Vehicle processing equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can suppress the growth of icicles and other debris on the main body of a vehicle that has a cleaning function. [Solution] The car wash device (50), which is a vehicle processing device, is equipped with a main body (1) that has the function of washing a vehicle (51) by moving back and forth relative to it. The main body (1) is configured as a gate-shaped body having legs (1A) and a top (1B), through which the vehicle (51) passes. The main body (1) has a sheet (90) that covers the side of the legs (1A), which is the part that faces the passing vehicle (51), and a snow melting mat (91) provided on the upper surface of the top (1B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle processing device, and more particularly to a technique effective when applied to a car wash device having a function of washing a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-309415 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") describes a technique for defrosting a cleaning brush provided on a portal-shaped main body (car wash main body) straddling a vehicle according to the frozen state thereof. Since washing a vehicle with a frozen cleaning brush may damage the vehicle, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is considered effective.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In winter, ice such as icicles and ice blocks may occur inside a portal-shaped main body (for example, a part facing the vehicle in a state where the main body straddles the vehicle). In such a case, when an icicle grows large and falls during car washing, it may hit the vehicle directly or indirectly (by rebounding), causing damage such as scratches. Similarly, when an icicle hits a component provided inside the main body, the function of the car wash device may also fail. Recently, due to climate change, the temperature difference in winter has become large and heavy snow has become more likely to fall, making such problems more prominent. Different from the defrosting technique of the cleaning brush described in Patent Document 1, countermeasures against freezing in the main body are required.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the growth of icicles and the like in a main body having a function of washing a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle processing device according to one solution of the present invention comprises a main body having a function of moving back and forth relative to a vehicle to clean it, and the main body has a sheet that covers the part facing the passing vehicle. Preferably, the main body is configured as a gate-shaped body having legs, and the sheet covers the sides of the legs, which constitute the aforementioned parts. The aforementioned sheet is preferably a tarpaulin sheet. Preferably, the main body is configured as a gate-shaped body having a top section, and the main body has a snow-melting mat provided on the upper surface of the top section. Furthermore, a vehicle processing apparatus according to another solution of the present invention comprises a main body having the function of moving back and forth relative to a vehicle to clean it, the main body being configured as a gate-shaped body having a top, and the main body having a snow-melting mat provided on the upper surface of the top. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the growth of icicles and the like on the main body of the device, which has a cleaning function for vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view illustrating a vehicle processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic side view illustrating the vehicle processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the vehicle processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic top view illustrating the main components of the vehicle processing device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic front view illustrating the main components of the vehicle processing device. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the vehicle processing device shown. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a vehicle processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] In the embodiments of the present invention described below, explanations will be divided into multiple sections where necessary, but in principle, they are not unrelated to each other; one is a modification, detail, or part of the other. For this reason, in all figures, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numeral, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the number of components (including number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc.) is not limited to a specific number unless otherwise explicitly stated or clearly limited in principle, and may be greater than or less than a specific number. Also, when referring to the shape of components, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clearly considered not to be so in principle, it will include those that are substantially similar or approximate in shape.

[0010] (First Embodiment) As an example of a vehicle processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a car wash apparatus having a main body that has the function of washing a vehicle to be processed will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic front view illustrating the car wash apparatus 50. Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the car wash apparatus 50. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the car wash apparatus 50. Figure 4 is a schematic top view illustrating the main parts of the car wash apparatus 50. Figure 5 is a schematic front view illustrating the main parts of the car wash apparatus 50. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the car wash apparatus 50. The car wash apparatus 50 can process vehicles 51L such as box trucks and buses, or vehicles 51S such as sedans and coupes, which are smaller than these. In the following, vehicles 51L and vehicles 51S may be referred to simply as "vehicle 51" without distinction.

[0011] The car wash device 50 is equipped with a main body 1 (main unit). The main body 1 is erected on the ground G (laying surface). The main body 1 is configured as a gate-type body (housing) that straddles (or through which a vehicle 51 passes) a vehicle 51. That is, the gate-type body that makes up the main body 1 has left and right legs 1A and a top section 1B (beam section) that rests on them from above. The gate-type opening of the main body 1 is provided to handle vehicles 51 up to, for example, 2500 mm in width and 4100 mm in height. For this reason, if icicles form on the top section 1B, which is located at a position higher than the vehicle height of 4100 mm, and fall, it is thought that the damage to the vehicle 51 will be significant.

