CAR WASH MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CAR WASH MACHINE

Abstract

To properly control the presence / absence of abutment of a brush on a vehicle, in accordance with duration time or time of washing stoppage of the vehicle, in a car washing machine for washing a vehicle transported on a conveyor.SOLUTION: A car washing machine comprises: a conveyor for transporting a vehicle; a car washing machine body for washing a vehicle using a brush that slides on a surface of the vehicle where cleaning fluid is dispersed; and a control part for controlling each unit. Upon receiving a signal including a command for stopping the washing of the vehicle, the control part executes a stoppage step for stopping the conveyor and stopping the sliding of a brush on the surface of the vehicle. Additionally, when detecting that the stoppage step has continued for a first predetermined time or longer, the control part executes a retreat step for continuing to stop the conveyor and for setting the brush to a state of retreating from the vehicle. Further, when a predetermined time arrives, the control part executes a stoppage retreat step for stopping the conveyor, stopping the sliding of a brush on the surface of the vehicle, and setting the brush to the state of retreating from the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a car wash machine that washes vehicles and a method for controlling the car wash machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a car wash including a car wash main body that washes vehicles transported by a conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-55799 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The transportation of the vehicle may be temporarily interrupted due to various factors, and the transportation of the vehicle may stop when the brush of the car wash machine body is in contact with the vehicle. If the transportation of the vehicle is interrupted for a long period of time, for example, the reaction between the surface of the vehicle and the cleaning solution pressed against the surface by the brush may cause defects in the vehicle, such as uneven cleaning or dullness of the surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A car wash machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a conveyor for transporting a vehicle, a car wash machine main body for washing the vehicle, the car wash machine main body having a brush that slides over the surface of the vehicle on which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and a control unit for controlling the conveyor and the car wash machine main body, wherein the control unit, in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop washing the vehicle, stops the conveyor and executes a stopping step for stopping the brush from sliding over the surface of the vehicle, and further, when it detects that the stopping step has continued for more than a first predetermined time, it continues to stop the conveyor and executes an evacuation step for retracting the brush from the vehicle.

[0006] A car wash machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a conveyor for transporting a vehicle, a car wash machine main body for washing the vehicle, the car wash machine main body having a brush that slides over the surface of the vehicle on which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and a control unit for controlling the conveyor and the car wash machine main body, and at a predetermined time, the control unit executes a stop and evacuation process which stops the conveyor, stops the brush from sliding over the surface of the vehicle, and retracts the brush from the vehicle.

[0007] In addition, a control method for a car wash machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for a car wash machine equipped with a conveyor for transporting a vehicle and a car wash machine main body for washing the vehicle, the car wash machine main body having a brush that slides over the surface of the vehicle on which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and includes a washing process for washing the vehicle by sliding the brush over the surface of the vehicle transported by the conveyor, a stopping process for stopping the conveyor and stopping the brush from sliding over the surface of the vehicle in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop the washing process, and a retracting process for continuing to stop the conveyor and retracting the brush from the vehicle when it is detected that the stopping process has continued for a predetermined time or more.

[0008] A control method for a car wash machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a car wash machine including a conveyor for transporting a vehicle, and a car wash machine main body for washing the vehicle, the car wash machine main body having a brush that slides over the surface of the vehicle on which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, the control method including a washing process for washing the vehicle by sliding the brush over the surface of the vehicle transported by the conveyor, and a stopping and retracting process for stopping the conveyor at a predetermined range of times, stopping the brush from sliding over the surface of the vehicle, and retracting the brush from the vehicle.

[0009] A car wash machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a car wash machine main body having a brush that slides on the surface of a vehicle onto which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and that moves at least the brush relative to the vehicle to wash the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the car wash machine main body, wherein the control unit executes a stopping step to stop the brush from sliding on the surface of the vehicle in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop washing the vehicle, and further executes a retracting step to retract the brush from the vehicle when it detects that the stopping step has continued for more than a first predetermined time.

[0010] A car wash machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a car wash machine main body having a brush that slides over the surface of a vehicle onto which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and that moves at least the brush relative to the vehicle to wash the vehicle, and a control unit that controls the car wash machine main body, and at a predetermined time, the control unit executes a stop and retract process that stops the brush from sliding over the surface of the vehicle and retracts the brush from the vehicle.

[0011] A control method for a car wash machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a car wash machine having a car wash machine main body that washes a vehicle, the car wash machine main body having a brush that slides on the surface of the vehicle onto which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and that moves at least the brush relative to the vehicle to wash the vehicle, the control method for a car wash machine including: a washing process in which the brush slides over the surface of the vehicle to wash the vehicle, a stopping process in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop the washing process, the stopping process, and a retracting process in which the brush is retracted from the vehicle when it is detected that the stopping process has continued for a predetermined time or more.

[0012] A control method for a car wash machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a car wash machine having a car wash machine main body that washes a vehicle, the car wash machine main body having a brush that slides on the surface of the vehicle onto which cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and that moves at least the brush relative to the vehicle to wash the vehicle, the control method including a washing process in which the brush slides over the surface of the vehicle to wash the vehicle, and a stopping and retracting process in which, at a predetermined range of times, the brush is stopped from sliding over the surface of the vehicle by the brush and the brush is retracted from the vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0013] Whether or not the vehicle comes into contact with the brush can be appropriately controlled depending on the duration or time when cleaning of the vehicle is stopped. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a schematic side view and a schematic plan view of a car wash machine according to an embodiment, and a schematic side view and a schematic front view of a car wash machine main body. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a car wash machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a stopping process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view of a car wash machine body for explaining a stop process according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a stop and evacuation process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] [Embodiment] <Car wash machine: Overview> The car wash machine according to this embodiment is a car wash machine that washes a vehicle to be washed while transporting the vehicle by a conveyor. The car wash machine according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0016] 1 shows a schematic side view 2S and a schematic plan view 2P of a car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment, and a schematic side view 10S and a schematic front view 10F of a car wash machine main body 10 according to this embodiment, which will be described later. The schematic side view 2S and the schematic plan view 2P in Fig. 1 also show, by dotted lines, a vehicle X, which is a vehicle to be washed by the car wash machine 2. The schematic side view 2S also shows each part of the car wash machine 2 that is buried underground below the ground G.

[0017] As shown in the schematic side view 2S or schematic plan view 2P in Fig. 1, the car wash machine 2 includes a conveyor 4, a cleaning liquid arch 6, a vehicle shape sensor 8, a car wash machine main body 10, and a control unit 12. In the schematic plan view 2P, some of the components shown in the schematic side view 2S may be omitted for simplicity. In addition, in the schematic plan view 2P, a belt 14 (described later) is shown through the vehicle X in order to show the positional relationship in more detail, but the portions overlapping with the cleaning liquid arch 6 and the car wash machine main body 10 are shown by dotted lines.

