U.S. patent application number 09/848918 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-10 for touch-free loading system for an in-bay, automatic vehicle wash system.
Invention is credited to Cuddeback, Mark, Jones, Allen S..
Application Number | 20020002986 09/848918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22753073 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020002986 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones, Allen S. ; et
al. |
January 10, 2002 |
Touch-free loading system for an in-bay, automatic vehicle wash
system
Abstract
A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic
vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted
target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The
vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that
detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle
enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front
sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that
detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle
operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position.
An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top
profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A
control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors
and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters
of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Jones, Allen S.; (Bay of
Islands, NZ) ; Cuddeback, Mark; (Green Bay,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDRUS, SCEALES, STARKE & SAWALL, LLP
100 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
22753073 |
Appl. No.: |
09/848918 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60203232 |
May 8, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/18 ; 134/123;
134/34; 134/56R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/18 ; 134/123;
134/34; 134/56.00R |
International
Class: |
B60S 003/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A vehicle wash system for washing a vehicle positioned within a
wash bay, the system comprising: a movable overhead gantry
including a spray arm for washing a vehicle in the wash bay; a
control unit for controlling the movement of the overhead gantry
and the spray arch within the wash bay during the washing of the
vehicle; a first vehicle position sensor operable to determine the
distance from the first vehicle position sensor to a first side of
the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay, the first
vehicle position sensor being connected to the control unit; and a
second vehicle position sensor operable to determine the distance
from the second vehicle position sensor to a second side of the
vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay, the second vehicle
position sensor being connected to the control unit; wherein the
control unit controls the operation of the overhead gantry and the
spray arch based upon the sensed distances of the vehicle from the
first vehicle position sensor and the second vehicle position
sensor.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first vehicle position sensor
and the second vehicle position sensor are each ultrasonic
proximity sensors.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the first vehicle position sensor
and the second vehicle position sensor determine the distance from
the respective sensor to the vehicle at multiple times such that
the control unit receives multiple distance measurements from the
first and second vehicle position sensors as the vehicle enters
into the wash bay.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising an overhead sensor
mounted to the movable overhead gantry, the overhead sensor being
operable to determine the distance from the overhead sensor to the
top of the vehicle positioned in the wash bay.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the overhead sensor is an
ultrasonic proximity sensor.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the overhead sensor is connected
to the control unit such that the control unit operates the
overhead gantry and the spray arch based upon the distance from the
overhead sensor to the vehicle.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the overhead sensor makes multiple
measurements during relative movement between the overhead gantry
and the vehicle such that the overhead sensor determines the top
profile of the vehicle.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a front sensor array
positioned to detect the front of the vehicle as the vehicle enters
into the wash bay, wherein the front sensor array is coupled to the
control unit such that the control unit can generate a signal to
stop the movement of the vehicle upon sensing the front end of the
vehicle by the sensor array.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the front sensor array includes a
first front sensor and a second front sensor each operable to
detect the presence of the vehicle, wherein the control unit
signals the proper positioning of the vehicle when only the first
sensor detects the vehicle and the control unit signals the
improper positioning of the vehicle when both the first front
sensor and the second front sensor detect the presence of the
vehicle.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein both the first front sensor and
the second front sensor are through-beam sensors.
11. The system of claim 9 further comprising an electronic sign
positioned within the wash bay and coupled to the control unit,
wherein the control unit operates the sign to indicate the proper
and improper position of the vehicle.
12. A vehicle wash system for washing a vehicle positioned within a
wash bay, the system comprising: an overhead gantry movable along
the length of the vehicle, the overhead gantry including a spray
arch for washing the vehicle positioned within the wash bay; a
front sensor array positioned to detect the front end of the
vehicle as the vehicle enters the wash bay; and a control unit
coupled to the front sensor array to receive an indication of the
presence of the vehicle from the front sensor array; wherein the
control unit generates a signal to direct the position of the
vehicle based upon the signal from the front sensor array.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the front sensor array includes
a first front sensor and a second front sensor each operable to
detect the presence of the vehicle, wherein the control unit
signals the proper positioning of the vehicle when only the first
sensor detects the front of the vehicle and the control unit
signals the improper positioning of the vehicle when both the first
front sensor and the second front sensor detect the presence of the
vehicle.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein both the first front sensor and
the second front sensor are through-beam sensors.
