JP2023059741A - Drive-through type car washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a drive-through type car washing machine which enhances a degree of freedom of design and layout of a second signal lamp and reduces cost while sufficiently securing visibility of both a first signal lamp for guiding an automobile to a start position before start of car washing and the second signal lamp of promoting a driver of the washed automobile to exit by independently arranging the first signal lamp and the second signal lamp inside and outside a portal frame.SOLUTION: A lifting body Nt liftable in a portal frame 1 is arranged closer to a frame outlet 1o side than an intermediate point between one end face and the other end face of the portal frame. A first signal lamp L1 for issuing to a driver guide information for guiding an automobile V to a start position V2 in the state where the portal frame stands by at a predetermined car washing start position 1S is supported by the lifting body Nt, and a second signal lamp L2 for promoting the driver of the washed automobile V to exit is arranged on a ground surface E positioned on the outside of an end face 1eo on the side of a frame outlet 1o of the portal frame 1 during stand-by at the car washing start position 1S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

There is an application for exception to loss of novelty

The present invention relates to a car wash machine, particularly a gate-shaped frame capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction across an automobile, and a car-washing device provided on the gate-shaped frame and used to wash the body surface of the automobile as it travels. The car wash is started when the car moves forward and reaches a predetermined start position facing the frame entrance opened at one end face in the longitudinal direction of the portal frame, and after the car wash is completed, the car is washed. relates to a drive-through car wash machine that advances away from a frame exit opening on the other end face in the front-rear direction of a gate-shaped frame.

A conventional drive-through car wash machine has a signal lamp unit that includes a first signal lamp that guides the vehicle to enter the start position before the car wash starts and a second signal lamp that encourages the vehicle to leave the car after the car wash is finished. , is known to be installed on the ground outside the frame exit of the gate-shaped frame when the car is in the car wash start position (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). It is configured to be movable so as not to get in the way of

Also known is a mobile car wash machine in which a top nozzle in a gate-shaped frame supports a signal light that guides the car to enter the start position before the start of car washing (see, for example, Patent Document 2 below).

Japanese Patent No. 6459890 Japanese Patent No. 3546218

However, in the drive-through car wash machine of Patent Document 1, the signal light unit is installed on the ground outside the frame exit of the gate-shaped frame. The signal light unit (first signal light) is seen from a distance, and the signal light unit is arranged at a position close to the left and right sides of the exit and exit road so as not to interfere with the exit of the car after the car wash, so visibility is improved. is not good. In order to solve this problem, for example, if the signal light unit is placed closer to the inside (that is, on the side of the exit road) so that it is easier for the driver to see, there is a problem that the exit road becomes narrower. In the case of a movable type in order to easily avoid from falling, there is a problem such as an increase in cost.

In general, in a drive-through car wash machine, the car wash end position of the gate-shaped frame is set behind the car in order to facilitate the exit of the car after the car wash. For this reason, if the signal lamp support structure by the top nozzle as in Patent Document 2 is applied to the drive-through car wash machine of Patent Document 1 and the signal lamp unit is supported by the top nozzle, the driver in the car at the end of the car wash Since the signal light unit on the top nozzle cannot be seen from the top nozzle, it is difficult to prompt the driver to leave the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive-through car wash machine that can solve at least one of the above problems of conventional car wash machines with a simple structure.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a gate-shaped frame capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle straddling the vehicle, and a gate-shaped frame provided on the gate-shaped frame for washing the vehicle body surface of the vehicle as the vehicle travels. The car wash is started from a state in which the car moves forward and reaches a predetermined start position facing the frame entrance opened at one end face in the front-rear direction of the gate-shaped frame, In a drive-through type car wash machine in which after the car wash is completed, the car advances away from a frame outlet opening at the other end face in the front-rear direction of the gate-shaped frame, wherein the gate-shaped frame includes: An elevating body capable of elevating within the frame is disposed on the frame exit side from an intermediate point between the one end face and the other end face, and the gate-shaped frame waits at a predetermined car wash start position on the elevating body. A first signal lamp for emitting guidance information to a driver of the vehicle for guiding the vehicle moving forward to the start position is supported in the state, and is positioned outside the other end face of the gate-shaped frame waiting at the car wash start position. A first feature is that a second signal light is installed on the ground located on one side to urge the driver of the car that has been washed to leave the car.

Further, the present invention provides a portal frame capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the automobile straddling the automobile, and a car washing device provided on the portal frame and used to wash the body surface of the automobile as it travels. The vehicle is moved forward and reaches a predetermined start position facing the frame entrance opened at one end face in the front-rear direction of the portal frame, the vehicle wash is started, and after the vehicle wash is completed, the vehicle is is a drive-through type car wash machine that advances and exits away from a frame outlet opened on the other end face in the front-rear direction of the gate-shaped frame, wherein the car washing equipment has a frame outlet side in the gate-shaped frame. In a car washing machine including a top nozzle which is movably provided at a portion of and capable of injecting drying air to the vehicle body surface, the top nozzle is provided with the gate-shaped frame waiting at a predetermined car wash start position. a first signal lamp for emitting guidance information to the driver of the vehicle for guiding the advancing vehicle to the start position is supported outside the other end face of the gate-shaped frame waiting at the car wash start position; A second feature is that a second signal light is arranged on the ground located on the side to urge the driver of the car that has been washed to leave the car.

In addition to the above second feature, the present invention further comprises a reception device capable of inputting a reception operation for reception of a car wash, and a control device for controlling the lifting and lowering of the top nozzle, wherein the control device comprises: When the reception device confirms the reception operation input during standby, the top nozzle is lowered to a predetermined height, and the second signal lamp is at least a part of the second signal lamp while the top nozzle is lowered to the predetermined height. is arranged at a position hidden by the top nozzle or the first signal lamp.

Further, in addition to the second feature, the present invention includes a reception machine capable of inputting a reception operation for reception of a car wash, a control device for controlling the operation of the first signal lamp and the lifting and lowering of the top nozzle, and the gate type. a sensor device arranged in the frame and capable of detecting whether the automobile is at the start position during the standby, or ahead or behind the start position; It is possible to control the operation of the first signal lamp and the elevation of the top nozzle based on the received operation input and the detection result of the sensor device until the car wash is started after the operation input. 4.

In addition to the fourth feature of the present invention, the sensor device has a pair of light emitters and light receivers facing each other in the left-right direction of the automobile, which are vertically spaced in the portal frame near the frame entrance. a multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of a vehicle body, and a multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body, which is disposed on the portal frame on a side closer to the one end surface than the multi-axis sensor in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. and an entry sensor capable of detecting the front end of the automobile.

In addition to the fourth or fifth feature of the present invention, the control device lowers the top nozzle to a predetermined height when the reception device confirms the reception operation input during the standby, and When the top nozzle has gone too far ahead of the start position by a predetermined distance or more, the top nozzle is raised to a retraction height higher than the predetermined height but lower than the upper limit position, and the retraction height is raised to the upper surface of the front body of the automobile. A sixth feature is that the height distribution is variably controlled.

