A washing arrangement and a method for washing

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing arrangement (A) comprising a drive-in washing station (1) for washing vehicles (2), the drive-in washing station (1) comprising a washing equipment (3-6) and a control system (100). The washing equipment (3-7) comprises at least one spraying means (3), comprising one or more outlet openings (31) and / or one or more nozzles (32), for spraying a washing substance mixture on a vehicle (2); a supply means (7) of washing substance mixture, which supply means (7) comprise plurality of substance sources (700-704) comprising one or more liquid chemical substance sources; a mixing means (7f) for mixing the substances for thereby forming the washing substance mixture of them; plurality of supply lines (7a-7e) comprising a supply line (7a-7e) between each substance source (700-704) and the mixing means (7f) via which supply line (7a-7e) substance source (700- 704) is in flow connection with the mixing means (7f); a pumping means (p) for pumping the substances in the supply lines (7a-7e), comprising an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70- 74) installed on one or more of the supply lines (7a-7e), each said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) comprising an adjusting means (70a-74a) controllable to adjust flow rate of substance in the supply line (7a-7e) in question, the flow rate of the substance into the mixing means being individually adjustable by controlling the adjusting means (70a-74a) for thereby adjusting concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture. The control system (100) is operatively connected to the adjusting means (70a-74a) of each said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74). The invention also relates to a method for washing a vehicle (2) utilizing the washing arrangement (A).

Description

[0001] A WASHING ARRANGEMENT AND A METHOD FOR WASHING Field of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to washing of vehicles and particularly to washing arrangements comprising a drive-in washing station for washing vehicles such as cars as well as method utilized in such a washing arrangement.

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] Washing stations are often drive-in stations, where the vehicle is driven into proximity of a washing equipment, which will perform automatically a washing sequence on the vehicle. The washing sequence often involves some sort of pre-washing, where water is sprayed on the vehicle to loosen dirt and grime. In this stage also a minor amount of washing substance mixture containing detergent and / or solvent can be sprayed on the vehicle, e.g. to apply a presoak. After the pre-washing, the sequence typically comprises applying a thick layer of relatively strong washing substance mixture containing detergent and / or solvent on the vehicle. In this stage, the major amount of washing chemicals are applied on the vehicle. After this, the sequence comprises scrubbing and / or high-pressure water rinsing. After this, the sequence may comprise waxing (optional), final rinsing, and drying e.g. with air blowers. The washing sequence is typically automatically controlled by a control system operatively connected to the washing equipment.

[0005] Generally, the vehicle can stay stationary during the washing sequence, in which case the devices performing the washing stages may be movable so that they are able to treat the whole vehicle. Alternatively, the drive-in washing station may include a conveying means for moving the vehicle during the sequence from one stage of washing to the next in order. Thus, the devices performing the washing stages do not need to be moved much or at all.As mentioned, in the process, washing substance mixture is sprayed on the vehicle at least once but there may be need for doing this more than once during the process. In each stage of spraying, a spraying means can be used, which may comprise one or more spraying devices. Having multiple spraying devices may be advantageous for achieving good coverage. The spraying device(s) can be stationary or movable.

[0006] A drawback of known solutions relates to the tendency that it has become more and more common in the field of drive-in washing stations that customers are offered a monthly subscription including unlimited amount of washings. This has led to customers having their vehicles washed relatively frequently, sometimes also when the vehicle is almost clean. This has made it more common that the regular washing treatment has been excessively strong in some cases. Excessively strong treatment [high concentration of chemicals] burdens unnecessary the vehicle, in particular plastic parts thereof, as well as environment. This increases use of chemicals and reduces efficiency and economy of the washing. Thus, giving a similar treatment to all vehicles is not always optimal.

[0007] There are such washing stations known, where a batch of washing substance mixture is prepared by mixing washing chemicals to form a mixture of a desired composition. The mixture is then used to wash cars or other vehicles coming to the washing station. This is a simple way to arrange since it does not require complicated equipment. Sometimes the conditions change so that the vehicles coming to the washing station need a stronger mixture than the mixture prepared and used in the washing sequence. Also occasionally, an individual vehicle may also need to be treated differently than others. In such cases, the washing sequence has been switched to draw the washing substance mixture from another tank containing different kind of washing substance mixture, e.g. one having a greater concentration of a desired washing chemical such as a detergent or solvent. A drawback has been that the known systems are notvery flexible in terms of changing of the composition of the washing substance mixture.

[0008] A drawback of known solutions has also been that they typically offer a limited amount of options from which a person can choose what kind of treatment is to be given for the vehicle. The person might be the user of the vehicle or a supervisor of the process, for example. A challenge has been that the person might not be sufficiently informed about the dirtiness of the vehicle, nor about what kind of washing substance mixture would be best suitable for the specific need.

[0009] Generally, the limitations in the ability to choose the chemicals utilized in the washing as well as the limitations of the system to provide the chosen chemicals have made it difficult to get good washing result for differently dirty vehicles. Thus, a drawback has been that the known solutions have not been able to provide good washing results for differently dirty individual vehicles in a flexible manner, and in particular efficiently such that a drive-in washing station can operate with high throughput rate (washed units per hour).

[0010] Brief description of the invention

[0011] The object of the invention is to introduce an improved washing arrangement and a washing method.

[0012] An object is particularly to introduce a solution by which one or more of the above-mentioned problems of prior art and / or drawbacks discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be alleviated.

[0013] An object is particularly to introduce a solution whereby a vehicle can be give individually optimized treatment in particular in terms of the washing substances utilized in the washing thereof.

[0014] An object is particularly to introduce a solution whereby factors affecting an optimal composition of a washing substance mixture can be taken into accountfor each individual vehicle and the washing substance mixture can be prepared for the vehicle in question individually yet efficiently.

[0015] An object is particularly to introduce a solution whereby a good throughput rate [washed units per hour] can be achieved with good washing results despite differences in the dirtiness of the individual vehicles to be washed.

[0016] It is introduced a new washing arrangement comprising a drive-in washing station for washing vehicles, the drive-in washing station comprising a washing equipment and a control system operatively connected to the washing equipment. The washing equipment comprises

[0017] at least one spraying means, comprising one or more outlet openings and / or one or more nozzles, for spraying washing substance mixture, on a vehicle;

[0018] a supply means of washing substance mixture for supplying washing substance mixture to the spraying means, which supply means comprise plurality of washing substance sources comprising one or more liquid washing substance sources;

[0019] a mixing means for mixing the washing substances for thereby forming the washing substance mixture of them;

[0020] plurality of supply lines comprising a supply line between each substance source and the mixing means via which supply line the washing substance source is in flow connection with the mixing means;

[0021] a pumping means for pumping the washing substances in the supply lines, comprising an individually controllable pumping arrangement installed on one or more of the supply lines, each said individually controllable pumping arrangement comprising an adjusting means controllable to adjust flow rate of washing substance in the supply line in question, the flow rate of the washing substance into the mixing means being individually adjustable by controlling the adjusting means for thereby adjusting concentration of the washing substance in the washing substance mixture.The control system is operatively connected to the adjusting means of each said individually controllable pumping arrangement.

