Drive-through car wash

Abstract

We provide a drive-through car wash that makes the light of the L1 signal light easily and clearly visible even in bright daylight. [Solution] A lifting body Nt, which can move up and down within the gantry frame, is provided on the gantry frame 1 with both longitudinal ends facing the left and right sides of the gantry frame, positioned on the frame exit side from the midpoint between one end face and the other end face of the gantry frame. A signal light L1 is fixed to the lifting body so as to be offset to one side in the left-right direction of the lifting body, on the side where most of the driver's seats of cars facing the gantry frame waiting at the car wash start position are located. When the reception machine U confirms the reception operation input while the gantry frame is waiting, the control device C lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height that makes the signal light easily visible, so that the light of the signal light can be easily and clearly seen at an appropriate height even during the daytime.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a car wash machine, particularly comprising a gantry frame capable of reciprocating in the front - rear direction across an automobile, and car wash equipment provided on this gantry frame and used for washing the car body surface of the automobile as it travels. The car wash starts from a state where the automobile has advanced to a predetermined start position facing a frame inlet opened at one end surface in the front - rear direction of the gantry frame, and after the car wash is completed, the automobile advances and exits so as to leave from a frame outlet opened at the other end surface in the front - rear direction of the gantry frame, and relates to a drive - through car wash machine.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional drive - through car wash machine, a signal light unit that combines a first signal light for guiding the entry operation of an automobile to the start position before car wash and a second signal light for prompting the exit operation of the automobile after car wash is installed on the ground outside the frame outlet of the gantry frame when at the car wash start position (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below). In this case, the signal light unit is configured to be movable so as not to interfere with the exit of the automobile.

[0003] Also, a movable car wash machine is known in which a signal light for guiding the entry of an automobile to the start position before car wash is supported by a top nozzle inside the gantry frame (for example, refer to Patent Document 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the drive-through car wash described in Patent Document 1, the signal light unit is installed on the ground outside the frame exit of the gate-type frame. As a result, drivers of cars moving forward towards the starting position have to look at the distant signal light unit (first signal light) through the gate-type frame. Furthermore, this signal light unit is positioned to one side of the exit lane so as not to obstruct cars exiting after washing, resulting in poor visibility. To solve this problem, for example, if the signal light unit is positioned further inward (i.e., towards the exit lane) to make it easier for drivers to see, the exit lane becomes narrower. Moreover, if the signal light unit is made movable to make it easier to avoid cars, it increases costs and presents other problems.

[0006] Furthermore, in general, drive-through car washes, the car wash end position of the gate-type frame is set behind the vehicle to facilitate the vehicle's exit after the wash is complete. Therefore, if a signal light support structure using a top nozzle, as described in Patent Document 2, were applied to the drive-through car wash described in Patent Document 1, and the signal light unit were supported on the top nozzle, the signal light unit on the top nozzle would no longer be visible to the driver inside the vehicle after the wash is complete, making it difficult to prompt the driver to exit the vehicle.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above, and aims to provide a drive-through car wash machine that can solve at least one of the above problems of conventional car wash machines with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a drive-through car wash machine comprising a gantry frame that can travel back and forth in the front-rear direction of an automobile, and a car wash machine provided on the gantry frame and used to wash the body surface of the automobile as it travels, wherein the car wash starts when the automobile moves forward and arrives at a predetermined starting position facing a frame entrance opening on one end face in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame, and after the car wash is completed, the automobile moves forward and exits away from a frame exit opening on the other end face in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame, wherein inside the gantry frame, in the portion on the frame exit side from the midpoint between the one end face and the other end face, both ends in the longitudinal direction are positioned facing the left and right sides of the gantry frame, and the gantry A lifting body that can be raised and lowered within the frame is provided, and a signal light is fixed to the lifting body so as to be offset to one side in the left-right direction of the lifting body, on the side where most of the driver's seats of vehicles facing the gantry frame waiting at the car wash start position are located, which provides guidance information to the driver of the vehicle for guiding the vehicle to the start position when the gantry frame is waiting at the car wash start position, and a reception machine capable of inputting reception operations for car wash reception, and a control device that controls the raising and lowering of the lifting body, wherein the first feature is that when the reception machine confirms the reception operation input while the gantry frame is waiting, the control device lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height that makes the signal light easily visible.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention comprises a gantry frame that can straddle an automobile and travel back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the automobile, and a car wash device provided on the gantry frame and used to wash the body surface of the automobile as it travels, wherein the automobile moves forward and arrives at a predetermined starting position facing a frame entrance opening on one end face in the longitudinal direction of the gantry frame, the car wash is started, and after the car wash is finished and the gantry frame reaches a car wash end position behind the automobile, the automobile moves to the frame opening on the other end face in the longitudinal direction of the gantry frame In a drive-through car wash machine that moves forward and exits away from the exit, a lifting body that can move up and down within the gate-shaped frame is provided inside the gate-shaped frame, in the portion of the frame exit side from the midpoint between the one end face and the other end face, with both ends in the longitudinal direction facing the left and right sides of the gate-shaped frame, and a first signal light is formed horizontally on the lifting body to emit guidance information to the driver of the vehicle in order to guide the vehicle forward to the starting position when the gate-shaped frame is waiting at a predetermined car wash start position. The signal light body is fixed in an offset position to one side in the left-right direction of the lifting body, on the side where most of the driver's seats of the vehicles facing the gate-shaped frame waiting at the car wash start position are located, and a second signal light with a fixed structure is fixed to the ground on the side outside the other end face of the gate-shaped frame waiting at the car wash start position, which emits guidance information different from the guidance information of the first signal light to prompt the driver of a vehicle that has finished being washed to exit, and the visibility of the second signal light to the driver inside the vehicle is such that the vehicle is waiting at the car wash start position A second feature is that the vehicle is positioned in a location where it is difficult to secure the vehicle from a position facing the gantry frame inside, but can be easily secured without being obstructed by the gantry frame after the vehicle reaches the car wash completion position, and a reception machine capable of inputting reception operations for car wash reception, and a control device for controlling the raising and lowering of the lifting body are further provided, and when the reception machine confirms the reception operation input while the gantry frame is in standby, the control device lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height that makes the first signal light easily visible.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a drive-through car wash machine comprising a gantry frame that can travel back and forth in the front-rear direction of an automobile, and a car wash device provided on the gantry frame and used to wash the body surface of the automobile as it travels, wherein the car wash begins when the automobile moves forward and arrives at a predetermined starting position facing a frame entrance opening on one end face in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame, and after the car wash is completed, the automobile moves forward and exits away from a frame exit opening on the other end face in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame, Inside the gate-type frame, in the portion of the frame exit side from the midpoint between the one end face and the other end face, a lifting body that can move up and down within the gate-type frame is provided, with both ends in the longitudinal direction facing the left and right sides of the gate-type frame, and a first signal light that emits guidance information to the driver of a moving vehicle to the starting position when the gate-type frame is waiting at a predetermined car wash start position, has a horizontally elongated signal light body that is facing the vehicle of the gate-type frame waiting at the car wash start position The lifting body is fixed in an offset position to one side in the left-right direction on the side where most of the driver's seats are located, and a support column is erected on the ground located outward from the other end face of the gate-type frame waiting at the car wash start position, and a second signal light is provided on the top of the support column that emits guidance information different from the guidance information of the first signal light to prompt the driver of a car that has finished being washed to exit, and a reception machine capable of inputting reception operations for car wash reception and a control device that controls the raising and lowering of the lifting body are further provided, and the control device is the gate-type A third feature is that when the reception machine confirms the reception operation input while the frame is in standby mode, it lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height that makes the first signal light easily visible, the predetermined height of the lifting body is such that a portion of the second signal light overlaps with the lifting body or the first signal light in the height direction of the gantry frame, and the position of the second signal light on the ground is set such that at least a portion of the second signal light is hidden by the lifting body or the first signal light when viewed from the perspective of a driver moving forward towards the starting position.

