JPH0813631B2 - Drying method for car body upper surface - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Object of the Invention (1) Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a method of drying an upper surface of a vehicle body of an automobile, in particular, a drying method using a gate type traveling frame equipped with an upper surface drying nozzle. Regarding the method.

(2) Prior Art While a gate-type traveling frame that can straddle an automobile moves in the front-rear direction so as to pass through the automobile, drying air is directed toward the upper surface of the automobile body from an upper surface drying nozzle provided in the traveling frame. A method for drying the upper surface of a vehicle body of an automobile by spraying is conventionally known.

(3) Problems to be Solved by the Invention In general, the upper surface of a car body, particularly the windshield and the rear glass, is required to be more carefully dried than other parts in order to ensure a better visibility immediately after car wash. .
Therefore, if the above-mentioned drying process for the upper surface of the vehicle body is repeated several times, the above requirement can be satisfied, but on the other hand, there are the following problems. That is, in order to repeat the drying process several times, it is necessary to make the gate-shaped traveling frame travel back and forth many times over the entire traveling section, so that it takes a long time for the drying process as a whole and the work efficiency is poor, This causes inconvenience such as excessive power consumption for operating the gate type traveling frame and the drying blower.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a drying method for a vehicle body upper surface of an automobile that can solve all the above problems of the conventional method.

B. Configuration of the Invention (1) Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a gate-type traveling frame that can straddle a vehicle while moving in the front-rear direction so as to pass through the vehicle. In the drying method for the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile, the drying air is blown toward the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile from the upper surface drying nozzle provided in the traveling frame, in the middle of movement of the portal traveling frame, the upper surface drying nozzle is When the end position of a predetermined repeated drying section including at least a section for performing air blowing on at least one of the float glass and the rear glass is reached, the gate type traveling frame is reversed and moved until the nozzle returns to the starting position of the repeated drying section. And the second step of reversing and moving the portal traveling frame again until the nozzle reaches the end point position. And repeating at least once that repeat drying process.

(2) Operation According to the above configuration, the end position of the predetermined repeated drying section including at least the section for the upper surface drying nozzle to blow the air to at least one of the windshield and the rear glass during the movement of the gate type traveling frame. Since the reciprocating movement of the upper surface drying nozzle is repeated only in the repetitive drying section, even if the gate type traveling frame is not repeatedly reciprocated over the entire traveling section, at least the windshield or the rear glass is reached. The drying process for one side is repeated.

(3) Examples Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a car wash apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part thereof. The gate-type traveling frame 1 that can straddle an automobile has traveling rails 7,7
The wheels 8 and 8 are pivotally supported so that they can travel back and forth. Blowers 9, 9 are provided on both upper sides of the traveling frame 1, respectively. The upper surface drying nozzle 2 is connected to the tips of the blower pipes 10 connected to the discharge ports of the blowers 9.

A flexible guide roller is provided in the lower center of the upper surface drying nozzle 2.
11 are provided, and support rods 12, 12 are integrally provided at both left and right ends. At the tip of the support rods 12, 12, the lifting members 13,
14 is fixed. The elevating members 13 and 14 are provided with guide rollers 15 and 15 axially supported on their upper portions and guide rollers 16 and 16 axially supported on their lower portions to guide members 17 provided on both side surfaces of the traveling frame 1. 17 is engaged. Further, an operating member 19 for operating an upper limit switch 18 for detecting the upper limit position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is provided at the upper end of the one elevating member 13. The upper limit switch 18 and the operating member 19 constitute an upper surface drying nozzle upper limit position detecting means D ₁₀ . Further, the other lifting member 14
At the upper end of the rocking limit switch 20, there is provided a rocking limit switch 20 that operates when the lifting members 13 and 14 rock at a predetermined angle or more.

At the center of the upper end of the upper surface drying nozzle 2, the chain 2
One end of 1,21 is fixed. The chains 21, 21 are
After passing through guide pulleys 22, 22, 23, and 23 that are pivotally supported by the traveling frame 1, the moving pulleys 24, 24 are hung down, and the other ends are fixed to the traveling frame 1. The movable pulleys 24, 24 are axially supported by a movable pulley frame 25, and the lower ends of the movable pulley frames 25 are fixed to the upper end of a piston rod 29 of a cylinder 4 as an ascending / descending drive device which is pivotally supported by a traveling frame. There is. Also,
A stopper 26 for determining the upper limit position of the movable pulley frame 25 is provided on the traveling frame 1. At the upper end of the cylinder 4, a stop device 6 described later for stopping the piston rod 29 is provided.

