JP3168163B2 - Body top cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to relates to a vehicle body upper surface washing apparatus having a top surface cleaning body for cleaning the vehicle body upper surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a rotating body is provided with a cleaning body on which a cloth, a nonwoven fabric, or the like as a cleaning member is fixed, and the cleaning body is driven to rotate to bring the cleaning member into contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body. 2. Description of the Related Art A body upper surface cleaning apparatus designed to clean is known (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-229410).

[0003]

However, if a member such as cloth or nonwoven fabric, which has water retention and changes its weight when containing water, is used as a cleaning member, the amount of water retained by the cloth or nonwoven fabric increases the number of car washes. To increase as
When the amount of water retention is small, the weight of the washing body increases about three times when the amount is large. For this reason, in the case of the upper body cleaning device in which the cleaning body is lowered by gravity, when the weight of the cleaning body becomes heavy, the cleaning body may exert a large force on the upper surface of the vehicle body. It is necessary to arbitrarily adjust the weight with a weight or the like so as not to apply excessive force to the upper surface of the vehicle body. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to know when to perform the adjustment.

[0004] Further, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 7 (1995) -107, filed by the present applicant has filed.
As described in JP-A-301744, even when the weight of the cleaning body is detected and the force applied to the upper surface of the vehicle body is automatically corrected, a power failure occurs when the cleaning body is cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle body. If an unexpected trouble such as suddenly occurs, there is a possibility that a large force may be applied to the upper surface of the vehicle body by the cleaning body.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide an apparatus for cleaning the upper surface of a vehicle body, which can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning body is supported on a frame so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning body is brought into contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body to clean the upper surface of the vehicle body. In such a case, there is a fear that a large force that is not required to be applied to the upper surface of the vehicle body may be applied.
The washing body changes weight to a certain large weight.
Weight detection means for detecting the state of excess weight of the cleaning body , and notification means capable of notifying the excess weight of the cleaning body,
Control means for notifying the notifying means of excess weight of the washing body based on the output of the weight detecting means, and the invention according to claim 2 enables the washing body to move up and down on the frame. In the body top cleaning apparatus, which supports the body and cleans the body by bringing the cleaning body into contact with the top of the body , a large force that is not required to be applied to the top of the body is applied.
The washing body has a large weight that may cause
Is weight change, a weight detecting means for detecting the state of overweight of the cleaning body, the notification means capable of notifying the overweight of the cleaning body, the weight of the cleaning body on the basis of an output of said weight detecting means Control means for informing the notifying means of the excess and for prohibiting the cleaning by the cleaning body.

The invention according to a third aspect of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for cleaning a top surface of a vehicle body, wherein the cleaning body is supported on the frame so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning body is brought into contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body to clean the upper surface of the vehicle body. Start input means to start washing with the washing body and apply a large force that you do not want to apply to the upper surface of the body
The washing body has a large weight that may cause
Weight detecting means for detecting an overweight state of the washing body , which has changed in amount, a notifying means capable of notifying the excess weight of the washing body, and the weight detecting means based on a start input by the start input means And control means for informing the notifying means of excess weight of the washing body based on the output of the weight detecting means, and the invention according to claim 4 further comprises: A vehicle body upper surface cleaning device configured to support the vehicle body so as to be able to ascend and descend, and to contact the upper surface of the vehicle body to clean the upper surface of the vehicle body;
There is a risk that you may apply a large force that you do not want to apply to the surface
And the cleaning body weight change in the heavy weight of time is, the weight detecting means for detecting the state of overweight in the wash <br/> Kiyoshikarada, a notification means capable of notifying the overweight of the cleaning body, Control for operating the weight detection means based on the start input by the start input means, and for notifying the notification means of excess weight of the cleaning body based on the output of the weight detection means, and prohibiting cleaning by the cleaning body. Means.