[0018] <Car wash machine: conveyor> The conveyor 4 includes, for example, two belts 14 and pulleys 16 that send out each of the belts 14. The conveyor 4 conveys the vehicle X along the conveying direction DT by, for example, rotating the pulleys 16 by a power unit (not shown) with the tires of the vehicle X placed on the belts 14 and sending out the belts 14. In particular, the conveyor 4 conveys the vehicle X such that the length direction DL of the vehicle X is approximately parallel to the conveying direction DT. Therefore, the width direction DW and height direction DH of the vehicle X are approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction DT.

[0019] A plurality of rollers (not shown) for fixing tires of the vehicles X in the conveying direction DT may be formed at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the belt 14. In this way, the conveyor 4 may simultaneously convey a plurality of vehicles X at approximately equal intervals along the conveying direction DT. In FIG. 1, the conveyor 4 conveys vehicles X having the same shape, but this is not limited thereto, and a plurality of vehicles X having different shapes may be simultaneously conveyed.

[0020] <Car wash: cleaning solution arch> The cleaning liquid arch 6 has a gate-shaped structure through which the vehicle X transported by the conveyor 4 can pass, and has a plurality of cleaning liquid nozzles (not shown) on the inside. The cleaning liquid arch 6 receives a supply of cleaning liquid from, for example, a pump (not shown), and sprays the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid nozzles toward the inside of the cleaning liquid arch 6. Therefore, the car wash machine 2 sprays the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid arch 6 while transporting the vehicle X by the conveyor 4, thereby spraying the cleaning liquid onto the surface of the vehicle X passing inside the cleaning liquid arch 6.

[0021] The cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid nozzle may be, for example, a strong alkaline liquid agent. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid arch 6 may be equipped with a sensor that detects the vehicle X passing inside, and the cleaning liquid may be sprayed from the cleaning liquid nozzle only while the sensor detects the vehicle X.

[0022] <Car wash machine: car shape sensor> The vehicle shape sensor 8 is a sensor for measuring the outer shape of the vehicle X, and in particular detects the height of the vehicle X crossing a predetermined point. The vehicle shape sensor 8 is formed, for example, downstream of the cleaning liquid arch 6 in the conveying direction DT. The vehicle shape sensor 8 may include a plurality of light emitting units aligned along the vertical direction of the vehicle X being conveyed, and a plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to each of the light emitting units and arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor 4 to the light emitting elements in the width direction DW. In this way, the vehicle shape sensor 8 can estimate the height of the vehicle X crossing between the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements from the change in the number of light receiving elements that detect the vehicle X, and can therefore estimate the height of the vehicle X for each position in a plan view.

[0023] <Car wash machine: Car wash machine body: Frame and ceiling> The car wash machine body 10 has two frames 18 and a ceiling portion 20 connecting the upper portions of the two frames 18. Therefore, a space 10A is formed between the two frames 18 and the ceiling portion 20. The two frames 18 are fixed to sandwich the conveyor 4 in the width direction DW. In particular, the frame 18 is fixed to the ground G via, for example, a fixing device 18A, and its position relative to the ground G is fixed regardless of the conveyor 4 transporting the vehicle X. Therefore, the vehicle X transported by the conveyor 4 moves relative to the car wash machine body 10 and passes through the space 10A between the frame 18 and the ceiling portion 20.

[0024] In particular, the car wash machine body 10 is formed downstream of the vehicle shape sensor 8 in the conveying direction DT, in other words, downstream of the cleaning liquid arch 6 in the conveying direction DT. Therefore, the car wash machine 2 sprays the cleaning liquid onto the surface of the vehicle X by the cleaning liquid arch 6, and then passes the vehicle X through the space 10A.

[0025] <Car wash machine:Car wash machine body:Brush> The car wash machine main body 10 has a top brush 22, a side brush 24, and a rocker brush 26 as brushes. Each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 may be a rotating brush rotated by a rotary motor (not shown). The top brush 22 slides along the upper surface of the vehicle X and cleans the upper surface of the vehicle X. The side brush 24 and the rocker brush 26 clean both side surfaces of the vehicle X. In particular, the rocker brush 26 cleans both side surfaces of the vehicle X that are lower than both side surfaces of the vehicle X cleaned by the side brush 24, including the outer surfaces of the tires of the vehicle X.

[0026] The top brush 22 is supported by, for example, an arm 22A extending from each frame 18 along the width direction DW of the vehicle X, and rotates around the extension direction of the arm 22A. The arm 22A moves along the height direction DH of the vehicle X by a power unit (not shown), thereby moving the top brush 22 along the height direction DH. The top brush 22 slides over the top surface of the vehicle X, which is conveyed by the conveyor 4 and passes through the space 10A and onto which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed, to clean the top surface of the vehicle X. The top brush 22 may be stored in the ceiling portion 20 while the car wash machine main body 10 is not washing the vehicle X.

[0027] The side brushes 24 are supported by, for example, arms 24A suspended from the ceiling 20 downward in the height direction DH of the vehicle X, and rotate around the extension direction of the arms 24A. Also, the side brushes 24 are formed, for example, on both the side of one frame 18 and the side of the other frame 18. Therefore, the side brushes 24 are formed so as to sandwich the conveyor 4 in the width direction DW.

[0028] The arm 24A is moved along the width direction DW of the vehicle X by a power unit (not shown), thereby moving the side brush 24 along the width direction DW. The side brush 24 slides to clean both side surfaces of the vehicle X, which is conveyed by the conveyor 4 and passes through the space 10A and onto which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed. As the side brush 24 is pushed by the vehicle X, the side brush 24 may be inclined such that the extension direction of the arm 24A is inclined from the height direction DH. The side brush 24 may be stored in each frame 18 while the car wash machine main body 10 is not washing the vehicle X.

[0029] The rocker brush 26 is supported by, for example, a second arm 26B suspended from an end of the first arm 26A toward the lower side in the height direction DH of the vehicle X, and rotates around the extension direction of the second arm 26B. Like the side brushes 24, the rocker brush 26 is formed to sandwich the conveyor 4 in the width direction DW.

[0030] The first arm 26A is formed at an end opposite to the end where the second arm 26B is formed, and rotates around an axis (not shown) extending along the width direction DW of the vehicle X. As a result, the first arm 26A and the second arm 26B rotate the rocker brush 26 around the axis, thereby moving it in the width direction DW. The rocker brush 26 slides and cleans both side surfaces of the vehicle X, which has been sprayed with the cleaning liquid and which is transported by the conveyor 4 and passes through the space 10A.

