Cleaning equipment

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device which can clean a vehicle thoroughly while achieving space saving.SOLUTION: A cleaning device (1) includes: a cleaning device body (10); a position sensor (30); and a control unit. The cleaning device body (10) has: a pair of support pillars (11); and a horizontal part (12). The horizontal part (12) includes nozzles (131, 132, 133) for jetting a cleaning fluid (L) and may be housed in a recessed part (14). The control unit controls a position of the horizontal part (12) in a vertical direction and a jet direction of the cleaning fluid (L).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device for washing a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are washing devices that perform brushless car washing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a car washing device that includes a washing unit that jets washing water onto the vehicle body and an elevator device that raises and lowers the washing unit. The car washing device in Patent Document 1 raises and lowers the washing unit multiple times using the elevator device, making it possible to reliably remove dirt from the vehicle body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-278752 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the car wash device of Patent Document 1 has the problem that the height of the main frame must be higher than the vehicle height so that the vehicle can pass through it, and a large space must be secured to place the car wash device.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing device that can effectively wash a vehicle while saving space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a washing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a washing device main body including a pair of support pillars erected on both sides of a vehicle to be washed in the width direction, a horizontal unit installed between the support pillars and capable of moving up and down, a position sensor that acquires position information regarding the position of the vehicle, and a control unit. The horizontal unit has a nozzle that sprays washing liquid onto the vehicle and can be accommodated in a recessed portion of the vehicle's running surface by the lifting and lowering movement. When washing the vehicle, the control unit controls the vertical position of the horizontal unit and the spray direction of the washing liquid based on the position information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively clean a vehicle while saving space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic side view of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a vehicle washing process performed by a control unit of the washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the vehicle front face washing process of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the front surface of a vehicle is washed by the washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the vehicle side and underside cleaning process of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic top view showing a state in which the side of a vehicle is washed by the washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the underside of a vehicle is washed by the washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the vehicle rear washing process of FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the rear of a vehicle is washed by the washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a vehicle side and upper and lower surface washing process performed by a control unit of a washing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a cleaning device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a cleaning device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment 1] A cleaning device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0010] [Cleaning equipment configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the washing device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the washing device 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing device 1 includes a washing device main body 10, a vehicle height sensor 20, a position sensor 30, a support base 40, and a control unit 50. Note that the vehicle height sensor 20 is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0011] The washing device 1 is installed, for example, at a gas station or the like, and is a device for washing a vehicle X. The washing device 1 is a self-propelled device in which the vehicle X travels to a position where it can be washed by the washing device 1 and performs the washing. Note that the vehicle X to be washed by the washing device 1 may be, for example, a large vehicle such as a truck or a bus, or a special vehicle such as a dump truck or a compactor truck. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction of the washing device 1 are defined below as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0012] 1 and 2, the cleaning device main body 10 has a pair of support posts 11 and a horizontal portion 12. The pair of support posts 11 are erected at both sides in the width direction of the vehicle X traveling on the traveling surface R of the vehicle X, with a predetermined gap between them in the left-right direction.

[0013] A side nozzle 15 is provided on the inner side surface of each support pillar 11. In this case, four side nozzles 15 are provided on each support pillar 11. Each side nozzle 15 sprays cleaning liquid L onto the side surface of the vehicle X traveling on the traveling surface R, thereby cleaning the side surface of the vehicle X.

[0014] The horizontal section 12 is installed between a pair of support columns 11. The horizontal section 12 is supported by each support column 11 so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction, as indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 1 . The cleaning device main body 10 is equipped with a drive mechanism (not shown) that moves the horizontal section 12 up and down in the vertical direction. The control section 50 controls the lifting and lowering operation of the horizontal section 12 via the drive mechanism, thereby performing good cleaning of the vehicle X.

[0015] Here, a rectangular box-shaped recess 14 is provided directly below the horizontal portion 12 on the running surface R of the vehicle X. An opening is formed on the upper surface of the recess 14. A cover 16 that opens and closes the opening of the recess 14 is attached to the opening. A control unit 50 controls the opening and closing of the cover 16. The horizontal portion 12 is configured to be able to be housed in the recess 14 provided in the running surface R.

