GB2261644A

GB2261644A - Vehicle maintenance apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2261644A
Application number: GB9224465A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Paul Ensor
Original assignee: TURN CAR
Current assignee: TURN CAR
Priority date: 1991-11-23
Filing date: 1992-11-23
Publication date: 1993-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2012-11-23
Also published as: GB2261644B; GB9224465D0; GB9124910D0

Abstract

Apparatus for carrying out a maintenance operation on a motor vehicle, e.g. washing the vehicle, comprises a means such as a turntable (13) for supporting and moving the vehicle and a station 16 adjacent the vehicle-supporting means for carrying out the operation as the periphery of the vehicle is presented to the station in use. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Vehicle Maintenance Apparatus Description of Invention This invention relates to apparatus for use in carrying out certain maintenance operations on motor vehicles. The term "maintenance" as used herein is intended to cover operations which, if carried out by a person, require that person to have access to the vehicle around substantially its entire periphery, i.e. to both sides, and the front and rear of the vehicle.The main example of such a type of maintenance operation, in relation to which the invention has been devised, is that of washing the visible external surface of a vehicle in order to maintain its appearance, but examples of other operations for which access to substantially the entire periphery of the vehicle is either necessary, or at least desirable to facilitate the carrying out of the operation, include washing the entire undersurface or at least the wheel arches of a vehicle to remove accumulated mud, checking tyre pressures, and cleaning/valeting operations on the interior of the vehicle, e.g. vacuum cleaning the interior.

Many petrol stations and other establishments provide facilities for one or more of such operations to be carried out. One type of such a facility is a washing apparatus of the kind incorporating a structure through which a car can be driven, the structure supporting opposed brushes which are usually generally of cylindrical configuration, arranged to be rotatably driven about their axes, and generally vertically orientated for washing opposites sides of the vehicle. A further such brush is disposed generally horizontally for washing the front, rear and the intervening surfaces of the vehicle, namely the bonnet, windscreen, roof, rear window and boot panel.All the brushes have means for supplying water containing detergent, and rinsing water, and means are provided for causing the brushes to detect and follow the contours of the vehicle as the vehicle moves relative to the structure which supports the brush. Such an installation, however, has a disadvantage in that it is expensive and requires a large amount of space.

As an alternative, or possibly in addition, to such washing equipment many establishments are provided with so-called "pressure wash" or "jet wash" equipment. This comprises a hose and a lance to be held by the user. The equipment is usually coin or token-operated and when the user inserts a coin or token a sequence of operations commences in which water containing detergent is delivered for a predetermined period of time followed by rinsing water for a similar period. The user must park his vehicle adjacent the equipment, and walk around the vehicle firstly to apply the detergent solution thereto followed by the water to rinse off the detergent. This has two major disadvantages, the first of which is that the user must walk around the vehicle trailing a long hose. This is potentially hazardous.In terms of the effectiveness of washing the vehicle, the tendency is for the user, after the delivery of detergent solution has ceased and that of rinsing water commenced, to start rinsing the vehicle at the position where the detergent has last been applied to the vehicle, rather than to commence rinsing at the point on the vehicle where detergent was first applied at the start of the washing procedure. Therefore on part of the vehicle the detergent solution does not remain in contact therewith for long enough satisfactorily to remove dirt.

Two other commonly provided facilities at filling stations, namely that of a vacuum cleaner for use on the interior of a vehicle, and a pressure gauge and tyre inflation device, also require the presence of a long flexible hose to enable the user to reach all four corners of a parked vehicle, with the consequent hazard.

It is broadly the object of the present invention to overcome or reduce one or more of the disadvantages above referred to.

According to one aspect of the present invention, we provide apparatus for carrying out a maintenance operation on a motor vehicle, comprising a station having means for performing the operation, and means for supporting the vehicle and for moving the vehicle so as to be able to present substantially all parts of the periphery of the vehicle adjacent said station.

According to another aspect of the present invention, we provide apparatus for carrying out a maintenance operation on a motor vehicle, comprising a station having means for performing the operation, means for supporting the vehicle and for moving the vehicle so as to be able to present substantially all parts of the periphery of the vehicle adjacent said station, and means for effecting relative movement between said station and said vehiclesupporting means, to reduce changes in distance between the periphery of the vehicle and said station as the vehicle is moved.

