Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device which may control each part of a vehicle during a cleaning step of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A cleaning device (1) includes: a cleaning unit (11) having nozzles (111, 112, 113) configured to jet a cleaning fluid (L) to a garbage truck (2); a position sensor (12) which acquires position information on a position of the garbage truck (2); a communication unit (15); and a control unit (10). The control unit (10) controls each part of the cleaning unit (11) on the basis of the position information and controls each part (24, 28, 29, 231) of the garbage truck (2) through the communication unit (15) to clean the garbage truck (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method for cleaning vehicles such as garbage collection trucks.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a cleaning device that enables a vehicle to be cleaned in an appropriate state. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a car wash device that receives vehicle state information such as the opening and closing states of doors and windows from a vehicle and washes the vehicle when the vehicle state information satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0003] When the vehicle state information of the car wash device of Patent Document 1 does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, a control signal for changing the state of each part of the vehicle is output to the vehicle, and after changing each part of the vehicle to a state suitable for car washing, car washing is executed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, there are vehicles with special shapes such as garbage collection trucks. For example, when cleaning a garbage collection truck having a hopper, it is necessary to open and close the hopper during the cleaning process in order to clean the outer surface of the vehicle and the inside of the garbage storage box.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a cleaning device capable of controlling each part of a vehicle during a vehicle cleaning process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a cleaning apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cleaning unit having a nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid onto a vehicle to be cleaned, a position sensor for acquiring position information relating to the position of the vehicle, a communication unit for wireless communication with the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit cleans the vehicle by controlling each part of the cleaning unit and each part of the vehicle via the communication unit based on the position information.

[0008] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, a cleaning method is provided in which a control unit executes a cleaning process that controls each part of a cleaning device having a cleaning unit that sprays cleaning fluid onto a vehicle, and each part of the vehicle, based on position information from a position sensor that acquires position information relating to the position of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, various parts of a vehicle can be controlled during the vehicle cleaning process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the cleaning of a garbage truck using a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing device and a garbage truck according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view of a garbage truck, which is the target of cleaning by the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the cleaning process flow by the control unit of the cleaning device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first cleaning process S1. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second cleaning process S2. [Figure 8]Figure 7 is a side view showing the cleaning process of a garbage truck by the cleaning device at S24. [Figure 9] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the closing process S3. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing the cleaning process of a garbage truck by a cleaning device during the closing phase. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0012] [Configuration of the cleaning device] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the cleaning of a garbage truck 2 by the cleaning device 1. Figure 2 is a front view of the cleaning device 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cleaning device 1 and the garbage truck 2. For the sake of explanation, the vertical, horizontal, and left-right directions of the cleaning device 1 are defined below as indicated by the arrows in Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] The cleaning device 1 is a device that cleans a vehicle by spraying a cleaning liquid L onto the vehicle to be cleaned. Below, as an example of a vehicle to be cleaned, we will describe the case in which a garbage truck 2 having an openable and closable hopper 24 is cleaned using the cleaning device 1. Note that the vehicle is not limited to the garbage truck 2, but can be any vehicle that can drive a part of itself by receiving a control signal, such as a dump truck. More specifically, the vehicle can be any vehicle that can drive a drive unit related to opening and closing the cargo box and cargo bed, or dumping up, by receiving a control signal.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cleaning device 1 comprises a control unit 10, a cleaning unit 11, a position sensor 12, a pair of support columns 13, a guard member 14, a communication unit 15, a memory 16, an operation unit 17, and a notification unit 18.

[0015] The control unit 10 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, a cleaning unit 11, a position sensor 12, a communication unit 15, a memory 16, an operation unit 17, and a notification unit 18 are electrically connected to the control unit 10.

[0016] The control unit 10 performs various controls by executing a control program stored in the memory 16 on the processor. The control unit 10 controls each part of the cleaning unit 11 based on the position information regarding the position of the garbage collection vehicle 2 acquired by the position sensor 12.