[0016] The horizontal portion 12 also has a plurality of first nozzles 131, a plurality of second nozzles 132, and a plurality of third nozzles 133. In this case, four of each of the first nozzles 131, second nozzles 132, and third nozzles 133 are provided. Each of the first nozzles 131, second nozzles 132, and third nozzles 133 is fixed to the horizontal portion 12. Each of the first nozzles 131, second nozzles 132, and third nozzles 133 is arranged side by side at intervals in the left-right direction. The first nozzles 131, second nozzles 132, and third nozzles 133 are examples of nozzles that spray cleaning liquid L onto the vehicle X according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Each first nozzle 131, each second nozzle 132, each third nozzle 133, and each side nozzle 15 is connected to a tank (not shown) in which cleaning liquid L containing shampoo, etc. is stored, and the cleaning liquid L is supplied from the tank.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the first nozzle 131 sprays the cleaning liquid L in a first direction. The first direction is the direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle X, which corresponds to the rear. The second nozzle 132 sprays the cleaning liquid L in a second direction. The second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction, which corresponds to the front. The third nozzle 133 sprays the cleaning liquid L upward. It should be noted that the numbers of the first nozzles 131, second nozzles 132, and third nozzles 133 can be changed as appropriate.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of support posts 11 are provided with vehicle height sensors 20. The vehicle height sensors 20 are sensors for detecting the height of vehicle X. The vehicle height sensors 20 are, for example, area sensors including a plurality of light-emitting units 20a and a plurality of light-receiving units 20b. The light-emitting units 20a are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on one support post 11 and emit light horizontally toward the other support post 11. The light-receiving units 20b are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction on the other support post 11 at positions corresponding to the light-emitting units 20a and receive light from the light-emitting units 20a. The vehicle height sensors 20 detect the height of vehicle X based on the number of optical axes blocked by vehicle X and output height information related to the detected height of vehicle X to the control unit 50. The arrangement positions and number of vehicle height sensors 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] For example, three support bases 40 may be provided in front of and behind one of the support pillars 11. Each support base 40 is provided with a position sensor 30. The forward-most position sensor 30 of the three position sensors 30 is disposed in front of the washer body 10. Two position sensors 30 are disposed at the rear of the washer body 10, spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. Each position sensor 30 acquires position information regarding the position of the vehicle X.

[0021] Specifically, the position sensor 30 is configured to include, for example, a light-projecting unit and a light-receiving unit. The position sensor 30 is a sensor that detects the position of the vehicle X by emitting laser light from the light-projecting unit to the vehicle X and receiving the reflected light with the light-receiving unit. The position sensor 30 detects the position of the vehicle X based on the time from when the laser light is emitted from the light-projecting unit to when the light is received by the light-receiving unit, and the angle of the received light. Furthermore, the rearmost position sensor 30 of the three position sensors 30 shown in FIG. 6 can detect that the vehicle X is moving forward.

[0022] 3, the control unit 50 has a vehicle position estimation unit 51, a lifting / lowering operation control unit 52, and a nozzle control unit 53. The control unit 50 may be built into the cleaning device main body 10 or may be disposed outside the cleaning device main body 10.

[0023] The control unit 50 is configured with a processor such as a CPU, and performs various controls by executing control programs stored in memory on the processor. The control unit 50 controls the driving of the horizontal unit 12 of the cleaning device main body 10, the first nozzle 131, the second nozzle 132, the third nozzle 133, and the side nozzles 15, etc., based on the detection results of the vehicle height sensor 20, the position sensor 30, etc.

[0024] The vehicle position estimation unit 51 estimates the position of the vehicle X based on the detection result by the position sensor 30. For example, the vehicle position estimation unit 51 estimates the position of the vehicle X in the front-to-rear direction based on the detection result by the position sensor 30. The lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 controls the lifting / lowering operation of the horizontal unit 12 based on the detection result by the vehicle height sensor 20. The lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 controls the height of the horizontal unit 12 based on height information of the vehicle X acquired from the vehicle height sensor 20, thereby efficiently washing the vehicle within a range according to the height of the vehicle X.

