 50 is connected to each unit involved in the washing process and the travel of the main body unit 11 via any communication path so as to be able to communicate with them. The control unit 50 can comprehensively control the operation of the main body unit 11 by executing programs stored in storage means such as the memory unit 60.

[0024] The control unit 50 has a travel position detection function 51 and a travel control function 52. The travel position detection function 51 can detect the travel position of the main body unit 11 from the pulse signal of the encoder 22. The travel control function 52 can control the operation of the motor 21 according to a programmed sequence, and can make the main body unit 11 travel or stop the travel of the main body unit 11.

[0025] The control unit 50 has a vehicle shape detection function 53 and a vehicle shape data creation function 54. The vehicle shape detection function 53 is triggered by a pulse signal from the encoder 22 to drive the photoelectric sensor 36, thereby detecting the height position of the vehicle C. The vehicle shape data creation function 54 is able to create data on the shape of the vehicle C from the side (vehicle shape data), for example, as shown in Fig. 4, from the detection results of the running position detection function 51 and the vehicle shape detection function 53.

[0026] The control unit 50 has a cleaning means control function 55. The cleaning means control function 55 controls each part related to the cleaning of the vehicle C according to a programmed sequence, and can execute the cleaning process of the vehicle C. Each part related to the cleaning of the vehicle C is controlled based on the vehicle shape data created by the vehicle shape data creation function 54 and information stored in a vehicle database 61, which will be described later.

[0027] The control unit 50 has a vehicle identification function 56. The vehicle identification function 56 has a function of identifying the vehicle C to be washed. The vehicle identification function 56 may have a function of identifying the vehicle C by detecting the license plate of the vehicle C from an image of the vehicle C obtained by the imaging device 42, for example.

[0028] The control unit 50 has a vehicle matching function 57. The vehicle matching function 57 can check whether the washing procedure corresponding to the vehicle C identified by the vehicle identification function 56 is stored in a vehicle database 61, which will be described later.

[0029] The storage unit 60 has a vehicle database 61. The vehicle database 61 stores information about a plurality of vehicles C. The vehicle database 61 may store, for example, a washing procedure for each vehicle C. In other words, the vehicle database 61 may store a washing procedure for each of vehicles C1, C2, and C3, which are uniquely identified.

[0030] The washing procedure is information relating to the main body 11 and the operation of each washing means provided in the main body 11. The washing procedure stored in the vehicle database 61 for each vehicle C may be, for example, information that some washing means (such as the top brush 30) are not operated from the start to the end of the car wash. It may also be information on the order in which specific washing means are operated. It may also be information on the timing at which specific washing means are operated. It may also be information on how specific washing means are operated. It may also be information on the start and stop timing of the main body 11 during the washing process. The washing procedure may be a combination of these various pieces of information.

[0031] There are no particular limitations on the method of inputting data into the vehicle database 61. For example, a method may be used in which a provider of a car wash service using the car wash apparatus 10 asks a customer about the size, shape, and whether or not the vehicle C is equipped with any accessories, and then enters the washing procedure into the database in association with the vehicle C. A method may also be used in which the manufacturer of vehicle C asks about the size, shape, and whether or not the vehicle C is equipped with any accessories, and then the manufacturer or manager of the car wash apparatus 10 enters the washing procedure for that vehicle into the database.

[0032] An example of the washing process of the car wash apparatus 10 configured as above will be described below. Figure 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the washing process of the car wash apparatus 10.

[0033] The main body 11 waits for the start of the car wash process at a position where the switch 18 is switched to the dock 19. When the vehicle C enters between the rails 15 and 16 and the photoelectric sensor 39 is blocked by the tire of the vehicle C, the washing process is started under the control of the control unit 50 [1].

[0034] When the washing process starts, the car wash apparatus 10 acquires image data of the vehicle C using the imaging device 42. Then, the vehicle identification function 56 identifies the vehicle C [2]. At this time, the vehicle identification function 56 may identify the vehicle C by, for example, reading the characters on the license plate of the vehicle C from the image data.

[0035] Furthermore, the vehicle matching function 57 checks whether the washing procedure corresponding to the identified vehicle C is stored in the vehicle database 61 [3]. If the vehicle C is identified by reading the characters on the license plate, it checks whether the washing procedure corresponding to that number is stored in the vehicle database 61.