[0017] Also, the control unit 10 can communicate with the transceiver 201 of the garbage collection vehicle 2 via the communication unit 15. The control unit 10 controls each part of the garbage collection vehicle 2 by transmitting a control signal to the control panel 210 of the garbage collection vehicle 2 via the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201. Note that the control unit 10 may be built in the cleaning unit 11 or the support column 13, or may be arranged outside the cleaning unit 11 or the support column 13.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning unit 11 is supported by a pair of support columns 13. The cleaning unit 11 is configured to be vertically movable via a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0019] The cleaning unit 11 has a first nozzle 111, a second nozzle 112, and a third nozzle 113. The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are examples of nozzles that inject the cleaning liquid L onto the vehicle to be cleaned.

[0020] The cleaning unit 11 is rotatable about an axis 110 extending in the left - right direction by a predetermined angle, for example, about 40° in the vertical direction. The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are fixed to the cleaning unit 11, and their injection directions move in the vertical direction as the cleaning unit 11 rotates.

[0021] The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are each configured to swivel in the left-right direction within a predetermined range, for example, about 40°. However, if the range of the cleaning liquid L sprayed by each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 is wide enough, the first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 may not swivel in the left-right direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the spray distances of the cleaning solution L from the first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 may be different. For example, the spray distance of the first nozzle 111 may be greater than the spray distances of the second nozzle 112 and the third nozzle 113.

[0023] The first nozzle 111, the second nozzle 112, and the third nozzle 113 are connected to a tank (not shown) that stores a cleaning solution L containing shampoo or the like, and the cleaning solution L is supplied from this tank.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, a position sensor 12 is provided in front of each support column 13. The position sensor 12 comprises a light emitter 12a and a light receiver (not shown) that receives light from the light emitter 12a, and is supported by a support member 120. The light emitter 12a has a plurality of light-emitting units 121a. The light receiver has a plurality of light-receiving units (not shown) that are paired with the plurality of light-emitting units 121a.

[0025] Multiple light-emitting units 121a and multiple light-receiving units are arranged facing each other across the movement path R of the garbage truck 2. The multiple light-emitting units 121a and multiple light-receiving units form multiple horizontal optical axes that intersect the movement path R of the garbage truck 2 at right angles.

[0026] At least some of the multiple optical axes are located between the rear end of the reversing garbage truck 2 and the washing device 1. The position sensor 12 is an area sensor that detects when the optical axis is obstructed by the garbage truck 2 or an object such as a person, and detects the position of the garbage truck 2 or the object. The position sensor 12 can also detect the state of various parts of the garbage truck 2, such as the open / closed state of the hopper 24.

[0027] A pair of support columns 13 are erected on both sides of the width direction of the washing unit 11, with a predetermined distance between them in the left-right direction. The pair of support columns 13 support the washing unit 11 so that it can move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0028] A guard member 14 is positioned at the top of each support column 13, straddling the space between each support column 13. The guard member 14 is made of, for example, a square pipe and is a component that protects the washing unit 11 and each support column 13 in the event that the hopper 24 of the garbage truck 2 or the like collides with the washing device 1.

[0029] The communication unit 15 is for wireless communication with the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2, and has an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 15 communicates with the transceiver 201 at a predetermined frequency. This frequency is set for each garbage truck 2.

[0030] In addition, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, and Wi-Fi® may also be used as the communication method between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201.

[0031] Memory 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. Memory 16 stores control programs and the like for operating each part of the washing device 1. Memory 16 also stores multiple different frequencies associated with the chassis number or registration number of each of the multiple garbage trucks 2.

[0032] The control unit 17 is located, for example, on the side of the support column 13. The control unit 17 has a touch panel and buttons, etc., and is used to input the washing conditions of the garbage truck 2 by the washing device 1. The control unit 17 may be located at a predetermined distance from the support column 13, and the position of the control unit 17 can be changed as appropriate.

[0033] The notification unit 18 has, for example, multiple indicator lights. As shown in Figure 2, the notification unit 18 has a green indicator light 181, a red indicator light 182, and a yellow indicator light 183, etc. The green indicator light 181 notifies the vehicle to reverse because the distance between the garbage truck 2 and the washing device 1 in the front-rear direction is too great.