[0025] The nozzle control unit 53 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L by switching the nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid L between the first nozzle 131, the second nozzle 132, and the third nozzle 133 based on the position information of the vehicle X obtained from the position sensor 30.

[0026] [Vehicle washing process flow by the control unit] Next, an example of the flow of the vehicle washing process performed by the control unit 50 of the washing device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 11. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the vehicle washing process performed by the control unit 50 of the washing device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, in the first embodiment, the control unit 50 sequentially performs a vehicle front washing process (S1), a vehicle side and underside washing process (S2), and a vehicle rear washing process (S3). Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0027] First, the user operates an operation unit (not shown) provided on the washing device main body 10 to set the car wash conditions, pay the car wash fee, etc. The car wash conditions include the shape of the vehicle, the car wash method, the presence or absence of various accessories, etc. The car wash method includes water washing, shampoo washing, the presence or absence of wax coating, etc. In this embodiment, a case where shampoo washing is performed, for example, in the vehicle washing process will be described.

[0028] <Vehicle front cleaning treatment> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the vehicle front washing process S1 in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic side view showing the state when the washing device 1 is washing the front of the vehicle X. Note that the vehicle height sensor 20 is not shown in Fig. 6. Once the setting of the car wash conditions and the payment of the car wash fee are completed, the control unit 50 controls a display unit, a speaker, etc. (not shown) to guide the user to move the vehicle X to a position where the washing device 1 can start washing. The user parks the vehicle X, for example, at a predetermined position behind the washing device main body 10.

[0029] 5, the control unit 50 starts acquiring position information of the vehicle X from the position sensor 30 (S11) and starts acquiring height information of the vehicle X from the vehicle height sensor 20 (S12). At this time, the user moves the vehicle X to a position where the washing device 1 can start washing the vehicle.

[0030] After S12, the control unit 50 determines whether the vehicle X is located at a predetermined position in front of the washer main body 10 based on the position information of the vehicle X acquired by the position sensor 30 (S13). The predetermined position is a position where the vehicle X can be properly washed by the washer 1.

[0031] When the vehicle position estimation unit 51 determines that the vehicle X is located at a predetermined position rearward of the cleaning device main body 10 (S13: YES), the control unit 50 controls the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 using the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 so that the first nozzle 131 faces the front of the vehicle X. That is, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 controls the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 based on the position information of the vehicle X acquired by the position sensor 30 (S14). Alternatively, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 may control the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 according to the height of the vehicle X, as indicated by the hollow arrow in FIG. 6, based on height information of the vehicle X acquired from the vehicle height sensor 20. In S14, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 may position the horizontal unit 12 at, for example, the center position in the height direction of the front of the vehicle X. Alternatively, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 may cause the horizontal unit 12 to reciprocate vertically within a height range appropriate for cleaning the vehicle X, based on the height information of the vehicle X acquired from the vehicle height sensor 20.

[0032] After S14, the control unit 50 controls the spray direction based on the position information of the vehicle X acquired by the position sensor 30. Specifically, when the control unit 50 determines that the vehicle X is located at a predetermined position closer to the first direction than the cleaning device main body 10, the nozzle control unit 53 sprays the cleaning liquid L from the first nozzle 131, thereby spraying the cleaning liquid L in the first direction, as shown in FIG. 6 (S15). At this time, the cleaning liquid L is not sprayed from the second nozzle 132 and the third nozzle 133. In other words, the control unit 50 switches the nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid L to the first nozzle 131, thereby controlling the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid L is sprayed in the first direction. In this way, the front surface of the vehicle X can be well washed while reducing splashing of the cleaning liquid L to the surrounding area.

[0033] After S15, the control unit 50 determines whether washing of the front surface of the vehicle X has been completed (S16). In S16, the control unit 50 determines whether washing of the front surface of the vehicle X has been completed, for example, based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since washing of the front surface of the vehicle X began. The predetermined time is assumed to be set in advance based on the washing conditions of the vehicle X, etc. If the control unit 50 determines that washing of the front surface of the vehicle X has been completed (S16: YES), it terminates the vehicle front surface washing process S1 shown in FIG. 5.