An upper surface drying nozzle position detecting means D ₉ is provided on the rotary shaft 27 of the guide pulleys 23, 23.

Driven sprockets 28, 28 are coaxially provided on the wheels 8, 8, and drive sprockets 30, 30 are provided on the drive shafts of the prime movers 3, 3 supported by the traveling frame 1. The driven sprockets 28, 28 and the driving sprockets 30, 30 include
Chains 31,31 are suspended. A drive position detecting means D ₁ is provided on the drive shaft of one of the prime movers 3.

A limit switch 32 is provided in the lower center of the traveling frame 1. The limit switch 32 is actuated by a cam 33 provided on one of the traveling rails 7 when the traveling frame 1 is at the start position of the traveling rails 7,7. The limit switch 32 and the cam 33 constitute a start position detecting means D ₁₁ .

The upper surface cleaning brush 5 is swingably supported by pivots 34, 34 rotatably supported on both side surfaces of the traveling frame 1 via swing arms 35, 35. Pivoting arm 35 and 35, the said pivot 34 to the intermediate portion is fixed, the support shaft 2 ₁ a top cleaning brush 5 at its distal end is rotatably supported. A prime mover 36 is provided at the base end of one swing arm 35, and its output is
Via a transmission mechanism (not shown) provided inside the swing arm,
It is adapted to be transmitted to the support shaft 2 ₁ a top car wash brushes 5. A balance weight W is fixed to the base end of the other swing arm 35. A magnet 37 is provided on one of the pivots 34, and constitutes a top surface car wash brush upper limit position detecting means D ₇ together with a reed switch 38 that operates when the top surface car wash brush 5 is at the upper limit position. Further, the top surface car wash brush position detecting means D ₆ is provided on the pivot shaft 34, while the other pivot shaft 34 is
A storage cylinder that stores the car wash brush 5 in the upper limit position.
A piston rod 40 of 39 is attached via an actuating arm 41.

FIG. 3 shows a specific structure of the stop device 6 shown in FIGS. A ring-shaped brake shoe 42 is wound around the outer circumference of the piston rod 29 of the cylinder 4. Cylindrical casing ₆₁ of the stopping device 6, the brake shoe 42
Is arranged so as to surround the piston rod 29 including the.
The casing 6 _1, there together with the brake piston 43 that defines an air chamber 6 ₂ is slidably fitted, so as to reduce the air chamber 6 ₂ volume by pressing the piston 43 A working brake spring 44 is received. The air chamber 6 ₂
Is connected to a pressurized air source Ai (FIG. 4) via a supply port 45. The air chamber 6 within ₂ Further, a plurality of brake arm
46 is accommodated radially so as to surround the piston rod 29,
The proximal end of their braking arms 46 (the upper end) of the piston rod 29 between the brake shoe 42 and the casing ₆₁ of the inner surface
And a roller 47 is rotatably supported at the tip (lower end) of the roller.
The taper surface 48 of the brake piston 43 urged upward by the brake spring 44 is pressed against the outer surface of the 47. Thus, when pressurized air is not supplied to the air chamber 6 in ₁ brake piston 43 is raised by the resilient force of the brake spring 44, swinging the brake arm 46 inwardly thereof tapered surface 48 through the roller 47 Move and brake shoes
42 is pressed against the piston rod 29 and the piston rod 29 is braked. Also, the when the pressurized air to the air chamber 6 ₂ is supplied from the pressurized air source Ai brake piston 43 is pushed down downward against the biasing force of the brake spring 44, roller 47 moves outward. Therefore, the brake arm 46 does not press the brake shoe 42 against the piston rod 29, and the piston rod 29 operates freely.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an air and hydraulic circuit. The piping 49 connected to the pressurized air source Ai is a pressure reducing valve for adjusting the pressure.
It is connected to the air supply port 45 of the stopping device 6 via a 50 and a normally open three-way solenoid valve 51. The pipe 49 is also connected to the upper part of the pressurized container 54 via a pressure reducing valve 52 and a normally open three-way solenoid valve 53. The hydraulic oil contained in the pressure vessel 54 is supplied to the cylinder 4 via the check valve 55 with a fixed throttle. The check valve 55 with a fixed throttle is opened when the cylinder 4 contracts and closed when the cylinder 4 extends.

