JP5747829B2 - Car wash machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a car wash machine used for car washing, and more particularly, to a car wash machine including a top brush for washing the upper surface of a vehicle and a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle.

  Conventionally, as a car wash machine used for car washing, it is installed in a gas station, etc., and the liquid agent and washing stored in the liquid storage tank in the car to be washed are moved relative to each other in the front-rear direction. 2. Description of the Related Art A gate type car wash machine is known which is configured to inject water and to perform car washing by brushing.

  In the cleaning process of a conventional gate-type car wash machine, first, dirt is removed using washing water, then washing is performed using a liquid agent such as shampoo, and further washing is performed using washing water. After this washing process, a drying process is performed in which air is blown from each blowing nozzle and dried. In addition, car washing is performed by appropriately combining liquid agent application processes such as wax and water repellent coating as necessary. In this way, various shampoos, waxes and coats are used as liquid agents used in car washing, and each car wash process is stored in a dedicated liquid storage tank and inserted into the tank. It is injected and consumed according to the process. In addition, an operation panel and a remote panel are provided for selecting a desired mode from a plurality of car wash modes, selecting a type of liquid agent to be used, and setting a predetermined car wash mode. The operation panel is installed in the car wash machine body, but the remote panel is installed at a position away from the car wash machine body, and the remote panel is electrically connected to the operation panel. The car wash machine can be driven by the car wash mode.

  In the above-described car wash machine, there is known one having a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned and a top air blowing nozzle for drying after cleaning. In addition, in order to perform cleaning with the top brush lightly in contact with the vehicle to be cleaned, the top brush is supported so that it can be moved up and down and swingable back and forth, and the top brush is driven to rotate. Washing is performed along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned by detecting the rotational current of the motor and controlling the moving up and down so as to suppress this current value within a predetermined range.

  In addition, since it is preferable that the top blowing nozzle is also blown and dried while being moved close to the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, a top (air blowing) nozzle that moves up and down along the upper surface shape of the vehicle, and the top nozzle are provided. Vehicle detection means for detecting the vehicle and position detection means for detecting that the top nozzle has reached a predetermined position of the vehicle. After the cleaning process is completed, the top nozzle is once lowered to the lower limit position to detect the vehicle. There has already been filed an application for a vehicle drying apparatus configured to perform a drying process by moving up and down via detection means and detection signals of position detection means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, by using a sensor that detects the upper surface of the vehicle, drying is performed while moving the top blowing nozzle along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle. For example, a lower portion of the drying blower device (top blowing nozzle) is used. In addition, a vehicle body top surface drying method in which an ascent sensor and a descending prohibition sensor are provided and their functions are switched during reciprocating movement has already been filed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, the drying nozzle (top blowing nozzle) is also moved in accordance with the movement trajectory of the top brush that moves along the upper surface of the vehicle during the cleaning process, and the operating position of the brush position detection means and the drying nozzle Movement control of the drying nozzle comprising a setting means and a drying nozzle position detection means, and controlling the driving means of the drying nozzle based on the setting position of the operation position setting means of the drying nozzle and the output signal of the drying nozzle position detection means A device has already been filed (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP-A-6-80060 JP-A-8-169307 JP-A-5-147505

  When the shape of the top surface of the vehicle to be cleaned is a gently sloping surface or when the traveling speed of the car washer is relatively low, the top air nozzle is connected to the vehicle body via a sensor provided at the lower end of the top air nozzle. Can be moved to a non-contact state.

  However, if the top surface of the vehicle to be cleaned has a gentle shape that rises abruptly or has a relatively high traveling speed, the sensor installed at the lower end of the top blowing nozzle Even if the top blower nozzle is moved up and down, there is a concern that the movement may not be in time and may come into contact with the vehicle body. Therefore, it is necessary to provide emergency stop means for preventing contact between the top blowing nozzle and the vehicle to be cleaned.

  Further, by moving the drying nozzle (top blowing nozzle) according to the movement trajectory of the top brush, it is possible to dry the top blowing nozzle while moving it along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle. However, even in this case, if the top surface of the vehicle to be cleaned has a gentle and sharply rising angle, or if the traveling speed of the car wash machine is relatively high, simply move the top brush trajectory. It is difficult to dry safely and efficiently so that the top blowing nozzle and the vehicle to be cleaned do not come into contact with each other only by moving the top blowing nozzle according to the above.

  This is because the top brush forms a large-diameter brush body by radially fixing brush hair made of cloth (woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric, etc.) or resin fiber to a relatively small-diameter brush shaft. Since the time from when the tip of the brush body comes into contact with the surface of the vehicle body to be cleaned until the brush shaft comes into contact is relatively long, the top blow nozzle is set directly corresponding to the movement of the top brush (brush shaft). This is because the top air blowing nozzle may come into contact with the vehicle to be cleaned if it is moved.

  In addition, in order to carry out a good and stable drying process regardless of the top surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned and the traveling speed of the car washing machine body, that is, the car washing speed, the top air blowing nozzle is brought close to the body surface within a predetermined distance. It is clear that drying is preferred.