[0034] The red indicator light 182 signals that the garbage truck 2 is at the washing position P and has stopped. The washing position P is a position where the washing unit 11 can properly wash the items to be washed. For example, the washing position P is set to a position where the rear of the garbage truck 2 is detected by the position sensor 12. The yellow indicator light 183 signals that the vehicle should move forward because the distance between the garbage truck 2 and the washing device 1 in the front-rear direction is too close.

[0035] [Composition of a garbage truck] Figure 4 is a side view of the garbage truck 2. As shown in Figure 4, the garbage truck 2 comprises a cab 21, a chassis 22, and wheels W. The cab 21 and chassis 22 constitute the vehicle body 20. Note that the vehicle to be washed is not limited to the garbage truck 2; for example, it could be a dump truck. For the sake of explanation, the vertical and longitudinal directions of the garbage truck 2 are defined below as shown by the arrows in Figure 4.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a waste container 23 is mounted on the chassis 22. An opening 23a is formed on the rear surface of the waste container 23. A hopper 24 that can be opened and closed is provided in the opening 23a. The hopper 24 is opened and closed by tilting it around a pin 26 by a tilting cylinder 25 provided between the waste container 23 and the hopper 24.

[0037] An inlet (not shown) is formed at the rear of the hopper 24. Inside the hopper 24, there is a waste loading device (not shown) for compressing the waste put into the inlet and loading it into the waste collection box 23. Also, as shown in Figure 1, a sliding plate 28 is housed inside the hopper 24. The sliding plate 28 is formed to extend across the full width of the hopper 24. The sliding plate 28 moves diagonally up and down by the extension and retraction of a sliding cylinder (not shown).

[0038] A compression plate 29 is supported at the lower end of the sliding plate 28. The compression plate 29 is arranged to swing freely in the front-rear direction by the extension and retraction of the oscillating cylinder 29a. The compression plate 29 is formed to extend across the full width of the hopper 24. The tip of the compression plate 29 is bent forward.

[0039] A discharge plate 231 is slidably mounted inside the waste collection box 23 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. The discharge plate 231 is a plate-shaped member and is formed to be approximately the same size as the width and height of the waste collection box 23. The discharge plate 231 slides back and forth inside the waste collection box 23 by the extension and retraction of the discharge cylinder 231a.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, an operation panel 202 is provided inside the cab 21. A rear panel 203 is located at the rear of the hopper 24. The operation panel 202 and the rear panel 203 are equipped with a down button for lowering the sliding plate 28, an up button for raising the sliding plate 28, a reverse button for reversing the compression plate 29, and an emergency stop button, etc.

[0041] Next, the electrical configuration of the garbage truck 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the transceiver 201 is for wireless communication with the communication unit 15 of the washing device 1. The transceiver 201 transmits the control signal sent from the control unit 10 via the communication unit 15 to the control panel 210.

[0042] The control panel 202 issues commands to the control panel 210. The commands from the control panel 202 are input to the control panel 210. In addition, commands from the rear panel 203 are input to the control panel 210.

[0043] The control panel 210 controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 based on control signals from the control unit 10, the operation panel 202, and the rear panel 203. The hydraulic switching unit 204 has a plurality of solenoid valves (not shown). The hydraulic switching unit 204 controls the hopper 24, sliding plate 28, compression plate 29, discharge plate 231, etc., via a plurality of cylinders.

[0044] Specifically, the hopper 24 is opened and closed by a tilting cylinder 25. The sliding plate 28 is raised or lowered by a sliding cylinder. The compression plate 29 is compressed or reversed by a swinging cylinder 29a. The discharge plate 231 moves back and forth within the waste collection box 23 by a discharge cylinder 231a.

[0045] Each cylinder is supplied with hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump (not shown) via a hydraulic switching unit 204 and piping. The hydraulic pump is driven by power from the engine (not shown) of the garbage truck 2.

[0046] The control panel 210 controls the operation of a desired part via a cylinder by switching the opening and closing ports of each solenoid valve of the hydraulic switching unit 204. Specifically, the control panel 210 controls the opening and closing operation of the hopper 24, the raising or lowering operation of the sliding plate 28, the compression or reversal operation of the compression plate 29, and the forward and backward movement of the discharge plate 231.