FIG. 5 (a) shows the traveling position detecting means D shown in FIGS.
_1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific structure of the detecting portions of the upper surface car wash brush position detecting means D ₆ and the upper surface drying nozzle position detecting means D ₉ , and FIG. 5 (B) is a view showing its output waveform. In FIG. 5A, a slit plate Sl is arranged so as to face a disc RD having a plurality of slit patterns written on the outer peripheral portion and one slit pattern written on the inner peripheral portion. The slit plate Sl is provided with an A-phase slit SA and a B-phase slit SB corresponding to the slit pattern of the outer peripheral portion, and a Z-phase slit SZ corresponding to the slit pattern of the inner peripheral portion. A light emitting diode LEDA and a phototransistor TrA are sandwiched between the A phase slit SA and the disk RD, and a light emitting diode LEDB and a phototransistor Tr are sandwiched between the B phase slit SB and the disk RD.
B further includes an emitting diode LEDZ and a phototransistor TrZ with the Z-phase slit SZ and the disk RD sandwiched therebetween.
However, they are arranged facing each other. When the disk RD is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the light emitting diodes LEDA ~
Since the light of the LEDZ passes or is blocked, the phototransistors TrA to TrZ output the signals STrA to STrZ shown in FIG. 5B. The signals STrA and STrB are pulse signals of a period T with a phase difference of 90 °, and the signal STrZ is a signal indicating the origin position. Then, by inputting the signals STrA to STrZ to a rotation direction discriminating circuit and a counter (not shown), the rotation angle of the disk RD can be detected as a pulse number. Therefore, the traveling position of the traveling frame 1 from the start position, the elevation position of the upper surface car wash brush 5 from the upper limit position, and the elevation position of the upper surface drying nozzle from the upper limit position can be detected as the respective pulse numbers.

FIG. 6 is an elevation position setting means D ₁₂ for setting the elevation position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2, a discrimination means D ₃ for discriminating that the inclination angle of the upper surface of the automobile body is a predetermined value or more, a rotation of the prime mover 3. A motor control means D ₄ for controlling the direction, a lifting control means D ₅ for controlling the cylinder 4 as a lifting drive device,
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system when a microcomputer is used as another control means. The control means 60 is
A micro processing unit 61 that performs arithmetic processing,
A read-only memory M ₁ that stores programs and fixed data, a random access memory M ₂ that is used to store work areas and variable data, an input interface 62, an output interface 63, and a bus 64 that connects them. ,,. The input interface 62 includes the above-mentioned running position detecting means D ₁ , upper surface car wash brush position detecting means D ₆ , upper surface drying nozzle position detecting means D ₉ , upper surface drying nozzle upper limit position detecting means D ₁₀ , start position detecting means D. ₁₁ , output signals of the upper surface car wash brush upper limit position detecting means D ₇ , the reciprocating signal generating means D ₈ , and the swing limit switch 20 are input. The output interface 63 includes solenoid coils L51 and L53 of solenoid valves 51 and 53 shown in FIG. 4, prime movers 3 and 3 provided on the traveling frame 1, a prime mover 36 provided on the swing arm 35, and A control device 65 for the storage cylinder 39 is connected. Also,
A storage means M including a random access memory M ₂ is also connected to the bus 64.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the brushing process when the traveling frame 1 is moving forward, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means 60 in that case, and FIG. 9 is a principle of setting the up-and-down position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2. It is a figure.