  Therefore, even if the drying nozzle (top blowing nozzle) is moved according to the movement trajectory of the top brush, the shape of the top surface of the vehicle to be cleaned is not a gentle but a shape with an angle that rises suddenly. When the machine body is running at a relatively high speed, a further device can be used to reliably prevent contact between the top blowing nozzle and the vehicle to be cleaned, thus enabling a safe, efficient and stable drying process. A car wash is desired.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a car washer having a top brush that cleans the upper surface of a vehicle to be cleaned and a top air nozzle that blows drying air to dry the vehicle, and the contact between the top air nozzle and the vehicle to be cleaned. An object of the present invention is to provide a car wash machine that can reliably prevent the occurrence of a problem and can carry out a safe and stable drying process.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body and the vehicle to be cleaned in the front-rear direction, and the cleaning means used for the car wash cleans the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned. The drying means used for drying has a top blower nozzle that dries the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, and stores the brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned. Means, nozzle position detecting means for detecting the height position of the top blower nozzle, comparison means for comparing the brush trajectory stored in the storage means with the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detecting means, And performing a plurality of different nozzle movement controls according to the magnitude of the difference between the brush locus detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position.

  According to this configuration, the top blowing nozzle can be controlled to move along the locus of the top brush that moves along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned. In addition, on a steeply inclined surface where the amount of displacement of the top brush is large, the top blowing nozzle can be quickly moved and controlled in a safer direction. That is, it is possible to reliably prevent contact between the top blowing nozzle and the vehicle to be cleaned, and obtain a car wash machine capable of performing a safe and stable drying process.

  According to the present invention, in the car wash machine having the above-described configuration, the top blowing nozzle includes a photoelectric sensor that is mounted below the air outlet of the nozzle to detect the vehicle body and the mounted object, and the sensor mainly detects the vehicle body. A lower sensor used for the main body and an upper sensor mainly used for not detecting the vehicle body. Normally, the lower sensor detects the vehicle body and the upper sensor does not detect the vehicle body, and the height according to the brush trajectory. The movement is controlled along the position. According to this configuration, since the lower sensor mounted below the air outlet detects the vehicle body and the upper sensor moves without detecting the vehicle body, the height position of the air outlet of the top air blowing nozzle is predetermined from the vehicle surface. Drying can be carried out while moving within the range. Moreover, since this nozzle height position is a height position according to the brush trajectory, it is a safe and stable drying process.

  In the car wash machine having the above-described configuration, the air outlet has a downwardly extending outlet extending in the width direction of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the photoelectric sensor is a front-rear direction orthogonal to the length direction of the air outlet. The top blowing nozzle is raised at a first speed when the front upper sensor that moves is detected by the vehicle body. According to this configuration, when the upper sensor that normally does not detect the vehicle body detects the vehicle body, the top blow nozzle is immediately raised at the first speed, thereby avoiding contact with the vehicle body.

  According to the present invention, in the car wash machine having the above-described configuration, when the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position is greater than a first predetermined value, the car wash machine body and the object to be cleaned It is characterized in that the relative movement speed with the vehicle is reduced. According to this configuration, when the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison unit and the nozzle height position, such as a sharply inclined surface with an angle, is larger than the first predetermined value, for example, The top blowing nozzle can be moved up while lowering the moving speed of the main body of the car wash machine that performs car washing while traveling. That is, the top blowing nozzle can be quickly moved up and down, and safe and stable drying can be performed.

  According to the present invention, in the car wash machine having the above-described configuration, when the magnitude of the difference between the brush locus detected by the comparison unit and the nozzle height position is greater than a predetermined second predetermined value, It is characterized in that the relative movement speed with the vehicle is zero. According to this configuration, the difference between the brush locus detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position is larger than the second predetermined value, such as washing a steeply inclined surface at a high speed. For example, the top blowing nozzle can be moved up by setting the moving speed of the main body of the car washing machine that performs car washing while traveling and moving to zero. That is, the top blowing nozzle can be safely moved up without contacting the vehicle body, and safe and stable drying can be performed.

  According to the present invention, in the car wash machine configured as described above, the first movement control performed via the photoelectric sensor according to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison unit and the nozzle height position, In addition to the first movement control, a second movement control that raises at a higher speed, a third movement control that lowers the relative movement speed in addition to the second movement control, and the second movement control. In addition to this, a plurality of different nozzle movement controls, including the fourth movement control for setting the relative movement speed to zero, are performed. According to this configuration, when the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is small, the drying air is usually blown from a position away from the surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle to be cleaned through the photoelectric sensor provided in the top blowing nozzle itself. When the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is increased according to the inclination angle of the vehicle body and the relative movement speed, the drying process is performed, and the speed is increased at a higher speed in addition to the first movement control. A second movement control; a third movement control that lowers the relative movement speed in addition to the second movement control; a fourth movement control that sets the relative movement speed to zero in addition to the second movement control; It can be performed. That is, even when the vehicle is washed at a relatively high speed even at an inclination angle of about 90 °, the top blowing nozzle that blows the drying air while making a relative movement is brought into contact with the vehicle body. It becomes a car wash machine that can carry out a safe and stable drying process.