[0034] <Vehicle side and underside cleaning treatment> Returning to FIG. 4, after S1, the control unit 50 executes the vehicle side and underside washing process (S2). Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the vehicle side and underside washing process S2 in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view showing the state when the washing device 1 is washing the side of the vehicle X. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing the state when the washing device 1 is washing the underside of the vehicle X. Note that the vehicle height sensor 20 is not shown in FIG. 9.

[0035] In the flowchart of Figure 7, the control unit 50 opens the cover 16 of the recess 14, and the lifting operation control unit 52 moves the horizontal unit 12 downward, so that the horizontal unit 12 is accommodated in the recess 14 provided in the running surface R, as shown in Figure 9 (S21).

[0036] Then, based on the position information acquired by the position sensor 30, the control unit 50 controls the vertical position of the horizontal portion 12 using the lifting operation control unit 52 so that the horizontal portion 12 is accommodated in the recess 14 while the vehicle X is passing between the pair of support pillars 11.

[0037] After S21, the nozzle control unit 53 of the control unit 50 starts washing the sides of the vehicle X by spraying the washing liquid L onto both side surfaces of the vehicle X from the side nozzles 15 (S22), as shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, based on the position information acquired by the position sensor 30, the nozzle control unit 53 starts washing the underside of the vehicle X by spraying the washing liquid L upward from the third nozzle 133 of the horizontal unit 12 housed in the recess 14 (S23), as shown in Fig. 9, while the vehicle X is passing between the pair of support posts 11.

[0038] After S23, the control unit 50 determines whether or not washing of the sides and underside of the vehicle X has been completed (S24). In S24, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the vehicle X has completely passed between the pair of support posts 11, for example, based on the detection result of the position sensor 30, and determines that washing of the sides and underside of the vehicle X has been completed when the vehicle X has completely passed between the pair of support posts 11.

[0039] When the control unit 50 determines that the washing of the side and underside of the vehicle X has been completed (S24: YES), it terminates the vehicle side and underside washing process S2 shown in Fig. 7. The determination of whether the washing of the side and underside of the vehicle X has been completed in S24 may be made based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the washing of the side and underside of the vehicle X was started. At this time, the user moves the vehicle X to a predetermined position in front of the washing device main body 10 and stops the vehicle.

[0040] <Vehicle rear washing process> Returning to Fig. 4, after S2, the control unit 50 executes the vehicle rear washing process (S3). Here, Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the vehicle rear washing process S3 in Fig. 4. In the flowchart of Fig. 10, the control unit 50 causes the lifting operation control unit 52 to move the horizontal unit 12 upward from the recessed portion 14 (S31). When the horizontal unit 12 comes out of the recessed portion 14, the control unit 50 closes the cover 16 of the recessed portion 14.

[0041] Next, when the control unit 50 determines via the vehicle position estimation unit 51 that the vehicle X is located at a predetermined position forward of the cleaning device main body 10, the control unit 50 controls via the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 so that the second nozzle 132 is positioned facing the rear surface of the vehicle X. That is, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 controls the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 based on the position information of the vehicle X acquired by the position sensor 30 (S32). Alternatively, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 may control the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 according to the height of the vehicle X, as indicated by the hollow arrow in FIG. 11 , based on the height information of the vehicle X acquired via the vehicle height sensor 20. In S32, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 may position the horizontal unit 12, for example, at the center position in the height direction of the front surface of the vehicle X. Alternatively, the lifting / lowering operation control unit 52 may cause the horizontal unit 12 to reciprocate vertically within a height range appropriate for cleaning the vehicle X, based on the height information of the vehicle X acquired from the vehicle height sensor 20. In FIG. 11, the vehicle height sensor 20 is omitted.

