U.S. patent application number 10/105679 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for rollover pressure car wash apparatus and methods of operating same.
Invention is credited to Belanger, Michael J., Wentworth, Robert J..
Application Number | 20020112745 10/105679 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23630464 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112745 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belanger, Michael J. ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Rollover pressure car wash apparatus and methods of operating
same
Abstract
A variable pressure spray type vehicle laundry apparatus in
which a carriage is mounted for longitudinal displacement along
overhead parallel beams and an inverted L shaped spray arm carrying
both horizontally and vertically directed nozzles circumscribes the
vehicle to be laundered. In the preferred embodiment two reversely
similar L shaped spray arms are used and caused to operate through
a butterfly type cycle to spray various fluids at different
pressures on the vehicle. For low pressure operations, the twin arm
system is centered over the vehicle and both spray arms are
supplied with low pressure fluid at the same time. For high
pressure operations, the left and right spray arms are operated in
sequence and each is maintained at an optimal spray arm to vehicle
spacing during its operating cycle. The carriage is provided with a
laterally translatable shuttle structure for this purpose.
Inventors: |
Belanger, Michael J.; (Novi,
MI) ; Wentworth, Robert J.; (Farmington Hills,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas N. Young
YOUNG & BASILE, P.C.
Suite 624
3001 West Big Beaver Road
Troy
MI
48084-3107
US
|
Family ID: |
23630464 |
Appl. No.: |
10/105679 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10105679 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
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09411821 |
Oct 1, 1999 |
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6372053 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/34 ; 134/123;
134/57R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S 3/06 20130101; B60S
3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/34 ; 134/123;
134/57.00R |
International
Class: |
B60S 003/04 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for spraying fluid onto an object in a treatment
location having a floor and comprising: a support structure
overhead the location a spray nozzle carrier arm of essentially
inverted L-shape having a horizontal spray portion extending from
an inboard end generally over the center line of the location to a
second end at the periphery of the location; said arm further
having a vertical spray portion essentially continuous with the
horizontal portion and extending from the second end thereof
downwardly toward the floor; spray nozzles carried by said arm; a
powered pivot structure connecting said arm to said support
structure to pivot said arm about a vertical axis passing
substantially through the inboard end of the first portion whereby
the vertical portion of the arm may be caused to circumscribe at
least a portion of the area; and means for supplying fluid to the
nozzles under pressure.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said support structure
defines a longitudinal path of travel and said apparatus further
comprises: a carriage structure mounted for longitudinal movement
over and relative to the treatment location; a reversible carriage
drive system; and said powered pivot structure being mounted on
said carriage.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 further including a shuttle
structure mounted on said carriage and including a shuttle drive
system for selectively causing movement of said shuttle and pivot
structure laterally of said support structure and carriage.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising a
programmable controller having outputs connected to the pivot
structure, said carriage drive and said shuttle drive.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said programmable
controller includes means for programmably controlling the speed of
movement of said carriage and shuttle drives.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a variable frequency generator.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a key pad input.
8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a resettable,
breakaway joint disposed between and interconnecting said first and
second carrier arm portions for permitting nondestructive relative
movement between said portions when said second arm is subjected to
a force.
9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for supplying
said nozzles with fluid comprises a fluid source and has multiple
pressure settings.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said support structure
comprises a pair of spaced parallel hollow beams suspended over the
washing area and extending transversely thereof, at least one
longitudinal beam extending between and supported by said pair of
beams; said apparatus further comprising a carriage mounted for
powered reversible travel on said beams, and a shuttle structure
mounted for powered reversible movement on said carriage.
11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 further comprising means for
adjusting the lateral spacing between said pair of parallel
beams.
12. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 further comprising means for
supplying heated liquid to the interior spaces of the beams.
13. A pressure washer for an object in a washing area comprising: a
support structure over said area; a pair of spray nozzle carrier
arms each being of essentially inverted L-shaped configuration and
having a first portion extending from a center point toward the
periphery of the area and a second contiguous vertical portion
disposed adjacent to the area; spray nozzles carried by the 1st and
2nd portions of each of said carrier arms; a pivot structure
connecting said carrier arms to said support structure at said
center point to reversely pivot said carrier arms whereby the
vertical portions of said carrier arms may be caused to follow
reversely similar, essentially mirror image paths which together
circumscribe the area; and means for supplying fluid to the nozzles
under pressure.
14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said support structure
defines the longitudinal path of travel; said apparatus further
comprising a carriage structure mounted for longitudinal movement
over and relative to the washing area, said pivot structure be
mounted on said carriage for movement therewith.
15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14 further including a shuttle
structure mounted on said carriage structure for bidirectional
lateral movement relative to said arms.
16. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 further including a resettable
breakaway joint disposed between interconnecting each of said first
and second carrier portions for permitting nondestructive
controlled relative movement between said portions.
17. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 further comprising a
programmable controller for controlling the movement of said
support structure relative to said washing area.
18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said programmable
controller comprises means for controlling the speed of movement of
said carriage.
19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a display.
20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a key pad.
21. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for
supplying said nozzles with washing fluid comprises at least two
fluid sources.
