JPH08119075A - Car washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To detect a traveling position of a car washing device by providing a fixed part serving as a reference for measuring a traveling distance of the car washing device separately from a car washing device main body and arranging a means measuring a distance between the fixed part in the car washing device main body so as to measure a distance between the car washing device main body and the fixed part. CONSTITUTION: A car washing device starts from a starring position forward, starts washing a car, travels while measuring a distance between a reflection plate 15 serving as a reference for a traveling position in the fixed time cycle, and advances to a front bumper position. On the basis of a measured distance La between the car washing device and the reflection plate 15, a position Ya is decided, and on the basis of the position Ya, a position Yb, in which a top brush 8 is lifted, and a position Yc, in which the top brush 8 is lowered, are found. The car washing device continues traveling while washing a car, and when the car washing device reaches the position Yb in which the distance Lb is measured by means of an ultrasonic sensor 5, the top brush 8 is lifted, so that a carrier C is cleared.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is provided with a car-washing machine such as a brush, a sprinkling nozzle, and a blower in a car-washing machine body formed in a gate shape. On the other hand, the present invention relates to a car wash machine that sequentially performs processes such as cleaning and drying.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a car wash machine of this type, a car wash processing device such as a brush, a water spray nozzle, and a blower is controlled in accordance with the shape of the vehicle to be washed and the presence or absence of protrusions that obstruct the car wash. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the relative position between the vehicle and the car wash machine, and the running position of the car wash machine is detected.

Generally, as a method for detecting the traveling position of a car wash machine, a timer for measuring the traveling time of the car wash machine is provided, and the traveling position is calculated from the traveling time of the car wash machine, the traveling direction, and the traveling speed. There is used a method in which a rotary encoder is connected to an output shaft of an electric motor for a vehicle, and a pulse signal is output for each unit angle rotation while detecting a rotational direction of the electric motor to detect a traveling position of a car wash machine.

[0004]

However, in such a method, there may be a case where the accurate traveling position cannot be detected depending on the traveling state of the car wash machine. For example, in the method of measuring the running time of the car wash machine with a timer, the running motor of the car wash machine is under load and the running speed of the car wash machine is lower than the specified value, or the running motor is supplied with a voltage higher than the rated value. When the traveling speed of the car wash machine is high, there is a difference between the design value of the traveling speed and the actual traveling speed, and there is a difference between the calculated traveling position and the actual traveling position.

Further, in the method of detecting the traveling position of the car washer by connecting the rotary encoder to the traveling electric motor, the influence of the fluctuation of the traveling speed is eliminated, but the traveling wheel slips due to water or the like. Due to wear or the like, a difference occurs between the calculated traveling position due to the rotation of the traveling electric motor and the actual traveling position.

When such a problem occurs, when a car wash processing device such as a top brush for cleaning the upper surface of the vehicle body avoids a protrusion on a specific portion of the vehicle body such as a roof carrier, it is calculated. There is a difference between the position of the roof carrier and the actual position of the roof carrier, and the top brush cannot avoid the roof carrier and the roof carrier is damaged.

As an example, a method of controlling the top brush 8 for cleaning the upper surface of the automobile so as to avoid the carrier C attached to the roof portion of the automobile A will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the traveling position of the car wash machine is calculated using a timer.

In the car wash machine, the top brush 8 is located at the front bumper position of the automobile A from the position Ya for a predetermined time T1.
It is controlled to raise the top brush 8 at the position Yb when traveling, and lower the top brush 8 at the position Yc when traveling for a predetermined time T2 from the position Yb.

At this time, the car wash machine moves from position Yb to position Yc.
When traveling toward, the traveling wheels slip and
If the car washer does not move forward, the car washes for a predetermined time T
Since the top brush 8 is lowered after two runnings, the top brush 8 is lowered at the position Yc 'before the original lowered position Yc, and as a result, the carrier C may be damaged by the top brush 8. Occurs.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a car-washing machine main body formed in a gate shape.
Equipped with car wash treatment equipment such as brush, water spray nozzle, blower,
In a car wash machine that cleans and dries the car body as the car body or the car runs, a fixed part that is a standard for measuring the distance traveled by the car wash is provided separately from the car body. The machine body is provided with means for measuring the distance to the fixed portion, and the traveling position of the car wash machine is detected by directly measuring the distance between the vehicle body and the fixed portion.