[0047] [Cleaning process flow by the control unit] Next, an example of the cleaning process flow by the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 10. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the cleaning process flow by the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1.

[0048] In the flowchart shown in Figure 5, the control unit 10 sequentially executes the first cleaning step (S1), the second cleaning step (S2), and the closing step (S3) during the cleaning process. Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is just an example and is not limited to this. The following description will focus on the case where the driver of the garbage truck 2 cleans the garbage truck 2, but the process is not limited to this, and the garbage truck 2 may also be cleaned by a dedicated worker.

[0049] First, the driver obtains a predetermined frequency to be used for communication between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2. Specifically, the driver inputs the chassis number or registration number of the garbage truck 2 into the operation unit 17 of the washing device 1. The control unit 10 refers to the input chassis number or registration number, obtains the frequency of the garbage truck 2 to be washed from the memory 16, and displays the obtained frequency on the display unit (not shown). The driver sets the frequency of the communication unit 15 to the frequency displayed on the display unit, thereby enabling wireless communication between the washing device 1 and the garbage truck 2.

[0050] Alternatively, a password may be set for each chassis number or registration number of each garbage truck 2, and when the chassis number or registration number and the password are entered into the operation unit 17, wireless communication may be enabled between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2.

[0051] <First Washing Process> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first cleaning process S1 in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 starts acquiring the position information of the garbage truck 2 using the position sensor 12 (S11).

[0052] After S11, the control unit 10 determines whether the garbage truck 2 is in a predetermined washing position P based on the position information from the position sensor 12 (S12). The washing position P is a position in which the washing device 1 can properly wash the rear of the garbage truck 2, and is set considering the spray distance of the spray liquid L ejected from each nozzle 111, 112, 113, etc.

[0053] Until garbage truck 2 reaches washing position P (S12:NO), the driver of garbage truck 2 reverses garbage truck 2 to bring it closer to washing device 1. When garbage truck 2 is in a position further ahead than washing device 1, the control unit 10 illuminates the green indicator light 181 of the notification unit 18 to notify the driver that garbage truck 2 is reversing.

[0054] When the garbage truck 2 reaches the washing position P (S12: YES), the control unit 10 illuminates the red indicator light 182 of the notification unit 18 (S13) to notify the driver that the garbage truck 2 has stopped. The driver visually confirms that the red indicator light 182 is lit and stops the garbage truck 2 at the washing position P. If the garbage truck 2 is too close to the washing device 1, the control unit 10 illuminates the yellow indicator light 183 of the notification unit 18 to notify the driver that the garbage truck 2 should move forward.

[0055] Next, the driver operates the control unit 17 to start cleaning the rear of the garbage truck 2 with the cleaning device 1. When the control unit 10 receives the driver's instruction to start cleaning via the control unit 17 (S14: YES), it starts cleaning the front side of the hopper 24 (S15).

[0056] Specifically, with the hopper 24 closed, the control unit 10 rotates each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 in the left-right direction, and as shown in Figure 1, directs the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 diagonally upward forward, and sprays cleaning liquid L from each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 to start cleaning the upper front side of the hopper 24.

[0057] Next, the control unit 10 raises the cleaning unit 11 while controlling the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 (S16). Specifically, the control unit 10 gradually raises the cleaning unit 11 and gradually moves the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 diagonally downward forward while continuing to spray the cleaning liquid L, thereby cleaning the central and lower parts of the front side of the hopper 24 in the vertical direction.

[0058] In this way, while raising the cleaning unit 11, the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 is gradually moved from diagonally upward forward to diagonally downward forward, cleaning the hopper 24 from top to bottom. This allows the debris attached to the upper front side of the hopper 24 to fall off, and then the lower front side of the hopper 24 to be cleaned. In other words, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L according to the area of ​​the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned, thereby effectively cleaning the garbage truck 2.

[0059] Furthermore, when the cleaning unit 11 cleans the front side of the hopper 24, the control unit 10 may send control signals to the control panel 210 via the communication unit 15 to raise and lower the sliding plate 28, or compress and reverse the compression plate 29. This makes it possible to thoroughly clean the front side of the hopper 24.