[0036] The following describes the process flow when a washing procedure corresponding to the identified vehicle C is stored in the vehicle database 61. In the first step, the car wash apparatus 10 moves the main body 11 forward (forward travel) while spraying water and detergent from the top spray 32 and side spray 33 [4]. Furthermore, the top brush 30 and side brush 31 are used to brush and wash the surface of the vehicle C based on the washing procedure stored in the vehicle database 61 [5]. At this time, the photoelectric sensor 36 may be activated to detect the leading edge position of the vehicle C, and this leading edge position may be set as, for example, the start position of the brushing wash for the vehicle C. The washing procedure stored in the vehicle database 61 may include information such as lowering the top brush 30 to a predetermined height after the main body 11 has traveled a predetermined distance after detecting the leading edge position of the vehicle C, or information such as raising the top brush 30 to a standby position after the main body 11 has traveled a predetermined distance. When the switch 18 switches with the dock 20 as the main body 11 moves forward, the first step ends.

[0037] Next, in the second step, the car wash device 10 moves the main body 11 backward (backward travel) while spraying water onto the vehicle C from the top spray 32 and side spray 33 to wash away dirt and detergent from the vehicle C. [6] When the switch 18 switches to the dock 19, the car wash device 10 completes the second step.

[0038] Finally, in the third step, the car wash apparatus 10 moves the main body 11 forward (forward travel) while blowing air onto the vehicle C using the top nozzle 34 and side nozzles 35 to remove water droplets and dry the vehicle [7]. At this time, the car wash apparatus 10 may drive the top nozzle 34 up and down based on the washing procedure stored in the vehicle database 61. When the switch 18 switches to the dock 20, the car wash apparatus 10 ends the third step. Thereafter, a voice prompt or other instruction is given to the vehicle C to exit, and the washing process is completed.

[0039] The driver of vehicle C, who has been instructed to exit vehicle C, drives vehicle C forward and exits it from between rails 15 and 16. After vehicle C has exited, main body 11 moves to the standby position. If the washing procedure corresponding to vehicle C identified by vehicle identification function 56 is stored in vehicle database 61, the washing process is now complete.

[0040] If the washing procedure corresponding to the identified vehicle C is not stored in the vehicle database 61, the processing flow is as follows. In the first step, the car wash apparatus 10 moves the main body 11 forward (forward travel) while detecting the shape of the vehicle C with the photoelectric sensor 36 to generate vehicle shape data [8], and sprays water and detergent from the top spray 32 and side spray 33 [9]. Furthermore, based on the generated vehicle shape data, the car wash apparatus 10 brushes and washes the surface of the vehicle C using the top brush 30 and side brush 31

[10] . When the switch 18 switches to the dock 20, the car wash apparatus 10 ends the first step.

[0041] Next, in the second step, the car wash device 10 moves the main body 11 backward (backward travel) while spraying water onto the vehicle C from the top spray 32 and side spray 33 to wash away dirt and detergent from the vehicle C

[11] . When the switch 18 switches to the dock 19, the car wash device 10 completes the second step.

[0042] Finally, in the third step, the car wash apparatus 10 moves the main body 11 forward (forward travel) while blowing air onto the vehicle C using the top nozzle 34 and side nozzles 35 to remove water droplets and dry the vehicle

[12] . At this time, the car wash apparatus 10 drives the top nozzle 34 up and down based on the generated vehicle shape data to dry the vehicle. When the switch 18 switches to the dock 20, the car wash apparatus 10 ends the third step. After that, a voice message or other instruction is given to the vehicle C to exit, and the washing process is completed.

[0043] The effects of this embodiment will now be described. The car wash apparatus 10 identifies the vehicle C to be washed and drives various washing means based on the washing procedure stored for the identified vehicle C, so it can wash vehicles with complex shapes. In other words, the car wash apparatus 10 can effectively wash a variety of vehicles.

[0044] Today's automobiles, including autonomous vehicles, not only have a variety of sensor shapes and positions attached to the vehicle body, but also a variety of vehicle shapes, such as those without a driver's seat or four wheels, making vehicle shape detection significantly more difficult. Therefore, conventional methods that detect the side view shape of the vehicle C each time a car is washed and drive cleaning means such as brushes based on that shape may not be able to adequately clean today's automobiles, which have distinctive shapes. In contrast, the car wash apparatus 10 of the present invention drives cleaning means such as the top brush 30 based on a cleaning procedure pre-stored for each automobile, thereby effectively washing vehicles with shapes that are difficult to detect using sensors or the like.