According to the first feature of the present invention, the gate-shaped frame has an elevating body capable of moving up and down inside the gate-shaped frame, which is arranged on the frame exit side from the midpoint between one end face and the other end face of the gate-shaped frame. At the same time, the lifting body supports a first signal lamp for emitting guide information to the driver to guide the vehicle to the start position while the gate-shaped frame is waiting at the car wash start position. On the ground outside the other end surface of the mold frame, a second signal light is arranged to urge the driver of the car that has finished washing the car to leave the car. While the moving car can be guided to the starting position, the second signal light can be used to urge the driver to leave the car after the car wash is finished. In this case, the first and second signal lamps are separately arranged inside and outside the gate-shaped frame, and in particular, the first signal lamp is supported by an elevating body disposed near the exit of the frame so as to be able to move up and down within the gate-shaped frame. As a result, the light of the first signal lamp can be easily and clearly recognized at an appropriate height even in the daytime. On the other hand, the second signal light outside the gate-shaped frame can be compared by the driver without passing through the gate-shaped frame (that is, without being disturbed by the gate-shaped frame) because the gate-shaped frame is behind the car when the car is washed. Since it is easily visible from a close distance, the second signal light does not need to be moved inward to secure visibility and narrow the exit path. It is no longer necessary to formulate it. As a result, while ensuring the visibility of both the first and second signal lights, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in terms of design and layout of the second signal light, and to reduce costs.

According to the second feature, the first signal lamp is supported by a top nozzle provided in the gate-shaped frame near the frame exit so as to be able to move up and down, and is positioned outside the other end surface of the waiting gate-shaped frame. Since the second signal light is arranged on the ground where the car is being washed, the first signal light on the top nozzle can be used to guide the vehicle to the starting position before the car wash is started, and the second signal light can be used to instruct the driver to leave the car after the car wash is finished. can be encouraged. In this case, the first and second signal lamps are separately arranged inside and outside the gate-shaped frame, and in particular, the first signal lamp inside the gate-shaped frame is supported by the top nozzle near the frame exit, so that the outside is bright. The light of the first signal lamp can be easily and clearly recognized at an appropriate height even in the daytime. On the other hand, the second signal light outside the gate-shaped frame can be easily seen by the driver from a relatively short distance without being obstructed by the gate-shaped frame because the gate-shaped frame is located behind the vehicle when the car is washed. Therefore, it is not necessary to narrow the exit/retreat by moving the second signal light inward to ensure visibility, and it is not necessary to make it movable to avoid it from the vehicle when exiting. As a result, the visibility of both the first and second signal lamps can be sufficiently ensured, the degree of freedom in design and layout of the second signal lamp can be increased, and cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the third feature, a reception machine for receiving a car wash and a control device for controlling elevation of the top nozzle are provided. Since the top nozzle is lowered to a predetermined height, even if the standby position of the top nozzle before the start of the car wash is high, the top nozzle is automatically lowered to a predetermined height, that is, to a height at which the first signal lamp can be easily seen in response to the car wash reception, and the first The existence of the signal lamp can be made conspicuous and its visibility can be improved. Moreover, the second signal lamp is arranged at a position where at least a part of the second signal lamp is hidden by the top nozzle or the first signal lamp when the top nozzle is lowered to a predetermined height, so that the second signal lamp is not visible to the driver before the car wash starts. The visibility of the first signal lamp can be further improved by avoiding it from entering the field of vision as much as possible.

According to the fourth feature, during the standby, the sensor device can detect whether the automobile is at the start position or is ahead of or behind the start position, and the control device can detect the reception operation. After the input until the car wash is started, the operation of the first signal lamp and the elevation of the top nozzle can be controlled based on the received operation input and the detection result of the sensor device. As a result, according to the detection result of the sensor device, the control device not only controls the operation of the first signal lamp to guide and guide the automobile to the start position accurately, but also controls the top nozzle based on the detection result of the sensor device. Elevation control can be performed accurately.

According to the fifth feature, the sensor device is constructed by arranging a plurality of pairs of light emitters and light receivers facing each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle in a portal frame at intervals in the vertical direction near the entrance of the frame. and a multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body, and a multi-axis sensor disposed on the portal frame on the side closer to one end surface on the frame entrance side of the portal frame than the multi-axis sensor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the front end of the vehicle. and an entrance sensor capable of detecting the part. As a result, based on the detection results of the multi-axis sensor for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body and the entrance sensor capable of detecting entry into the portal frame at the front end of the vehicle, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is at the starting position or not. It is possible to accurately detect whether the object is on the front side or the front side, which can contribute to cost reduction of the sensor device.

According to the sixth feature, during standby, the control device lowers the top nozzle to a predetermined height when the reception machine confirms the input of the reception operation, and the vehicle has gone too far ahead of the start position by a predetermined distance or more. In this case, the top nozzle can be raised to a retraction height higher than a predetermined height but lower than the upper limit position, and the retraction height can be variably controlled according to the height distribution of the upper surface of the front body of the automobile. As a result, when the vehicle has gone too far from the start position during standby, the top nozzle can be retracted and lifted to a retraction height lower than the upper limit position. Moreover, since the retraction height can be variably adjusted according to the height distribution of the upper surface of the front body of the automobile, the amount of upward retraction of the top nozzle can be minimized according to the height of the front body of the automobile. It is no longer necessary to uniformly raise to the upper limit position each time, and work efficiency can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It shows the outline|summary of the car wash machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a general side view, (b) is a general plan view. The side view which shows the principal part of the said car wash machine. Cross-sectional view of the car wash machine showing the outline of the top nozzle and its lifting mechanism (cross-sectional view along line 3X-3 in FIG. 2) 4X-4X line enlarged sectional view of FIG. (A) is an enlarged plan view of the top nozzle (enlarged view in the direction of arrow 5A in FIG. 3), and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5(A); A single front view of the second signal light, showing the blinking state of the forward light portion thereof. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first signal lamp as seen from the driver's seat in a state in which the top nozzle is lowered to a predetermined intermediate position after the reception of the car wash and before the start of the car wash; FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of the operation mode of the first signal lamp in the process in which the automobile advances toward the starting position after receiving the car wash, in which (A) indicates an off state of the vehicle entry sensor, and (B) indicates an on state; Car sensor on, multi-axis sensor off, (C) shows both sensors on FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 8, in which (D) shows a state in which the automobile moves slightly backward from the state in FIG. 8(C) and only the multi-axis sensor is turned off; The car has moved further back from the state of , and the entry sensor is also turned off. After receiving the car wash, in the process of moving forward toward the start position, the top nozzle retracts upward and an example of the operation mode of the first signal lamp is shown with the multi-axis sensor turned on. A) shows the case where the multi-axis sensor is shaded at the front end (lower part) of an ordinary car, and (B) shows the case where the multi-axis sensor is shaded at the windshield (middle part) of an ordinary car. , (C) shows the case where the multi-axis sensor is shielded at the roof (higher position) of an ordinary automobile, and (D) shows the multi-axis sensor at the roof (higher position) of a one-box vehicle, that is, a high vehicle height vehicle. Indicates when the sensor is shaded Control block diagram showing the outline of the control system Flowchart showing an example of control of the first signal lamp during the period from acceptance to start of car wash Flowchart showing an example of top nozzle elevation control during the period from acceptance to start of car wash Flowchart showing another example of top nozzle elevation control during the period from acceptance to start of car wash Flowchart showing an example of control from the reception of a car wash to the start and end FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an arrangement example of various sensors on the entrance front side of the gate-shaped frame, particularly an example in which a detection bar as a vehicle width safety device and an emergency operation bar as an emergency stop device are added to the above embodiment. indicates

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 3, a gate-shaped frame 1 constituting a main body of the car wash machine A is formed in a gate-shaped shape so as to straddle a vehicle V to be washed and relatively movable in the longitudinal direction thereof. A pair of front, rear, left, and right wheels 3, 4 are rotatably supported on the lower portions of the left and right sides of the gate-shaped frame 1, respectively. It can roll on a pair of left and right running rails 2, 2 laid on E. As is clear from FIG. 5, a travel motor 5 is interlocked with the left and right wheels 4, 4 on one of the front and rear wheels 4, 4 via a speed reduction mechanism. 1 can be reciprocated on running rails 2,2.

