JP2000264174A - Car washer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save a driver the trouble of inputting a vehicle shape to improve car wash efficiency, in a car washer allowing control of a washing device for a vehicle according to a bar code representing the vehicle shape read with a bar code reader. SOLUTION: In this car washer, a bar code reader 12 reads a bar code 39 provided on the inner surface of a side glass of a body of a vehicle V by moving the vehicle V, and a washing means WA provided in a car washer main body 1 is controlled according to the read bar code 39 to wash the vehicle V.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cleaning means for cleaning the surface of a vehicle body of a vehicle, a bar code representing the shape of the vehicle, a bar code reader for reading the bar code, and a bar code reader for reading the bar code. And a control device for controlling the washing means based on a bar code.

The term "vehicle shape" as used in the present invention refers to the type of vehicle such as a passenger car, a jeep, a one-box or the like, and the presence or absence of optional parts such as a fender pole, a carrier, and a ceiling light of a taxi.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, cleaning means for cleaning the surface of a vehicle body, a bar code representing the vehicle shape of the vehicle, a bar code reader for reading the bar code, and a bar code reader for reading the bar code. In a car washer equipped with control means for controlling the washing means, the driver of the vehicle operates the card on which the barcode is printed, and causes the barcode reader to read the barcode printed on the card. A car wash machine in which a vehicle shape is input and a car wash adapted to the vehicle shape is performed is known (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 9-1997).
No. 48330).

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional car washer, a driver of a vehicle to be washed operates a card,
Since the barcode printed on the card is read by the barcode reader, it takes time and effort to input the shape of the vehicle, and the cleaning process time per vehicle becomes longer, and as a result, the processing efficiency of the car washer decreases.

[0005] When the card owner wants to wash another vehicle with no bar code on the card, or another person tries to wash his / her vehicle with a card borrowed from the card holder. In some cases, the cleaning means is controlled based on a vehicle shape different from the vehicle shape of the vehicle to be actually cleaned, and the vehicle may be damaged or damaged by the cleaning means.

There have been problems such as the following.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a new car washer which solves the above problem by providing a bar code on a vehicle body of a moving vehicle and reading the bar code by a bar code reader. The main purpose is to provide.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning means for cleaning the surface of a vehicle body, a bar code representing the vehicle shape of the vehicle, and A barcode reader that reads the barcode, and a car washing machine including a control unit that controls the washing unit based on the barcode read by the barcode, wherein the barcode is provided on the vehicle body,
When the vehicle moves, the bar code is read by a bar code reader. According to this characteristic, the driver can save time and effort in inputting the vehicle shape. Car washing can be performed more easily and more reliably than when the driver operates the bar code card, and the car washing processing efficiency can be improved.

Also, by providing a bar code representing the shape of the vehicle on the vehicle body, the bar code is erroneously used by another vehicle different from the vehicle for which the bar code was created, and the vehicle is damaged by the washing means. This has the effect that there is no possibility of breakage.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the bar code is provided on an inner surface of a side glass of the vehicle. According to such features,
In addition to the above effects, the bar code is used for washing water, wind and rain,
The bar code reader can always read the bar code accurately without being exposed to dust and the like, and the bar code can be kept vertically within the vertical width of the side glass. In addition, it becomes easy not only to set the irradiation range of the detection laser beam of the bar code reader, but also to improve the detection accuracy.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing means for washing a surface of a vehicle body provided on a body of a car washer, and a cleaning means provided on a vehicle body of the vehicle. A bar code reader that is provided on the entrance side of the car wash machine main body and that is configured to read the bar code when the vehicle moves, and a bar code reader that reads the bar code. Control means for controlling the washing means based on a bar code, provided between the car wash machine body and the bar code reader,
A vehicle-shaped operation input unit for inputting a vehicle shape of the vehicle, a vehicle detection unit for detecting the vehicle, and a notification unit for notifying a driver of the vehicle to operate the vehicle-shaped operation input unit; By the time the bar code reader cannot read the bar code from the vehicle before the detecting means detects the vehicle, the bar code reader is informed to operate the vehicle-shaped operation input means by the notifying means. Yes,
According to this feature, the driver can save the trouble of inputting the shape of the vehicle, and can easily and surely wash the car compared to a conventional driver operating a bar code card. , Can improve car washing efficiency
In addition, by providing a barcode representing the shape of the vehicle on the vehicle body, the barcode is erroneously used on a vehicle different from the target vehicle that created the barcode, and the vehicle is damaged or damaged by the cleaning means. In addition, in the case of a vehicle without a bar code, there is no danger and the notification means can notify the driver to operate the vehicle-shaped operation input means, and even if the driver of the vehicle is unfamiliar, it is confusing. Therefore, the vehicle-shaped operation input means can be operated, and the usability is good.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below based on the embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a car washing machine, FIG. 2 is an overall side view of the car washing machine, FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of an operation panel along line 3-3 in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of a vehicle to be washed, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a car washing process, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a car washing process.