  According to the present invention, in a car washer having a top brush for washing the upper surface of the vehicle and a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle, the memory for storing the brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle to be washed. Means, a nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle, and a comparison means for comparing the brush trajectory stored in the storage means with the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detection means, A plurality of different nozzle movement controls are performed according to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, thereby reliably preventing contact between the top blowing nozzle and the vehicle to be cleaned. Thus, a car wash machine capable of performing a safe and stable drying process can be obtained.

It is a schematic side view which shows the whole structure of the car wash machine which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic front view which shows the whole structure of a car wash machine. It is a schematic side view explaining operation | movement of a top brush and a top ventilation nozzle. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the photoelectric sensor with which a top ventilation nozzle is provided. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of a top ventilation nozzle. It is a side view which shows the brush locus | trajectory in the case of a car wash, and a nozzle height position, Comprising: (A) shows the state at the time of washing | cleaning the vehicle of a gentle inclined surface, (B) stood angle at the steeply inclined surface. The state when the vehicle is washed is shown. It is a figure explaining several different nozzle movement control performed according to the magnitude | size of the difference of a brush locus | trajectory and a nozzle height position.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are a side view and a schematic front view showing a car wash machine WA according to an embodiment. The car wash machine WA includes a car wash machine main body (main body part) 1 that has a ceiling 91 that connects upper ends of two left and right opposing stand parts 90 and is formed in a gate shape. A remote panel 7 </ b> A is disposed on the approach path of the car wash machine body 1. The vehicle to be cleaned CA stops in front of the remote panel 7A, and receives a car wash by operating the remote panel 7A.

  Wheels 3 arranged on a pair of left and right rails 2 provided on the ground are provided on the bottom surface of the car wash machine main body 1. As a result, the car wash machine main body 1 is erected so as to travel on the rail 2 and move relative to the vehicle to be cleaned CA.

  The car wash machine main body 1 is provided with a plurality of rotating brushes for brushing the vehicle to be cleaned CA. The brush comprises a top brush 4, a side brush 5 and a rocker brush 6. The top brush 4 is formed by cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned, and radially fixing brush bodies made of cloth (woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric, etc.) or resin fibers.

  A pair of left and right side brushes 5 is provided, and slides on both side surfaces and front and rear surfaces of the vehicle to be cleaned CA to clean the vehicle to be cleaned CA. A pair of left and right rocker brushes 6 are provided to clean the lower portion of the side surface including the tire of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. The side brush 5 and the rocker brush 6 also have the same rotating shaft and brush body as the top brush 4.

  On one side of the car wash machine main body 1 is disposed a tank storage unit 50 for storing a plurality of liquid storage tanks (not shown) for storing various liquid agents such as detergents and waxes. Distributing piping 51 for distributing the city water and the liquid agent from each liquid storage tank via an electromagnetic valve or the like is provided above the tank storage 50. First and second water purification nozzles 11 and 13, first and second detergent nozzles 12 and 15, a water-repellent coating nozzle 14, and a wax nozzle 16 are led out to the distribution pipe portion 51. A supply unit (not shown) for supplying cleaning liquid and high-pressure air is provided behind the car wash machine main body 1 and connected to the distribution piping unit 51. The cleaning liquid may be mixed not only with city water but also with various liquid agents such as detergents and waxes.

  The first and second water purification nozzles 11 and 13 are respectively arranged on the front side and the back side of the car wash machine body 1 and inject city water to the vehicle to be cleaned CA. The first and second detergent nozzles 12 and 15 are respectively arranged on the near side and the far side of the car wash machine main body 1 and spray detergent onto the vehicle to be cleaned CA. The water repellent coating nozzle 14 is disposed on the back side of the car wash machine body 1 and sprays a water repellent coating agent onto the vehicle CA to be cleaned. The wax nozzle 16 is disposed on the back side of the car wash machine body 1 and injects wax onto the vehicle CA to be cleaned.

  The car wash machine main body 1 is provided with a top blow nozzle 21 and a side blow nozzle 22 for drying the vehicle CA to be cleaned. A top blowing nozzle 21 is provided at the upper center of the car wash machine main body 1, and side blowing nozzles 22 are provided on both sides. The top blower nozzle 21 and the side blower nozzle 22 blow the blown air from the blower 20 against the vehicle CA to be cleaned.

  A vehicle sensor 8 is provided on the front upper portion of the car wash machine body 1. The vehicle sensor 8 includes a photoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like, and detects the outer surface shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned that enters the car wash machine main body 1.

  An operation panel 7 is disposed on the front surface on one side of the car wash body 1. The operation panel 7 has the same operation buttons as the remote panel 7A, and accepts a car wash and sets car wash conditions by the operation of a user who gets off the vehicle to be cleaned CA.