[0060] After S16, the control unit 10 determines whether the cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is complete (S17). In S17, the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed for cleaning the front side of the hopper 24, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, it determines that the cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is complete.

[0061] The control unit 10 continues cleaning the front side of the hopper 24 until cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is completed (S17: NO). When it determines that cleaning of the front side of the hopper 24 is complete (S17: YES), it lowers the cleaning unit 11 to a predetermined position (S18). In this way, the control unit 10 prevents the hopper 24 from colliding with the cleaning unit 11 by positioning the cleaning unit 11 downward before opening the hopper 24 in S21, which will be described later. With this, the first cleaning step S1 shown in Figure 6 is completed.

[0062] <Second Washing Process> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second washing process S2 in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 10 starts the operation to open the hopper 24 (S21). Specifically, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal to the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15 to open the hopper 24.

[0063] When the control panel 210 of the garbage truck 2 receives a control signal from the washing device 1 via the transceiver 201, it controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 to perform an opening operation that changes the hopper 24 from a closed state to an open state.

[0064] After S21, the control unit 10 starts cleaning the back of the hopper 24 by spraying cleaning liquid L towards the back of the hopper 24 while the hopper 24 is being opened. Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, 113 while raising the cleaning unit 11 (S22). At this time, the control unit 10 rotates each nozzle 111, 112, 113 in the left and right directions, and sprays cleaning liquid L from each nozzle 111, 112, 113 with the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, 113 directed diagonally upward forward.

[0065] The control unit 10 then gradually opens the hopper 24 and gradually raises the cleaning unit 11, while gradually moving the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 diagonally downward forward so that the entire back side of the hopper 24 is cleaned. At this time, the control unit 10 detects the degree to which the hopper 24 is open based on the detection result of the position sensor 12, and controls the vertical position of the cleaning unit 11 and the spray direction of the spray liquid L according to the degree to which the hopper 24 is open. This makes it possible for the cleaning unit 11 to thoroughly clean the back side of the hopper 24.

[0066] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 is complete (S23). In S23, the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed for cleaning the back side of the hopper 24, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, it determines that the cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 is complete. It is assumed that the opening operation of the hopper 24 is completed before the cleaning of the back side of the hopper 24 is complete.

[0067] Here, Figure 8 is a side view showing the cleaning of the garbage truck 2 by the cleaning device 1 in S24 of Figure 7. The control unit 10 repeats S23 until the cleaning of the back of the hopper 24 is completed (S23: NO), and once the cleaning of the back of the hopper 24 is completed (S23: YES), as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of each nozzle 111, 112, 113 so that the spray liquid L is sprayed into the garbage container 23, thereby cleaning the inside of the garbage container 23 (S24).

[0068] In S24, the control unit 10 moves the discharge plate 231 in the forward and backward directions while the cleaning unit 11 cleans the inside of the garbage container 23. Specifically, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal to the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15 to move the discharge plate 231 in the forward and backward directions.

[0069] When the control panel 210 of the garbage truck 2 receives a control signal from the cleaning device 1 via the transceiver 201, it controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 to move the discharge plate 231 in the forward and backward directions. This makes it possible to thoroughly clean the entire inside of the garbage container 23.

[0070] The control unit 10 repeats S24 until the cleaning of the inside of the waste container 23 is completed (S25: NO), and when the cleaning of the inside of the waste container 23 is completed (S25: YES), it terminates the second cleaning step S2 shown in Figure 7.

[0071] <Closing process> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the closing process S3 in Figure 5. Figure 10 is a side view showing the area around the garbage truck 2 by the cleaning device 1 during the closing process S3. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 starts acquiring the position information of the garbage truck 2 using the position sensor 12 (S31).

[0072] After S31, the control unit 10 starts the closing operation of the hopper 24, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 10 (S32). In S32, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal to the transceiver 201 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15 to close the hopper 24.

[0073] When the control panel 210 of the garbage truck 2 receives a control signal from the washing device 1 via the transceiver 201, it controls the hydraulic switching unit 204 to perform a closing operation that moves the hopper 24 from an open state to an open state.