[0031] For example, a biasing force toward the space 10A may be applied to the rocker brush 26. As a result, the rocker brush 26 may be pushed back against both side surfaces of the vehicle X being transported and rotate around the second arm 26B to slide and wash the both side surfaces. Meanwhile, the angle of the first arm 26A about its axis may be controlled by the control unit 12, which will be described later, or the like. Therefore, the rocker brush 26 may be stored in each frame 18 through control of the angle of the first arm 26A about its axis while the car wash machine main body 10 is not washing the vehicle X.

[0032] <Car wash machine: Car wash machine body: Nozzle> The car wash machine body 10 has a water purification arch 28 and water purification nozzles 30 as nozzles formed in the water purification arch 28. The water purification arch 28 is formed in a gate shape across the two frames 18 and the ceiling part 20 on the upstream side and downstream side of the car wash machine body 10 in the conveying direction DT, for example. The water purification arch 28 receives city water from a pump (not shown), for example, and distributes the city water to each of the water purification nozzles 30. The water purification nozzles 30 receive city water from the water purification arch 28, for example, and spray the city water inside the water purification arch 28.

[0033] The water purification nozzles 30 are arranged, for example, in a plan view so as to sandwich the two belts 14 in the width direction DW of the vehicle X. For example, the water purification nozzles 30 may be formed in the portions of the water purification arch 28 located on the frames 18, or may be formed in a plurality of portions of the water purification arch 28 located on the ceiling portion 20.

[0034] The liquid sprayed by the water purification nozzle 30 is not limited to city water, and may be a liquid agent containing a different type of cleaning liquid from that sprayed by the cleaning liquid arch 6. The car wash machine main body 10 may further include, in addition to the water purification nozzle 30, a nozzle for spraying cleaning liquid onto the vehicle X, or a nozzle for spraying a coating agent such as wax, separate from the water purification nozzle 30.

[0035] The water purification nozzle 30 may be oriented, for example, so as to spray city water onto the vehicle X transported by the conveyor 4 and passing through the space 10A. In this case, the water purification nozzle 30 may spray city water directly onto the vehicle X, thereby washing away the cleaning solution sprayed onto the vehicle X together with foreign matter, etc.

[0036] Alternatively, the water purification nozzle 30 may be oriented so as to spray city water onto the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 in contact with the vehicle X, including the top brush 22, the side brush 24, or the rocker brush 26 in contact with the vehicle X. When the water purification nozzle 30 sprays city water onto the brushes, the car wash machine main body 10 may slide the brushes with city water on them over the surface of the vehicle X to wash away the cleaning solution sprayed onto the vehicle X together with foreign matter, etc.

[0037] <Car Wash:Car Wash:Addendum> The car wash machine main body 10 may also have an operation panel (not shown) on the front surface of at least one of the frames 18. The operation panel may have, for example, a display device for displaying the conditions for washing the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 10, or an operation unit for turning on the power of the car wash machine main body 10 or an operation button as an operation unit for setting the conditions. The car wash machine main body 10 may have a cover (not shown) on the front surface of at least one of the frames 18 that covers the periphery of the operation panel.

[0038] <Car wash machine: rope switch> The car wash machine 2 may further include a rope switch 32 downstream of the car wash machine main body 10 in the conveying direction DT. The rope switch 32 is a device for sending a stop signal to the control unit 12, which will be described later, to stop the operation of the conveyor 4 when, for example, a user of the car wash machine 2, such as an operator, pulls the rope switch 32 when he or she discovers an event that requires the conveyor 4 to stop conveying the vehicle X.

[0039] When the car wash machine 2 includes the rope switch 32 downstream of the car wash machine main body 10 in the transport direction DT, a touch-up area AT may be formed around the rope switch 32. For example, the touch-up area AT is an area for performing finishing work of washing on the vehicle X that has entered the touch-up area AT. For example, in the touch-up area AT, a worker Y or the like may perform wiping work on the parts of the vehicle X that have not been sufficiently washed by the car wash machine main body 10. In this case, the rope switch 32 may be pulled by the worker Y performing the finishing work to stop the transport of the vehicle X when a delay occurs in the finishing work in the touch-up area AT, for example.

[0040] <Car wash: loading and unloading areas> An input area A1 is formed at the upstream end of the belt 14 in the conveying direction DT, where an operator drives the vehicle X and places the tire of the vehicle X on the belt 14 to input the vehicle X into the car wash machine 2. Also, an unloading area A2 is formed at the downstream end of the belt 14 in the conveying direction DT, where an operator drives the vehicle X and removes the vehicle X from the belt 14 to unload the vehicle X from the car wash machine 2.

[0041] <Car wash machine: control unit> The control unit 12 controls the conveyor 4, the cleaning liquid arch 6, the vehicle shape sensor 8, and the car wash machine main body 10. In this way, the control unit 12 controls the transportation of the vehicle X by the conveyor 4, the spraying of cleaning liquid onto the vehicle X by the cleaning liquid arch 6, the detection of the vehicle X by the vehicle shape sensor 8, and the washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 10. The control unit 12 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, for example, and each control is realized by executing a control program stored in a memory on the processor.

[0042] In particular, the control unit 12 controls the operation of each brush and each nozzle of the car wash machine main body 10 to wash the vehicle X. For example, the control unit 12 may determine at least a part of the information on the external shape of the vehicle X from the detection result of the vehicle X by the vehicle shape sensor 8, and control the operation of each brush and each nozzle of the car wash machine main body 10 based on the information to wash the vehicle X.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 12 controls the operation of the conveyor 4, the cleaning liquid arch 6, and the car wash machine main body 10 based on receiving signals transmitted from each part of the car wash machine 2. In particular, the control unit 12 stops the conveyor 4 and stops each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X in response to receiving a stop signal including a command to stop washing the vehicle X, transmitted from each part of the car wash machine 2. For example, each part of the car wash machine 2 may include a communication unit for transmitting a signal to the control unit 12 by wired or wireless means. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may include a communication unit for receiving a signal transmitted from each part of the car wash machine 2.

[0044] For example, the conveyor 4, the cleaning liquid arch 6, the vehicle-shaped sensor 8, or the car wash machine main body 10 may send a stop signal to the control unit 12 if an abnormality such as a breakdown occurs. Also, the rope switch 32 may send a stop signal to the control unit 12 when it is pulled by a user of the car wash machine 2. The user of the car wash machine 2 may pull the rope switch 32 to send a stop signal to the control unit 12 if a failure or delay occurs in the above-mentioned work in the loading area A1, the unloading area A2, or the touch-up area AT.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 12 stops the conveyor 4 and stops the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X at a predetermined time. The predetermined time may include a predetermined period during which the operation of the car wash machine 2 is stopped, such as the start time of a break for an operator, and the period before and after the period. The control unit 12 may also stop the conveyor 4 and stop the brushes from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X at any time within a certain predetermined range of times.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 is buried underground below the ground surface G, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 12 may be installed on the ground surface G, and the location of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited as long as it does not impede the transportation and washing of the vehicle X by each part of the car wash machine 2.