[0022] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated. Preferable further details of the washing arrangement are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the washing arrangement individually or in any combination.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid washing substance of one or more of said liquid washing substance sources is detergent (such as pure detergent or detergent solution for example) and / or the liquid washing substance of one or more of said liquid washing substance sources is solvent (such as pure solvent or solvent solution or solvent emulsion, for example).

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the pumping means comprise an individually controllable pumping arrangement installed on one or more supply lines of detergent and / or on one or more supply lines of solvent.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to obtain data (DI) of an individual vehicle to be washed before washing it, and to control based on said data (DI) said individually controllable pumping arrangements.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured

[0027] to obtain data (DI) of an individual vehicle to be washed before washing it;

[0028] to adjust the flow rate of a substance, such as the flow rate of detergent or solvent, in at least one supply line on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement is installed into the mixing means and thereby concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture, based on said data (DI) by controlling said individually controllable pumping arrangement, in particular said adjusting means thereof.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to adjust the flow rate of detergent and / or solvent as above defined.In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned data (DI) includes inspection data (dl) generated by an inspecting equipment for inspecting the vehicle to be washed, and / or data (d3) received from the control system of the vehicle and / or data (d4) stored in a database and associated with the vehicle to be washed.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the control system comprises at least one computer comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer-readable instructions.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer to, obtain said data (Dl) and to determine based on said data (Dl) one or more washing parameters, which preferably include

[0032] a concentration target value of one or more of the substances in the mixture, preferably a concentration target value of the substance(s) in the supply line(s) provided with an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74); and / or

[0033] a setting value of a control parameter of the adjusting means of one or more of the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements; and to control said the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements, in particular said adjusting means thereof, utilizing said one or more washing parameters, in particular such that the concentration target value(s) and / or setting value(s) are met.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer to, determine the one or more washing parameters based on said data (Dl) using an Al-model.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, each said adjusting means of an individually controllable pumping arrangement is controllable to adjust pumping effect ofthe pumping arrangement in question, adjusting means thereby being controllable to adjust flow rate of substance in the supply line in question.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, each said individually controllable pumping arrangement comprises a pump and a motor for rotating the pump, and an adjusting means for adjusting rotational velocity of the motor.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor and the adjusting means comprise a frequency converter.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the setting value of a control parameter of the adjusting means is a control value of the electric motor and / or a of the frequency converter

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of supply lines are separate from each other.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is connected to one or more devices for inspecting the vehicle and for generating inspection data (dl;d2) of the vehicle before and / or after washing it.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, said substance sources comprise a tank containing a first liquid washing substance, and one or more of the following

[0042] a further tank containing a second liquid washing substance;

[0043] a further tank containing a third liquid washing substance;

[0044] a water tank containing liquid water;

[0045] air source, such as an air intake means for taking in air from room air space;

[0046] wherein preferably the first liquid washing substance is detergent, the second liquid washing substance is solvent, and the third liquid washing substance is detergent.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the solvent, in particular the substance also referred to as the second liquid washing substance, comprises methyl tallate(C8H8O5) or aliphatic hydrocarbon, but it could alternatively be some other solvent.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the pumping means for pumping the substances in the supply lines comprise an individually controllable pumping arrangement installed on one or more supply lines of liquid washing substance and / or one or more supply lines of water.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, one or more supply lines on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement is installed, preferably includes one or more supply lines of detergent and / or one or more supply lines of solvent.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the drive-in washing station comprises a ("first") inspecting equipment for inspecting the vehicle to be washed and for generating inspection data (dl) of the vehicle before washing it, the aforementioned data (Dl) including the inspection data (dl) generated by the first inspecting equipment.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, said first inspecting equipment comprises one or more imaging devices, such as one or more cameras or video recorders, configured to capture one or more images or video of the object to be washed; and / or more scanners for scanning areas of the vehicle to be washed, and said inspection data (dl) preferably being or including one or more images or video [and / or scanner data] of the vehicle to be washed.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the drive-in washing station comprises a ("second") inspecting equipment for inspecting the vehicle and for generating inspection data (d2) of the vehicle after washing it.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, said second inspecting equipment comprises one or more imaging devices, such as one or more cameras or video recorders, configured to capture one or more images or video of the object after washing it and / or more scanners for scanning areas of the vehicle after washing it.In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer to, analyze the data (DI) and / or input it into an Al-model to be analyzed by the Al-model. More particularly preferably the data (DI) analyzed and / or input into the Al-model to be analyzed, preferably includes the inspection data (dl) generated by the first inspecting equipment for inspecting the vehicle to be washed and / or the data (d3) received from the control system of the vehicle and / or data (d4) stored in a database and associated with the vehicle to be washed.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the data (Dl) analyzed by the control system and / or input into the Al-model to be analyzed, preferably includes at least the inspection data (dl) generated by the first inspecting equipment (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the analyzing of inspection data (dl) and / or the analyzing of inspection data (d2) comprises detecting one or more characteristics in the data (dl;d2) indicating dirtiness of the vehicle. The aforementioned one or more characteristics indicating dirtiness can be chosen so that they relate to the dirtiness removal of which is desired. Typical dirtiness to be removed includes one or more of: mud, road dust, pollen, insects, bitumen, bird excrement. Dirtiness, e.g. indicated by one or more indicators, can be used as a basis for determining the one or more washing parameters.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment the aforementioned one or more characteristics to be detected include

[0057] - spots or shapes in the one or more images or video and / or scanner data; or

[0058] - a color or colors in one or more images or video and / or scanner data; - an area of the vehicle having low gloss, e.g. a gloss lower than a reference,- one or more characteristics of bitumen. These may include a color or colors in one or more images or video and / or scanner data specific yellow color on the surface of the vehicle.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment the analyzing of inspection data dl and / or the analyzing of inspection data d2 can comprise determining one or more indicators, which one or more indicators indicate the amount of the vehicle dirtiness before and / or after the washing.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer to, obtain a feedback data (D2), the feedback data (D2) preferably including inspection data (d2) from the second inspecting equipment, the inspection data (d2) preferably being or including one or more images or video and / or scanner data of the vehicle after washing it.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer to, input feedback data (D2) and / or said inspection data (d2) from the second inspecting equipment to a machine-learning Al-model for teaching it. The Al-model preferably being requested or configured to analyze the feedback data (D2) and / or said inspection data (d2), preferably correspondingly as it is elsewhere described to analyze data dl.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer to, request the Al-model to perform an analysis on the data (Dl;dl,d3,d4) and to determine the one or more washing parameters, and preferably also to output the one or more washing parameters.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, washing arrangement comprises one or more data transmission devices, which are comprised in or in connection to the control system, and connectable with a control system of the vehicle in particular forreceiving data (d3) of the vehicle to be washed from the control system of the vehicle.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, washing arrangement comprises a database (11) storing data of several vehicles including individual data (d4) associated with each vehicle, wherein the individual data (d4) of each vehicle is preferably accessible and modifiable by a user interface associated with the vehicle in question, wherein preferably a user interface software is configured to run on a mobile communication device, such as a tablet or phone for example, of a user or on a control system, e.g. an on-board computer of the vehicle.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the washing equipment comprises