Alternatively, a means for measuring the distance to the car wash machine is provided separately from the car wash machine body, and the car wash machine body is provided with a fixed portion which serves as a reference for measuring the traveling distance of the car wash machine. The traveling position of the car wash machine is detected by measuring the distance between the main body and the distance measuring means.

[0012]

As a result, since the traveling position of the car wash machine can be detected regardless of the driving state of the traveling electric motor and the rotation state of the traveling wheels, the traveling position of the car wash machine can be accurately determined, and the car wash processing device can be controlled. Can be done accurately.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a car-washing machine main body formed in a gate shape so as to straddle the body of an automobile. Wheels 2 and 2 are rotationally driven by electric motors 4 and 4 capable of forward and reverse rotation, and along wheels 3 and 3. Travel back and forth.

Reference numeral 5 denotes an ultrasonic sensor which constitutes a means for measuring the distance of the present invention. From the time until the ultrasonic wave signal is transmitted in the horizontal direction and the reflected wave from the reflecting surface is received, to the reflecting surface. Measure the distance.

A position sensor 6 detects the position of the car wash machine.
Then, the dog 7, which is a protrusion provided on the lower portion of the car wash machine body 1 and fixed to the laying surface of the rail 3, is sensed and switched to give the position of the car wash machine body 1. The dog 7 gives the running start position of the car wash machine body.

Reference numeral 8 is a top brush that moves up and down along the upper surface of the vehicle body, 9 is a side brush that opens and closes along the side surface of the vehicle body, and 1
Reference numerals 0 and 11 denote sprinkling nozzles, 12 denotes an upper surface drying nozzle, and 13 denotes a side surface drying nozzle. As the car wash machine body 1 reciprocates,
It constitutes a car wash processing device that performs processing such as car body cleaning and drying.

Reference numeral 14 is an operation panel for giving an operation instruction to the car wash machine, and an operator can operate each part of the car wash machine or instruct a car wash by operating a key on the operation panel (not shown).

Reference numeral 15 is a reflector that serves as a reference for measuring the running position of the car wash machine, and is constructed so as not to irregularly reflect the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 5, and the support 16
Held by

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control system of the embodiment. Reference numeral 17 denotes a microcomputer, which includes a CPU 18 for performing arithmetic processing, a memory 19 for storing programs and various data, and an input / output interface 20,
The input / output interface 20 includes an ultrasonic sensor 5 for traveling distance measurement, a position sensor 6, an operation panel 14, electric motors 4, 4, a top brush 8, a side brush 9, sprinkling nozzles 10, 11, an upper surface drying nozzle 12, a side surface drying. Nozzle 1
3 are connected.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the top brush 8 of the car washer is a top brush 8 for cleaning the upper surface of the automobile so as to avoid the carrier C attached to the roof of the automobile A.
At the position Yb, which is a distance L1 from the position Ya at the front bumper position of the automobile A,
Is controlled, and the top brush 8 is controlled to be lowered at a position Yc which is a distance L2 from the position.

The car washer moves forward from the start position to start car washing, and the ultrasonic sensor 5 travels while measuring the distance between the car washer and the reflector 15 which serves as a reference for the running position in a constant time period. Then, the vehicle advances to the front bumper position shown in FIG. Car wash and reflector 15 measured at this time
The position Ya is determined from the distance La from the position Ya, and the position Yb for raising the top brush 8 and the position Yc for lowering the top brush 8 are calculated with reference to the position Ya.

The car wash machine continues to run while washing the car, and when the ultrasonic sensor 5 reaches the position Yb for measuring the distance Lb, the top brush 8 is raised to avoid the carrier C. When the ultrasonic sensor 5 reaches the position Yc for measuring the distance Lc, the top washer 8 is lowered to wash the upper surface of the automobile again.

At this time, for example, even when the traveling wheels slip and reach the position Yb from the position Yb over a predetermined time, unlike the case where the timer is used for control, the position where the top brush 8 is lowered is displaced. Never. Further, unlike the case of using the encoder, the position where the top brush 8 is lowered does not shift without misidentifying the encoder pulse corresponding to the idling of the wheel as the traveling distance.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, in the embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor is provided on the upper portion of the rear surface of the car wash machine, but if there is no obstacle between the ultrasonic sensor and the reflection plate indicating the reference position, the ultrasonic sensor may be provided below the ultrasonic sensor. The design can be changed to. Further, in the embodiment, the reference position is provided at the rear of the car wash machine, but an ultrasonic sensor may be provided at the front of the car wash so that the reference position is at the front of the car wash. Furthermore, as the reference position, a fire wall or a building wall may be used without installing a reflector.