In FIG. 7, when the traveling frame 1 is at the position (1a) and the upper surface car wash brush 5 is at the upper limit position (5a), when the reciprocating signal generating means D ₈ outputs a signal indicating the going, the control is performed. The means 60 operates based on the flowchart of FIG. In step S ₁ , it is determined whether or not the brushing process is performed. And if the brushing process
Proceeds to S _3, performs other processing proceeds to step S ₂ otherwise. In step S _3, the controller of the storage cylinder 39
By operating 65, the piston rod 40 of the storage cylinder 39 can be freely extended. Further, the prime mover 36 is operated to rotate the upper surface car wash brush 5. Then, the prime movers 3 and 3 are operated, and the traveling frames 1 start going forward by the rotation of the wheels 8 and 8. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface car wash brush 5 is lowered to the position (5b).
At this time, the traveling position detecting means D ₁ outputs a signal relating to the position of the traveling frame 1, and the upper car wash brush position detecting means D ₆ outputs a signal relating to the position of the upper car wash brush 5. Then, the traveling frame 1 moves forward to the position (1a)
When the start position detecting means D ₁₁ is left, the cam 33 does not operate the limit switch 32 and the start position detecting means D ₁₁ does not output a signal. Therefore, operation proceeds from step S ₄ to step S _5. At this time, as shown in FIG.
Touches the vehicle body of the automobile V at positions (5c, 5d, 5e) and performs brushing processing. On the other hand, in step S ₅ , the traveling position detecting means D ₁ and the upper surface car wash brush position detecting means
Output signal is input D _6, in step S _6, the vertical position setting means D ₁₂ sets the vertical position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2, at step S _7, the storage means M, to correspond to the traveling position storage Let These steps S ₅ to S ₇ are forward stroke signal of the reciprocating line signal generating means D ₈ are repeated until no output in step S _8. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the upper surface car wash brush 5 advances to the positions (5f to 5g) and the traveling frame 1 reaches the position (1b), the forward signal is not output,
Operation proceeds to step S ₉ from step S ₈ of FIG. 8. In step S ₉ , the prime movers 3 and 3 are deactivated and the traveling frame 1 is stopped. Also, deactivate the prime mover 36,
The rotation of the top car wash brush 5 is stopped, the storage cylinder 39 is driven by the control device 65, and the top car wash brush 5 is raised. At that time, when it is moved up to the position (5h) shown in FIG. 7, the magnet 37 operates the reed switch 38, so that the upper surface car wash brush upper limit position detecting means D ₇ outputs a signal. Therefore, the control device 65 stops the storage cylinder 39, stores the upper surface car wash brush 5 in the upper limit position, and ends the brushing process.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a setting principle of the vertical position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 at step S ₈ described above. The upper surface car wash brush 5 descends from its upper limit position (5a) to a position where the pivot 34 rotates by an angle θ ₁ and contacts the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V. At this time, the swing arm 35 is inclined by an angle theta ₂ with respect to the horizontal line H that passes through the pivot 34. This angle θ ₂ can be easily obtained from the angle θ ₀ at the upper limit position (5a) and the output signal of the above-mentioned top car wash brush position detection means D ₆ corresponding to the angle θ ₁ . Then, when the distance between the centers of the pivot shafts 34 and the support shaft 2 ₁ is L, the distance A from the horizontal line H to the center of the support shaft 2 ₁ is expressed by Equation (1).

A = Lsin θ ₂ (1) Since the optimum position for the drying process of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is the ascending / descending position shown in the figure, the ascending / descending position setting means
The ascending / descending position SD ₃ from the upper limit position set by D ₁₂ is expressed by equation (2).

SD ₃ = A + X + C (θ ₁ ) = Lsin θ ₂ + X + C (θ ₁ ).
(2) X is a numerical value determined by the upper limit position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 and the height position of the pivot 34. Further, the correction value C (θ ₁ ) is changed by the angle θ ₂ of the swing arm 35 from the horizontal line H, because the pressure of the upper surface car wash brush 5 against the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V is changed and the upper surface car wash brush 5 is deformed. intended to compensate for changes in the distance between the vehicle body upper surface and the center of the vehicle V of the support shaft 2 ₁ a numerical value defined for the pre-theta _1. At this time, the output signal of the travel position detector D ₁ is the one corresponding to the position SD _1. However, the top drying nozzle 2 is at position SD ₁ ′. Then, with respect to the direction in which the traveling frame 1 is the forward stroke, since those positions SD ₁ is increased, the position SD ₁ 'is represented by equation (3).

