JPH0214950A - Drying method for body top of automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To aim at the promotion of reduction in dry processing time and improvement in operation efficiency by repeating the reciprocating movement of a dryer nozzle in limiting it to a repetitive drying section. CONSTITUTION:When a traveling frame 1 is situated at a position 1a and a top car-washing brush 5 at an upper limit position 5a, respectively, if a control mean operates and brushing is in a process, the brush 5 rotates. When this brush 5 is advanced to positions 5f-5g and the traveling frame 1 is reached to a position 1b, brushing treatment is over. When the traveling frame 1 is situated at this position 1b and a dryer nozzle 2 in an upper limit position 2a, respectively, the control means operates, and if drying is in a process, such a value equivalent to frequency of the dry processing to be done to front glass (f) and rear glass (r) should be set. With this constitution, if the portal traveling frame is not made to be repeatedly reciprocated and traveled over the whole traveling section, the dry processing for at least either of the front glass or rear glass is repeatable.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention A1 Object of the Invention (1) Industrial Field of Application The present invention relates to a method for drying the upper surface of an automobile body, particularly a drying method using a gate-type traveling frame equipped with an upper surface drying nozzle. Regarding.

(2) Prior art While a gate-shaped traveling frame that can straddle an automobile moves in the front-rear direction to pass the automobile, drying air is directed toward the upper surface of the automobile body from an upper surface drying nozzle provided on the traveling frame. A method of drying the upper surface of an automobile body by spraying the same is conventionally known.

(3) Problems to be solved by the invention In general, among the upper surfaces of automobile bodies, especially the windshield and rear glass, it is required to dry them more carefully than other parts in order to ensure good visibility immediately after washing the car. . Therefore, if the above-mentioned drying process for the upper surface of the vehicle body is repeated several times, the above requirements can be met, but on the other hand, the following problems arise. That is, in order to repeat the drying process several times, it is necessary to make the gate-shaped traveling frame move back and forth over its entire traveling section, which requires a long time for the drying process as a whole, resulting in poor work efficiency. This results in inconveniences such as consuming more power than necessary to operate the gate-shaped traveling frame and the drying blower.

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

B0 Structure of the Invention (1) Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides that while a gate-type traveling frame capable of straddling an automobile moves in the front and back direction to pass the automobile, the traveling frame In the method for drying the upper surface of an automobile body, in which drying air is blown toward the upper surface of the automobile body from an upper surface drying nozzle provided in the frame, the upper surface drying nozzle When reaching the end position of a predetermined repeated drying section that includes at least a section for blowing air to at least one of the glass or the rear glass, the portal traveling frame is reversely moved until the nozzle returns to the starting position of the repeated drying section. The drying process is characterized in that the repeated drying process is repeated at least once, which includes a first process of causing the nozzle to reach the end point position, and a second process of inverting and moving the gate-shaped traveling frame again until the nozzle reaches the end point position.

(2) Effect According to the above configuration, during the movement of the portal traveling frame, the upper surface drying nozzle reaches the end point of the predetermined repeated drying section that includes at least the section for blowing air to at least one of the windshield or the rear glass. Once the position is reached, the reciprocating movement of the top drying nozzle is repeated limited to that repeated drying section, so that the windshield or rear glass can be cleaned without having to repeatedly move the gate-shaped traveling frame back and forth over the entire traveling section. The drying process on at least one side is repeated.

(3) Examples Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail 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 parts thereof. The gate-shaped traveling frame 1 that can straddle an automobile includes traveling rails 7.7.
Wheels 8, 8 are pivotally supported along the road so as to be able to travel back and forth. Air blowers a9°9 are provided on both upper sides of the traveling frame 1, respectively. Then, at the tip of the air pipe 10.10 connected to the outlet of the air blower 9.9,
A top drying nozzle 2 is connected.

A flexible guide roller 11 is provided at the center of the lower part of the upper drying nozzle 2, and support rods 12, 12 are integrally provided at both left and right ends. At the tip of the support rod 12.12,
Lifting members 13,14 are fixed. The lifting member 1
3.14 is a guide roller 15. which is pivotally supported on the upper part of the guide roller 15.
15 and a guide roller 16.16 pivotally supported below it.
This engages guide members 17.17 provided on both sides of the traveling frame 1. Furthermore, an actuating member 19 is provided at the upper end of one of the elevating members 13 to actuate an upper limit switch 18 that detects the upper limit position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 . The upper limit position detecting means D is activated by the upper limit switch 18 and the actuating member 19.
1° is comprised.