[0047] <Car wash machine control method: Overview> The control method of the car wash machine 2 by the control unit 12 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the control method of the car wash machine 2 when washing the vehicle X using the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the control method of the car wash machine 2 will be described, which is used to wash the vehicle X while transporting it using the car wash machine 2, until washing of a predetermined number of vehicles X is completed.

[0048] <How to control a car wash machine: Starting the washing process> In the control method for the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment, first, the control unit 12 starts the transportation of the vehicle X by the conveyor 4 and the washing of the vehicle X through control of each part of the car wash machine 2 (step S2). As a result, the control unit 12 starts a washing process, through control of each part of the car wash machine 2, in which the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 slides over the surface of the vehicle X to wash the vehicle X, which is being transported by the conveyor 4.

[0049] More specifically, in step S2, the control unit 12 controls, for example, the conveyor 4 to start sending out the belt 14 by the pulley 16. As a result, the conveyor 4 starts transporting the vehicle X, which has been input from the input area A1 by a worker or the like, along the transport direction DT. Note that, unless otherwise specified, after step S2, the vehicles X are sequentially input into the input area A1 at predetermined intervals by a worker or the like, and the conveyor 4 transports the multiple vehicles X at predetermined intervals.

[0050] Additionally, in step S2, the control unit 12, for example, controls the cleaning liquid arch 6 and the car wash machine main body 10 to start spraying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid arch 6 and washing by the car wash machine main body 10 to the transported vehicle X. For example, the control unit 12 may control the cleaning liquid arch 6 and the car wash machine main body 10 so that the cleaning liquid is automatically sprayed and washed on the vehicle X passing through the inside of the cleaning liquid arch 6 and the space 10A of the car wash machine main body 10. The control unit 12 may generate information on the shape of at least a part of the vehicle X using the vehicle shape sensor 8, and control the position of each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 based on the information.

[0051] In particular, after step S2, the control unit 12 controls the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 to slide over the surface of the vehicle X transported by the conveyor 4 and passing through the space 10A, thereby washing the vehicle X. Furthermore, after step S2, while the vehicle X is being washed by the brush of the car wash machine main body 10, the control unit 12 causes city water to be sprayed from the water purification nozzle 30 toward the brush or the surface of the vehicle X that the brush abuts against.

[0052] After step S2, the conveyor 4 transports the vehicle X that has been sprayed with the cleaning liquid and washed by the car wash machine main body 10, and causes the vehicle X to pass through the touch-up area AT and the take-out area A2 in that order. In this embodiment, a finishing operation is performed by an operator Y or the like on the vehicle X that passes through the touch-up area AT. Also, in this embodiment, the vehicle X that passes through the take-out area A2 is taken out of the car wash machine 2 by an operator or the like. As a result, after step S2, the vehicles X that are sequentially input from the input area A1 are sprayed with the cleaning liquid, washed by the car wash machine main body 10, and finished in the touch-up area AT, and then sequentially taken out of the car wash machine 2 in the take-out area A2.

[0053] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Determining whether to perform a stop process> Following step S2, the control unit 12 determines whether a stop signal has been received (step S4). For example, in step S4, the control unit 12 determines whether a stop signal transmitted from each part of the car wash machine 2 when an abnormality such as a failure occurs in that part is received. Alternatively, for example, in step S4, the control unit 12 determines whether a stop signal transmitted when the rope switch 32 is pulled is received.

[0054] If the control unit 12 determines in step S4 that it has received a stop signal, the control unit 12 executes a stop process (step S6). The stop process will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling the car wash machine 2 in the stop process. Fig. 4 is a front view of the car wash machine main body 10, showing the states of each part of the car wash machine main body 10 and the vehicle X in the stop process.

[0055] <Control method of car wash machine: Stopping process: Stopping conveyor and brush> In the stopping step, first, the control unit 12 stops the conveyor 4 and stops the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X (step S6-2). In step S6-2, for example, the control unit 12 stops the rotation of the pulley 16 and stops the sending out of the belt 14, thereby stopping the conveyor 4. As a result, the control unit 12 stops the conveyor 4 from transporting the vehicle X.

[0056] Furthermore, in step S6-2, the control unit 12 controls the car wash machine main body 10 to stop the rotation of the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10, including the top brush 22, the side brush 24, and the rocker brush 26, thereby stopping the sliding of each brush on the surface of the vehicle X. As a result, the control unit 12 stops washing of the vehicle X by the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10. Note that in step S6-2, the control unit 12 may also stop the spraying of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid arch 6.

[0057] Here, assume that immediately before executing step S6-2, the control unit 12 was causing each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 to slide over the surface of the vehicle X. In this case, as shown in step S6-2 of Fig. 4, the control unit 12 stops the rotation of each brush to stop the sliding over the surface of the vehicle X, but maintains the contact of each brush with the vehicle X. In other words, in step S6-2, the control unit 12, for example, only stops the rotation of each brush, and does not change the position of each brush.

[0058] Therefore, if the control unit 12 was causing each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 to slide over the surface of the vehicle X immediately before the execution of step S6-2, even after the execution of step S6-2, the contact between each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 and the vehicle X is maintained. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, a case will be described in which the control unit 12 was causing each brush of the car wash machine main body 10 to slide over the surface of the vehicle X immediately before the execution of step S6-2.

[0059] <Control method of car wash machine: Stop process: Work during the stop process> After step S6-2, for example, the user of the car wash machine 2 performs an operation to resolve the event that caused the stop signal received by the control unit 12 in step S4 to be transmitted. For example, if the stop signal received by the control unit 12 in step S4 was transmitted in response to a malfunction of any of the parts of the car wash machine 2, the user of the car wash machine 2 may repair the malfunctioning part of the car wash machine 2.

[0060] On the other hand, suppose that the stop signal received by the control unit 12 in step S4 was sent when a failure or delay occurred in the above-mentioned operation in the loading area A1, the unloading area A2, or the touch-up area AT and an operator or the like pulled the rope switch 32. In this case, the user of the car wash machine 2 may perform a process to resolve the failure or delay in the operation.

[0061] After step S6-2, it is assumed that the event that caused the control unit 12 to send the stop signal in step S4 is resolved by completing repairs of each component, or resolving a failure or delay in work, etc. In this case, the user of the car wash machine 2 may send a resume signal to the control unit 12 by operating the operation unit or the like to resume the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2. For example, the user of the car wash machine 2 may pull the rope switch 32 again to send the resume signal to the control unit 12. Details of the control of the car wash machine 2 by the control unit 12 when the control unit 12 receives the resume signal will be described later.