[0066] at least one spraying means for spraying rinsing substance, preferably water or water solution, on the vehicle; and / or

[0067] at least one brushing device for brushing the vehicle, preferably a rotatable brush; and / or

[0068] at least one air blower for blowing air on the vehicle.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the data (DI) and / or the data (d3) and / or data (d4) include(s) information about one or more of the following factors relevant in washing process, the information preferably being an indicator or a value describing the factor in question:

[0070] - washing history, e.g. time lapsed since the last wash;

[0071] - temperature of the vehicle, e.g. surface temperature thereof; - weather history;

[0072] - data indicating route of the vehicle;

[0073] - gps data indicating route of the vehicle;

[0074] - data indicating amount or density of insects and / or pollen, e.g. in the area where the vehicle is or has moved;

[0075] - data about user wishes, such as about how gentle the washing should be.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the Al-model is a machine-learning Al-model.In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting means of each individually controllable pumping arrangement are controllable by the control system to adjust either stepwise or steplessly the flow rate of washing substance in the supply line on which the individually controllable pumping arrangement is installed. The flow rate is then preferably in particular stepwise or steplessly adjustable from zero flow rate to maximum flow rate, the number of intermediary steps in said stepwise adjustment between the zero flow rate and the maximum flow rate is preferably one or more but it could also be zero, in which case the adjustment could be implemented in on-off -kind of adjustment.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting means are preferably further controllable by the control system to adjust the flow rate of washing substance in the supply line on which the individually controllable pumping arrangement is installed to zero for thereby preventing flow of the washing substance in question into the mixing means. This is preferable for instance if the determination of the one or more washing parameter results is that one or more of the washing substances are not needed in the washing substance mixture.

[0078] It is introduced a new method for washing a vehicle, comprising washing a vehicle with a washing arrangement, which is as defined anywhere above or in any of the claims of the application, the method comprising controlling the adjusting means of one or more of said individually controllable pumping arrangement with the control system.

[0079] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated. Preferable further details of the washing method are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the method individually or in any combination.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular by the control system,obtaining data (DI) of an individual vehicle to be washed before washing it; and

[0081] adjusting the flow rate of a substance in one or more of the supply lines on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement is installed, into the mixing means and thereby concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture, based on said data (DI) by controlling said individually controllable pumping arrangement, in particular the adjusting means thereof.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the substance(s) the flow rate of which is adjusted in said adjusting comprise detergent and / or solvent.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more supply lines the flow rate in which is adjusted in said adjusting include one or more supply lines of detergent and / or one or more supply lines of solvent.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular by the control system,

[0085] obtaining data (DI) and

[0086] determining based on said data (DI) one or more washing parameters, preferably including

[0087] a concentration target value of one or more of the substances in the mixture, preferably a concentration target value of the substance(s) in the supply line(s) provided with an individually controllable pumping arrangement; and / or

[0088] a setting value of a control parameter of the adjusting means of one or more of the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements; and controlling the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements, preferably in particular said adjusting means thereof, utilizing said one or more washing parameters, preferably in particular such that the concentration target value(s) and / or setting value(s) are met.In a preferred embodiment, the determining the one or more washing parameters based on said data DI is performed using an Al-model.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular by the control system (100), analyzing the data (DI) and / or inputting it into an Al-model to be analyzed by the Al-model. More particularly, the data (DI) analyzed and / or input into the Al-model to be analyzed, preferably includes at least the inspection data (dl) generated by the first inspecting equipment (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed. Additionally or alternatively it can include the data (d3) received from the control system of the vehicle (2) and / or data (d4) stored in a database (11) and associated with the vehicle (2) to be washed.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the analyzing the data (Dl) comprises at least analyzing of the inspection data (dl). The analyzing of the inspection data (dl) preferably comprises detecting one or more characteristics in in the inspection data (dl) indicating dirtiness of the vehicle. The aforementioned one or more characteristics indicating dirtiness can be chosen so that they relate to the dirtiness removal of which is desired.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular by the control system, obtaining a feedback data (D2), the feedback data (D2) preferably including inspection data (d2) from the second inspecting equipment, the inspection data (d2) preferably being or including one or more images or video and / or scanner data of the vehicle after washing it.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, in particular by the control system, inputting the feedback data (D2) and / or said inspection data (d2) from the second inspecting equipment to a machine-learning Al-model for teaching it.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the Al-model is a machine-learning Al-model.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprisessupplying washing substance mixture to the spraying means with the supply means; and

[0095] spraying washing substance mixture on the vehicle with the at least one spraying means.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the method may comprise identifying the vehicle to be washed, preferably by reading an identifying means such as a license plate thereof.

[0097] Brief description of the drawings

[0098] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0099] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a side view of a washing arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0100] Figure 2 illustrates schematically preferred details of an embodiment of the washing equipment of the washing arrangement of Figure 1.

[0101] Figure 3 illustrates schematically preferred parts of the washing arrangement of Figure 1, and preferred connections between said parts.

[0102] Detailed description

[0103] Figure 1 illustrates a washing arrangement A according to an embodiment. The washing arrangement A comprises a drive-in washing station 1 for washing vehicles 2, the drive-in washing station 1 comprising a washing equipment 3-7 and a control system 100 operatively connected to the washing equipment 3-7, in particular such that it can control the washing equipment 3-7 or at least parts thereof. Figure 1 illustrates an individual [same] vehicle 2 in different stages of a washing sequence.

[0104] In the illustrated case, progress of washing stages has been illustrated by arrows indicating that the vehicle is moved during the progress of washing.Movement is possible, however not necessary, because the sequence could alternatively be performed without moving of the vehicle 2.

[0105] The washing equipment 3-7 comprise at least one spraying means 3 for spraying washing substance mixture on a vehicle 2, and a supply means 7 of washing substance mixture for supplying a washing substance mixture to the spraying means 3. The washing substance mixture preferably comprises chemical substances such as one or more detergents and / or one or more solvents. The washing substance mixture is preferably aqueous, but this is not necessary.

[0106] The washing equipment 3-7 illustrated in Figure 1 moreover comprise preferred, but optional features, namely a spraying means 4 for spraying rinsing substance, preferably water or water solution, on the vehicle 2; a brushing device 5 for brushing the vehicle, preferably a rotatable brush as shown for example and an air blower 6 for blowing air on the vehicle, in particular for drying it.