[0045] Vehicles C that are not stored in the vehicle database 61 may be washed using a conventional method using the photoelectric sensor 36. This allows the car wash apparatus 10 to effectively wash a variety of vehicles.

[0046] Second Embodiment A car wash system 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0047] The car wash system 100 includes a processing server 101 and a plurality of car wash apparatuses 10A. The processing server 101 and the plurality of car wash apparatuses 10A use IoT (Internet of Things) technology, and the processing server 101 and the plurality of car wash apparatuses 10A are communicatively connected via a network 102. The processing server 101 has the function of remotely controlling the plurality of car wash apparatuses 10A and managing the entire system. The plurality of car wash apparatuses 10A may be installed, for example, in different car wash locations 103. The network 102 may be, for example, the Internet, a P2P (Peer to Peer) network, a dedicated line, a power line communication line, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a wireless packet communication network, a mobile phone line, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like.

[0048] The processing server 101 includes a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120. The control unit 110 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 120 includes storage means such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and an external memory. The control unit 110 can perform various functions by executing programs stored in storage means such as the storage unit 120.

[0049] The control unit 110 may have, for example, an authentication code generation function 111 that generates and transmits an authentication code related to the identification of a customer using the car wash apparatus 10A. The authentication code may be, for example, character string information such as a password. The character string information may be graphically represented in the form of a barcode or the like.

[0050] The storage unit 120 stores a vehicle database 121. The vehicle database 121 stores information about a plurality of vehicles C. The vehicle database 121 may store, for example, a washing procedure for each vehicle C. In other words, the vehicle database 121 may store a washing procedure for each of vehicles C1, C2, and C3, which are uniquely identified.

[0051] The car wash system 100 may include a terminal device 104. The terminal device 104 is a terminal held by a customer. The terminal device 104 includes a control unit 105, a storage unit 106, and a display unit 107. The terminal device 104 can communicate with the processing server 101 and multiple car wash devices 10A via the network 102.

[0052] The control unit 105 has a car wash device selection function 108 and a car wash reservation function 109. The car wash device selection function 108 is a function that allows the car wash customer to select the car wash device 10A they want to use from car wash devices 10A in various locations. The car wash reservation function 109 is a function that sends a car wash reservation signal to the processing server 101 in response to the selection of the car wash device 10A. The car wash reservation signal may include information that identifies the vehicle C owned by the car wash customer. In other words, the car wash reservation function 109 may be used as a means for identifying the vehicle C to be washed. An ID, for example, may be used as information to identify the vehicle C to be washed. The car wash reservation signal may include information regarding the date and time of the car wash service, for example. These functions possessed by the terminal device 104 may be implemented via an application stored in the memory unit 106.

[0053] The storage unit 106 may store information for identifying the vehicle C owned by the car wash customer who has the terminal device 104. The car wash reservation function 109 may refer to the information about the vehicle C stored in the storage unit 106 when generating the car wash reservation signal.

[0054] A description will be given of an example of the washing process of the car wash system 100 configured as above. Figure 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow up to the start of the washing process of the car wash system 100.

[0055] First, the car wash customer stores information about the vehicle C that he or she owns and information about the washing procedure for the vehicle C in the terminal device 104. This procedure may be performed, for example, when the car wash customer registers with the car wash system 100.

[0056] Next, the customer operates the terminal device 104 to select the car wash device 10A they wish to use and sends a car wash reservation signal to the processing server 101

[21] . Upon receiving the car wash reservation signal, the processing server 101 associates and stores information for identifying the vehicle C contained in the car wash reservation signal with information regarding the washing procedure for that vehicle C.

[0057] The processing server 101 then generates authentication data and transmits it to the terminal device 104 and the selected car wash device 10A.

[22]

[23] At this time, the processing server 101 refers to the vehicle database 121 and transmits the washing procedure stored in association with the customer's vehicle C to the car wash device 10A.

[24] For example, if an ID is used to identify vehicle C, the processing server 101 transmits the washing procedure associated with that ID to the car wash device 10A.

[0058] The customer moves to the car wash station 103 that has the selected car wash apparatus 10A. At the car wash station 103, the main body 11 of the car wash apparatus 10A waits for the start of the car wash process at a position where the switch 18 is switched to the dock 19.

[0059] The customer loads the authentication data into the car wash device 10A using, for example, a reception device (not shown) at the car wash 103.