22. A pressure washer for an object in a washing area comprising: a
support structure over said area; a pair of spray nozzle carrier
arms each being of essentially inverted L-shaped configuration and
having a first portion extending from a center point toward the
periphery of the area and a second contiguous vertical portion
disposed adjacent to the area; spray nozzles carried by the 1st and
2nd portions of each of said carrier arms; a pivot structure
connecting said carrier arms to said support structure at said
center point to reversely pivot said carrier arms whereby the
vertical portions of said carrier arms may be caused to follow
reversely similar, essentially mirror image paths which together
circumscribe the area; and means for supplying fluid to the nozzles
under pressure wherein said means for supplying said nozzles with
washing fluid comprises at least two fluid sources.
23. Apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said support structure
comprises a pair of spaced parallel beams dispersed over the
washing area, at least one cross beam extending between and
supported by said pair of longitudinal beams, and a shuttle
structure mounted on the support for powered programmably
coordinated movement along said beams.
24. Apparatus as defined in claim 22 further including means for
determining the location of a vehicle in said area.
25. A method of pressure washing a vehicle which is disposed in a
washing area comprising the steps of: providing a spray nozzle
carrier arm of essentially inverted L-shape having a first
horizontal portion which is disposed over the area and a
contiguous, second vertical portion which is disposed adjacent the
periphery of the area; causing said carrier arm to circumscribe at
least part of the area and to pivot about an end of the arm which
is generally over the center of the area; and supplying washing
fluid to the nozzles under pressure.
26. A method as defined in claim 25 wherein the step of
circumscribing is carried out so as to maintain a substantially
constant spacing between the vertical arm portion and a vehicle in
the area.
27. A method of washing a vehicle having top, front, rear and side
surfaces while standing in a washing area comprising the steps of:
providing a pair of spray nozzle carriers each of essentially
inverted L-shape and each having first horizontal portions which
overlie the washing area and second vertical portions which are
adjacent the washing area; causing said carriers to pivot from the
inboard distal ends of said horizontal portions in a reversely
similar fashion so as to fully circumscribe said area and said
vehicle while maintaining a substantially constant spacing from the
side surfaces of said vehicle; and supplying said nozzle carriers
with washing fluid under pressure.
28. A method of washing a vehicle in a washing area comprising the
steps of: providing a pair of reversibly similar spray nozzle
carriers of inverted L-shaped having a substantially common pivot
center over the area; moving the carriers through a butterfly
pattern while moving the pivot center along and over the centerline
of the vehicle while simultaneously supplying both carriers with
fluid; and moving each carrier sequentially through a butterfly
pattern at a predetermined optimal distance from the vehicle while
supplying each carrier independently with fluid.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional U.S. Ser. No. 09/411,821
filed on Oct. 1, 1999 for ROLLOVER PRESSURE CAR WASH APPARATUS AND
METHOD OF OPERATING SAME, attorney docket number BGR-113.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to systems for causing one or more
spray nozzle support arms to traverse a path which circumscribes an
object such as an automobile as well as to operating methods
therefor. The invention and the various sub-combinations thereof
are advantageously applied to a vehicle laundry of the rollover
type.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The manufacture, sale and operation of automobile laundering
equipment is big business in the United States and many other
countries. The term "automobile laundering", as used herein, refers
to wet washing the external surfaces of virtually any type of
vehicle from ordinary passenger cars to busses, trucks, vans and
even train cars and airplanes. Moreover, the principles and
structures described herein can be applied to any fluid spray
system including, by way of example, painting, prepping and
corrosion-proofing.
[0004] One of the most popular forms of vehicle laundering
equipment is the so-called "rollover" washer which is characterized
by a washing structure which moves over or around a vehicle parked
in a pre-specified area. Rollover equipment typically occupies less
space than the traditional tunnel or conveyor washer and is often
preferred by car dealers, service stations and convenience stores
with collateral vehicle laundries for that reason.
[0005] Rollover washers can have brushes which contact the surfaces
of the vehicle; see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,983 issued Feb.
25, 1969 to R. Seakan and U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,284 issued Jun. 12,
1984 to R. Schleeter. An alternative approach, preferred by many
because of the absence of physical contact between the washing
apparatus and the vehicle, is the pressure washer, an example of
which is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,662 issued May 21, 1999
to Crotts and Rambo. Another example is illustrated in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,161,557 issued Nov. 10, 1992 to L. Scheiter.
[0006] The Seakan, Schleeter, Crotts et al and Scheiter systems are
all of the "gantry" type; i.e., they all involve the use of an
arch-shaped structure which rolls forward and backward along
spaced, parallel floor tracks while passing over the vehicle.
Crotts et al recognizes the desirability of laterally adjusting the
position of the spray bars on one side of the arch according to
variations in vehicle width.