[0107] Figure 2 illustrates parts of the washing equipment 3-7 according to an embodiment, in particular parts of the spraying means 3 and the supply means 7 of washing substance mixture.

[0108] The at least one spraying means 3 here comprise plurality of nozzles 32 each comprising an outlet opening 31 through which washing substance mixture can be discharged towards a vehicle 2.

[0109] The supply means 7 of washing substance mixture comprise plurality of [fluid form] washing substance sources 700-704. One or more of them are liquid chemical washing substance sources, such as one or more sources 701,704 of detergent and / or one or more sources 703 of solvent. One or more of them can be a source 702 of liquid water.

[0110] The washing substance sources 700-704 are sources of fluid form washing substance. In the illustrated case, the washing substance source 702 is a watertank containing water, the washing substance source 701 is a first liquid washing substance tank containing first liquid washing substance, the washing substance source 703 is a second liquid washing substance tank containing second liquid washing substance, the washing substance source 704 can be a third liquid washing substance tank containing third liquid washing substance. The [fluid form] washing substance source 700 is an air source 700, such as an air intake means for taking in air from room air space, and the pumping arrangement 70 is preferably a compressor. The number and kind of washing substance sources 700-704 could be different from what is shown albeit that there are plurality of them and one or more of them are liquid washing substance sources.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the first liquid washing substance is detergent, the second liquid washing substance is solvent, and the third liquid washing substance is detergent. Thereby, in the example, the liquid washing substance of said liquid washing substance sources 701 and 704 is detergent and the liquid washing substance of said liquid washing substance source 703 is solvent. The detergent of each said substance sources 701 and 704 preferably consists either of pure detergent or alternatively it is a detergent solution, in which case the detergent solutions have preferably different compositions, such as different strengths. Preferably, the second liquid washing substance is solvent (such as pure solvent or solvent solution or solvent emulsion, for example) and comprises methyl tallate (C8H8O5) or aliphatic hydrocarbon (for example C2H6), but it could alternatively be some other solvent. Said chemicals given as examples are advantageous, because they can be utilized against bitumen (or its residues).

[0112] The supply means 7 of washing substance mixture moreover comprise a mixing means 7f, such as a device comprising a mixing chamber 7fl, for mixing the substances from said plurality of substance sources 700-704 for thereby forming the washing substance mixture of them.The supply means 7 of washing substance mixture moreover comprise a plurality of supply lines 7a-7e comprising a supply line 7a-7e between each substance source 700-704 and the mixing means 7f via which supply line 7a-7e substance source 700-704 is in flow connection with the mixing means 7f, and a pumping means p for pumping the substances in the supply lines 7a-7e.

[0113] The mixing means 7f of the supply means 7 are in flow connection with the spraying means 3. This is preferably implemented with one or more tubes.

[0114] The pumping means p comprise an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 installed on one or more of the supply lines 7a-7e. Each said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 comprises an adjusting means 70a-74a controllable to adjust flow rate of substance in the supply line 7a-7e in question, i.e. flow rate of substance in the supply line 7a-7e on which said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 is installed. The flow rate of the substance in the supply line 7a-7e into the mixing means 70-74 is individually adjustable by controlling the adjusting means 70a-74a for thereby adjusting concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture. This facilitates making quick and accurate changes in the composition of the washing substance mixture so that the composition of the washing substance mixture can be set optimal according to prevailing needs at least in terms of the concentration of the substance the flow rate of which is individually adjustable. For example, the composition of the washing substance mixture can in this way be adjusted optimal for each individual vehicle 2. Of course, this capability to reset the composition of the washing substance mixture quickly and accurately is not necessary to be utilized for each vehicle 2.

[0115] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the control system 100 is operatively connected to each said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74, in particular to the adjusting means 70a-74a of each said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74. This facilitates that the control system can control the concentration of the substances in the washingsubstance mixture, which substances pass in the one or more of the supply lines 7a-7e on which the individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 are installed. Thus, the washing result can be controlled by the control system 100. It is facilitated hereby that intelligent and optimized individual washing treatment can be given with the washing arrangement A.

[0116] The control system 100 is operatively connected to each said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74, in particular to the adjusting means 70a-74a thereof, in particular such that it can control the individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 in particular the adjusting means 70a-74a thereof.

[0117] The control system 100 preferably comprises one or more data buses connected to it for transmitting data dl,d2,d3,d4 to the control system 100. The one or more data buses can be wired or wireless or combinations of these. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the control system 100 is configured to obtain data DI of an individual vehicle 2 to be washed before washing it. The aforementioned data DI preferably includes one or more of: inspection data dl generated by an inspecting equipment 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 to be washed and / or data d3 received from the control system of the vehicle 2 and / or data d4 stored in a database 11 and associated with the vehicle 2 to be washed.

[0118] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the control system 100 is configured to adjust the flow rate of said substance in the supply line 7a-7e on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 is installed into the mixing means 7f, to thereby adjust concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture, based on said data Dl by controlling said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74, in particular said adjusting means 70a-74a thereof.The control system 100 in general preferably comprises at least one computer 100a comprising at least one processor and at least one memory 100b storing computer-readable instructions.

[0119] In the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the control system 100 is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer 100a to, obtain said data DI and to determine based on said data DI one or more washing parameters.

[0120] The one or more washing parameters are then more precisely preferably determined based on one or more of: the inspection data dl generated by the first inspecting equipment 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 to be washed and / or the data d3 received from the control system of the vehicle 2 and / or data d4 stored in a database 11 and associated with the vehicle 2 to be washed. This list is not exhaustive, so in addition to one or more of these dl,d3,d4, the determination could be done based additionally on some further data d5. Said one or more washing parameters preferably include

[0121] a concentration target value of one or more of the substances in the mixture, preferably a concentration target value of the substances in the supply lines provided with an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74; and / or

[0122] a setting value of a control parameter of the adjusting means 70a-74a of one or more [most preferably of each] of the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements 70-74;

[0123] and the control system 100 is configured to control said the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements 70-74, in particular said adjusting means 70a-74a thereof, utilizing said one or more washing parameters, in particular such that the concentration target value(s) and / or setting value(s) are met.

[0124] Thus, the determining of the one or more washing parameters is preferably computer implemented. This facilitates taking into account complex variety of factors which may change case by case for each vehicle to be washed. Thisalso facilitates utilizing different kinds of complex data. This also facilitates decreasing need for human supervision and participation. This also improves consistency, predicatability as well as reliability of washing quality.

[0125] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, each said adjusting means 70a-74a of an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 is controllable to adjust pumping effect of the pumping arrangement in question, the adjusting means 70a-74a thereby being controllable to adjust flow rate of substance in the supply line 7a-7e in question.

[0126] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, each said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 comprises a pump 70c-74c and a motor 70b-74b for rotating the pump 70c-74c [in particular for rotating a rotatable pumping member of the pump], and the adjusting means 70a-74a for adjusting rotational velocity of the motor. The motor 70b-74b is preferably an electric motor and the adjusting means 70a-74a is a frequency converter. This kind of solution is reliable and provides good adjustability by a control system.