Thus, the travel rail 2, the wheels 3, 4, the travel motor 5, and the deceleration mechanism cooperate with each other to form relative movement means Dm for relatively moving the portal frame 1 and the vehicle V in the longitudinal direction.

The car wash machine A of the embodiment is a drive-through car wash machine. As will be described later, in the car wash process, the gate-shaped frame 1 stands by at the process start position 1S in FIG. It starts from the state of being at the start position V2, and after that, when the gate-shaped frame 1 reaches the processing end position 1E after making the first forward movement, or when the gate-shaped frame 1 makes the first and second forward movement. (that is, 1.5 round trips), or the first round trip, the second round trip, and the third round trip (that is, 2.5 round trips), and ends when the processing end position 1E is reached.

1, an openable and closable barrier 41 is installed on the ground E near the front end of the running rail 2, and a receiver U is installed on the ground E in front of it. The reception machine U has an operation panel for performing various reception operations (for example, operation for selecting a processing course, operation for payment, etc.).

Before the start of the car wash, the driver of the vehicle V stopped at the reception position V1 on the side of the reception machine U inputs the reception operation to the operation panel, and then advances the vehicle V to the start position V2. The first forward movement of the portal frame 1 starts. After that, when the car wash in the processing course selected by the reception machine U is completed and the gate-shaped frame 1 reaches the processing end position 1E, the driver moves the car V forward from the start position V2 and leaves the car wash machine A. .

One end face (hereinafter referred to as a front end face 1ei in this specification) of the portal frame 1 in the front-rear direction has a frame inlet 1i through which the front end of the automobile V first enters, and the other end face (hereinafter referred to as a front end face 1ei). A frame exit 1o through which the rear end of the automobile V finally exits is opened in the rear end face 1eo in the present specification. That is, the longitudinal direction of the car wash A is opposite to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, the front of the car wash A is the rear of the vehicle V, and the rear of the car wash A is the front of the vehicle V.

By the way, the car wash machine A receives guidance information from the inside of the gate-shaped frame 1 to guide the vehicle V moving forward from the reception position V1 to the start position V2 while the gate-shaped frame 1 stands by at the processing start position 1S. A first signal lamp L1 emitted to the driver of the vehicle V and a second signal lamp L2 emitted from the outside of the gate-shaped frame 1 guide information for prompting the driver of the vehicle V to leave the vehicle V immediately after washing the vehicle.

Particularly, in the second signal lamp L2, the signal lamp main body 68 is mounted on the upper part of the pillar 67 erected on the ground E located outside the rear end face 1eo of the gate-shaped frame 1 waiting at the processing start position 1S. Fixed. The signal lamp main body 68 is formed in the shape of a vertically long hollow block, and in the signal lamp main body 68, there is an exit lamp portion L2o for prompting the driver in the driver's seat of the vehicle V immediately after the car wash to move forward, i.e., to exit. It is arranged so as to face forward so as to be seen from the driver, that is, to face the side of the frame exit 1o. The exit light part L2o emits light in an appropriate color (for example, blue) according to its use. As the exit light part L2o, conventionally known various light sources (for example, an electric light, an LED, a liquid crystal panel, etc.) can be used.

Further, on the front surface of the signal lamp main body 68, a display plate 66 positioned around the exit light part L2o and indicating the meaning of the exit light part L2o (for example, the characters "go out with blinking arrow") is fixed. The display plate 66 may have a reflector function as required.

On the other hand, unlike the second signal lamp L2, the first signal lamp L1 is installed inside the portal frame 1, particularly in the top nozzle Nt. Therefore, the structural explanation of the first signal lamp L1 will be explained later in connection with the structural explanation of the top nozzle Nt. Thus, the top nozzle Nt is an example of the elevator in the first aspect of the invention.

A control panel (not shown) installed at an appropriate location of the gate-shaped frame 1 is provided with a control device C (shown only in the control block diagram of FIG. 11) for controlling the operation of the car wash machine A. The control device C is a microcomputer. The main part is an electronic control unit with built-in etc. The control device C is connected to actuators and sensors linked to various car wash equipment arranged in the car wash machine A, a reception machine U, a breaker 41, first and second signal lights L1 and L2, and the like. be.

The control device C controls various car wash equipment of the car wash machine A based on the reception operation input to the reception device U and the detection results of the sensors so that the received car wash processing mode is executed.

Position detection means 7 (see FIG. 11) is provided between the lower part of the gate-shaped frame 1 and the ground E to detect that the gate-shaped frame 1 is at the return end and the forward end shown in FIG. be done. Here, the return end corresponds to the processing start position 1S as the car wash start position, and the forward end corresponds to the process end position 1E as the car wash end position.

The output shaft of one of the travel motors 5 is connected to a rotary encoder 8 (see FIG. 11) capable of detecting the amount of rotation of the output shaft (and thus the amount of travel of the portal frame 1). Based on the detection results of the position detection means 7 and the rotary encoder 8, the controller C can detect the amount of travel of the portal frame 1 from the processing start position 1S, and thus the travel position.

On or near the front end surface 1ei of the gate-shaped frame 1, there is an entry sensor 71 for detecting entry of the front end of the vehicle V into the frame entrance 1i. An exit sensor 72 is arranged to detect exit to the frame exit 1o. The vehicle entry sensor 71 and the vehicle exit sensor 72 are composed of a photoelectric sensor consisting of a set of a light emitter and a light receiver arranged side by side at the same height.

In particular, the entry sensor 71 is positioned at a height where the entry of the vehicle into the frame entrance 1i can be detected by the front end (for example, the front bumper) of the vehicle V blocking the light from the light emitter to the light receiver. are arranged on both left and right sides of the front end face 1ei of the portal frame 1. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the exit sensor 72 is positioned at a height where it is possible to detect the exit of the vehicle outside the frame exit 1o by receiving light from the light emitter to the light receiver as the vehicle V passes through the rear end (for example, the rear bumper). They are arranged on both left and right sides of the rear end surface 1eo of the portal frame 1 .

Inside the gate-shaped frame 1 near the front end face 1ei, a multiaxial sensor 10 is arranged as a vehicle shape detection device capable of detecting the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V (that is, the vehicle shape). This multi-axis sensor 10 consists of a large number of photoelectric sensors 11, each of which consists of a set of light emitters and light receivers arranged side by side at the same height. consists of The multiaxial sensor 10 is set at a position a predetermined distance (for example, 40 cm) away from the position of the entering sensor 71 in the front-rear direction to the front side of the automobile V. As shown in FIG.

Based on the detection result of the multi-axis sensor 10, the detection result of the rotary encoder 8, and the like, the control device C not only determines the front and rear end positions of the vehicle V, but also determines the shape of the vehicle (more specifically, bonnet surface shape, front and rear glass surface shape, roof surface shape, etc.) and vehicle type can be detected.

In the portal frame 1, a group of car washing brushes capable of brushing and washing the body surface B of the automobile V is arranged. The car washing brush group includes a top brush T capable of brushing and cleaning the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body, left and right side brushes S, S capable of brushing and cleaning the left and right vehicle body side surfaces Bs, respectively, and brushing and cleaning the lower portions of the left and right vehicle body side surfaces Bs. Possible left and right rocker brushes R, R are included.