[0007] Non-gantry pressure washers are also known in the art. One
such washer comprises an overhead support for an inverted L-shaped
spray arm which carries both vertically and horizontally-aimed
spray nozzles and which can move longitudinally, laterally, and
pivotally to circumscribe a parked vehicle. The pivot point for the
spray arm is essentially at the intersection of the vertical and
horizontal legs of the arm. This creates certain inefficiencies;
for example, when traversing the side of a vehicle, the arm goes
beyond the rear end of the vehicle stops and pivots 90.degree. to
begin a sweep of the rear surface. In so doing, the
downwardly-directed nozzles cover a sector-shaped area of the trunk
lid three times and the horizontally-directed nozzles spray into
empty space for a significant period of time. At a minimum, this is
wasteful of chemicals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides an apparatus for spraying
fluids onto the external surfaces of an object which is stationary
in a predetermined treatment area, e.g., an automobile parked in a
laundering area, by causing one or more arm-like spray nozzle
carriers to move through a path which causes a set of
vertically-arranged, horizontally projecting fluid nozzles to
substantially circumscribe the object while a set of
horizontally-arranged, vertically projecting fluid nozzles cover
the plan-view area of the object. Fluid is supplied to the nozzles
with additives and pressures chosen and regulated to achieve the
desired result. Coverage of the object is achieved in part by
rotation of the nozzle carrier or carriers and in part by linear
translation of the carrier or carriers via a carriage mounted on an
overhead track which also provides structural support.
[0009] In the hereinafter-illustrated forms, the apparatus of the
subject invention comprises at least one inverted L-shaped spray
nozzle carrier which is pivotally mounted at or near the inboard
distal end thereof to a powered pivot system which in turn is
mounted on an overhead carriage for longitudinal movement over and
relative to the vehicle. The combination of pivotal and
longitudinal movements are such as to cause the arm and the nozzles
therefor to circumscribe an object in the laundering area, thus to
provide full coverage but without undesirable overlap.
[0010] In the preferred and fully accessorized embodiment, the
carriage arrangement provides for lateral as well as longitudinal
displacement of the pivot center relative to the treatment area.
With this capability, pivotal movement, lateral movement,
longitudinal movement and pressure selection may be programmably
coordinated to perform high pressure treatment cycles at optimal
distances from the side surfaces of the treated object while low
pressure cycles are carried out in such a way as to promote
efficiency through time saving. By way of example, a dual spray arm
system affords simultaneous coverage of both sides of a vehicle in
a laundering area during that portion of a cycle in which fluid is
sprayed at low pressure. The nozzle-carrying arms move in
mirror-image or "butterfly" fashion to achieve maximum coverage
while the pivot center for the arms moves along a line
corresponding with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
However, for the high-pressure phase, the left and right arms of a
two-arm system are activated separately and each arm is placed at
optimal nozzle-to-vehicle spacing during its operating time.
[0011] The spray apparatus is shown herein in combination with an
overhead, fixed support structure preferably constructed of
aluminum beams. The illustrative structure comprises spaced-apart,
parallel longitudinal beams adjustably clamped to cross beams which
are in turn adjustably clamped to vertical corner posts to
facilitate installation as well as to tailor system size as
desired.
[0012] Further describing the preferred embodiment; i.e., the
embodiment having the greatest number of features, a carriage is
mounted on spaced-apart, parallel longitudinal overhead beams for
movement therealong. Longitudinal translation is provided by means
of wheels, preferably coated on contact surfaces to reduce wear,
and driven to provide controlled displacement at selected times in
a wash/rinse cycle sequence as programmed. Within the carriage, a
shuttle is provided for lateral or cross-wise movement over beams
bolted between end plates on the carriage structure. The shuttle
carries the pivot structure for the spray arms as well as the pivot
drive motor and the shuttle drive mechanism, all of which are
controlled to follow programs residing in, for example, the memory
of a programmable digital processor.
[0013] Drive motor speed as well as pressure variations are
preferably controlled by generating variable frequency control
signals and applying those signals to suitable devices such as
pumps and ac motors.
[0014] Object edge position inputs are provided, for example, by
optical or sonic signal-emitting components such as photo cells and
sonar transducers, or combinations thereof, all readily
commercially available, mounted on the spray arms and various other
places. The position signals are fed to the processor to locate the
centerline and outside edges; i.e., peripheral surfaces, of the
vehicle to direct the system to perform the longitudinal, lateral
and pivotal motions in a correlated way. For components, such as
the spray arms, which pivot or rotate, commercially available
encoders are used to generate pulses indicating increments of
angular motion. These pulses are readily counted and the counts
converted into distance quantities so that the position of the
spray arms can be determined and controlled at all times.
[0015] The preferred system is user-programmable, data-collecting,
and fault-detecting. The input devices mentioned above together
with limit switches, flow meters and the like, define a home
position for the carriage, the shuttle and the spray arms. All
movements are referenced to the home position and the system may
default to it in the event of a loss of signal.
[0016] The spray nozzles are suitably attached to supply hoses and
conduit made flexible and pivotal to accommodate movement between
fixed supply tanks and movable spray arms. Where multiple chemicals
are used in sequence, supply valves are timed to cause one chemical
to be purged or spent from the system prior to beginning another
pass calling for another chemical or treated water.