15. The system of claim 13 further comprising an electronic sign
positioned within the wash bay and coupled to the control unit,
wherein the control unit operates the sign to indicate the proper
and improper positioning of the vehicle within the wash bay.
16. The system of claim 12 further comprising an overhead sensor
mounted to the overhead gantry, the overhead sensor being operable
to determine the distance from the overhead sensor to the top of
the vehicle positioned in the wash bay.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the overhead sensor is an
ultrasonic proximity sensor.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the overhead sensor makes
multiple measurements during relative movement between the overhead
gantry and the vehicle such that the overhead sensor generates a
top profile of the top surface of the vehicle.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the overhead sensor is connected
to the control unit such that the control unit operates the
overhead gantry and the spray arch based upon the detected distance
between the overhead sensor and the top of the vehicle.
20. A vehicle wash system for washing a vehicle positioned within a
wash bay, the system comprising: an overhead gantry movable along
the longitudinal length of the vehicle when the vehicle is
positioned within the wash bay, the overhead gantry including a
spray arch operable to wash the vehicle within the wash bay; a
control unit for controlling the movement of the overhead gantry
and operation of the spray arch during washing of the vehicle; a
first vehicle position sensor operable to determine the distance
from the first vehicle position sensor to a first side of the
vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay, the first vehicle
position sensor being connected to the control unit; a second
vehicle position sensor operable to determine the distance from the
second vehicle position sensor to a second side of the vehicle as
the vehicle enters into the wash bay, the second vehicle position
sensor being connected to the control unit; an overhead sensor
mounted to the overhead gantry, the overhead sensor being operable
to determine the distance from the overhead sensor to the top of
the vehicle positioned within the wash bay, the overhead sensor
being coupled to the control unit; and a first front sensor and a
second front sensor spaced from each other and connected to the
control unit, the first and second front sensors being operable to
detect the presence of the vehicle, wherein the control unit
signals the proper positioning of the vehicle when only the first
front sensor detects the vehicle and the control unit signals the
improper positioning of the vehicle when both the first front
sensor and the second front sensor detect the presence of the
vehicle; wherein the control unit controls the operation of the
overhead gantry and the operation of the spray arch based upon the
sensed distance of the vehicle from the first vehicle position
sensor, the sensed distance of the vehicle from the second vehicle
position sensor, and the sensed distance of the top of the vehicle
from the overhead sensor.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein the first vehicle position
sensor and the second vehicle position sensor are ultrasonic
proximity sensors.
22. The system of claim 20 wherein the first vehicle position
sensor and the second vehicle position sensor make multiple
measurements as the vehicle enters the wash bay such that the
control unit receives multiple measurements of the distance between
the vehicle and the first and second vehicle position sensors such
that the control unit can develop a profile of the side surfaces of
the vehicle.
23. The system of claim 20 wherein the overhead sensor is an
ultrasonic proximity sensor.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein the overhead sensor makes
multiple measurements during relative movement between the overhead
gantry and the vehicle such that the control unit can determine a
top profile of the vehicle.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein the spray arch includes a top
arm and a side arm, wherein the control unit controls operation of
the top arm and the side arm based upon the top profile of the
vehicle.
26. The system of claim 20 wherein the first front sensor and the
second front sensor are through-beam sensors.
27. A method of controlling the operation of an overhead gantry and
a spray arch of a vehicle wash system, the method comprising the
steps of: determining the position of a first side of the vehicle
as the vehicle enters into the wash bay; determining the position
of a second side of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash
bay; and operating the overhead gantry and the spray arch based
upon the position of the first side of the vehicle and the position
of the second side of the vehicle within the wash bay.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising the steps of:
detecting the position of the front end of the vehicle in the wash
bay; and signaling to an operator of the vehicle to move the
vehicle to a selected position in the wash bay based upon the
detection of the position of the front end of the vehicle.