Preferably the means for supporting the vehicle comprises a turntable onto which the vehicle can be driven and which is rotatable to present the entire periphery of the vehicle adjacent the station.

The operation which is to be performed on the vehicle at the station may comprise washing the vehicle. Alternatively, it may comprise vacuum cleaning the interior of the vehicle, checking the pressure or inflating the tyres thereof, or like operations. Facilities for two or more of such operations may be provided at one station adjacent the turntable, or separate stations for such operations may be disposed at different positions adjacent the turntable.

In the case of a station providing for washing of the vehicle, the means for carrying out such washing may comprise a hose and lance of the pressure washing or "jet washing" type above referred to. The station may be arranged, e.g. on insertion of a coin or token, to deliver a detergent solution for a period of time followed by rinsing water for a period of time.

Another means for washing a vehicle may comprise means supporting a washing member and providing for a range of movement of the washing member such that this movement, in combination with the movement of the vehicle by the turntable, provides for the washing member to wash substantially the entire external surface of the vehicle.

Such washing member may comprise a brush which preferably is of generally cylindrical form and arranged to be rotationally driven about its longitudinal axis, and associated means for applying a washing solution to the vehicle where it is engaged by the brush.

Such a washing member may be supported by an "industrial robot" type of device, incorporating arm portions movable relative to one another at suitably arranged pivoting and/or sliding points so as to provide the required range of movement of the washing member. Suitable programmable control means would, of course, be provided to coordinate the movement of the washing member with that of the turntable to ensure that the entire external surface of a vehicle is satisfactorily washed.

In apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention as above set forth, the means for effecting relative movement between said station and said vehicle-supporting means may comprise means affording a track; a support member for said station movable on said track; and means for moving said support member on said track in accordance with movement of the vehicle supporting means.

Where the vehicle supporting means is a turntable, the track preferably extends substantially radially thereof.

The means for moving the support member on the track in accordance with movement of the vehicle-supporting means may comprise a mechanical linkage. For example, cam means may be provided in association with a turntable, as present in one of the embodiments described hereafter, to be engaged by a cam-follower member associated with the support member.

Whilst it would be possible for the support member to afford a platform surface on which an operator using a "jet washing" lance can stand so that he is automatically moved an appropriate distance from the vehicle as the vehicle is rotated, it is appropriate for the support member to carry a washing means which does not have to be carried or operated by a human operator. Such a washing means may be one comprising a brush as described above, or may simply comprise means for directing a washing liquid, e.g. detergent solution and/or rinsing water, in appropriate sequence, to the vehicle from one or more dispensing jets.

Apparatus according to the invention has several advantages. Firstly, in the case of all operations being carried out manually by a user, the fact that the vehicle itself is moved so that all parts of the its periphery are presented to the station at which the operation is being carried out means that the user does not have to walk around the vehicle trailing a long hose. This substantially reduces the hazard caused by a long hose.

Secondly, when the operation being carried out is that of successively applying detergent solution and rinsing water to the vehicle, doing this while the vehicle is being rotated means that the user cannot start rinsing the vehicle at the point thereon at which application of the detergent solution has just been completed. If the apparatus is arranged to rotate the vehicle once during application of detergent solution followed by a further rotation for rinsing, possibly with an intervening rotation allowing for brushing of the vehicle, it is ensured that rinsing commences at the part of the vehicle where detergent was first applied, allowing the detergent to remain in contact with the vehicle for sufficient time to ensure effective removal of dirt.

In the case where the washing member is provided, movable in a path determined by suitable control means to ensure washing of the entire surface of the vehicle, the necessary industrial robot device for supporting the washing member occupies less space and is likely to be less expensive that the type of car wash known hitherto including a structure through which the vehicle passes and three brushes each with associated movable supporting devices and control means.

The provision of a turntable for supporting a vehicle will usually require the excavation of a pit for accommodating the turntable structure and driving mechanism. Such a pit may conveniently incorporate drainage means providing for collection of water used in washing the vehicle. Water treatment and recovery plant may, of course, be provided.