  As setting of the car wash conditions, buttons for adding shampoo, waxing, water repellent coat, etc. to the water wash are provided on the operation panel 7 and the remote panel 7A. In addition, buttons for performing high-grade shampoo, high-grade wax (for example, glazing coating), high-grade water repellent coating, special coating, and the like are also provided. In addition, equipment setting buttons such as front guard, fender pole, door mirror, rear wiper, and no applicable equipment are provided.

  As described above, the car wash machine WA according to the present embodiment is a car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body 1 and the vehicle to be cleaned CA in the front-rear direction. The top brush 4 extends in the left-right direction at the top of the vehicle CA and is supported so as to be swingable forward and backward. Moreover, it has the top ventilation nozzle 21 supported so that raising / lowering is possible in the direction approaching the upper surface of the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA as a drying means which sprays drying air after washing | cleaning.

  The top brush 4 is driven to rotate by a drive motor and is cleaned by bringing the rotating brush body into contact with the surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. Therefore, the current value of the drive motor changes depending on the degree to which the top brush 4 contacts the vehicle body of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. That is, when the hit becomes strong, the current value increases, and when the hit becomes weak, the current value decreases.

  Therefore, by controlling the height position of the top brush 4 so as to maintain this current value within a predetermined range, the contact force of the top brush 4 with respect to the vehicle body of the vehicle CA to be cleaned can be suppressed within the predetermined range. That is, the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned can be cleaned while moving the top brush 4 along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned.

  Therefore, the locus of the top brush 4 has a shape corresponding to the upper surface shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. Certainly, since the contact portion of the top brush 4 with respect to the vehicle CA to be cleaned is a brush body, the trajectory of the top brush 4 does not necessarily coincide with the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. It is clear that the upper surface shape is substantially matched. Therefore, by storing the trajectory of the top brush 4, it is possible to move the drying means (for example, the top blowing nozzle 21) driven after the cleaning along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned.

  Since the top blowing nozzle 21 is made of a hard member having an air outlet that is elongated in the width direction of the vehicle to be cleaned, it is desirable that the top air blowing nozzle 21 be close to the surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle CA to be cleaned, but not be in contact with it, and is always separated by a certain distance or more It is desired to move along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned while maintaining the above.

  Further, since the top brush 4 has an elastic brush body in contact with the surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle CA to be cleaned, the contact state changes between the flat portion and the inclined portion of the vehicle body, and the angle depends on the inclination angle. In the changing portion, the flat portion and the inclined portion are simultaneously brought into contact with the rotating portion so that the current value becomes high, and a deviation between the actual shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned and the locus of the top brush 4 becomes large.

  For this purpose, the top blowing nozzle 21 is not moved directly in line with the trajectory of the top brush 4 with which the elastic brush body abuts. It is desirable to change the control to be moved.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, storage means for storing the brush trajectory in which the top brush 4 moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned, nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle 21, Comparing means for comparing the brush trajectory stored in the storage means with the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detecting means, the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparing means and the nozzle height position is provided. A plurality of different nozzle movement controls are performed according to the size.

  If it is said structure, the top ventilation nozzle 21 can be controlled to move along the locus | trajectory of the top brush 4 which moves along the upper surface shape of the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA. Further, the top blow nozzle 21 can be quickly moved and controlled in a safer direction on a steeply inclined surface where the amount of displacement of the top brush 4 is large. That is, it is possible to reliably prevent contact between the top blowing nozzle 21 and the vehicle to be cleaned CA, and obtain a car wash machine capable of performing a safe and stable drying process.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a top brush 4 is mounted on the car wash machine body 1 so as to be movable up and down. A top blower nozzle 21 is mounted on the car wash machine body 1 at a position away from the top brush 4 by a predetermined distance. The top blower nozzle 21 has an air outlet for blowing drying air downward, and side plates 210 are mounted on both sides of the outlet. Moreover, the sensor which detects the height position of the top brush 4 and the top ventilation nozzle 21 is provided, and with respect to the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA of the top brush 4 from the movement history of the car wash machine main body 1 and the height position of the top brush 4. The movement trajectory can be detected.

  Since the separation distance between the top blowing nozzle 21 and the top brush 4 is defined in advance, the top blowing nozzle 21 can be moved to a height position corresponding to the detected movement locus of the top brush 4, that is, the brush locus. . The top blowing nozzle 21 is moved up and down integrally with the side plate 210. The side plate 210 is provided with photoelectric sensors S (S1 to S4).