29. The method of claim 28 further comprising the steps of:
detecting the height of the vehicle in the wash bay; and operating
the overhead gantry and the spray arch based upon the height of the
vehicle within the wash bay.
30. The method of claim 27 wherein the step of determining the
position of the first and second side of the vehicle includes the
steps of: positioning a first vehicle position sensor near the
entry of the wash bay; positioning a second vehicle position sensor
opposite the first vehicle position sensor near the entry to the
wash bay; operating the first vehicle position sensor to determine
the distance from the first vehicle position sensor to the first
side of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay;
operating the second vehicle position sensor to determine the
distance from the second vehicle position sensor to the second side
of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay; and
receiving the measured distances from the first vehicle position
sensor and the second vehicle position sensor in a control unit,
wherein the control unit controls the operation of the overhead
gantry and the spray arch based upon the detected distances.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein both the first vehicle position
sensor and the second vehicle position sensor are ultrasonic
proximity sensors.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein the first vehicle position
sensor and the second vehicle position sensor are each operated at
predetermined intervals such that the first vehicle position sensor
and the second vehicle position sensor generate multiple distance
measurements as the vehicle enters into the wash bay such that the
control unit can generate a side profile for each side of the
vehicle.
33. The method of claim 28 wherein the step of detecting the
position of the front end of the vehicle includes the steps of:
positioning a first front sensor within the wash bay, the first
front sensor operable to detect the presence of the vehicle;
positioning a second front sensor within the wash bay, the second
front sensor being operable to detect the presence of the vehicle,
wherein the front sensor is spaced from the first front sensor;
coupling the first front sensor and the second front sensor to a
control unit; and signaling the proper positioning of the vehicle
when only the first front sensor detects the vehicle and signaling
the improper position of the vehicle when both the first front
sensor and the second front sensor detects the presence of the
vehicle.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the first front sensor and the
second front sensor are through-beam sensors.
35. The method of claim 29 wherein the step of determining the
height of the vehicle in the wash bay includes the steps of:
positioning an overhead sensor on the overhead gantry, the overhead
sensor being operable to determine the distance from the overhead
sensor to the top of the vehicle; and coupling the overhead sensor
to a control unit such that the control unit can determine the
height of the vehicle based upon the sensed distance from the
overhead sensor to the top of the vehicle.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein the overhead sensor is an
ultrasonic proximity sensor.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein the overhead sensor makes
multiple distance measurements during movement of the overhead
gantry relative to the longitudinal length of the vehicle, such
that the control unit can generate a top profile based upon the
multiple distance measurements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention is related to and claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/203,232 filed on May 8,
2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related to a method and apparatus
for properly positioning a vehicle in the wash bay of an automatic
vehicle wash system. More specifically, the present invention
relates to a vehicle-loading system that utilizes a series of
sensors to detect and position a vehicle in the wash bay and thus
does not require a floor-mounted target that captures a tire of the
vehicle to properly position the vehicle within the wash bay of an
in-bay, vehicle wash system.
[0003] In current in-bay, vehicle wash systems, the vehicle-loading
system includes a floor-mounted "target" that captures the tire of
the vehicle to be washed. The floor-mounted target is typically an
inclined ramp or raised member on the wash bay floor. In this type
of system, the operator of the vehicle being washed must guide the
left front tire of his or her vehicle onto the ramp. The
floor-mounted target is used to accurately position the vehicle
relative to the operating components of the in-bay, vehicle washing
system such that the control system for the vehicle wash can
operate an overhead spray arch in the correct manner to wash the
vehicle.
[0004] Floor-mounted target systems can cause new customers a great
deal of anxiety, since the customer must align the front tire with
the target while at the same time watching instruction signs
mounted within the wash bay. Additionally, if the floor-mounted
target system is missed initially, it is difficult for the customer
to back onto the ramp to move into the correct position.