[0042] After S32, the control unit 50 controls the spray direction based on the position information of the vehicle X acquired by the position sensor 30. Specifically, when the control unit 50 determines that the vehicle X is located at a predetermined position on the second direction side of the cleaning device main body 10, the control unit 50 causes the nozzle control unit 53 to spray the cleaning liquid L from the second nozzle 132, thereby spraying the cleaning liquid L in the second direction, as shown in FIG. 11 (S33). At this time, the cleaning liquid L is not sprayed from the first nozzle 131 and the third nozzle 133. In other words, the control unit 50 switches the nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid L to the second nozzle 132, thereby controlling the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid L is sprayed in the second direction. This makes it possible to effectively clean the rear of the vehicle X while reducing splashing of the cleaning liquid L to the surrounding area.

[0043] After S33, the control unit 50 determines whether rear washing of the vehicle X has been completed (S34) in the same manner as in S16, and if it determines that rear washing of the vehicle X has been completed (S34: YES), it ends the vehicle rear washing process S3 shown in Fig. 10. In this way, the vehicle washing process by the washing device 1 is completed.

[0044] When the vehicle washing process is completed, the control unit 50 executes, according to the set car wash conditions, a water-draining process in which the washing liquid L is drained off by strong wind, a finishing washing process in which the vehicle X is finished washed by using pure water, a drying process in which the vehicle X is dried by blowing air, and the like.

[0045] According to the washing device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the control unit 50 switches the nozzle that sprays the washing liquid L between the first nozzle 131, the second nozzle 132, and the third nozzle 133 based on the position information of the vehicle X, and controls the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 and the spray direction of the washing liquid L, thereby making it possible to properly wash the front, rear, and underside of the vehicle X while reducing splashing of water around the vehicle X. In this way, the washing device 1 can be well washed with a simple configuration and space-saving design.

[0046] In particular, since the horizontal portion 12 is configured to be able to be housed in the recess 14 provided in the running surface R, the control unit 50 controls the horizontal portion 12 to be housed in the recess 14 as shown in FIG. 9 while the vehicle X is passing between the supports 11, and controls the cleaning liquid L to be sprayed upward from the third nozzle 133, thereby more reliably cleaning the underside of the vehicle X while preventing the cleaning liquid L from splashing around.

[0047] Furthermore, the side nozzles 15 provided on each of the pair of support posts 11 can effectively clean the sides of the vehicle X passing between the support posts 11.

[0048] [Embodiment 2] Next, a cleaning device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0049] [Cleaning equipment configuration] Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of the cleaning device 1A. As shown in Fig. 13, the cleaning device 1A of the second embodiment differs from the cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment in that the cleaning device main body 10A includes a second horizontal part 12B in addition to a first horizontal part 12A.

[0050] The washing device main body 10A has a pair of support posts 11, a first horizontal portion 12A, and a second horizontal portion 12B. The pair of support posts 11 are erected at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle X traveling on the traveling surface R. Although not shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that a vehicle height sensor 20 is disposed on the pair of support posts 11, as in FIG. 1.

[0051] The first horizontal section 12A is installed between the support columns 11 and configured to be able to move up and down between the vertical center of the support columns 11 and the recessed section 14. The first horizontal section 12A has a plurality of first nozzles 131A, a plurality of second nozzles 132A, and a plurality of third nozzles 133A. The first nozzles 131A, the second nozzles 132A, and the third nozzles 133A are each arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0052] The first nozzle 131A sprays the cleaning liquid L in a first direction, that is, backward. The second nozzle 132A sprays the cleaning liquid L in a second direction, that is, forward. The third nozzle 133A sprays the cleaning liquid L upward.

[0053] The second horizontal section 12B is installed between the support columns 11 and is configured to be able to move up and down between the top and center of the support columns 11. The first horizontal section 12A has a plurality of first nozzles 131B, a plurality of second nozzles 132B, and a plurality of fourth nozzles 133B. The first nozzles 131B, the second nozzles 132B, and the fourth nozzles 133B are each arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0054] The first nozzle 131B sprays the cleaning liquid L in a first direction, that is, backward. The second nozzle 132B sprays the cleaning liquid L in a second direction, that is, forward. The fourth nozzle 133B sprays the cleaning liquid L downward.

[0055] [Cleaning process flow by the control unit] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the vehicle side and upper and lower surface cleaning process S2A performed by the control unit 50 of the cleaning apparatus 1A. In the cleaning apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, the control unit 50 executes the vehicle side and upper and lower surface cleaning process S2A shown in FIG. 12 instead of the vehicle side and lower surface cleaning process S2 in FIG.