The invention according to claim 5 has, in addition to the features of the invention according to claim 2 or 4, a release operation input means for arbitrarily releasing the prohibition of the cleaning by the cleaning body, The control means releases the prohibition on the basis of a release input by the release operation input means so that the cleaning by the cleaning body can be performed.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a car washer equipped with the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the first embodiment of the car washer (viewed in the direction of arrow 2 in FIG. 1), FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a control procedure of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a control procedure of the second embodiment.

A traveling frame 1 having a gate-like shape as viewed from the front so as to be able to straddle the automobile V has a pair of driving wheels 3 each rolling on a pair of left and right traveling rails 2 and 2 laid on an installation surface. , 3 and driven wheels 4, 4 are provided. Sprocket addition to the left and right lower traveling frame 1, each reduction gear with the traveling motor 5 ₁ near the drive wheels 3, 5 ₂ is equipped, fixed to the traveling motor 5 _1, 5 ₂ of the output shaft The sprockets 6, 7 fixed to the drive wheels 3, 3 are linked and connected by chains 8, 8. When the traveling motors 5 ₁ and 5 ₂ are driven forward and reverse, the traveling frame 1 is moved along the traveling rails 2 and 2.
That is, the vehicle V to be cleaned can be reciprocated along the front-rear direction.

The right and left sides of the traveling frame 1 have the same shaft.
A pair of left and right first and second support shafts 9 arranged on a line₁, 9
_TwoAre rotatably supported. Its both support shafts
9₁, 9 _TwoA pair of left and right first and second swinging arms
10₁, 10_TwoThe middle part of each is fixed,
Both swinging arms 10₁, 10_TwoBetween the tips of
The cleaning body support shaft J that connects the spaces integrally is fixed.
You. The cleaning body W is rotatable around the cleaning body support shaft J.
The cleaning body W rotates around the cleaning body support shaft J.
Pipe member 11 inserted and supported as possible₁And water retention
Cleaning member 11 causing weight change when containing water_TwoAnd from
The cleaning member 11_TwoAs shown in the example
Is a pipe member 11₁Is fixed along the axis of the
Further, a plurality of disc-shaped nonwoven fabrics are used. So
Non-woven fabrics are, for example, long fibers such as polyester and nylon
And has water retention, and changes in water retention
The weight of the cleaning body W itself is variable.
It causes a change in quantity.

[0013] The second end of the swing arm 10 _2, a rotary motor 12 with a reduction gear is provided, which is fixed to the sprocket 13 and the pipe member 11 ₁ which is fixed to the output shaft of the rotary motor 12 a sprocket 14, the second swing arm 10 in the _two are connected by chain 15. Accordingly, the cleaning body W can be rotated by driving the rotation motor 12 to rotate. Also the first end of the swing arm 10 ₁ is fixed balanced weight 16. Moreover, this balance weight 16 is
To the other end of the swing arm 10 ₁ is positioned adjustably mounted in a direction away from the support shaft 9 _1.

[0014] The first, the second support shaft 9 _1, 9 _2, the stopper arm 17 _1, 17 ₂ are fixed, the lower limit ₁ the stopper arm 17, 17 _2, which are respectively secured to the traveling frame 1 By hitting the stopper 18 and the upper limit stopper 19, respectively, the lower limit position D and the upper limit position U of the cleaning body W are regulated.

A torque motor 20 having a speed reducer is fixed to one upper portion of the traveling frame 1. A sprocket 21 fixed to an output shaft of the torque motor 20 includes:
The sprocket 22 fixed to the first support shaft 9 ₁ is connected by chain 23.

[0016] The second supporting shaft 9 _2, the magnet arm 25 provided with the magnet 24 integrally is fixed, the upper limit switch 26 is fixed to the traveling frame 1 in correspondence to the magnet 24. The upper limit switch 26 operates when the magnet 24 approaches within a predetermined distance, and detects that the cleaning body W is at the upper limit position U. More second support shaft 9 _2, the rotary encoder 27 is connected which is provided on the traveling frame 1.