[0011] Furthermore, in addition to any of the first to third features, the present invention has a fourth feature in which the first signal light is fixed to the upper part of the lifting body such that a part of the side surface of the horizontally elongated signal light body overlaps the upper surface of the lifting body when viewed in the front-to-back direction of the gate-type frame.

[0012] Furthermore, in addition to any of the first to fourth features, the present invention further comprises a sensor device arranged in the gantry frame that can detect whether the vehicle is at the start position or ahead of or in front of the start position during standby, and the control device is capable of controlling the operation of the first signal light and the raising and lowering of the lifting body based on the reception operation input and the detection result of the sensor device from the time the reception operation input is received until the car wash is started.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a drive-through car wash machine comprising a gantry frame that can travel back and forth in the front-rear direction of an automobile, and a car wash device provided on the gantry frame and used to wash the body surface of the automobile as it travels, wherein the car wash starts when the automobile moves forward and arrives at a predetermined starting position opposite to a frame entrance opening on one end face in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame, and after the car wash is completed, the automobile moves forward and exits away from a frame exit opening on the other end face in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame, wherein the car wash device includes a top nozzle that is vertically movable and provided in a part of the gantry frame near the frame exit and capable of spraying drying air onto the body surface, wherein the top nozzle is supported by a first signal light that emits guidance information to the driver of the automobile for guiding the moving automobile to the starting position when the gantry frame is waiting at a predetermined car wash start position, and the ground located outside the other end face of the gantry frame waiting at the car wash start position is used for the car wash. A second signal light is provided to prompt the driver of a vehicle that has finished washing to exit the vehicle. Furthermore, a reception machine capable of inputting reception operations for car wash reception, a control device that controls the operation of the first signal light and the raising and lowering of the top nozzle, and a sensor device arranged on the gantry frame capable of detecting whether the vehicle is at the start position or ahead of or in front of the start position during the waiting period. The control device can control the operation of the first signal light and the raising and lowering of the top nozzle based on the reception operation input and the detection result of the sensor device from the time of the reception operation input until the car wash begins. The sixth feature is that, during the waiting period, when the reception machine confirms the reception operation input, the control device lowers the top nozzle to a predetermined height, and if the vehicle has gone beyond the start position by a predetermined distance or more, it raises the top nozzle to a retraction height that is higher than the predetermined height but lower than the upper limit position, and the retraction height is variably controlled according to the height distribution of the upper surface of the front body of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, in addition to the fifth or sixth feature, the present invention has a seventh feature in which the sensor device includes a multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of an automobile, which is configured by arranging multiple sets of light-emitting and light-receiving elements facing each other in the left-right direction of the automobile within the gantry-type frame near the frame entrance at vertical intervals, and an entry sensor which is disposed on the gantry-type frame on the side closer to one end face than the multi-axis sensor in the front-rear direction of the automobile and capable of detecting the front end of the automobile.

[0015] Furthermore, in addition to any of the first to seventh features of the present invention, an eighth feature is that the first signal light is composed of a plurality of light units arranged horizontally and a signal light body that extends horizontally and surrounds them.

[0016] In addition to the eighth feature, the present invention also has a ninth feature, in which the signal lamp body has the plurality of lamps and horizontal text displays representing their meanings arranged in two layers each, and vertical text displays representing the meaning of each lamp are arranged between the lamps and horizontal text displays so as to be aligned with the lamps and horizontal text displays in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the first feature of the present invention, a lifting body that can move up and down within the gate-type frame is provided on the gate-type frame with both longitudinal ends facing the left and right sides of the gate-type frame, and is positioned on the frame exit side from the midpoint between one end face and the other end face of the gate-type frame. A signal light that emits guidance information to the driver for guiding the vehicle to the starting position when the gate-type frame is waiting at the car wash start position is fixed to the lifting body offset to one side in the left-right direction of the lifting body on the side where most of the driver's seats of vehicles facing the gate-type frame waiting at the car wash start position are located. When the reception machine confirms the reception operation input while the gate-type frame is waiting, the control device lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height that makes the signal light easily visible, so that the light of the first signal light can be easily and clearly seen at an appropriate height even during the daytime.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the second feature, the first signal light is supported by a lifting mechanism that is installed to be movable up and down near the frame exit within the gantry frame, and the second signal light is installed on the ground located outside the other end face of the waiting gantry frame. Therefore, before the car wash begins, the first signal light on the lifting mechanism can be used to guide the vehicle to the starting position, and after the car wash is completed, the second signal light can be used to prompt the driver to exit the vehicle. In this case, the first and second signal lights are arranged separately and independently inside and outside the gantry frame, and in particular, the first signal light inside the gantry frame is supported by a lifting mechanism near the frame exit, so that the light of the first signal light can be easily and clearly seen at an appropriate height even in bright daylight. On the other hand, the second signal light, located outside the gate-type frame, is easily visible to the driver from a relatively close distance without being obstructed by the gate-type frame when the car wash is finished, because the gate-type frame is located behind the vehicle. Therefore, it is not necessary to move this second signal light inward to ensure visibility, thereby narrowing the exit lane, nor is it necessary to make it movable to avoid vehicles exiting. As a result, it is possible to ensure sufficient visibility of both the first and second signal lights while increasing the design and layout flexibility of the second signal light and reducing costs.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the third feature, the system includes a reception machine for car wash reception and a control device for controlling the raising and lowering of the lifting body. When the reception machine confirms the reception operation input during standby, the control device lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height. Therefore, even if the waiting position of the lifting body before the start of car washing is high, the system automatically lowers the lifting body to a predetermined height, i.e., a height where the first signal light is easily visible, in response to the car wash reception, thereby making the presence of the first signal light more prominent and improving its visibility. Moreover, the second signal light is positioned so that at least a part of it is hidden by the lifting body or the first signal light when the lifting body is lowered to a predetermined height. Therefore, the second signal light can be avoided as much as possible from entering the driver's field of vision before the start of car washing, further improving the visibility of the first signal light.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the fifth feature, during the standby period, the sensor device can detect whether the vehicle is at the starting position or ahead of or before the starting position. The control device can control the operation of the first signal light and the raising and lowering of the top nozzle based on the reception operation input and the detection results of the sensor device from the time the reception operation input is received until the car wash begins. As a result, the control device can not only accurately guide the vehicle to the starting position by controlling the operation of the first signal light according to the detection results of the sensor device, but can also accurately raise and lower the top nozzle based on the detection results of the sensor device.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the sixth feature, during standby, the sensor device can detect whether the vehicle is at the starting position or is ahead of or behind the starting position. The control device can control the operation of the first signal light and the raising and lowering of the top nozzle based on the reception operation input and the detection result of the sensor device from the time of reception operation input until the start of car washing. As a result, the control device can not only accurately guide the vehicle to the starting position by controlling the operation of the first signal light according to the detection result of the sensor device, but can also accurately raise and lower the top nozzle based on the detection result of the sensor device. In addition, during standby, when the reception machine confirms the reception operation input, the control device lowers the top nozzle to a predetermined height, and if the vehicle has gone beyond the starting position by a predetermined distance or more, it raises the top nozzle to a retraction height that is higher than the predetermined height but lower than the upper limit position, and can also variably control the retraction height according to the height distribution of the upper surface of the front body of the vehicle. As a result, during standby, if the vehicle has gone past the starting position, the top nozzle can be raised to a retraction height that is lower than the upper limit position. Furthermore, since the retraction height can be variably adjusted according to the height distribution of the upper surface of the front body of the vehicle, the amount of upward retraction of the top nozzle can be kept to a minimum depending on the height of the front body of the vehicle. This eliminates the need to uniformly raise it to the upper limit each time, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0022] According to the seventh feature, the sensor device includes a multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body, which is configured by juxtaposing a plurality of sets of light emitters and light receivers facing each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle at intervals in the vertical vertical vertical in the vertical direction near the frame entrance in the gantry frame, and an entry sensor disposed on the gantry frame closer to one end surface on the frame entrance side of the gantry frame than the multi-axis sensor in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, which can detect the front end of the vehicle. Thereby, based on the detection results of the multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body and the entry sensor capable of detecting the entry of the front end of the vehicle into the gantry frame, it is possible to accurately detect whether the vehicle is at the start position or on the front side or the rear side of the start position, and it is possible to contribute to cost reduction of the sensor device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] This shows an overview of a car wash according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an overall side view and (b) is an overall plan view [Figure 2] Side view showing the main part of the car wash [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the car wash showing the outline of the top nozzle and its lifting mechanism (cross-sectional view taken along line 3X-3X of FIG. 2) [Figure 4] Enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 4X-4X of FIG. 3 [Figure 5] (A) is an enlarged plan view of the top nozzle (enlarged view taken along arrow 5A of FIG. 3), and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5(A) [Figure 6] Front view of the second signal lamp alone, showing the blinking state of its forward lamp section [Figure 7] Perspective view of the first signal lamp when the top nozzle has descended to a predetermined intermediate position before the start of washing after receiving the car wash, as seen from the driver in the driver's seat of the vehicle [Figure 8] Explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation mode of the first signal lamp during the process of the vehicle moving forward toward the start position after receiving the car wash, where (A) shows the entry sensor in the off state, (B) shows the entry sensor on and the multi-axis sensor in the off state, and (C) shows both sensors on [Figure 9]This is an explanatory diagram similar to Figure 8, where (D) shows the state in which the car has moved slightly backward from the state in Figure 8(C) and only the multi-axis sensor has been turned off, and (E) shows the state in which the car has moved further backward from the state in (D) and the vehicle entry sensor has also been turned off. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of the upward retraction operation of the top nozzle and the operation of the first signal light when the multi-axis sensor is turned on, during the process of the vehicle moving forward towards the starting position after the car wash has been accepted. (A) shows the case when the multi-axis sensor is obscured at the front end (low position) of a regular car, (B) shows the case when the multi-axis sensor is obscured at the windshield (middle position) of a regular car, (C) shows the case when the multi-axis sensor is obscured at the roof (high position) of a regular car, and (D) shows the case when the multi-axis sensor is obscured at the roof (even higher position) of a minivan, i.e., a tall vehicle. [Figure 11] Control block diagram showing an overview of the control system. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating an example of controlling the first signal light during the period from car wash registration to the start of the wash. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating an example of top nozzle raising and lowering control during the period from car wash reception to the start of the wash. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating another example of top nozzle elevation control during the period from car wash check-in to the start of the wash. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating an example of the control process from car wash registration to start and end. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of various sensors on the front entrance side of a gantry frame, and in particular, an example in which a sensing bar as a vehicle width safety device and an emergency operation bar as an emergency stop device are added to the above embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In Figures 1 to 3, the gantry frame 1 that constitutes the main body of the car wash machine A is formed in a gantry shape that straddles the car V to be washed and is movable relative to it in the front-to-back direction. A pair of wheels 3 and 4 are rotatably supported at the lower part of both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, and these wheels 3 and 4 can roll on a pair of left and right running rails 2 and 2 laid on the ground E which is the installation surface of the car wash machine A. A running motor 5 (see Figure 11) is linked to the left and right wheels 4 and 4 on one side of the front and rear via a reduction mechanism, so that the gantry frame 1 can be moved back and forth on the running rails 2 and 2 by driving this running motor 5.