[0017] Various other features and advantages of the invention are
hereinafter described. For example, the spray arms are provided
with multi-axis "breakaway" sections which "give" non-destructively
in the event of encountering obstructions and provide a
fault-indicating signal to shut down system operation until a
correction is made.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a practical embodiment of
the invention using a single spray nozzle support arm;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment showing
various positions of the spray arm;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative overhead
support structure for use in the invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the
invention employing a pair of spray nozzle support arms and both
longitudinal and lateral movement capability;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front perspective drawing of a carriage and
shuttle assembly in the embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the carriage and shuttle
of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective drawing of the carriage and
shuttle assembly of FIG. 5;
[0025] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a break-away mount
for the spray arms of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 4;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a motor control circuit;
and
[0027] FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic path-of-travel diagrams for
the spray arms of FIGS. 4 and 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 where the components of a
single-arm embodiment are schematically shown, a representative
portion of a conventional passenger vehicle 10 has a front left
wheel 12 positioned by guides 14 suitably attached to the floor of
a vehicle laundry bay. A treadle 16 is mounted on the floor of the
bay near the forward extremity of the guides 14. When depressed by
the front tire of vehicle 10, treadle 16 generates an electrical
signal providing input data to a controller 66 to operate a signal
light 15 providing stop and go cues to the driver of vehicle 10.
Treadle 16 also provides the driver with a tactile cue that the
vehicle is in the correct position.
[0029] The foregoing and following description assumes that the
vehicle 10 is driven into the laundry bay, properly located and
driven forward out of the bay by a driver at the proper times. As
persons skilled in the art will know, the wash bay may instead be
equipped with a conveyor to position the vehicle.
[0030] An overhead carriage 18 having cushion surfaced wheels 20 is
mounted for longitudinal, fore and aft movement over the vehicle 10
by means of parallel spaced apart aluminum beams 22 carried by
vertical corner supports 24. The supports 24 are wide enough to
permit the vehicle 10 to pass between them without interference and
long enough to place the beams 22 and the carriage 18 well above
the vehicle to prevent undesirable mechanical interference. The
length of the beams 22 and the allowable longitudinal travel of the
carriage 18 may be equal to or somewhat less than the overall
length of the longest expected vehicle as hereinafter described.
Alternatively, the beams 22 may extend to and be used to carry
other equipment as desired. By way of example, beams 22 may be
twenty feet long and spread about twelve feet apart.
[0031] A motor 26 mounted on the carriage 18 and operates through
an angle encoder 28 to drive a hollow output shaft 30 about a
vertical axis which is essentially centered in the laundry bay. The
shaft functions as a mechanical element and as a fluid conduit and
is connected to a supply line 32 through a swivel coupling 34.
Fluid supply line 32 is carried in part by a boom 36 which is
pivotally mounted on a bay wall 38 to permit it to accommodate
travel of the carriage 18. Between the boom and the coupling,
supply line 32 is preferably flexible reinforced rubber.
[0032] Hollow shaft 30 is coupled to a hollow, rigid arm 40 of
essentially inverted L-shape carrying horizontally-arranged,
vertically downwardly-aimed spray nozzles 42 and
vertically-arranged, horizontally-inwardly-aimed nozzles 44. The
horizontal dimension of arm 40 is such as to extend from the
centerline to about 14 inches beyond the side edge or periphery of
the largest vehicle to be laundered. The vertical dimension is
approximately equal to the height of the vehicle plus about 14
inches.
[0033] The arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above
has the advantage of allowing continual, unidirectional rotation of
the shaft 30 during operation with no wind-up of the supply line
30. Motor 26 need only turn, for example, in a counterclockwise
direction. As will be apparent from the following, however, an
equivalent function can be achieved through alternate
pivot-direction reversals in which case the swivel coupling 34 can
be eliminated.
[0034] In the preferred arrangement shown, the carriage 18 is
provided with a longitudinal displacement drive motor 46 which is
connected to one of the wheels 20 through a gear box 48. Motor 46
is actuated by controller 66 to cause carriage movement either
forwardly or in reverse as determined by a stored program. Although
a direct connection from controller 66 to motors 26 and 46 is
shown, it is preferred to interpose a variable frequency actuation
signal source for speed control purposes as hereinafter explained
with reference to FIGS. 4 through 9. A steel loop 47 encircles beam
22 as a safety measure to prevent carriage 18 from falling in the
event of a derailment. Supply line 32 is connected to a water
supply through a variable pressure pump 49 and a control valve 50
to provide water at either of two preset pressure settings
according to the frequency of an actuation signal from a variable
frequency signal generator as hereinafter explained. Additives are
injected by tanks 51 and 52 by injection pumps 53 and 54
respectively. The additives may include soap, acid solution,
alkaline solution and the like. In addition, a source of
de-mineralized rinse water may be provided. All of the additives
and/or main alternative water supplies are connected or
disconnected to line 32 by controller 66 as required by the
sequence of the stored program or programs.
[0035] Typical of vehicle laundries intended for public use, the
FIG. 1 system is provided with an input device 56 such as a coin
slot, bill slot, or keypad to start the sequence. Additional input
devices such as transducers providing data to controller 66, may be
provided as desired. These may include ph sensors, flow meters,
liquid level sensors, temperatures sensors, electric eyes and the
like. In the FIG. 1 system, a sonic transducer 58 is mounted on an
arm 19 projecting forwardly of the carriage 18 to assist in
locating the front vehicle 10 as hereinafter described. A similar
arm and transducer 60 project from the rear of carriage 18, as
shown in FIG. 2.