[0012] Furthermore, the main body 51 is mounted on the ground G so as to move back and forth relative to the vehicle 51. The main body 1 rotates the wheels 2 using a forward and reverse-rotating running motor 4 (Figure 6) to move back and forth (reciprocate) along the rail 3. Here, the upright direction of the main body 1 is the height direction (vertical direction) from the ground G, which is the same as the vehicle height direction of the vehicle 51. Also, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the main body 1 are the vehicle length direction and vehicle width direction, respectively, when the vehicle is entering the rail 3 parallel to it.

[0013] Furthermore, the car wash device 50 is equipped with a travel limit switch 7 (Figures 1 and 2). The travel limit switch 7 is located at the lower end of one leg 1A of the main body 1 and is switched by contact with dogs 3a and 3b installed near the front and rear ends of the rail 3 to detect the forward and reverse limit positions of the main body 1. When the travel limit switch 7 contacts dog 3a, the rear end position is detected, and when it contacts dog 3b, the front end position is detected.

[0014] The car wash device 50 also includes a top brush 5, which is a washing brush, and a drive mechanism for the top brush 5. The top brush 5 is mounted on the main body 1 so as to move in the upright direction of the main body 1. The top brush 5 rotates while moving up and down, and along with the supply of washing water from a nozzle (not shown), it can mainly brush the upper surface of the vehicle 51.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows an example of a drive mechanism for the top brush 5. The top brush 5 includes a brush shaft 12 (rotating shaft) extending in the left - right direction of the main body 1. The drive mechanism of the top brush 5 includes carriers 13L and 13R, lifting rails 14L and 14R, a motor for the brush 15, and a lifting device. The top brush 5 has carriers 13L and 13R directly connected to both ends of the brush shaft 12, and is driven to rotate forward and backward by the motor for the brush 15 fixed to one carrier 13R. Further, the carriers 13L and 13R are lifted and lowered by a lifting device along the lifting rails 14L and 14R vertically provided in the legs of the main body 1.

[0016] The lifting device of this top brush 5 includes a chain 16, sprockets 17U and 17D, a rotating shaft 18, and a lifting motor 19, and can lift and lower the top brush 5 via the carriers 13L and 13R. The endless chain 16 is hung on the sprockets 17U and 17D at the upper and lower ends. The left - and - right upper sprockets 17U are connected by the rotating shaft 18. The lifting motor 19 is directly connected to one of the left - and - right lower sprockets 17D. Therefore, the top brush 5 can move up and down in the standing direction of the main body 1 by the forward and reverse driving of the lifting motor 19.

[0017] Further, the drive mechanism of the top brush 5 includes limit switches 20 and 21 for lifting and lowering. The limit switches 20 and 21 can be switched by the contact of the carrier 13L to provide upper and lower limits. Thus, the top brush 5 can move away from and approach the top part 1B of the main body 1 as a moving brush, and its standby position is, for example, the position switched by the limit switch 20 for the upper limit (the position accommodated on the top part 1B side of the main body 1).

[0018] Further, the cleaning device 50 includes a side brush 6 which is a cleaning brush and a drive mechanism for the side brush 6. The side brushes 6 are provided in pairs and are provided on the main body 1 so as to move in the left - right direction of the main body 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The side brushes 6 rotate while moving (opening and closing) left and right, and can mainly brush the front, rear and side surfaces of the vehicle 51 together with the supply of cleaning water from a nozzle (not shown). In the car wash device 50, the operation in the direction in which the side brushes 6 approach each other is defined as the closing operation, and the operation in the direction in which they move away from each other is defined as the opening operation. Thus, the side brush 6 can be moved away from and towards the leg portion 1A of the main body 1 as a moving brush, and its standby position is, for example, the position where they are farthest apart from each other (the position accommodated on the leg portion 1A side of the main body 1).

[0019] FIG. 4 shows an example of the drive mechanism of the side brush 6. The side brush 6 has a brush shaft 22 (rotation shaft) extending in the upright direction of the main body 1. The drive mechanism of the side brush 6 includes carriers 23L, 23R, an opening - closing rail 24, a brush motor 25, and an opening - closing device. A pair of side brushes 6 are directly connected to carriers 23L, 23R at the upper ends of their respective brush shafts 22, and are driven to rotate forward and backward by a brush motor 25 fixed to the carriers 23L, 23R. Further, the carriers 23L, 23R are opened and closed by an opening - closing device on an opening - closing rail 24 horizontally spanned inside the top portion 1B of the main body 1.