[0127] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the pumping means p for pumping the substances in the supply lines 7b-7e comprise an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 installed on one or more supply lines 7b, 7d, 7e of liquid washing chemical. Thus, adjusting of concentration of the one or more liquid washing chemicals is facilitated.

[0128] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, there is a supply line 7b, 7d, 7e between each of plurality of substance sources 701,703,704 of liquid washing chemical [tank 701,703-704 containing liquid washing chemical] and the mixing means 7f, via which supply line 7b, 7d, 7e the substance source 701,703,704 in question is in flow connection with the mixing means 7f, and on which supply line 7b, 7d, 7e an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 has been installed. Thus, adjusting of concentration of the plurality of liquid washing chemicals is facilitated.In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3, the control system 100 is connected to one or more devices 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 and for generating inspection data dl of the vehicle 2 before washing it. The drive-in washing station 1 comprises a "first" inspecting equipment 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 to be washed and for generating inspection data dl of the vehicle 2 before washing it. Then, the aforementioned data Dl, based which the control system 100 is configured to control said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74, includes the inspection data dl generated by the first inspecting equipment 8.

[0129] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures l-3„ the control system 100 is moreover connected to one or more devices 9 for inspecting the vehicle 2 and for generating inspection data d2 of the vehicle 2 after washing it. This is advantageous for receiving feedback data D2, however not necessary. Here, this is implemented such that the drive-in washing station 1 comprises a "second" inspecting equipment 9 for inspecting the vehicle 2 and for generating inspection data d2 of the vehicle 2 after washing it.

[0130] The first and / or second inspecting equipment 8,9 is / are preferably able to inspect the appearance of the vehicle 2, in particular the dirtiness and / or gloss thereof.

[0131] In the preferred embodiment, this is implemented such that said first inspecting equipment 8 comprises one or more imaging devices 8;9, such as one or more cameras or video recorders, configured to capture one or more images or video of the vehicle 2 to be washed; and / or one or more scanners for scanning areas of the vehicle 2 to be washed. Then, said inspection data dl preferably is or includes, respectively, one or more images or video of the vehicle 2 to be washed and / or scanner data of the vehicle 2 to be washed. Correspondingly, said second inspecting equipment 9 comprises one or more imaging devices 9, such as one or more cameras or video recorders, configured to capture one or more images or video of the vehicle 2 after washing it; and / or one or more scanners for scanning areas of the vehicle 2 after washingit. Then, said inspection data d2 preferably is or includes, respectively, one or more images or video of the vehicle 2 after washing it and / or scanner data of the vehicle 2 after washing it.

[0132] As mentioned, the determining of the one or more washing parameters is preferably computer implemented. The aforementioned determining may involve utilizing an Al-model, which is preferably a machine learning Al-model (generative or non-generative). By term Al it is here referred to artificial intelligence. Utilizing an Al-model facilitates taking into account complex variety of factors which may change case by case for each vehicle to be washed. This also facilitates utilizing different kinds of complex data. This also facilitates decreasing need for human supervision and participation. This also improves consistency, predictability as well as reliability of washing quality. The Al-model being machine learning also facilitates utilizing feedback to systematically improve the washing process in particular in terms of the composition of washing substance mixture thus facilitating optimal use of washing substances. This also facilitates detecting patterns and complicated dependencies between factors affecting the washing process, and bringing the detected patterns and dependencies into use by taking them into account in the determining of the one or more washing parameters.

[0133] This is preferably implemented such that the control system 100 is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer 100a to, determine the one or more washing parameters based on said data DI using a machine-learning Al-model. The Al-model can run in the computer 100a or elsewhere, such as in a remote location. The Al-model can basically be a program, which is part of the control system 100. Preferably, it is at least accessible by the computer 100a.

[0134] Preferably, an Al feedback loop is provided for the Al-model. This allows the Al-model to improve its performance and accuracy over time. The feedback data D2 provides the control system 100 data for the Al feedback loop.The feedback loop and / or ability to teach the machine-learning Al-model is preferably implemented such that the control system 100 is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer 100a to, input feedback data D2, the feedback data D2 preferably including at least said inspection data d2 from the second inspecting equipment 9, to the machine-learning Al-model (generative or non-generative) for teaching it.

[0135] In order to learn from the feedback data D2, the machine-learning Al-model is preferably configured to analyze the inspection data d2, preferably correspondingly as it is elsewhere described to analyze the inspection data dl. The machine-learning Al-model can further perform comparison between results of the analysis of the inspection data dl and the results of the analysis of the inspection data d2.

[0136] As mentioned the control system 100 is preferably configured to determine based on said data Dl the one or more washing parameters. As mentioned aforementioned determining may involve utilizing a Al-model. This determining by the Al-model preferably comprises analyzing, by the Al-model, the data Dl, i.e. preferably more particularly the inspection data dl generated by the first inspecting equipment 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 to be washed and / or the data d3 received from the control system of the vehicle 2 and / or data d4 stored in a database 11 and associated with the vehicle 2 to be washed.

[0137] Preferably, the control system 100 is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer 100a to, input the data Dl, including preferably more particularly the inspection data dl generated by the first inspecting equipment 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 to be washed and / or the data d3 received from the control system of the vehicle 2 and / or data d4 stored in a database 11 and associated with the vehicle 2 to be washed, to a Al-model (generative or non-generative) to be analyzed by the Al-model. Preferably moreover, the control system 100 isconfigured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer 100a to, request the Al-model to perform an analysis on said data Dl;dl,d3,d4 and to determine the one or more washing parameters and to output the one or more washing parameters. The analyzing of inspection data dl preferably comprises detecting one or more characteristics in in the data dl indicating dirtiness of the vehicle 2.

[0138] In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-3, so as to enable the control system 100 can receive the data d3 from the control system of the vehicle 2, the washing arrangement A comprises one or more data transmission devices 10, which are comprised in or in connection to the control system 100, and connectable with a control system of the vehicle 2 in particular for receiving data d3 of the vehicle 2 to be washed from the control system of the vehicle 2. The one or more data transmission devices 10 are preferably configured for wireless data transmission. Then the control system 100 is preferably more specifically configured to communicate wirelessly with the control system of the vehicle 2 with the one or more data transmission devices 10.

[0139] In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-3, the washing arrangement A comprises a database 11 storing data of several vehicles 2 including individual data d4 associated with each vehicle 2. The data d4 of each vehicle 2 is preferably accessible and modifiable by a user interface associated with the vehicle 2 in question, wherein preferably a user interface software is configured to run on a mobile communication device [such as a tablet or phone for example] of a user or on a control system [e.g. an on-board computer of the object] of the vehicle 2.

