IE54232B1

IE54232B1 - Car wash apparatus

Info

Publication number: IE54232B1
Application number: IE72983A
Authority: IE
Original assignee: Pandion Haliaetus Ltd
Priority date: 1983-03-31
Filing date: 1983-03-31
Publication date: 1989-07-19
Also published as: GB2137149B; BE898094A; IE830729L; GB8407771D0; GB2137149A

Abstract

Car wash apparatus comprises a header tank (18) fed from a water supply (11) through a booster pump (12) and deionisation unit (16). A cold pump (24) and a hot wash rinse pump (25) are fed from the header tank (18) and feed hand jets (4) and (5) for rinsing and washing the vehicle respectively. Soap from soap tanks (29) and (30) is fed through a solenoid valve (32) to the hot wash pump (25) and the mixed solution is heated in a boiler (33). A wax pump (40) is supplied with water from the supply (11) and wax from a wax tank (41), and in turn feeds a hand held wax jet (6). The pumps (24), (25) and (40), the boiler (33) are releasably connected into the apparatus by quick release couplings (1) and ball valves (2). The jets (4), (5) and (6) are connected to the apparatus quick release couplings (9).

Description

Car wash apparatus One problem with known car wash apparatus is that in general, all the components are connected together as an integral unit. Accordingly, when any one of the components in the apparatus fails, the entire apparatus must be shut down until the particular component has been repaired or replaced. Replacement is, in general, a relatively difficult operation, since the components are all integrally connected together.

The present invention is directed towards providing apparatus which overcomes these problems.

According to the invention there is provided a car wash apparatus comprising at least one jet to apply a fluid to a vehicle, a pump to deliver the fluid through the jet, and a heater to heat the fluid prior to delivery through the jet, the jet, pump and heater being connected by quick release couplings for easy replacement.

Preferably, the fluid is a water, or water/soap solution or a wax/water solution.

Advantageously, three separate jets connected to three separate pumps are provided, one jet and pump to deliver a water solution for rinsing, a second jet and pump being provided to deliver the soapy water solution, and a third jet and pump being provided to deliver the wax/water solution. Additionally, a container for soap solution and a container for a wax solution may also be provided. Preferably, the apparatus is electrically controlled by a control panel fed by a 380 V three-phase main supply, which is stepped down to a safe working voltage of 24 V. A control circuit for the apparatus is powered by the 24 V supply.

Additionally, the invention provides a method for washing a vehicle using the apparatus of the invention wherein the method includes the steps of applying a soap and water solution to the vehicle through a jet of the apparatus, and rinsing the vehicle with water delivered through a jet of the apparatus.

Additionally, the invention provides a method for replacing a component in the apparatus of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of disconnecting the quick release couplings adjacent a faulty component of the apparatus, removing the faulty component and replacing it with a replacement component, and reconnecting the quick release couplings.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a schematic representation of car wash apparatus according to the invention.

Referring to the drawing, the apparatus comprises a plurality of components which are illustrated in block representation, the components are releasably connected in the apparatus by quick release couplings indicated by the reference numeral 1 and isolating bail valves 2 for ease of replacement. The apparatus is housed as a single modular unit, and is preferably installed away from tbe wash bay 3. In the drawing the fluid circuits are represented by single lines, and the electrical circuits are represented by double lines and single heavy lines.

The apparatus includes three hand held jets, 4, 5 and 6, which respectively deliver cold water for rinsing the vehicle, warm and soapy water solution for washing, and wax for protecting and shining the vehicle. Each jet has a wide angle nozzle giving a 40° spray, and triggers 7 control the jets 4, 5 and 6. Flexible hoses 8 connect each jet to the apparatus through quick release couplings 9. In this embodiment of the invention, the quick release couplings 9 are mounted on a wall 10 of the wash bay 3, and are remotely connected to the apparatus through fluid lines, as will be described below. The wall 10 is illustrated by broken lines.

Water is supplied to the apparatus from an external source (not shown) through a supply pipe 11 to a booster pump 12.

The booster pump 12 delivers water through a pipe 15 into a deionising unit 16, and in turn through a pipe 17 into a header tank 18. Quick couplings 1 and ball valves 2 in the lines 11, 15 and 17 permit the booster pump 12 and the deionising unit 16 to be isolated and quickly released independently from the apparatus for replacement.

The pipe line 17 feed into the header tank 18 through a float operated valve 20, which controls the level of water in the header tank. A float switch 21 also in the header tank, monitors the level of the water. The float switch 21 is connected to a control panel 22 which will be described later, and in the event of the water level falling below a certain predetermined level the apparatus is shut down by 23 2 the control panel 22.