SD ₁ ′ = SD ₁ −B = SD ₁ −Lcos θ ₂ (3) The elevation position SD ₃ and the distance B are stored in the control means 60 in advance so as to correspond to the angle θ ₁ .

Therefore, in the storage means M, data represented by the formula (2) is stored at an address represented by the formula (3).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a drying process when the traveling frame 1 goes backward, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means 60 in that case.

In FIG. 10, when the traveling frame 1 is at the position (1b) and the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is at the upper limit position (2a), when the reciprocating signal generating means D ₈ outputs a signal indicating the backward movement, the control is performed. The means 60 operates based on the flowchart of FIG. Drying whether determined in step S _11. Then, the process proceeds to step S ₁₃ if the drying process,
The procedure proceeds to step S ₁₂ otherwise perform other processing. In step S _13, sets a value to initialize the variable I "0", the inclination angle of the vehicle body upper surface to the variable J is equivalent to the number of drying processes performed on the windshield f and rear glass r is greater than or equal to a predetermined value To do. Then, operate the blower 9,9,
Further, by operating the prime movers 3 and 3, air is ejected from the upper surface drying nozzle 2 and the traveling frame 1 returns to start the drying process. At this time, the control means 60
When the upper surface drying nozzle 2 swings due to contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V or the like due to malfunction of the above, the swing limit switch 20 operates. Therefore, the output signal of the oscillation limit switch 20 is judged Yes in step S _14, the process proceeds to step S _15, all the operation is stopped. On the other hand, if the inconvenience of malfunction or the like, the process proceeds to step S _16, and inputs an output signal of the traveling position detecting means D _1. And
Reads the stored content of the storage means M in step S _17. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is separated from the center of the pivot 34 of the swing arm 35 by a distance D. Therefore, read address Ad when the traveling position SD ₁ is expressed by equation (4).

Ad = SD ₁ + D (4) The set value SD stored at the address Ad in the equation (4).
_The upper and lower position ₃ is optimum for the drying process of the upper surface drying nozzle 2. At this time, the set value SD _3X stored at the address Adx, which is distant from the address Ad by a predetermined value on the side corresponding to the forward direction of the traveling frame 1, is also read. Then, it calculates a set value SD _3X from the set value SD ₃ in step S _18, the absolute value of the value is judged whether or not a predetermined value or more. If the absolute value of the value is more than the predetermined value, since the inclination angle of the vehicle body upper surface of the vehicle V is the case is not less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S _19, otherwise proceeds to step S _21. Step S
_{At 19} , it is judged if the variable I is equal to "0". I =
If it is 0, the output signal of the traveling position detecting means D ₁ at that time is a position at which the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body V of the automobile V is switched to a state in which the inclination angle exceeds the predetermined value (this position is particularly In the example shown, it is the starting point position of the repeated drying section), so that value is stored. Further, the variable I is increased by "1". Therefore, the variable I is the number of times the front glass f or the rear glass r having the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body V of a predetermined value or more has been dried. In step S ₂₁ the value of the variable I is determined. When I = 0, it means that the inclination angle of the vehicle body upper surface of the automobile V has not reached the predetermined value or more, and therefore, the process proceeds to step S ₂₅ . When 0 <I <J, the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V is changed from a state where the inclination angle is equal to or larger than a predetermined value to a state where the predetermined value is not exceeded, and the drying process of the windshield f and the rear glass r is completed. since the number of times set in the variable J is the case that is less than, in step S _22, to raise the upper surface drying nozzle 2 by the elevation control unit D _5, by the engine control unit D _4, the traveling frame 1
The traveling position corresponding to the output signal of the traveling position detecting means D ₁ stored in step S ₂₀ (the starting position of the repeated drying section)
Back up. Then, since the drying process is performed again, step
"1" to increase the variable I in S _23. And step S ₂₅
Proceed to. When the I = J, back to the initial value "0" to the variable I in step S ₂₄ since it is the case of performing only the drying process set number of, the process proceeds to step S _25. In step S ₂₅ , the output signal SD _{4 of the} upper surface drying nozzle elevating position detecting means D ₉ is input. Then, in step S _26, it is compared with the set value SD _3. The result of this comparison, the step S ₂₇ if SD _4> a SD _3, in step S ₂₉ if SD ₄ = SD _3, in step S ₂₈ if SD ₄ <SD _3, the process proceeds respectively. In step S _27, the solenoid valve 53 becomes deenergized cut the current flowing through the solenoid coil L53. Therefore, since the hydraulic oil is supplied to the cylinder 4, the upper surface drying nozzle 2 moves up. Then, the loop of steps S ₂₅ , S ₂₆ , S ₂₇ is repeated until the upper surface drying nozzle 2 reaches the optimum position. In step S _28, the solenoid valve 53 is energized current flows in the solenoid coil L53, by the weight of the top drying nozzle 2, since hydraulic oil supplied to the cylinder 4 is returned to pressure vessel 54, the upper surface drying The nozzle 2 descends. At this time, since the check valve of the check valve 55 with the fixed throttle is closed, the hydraulic oil is adjusted by the fixed throttle. Therefore, the upper surface drying nozzle 2
Falls at a slower rate than when it rises. Then, the loop of steps S ₂₅ , S ₂₆ , S ₂₈ is repeated until the upper surface drying nozzle reaches the optimum position. In step S _29, the solenoid valve 51, since the current flowing through the solenoid coil L51, is energized. Therefore, the stopping device 6 is actuated and the piston rod 29 is stopped, so that the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is kept in a constant lifting position. Then, when the traveling frame 1 returns to the position (1a) shown in FIG. 10 and the start position detecting means D ₁₁ outputs a signal, the determination in step S ₃₀ results in step S _30.
Proceeds to _31, to be output signal returns to the step S _16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface drying nozzle 2 moves up and down with respect to the positions (2b to 2i) to keep the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V and the position suitable for the drying process. Also, in the rear glass r part, it moves up and down to the position (2c, 2d, 2e, 2c, 2d) and windshield f
In the part, it moves up and down to the position (2g, 2i, 2h, 2g, 2i), and the drying process is performed multiple times. Therefore, in this illustrated example, positions 2c and
2d corresponds to the starting position and the ending position of the repeated drying section on the rear glass r side, and positions 2g and 2i correspond to the starting position and the ending position of the repeated drying section on the windshield f side, respectively. If the drying process is performed twice, for example, the variable J may be set to "2".