[0020] These opening - closing devices of the side brush 6 include a chain 26, a sprocket 27, and an opening - closing motor 28, and can open and close the side brush 6 via the carriers 23L, 23R. An endless chain 26 is hung on the sprockets 27 at the left and right ends. The opening - closing motor 28 of the left - hand side brush 6 is directly connected to the left sprocket 27. The opening - closing motor 28 of the right - hand side brush 6 is directly connected to the right sprocket 27. Therefore, the side brush 6 can be opened and closed in the left - right direction of the main body 1 by the forward and reverse driving of the opening - closing motor 28.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the car wash device 50 is equipped with electrical boxes 8a and 8b. The electrical boxes 8a and 8b are provided as a pair on the left and right sides of the front of the gate-shaped leg portion 1A of the main body 1. More specifically, the electrical boxes 8a and 8b are provided on the outside of the gate-shaped opening that constitutes the main body 1. In addition, an operation panel 9 for receiving car wash requests is provided on the front of the leg portion 1A above the electrical box 8a. The operation panel 9 is equipped with a car wash course key, a car wash start key, and a car wash stop key that allow the user to select a car wash course (car wash program) such as "water wash," "detergent wash," and "wax wash," so that the car wash type can be set according to the user's wishes. After the user has selected a car wash course on the operation panel 9 and pressed the start button, the main body 1 moves forward, and while spraying cleaning liquid such as water from each spray nozzle (not shown), the top brush 5 and side brushes 6 perform brushing and washing on the vehicle 51. Furthermore, the control panel 9 allows the user to select whether the vehicle 51 to be processed is a regular passenger car 51S or a medium-sized or large passenger car 51L.

[0022] The main body 1 has a gate-shaped opening and is equipped with a top brush 5 and side brushes 6 for cleaning. However, during cleaning, water or other cleaning fluids splash back and become droplets. By arranging the electrical boxes 8a and 8b and the control panel 9 in this manner, it is possible to prevent damage from falling icicles or other debris that may form inside the gate-shaped opening.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 1 has a sheet 90 that covers the part facing the passing vehicle 51 (inside the gate-shaped opening). In the car wash device 50, electrical components are housed in electrical boxes 8a, 8b, etc., while frame materials (beam materials) may be exposed inside the opening of the gate-shaped body (housing). Icicles and the like are prone to forming on such exposed frame materials due to splashes and the like. Therefore, by providing a sheet 90 to cover the exposed frame materials, for example, the sheet 90 vibrates (flutters or sways) when the main body 1 moves back and forth or due to wind, so that icicles and the like can peel off the sheet before they grow large or fall off in a liquid state before they freeze. In other words, the growth of icicles and the like on the main body 1 can be suppressed.

[0024] Preferably, the sheet 90 covers the sides of the leg portion 1A. Since the sheet 90 is provided along the upright direction (vertical direction) of the leg portion 1A, for example, splashes adhering to the sheet 90 can easily flow down the sheet 90 to a lower position. In particular, since the main body 1, which can wash even large vehicles 51L, such as the car wash device 50, is provided at a high position above the ground G, covering the sides of the leg portion 1A with the sheet 90 is more effective than covering them with a plate. In this way, by using the sheet 90, the growth of icicles and the like on the main body 1 can be suppressed.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable to apply a tarpaulin sheet to the sheet 90. A tarpaulin sheet is formed by sandwiching a sheet material made of resin fibers such as polyester between film materials made of highly waterproof thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride. Tarpaulin sheets have excellent heat resistance and water resistance, and their function remains effective even when used in a car wash device 50 installed outdoors. Therefore, by using a tarpaulin sheet, the growth of icicles and the like on the main body 1 can be suppressed.

[0026] Furthermore, the car wash device 50 is equipped with a first sensor unit 52. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first sensor unit 52 is located at a position higher than the ground G and on the front side of the main body 1. The car wash device 50 has the function of detecting the parking position of a vehicle 51L (for example, a medium-sized or large automobile) using this first sensor unit 52. The first sensor unit 52 is configured as a unit equipped with transmissive photoelectric sensors 10 and 11. The two photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 are arranged side by side at a predetermined distance apart along the front-rear direction of the main body 1. The light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor 10 (front photoelectric sensor) and the light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor 11 (rear photoelectric sensor) are located on the electrical box 8b side. The light-receiving part of the photoelectric sensor 10 and the light-receiving part of the photoelectric sensor 11 are located on the electrical box 8a side.