Yet a further advantage of apparatus according to the invention is that the turntable and associated station or stations for washing a vehicle and/or carrying out other operations thereon can be installed in a relatively small ground area. The presence of a turntable removes the need for a vehicle to reverse out of an area in which the vehicle is being worked on.

The invention also provides a method of performing an operation on a vehicle by use of the apparatus according to the invention as herein set forth.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which Figure 1 is a perspective view of one possible configuration of apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a further embodiment of apparatus according to the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side elevation of the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an underneath view of the turntable of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is an elevation of a washing means which may be provided in the apparatus of Figures 2 to 4.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings there is shown an area for car washing, bounded by walls 10, 11, 12 which may be provided at a filling station or elsewhere. Within the area there is provided a turntable 13 which is able to support a vehicle illustrated as a representative passenger car 14. The turntable provides for rotation of the vehicle as indicated by arrow 15.

Adjacent the turntable there is disposed a washing station indicated generally at 16. This comprises a pillar 17 from the top of which there extends an arm 18 carrying at its end a supporting framework 19 carrying a generally cylindrical brush 20 which is rotatable about its axis as indicated by arrow 21. A hose 22 provides for delivery of detergent solution and water to the brush 20.

The arm 18 is telescopic and may incorporate pivoting joints to provide a range of movement of the brush 20 such that, in combination with the rotation of the turntable 13, substantially the entire external surface of a vehicle 14 can be reached by the brush. The movement of the brush 20 may be caused by suitable electrical or mechanical devices, e.g. fluid pressure operated, associated with the pillar 17, arm 18 and frame 19, such devices generally being known for industrial robot devices. Suitable programable control means is, of course, provided for controlling the movement of the brush.

A typical programme for the operation of the apparatus would be for the brush to be moved over to the vehicle with the brush in a vertical orientation, and the vehicle rotated once by the turntable so that the brush covers the substantially vertical surfaces of the vehicle, after which the brush would be moved to the horizontal position and the vehicle moved by the turntable to face the brush which then washes the bonnet, windscreen and front half of the roof of the vehicle. Rotation of the turntable through 180" will then permit the brush to wash the back half of the roof, the rear panel and boot lid of the vehicle. During these operations, detergent solution may be delivered from the hose 21. The same cycle of operations would be repeated with water being delivered to the brush, for rinsing the vehicle.

Opposite the washing station 16 there is disposed a further washing station which is provided with a flexible hose 23 and pressure-washing lance 24 to be used by an operator 25. This may be used as an alternative or in addition to the use of the washing station 16. A cycle of operation of such a pressurewashing apparatus would be for a detergent solution to be delivered to the lance during a first rotation of the vehicle, followed by delivery of rinsing water during a second rotation of the vehicle.

Stations, separate or combined, may be provided adjacent the turntable 13 for carrying out further operations on the vehicle, e.g. vacuum cleaning the interior thereof and checking the pressures of, and inflating, the vehicle's tyres.

A control panel is indicated at 26, provided with suitably programmed means for selecting which operations or cycles of operations are to be carried out on the vehicle, means for receiving coins or tokens for operating the apparatus, and any other required facilities.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 5 of the drawings, these show a further embodiment of apparatus for car washing, according to the invention. In these drawings, a vehicle-supporting means in the form of a turntable is indicated at 30.

The turntable has an upper surface 31 on which are provided two pathways 33 extending parallel to one another chordally of the turntable for receiving the wheels of a vehicle. The spacing of the pathways 33 is determined by the typical size of vehicle with which the apparatus is intended to be used, e.g. a passenger car. The pathways 33 may have upwardly extending edges to provide guidance for a vehicle as it is being driven onto the turntable.

The turntable is supported by suitable bearing means to enable it to be rotated about a vertical axis centrally thereof, and a motor, e.g. an electric motor or an hydraulic motor, is provided for effecting such movement.

Adjacent the turntable there is provided a track extending in the direction of a radius of the turntable, the track comprising spaced parallel rails 35. On the track 34 is movable a support member in the form of a trolley 36, the trolley having wheels 37 engaging the rails 35. The trolley has an upwardly presented supporting surface 38.