Further, inside the portal frame 1 near the rear end surface 1eo, a drying device capable of injecting drying air to the vehicle body surface B of the automobile V is arranged. This drying device includes a top nozzle Nt capable of injecting drying air to the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body of the vehicle V, and left and right side nozzles Ns, Ns capable of injecting the drying air to the left and right side surfaces Bs of the vehicle body of the vehicle V, respectively. included.

As is clear from FIGS. 3 and 4, the nozzle main body Ntm of the top nozzle Nt is arranged on the left and right sides of a first elevating frame 14 which is disposed inside the gate-shaped frame 1 near the rear end surface 1eo and which can be moved up and down with respect to the gate-shaped frame 1. Both ends are integrally supported and can be moved up and down together with the first lifting frame 14 . Elevating carts 14a provided at both left and right ends of the first elevating frame 14 are guided and supported by left and right elevating rails 13, 13 that are fixed to the left and right sides of the gate-shaped frame 1 and extend vertically.

Between the elevator carriage 14a and the gate-shaped frame 1, an elevation drive means Dn is provided as a first elevation drive means that can drive the first elevation frame 14 (therefore, the top nozzle Nt) up and down under operation control by the control device C. . In this embodiment, the first lifting drive means Dn includes a chain transmission mechanism 15 in which a part of the chain is connected to the lifting carriage 14a, and one sprocket of the chain transmission mechanism 15 that rotates via another chain transmission mechanism. and a motor 16 for driving. Based on the amount of rotation of the motor 16 from the reference position, the control device C can detect the elevation height of the top nozzle Nt.

Drying air can be pressure-fed through a duct 63 from a blower 9 (see FIG. 11) mounted on the portal frame 1 into the nozzle body Ntm extending in the left-right direction of the top nozzle Nt. Drying air can be jetted toward the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body from a nozzle port at the lower end. A middle portion of the duct 63 is made of a flexible material to allow the top nozzle Nt to move up and down.

By the way, a pair of left and right first stays 61 are fixed to the central portion of the flat upper surface of the nozzle main body Ntm, and a first lift frame 14 on one of the left and right sides (on the driver's seat side of the vehicle V with right steering wheel) is provided above the first lift frame 14 . 2 stay 62 is fixed. To at least one of the first stay 61 and the second stay 62, both left and right ends of the signal lamp main body 60 of the first signal lamp L1, which is in an upright position near the upper front end of the nozzle main body Ntm, are fixed (for example, screwed). Thus, the first signal lamp L1 is offset to the right side of the top nozzle Nt (that is, closer to the driver on the driver's seat) than the left-right central portion of the top nozzle Nt.

The signal lamp main body 60 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is flat, horizontally long, and hollow in the longitudinal direction of the car wash machine A. As shown in FIG. In the signal lamp main body 60, a forward light portion L1f that urges the driver in the driver's seat of the vehicle V to move forward, a stop light portion L1s that urges the driver to stop, and a reverse light portion L1b that urges the driver to move backward are arranged forwardly so that the driver can see them. That is, they are arranged side by side so as to face the frame entrance 1i side. The forward light portion L1f, the stop light portion L1s, and the reverse light portion L1b are colored appropriately according to their uses (for example, the forward light portion L1f is blue, the stop light portion L1s is red, and the reverse light portion L1b is yellow). luminous. As the forward light portion L1f, the stop light portion L1s, and the reverse light portion L1b, conventionally known various light sources (for example, an electric light, an LED, a liquid crystal panel, etc.) can be used.

Further, on the front surface of the signal lamp main body 60, a display plate 64f is positioned around the forward light portion L1f and indicates the meaning of the forward light portion L1f (for example, the characters "Forward GO"), and a display plate 64f is positioned around the stop light portion L1s. A display plate 64s indicating the meaning of the stop light portion L1s (for example, the characters "STOP"), and a display positioned around the reversing light portion L1b indicating the meaning of the reversing portion L1b (for example, the characters "Reverse BACK"). The plates 64b are arranged adjacent to each other. In addition, the display boards 64f, 64s, and 64b may have a reflector function as required.

Further, the first stay 61 is attached with an upper high-pressure washing water supply pipe Jt having a plurality of upper high-pressure washing water nozzles Jtn capable of spraying high-pressure washing water onto the vehicle body surface of the automobile V from above. is driven up and down together with On the other hand, on the left and right sides of the gate-shaped frame 1, a pair of left and right side high-pressure washing nozzles capable of spraying high-pressure washing water from the side toward the vehicle body side of the automobile V are provided at approximately the same position as the top nozzle Nt in the front-rear direction. The water nozzle Jsn is fixed. High-pressure washing water can be supplied to the side high-pressure washing water nozzle Jsn and the upper high-pressure washing water nozzle Jtn from a high-pressure washing water supply source 85 (see FIG. 11) whose operation is controlled by the controller C.

The left and right side nozzles Ns are attached to the left and right sides of the portal frame 1, respectively. Drying air can also be pumped from the blower 9 to each side nozzle Ns, and the drying air can be jetted from the nozzle port of each side nozzle Ns toward the vehicle body side surface Bs.

The top brush T is supported by the portal frame 1 at a position near the frame entrance 1i so as to be vertically movable. Between the top brush T and the gate-shaped frame 1, there is provided a conventionally known elevation drive means Dta (see FIG. 11) which is controlled by the control device C to drive the top brush T up and down. As the elevation driving means Dta for the top brush T, for example, one having the same structure as the first elevation driving means Dn for the top nozzles Nt can be employed. Further, the top brush T is interlocked with a rotation drive means Dtb (see FIG. 11) capable of rotating the top brush T. As shown in FIG.

A pair of left and right side brushes S, S are arranged on the side of the top nozzle Nt (closer to the rear of the gate-shaped frame 1) than the rotation axis of the top brush T in the front-rear direction. side nozzle guide support means (not shown), and is suspended and supported so as to be openable and closable in the left-right direction. Between each side brush S and the gate-shaped frame 1, a conventionally well-known lateral driving means Dsa (see FIG. 11) capable of laterally driving the side brush S is provided. Further, the side brush S is interlocked with a rotation drive means Dsb (see FIG. 11) capable of rotating the side brush S. As shown in FIG.

The pair of left and right rocker brushes R, R are interlocked with the left and right drive means and the rotary drive means in the same manner as the side brushes S, S; The above description is omitted.

A coating agent supply device CS for applying a coating agent to the vehicle body surface B is installed on the portal frame 1 immediately behind the multiaxial sensor 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof. This coating agent supply device CS has a plurality of upper coating agent nozzles Ctn (a pair of left and right in the illustrated example) arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and capable of ejecting the coating agent onto the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body from above. A side coating agent supply pipe Cs having a pipe Ct and a plurality of side coating agent nozzles Csn, Csn provided on the left and right sides of the portal frame 1, respectively, and capable of discharging the coating agent from the side to the vehicle body side surface Bs. and a coating agent supply source 83 (see also FIG. 11) whose operation is controlled by the control device C to supply the coating agent under pressure to the supply pipes Ct and Cs.

By the way, the downstream side pipe portion of the upper coating agent supply pipe Ct and the upper coating agent nozzle Ctn are attached to the second elevating frame 24 provided inside the portal frame 1 near the frame entrance 1i. This second elevating frame 24 is arranged so as to be able to ascend and descend with respect to the gate-shaped frame 1 immediately behind the multiaxial sensor 10 in the front-rear direction. is moved up and down together with the second lifting frame 24 . The structure of the second elevation drive means Dc (see FIG. 11) capable of driving the second elevation frame 24 up and down is the same as that of the elevation drive means Dn of the first elevation frame 14, so the description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, a plurality of rinsing water (fresh water in this embodiment, hereinafter the same in the present specification) can be discharged onto the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body of the automobile V after brushing and washing. An upper rinse water supply pipe Wt having an upper rinse water nozzle Wtn is arranged, and a plurality of rinse water pipes capable of discharging rinse water to the vehicle body side surface Bs of the vehicle V after brushing cleaning are provided on both left and right sides of the portal frame 1. A pair of left and right side rinse water supply pipes Ws each having a side rinse water nozzle Wsn are provided. A rinse water supply source 86 (see FIG. 11) whose operation is controlled by the controller C is connected to the rinse water supply pipes Wt and Ws so as to supply the rinse water under pressure.

