Car wash system

Abstract

To provide a car wash system 1 capable of achieving at least one of improvement of safety in lock, reduction of a vehicle damage risk, and improvement of facilitating of installation of lock means.SOLUTION: A car wash system is configured so that multiple individual car wash spaces 2a-2d are arranged in a car wash. For each car wash space 2a-2d, at least lock means for inhibiting exit of a vehicle from the car wash space 2a-2d, and a car wash facility 8 are provided in the car wash system 1. As the lock means, there is provided a gate 3a-3d comprising: a chain 31; a pole 32 with a chain to which one end 31a of the chain is connected; and a pole 33 for lock capable of locking the other end 31b of the chain. When the other end 31b of the chain is set to a prescribed position of the pole 33 for lock, the gate 3a-3d is driven to be in a lock state, and the car wash facility 8 is in a use possible state, and when charges are paid, the lock state of the gate 3a-3d is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the number of car owners who want to wash their cars themselves to keep them in better condition is increasing. Meanwhile, there are car wash operators who are trying to provide car washes that meet the needs of such car owners as much as possible.

[0003] There has been an idea aimed at improving the usability of car washes (see Patent Document 1). This is a car wash system in which a number of individual car wash spaces (2) are provided within a car wash (1), and each car wash space (2) is provided with a vehicle sensor (3), a locking device (4) that prevents the vehicle from leaving, and car wash facilities (water facilities and power supply facilities) (6). When the vehicle sensor (3) detects a vehicle, the locking device (4) locks the vehicle and makes the car wash facilities (8) available for use, and the lock is released upon payment of the fee. This system is desirable in that it increases the usability of the car wash. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-196215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as shown in Patent Document 1, when a locking device (4) is used that drives a locking plate (4B) to rise (paragraph 0021, etc.) or a tire locking device that places flaps (locking plates) at the front and rear of the vehicle (paragraph 0042), there is a safety risk that a person may trip when the locking device is raised, or trip when the locking device (lock unit) is on the ground even when the locking device is not raised. There is also a risk of damage to the vehicle when the locking plate is raised. Furthermore, it is not necessarily easy to install such a locking device at a car wash. In the explanation of Patent Document 1, the symbols in the document are used as they are, so there may be some overlap with the symbols used in the explanation of the present invention. To distinguish between the two, the symbols used in the explanation of Patent Document 1 are enclosed in parentheses, such as "(symbol)". As a general rule, symbols used in relation to the present invention from the Means for Solving the Problem section onwards are not enclosed in parentheses.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a car wash system that can achieve at least one of improved safety when locking, reduced risk of vehicle damage, and improved ease of installation of locking means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A car wash system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A car wash system in which a plurality of individual car wash spaces are arranged within a car wash, and each of the car wash spaces is provided with at least a locking means for preventing a vehicle from leaving the car wash space and car wash equipment, The locking means includes a gate having a chain, a pole with a chain to which one end of the chain is connected, and a locking pole capable of locking the other end of the chain, When the other end of the chain is set in a predetermined position on the locking pole, the gate is driven to a locked state and the car wash facility is made available for use, and when the fee is paid, the gate is unlocked.

[0008] This car wash system includes a gate with a chain as a locking means, a chain-attached pole to which one end of the chain is connected, and a locking pole that can lock the other end of the chain. This reduces the safety risk of tripping when the locking device is upright, as with the locking device of Patent Document 1, or tripping when the locking device (lock unit) is on the ground even when not upright. Furthermore, because the chain is typically located away from the vehicle, it also reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle when the locking plate under the vehicle is upright. Furthermore, gates made of chains are easier to install than locking plates. Therefore, it is possible to provide a car wash system that can achieve at least one of reducing safety risks when locking, reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle, and improving the ease of installing the locking means.

[0009]

[10] A car wash system according to another aspect of the present invention includes: A car wash system in which a plurality of individual car wash spaces are arranged within a car wash, and each of the car wash spaces is provided with at least a locking means for preventing a vehicle from leaving the car wash space and car wash equipment, The locking means includes a gate having a string-like member, a string-like member installation tool to which one end of the string-like member is connected, and a locking tool capable of locking the other end of the string-like member, When the other end of the string-like member is set in a predetermined position on the locking device, the gate is driven to a locked state and the car wash facility is made available for use, and when the fee is paid, the gate is unlocked.

[0010] With this car wash system, for the same reasons as described above, it is possible to provide a car wash system that can achieve at least one of reducing safety risks when locking, reducing the risk of vehicle damage, or improving the ease of installing the locking means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a car wash system 1A according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a payment machine 4 used in the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment is used. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram for explaining gates 3a to 3d of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a diagram for explaining the locking mechanism of gates 3a to 3d of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of wiring of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart shown to explain the operation of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart shown to explain another operation of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a car wash system 1B according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart shown to explain the operation of a car wash system 1C according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A car wash system according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is a schematic diagram and does not necessarily accurately reflect the configuration of an actual car wash system, car wash space, gate, etc., or the operational steps (configuration). Each embodiment does not limit the scope of the claims. Not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the present invention. The same reference numerals are used across embodiments for components that are considered to be substantially equivalent, and repeated explanations may be omitted (some explanations may be duplicated).

[0013] [Embodiment 1] 1 to 8 are diagrams shown to explain a car wash system 1A according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram shown to explain an example of the configuration of the car wash system 1A according to embodiment 1.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the car wash system 1A of embodiment 1 is a car wash system in which multiple individual car wash spaces 2a to 2d are arranged within a car wash 10, and each car wash space 2a to 2d is equipped with at least a locking means for preventing a vehicle 9 from exiting the car wash space 2a to 2d, and car wash equipment 8.The locking means includes gates 3a to 3d each having a chain 31, a chain-attached pole 32 to which one end 31a of the chain (one end, the end opposite to the other end 31b) is connected, and a locking pole 33 (lock pole) that can lock the other end 31b of the chain.When the other end 31b of the chain is set in a predetermined position on the locking pole 33, the gates 3a to 3d are driven to a locked state and the car wash equipment 8 is made available for use, and when the fee is paid, the locked state of the gates 3a to 3d is released. The predetermined position is, for example, a lockable position.

