Gate-type car wash machine

Abstract

To provide a portal car washing machine comprising right and left side brushes disposed on a portal frame movable forward and backward relatively to a vehicle and capable of washing side faces and front and rear end faces of the vehicle, and right and left running carriages disposed travelably in a longitudinal direction to an upper portion of the portal frame and suspending upper portions of rotation axes of the side brushes, in which a high washing effect can be exerted by expanding a side face washing range by the side brushes to lower portions of the side faces, and the lower portions of the side faces turning to the right and left inner sides towards the downward side of the vehicle can be effectively washed by the side brushes even with no rocker brush.SOLUTION: When side brushes S perform brushing between at least front and rear wheels of vehicle side faces Bs in a relative movement process in one direction or the other direction of relative movement of a portal frame and a vehicle, a control device C controls an attitude control mechanism SC such that rotation axes Js of the side brushes can be placed at a second attitude S2 inclined to right and left inner sides downward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a car washer, in particular a gantry-type car washer that is formed in a gantry shape so as to be able to straddle an automobile, and is provided with at least a gantry frame that is movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction thereof, left and right side brushes that are provided on the gantry frame and capable of brushing the side surfaces and the front and rear end surfaces of the automobile along with the relative movement, and left and right traveling carriages that are respectively provided on the upper portion of the gantry frame so as to be capable of traveling in the left-right direction and rotatably suspend the upper portions of the rotation shafts of the left and right side brushes, such that the left and right side brushes can perform opening and closing movements in the left-right direction following the traveling carriages.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional gantry-type car washers, when the side brushes clean the side surfaces of an automobile, the rotation shafts of the left and right side brushes are placed in an inclined posture that forms a V-shape opening downward in front view (that is, each side brush is inclined outward in the left-right direction toward the lower side), which leads to insufficient cleaning effect of the side brushes on the side surfaces of the automobile, especially the lower side portions that curve inward in the left-right direction toward the lower side. Accordingly, the cleaning range of the side brushes on the side surfaces of the vehicle body cannot be sufficiently secured, particularly at the lower portions of the side surfaces.

[0003] Therefore, the gantry frame is provided with a rocker brush separately from the side brushes, for efficiently cleaning the lower portions of the side surfaces of the automobile (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, conventional gantry-type car washes increase costs by requiring separate rocker brushes in addition to the side brushes. Furthermore, because the side brushes and rocker brushes must be positioned offset from each other in the front-to-back direction within the gantry frame, the car wash becomes larger in the front-to-back direction and requires a larger installation space.

[0006] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above, and aims to provide a gantry-type car wash machine that can solve the above problems of conventional car wash machines by sufficiently extending the washing range of the car body sides by side brushes to the lower side without using rocker brushes, thereby achieving a high washing effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes, respectively; and a posture change between a first posture in which the rotation axis is inclined downward and outward to the left and right or extends substantially vertically to the traveling carriage and a second posture in which it is inclined downward and inward to the left and right. A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism that suspends the rotating shaft from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, and the left and right side brushes are able to open and close in the left-right direction in accordance with the traveling carriage, comprising a posture control mechanism that can position the rotating shafts of the left and right side brushes in the second posture, and a control device that can control the posture control mechanism, wherein when at least one of the left and right side brushes brushes the side of the automobile at least between the front and rear wheels during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotating shaft of at least one of the left and right side brushes is mainly The first feature is that the attitude control mechanism is controlled so that the vehicle is placed in the second attitude.

[0008] The present invention also includes a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes; and the rotation axis being tiltable in the left-right direction relative to the traveling carriage so as to be able to change its posture between a first posture in which the rotation axis is tilted downward and outward to the left and right, and a second posture in which it is tilted downward and inward to the left and right. A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism for suspension, wherein the left and right side brushes are capable of opening and closing in the left and right directions in accordance with the traveling carriage, the machine further comprising a posture control mechanism capable of positioning the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes in either of the first or second postures, and a control device capable of controlling the posture control mechanism, wherein the control device controls the posture control mechanism such that the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes relative to the traveling carriage is mainly positioned in the first posture during relative movement in one direction and mainly positioned in the second posture during relative movement in the other direction.

[0009] The present invention also includes a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes; and a support that suspends the rotation axis from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so as to be able to change its posture between a first posture in which the rotation axis is tilted outward and downward and to the left and right, and a second posture in which it is tilted inward and downward. A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a holding mechanism, wherein the left and right side brushes are capable of opening and closing in the left and right directions in accordance with the traveling carriage, the machine further comprising a posture control mechanism capable of placing the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes in either a tilt-free state or the second posture, and a control device capable of controlling the posture control mechanism, wherein the control device controls the posture control mechanism such that the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes relative to the traveling carriage is mainly placed in the tilt-free state during relative movement in one direction and mainly placed in the second posture during relative movement in the other direction.

[0010] The present invention also includes a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes; and a support mechanism that suspends the rotation axis from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so that the rotation axis can change its position between a first position in which it is tilted downward and outward to the left and right, and a second position in which it is tilted downward and inward to the left and right. A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least the following, wherein the left and right side brushes are capable of opening and closing in the left and right directions in accordance with the traveling carriage, the machine further comprising a posture control mechanism capable of placing the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes in either a tilt-free state or the second posture, and a control device capable of controlling the posture control mechanism, wherein the control device controls the posture control mechanism so that the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes with respect to the traveling carriage is normally placed in the second posture during the relative movement process in one direction of the relative movement, but is placed in the tilt-free state in response to the detection of predetermined features of the external shape of the automobile or an arbitrary setting operation.

[0011] The present invention also includes a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes; and a rotating axis suspended from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, such that the rotating axis can change its position between a first position in which it is tilted downward and outward to the left and right or extends substantially vertically, and a second position in which it is tilted downward and inward to the left and right. A fifth feature of a gantry-type car wash machine is that it comprises at least a support mechanism, and the left and right side brushes are able to open and close in the left and right directions in accordance with the traveling carriage, and further comprises a posture control mechanism that can position the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes in the second posture, and a control device that can control the posture control mechanism, wherein the control device controls the posture control mechanism so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes brushes the area between the front and rear wheels on the side of the automobile during the relative movement process in one or the other direction, the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes is positioned in the second posture over an area of ​​more than half of the area between the front and rear wheels.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention comprises at least a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction, left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile, left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes, and a support mechanism that suspends the rotation axis from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so that the rotation axis can change its position between a first position in which it is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically and a second position in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes are capable of opening and closing in the left-right direction as they follow the traveling carriage, and the left and right side brushes A sixth feature is that the system comprises an attitude control mechanism capable of positioning the rotation axis of the brush to the second attitude, and a control device capable of controlling the attitude control mechanism, wherein the control device controls the attitude control mechanism so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes brushes the side of the automobile between at least the front and rear wheels during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes is positioned to the second attitude, and furthermore, the gate-type frame is provided with a wheel sensor capable of detecting the wheels of the automobile, and the control device controls the attitude control mechanism based on the detection result of the wheel sensor so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes is brushing the side of the automobile in the second attitude of the rotation axis, the second attitude is temporarily suspended when the side brush is in a position corresponding to the wheel.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a gantry-type car wash machine comprising: a gantry-type frame formed in a gate shape so as to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gantry-type frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gantry-type frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes; and a support mechanism that suspends the rotation axis from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction so as to be able to change its posture between a first posture in which the rotation axis is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically and a second posture in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes are able to open and close in the left-right direction as they follow the traveling carriage, wherein the present invention provides a posture control mechanism that can position the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes in the second posture, and a control device that can control the posture control mechanism, the control device controls the relative movement in one direction or A seventh feature of the control device is that, during the process of relative movement in opposite directions, when at least one of the left and right side brushes brushes the side of the automobile between at least the front and rear wheels, the attitude control mechanism is controlled so that the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes is placed in the second attitude, and the control device further comprises an opening / closing biasing mechanism that can bias the traveling carriage in the opening and closing directions of the side brushes, and a predetermined area estimation means that can estimate a predetermined area including the rearward-facing lateral protrusion and its front and rear regions based on the detection of a specific part of the automobile body that is located in the front and rear direction away from the rearward-facing lateral protrusion on the side of the automobile, the control device controls the opening / closing biasing mechanism based on the estimation result of the predetermined area estimation means so that when the side brush passes to the side of the rearward-facing lateral protrusion on the side of the automobile, the inclination angle of the rotation axis in the second attitude is greater than when brushing the rear of the side, compared to when brushing the rear of the side.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention comprises at least a gate-shaped frame formed to straddle an automobile and movable relative to the automobile in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes provided on the gate-shaped frame and capable of brushing the sides and front and rear end surfaces of the automobile as it moves relative to the automobile; left and right traveling carriages provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame so as to be movable in the left-right direction to rotatably support the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes, respectively; and a support mechanism that suspends the rotation axis from the traveling carriage so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so as to be able to change its posture between a first posture in which the rotation axis is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically and a second posture in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, wherein the left and right side brushes A gantry-type car wash machine that can open and close in the left and right directions in accordance with a traveling carriage, comprising a posture control mechanism that can position the rotation axes of the left and right side brushes in the second posture, and a control device capable of controlling the posture control mechanism, wherein the control device controls the posture control mechanism so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes brushes at least the area between the front and rear wheels on the side of the automobile during the relative movement process in one or the other direction, the rotation axis of at least one of the left and right side brushes is positioned in the second posture, and also controls the posture control mechanism so that the rotation axis of the side brush is positioned in the second posture when the side brushes brush the left and right central portions of the front and rear end faces of the automobile, the eighth feature being that the control device controls the posture control mechanism so that the rotation axis of the side brush is positioned in the second posture.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the first to the first 5In addition to any of the above features, the gate-type frame is provided with a wheel sensor capable of detecting the wheels of an automobile, and the control device controls the attitude control mechanism based on the detection result of the wheel sensor such that when at least one of the left and right side brushes is brushing the side of the automobile in the second attitude of the rotation axis, the second attitude is temporarily suspended when the side brush is in a position corresponding to the automobile. 9 This is a characteristic of this product.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the first to the first 5 In addition to any of the above features, the control device includes an opening / closing biasing mechanism capable of biasing the traveling trolley in the opening and closing directions of the side brushes, and a predetermined area estimation means capable of estimating a predetermined area including the rearward-facing lateral protrusion and its front-rear region, based on the detection of a specific part of the vehicle body located in the front-rear direction away from the rearward-facing lateral protrusion on the side of the vehicle, wherein the control device controls the opening / closing biasing mechanism based on the estimation result of the predetermined area estimation means such that when the side brush passes to the side of the rearward-facing lateral protrusion of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the rotation axis in the second posture is greater than when it is brushing the rear side of the vehicle. 10 This is a characteristic of this product.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the first to the first 5 In addition to any of the above features, the control device controls the attitude control mechanism so that the rotation axis of the side brush is placed in the second attitude when the side brush is brushing the left and right central portions of the front and rear end faces of the automobile. 11 This is a characteristic of this product.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the first to the first 8In addition to any of the features, the gantry frame is provided with a top brush that can be displaced up and down along with the relative movement to brush the upper surface of the automobile, the top brush being disposed more rearward than the side brushes, and in the process where the top brush relatively moves and brushes the upper surface of the automobile in the direction from the front to the rear of the automobile, the top brush reaches the moving end of the relative movement without passing through the rear end of the automobile, which is defined as the 12 feature.

[0019] Further, the present invention is based on any one of the first to 8 In addition to any of the features, the gantry frame is provided with a top brush that can be displaced up and down along with the relative movement to brush the upper surface of the automobile, the top brush being disposed more forward than the side brushes, and the relative position in the front-rear direction between the gantry frame and the automobile at the start of car washing is set such that the front end position of the automobile is located below the top brush, which is defined as the 13 feature.