Operation--FIG. 1
[0036] A brief description of the operation of the FIG. 1 system
will now be given with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the
drawing.
[0037] To start with, a "home position" for the arm 40 and carriage
18 is defined.
[0038] The preferred "home position" is with the arm 40 extending
to one side of the wash bay as represented by arm position 40a in
FIG. 2. The longitudinal home position of carriage 18 is less
important but may be at or toward the front of the bay where the
typical wash program starts.
[0039] With arm 40 in the home position, the bay is clear for entry
of vehicle 10. Once the vehicle reaches treadle 16 and stops, the
laundry sequence starts. First, the carriage 18 is brought toward
the forward position shown in FIG. 2 so that the transducer 58 can
locate the front of the vehicle 10. The transducer 58 is a
commercially available sonic ranging device tuned to provide one
output level when the return signal comes from the floor level and
another output level when the signal comes from any significantly
higher plane such as occurs when the top or hood or rear deck of a
vehicle is beneath the sensor. The transition from hood level to
floor level as the carriage 18 moves forward locates the front of
vehicle 10 and signals the controller 66 that it is safe to move
the spray arm around to position 40b as shown in FIG. 2. The arm 19
ensures that the front of vehicle 10 is located before the carriage
reaches the full forward position.
[0040] Pump 49, 53 and 54 and valve 50 are enabled in the
programmed sequence to provide pre-soak or detergent spray at low
pressure to nozzles 42 and 44. Motor 26 is activated to pivot arm
40 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 2 while motor 46 moves the
carriage 18 forward at a coordinated rate to permit nozzles 43 to
clear the front corner of the vehicle 10 and become repositioned
adjacent the driver's side of the vehicle; i.e., the right side as
seen in FIG. 2. Motor 46 is then activated to produce a
front-to-rear pass at a controlled rate along the driver's side.
The rearwardly projecting sonic transducer 60 locates the rear of
the vehicle and signals controller 66 when it is time to move arm
40 to the position 40c.
[0041] When the rear of the vehicle is reached, the motor 26 is
activated to pivot arm 40 to position 40c shown in FIG. 2. When the
rear corner is cleared, the carriage motor 46 may be activated to
bring the carriage 18 slightly forward and, when the arm reaches
the position 40c, reversed to allow the arm to clear the next
corner.
[0042] As mentioned above, the most time-efficient operation is to
continue to move arm 40 counterclockwise until it has circumscribed
the entire vehicle and returned to position 40b. This is not only
efficient timewise, it allows a single chemical to be sprayed over
the entire vehicle during a continuous sweep of arm 40. Before arm
40 reaches the 40b position, the valves and pumps 50, 53 and 54 are
reset to start the next chemical solution through supply line 32.
The timing must be empirically determined as it will vary according
to the length of supply line between tanks 51, 52 and the spray
nozzles 42; i.e., a longer run requires a longer purge time at a
given flow rate. The objective is to have the line 32 purged and
the next solution ready as the spray arm reaches the 40b position
so that the next sweep may begin immediately.
[0043] This sequence is repeated for as many cycles as are in the
selected program; pressure settings being varied as desired. A
"premium" wash may involve multiple wash or "prep" passes and
multiple rinse passes. Low pressure is used for prep and rinse,
high pressure is used to wash.
[0044] When the wash/rinse process is complete, arm 40 is returned
to the 40a "home" position as the signal light 15 is again switched
to green. Vehicle 10 exits the bay.
Figure 3
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the details of an aluminum beam
overhead support system are shown. The illustrated embodiment
comprises four hollow, square section vertical beams 24a, 24b, 24c
and 24d bolted to a poured concrete floor 13 in a vehicle laundry
building by means of base plates of which 31 is representative. The
beams 24 are preferably constructed of 4 inch by 6 inch aluminum
box sections for corrosion resistance but can be made of steel
and/or numerous other materials. They are located in an essentially
rectangular plan view pattern of approximately 20 feet in
longitudinal dimension and approximately 12 feet in lateral
dimension. These dimensions are representative of those chosen for
a conventional vehicle commercial car wash and other dimensions may
be chosen for other applications including vehicular and
non-vehicular applications. Cross beams 23a and 23b are mounted
between uprights 24 by means of clamps 25 which may be loosened to
provide sliding displacement between the clamp collars and the
uprights thereby to select the exact vertical position for the
beams 23. The collars of the clamps 25 may thereafter be tightened
to hold the beams 23 in the desired position.
[0046] Longitudinal beams are mounted in parallel, spaced relation
between cross beams 23a and 23b by means of clamps 27 which can be
loosely assembled to permit sliding adjustment relative to the
cross beams 23. Clamps can be tightened on beams 23 simply by
turning screws between opposing clamp sections to secure beams 22a
and 22b in place. This adjustable relationship allows the
longitudinal beams 22 to be centered relative to a wash lane even
if the lane and/or beams 24 are not centered relative to the
building.