  The photoelectric sensors S (S1 to S4) are photoelectric sensors that detect a vehicle body and an attachment, and the sensors are a lower sensor that is mainly used for detecting the vehicle body and an upper sensor that is mainly used for not detecting the vehicle body. In general, movement control is performed along the nozzle height position corresponding to the brush trajectory in a state where the lower sensor detects the vehicle body and the upper sensor does not detect the vehicle body. In such a configuration, normally, the lower sensor mounted below the air outlet detects the vehicle body and the upper sensor moves without detecting the vehicle body, so that the height of the air outlet of the top blowing nozzle 21 is high. It is possible to perform drying while moving the position while maintaining the position within a predetermined range from the vehicle body surface. The nozzle height position is a reference for the height position corresponding to the brush trajectory. Thus, it becomes a safe and stable drying process by moving the top ventilation nozzle 21 along a brush locus.

  Next, the top blowing nozzle 21 of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  The top blowing nozzle 21 is a blowing nozzle that moves an air outlet having a shape extending in the width direction of the vehicle CA to be cleaned along the upper surface of the vehicle to dry the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. (Not shown) is supported so as to be movable up and down in the up-down direction contacting and separating from the surface of the vehicle to be cleaned indicated by the arrow in the drawing. Moreover, in order to dry the vehicle after washing well, it is desirable to blow close to the surface of the vehicle, so that the vehicle or equipment is detected below the air outlet 21a of the top blowing nozzle 21. Photoelectric sensors S (S1 to S4) are provided.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, lower 1st sensor S1 provided with lower 1st light projector A1 and lower 1st light receiver B1 before and behind the air blower outlet 21a of the top ventilation nozzle 21. As shown in FIG. And two pairs of photoelectric sensors S, which are a lower second light projector A2 and a lower second sensor S2 including a lower second light receiver B2. Further, two pairs of an upper first sensor S3 including an upper first light projector A3 and an upper first light receiver B3, and an upper second sensor S4 including an upper second light projector A4 and an upper second light receiver B4 are provided. The photoelectric sensor S is provided. That is, a total of four pairs of photoelectric sensors S (S1 to S4) are arranged before and after the top and bottom.

  In addition, since the air blowing port 21a of the top blowing nozzle 21 is blown while being maintained at a predetermined distance from the surface of the vehicle through the photoelectric sensor S (S1 to S4), the upper first sensor S3 and the upper second sensor The two sensors S4 are provided at a lower position separated by a predetermined distance H from the air outlet 21a of the top blowing nozzle 21.

  In addition, by setting the distance between the projector and the light receiver to be a distance L larger than the vehicle body width of the vehicle to be cleaned, it is possible to detect the surface of the vehicle entering between the light projector and the light receiver, and the top air blows through the support member. The nozzle 21 and the photoelectric sensor S (S1 to S4) can be moved up and down integrally to keep the top blowing nozzle 21 in a position close to the vehicle body surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. In addition, even if there are equipment or protrusions protruding from the vehicle surface, the photoelectric sensor S (S1 to S4) can detect these obstacles first, and the top blower nozzle at the position where the obstacles are detected. The movement of 21 can be stopped and the contact of the top blowing nozzle 21 with the obstacle can be prevented.

  The lower side (upper side) first sensor S1 (S3) and the lower side (upper side) second sensor S2 (S4) are arranged approximately in parallel at a predetermined interval before and after the lower side of the air blowing port 21a of the top blowing nozzle 21. Has been established. This separation width W is larger than the width in the front-rear direction of the main body of the top blowing nozzle 21 in order to prevent the top blowing nozzle 21 from coming into contact with the vehicle body or equipment during the downward movement or the front-back movement during the drying process. Also, it is preferable that the width is larger, and provided at both ends of the lower side of the side plate 210 at positions of a predetermined separation width W.

  With this configuration, when the air outlet 21a of the top blowing nozzle 21 extends in the width direction of the vehicle CA to be cleaned, and moves in the direction approaching the vehicle body surface of the vehicle or in the front-rear direction along the upper surface of the vehicle In addition, when any one of the front and rear photoelectric sensors detects an obstacle, it can be determined that there is an obstacle such as a vehicle body or equipment in the moving direction of the top blowing nozzle 21. That is, it is determined that there is an obstacle when one of the first light receiver B1 and the second light receiver B2 does not receive light while the top blowing nozzle 21 is moving.

  In addition, the two pairs of photoelectric sensors S1 and S2 also receive the light from the first projector A1 and the second projector A2 in the first configuration where the first receiver B1 receives the light from the first projector A1 and the second projector A2 respectively. The light receiver B2 may receive the light from the second projector A2 and the first projector A1, and may have a 1: 2 configuration in which the first and second projectors are alternately turned on / off.

  As the photoelectric sensors S1 to S4, a transmissive photoelectric sensor used as a vehicle body detection sensor can be used. For example, it is possible to use a transmissive photoelectric sensor that satisfies the specifications of an operating region of about ± 150 to 200 mm when the maximum detection distance is 5 to 10 m and the distance between light and light is 2 m.

  For this purpose, when the maximum detection distance is 7 m and the distance between the projected and received light is 2 m, the distance L between the projected and received light shown in the figure is set to 2 m and the separation width W is set to about ± 160 mm. It can be 160 mm.