[0005] Floor-mounted target systems also have problems that are
associated with the variety of production tires that are available
on the market. Since the floor-mounted target captures the front
tire of the vehicle being washed, floor-mounted target systems
constantly have issues with being able to accommodate the variety
of widths and heights of different types of tires. Additionally,
many high performance vehicles have low profile tires creating a
possibility that expensive, polished rims can be scratched or
damaged by the floor-mounted target system.
[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an open bay loading system that does not include any type
of floor-mounted target to position the vehicle within the wash
bay. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide
a vehicle-loading system that utilizes a plurality of through-beam
sensors and position sensors to accurately determine the position
of a vehicle within the open wash bay without any contact with a
tire of the vehicle. It is an additional object of the present
invention to provide a vehicle-loading system that includes left
and right side vehicle position sensors that not only detect the
position of the vehicle within the open wash bay, but also
determine the side profile of the vehicle as it is driven into the
open wash bay.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a vehicle-loading system for
positioning a vehicle within an open wash bay of a vehicle wash
system. The vehicle-loading system does not include any
floor-mounted target device to position the vehicle within the wash
bay. Instead, the vehicle-loading system of the invention includes
at least a pair of front sensors that each emit a through beam
spaced from each other by a distance of approximately 18 inches. As
the vehicle drives into the wash bay, a pair of right and left
vehicle position sensors sense the side profile of the vehicle and
the distance of the vehicle from both the right and left sides of
the wash bay.
[0008] As the vehicle continues to proceed within the wash bay,
electronic instruction signs within the wash bay signal the driver
to stop when the front bumper of the vehicle is within a certain
acceptable position. If the vehicle travels too far into the wash
bay, the instruction signs within the wash bay signal the customer
to back up into the acceptable position. The use of the front
sensors and the right and left vehicle position sensors allows the
control unit of the vehicle wash system to determine the position
of the vehicle within the wash bay and modify the operating
instructions to the overhead gantry and spray arch based upon the
position of the vehicle.
[0009] In addition to the front sensors and the left and right
vehicle position sensors, the vehicle wash system of the present
invention includes a sensor positioned on the overhead gantry to
detect the height of the vehicle as the overhead gantry makes an
initial pass over the vehicle. The overhead sensor is preferably an
ultrasonic sensor. As the gantry makes a pass over the vehicle, the
overhead sensor is able to determine the top profile of the
vehicle, which can be used to control the operation of the side and
top portions of the spray arch. Preferably, the overhead sensor
mounted to the gantry, as well as the right and left vehicle
position sensors and the front sensors are coupled to a common
control unit that is able to determine an accurate profile of the
vehicle prior to initiating the wash process. In this manner, the
control unit for the vehicle wash system can control operation of
the spray arch based on a detailed profile of the vehicle being
washed.
[0010] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the invention.
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an end view of an in-bay touchless vehicle wash
system including the vehicle loading and sensing system of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the in-bay, touchless vehicle wash
system illustrating the longitudinal positioning of a vehicle
within the wash system;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle entering the
vehicle wash system;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the
front end of the vehicle and the proper positioning of the vehicle
within the vehicle wash system;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an end view illustrating the positioning of a
vehicle within the vehicle wash system;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5
illustrating the movement of the overhead gantry relative to the
vehicle;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top, schematic illustration of the movement of
the overhead gantry during the wash process;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial schematic illustration of the movement
of the spray arch prior to washing the front end of a vehicle;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the
spray arch along the front of a vehicle being washed;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the
spray arch prior to washing the opposite side of a vehicle;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a further illustration of the movement of the
gantry to wash the opposite side of a vehicle;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the
spray arch prior to washing the rear end of a vehicle; and
[0026] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the
spray arch during washing of the rear end of a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] In prior art in-bay, touchless vehicle wash systems, a floor
mounted target device receives the left front wheel of the vehicle.
In many prior art systems, the target device is an inclined ramp
that receives the front tire of the vehicle as the vehicle is
driven onto the ramp. The ramp includes side rails that aid in the
guiding of the front wheel into the proper position, which may
scuff or damage the vehicle tire as the vehicle is being properly
positioned.