Furthermore, a lifting member 13 is provided at the upper end of the other lifting member 14.
．． A swing limit switch 20 is provided that is activated when 14 swings beyond a predetermined angle.

A chain 21 is provided at the center of the upper end of the upper drying nozzle 2.
．． 21 is fixed at one end. Said chain 21.2
1 is a guide pulley 22, 22, which is pivotally supported on the traveling frame 1;
After passing through 23.23, it is suspended and becomes a movable pulley 24.24
is suspended, and the other end is fixed to the traveling frame 1. The movable pulleys 24, 24 are pivotally supported by a movable pulley frame 25, and the movable pulley frame 25 has a piston rod 29 of the cylinder 4 as an elevating drive device whose lower end is pivotally supported by a traveling frame.
is fixed to the top edge of the Further, a stopper 26 for determining the upper limit position of the movable pulley frame 25 is provided on the traveling frame 1. A stopping device 6, which will be described later, is provided at the upper end of the cylinder 4 to stop the piston rod 29.

The rotating shaft 27 of the guide pulley 23, 23 is provided with an upper surface drying nozzle position detecting means.

A driven sprocket 28.28 is coaxially provided on the wheel 8.8, and the driving sprocket a3,
The drive shaft of No. 3 is provided with a drive sprocket 30.30. A chain 31.31 is suspended between the driven sprocket 28.28 and the driving sprocket 30.30. The driving shaft of one of the prime movers 3 is provided with a traveling position detecting means.

A limit switch 32 is provided at the center of the lower part of the traveling frame 1. The limit switch 32 is
When the running frame 1 is at the starting position of the running rail 7°7, the cam 33 provided on one of the running rails 7 is activated. The limit switch 32 and the cam 33 constitute a start position detection means D11.

The upper surface car wash brush 5 has a swing arm 35, a pivot shaft 34, 34 rotatably supported on both sides of the traveling frame l, respectively.
It is swingably supported via 35. Swing arm 35, 35
The pivot shafts 34, 34 are fixed to the middle part thereof, and the support shaft 2.34 of the upper car wash brush 5 is fixed to the tip part thereof. is rotatably supported. A prime mover 36 is provided at the base end of the - side swinging arm 35, and its output is transmitted to the support shaft 21 of the upper car wash brush 5 via a transmission mechanism (not shown) provided inside the swinging arm.
It is intended to be transmitted to A balance weight W is fixed to the base end of the other swinging arm 35. Moreover, a magnet 37 is provided on one of the pivots 34, and the upper surface car wash brush 5
Together with the reed switch 38, which is activated when the brush is at the upper limit position, it constitutes upper car wash brush upper limit position detection means. Further, the pivot shaft 34 is provided with an upper car wash brush position detection means D, and the other pivot shaft 34 is provided with a piston rod 40 of a storage cylinder 39 that stores the upper car wash brush 5 at the upper limit position. It is attached through.

FIG. 3 shows a concrete structure of the stop device 6 shown in FIG. 1.2. A ring-shaped brake shoe 42 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the piston rod 29 of the cylinder 4. A cylindrical casing 6I of the stop device 6 is arranged so as to surround the piston rod 29 including the brake shoe 42. Inside the casing 6, there is an air chamber 6z
A brake piston 43 defining the air chamber 6 is slidably fitted thereinto, and the piston 43 is pressed to open the air chamber 6.
A brake spring 44 is housed which acts to reduce the volume of t. The air chamber 6□ is provided with a supply port 45,
It is connected to a pressurized air source Ai (FIG. 4). Also air chamber 6
Inside, a plurality of brake arms 46 are housed radially so as to surround the piston rod 29, and the base ends (upper ends) of these brake arms 46 are connected to the brake shoe 42.
and the inner surface of the casing 6, the piston rod 29 is swingably supported in the radial direction, and its tip (lower end)
A roller 47 is rotatably supported on the outer surface of the roller 47, and a tapered surface 48 of the brake piston 43 is biased in the -E direction by the brake spring 44.
are pressed together. Therefore, air chamber 6. When pressurized air is not supplied to the brake piston 43, the brake piston 43 is raised by the elastic force of the brake spring 44, and its tapered surface 48 swings the brake arm 46 inward via the roller 47, causing the brake piston 43 to move upwardly. 42 onto the piston rod 29,
A brake is applied to the piston rod 29. Further, when pressurized air is supplied to the air chamber 68 from the pressurized air source Ai, the brake piston 43 is pushed down against the biasing force of the brake spring 44, and the rollers 47 move outward. Therefore, the brake arm 46 no longer presses the brake shoe 42 against the piston rod 29, so the piston rod 29 can freely operate.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the air and hydraulic circuits.