The traveling frame 1 is provided with a start position detection switch 29. The start position detection switch 29 is actuated by hitting a cam 28 fixed to an installation surface, so that the traveling frame 1 is at the start position. Detect that.

A washing water injection pipe 31 for injecting washing water to the washing body W is provided on the upper part of the traveling frame 1, and the washing water is continuously supplied to the washing water injection pipe 31. A water pump 32 is connected.

On the surface of a control panel 33 provided on the front surface of the traveling frame 1, a start switch 34 for starting car washing, a warning lamp 50 for informing that the washing body W is overweight, and a washing body An operation panel Pa provided with a release switch 51 as a release operation input means for arbitrarily releasing the prohibition of cleaning due to excess weight of W is provided. Further, inside the control panel 33, a control device 35 for controlling the vehicle body upper surface cleaning device and an inverter 36 connected to the torque motor 20 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 35 includes an ascending / descending position detecting means De and an ascending position detecting means D, which will be described below.
u, the lower limit detecting means Dd, lowering force detecting means Df, the storage means M, which includes the functions of the timer T _1, yet they function De, Du, Dd, Df, M, controls the output signal from the T ₁ The running motor 5 is calculated based on a program.
₁ , 5 ₂ , rotating motor 12 of cleaning body W, torque motor 2
0 and a control circuit C as control means for operating the water pump 32.

The ascending / descending position detecting means De detects the output pulse from the rotary encoder 27 from the time when the cleaning body W starts lowering from the upper limit position U and the upper limit switch 26 becomes inactive and while the cleaning body W is moving down. Is added, and while the cleaning body W is rising, the output pulse from the rotary encoder 27 is subtracted to detect the elevation position θ of the cleaning body W as an angle from the upper limit position U. .

The ascending position detecting means Du has a predetermined set position Z (in this embodiment, the upper and lower positions U and D) set between the lower and upper positions U and D detected by the ascending and descending position detecting means De.
Small or the determining than the first set vertical position theta ₁ which is determined in advance in correspondence to the set to the lower limit position D closer) as shown in FIG. That is, it is detected that the cleaning body W is at a position higher than the predetermined ascent position Z.

The lower limit detecting means Dd includes a lifting position detecting means D
It is determined whether the elevating position θ detected by e is larger than the second predetermined elevating position θ ₂ in the vicinity of the lower limit position D of the cleaning body W. That is, it is detected that the cleaning body W is at the lower limit position D.

The downward force detecting means Df sequentially higher voltage Vs ₁ from the lowest voltage Vs ₀ of the lowering force measuring voltage Vs shown in Table 1 below, Vs _2, a ... inverter 36
And the ascending position detecting means Du when the descending force measuring voltage Vs is applied.
The lowering force of the cleaning body W is detected on the basis of the detection signal from. That is, when the cleaning body W is below the first set raising / lowering position θ ₁ , a predetermined descending force measurement voltage Vs ₀ in the direction of raising the cleaning body W is applied to the torque motor 20, and the cleaning body W There when not rise to theta ₁ first sets the vertical position, the downward force measurement voltage next higher predetermined downward force measuring voltage Vs ₁ torque motor 2 Vs ₀
Apply to 0. The cleaning body W is still in the first set up / down position θ
When the voltage does not rise to ₁ , a predetermined descending force measurement voltage Vs _{2 that is} the next highest after the descending force measurement voltage Vs ₁ is applied to the torque motor 20. By applying such a sequential high downward force measuring voltage Vs repeats the torque motor 20, detects a voltage when the cleaning body W is raised up theta ₁ first sets the vertical position. Thus, the lowering force of the cleaning body W can be detected as a voltage applied to the torque motor 20.

The inverter 36 has a frequency changing means K ₁ for changing the output frequency, a voltage changing means K ₂ for changing the output voltage, and an input voltage fluctuating in response to a control signal output from the control circuit C of the control device 35. and and a constant voltage means K ₃ for outputting a specified voltage. In this embodiment, the output frequency of the inverter 36 is constant.