[0015] In this example, the car wash facility 10 is located along a road 91 (roadway, sidewalk). There are four car wash spaces (car wash spaces 2a-2d) provided within the car wash facility 10. A garage 2y is provided for each of the car wash spaces 2a-2d to prevent water from splashing into adjacent car wash spaces. Gates 3a-3d are provided at the entrances and exits of each of the car wash spaces 2a-2d (garage 2y), corresponding to each of the car wash spaces 2a-2d. In this example, the car wash spaces 2a and 2c are in use, and the gates 3a and 3c are locked. The car wash spaces 2b and 2d are unused and empty, and the gates 3b and 3d are unlocked.

[0016] [Car wash equipment 8] The car washing equipment 8 includes, for example, a high-pressure washer, a floor mat washer, a vacuum cleaner, and the like. In addition to such a car wash facility 8, a charging facility (for electric vehicles 9, etc.) that can be used in the same manner as the car wash facility may also be provided.

[0017] [Payment machine 4] A payment machine 4 is installed in the car wash 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the payment machine 4 of the car wash system 1A. The payment machine 4 includes a display device, a cash processing device, a card processing device, a receipt issuing device, a main control device 40, and the like. The display device has a display unit 41 such as an LCD panel or an EL panel. The display unit 41 is, for example, configured with a touch sensor. It displays a map (location) of the car wash space and, when the number (vehicle number) of the used car wash space is entered, displays the usage fee. The cash processing unit has a bill insertion slot 42, a coin insertion slot 43, a change withdrawal slot 44, and the like, and performs cash processing. The card processing unit has a card insertion slot 45 for credit cards and performs card processing. Note that the card processing unit may also accept and process service coupons, etc., for use in addition to credit cards. The receipt issuing device issues receipts from a receipt issuing slot 46. The main control device 40 controls the entire car wash system 1A, including the control of the payment machine 4's display device, etc. This will be discussed later.

[0018] [Main control device 40] The main control device 40 controls the entire car wash system 1A. The main control device 40 issues gate opening / closing commands to the gate control devices 30 provided corresponding to each of the gates 3a to 3d. It also issues display commands to the display devices depending on the usage status (usage status) of the gates 3a to 3d. It also issues cash processing commands to the cash processing device depending on the usage status when settling payments. It also issues card processing commands to the card processing device when settling payments by card. It also issues receipt issuance commands to the receipt issuing device.

[0019] [Gates 3a-3d] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the usage state (usage status) of the car wash system 1A according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the gate of the car wash system 1A according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the locking mechanism of the gate of the car wash system 1A according to embodiment 1.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the car wash system 1A of embodiment 1 has multiple car wash spaces 2a to 2d arranged adjacently (adjacent arrangement) as multiple car wash spaces 2a to 2d, and adjacent gates (gates 3a and 3b, gates 3b and 3c, gates 3c and 3d) are arranged so that the chain-attached poles 32 or locking poles 33 are adjacent to each other, and the length of the chain 31 is configured to be equal to or greater than the distance L1 from the chain-attached pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the same gate 3a to 3d, and shorter than the distance (L2, L3) from the chain-attached pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the adjacent gate.

[0021] For example, taking car wash space 2c (gate 3c) as an example, the length of the chain 31 connected to the chain pole 32 of gate 3c (the length from the connecting part to the other end 31b of the chain) is configured to be longer than the distance L1 from the chain pole 32 of the same c3 to the locking pole 33, but shorter than the distance L2 from the chain pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the adjacent gate 3b (or the distance L3 to the locking pole 33 of the adjacent gate 3d). This is an example of the case where gates 3a to 3d are used in which the gates 3a to 3d are configured with gates of substantially the same structure and the other end 31b of the chain of any of the gates 3a to 3d can be inserted into the locking hole (insertion port) of any of the locking poles 33.

[0022] 〔rock〕 FIG. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining the state of the gates 3a and 3b in the car wash space 2a (in use) and the car wash space 2b (unused, empty). 4(b) is an enlarged view of the chain-attached pole 32 to which one end 31a of the chain is connected. An other-end hook is provided at the top of the chain-attached pole 32 to hook the other end 31b of the chain when the chain 31 is not being used for locking. 4(c) is an enlarged view for explaining the locking pole 33. A mating concave-convex portion W is formed on the upper part of the locking pole 33, and is provided for locking the other end 31b of the chain (where the mating concave-convex portion M is formed). The mating concave-convex portion W is formed at a height that allows the chain 31 to bend appropriately when the chain 31 is locked, preventing the vehicle 9 from exiting.

[0023] The combination of the mating concave-convex portion M and the mated concave-convex portion W is, for example, a combination in which one is convex and the other is concave. Examples include a combination of planar concave-convex shapes, a combination of three-dimensional concave-convex shapes, and a combination of concave-convex shapes that combine a planar shape with a three-dimensional shape. For example, a combination of a concave-convex shape formed on the outer edge of a planar object and a concave-convex shape that fits (fits) therein, a combination of a concave-convex shape formed on one or both sides of a planar object and a concave-convex shape that fits therein, and a combination of three-dimensional concave-convex shapes that fit together (such as a combination of a hole and a rod that fits into a hole).

