GB1432772A - Vehicle cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

1432772 Vehicle washing apparatus AVW EQUIPMENT Ltd 17 Aug 1973 [30 June 1972] 30672/72 Heading B7J Vehicle cleaning equipment comprises a rotatable horizontal brush 2 mounted in a frame for movement upward under the control of a first means and downward under the control of a separate second means, one means (the first as shown) being responsive to the extent to which vehicle contact resists brush rotation and the other means (the second) being responsive to the extent to which the weight of the brush is borne by the vehicle, i.e. the weight of the brush less any uplift due to engagement of the brush on the surface of the vehicle being cleaned. The parameter for sensing resistance to brush rotation during upward movement of the brush is the current drawn by an electric motor 3 rotating the brush 2, which is carried by end plates 4<SP>1</SP> of a carriage 4. The end plates are suspended by an extensible section 11 consisting of springs 11a which hang from a yoke 10. When the brush 2 hangs freely and is not in contact with a vehicle, the springs 11a are extended and the brush weight is taken by chains 12 between the plates 4<SP>1</SP> and yoke 10 and further chains 5 extending from the yoke 10 over driven sprockets 7 to counterweights 9. While the brush is in suitable engagement with the vehicle, part of its weight is taken thereby and the length of the springs 11a is reduced, thus increasing spacing 15 between a proximity switch 13 on the yoke 10 and an L-shaped member 14 carried by plate 4<SP>1</SP> and preventing supply of current to a motor 8 for driving the sprockets 7. As brush/vehicle engagement decreases, the brush hangs freely and spacing 15 reduces until the switch 13 triggers supply to the motor 8 so as to lower the brush 2. Vertical side brushes 1 are also provided, and the frame carrying the brushes is movable along the length of a stationary vehicle during the washing operation.