[0140] There are numerous factors that affect the washing result and the optimal consistency of the washing substance mixture in the washing of each individual vehicle 2. This is one reason why intelligent washing as made possible with the invention, is advantageous. The factors can be obtained by the control system 100 generally in numerous alternative ways, some of them may bestored permanently, and some of which can be obtained by aid of the data dl,d3,d4.

[0141] Said data dl concerns one main factor, i.e. dirtiness of the individual vehicle 2 to be washed. The data d3 and / or data d4 may concern other factors relevant in washing process.

[0142] The data d3 and / or data d4 may for instance include information about one or more of the following factors relevant in washing process, the information preferably being an indicator or a value describing the factor in question:

[0143] - washing history, e.g. time lapsed since the last wash;

[0144] - temperature of the vehicle, e.g. surface temperature thereof; - weather history;

[0145] - data indicating route of the vehicle;

[0146] - gps data indicating route of the vehicle;

[0147] - data indicating amount or density of insects and / or pollen on the vehicle surface or in the area where the vehicle is located or where it has moved according to said route of the vehicle;

[0148] - data about user wishes, such as about how gentle the washing should be.

[0149] The Al-model preferably takes the one or more factors into account in its analysis.

[0150] In an embodiment of the method for washing a vehicle 2, the method comprises washing a vehicle 2 with a washing arrangement A as described above, in particular referring to Figures 1-3. The method comprises controlling the adjusting means 70a-74a of one or more of said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 with the control system 100. The method is computer implemented. With the method the advantages as described in context of the arrangement A are achievable.

[0151] The method comprises, in particular by the control system 100, obtaining data Dl of an individual vehicle 2 to be washed before washing it; and adjustingthe flow rate of a substance in one or more of the supply lines 7a-7e on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 is installed, into the mixing means 7f and thereby concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture, based on said data DI by controlling said individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74, in particular the adjusting means 70a-74a thereof. The substances adjusted in said adjusting comprise at least detergent and / or solvent.

[0152] The one or more supply lines 7b, 7d, 7e the flow rate in which is adjusted in said adjusting include one or more supply lines 7b, 7e of detergent and / or one or more supply lines 7d of solvent.

[0153] The method comprises, in particular by the control system 100, obtaining said data DI and

[0154] determining based on said data DI one or more washing parameters preferably including

[0155] a concentration target value of one or more of the substances in the mixture, preferably a concentration target value of the substance(s) in the supply line(s) provided with an individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74; and / or

[0156] a setting value of a control parameter of the adjusting means 70a- 74a of one or more of the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements 70-74;

[0157] and controlling the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements 70-74, in particular said adjusting means 70a-74a thereof, utilizing said one or more washing parameters, in particular such that the concentration target value(s) and / or setting value(s) 70a-74a are met.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, the determining the one or more washing parameters based on said data DI is performed using an Al-model. The AI-model is preferably a machine learning Al-model.The method comprises, analyzing the data DI, which can be performed in particular by the control system 100 or an Al-model. In the latter case, which is the preferred way, the method comprises inputting it into an Al-model to be analyzed by the Al-model. Basically, the Al-model can run in the control system 100, but this is not necessary. More particularly preferably the data DI analyzed by the control system 100 and / or input into the Al-model to be analyzed, preferably includes at least the inspection data dl generated by the first inspecting equipment 8 for inspecting the vehicle 2 to be washed. Additionally or alternatively it can include the data d3 received from the control system of the vehicle 2 and / or data d4 stored in a database 11 and associated with the vehicle 2 to be washed. The analyzing the data Dl preferably comprises at least analyzing of the inspection data dl. The analyzing of inspection data dl preferably comprises detecting one or more characteristics in in the data dl indicating dirtiness of the vehicle. The aforementioned one or more characteristics indicating dirtiness can be chosen so that they relate to the dirtiness removal of which is desired.

[0159] The method preferably further comprises, in particular by the control system 100, obtaining a feedback data D2, the feedback data D2 preferably including inspection data d2 from the second inspecting equipment 9, the inspection data d2 preferably being or including one or more images or video [and / or scanner data] of the vehicle 2 after washing it.

[0160] The method further preferably comprises, in particular by the control system 100, inputting the feedback data D2 and / or said inspection data d2 from the second inspecting equipment 9 to the Al-model, which is in particular a machine-learning Al-model, for teaching it.

[0161] Generally, the method preferably comprises supplying washing substance mixture to the spraying means 3 with the supply means 7; and spraying washing substance mixture on the vehicle 2 with the at least one spraying means 3.Generally, the data DI can comprise different kinds of data dl,d3,d4. The control system 100 is an intelligent control system, which can utilize the data DI for the purpose of achieving the advantages related to the washing results as mentioned elsewhere. The hardware, at least the washing equipment 3-7 thereof, is very well suitable to cooperate with an intelligent control system 100 for enabling the advantages in an efficient, well working and reliable manner. The intelligence of the control system 100 is facilitated further if there is a feedback loop enabling learning ability of the control system, in particular an Al-model thereof. Generally, plurality of the different kinds of data dl,d3,d4 mentioned and described in the application are preferably utilized together but utilizing of all of them is not necessary since each of them facilitates achieving at least a part of the advantages with regard to intelligent washing and to achieving a good washing result for an individual vehicle. The data DI could also as an alternative to I or in addition to the data dl,d3,d4 include some other data d5. Thus, in the application data dl,d3,d4 has been described as preferred data to be utilized, but without limiting to this / these data.

[0162] Generally also, each individually controllable pumping arrangement comprising an adjusting means controllable to adjust flow rate of substance in the supply line in question could also be implemented to be different than what is shown and described. It is not necessary that each of them comprises a pump and a motor for rotating the pump, and an adjusting means for adjusting rotational velocity of the motor, since also other kinds of pumping arrangements can be utilized to achieve the functions specified in particular with regard to adjustability of a flow rate of substance in the supply line in question.

[0163] Generally, the pumping means p for pumping the substances do not need to have an individually controllable the pumping arrangement in each of the supply lines 7a-7e. This is because it is not necessary to individually control flow rate of all the substances. The flow rate of some of the substances can be regarded and / or arranged to be constant, in which case the adjustment canbe focused on only some of the flow rates to achieve adjustment in concentration thereof. If there is an individually controllable pumping arrangement in only some of the supply lines 7a-7e, then the pumping of the substances in the other the supply lines 7a-7e can be arranged in any known way, for instance utilizing some other kind of pump or rotating means than what is described referring to an individually controllable pumping arrangement.

[0164] Generally, the pumping arrangement 70 may be implemented as a compressor and / or without being individually controllable as defined when referring to an individually controllable pumping arrangement in this application. For example, the pumping arrangement 70 may be set to operate with constant settings.

[0165] Generally, all the pumping arrangements shown are not necessary, since presence of them can be chosen according to what kind of washing substance mixture is desired. For example, the pumping arrangement 70 connected to an air source 700 may not be needed if it is not desired that the washing substance mixture foams much. If considerable foaming is desired, which is very common, then the presence of the pumping arrangement 70 connected to an air source 700 is advantageous.