[0026] Thus, the running rail 2, wheels 3 and 4, running motor 5, and reduction mechanism cooperate with each other to constitute a relative movement means Dm that moves the gantry frame 1 and the automobile V relative to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0027] The car wash machine A of this embodiment is a drive-through type car wash machine, and as will be described later, the car wash process starts from a state in Figure 1 where the gantry frame 1 is waiting at the processing start position 1S and the automobile V is at a predetermined start position V2, and ends when the gantry frame 1 completes the first forward movement and reaches the processing end position 1E, or when the gantry frame 1 completes the first and second forward movements (i.e., 1.5 forward movements), or when it completes the first and second and third forward movements (i.e., 2.5 forward movements) and reaches the processing end position 1E.

[0028] As is clear from Figure 1, a barrier gate 41 that can be opened and closed is installed on the ground E near the front end of the running rail 2, and a reception machine U is installed on the ground E further ahead. This reception machine U has an operation panel for performing various reception operations (for example, selecting a processing course and paying the fare).

[0029] Then, before the car wash begins, the driver of the car V parked at the reception position V1 to the side of the reception machine U performs the reception operation input on the control panel, and then moves the car V forward to the start position V2, thereby initiating the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1. After the car wash is completed according to the processing course selected on the reception machine U and the gantry frame 1 reaches the processing completion position 1E, the driver moves the car V forward from the start position V2 and exits the car wash machine A.

[0030] Thus, in the front-to-rear direction of the gate-type frame 1, one end face (hereinafter referred to as the front end face 1ei in this specification) has a frame entrance 1i into which the front end of the automobile V first enters, and the other end face (hereinafter referred to as the rear end face 1eo in this specification) has a frame exit 1o into which the rear end of the automobile V last exits. In other words, the front-to-rear direction of the car wash machine A is opposite to the front-to-rear direction of the automobile V, so the front of the car wash machine A is the rear of the automobile V, and the rear of the car wash machine A is the front of the automobile V.

[0031] Incidentally, the car wash machine A includes a first signal light L1 that emits guidance information from inside the gantry frame 1 to the driver of the car V in order to guide the car V moving forward from the reception position V1 to the start position V2 while the gantry frame 1 is waiting at the processing start position 1S, and a second signal light L2 of a fixed structure (i.e., a structure in which the positions of each component constituting the structure are fixed and there are no movable parts) that emits guidance information different from the guidance information of the first signal light L1 from outside the gantry frame 1 in order to prompt the driver of the car V to exit immediately after the car wash is completed.

[0032] In particular, the second signal light L2 has its signal light body 68 fixed to the top of a support column 67 erected on the ground E located outward from the rear end surface 1eo of the gate-type frame 1 waiting at the processing start position 1S, so as not to exceed the width of the frame exit 1o and enter the exit path of the automobile V. Furthermore, the second signal light L2 is positioned such that the visibility of the second signal light L2 to the driver inside the automobile V is difficult to ensure from a position facing the gate-type frame 1 waiting at the car wash start position 1S, but is easily ensured after the automobile V reaches the car wash end position 1E without being obstructed by the gate-type frame 1. The signal light body 68 is formed in a vertically elongated hollow block shape, and inside the signal light body 68, an exit light section L2o is provided to encourage the driver inside the driver's seat of the automobile V to move forward, i.e., exit, immediately after the car wash is finished, and is positioned to face forward, i.e., toward the frame exit 1o, so that it is visible to the driver. The exit light unit L2o emits light in a color appropriate to its purpose (e.g., blue). Various conventionally known light sources (e.g., incandescent lamps, LEDs, liquid crystal panels, etc.) can be used as the exit light unit L2o.

[0033] Furthermore, a display panel 66 is fixed to the front of the signal light body 68, positioned around the exit light section L2o, and indicating the meaning of the exit light section L2o (for example, the words "Exit GO" when the arrow flashes). A reflector function may be added to the display panel 66 as needed.

[0034] On the other hand, unlike the second signal light L2, the first signal light L1 is installed inside the gantry frame 1, particularly in the top nozzle Nt. Therefore, the structure of the first signal light L1 will be described later in relation to the structure of the top nozzle Nt. The top nozzle Nt is an example of a lifting and lowering body in the first feature of the present invention.

[0035] A control panel (not shown) installed in a suitable location on the gantry frame 1 is equipped with a control device C (shown only in the control block diagram of Figure 11) that controls the operation of the car wash machine A. The control device C mainly consists of an electronic control unit with a built-in microcomputer and the like. Actuators and sensors that are linked to various car wash equipment installed on the car wash machine A, as well as the reception machine U, barrier gate 41, first and second signal lights L1 and L2, etc., are connected to the control device C.

[0036] The control device C controls the various car wash equipment of the car wash machine A based on the reception operation input to the reception machine U and the detection results of sensors, so that the selected car wash processing mode is executed.