Two pumps, namely, a cold water rinse pump 24 and a hot wash pump 25, are supplied from the header tank 18 through a supply pipe 26. The cold water rinse pump 24 delivers pressurised water to the hand jet 4 for rinsing the vehicle through a pipe 28. Quick release couplings 1 and ball valves 2 on the pipes 26 and 28, permit the cold water rinse pump to be isolated and quickly released from the apparatus for replacement. The hot wash pump 25 delivers a soap and water solution on demand to the hand jet 5. Soap from either of a pair of soap tanks 29 and 30 is delivered through pipe lines 31 to the hot wash pump 25 through a solenoid valve 32. The hot wash pump 25 mixes the soap and water solution, which in turn is delivered into a heater, in this case, a burner boiler unit 33, for heating through a pipe 34, and is then delivered under pressure from the hot wash pump 25 through a pipe 35 to the hand jet 5. Quick release couplings 1 and ball valves 2 are provided in the pipes 26, 34 and 35 and also in the soap feed pipe 31, so that the hot wash pump 25 and boiler 33 can be quickly and easily isolated and removed independently for replacement. Gas oil is delivered to the burner boiler unit from an external storage tank 36, through an oil line 37. A quick release coupling 1 and a ball valve 2 is provided in the line 37 to accommodate removal of the burner boiler unit, A flue 38 is provided from the burner boiler unit 33. -ΘΑ pressure sensor 39 in the line 34 adjacent the hot wash pump 25, monitors the pressure on the down-stream side of the pump, and ensures that the line 34, and in turn, the pipe 35, are always maintained at the required pressure to ensure that the hot soap and water solution is always supplied on demand. The pressure sensor 39 is connected into the control panel 22 to control the hot wash pump 25.

A flow control sensor (not shown) is provided in the burner boiler unit to ensure that the burner boiler unit is activated on demand from the hand jet 5. Additionally, a temperature controller (also not shown) is provided in the burner boiler unit 33 to shut down the burner unit if safe working temperature is exceeded.

A wax pump 40 delivers a wax/water solution to the hand jet 6. The wax pump 40 is supplied directly from the main supply pipe 11, and wax is delivered from a wax tank 41 to the pump, through a supply pipe 42. The pump 40 mixes the wax and water solution which is delivered through a pipe 43 to the hand jet 6. Quick release couplings 1 and ball valves 2 on the pipe lines 11 and 43, and also on the wax supply pipe 42 are provided so that the wax pump may be readily isolated and removed from the apparatus in the event of failure.

The control panel 22 is fed from a 380 volts three-phase mains supply 44. This voltage is stepped down in the panel 22 to 24 volts, and for safety, all the pumps, the solenoid 54233 - 7 valve and the burner boiler unit are controlled by the 24 volt supply, through cable looms 45, and each unit is electrically connected to the cable loom 45 through a flexible cable 46 and a plug and socket connection 47 for easy disconnection of each unit.

A control board 48 is mounted on the wall 10 of the wash bay 1, and is connected to the control panel 22 through a cable loom 49. A plurality of switches 50 are provided on the control board 49 to individually control each of the electrical units in the apparatus, thereby overriding the control panel if desired. A plurality of indicator lights 51 are also provided on the control board to indicate at which stage the washing cycle is, and also to indicate which units' are activated.

Additionally, a hand held emulsifier dispenser 53 is also provided in the wash bay 1 to dispense an emulsion to clean off heavy dirt, for example, brake pad dust on wheels. The emulsifier dispenser 53 is connected by a flexible cable 54 and quick release coupling 55, a supply pipe 56 to a high pressure air source, in this case, a compressor 57. The quick release coupling 55 is mounted on the wall 11 similarly to the couplings 9.

In use, a car is driven into the wash bay 3, and soap and water solution is applied to the car by the hand jet 5. The car is then rinsed by the hand jet 4, and if desired, is 4 2 3 2 waxed by the hand jet 6. Where excessive brake pad dust is stuck to the wheels of the car, or excessive dirt is to be removed from the car, then prior to washing with the hand jet 5, the emulsifier dispenser 53 is used to dissolve such excessive dirt.

Where it is desired to remove any of the components whether for maintenance, or as a result of failure, or indeed, if it is desired for any reason to interchange components, then the relevant component is first isolated by shutting off the appropriate adjacent ball valves 2. The quick release couplings 1 are then released and the plug and socket 47 where appropriate is disconnected, and the component removed. The replacement component is quickly connected up by means of the quick release couplings 1, and the ball valves 2 are then opened, and the 'apparatus is ready to operate.

It will be appreciated that although the invention has many advantages, over and above existing car wash apparatus, one particularly important advantage of the .preferred embodiment of the invention is achieved by the fact that the components may be individually isolated from the apparatus and quickly released by quick release couplings. This permits a faulty component to be replaced in matter of minutes with minimum disruption to the apparatus. Further, where servicing or maintenance of components is required, this can be carried out while the component has been replaced by another similar component.

Additionally, because individual pumps are used to supply cold water, the warm soapy water solution and the wax water solution, no purging is required between the various steps in the washing cycle. Furthermore, because the apparatus has been housed together in a modular unit, and can be housed indoor, the life expectancy of the apparatus is considerably greater.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that while the wax and storage tanks have been described as not being releasably connected, it will be appreciated that if desired they could be releasably connected into the apparatus.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that the cold pump, the hot water pump, and the wax.pump, could all be similar type pumps, and could be readily interchangeable if desired.