[0020] In the first feature of the present invention, "when brushing during the relative movement process, the device is primarily placed in the second position" means that during brushing during the relative movement process, the device is placed in the second position over a region spanning more than half of the relative movement stroke.

[0021] In the second feature of the present invention, "being mainly placed in the first posture during the relative movement process" means being placed in the first posture in a region covering more than half of the relative movement stroke in the relative movement process, and "being mainly placed in the second posture during the relative movement process" means being placed in the second posture in a region covering more than half of the relative movement stroke in the relative movement process.

[0022] Further, in the third feature of the present invention, "being mainly placed in a tilt-free state during the relative movement process" means being placed in a tilt-free state in a region covering more than half of the relative movement stroke in the relative movement process, and "being mainly placed in the second posture during the relative movement process" means being placed in the second posture in a region covering more than half of the relative movement stroke in the relative movement process.

[0023] Furthermore, in the third and fourth features of the present invention, "tilt-free state" refers to a state in which no tilt control force acts on the rotation axis of the side brush, and therefore, when the side brush and the rotation axis are in a free state, the rotation axis can be kept in a stable, substantially vertical position by the action of gravity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the first feature of the present invention, in a gantry-type car wash machine, when at least one of the left and right side brushes brushes the side of the vehicle between at least the front and rear wheels during the relative movement process of the gantry frame and the vehicle in one or the other direction, the axis of rotation of the at least one of the left and right side brushes is mainly By positioning the side brushes in a second orientation, tilted downwards and inward to the left and right, the cleaning range of the side brushes is extended to the lower sides, resulting in a high cleaning effect. As a result, even without rocker brushes, at least one of the side brushes positioned in the second orientation can effectively clean the lower sides of the vehicle, especially those that curve downwards and inward to the left and right. This eliminates the need for rocker brushes, contributing to cost savings. Furthermore, the omission of rocker brushes allows for a smaller gate-type frame and thus the car wash machine in the front-to-back direction, reducing the installation space required and minimizing space constraints when installing the car wash machine.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the second feature, the rotation axis of at least one side brush on the left or right side relative to the trolley is mainly in a first position during the relative movement in one direction and mainly in a second position during the relative movement in the other direction. As a result, when the rotation axis of the side brush is in the first position, tilted downward and outward to the left and right, the upper side of the vehicle (e.g., a low-profile vehicle) that is tilted upward and inward can be efficiently cleaned with the side brush. On the other hand, when the rotation axis is in the second position, tilted downward and inward to the left and right, the lower side of the vehicle that curves downward and inward to the left and right can be efficiently cleaned with the side brush (i.e., without relying on the rocker brush), thereby extending the cleaning range of the side brush to the lower side and achieving a high cleaning effect. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the side brush only needs to be controlled by simply switching between one of the first and second positions during the forward and reverse movement of the gantry frame. Therefore, while simplifying the attitude control, it becomes possible to clean the sides of the automobile evenly, quickly, and accurately with the side brushes.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the third feature, the rotation axis of at least one side brush on the left or right side relative to the trolley is mainly in a tilt-free state during the relative movement in one direction, and mainly in a second position during the relative movement in the other direction. As a result, when the rotation axis of the side brush is in a tilt-free state, even if the upper side of the vehicle (e.g., a medium or high-riding vehicle) is tilted upward and inward or is nearly vertical, the tilt-free side brush can make appropriate and smooth contact with the upper side of the vehicle and clean it effectively. On the other hand, when the rotation axis is in a second position tilted downward and inward to the left and right, the lower side of the vehicle that curves downward and inward to the left and right can be efficiently cleaned with the side brush (i.e., without relying on the rocker brush), thereby extending the cleaning range of the side brush to the lower side and achieving a high cleaning effect.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the fourth feature, the rotation axis of at least one side brush on the left or right side relative to the traveling chassis is normally placed in the second position during the relative movement process in one or the other direction (therefore, the same effect as the second position in the first to third features is achieved), but it is placed in a tilt-free state in response to the detection of a predetermined feature on the exterior of the automobile or an arbitrary setting operation. This means that, for example, if the floor of the automobile is high and there is a risk that the lower part of the side brush will get deeply embedded in the floor and get caught in the second position, or if there is a lateral protrusion such as a side step directly below the side door and there is a risk that the side brush will wear out prematurely due to strong contact with the lateral protrusion in the second position, the above risk can be eliminated by placing the side brush in a tilt-free state in response to the detection of the external feature of the automobile (e.g., floor height, lateral protrusion, etc.) or an arbitrary setting operation.

[0028] Also, 6, 9 According to its features, the control device controls the attitude control mechanism based on the detection results of the wheel sensor so that when the side brush is washing the side of the car in a second attitude of its rotation axis, the second attitude is temporarily suspended when the side brush is in a position corresponding to the wheel. Therefore, when the side brush washes the wheels and wheel wells while in the second attitude in which its rotation axis is tilted downward and inward to the left and right, the lower part of the brush is likely to get caught on the wheel or wheel well. However, this risk of getting caught can be reduced by the temporary suspension effect of the second attitude.

[0029] Also, 7, 10According to its features, the system includes a predetermined area estimation means capable of estimating a predetermined area including the rearward-facing rearward-facing rearward-facing protrusion and its front-rear region, based on the detection of a specific part of the vehicle body located in the front-rear direction from the rearward-facing rearward-facing protrusion on the side of the vehicle. In the process of the side brush brushing the side of the vehicle body while maintaining a second posture inclined downward and inward to the left and right, the opening and closing biasing mechanism of the traveling carriage is controlled based on the estimation result of the predetermined area estimation means so that when the side brush passes the side of the rearward-facing rearward-facing protrusion of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the rotation axis in the second posture is greater than when brushing the rear of the side. As a result, when the side brush passes the side of the rearward-facing rearward-facing protrusion of the vehicle, the inclination angle of the rotation axis in the second posture, which is inclined downward and inward to the left and right, is increased midway through, thereby preventing the side brush from strongly hitting the rearward-facing rearward-facing protrusion, and thus effectively preventing damage to the rearward-facing rearward-facing protrusion.

[0030] Also, 8, 11 According to its features, the control device controls the attitude control mechanism so that the rotation axis of the side brushes assumes a second posture when the side brushes are cleaning the left and right central areas of the front and rear ends of the vehicle. This allows the left and right central areas of the vehicle's end faces to be thoroughly cleaned by both side brushes, especially when the left and right side brushes are cleaning the end faces of the vehicle, by adopting a second posture that is tilted downwards and inwards to the left and right, thereby effectively reducing any areas that are not properly cleaned in the center of the end faces.

[0031] Also, 12 According to its features, the top brush is positioned further rearward than the side brushes on the gantry frame. As the top brush moves relative to the top surface of the vehicle from front to rear, it reaches the end of its relative movement without passing over the rear end of the vehicle. This shortens the total stroke length required for the relative movement of the gantry frame and the vehicle. Combined with the effect of miniaturizing the car wash machine in the front-to-rear direction by omitting the rocker brushes as mentioned above, this contributes to further miniaturization of the installation space for the car wash machine.

[0032] Also,13 According to the features, the top brush is positioned further forward than the side brushes in the gantry frame, and the relative front-to-rear position of the gantry frame and the vehicle at the start of car washing is set so that the front end of the vehicle is below the top brush. As a result, even though the top brush is positioned further forward than the side brushes, the total stroke length required for the relative movement can be shortened, making it possible to achieve an effect equivalent to that of the eighth feature. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] A schematic side view of a car wash machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A front view of the main parts of the aforementioned car wash machine as seen from the front (however, the second air cylinder for opening and closing the side brushes and the linkage mechanism connected thereto are omitted from the illustration). [Figure 3] An enlarged front view of the area indicated by arrow 3X in Figure 2, with the middle section of the guide rail omitted. [Figure 4] Figure 3: 4X-4X cross-sectional view [Figure 5] Plan view from the direction of arrow 5X in Figure 3. [Figure 6] A plan view showing the entire opening and closing drive mechanism for the side brushes (viewed from arrow 6X in Figure 2). [Figure 7] Air piping diagram showing an example of an air supply system to the first and second air cylinders. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged front view of the main part of the attitude control mechanism that changes the attitude of the rotation axis of the side brush, where (a) shows the state in which the attitude has been changed from a tilt-free state (indicated by a dashed line) to a V-shaped first attitude (indicated by a solid line), and (b) shows the state in which the attitude has been changed from a tilt-free state (indicated by a dashed line) to an inverted V-shaped second attitude (indicated by a solid line). [Figure 9] A top view and a front view of an automobile being cleaned by brushing the side of the vehicle body with a side brush, wherein (a) shows the first position in which the rotation axis of the side brush is in a V-shape, and (b) shows the second position in an inverted V-shape. [Figure 10]A side view showing an example of the movement trajectory of the top brush as it brushes and cleans the top surface of a car during the first forward and first return movements of a gantry frame. [Figure 11] Plan view showing an example of the movement trajectory of the side brush and rotating shaft during the first forward travel process when the vehicle is a low-profile vehicle (control example 1). [Figure 12] Plan view showing an example of the movement trajectory of the side brush and rotating shaft during the first return-to-back process when the vehicle is a low-profile vehicle (control example 1). [Figure 13] Plan view showing an example of the movement trajectory of the side brush and rotating shaft during the first forward travel process when the vehicle is a medium-height vehicle (control example 2). [Figure 14] Plan view showing an example of the movement trajectory of the side brush and rotating shaft during the first return-to-back process when the vehicle is a medium-height vehicle (control example 2). [Figure 15] A plan view showing an example of the movement trajectory of the side brush and rotating shaft during the first return-to-back process, particularly when the vehicle is a low-profile vehicle and the wheel avoidance operation is selected and control example 4 is executed. [Figure 16] A side view (corresponding to Figure 10) showing an example of the movement trajectory of the top brush when it brushes and cleans the top surface of a car during the first forward and first return movements of the gantry frame according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] A first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0035] In Figures 1 and 2, the gantry frame 1 that constitutes the main body of the car wash machine A is formed in a gantry shape that straddles the car V to be washed and is movable relative to it in the front-to-back direction, and the opening on the front end surface 1f of the gantry frame 1 serves as an entrance into which the car V can enter. Pairs of wheels 3 and 4 are rotatably supported on the lower left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, and these wheels 3 and 4 are capable of rolling on a pair of left and right running rails 2 and 2 laid on the installation surface E of the car wash machine A.

[0036] Furthermore, the left and right wheels 4,4 on one side of the front and rear are connected to a drive motor 5 (see Figure 2) via a reduction mechanism. By driving this drive motor 5, the gantry frame 1 can be made to move back and forth on the running rails 2,2. As is also clear from Figure 10, the forward end 1B and return end 1S of the gantry frame 1 are restricted by stoppers fixed near both ends of the running rails 2.

[0037] Thus, the running rails 2, wheels 3 and 4, running motor 5, and reduction mechanism cooperate with each other to constitute a relative movement means Dm that moves the gantry frame 1 and the automobile V relative to each other in the front-rear direction. Note that the front-rear direction of the car wash machine A and the front-rear direction of the automobile V are inversely related; for example, the front side of the car wash machine A is the rear side of the automobile V.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the gantry frame 1 is at the return end 1S shown in Figure 1, the rear end surface 1r of the gantry frame 1 is positioned facing and close to an upright wall 6 fixed to the installation surface E. Therefore, when the car wash is finished, the automobile V reverses out of the car wash A. The upright wall 6 is provided according to the conditions of the installation location of the car wash A.