[0056] <Vehicle side and underside cleaning treatment> 4 is completed and the vehicle X enters between the support pillars 11, the control unit 50 performs the vehicle side and top and bottom surface washing process S2A shown in Fig. 12. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 50 opens the cover 16, and then causes the lifting operation control unit 52 to move the first horizontal section 12A downward and store the first horizontal section 12A in the recess 14 (S41).

[0057] Furthermore, the lifting operation control unit 52 moves the second horizontal unit 12B above the vehicle X before the vehicle passes between the support pillars (S42). This prevents the second horizontal unit 12B from interfering with the progress of the vehicle X. After S42, the nozzle control unit 53 of the control unit 50 sprays the cleaning liquid L from the side nozzles 15 onto both side surfaces of the vehicle X (S43).

[0058] After S43, the nozzle control unit 53 sprays the cleaning liquid L upward from the third nozzle 133A of the first horizontal unit 12A (S44), thereby cleaning the underside of the vehicle X. Furthermore, the nozzle control unit 53 sprays the cleaning liquid L downward from the fourth nozzle 133B of the second horizontal unit 12B (S45), thereby cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle X.

[0059] After S45, it is determined whether or not cleaning of the sides and top and bottom surfaces of the vehicle X has been completed (S46). In S46, the vehicle position estimation unit 51 of the control unit 50 determines whether or not the vehicle X has completely passed between the pair of support posts 11, for example, based on the detection result of the position sensor 30, and determines that cleaning of the sides and top and bottom surfaces of the vehicle X has been completed when the vehicle X has completely passed between the pair of support posts 11.

[0060] When the control unit 50 determines that the washing of the sides and top and bottom surfaces of the vehicle X has been completed (S46: YES), the control unit 50 terminates the vehicle side and top and bottom surface washing process S2A shown in Fig. 12. Then, the control unit 50 executes the vehicle rear surface washing process S3 shown in Fig. 4.

[0061] According to the washing device 1A of the second embodiment described above, while the vehicle X passes between the support posts 11, the washing liquid L is sprayed onto the side of the vehicle X from the side nozzle 15 (S43), the washing liquid L is sprayed upward from the third nozzle 133A housed in the recess 14 (S44), and further the washing liquid L is sprayed downward from the fourth nozzle 133B of the second horizontal portion 12B (S45), thereby simultaneously washing the side and top and bottom surfaces of the vehicle X. This allows the vehicle X to be washed quickly.

[0062] [Embodiment 3] Next, a cleaning device 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0063] Fig. 14 is a schematic side view of a cleaning device 1C according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, in the cleaning device 1C according to the third embodiment, a horizontal section 12C of a cleaning device main body 10C is configured to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The horizontal section 12C has a plurality of nozzles 131C arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the horizontal section 12C may have a single nozzle 131C.

[0064] The control unit 50 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L by rotating the horizontal unit 12C. Specifically, the nozzle control unit 53 of the control unit 50 switches the spray direction of the nozzle 131C between the first direction, the second direction, and the upward direction by rotating the horizontal unit 12C. Note that, although not shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that a vehicle height sensor 20 is disposed on the pair of support columns 11, as in FIG. 1.

[0065] [Vehicle washing process flow by the control unit] <Vehicle rear washing process> The washing apparatus 1C of the third embodiment differs from the washing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in the process steps S23 in the vehicle side and underside washing process S2 shown in FIG. 7 and S33 in the vehicle rear washing process S3 shown in FIG.

[0066] In S23 of FIG. 7, the nozzle control unit 53 rotates the horizontal unit 12C so that the spray direction of the nozzle 131C changes from the first direction to an upward direction, and sprays the spray liquid L onto the underside of the vehicle X, thereby cleaning the underside of the vehicle X.

[0067] Also, in S33 of FIG. 10, the nozzle control unit 53 rotates the horizontal portion 12C so that the spray direction of the nozzle 131C changes from the first direction to the second direction, i.e., forward, and sprays the spray liquid L onto the rear surface of the vehicle X, thereby cleaning the rear surface of the vehicle X.