[0166] Generally, each said data dl,d2,d3,d4 can be raw data or processed data. For example, the inspecting devices 8 and / or 9 can be so called edge devices, which have computing and / or processing abilities, but this is not necessary, because they could forward the data generated by them without processing. Each said data dl,d2,d3,d4 can be transmitted / transmittable to the control system 100 via one or more data buses as electric signals, for example.

[0167] Generally, the analyzing of inspection data dl and / or the analyzing of inspection data d2, which analyzing is preferably performed by the control system 100 and / or by the Al-model, comprises detecting one or more characteristics in the data dl and / or data d2 indicating dirtiness of the vehicle 2.The aforementioned one or more characteristics indicating dirtiness can be chosen so that they relate to the dirtiness removal of which is desired. Typical dirtiness to be removed includes one or more of: mud, road dust, pollen, insects, bitumen, bird excrement.

[0168] The aforementioned one or more characteristics to be detected may for example comprise spots or shapes in the one or more images or video and / or scanner data or a color in one or more images or video and / or scanner data. The spots or shapes to be detected are preferably insect spots or insect shapes visible in the one or more images or video and / or scanner data. If the vehicle 2 has insects to be removed / washed away, this typically requires presence of I increases the required amount of detergent in the washing substance mixture.

[0169] The aforementioned one or more characteristics to be detected may for example comprise an area of the vehicle having low gloss, e.g. a gloss lower than a reference, wherein the reference may be gloss of another area of the vehicle 2 or a reference which may be stored in or obtained by the controls system 100. The gloss of the areas of the vehicle 2 can be measured from the one or more images or video and / or the scanner data.

[0170] The aforementioned one or more characteristics to be detected may for example comprise one or more characteristics of bitumen. These may include a specific yellow color on the surface of the vehicle 2. A thin layer of bitumen spread on the surface of the vehicle 2 typically produces a distinctive characteristics that can be detected in the one or more images or video and / or scanner data.

[0171] Said detecting can be performed by using an image recognition software in the control system 100, such as in the Al-model for example, for detecting the characteristics in the data dl / d2, which characteristics indicate dirtiness.

[0172] The analyzing of inspection data dl and / or the analyzing of inspection data d2 can comprise determining one or more indicators, such as one or morenumerical values or curves, which one or more indicators indicate the amount of the vehicle dirtiness before and / or after the washing. An indicator such as a numerical value or curve indicating the amount of the vehicle dirtiness before the washing, can be simply used as a basis for determination of the one or more washing parameters. Likewise, an indicator such as a numerical value or curve indicating the amount of the vehicle dirtiness after the washing, can be simply used for feedback-based teaching of the Al.

[0173] Generally, with the arrangement A and the method presented, factors affecting an optimal composition of a washing substance mixture can be taken into account for each individual vehicle and the washing substance mixture can be prepared for the vehicle in question individually yet efficiently. The factors to be taken into account can be various. Each factor can have an increasing or decreasing effect on the optimal concentration of an individual washing substance in the mixture. Also, some factors can have combination effects. It may be that an optimal composition of the washing substance mixture is not reached. However, this is aimed at, and worked towards by use of the control system 100. The level of intelligence of the control system 100 affects the accuracy of how close to optimum the control system 100 can determine the one or more washing parameters and thereby how close to optimum the composition of the washing substance mixture and / or the concentration of the relevant washing substances thereof, will be. The level of intelligence of the control system 100 also affects how many factors and / or how complicated factors can be taken into account with good accuracy. By configuring the control system 100 to use Al, the accuracy can be facilitated. The learning ability based on feedback facilitates the accuracy further. The supply means 7 are able to provide adjustment by which the desired composition of the washing substance mixture and / or the concentration of the relevant washing substances thereof can be reached.

[0174] Generally preferably, the solvent can be as an emulsion, such as preferably a microemulsion. This facilitates diluting it steplessly in desired concentration,which concentration can correlate for example the amount thickness of layer of bitumen spread on the surface of the vehicle 2. Generally preferably, one or more of the detergent(s) are suitable against protein, and their desired concentration can be determined based on amount of insects the surface of the vehicle as detected in said detecting.

[0175] In general, the adjusting means 70a-74a of each individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 are controllable by the control system 100 to adjust either stepwise or steplessly the flow rate of washing substance in the supply line 7a-7e on which the individually controllable pumping arrangement 70-74 is installed. The flow rate is then preferably in particular stepwise or steplessly adjustable from zero flow rate to maximum flow rate, the number of intermediary steps in said stepwise adjustment between the zero flow rate and the maximum flow rate is preferably one or more but it could also be zero, in which case the adjustment could be implemented in on-off -kind of adjustment. The ability of the adjusting means 70a-74a to adjust the flow rate to zero is advantageous (although not necessary), because thus they can prevent flow in the in the supply line into the mixing means. This is preferable for instance if the determination of the one or more washing parameter results is that one or more of the washing substances are not needed in the washing substance mixture.

[0176] Generally, the control system 100 can be fully local, i.e. positioned inside or in proximity of the drive-in washing station 1, or only partially local. In the latter case it can comprise remote parts, such as a cloud for example or a remote server, which remote parts are in connection, e.g. over a communication bus, with the local parts of the control system 100. Some of the operations and / or functions thereof can then be configured to be provided / performed by the remote parts.

[0177] Generally, as described, the liquid washing substance of one or more of said liquid washing substance sources can be detergent (pure detergent or detergent solution) and / or the liquid washing substance of one or more of saidliquid washing substance sources can be solvent (pure solvent or solvent solution or solvent emulsion). When there are more than one, e.g. two, sources of detergent these detergents may have different compositions, and likewise when there are more than one sources of solvent, e.g. two, these solvents may have different compositions. This facilitates that the control system 100 can have very good ability to variate composition of the washing substance mixture. For example, if it can utilize a stronger composition if a stronger effect is needed. Then the flow rate of the stronger composition is adjusted greater than the flow rate of the other that can be adjusted even to zero, for example.

[0178] It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above-described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A washing arrangement (A) comprising a drive-in washing station (1) for washing vehicles (2), the drive-in washing station (1) comprising a washing equipment (3-6) and a control system (100) operatively connected to the washing equipment (3-7), the washing equipment (3- 7) comprisingat least one spraying means (3), comprising one or more outlet openings (31) and / or one or more nozzles (32), for spraying washing substance mixture on a vehicle (2);a supply means (7) of washing substance mixture for supplying washing substance mixture to the spraying means (3), which supply means (7) compriseplurality of washing substance sources (700-704) comprising one or more liquid washing substance sources (701,702,703,704); a mixing means (7f) for mixing the washing substances for thereby forming the washing substance mixture of them;plurality of supply lines (7a-7e) comprising a supply line (7a-7e) between each substance source (700-704) and the mixing means (7f) via which supply line (7a-7e) the washing substance source (700-704) is in flow connection with the mixing means (7f);a pumping means (p) for pumping the washing substances in the supply lines (7a-7e), comprising an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) installed on one or more of the supply lines (7a-7e), each said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) comprising an adjusting means (70a-74a) controllable to adjust flow rate of washing substance in the supply line (7a-7e) in question, the flow rate of the washing substance into the mixing means being individually adjustable by controlling the adjusting means (70a- 74a) for thereby adjusting concentration of the washing substance in the washing substance mixture;wherein the control system (100) is operatively connected to the adjusting means (70a-74a) of each said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74).