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the locking mechanism of the gates 3a to 3d of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. In this example, the other end 31b (tip) of the chain has a plate 71. When this is inserted into the mating recessed portion W of the locking pole 33, the locking device enters the semicircular recessed portions on both sides (matting recessed portions M) when locked, making it impossible to pull out.

[0025] This locking mechanism creates two major locking states. The first stage of locking is what we might call a simple lock. When plate 71 is inserted, arms 73 (configured to pull each other in the direction of each other with a spring not shown) open, roller 72 rotates, helping to insert plate 71, and roller 72 (protrusion) fits into the recess of plate 71, setting plate 71 in a predetermined position. The force of the spring holds plate 71 so that it does not slip out. In other words, it is set.

[0026] The second stage lock is the so-called main lock. It is a lock that prevents the arm 73, which is caught in the recess of the plate 71, from coming out. This is a full-scale lock that prevents the plate 71 from moving by, for example, (a) electromagnetically driving the arm 73 in the direction that pushes the plate 71, or (b) moving a protrusion that was in a position that does not interfere with the movement of the arm 73 to a position that interferes with the movement of the arc when the plate 71 is inserted.

[0027] Note that locking / unlocking may be performed by incorporating a sensor that detects the state of arm 73 and determining whether arm 73 is open or closed. A sensor that detects that plate 71 has been inserted and pressed may be incorporated, and setting or locking may be performed based on the detected state.

[0028] When plate 71 (the other end 31b of the chain) is set in a predetermined position, it is locked. For example, when plate 71 (the other end 31b of the chain) is inserted into the locking hole and the outer peripheral recess of plate 71 fits into roller 72 (the protrusion), (a) arm 73 is electromagnetically driven in a direction to push plate 71, and (b) when plate 71 is inserted, a protrusion that was in a position that does not interfere with the movement of arm 73 moves to a position that interferes with the movement of the arc, thereby locking plate 71 so that it does not move.

[0029] In this way, in the car wash system 1A of embodiment 1, an engaging concave-convex portion M is formed on the other end 31b of the chain, and an engaging concave-convex portion W is formed at a predetermined position on the locking pole 33, and when the engaging concave-convex portion M is set into the engaging concave-convex portion W, the gates 3a to 3d are locked.

[0030] In addition, in the car wash system 1A of embodiment 1, the other end 31b of the chain is set to a predetermined position on the locking pole 33 by engaging the mating recessed portion M provided on the other end 31b with the mating recessed portion W provided on the locking pole 33 corresponding to the mating recessed portion M.

[0031] [Circuit configuration] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the circuit configuration of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the car wash system 1A of embodiment 1 further includes a power cable 5 having a main power cable 51 connected to a power source (external power source) and a branch power cable 52 branching off from the main power cable 51 to supply power to the car wash equipment 8, and a communication cable 6 connected to a main control device 40 that controls the entire car wash system 1A and sends control signals for gates 3a to 3d, and the main power cable 51 and communication cable 6 are configured to be wired in a daisy chain manner via a locking pole 33.

[0032] [Power Cable 5] An example of wiring for the car wash system 1A will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 6, the power cable 5 has a main power cable 51 and branch power cables 52 branching off from the main power cable 51. The main power cable 51 is connected to an external power source (200V, 100V, 24V, etc.). A main switch 55 provided on the main power cable 51 is installed inside or outside the payment machine 4. The branch power cables 52 branch off from the main power cable 51 for each of the car wash spaces 2a to 2d and supply power to the car wash equipment 8 provided in that car wash space 2a to 2d.

[0033] The power branch cable is provided with a branch switch 56, which is configured to enable or disable the power supply to the car wash equipment 8. If there are multiple car wash equipment 8 within the car wash spaces 2a to 2d, opening the branch switch 56 will stop the power supply to all of them. Closing the branch switch 56 will enable the power supply to all of them.

[0034] The branch switch 56 is provided between the main power cable 51 and the branch power cable 52. The branch switch 56 may be provided on or near the locking pole 33. Note that an additional switch may be provided between the branch switch 56 and the car wash equipment 8 so that power can be supplied / stopped for each car wash equipment 8. The branch switch 56 uses, for example, a semiconductor switch that can be electrically opened and closed, such as a relay (switch), a MOSFET, or an IPD (Intelligent Power Device).

[0035] [Communication Cable 6] The communication cable 6 is connected to a main controller 40 that controls the entire car wash system 1A. Control signals for controlling the gates 3a to 3d are sent from the main controller 40 to the gate controller 30 via the communication cable 6. In some cases, when there are various signals from the gate controller 30 to the main controller 40 (for example, a signal informing whether the gates are locked or not), such signals are also sent via the communication cable 6.

[0036] The main power cable 51 and the communication cable 6 are wired in a daisy chain via the locking pole 33. For example, a branch switch 56 is provided on the locking pole 33 of each gate 3a to 3d, and the main power cable 51 is wired (connected) to one terminal of the switch, and a branch power cable 52 is connected to the other terminal. The main power cable 51 is wired (connected) sequentially between one terminal of adjacent gates 3a and 3b, 3b and 3c, and 3c and 3d. In other words, the wiring (connections) are made in a daisy chain fashion. The communication cables 6 are also wired (connected) in a daisy chain manner in the same way. That is, a gate control device 30 is provided on the locking pole 33 of each of the gates 3a to 3d, and the communication cables 6 are wired (connected) in sequence between the gate control devices 30 of adjacent gates 3a and 3b, 3b and 3c, and 3c and 3d. In other words, the cables are wired (connected) in a daisy chain manner. The wiring of the power cable 5 (main power cable 51 or branch power cable 52) or the communication cable 6 may be buried or exposed.

[0037] [Control device] The main control device 40 (built into the settlement machine 4) and the control device (not shown) of the gate control device 30 are composed of logic circuits, microcomputers, etc. A microcomputer is a computer that mainly consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is composed of ROM, RAM, input / output ports, interfaces, etc. Various processes are performed according to instructions pre-stored in the ROM.