[0074] After S32, the control unit 10 determines, based on the detection result of the position sensor 12, whether there are any objects other than the garbage truck 2, such as the driver M, between the garbage truck 2 and the washing unit 11 (S33). When the position sensor 12 detects that the optical axis is blocked by the driver M or the like, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 10. Based on the detection signal from the position sensor 12, the washing device 1 can detect that there are objects other than the parts of the garbage truck 2 between the garbage truck 2 and the washing device 1.

[0075] Based on the detection signal from the position sensor 12, the control unit 10 determines that a driver M or the like is present between the garbage truck 2 and the washing unit 11, as shown in Figure 10 (S33: YES), and executes a predetermined warning operation (S34).

[0076] In S34, the control unit 10 performs warning actions such as illuminating an indicator light (not shown) of the notification unit 18 to show a warning, or outputting a warning sound from a speaker (not shown). Subsequently, the control unit 10 stops the operation of each part of the washing device 1 and each part of the garbage truck 2 (S35). This makes it possible to avoid a collision between the driver M and the hopper 24 of the garbage truck 2.

[0077] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that there is no driver M or other person between the garbage truck 2 and the washing unit 11 (S33: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the closing operation of the hopper 24 has been completed (S36). If the closing operation of the hopper 24 has been completed (S36: YES), the control unit 10 terminates the closing process S3 shown in Figure 8.

[0078] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the cleaning device 1 described above, during the second cleaning process S2 of the garbage truck 2, the control unit 10 can control the nozzles 111, 112, 113, etc. of the cleaning unit 11, as well as the hopper 24 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15. This eliminates the need for personnel to operate the operation panel 202, etc. on the garbage truck 2 side during the second cleaning process S2.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can simultaneously control various parts of the garbage truck 2 and the cleaning unit 11, such as cleaning the back of the hopper 24 with the cleaning unit 11 while the hopper 24 of the garbage truck 2 is being opened. This shortens the cleaning time of the garbage truck 2 by the cleaning device 1, allowing the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned efficiently.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can synchronize the operation of various parts of the garbage truck 2 and the cleaning unit 11 according to the area of ​​the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned. For example, it can move the discharge plate 231 of the garbage truck 2 in the front-rear direction while the cleaning unit 11 cleans the inside of the garbage container 23. This allows for a more effective cleaning of the garbage truck 2.

[0081] Furthermore, when the garbage truck 2 approaches the cleaning device 1, the control unit 10 uses the position information from the position sensor 12 to notify the driver of the garbage truck 2 via the notification unit 18 about the vehicle's approach. This allows the driver to stop the garbage truck 2 at the predetermined cleaning position P. Consequently, it becomes possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the cleaning device 1 and the garbage truck 2, and the cleaning unit 11 can thoroughly clean each part of the garbage truck 2.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first cleaning step S1 and the second cleaning step S2, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L from each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 so that the upper side of the garbage truck 2 is cleaned before the lower side. This allows the garbage on the upper side of the garbage truck 2 to fall off before the lower side is cleaned, enabling the cleaning unit 11 to thoroughly clean the garbage truck 2.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L according to the area to be cleaned on the garbage truck 2. For example, as shown in Figure 1, when cleaning the upper part of the garbage truck 2, the control unit 10 controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L from each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 to the upward direction.

[0084] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when cleaning the lower part of the garbage truck 2, the control unit 10 controls the direction of spraying the cleaning liquid L from each nozzle 111, 112, and 113 downwards. In this way, the cleaning unit 11 can effectively clean the garbage truck 2.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 10 controls the vertical position of the cleaning unit 11 and the spray direction of the cleaning liquid L according to the part of the garbage truck 2 to be cleaned. For example, as shown in Figure 1, when cleaning the upper part of the garbage truck 2, the cleaning unit 11 is positioned downwards and the cleaning liquid L is sprayed upwards. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when cleaning the lower part of the garbage truck 2, the cleaning unit 11 is moved upwards and the cleaning liquid L is sprayed downwards. In this way, even a garbage truck 2 with a special shape can be cleaned effectively by the cleaning unit 11.

[0086] [Other Embodiments] In the embodiment described above, the cleaning unit 11 moves up and down, but it is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured not to move up and down. For example, three cleaning units 11 may be fixed and arranged at the top, middle, and bottom between a pair of support columns 13.