[0062] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stopping process: Determining whether a first predetermined time has elapsed> Following step S6-2, the control unit 12 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stopping process (step S6-4). In step S6-4, for example, the control unit 12 calculates the time from the time when step S6-2 is executed to the current time, and determines whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time. In other words, in step S6-4, the control unit 12 determines whether the time during which the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 is in contact with the vehicle X is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time after the start of the stopping process.

[0063] If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-4 that the first predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the stopping step, the control unit 12 determines whether the above-mentioned restart signal has been received (step S6-6). If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-6 that the restart signal has not been received, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4 (step S6-8). In step S6-8, for example, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4 and continues to stop the rotation of the brush of the car wash machine main body 10.

[0064] For example, the control unit 12 waits for a predetermined time after executing step S6-8, and then executes step S6-4 again. Therefore, in this embodiment, steps S6-4 to S6-8 are repeatedly executed. This repetition continues until the control unit 12 determines in step S6-4 that a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stopping step, or determines in step S6-6 that a resume signal has been received.

[0065] If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-6 that it has received the resume signal, the control unit 12 resumes the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 through control of each part of the car wash machine 2 (step S6-10). In step S6-10, for example, the control unit 12 resumes the transport of the vehicle X by the conveyor 4 by restarting the sending out of the belt 14 by the pulley 16 of the conveyor 4. Also, in step S6-10, for example, the control unit 12 resumes the spraying of the washing liquid from the washing liquid arch 6 and the sliding of the surface of the vehicle X by the brush of the car wash machine main body 10.

[0066] In particular, in step S6-10 executed following step S6-6, the control unit 12 resumes the washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 10 by resuming the rotation of the brush that is maintained in contact with the surface of the vehicle X. In this case, in step S6-10, the car wash machine 2 can resume the washing of the vehicle X more smoothly and reduce unevenness in the washing of the vehicle X, compared to a case in which the car wash machine 2 resumes the washing of the vehicle X from a state in which the brush is released from contact with the surface of the vehicle X.

[0067] <Control method of car wash machine: Stopping process: Evacuation process> In step S6-4, when the control unit 12 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stopping process, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4 and moves the brushes of the car wash machine body 10 away from the vehicle (step S6-12). In other words, when the control unit 12 detects that the stopping process has continued for the first predetermined time or more, it continues to stop the conveyor 4 and executes the moving-out process of moving the brushes of the car wash machine body 10 away from the vehicle X.

[0068] For example, in step S6-12, the control unit 12 controls the car wash machine main body 10 to store the top brush 22 in the ceiling portion 20, and the side brush 24 and the rocker brush 26 in the frames 18, as shown in step S6-12 of Fig. 4. As a result, the control unit 12 retracts the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from the vehicle X, and releases the contact between the brushes and the vehicle X.

[0069] The retraction process prevents the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from remaining in contact with the surface of the vehicle X onto which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed for a long period of time, reducing the cleaning liquid from remaining for a long period of time on the same part of the surface of the vehicle X. As a result, the car wash machine 2 reduces deterioration of the surface of the vehicle X that has been in contact with the cleaning liquid for a long period of time, thereby reducing the occurrence of defects in the vehicle X, such as uneven cleaning of the surface of the vehicle X or the occurrence of dullness.

[0070] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stopping process: Determining whether a second predetermined time has elapsed> Following step S6-12, the control unit 12 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stopping step (step S6-14). In step S6-14, for example, the control unit 12 calculates the time from the time when step S6-12 is executed to the current time, and determines whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than the second predetermined time.

[0071] If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-14 that the second predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the evacuation process, the control unit 12 determines whether the above-mentioned resume signal has been received (step S6-16). If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-16 that the resume signal has not been received, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4, as in step S6-8 (step S6-18).

[0072] For example, the control unit 12 waits for a predetermined time after executing step S6-18, and then executes step S6-14 again. Therefore, in this embodiment, steps S6-14 to S6-18 are repeatedly executed. This repetition continues until the control unit 12 determines in step S6-14 that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the evacuation process, or determines in step S6-16 that a resume signal has been received.

[0073] If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-16 that it has received the resume signal, the control unit 12 executes step S6-10, and resumes the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 through control of each part of the car wash machine 2. In particular, in step S6-10, which is executed following step S6-16, the control unit 12 controls the position of the brush of the car wash machine main body 10, and after bringing it into contact with the surface of the vehicle X, resumes rotation of the brush, and resumes washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 10.

[0074] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stop process: Execution of rinsing process> In step S6-14, when the control unit 12 determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the evacuation process, the control unit 12 performs a rinsing process through control of each part of the car wash machine main body 10 (step S6-20). The rinsing process is a process in which city water is sprayed from the water purification nozzle 30 onto at least a part of the surface of the vehicle X that was in contact with the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 immediately before the execution of the evacuation process during the evacuation process, to wash away the cleaning liquid adhering to the surface.

[0075] For example, in step S6-20, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4 and performs a rinsing process by spraying city water W onto the surface of the vehicle X from the purified water nozzle 30 of the car wash machine main body 10, as shown in step S6-20 of Figure 4.

[0076] As described above, the control unit 12 sprays city water from the water purification nozzle 30 toward the brush or the surface of the vehicle X that the brush abuts on while the vehicle X is being transported by the conveyor 4 and while the vehicle X is being washed by the brush of the car wash machine main body 10. Therefore, the car wash machine 2 can use the city water sprayed from the water purification nozzle 30 for both washing and rinsing the vehicle X. Therefore, the car wash machine 2 does not need to be provided with separate nozzles used for washing and rinsing the vehicle X, and can perform both processes using the water purification nozzle 30, making the configuration simpler.

[0077] By the rinsing process, the car wash machine 2 reduces the state in which the cleaning liquid remains for an even longer period of time on the surface of the vehicle X that has been in contact with the brush for a certain period of time. As a result, the car wash machine 2 reduces the deterioration of the surface of the vehicle X that has been in contact with the cleaning liquid for a long period of time, thereby reducing the occurrence of defects in the vehicle X, such as uneven cleaning of the surface of the vehicle X or the occurrence of dullness.

[0078] If the control unit 12 receives the resume signal before the second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the evacuation process, the car wash machine 2 resumes transporting and washing the vehicle X without performing the rinsing process. In this case, compared to the case where the rinsing process is performed, the car wash machine 2 can resume washing of the vehicle X without rinsing the washing liquid from the surface of the vehicle X, so that washing of the vehicle X can be resumed more smoothly and unevenness in washing of the vehicle X can be reduced.