[0039] Incidentally, the basic car washing process of car wash machine A, as will be described later, starts from a state in Figure 10 where the gantry frame 1 is waiting at the return end 1S and the automobile V is stopped at the car to be washed position with its front end entered into the gantry frame 1 by a predetermined amount. After the start, the process ends when the gantry frame 1 has traveled back and forth at least two times between the forward end 1B and the return end 1S and returned to the return end 1S. In the basic car washing process, a brushing wash process is performed on the body surface of the automobile V during the first forward (forward) process and the first reverse (backward) process of the gantry frame 1, followed by a rinsing process during the second forward (re-forward) process, and then a drying process is performed during the second reverse (re-backward) process.

[0040] While two round trips are not mandatory, and a single round trip is sufficient for washing, two round trips are advantageous for enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0041] Furthermore, an external piping unit U with a tank is installed and fixed to the installation surface E of the car wash machine A, located in close proximity to the upright wall 6 and partially received within the gantry frame 1 of the return end 1S. Although not shown in the diagram, this external piping unit U houses, for example, a water tank and an air pump. Meanwhile, a group of multiple chemical tanks 90 for car washing (e.g., detergent tanks, coating agent tanks, etc.), an electric pump that pumps the cleaning liquids (e.g., detergents, coating agents, etc.) from these tanks to a group of spray pipes fixed to the gantry frame 1, a device that foams the detergent and coating agent as needed (e.g., an ejector, etc.), and a water / cleaning liquid / air supply and discharge control device 100 that works in conjunction with these devices are arranged within the gantry frame 1.

[0042] Furthermore, the external piping unit U and the inside of the gantry frame 1 are connected via conventionally known connecting means such as poles (not shown).

[0043] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the external piping unit U is installed by utilizing the dead space of the installation surface E that spans both the inside of the gate-shaped frame 1 of the return end 1S and the vicinity of the upright wall 6, thereby making the car wash space more compact.

[0044] Furthermore, an operation panel 80 (for example, an LCD panel, see Figure 2) is provided on the exterior of the gantry frame 1 at an appropriate location, for example, on the front or side, and has an operation section on the exterior for customers or workers to perform various reception operations (for example, selecting a processing course, paying fees, issuing instructions to execute the selected course, etc.). This operation panel 80 is connected to a control device C housed within the gantry frame 1.

[0045] The control device C mainly consists of an electronic control unit including a microcomputer, to which actuators and sensors that are linked to various car washing equipment installed on the car wash machine A, the travel motor 5, various control valves, and the reception operation unit are connected. The control device C then operates the actuators of the car wash machine A based on the reception operation input to the operation panel 80, the detection results of the sensors, and a pre-stored control program to execute the received car washing process mode.

[0046] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a switchable barrier and a reception device may be installed on the installation surface E in front of the forward end 1B (see Figure 10) of the gantry frame 1, as needed. This reception device has an operation panel that allows reception operations similar to those of the operation panel 80 provided on the gantry frame 1.

[0047] Incidentally, between the lower part of the gantry frame 1 and the installation surface E, there is a position detection means (not shown) capable of detecting whether the gantry frame 1 is at the return end 1S and the forward end 1B as illustrated in Figure 1, and the detection signal from this position detection means is sent to the control device C.

[0048] Furthermore, a rotary encoder 8 (see Figure 2) capable of detecting the amount of rotation of the output shaft (and consequently the amount of travel of the gantry frame 1) is connected to the output shaft of at least one of the travel motors 5. Based on the detection results of the rotary encoder 8 and the position detection means, the control device C can detect the travel position of the gantry frame 1 by, for example, adding the output pulse of the rotary encoder 8 forward or subtracting it backward from the return end 1S as a reference. The travel position of the gantry frame 1 can also be detected by the amount of forward movement from the return end 1S and the amount of backward movement from the forward end 1B.

[0049] A multi-axis sensor 10, which serves as a vehicle shape detection device capable of detecting the shape of the upper surface of the automobile V (i.e., the vehicle shape), is installed inside the front end surface 1f of the gantry frame 1. This multi-axis sensor 10 is composed of numerous photoelectric sensors 11, each consisting of a light emitter and a light receiver arranged opposite each other at the same height, arranged vertically at equal intervals on both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1. Based on the detection results of this multi-axis sensor 10 and the detection results of the rotary encoder 8, the control device C can detect not only the front and rear end positions of the automobile V, but also the vehicle shape (more specifically, the shape of the hood surface and roof surface, etc.), the type of vehicle, and the height of the vehicle.

[0050] Furthermore, a wheel sensor SEw, which serves as a wheel detection device capable of detecting the wheels W of an automobile V, is provided at the lower part of the front end surface 1f of the gantry frame 1. This wheel sensor SEw consists of a set of photoelectric sensors 12, each comprising a light emitter and a light receiver arranged opposite each other at the same height, which are mounted and fixed to a pair of left and right support frames 13 that protrude downward from the bottom of the gantry frame 1 in a height-adjustable manner. Thus, the photoelectric sensor 12 can detect the wheels W (more specifically, the front-to-rear width of the wheels at the installation level of the photoelectric sensor 12) when the light directed from the light emitter to the light receiver is blocked by the wheels W (e.g., tires), and the detection signal is also sent to the control device C.

[0051] Based on the detection results of the photoelectric sensor 12 and the detection results of the rotary encoder 8 (i.e., the travel position of the gantry frame 1), the control device C can detect the longitudinal positions of the front and rear wheels W of the automobile V (for example, the travel section in which the control to make the rotation axis Js of the side brush S form an inverted V shape when viewed from the front should be temporarily suspended in control example 4 described later).

[0052] Furthermore, on the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1, front end sensors SEf are positioned at a height capable of detecting the front end of the vehicle V, near the front end surface 1f of the gantry frame 1 and behind the multi-axis sensor 10. These front end sensors SEf consist of a set of photoelectric sensors 14, each consisting of a light emitter and a light receiver arranged opposite each other at the same height, fixed to the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1.

[0053] Thus, the photoelectric sensor 14 can detect when the light emitted from its light emitter to its light receiver is blocked at the front end of the automobile V, indicating that the front end of the automobile V to be washed has passed the position to be washed relative to the gantry frame 1 waiting at the return end 1S (see Figure 10), and this detection signal is also sent to the control device C.

[0054] Then, in the process of moving the car V forward toward the front entrance of the gantry frame 1 before washing, when the multi-axis sensor 10 detects the front end of the car V, the display device (operation panel 80 in this embodiment) on the front end surface 1f of the gantry frame 1 activates a notification to inform the driver that the car V has reached the washing position (first notification). Also, when the front end sensor SEf detects the front end of the car V, the display device (operation panel 80 in this embodiment) activates a notification to inform the driver that the car V has passed the washing position (second notification), thereby prompting the driver to reverse the car V. Thus, upon recognizing the first notification, the driver immediately stops the car V and gets out of the car V.

[0055] In addition to, or instead of, such a display device, a notification buzzer or announcement may be used to inform the driver when the vehicle V has reached the car wash location.

[0056] A group of car wash brushes capable of brushing and cleaning the body surface of the automobile V is arranged within the gantry frame 1. This group of car wash brushes includes a top brush T capable of brushing and cleaning the top surface Bt and a portion of the front and rear end surfaces Bf,Br of the automobile V, and a pair of left and right side brushes S capable of brushing and cleaning the left and right sides Bs and the front and rear end surfaces Bf,Br of the automobile V, respectively. However, the installation of rocker brushes, which exclusively brush and clean only the lower part of the sides Bs of the automobile V, is omitted.

[0057] As is clear from Figure 1, the side brushes S are positioned in the central or slightly rearward middle section of the gantry frame 1, while the top brush T is positioned at the rear end of the gantry frame 1 (and therefore towards the rear of the car wash machine A when viewed from the side brushes S). The support structure for the rotation axis Js of the side brushes S to the gantry frame 1 is related to the technical features of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

[0058] On the other hand, the rotation axis Jt of the top brush T is provided on both the left and right sides of the gantry frame 1 so as to be able to move up and down via a lifting drive device 16, and is also rotationally driven by a rotational drive device (not shown). Since both the lifting drive device 16 and the rotational drive device are conventionally known in car wash machines, a detailed illustration of the mechanism is omitted.

[0059] Furthermore, the above-mentioned lifting drive device 16 may be either a first type, which is fixed to the gantry frame 1 and allows the rotation axis Jt of the top brush T to be driven up and down along left and right lifting guide supports that extend vertically, or a second type, which allows the rotation axis Jt of the top brush T to be raised and lowered and swung via a swinging arm that is pivotally supported on the gantry frame 1 and can swing up and down, or a combination of both types. All of these types are conventionally well known in car wash machines.

[0060] Thus, as illustrated in Figure 10, the top brush T is displaced up and down in accordance with the movement of the gantry frame 1 (particularly the first forward and first reverse movements described later), enabling it to brush and clean the upper surface Bt of the automobile V. In this case, when the gantry frame 1 reaches the forward end 1B during the first forward movement process and reverses direction, if the front-to-back length of the automobile V is greater than or equal to a predetermined length, the reciprocating stroke of the gantry frame 1 is set such that the top brush T does not pass over the rear end of the automobile V before the gantry frame 1 reverses direction, as is clear from Figure 10. Here, the predetermined length is set to, for example, the length obtained by subtracting the brush arrangement area length (in this embodiment, the sum of the rotational lengths of the top brush T and side brush S, given that they are continuously arranged in the front-to-back direction) from the front-to-back stroke length of the gantry frame 1.

[0061] Furthermore, even in the case of a vehicle V whose front-to-rear length is shorter than the predetermined length mentioned above, it is possible to control the gantry frame 1 so that it reverses direction without the top brush T passing through the rear end of the vehicle V. In this case, for example, the forward end 1B (reverse start position) of the gantry frame 1 is set based on a value obtained by adding a predetermined distance to the vehicle length measured by the multi-axis sensor 10, and the gantry frame 1 is made to reverse direction at the set forward end 1B, thereby allowing the top brush T to reverse direction without passing through the rear end of the vehicle V, which has a shorter vehicle length.

[0062] Furthermore, the upper part of the gantry frame 1 is provided with an upper detergent spray pipe 21 capable of spraying liquid detergent onto the upper surface Bt of the automobile V near the top brush T and side brush S, a rinse water spray pipe 22, an upper coating agent spray pipe 23, and an upper foam detergent spray pipe 24 capable of spraying rinse water, a coating agent, and foam detergent, respectively, onto the upper surface Bt, and a top nozzle Nt capable of spraying drying air onto the upper surface Bt.

[0063] On the other hand, the left and right sides of the gate-type frame 1 are provided with side detergent spray pipes 26 that can spray liquid detergent onto the side Bs of the automobile V near the side brush S, side foam detergent spray pipes 27 and side coating agent spray pipes 28 that can spray foam detergent and coating agent, respectively, onto the side Bs in front of the side brush S, and side nozzles Ns that can spray drying air onto the side Bs.

[0064] Furthermore, drying air can be pressurized and supplied to the top nozzle Nt and side nozzles Ns from a blower (not shown) mounted inside the gantry frame 1 via a duct. Clean water from the water tank in the external piping unit U can be pressurized and supplied to the rinse water spray pipe 22 by a pump inside the gantry frame 1, and liquid detergent from the chemical tank 90 inside the gantry frame 1 can be pressurized and supplied to the upper and side detergent spray pipes 21 and 26 by a pump inside the gantry frame 1. In addition, detergent from the chemical tank 90 inside the gantry frame 1 can be foamed using pressurized air from the air pump AP and ejectors and supplied to the upper and side foam detergent spray pipes 24 and 27, and coating agent from the chemical tank 90 inside the gantry frame 1 can be foamed using pressurized air from the air pump AP and ejectors and supplied to the upper and side coating agent spray pipes 23 and 28.