In the embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor is provided in the car wash main body and the reflector is provided separately from the car wash machine main body. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic sensor is provided separately from the car wash machine. It is also possible to install a reflector on the car wash machine and measure the distance to the car wash machine.

Further, either the ultrasonic wave transmitting portion or the ultrasonic wave receiving portion may be provided at the reference position, and the other may be provided at the car wash machine to measure the ultrasonic wave transmission time. In this case, if the transmission cycle is fixed and the deviation of the reception cycle due to the running of the car wash machine is detected, it is possible to accurately detect the moving distance without synchronizing the transmission and reception.

The means for measuring the distance from the reference position is not limited to the ultrasonic sensor, and for example, the reflector is irradiated with pulsed laser light and the time difference between the reflection and the return is detected. By measuring the distance,
A laser radar may be used.

[0028]

As described above, the present invention is provided with a car wash processing device such as a brush, a sprinkling nozzle, and a blower in a car-washing machine body formed in a gate shape. In a car wash machine for cleaning and drying the car body, a fixed part that serves as a standard for measuring the travel distance of the car wash machine is provided separately from the car wash machine body. Is provided and the traveling position of the car wash machine is detected by directly measuring the distance between the car wash machine body and the fixed part.

Alternatively, a means for measuring the distance to the car wash machine is provided separately from the car wash machine body, and the car wash machine body is provided with a fixed portion which serves as a reference for measuring the travel distance of the car wash machine. The traveling position of the car wash machine is detected by measuring the distance between the main body and the distance measuring means.

As a result, the traveling position of the car wash machine can be detected without being affected by fluctuations in the rotation speed of the traveling electric motor, slipping of the traveling wheels, and the like, so that the car wash processing device can be accurately controlled. It can be done and there is no fear of damage to the car body.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of a conventional example.

FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Car Wash Machine Main Body 5 Ultrasonic Sensor as Means for Measuring Distance 15 Reflector 17 Microcomputer for Controlling Car Wash Machine

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 14, 1995

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a car-washing machine main body formed in a gate shape so as to straddle the body of an automobile. Wheels 2 and 2 are rotationally driven by electric motors 4 and 4 capable of forward and reverse rotation, and along wheels 3 and 3. Travel back and forth.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Brief description of the drawing

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front explanatory view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of a conventional example.

FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 1 Car wash main body 5 Ultrasonic sensor as means for measuring distance 15 Reflector 17 Microcomputer for controlling car wash machine

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A car wash processing device such as a brush, a water spray nozzle and a blower is provided in a car wash machine body formed in a gate shape, and the car body is washed as the car wash machine body or the car runs.
In a car washing machine that performs processing such as drying, a fixing part that serves as a reference for measuring the traveling distance of the car washing machine is provided separately from the car washing machine body, and the car washing machine body has a means for measuring the distance to the fixing part. A car washing machine characterized by detecting the traveling position of the car washing machine by measuring the distance between the car washing machine body and the fixed part. 2. A car-washing machine body formed in a gate shape is provided with a car-washing treatment device such as a brush, a water spray nozzle, and a blower, and the car body is washed as the car-washer body or the car runs.
In a car washing machine that performs processing such as drying, a means for measuring the distance to the car washing machine is provided separately from the car washing machine body, and the car washing machine body has a fixed part that is a standard for measuring the traveling distance of the car washing machine. A car washing machine, which is provided to detect a traveling position of the car washing machine by measuring a distance between the car washing machine body and the distance measuring means. 3. A car-washing machine body formed in a gate shape is provided with a car-washing treatment device such as a brush, a sprinkling nozzle, and a blower, and the car body is washed as the car-washer body or the car runs.
In a car washing machine that performs processing such as drying, a reflector that serves as a reference for measuring the distance traveled by the car washing machine is provided separately from the car washing machine body. A car washing machine characterized by detecting the traveling position of the car washing machine by providing a sound wave sensor and measuring the distance between the car washing machine body and the reflector.