As described above, the weight of the balance weight 16 and the reduction ratio of the torque motor 20 are such that when the torque motor 20 is inactive (non-energized), the cleaning body W falls by its own weight, and the cleaning body W The washing body W and the vehicle V make a relative movement while the body and the upper surface of the body contact each other, so that the washing body W can move up and down.

For example, the contents of the following Table 1 are stored in the storage means M in advance.

[0028]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, the falling voltage Vc is a voltage applied to the torque motor 20 in order to correct the contact surface pressure of the cleaning body W with respect to the upper surface of the vehicle body to an appropriate surface pressure.

Since the lowering force of the cleaning body W increases as the weight of the cleaning body W increases due to the weight of the cleaning body W, the magnitude of the lowering force is adjusted to cope with the change in the lowering force accompanying the change in weight. A plurality (eight levels in Table 1) of levels L are set according to the (measuring level of the falling force measurement voltage Vs), and a set value of the falling voltage Vc is set for each level L. In addition, the lowering force of the cleaning body W is maximized when the swing arms 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ are horizontal even when the weight of the cleaning body W is the same, and decreases with increasing or lowering from the horizontal. In order to respond to the change in the descending force accompanying the change in the elevation position, the descending voltage Vc is set at a constant angular interval from the upper limit position U of the cleaning body W (for example, 15 degrees, 3
The set value is determined at each of the elevation positions θ) of 0 degree, 45 degrees,... And is stored in the storage means M.

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

1. First, the traveling frame 1 is waiting at the start position (the left end position in FIG. 4),
A voltage Vu large enough to raise the cleaning body W to the upper limit position U even when the weight of the cleaning body W is maximum,
The vehicle V to be further cleaned is a pair of running rails 2, 2
The vehicle enters and stops at a predetermined car wash position (the position shown in FIG. 4). Then, the condition for starting the car washing is set in this state.

2. When the cleaning body W is at the upper limit position (solid line position in FIG. 4) and the upper limit switch 26 is operated,
When the start switch 34 is pressed, the water pump 32 is driven, and the brush rotating motor 12 is driven at a low speed reverse rotation (b). As a result, the washing water is injected from the washing water injection pipe 31 so that the washing body W is made to contain water (step S1).

3. The body of the automobile V is driven by a normal side rotating brush SB (see FIG. 2) for a predetermined time (for example, a predetermined predetermined time, or after the start switch 34 is pressed) for the operation of causing the cleaning body W to contain the washing water (water retention). After the front surface cleaning is performed, and after the front surface cleaning is completed, the operation of returning the traveling frame 1 to the start position is performed. During the operation, the water-retaining (water retaining) operation is performed while the cleaning body W is held at the upper limit position U. After that, the injection of the washing water is stopped, and the voltage applied to the torque motor 20 is cut off.
The cleaning body W is lowered by its own weight (step S2).

4. When the lower limit detecting means Dd detects that the cleaning body W has dropped to the lower limit position D (step S3),
The level of the counter LC is set to "0" (step S4), and the timer T ₁ to "0" (step S5).

5. Next, the descending force measurement voltage Vs at the level L of “0” is read from Table 1, and this descending force measurement voltage Vs ₀ is applied to the torque motor 20 and the timer T
₁ is operated (step S6).

6. Next, the elevation position θ is read (step S
7), it is determined whether the vertical position theta is smaller than the first set vertical position theta _1, i.e. the cleaning body W is detected whether rose to a position higher than the predetermined raised position Z (step S
8). Also, when cleaning body W is lower than the predetermined raised position Z, the detection time t ₁ of the timer T ₁ is determined whether more than a predetermined time ts ₁ (step S9), and when it does not exceed the predetermined time ts ₁ is It returns to step S7. And the cleaning body W
Is higher than the predetermined ascent position Z or the predetermined time t
repeating the step S7~S9 to more than s _1.