[0079] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stopping process: Resuming washing of a vehicle after rinsing process> Following step S6-20, the control unit 12 determines whether the above-mentioned resume signal has been received (step S6-22). If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-22 that the resume signal has not been received, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4, as in steps S6-8 and S6-18 (step S6-24).

[0080] For example, the control unit 12 waits for a predetermined time after executing step S6-24, and then executes step S6-22 again. Therefore, the control unit 12 repeatedly executes steps S6-22 and S6-24 until it determines in step S6-22 that it has received a resume signal.

[0081] Depending on the position of the vehicle X at the time step S6-2 is executed, the conveyor 4 may stop conveying the vehicle X in a state where the vehicle X is not in contact with the brushes of the car wash machine body 10. In this way, when the vehicle X is not in contact with the brushes of the car wash machine body 10 at the time step S6-2 is executed, the control unit 12 may proceed to execution of step S6-22 after executing step S6-2.

[0082] If the control unit 12 determines in step S6-22 that it has received the resume signal, the control unit 12 executes step S6-10, and resumes the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 through control of each part of the car wash machine 2. If step S6-10 is executed following step S6-22, the car wash machine main body 10 washes the parts of the surface of the vehicle X from which the washing liquid has been washed away by the rinsing process in a state where no washing liquid adheres to the parts. Therefore, when the vehicle X is transported to the touch-up area AT, the worker Y may perform a more careful finishing work on the parts in the touch-up area AT in order to reduce unevenness in the washing of the parts.

[0083] The stopping process is completed when steps 6-10 are executed and the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 is resumed. Returning to FIG. 2, after the stopping process is completed, the control unit 12 executes step S4 again, for example, after waiting for a predetermined time.

[0084] <Method for controlling a car wash machine: Determining whether to perform a stop / evacuation process> If the control unit 12 determines in step S4 that it has not received a stop signal, the control unit 12 determines whether the current time is a predetermined time (step S8). For example, in step S8, the control unit 12 determines whether the current time is within a range of a predetermined time. The predetermined time in this embodiment may include a predetermined period during which the operation of the car wash machine 2 is stopped, and the period before and after the period, such as the time when a break time for users of the car wash machine 2, including operators, starts, as described above.

[0085] When the control unit 12 determines in step S8 that the current time is the predetermined time, it executes a stop and evacuation process (step S10). The stop and evacuation process will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the car wash machine 2 in the stop and evacuation process.

[0086] <Control method of car wash machine: Stopping and retracting process: Stopping conveyor and brushes and retracting brushes> In the stopping and retracting step, first, the control unit 12 stops the conveyor 4, stops the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X, and retracts the brushes from the vehicle X (step S10-2). In step S10-2, for example, the control unit 12 stops the conveyor 4 and stops the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X in the same manner as in step S6-2. In addition, in step S10-2, for example, the control unit 12 retracts the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from the vehicle X and releases the contact between the brushes and the vehicle X in the same manner as in step S6-12.

[0087] The stop and retreat process reduces the washing liquid from remaining for a long time on the same part of the surface of the vehicle X during a period when it is known in advance that the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 will be stopped for a long time, such as a break time. As a result, the car wash machine 2 reduces deterioration of the surface of the vehicle X that has been in contact with the washing liquid for a long time, thereby reducing the occurrence of defects in the vehicle X, such as uneven cleaning or dullness of the surface of the vehicle X.

[0088] Furthermore, in the stop and evacuation process, the control unit 12 stops the transportation of the vehicle X by the conveyor 4 and the washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 10, regardless of the elapsed time from the start of the stop and evacuation process, and causes the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 to evacuate from the vehicle X. Therefore, in the stop and evacuation process, the car wash machine 2 does not need to determine whether or not to evacuate the brushes depending on the elapsed time from the start of the stop and evacuation process, simplifying the control of the car wash machine main body 10 by the control unit 12.

[0089] In particular, the car wash machine 2 can automatically stop transporting and washing the vehicle X at a predetermined time, such as a break time or the start time of a period during which the transporting and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 is stopped, without the need for the user or the like of the car wash machine 2 to operate the operation unit. This allows the car wash machine 2 to simplify the operation of the operation unit by the user or the like, and allows the transporting and washing of the vehicle X to be performed more simply.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 12 automatically stops the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 at a predetermined time. In other words, the control unit 12 can stop the operation of the car wash machine 2 during a break or the like without receiving a stop signal. For this reason, the control unit 12 does not need to determine, for example, whether the received stop signal was sent due to a malfunction of each part of the car wash machine 2 or a delay in work, or was sent to stop the operation of the car wash machine 2 during a break. Therefore, the car wash machine 2 can simplify the processing in the control unit 12 when the control unit 12 receives a stop signal.

[0091] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stopping and evacuation process: Determining whether a third predetermined time has elapsed> Following step S10-2, the control unit 12 determines whether a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stop and evacuation process (step S10-4). In step S10-4, for example, the control unit 12 calculates the time from the time when step S10-2 is executed to the current time, and determines whether the calculated time is equal to or longer than a third predetermined time set in advance. The third predetermined time may be, for example, the total time of the above-mentioned first predetermined time and second predetermined time.

[0092] If the control unit 12 determines in step S10-4 that the third predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the stop and evacuation process, the control unit 12 determines whether the above-mentioned resume signal has been received (step S10-6). In the stop and evacuation process, the resume signal may be transmitted to the control unit 12, for example, by a user of the car wash machine 2 who has confirmed that each worker has completed preparations to resume work after the end of a break time and operates an operating unit such as the rope switch 32.

[0093] If the control unit 12 determines in step S10-6 that it has not received the resume signal, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4 (step S10-8), for example, in the same manner as in step S6-8. For this reason, in this embodiment, steps S10-4 to S10-8 are repeatedly executed. This repetition continues until the control unit 12 determines in step S10-4 that a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stop and evacuation process, or determines in step S10-6 that it has received a resume signal.

[0094] If the control unit 12 determines in step S10-6 that it has received the resume signal, the control unit 12 resumes the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 through control of each part of the car wash machine 2 (step S10-10). In step S10-10, for example, the control unit 12 resumes the transport of the vehicle X by the conveyor 4 and the sliding of the surface of the vehicle X by the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 in the same manner as in step S6-10.

[0095] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stop and retreat process: Execution of rinsing process> In step S10-4, when the control unit 12 determines that the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stop and evacuation process, the control unit 12 performs a rinsing process (step S10-12) through control of each part of the car wash machine main body 10. In step S10-12, the control unit 12 executes the rinsing process, for example, in the same manner as in step S6-20.

[0096] Even with the rinsing process in the stop and retreat step, the car wash machine 2 reduces the state in which the cleaning liquid remains for an even longer period of time on the surface of the vehicle X that has been in contact with the brush for a certain period of time. As a result, the car wash machine 2 reduces the deterioration of the surface of the vehicle X that has been in contact with the cleaning liquid for a long period of time, thereby reducing the occurrence of defects in the vehicle X, such as uneven cleaning of the surface of the vehicle X or the occurrence of dullness.