[0047] A source of heated fluid, either air or liquid, is connected
to the beam structure to heat the interiors thereof in cold
weather. One or more return lines are provided as according to the
design of a particular system.
Figures 4-7
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, a second embodiment of the
invention is schematically shown in combination with the overhead
beam system of FIG. 3 and a conventional automotive vehicle 10. In
this embodiment, the carriage 18' is again supported by wheels 20'
on beams 22a and 22b. A drive motor and gearbox arrangement 46, 48
provides power for variable speed, bidirectional, longitudinal
movement by way of rubber tired drive wheels 150 connected by shaft
152. Wheels 150 engage the bottom surfaces of beams 22a and 22b.
Flanged idler wheels 20' engage the tops of the beams to provide
guidance and stability. Carriage 18' comprises end plates 62 and 64
interconnected by corner struts 108 and cross beams 70 and 72
bolted between the end plates in spaced, parallel relationship. A
shuttle 74 is mounted on beams 70 and 72 by way of wheels 76 and 77
to provide a lateral translation capability as well. A
bidirectional variable speed and motor 78 operates via a belt 160
mounted on sprockets as hereinafter described to move the shuttle
74 along the cross beams 70 and 72 as desired.
[0049] Belt 160 has its opposite ends attached to opposite left and
right sides of the shuttle 74 and is stretched between sprockets
162 and 163 mounted to the end plates 62 and 64. A belt
transitioner is preferably provided. When motor 78 turns sprockets
162 clockwise, for example, shuttle 74 moves to the right as seen
in FIG. 5. When motor 78 turns sprocket counterclockwise, the
shuttle moves to the left. The belt is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to
have teeth moulded into it. Sprocket 162 has corresponding teeth so
no slip can occur in the drive system operation.
[0050] As is further schematically shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the
shuttle 74 carries essentially centrally thereof a pair of spray
arms 40a and 40b, each of which is essentially of the inverted
L-shaped configuration shown in FIG. 1. Arm 40b is directly driven
by motor 26. To ensure coordinated but reversely-similar movement
of arm 40a, the outside of the shaft driven by motor 26 is provided
with a large diameter plastic gear surface which meshes with a gear
80 to drive arm 40a. Clockwise rotation of arm 40b results in
counterclockwise rotation of arm 40a and vice-versa.
[0051] Arm 40a has a hollow, fluid conduit vertical portion fitted
with nozzles 44 exactly as the FIG. 1 embodiment. The overhead
nozzles 42, however, are mounted on a manifold 117 suspended about
2 inches below the horizontal portion of arm 40a to provide hose
clearance.
[0052] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, the supply line is connected
to each of two valves 168 and 170 mounted on the bay wall 172 above
a pivot bracket 174. Separate supply lines 32a and 32b extend from
the valves 168 and 170, respectively, to the spray arms 40a and
40b, respectively. Lines 32a and 32b have both rigid and flexible
portions; rigid portions 176, 177 extend from plate which is
pivotally mounted to wall bracket 174. Additional rigid lengths 178
and 179 are mounted on a plate 110 which is pivotally attached to
the frame of shuttle 74. Flexible lengths 182, 183 connect the
rigid lengths 176, 177, 178, 179 and provide enough movement to
accommodate the entire length of carriage and shuttle
translation.
[0053] An arm 82 projecting out ahead of the shuttle 74 carries a
sonic ranging transducer 84 aimed downwardly at the floor and/or at
the top or hood or deck surface of vehicle 10. A second arm 86
projects rearwardly of shuttle 74 and carries a second sonic
transducer 88. Transducers 84 and 88 are used in finding the front
and rear extremities of the vehicle as previously described, An
optical transducer 90 on arm 40a is aimed downwardly toward a floor
reflector 190 normally disposed partly beneath vehicle 10 but of
sufficient lateral dimension to extend outwardly from even the
widest vehicle expected. Transducer 90 is used to find the
passenger side of the vehicle and, from that location, the
centerline of the vehicle. This is achieved by moving the shuttle
74 laterally with arms 40 in the fully oppositely extending lateral
portions.