Furthermore, in the upper part of the gate-shaped frame 1, in the intermediate part between the top brush T and the second elevating frame 24, an upper part having a plurality of upper shampoo detergent Stn capable of discharging the shampoo detergent onto the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body Bt of the vehicle V during brushing cleaning. Shampoo/detergent supply pipes St are arranged, and a plurality of shampoo/detergent can be discharged to the vehicle body side surface Bs of the automobile V during brushing washing in front of the side rinse water supply pipes Ws on both left and right sides of the gate-shaped frame 1. A pair of left and right side shampoo/detergent supply pipes St having two side shampoo/detergent nozzles Ssn are respectively disposed. A shampoo/detergent supply source 87 (see FIG. 11) controlled by the controller C is connected to the shampoo/detergent supply pipes St and Ss so as to supply the shampoo/detergent or clean water to them.

At the center of each of the top nozzle Nt and the second elevating frame 24, an elongate sensing ring 51 is formed that is larger than the contours thereof when viewed from the side and surrounds the lower half of each of the top nozzle Nt and the second elevating frame 24. 52 is attached. When these sensing rings 51 and 52 come into contact with an obstacle, the control device C causes the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24 to move upward to avoid the obstacle, or stops the car wash machine A completely, based on the contact pressure. It is possible to prevent obstacles from colliding with the top nozzle Nt and the second lifting frame 24 .

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described.

In the standby state of the car wash machine A, the portal frame 1 is stopped at the processing start position 1S at the rear end of the running rail 2, and the gate 41 is closed, as indicated by the solid line in FIG.

The driver of the vehicle V before processing first advances the vehicle V to the reception position V1 in front of the gate 41 (that is, next to the reception machine U), and then inputs the reception operation for receiving the car wash at the reception machine U. (For example, select a desired processing course and pay a fee according to the selected course). For the fee payment, various conventionally known payment methods for car wash machines, such as cash insertion, prepaid card insertion, and smartphone payment, can be selected.

Since the control device C opens the gate 41 in response to the completion of the car wash reception, the driver drives the automobile V to advance toward the start position V2. Further, when the car wash reception is completed, the top nozzle Nt descends to an intermediate standby height (i.e., a predetermined height) at which the first signal light L1 is easily visible, and the forward light L1f of the first signal light L1 flashes to turn the driver off. to advance. After that, the vehicle V is guided by the first signal lamp L1 and reaches the start position V2. The first round trip begins.

Thus, the control device C can select a car wash processing mode (for example, in addition to the normal shampoo washing course, various options including coating processing, high-pressure washing, etc.), based on the reception operation input at the reception device U. Each car washing device of the car washing machine A is controlled so that the washing course of (1) is executed, and the control method thereof is conventionally well known in the car washing machine. The driver of the car V basically remains in the car V during the car wash process. The car wash reception may be operated and input by a worker or the like using an operation panel provided at an appropriate location on the gate-shaped frame 1 .

By the way, as a car wash processing mode that can be executed and controlled by the control device C, for example, there is a "one-way shampoo washing course" that is performed only in the first forward movement of the gate-shaped frame 1 (that is, 0.5 round trips). "1.5 round trip shampoo washing course" performed in the 1st and 2nd round trips, and "2.5 round trip special washing course" performed in the 1st round trip, the 2nd round trip, and the 3rd round trip etc., and the contents of the course can be individually set for each car wash machine A. Regardless of which course is selected, the gate-shaped frame 1 stops at the processing end position 1E at the end of the car wash. Frame 1 is automatically returned to the processing start position 1S.

Next, an example of the display mode of the first signal light L1 until the driver who drives the vehicle V forward is guided by the first signal light L1 and reaches the start position V2 after the completion of the car wash reception, and the elevation control of the top nozzle Nt. I will explain in order.
[Display Mode of First Signal Lamp L1]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, when the control device C determines that the reception operation input to the reception device U is completed in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and the forward light portion L1f of the first signal light L1 blinks. to urge the driver to move forward (see Figure 8(A)).

Next, in step S3, it is determined whether or not the entering sensor 71 is blocked (i.e. turned on). If it is blocked, the flow advances to step S4 to determine whether the multi-axis sensor 10 is fully illuminated (i.e. fully turned off). is judged. Then, when the multi-axis sensor 10 receives all light, it is assumed that the start position V2 has been reached, so the process proceeds to step S5, where the stop light portion L1s of the first signal light L1 is turned on to urge the driver to stop. (See FIG. 8(B)). If the driver immediately performs a stop operation in response to this, the vehicle V stops at the start position V2. That is, the start position V2 is a position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V at which the entrance sensor 71 is shaded at the front end of the vehicle V but the multi-axis sensor 10 is not shaded.

When the stop light portion L1s is turned on in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined first waiting time T1 (for example, several seconds or less) has elapsed since the start of lighting of the stop light portion L1s. Return to step S3. Therefore, in steps S3 and S4, it is determined again whether the light blocking of the entering sensor 71 and the total light reception of the multi-axis sensor 10 continue, and it is determined in step S6 that the first waiting time T1 has passed while this state continues. In this case, it is assumed that the vehicle V is at the start position V1, so the process proceeds to step S7, outputs the car wash permission signal 1, and ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the entering sensor 71 is receiving light, the process proceeds to step S8, in which it is determined whether even a portion of the multi-axis sensor 10 is shaded. If it is determined in step S8 or step S4 that the multiaxial sensor 10 is shaded, it is presumed that the vehicle V has passed the start position V2. Flash L1b to urge the driver to back up (see FIG. 8(C)), and then return to step S3.

Then, when the vehicle V moves backward due to the blinking of the reverse light portion L1b, and the multi-axis sensor 10 receives all light while the entering sensor 71 remains light-blocked, the stop light portion L1s is turned on again in step S5. to urge the driver to stop (see FIG. 8(D)). In step S9, a setting is made to operate an additionally provided reversing notification means (for example, an announcement by a speaker, or a display by a display lamp different from the first signal light L1) for further urging the driver to perform a reversing operation. may be

If it is determined in step S8 that the multi-axis sensor 10 has received all the light, it is assumed that the vehicle V is still in front of the start position V2. to urge the driver to move forward further (see Figure 8(E)).
[Elevation Control 1 of Top Nozzle Nt]
The top nozzle Nt is on standby at the upper limit position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 in the standby state of the car wash A (that is, before receiving the car wash).