[0027] The photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 each form an upwardly inclined optical axis B1 by positioning the light-receiving part higher than the light-emitting part, and the presence or absence of a vehicle 51L, such as a medium-sized or large automobile, can be detected by the light transmission / blocking of this inclined optical axis B1. The ground heights of the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 are, for example, 950 mm and 1350 mm, respectively. With the first sensor unit 52 equipped with photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 that form the inclined optical axis B1, the front of a vehicle 51L, such as various medium-sized and large automobiles, can be detected.

[0028] The first sensor unit 52 for detecting the stopping position of the vehicle 51L is configured such that, in a top view (plan view) of the main body 1, the optical axis B1 of the front photoelectric sensor 10 and the optical axis B1 of the rear photoelectric sensor 11 are parallel to each other (shown superimposed in Figure 1). When both photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 are in a light-transmitting state, it is determined that the vehicle 51L has not yet advanced to the processing position. When photoelectric sensor 10 is blocked from light and photoelectric sensor 11 is in a light-transmitting state, it is determined that the vehicle 51L has reached the processing position. When both photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 are blocked from light, it is determined that the vehicle 51L has advanced too far. In this embodiment, since the optical axes B1, B1 of photoelectric sensors 10 and 11 are parallel, the accuracy of detecting the front of the vehicle 51L, that is, the accuracy of detecting the stopping position of the vehicle 51L, can be improved by narrowing the distance between photoelectric sensors 10 and 11.

[0029] Furthermore, the car wash device 50 is equipped with a second sensor unit 53. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second sensor unit 53 is located higher than the first sensor unit 52 and in front of the first sensor unit 52, and is provided on the front side of the main body 1. The car wash device 50 has the function of detecting the height of a vehicle 51L (e.g., a medium-sized or large car) or a vehicle 51S (e.g., a regular car) using this second sensor unit 53. The second sensor unit 53 is configured as a unit equipped with through-type photoelectric sensors 54, 55, 56, and 57. These photoelectric sensors 54 to 57 are arranged in a line along the upright direction of the main body 1. The light-emitting parts of the photoelectric sensors 54 to 57 are provided on the electrical box 8b side. The light-receiving parts of the photoelectric sensors 54 to 57 are provided on the electrical box 8a side.

[0030] The photoelectric sensors 54-57 are arranged opposite each other with their light-emitting and light-receiving sections at the same height from the ground G, forming four horizontal optical axes B2. The presence or absence of a vehicle 51 can be detected by the light transmission / blocking of these four horizontal optical axes B2. Photoelectric sensor 57 is positioned higher than photoelectric sensor 56. Photoelectric sensor 56 is positioned higher than photoelectric sensor 55. Photoelectric sensor 55 is positioned higher than photoelectric sensor 54. That is, photoelectric sensors 54, 55, 56, and 57 are provided in this order from the ground G side. The heights of photoelectric sensors 54, 55, 56, and 57 above ground are, for example, 1750 mm, 2250 mm, 2750 mm, and 3250 mm. The height of the vehicle 51 can be detected by the second sensor unit 53, which includes photoelectric sensors 54-57 that form the horizontal optical axes B2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the second sensor unit 53 for detecting the height of the vehicle 51 is configured such that the optical axes B2 of the photoelectric sensors 54 to 57 are parallel to each other when viewed from the front of the main unit 1. Therefore, when both photoelectric sensors 54 to 57 are in a light-transmitting state, it is determined that the vehicle 51 is at a height that does not reach the height of photoelectric sensor 54. Also, when photoelectric sensor 54 is blocked from light and photoelectric sensors 55 to 57 are in a light-transmitting state, it is determined that the vehicle 51 is at a height between photoelectric sensor 54 and photoelectric sensor 55.

[0032] Furthermore, when photoelectric sensors 54 and 55 are in a light-blocking state and photoelectric sensors 56 and 57 are in a light-transmitting state, it is determined that the vehicle 51 has a vehicle height at a height between photoelectric sensors 55 and 56. Furthermore, when photoelectric sensors 54, 55, and 56 are in a light-blocking state and photoelectric sensor 57 is in a light-transmitting state, it is determined that the vehicle 51 has a vehicle height at a height between photoelectric sensors 56 and 57. Furthermore, when photoelectric sensors 54, 55, 56, and 57 are in a light-blocking state, it is determined that the vehicle 51 has a vehicle height higher than the height of photoelectric sensor 57.