When the process proceeds to step S _31, the blower 9, 9 and a motor 3,3 is stopped to raise the upper surface drying nozzle 2.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, when the upper surface drying nozzle 2 reaches the position (2j), the upper surface drying nozzle upper limit position detecting means D ₁₀ outputs a signal to stop the ascent and finish the drying process. .

Next, the effect peculiar to the above embodiment will be described. According to the embodiment, when the swing limit switch 20 operates and outputs a signal, the entire operation is stopped. Further, flexible guide rollers 11, 11 are provided in the center of the lower part of the upper surface drying nozzle 2.
Therefore, even if the control device 60 malfunctions or the like and the upper surface drying nozzle 2 comes into contact with the vehicle body of the automobile V, the vehicle body is less likely to be damaged.

Further, the stop device 6 provided in the cylinder 4 stops the piston rod 29. Therefore, the upper surface drying nozzle 2
Is fixed in the up and down position when the piston rod 29 is stopped. Therefore, the gap between the upper surface drying nozzle 2 and the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V can be accurately maintained at a constant interval suitable for the drying process.

Further, the car wash device for carrying out the method of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various design changes can be made without departing from the present invention described in the claims. For example, as the vehicle body detection means, it is possible to use a plurality of sensors provided in the vertical direction on the side surface of the traveling frame 1 facing the automobile, and an ultrasonic transceiver. In these cases, the up-and-down operation of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 and the traveling direction of the traveling frame 1 can be controlled while detecting the vehicle height, so that only the drying process can be performed for the reciprocating movement of the traveling frame 1.

Further, the repeated drying section may be appropriately set in a range including at least one of sections (2g to 2i) and (2c to 2d) for the upper surface drying nozzle 2 to blow air onto the windshield f or the rear glass r, respectively. For example, the repeated drying section on the rear glass r side may be defined as (2b to 2d) so as to include the rear bonnet surface.