A pipe 49 connected to the pressurized air source A+ is connected to the air supply port 45 of the stop device 6 via a pressure reducing valve 50 that adjusts the pressure and a normally open three-way solenoid valve 51. Also, piping 4
9 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. Then, the hydraulic oil put in the pressurized container 54 is transferred to the check valve 5 with a fixed throttle.
5 to the cylinder 4. The check valve 55 with a fixed throttle is opened when the cylinder 4 contracts;
The valve is closed when it extends.

FIG. 5(a) shows the specific structure of the detection parts of the running position detection means D1, the top car wash brush position detection means 1, and the top drying nozzle position detection means shown in FIG. 1.2. In the figure, FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the output waveform. In FIG. 5(a), a slit (Fisffi) is arranged facing a disk RD having a plurality of slit patterns on the outer circumference and one slit pattern on the inner circumference. The slit plate Sl is provided with A-phase slits 1-3A and B-phase slits SB corresponding to the slit pattern on the outer circumference, and Z-phase slits S21 corresponding to the slit pattern on the inner circumference. The light emitting diode LEDA and phototransistor TrA sandwich the A-phase slit SA and disk RD, and the light-emitting diode LEDB and phototransistor TrB sandwich the B-phase slit SB and disk RD.
Further, the light emitting diode LEDZ and the phototransistor Tr are connected with the Z-phase slit SZ and the disk RD in between.
Z are arranged facing each other. When the disk RD is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the light emitting diode L
Since the light from EDA-LEDZ is passed through or blocked, phototransistors TrA-TrZ output signals 5TrA-3TrZ shown in FIG. 5(b). Signal 5TrA,
5TrB has a phase difference of 90°! The QT pulse signal 5TrZ is a signal indicating the origin position. Then, the signals 5TrA-3TrZ are sent to the rotation direction determining circuit and the counter (
(not shown), the rotation angle of the disk RD can be detected as a pulse number. Therefore, the running position of the running frame I from the start position, the lifting position of the upper car wash brush 5 from the upper limit position, and the lifting position of the upper drying nozzle from the upper limit position can be detected as the respective pulse numbers.

FIG. 6 shows an elevation position setting means DI2 for setting the elevation position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2, a determination means 1 for determining whether the inclination angle of the upper surface of the automobile body is greater than a predetermined value, and rotation of the prime mover 3. prime mover control means D4 for controlling the direction;
It is a block diagram of the control system when a microcomputer is used as the elevation control means Ds which controls the cylinder 4 as an elevation drive device, and other control means. The control means 60 includes a microprocessing unit 61 that performs arithmetic processing, a read-only memory M1 that stores programs and fixed data, a random access memory M2 that is used for a work area and variable data storage ↑ and α, and an input It is composed of an interface 62, an output interface 63, and a bus 64 that connects them. The input interface 62 includes:
The above-mentioned running position detection means D1, upper surface car wash brush position detection means 2, and upper surface drying nozzle position detection means D? , upper drying nozzle upper limit position detection means D1°, start position detection means 1, upper car wash brush upper limit position detection means D? , reciprocating signal generating means D11, and swing limit switch 2
The output signal of 0 is manually input.

The output interface 63 includes the solenoid coil L51°L53 of the electromagnetic valve 51.53 shown in FIG. Storage cylinder 39
control bag T165 is connected. In addition, the bus 6
Also connected to 4 is a storage means M consisting of a random access memory M2.

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the brushing process when the traveling frame 1 moves back and forth, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means 60 in that case, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the principle of setting the elevation position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2. It is a diagram.

In FIG. 7, when the traveling frame 1 is at the position (1a) and the upper car wash brush 5 is at the upper limit position (5a), when the reciprocating signal ordering means outputs a signal without indicating the reciprocating movement, the above-mentioned The control means 60 operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S1, it is determined whether brushing processing is to be performed.

Then, if it is a brushing process, the process advances to step S3, and if not, the process advances to step S2 to perform other processes.