  If it is said structure, both the 1st light receiver B1 and the 2nd light receiver B2 will be able to detect the light which 1st light projector A1 emits, and the light which 2nd light projector A2 emits will be 1st with 2nd light receiver B2. Both light receivers B1 can be detected.

  Further, the top blowing nozzle 21 is stopped at the upper limit position during cleaning. Since the car washing machine body 1 travels in the front-rear direction across the vehicle to be cleaned CA and the cleaning process is completed, the drying process is started immediately. Therefore, at one end of the vehicle to be cleaned CA, for example, behind the rear of the vehicle to be cleaned. The top blow nozzle 21 is moved down to a predetermined lowering target position while the moving car wash machine main body 1 is moved and moved to approach the vehicle to be cleaned CA. This lowering target position is determined according to the height of the rear portion of the vehicle to be cleaned, which is detected by the sensor 8A in the cleaning process. Further, when the vehicle is detected in accordance with the traveling movement of the car wash machine main body 1, the vehicle rises until the detection is removed, and the air is continued to be separated from the surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle to be cleaned CA by a predetermined distance to be dried.

  Therefore, the top blowing nozzle 21 that can be moved up and down is set to an upper limit position that is an upper stop position during cleaning, a lower lower target position that starts blowing and starts drying, and further below this The design lower limit position is determined in advance. The top blowing nozzle 21 in the upper limit position is a position where the cleaning water or the liquid agent is not applied without being in contact with a brush or the like that operates during the cleaning process. Also, since the drying process is started immediately after the cleaning process is completed and the cycle time of the car wash is shortened, the water discharge from the nozzle outlet is stopped immediately after the cleaning process is completed, and the drying process is started. The car wash machine 1 is moved and moved. Further, the top blowing nozzle 21 is moved down to the lowering target position in the movement path.

  Further, by using the lower sensor as a photoelectric sensor mainly used for detecting the vehicle body and using the upper sensor as a photoelectric sensor mainly used for not detecting the vehicle body, the upper surface of the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA and the upper sensor are lowered. The position of the top blowing nozzle 21 can be controlled so as to be positioned between the side sensors.

  That is, the top blow nozzle 21 can be moved and controlled close to the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned via the photoelectric sensor provided below the top blow nozzle 21.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the photoelectric sensor S includes the lower sensor mainly used for detecting the vehicle body and the upper sensor mainly used for not detecting the vehicle body. However, the movement is controlled along the nozzle height position corresponding to the brush trajectory in a state where the upper sensor does not detect the vehicle body. With this configuration, the lower sensor mounted below the air outlet normally detects the vehicle body, and the upper sensor moves without detecting the vehicle body, so the height of the air outlet 21a of the top blower nozzle 21 is normal. Drying can be performed while moving the position while maintaining the position within a predetermined range from the vehicle body surface. Moreover, since this nozzle height position is a height position according to the brush trajectory, it is a safe and stable drying process.

  In the present embodiment, the trajectory of the top brush 4 that moves along the shape of the upper surface of the vehicle CA to be cleaned is stored in the cleaning process that is performed prior to the drying process, so that it corresponds to the stored trajectory of the top brush 4. By controlling the movement of the top blowing nozzle 21, the top blowing nozzle 21 can be moved along the upper surface shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned.

  However, as described above, in the case where the top surface shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned is a gentle shape that rises suddenly, it is desirable to move and control the top blowing nozzle 21 more precisely. Then, the storage means which memorize | stores the brush locus | trajectory which the top brush 4 moves along the upper surface shape of the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA, the nozzle position detection means which detects the height position of the top ventilation nozzle 21, and the memory | storage means memorize | stored. Comparing means for comparing the brush trajectory with the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detecting means, and a plurality of different means depending on the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparing means and the nozzle height position. It is configured to perform different nozzle movement control.

  Next, various forms of nozzle movement control will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 (A) shows the trajectory K1 of the top brush 4 and the nozzle height position K2 of the top blower nozzle 21 for washing the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA1 having a gentle top surface with a slant angle, and FIG. 6 (B). Indicates the trajectory K3 of the top brush 4 and the nozzle height position K4 of the top blower nozzle 21 for washing the vehicle CA2 to be cleaned, which has a top surface with an angle that rises suddenly but not gently.

  The trajectory K1 of the top brush 4 and the nozzle height position K2 of the top blower nozzle 21 at the time of washing the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA1 having a gentle top surface with a gentle inclination angle shown in FIG. The difference D1 between the brush locus K1 and the nozzle height position K2 is substantially the same with little change in the entire stroke.

  However, the trajectory K3 of the top brush 4 and the nozzle height of the top blower nozzle 21 when washing the vehicle CA2 to be cleaned having a top surface shape with an angle that rises suddenly instead of a gentle inclination as shown in FIG. 6B. In the position K4, the differences D2 and D3 between the brush locus K3 and the nozzle height position K4 are changed more greatly than D1 in the inclination angle changing portion.