[0038] An address is assigned to each gate controller 30 corresponding to each car wash space 2a-2d. Addresses are assigned to signals transmitted and received between the main controller 40 and the gate controllers 30, making it possible to determine which gate controller 30 the command signal is from the main controller 40 to, and which gate controller 30 the signal is from to the main controller 40 to. Address assignment may be performed, for example, by attaching a rotary switch to a circuit board on which a semiconductor device is mounted in each gate controller 30, and assigning an address to each locking pole 33 by setting the rotary switch, and the address information may be included in the signal sent to the payment machine 4 indicating that the other end 31b of the chain has been inserted or removed. The communication cable 6 functions, in a sense, as a kind of communication path (bus) for exchanging signals.

[0039] [Operation of car wash system 1A] FIG. 7 is a flowchart shown to explain the operation of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. The dotted lines indicate the state of the car wash spaces 2a to 2d or the actions or states of the car wash users (users, customers). The car wash space 2a will be used as an example for explanation.

[0040] In the initial state, the car wash space 2a is empty (step S1), and the chain 31 of the gate 3a is not fastened (see the state of the car wash space 2b in FIG. 3, or the state on the right side of FIG. 4(a)). A user who sees this message then places the vehicle 9 in the vacant car wash space 2a (step S3).

[0041] The car wash system 1A determines whether the other end 31B of the chain is set in the specified position (step S5). After entering the car wash, the user sets the other end 31b of the chain in the specified position on the locking pole 33, and the set detection sensor (installed at the setting location, not shown) is configured to detect whether the other end 31b is set and issue a detection signal. For example, the gate controller 30 periodically checks the detection signal and determines whether the other end 31b of the chain is set in the specified position on the locking pole 33. The gate controller 30 periodically sends a signal indicating the set state to the main controller 40. If it is not set (NO), the gate controller 30 repeats the check until it is set.

[0042] When the other end 31b is set (if YES), the main controller 40 issues a command signal to the gate controller 30 to drive the gates 3a to 3d to the locked state, and the gate controller 30 drives the gates 3a to 3d to the locked state (locks the other end 31b of the chain). At the same time, the main controller 40 issues a command signal to the gate controller 30 to close the branch switch 56 of the branch power cable 52. When the gate controller 30 closes the branch switch 56, power is supplied to the car wash equipment 8 and it becomes available for use (step S7). In this state, the gates 3a to 3d are closed and enter a closed state, allowing the user to wash their car using the car wash facility 8 (step S9).

[0043] At this time, when the fitting concave-convex portion M is set into the fitted concave-convex portion W, the gates 3a to 3d may be locked based on a lock command after setting, or may be locked based on a lock command before setting. For example, when the mating concave-convex portion M is set into the mating concave-convex portion W, a signal indicating the set state is output from a sensor (not shown), and when the gate controller 30 sends this signal to the main controller 40, the main controller 40 issues a lock command to the gate controller 30, causing it to lock. Alternatively, the main controller 40 issues a lock command to the gate controller 30 to lock immediately (immediately) once it has been set, and once it has been set, the gate controller 30 immediately locks based on this lock command.

[0044] Next, the car wash system 1A proceeds to step S11, where it determines whether the user has paid the fee. That is, when the user finishes washing the car and leaves the car wash spaces 2a-2d, they first pay at the payment machine 4, and the main control device 40 periodically checks whether the fee has been paid. If the fee has not been paid (NO), the periodic check is repeated.

[0045] Once the fee is paid (if YES), the locked state is released and the car wash facility becomes unusable (step S13). That is, the main controller 40 issues a command signal to the gate controller 30 to drive the gates 3a to 3d into the locked state, and the gate controller 30 issues a command to unlock the locked state of the gates 3a to 3d (unlocking the other end 31b of the chain). At the same time, the main controller 40 issues a command signal to the gate controller 30 to open the branch switch 56 of the branch power cable 52. When the branch switch 56 is opened under the control of the gate controller 30, the power supply to the car wash facility 8 is cut off and the car wash facility 8 becomes unusable. When the user removes the vehicle 9 from the car wash spaces 2a to 2d, the spaces become vacant and the process returns to step S1.

[0046] [Other operations of car wash system 1A] 10 is a flowchart showing another operation of the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment. It is basically the same as the flowchart in FIG. 7. The steps that are different from FIG. 7 will be mainly explained, and explanations of the same steps will be omitted as much as possible. Furthermore, the operations of the main control device 40, gate control device 30, etc., and the signals transmitted and received between them, etc., are the same as those in FIG. 7, and explanations thereof will be omitted as much as possible.

[0047] Steps S1 and S3 in FIG. 8 are the same as those in FIG. Step S5 in Fig. 8 for determining whether the other end 31b of the chain has been inserted corresponds to step S5 in Fig. 7. In the flow in Fig. 8, whether the chain has been set in the predetermined position in Fig. 7 is determined by whether it has been inserted (into the predetermined position).

[0048] 7. Step S71 of locking the chain, step S72 of turning on the relay switch of the (branch) power cable, and step S73 of starting power supply to the car wash facility 8 in FIG. 8 correspond to step S7 of FIG. In the flow of Fig. 8, step S7 of Fig. 7 is divided into steps S71, S72, and S73, which are performed in the order of the flow of Fig. 8. That is, after step S71 in which (the other end 31b of) the chain 31 is locked, the relay SW of the (branch) power cable is turned ON (step S72), and the branch switch 56 of the (branch) power cable is closed (the branch switch 56 is a relay switch). Then, power supply to the car wash equipment 8 begins (step S73).