In step S3, the control device 6 of the storage cylinder 39
5, the piston rond 4 of the storage cylinder 39
0 can be expanded freely. In addition, the prime mover 3
6 to rotate the top car wash brush 5. Then, the motor 3.3 is activated and the wheels 8.8 are rotated, so that the traveling frame 1 starts moving forward. Therefore, the seventh
As shown in the figure, the upper car wash brush 5 has been lowered to position (5b). At this time, the traveling position detecting means outputs a signal regarding the position of the traveling frame 1, and the upper car wash brush position detecting means D6 outputs a signal regarding the position of the upper car wash brush 5, respectively. Then, when the running frame 1 moves forward and leaves the position M(la), the start position detection means D11 stops outputting a signal because the cam 33 does not operate the limit switch 32. Therefore, the operation proceeds from step S to step S. At this time, as shown in FIG.
As shown in step 5e), the brushing process is performed by contacting the body of the car (1). On the other hand, in step S, the output signals of the traveling position detection means DI and the top car wash brush position detection means are input, and the step S, and lifting position setting means D
It sets the vertical position of the top drying nozzle 2, and
In step S7, the data is stored in the storage means M in correspondence with the traveling position. These steps Ss”Sv are the steps Sll
This is repeated until the reciprocating signal generating means no longer outputs the reciprocating signal. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the upper car wash brush 5 advances to the position (5f to 5g) and the traveling frame l reaches the position (1b), the forward signal is no longer output, and the operation continues as shown in FIG. The process proceeds from step S to step S. In step S, the drive a3.3 is deactivated and the traveling frame l is stopped. Further, the prime mover 36 is deactivated, the rotation of the upper car wash brush 5 is stopped, and the storage cylinder 39 is driven by the control device 65 to raise the upper car wash brush 5. At that time, when it rises to the position (5h) shown in FIG. 7, the magnet 37 activates the reed switch 38, so that the upper car wash brush upper limit position detection means outputs a signal. Therefore, the control device 65 stops the storage cylinder 39, stores the upper car wash brush 5 at the upper limit position, and ends the brushing process.

Next, FIG. 9 shows the principle of setting the vertical position of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 in step S6 described above.

The upper car wash brush 5 has descended from its upper limit position (5a) to a position where the pivot 34 has rotated by an angle of 01, and is in contact with the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V. At this time, the swinging arm 35 is
Horizontal line passing through 4! It is tilted by an angle θ2 with respect to (2).

This angle θ2 ranks first among the top FF! The angle θ in (5a). can be easily determined from the output signal of the upper car wash brush position detection means D6 corresponding to the angle θ1. Then, if the distance between the centers of the pivot 34 and the support shaft 2I is L, the distance A from the horizontal line H to the center of the support shaft 2I is calculated by the formula %
Equation % Since the optimum position for the drying process of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is the lifting position shown in the figure, the lifting position setting means D
Lifting up and down from the upper limit position set by +□! S D, is (2
) is expressed by the formula.

S D3 =A+X+C(θ,)=Lsinθz+X+C(θ,) ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・(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 shaft 34. Further, the correction value C(θ1) is determined by the angle θ2 of the swinging arm 35 from the horizontal line H, which changes the pressure of the upper car wash brush 5 against the upper surface of the car body of the automobile (2) and deforms the upper car wash brush 5. 21 and the top surface of the vehicle V, and is a predetermined value for θ.

At this time, the output signal of the traveling position detection means is the position S
This corresponds to DI. However, the top drying nozzle 2
is at position SDI'. Then, the traveling frame 1
Since the position isD increases with respect to the direction of movement, the position SD' is expressed by equation (3).

SD+' =SD, -B=SD, -Lcosθ2...
(3) The lifting position S D 3 and the distance B are stored in advance in the control means 60 in correspondence with the angle θ.

Therefore, the data expressed by equation (2) is stored in the storage means M at the address expressed by equation (3).

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

In FIG. 10, the traveling frame 1 is in position (1b),
When the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is at the upper limit position &(2a), when the reciprocating signal generating means outputs a signal indicating the return movement, the control means 60 operates based on the flowchart of FIG. .

In step S I+, it is determined whether the drying process is to be performed. Then, if it is a drying process, the process proceeds to step SI3, and if not, the process proceeds to step SI2 to perform other processes.