[0065] Next, referring to Figures 3 to 6, an example of the support structure for the rotation axis Js of the side brush S in the gantry frame 1 will be explained.

[0066] A guide rail 30 extending linearly in the left-right direction is positioned on the upper part of the gate-type frame 1. This guide rail 30 comprises a flattened, strip-shaped rail body 31 in the front-rear direction and long in the left-right direction, and rail shaft portions 32 integrally protruding from both the left and right ends of the rail body 31. An upper rail 31u with a mountain-shaped cross-section is provided facing upward on the upper part of the rail body 31, and a lower rail 31b with a rectangular cross-section is provided facing downward on the lower part of the rail body 31. The guide rail 30 is pivotally supported on the left and right upper parts of the gate-type frame 1, allowing it to rotate around the axis of the rail shaft portion 32, by rotatably fitting and supporting the left and right rail shaft portions 32 to the left and right bearings Be fixed to the upper part of the gate-type frame 1.

[0067] A pair of left and right running bogies 33 are indestructibly supported on the guide rail 30, allowing them to reciprocate along its longitudinal direction. Specifically, the running bogies 33 have multiple upper rolling wheels 33a pivotally supported on the upper rail 31u, which is shaped like a mountain, and multiple lower rolling wheels 33b pivotally supported on both sides and the lower end surface of the lower rail 31b, which is shaped like a mountain, at the bottom of the running bogies 33.

[0068] Incidentally, the left and right trolleys 33 are pivotally supported by rectangular cylindrical rotating shaft holders 37 that rotatably support the rotating shaft Js of the side brushes S, allowing them to swing in the left-right direction. The pivot structure will be described in detail next.

[0069] Specifically, the base end of a tilting support shaft 36, whose tip extends forward, is fixed (e.g., screwed, welded, etc.) to one side of a vertically extending rotating shaft holder 37 on the front wall of the traveling bogie 33. The middle portion of this tilting support shaft 36 is fixed (e.g., screwed, welded, etc.) to the outer surface of the middle portion of the rotating shaft holder 37 and is rotatably fitted via a bearing portion 39b into a bearing frame 39 that extends to one side on either side. As a result, the rotating shaft holder 37 (and therefore the rotating shaft Js of the side brush S) is supported on the traveling bogie 33 so as to be able to tilt left and right around the axis of the tilting support shaft 36 via the tilting support shaft 36, the bearing portion 39b, and the bearing frame 39.

[0070] Furthermore, the rear wall of a hollow box-shaped support frame 35, which houses a portion of the bearing frame 39, is fixed (e.g., by screws, welding, etc.) to the front wall of the trolley 33. The front and rear walls of this support frame 35 clamp the bearing frame 39 so that it can slide and rotate from both the front and rear, and also rotatably fit and support the front and base portions of the tilting support shaft 36, respectively. A reinforcing plate 35a is detachably fixed (e.g., by bolts) to the front wall of the support frame 35, overlapping its outer surface and engaging with and supporting half a turn of the front portion of the tilting support shaft 36 in a way that prevents rotation and dislodgement.

[0071] Furthermore, the rotating shaft holder 37 has a hollow section through which the rotating shaft Js of the side brush S passes vertically, and the upper part of the rotating shaft Js of the side brush S is supported by the rotating shaft holder 37 via a bearing section 37b (see Figure 3) provided inside the holder 37, so as to be rotatable but unable to move in the axial direction. The base of the side brush body 34, which is made of a cloth material (e.g., nonwoven fabric, cotton cloth, etc.) or brush material (e.g., chemical fiber, plant fiber, animal fiber, synthetic resin foam material such as sponge, etc.), is fixed to the rotating shaft Js which extends long downward from the rotating shaft holder 37, so that it can rotate integrally with the rotating shaft Js.

[0072] Thus, the tilting support shaft 36, bearing frame 39, support frame 35, and rotating shaft holder 37 described above cooperate with each other to constitute the support mechanism P of the present invention. That is, the support mechanism P suspends the rotating shaft Js of the side brushes S from the traveling carriage 33 so that they can change their posture (i.e., swing from side to side) between a first posture S1 in which they form a V shape when viewed from the front of the car wash machine A (see Figures 8 and 9(a)) and a second posture S2 in which they form an inverted V shape when viewed from the front (see Figures 8 and 9(b)), via a nearly vertical free posture Sv (see dashed line in Figure 8).

[0073] In the following descriptions of this specification, when the first and second positions S1 and S2 of the rotation axis Js of the side brush S are simply referred to as "V-shape" and "inverted V-shape," they mean "V-shape when viewed from the front" and "inverted V-shape when viewed from the front," respectively, but the notation "viewed from the front" is omitted for convenience.

[0074] Furthermore, a motor base 38 is fixed to the upper part of each rotating shaft holder 37, and a motor Ms for rotating the side brushes is mounted on the motor base 38. The output shaft of the motor Ms is linked to the upper part of the rotating shaft Js via a chain transmission mechanism. The operation of the motor Ms drives the left and right side brushes S to rotate in opposite directions.

[0075] Between each traveling carriage 33 and the motor base 38, there is a first stopper mechanism 41 that defines the tilt limit when the rotating shaft holder 37 tilts the rotating shaft Js of the side brush S in a V-shape (i.e., the maximum tilt angle θ1 of the first posture S1), a second stopper mechanism 42 that defines the tilt limit when the rotating shaft holder 37 tilts the rotating shaft Js in an inverted V-shape (i.e., the maximum tilt angle θ2 of the second posture S2), and a first air cylinder AC1 that tilts the rotating shaft holder 37 left and right around the tilt support shaft 36. The piston rod of the first air cylinder AC1 is pivotally connected to either the motor base 38 or the traveling carriage 33, and the cylinder part of the first air cylinder AC1 is pivotally connected to either the motor base 38 or the traveling carriage 33.

[0076] The first stopper mechanism 41 sets the position where the upper part of the rotating shaft holder 37 above the tilting support shaft 36 is tilted inward by a predetermined angle θ1 (e.g., 5 degrees) from a substantially vertical free position Sv as a V-shaped tilt limit, and in the embodiment, it has a first engaging piece 41a fixed to the traveling carriage 33 and a first engaged piece 41b fixed to the motor base 38. On the other hand, the second stopper mechanism 42 sets the position where the upper part of the rotating shaft holder 37 above the tilting support shaft 36 is tilted outward by a predetermined angle θ2 (e.g., 3 degrees) from the free position Sv as an inverted V-shaped tilt limit, and in the embodiment, it has a second engaging piece 42a fixed to the traveling carriage 33 and a second engaged piece 42b fixed to the motor base 38.

[0077] Thus, the motor base 38, the first air cylinder AC1, and the first and second stopper mechanisms 41 and 42 cooperate with each other to constitute the attitude control mechanism SC of the present invention. That is, based on the air pressure acting on the first air cylinder AC1, this attitude control mechanism SC can forcibly change the attitude of the rotation axis Js of the side brush S between a first attitude S1 and a second attitude S2 relative to the traveling carriage 33, and exert a force that can place it in any of the first, second attitudes S1 and S2, as well as a vertical attitude.

[0078] Furthermore, an opening / closing drive device Dk is provided between each traveling carriage 33 and the upper part of the gantry frame 1 to drive each traveling carriage 33 (and therefore the left and right side brushes S) to open and close in the left and right directions along the guide rail 30. As is clear from Figure 6, this opening / closing drive device Dk comprises a link mechanism 50 (an articulated link mechanism in the illustrated example) that interlocks and connects each traveling carriage 33 to the upper part of the inner wall of the gantry frame 1, and a second air cylinder AC2 interposed between the first link 51 of the link mechanism 50 and the gantry frame 1. In the link mechanism 50, the other end of the second link 52, which has one end pivotally connected to the first link 51, i.e., the operating end, is connected to a connecting frame 33t that is fixed to the traveling carriage 33 and extends upward, via a pivot 50p so as to be able to rotate relative to it.

[0079] The piston rod of the second air cylinder AC2 is rotatably pivotally connected 55 to either the first link 51 or the gantry frame 1, and the cylinder portion of the second air cylinder AC2 is rotatably pivotally connected 56 to the other of the two. Thus, the opening and closing drive Device Dk functions as an opening and closing biasing mechanism that can bias the left and right running carriages 33 (and therefore the rotating shaft holder 37 and the rotating shaft Js) in the opening and closing directions of the side brush S, respectively.

[0080] Furthermore, the opening and closing drive Device Dk is equipped with a conventional open / close sensor (not shown) capable of detecting when the trolley 33 has reached the fully open position, the fully closed position, and the position just before fully closed, and the detection signal is sent to the control device C. The fully closed position and the position just before fully closed described above may be omitted.

[0081] Incidentally, as is clear from Figures 3, 5, and 6, a swinging arm 31A extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 30 (towards the rear of the car wash machine A in the illustrated example) is fixed to the rail body 31 of the guide rail 30. At the tip of each swinging arm 31A, a pair of upper and lower movable spring receiving parts 31As, which are disc-shaped, are fixed in opposite directions, and a pair of neutral springs 45 are compressed between each movable spring receiving part 31As and a pair of upper and lower fixed spring receiving parts 44, which are provided on the gate-type frame 1 opposite to it.

[0082] As is clear from Figure 3, the fixed spring support portion 44 is connected to an adjustment mechanism 40 that fixes the fixed spring support portion 44 to a support wall 1w fixed to the inner wall of the gate-type frame 1 so as to be adjustable in the direction of expansion and contraction of the neutral spring 45. By adjusting its position, the set load of the neutral spring 45 can be adjusted. Note that in Figure 5, the fixed spring support portion 44 is shown only by a dashed line in order to clearly show the planar shape of the movable spring support portion 31As.

[0083] Then, by using the elastic force of these neutral springs 45 to elastically hold the oscillating arm 31A in a nearly horizontal neutral position, the rail body 31 and the running trolley 33 (and therefore the side brush S) are elastically held in a neutral position (see Figure 4) that is not normally tilted in the front-rear direction. In addition, when the side brush S receives a contact pressure exceeding a predetermined level from the front and rear end surfaces Bf and Br of the automobile V, it can tilt in the front-rear direction around the axis of the rail shaft 32 while elastically deforming the neutral springs 45.

[0084] Although not shown in the diagram, a tilt sensor is provided between the oscillating arm 31A and the gantry frame 1, capable of detecting when the oscillating arm 31A tilts by more than a predetermined angle (and therefore the rail shaft portion 32 rotates by more than a predetermined angle). The detection signal from this tilt sensor is also sent to the control device C. Such tilt sensors are conventionally well known in car wash machines (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-198425).

[0085] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows an example of an air circuit diagram for controlling the operation of the first and second air cylinders AC1 and AC2. Specifically, the main air piping 60 connected to the air pump AP in the external piping unit U via a pressure regulating valve is provided with first and second branch pipes 61 and 62, each having first and second pressure reducing valves Vg1 and Vg2 upstream. In particular, the first air pressure reduced by the first pressure reducing valve Vg1 can be introduced into the rod-side air chambers of the left and right first air cylinders AC1 via the first on-off valve V1, while the second air pressure reduced by the second pressure reducing valve Vg2 can be introduced into the cylinder base-side air chambers of the left and right first air cylinders AC1 via the second on-off valve V2, respectively. The first and second on-off valves V1 and V2 allow the first and second branch pipes 61 and 62 to conduct air when they are open, but when they are closed, they block the first and second branch pipes 61 and 62 and open the corresponding rod-side or cylinder base-end-side air chamber of the first air cylinder AC1 to the atmosphere.