[0028] In addition to the possible scuffing of the vehicle tire,
prior art touchless vehicle wash systems require the vehicle
operator to line up the front wheel with the floor mounted target
while at the same time watching instructions on bay-mounted
signage. Thus, the prior art system that includes a floor mounted
target device causes a great deal of customer anxiety and is
difficult to use. Additionally, if the vehicle is driven too far
forward, the front tire of the vehicle drives down the back side of
the ramp and the vehicle is unable to reposition itself correctly
within the vehicle wash bay.
[0029] In prior art vehicle wash systems, an overhead gantry moves
along a pair of parallel side rails to wash the vehicle when the
vehicle is positioned within the wash bay. The overhead gantry
typically includes a spray arch that passes around the outside of
the vehicle to apply soap and water to clean the vehicle. However,
the overhead gantry is unable to determine the position of the
front bumper of the vehicle extending forward from the front
wheel.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, thereshown is an in-bay,
touchless vehicle wash system 10 of the present invention. The
vehicle wash system 10 includes four spaced uprights 12 that are
connected by a pair of top, side supports 14 that define the
longitudinal length of the wash system 10. The side supports 14 are
each joined by an end rail 16 to define a top frame for the vehicle
wash system.
[0031] In addition to supporting the side supports 14, each of the
uprights 12 supports a pair of spaced guide rails 18. The spaced
guide rails 18 are used to support an overhead gantry 20. The
overhead gantry 20 is movable longitudinally along the pair of
guide rails 18 to wash the vehicle 22 contained within the open
wash bay. As can be understood in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame for the
vehicle wash system 10 is self-supporting and can be positioned
within an open wash bay to wash the vehicle 22.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, the overhead gantry 20 includes a
spray arch 24 that includes a series of spray nozzles used to wash
the vehicle 22. The spray arch 24 is rotatable about a central axis
and is movable along the length of the gantry 20. Thus, the spray
arch 24 is movable across the width of the wash bay. The spray arch
24 includes a top arm 26 and a side arm 28 that each include a
series of nozzles used to apply both water and soap to the vehicle
22 during the wash process. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the side arm
28 is angled to generally correspond to the side profile of a
vehicle.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, the vehicle wash system 10 includes
an instruction sign 30 that includes operational instructions for
the driver of the vehicle 22 as the vehicle is positioned within
the wash bay of the vehicle wash system. Preferably, the
instruction sign 30 includes various individual areas that can be
lit to provide the vehicle driver the proper instructions, such as
to drive forward, drive back, and stop, as well as an indication of
when the wash process has been completed.
[0034] Referring now to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle loading
system 10 of the present invention includes a right vehicle
position sensor 32 and a left vehicle position sensor 34 that are
used to detect the vehicle as it enters into the open wash bay
between the rear pair of uprights 12. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the
right and left vehicle position sensors 32 and 34 are each mounted
to one of the rear uprights 12 and are positioned above the floor
at a height to detect the side of a vehicle 22 being driven into
the open wash bay. The right and left sensors 32 and 34 are
positioned near the entry to the wash system such that they detect
the entire length of the vehicle, as will be described below. Both
the right sensor 32 and the left sensor 34 are coupled to a control
unit 35 that controls the operation of the wash system. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the right vehicle position
sensor 32 and the left vehicle position sensor 34 are each an
ultrasonic proximity sensor that can determine the distance between
the individual sensor and the side of the vehicle.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, as the vehicle 22 enters
into the open wash bay, the right vehicle position sensor 32
determines the distance between the sensor 32 and the side of the
vehicle, as indicated by Y. At the same time, the left vehicle
position sensor 34 determines the distance between the sensor 34
and the left side of the vehicle, as indicated by X. As illustrated
in FIG. 2, each of the sensors 32 and 34 are connected to the
control unit 35 for the vehicle wash system 10. Each of the sensors
32 and 34 determines the distance between itself and either the
right or left side of the vehicle at numerous discrete time periods
as the vehicle 22 enters into the wash bay. The numerous
measurements made by each of the sensors 32 and 34 are used by the
control unit 35 to determine the lateral position of the vehicle 22
within the wash bay as well as the side profile of the vehicle.