[0049] Steps S9 and S11 in FIG. 8 are the same as those in FIG. 7. Step S131 of turning off the relay SW of the (branch) power cable, step S132 of stopping the power supply to the car wash facility 8, and step S133 of unlocking the chain 31 in FIG. 8 correspond to step S13 in FIG. In the flow of Fig. 8, step S7 of Fig. 7 is divided into steps S131, S132, and S133, which are performed in the order shown in Fig. 8. That is, in the flow of Fig. 8, the relay switch of the (branch) power cable is turned OFF (step S131, which is performed by opening the branch switch 56). Then, power supply to the car wash equipment 8 is stopped (step S132). After step S131, the chain 31 (the other end 31b thereof) is unlocked (step S133).

[0050] Next, the car wash system 1A proceeds to step S15, where it is determined whether or not the vehicle is within the waiting time for leaving the car wash facility. To explain step S15, the main control device 40 measures the time that has elapsed since the chain lock was released. The time until the vehicle 9 leaves the car wash spaces 2a-2d after the chain lock is released is set in advance. Here, the waiting time for leaving the car wash facility is, for example, the allowable waiting time until the vehicle leaves the car wash facility after the lock is released. This time is set arbitrarily by the operator of the car wash facility 10. This time information is stored, for example, in a memory device of the main control device 40.

[0051] If it is not within the waiting time for leaving the garage (if NO, in other words, if the allowable time for leaving the garage has elapsed), the process returns to step S71. When the main control device 40 issues a chain lock command to the gate control device 30, the state that was once released in the unlock step S133 transitions to a locked state again. Before transitioning to the locked state again, the main control device 40 may be configured to issue a warning using a warning light, display device, or speaker (not shown) provided on the settlement machine 4 or separately from the settlement machine 4, to warn the driver that the vehicle will be locked again if not left.

[0052] If it is within the waiting time for leaving the garage (YES), the process proceeds to step S17. In this step, the main controller 40 determines whether the other end 31b of the chain has been unplugged based on a signal reporting the chain status from the gate controller 30. If it has not been unplugged (NO), the process returns to step S15. If the main control device 40 determines that the other end 31b of the chain has been unplugged (YES), it determines that the vehicle 9 has left the car wash spaces 2a to 2d, and returns to step S1.

[0053] [Example of using Car Wash 10] One example of how the car wash 10 is used will now be described. (A) The user parks the vehicle 9 in an available car wash space 2a to 2d. (B) The user inserts the chain into the locking pole 33. This locks the chain 31, allowing all car wash equipment 8 within the car wash to be used. (C) The user performs the car wash (washing, wiping, waxing, etc.). (D) The user pays the fee for the time spent at the payment machine 4 (e.g., 1,000 yen for 30 minutes). This unlocks the chain 31. (E) The user removes the chain from the locking pole 33. (F) The user exits the vehicle 9 from the car wash space 2a to 2d.

[0054] [Effects of the First Embodiment] The car wash system 1A uses gates 3a-3d equipped with a chain 31, a chain-attached pole 32 to which one end 31a of the chain is connected, and a locking pole 33 that can lock the other end 31b of the chain as a locking means. This reduces the safety risk of tripping when the locking device is upright, or tripping when the locking device (lock unit) is on the ground even when not upright, as in the locking device of Patent Document 1. Furthermore, because the chain 31 is typically located away from the vehicle 9, it also reduces the risk of damaging the vehicle 9 when a locking plate under the vehicle 9 is upright. Furthermore, the gates 3a-3d, which are constructed with the chain 31, are easier to install than locking plates, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide a car wash system 1A that can achieve at least one of the following: reduced safety risks when locking, reduced risk of vehicle damage, and improved ease of installation of locking means. In addition, because a vehicle detection device (sensor) that detects the presence of a vehicle in the car wash space is not necessarily required, the car wash system can be configured even more simply. Furthermore, by having the user manually handle the chain, the user can be aware of whether or not they are ready to leave (exit), which reduces the risk of a collision accident due to forgetting to unlock the car.

[0055] Furthermore, if the car wash system 1A is used as in the above example, when using a high-pressure washer, floor mat washer, etc., it is convenient for the user as it does not require payment to the payment device installed at each car wash facility 8.

[0056] Furthermore, for the operator of the car wash 10, there is no need to go around to the payment devices (for each car wash facility) installed at each car wash facility 8 to collect fees, which improves the efficiency of collection work. Because there is no need for a payment function for each car wash facility 8, it becomes possible to install a general-purpose (general) car wash facility 8 that does not have such a special function, making it easier to install the car wash facility 8. Investment costs can also be reduced. If charges are charged based on the usage time of the car wash spaces 2a to 2d rather than the usage time of each car wash facility 8, settlement processing becomes easier. As a result, improved profitability can be expected.

[0057] In addition, so-called gated parking lots, which have a single gate machine at the entrance and exit of the parking lot to manage vehicles 9 entering and exiting the car wash 10, require a large-scale system and a correspondingly large parking lot or parking building, but this is particularly advantageous when building a car wash 10 for a small number of vehicles in a location where a large lot cannot be secured.

[0058] Furthermore, even when multiple car wash facilities 8 are used, payment is processed centrally at the payment machine 4, making it easy to issue receipts. When each car wash facility has its own payment function, it is often not equipped with a receipt issuing function, but when payment is processed centrally at the payment machine 4, receipts can be easily issued, which is expected to increase business use. Coupons can also be issued easily, which is expected to encourage more users.

[0059] Furthermore, if a mating concave-convex portion M is formed on the other end 31b of the chain and a mating concave-convex portion W is formed at a predetermined position on the locking pole 33, and the gates 3a to 3d are locked when the mating concave-convex portion M is set into the mating concave-convex portion, more appropriate locking can be achieved.