[0086] The first air pressure is the air pressure used to contract the first air cylinder AC1 and bias the rotating shaft holder 37 (rotating shaft Js) toward the first V-shaped position S1, and the second air pressure is the air pressure used to extend the first air cylinder AC1 and bias the rotating shaft holder 37 (rotating shaft Js) toward the second V-shaped position S2. The first and second pressure reducing valves Vg1 and Vg2 are capable of performing a pressure reducing function such that the first air pressure becomes greater than the second air pressure (i.e., the tilting biasing force toward the first position S1 is greater than the tilting biasing force toward the second position S2).

[0087] The control device C controls the operation of the first and second on-off valves V1 and V2 to control the posture of the side brush S (rotation axis Js) into a first V-shaped posture S1 in which the left and right first air cylinders AC1 are retracted (tilting limit is restricted by the first stopper mechanism 41), a second inverted V-shaped posture S2 in which the cylinders AC1 are extended (tilting limit is restricted by the second stopper mechanism 42), a nearly vertical tilt-free state in which no air pressure is applied to either of the pair of air chambers of the first air cylinder AC1, and a state in which air pressure is applied to either of the two air chambers. pressure It can be selectively switched to a nearly vertical neutral position where the function is applied.

[0088] Therefore, even when the side brush S (rotating axis Js) is in the above-mentioned tilt-free state, while brushing and cleaning the side Bs of the automobile V, it will be in a slightly tilted position so as to be roughly aligned with the side Bs in response to the contact reaction force that the brush body 34 receives from the side Bs.

[0089] Incidentally, the technique of using an air cylinder (second air cylinder AC2 in the illustrated example) as the actuator for the opening / closing drive device Dk that drives the traveling carriage 33 that suspends the rotating shaft Js of the side brush S to open and close left and right, and controlling the supply and discharge of air pressure to each air chamber on the rod side and cylinder base end side of the air cylinder AC2 with a control valve device 65 consisting of multiple electromagnetic control valves, is conventionally well known in car wash machines (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-153177). Therefore, in the air circuit of Figure 7, the specific illustration of the control valve device 65 that controls the supply and discharge of air pressure to the second air cylinder AC2 is omitted.

[0090] The control valve device 65 utilizes two different air pressure systems (in this embodiment, a third air pressure supplied from a third branch pipe 63 branched from the main air piping 60, and the first air pressure supplied from the first branch pipe 61) to switch between an opening-side control mode in which the left and right second air cylinders AC2 bias the traveling trolley 33 to the opening side, i.e., the cylinder extension side, and a closing-side control mode in which the traveling trolley 33 biases to the closing side, i.e., the cylinder contraction side. In addition to this switching mode for the control system, there may also be a switching mode that allows switching to a control system in which the traveling trolley 33 is not biased to either the closing or opening side.

[0091] Furthermore, the control valve device 65 can also perform variable biasing force control, which temporarily weakens the biasing force of the traveling bogie 33 by releasing or lowering the air pressure in the rod-side air chamber of the second air cylinder AC2, and / or increasing the air pressure in the cylinder base-side air chamber, while the above-described closing-side control mode is being executed.

[0092] The air pump AP, the first and second on-off valves V1 and V2, and the electromagnetically controlled valves of the control valve device 65 are operated and controlled by control signals output from the control device C.

[0093] Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

[0094] In the standby state of car wash machine A, see Figures 1 and 10. Shown As described above, the gantry frame 1 is stopped and waiting at the processing start position, i.e., the return end 1S. From this state, first, the vehicle V is moved forward to the vehicle to be washed position shown in Figure 10 and stopped. Then, the driver or worker who has gotten out of the vehicle V performs the vehicle wash reception operation on the control panel 80, and the vehicle wash begins.

[0095] To explain the case where the basic car wash course is selected at the reception, the control device C first performs a brushing cleaning process in which, during the first forward movement and first reverse movement of the gantry frame 1, detergent and / or foam detergent are sprayed onto the body surface of the automobile V from the upper and side detergent spray pipes 21, 26 and / or upper and side foam detergent spray pipes 24, 27 while operating the top brush T and side brush S. Next, in the second forward movement, a rinsing process is performed in which rinse water is sprayed onto the body surface from the rinse water spray pipe 22 to wash away the detergent and other substances from the body surface. Furthermore, in the second reverse movement, a drying process is performed in which the top nozzle Nt and side nozzle Ns are operated to blow away the moisture from the body surface and dry it.

[0096] In particular, during the first forward and first return journeys, the multi-axis sensor 10 detects the upper surface Bt of the automobile V, which changes in height as the gantry frame 1 moves. Based on this detection, the control device C detects the shape of the upper surface of the automobile V and rotates and moves the top brush T up and down according to the detected shape of the upper surface of the automobile (see Figure 10). This ensures that the upper surface Bt of the automobile is brushed clean with appropriate contact pressure. In addition, while the gantry frame 1 is moving, the wheel sensor SEw detects the front and rear wheels W and outputs the detection signal to the control device C.

[0097] Next, an example of the operation of the left and right side brushes S (more specifically, the traveling trolley 33 that suspends the rotating shaft Js so that it can tilt left and right) during the first forward and first return processes will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 11 to 15.

[0098] In particular, Figures 11 and 12 show control example 1 when the vehicle V to be washed has a vehicle height of 1 H1 (e.g., 1700 mm) or less, i.e., a low-riding vehicle such as a sedan. Figures 13 and 14 show control example 2 when the vehicle V has a vehicle height higher than 1 H1 (e.g., 1700 mm) and 2 H2 (e.g., 1800 mm) or less, i.e., a medium-riding vehicle such as a minivan. Furthermore, Figure 15 shows optional control example 4 in which the inverted V-shaped second posture is temporarily interrupted at the wheel corresponding position during the first return process of control example 1.

[0099] In Figures 11 to 15, the small circles and the solid lines passing through them indicate the position of the rotation axis Js of the side brush S at the height of the tilting support shaft 36 and its movement trajectory, respectively. The large circles and the dashed lines passing through them indicate the position of the brush body of the side brush S from a predetermined height (e.g., 600 mm above the ground) where it can contact the vehicle body surface and its movement trajectory, respectively. When the small circles are further inward to the left and right than the large circles (i.e., closer to the vehicle body), the rotation axes Js of the left and right side brushes S are in a V-shaped first posture S1. Conversely, when the large circles are further inward to the left and right than the small circles (i.e., closer to the vehicle body), the rotation axes Js of the left and right side brushes S are in an inverted V-shaped second posture S2. The magnitude of the lateral displacement between the small and large circles represents the degree of inclination of the rotation axis Js (i.e., the magnitude of the inclination angle).

[0100] Furthermore, the settings for the first and second vehicle heights H1 and H2 are not limited to the numerical examples above, but can be set as appropriate.

[0101] [Control example 1 for low-profile vehicles] [First forward movement process of control example 1] As is clear from Figure 11, at the start of the car wash before the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1 begins, the left and right side brushes S (rotation axis Js) located at the open end together with the running carriage 33 rotate forward in response to the start of the car wash and are moved into a first V-shaped position S1 by the first air cylinder AC1, and are then closed together with the running carriage 33 to the closed end by the second air cylinder AC2. Just before reaching the closed end, the left and right side brushes S (rotation axis Js) change their position to an inverted V-shaped second position S2 by the first air cylinder AC1, and then the gantry frame 1 begins to move forward in response to reaching the closed end.

[0102] As the vehicle moves forward, each side brush S comes into contact with the front end surface Bf of the vehicle V, causing the rotation axis Js to tilt forward by a predetermined angle or more. In response to the output signal from a tilt sensor (not shown) that detects this, the control device C moves the gantry frame 1 backward by a predetermined amount t1 (temporarily returns to its original position), and then moves the left and right traveling carriages 33 by a predetermined amount t2 to one side (to the right of the vehicle V in the illustrated example). During this time, the left and right side brushes S continue to brush and clean the left and right central parts and their vicinity of the front end surface Bf of the vehicle V while maintaining an inverted V-shape second posture S2. The reason for moving the left and right traveling carriages 33 by a predetermined amount t2 to one side to brush and clean the area near the left and right central parts of the front end surface Bf is to more reliably eliminate any remaining uncleaned areas that may still occur between the lower ends of the left and right side brushes S even in the inverted V-shape second posture S2.

[0103] Next, the control device C moves the left and right traveling carriages 33 toward the open side using the second air cylinder AC2, and along the way, applies the first and second air pressures to the pair of air chambers of the first air cylinder AC1 to switch the side brushes S (rotation axis Js) to the aforementioned neutral position. Then, when the left and right traveling carriages 33, and therefore the side brushes S, reach the open end, the rotation of the side brushes S is stopped, and the air pressure is released from the pair of air chambers of the first air cylinder AC1 to switch the side brushes S (rotation axis Js) to a tilt-free state, and the gantry frame 1 is made to move again.

[0104] Then, when the amount of re-travel of the gantry frame 1 reaches a predetermined amount t3 (i.e., the position where the side brush S corresponds to the front of the vehicle body side Bs), the re-travel is temporarily stopped and the side brush S is rotated forward again, and the running bogie 33 at the open end and the side brush S are moved to the closed side by the second air cylinder AC2. Next, when the side brush S comes into contact with the vehicle body side Bs, the gantry frame 1 is made to move again, thereby brushing and cleaning the vehicle body side Bs with the side brush S.

[0105] At this time, the second air cylinder AC applies a closing biasing force to the trolley 33 so that the contact pressure of the side brush S against the side of the vehicle body Bs is of an appropriate size. However, the rotating side brush S (rotation axis Js) is tilted slightly in a V-shape from a nearly vertical tilt-free state due to the contact reaction force from the side of the vehicle body Bs. The above contact of the side brush S with the side of the vehicle body Bs can be determined by the control device C receiving the detection result of a sensor capable of detecting changes in the load current of the rotating motor Ms, or by using a timer to determine the elapsed time from the point when the trolley 33 begins to close from the open end. Alternatively, the position of the side brush S may be controlled by detecting the tilt of the rotation axis Js of the side brush S with a tilt sensor to detect the above contact (and therefore the vehicle width), or by detecting the vehicle width with an ultrasonic sensor or the like.

[0106] Next, as the gantry frame 1 moves back and forth until the side brush S enters the roof area of ​​the automobile V, the control device C temporarily (for example, within 1 second) decelerates (for example, stops) the rotation of the side brush S and changes the attitude of the side brush S (rotation axis Js) to a V-shaped first attitude S1 using the first air cylinder AC1. This first attitude S1 is maintained until the side brush S is near the rear end of the automobile V. The control device C can determine, for example, that the side brush S has entered the roof area of ​​the automobile V or has passed the center of the roof based on the shape of the upper surface of the automobile body detected by the multi-axis sensor 10.

[0107] Thus, the side brush S, in its first position S1, is angled to follow the upward-inward sloping upper part of the side Bs of low-riding vehicles such as sedans, enabling efficient cleaning of the upper part of the side Bs. The reason for temporarily slowing down (stopping) the rotation of the side brush S during the brushing process, as described above, is that this deceleration effect, although not shown in Figure 11, slightly increases the contact depth of the side brush S with the side Bs of the vehicle body, improving the cleaning effect even after the deceleration is released (rotation resumes).

[0108] Then, the control device C reverses the side brush S when it has passed the center of the roof, and further switches the operation of the first air cylinder AC so that the side brush S (rotation axis Js) becomes free to tilt when the side brush S reaches near the rear end of the automobile V (for example, a predetermined distance t4 before the rear end surface Br). After switching to the free tilt state, as the gantry frame 1 moves further forward, the side brush S closes to the closed end, passing through the rear end corner of the automobile V and wrapping around to the rear end surface Br, thereby enabling the side Bs of the automobile body near the rear end and the rear end surface Br to be brushed and cleaned with the side brush S in a nearly vertical position.