2. A washing arrangement (A) according to claim 1, wherein the pumping means (p) comprise an individually controllable pumping arrangement (71,74;73) installed on one or more supply lines (7b, 7d) of detergent and / or on one or more supply lines (7d) of solvent.

3. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is configuredto obtain data (DI) of an individual vehicle (2) to be washed before washing it; andto adjust the flow rate of a substance, such as the flow rate of detergent or solvent, in the supply line (7a-7e) on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) is installed into the mixing means (7f) and thereby concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture, based on said data (DI) by controlling said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74), in particular said adjusting means (70a-74a) thereof.

4. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aforementioned data (DI) includes inspection data (dl) generated by an inspecting equipment (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed, and / or data (d3) received from the control system of the vehicle (2) and / or data (d4) stored in a database (11) and associated with the vehicle (2) to be washed.

5. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) comprises at least one computer (100a) comprising at least one processor and at least one memory (100b) storing computer-readable instructions.

6. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer (100a) to, obtain said data (DI) and to determine based on said data (DI) one or more washing parameters, which preferably includea concentration target value of one or more of the substances in the mixture, preferably a concentration target value of the substance(s) in the supply line(s) provided with an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74); and / ora setting value of a control parameter of the adjusting means (70a-74a) of one or more of the one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements (70-74);and to control said one or more individually controllable pumping arrangements (70-74), in particular said adjusting means thereof, utilizing said one or more washing parameters, preferably in particular such that the concentration target value(s) and / or setting value(s) (70a-74a) are met.

7. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer (100a) to, determine the one or more washing parameters based on said data (DI) using an Al-model.

8. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each said adjusting means (70a-74a) of an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) is controllable to adjust pumping effect of the pumping arrangement (70-74) in question, the adjusting means (70a-74a) thereby being controllable to adjust flow rate of substance in the supply line (7a-7e) in question.

9. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70- 74) comprises a pump (70c-74c) and a motor (70b-74b) for rotating the pump (70c-74c), and an adjusting means (70a-74a) for adjusting rotational velocity of the motor (70b-74b), the motor (70b-74b) preferably being an electric motor and the adjusting means (70a-74a) preferably comprising a frequency converter (70a-74a).

10. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is connected to one or more devices (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed and for generating inspection data (dl) of the vehicle (2) before washing it and / or to one or more devices (9) for inspecting the vehicle (2) and for generating inspection data (d2) of the vehicle (2) after washing it.

11. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-in washing station (1) comprises a first inspecting equipment (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed and for generating inspection data (dl) of the vehicle (2) before washing it, the aforementioned data (Dl) including the inspection data (dl) generated by the first inspecting equipment (8), wherein preferably said first inspecting equipment (8) comprises one or more imaging devices (8), such as one or more cameras or video recorders, configured to capture one or more images or video of the object to be washed and / or more scanners for scanning areas of the vehicle (2) to be washed, and said inspection data (dl) preferably being or including one or more images or video and / or scanner data of the vehicle (2) to be washed.

12. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-in washing station (1) comprises a second inspecting equipment (9) for inspecting the vehicle (2) and for generating inspection data (d2) of the vehicle (2) after washing it, whereinpreferably said second inspecting equipment (9) comprises one or more imaging devices (9), such as one or more cameras or video recorders, configured to capture one or more images or video of the object after washing it; and / or more scanners for scanning areas of the vehicle (2) after washing it.

13. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer (100a), to analyze the data (DI) and / or input it into an AI- model to be analyzed by the Al-model, the data (DI) more particularly preferably including the inspection data (dl) generated by the first inspecting equipment (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed and / or the data (d3) received from the control system of the vehicle (2) and / or data (d4) stored in a database (11) and associated with the vehicle (2) to be washed.

14. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer (100a) to, obtain a feedback data (D2), the feedback data (D2) preferably including inspection data (d2) from the second inspecting equipment (9), the inspection data (d2) preferably being or including one or more images or video and / or scanner data of the vehicle (2) after washing it.

15. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (100) is configured to, in particular the computer-readable instructions are configured to cause the at least one computer (100a) to, input feedback data (D2) and / or said inspection data (d2) from the second inspecting equipment (9) to the Al-model, which is a machine-learning Al-model, for teaching it.

16. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the washing arrangement (A) comprises- one or more data transmission devices (10), which are comprised in or in connection to the control system (100), and connectable with a control system of the vehicle (2) in particular for receiving data (d3) of the vehicle (2) to be washed from the control system of the vehicle (2); and / or- a database (11) storing data of several vehicles (2) including individual data (d4) associated with each vehicle (2), wherein the individual data (d4) of each vehicle (2) is preferably accessible and modifiable by a user interface associated with the vehicle (2) in question, wherein preferably a user interface software is configured to run on a mobile communication device, such as a tablet or phone for example, of a user or on a control system, e.g. an on-board computer of the vehicle (2).

17. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data (DI) and / or the data (d3) and / or data (d4) include(s) information about one or more of the following factors relevant in washing process, the information preferably being an indicator or a value describing the factor in question:- washing history, e.g. time lapsed since the last wash;- temperature of the vehicle, e.g. surface temperature thereof; - weather history;- data indicating route of the vehicle;- gps data indicating route of the vehicle;- data indicating amount or density of insects and / or pollen;- data about user wishes, such as about how gentle the washing should be.

18. A washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, whereinthe control system (100) is connected to one or more devices (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed and for generating inspection data (dl) of the vehicle (2) before washing it; andthe control system (100) is configuredto obtain data (Dl) of an individual vehicle (2) to be washed before washing it, which data (Dl) includes inspection data (dl) generated by an inspecting equipment (8) for inspecting the vehicle (2) to be washed, said inspection data (dl) being or including one or more images or video and / or scanner data of the vehicle (2) to be washed; andto adjust the flow rate of a substance in the supply line (7a-7e) on which an individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) is installed into the mixing means (7f) and thereby concentration of the substance in the washing substance mixture, based on said data (Dl) by controlling said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70- 74), in particular said adjusting means (70a-74a) thereof.

19. A method for washing a vehicle (2), comprising washing a vehicle (2) with a washing arrangement (A) according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising controlling the adjusting means (70a- 74a) of one or more of said individually controllable pumping arrangement (70-74) with the control system (100).

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