7. In Step S8, without detecting that the cleaning body W has reached a position higher than the predetermined ascent position Z,
When it is detected that exceeds a predetermined time ts ₁ in step S9, and the level L of the level counter LC is "1" (step S10), and returns to step S5. Steps S5 to S10 are repeated until it is detected in step 8 that the cleaning body W has risen to a position higher than the predetermined raising position Z.

8. When it is detected in step 8 that the cleaning body W has risen to a position higher than the predetermined rising position Z, the level L of the level counter LC at that time is stored in the storage means M (step S11). For example, when the lowering force measurement voltage Vs ₂ when the level L is “2” is applied to the torque motor 20 and it is detected that the cleaning body W has risen to a position higher than the predetermined raising position Z, the level “2” "Is stored. Thus, the descending force of the cleaning body W can be detected in steps S5 to S11.

9. Next, the cleaning body W is rotated forward (a) at a normal rotation speed and cleaning water is sprayed (step S1).
2) Further, the torque motor 20 is deactivated to lower the cleaning body W. When the lower limit detecting means Dd detects that the cleaning body W has reached the lower limit position D (step S1).
3), and rotated forward to start往走line traveling frame 1 the travel motor 5 _1, 5 ₁ (step S14).

10. Next, as shown in Table 1, the storage means M stores the falling voltage Vc corresponding to the number of the level L stored in step S11 (for example, the falling voltage Vc ₂ when the level is “2”) and the voltage corresponding to the falling position θ. Read out,
The falling voltage Vc is applied to the torque motor 20 (Step S15).

11. Next, it is determined whether the traveling frame 1 is traveling forward (step S16). If the traveling frame 1 is traveling forward, the process returns to step S15. Steps S15 and S16 are repeated until the forward traveling is completed. When the cleaning body W comes to a position D '(see FIG. 4) away from the rear end of the vehicle V, the traveling motors 5 ₁ ,. 5 ₂ forward rotation drive is stopped, thereby to end the往走line (step S1
7).

As described above, when the traveling frame 1 travels forward, the upper surface of the vehicle V, that is, the hood surface, the ceiling surface, and the trunk lid surface can be sequentially cleaned by the cleaning body W. In particular, according to steps S15 and S16, the lowering force of the cleaning body W can be reduced based on the lowering force detected in steps S5 to S10, so that an appropriate lowering force can be obtained. The increased surface pressure on the vehicle body upper surface can be reduced, and therefore the surface pressure of the cleaning body W on the vehicle body upper surface during forward traveling can be controlled to an appropriate surface pressure.

12. Next, the injection of the washing water is stopped, the washing body W is moved to the upper limit position U, and the traveling frame 1 is caused to travel again,
Although not shown, the vehicle body surface is dried by a conventionally known drying device (step S18). Then, when the traveling frame 1 returns to the start position (Step S19), the drying device and the return traveling are stopped, and the car washing is ended (Step S2).
0).

13. By the way, after this car wash,
If the level stored in the storage means M is equal to or higher than "7" (step S21), the warning lamp 50 as the notification means is turned on, and the next start switch 34 is not accepted so that the car wash is started. (Step S22). That is, in the illustrated example, when the level is “7” or more, the application of the falling voltage Vc to the torque motor 20 is suddenly interrupted due to a power failure or the like while the cleaning body W is cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle body. It is assumed that the weight of the cleaning body W is changed to a certain large weight, that is, the weight of the cleaning body W is excessive, that is, there is a possibility that a large force is not applied to the upper surface of the vehicle body.

14. When the warning lamp 50 lights up,
Loosen the fixing means such as bolts that secure the balance weight 16, for example from the adjustment position at a distance up from the support shaft 9 _1, to fix the balance weight 16 is tightened the fixing means again. When the warning lamp 50 is turned on when the balance weight 16 is fixed at the position closest to the support shaft 91, the balance weight ₁ is adjusted.
When 6 is moved to the maximum distance from the support shaft 9 ₁ a and fixed, level "1", it is set to be around "2", thereby, adjustment is made to be easily .