[0037] A position detection means 7 (see Figure 11) is provided between the lower part of the gantry frame 1 and the ground E, which can detect whether the gantry frame 1 is at the return end and the forward end as illustrated in Figure 1. Here, the return end corresponds to the processing start position 1S as the car wash start position, and the forward end corresponds to the processing end position 1E as the car wash end position.

[0038] Furthermore, a rotary encoder 8 (see Figure 11) capable of detecting the amount of rotation of the output shaft (and consequently the amount of travel of the gantry frame 1) is connected to the output shaft of the travel motor 5. Based on the detection results of these position detection means 7 and rotary encoder 8, the control device C can detect the amount of travel of the gantry frame 1 from the processing start position 1S, and therefore the travel position.

[0039] An entry sensor 71 is positioned on the front end surface 1ei of the gantry frame 1 to detect the entry of the front end of the vehicle V into the frame entrance 1i, and an exit sensor 72 is positioned on the rear end surface 1eo or nearby to detect the exit of the rear end of the vehicle V into the frame exit 1o. The entry sensor 71 and the exit sensor 72 are composed of photoelectric sensors consisting of a set of light emitter and light receiver arranged in parallel on the left and right at the same height.

[0040] In particular, the vehicle entry sensor 71 is positioned at a height that allows detection of a vehicle entering the frame entrance 1i by blocking the light from the light emitter to the light receiver when the front end of the vehicle V (e.g., the front bumper) passes through, and is located on both the left and right sides of the front end surface 1ei of the gantry frame 1. On the other hand, the vehicle exit sensor 72 is positioned at a height that allows detection of a vehicle exiting the frame exit 1o by allowing light from the light emitter to the light receiver as the rear end of the vehicle V (e.g., the rear bumper) passes through, and is located on both the left and right sides of the rear end surface 1eo of the gantry frame 1.

[0041] A multi-axis sensor 10, which serves as a vehicle shape detection device capable of detecting the shape of the upper surface of the automobile V, is installed inside the front end surface 1ei of the gantry frame 1. This multi-axis sensor 10 is composed of numerous photoelectric sensors 11, each consisting of a set of light emitters and light receivers arranged in parallel on the left and right sides at the same height, arranged vertically at equal intervals on both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1. The multi-axis sensor 10 is set at a predetermined distance (for example, 40 cm) in front of the automobile V from the front-to-rear position of the vehicle entry sensor 71.

[0042] Based on the detection results of the multi-axis sensor 10 and the detection results of the rotary encoder 8, the control device C can detect not only the front and rear end positions of the automobile V, but also the shape of the vehicle (more specifically, the shape of the hood surface, the shape of the front and rear glass surfaces, the shape of the roof surface, etc.) and the type of vehicle.

[0043] A group of car wash brushes capable of brushing and cleaning the body surface B of an automobile V is arranged within the gantry frame 1. This group of car wash brushes includes a top brush T capable of brushing and cleaning the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body, left and right side brushes S, S capable of brushing and cleaning the left and right sides Bs of the vehicle body, respectively, and left and right rocker brushes R, R capable of brushing and cleaning the lower parts of the left and right sides Bs of the vehicle body, respectively.

[0044] Furthermore, a drying device is installed inside the rear end surface 1eo of the gantry frame 1, which is capable of spraying drying air onto the body surface B of the automobile V. This drying device includes a top nozzle Nt that can spray drying air onto the upper body surface Bt of the automobile V, and left and right side nozzles Ns, Ns that can spray drying air onto the left and right side surfaces Bs of the automobile V, respectively.

[0045] As is clear from Figures 3 and 4, the nozzle body Ntm of the top nozzle Nt is positioned inside the rear end face 1eo of the gantry frame 1 and is integrally supported at both ends by a first lifting frame 14 that is movable up and down relative to the gantry frame 1. Its longitudinal ends face the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1 and are movable up and down together with the first lifting frame 14. The lifting trolleys 14a provided at both ends of the first lifting frame 14 are fixed to the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1 and are guided and supported so as to be movable up and down by left and right lifting rails 13, 13 that extend vertically.

[0046] Between the lifting trolley 14a and the gantry frame 1, a lifting drive means Dn is provided as a first lifting drive means that is operated under control by the control device C to drive the first lifting frame 14 (and therefore the top nozzle Nt) up and down. In this embodiment, this first lifting drive means Dn comprises a chain transmission mechanism 15 to which a part of the chain is connected to the lifting trolley 14a, and a motor 16 that rotationally drives one sprocket of the chain transmission mechanism 15 via another chain transmission mechanism. Based on the amount of rotation of this motor 16 from a reference position, the control device C can detect the lifting height of the top nozzle Nt.

[0047] Furthermore, drying air can be pressurized and supplied through a duct 63 from a blower 9 (see Figure 11) mounted on the gate-type frame 1 to the inside of the nozzle body Ntm of the top nozzle Nt, which extends in the left-right direction. This drying air can then be sprayed from the nozzle opening at the lower end of the nozzle body Ntm toward the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body. The middle section of the duct 63 is made of a flexible material to allow the top nozzle Nt to move up and down.

[0048] Incidentally, a pair of first stays 61 are fixed to the center of the flat upper surface of the nozzle body Ntm, and a second stay 62 is fixed to the upper part of the first lifting frame 14 on one side (the driver's seat side of a right-hand drive car V). At least one of the first stays 61 and the second stay 62 are fixed (for example, with screws) to both the left and right ends of the signal light body 60 of the first signal light L1, which is in an upright position near the upper front end of the nozzle body Ntm, such that when viewed in the front-to-back direction of the gantry frame 1, a part of the side of the signal light body 60 overlaps the upper surface of the top nozzle Nt. Thus, the first signal light L1 is offset from the top nozzle Nt to the right of the left-right center (i.e., towards the driver on the driver's seat) on the side where most of the driver's seats of cars V facing the waiting gantry frame 1 are located.

[0049] The signal light body 60 is formed as a flat, horizontally elongated, and hollow rectangular plate in the front-to-back direction of the car wash machine A. Inside this signal light body 60, a forward light section L1f to encourage the driver in the driver's seat of the automobile V to move forward, a stop light section L1s to encourage stopping, and a reverse light section L1b to encourage reversing are arranged side by side facing forward, i.e., toward the frame entrance 1i, so that they are visible to the driver. The forward light section L1f, stop light section L1s, and reverse light section L1b emit light in colors appropriate to their respective uses (for example, the forward light section L1f is blue, the stop light section L1s is red, and the reverse light section L1b is yellow). Various conventionally known light sources (for example, incandescent lamps, LEDs, liquid crystal panels, etc.) can be used as the forward light section L1f, stop light section L1s, and reverse light section L1b.

[0050] Furthermore, on the front of the signal light body 60, a display board 64f is positioned around the forward light section L1f and displays the meaning of the forward light section L1f (for example, the words "Go Forward"), a display board 64s is positioned around the stop light section L1s and displays the meaning of the stop light section L1s (for example, the words "Stop"), and a display board 64b is positioned around the reverse light section L1b and displays the meaning of the reverse light section L1b (for example, the words "Back Up") are arranged adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the signal light body 60 has two rows of horizontal displays "Go Forward," "Stop," and "Back Up" for each light section L1f, L1s, and L1b, respectively, and the horizontal displays "Go Forward," "Stop," and "Back Up" for each light section L1f, L1s, and L1b are arranged between the light sections and horizontal displays so as to be aligned left to right with the light sections and horizontal displays. Furthermore, reflector functions may be added to display panels 64f, 64s, and 64b as needed.

[0051] Furthermore, the first stay 61 is fitted with an upper high-pressure cleaning water supply pipe Jt having multiple upper high-pressure cleaning water nozzles Jtn capable of spraying high-pressure cleaning water onto the body surface of the automobile V from above, and is driven to move up and down together with the top nozzle Nt. On the other hand, a pair of left and right side high-pressure cleaning water nozzles Jsn are fixed to both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1 at approximately the same position as the top nozzle Nt in the front-rear direction, capable of spraying high-pressure cleaning water onto the sides of the automobile V from the side. High-pressure cleaning water can be supplied to the side high-pressure cleaning water nozzles Jsn and the upper high-pressure cleaning water nozzles Jtn from a high-pressure cleaning water supply source 85 (see Figure 11), which is operated and controlled by the control device C.