1 and 2, a car washer is provided with a washing means W.
A, a car-washing machine main body 1 provided with an A, a bar code reader 12 arranged at a predetermined distance in front of the entrance side of the car washing machine main body 1, and a , A reception device 12 and a circuit breaker 14 arranged in order from the bar code reader 12 side to the car wash machine main body 1 side.

The car washer body 1 has a gate-shaped frame, and drive wheels 6,
The vehicle can reciprocate on two rails 8, 8 laid on the installation surface F via the wheel 6 and the driven wheels 7, 7.
The car washer body 1 includes a top brush 2 for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle V, a pair of left and right side brushes 3 and 3 for cleaning the side surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle V, and a top nozzle 4 for drying the upper surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle V. A pair of left and right side nozzles 5 and 5 for drying a side surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle, and a cleaning means WA including a cleaning water injection device (not shown) for injecting cleaning water to the vehicle body of the vehicle are provided.

Since the cleaning means WA is conventionally known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The car washing machine body 1 has a main body control device 37 for controlling the operation of the car washing machine body 1 and a speaker 3.
8 are provided. On one side of the exit side of the car washer body 1, a departure indicating lamp 16 is provided.

[0018] During the running rail 8, 8 enters the cleaning position V ₅ to stop the vehicle V, to guide the lateral position of the vehicle V, a pair of left and right guide pipes 9, 9, the vehicle V is when it stopped at the cleaning position V _5, and a U-shaped wheel stopper 10 for indicating the right front wheel stop position of the vehicle V is provided. Inside the wheel stopper 10, a depression switch 11 for detecting a vehicle wheel is provided.

At the entrance side of the car wash machine body 1, a bar code reader 12 is disposed at a predetermined distance in front of the entrance. The bar code reader 12 is provided on the upper end of the column 12 ₁ which is erected and fixed on the installation surface F. Further, in the middle of the column 12 _1, reflection type ultrasonic sensor 35 as a first vehicle sensor for detecting a vehicle is provided.

A reception device 13 is arranged between the bar code reader 12 and the entrance side of the car washer body 1 near the bar code reader 12. This reception device 13
Is provided on the upper end of the post 13 ₁ erected and fixed on the installation surface F. The reception device 13 includes an operation panel 17 and a reception control device 18. Also in the middle of the column 13 _1, the reflection type ultrasonic sensor as a second vehicle sensor 19 is provided for detecting the vehicle V.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 17 includes:
A card slot 20 of a card reader for receiving a prepaid card, a coin slot 21 of a coin counter, a blue lamp 22B for displaying that a bar code read by the bar code reader 12 and an issuer code described later match. A red lamp 22R indicating that the issuer code is different or a bar code has not been read, a wax key 23 and a jump key 24 for operation input of a car wash course, and an operation input of a vehicle shape of the vehicle. , A vehicle shape input means 25, a start key 26, and a speaker 27 as a notifying means for guiding operation procedures of the operation panel 17.

The vehicle shape input means 25 includes a passenger car key 28, a jeep key 29, a one-box key 30, and a mini-bankey 31 for inputting a vehicle type, and a key 32A for inputting when a fender pole for inputting the presence or absence of optional parts is provided. , Key 32B for inputting when it is not attached, key 33A for inputting when carrier or ceiling light is attached, and key 33 for inputting when it is not attached
B, key 34A to be input when a spoiler or visor is attached, and key 34 to be input when it is not attached
B is provided.