[0109] In this case, especially when the side brush S passes the rear corner and brushes and cleans the rear surface Br, the control device C switches the operation of the first air cylinder AC1 to switch the aforementioned neutral position and tilt-free state of the side brush S in a timely manner, and also switches the operation of the second air cylinder AC2 to switch the closing operation and temporary pause of the traveling carriage 33 in a timely manner, thereby enabling the side brush S to move while brushing the rear surface Br appropriately and smoothly. For example, when the rotation axis Js switches from the first position S1 to the tilt-free state, or immediately after the switch to the tilt-free state and before the side brush S reaches the rear surface Br, the closing biasing force of the traveling carriage 33 by the opening / closing drive device Dk may be temporarily weakened, thereby reducing the effect of the rotation of the side brush S and making it smoother to turn around to the rear surface Br.

[0110] Furthermore, the position of the rear end surface Br can be determined by the control device C based on the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle body detected by the multi-axis sensor 10.

[0111] Next, the control device C stops the rotation of the side brushes S when the side brushes S leave the rear end surface Br of the automobile V and the gantry frame 1 travels a predetermined distance t5, and stops the travel when the gantry frame 1 travels a further predetermined distance t6, and the first travel ends when the position reaches the travel distance 1B (i.e., forward limit) of the gantry frame 1.

[0112] [First return-to-run process of control example 1] Incidentally, when the gantry frame 1 reaches the forward end 1B, the control device C, as is clear from Figure 12, changes the attitude of the left and right side brushes S (rotation axis Js) to an inverted V-shape second attitude S2 using the first air cylinder AC1, and then starts the return movement of the gantry frame 1. Once the gantry frame 1 has returned by a predetermined amount t7, the control device C rotates the side brushes S (in the reverse direction).

[0113] Then, when each side brush S contacts the rear end surface Br of the automobile V and the rotation axis Js tilts to the rear of the vehicle by a predetermined angle or more, the control device C receives the output signal from a tilt sensor (not shown) that detects this and moves the gantry frame 1 backward by a predetermined amount t8 (temporarily moving forward), and then moves the left and right traveling carriages 33 to one side (to the right of the automobile V in the illustrated example) by a predetermined amount t9. During this time, the left and right side brushes S continue to brush and clean the left and right central parts and the vicinity of the rear end surface Br of the automobile V while maintaining the inverted V-shape second posture S2. In this case, the reason for moving the left and right traveling carriages 33 to one side by a predetermined amount t9 to brush and clean the area near the left and right central parts of the rear end surface Br is the same as in the case of cleaning the center of the front end surface Bf during forward movement; that is, by moving by a predetermined amount t9 to one side, it is to more reliably eliminate any remaining uncleaned areas that may still occur between the lower ends of the left and right side brushes S even in the inverted V-shape second posture S2.

[0114] Next, the control device C applies the first and second air pressures to the pair of air chambers of the first air cylinder AC1 to switch the side brush S (rotation axis Js) to the aforementioned neutral position, and then uses the second air cylinder AC2 to move the traveling carriage 33 toward the open side, and when it reaches the open end, it stops the rotation of the side brush S and causes the gantry frame 1 to move toward the reverse direction.

[0115] Then, when the amount of return movement of the gantry frame 1 reaches a predetermined amount t10, the control device C stops the return movement and rotates the side brushes S (forward direction), and changes the attitude of the side brushes S (rotation axis Js) to an inverted V-shape second attitude S2 using the first air cylinder AC1, and then moves the running bogie 33 and side brushes S to the closed side using the second air cylinder AC2. As a result, when the side brushes S come into contact with the side of the vehicle body Bs, the return movement of the gantry frame 1 is restarted and the side brushes S brush and clean the side of the vehicle body Bs.

[0116] In this case, since the second air cylinder AC applies a closing biasing force to the traction motor 33, the inverted V-shaped inclination angle of the side brush S (rotation axis Js) in the second position S2 becomes relatively small (i.e., smaller than when the side brush S is not in contact with the side of the vehicle body Bs), but the lower part of the side of the vehicle body Bs can be efficiently cleaned with this side brush S.

[0117] Next, when the side brush S reaches near the front end of the roof of the automobile V (i.e., a predetermined amount tx in front of the front end of the roof as a specific part of the vehicle body, in other words, a predetermined amount t11 ​​in front of the door mirror 70 estimated from the front end of the roof), the control device C temporarily stops the return movement of the gantry frame 1 and temporarily (for example, for 1 second) weakens or stops the closing biasing force of the traveling carriage 33 by the second air cylinder AC2. As a result, the inverted V-shaped inclination angle of the side brush S in the second posture S2 becomes slightly larger, and the return movement of the gantry frame 1 resumes while this increased inclination angle is maintained. Therefore, when the side brush S passes to the side of the door mirror 70, there is no risk of the side brush S, with its increased inverted V-shaped inclination angle, strongly pressing against the door mirror 70.

[0118] In this case, the door mirror 70 is an example of a lateral projection on the side of the vehicle V that secures rearward visibility. The detection of a specific part of the vehicle body located in the front-rear direction from the door mirror 70 (in this embodiment, the front end of the roof) can be estimated by the control device C based on the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle body (particularly the position of the front end of the roof) detected by the multi-axis sensor 10. The specific part of the vehicle body may be a part other than the front end of the roof, for example, a suitable place on the front windshield (for example, the front end, rear end, etc.). Thus, the multi-axis sensor 10 and the control device C cooperate with each other to constitute a predetermined area estimation means that can estimate a predetermined area including the door mirror 70 and its front-rear region based on the detection of the specific part of the vehicle body.

[0119] The control device C then temporarily decelerates, or stops, the rotation of the side brush S when it reaches a predetermined distance t12 before the front of the vehicle. The reason for temporarily decelerating (stopping) the rotation of the side brush S during brushing is the same as for temporary deceleration during the forward movement. That is, although not shown in Figure 12, this deceleration effect slightly increases the contact depth of the side brush S with the side of the vehicle body Bs, improving the cleaning effect even after the deceleration is released (rotation resumes).

[0120] Even after the deceleration is released, as the gantry frame 1 moves back further, the side brushes S move around the front corner of the automobile V to the front surface Bf and close to the closed end, thereby brushing and cleaning the side Bs of the automobile body near the front and the front surface Bf with the side brushes S.

[0121] Next, when the side brush S leaves the front end surface Bf of the automobile V and the gantry frame 1 returns by a predetermined amount t13, the control device C stops the rotation of the side brush S, and uses the second air cylinder AC2 to open and move the traveling carriage 33 (and therefore the side brush S) to its open end, while simultaneously returning the gantry frame 1 to the return end 1S, thereby completing the first return.

[0122] In control example 1, the side brush S (rotation axis Js) was shown to be mainly in a V-shape first position S1 during the forward movement of the gantry frame 1, and mainly in an inverted V-shape second position S2 during the return movement. However, it is also possible to implement a control example of the opposite, in which the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is mainly in an inverted V-shape second position S2 during the forward movement of the gantry frame 1, and mainly in a V-shape first position S1 during the return movement.

[0123] [Control example 2 for mid-level and high-riding vehicles] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the operation of the side brush S based on this control example 2. In control example 1 for low-profile vehicles, the side brush S (rotation axis Js) was held in a V-shaped first posture S1 during the first forward travel process (especially the latter half of the process), whereas in control example 2 for medium-profile vehicles, as is clear from Figure 13, the first forward travel process is different in that the side brush S is kept in a nearly vertical, free-tilting state throughout the brushing and cleaning of the vehicle body side Bs. On the other hand, the first return travel process in control example 2 is basically the same as the first return travel process in control example 1, as is clear from Figure 14.

[0124] Furthermore, the selection of whether the vehicle V to be washed is a low-profile vehicle or a medium-profile vehicle may be made arbitrarily by a worker or driver through a reception operation at the reception section of the control panel 80, or alternatively, or in addition to this, the control device C may automatically select whether it is a low-profile vehicle or a medium-profile vehicle based on the vehicle shape detected by the multi-axis sensor 10, and depending on the selection result, the control example 1 for the case of a low-profile vehicle and the control example 2 for the case of a medium-profile vehicle described above will be selected.

[0125] Furthermore, in control example 2, the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is shown to be in a tilt-free state mainly during the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1, and in an inverted V-shape second posture S2 mainly during the first return movement. However, it is also possible to implement a control example of a variation in which the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is in an inverted V-shape second posture S2 mainly during the first forward movement, and in a tilt-free state mainly during the second return movement.

[0126] [Control example 3 for high-riding vehicles] In control example 3 (not shown) where the vehicle V to be washed is a high-riding vehicle with a height higher than the second vehicle height (e.g., 1800 mm), the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1 is controlled in the same manner as the first forward movement of control example 2 for a medium-riding vehicle. However, the first return movement is controlled in a slightly different manner from the first return movement of control example 2, as will be explained below.

[0127] In other words, if the vehicle V is a high-riding vehicle, and the side brushes S are in a second inverted V-shape position S2 while brushing the side Bs of the vehicle body, for example, [1] in high-riding vehicles with a high floor, the lower part of the side brushes S may get deeply embedded in the lower part of the floor and get caught, and [2] in high-riding vehicles with lateral protrusions such as side steps directly below the side doors, the side brushes S may wear out prematurely due to strong contact with the lateral protrusions.

[0128] Therefore, in control example 3, if the vehicle V is a high vehicle, the rotation axis Js of the side brush S relative to the traveling chassis 33 can be selected to either an inverted V-shaped second posture S2 or a tilt-free state during the first return-movement process of the gantry frame 1. More specifically, during the first return-movement process, the rotation axis Js of the side brush S is normally in the second posture S2, but if the above-mentioned risk exists, it can be placed in a tilt-free state in response to the detection of external features of the vehicle V (for example, the floor height, lateral overhangs, etc. mentioned above) or an arbitrary setting operation, thereby eliminating the above-mentioned risk.

[0129] Any setting operation to select this tilt-free state can be performed arbitrarily by a worker or driver through a reception operation at the reception section of the control panel 80. On the other hand, the detection of the external features of the automobile V (e.g., floor height and lateral overhangs) is performed by the control device C, for example, based on the vehicle shape detected by the multi-axis sensor 10, or based on images captured by a camera (not shown). In other words, if the control device C determines that the automobile V is a high-riding vehicle with the above-mentioned risk based on the detection results of the external features of the automobile V, it automatically selects the tilt-free state.

[0130] Therefore, if the control device C determines that the vehicle is free from the above-mentioned risk and the above-mentioned arbitrary setting operation is not performed, then in the first return process, the second posture S2 in an inverted V shape is selected, similar to control examples 1 and 2, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect on the lower part of the side Bs.

[0131] In control example 3, the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is shown to be in a tilt-free state mainly during the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1, and in a second inverted V-shape S2 or a nearly vertical tilt-free state mainly during the first return movement. However, it is also possible to implement a control example of the opposite, in which the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is in a second inverted V-shape S2 or tilt-free state mainly during the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1, and in a tilt-free state mainly during the first return movement.