[0060] Furthermore, if the gates 3a to 3d are configured to be locked based on a lock command when the mating concave-convex portion M is set into the mating concave-convex portion W, more appropriate (accurate) locking is possible. In this case, if the lock command is issued after setting, the lock command is issued after determining that the gates have been set, which makes it possible to further prevent erroneous lock commands from being issued. On the other hand, if the gates are configured to be set based on a lock command issued before setting so that they are locked once set, more rapid locking is possible.

[0061] Furthermore, if the multiple car wash spaces 2a to 2d are provided as multiple car wash spaces 2a to 2d arranged adjacent to each other, and adjacent gates are arranged so that the chain-attached poles 32 or the locking poles 33 are adjacent to each other, and the length of the chain 31 is configured to be equal to or greater than the distance L1 from the chain-attached pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the same gate and shorter than the distance from the chain-attached pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of an adjacent gate (the shorter of L2 or L3), then, for example, while the car wash system 1A is configured with gates 3a to 3d of similar structure (with the same locking poles 33, chains 31, etc.), it is possible to avoid the risk of the chain 31 being mistakenly set (locked) on the locking pole 33 of an adjacent gate.

[0062] Furthermore, if the locking pole 33 at the other end 31b of the chain is configured to be set in a predetermined position by fitting the mating recessed portion M provided on the other end 31b into the mating recessed portion W provided on the locking pole 33 corresponding to the mating recessed portion M, it becomes possible to set the chain in a predetermined position appropriately (accurately) or easily.

[0063] The car wash system 1A further includes a power cable 5 having a main power cable 51 connected to a power source (external power source) and a branch power cable 52 branching from the main power cable 51 to supply power to the car wash equipment 8, and a communication cable 6 connected to a main controller 40 that controls the entire car wash system 1A and sends control signals for the gates 3a-3d. The main power cable 51 and the communication cable 6 are connected in a daisy chain manner via the locking pole 33. This allows the power cable 5, communication cable 6, and other components that are essential for supplying power to each of the car wash spaces 2a-2d and controlling each of the gates 3a-3d to be gathered at the locking pole 33, making gate maintenance easier. By shortening the lengths of the power cable 5 and communication cable 6, the car wash system 1A can be simplified and installation easier.

[0064] If the main power cable 51 and the communication cable 6 are configured to be wired in a daisy chain via the locking poles 33, construction at the car wash 10 is easy. Because the width of the car wash spaces 2a to 2d (or the width of the garage 2y, or the distance between the garages 2y), i.e., the distance between the locking poles 33, is roughly constant, there is no need to make cables (power cables 5 or communication cables 6) for wiring (connecting) at the construction site (car wash 10) for each car wash space 2a to 2d (or each garage 2y), and it is possible to complete most of the construction by simply installing factory-shipped products (power cables 5 and communication cables 6, and in some cases, locking poles 33 with built-in gate control devices 30 and / or branch switches 56) on site.

[0065] Furthermore, if the car wash system 1A further includes, in addition to the car wash equipment 8, a charging equipment that can be used in the same way as the car wash equipment, in the case of an electric vehicle, it will be possible to charge the vehicle 9 in addition to washing the car, thereby improving convenience.

[0066] [Embodiment 2] The car wash system 1B according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the car wash system 1B according to the first embodiment, but differs in the configuration of the gates 3a to 3d. In other words, the car wash system 1B of embodiment 2 has a plurality of car wash spaces 2a to 2d arranged adjacent to each other, and adjacent gates are arranged so that the chain-attached pole 32 and the locking pole 33 are adjacent to each other, and the other end 31b of the chain can be set on the locking pole 33 of the same gate but cannot be set on the locking pole 33 of an adjacent gate.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a car wash system 1B according to the second embodiment. 9(a) is a diagram showing the installation state of the gates 3a to 3d. As shown in the figure, the gates 3a to 3d are arranged adjacent to one another. Figures 9(b) and 9(c) are diagrams showing examples of how the shapes of the other end 31b of the chain (engaging concave / convex portion M) and the insertion port (engaged concave / convex portion W) of the locking pole 33 into which the other end 31b is inserted fit together for gates 3a and 3c, and gates 3b and 3d, respectively.

[0068] In gates 3a and 3c, as shown in Figure 9(b), a convex portion (engaging concave / convex portion M) is provided on the other end 31b of the chain, and a concave portion (engaged concave / convex portion W) is provided at the end of the insertion port of the locking pole 33 to correspond to the shape of the convex portion. On the other hand, the gates 3b and 3d are provided in the center as shown in FIG. 9(c). Therefore, the other end 31b (engaging concave / convex portion M) of the chain of gates 3a to 3d can be fitted into and set in the insertion port (engaging concave / convex portion W) of the locking pole 33 of that gate, but it does not fit into the insertion port (engaging concave / convex portion W) of the locking pole 33 of the adjacent gate and cannot be set.

[0069] In this case, the length of the chain 31 is preferably equal to or longer than the distance from the chain pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the same gate. Also, it is preferably shorter than the distance from the chain pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the gate adjacent to the adjacent gate (for example, shorter than the distance from the chain pole 32 of gate 3b to the locking pole 33 of gate 3d). Roughly speaking, it is preferably shorter than the width of the car wash space (for example, the width of car wash space 2c).

[0070] According to the car wash system 1B of the second embodiment, the chain poles 32 and the locking poles 33 can be arranged in the same direction for all of the adjacent gates 3a to 3d, making it easy for users to use. In addition, construction is also easy.