  In the flat portion, the difference D1 becomes the difference D2 in the rising portion of the angle, and further increases to the difference D3. Therefore, in order to perform a more effective drying process, it can be said that it is desirable to perform movement control of the top blowing nozzle 21 according to this difference (in other words, to correct this difference).

  That is, in this embodiment, when the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position is larger than the first predetermined value, the relative movement speed between the car wash machine body 1 and the vehicle to be cleaned. Control to slow down. With this configuration, when the magnitude of the difference between the brush locus detected by the comparison unit and the nozzle height position, such as a steeply inclined surface with an angle, is larger than the first predetermined value, For example, the top blow nozzle 21 can be moved up while lowering the moving speed of the car wash machine body 1 that performs car washing while traveling. That is, the top blowing nozzle can be quickly moved up and down, and safe and stable drying can be performed.

  In addition, when the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position becomes larger than the second predetermined value, the control for making the relative movement speed of the car wash machine body 1 and the vehicle to be cleaned zero. I do. With this configuration, the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, such as washing a steeply inclined surface at a high speed, is larger than the second predetermined value. In this case, for example, the top blowing nozzle 21 can be moved up by setting the moving speed of the car wash machine main body 1 that performs car washing while traveling and moving to zero. That is, the top blowing nozzle 21 can be safely moved up without contacting the vehicle body, and safe and stable drying can be performed.

  These first predetermined value and second predetermined value are determined in advance. The magnitude of the difference between the normal brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is also determined in advance according to the preferred brush position and the preferred nozzle position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the three numerical values of the normal time difference, the first predetermined value, and the second predetermined value can be set and changed to appropriate predetermined values in accordance with the required car wash speed.

  Therefore, if the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is about a predetermined difference D1, the top blower nozzle 21 performs normal movement control, and during this normal movement control, the photoelectric sensor (upper sensor) When the vehicle body is detected, the top blow nozzle 21 is controlled to move up at a first speed (this speed is also determined in advance), and when the predetermined difference D2 is greater than the difference D1 during normal movement control, the car wash machine Various controls such as performing control to lower the relative movement speed between the main body 1 and the vehicle to be cleaned, and controlling the relative movement speed between the car wash machine main body 1 and the vehicle to be cleaned to zero when the difference D3 is larger. Control can be employed as appropriate.

  That is, the car wash machine according to the present embodiment includes the first movement control performed via the photoelectric sensor S according to the magnitude of the difference between the brush locus detected by the comparison unit and the nozzle height position, In addition to the first movement control, the second movement control that increases at the first speed, the third movement control that lowers the relative movement speed in addition to the second movement control, and the second movement control In addition, a plurality of different nozzle movement controls are performed with the fourth movement control for setting the relative movement speed to zero.

  With the configuration as described above, when the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is small, it is for drying from a position that is a predetermined distance away from the surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle to be cleaned via the photoelectric sensor provided in the top blowing nozzle itself. When the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is increased according to the inclination angle of the vehicle body and the relative movement speed, the normal drying process is performed by blowing air. Second movement control to be raised, third movement control to lower the relative movement speed in addition to the second movement control, and fourth movement to make the relative movement speed zero in addition to the second movement control Control.

  Further, it is preferable to perform the third movement control for once reducing the relative movement speed, and to return to the normal relative speed when the difference between the brush locus and the nozzle height position becomes the initial difference D1. In addition, it is preferable to perform the fourth movement control that once sets the relative movement speed to zero and to return to the normal relative speed when the difference between the brush locus and the nozzle height position becomes the initial difference D1. That is, even when the vehicle is washed at a relatively high speed even at an inclination angle of 90 °, the top blowing nozzle 21 that blows the drying air while making a relative movement is brought into contact with the vehicle body. It becomes a car wash machine capable of performing a safe and stable drying process without any problems.

  As described above, the car wash machine WA according to this embodiment detects the height position of the top blowing nozzle 21 and the storage means that stores the brush trajectory in which the top brush 4 moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle CA to be cleaned. Nozzle position detecting means, and comparing means for comparing the brush trajectory stored in the storage means with the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detecting means, and the brush trajectory and nozzle height detected by the comparing means. In this configuration, a plurality of different nozzle movement controls are performed according to the magnitude of the difference from the position.

  If it is said structure, on the flat surface or a gentle inclined surface, movement control of the top ventilation nozzle 21 will be carried out to the height position according to the locus | trajectory of the top brush 4 which moves along the upper surface shape of the to-be-cleaned vehicle CA. Can do. In addition, on the steeply inclined surface where the displacement amount of the top brush 4 is large, the top blowing nozzle 4 can be quickly moved and controlled in a safer direction. That is, it is possible to reliably prevent contact between the top blowing nozzle 4 and the vehicle to be cleaned CA and obtain a car wash machine WA capable of performing a safe and stable drying process.

  As described above, the car wash machine WA according to this embodiment includes a plurality of different nozzles according to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory of the top brush in the cleaning process and the nozzle height position of the top blowing nozzle in the drying process. Since it is configured to perform movement control, it is possible to obtain a car wash machine capable of performing a safe and stable drying process even for a vehicle to be cleaned having a top surface shape with a sloping angle that rises suddenly but does not rise gently. it can.