[0052] Furthermore, the left and right side nozzles Ns are attached to the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, respectively. Drying air can also be pressurized and supplied to each side nozzle Ns from the blower 9, and the drying air can be sprayed from the nozzle opening of each side nozzle Ns toward the side Bs of the vehicle body.

[0053] The top brush T is supported by the gantry frame 1 at a position near the frame entrance 1i so as to be able to move up and down vertically. Between the top brush T and the gantry frame 1, there is a conventionally known lifting drive means Dta (see Figure 11) which is operated by a control device C and can drive the top brush T up and down. For example, the lifting drive means Dta of the top brush T can have the same structure as the first lifting drive means Dn of the top nozzle Nt described above. In addition, a rotation drive means Dtb (see Figure 11) is linked to the top brush T so as to be able to rotate it.

[0054] The left and right pair of side brushes S,S are positioned on the side of the top nozzle Nt (towards the rear of the gantry frame 1) relative to the rotation axis of the top brush T in the front-rear direction, and are suspended and supported from the top of the gantry frame 1 via conventionally known side nozzle guide support means (not shown) so as to be movable in the left-right direction. A conventionally known left-right drive means Dsa (see Figure 11) capable of driving the side brushes S in the left-right direction is provided between each side brush S and the gantry frame 1. A rotational drive means Dsb (see Figure 11) capable of rotating the side brushes S is also interlocked and connected to the side brushes S.

[0055] Furthermore, the left and right pair of rocker brushes R,R, like the side brushes S,S, have their left and right drive means and rotation drive means linked together. However, these drive means are all conventionally well known in car wash machines, so no further explanation is necessary.

[0056] Furthermore, a coating agent supply device CS for applying the coating agent to the vehicle body surface B is installed on the gantry frame 1, directly behind the multi-axis sensor 10 in the front-rear direction. This coating agent supply device CS comprises an upper coating agent supply pipe Ct having a plurality of upper coating agent nozzles Ctn (one pair on the left and right in the illustrated example) that are spaced apart in the left-right direction and can discharge the coating agent from above onto the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body; a side coating agent supply pipe Cs provided on both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, each having a plurality of side coating agent nozzles Csn, Csn that can discharge the coating agent from the side onto the side Bs of the vehicle body; and a coating agent supply source 83 (see also Figure 11) that is operated and controlled by a control device C to pressurize and supply the coating agent to these supply pipes Ct, Cs.

[0057] Incidentally, the downstream piping section of the upper coating agent supply pipe Ct and the upper coating agent nozzle Ctn are attached to a second lifting frame 24 located inside the gate-type frame 1 near the frame inlet 1i. This second lifting frame 24 is positioned to be vertically movable relative to the gate-type frame 1, immediately behind the multi-axis sensor 10 in the front-rear direction, and moves the downstream piping section of the upper coating agent supply pipe Ct and the upper coating agent nozzle Ctn up and down together with the second lifting frame 24. The structure of the second lifting drive means Dc (see Figure 11) that can drive the second lifting frame 24 up and down is the same as that of the lifting drive means Dn of the first lifting frame 14 described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0058] Furthermore, an upper rinse water supply pipe Wt is provided at the top of the gantry frame 1 approximately in the center in the front-rear direction, having a plurality of upper rinse water nozzles Wtn capable of discharging rinse water (clean water in this embodiment; the same applies hereinafter in this specification) onto the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body Bt of the automobile V after brushing. Additionally, a pair of left and right side rinse water supply pipes Ws are provided on both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, each having a plurality of side rinse water nozzles Wsn capable of discharging rinse water onto the side surfaces Bs of the vehicle body Bs of the automobile V after brushing. A rinse water supply source 86 (see Figure 11), which is operated and controlled by a control device C to pressurize and supply rinse water to these rinse water supply pipes Wt and Ws, is connected to these rinse water supply pipes Wt and Ws.

[0059] Furthermore, an upper shampoo detergent supply pipe St is provided on the upper part of the gantry frame 1, located between the top brush T and the second lifting frame 24, having multiple upper shampoo detergent nozzles Stn capable of discharging shampoo detergent onto the upper surface Bt of the automobile V during brushing. Additionally, a pair of left and right side shampoo detergent supply pipes St are provided on both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, each having multiple side shampoo detergent nozzles Ssn capable of discharging shampoo detergent onto the side surfaces Bs of the automobile V during brushing, located in front of the side rinse water supply pipes Ws. A shampoo detergent supply source 87 (see Figure 11), which is operated and controlled by a control device C to supply shampoo detergent or clean water under pressure, is connected to these shampoo detergent supply pipes St and Ss.

[0060] Incidentally, elongated sensing rings 51 and 52 are attached to the central parts of the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24, respectively. These rings are larger in a side view than the contours of the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24, and surround the lower halves of the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24. When these sensing rings 51 and 52 come into contact with an obstacle, the control device C, based on the contact pressure, can either move the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24 upward to avoid it, or completely stop the car wash machine A, thereby preventing the obstacle from colliding with the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24.

[0061] Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

[0062] In the standby state of car wash machine A, the gantry frame 1 is stopped at the processing start position 1S at the rear end of the running rail 2, as shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and the barrier 41 is closed.

[0063] Before processing, the driver of the vehicle V first moves the vehicle forward to the reception position V1 in front of the barrier 41 (i.e., next to the reception machine U), and then performs a reception operation input for car wash reception at the reception machine U (for example, selecting the desired processing course and paying the fee corresponding to the selected course). For payment, various conventional payment methods for car wash machines can be selected, such as inserting cash, inserting a prepaid card, or using smartphone payment.

[0064] Upon completion of the car wash registration, the control device C opens the barrier 41, and the driver operates the vehicle V to move forward towards the starting position V2. Also upon completion of the car wash registration, the top nozzle Nt lowers to an intermediate standby height (i.e., a predetermined height) that makes the first signal light L1 easily visible, and the forward light L1f of the first signal light L1 flashes to prompt the driver to move forward. Thereafter, guided by the first signal light L1, the vehicle V reaches the starting position V2, and upon arrival, the control device C starts the car wash process selected by the reception machine U, and the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1 begins. In this embodiment, the intermediate standby height of the top nozzle Nt is set to a height position where a portion of the second signal light L2 overlaps with the top nozzle Nt or the first signal light L1 in the height direction of the gate-type frame 1, as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the position of the second signal light L2 on the ground E is set on one side in the left-right direction of the top nozzle Nt where the first signal light L1 is offset, so that at least a portion of the second signal light L2 is hidden by the top nozzle Nt or the first signal light L1 when viewed from the perspective of a driver moving forward towards the start position V2.

[0065] Thus, the control device C controls each car wash machine A so that the selected car wash processing mode (for example, various washing courses in which coating processing, high-pressure washing, etc. can be optionally added, in addition to the normal shampoo washing course) is executed based on the reception operation input at the reception machine U, and the control method is conventionally known for car wash machines. During the execution of the car wash process, the driver of the automobile V basically remains in the automobile V. In addition, the car wash reception may be performed by an operator or other person operating an operation panel provided at an appropriate location on the gantry frame 1.

[0066] Incidentally, the car wash processing modes that the control device C can execute and control include, for example, a "one-way shampoo wash course" performed using only the first return movement of the gantry frame 1 (i.e., 0.5 round trips), a "1.5 round trip shampoo wash course" performed using the first and second return movements of the gantry frame 1, and a "2.5 round trip special wash course" performed using the first, second, and third return movements, and the course content can be set individually for each car wash machine A. When any course is selected, the gantry frame 1 stops at the processing end position 1E when the car wash is finished, so the driver then moves the car V forward to exit the car wash machine A, and the gantry frame 1 is automatically returned to the processing start position 1S.

[0067] Next, we will explain in order the display mode of the first signal light L1 from the time the car wash reception is completed until the driver who moves the car V forward is guided by the first signal light L1 to reach the starting position V2, as well as an example of the raising and lowering control of the top nozzle Nt. [Display configuration of the first signal light L1] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 12, when the control device C determines in step S1 that the reception operation input to the reception machine U has been completed, it proceeds to step S2 and flashes the forward light section L1f of the first signal light L1 to prompt the driver to move forward (see Figure 8(A)).