[0071] The chain poles 32 and locking poles 33 may be arranged in different directions between adjacent gates 3a to 3d (the chain poles 32 or locking poles 33 may be arranged next to each other at adjacent gates). In this case, the arrangement may be as shown in Figure 3, for example. The length of the chain 31 is preferably at least as long as the distance from the chain pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the same gate. It is also shorter than the distance (shortest distance) from the chain pole 32 to the locking pole 33 of the gate adjacent to the gate to which it is adjacent (in Figure 3, it is shorter than the distance from the chain pole 32 of gate 3d to the locking pole 33 of gate 3b). Roughly speaking, it is preferable that the length be shorter than the width of the car wash space (for example, the width of car wash space 2c).

[0072] [Embodiment 3] The car wash system 1C according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the car wash system 1A according to the first embodiment, but differs in that it issues a warning if the vehicle 9 does not leave the parking lot even after being washed and the fee paid. In other words, the car wash system 1C of embodiment 3 further includes a vehicle detection device, and is configured to issue a warning if the vehicle detection device detects that a vehicle 9 is still present in the car wash space 2a to 2d after a predetermined time has elapsed after the fee has been paid and the gates 3a to 3d have been unlocked.

[0073] Figure 10 is a flowchart shown to explain the operation of the car wash system 1C according to embodiment 3. The flowchart in Figure 10 is basically the same as the flowchart in Figure 8, but there are some differences. The explanation will focus on steps that are different from Figure 8 as much as possible, and explanations of steps that are the same as those in Figure 8 will be omitted. Note that the main control device 40, gate control device 30, and the signals and commands transmitted and received between them are the same as those explained in the flowchart in Figure 8 (or Figure 7), and explanations will be omitted.

[0074] In the car wash system 1C according to the third embodiment, each car wash space 2a-2d is provided with a vehicle detection device (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of a vehicle (step S21). If a vehicle 9 is not detected (if NO), the vehicle detection operation is repeated. The gate control device 30 receives a vehicle presence / absence detection signal from the vehicle detection device and periodically notifies the main control device 40 of the vehicle presence / absence status. If a vehicle is detected (YES), main controller 40 starts calculating the charge according to time (step S22). Next, the process moves to step S5, where it is determined whether the other end of the chain is inserted.

[0075] Steps S71, S72, S73, S9, S11, S131, S132, S133, S15, and S17 are the same as those in FIG. If it is determined in step S17 whether the other end 31b of the chain has been unhooked or not that it has been unhooked (YES), the process proceeds to step S191 where it is determined whether or not a vehicle has been detected. If it is determined in step S191 that no vehicle has been detected (YES), the process returns to step S21. If it is determined that a vehicle has been detected (if NO), the process proceeds to step S193, where it is determined whether the waiting time for leaving the garage has elapsed. If it is determined that the waiting time for leaving the garage has not elapsed (if NO), the process returns to step S191.

[0076] If it is determined that the waiting time for leaving the garage has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to warning step S193. If the waiting time for leaving the parking lot has elapsed, it is determined that the vehicle has stayed illegally and a warning is issued. The warning is issued, for example, by a warning light, a display device, or a speaker (not shown) provided on the fare adjustment machine 4 or separately from the fare adjustment machine 4. For example, a warning light is turned on. Alternatively, a display or audio announcement may be made to the effect that "the waiting time for leaving the parking lot has elapsed," "If the other end 31b of the chain is not inserted, please leave immediately," or "If inserted, the chain will be locked."

[0077] Next, it is determined whether the other end 31b of the chain has been inserted (step S194). If it is determined that the other end 31b of the chain has been inserted (YES), the warning is cancelled (step S195), and the process returns to step S71. If it is determined in step S194 that the battery is not inserted (NO), it is determined whether a vehicle has been detected (step S197). If it is YES, that is, if it is determined that a vehicle has been detected, the process returns to step S194. If it is NO, that is, if it is determined that a vehicle has not been detected (no), the warning is canceled (step S198), and the process returns to step S21.

[0078] [Vehicle detection device] The vehicle detection device may be configured with, for example, a surveillance camera, a loop coil buried in the car wash parking lot, an area sensor attached to the locking pole 33, a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. A pole-integrated sensor with a built-in magnetic sensor may also be used (for example, built into the locking pole 33).

[0079] According to the car wash system 1C of the third embodiment, if the vehicle 9 remains in the car wash spaces 2a to 2d after the waiting time for leaving the car wash has elapsed after the car wash is completed, a warning can be issued to prompt the vehicle to leave.

[0080] [Modification] The "chain 31" in the above first to third embodiments is not necessarily composed entirely of chains, but includes those composed partly of chains, and may be entirely or partly of string. In other words, the "chain 31" may be a "string-like member" including these. Similarly, the "pole with chain 32" may be, for example, a wall of a garage (a garage provided for each car wash) to which the chain 31 is directly attached. In other words, the "pole with chain 32" may be a "string-like member fixture" to which one end of a string-like member is connected, including the above. Similarly, the "locking pole 33" may be, for example, a wall of the garage 2y (a garage provided for each car wash) that can lock the other end of the chain 31. In other words, the "locking pole 33" may be any "locking tool" that can lock the other end of the string-like member, including the wall.

[0081] The car wash system is as follows (see FIG. 1). That is, the car wash system is a car wash system 1A in which a plurality of individual car wash spaces 2a to 2d are arranged within a car wash 10, and each of the car wash spaces 2a to 2d is provided with at least a locking means for preventing a vehicle 9 from leaving the car wash space 2a to 2d, and car wash equipment 8, and the locking means is a string-like member (chain 31) and a string-like member installation tool (chain-attached pole 32) to which one end of the string-like member (one end 31a of the chain; one end; the opposite end to the other end 31b) is connected. The car wash facility 8 is equipped with gates 3a to 3d each having a locking device (locking pole 33) that can lock the other end of the string-like member (the other end 31b of the chain), and when the other end of the string-like member (the other end 31b of the chain) is set to a predetermined position on the locking device (locking pole 33), the gates 3a to 3d are driven to a locked state and the car wash facility 8 is made available for use, and when the fee is paid, the locked state of the gates 3a to 3d is released.