[0132] The gantry-type car wash machine A of the embodiment described above includes a support mechanism P that rotatably and tiltably suspends the rotation axis Js of the side brushes S from the traveling carriage 33 so that the rotation axis Js of the side brushes S can change its posture between a first posture S1 in which the car wash machine A forms a V shape and a second posture S2 in which it forms an inverted V shape, and when the side brushes S brush at least the area between the front and rear wheels on the side of the automobile V, the posture control mechanism SC controls the rotation axis Js of the side brushes S mainly The side brushes are positioned in a second orientation S2 that is inclined downwards and inward to the left and right. This allows the side brushes S positioned in the second orientation S2 to extend their cleaning range to the lower side of the vehicle, resulting in a high cleaning effect. As a result, even without rocker brushes, at least one of the side brushes positioned in the second orientation can effectively clean the lower side of the vehicle, especially the part that curves downwards and inward to the left and right, thus eliminating the need for rocker brushes and contributing to cost savings. Moreover, by eliminating rocker brushes, the gantry frame 1 and thus the car wash machine A can be made smaller in the front-to-back direction, reducing the installation space required for the car wash machine A and alleviating space constraints when installing it.

[0133] In the embodiment, if the automobile V is a low-profile vehicle with a first vehicle height H1 or less, the control device C controls the first air cylinder AC1 of the attitude control mechanism SC so that the rotation axis Js of the side brush S is positioned in the first attitude S1 during either the forward or reverse travel process of the gantry frame 1 (first forward travel process in the embodiment), and in the second attitude S2 during either the other travel process (first reverse travel process in the embodiment), as illustrated in control example 1 above.

[0134] As a result, when the rotation axis Js of the side brush S is in the first V-shaped position S1, the upper part of the upward-inward sloping side Bs of the low-riding vehicle can be efficiently cleaned with the side brush S. On the other hand, when the rotation axis Js is in the second V-shaped position S2, the lower part of the side Bs of the low-riding vehicle can be efficiently cleaned with the side brush S in the second position S2 (i.e., without relying on the rocker brush). Therefore, the cleaning range of the side by the side brush is extended to the lower part of the side, resulting in a high cleaning effect. Moreover, since the rotation axis Js of the side brush S only needs to be switched between one of the first or second positions S1 or S2 and the other when the gantry frame 1 is moving forward and backward, the posture control is simplified and streamlined, while the side Bs of the automobile V can be cleaned evenly, quickly and accurately with the side brush S.

[0135] However, when the vehicle V is a medium or high-riding vehicle with a height higher than the first vehicle height H1 (for example, 1700 mm), the upper part of its side Bs is at a higher position. Therefore, when cleaning the side Bs with the rotation axis Js of the side brush S in a particularly V-shaped first position S1, the side brush S will strongly contact the upper part of the side Bs while easily lifting away from the lower part of the side Bs, which may reduce the cleaning effect on the lower part of the side Bs. In contrast, in control examples 2 and 3 of the embodiment, when the automobile V is a medium or high-riding vehicle, the rotation axis Js of the side brush S is in a nearly vertical, tilt-free state relative to the traveling chassis 33, without being in the first posture S1 during either the forward or reverse travel process of the gantry frame 1 (the first forward travel process in the embodiment). Therefore, even if the upper side of the automobile V is tilted upward and inward or is nearly vertical, the tilt-free side brush S can contact the upper side of the automobile V smoothly and appropriately, and clean it effectively. On the other hand, during either the forward or reverse travel process of the gantry frame 1 (the first reverse travel process in the embodiment), the rotation axis JS is in a second posture S2, tilted downward and inward to the left and right. Therefore, the lower side of the automobile V that curves downward and inward to the left and right can be efficiently cleaned with the side brush S (i.e., without relying on the rocker brush). As a result, the cleaning range of the side by the side brush is extended to the lower side, and a high cleaning effect can be achieved.

[0136] Furthermore, as is evident from control examples 1 to 3, the control device C of the embodiment includes a predetermined area estimation means (multi-axis sensor 10 and control device C in the embodiment) capable of estimating a predetermined area including the door mirror 70 and its front and rear regions, based on the detection of a specific part of the vehicle body (front end of the roof in the embodiment) located in the front and rear direction from the door mirror 70, which is a lateral projection of the vehicle V for securing rearward visibility. In the process of the side brush S brushing the side of the vehicle V while maintaining the second posture S2, the opening and closing biasing mechanism Dk of the traveling carriage 33 is controlled based on the estimation result of the predetermined area estimation means (specifically, controlled to weaken the closing biasing force of the second air cylinder AC2) so that when the side brush S passes to the side of the door mirror 70 of the vehicle V, the inclination angle of the rotation axis Js in the second posture S2 is larger than when brushing the rear side.

[0137] As a result, when the side brush S passes to the side of the door mirror 70, which is a lateral projection for securing rearward visibility of the automobile V, the inclination angle of the rotation axis Js in the second posture S2, which is inclined downward and inward to the left and right, is increased midway through, thereby preventing the side brush S from hitting the door mirror 70 forcefully, and is effective in preventing damage to the door mirror 70.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the side brushes S clean the left and right central portions of the front and rear end surfaces Bf and Br of the automobile V, the control device C controls the first air cylinder AC1 of the attitude control mechanism SC so that the rotation axis Js of the side brushes S takes on an inverted V-shaped second attitude S2. This allows the left and right central portions of the front and rear end surfaces Bf and Br of the automobile V to be thoroughly cleaned by both side brushes S, particularly by bringing the lower parts of the left and right side brushes S closer together when the left and right side brushes S are cleaning the front and rear end surfaces Bf and Br, effectively reducing any remaining residue in the central portions of the end surfaces.

[0139] Incidentally, the control device C of the embodiment can control the relative movement of the gantry frame 1 and the automobile V in the longitudinal direction (travel of the gantry frame 1 in the embodiment), but especially when the longitudinal length of the automobile V is greater than a predetermined length, as is clear from Figure 10, the top brush T does not pass through the rear end of the automobile V and controls the direction of the relative movement to reverse (return the gantry frame 1 from forward to reverse in the embodiment). As a result, the total stroke length required for the relative movement (travel stroke length of the gantry frame 1 in the embodiment) can be shortened, and combined with the effect of being able to miniaturize the car wash machine A in the longitudinal direction by omitting the rocker brush as described above, it becomes possible to further compact the installation space of the car wash machine A.

[0140] [Control example 4: Interrupting the inverted V-shaped second posture at the wheel corresponding position] This control example 4 is a control mode that is optionally added when executing any of the aforementioned control examples 1 to 3, and the characteristic operation mode of the side brush S based on this control example 4 is shown in Figure 15. Specifically, control example 4 is executed when the "wheel avoidance operation" described below is optionally selected when the side brush S is brushing the side of the vehicle body Bs in a second inverted V-shape S2 by control examples 1 to 3, and this selection is made, for example, by an operator or driver inputting an operation into the control panel 80 before the start of car washing.

[0141] Figure 15 shows the control method during the first return process when "wheel avoidance operation" is selected in advance when executing control example 1, which is when the automobile V is a low-riding vehicle. During the process when the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is in the second posture S2 which is in an inverted V shape, the side brush S performs an avoidance operation with respect to the wheel W or wheel well Th. That is, in control example 4, during the process when the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is brushing and cleaning the side Bs of the automobile V in the second posture S2, the posture control mechanism SC (first air cylinder AC1) is controlled based on the detection result of the wheel sensor SEw so as to temporarily suspend the second posture S2 when the side brush S is in a position corresponding to the wheel W.

[0142] More specifically, in control example 4, the same control method as in the first forward movement of control example 1 shown in Figure 11 is executed during the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1. During this first forward movement, the wheel sensor SEw detects the front-to-rear width of the front and rear wheels W at a predetermined height, and this is stored in the control device C. Subsequently, in the first return movement, the same control method as in control example 1 shown in Figure 12 is executed. However, in particular, at the position where the side brush S corresponds to the wheel W or wheel housing Th (this position is calculated by the control device C based on the wheel detection width of the wheel sensor SEw as described above), unlike in control example 1, the control device C temporarily interrupts the inverted V-shaped second posture S2, and during this interruption period, switches the control of the first air cylinder AC1 so that the side brush S (rotation axis Js) is in the tilt-free state or the V-shaped first posture S1. This point is unique to control example 4.

[0143] Therefore, when the side brush S (rotating axis Js) is in the second position S2, which is in an inverted V shape, and the wheels W and wheel well Th are being cleaned, the lower part of the side brush S is likely to get caught on the wheels W and wheel well Th. However, this risk of getting caught can be reduced by the effect of the temporary suspension of the second position S2 as described above, based on control example 4.

[0144] Furthermore, in control example 4 of Figure 15, when control example 1 is executed with vehicle V being a low-riding vehicle, if wheel avoidance operation is selected, the wheel avoidance operation is performed while the side brush S is in the second posture S2. However, when vehicle V is a medium-riding vehicle and wheel avoidance operation is selected, the same wheel avoidance operation as in the low-riding vehicle case is performed when executing control example 2. Also, when vehicle V is a high-riding vehicle and wheel avoidance operation is selected, the same wheel avoidance operation as in the low-riding vehicle case is performed when executing control example 3, specifically only when the second posture S2 is selected.

[0145] Figure 16 shows a second embodiment. Specifically, in the gantry frame 1 of the first embodiment, the top brush T is positioned further rearward than the side brushes S, and when the front-to-rear length of the automobile V is greater than or equal to a predetermined length, as is clear from Figure 10, the control device C controls the gantry frame 1 so that the top brush T does not pass under the rear end of the automobile V, and reverses the direction of relative movement between the gantry frame 1 and the automobile V (in this embodiment, the gantry frame 1 returns from forward to reverse). In contrast, in the gantry frame 1 of the second embodiment, the top brush T is positioned further forward than the side brushes S, and the front-to-rear relative position of the gantry frame 1 and the automobile V at the start of car washing is set so that the front end of the automobile V is below the top brush T.

[0146] As a result, even if the top brush T is positioned in front of the side brush S, the total stroke length required for the relative movement (i.e., the reciprocating stroke of the gantry frame 1) can be shortened, as in the first embodiment. Combined with the effect of miniaturizing the car wash machine A in the front-to-back direction by omitting the rocker brush as described above, this makes it possible to further reduce the installation space of the car wash machine A.

[0147] Thus, in the second embodiment of the car wash machine A, the only difference is that the mounting positions of the top brush T and the side brush S on the gantry frame 1 are in the front-rear direction. The control method for opening, closing, and tilting the side brush S is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0148] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0149] For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention was shown to be applied to a mobile car wash machine in which the automobile V to be washed is stationary and the gantry frame 1 is moved back and forth relative to the automobile V to perform the car wash. However, the present invention (particularly the invention relating to the first feature) may also be applied to a fixed car wash machine in which the automobile V to be washed is moved back and forth relative to a fixed gantry frame 1 to perform the car wash.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a non-contact type wheel sensor was shown as the wheel sensor SEw, but a contact type wheel sensor may also be used.

[0151] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a non-drive-through type car wash where the vehicle reverses to exit after the car wash is completed, the present invention may also be applied to a drive-through type car wash where the vehicle moves forward (i.e., passes through the gantry frame 1) to exit after the car wash is completed.

[0152] In the above embodiment, an air cylinder (i.e., the first air cylinder AC1) is used as the actuator for the attitude control mechanism SC that changes the attitude of the rotation axis Js of the side brush S between a first V-shaped attitude S1 and a second V-shaped attitude S2, and an air cylinder (i.e., the second air cylinder AC2) is used as the actuator for the opening / closing drive device Dk, which is the opening / closing biasing mechanism for the traveling carriage 33 (and therefore the rotation axis holder 37). However, one or both of the actuators of the attitude control mechanism SC and the opening / closing drive device Dk may be replaced with electric actuators (for example, electric motors).