[0054] The location of the driver's side of vehicle 10 is
essentially determined by wheel guides 14. The average vehicle 10
measures about 5 to 8 inches from tread center to outside body edge
and this is sufficient to locate one side of the vehicle. The
center line and the passenger side body edge, must be precisely
located by the transducer 90. The math to find the centerline of a
vehicle is fairly simple and is programmed into controller 166. The
driver's side edge is presumed to be six inches outside of the
center of guides 14. The passenger side edge is found by counting
pulses from a home position to the appearance of the unknown side
edge in the view field of transducer 90 and adding the count to a
constant representing the distance from home position to the
passenger side edge. One-half of the total identifies the lateral
coordinate of the centerline.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a preferred packaging
arrangement for the system of FIG. 4 is shown to comprise a
carriage 18' having solid end plates 62 and 64 joined by tubular
stainless steel corner struts 108. Teflon surfaced wheels 20' ride
on the top surfaces of the longitudinal rails 22a and 22b as
previously described. In addition, rubber tired drive wheels 150
are biased against the bottom of the rail 22a to provide
longitudinal drive by way of the motor 46' and a gearbox 48. Cross
rails 70 and are bolted between the end plates 62 and 64 as
previously described to provide for lateral translation of the
shuttle 74. Teflon cushioned wheels 76 ride on the cross rails 70
and 72 and a rubber tired idler wheel 102 bears against the bottom
of the cross beam 72 to stabilize the shuttle structure. Steel
cables or rigid tubes are preferably welded or bolted in place to
maintain the carriage 18' on the beams 22 and a similar arrangement
can be used to provide security for the shuttle 74 relative to the
carriage.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 7, the twin arm embodiment uses for the
upper or horizontal portion solid arms with spray nozzle manifolds
117 and 118 rigidly mounted directly beneath the arms to provide
clearance for the supply hoses. Tee fittings 119 and additional
high pressure rubber hoses 121 may be used to connect the fluid
supply line to the lower nozzles 44 on the vertical portion of each
of the arms 40a and 40b. Each valve 168, 170 has two conditions:
open and closed. In this fashion, a single, variable speed pump can
supply both lines 32a and 32b either independently or
simultaneously. As hereafter explained, both valves open for low
pressure operations including pre-soak and rinse. The valves are
opened one-at-a-time for high-pressure operations according to a
stored program.
Figures 8 and 9
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 an additional safety feature
of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6 will be described. The apparatus
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is effectively a two axis double
detent which allows each of the arms 40a and 40b to "break away" in
both the longitudinal and lateral directions in the event of a
system malfunction. The breakaway feature permits the lower or
vertical portions of each of the arms 40a and 40b to yield
nondestructively to an applied force due to, for example,
inadvertent contact between the arm and the side of a vehicle.
[0058] As shown in the Figures, representative arm 40a has a
rigidly attached L shaped end portion 120 which makes the turn
between the horizontal and vertical portion of the arm. A first
clevis 124 is connected to the arm portion 120 by way of a pivot
122 which permits pivotal motion of the lower portion of the arm
about one axis. Although not shown in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8 a
ball and spring type detent mechanism is provided before holding
the apparatus in the configuration shown in FIG. 8. The detent
yields when an outward force is applied to permit the structure to
assume the condition shown in FIG. 9.
[0059] The spacer 126 is connected between the first clevis 124 and
a second clevis 128 which is turned at 90.degree. relative to the
clevis 124. A second ball and socket detent mechanism 136 operates
between the lower arm portion 132 and the spacer 126 with the
assistance of a second orthogonal pivot 130 to permit the lower arm
portion 132 with its foam protective jacket 134 to pivot in a
second direction relative to the upper arm portion 120.
[0060] To detect and inform the controller 66 whenever a breakaway
action occurs, a spring arm 142 activating a micro switch 143
extends downwardly from a bracket 138 and passes through a metal
loop 140 mounted on the lower arm portion 134. When the mechanism
is in its normal operating condition as shown in FIG. 7; i.e., with
both of the detents seated, the spring arm 142 passes through a
hole in the loop 140, is unflexed and permits the micro switch 143
to remain in the open circuit position. However, when either of the
detents is unseated by pivotal motion about either pivot 122 or
130, loop 140 causes a spring arm 142 to flex and to close the
micro switch 143. This switch is wired to the controller 66 to
provide a fault condition signal which may, when the controller 66
is properly programed, shut the system down and provide a record of
the fault condition.
[0061] Several equivalent default detecting structures are
available. For one, the arm 142 may be constructed of spring
material over its entire length rather than just at the upper end
as shown. A second alternative involves an electric eye mounted on
the bracket 138 and looking downwardly on a target on the lower arm
132. Whenever the target moves away the optical sensor changes
signal condition and alerts the controller 66 of the fault
condition. Strain sensing devices such as piezoelectric crystals
and force transducers can also be used for this purpose as can
magnetostrictive and inductive and/or capacitive devices as
well.
Figure 10
[0062] FIG. 10 shows some detail of the controller 66. As shown in
this figure the controller 66 includes Mitsubishi E500 variable
frequency motor speed controllers 200, 202, 204 and 206 which
receive DC signals from a digital to analog converter 208 and
convert those signals to AC control signals for application to the
reversible AC variable speed motors 28 and 46 which provide the two
linear translation drives, to motor 26 which operate the pivotal
spray arm drive, and to pump 49 which controls pressure to the
nozzles via valves 168 and 170. The digital signals come from the
analog output of a microprocessor 210 having an input/output
section 212. Inputs to the circuit 212 come from the operating
system transducers including limit switches, micro switches, liquid
level sensors and other transducers as described above.
[0063] As also described above, the controller 66 is provided with
a state-of-the-art display and operator input station which is
typically within the owner controlled portion of the wash bay and
will not be described herein in detail. In addition, the controller
66 is provided with user supplied inputs from a key pad, currency
receipt slot and/or other equivalent device.