[25] The car wash device 10A compares the authentication data with the stored data, and if they match, provides guidance to the customer. The car wash device 10A may, for example, provide audio guidance to the customer to drive the vehicle C to the position of the photoelectric sensor 39. In this case, when the photoelectric sensor 39 is blocked by the tire of the vehicle C and enters a light-blocking state, the washing process is initiated under the control of the control unit 50.

[0060] In the first step, the car wash apparatus 10A moves the main body 11 forward (forward travel) while spraying water and detergent from the top spray 32 and side spray 33. Furthermore, the top brush 30 and side brush 31 are used to brush and wash the surface of the vehicle C based on the washing procedure transmitted from the processing server 101. At this time, the photoelectric sensor 36 may be driven to detect the position of the front end of the vehicle C, and this position may be set as the brush washing start position of the vehicle C. When the switch 18 switches with the dock 20 as the main body 11 moves forward, the first step is completed.

[0061] Next, in the second process, the car wash apparatus 10A moves the main body 11 backward (backward travel) while spraying water onto the vehicle C from the top spray 32 and side spray 33 to wash away dirt and detergent from the vehicle C. When the switch 18 switches to the dock 19, the car wash apparatus 10A completes the second process.

[0062] Finally, in the third step, the car wash apparatus 10A moves the main body 11 forward (forward travel) while blowing air onto the vehicle C using the top nozzle 34 and side nozzles 35 to remove water droplets and dry the vehicle. At this time, the car wash apparatus 10A drives the top nozzle 34 up and down to dry the vehicle based on the washing procedure transmitted from the processing server 101. When the switch 18 switches to the dock 20, the car wash apparatus 10A ends the third step. Thereafter, a voice prompt or other instruction is given to the vehicle C to exit, and the washing process is completed.

[0063] The effects of this embodiment will now be described. The car wash apparatus 10 identifies the vehicle C to be washed and drives various washing means based on the washing procedure stored for the identified vehicle C, so it can wash vehicles with complex shapes. In other words, the car wash apparatus 10 can effectively wash a variety of vehicles.

[0064] The means for identifying the vehicle C to be washed is not limited to the image recognition means described in the first embodiment. As described in this embodiment, the owner of the vehicle C may himself / herself transmit information for identifying the vehicle C to the processing server 101. Alternatively, the owner of the vehicle C may transmit information for identifying the vehicle C to the car wash apparatus 10A.

[0065] The present invention has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but 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.

[0066] In the above embodiment, various cleaning devices are driven based on a pre-stored cleaning sequence. This cleaning sequence may be corrected using correction parameters. Various cleaning devices may be driven based on the corrected cleaning sequence for each car wash.

[0067] As the number of car washes increases, various parts of the car wash apparatus 10 become worn or damaged. For example, as the wheels 17 become worn, the height of the main body 11 changes accordingly, and the mounting heights of various cleaning means such as the top brush 30 also change accordingly. Such variations that occur with an increase in the number of car washes may be used as correction parameters to correct the cleaning procedure related to the operation of the cleaning means.

[0068] 8 is a flow diagram showing another example of the flow of the washing process of the car wash apparatus 10. If a washing procedure has been stored for the identified vehicle C, the car wash apparatus 10 may determine the state of the car wash apparatus 10

[20] and correct the washing procedure

[21]

[23] .

[0069] For example, if a washing procedure for a specific vehicle C is stored in which the top brush 30 is lowered to a predetermined height at the front end of the vehicle C, the predetermined height may be increased by a few millimeters depending on the number of times the car wash apparatus 10 has washed cars in the past, and the top brush 30 may be driven. By correcting the washing procedure stored in advance as fixed data in this way and using it to drive the washing means, a variety of vehicles can be effectively washed.

[0070] In addition, for example, when wheels 17 wear, the diameter of wheels 17 becomes smaller accordingly. Therefore, if an attempt is made to control the travel distance of main body 11 based on the rotation speed of wheels 17 or the rotation speed of motor 21 that rotates wheels 17, an error may occur in the actual travel distance of main body 11 before and after wear. The cleaning procedure may be corrected using such a variation due to wear of wheels 17 as a correction parameter.

[0071] For example, if a washing procedure is stored for a specific vehicle C, such that the side brushes 31 are moved away when the main body 11 has traveled a predetermined distance determined from the rotation speed of the motor 21, the predetermined distance may be increased by a few centimeters (or a predetermined number of motor rotations) depending on the number of times the car wash device 10 has washed in the past, and the side brushes 31 may be driven. By correcting the washing procedure stored in advance as fixed data in this way and using it to drive the washing means, a variety of vehicles can be effectively washed.