From this standby state, as is clear from the flow chart of FIG. 13, when the control device C determines that the reception operation input to the reception device U has been completed in step S1, the process proceeds to step S11 to lower the top nozzle Nt. Next, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the top nozzle Nt has reached a predetermined intermediate standby height (for example, 1600 mm from the ground at the height of the central position of each light portion of the first signal light L1; the setting can be changed as appropriate). If so, the process proceeds to step S13, where it is determined whether or not the entrance sensor 71 is blocked by the front end of the vehicle V. If the light is blocked, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not the multiaxial sensor 10 has received all light.If it has, the process advances to step S15 to confirm that the vehicle entrance sensor 71 is blocked and the multiaxial sensor 10 has received all light. After the determination, it is determined whether or not a predetermined second waiting time T2 (for example, several seconds or less) has elapsed. If not, the process returns to step S13. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S16 to prepare for the end of the up/down control 1. That is, in step S16, the top nozzle Nt is lifted, and when it is determined in step S17 that the top nozzle Nt has reached the upper limit position, the process proceeds to step S18, outputs a car wash permission signal 2, and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the entering sensor 71 has received light, the process advances to step S19 to determine whether even a portion of the multi-axis sensor 10 is shaded. If not, the process returns to step S13. If it is determined in step S19 or step S14 that the multiaxial sensor 10 is shaded, the process advances to step S20 to check whether a predetermined third waiting time T3 (for example, 15 seconds) has passed since the start of the shade. If it is judged that the period has not elapsed, the process returns to step S13. If it is determined in step S20 that the third waiting time T3 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S21.

In step S21, the top nozzle Nt is raised, and when it is determined in step S22 that the top nozzle Nt has reached the upper limit position, the process proceeds to step S23, in which it is determined whether or not the multi-axis sensor 10 is fully illuminated. be. When the multi-axis sensor 10 is fully illuminated in this step S23, the process returns to step S11 to restart the descent of the top nozzle Nt from the upper limit position.

Thus, when the vehicle V has gone too far ahead of the starting position V2 and a relatively long time T3 has passed, steps S21 and S22 are performed to once raise the top nozzle Nt to the upper limit position, causing the vehicle V to move backward (that is, move backward). After confirming (all light entering the axis sensor 10) in step S23, the top nozzle Nt is again lowered to the intermediate standby height.

By the way, in the control device C of the car wash machine A, it is possible to set the following elevation control 2 instead of the above-described elevation control 1 of the top nozzle Nt. An example of control in that case will be described below. do.
[Top nozzle elevation control 2]
As can be seen from the flowchart of FIG. 14, in the elevation control 2, the processes of steps S1, S11 to S19 are the same as those of the elevation control 1, and thus the description of the same processes will be omitted.

Therefore, next, a control mode specific to the elevation control 2 will be described. Based on the light shielding result of the axis sensor 10, the vehicle height detected at the position corresponding to the multi-axis sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as "light shielding height") is confirmed. Next, in step S31, the top nozzle Nt is lifted to a retreat height obtained by adding a predetermined correction value ΔH to the light blocking height confirmed in step S30. The predetermined correction value ΔH is set to a vertical distance that can avoid interference of the top nozzle Nt with the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body (for example, 200 mm from the light shielding height to the lower end of the sensing ring 51: the setting can be changed as appropriate). be done. Then, if it is determined in step S31 that the top nozzle Nt has reached the retracted height, the process proceeds to step S32.

In this step S32, the light shielding height is held at the maximum value of the light shielding height after the reception of the car wash (hereinafter simply referred to as "maximum light shielding height"), and then the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, it is determined whether or not the multiaxial sensor 10 continues to be shielded from light.If the light is shielded, the process returns to step S30, and steps S31 to S33 are repeated. In this case, according to the special provision in step S32, even if the actual light shielding height of the multiaxial sensor 10 temporarily drops, the light shielding height confirmed in step S30 is maintained at the maximum light shielding height. , the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt used in the process of step S31 is also maintained high, that is, the top nozzle Nt does not fall.

Thus, as is clear from FIGS. 10A to 10D, the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt increases as the shielding height of the multiaxial sensor 10 shielded at the front end of the vehicle V increases. , when the light shielding height temporarily decreases during the upward movement, the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt is held at the maximum retraction height corresponding to the maximum light shielding height. descent is avoided.

Further, when it is determined in step S33 that the multi-axis sensor 10 has received all the light, the process proceeds to step S34, in which it is determined whether the light is blocked by the entering sensor 71. If the light is blocked, the process proceeds to step S35. Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum light blocking height at that time is equal to or higher than a predetermined limit height (for example, 1800 mm). If it is determined that the maximum light shielding height is equal to or higher than the predetermined limit height, the process returns to step S11 to lower the top nozzle Nt toward the intermediate standby height. If so, the process returns to step S13, thereby omitting the process of lowering the top nozzle Nt to the intermediate standby height (steps S11 and S12) and restarting the process from step S13 onward.

If the maximum light shielding height becomes higher than the predetermined limit height and the retraction height of the top nozzle Nt becomes too high, the first signal lamp L1 is hidden behind the internal structure of the portal frame 1 and visually recognized. However, the optimal set value of the predetermined limit height changes depending on the internal structure, the mounting position of the first signal lamp L1, and the like.

If it is determined in step S34 that the entering sensor 71 has received light, the process proceeds to step S36 to determine whether the exiting sensor 72 has received light. If so, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, in step S36, when it is determined that the exit sensor 72 is light-shielded (that is, the driver drives the vehicle further forward without noticing the blinking of the reversing light portion L1b), the vehicle V is detected by the entrance sensor 71 and the multi-axis sensor 10. and only the exit sensor 72 is blocked), the process proceeds to step S37. In this step S37, the vehicle V is urged to move backward by means of a means for notifying the vehicle V to specially urge the driver to move backward (for example, an announcement by a speaker or a display by a display lamp arranged in front of the vehicle V), and then the process returns to step S32. .
[Flow of control from acceptance of car wash to start and end]
As is clear from the flow chart of FIG. 15, when the control device C determines that the reception operation input to the reception device U has been completed in step S1, the control device C advances to step 41 to open the barrier 41 and move the vehicle V to the start position V2. , and then proceeds to step S42 to wait for both car wash permission signals 1 and 2 to be output. In this case, the car wash permission signals 1 and 2 are output through the operation control process of the first signal lamp L1 (see FIG. 12) and the elevation control process of the top nozzle Nt (see FIG. 13 or 14).

Then, when it is confirmed in step S42 that both the car wash permission signals 1 and 2 are output, the process proceeds to step S43 to start washing the car in the washing course selected by the reception operation input, and then proceeds to step S44. , the stop light portion L1s of the first signal light L1 is extinguished, and the process advances to step S45 to close the gate 41 to prevent the next car to be washed from entering the car wash area during car wash.

After that, the process proceeds to step S46 and waits until the car wash is completed. When the completion of the car wash is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S47 to flash the exit light portion L2o of the second signal light L2 as shown in FIG. Encourage the driver to move forward (i.e. exit). Next, the process proceeds to step S48, and waits for the gate-shaped frame 1 to return to the processing start position 1S (going backward). If the return movement is not completed, the process returns to step S47.

Even if the exit light portion L2o of the second signal light L2 blinks, the exit sensor 72 is detected at the rear end of the automobile V during the return movement of the gate-shaped frame 1 due to the delay in the exit of the automobile V. Although it is assumed that the light is blocked, even in such a case, the return movement of the gate-shaped frame 1 is temporarily stopped until the exit sensor 72 receives light again, so that the vehicle V cannot catch up with the gate-shaped frame 1.例文帳に追加It is also possible to set a control mode to make it so.

Then, when it is confirmed in step S48 that the portal frame 1 has returned to the processing start position 1S, the process proceeds to step S49 to turn off the exit light portion L2o of the second signal light L2, thereby ending the process. Thus, all the contents of the selected cleaning course are completed.

When the exit detection means (not shown) detects that the vehicle V has left the car wash A as described above, the car wash A is placed in a standby state until the reception machine U operates to receive the next car wash. . It should be noted that the reception operation for the next car wash may be performed while the previous car V is being washed. .