Operation--Figures 4-12
[0064] As indicated above the FIG. 4 device is typically parked in
a home position with the shuttle 74 and carriage 18' centered
relative to the structure shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 and with the
arms 40a and 40b extending outwardly in laterally opposite
directions. This clears the laundry bay for entry and exit of the
vehicles being treated. Once the vehicle enters the wash bay and is
properly located on the previously described treadle, and all other
system operating conditions are satisfied; e.g., an input key pad
signal of the proper code is received and/or the appropriate amount
of currency is furnished by a user, the laundry sequence
begins.
[0065] The first step is to locate the center line and outside
boundaries of the vehicle as explained above, the driver's side is
fixed by guides 14, the front is located by sonic device 58 and the
passenger side by optical device 90. Once the passenger side is
located and the location given an identifying number corresponding
to a pulse count from the lateral encoder, the centerline of the
vehicle is automatically identified by one-half that pulse count
and stored in temporary memory for later operation. For this
purpose the shuttle drive motor is first activated to move the
shuttle laterally toward the passenger's side of the vehicle until
the optical sensor 90 carried by the spray arm 40b sees the floor
mounted reflector 190 and locates the passenger's side boundary of
the vehicle 10. Thereafter the longitudinal drive motor 46 is
activated to move the carriage 18' forward until such time as the
sonic transducer 84 locates the front boundary of the vehicle 10
and signals the system that it is safe to pivot the arms 40a and
40b to the full forwardly extending position. With the shuttle 74
centered relative to the center line of the vehicle, the low
pressure prewash cycles are then executed by activating the pump 49
and opening both valves 168, 170 to supply the appropriate fluids
through the supply lines 32a and 32b simultaneously to both of the
spray arms 40a and 40b to spray all outside surfaces of the vehicle
starting at the front end. The arms swing outwardly and
simultaneously around the front corners of the vehicle and reassume
the position shown in FIG. 4 while the longitudinal carriage drive
moves the entire carriage longitudinally along the beams 22a and
22b toward the rear of vehicle 10 to spray fluid on the outside
surfaces of the entirety of the vehicle. When the sonic transducer
88 indicates the presence of the rear of the vehicle the arms 40a
and 40b are again permitted to butterfly and/or reversely pivot
toward one another as shown in FIG. 11.
[0066] The next chemical is preferably switched into the system
just before the arms reach the rearmost, parallel position, the
time interval depending as described above on the length of the
supply line 32 between the fluid source and the spray nozzles 42
and 44. The pump 49 is stopped when the first full cycle has been
finished and the arms are pivoted back out to the laterally
oppositely extending position and the carriage 18' is moved back to
the full forward position of the vehicle. Omitting running the pump
which the apparatus is in reverse insures that the chemicals
applied to the vehicle are given the longest possible soak time.
The next chemical is then selected and the operation described
above is run a second time.
[0067] Appropriate chemicals may be applied in the low pressure
operating condition as prescribed by the particular program. It
should be noted, however, that in the low pressure cycles, the
shuttle 74 is centered relative to vehicle 10 and shown in FIG. 11,
arms 40a and 40b are at equal distances from the sides of the
vehicle and are simultaneously spraying.
[0068] For the high pressure cycles, a different approach is taken:
the spray arms 40a and 40b are supplied with fluid one at a time
and the selected spray arm is maintained at the optimal position
relative to the side surfaces of the vehicle which it addresses.
This typically requires a non centered position of the shuttle 74
relative to the geometric center line of the apparatus and/or the
vehicle as shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b.
[0069] Assuming the arm 40a is activated first, the shuttle moves
from approximately the center of the vehicle to the right as shown
in FIG. 4. As the shuttle reaches the right hand extreme as shown
in FIG. 12a, the carriage 18' is moved forward while the arm 40a is
rotated around the front left corner of the vehicle (as seen from
the driver's prospective) to maintain the appropriate spacing.
Thereafter the shuttle is moved back toward the center line of the
vehicle but not necessarily to a position which is coincident with
the center line because the objective at this point is to establish
and maintain an optimal distance between the vertical portion of
the spray arm 40a and the driver's side surface of the vehicle as
shown in FIG. 12. This position is maintained as the shuttle moves
the spray arm along the side of the vehicle and toward the left
rear corner is viewed from the driver's prospective. Again the arm
40a is pivoted around the comer of the vehicle with the shuttle and
carriage moving toward the rear to maintain appropriate spacing and
then back toward the front as the arm arrives again at the fully
rearwardly extended position.
[0070] At this point the opposite spray arm is activated and an
inverse operation is performed with the vertical portion of the arm
40b maintained at the optimal spacing relative to the passenger's
side of the vehicle 10. The high pressure spray on the passenger's
side is conducted from back to front to conserve time. This
combination of cycles may be repeated as many times as is
desired.
[0071] It will be noted that because the motion of the arms 40a and
40b is of a "butterfly" type, they do not continue all the way
around the vehicle in the fashion described with reference to the
apparatus of FIG. 1. Therefore the "wind up" phenomenon requiring
the swivel fitting 34 does not occur in the apparatus of FIG. 4 and
no swivel fittings are required.
[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
apparatus described herein may be modified or supplemented in
various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Moreover it will be apparent that the process inventions
described herein may be carried out in various ways and with
various apparatus departing only in substantial ways from the
structure described herein while maintaining the essential
functional identity.
* * * * *