The keys 23, 24, 26, 28
To 34B, corresponding to them, input display lamps 23L, 24L, 26L, 28L as notification means.
To 34BL are provided.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a circuit breaker 14 is disposed between the reception device 13 and the entrance side of the car wash machine main body 1. The breaker 14 is a mounting surface and a drive unit 14 ₂ provided fixedly on the F to the upper end of the column 14 ₁ which is erected, the opening and closing bars 14 ₃ which was attached to the output shaft of the drive unit 14 ₂ Has become. Also in the middle of the column 14 _1, the third reflection type ultrasonic sensor 36 as a vehicle sensor for detecting a vehicle
Is provided.

Further, a pair of left and right guide pipes 15 and 15 for guiding the left and right positions of the vehicle V entering the reception position are provided inside the bar code reader 12 and the reception device 13 so as to straddle them. Have been.

A bar code reader 12, an operation panel 17, a circuit breaker 14, a first vehicle sensor 35, a second vehicle sensor 19, and a third vehicle sensor 36 are connected to the reception control device 18. Further, a main body control device 37 as control means of the car wash machine main body 1 includes a foot switch 1.
1. The departure indicator light 16 and the speaker 38 are connected.
The reception control device 18 can output the car wash conditions to the main body control device 37.

The bar code label 40 on which the bar code 39 is printed, as shown in FIG.
Is attached to the inner surface of the side glass GS, and the line of the bar code 39 is substantially horizontal. And barcode reader 1
2 reads the bar code 39 by scanning the detection laser beam R (see FIG. 6) up and down. As described above, by scanning the detection laser beam R up and down to read the barcode 39, the detection range in the upper and lower directions can be secured, and even if the height of the side glass GS is slightly changed depending on the vehicle, it can be read accurately.

By attaching the bar code label 40 on which the bar code 39 is printed to the inner surface of the transparent side glass GS of the vehicle V, the bar code label 40 is protected from wind and rain.
The height position of the bar code 39 is set within the vertical width of the side glass GS, and the height position is largely shifted depending on the type of the vehicle, in addition to being prevented from being soiled by being exposed to cleaning water, dust and the like. No detection, laser beam R for detection
The upper and lower scanning width can be easily set, and the bar code 39
Reading accuracy is improved.

The bar code label 40 is classified into a member of a term member and a member of a general member who pays a car washing fee with cash or a prepaid card every time the car is washed. The bar code label 40 of the term member includes an issuer code unique to the issuer,
The due date, the car wash course, and the vehicle shape are represented by a bar code 39. The bar code label 40 for general members
An issuer code unique to the issuer, a code representing a general member, a car wash course, and a vehicle type are represented in a bar code 39. In addition, the barcode label 40 is prepared according to the shape of the vehicle V to be washed by the member when joining, and is attached to the inner surface of the side glass GS of the vehicle V.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the car washer is on standby.
The car wash machine body 1 is at the left end of the running rails 8,8
At the start position, and the circuit breaker 14
14 _ThreeIn a closed shut-off state. Standby state of this car washer
Then, the vehicle V to be washed runs on its own,
Are guided by guide pipes 15 and 15 from
As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the vehicle V
And V₁Position, and the first vehicle sensor 35 detects the vehicle V
Is detected (step S1), the barcode reader 12
Starts to operate and emits the detection laser beam R.
Start (step S2).

The vehicle V is continuously free-running, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), and reaches the V ₂ position, the bar code reader 12
Scans the bar code 39 of the bar code label 40 attached to the inner surface of the side glass GS of the vehicle V, and reads the bar code 39 (step S3). Then, the read barcode 39
Is stored in the storage unit of the reception control device 18, and the irradiation of the detection laser beam R of the barcode reader 12 is stopped (step S4).

When the issuer code of the bar code 39 read next matches the issuer code stored in the storage unit of the reception control device 18 in advance (step S5), the blue lamp 22B is turned on (step S6). . If the term member is within the term, the speaker 27 is instructed to "press the start key" and the lamp 26L corresponding to the start key 26 is turned on (step S7).