[0068] The above-described cleaning device 1C of embodiment 3 can also achieve the same effects as the cleaning device 1 of embodiment 1. In particular, since the horizontal part 12C is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis as the rotation axis, the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L can be freely changed by rotating the horizontal part 12C using the control unit 50. As a result, even if there are inclined parts on the front or rear of the vehicle X, the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L can be adjusted in accordance with the inclined parts, thereby making it possible to more effectively clean the vehicle X.

[0069] Other Embodiments In the first embodiment described above, the horizontal unit 12 has a plurality of first nozzles 131, a plurality of second nozzles 132, and a plurality of third nozzles 133, but is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the first nozzles 131, the second nozzles 132, and the third nozzles 133, the horizontal unit 12 may have a fourth nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid L downward.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the washing devices 1, 1A, and 1C are described as including the vehicle height sensor 20 and the position sensor 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other sensors may also be included, for example, a shape sensor. This shape sensor is formed of a photoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, and detects the outer shape of the vehicle X. Based on the detection results from the shape sensor, the control unit 50 controls the vertical position of the horizontal unit 12 and the spray directions of the first nozzle 131, the second nozzle 132, and the third nozzle 133, thereby enabling more appropriate washing of the vehicle X.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the first nozzles 131, the second nozzles 132, and the third nozzles 133 are fixed to the horizontal portion 12, but this is not limiting and they may be configured to be oscillating. In this case, the control unit 50 adjusts the oscillating angles of the first nozzles 131, the second nozzles 132, and the third nozzles 133 in accordance with the position information of the vehicle X, thereby enabling higher quality washing.

[0072] 〔summary〕 (1) A cleaning device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a cleaning device body having a pair of support posts erected on both sides of a vehicle to be cleaned in the width direction, a horizontal section installed between the support posts and capable of moving up and down, a position sensor that acquires position information regarding the position of the vehicle, and a control unit. The horizontal section has a nozzle that sprays cleaning liquid onto the vehicle and can be accommodated in a recessed portion of the vehicle's running surface by the lifting and lowering movement. When cleaning the vehicle, the control unit controls the vertical position of the horizontal section and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid based on the position information.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the horizontal part having the nozzle can be accommodated in a recess provided on the travel surface, so that the underside of the vehicle can be cleaned by spraying cleaning liquid onto the underside of the vehicle from the nozzle of the horizontal part accommodated in the recess. Furthermore, the control unit controls the vertical position of the horizontal part and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid based on vehicle position information, so that the front, rear, and top of the vehicle can be properly cleaned. In this way, the vehicle can be effectively cleaned with a simple configuration while saving space.

[0074] (2) In a cleaning device according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1 above, the control unit controls the horizontal portion to be housed in the recess while the vehicle is passing between the pillars based on the position information.

[0075] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the horizontal portion to remain housed in the recess while the vehicle passes between the pillars, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from splashing around and allowing the underside of the vehicle to be properly cleaned.

[0076] (3) In a cleaning device according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1 or 2 above, the control unit controls the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed upward while the vehicle is passing between the pillars.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed upward while the vehicle passes between the pillars, thereby ensuring that the underside of the vehicle is cleaned while reducing water splashing onto the surrounding area.

[0078] (4) In the cleaning device according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, if the direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle is defined as a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, when the control unit determines based on the position information that the vehicle is located closer to the first direction or the second direction than the cleaning device main body, it controls the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed in the first direction or the second direction.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the control unit switches the spray direction of the cleaning liquid to the first direction or the second direction based on the vehicle's position information, thereby making it possible to effectively clean the front and rear of the vehicle while reducing splashing of the cleaning liquid around it.

[0080] (5) A washing device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including a vehicle height sensor that detects the height of the vehicle. The control unit controls the height of the horizontal portion when washing the vehicle based on height information obtained from the vehicle height sensor.

[0081] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the height of the horizontal section based on vehicle height information, thereby making it possible to effectively wash the vehicle while reducing splashing of the washing liquid around it.