[0153] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a car washing example was shown in which a brushing cleaning process (i.e., a shampooing process) is performed by operating the top brush T and side brush S while spraying detergent and / or foam detergent toward the vehicle body surface during the first forward and first return process of the gantry frame 1. However, instead of this car washing example, a brushing process (i.e., a coating treatment process) may be performed by operating the top brush T and side brush S while spraying a coating agent toward the vehicle body surface from the upper and side coating agent spraying pipes 23 and 28 during the first forward and first return process of the gantry frame 1.

[0154] Furthermore, while the above embodiment exemplified a door mirror 70 as a lateral projection for securing rearward visibility on the side of the automobile, the lateral projection for securing rearward visibility of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, an outer camera, which is arranged to protrude outward from the front side door of the automobile or the surrounding side of the vehicle body, to capture the rearward view and display the rearward view on an in-vehicle monitor based on the captured data, is also included as a lateral projection for securing rearward visibility.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rotation axes Js of both the left and right side brushes S are placed in a first posture S1 or tilt-free state during the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1, with both (i.e., symmetrically) tilted downward and outward to the left and right, and in a second posture S2 during the first return movement, with both (i.e., symmetrically) tilted downward and inward to the left and right. However, the control modes of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and various variations can be implemented.

[0156] For example, in the first variation, instead of changing the rotation axis Js of the left and right side brushes S in a symmetrical manner as in the embodiment, it is also possible to perform asymmetrical posture changes, such as placing the rotation axis Js of the right side brush S in the first posture S1 or tilt-free state during the first forward stroke, while placing the rotation axis Js of the left side brush S in the second posture S2, and then placing the rotation axis Js of the right side brush S in the second posture S2 and the rotation axis Js of the left side brush S in the first posture S1 during the second return stroke.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, in the second variation, the rotation axis Js of the left and right side brushes S is mainly (i.e., throughout the entire process) of the first forward movement of the gantry frame 1. line It is also possible to implement a control configuration in which the motor is kept in the first posture S1 or tilt-free state for more than half of the stroke travel distance, but in the second posture S2 for some relatively short travel distances, and in the first return-travel process the rotation axis Js of the left and right side brushes S are mainly placed in the second posture S2, but in some relatively short travel distances the motor is kept in the first posture S1 or tilt-free state. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] A...Car wash machine Bs, Bt... Side and top surfaces of automobiles Bf, Br... Front and rear end surfaces of automobiles C...Control device Dk... Opening / closing drive device as an opening / closing biasing mechanism H1, H2... 1st and 2nd vehicle height Js·····Axis of rotation P... Support mechanism S······Side brush S1, S2...1st, 2nd posture SC...Position control mechanism SEw.....Wheel sensor V······Automobile 1. Gate-type frame 10. Multi-axis sensor that, in cooperation with control device C, constitutes a predetermined area estimation means. 33....Training platform 70. Door mirrors as side protrusions to ensure rearward visibility.

Claims

1. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) that can brush the sides (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; left and right traveling carriages (33) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S); A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, such that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically, and a second posture (S2) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes (S) can move in the left-right direction to open and close in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system includes an attitude control mechanism (SC) that can position the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) in the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) that can control the attitude control mechanism (SC). A gantry-type car wash machine, characterized in that the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) brushes the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) between at least the front and rear wheels (W) during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is mainly placed in the second attitude (S2).

2. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) that can brush the sides (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; and left and right traveling carriages (3) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S). 3) A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which the rotating shaft (Js) is inclined downward and outward to the left and right, and a second posture (S2) in which the rotating shaft (Js) is inclined downward and inward to the left and right, and the left and right side brushes (S) can open and close in the left-right direction in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system includes an attitude control mechanism (SC) that can position the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) in either of the first or second attitudes (S1, S2), and a control device (C) that can control the attitude control mechanism (SC). A gantry-type car wash machine characterized in that the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) such that the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) with respect to the traveling carriage (33) is mainly placed in the first attitude (S1) during the relative movement process in one direction of the relative movement, and mainly placed in the second attitude (S2) during the relative movement process in the other direction of the relative movement.

3. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) that can brush the sides (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; and left and right traveling carriages (3) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S). 3) A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which the rotating shaft (Js) is inclined downward and outward to the left and right, and a second posture (S2) in which the rotating shaft (Js) is inclined downward and inward to the left and right, and the left and right side brushes (S) can open and close in the left-right direction in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system includes an attitude control mechanism (SC) that can position the rotation axis (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) in either a tilt-free state or the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) that can control the attitude control mechanism (SC). The gantry car wash is characterized in that the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) such that the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) with respect to the traveling carriage (33) is mainly placed in the tilt-free state during the relative movement process in one direction of the relative movement, and mainly placed in the second attitude (S2) during the relative movement process in the other direction of the relative movement.

4. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) that can brush the sides (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; and left and right traveling carriages (3) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S). 3) A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, so that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which the rotating shaft (Js) is inclined downward and outward to the left and right, and a second posture (S2) in which the rotating shaft (Js) is inclined downward and inward to the left and right, and the left and right side brushes (S) can open and close in the left-right direction in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system includes an attitude control mechanism (SC) that can position the rotation axis (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) in either a tilt-free state or the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) that can control the attitude control mechanism (SC). The control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) such that the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) relative to the traveling carriage (33) is normally placed in the second attitude (S2) during the relative movement process in one or the other direction, but is placed in the tilt-free state in response to the detection of predetermined features on the external shape of the automobile (V) or an arbitrary setting operation.

5. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) capable of brushing the side (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; left and right traveling carriages (33) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S); A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, such that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically, and a second posture (S2) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes (S) can move in the left-right direction to open and close in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system includes an attitude control mechanism (SC) that can position the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) in the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) that can control the attitude control mechanism (SC). A gantry-type car wash machine, characterized in that the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) brushes the area between the front and rear wheels (W) of the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) with the left and right side brushes (S) during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is placed in the second attitude (S2) over an area extending more than half of the area between the front and rear wheels (W).

6. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) and capable of brushing the side surfaces (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; left and right traveling carriages (33) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S); A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, such that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically, and a second posture (S2) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes (S) can move in the left-right direction to open and close in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system comprises an attitude control mechanism (SC) capable of positioning the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) to the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) capable of controlling the attitude control mechanism (SC), wherein the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) brushes the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) between at least the front and rear wheels (W) during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is positioned to the second attitude (S2). Furthermore, the gantry frame (1) is provided with a wheel sensor (SEw) capable of detecting the wheels (W) of an automobile (V), and the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) based on the detection result of the wheel sensor (SEw) such that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is brushing the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) in the second attitude (S2) of the rotation axis (Js), the second attitude (S2) is temporarily suspended when the side brush (S) is in a position corresponding to the wheel (W).

7. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) capable of brushing the side surfaces (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; left and right traveling carriages (33) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S); A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, such that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically, and a second posture (S2) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes (S) can move in the left-right direction to open and close in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system comprises an attitude control mechanism (SC) capable of positioning the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) to the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) capable of controlling the attitude control mechanism (SC), wherein the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) brushes the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) between at least the front and rear wheels (W) during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is positioned to the second attitude (S2), The control device (C) further comprises an opening / closing biasing mechanism (Dk) that can bias the traveling carriage (33) in the opening and closing directions of the side brush (S), and a predetermined area estimation means (10, C) that can estimate a predetermined area including the rearward-facing lateral protrusion (70) and its front-rear area based on the detection of a specific part of the vehicle body of the automobile (V) located in the front-rear direction away from the rearward-facing lateral protrusion (70) on the side of the automobile (V), and the control device (C) is configured such that the side brush (S) is in the second posture ( A gantry-type car wash machine characterized in that, in the process of brushing the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) while maintaining position S2), the inclination angle of the rotation axis (Js) in the second position (S2) is increased when the side brush (S) passes to the side of the rearward-facing lateral projection (70) of the automobile (V) compared to when brushing the rear of the side (Bs), by controlling the opening and closing biasing mechanism (Dk) based on the estimation result of the predetermined area estimation means (10, C).

8. A gate-shaped frame (1) formed to straddle a vehicle (V) and movable relative to the vehicle (V) in the front-rear direction; left and right side brushes (S) provided on the gate-shaped frame (1) capable of brushing the side (Bs) and front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the vehicle (V) as it moves relative to the vehicle; left and right traveling carriages (33) provided on the upper part of the gate-shaped frame (1) so as to be movable in the left-right direction in order to rotatably support the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S); A gantry-type car wash machine comprising at least a support mechanism (P) that suspends the rotating shaft (Js) from the traveling carriage (33) so as to be tiltable in the left-right direction, such that the rotating shaft (Js) can change its posture between a first posture (S1) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right outward or extends substantially vertically, and a second posture (S2) in which it is tilted downward to the left and right inward, and the left and right side brushes (S) can move in the left-right direction to open and close in accordance with the traveling carriage (33), The system includes an attitude control mechanism (SC) that can position the rotation axes (Js) of the left and right side brushes (S) in the second attitude (S2), and a control device (C) that can control the attitude control mechanism (SC). The control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) brushes the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) between at least the front and rear wheels (W) during the relative movement process in one or the other direction of the relative movement, the rotation axis (Js) of at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is placed in the second attitude (S2), and also controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when the side brushes (S) brush the left and right central portions of the front and rear end faces (Bf, Br) of the automobile (V), the rotation axis (Js) of the side brushes (S) is placed in the second attitude (S2).

9. The aforementioned gantry frame (1) is provided with a wheel sensor (SEw) capable of detecting the wheels (W) of an automobile (V). The gantry car wash machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) based on the detection result of the wheel sensor (SEw) so that when at least one of the left and right side brushes (S) is brushing the side (Bs) of the automobile (V) in the second attitude (S2) of the rotation axis (Js), the second attitude (S2) is temporarily suspended when the side brush (S) is in a position corresponding to the wheel (W).

10. The vehicle (V) is equipped with an opening / closing biasing mechanism (Dk) that can bias the traveling carriage (33) in the opening and closing directions of the side brush (S), and a predetermined area estimation means (10, C) that can estimate a predetermined area including the rearward-facing lateral projection (70) and its front and rear regions, based on the detection of a specific part of the vehicle body of the vehicle (V) located in the front and rear direction away from the rearward-facing lateral projection (70) on the side of the vehicle (V). The gantry car wash according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control device (C) controls the opening / closing biasing mechanism (Dk) based on the estimation result of the predetermined area estimation means (10, C) so that when the side brush (S) passes to the side of the rearward-facing lateral projection (70) of the automobile (V) while maintaining the second posture (S2), the inclination angle of the rotation axis (Js) in the second posture (S2) is greater than when the side brush (S) is brushing the rear of the side (Bs).

11. The gantry car wash machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control device (C) controls the attitude control mechanism (SC) so that when the side brush (S) brushes the left and right central portions of the front and rear end surfaces (Bf, Br) of the automobile (V), the rotation axis (Js) of the side brush (S) is placed in the second attitude (S2).

12. The gantry frame (1) is provided with a top brush (T) that moves up and down in accordance with the relative movement and is capable of brushing the upper surface (Bt) of the automobile (V), positioned further rearward than the side brushes (S). The gantry car wash machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the process of brushing the upper surface (Bt) of the automobile (V) by moving relative to the automobile (V) in a direction from front to rear of the automobile (V), the top brush (T) reaches the end of the relative movement without passing through the rear end of the automobile (V).

13. The gantry frame (1) is provided with a top brush (T) that moves up and down in accordance with the relative movement and is capable of brushing the upper surface (Bt) of the automobile (V), positioned further forward than the side brushes (S). A gantry-type car wash machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the relative front-to-rear position of the gantry-type frame (1) and the automobile (V) at the start of car washing is set such that the front end of the automobile (V) is located below the top brush (T).

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