[0033] Furthermore, the second sensor unit 53 is provided on the main body 1 so as to be in front of the first sensor unit 52. More specifically, the second sensor unit 53 is provided, for example, 355 mm in front of the rear photoelectric sensor 11 of the first sensor unit 52. The second sensor unit 53 is provided at a predetermined height, separated in front of the housing of the main body 1 via a support unit 60 (arm unit). The top brush 5 and side brushes 6 are provided on the main body 1, but by providing the second sensor unit 53 in front of them, it is possible to determine the characteristics of the vehicle 51 before brushing the vehicle 5 with the top brush 5 and side brushes 6.

[0034] Furthermore, the car wash device 50 is equipped with a third sensor unit 80. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the third sensor unit 80 is located lower than the first sensor unit 52 and rearward than the second sensor unit 53, and is provided on the main body 1. The washing device 50 has the function of detecting the parking position of a vehicle 51S (for example, a passenger car) using this third sensor unit 80. The third sensor unit 80 is composed of a transmissive photoelectric sensor 81. The light-emitting part of the photoelectric sensor 81 is provided on the electrical box 8b side, and the light-receiving part of the photoelectric sensor 81 is provided on the electrical box 8a side.

[0035] The photoelectric sensor 81 forms an optical axis B3 that is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction by positioning the light-emitting part higher than the light-receiving part. By detecting the transmission / blocking of light along this inclined optical axis B3, the presence or absence of a vehicle 51S, such as a regular passenger car, can be detected. The third sensor unit 80, which includes the photoelectric sensor 81 that forms the inclined optical axis B3, can detect the front of various types of passenger cars as the vehicle 51S. Depending on the shape of the vehicle 51L of a medium or large passenger car, the third sensor unit 80 may also detect the vehicle 51L.

[0036] Thus, the third sensor unit 80 is positioned lower than the first sensor unit 52 and further back than the second sensor unit 53. Therefore, not only medium-sized and large vehicles 51L but also smaller ordinary vehicles 51S can be detected and processed accordingly. In other words, the vehicle determination device is configured by comprising the first sensor unit 52, the second sensor unit 53, and the third sensor unit 80.

[0037] For example, if the first sensor unit 52 and the second sensor unit 53 do not detect a vehicle, but the third sensor unit 80 does, it can be determined that the vehicle is a regular passenger car 51S, such as a sedan or coupe. For example, for a regular passenger car such as a sedan or coupe, the third sensor unit 80 can detect the front bumper, but in that case, the first sensor unit 52 and the second sensor unit 53 will not detect the vehicle because their detection area is in the space above the hood. On the other hand, for example, if the first sensor unit 52, the second sensor unit 53 and the third sensor unit 80 all detect a vehicle, it can be determined that the vehicle is a medium-sized or large passenger car 51L, such as a van or bus.

[0038] Furthermore, the car wash system 50 is equipped with a control unit 30 for performing various functions (means). Figure 6 shows the configuration of the control system of the car wash system 50. The control unit 30 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on a circuit board and a storage unit 41 for storing various data. Various devices are electrically connected to this control unit 30. As a function of the car wash system 50, the control unit 30 executes various programs and drives these devices. In Figure 6, for the sake of clarity, the programs executed by the control unit 30 are shown as functional units (blocks).

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 30 is electrically connected to the operation panel 9. The control unit 30 is also electrically connected to the travel motor 4 that moves the main unit 1. Furthermore, the control unit 30 is electrically connected to the brush motor 15 that rotates the top brush 5 and the lifting motor 19 that raises and lowers it. Finally, the control unit 30 is electrically connected to the brush motor 25 that rotates the side brushes 6 and the opening / closing motor 28 that opens and closes them.

[0040] The control unit 30 includes a position detection unit 36. This position detection unit 36 ​​detects the travel position of the main unit 1 based on data from the travel motor 4. The control unit 30 also includes a current detection unit 37 and a lifting / lowering control unit 38 for driving the top brush 5. The current detection unit 37 detects the load current value of the top brush motor 15. The lifting / lowering control unit 38 controls the lifting / lowering motor 19. The control unit 30 also includes a current detection unit 39 and an opening / closing control unit 40 for driving the side brush 6. The current detection unit 39 detects the load current value of the side brush motor 25. The opening / closing control unit 40 controls the opening / closing motor 28.