[0082] (6) In a cleaning device according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 5 above, when a direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle is defined as a first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the horizontal unit includes a first nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid in the first direction, a second nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid in the second direction, and a third nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid upward. The control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid by switching the nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid based on the position information.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the control unit switches the nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid between the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle based on the vehicle's position information, thereby making it possible to properly clean the front, rear, and underside of the vehicle while reducing water splashing to the surrounding area.

[0084] (7) In a cleaning device according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the horizontal unit is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis as a rotation axis, and the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid by rotating the horizontal unit.

[0085] According to the above configuration, the horizontal portion is configured to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis as the rotation axis, and therefore, by rotating the horizontal portion using the control unit, the spray direction of the cleaning liquid can be changed with a simple configuration.

[0086] (8) A cleaning device according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 1 to 7, further comprising a second horizontal unit that is installed between the support pillars and is capable of moving up and down. The second horizontal unit has a nozzle that sprays cleaning liquid onto the vehicle. Based on the position information, the control unit controls the second horizontal unit to move above the vehicle before the vehicle passes between the support pillars.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the control unit can move the second horizontal section above the vehicle before the vehicle passes between the pillars, thereby preventing the second horizontal section from obstructing the vehicle's progress.

[0088] (9) In a cleaning device according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 8 above, the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the second horizontal section based on the position information while the vehicle is passing between the pillars so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed downward.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the second horizontal section to spray cleaning liquid downward while the vehicle passes between the pillars, thereby enabling the top surface of the vehicle to be properly cleaned while reducing water splashing to the surrounding area.

[0090] (10) In a washing device according to aspect 10 of the present disclosure, in any one of aspects 1 to 9, the support pillars are provided with side nozzles that wash the sides of the vehicle. With this configuration, the side nozzles provided on the support pillars can effectively wash the sides of the vehicle passing between the support pillars.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1, 1A, 1C cleaning equipment 10, 10A10C Cleaning device body 11 Posts 12, 12C horizontal section 12A 1st horizontal section 12B 2nd horizontal section 14 Recess 15 Side nozzle 20 Vehicle height sensor 30 Position Sensor 50 control section 131, 131A, 131B First nozzle (nozzle) 132, 132A, 132B Second nozzle (nozzle) 133, 133A 3rd nozzle 133B 4th nozzle 131C Nozzle L cleaning solution

Claims

1. a cleaning device body including a pair of support posts erected on both sides in the width direction of a vehicle to be cleaned, and a horizontal section that is installed between the support posts and is capable of moving up and down; a position sensor for acquiring position information relating to the position of the vehicle; a control unit, the horizontal portion has a nozzle for spraying a cleaning liquid onto the vehicle, and can be housed in a recess provided on a running surface of the vehicle by the lifting and lowering operation; The control unit controls the vertical position of the horizontal part and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid based on the position information when cleaning the vehicle.

2. The washing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the horizontal portion to be housed in the recess while the vehicle is passing between the support pillars, based on the position information.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed upward while the vehicle is passing between the support posts.

4. When the direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle is defined as a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining based on the position information that the vehicle is located on the first direction or the second direction side of the cleaning device main body, controls the spray direction so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed in the first direction or the second direction.

5. Further, a vehicle height sensor is provided to detect the height of the vehicle. The washing device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the height of the horizontal portion when washing the vehicle based on height information obtained from the vehicle height sensor.

6. When the direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle is defined as a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the horizontal portion includes a first nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid in the first direction, a second nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid in the second direction, and a third nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid upward; The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a spray direction of the cleaning liquid by switching a nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid based on the position information.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the horizontal unit is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, and the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid by rotating the horizontal unit.

8. Further provided is a second horizontal section that is installed between the support columns and is capable of moving up and down, the second horizontal portion has a nozzle that sprays a cleaning liquid onto the vehicle, The washing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the second horizontal unit to move above the vehicle before the vehicle passes between the support pillars, based on the position information.

9. 9. The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the second horizontal portion based on the position information while the vehicle is passing between the pillars so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed downward.

10. 10. The washing device of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a side nozzle for washing the side of the vehicle.

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