Further, the prime mover can be used in place of raising and lowering the upper surface drying nozzle 2 using the cylinder 4, and can be supported by a swing arm instead of being hung by the chains 21 and 21.

Further, in such a case that decided vehicle orientation relative to the traveling frame 1, the absolute value of a value obtained by subtracting the set value SD _3X from the setting value SD ₃ performed at step S ₁₈ it is determined whether a predetermined value or more , the process proceeds to step S ₁₉ if the predetermined value or more, instead proceeds to step S ₂₀ is equal to or less than a predetermined value,
The process proceeds to step S ₁₉ when the sign of the subtracted value is a code which has been predetermined by car orientation step when not code previously determined by whether the absolute value is equal to or larger than a predetermined value S ₁₉ or Step S
_You may go to ₂₀ . In this case, it is possible to perform only one of the drying processes of the windshield or the rear glass in which the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile is a predetermined value or more, a plurality of times. Therefore, if only the windshield that requires particularly careful treatment is dried a plurality of times, the time required for the drying treatment can be further shortened.

Furthermore, instead of pivotally supporting the upper surface car wash brush 5 using the swing arm 34, as shown in FIG. 12, a chain 68 is suspended around a sprocket 66 and a sprocket 67 driven by a prime mover 71, and the chain 68 is suspended. A bogie 69 and a balance weight 70 are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to 68, and the bogie 69 has a support shaft for the upper surface car wash brush 5.
2 ₁ may be pivotally supported.

C. Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, while the gate-type traveling frame that can straddle the automobile moves in the front-rear direction so as to pass through the automobile, the automobile is driven by the upper surface drying nozzle provided in the traveling frame. In the method for drying the upper surface of the vehicle body of an automobile, the upper surface drying nozzle blows air onto at least one of the windshield and the rear glass while the gate type traveling frame is moving. When the end position of a predetermined repeated drying section including at least the section for performing the above is reached, the first step of reversely moving the portal traveling frame until the nozzle returns to the starting position of the repeated drying section, and the nozzle At least one repetitive drying step including a second step of reversing and moving the portal traveling frame until reaching the end point position.
Since the upper surface drying nozzle reaches the end position of the predetermined repeated drying section including at least the section for blowing air on the windshield or the rear glass during the movement of the portal traveling frame, the repeated drying section is repeated. The reciprocating movement of the upper surface drying nozzle can be limitedly limited, and therefore, the drying process for at least one of the windshield and the rear glass is repeated without repeatedly reciprocating the gate type traveling frame over the entire traveling section thereof. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the drying processing time while enhancing the drying processing effect, which can contribute to the improvement of work efficiency and the reduction of driving power for the gate type traveling frame and the like. is there.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a car wash apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of a main part, FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of a stop device, and FIG. 4 is air and hydraulic pressure. Circuit diagram,
Fig. 5 (a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the traveling position detecting means, the upper surface car wash brush position detecting means, and the detecting portion of the upper surface drying nozzle position detecting means, and Fig. 5 (b) is shown in Fig. 5 (a). FIG. 6 shows an output signal, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system, FIG. 7 is a view showing a brushing process, FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means in the case of FIG. 7, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a view showing the principle of setting the raising / lowering position of the nozzle, FIG. 10 is a view showing a drying process, FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means in the case of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a support mechanism for the upper surface car wash brush. It is an example of a design change. 1 ... Running frame, 2 ... Top drying nozzle, f ... Windshield, r ... Rear glass, V ... Car

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A drying air is directed toward an upper surface of a vehicle body of an automobile from an upper surface drying nozzle provided on the traveling frame while a gate type traveling frame capable of straddling the automobile is moved in the front-rear direction so as to pass through the automobile. In a method of drying on the upper surface of a vehicle body of an automobile, a predetermined repetition including at least a section for the upper surface drying nozzle to blow air on at least one of the float glass and the rear glass during the movement of the gate type traveling frame. When the end point of the drying section is reached, the first step of reversing and moving the gate type traveling frame until the nozzle returns to the starting point position of the repeated drying section, and the gate type traveling frame is moved until the nozzle reaches the end point position. The vehicle is characterized in that the iterative drying step consisting of the second step of reversing and moving again is repeated at least once. The drying method for the body top surface.