Therefore, the vehicle loading system of the present invention
measures and records the full side profiles of the vehicle as the
vehicle enters into the wash system.
[0036] The vehicle loading system of the present invention allows
the control unit 35 of the vehicle wash system to generate a side
profile for the vehicle and detect protrusions or contours in the
vehicle and adjust the wash operations accordingly. The best
example of this type of side sensing is evident in FIG. 4, in which
the vehicle 22 includes rear fenders 36 that extend from the
otherwise constant side profile of the vehicle. As indicated in
FIG. 4, each of the rear bumpers 36 generate a measurement Y' and
X' that is different from the initial front measurements X and Y
made in FIG. 3. Based upon this information, the control unit used
to operate the vehicle wash can control the operation of the spray
arch 24 and the overhead gantry based on the position of the
vehicle and the side profile.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 1, the overhead gantry 20 includes an
overhead sensor 38 that detects the height of the vehicle as the
vehicle enters into the wash bay. Specifically, the overhead sensor
38 is an ultrasonic proximity sensor that is connected to the
control unit for the vehicle wash system such that the overhead
sensor 38 senses the distance between the sensor 38 and the top of
the vehicle at discrete time periods as the vehicle enters into the
wash bay. Again, the control unit can then determine the top
profile of the vehicle prior to initializing the wash process.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit
35 can control the operation of the soap and water supplied to both
the top arm 26 and the side arm 28 of the spray arch 24 depending
upon the top profile sensed by the overhead sensor 38. For example,
if the control unit determines from the overhead sensor 38 that the
vehicle being washed is a small, compact car, the control unit can
turn off operation of the top arm 26 and only emit soap and water
from the side arm 28, since the side arm 28 is high enough to
adequately cover the entire compact car. Conversely, if the
overhead sensor 38 determines that the vehicle is a large truck or
sport utility vehicle, the control unit can turn on the soap and
water conduits for the top arm 26 to make sure that the roof and
hood of the vehicle are adequately covered. In this manner, the
vehicle wash system can more efficiently distribute soap and water
on vehicles based upon sensing the type of vehicle being
washed.
[0039] In addition to determining the top profile of the vehicle,
the overhead sensor 38 is able to positively determine the position
of the back bumper of the vehicle as the overhead gantry 20
initially moves over the vehicle. Thus, the control unit 35 can
accurately determine the position of the back of the vehicle, as
well as the position of each side prior to beginning the wash
process.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2, the vehicle wash system 10 includes
a front sensor array 40 mounted to each of the front uprights 12.
The front sensor array 40 includes three individual through-beam
sensors that each generate a through beam transmitted across the
width of the vehicle wash bay.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, the front sensor array 40 includes
a first front sensor 42, a second front sensor 44 and a third front
sensor 46 that are spaced from each other along a mounting block
48. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first, second
and third front sensors 42-46 include an emitter contained on the
left mounting block 48 and a corresponding receiver contained on
the right mounting block 50. Thus, each of the sensors 42-46
generates a through-beam across the width of the vehicle wash
bay.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, when the vehicle enters into the wash
bay 11, the front bumper 52 breaks a first through-beam 54
generated by the first front sensor 42. When the first beam 54 is
broken, the control unit for the vehicle wash system operates the
sign 30 (FIG. 2) to instruct the customer to slow down.
[0043] As the vehicle 22 continues to move within the wash bay 11,
the front bumper 52 will break a second beam 56 generated by the
second front sensor 44. Upon breaking the second beam 56, the
control unit operates the sign 30 to instruct the customer to stop.
If the customer stops the vehicle before breaking the third beam
58, the sign will indicate to the customer that the vehicle is
correctly positioned within the vehicle wash bay.
[0044] However, if the vehicle proceeds too far in the vehicle wash
bay, the front bumper 52 will break the third beam 58 generated by
the third front sensor 46. If the third beam 58 is broken, the
control unit will indicate to the consumer that the vehicle has
traveled too far within the wash bay and request that the vehicle
be backed up until only the first and second beams 54 and 56 are
broken. Once the vehicle is correctly positioned, the sign 30
indicates that the vehicle should be placed in park and the wash
process will begin.