[0068] Next, the process proceeds to step S3, where it is determined whether the vehicle entry sensor 71 is shielded (i.e., turned on). If it is shielded, the process proceeds to step S4, where it is determined whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is fully illuminated (i.e., fully off). If the multi-axis sensor 10 is fully illuminated, it is presumed that the vehicle has reached the start position V2. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S5, where the stop light section L1s of the first signal light L1 is illuminated to prompt the driver to stop (see Figure 8(B)). If the driver immediately takes the stop action in response, the vehicle V will come to a halt at the start position V2. That is, the start position V2 is the front-rear position of the vehicle V where the vehicle entry sensor 71 is shielded but the multi-axis sensor 10 is not shielded.

[0069] If the stop light unit L1s lights up in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined whether a predetermined first waiting time T1 (for example, a few seconds or less) has elapsed since the start of illumination of the stop light unit L1s. If it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S3. In steps S3 and S4, it is determined again whether the light blocking of the vehicle entry sensor 71 and the full light reception of the multi-axis sensor 10 are continuing. If it is determined in step S6 that the first waiting time T1 has elapsed while this condition continues, it is presumed that the vehicle V is in the starting position V1, so the process proceeds to step S7, where the car wash permission signal 1 is output and the process ends.

[0070] On the other hand, if the vehicle entry sensor 71 is determined to have received light in step S3, the process proceeds to step S8 to determine whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is partially obscured by light. If the multi-axis sensor 10 is determined to be obscured by light in step S8 or step S4, it is presumed that the vehicle V has overshot the starting position V2. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S9, where the reverse light section L1b of the first signal light L1 is flashed to prompt the driver to reverse (see Figure 8(C)), and then the process returns to step S3.

[0071] Then, when the vehicle V reverses due to the flashing of the reverse light unit L1b, and the multi-axis sensor 10 becomes fully illuminated while the vehicle entry sensor 71 remains shielded, step S5 causes the stop light unit L1s to illuminate again to prompt the driver to stop (see Figure 9(D)). In addition, step S9 may be set to activate additional reverse notification means (for example, an announcement by a speaker, or a display by an indicator light separate from the first signal light L1) to further strongly prompt the driver to reverse.

[0072] Furthermore, if the multi-axis sensor 10 determines in step S8 that it is receiving full light, it is presumed that the vehicle V is still before the starting position V2, so the system returns to step S2 and flashes the forward light unit L1f to prompt the driver to move forward further (see Figure 9(E)). [Top nozzle Nt lifting and lowering control 1] When the car wash machine A is in standby mode (i.e., before accepting a car wash), the top nozzle Nt is in the upper limit position shown by the solid line in Figure 3.

[0073] From this standby state, as is clear from the flowchart in Figure 13, when the control device C determines that the reception operation input to the reception machine U has been completed in step S1, it proceeds to step 11 to lower the top nozzle Nt, and then proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether the top nozzle Nt has reached a predetermined intermediate standby height (for example, 1600 mm from the ground at the height of the center position of each light part of the first signal light L1; this can be changed as appropriate). If it has reached this height, it proceeds to step S13 to determine whether the vehicle entry sensor 71 has been blocked by the front end of the vehicle V. If it has been blocked, it proceeds to step S14.

[0074] In step S14, it is determined whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is receiving full light. If it is receiving full light, the process proceeds to step S15, where it is determined whether a predetermined second waiting time T2 (for example, a few seconds or less) has elapsed since it was determined that the vehicle entry sensor 71 is blocking light and the multi-axis sensor 10 is receiving full light. If the waiting time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S13. If it is determined that the waiting time has elapsed, it is presumed that the vehicle V is at the starting position V1, and the process proceeds to step S16 to prepare for the end of the lifting control 1. Specifically, in step S16, the top nozzle Nt is raised, and then in step S17, when it is determined that the top nozzle Nt has reached the upper limit position, the process proceeds to step S18, where a car wash permission signal 2 is output and the process ends.

[0075] On the other hand, if the vehicle entry sensor 71 is determined to have received light in step S13, the process proceeds to step S19 to determine whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is partially obscured by light. If it is not obscured, the process returns to step S13. If the multi-axis sensor 10 is determined to have received light in step S19 or step S14, the process proceeds to step S20 to determine whether a predetermined third waiting time T3 (e.g., 15 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the obscuration. If it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S13. If the third waiting time T3 has elapsed in step S20, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0076] In step S21, the top nozzle Nt is raised, and then in step S22, if it is determined that the top nozzle Nt has reached the upper limit position, the process proceeds to step S23, where it is determined whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is receiving all light. If the multi-axis sensor 10 is receiving all light in step S23, the process returns to step S11, and the descent of the top nozzle Nt from the upper limit position is resumed.

[0077] Thus, if the vehicle V goes beyond the starting position V2 and a relatively long time T3 has elapsed, steps S21 and S22 cause the top nozzle Nt to be raised to the upper limit position, and after confirming the vehicle V's backward movement (i.e., full light reception by the multi-axis sensor 10) in step S23, the top nozzle Nt is lowered again to the intermediate standby height.

[0078] By the way, in the control device C of car wash machine A, it is also possible to set the following lifting control 2 instead of the lifting control 1 of the top nozzle Nt described above, and an example of that control will be explained below. [Top nozzle lifting and lowering control 2] As is clear from the flowchart in Figure 14, steps S1, S11 to S19 of this lifting control 2 are the same as those of lifting control 1, so the explanation of the same processes will be omitted.

[0079] Next, to explain the control method specific to the lifting control 2, if the control device C determines in step S14 or S19 that at least a part of the multi-axis sensor 10 is obscured by light, it proceeds to step S30 to confirm the detected vehicle height at the position corresponding to the multi-axis sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as "obscured height") based on the obscured result of the multi-axis sensor 10. Then, it proceeds to step S31 to raise the top nozzle Nt to a retraction height obtained by adding a predetermined correction value ΔH to the obscured height confirmed in step S30. The predetermined correction value ΔH is set to a vertical distance that allows the top nozzle Nt to avoid interference with the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body (for example, 200 mm from the obscured height to the lower end of the sensing ring 51: can be changed as appropriate). Then, if it is determined in step S31 that the top nozzle Nt has reached the retraction height, it proceeds to step S32.

[0080] In step S32, the shading height is maintained at the maximum shading height since the car wash reception (hereinafter simply referred to as "maximum shading height"), and then the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is still shading, and if it is, the process returns to step S30, and steps S31 to S33 are repeated. In this case, according to the special configuration of step S32, even if the actual shading height of the multi-axis sensor 10 temporarily decreases, the shading height confirmed in step S30 is maintained at the maximum shading height, so the retracted height of the top nozzle Nt used in the process of step S31 is also maintained at a high level, that is, the top nozzle Nt does not decrease.

[0081] Thus, as is clear from Figures 10(A) to (D), the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt increases as the shading height of the multi-axis sensor 10, which is shaded at the front end of the automobile V, increases. However, if the shading height temporarily decreases during this increase, the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt is maintained at the maximum retraction height corresponding to the maximum shading height, thus preventing a temporary descent of the top nozzle Nt.

[0082] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S33 that the multi-axis sensor 10 is receiving full light, the process proceeds to step S34 to determine if the vehicle entry sensor 71 is blocked from light. If it is blocked from light, the process proceeds to step S35 to determine if the maximum blocked-from height at that time is equal to or greater than a predetermined limit height (for example, 1800 mm). If it is determined that the maximum blocked-from height is equal to or greater than the predetermined limit height, the process returns to step S11 to lower the top nozzle Nt toward the intermediate standby height. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is lower than the predetermined limit height, the process returns to step S13, thereby omitting the process of lowering the top nozzle Nt to the intermediate standby height (steps S11 and S12), and the process from step S13 onward resumes.