[0082] In such a car wash system, by replacing the "chain 31" with a "string-like member," the "chain-attached pole 32" with a "string-like member mounting device," and the "locking pole 33" with a "locking device" in embodiments 1 to 3 and the modified examples (1) to (3) described below, the configurations of those embodiments and the modified examples described below can be applied as is, and similar effects can be achieved.

[0083] In the above embodiments and modifications, all three of "chain 31", "pole with chain 32", and "locking pole 33" may be replaced with the above words, or two of "chain 31" and "pole with chain 32", "pole with chain 32" and "locking pole 33", or "chain 31" and "locking pole 33" may be replaced with the above words. Alternatively, one of "chain 31", "pole with chain 32", or "locking pole 33" may be replaced with the above words.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0085] (1) In the first embodiment, the number of car wash spaces is four (car wash spaces 2a to 2d), but the number of car wash spaces is not limited to four. For example, the number may be 2, 3, 5, . . . 10, 20, 30, etc.

[0086] (2) In the first embodiment, the car wash 10 (or the car wash spaces 2a to 2d, or the gates 3a to 3d) faces the road 91, but it does not necessarily have to face the road. For example, it may be located in a part of a large parking lot (a place not facing the road).

[0087] (3) In the first embodiment, a garage 2y is provided for each of the car wash spaces 2a to 2d, but a garage 2y is not necessarily required. For example, a fence may be used instead of the garage 2y. Alternatively, the garage 2y may not be required. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1A, 1B, 1C... Car wash system, 2a to 2d... Car wash space, 2y... Garage, 3a to 3d... Gate, 30... Gate control device, 31... Chain, 31a... One end of the chain, 31b... Other end of the chain, 32... Pole with chain, 33... Locking pole, 4... Payment machine, 40... Main control device, 41... Display unit, 42... Banknote slot, 43... Coin slot, 44... Change withdrawal slot, 45... Card slot, 46... Receipt issuing slot, 5... Power cable, 51... Main power cable le, 52...branch power cable, 55...main switch, 56...branch switch, 6...communication cable, 61...main communication cable, 62...branch communication cable, 71...plate, 72...roller, 73...arm, 8...car wash equipment, 9...vehicle, 91...road, 10...car wash, M...engaging concave / convex part, W...engaged concave / convex part, L1...distance from chain pole to locking pole of the same gate, L2, L3...distance from chain pole to locking pole of adjacent gate

Claims

1. A car wash system in which a plurality of individual car wash spaces are arranged within a car wash, and each of the car wash spaces is provided with at least a locking means for preventing a vehicle from leaving the car wash space and car wash equipment, The locking means includes a gate having a chain, a pole with a chain to which one end of the chain is connected, and a locking pole capable of locking the other end of the chain, The car wash system is configured such that when the other end of the chain is set to a predetermined position on the locking pole, the gate is driven to a locked state and the car wash equipment is made available for use, and when a fee is paid, the gate is unlocked.

2. The car wash system according to claim 1, The other end of the chain is formed with a mating concave-convex portion, and the locking pole is formed with a mating concave-convex portion at a predetermined position, The car wash system is configured to lock the gate when the mating projection and recess are set into the mating projection and recess.

3. The car wash system according to claim 2, A car wash system configured such that when the mating concave-convex portion is set into the mating concave-convex portion, the gate is locked based on a lock command after the setting, or the gate is locked based on a lock command before the setting.

4. The car wash system according to claim 1, The plurality of car wash spaces include a plurality of car wash spaces arranged adjacent to each other, The adjacent gates are arranged so that the chain poles or the locking poles are adjacent to each other, A car wash system configured so that the length of the chain is equal to or greater than the distance from the chain-attached pole to the locking pole of the same gate, but shorter than the distance from the chain-attached pole to the locking pole of an adjacent gate.

5. The car wash system according to claim 1, The plurality of car wash spaces include a plurality of car wash spaces arranged adjacent to each other, The adjacent gates are arranged so that the chain pole and the locking pole are adjacent to each other, A car wash system configured such that the other end of the chain can be set on the locking pole of the same gate but cannot be set on the locking pole of an adjacent gate.

6. The car wash system according to claim 1, The locking pole of the other end of the chain is set in a predetermined position by A car wash system configured to be performed by engaging a mating recess provided on the other end with a mating recess provided on the locking pole corresponding to the mating recess.

7. The car wash system according to claim 1, a power cable including a main power cable connected to a power source and a branch power cable branching off from the main power cable to supply power to the car wash equipment; a communication cable connected to a master control device that controls the entire car wash system and through which a control signal for the gate is sent; The car wash system is configured such that the main power cable and the communication cable are wired in a daisy chain manner through the locking pole.

8. The car wash system according to claim 1, Furthermore, it is equipped with a vehicle detection device, The car wash system is configured to issue a warning when the vehicle detection device detects that a vehicle remains in the car wash space after a predetermined time has elapsed after the fee has been paid and the gate has been unlocked.

9. The car wash system according to claim 1, A car wash system further comprising, in addition to the car wash equipment, a charging equipment that can be used in the same manner as the car wash equipment.

10. A car wash system in which a plurality of individual car wash spaces are arranged within a car wash, and each of the car wash spaces is provided with at least a locking means for preventing a vehicle from leaving the car wash space and car wash equipment, The locking means includes a gate having a string-like member, a string-like member installation tool to which one end of the string-like member is connected, and a locking tool capable of locking the other end of the string-like member, This car wash system is configured so that when the other end of the string-like member is set in a predetermined position on the locking device, the gate is driven to a locked state and the car wash equipment is made available for use, and when the fee is paid, the gate is unlocked.

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