[0087] Furthermore, although the cleaning unit 11 is provided to have three nozzles, a first nozzle 111, a second nozzle 112, and a third nozzle 113, it is not limited to this configuration, and the number and arrangement of the nozzles may be changed as appropriate.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 10 starts the hopper 24 opening operation (S21) while the second cleaning step S2 is being executed. However, the system is not limited to this, and the second cleaning step S2 may be executed after the hopper 24 has been opened.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the driver moves the garbage truck 2 to the washing position P, but this is not the only option. For example, multiple actuators may be provided to operate the steering wheel, shift lever, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, etc., of the garbage truck 2, and the control unit 10 of the washing device 1 may transmit control signals to the control panel 210 of the garbage truck 2 via the communication unit 15 to control each actuator, thereby stopping the garbage truck 2 at the washing position P. In this case, the driver does not have to drive the garbage truck 2 when it is being washed.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the driver obtains the frequency used for wireless communication between the communication unit 15 and the transceiver 201 by inputting the chassis number or registration number of the garbage truck 2 into the operation unit 17 of the washing device 1, but the system is not limited to this. For example, a sticker with a two-dimensional code printed on it may be affixed to the garbage truck 2, and the two-dimensional code may contain data related to the frequency associated with the chassis number or registration number. In this case, the driver can obtain the above frequency by reading the two-dimensional code with a reader such as a portable terminal.

[0091] 〔summary〕 (1) A cleaning apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a cleaning unit having a nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid onto a vehicle to be cleaned, a position sensor for acquiring position information relating to the position of the vehicle, a communication unit for wireless communication with the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit cleans the vehicle by controlling each part of the cleaning unit and each part of the vehicle via the communication unit based on the position information.

[0092] With the above configuration, during the vehicle cleaning process, the control unit of the cleaning device can control not only the parts of the cleaning unit but also the parts of the vehicle via the communication unit. This reduces the number of personnel required to operate the vehicle's control panel and other controls when cleaning the vehicle. Furthermore, by using the position information from the position sensor, it is possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the vehicle and the cleaning device, allowing the cleaning unit to thoroughly clean all parts of the vehicle.

[0093] (2) In the cleaning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1 described above, the control unit performs a cleaning process that includes a plurality of cleaning steps for cleaning each part of the vehicle, and controls each part of the vehicle and / or each part of the cleaning unit in each of the plurality of cleaning steps.

[0094] With the above configuration, the control unit can operate or synchronize various parts of the vehicle and / or the cleaning device according to the cleaning process. Furthermore, since the control unit can simultaneously control various parts of the vehicle and the cleaning device during the cleaning process, the cleaning time can be shortened.

[0095] (3) The cleaning device according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure includes a notification unit that notifies the driver of the vehicle in embodiment 1 or 2. The control unit transmits a notification instruction to the notification unit that instructs it to notify based on the location information.

[0096] With the above configuration, when the vehicle approaches the washing device, i.e., when the vehicle is reversing, the notification unit provides notification regarding the vehicle's entry based on the vehicle's position information, allowing the driver to stop the vehicle in the appropriate position. This enables the washing device to thoroughly clean the vehicle.

[0097] (4) In the cleaning apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, in any of Embodiments 1 to 3 above, the position sensor is an area sensor that detects objects other than the vehicle by forming multiple horizontal optical axes perpendicular to the vehicle's movement path using multiple light-emitting units and multiple light-receiving units. At least a portion of the multiple optical axes is located between the vehicle and the cleaning apparatus.

[0098] With the above configuration, the area sensor can detect not only the vehicle's position but also the presence of objects other than the vehicle between the vehicle and the washing device during the vehicle washing process. This makes it possible to avoid collisions between the vehicle and other objects.

[0099] (5) In the cleaning method according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, a control unit executes a cleaning process that controls each part of a cleaning device having a cleaning unit that sprays cleaning fluid onto the vehicle, and each part of the vehicle, based on position information from a position sensor that acquires position information relating to the position of the vehicle.