According to the present embodiment described above, guidance information for guiding the moving vehicle V to the start position V2 is issued to the driver from the top nozzle Nt during standby at the processing start position 1S of the portal frame 1. A first signal light L1 is provided, and on the ground E located outside the rear end surface 1eo of the gate-shaped frame 1 on standby, there is a first light urging the driver of the vehicle V that has finished car washing to leave the vehicle V. 2 signal lights L2 are provided.

As a result, the vehicle V moving forward can be guided and guided to the start position V2 with the first signal lamp L1 before the car wash is started, and the driver can be urged to leave the vehicle V with the second signal lamp L2 after the car wash is finished. In this case, the first and second signal lights L1 and L2 are separately arranged inside and outside the gate-shaped frame 1, and in particular, the first signal light L1 inside the gate-shaped frame 1 is supported by the top nozzle Nt. The light of the first signal lamp L1 can be easily and clearly recognized even in the daytime when the outside is bright. On the other hand, the second signal lamp L2 outside the gate-shaped frame 1 does not need to pass through the gate-shaped frame 1 (that is, it does not interfere with the gate-shaped frame 1) because the gate-shaped frame 1 is located behind the vehicle V when the car wash is finished. The second signal light L2 can be easily seen from a relatively short distance by the driver, so it is not necessary to move the second signal light L2 to the inside to ensure visibility and narrow the exit path. It is no longer necessary to make it movable to avoid it from the time car V. As a result, the visibility of both the first and second signal lights L1 and L2 can be sufficiently ensured, the degree of freedom in design and layout of the second signal light L2 can be increased, and cost can be reduced.

Further, the control device C of the embodiment lowers the top nozzle Nt to an intermediate standby height (that is, a predetermined height) when the reception device U confirms a reception operation input while the gate-shaped frame 1 is on standby. Even if the standby position of the top nozzle Nt is high, the top nozzle Nt is automatically lowered to an intermediate standby height, that is, a height at which the first signal light L1 can be easily seen, in response to the reception of the car wash, so that the presence of the first signal light L1 is visible. You can stand it up and increase its visibility. Moreover, the second signal lamp L2 is arranged in a position where at least part of the second signal lamp L2 is hidden by the top nozzle Nt or the first signal lamp L1 when the top nozzle Nt is lowered to the intermediate standby height. The visibility of the first signal lamp L1 can be further improved by avoiding the second signal lamp L2 from entering the driver's field of vision.

In this case, particularly in the embodiment, the first signal lamp L1 is offset to the right of the center of the top nozzle Nt (that is, closer to the driver on the driver's seat). can be easily approached to the front position of the second signal lamp L1, which not only enhances the visibility from the driver, but also has the advantage that at least a part of the second signal lamp L2 can be easily hidden by the first signal lamp L1 from the driver's point of view.

Further, in the embodiment, a sensor device (vehicle sensor 71 in the embodiment) detects whether the vehicle V is at the start position V2 or on the front side or front side of the start position V2 while the gate-type frame 1 is on standby. and multi-axis sensor 10), and the control device C can control the operation of the first signal light L1 according to the detection results of these sensor devices to accurately guide the vehicle V to the start position V2. Since the top nozzle Nt can be accurately controlled to move up and down based on the detection result of the sensor device, for example, when the vehicle V has gone too far from the start position V2, the top nozzle Nt can be easily and reliably retracted upward. can be done

Moreover, the sensor device includes a multi-axis sensor 10 for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body, and is arranged on the gate-shaped frame 1 on the side closer to the front end surface 1ei of the gate-shaped frame 1 than the multi-axis sensor 10 in the longitudinal direction of the automobile V. and an entry sensor 71 capable of detecting the front end of the automobile V, based on the detection results of the multi-axis sensor 10 and the entry sensor 71, the automobile V is at the start position V2 or the start position is detected. It is possible to accurately detect whether the object is on the front side or the front side of the position V2, and it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated sensor device for the detection, and cost reduction can be achieved.

In addition, the control device C of the embodiment lowers the top nozzle Nt to the intermediate standby height (that is, the predetermined height) when the reception device U confirms the input of the reception operation during standby, and the vehicle V moves to the start position V2. , the top nozzle Nt is raised to a retraction height higher than the intermediate standby height but lower than the upper limit position, and the retraction height is set to the height of the upper surface Bt of the vehicle body in front of the automobile V. It can be variably controlled according to the thickness distribution.

As a result, when the automobile V has gone too far from the start position V2 during standby, the top nozzle Nt can be retracted and raised to a retraction height lower than the upper limit position. Moreover, since the retraction height can be variably adjusted according to the height distribution of the vehicle body upper surface Bf in the front part of the vehicle V, the amount of upward retraction of the top nozzle Nt can be minimized according to the height of the front vehicle body of the vehicle V. It is not necessary to uniformly raise to the upper limit position each time, and work efficiency can be improved.

By the way, in the car wash machine A of the above-described embodiment, the front end surface 1ei of the gate-shaped frame 11 has, as is clear from FIG. A pair of left and right detection bars 91 extending linearly in the vertical direction to detect excessive proximity, and an emergency operation lever 92 for stopping the car wash machine A completely when an emergency situation occurs during car washing. , can be deployed as needed.

In this case, the left and right detection bars 91 are arranged along the inner edges of the left and right sides of the portal frame 1, slightly inward from the inner edges, and fixed to the portal frame 1 via elastic members. Floating supported. When the vehicle body side of the automobile V contacts one of the left and right detection bars 91, the approach of the vehicle body side to the inner surface of the portal frame 1 is detected by the contact pressure, and a detection signal is sent to the controller C. The emergency operation lever 92 is disposed under the front end surface 1ei of the gate-shaped frame 1, and is operated by the operator to transmit an operation signal to the control device C to completely stop the car wash machine A. .

For example, when the forward light portion L1f of the first signal light L1 is flashing after the completion of the car wash reception and the vehicle V is moving forward (during execution of steps S1 and S2), the detection bar 91 detects the side portion of the vehicle body. contacts the detection bar 91, based on the detection signal, the control device C switches the first signal lamp L1 from flashing of the forward light portion L1f to flashing of the reverse light portion L1b, and furthermore, a backward notification means (for example, an announcement, etc.) ) to prompt the driver to back up the vehicle. As a result, when the front end of the vehicle V deviates from the entering sensor 71 and the sensor 71 receives light, the process returns to step S2 to flash the forward light L1f to prompt the vehicle V to move forward again. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3.

Further, as the recovery operation in the event of the vehicle body side of the vehicle V coming into contact with the detection bar 91 during car washing, an "automatic recovery mode" or a "manual recovery mode" can be selectively set in advance.

For example, when the "automatic restoration mode" is set, when the vehicle body side contacts the detection bar 91 during car washing, the control device C automatically returns the gate-shaped frame 1 to the processing start position 1S based on the detection signal. At the same time, the top nozzle Nt is once returned to the upper limit position and then lowered to the intermediate standby position, and at the same time, the reversing light part L1b of the first signal light L1 is flashed, and the reversing notification means (for example, an announcement, etc.) is operated, so that the driver urge the vehicle to reverse. During this operation, when the automobile V moves forward and the multi-axis sensor 10 is blocked, the top nozzle Nt is raised to a retraction height obtained by adding a predetermined correction value ΔH to the height of the blocked light. Avoid contact with Nt (sensing ring 51). Thus, when the front end of the vehicle V is detached from the vehicle entry sensor 71 and the sensor 71 receives light, the process returns to step S2 to flash the forward light L1f to urge the vehicle V to move forward again. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3.