Beneath the turntable, as seen in Figure 4 of the drawings, the turntable has a cam means 39 in the form of a cam formation or track generally of rectangular configuration with rounded corners. A member 40 extends from the trolley 36 to engage and follow the cam means 39. The result is that as the turntable rotates, the trolley 36 is moved towards and away from the turntable.

The orientation and configuration of the cam means 39 is such that when a vehicle is carried on the turntable the trolley is moved in accordance with the rotation of the turntable so as to remain a more or less uniform distance away from the closest part of the vehicle. Thus, when one of the corners of the vehicle is presented to the trolley, the trolley is furthest away from the turntable whilst when a side of the vehicle is presented the trolley is closer to the turntable.

The trolley may support a washing means such as shown in Figure 5, which is in the configuration of a vertical member 41 supporting a horizontal arm 42. Pipes 43, 44 are provided respectively for delivering detergent solution and clean water from jets provided at appropriate points on the washing means, which jets would of course be directed towards a vehicle on the turntable. Suitable control means would be provided for controlling the sequence and so on of delivery of such liquids to the vehicle. It will be appreciated that by virtue of the above described movement of the trolley 36 in accordance with the movement of the turntable, so that the change in distance of the trolley from the vehicle on the turntable is reduced as the vehicle rotates, the effectiveness of cleaning of the vehicle by the apparatus is enhanced.

It will be appreciated that other means for controlling movement of the trolley in accordance with movement of the turntable may be provided. For example, the trolley may have its own electrical or other motor for moving it, whose operation is controlled by any appropriate means, e.g. an electronic control means, associated with the operation and control of the turntable. For carrying out some operations, it may not be required to move the trolley in accordance with the rotation of the turntable.

When we refer to "motor vehicles" herein, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to, and we intend to include, the washing of, or carrying out of other operations on, trailers or the like, or even items of equipment other than vehicles.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. Apparatus for carrying out a maintenance operation on a motor vehicle, comprising a station having means for performing the operation, and means for supporting the vehicle and for moving the vehicle so as to be able to present substantially all parts of the periphery of the vehicle adjacent said station.

2. Apparatus for carrying out a maintenance operation on a motor vehicle, comprising a station having means for performing the operation, means for supporting the vehicle and for moving the vehicle so as to be able to present substantially all parts of the periphery of the vehicle adjacent said station, and means for effecting relative movement between said station and said vehiclesupporting means, to reduce changes in distance between the periphery of the vehicle and said station as the vehicle is moved.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means for supporting the vehicle comprises a turntable onto which the vehicle can be driven and which is rotatable to present the entire periphery of the vehicle adjacent the station.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the station comprises means for performing a washing operation on the vehicle.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the means for washing the vehicle comprises a hose and lance operable by a user.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the means for washing the vehicle comprises means supporting a washing member and providing a range of movement therefor such that said movement, in combination with the movement of the vehicle provided by the turntable, provides for the washing member to wash substantially the entire external surface of the vehicle.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said washing member comprises a brush arranged to be rotationally driven, and associated means for applying a washing solution to the vehicle where it is engaged by the brush.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said washing member is supported by a "industrial robot" device.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising programmable control means operable to co-ordinate the movement of the washing member with that of the turntable.

10. Apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim appendant thereto wherein said means for effecting relative movement between said station and said vehicle-supporting means comprises means affording a track; a support member for said station movable on said track; and means for moving said support member on said track in accordance with movement of the vehicle-supporting means.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 as appendant to claim 3 wherein said track extends substantially radially of the turntable.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said means for moving the support member on the track in accordance with movement of the vehiclesupporting means comprises a mechanical linkage.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 as appendant to claim 3 comprising cam means provided in association with the turntable and a cam follower member associated with the support member.

14. Apparatus according to claim 3 or any claim appendant thereto wherein said turntable occupies a pit, and said pit incorporates drainage means.

15. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1, or Figures 2 to 5, of the accompanying drawings.

16. A method of carrying out a maintenance operation on a motor vehicle, comprising supporting the vehicle on the vehicle-supporting means of apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and performing the operation from said station adjacent the vehicle supporting means as the vehicle is moved by the supporting means to present substantially all parts of the vehicle's periphery adjacent said station.

17. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.