The driver stops the vehicle V before the circuit breaker 14 and presses the start key 26 from the driver's seat (step S8). When the start key 26 is pressed, the car wash conditions including the car wash course and the vehicle shape are output from the reception control device 18 to the main body control device 37 as control means, and the
Is opened, and the storage of the barcode 39 in the storage unit of the reception control means 18 is erased (step S9). When the circuit breaker 14 is opened, the driver causes the vehicle to travel forward again. As shown in FIG. 6 (d), the rear end of the vehicle V becomes V ₄ position, that the vehicle V passes through the circuit breaker 14, the third vehicle sensor 36 detects, circuit breaker 14 is closed. The driver, as shown in FIG. 6 (e), to stop the vehicle V to V ₅ position or cleaning position. When the depression switch 11 detects the stop of the vehicle V and the detection continues for a predetermined time, the car wash machine main body 1 starts going forward and the car wash is performed based on the car wash conditions. Then, the car wash machine body 1 reciprocates a predetermined number of times and stops at the start position, and the predetermined car wash ends.

When the car wash is completed, the start of the car is guided by the lighting of the departure indicating lamp 16 and the utterance of the speaker 38. The driver moves the vehicle V forward in the direction of the arrow 41 to leave the vehicle V from the exit side of the car washer (step S10).

In step S7, when the term is expired as a term member, "expiration" and "to insert a cash or prepaid card" are indicated by the speaker 27. In the case of a general member, the speaker 27 guides the user to insert a cash or prepaid card.

The driver stops the vehicle V before the circuit breaker 14 and inserts a predetermined amount of money into the coin slot 21 from the driver's seat or inserts a prepaid card into the card slot 20. When a predetermined amount of money is inserted or a prepaid card is inserted, a "start key is pressed" speaker 27 is guided, and a lamp 26L corresponding to the start key 26 blinks (step S11). When the start key 26 is pressed (step S12), the car wash conditions including the car wash course and the vehicle shape are output from the reception control device 18 to the main body control device 37 as control means, the circuit breaker 14 is opened, and the reception control is performed. The storage of the barcode 39 in the storage unit of the device 18 is erased. When the prepaid card is inserted, when the start key 26 is pressed, the prepaid card is ejected, and when the card reader 12 detects that the driver has removed the prepaid card from the card slot 20, the car wash is performed. The car wash conditions including the course and the vehicle shape are determined by the reception control device 1
8 to the main controller 37, the circuit breaker 14 is opened, and the bar code 39 in the storage unit of the reception controller 18 is output.
Is erased (step S13). And step S1
Go to 0.

If the issuer cards do not match in step S5, the red lamp 22R is turned on. And
"The bar code issuer is different" and "Let's insert cash or prepaid card"
7 is provided (step S14).

The driver stops the vehicle V before the circuit breaker 14 and inserts a predetermined amount of money into the coin slot 21 from the driver's seat or inserts a prepaid card into the card slot 20. When a predetermined amount of money is inserted or a prepaid card is inserted, the speaker 27 guides the user to select a car wash course and a vehicle shape, and the lamps 23L and 24L corresponding to the car wash course keys 23 and 24 blink. . When one of the car wash course keys 23 (or 24) is pressed, the corresponding lamp 23 of the pressed car wash course key 23 (or 24) is pressed.
L (or 24L) is turned on, the lamp 24L (or 23L) corresponding to the other car wash course key 24 (or 23) is turned off, and the lamps 28L to 31L corresponding to the vehicle type keys 28 to 31 blink. Model key 28-31
When one of the keys is pressed, the lamp corresponding to the pressed vehicle type key is turned on, the lamp corresponding to the other vehicle type key is turned off,
Key 32A, 3 of "Do you have Fuenda Paul?"
The lamps 32AL and 32BL corresponding to 2B blink.
When one of the keys 32A, 32B is pressed, the lamp corresponding to the pressed key is turned on, and the lamp corresponding to the other key is turned off.
Lamps 33AL, 33 corresponding to the keys 33A, 33B of
Flashes BL. When one of the keys 33A, 33B is pressed, the lamp corresponding to the pressed key is turned on, the lamp corresponding to the other key is turned off, and the keys "Are there spoilers or visors?" The lamps 34AL and 34BL corresponding to 34B blink. The keys 34A, 34
When one of the keys B is pressed, the lamp corresponding to the pressed key is turned on, the lamp corresponding to the other key is turned off, and the speaker 27 is guided to “press the start key” by the speaker 27 and corresponds to the start key 26. The lamp 26L blinks (step S15). Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

The vehicle V has a bar code label 40 on it.
If is not attached, step 3 is not to YES, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the vehicle V reaches V ₃ position, the second vehicle sensor 19 as a vehicle detection means detects a vehicle V When the detection is changed from non-detection not detecting the vehicle V to detection (step S16), the irradiation of the detection laser beam R of the barcode reader 12 is stopped (step S1).
7). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14 in this case, the red lamp R is turned on, and the speaker 27 is instructed to insert a cash or prepaid card. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