15. When the position adjustment of the balance weight 16 is completed, the release switch 5 as a release operation input means is provided.
Press 1 (step S23). When the release switch 51 is pressed, the warning lamp 50 turns off and the start switch 3
4 can be accepted (step S24). Then, it waits until the start switch 34 is pressed next time. If it is determined in step S21 that the level stored in the storage unit M is less than “7”, the process proceeds to steps S22 to S22.
Without performing S24, the process waits until the start switch 34 is pressed next.

[0048] Thus to in the first embodiment, the torque motor 20, the inverter 36, the raised position detecting means Du, lowering force detecting means Df, the timer T ₁ and the control circuit C cooperate with each other, the cleaning body W It constitutes the weight detecting means G of the present invention for detecting excess weight. The weight detecting means G of the first embodiment performs a weight detection process for correcting the weight of the cleaning body W (step S1), which is performed before the vehicle body is cleaned by the cleaning body W.
Since excess weight is detected from the magnitude of the weight measurement level L measured in steps S11 to S11, the detection can be performed quickly and easily.

The release switch 51 is provided as in the first embodiment, and when the release switch 51 is pressed, the warning lamp 50 is turned off and the start switch 34 is received. By shutting off the power of the control device 35 by turning off the power, the warning lamp 50 is turned off.
May be turned off to receive the start switch 34. In this case, the open / close switch of the main power supply constitutes the release operation input means.

By providing the release switch 51, the warning lamp 50 is turned on and the start switch 34 is turned on.
In a case where the car is to be washed in a hurry when the vehicle is not accepted, pressing the release switch 51 enables the car to be washed quickly. Further, by providing the release switch 51 such that the release switch 51 can be operated at a position where panel operation can be performed, for example, by providing the release switch 51 on the surface of the operation panel Pa, workability is further improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The apparatus for cleaning the upper surface of a vehicle body according to the second embodiment includes a control device 3
5 timer T ₂ is provided, since specific content of the control is different from the first embodiment will now be described only the different part.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The operation is the same as that of the first embodiment in steps S18 to S18.
24 is changed to steps S53 to S62.

[0053] That is,往走the line ends with step S17, the injection of cleaning water is stopped, applying a lowering force measurement voltage Vs ₇ to the torque motor 20. The timer T ₂ causes start the operation is initialized (step S52).

The detection time t ₂ of the timer T ₂ is equal to a predetermined time ts
_If the cleaning body W reaches the upper limit position U and the upper limit switch 24 detects before the time exceeds ₂ (steps S53 and S54),
The traveling frame 1 is caused to return, and the body surface is dried by the drying device (step S55). The predetermined time ts ₂ is set to a time slightly longer than the maximum cleaning body W has reached the upper limit position U time upon application of a downward force measurement voltage Vs ₇ to the torque motor 20, i.e., the cleaning body W If the weight becomes heavier than the output of the torque motor 20 when the descending force measurement voltage Vs ₇ is applied, the cleaning body W does not reach the upper limit position U. Exceeded?) Can be detected.

When the traveling frame 1 returns to the start position (step S56), the drying device and the backward traveling are stopped, and
The car wash ends (step S57). Since there is no storage of "overweight" in the storage means M (step S5)
8) Wait until the start switch 34 is pressed next time.

If the detection time t ₂ exceeds the predetermined time ts ₂ in step S53, the rising voltage Vu is applied to the torque motor 20 to raise the cleaning body W, and “overweight” is stored in the storage means M. (Step S60). In this case, in step S58, since the storage means M stores "Overweight", the warning lamp 50 is turned on, the start switch 34 is not accepted, and the car wash cannot be started ( Step S59).

When the position of the balance weight 16 has been adjusted and the release switch 51 as a release operation input means is pressed (step S61), the warning lamp 50 turns off and the storage means M stores "overweight". Turn off
The state where the start switch 34 is received is set (step S62). Then, it waits until the start switch 34 is pressed next time.