[0041] More specifically, the travel position detection unit 36 ​​counts the driving time of the travel motor 4, estimates the movement position of the main body 1 from the travel limit position detected by the travel limit switch 7, and outputs commands to the lifting / lowering control unit 38 and the opening / closing control unit 40. The current detection unit 37 detects the load current value of the top brush motor 15, determines the contact state between the top brush 5 and the vehicle 51, and outputs a command to the lifting / lowering control unit 38. The lifting / lowering control unit 38 raises and lowers the top brush 5 in response to commands from the travel position detection unit 36 ​​and the current detection unit 37. The current detection unit 39 detects the current value of the side brush motor 25, determines the contact state between the side brush 6 and the vehicle 51, and outputs a command to the opening / closing control unit 40. The opening / closing control unit 40 opens and closes the side brush 6 in response to commands from the travel position detection unit 36 ​​and the current detection unit 39.

[0042] The memory unit 41 stores upper and lower load current thresholds for determining the contact state from the amount of load current rise when the top brush 5 and side brush 6 come into contact with the vehicle 51, as well as coefficients that show the load current change characteristics for each part. For example, this information is stored in tables for different vehicle types (e.g., medium and large vehicles such as box trucks, buses, flatbeds, and trailers, and regular vehicles such as sedans and coupes) and cleaning areas (e.g., front, top, rear, and sides). In other words, brushing is performed by raising and lowering the top brush 5 and opening and closing the side brushes 6 so that the load current value that rises when the brushes come into contact with the vehicle 51 falls within the upper and lower load current thresholds stored in the data memory unit 41.

[0043] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the case in which the side surfaces of the legs 1A constituting the gate-shaped body are covered with a sheet 90 was explained. In this embodiment, the case in which a snow-melting mat 91 is provided on the upper surface of the top part 1B constituting the gate-shaped body will be further explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a car wash device 50A as a vehicle processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the main body 1 of the car wash device 50A is configured as a gate-shaped body having a top section 1B. Preferably, this main body 1 has a snow-melting mat 91 provided on the upper surface of the top section 1B. The snow-melting mat 91 is, for example, made of a rubber plate material with a heater installed inside. This rubber plate material prevents the snow-melting mat 91 from becoming slippery on the top section 1B. In addition, the snow-melting mat 91 can melt snow that accumulates on the top section 1B and prevent freezing. This makes it possible to suppress the growth of icicles and the like on the lower surface of the top section 1B of the main body 1 (inside the gate-shaped opening).

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the main body 1 has a molding 92 (stopper) provided on the upper edge of the top part 1B. By providing the molding 92 so as to be raised on the upper edge, it is possible to prevent, for example, water formed from melted snow on the upper surface of the top part 1B from dripping down to the ground G. It is especially preferable to provide it around the snow-melting mat 91 that melts the snow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the growth of icicles and the like on the lower surface of the top part 1B of the main body 1 (inside the gate-shaped opening).

[0046] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0047] The above embodiment described a case in which the main body moves back and forth relative to a vehicle parked on the ground. However, the invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to devices in which a vehicle is placed on a carrier that is movable in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle is moved and transported relative to the main body, or to devices in which both the vehicle and the main body move together. Thus, the present invention includes a relationship in which the vehicle and the main body move relative to each other.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case described was one in which the sides of the legs constituting the gantry body are covered with a sheet as the part facing the vehicle. However, it is not limited to this, and the underside of the top part constituting the gantry body may also be covered with a sheet.

[0049] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a case where the part facing the vehicle is covered with a tarpaulin sheet. However, it is not limited to this, and the growth of icicles and the like on the main body can be suppressed by covering it with a snow-melting mat (heating sheet). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1 Main body, 1A Legs, 1B Top, 90 Sheet, 91 Snow melting mat.

Claims

1. It has a main body that has the function of moving back and forth relative to the vehicle to wash it. The main body has a sheet that covers the part facing the passing vehicle. Vehicle processing equipment.

2. The main body is configured as a gate-shaped body having legs, The sheet covers the side of the leg portion, which is the aforementioned part. The vehicle processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sheet is a tarpaulin sheet. The vehicle processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The main body is configured as a gate-shaped body having a top section, The main body has a snow-melting mat provided on the upper surface of the top part. The vehicle processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. It has a main body that has the function of moving back and forth relative to the vehicle to wash it. The main body is configured as a gate-shaped body having a top section, The main body has a snow-melting mat provided on the upper surface of the top part. Vehicle processing equipment.

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