[0083] The predetermined limit height is set at a height at which, if the maximum light-shielding height becomes too high and the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt becomes too high, the first signal light L1 will begin to be hidden by the internal structure of the gantry frame 1 and become difficult to see. However, the optimal setting value for the predetermined limit height will change depending on the internal structure and the mounting position of the first signal light L1.

[0084] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S34 that the vehicle entry sensor 71 has received light, the process proceeds to step S36 to determine if the vehicle exit sensor 72 has received light. If it has received light, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S36 that the vehicle exit sensor 72 is blocked from light (i.e., if the driver does not notice the flashing of the reverse light unit L1b and continues to move forward, causing the vehicle V to pass the vehicle entry sensor 71 and the multi-axis sensor 10, and only the vehicle exit sensor 72 is blocked from light), the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the driver is prompted to reverse using a reverse notification means (for example, an announcement by a speaker or a display by an indicator light placed in front of the vehicle V), and then the process returns to step S32. [Control flow from car wash registration to start and end] As is clear from the flowchart in Figure 15, when the control device C determines in step S1 that the reception operation input to the reception machine U has been completed, it proceeds to step 41 to open the barrier 41 and allow the vehicle V to move forward toward the starting position V2, and then proceeds to step S42 to wait for both car wash permission signals 1 and 2 to be output. In this case, the car wash permission signals 1 and 2 are output after the operation control process of the first signal light L1 (see Figure 12) and the raising and lowering control process of the top nozzle Nt (see Figure 13 or Figure 14).

[0085] Then, if the output of both car wash permission signals 1 and 2 is confirmed in step S42, the process proceeds to step S43, where car washing is started using the washing course selected in the reception operation input. Next, the process proceeds to step S44, where the stop light section L1s of the first signal light L1 is turned off, and then the process proceeds to step S45, where the barrier 41 is closed to prevent the next car to be washed from entering the car wash area while the car wash is in progress.

[0086] Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S46, where the vehicle wash is to be completed. Once the completion of the vehicle wash is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S47, where the exit light L2o of the second signal light L2 is flashed, as is clear from Figure 6, to prompt the driver to move forward (i.e., exit). Next, the process proceeds to step S48, where the process waits for the gantry frame 1 to return to the processing start position 1S. If the return movement is not completed, the process returns to step S47.

[0087] Furthermore, even if the exit light section L2o of the second signal light L2 flashes, it is conceivable that the exit sensor 72 may be blocked by the rear end of the vehicle V due to a delay in the vehicle V's exit, causing the gantry frame 1 to move back. In such cases, it is also possible to set a control mode that temporarily stops the return movement of the gantry frame 1 until the exit sensor 72 receives light again, so that the vehicle V is not overtaken by the gantry frame 1.

[0088] Then, in step S48, once it is confirmed that the gantry frame 1 has returned to the processing start position 1S, the process proceeds to step S49, where the exit light L2o of the second signal light L2 is turned off, marking the end of the process. Thus, all the selected cleaning course contents are completed.

[0089] When the exit of vehicle V from the car wash machine A is detected by the exit detection means (not shown) as described above, the car wash machine A is placed in a standby state until the next car wash reception operation is performed at the reception machine U. Note that the next car wash reception operation may be performed while the previous vehicle V is being washed.

[0090] According to the embodiment described above, the top nozzle Nt is equipped with a first signal light L1 that emits guidance information to the driver to guide the moving vehicle V to the starting position V2 while the gantry frame 1 is waiting at the processing start position 1S. A second signal light L2 is also provided on the ground E located outside the rear end surface 1eo of the waiting gantry frame 1 to prompt the driver of the vehicle V, after the car wash has finished, to exit.

[0091] As a result, before the car wash begins, the first signal light L1 can guide the moving vehicle V to the starting position V2, and after the car wash is finished, the second signal light L2 can prompt the driver to exit with the vehicle V. In this case, the first and second signal lights L1 and L2 are separately and independently arranged inside and outside the gate-type frame 1, and in particular, the first signal light L1 inside the gate-type frame 1 is supported by the top nozzle Nt, so that the light of the first signal light L1 can be easily and clearly seen even in bright daylight. On the other hand, the second signal light L2 outside the gate-type frame 1 can be easily seen by the driver from a relatively close distance without passing through the gate-type frame 1 (i.e., without being obstructed by the gate-type frame 1) because the gate-type frame 1 is located behind the vehicle V when the car wash is finished. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the second signal light L2 inward to ensure visibility and narrow the exit path, nor is it necessary to make it movable to avoid the vehicle V when it exits. As a result, while ensuring sufficient visibility for both the first and second signal lights L1 and L2, it is possible to increase the design and layout flexibility of the second signal light L2 and reduce costs.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the reception machine U confirms the reception operation input while the gantry frame 1 is in standby mode, the control device C lowers the top nozzle Nt to an intermediate standby height (i.e., a predetermined height). Therefore, even if the standby position of the top nozzle Nt before the start of car washing is high, the control device C automatically lowers the top nozzle Nt to an intermediate standby height, i.e., a height at which the first signal light L1 is easily visible, in response to the car wash reception, thereby making the presence of the first signal light L1 more prominent and improving its visibility. Moreover, when viewed from the perspective of a driver moving forward towards the starting position V2, the second signal light L2 is positioned so that at least a part of it is hidden by the top nozzle Nt or the first signal light L1 when the top nozzle Nt is lowered to the intermediate standby height. Therefore, the second signal light L2 can be avoided as much as possible from entering the driver's field of vision before the start of car washing, further improving the visibility of the first signal light L1.

[0093] In this case, particularly in the embodiment, the first signal light L1 is offset to the right of the left-right center of the top nozzle Nt (i.e., closer to the driver on the driver's seat) on the side where most of the driver's seats of the automobile V facing the waiting gantry frame 1 are located. This offset arrangement not only makes it easy to bring the first signal light L1 closer to the driver's frontal position, thereby improving visibility from the driver, but also has the advantage of making it easier to obscure at least a part of the second signal light L2 with the first signal light L1 from the driver's perspective.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the gantry frame 1 is in standby mode, the sensor device (in this embodiment, an entry sensor 71 and a multi-axis sensor 10) can detect whether the vehicle V is at the starting position V2 or ahead of or before the starting position V2. Based on the detection results of these sensor devices, the control device C can control the operation of the first signal light L1 to accurately guide the vehicle V to the starting position V2. Moreover, it can accurately control the raising and lowering of the top nozzle Nt based on the detection results of the sensor devices. For example, if the vehicle V goes past the starting position V2, the top nozzle Nt can be easily and reliably moved upward.

[0095] Furthermore, since the sensor device includes a multi-axis sensor 10 for detecting the height of the vehicle's upper surface and an entry sensor 71 that is positioned on the gantry frame 1 closer to the front end surface 1ei of the gantry frame 1 than the multi-axis sensor 10 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V and capable of detecting the front end of the vehicle V, it becomes possible to accurately detect whether the vehicle V is at the starting position V2 or ahead of or in front of the starting position V2 based on the detection results of the multi-axis sensor 10 and the entry sensor 71. This eliminates the need to prepare a dedicated sensor device for detection, thus reducing costs.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device C of the embodiment, while in standby mode, lowers the top nozzle Nt to an intermediate standby height (i.e., a predetermined height) when the reception machine U confirms the reception operation input, and raises the top nozzle Nt to a retraction height that is higher than the intermediate standby height but lower than the upper limit position if the automobile V has gone beyond the starting position V2 by a predetermined distance or more, and can also variably control the retraction height according to the height distribution of the upper surface Bt of the front of the automobile V.

[0097] As a result, if the vehicle V overshoots the starting position V2 while waiting, the top nozzle Nt can be retracted and raised to a height lower than the upper limit. Moreover, since this retraction height can be variably adjusted according to the height distribution of the upper surface Bf of the front of the vehicle V, the amount of retraction of the top nozzle Nt can be kept to a minimum according to the height of the front of the vehicle V, eliminating the need to uniformly raise it to the upper limit each time, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0098] Incidentally, in the car wash machine A of the above embodiment, as is clear from Figure 16, a pair of detection bars 91 extending linearly in the vertical direction to detect when the side of the car body of the automobile V comes too close to the inner edges of both the left and right sides of the gate-type frame 1, and an emergency operation lever 92 for completely stopping the car wash machine A in the event of any emergency during car washing can be provided as needed on the front end surface 1ei of the gate-type frame 11.