[0097] If the control unit 12 receives a resume signal before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stop and evacuation process, the car wash machine 2 resumes transporting and washing the vehicle X without performing the rinsing process. In this case, compared to the case where the rinsing process is performed, the car wash machine 2 can resume washing of the vehicle X without rinsing the washing liquid from the surface of the vehicle X, so that washing of the vehicle X can be resumed more smoothly and unevenness in washing of the vehicle X can be reduced.

[0098] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Stop and retreat process: Resuming washing of a vehicle after rinsing process> Following step S10-12, the control unit 12 determines whether the above-mentioned resume signal has been received (step S10-14). If the control unit 12 determines in step S10-14 that the resume signal has not been received, the control unit 12 continues to stop the conveyor 4, as in step S10-8 (step S10-16).

[0099] For example, the control unit 12 waits for a predetermined time after executing step S10-16, and then executes step S10-14 again. Therefore, the control unit 12 repeatedly executes steps S10-14 and S10-16 until the control unit 12 determines in step S10-14 that a resume signal has been received.

[0100] If the control unit 12 determines in step S10-14 that it has received the resume signal, the control unit 12 executes step S10-10, and resumes the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 through control of each part of the car wash machine 2. When step 10-10 is executed and the transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 is resumed, the stop and evacuation process is completed.

[0101] <Car wash machine control method: Stop and retreat process: Addendum> In this embodiment, the control unit 12 always executes the stop and evacuation step when the current time is a predetermined time in step S8, but this is not limited to this. For example, the above-mentioned rest period may include a long break and a short break. In this case, for example, the control unit 12 may execute the stop and evacuation step when the current time is around the start time of the long break in step S8, and execute the stop step when the current time is around the start time of the short break in step S8. The stop step may be executed by a method similar to that of step S6 described above.

[0102] In this case, when it is expected that the operation of the car wash machine 2 will be stopped for a short time, such as for a short break, the car wash machine 2 stops only the transportation of the vehicle X and the sliding of the brush on the surface of the vehicle X by the brush, without retracting the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 from the vehicle X. Therefore, with the above configuration, the car wash machine 2 can resume washing the vehicle X more smoothly, and unevenness in the washing of the vehicle X can be reduced.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 12 determines whether the current time is the predetermined time in step S8, but this is not limited thereto, and the determination may be made at a time other than step S8. For example, the control unit 12 may determine whether the current time is the predetermined time as appropriate after step S6-2 in the stopping step. In the stopping step, if the control unit 12 determines that the current time is the predetermined time, the control unit 12 may execute the evacuation step, for example, regardless of the time elapsed since the start of the stopping step.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the resumption of transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 depending on whether a resume signal has been received in the stop and evacuation process, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 12 may resume transport and washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine 2 when it determines in the stop and evacuation process that the current time is a predetermined time, such as before or after the end time of a break time.

[0105] <Method of controlling a car wash machine: Ending the operation of a car wash machine> Returning to reference to Fig. 2, after the completion of the stopping and evacuation process, the control unit 12 judges whether the transportation of all the vehicles X has been completed (step S12). In other words, in step S12, the control unit 12 judges whether the transportation and washing of all the vehicles X by the car wash machine 2 has been completed. For example, in step S12, the control unit 12 may judge whether the transportation and removal from the removal area A2 of all the vehicles X that need to be washed during the day has been completed.

[0106] If the control unit 12 determines in step S12 that the transportation of all the vehicles X has not been completed, the control unit 12 continues to control each part of the car wash machine 2, thereby allowing the car wash machine 2 to continue transporting and washing the vehicles X (step S14). After step S14, the control unit 12 executes step S4 again, for example, after waiting for a predetermined time. Therefore, the control unit 12 repeatedly executes steps S4 to S14 until it determines in step S12 that the transportation of all the vehicles X has been completed.

[0107] If the control unit 12 determines in step S12 that the transportation of all vehicles X has been completed, the control unit 12 stops the operation of each part of the car wash machine 2 (step S16). This completes the control of the car wash machine 2 by the control unit 12 when the car wash machine 2 is used to wash the vehicle X.

[0108] <Summary> In response to receiving a stop signal including a command to stop washing the vehicle X, the control unit 12 of the car wash machine 2 according to this embodiment stops the conveyor 4 and executes a stop process of stopping the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 detects that the stop process has continued for a predetermined time or longer, it continues to stop the conveyor 4 and executes a retraction process of retracting the brushes of the car wash machine main body 10 from the vehicle X.

[0109] With the above configuration, the car wash machine 2 can appropriately control whether or not the vehicle X comes into contact with the brush of the car wash machine main body 10, depending on the time when washing of the vehicle X is stopped. In particular, the car wash machine 2 can reduce defects in the contact portion of the vehicle X that may occur when the contact state between the vehicle X and the brush is left for a long period of time. In addition, when the contact between the vehicle X and the brush is short, the car wash machine 2 does not release the contact, thereby reducing the occurrence of uneven washing of the contact portion of the vehicle X and the prolonged washing time of the vehicle X.

[0110] Furthermore, at a specified time, the control unit 12 of the car wash machine 2 in this embodiment not only stops the conveyor 4 and stops the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 from sliding against the surface of the vehicle X, but also executes a stop and evacuation process to retract the brush from the vehicle X.

[0111] With the above configuration, the car wash machine 2 can appropriately control whether or not the vehicle X comes into contact with the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 depending on the time while washing the vehicle X. For example, at a predetermined time, such as before or after the start of a lunch break, the car wash machine 2 stops washing the vehicle X and automatically releases the contact between the vehicle X and the brush. Therefore, the car wash machine 2 can reduce defects in the contact portion of the vehicle X that may occur when the contact state between the vehicle X and the brush is left for a long period of time.

[0112] In this embodiment, the car wash machine 2 transports the vehicle X by the conveyor 4, passes the vehicle X through the space 10A of the car wash machine main body 10 whose position is fixed relative to the operation of the conveyor 4, and causes the car wash machine main body 10 to wash the vehicle X, but this is not limited to this. For example, the car wash machine 2 may wash the vehicle X by sliding the brush over the surface of the vehicle X by moving at least a brush of the car wash machine main body 10 relative to the vehicle X through the control of the car wash machine main body 10 by the control unit 12.