In step 313, the variable ■ is initially set to "0", and the variable J is set to a value corresponding to the number of times the drying process is performed on the windshield f and rear glass r whose inclination angle of the top surface of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . Then, by operating the blowers 9, 9 and the prime mover 3.3, air is blown out from the upper surface drying nozzle 2, and the traveling frame l.
The drying process begins by the return movement. At this time, if the upper surface drying nozzle 2 contacts the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V and swings due to a malfunction of the control means 60 or the like, the swing limit switch 20 is activated. Therefore, in step SI4, it is determined that the output signal of the swing limit switch 20 is present, and the process proceeds to step SI5, where all operations are stopped. On the other hand, if no inconvenience such as malfunction occurs, the process proceeds to step S16 and the output signal of the travel position detection means D1 is manually input. Then, in step Sl'l, the storage means M
Read the memory contents of. 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. Therefore, the running position SD1
The read address Ad in this case is expressed by equation (4).

Ad=SD, +D・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
...(4) The set value SD3 stored in the address Ad of this equation (4) is the optimal vertical position for the drying process of the upper surface drying nozzle 2. At this time, the set value SDH stored at the address Adx, which is separated by a predetermined value from the address Ad on the side corresponding to the forward direction of the running frame 1, is also read.

Then, in step 5I11, the setting (i?fsD1x) is subtracted from the set value SD, and it is determined whether the absolute value of the value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.If the absolute value of the value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, , if the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body of the car ■ is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step SI'l; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SZ+.Step SI9
Then, it is determined whether variable 1 is equal to "0" or not. l=o
If so, the output signal of the traveling position detection means at that time is the position where the inclination angle of the top surface of the vehicle body of the vehicle has changed from the state where it does not exceed the predetermined value to the state where it exceeds the predetermined value (this position is particularly important in the illustrated example). (This is the starting point of the repeated drying section), so its value is written in 1. Slurp. Also, the variable I is increased by "l". Therefore, this variable 1 is the number of times the windshield r and the rear glass r of the automobile (2), whose inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, have been dried. Step S2
1, the value of variable I is determined. When I=O, this is a case before the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle V reaches a predetermined value or more, so proceed to step S□. When 0<I<J,
The windshield f is switched from a state in which the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body of the automobile V is greater than a predetermined value to a state in which it does not exceed a predetermined value.
Although the drying process for the rear window and the rear glass r has been completed, the number of times set in the variable J is not reached, so step S
At tZ, the lift control means raises the upper surface drying nozzle 2, and the prime mover control means D4 determines the travel position corresponding to the output signal of the travel position detection means that stored the travel frame l in step S2. Since the drying process is returned to the above-mentioned starting point position of the repeated drying section and the drying process is performed again, the variable ■ is increased by "l" in step St3.

Then, the process advances to step SO5.

When 1=J, this means that the drying process has been performed the set number of times, so in step S24, the variable ■ is returned to the initial value rQJ, and the process proceeds to step SO5.In step S25, the upper surface drying nozzle elevation position detection means is The output signal SD of ,
is input. Then, in step SZa, it is compared with the set value SD. As a result of this comparison, SDa >SD
3, proceed to step SZt, SD,=SD, proceed to step SIQ, and if SD4<SD3, proceed to step 3211. In step sty, the electromagnetic valve 53 causes the flow to flow to the solenoid coil L53. The current is cut off and it becomes de-energized. Therefore, since hydraulic oil is supplied to the cylinder 4, the upper surface drying nozzle 2 rises.

The loop of step 5ZSo 5Z41 St'l is then repeated until the top drying nozzle 2 is at the optimum position.

In step S, the electromagnetic valve 53 is excited because a current flows through the solenoid coil L53, and the hydraulic oil supplied to the cylinder 4 returns to the pressurized container 54 due to the weight of the upper surface drying nozzle 2, so that the upper surface is dried. Nozzle 2 descends.

At this time, since the check valve of the fixed throttle stop valve 55 is closed, the hydraulic fluid is regulated by the fixed throttle. Therefore, the upper surface drying nozzle 2 descends at a slower speed than when rising. Then, step S ts+ S zh, S
The loop of zs is repeated until the top drying nozzle is in the optimum position. In step Szz, the solenoid valve 51 is excited because current flows through the solenoid coil L51. Therefore, the stop device 6 is activated and the piston rod 29 is stopped, so that the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is maintained at a constant vertical position. Then, the running frame l returns to the position W(la) shown in FIG. 10, and the start position detection means
If outputs a signal, the process proceeds to step S3I based on the determination in step S3°, and if no signal is output, the process proceeds to step S3.
Return to 16.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. (2b to 2i), and maintains the upper surface of the vehicle V and the position where it was subjected to the drying process. In addition, the positions (2c, 2d, 2e) are in the rear glass 1 section.