[0099] In this case, the left and right detection bars 91 are positioned along the inner edges of both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, slightly inward from the inner edges, and are floatingly supported in a fixed position on the gantry frame 1 via elastic members. When the side of the car body V comes into contact with one of the detection bars 91, the contact pressure detects the approach of the side of the car body to the inner surface of the gantry frame 1, and a detection signal is sent to the control device C. An emergency operation lever 92 is located at the lower part of the front end surface 1ei of the gantry frame 1, and when an operator operates this lever, an operation signal is sent to the control device C to completely stop the car wash machine A.

[0100] Then, for example, when the forward light section L1f of the first signal light L1 is flashing after the car wash reception is complete and the vehicle V is moving forward (during the execution of steps S1 and S2), if the side of the vehicle body comes into contact with the detection bar 91, the control device C, based on the detection signal, switches the first signal light L1 from flashing the forward light section L1f to flashing the reverse light section L1b, and further activates a reverse notification means (e.g., an announcement) to prompt the driver to reverse the vehicle. As a result, the front end of the vehicle V moves away from the vehicle entry sensor 71, and when the sensor 71 receives light, the process returns to step S2 again, flashing the forward light section L1f and prompting the vehicle V to move forward again. The process then returns to step S3.

[0101] Furthermore, in the event that the side of the vehicle V comes into contact with the detection bar 91 during car washing, the system allows for the pre-selection of either an "automatic recovery mode" or a "manual recovery mode" for the recovery operation in case of an abnormality.

[0102] For example, when the "automatic recovery mode" is set, if the side of the vehicle body comes into contact with the detection bar 91 during car washing, the control device C automatically returns the gantry frame 1 to the processing start position 1S, returns the top nozzle Nt to its upper limit position, then lowers it to the intermediate standby position, flashes the reverse light section L1b of the first signal light L1, and activates a reverse notification means (e.g., announcement) to prompt the driver to reverse the vehicle. If the vehicle V moves forward during this operation and blocks light from the multi-axis sensor 10, the top nozzle Nt is raised to a retraction height obtained by adding a predetermined correction value ΔH to the blocking height, thereby avoiding contact between the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body and the top nozzle Nt (sensing ring 51). Thus, when the front end of the vehicle V moves away from the vehicle entry sensor 71 and the sensor 71 receives light, the process returns to step S2 again and flashes the forward light section L1f to prompt the vehicle V to move forward again. The process then returns to step S3.

[0103] In contrast, when "manual recovery mode" is set, if the side of the vehicle body comes into contact with the detection bar 91 during washing, the control device C completely stops the car wash machine A based on the detection signal. The driver then performs driving operations to reposition the vehicle V (for example, returning it to the reception position V1) according to the worker's instructions, moves the vehicle V forward to the processing start position V2, and then restarts the car wash. During the execution of this manual recovery mode, the first signal light L1 remains inactive at all times.

[0104] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] For example, in the above embodiment, the first signal light L1 is shown to be supported by a top nozzle Nt, which is a lifting body provided to move up and down near the frame exit 1e within the gantry frame 1. However, the first feature of the present invention includes not only the above embodiment, but also the case in which the signal light L1 is supported by other lifting bodies (for example, a lifting body for supporting the upper coating agent nozzle, a lifting body for supporting the upper high-pressure cleaning water nozzle, etc.) that are offset from the front-to-back midpoint of the gantry frame 1 toward the frame exit and provided to move up and down.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a sensor device (in this embodiment, an entry sensor 71 and a multi-axis sensor 10) capable of detecting whether the vehicle V is at the starting position V2 or ahead of or before the starting position V2 by detecting the front end of the vehicle V was shown to detect the vehicle V's arrival at the starting position V2. However, the vehicle V's arrival at the starting position V2 may also be detected using wheel sensors capable of detecting the lower part of the vehicle V's wheels by contact or non-contact.

[0107] In the above embodiment, a sensor device capable of detecting whether the automobile V is at the starting position V2 or ahead of or in front of the starting position V2 was exemplified as one that combines a multi-axis sensor 10 for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body and an entry sensor 71 capable of detecting the entry of the front end of the automobile into the gantry frame 1. However, the sensor device may also be configured with a pair of dedicated sensors arranged on the gantry frame 1 at intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0108] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows the first signal light L1 offset to the right of the center of the top nozzle Nt, the first signal light L1 may be offset to another part of the top nozzle Nt instead.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the first signal light L1 was shown to provide guidance to the driver to the starting position V2 by comprising a forward light section L1f to encourage forward movement, a stop light section L1s to encourage stopping, and a reverse light section L1b to encourage reverse movement. However, the method of guidance is not limited to the embodiment, and any display that prompts the driver to move forward, stop, or reverse is sufficient. For example, the first signal light L1 may be composed of a message indicator light using an LED, liquid crystal panel, etc., in which case the message indicator light displays a message prompting forward, stop, or reverse movement. Also, as described in the description of the embodiment, additional notification means other than the first signal light L1 (e.g., announcements, other indicator lights, etc.) may be used in combination.

[0110] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a gate-type frame 1 that is not divided into front and rear sections but is a single, integrated structure, the gate-type frame of the present invention may be a gate-type frame with a front and rear divided structure composed of a pair of front and rear frame halves that can move closer to and further apart from each other (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-131020). In this case, one end face (front end face) of the gate-type frame is the front end face of the front frame half, and the other end face (rear end face) of the gate-type frame is the rear end face of the rear frame half. Therefore, "distributed on the frame exit side from the midpoint between one end face and the other end face of the gate-type frame" means distributed on the frame exit side from the midpoint between the front end face of the front frame half and the rear end face of the rear frame half. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] B······Vehicle body C...Control device L1... First signal light (as a signal light) Nt... Top nozzle as a lifting mechanism V······Automobile V2·····Starting position U······Reception machine 1. Gate-type frame 1i, 1o... Frame entrance, frame exit 1ei, 1eo... Front end face and rear end face as one end face and the other end face of a portal frame. 1S... Processing start position as the starting point for car washing of a gate-type frame

Claims

[Claim 1] A drive-through car wash machine comprising a gantry frame (1) that straddles a car (V) and can travel back and forth in the front-rear direction of the car (V), and a car wash device provided on the gantry frame (1) used to wash the car body surface (B) of the car (V) as it travels, wherein the car wash starts when the car (V) moves forward and arrives at a predetermined starting position (V2) facing a frame entrance (1i) opening on one end face (1ei) in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame (1), and after the car wash is completed, the car (V) moves forward and exits away from a frame exit (1o) opening on the other end face (1eo) in the front-rear direction of the gantry frame (1), Inside the gate-type frame (1), in the portion on the frame exit (1o) side from the midpoint between the one end face (1ei) and the other end face (1eo), a lifting body (Nt) that can move up and down within the gate-type frame (1) is provided, with both ends in the longitudinal direction facing the left and right sides of the gate-type frame (1). A signal light (L1) is fixed to the lifting body (Nt) in an offset position on one side in the left-right direction of the lifting body (Nt), which emits guidance information to the driver of a moving vehicle (V) to the start position (V2) when the gate-type frame (1) is waiting at a predetermined car wash start position (1S). The signal light (L1) is fixed to the driver of the vehicle (V) so as to be offset on one side in the left-right direction of the lifting body (Nt), on the side where most of the driver's seats of vehicles (V) facing the gate-type frame (1) waiting at the car wash start position (1S) are located. A drive-through car wash machine further comprising a reception machine (U) capable of inputting reception operations for car wash reception, and a control device (C) that controls the raising and lowering of the lifting body (Nt), wherein the control device (C) lowers the lifting body (Nt) to a predetermined height that makes the signal light (L1) easily visible when the reception machine (U) confirms the reception operation input while the gantry frame (1) is in standby mode.

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