[0113] In this case, the car wash machine 2 does not need to transport the vehicle X by the conveyor 4. For example, a user of the car wash machine 2, such as an operator, may drive the vehicle X, pass it through the inside of the cleaning liquid arch 6, and then stop the vehicle X in a state where the vehicle X has entered the space 10A of the car wash machine main body 10. Thereafter, the car wash machine 2 may wash the vehicle X by moving a brush of the car wash machine main body 10 relative to the vehicle X, thereby sliding the brush on the surface of the vehicle X on which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed. After the vehicle X is washed by the car wash machine main body 10, the user of the car wash machine 2 may drive the vehicle X again and remove it from the car wash machine 2. In addition, the frame 18 of the car wash machine main body 10 may move on a rail formed on the ground G, for example, and the car wash machine 2 may move the frame 18 and the ceiling part 20 of the car wash machine main body 10 relative to the vehicle X through the control of the car wash machine main body 10 by the control unit 12.

[0114] Even in this case, the control unit 12 may execute a stop step of stopping the brush of the car wash machine body 10 from sliding on the surface of the vehicle X in response to receiving a stop signal while the car wash machine body 10 is washing the vehicle X. In addition, when it is detected that the stop step has continued for a first predetermined time or more, it may execute a retraction step of retracting the brush of the car wash machine body 10 from the vehicle. Furthermore, when it is detected that the retraction step has continued for a second predetermined time or more, it may execute a rinsing process of washing away the cleaning liquid attached to the surface of the vehicle X by the above-mentioned method.

[0115] In addition, when a predetermined time comes during washing of the vehicle X by the car wash machine main body 10, the control unit 12 may execute a stop and evacuation process in which the brush of the car wash machine main body 10 stops sliding on the surface of the vehicle X and the brush is retracted from the vehicle X. Furthermore, when it is detected that the stop and evacuation process has continued for a third predetermined time or more, a rinsing process may be executed to wash away the cleaning liquid adhering to the surface of the vehicle X by the above-mentioned method.

[0116] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining different technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 2 car wash machine 4 Conveyor 10 Car wash machine body 12 Control section 22 Top Brush (Brush) 24 Side brush (brush) 26 Rocker Brush (Brush) 30 Purifying nozzle

Claims

1. A conveyor for transporting vehicles; A car wash machine body for washing the vehicle, the car wash machine body having a brush that slides over the surface of the vehicle on which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed; A control unit that controls the conveyor and the car wash machine body, The control unit is a stopping step of stopping the conveyor and stopping the brush from sliding against the surface of the vehicle in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop washing the vehicle; Furthermore, when it is detected that the stopping process has continued for a first predetermined time or longer, the car wash machine continues to stop the conveyor and executes a retraction process to retract the brushes from the vehicle.

2. The car wash machine body has a nozzle for spraying liquid, 2. The car wash machine of claim 1, wherein when the control unit detects that the evacuation process has continued for a second predetermined time or longer, during the evacuation process, the control unit performs a rinsing process in which the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle onto at least a portion of the surface of the vehicle that the brush was in contact with immediately before the evacuation process was performed, thereby washing away the cleaning liquid adhering to the surface.

3. The car wash machine according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit causes the liquid to be sprayed from the nozzle toward the brush or a surface of the vehicle that the brush contacts while the brush is washing the vehicle.

4. A conveyor for transporting vehicles; A car wash machine body for washing the vehicle, the car wash machine body having a brush that slides over the surface of the vehicle on which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed; A control unit that controls the conveyor and the car wash machine body, The control unit executes a stop and evacuation process at a predetermined time to stop the conveyor, stop the brush from sliding against the surface of the vehicle, and retract the brush from the vehicle.

5. A method for controlling a car wash comprising: a conveyor for transporting a vehicle; and a car wash body for washing the vehicle, the car wash body having a brush that slides over a surface of the vehicle on which a cleaning liquid has been sprayed, the method comprising the steps of: a cleaning step of cleaning the vehicle by sliding the brush over the surface of the vehicle transported by the conveyor; a stopping step of stopping the conveyor and stopping the brush from sliding over the surface of the vehicle in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop the cleaning step; A method for controlling a car wash machine, comprising: a retraction process for continuing to stop the conveyor and retracting the brushes from the vehicle when it is detected that the stopping process has continued for a predetermined time or more.

6. A method for controlling a car wash comprising: a conveyor for transporting a vehicle; and a car wash body for washing the vehicle, the car wash body having a brush that slides over a surface of the vehicle on which a cleaning liquid has been sprayed, the method comprising the steps of: a cleaning step of cleaning the vehicle by sliding the brush over the surface of the vehicle transported by the conveyor; A method for controlling a car wash machine, comprising: a stopping and retracting process for stopping the conveyor at a predetermined range of times, stopping the brushes from sliding against the surface of the vehicle, and retracting the brushes from the vehicle.

7. a car wash machine body having a brush that slides on the surface of the vehicle onto which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and washing the vehicle by moving at least the brush relative to the vehicle; A control unit for controlling the car wash machine body, The control unit is a stopping step of stopping the brush from scrubbing the surface of the vehicle in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop washing the vehicle; The car wash further executes a retraction step of retracting the brush from the vehicle when it is detected that the stop step has continued for a first predetermined time or longer.

8. The car wash machine body has a nozzle for spraying liquid, The car wash machine of claim 7, wherein when the control unit detects that the evacuation process has continued for a second predetermined time or more, during the evacuation process, the control unit performs a rinsing process in which the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle onto at least a portion of the surface of the vehicle that the brush was in contact with immediately before the evacuation process was performed, thereby washing away the cleaning liquid adhering to the surface.

9. a car wash machine body having a brush that slides on the surface of the vehicle onto which the cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and washing the vehicle by moving at least the brush relative to the vehicle; A control unit for controlling the car wash machine body, The control unit executes a stop and retract process at a predetermined time to stop the brush from sliding against the surface of the vehicle and retract the brush from the vehicle.

10. A method for controlling a car wash machine having a car wash machine body for washing a vehicle, the car wash machine body having a brush that slides on a surface of the vehicle onto which a cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and the car wash machine body for washing the vehicle by moving at least the brush relative to the vehicle, a cleaning step of cleaning the vehicle by sliding the brush over a surface of the vehicle; a stopping step of stopping the brush from scrubbing the surface of the vehicle in response to receiving a signal including a command to stop the cleaning step; and a retracting step of retracting the brush from the vehicle when it is detected that the stopping step has continued for a predetermined time or longer.

11. A method for controlling a car wash machine having a car wash machine body for washing a vehicle, the car wash machine body having a brush that slides on a surface of the vehicle onto which a cleaning liquid has been sprayed, and the car wash machine body for washing the vehicle by moving at least the brush relative to the vehicle, a cleaning step of cleaning the vehicle by sliding the brush over a surface of the vehicle; A stopping and retracting process for stopping the brush from sliding against the surface of the vehicle at a predetermined time range and retracting the brush from the vehicle.

Images