[0045] As can be understood by the foregoing description, the
elimination of the "target" device on the floor of the wash bay
allows the consumer to easily back up in the wash bay to correctly
position the vehicle. In the prior art system which utilized a ramp
to position the front end of the vehicle, the reversal of the
vehicle direction created problems in the wash process.
[0046] As can be understood by the foregoing description, the
vehicle loading system of the present invention allows the control
unit for the vehicle wash system to accurately locate the front
bumper, rear bumper, make a side profile determination for the
vehicle, and a top profile determination for the vehicle before the
wash process begins. Based on the readings from the individual
sensors, the control unit for the vehicle wash system can adjust
the operation of the overhead gantry and the spray arch such that
the spray arch is correctly positioned relative to the vehicle
during the wash operation.
[0047] An additional advantage of the present system is that the
vehicle is positioned within the wash bay based on the front bumper
of the vehicle. By knowing the accurate position of the front
bumper, the vehicle wash system can more accurately locate the
front of the car to improve cleaning. Current systems that locate
the front tire positions have problems associated with the
different vehicle dimensions between the front bumper and the front
tire.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5, once the vehicle has been
positioned within the wash bay, the control unit is able to make a
complete and accurate profile of the position of the vehicle as
well as a determination of the distance of the vehicle between the
right vehicle position sensor 32 and the left vehicle position
sensor 34. Based on this determination, the control unit moves the
spray arch 24 until the side arm 28 is the desired distance X" from
the outermost side portion of the vehicle 22. In the embodiment of
the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, the outermost portion is the
extended rear bumper 36.
[0049] Once the lateral position of the spray arch has been set,
the overhead gantry 20 is moved in the direction illustrated by
arrow 60 of FIG. 6 to a home position, as illustrated in phantom.
As the overhead gantry 20 moves to the home position, the overhead
sensor 38 can locate the back bumper of the vehicle. From the home
position, the gantry 20 moves along the guide rails 18 such that
the spray arch 24 washes the side of the vehicle 22. Once the
gantry reaches the end position shown in FIG. 7, the spray arch 24
is rotated 90.degree. and the spray arch is moved laterally across
the front of the vehicle, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0050] Once the spray arch reaches the front right corner of the
vehicle, the spray arch again rotates 90.degree. into the position
shown in FIG. 10. Once in this position, the control unit moves the
spray arch 24 until the side arm 28 is the required distance Y"
from the outermost side portion of the vehicle 22. Once the spray
arch is in the proper position, the gantry 20 moves in the
direction illustrated by arrow 62 to its rear position, as
illustrated in FIG. 12. During this movement, the spray arch 24
washes the right side of the vehicle.
[0051] Once the gantry 20 reaches its rear position, the spray arch
is rotated 90.degree. to the position illustrated in FIG. 13. Once
in position, the spray arch is moved laterally across the rear of
the vehicle, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this manner, the spray
arch and gantry 20 are able to wash the entire vehicle while it is
positioned within the wash bay.
[0052] As can be understood by the above description, the vehicle
loading system of the present invention is able to accurately
position the vehicle within an open wash bay without the use of a
"target device", such as a ramp that receives the front tire of a
vehicle. The vehicle loading system of the present invention is
thus able to more quickly load a vehicle within the open wash bay.
This is due to the customer being allowed much more freedom to
position themselves within the wash bay, since the system of the
present invention can detect the position of the vehicle and adjust
the operation of the gantry accordingly. The vehicle positioning
system of the present invention has over thirty-two times the
parking tolerance of current floor-mounted system, which allows the
customer to proceed into the wash bay faster and improves the
customer's wash experience.
[0053] An additional advantage of the present invention is that the
elimination of the floor-mounted "target" alignment system
eliminates the large amount of maintenance and installation costs
for the vehicle wash machine. Additionally, the elimination of the
target system reduces any limitations to the physical size, width,
or tire size of the vehicle being washed within the system.
[0054] Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as
the invention.
* * * * *