Step S8 may be omitted. That is, in step S7, when the time limit member is within the time limit, the guidance of the speaker 27 to “press the start key” and the blinking of the lamp 26L corresponding to the start key 26 are not performed. Is output from the reception control device 18 to the main body control device 37,
And the bar code 3 in the storage unit of the reception control device 18
9 is erased. Therefore, the driver disconnects the vehicle V from the circuit breaker 1
4, the vehicle can be advanced without pressing the start key 26, and the speed of the car washing operation can be increased.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the car is washed while the vehicle is running on its own, but the car may be washed while moving the vehicle by a conveyor.

[0043]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a car washer in which a bar code is read by a bar code reader so that the shape of the vehicle to be washed can be detected. As the vehicle moves, the barcode provided on the body of the moving vehicle is read by the barcode reader, so that the driver can save the trouble of inputting the vehicle shape,
Compared to the conventional car washer in which the driver operates the bar code card, the car can be washed more easily and more reliably, and the car washing processing efficiency can be improved.

Further, since the bar code representing the shape of the vehicle is provided on the vehicle body, the bar code is erroneously used on a vehicle different from the vehicle for which the bar code was created, and the vehicle is washed by the washing means. There is no risk of damage, damage.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the bar code has the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, and is not contaminated by being exposed to washing water, wind and rain, dust and the like. As a result, the bar code can always be read accurately by the bar code reader, and the vertical position of the bar code relative to the vehicle can be kept within the vertical width of the side glass. Not only is it easy to set the range, but also the detection accuracy can be increased.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention,
Since the driver does not need to input the vehicle shape, the car can be washed more easily and more reliably than a conventional driver who operates a bar code card. Efficiency can be improved, and a barcode that represents the shape of the vehicle is provided on the vehicle body. In the case where the vehicle is not damaged or damaged by the means and the bar code is not provided, it is possible to notify the driver to operate the vehicle shape operation input means by the notification means, so that the driver of the vehicle can The user can operate the vehicle-shaped operation input means without hesitation even when unfamiliar, and is easy to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a car washer.

FIG. 2 is an overall side view of the car washer.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the operation panel along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a car washer.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a vehicle to be washed;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a car wash process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a car washing process.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 bar code reader 19 vehicle detection means (second vehicle sensor) 27 notification means (speaker) 28L to 34BL ... Notification means (input display lamp) 37 ... Control means (main body control device) 39 ... Barcode GS ... Side view Glass V ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Vehicle WA ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Cleaning

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 25, 1999 (1999.3.2
5)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A washing means (WA) for washing a vehicle body surface of a vehicle (V), and a bar code (39) representing a shape of the vehicle (V).
A bar code reader (12) for reading the bar code (39); and a control means (37) for controlling the cleaning means (WA) based on the bar code (39) read by the bar code reader (12). And the bar code (39) is provided on a surface of the vehicle (V), and the bar code (39) is read by a bar code reader when the vehicle (V) moves. (12) A car wash machine characterized by being read. 2. The car washer according to claim 1, wherein the bar code (39) is provided on an inner surface of a side glass (GS) of the vehicle (V). 3. A vehicle (V) provided on a car wash machine body (1).
Cleaning means (WA) for cleaning the surface of the vehicle body, a bar code (39) provided on the vehicle body of the vehicle (V) and representing the shape of the vehicle (V), and an entrance of the car wash machine body (1) The bar code (3) is provided when the vehicle (V) moves.
9) Bar code reader (1)
2); control means (37) for controlling the washing means (WA) based on the barcode (39) read by the barcode reader (12); the car washer body (1); and the barcode reader (12)
A vehicle shape operation input means (25) for inputting the shape of the vehicle (V) and a vehicle detection means (19) for detecting the vehicle (V), , The vehicle-shaped operation input means (2
Notification means (27, 28L) for notifying to operate 5)
When the bar code reader (12) cannot read the bar code (39) from the vehicle (V) as if the vehicle detecting means (19) detected the vehicle (V). A car washer characterized in that the notifying means (27, 28L to 34BL) is notified to operate a vehicle-shaped operation input means (25).