[0072] Such adjustments to the washing procedure may be made depending on the material of the wheels 17 and rails 16, the outside temperature, the weather, etc. The washing procedure may also be adjusted depending on the condition of other parts that wear or become damaged with increasing frequency of washing, such as the length of the bristles of the top brush 30 and side brush 31.

[0073] The vehicle database 61 and the vehicle database 121 do not necessarily have to store a washing procedure for each unique vehicle C. They may store a washing procedure for each vehicle C that has common characteristics. That is, they may store a washing procedure for each type of vehicle, such as a van or a sedan. They may store a washing procedure for each vehicle C by manufacturer, model, type, or generation of the vehicle C. Of these various characteristics, they may store a washing procedure for each vehicle C that has multiple characteristics in common.

[0074] For example, when vehicle C is identified by image recognition, if vehicle C cannot be uniquely identified, various cleaning means may be driven using a cleaning procedure based on the identified information such as the vehicle model. In this way, by storing cleaning procedures for various characteristics that vehicle C may have, it becomes possible to wash a variety of vehicles.

[0075] When vehicle C cannot be uniquely identified, vehicle C may be stored in the vehicle database 61 based on information that can be identified by image recognition, for example. In this way, the fragmentary information about vehicle C stored in the vehicle database 61 may be supplemented later.

[0076] Furthermore, the vehicle database 61 and the vehicle database 121 may store only the cleaning procedures for some of the cleaning means, rather than storing the cleaning procedures for all of the cleaning means, such as the top brush 30, side brush 31, and top nozzle 34, for each uniquely identified individual vehicle C.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 36 is used to detect the front end of the vehicle C, thereby detecting the stopping position of the vehicle C within the main body 11. The stopping position of the vehicle C may be detected using other methods. For example, a plurality of photoelectric sensors may be arranged between the rails 15 and 16 to detect the stopping position of the vehicle C. A voice or other instruction may be used to prompt the vehicle C to stop at a specific position, and that position may be regarded as the stopping position of the vehicle C. Such other methods may be used in combination with the detection of the stopping position by the photoelectric sensor 36.

[0078] Furthermore, even when washing the vehicle C based on the stored washing procedure, the shape of the vehicle C may be detected by the photoelectric sensor 36. Various washing means may be driven based on the vehicle shape data and the stored washing procedure.

[0079] The shape data of the vehicle C detected by the photoelectric sensor 36 may be used for comparison with data in the vehicle database 61. For example, in addition to the washing procedure, information about the shape of each individual vehicle C may also be stored in the vehicle database 61, and the shape data of the vehicle C detected by the photoelectric sensor 36 may be compared with the shape data in the vehicle database 61 during car washing. For example, by comparing the vehicle length detected by the photoelectric sensor 36 with the vehicle length stored in the vehicle database 61, it may be possible to determine that the vehicle C is parked tilted inside the main body 11. Information obtained by such data comparison may be used to control various washing means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 Car wash equipment 11 Main body 30 Top Brush 31 Side brush 32 Top Spray 33 Side spray 34 Top nozzle 35 Side Nozzle 42 Imaging device 50 control section 55 Cleaning method control function 56 Vehicle Identification Function 60 Storage section 61 Vehicle Database

Claims

1. a vehicle washing means for washing a vehicle; a vehicle identification means; A control unit; A database in which cleaning procedures for each vehicle are recorded and a storage unit for storing the database are provided, The control unit identifying the vehicle to be washed by the vehicle identification means; Washing the vehicle based on the identified washing procedure for washing the vehicle. A car wash device characterized by:

2. The vehicle identification means uniquely identifies the vehicle to be washed.

2. The car wash apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit identifying the vehicle to be washed by the vehicle identification means; correcting the washing procedure for washing the identified vehicle according to the state of the vehicle washing means; Washing the vehicle based on the corrected washing procedure.

3. The car wash apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A car wash system having a server, a car wash device, and a vehicle identification means, The server includes a server control unit, a database in which a cleaning procedure for each vehicle is recorded, and a server storage unit that stores the database; The car wash device includes a vehicle washing means for washing a vehicle and a car wash device control unit, the vehicle identification means identifies the vehicle to be washed; The car wash device washes the vehicle based on the washing procedure for washing the identified vehicle. A car wash system characterized by:

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