[0058] Thus to in this second embodiment, the torque motor 20, the inverter 36, the upper limit switch 26, the timer T ₂ and the control circuit C cooperate with each other, of the present invention for detecting the overweight of the cleaning body W It constitutes the weight detecting means G. Further, since the weight detecting means G of the second embodiment detects the weight immediately after the washing of the vehicle body by the washing body W (after step S17), the weight detection is performed in consideration of the weight change of the washing body W accompanying the washing of the vehicle body. Can be performed more accurately.

A release switch 51 is provided as in the second embodiment. When the release switch 51 is pressed, the warning lamp 50 is turned off, the "overweight" stored in the storage means M is erased, and the start switch is turned off. Instead of receiving the control signal 34, the control device 35
By turning off the power supply, the warning lamp 50 is turned off, the storage of the "overweight" in the storage means M is erased, and the start switch 34 is received. The release operation input means is constituted.

According to each of the above embodiments, the weight detecting means G
Can detect the excess weight of the cleaning body W and notify (turn on) the warning lamp 50 as a notification means of the excess weight, so that the user can determine the timing at which the weight adjustment by the balance weight 16 should be performed. By being able to know accurately and performing weight adjustment earlier, it is possible to prevent the washing body W from applying a large force to the upper surface of the vehicle body even if unexpected troubles such as a power failure suddenly occur. Can be.

Further, since the weight detection means G is operated based on the start input by the start switch 34 as the start input means, the excess of the weight of the washing body W is automatically detected at an appropriate timing. The occurrence of a situation in which overweight detection is not performed at all, such as forgetting to detect, can be avoided.

Further, since the cleaning by the cleaning body W is prohibited based on the detection of the excess of the weight of the cleaning body W, the user can be informed of the excessive weight with certainty. Repeated washing is avoided. Further, even if the washing by the washing body W is prohibited based on the above detection of the excess weight, if it is necessary to quickly wash the car, the washing is performed by the release input of the release switch 51 as the release operation input means. The prohibition state is released, and the car can be washed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention moves a car washer relative to a stopped car,
Although the case where the present invention is applied to a so-called mobile car washer has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a so-called fixed type car wash in which an automobile is moved with respect to a fixed car wash. The body is of a swing type that is supported by a swing arm that is swingably provided on the frame. Instead, a vertical body that can vertically move the cleaning body along a lifting rail provided on the frame is used. It may be a lifting type. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the type of the car washer in which the weight (downward force) of the cleaning body is detected and the force applied to the upper surface of the vehicle body is automatically corrected is described, but the present invention performs such correction. Not applicable to normal car wash machines. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the weight detecting means G detects the excess of the weight every time the car is washed once (that is, each time there is a start input by the start switch 34 as the start input means). In the present invention, the weight detecting means G may detect an excess of weight every time the car is washed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). Further, in the above-described embodiment, the detection of excess weight of the washing body W (steps S21, S52 to S54) is performed after the washing of the vehicle body by the washing body W is completed in one car washing process. In such a case, the detection of the excess weight may be performed before the cleaning of the vehicle body by the cleaning body W is started, and the cleaning may be immediately prohibited by the detection.

[0064]

As described above, according to the invention of each claim,
There is a risk of applying a large force that you do not want to apply on the top of the car body
The weight of the washing body has changed to a certain large weight.
Weight detection means for detecting the overweight condition of the washing body is provided.
The weight detection means detects the excess weight of the cleaning body,
Since the excess weight can be notified to the notification means, it is possible to accurately know the timing at which the weight adjustment by the balance weight or the like should be performed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the cleaning by the cleaning body is prohibited based on the detection of the excess weight of the cleaning body, the excess weight can be notified more reliably. It is possible to avoid a situation where the washing is repeated in a state where the weight is exceeded.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the weight detecting means is operated based on the start input by the start input means, the excess weight of the washing body is automatically detected at an appropriate timing. It is possible to be informed, and thus it is possible to avoid a situation where overweight detection is not performed at all, such as forgetting to detect.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the invention, when the excess weight is detected, the cleaning by the cleaning body is prohibited, so that the excess weight of the cleaning body can be more reliably notified. Can be.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even if the washing by the washing body is prohibited based on the detection of the excess weight, there is no room for adjusting the weight by the balance weight or the like, and it is necessary to quickly wash the car. In such a case, the vehicle can be washed by canceling the washing prohibition state by the canceling operation input means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a car washer equipped with the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the first embodiment of the car washer (as viewed in the direction of arrow 2 in FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system.