[0100] With the above configuration, by using the position information from the position sensor, it is possible to maintain an appropriate distance between the vehicle and the washing device, and the washing unit can thoroughly clean each part of the vehicle. Furthermore, since each part of the vehicle can be controlled via the communication unit in addition to each part of the washing device, the number of personnel required to operate the vehicle's control panel, etc., when washing the vehicle can be reduced.

[0101] (6) In the cleaning method according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 5 above, the vehicle is a garbage truck having an openable and closable hopper. The cleaning process includes a first cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid toward the garbage truck with the hopper closed, and a second cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid toward the inside of the garbage truck with the hopper open.

[0102] With the above configuration, the control unit of the cleaning device can simultaneously control the opening and closing of the garbage truck's hopper and the cleaning unit, enabling efficient cleaning of the garbage truck.

[0103] (7) In the cleaning method according to embodiment 7 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 6, in the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step, the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid so that cleaning proceeds from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the spray direction of the cleaning solution is moved from top to bottom, cleaning the upper side of the garbage truck before the lower side. This allows the garbage on the upper side of the garbage truck to fall off before the lower side is cleaned, resulting in a thorough cleaning of the garbage truck.

[0105] (8) In the cleaning method according to embodiment 8 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 6 or 7, the cleaning unit is movable in the vertical direction. After the first cleaning step, the control unit positions the cleaning unit below the cleaning device before opening the hopper.

[0106] With the above configuration, the control unit can prevent the hopper from colliding with the cleaning unit by positioning the cleaning unit downward before opening the hopper.

[0107] (9) In the cleaning method according to embodiment 9 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 6 to 8, in the second cleaning step, the control unit sprays the cleaning liquid toward each part of the garbage truck while the hopper is being opened or closed.

[0108] With the above configuration, the control unit sprays cleaning fluid towards various parts of the garbage truck while the hopper is opening or closing, allowing the cleaning device to clean efficiently and shortening the cleaning time.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, 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]

[0110] 1. Washing device 2 Garbage truck 10 Control Unit 11 Washing Unit 12 Position Sensors 15 Communications Department 18 Hochi Department 24 Hoppa 28 Sliding plate 29 Compression plate 111 Nozzle No. 1 112 Nozzle No. 2 113 Third Nozzle 231 Discharge plate L Cleaning Solution S1 First cleaning process S2 2nd cleaning process S3 Closing process

Claims

1. A cleaning unit having a nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid onto a stationary vehicle, A position sensor that acquires information on whether the vehicle is parked at the washing location, A communication unit that communicates wirelessly with the aforementioned vehicle, It comprises a control unit and, A cleaning device that cleans a vehicle by controlling each part of the cleaning unit based on the information and controlling each part of the vehicle via the communication unit.

2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a cleaning process that includes a plurality of cleaning steps for cleaning each part of the vehicle, and controls each part of the vehicle via the communication unit during the cleaning process to operate the movable parts of the vehicle in accordance with the cleaning steps.

3. The vehicle is equipped with a notification unit that notifies the driver of the vehicle, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit transmits a notification instruction to the notification unit to instruct it to provide notification based on the information.

4. A cleaning method comprising a cleaning device having a cleaning unit that sprays cleaning fluid onto a vehicle based on information from a position sensor that obtains information on whether the vehicle is stopped at a cleaning location, and a control unit that controls the various parts of the vehicle.

5. The aforementioned vehicle is a garbage truck having a hopper that can be opened and closed, The cleaning process includes a first cleaning step in which the cleaning liquid is sprayed toward the garbage truck with the hopper closed, The cleaning method according to claim 4, comprising a second cleaning step of spraying the cleaning liquid into the garbage collection vehicle while the hopper is open.

6. The cleaning method according to claim 5, wherein in the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step, the control unit controls the spray direction of the cleaning liquid so that cleaning proceeds from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.

7. The cleaning unit is movable in the vertical direction. The cleaning method according to claim 5, wherein, after the first cleaning step, the control unit positions the cleaning unit below the cleaning device before opening the hopper.

8. The cleaning method according to claim 5, wherein in the second cleaning step, the control unit sprays the cleaning liquid toward each part of the garbage collection vehicle while the hopper is being opened or closed.

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