It is also envisaged that instead of the flow control sensor and the water temperature sensor being mounted in the boiler as described, these could be mounted in any suitable position in the circuit, but preferably if not in the boiler, they should be adjacent thereto.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that in certain cases, instead of providing the quick release couplings and ball valves as separate units, these could be provided in one integral unit, this would further assist assembly of the apparatus. In fact, it will be appreciated that other suitable quick release 3 2 3 2 - 10 couplings could be used if desired. Additionally, it is envisaged that the quick release couplings and valves on the soap, wax and oil lines could be dispensed with if desired.

Of course it will be appreciated that while the apparatus has been described as being housed in a modular unit remote from the wash bay, this is not necessary. Firstly, it is not essential that it should be housed in a unit, and if desired, could be provided adjacent a wash bay. The essential thing is that the components, and in particular, the pumps should be connected by quick release couplings.

It will also be appreciated that while the wax pump has been described as being fed directly from the water supply line 11, it could be fed from the header tank 18 if desired.

Further, it will be appreciated that while the apparatus has been described as having independent hand held jets to apply the various washing fluids, it is not necessary that they should be hand held. It will of course be appreciated that they could be operated in a suitable apparatus for automatic dispensing onto the car or vehicle to be washed. Additionally, it will be appreciated that any vehicle could be washed by this apparatus, for example, a car, lorry, van or the like. Indeed, any other article could similarly be washed if desired. It will also be appreciated that while a deionisation unit has been provided, any other suitable water conditioning unit could be used. Indeed, in certain -Π areas, where water is soft, it will be appreciated that the deionisation unit could be dispensed with. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that it is not necessary to have two soap tanks. For example, one would be adequate. The main reason for having two soap tanks in the present invention is to provide back up. Additionally, the booster pump or header tank, if desired, could be dispensed with as could the wax pump or emulsifier dispenser if not required.

It will also of course be appreciated that while the components have been described as being supplied with a low twenty four volt supply, mains or any other suitable voltage could be used if desired. The low voltage is used for safety Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the water heater has been described as a burner and boiler unit, this is not necessary, a simple electrically powered water heater, or heat exchanger of any sort could be used. Further, it will be appreciated that the float switch may be dispensed with.

While the components in the apparatus have been described as being electrically connected by plug and socket connections, some or all of the components may be electrically connected by other suitable means which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Car wash apparatus comprising at least one jet to apply a fluid to a vehicle, a pump to deliver the fluid through the jet, and a heater to heat the fluid prior to delivery through the jet, the jet, pump and heater being connected by quick 5 release couplings for easy replacement.

2. Car wash apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, in which the fluid is water, or a water/soap solution, or a water/wax solution.

3. Car wash apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, in which 10 a soap storage tank is provided.

4. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which the pump is connected to the soap storage tank and heater, to deliver a hot soap/water solution to the vehicle.

5. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in 15 which a cold water pump to deliver cold water is connected to the jet.

6. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a tank to store a wax polish solution is provided.

7. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in 13 which a pump is connected to the wax storage tank to deliver a wax/water solution to the jet.

8. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which three jets are provided, one jet to apply cold water 5 to the vehicle, a second jet to apply the soap/water solution to the vehicle, and a third jet to apply the wax/water solution to the vehicle.

9. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a water deionisation unit is connected to the 10. Apparatus.

10. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a header tank is provided in the apparatus to supply water at a substantially constant pressure.

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 in which a float valve 15 is mounted in the header tank to monitor the water level in the tank, and to close down the apparatus when the water level in the tank falls below a certain predetermined level.

12. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a booster pump is provided to deliver water to the 20 apparatus.

13. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 12 in which the components of Claims 2 to 12 are connected into the apparatus hy quick release couplings.

14. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which shut-off valves are provided in the fluid line on each side of each component to permit the component to be 5 isolated from the apparatus prior to disconnecting the quick release couplings, the shut-off valves being on the side of each releasable coupling remote from the component.

15. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a control circuit is provided to control the operation 10 of the components in the apparatus.

16. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a flow switch to monitor the flow of water through the heater is provided, the flow switch activating the heater when flow commences. 15

17. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which a temperature probe is provided in or adjacent the heater to control the temperature of the water passing therethrough.

18. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in 20 which a pressure switch is provided adjacent to the hot water pump to monitor the pressure in the line, to control and activate the heater. 5 4 2 3 2

19. Car wash apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim in which each electrical component is connected releasably to the apparatus.

20. Car wash apparatus substantially as described 5 herein, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

21. A method for washing a vehicle using the apparatus of any of Claims 1 to 20, the method including the steps of: 10 applying a soap and water solution to the vehicle through a jet of the apparatus, and rinsing the vehicle with water delivered through a jet of the apparatus.

22. A method for replacing a component in the 15 apparatus of Claims 1 to 20 including the steps of: disconnecting the quick release couplings adjacent a faulty component of the apparatus, removing the faulty component and replacing it with a replacement component, and 20 reconnecting the quick release couplings.