  Therefore, the car wash machine according to the present invention is suitably applied to a car wash machine in a car wash place that is required to perform car wash of various vehicle shapes and to perform car wash efficiently and safely.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Car wash machine body 2 Rail 4 Top brush 5 Side brush 21 Top ventilation nozzle K1, K3 Brush locus K2, K4 Nozzle height position D1-D3 (Brush locus | trajectory and nozzle height position) Difference S (S1-S4) Photoelectric Sensor CA Vehicle to be washed WA Car wash machine

Claims (6)

A car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body and the vehicle to be cleaned in the front-rear direction,
The cleaning means used for car washing has a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the drying means used for drying has a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned,
Storage means for storing a brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned, nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle, and brush trajectory stored in the storage means And a comparison means for comparing the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detection means,
According to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, movement control for moving the top blowing nozzle up and down so as to correct the difference, a car wash machine body, and a vehicle to be cleaned And a plurality of different nozzle movement controls including a movement control for changing a relative movement speed . A car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body and the vehicle to be cleaned in the front-rear direction,
The cleaning means used for car washing has a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the drying means used for drying has a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned,
Storage means for storing a brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned, nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle, and brush trajectory stored in the storage means And a comparison means for comparing the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detection means,
According to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, movement control for moving the top blowing nozzle up and down so as to correct the difference, a car wash machine body, and a vehicle to be cleaned A plurality of different nozzle movement controls including a movement control that changes the relative movement speed with
The top blowing nozzle includes a photoelectric sensor that is mounted below an air outlet of the nozzle and detects a vehicle body and a mounted object. The sensor mainly includes a lower sensor used for vehicle body detection, and a vehicle body detection. An upper sensor used to prevent the vehicle from moving, and is normally controlled to move along a height position corresponding to the brush locus in a state where the lower sensor detects the vehicle body and the upper sensor does not detect the vehicle body. Car wash machine. The air outlet has a downwardly elongated outlet in the width direction of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the photoelectric sensors are provided on the left and right of the front and rear direction perpendicular to the length direction of the air outlet and move. The car wash machine according to claim 2, wherein when the front upper sensor detects the vehicle body, the top blower nozzle is raised at a first speed. A car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body and the vehicle to be cleaned in the front-rear direction,
The cleaning means used for car washing has a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the drying means used for drying has a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned,
Storage means for storing a brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned, nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle, and brush trajectory stored in the storage means And a comparison means for comparing the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detection means,
According to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, movement control for moving the top blowing nozzle up and down so as to correct the difference, a car wash machine body, and a vehicle to be cleaned A plurality of different nozzle movement controls including a movement control that changes the relative movement speed with
When the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position is greater than a predetermined first predetermined value, the relative movement speed between the car washer and the vehicle to be cleaned is reduced. Car wash machine characterized by. A car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body and the vehicle to be cleaned in the front-rear direction,
The cleaning means used for car washing has a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the drying means used for drying has a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned,
Storage means for storing a brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned, nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle, and brush trajectory stored in the storage means And a comparison means for comparing the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detection means,
According to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, movement control for moving the top blowing nozzle up and down so as to correct the difference, a car wash machine body, and a vehicle to be cleaned A plurality of different nozzle movement controls including a movement control that changes the relative movement speed with
When the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position exceeds a predetermined second predetermined value, the relative movement speed between the car washer and the vehicle to be cleaned is made zero. Car wash machine characterized by. A car wash machine that performs a car wash while relatively moving the car wash machine body and the vehicle to be cleaned in the front-rear direction,
The cleaning means used for car washing has a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned, and the drying means used for drying has a top air blowing nozzle for drying the upper surface of the vehicle to be cleaned,
Storage means for storing a brush trajectory in which the top brush moves along the upper surface shape of the vehicle to be cleaned, nozzle position detection means for detecting the height position of the top blowing nozzle, and brush trajectory stored in the storage means And a comparison means for comparing the nozzle height position detected by the nozzle position detection means,
According to the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory detected by the comparison means and the nozzle height position, movement control for moving the top blowing nozzle up and down so as to correct the difference, a car wash machine body, and a vehicle to be cleaned A plurality of different nozzle movement controls including a movement control that changes the relative movement speed with
The movement control of the top blowing nozzle is
A height position corresponding to the brush trajectory stored in the storage means and a first movement control performed via the photoelectric sensor;
A second movement control that raises the top blowing nozzle at a first speed higher than the first movement control when the upper sensor detects the vehicle body during the first movement control;
A third movement control for reducing the relative movement speed when the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is greater than a first predetermined value,
When the magnitude of the difference between the brush trajectory and the nozzle height position is greater than a predetermined second predetermined value, a plurality of different nozzle movement controls are performed , including the fourth movement control that sets the relative movement speed to zero. Car wash machine characterized by that.

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