On the other hand, when the "manual restoration mode" is set, when the side of the vehicle body contacts the detection bar 91 during car washing, the control device C causes the car wash machine A to stop completely based on the detection signal. Then, the driver performs a driving operation to put the automobile V back in (for example, return it to the reception position V1) according to the instruction of the worker, and after the automobile V advances to the processing start position V2, the car wash is restarted. It should be noted that the first signal lamp L1 is kept in a non-operating state throughout the execution of the manual recovery mode.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first signal lamp L1 is supported by the top nozzle Nt as an elevating body provided near the frame exit 1e in the portal frame 1, but the first signal lamp L1 is supported by the top nozzle Nt. In addition to the features of the above-mentioned embodiment, another elevating body (e.g., upper coating Elevating body for supporting agent nozzle, Elevating body for supporting upper high-pressure washing water nozzle, etc.).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, by detecting the front end of the vehicle V, the sensor device (embodiment In the above, using the entering sensor 71 and the multi-axis sensor 10), the arrival of the vehicle V to the start position V2 is detected. may be used to detect the arrival of the automobile V at the start position V2.

In the above embodiment, the multi-axis sensor 10 for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body and the Although the entry sensor 71 capable of detecting entry into the portal frame 1 at the front end of the automobile is also used as an example, the sensor device consists of a pair of dedicated sensors arranged in the portal frame 1 at intervals in the front-rear direction. may be configured.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first signal lamp L1 is arranged on the top nozzle Nt so that it is offset to the right of the left-right center of the top nozzle Nt. For example, they may be arranged in the left and right central portions.

In the above-described embodiment, the first signal light L1 includes a forward light portion L1f that prompts forward movement, a stop light portion L1s that prompts a stop, and a reverse light portion L1b that prompts a backward movement to guide the driver to the start position V2. Although guidance is shown, the guidance guidance method is not limited to the embodiment, and may be a display prompting the driver to move forward, stop, or reverse at least one of them. For example, the first signal lamp L1 may be composed of a message indicator lamp using an LED, a liquid crystal panel, or the like. In this case, the message indicator lamp displays a message prompting forward/stop/retreat. Further, as described in the description of the embodiment, additional notification means (for example, an announcement, another indicator light, etc.) other than the first signal light L1 may be used together.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the portal frame 1 has an integral structure that is not divided into the front and rear, but the portal frame of the present invention is a pair of front and rear frame halves that can be approached and separated from each other. A gate-type frame having a front and rear split structure (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-131020) may be used. In this case, one end face (front end face) of the gate-shaped frame is the front end face of the front frame half, and the other end face (rear end face) of the gate-shaped frame is the rear end face of the rear frame half. "Arranged on the frame exit side from the midpoint between one end face and the other end face of the mold frame" means arranged on the frame exit side from the midpoint between the front end face of the front frame half and the rear end face of the rear frame half It means.

A: car wash machine C: control devices L1, L2: first and second signal lamps Nt: top nozzle as a lifting body V: automobile V2・・・ Start position U ・・・ Reception machine 1 ・・・ Gate-shaped frames 1i, 1o ・・・ Frame entrance, frame exit 1ei, 1eo ・・・ One end face/other end face of gate-shaped frame front end surface/rear end surface 1S as a car wash starting position 10 of the gate-shaped frame multi-axis sensor 71 as a sensor device entry into the car as a sensor device sensor

Claims (6)

A gate-shaped frame (1) capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (V) straddling the vehicle (V); and a car washing device used for washing the car (B), and the car (V) advances into the frame entrance (1i) opened at one end face (1ei) of the gate-shaped frame (1) in the front-rear direction. The car wash is started from the state of reaching the opposite predetermined start position (V2), and after the car wash is completed, the car (V) opens to the other front-rear end face (1eo) of the gate-shaped frame (1). In a drive-through car wash machine that advances and exits away from the frame exit (1o),
The gate-shaped frame (1) has an elevating body (Nt) capable of moving up and down within the gate-shaped frame (1), which extends from an intermediate point between the one end face (1ei) and the other end face (1eo) to the frame exit ( 1o) side, and on the lifting body (Nt), the gate-shaped frame (1) stands by at a predetermined car wash start position (1S), and the forward vehicle (V) is started. supported by a first signal light (L1) for emitting guidance information to the driver of the vehicle (V) for guiding to a position (V2);
On the ground (E) located outside the other end face (1eo) of the gate-shaped frame (1) waiting at the car wash start position (1S), the car (V) for which the car wash has been completed is placed. A drive-through type car wash, characterized in that a second signal light (L2) is arranged to prompt a driver to leave the vehicle (V). A gate-shaped frame (1) capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (V) straddling the vehicle (V); and a car washing device used for washing the car (B), and the car (V) advances into the frame entrance (1i) opened at one end face (1ei) of the gate-shaped frame (1) in the front-rear direction. The car wash is started from the state of reaching the opposite predetermined start position (V2), and after the car wash is completed, the car (V) opens to the other front-rear end face (1eo) of the gate-shaped frame (1). A drive-through car wash machine that advances and exits away from a frame exit (1o) that is positioned,
A top nozzle (Nt ) in a car wash containing
The top nozzle (Nt) is provided with a guide for guiding the advancing vehicle (V) to the start position (V2) while the portal frame (1) is waiting at a predetermined car wash start position (1S). supported by a first signal light (L1) for emitting information to the driver of the vehicle (V);
On the ground (E) located outside the other end face (1eo) of the gate-shaped frame (1) waiting at the car wash start position (1S), the car (V) for which the car wash has been completed is placed. A drive-through type car wash, characterized in that a second signal light (L2) is arranged to prompt a driver to leave the vehicle (V). It further comprises a reception device (U) capable of inputting reception operation for reception of car wash, and a control device (C) for controlling the lifting and lowering of the top nozzle (Nt),
The control device (C) lowers the top nozzle (Nt) to a predetermined height when the reception device (U) confirms the reception operation input during the standby,
When the top nozzle (Nt) is lowered to the predetermined height, at least a part of the second signal lamp (L2) is positioned at the top nozzle (Nt) or the first signal lamp (L1). 3. The drive-through car wash machine according to claim 2, wherein the drive-through car wash machine is arranged in a position hidden by the . A reception machine (U) capable of inputting a reception operation for reception of a car wash, a control device (C) for controlling the operation of the first signal light (L1) and the lifting and lowering of the top nozzle (Nt), and the portal frame. and is capable of detecting whether the vehicle (V) is at the start position (V2) or ahead or behind the start position (V2) during the standby. ) and further comprising
The control device (C) controls the first signal lamp ( 3. The drive-through car wash machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the operation of L1) and the elevation of said top nozzle (Nt) can be controlled. In the sensor device, a plurality of pairs of light emitters and light receivers facing each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle (V) are arranged side by side in the portal frame (1) at intervals in the vertical direction near the frame entrance (1i). a multi-axis sensor (10) for detecting the height of the upper surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle (V); 5. Drive-thru according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises an entry sensor (71) arranged on the portal frame (1) on the near side and capable of detecting the front end of the vehicle (V). type car wash. During the standby, the control device (C) lowers the top nozzle (Nt) to a predetermined height when the reception device (U) confirms the reception operation input, and moves the vehicle (V) to the start position ( V2), the top nozzle (Nt) is raised to a retraction height higher than the predetermined height but lower than the upper limit position, and the retraction height is lowered to the vehicle (V). 6. The drive-through car wash machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control is variably performed according to the height distribution of the upper surface (Bt) of the front part of the vehicle body.

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