FIG. 4 is a process chart showing a process of cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle body by the car washer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 C: control circuit as control means G: weight detection means W: cleaning body 1: traveling frame as frame 34: as start input means Start switch 50... Warning lamp as notification means 51... Release switch as release operation input means

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An apparatus for cleaning a top surface of a vehicle body, wherein the cleaning body (W) is supported on the frame (1) so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning body (W) is brought into contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body to clean the upper surface of the vehicle body. In the case, there is a risk of applying a large force that you do not want to apply to the upper surface of the car body
The washing body (W) changes its weight to a certain large weight.
And that, the cleaning member and the weight detecting means for detecting the state of overweight of (W) (G), the notification means capable of notifying the overweight of the cleaning body (W) and (50), said weight detecting means ( G)
Control means (C) for notifying the notifying means (50) of an excess of the weight of the cleaning body (W) based on the output of the body (W). 2. A vehicle body upper surface cleaning apparatus wherein a cleaning body (W) is supported on a frame (1) so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning body (W) is brought into contact with the vehicle body upper surface to clean the vehicle body upper surface. In the case, there is a risk of applying a large force that you do not want to apply to the top of the car body
The washing body (W) changes its weight to a certain large weight.
And that, the cleaning member and the weight detecting means for detecting the state of overweight of (W) (G), the notification means capable of notifying the overweight of the cleaning body (W) and (50), said weight detecting means ( G)
Control means (C) for notifying the notifying means (50) of the excess weight of the cleaning body (W) based on the output of the cleaning body (W), and further prohibiting cleaning by the cleaning body (W). , Body upper surface cleaning device. 3. A body upper surface cleaning apparatus, wherein a cleaning body (W) is supported on a frame (1) so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning body (W) is brought into contact with a vehicle body upper surface to clean the vehicle body upper surface. in the cleaning body (W) start input means for starting the washing with the (34), over a large force that does not want over the vehicle body upper surface
The cleaning body (W) has a large weight that may cause
A weight detecting means (G) for detecting a state where the weight of the washing body (W) has changed, and a notifying means (50) for notifying the excess weight of the washing body (W). ) And operating the weight detection means (G) based on the start input by the start input means (34), and further determining the excess of the weight of the cleaning body (W) based on the output of the weight detection means (G). A vehicle body upper surface cleaning device, comprising: a control unit (C) for informing a notification unit (50). 4. A vehicle body upper surface cleaning apparatus wherein a cleaning body (W) is supported on a frame (1) so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning body (W) is brought into contact with the vehicle body upper surface to clean the vehicle body upper surface. in the cleaning body (W) start input means for starting the washing with the (34), over a large force that does not want over the vehicle body upper surface
The cleaning body (W) has a large weight that may cause
A weight detecting means (G) for detecting a state where the weight of the washing body (W) has changed, and a notifying means (50) for notifying the excess weight of the washing body (W). ) And operating the weight detection means (G) based on the start input by the start input means (34), and further determining the excess of the weight of the cleaning body (W) based on the output of the weight detection means (G). Control means (C) for informing the notification means (50) and prohibiting the cleaning by the cleaning body (W).
Body top cleaning device. 5. A release operation input means (51) for arbitrarily releasing said prohibition of cleaning by said cleaning body (W), and said control means (C) is provided with said release operation input means (5).
The vehicle body upper surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the prohibition is released based on the release input according to (1), and the cleaning by the cleaning body (W) can be performed.