2c, 2d), and the windshield f section is at position r.
11 (2g, 2i, 2h, Zg,
2 i) Towti! Then, the drying process is performed multiple times.

Therefore, in this illustrated example, positions fff2c and 2d correspond to the starting and ending positions of the repeated drying section on the side of the rear glass r, respectively, and positions 2g and 21 correspond to the starting and ending positions of the repeated drying section on the side of the windshield f. Applicable to each. Incidentally, if the drying process is to be performed twice, for example, the variable J may be set to "2".

Then, in step S31, the air blower a9.9 and the prime mover 3.3 are stopped, and the upper surface drying nozzle 2 is raised. At this time, as shown in Figure 1O, when the top drying nozzle 2 reaches the position (2j), the top drying nozzle upper limit position detection means D1 outputs a signal to stop the rising and end the drying process. .

Next, effects specific to the above embodiment will be described. According to the embodiment, when the swing limit switch 20 is activated and outputs a signal, all operations are stopped.

Further, flexible guide rollers 11, 11 are provided at the center of the lower part of the upper surface drying nozzle 2. Therefore, even if the control device 60 malfunctions and the upper surface drying nozzle 2 comes into contact with the body of the automobile (2), there is little risk of damaging the body.

Furthermore, a stop device 6 provided on the cylinder 4 stops the piston rod 29. Therefore, the top drying nozzle 2
is fixed at the vertical 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 (2) can be accurately maintained at a constant distance suitable for the drying process.

Furthermore, the car wash apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but the patent i! Various design changes are possible without departing from the invention as described within the scope of the +ff requirements. For example, as the vehicle body detection means, it is possible to use a plurality of sensors provided vertically on the side surface of the traveling frame 1 facing the vehicle, or an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver. In these cases, since the raising and lowering operation of the upper surface drying nozzle 2 and the running direction of the running frame 1 can be controlled while detecting the vehicle height, only the drying process can be performed both when the running frame 1 moves back and forth.

The repeated drying section is a section (2g to 21) in which the upper drying nozzle 2 sprays air onto the windshield or the rear window r, respectively.

(2c to 2d), for example, the repeated drying section on the rear glass r side can also be set to include the rear bonnet surface (2b to 2d).
d).

Also, instead of raising and lowering the upper surface drying nozzle 2 using the cylinder 4, a prime mover can be used, and instead of being suspended by the chain 21, 21, it can be supported by a swing arm.

In addition, in cases where the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the traveling frame 1 is determined, the set value SD performed in step SI8 is
It is determined whether the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the set value SD, , from 3 is greater than a predetermined value, and if it is greater than the predetermined value, step S
Instead of proceeding to I9 and proceeding to step S2° if the subtracted value is less than a predetermined value, if the sign of the subtracted value is a predetermined sign depending on the direction of the vehicle, proceeding to step SI9 and not proceeding to step SI9. In some cases, step S19 is performed depending on whether the absolute value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.
Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S2°. In this case, the drying process can be performed multiple times for only one of the windshield and the rear glass for which the inclination angle of the upper surface of the vehicle body is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, by drying only those windshields that require particularly careful processing multiple times, the time required for the drying process can be further shortened.

Furthermore, instead of pivotally supporting the upper car wash brush 5 using the swing arm 34, as shown in FIG.
Sprocket 66 and Sprocket 67 driven by
Alternatively, a chain 68 may be suspended, a truck 69 and a balance weight 70 may be provided at symmetrical positions of the chain 68, and the support shaft 21 of the upper car wash brush 5 may be pivotally supported on the truck 69.

C1 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 and back direction to pass the automobile, the drying nozzle on the upper surface of the automobile is provided on the traveling frame. In the method for drying the upper surface of an automobile body, the upper surface drying nozzle blows air toward at least one of a windshield or a rear glass during movement of the portal-type traveling frame. a first step of reversing the portal traveling frame until the nozzle returns to the starting position of the repeated drying section when the nozzle reaches the end position of the predetermined repeated drying section including at least the section for drying; The drying process consisting of the second step of reversing the gantry-shaped traveling frame again is repeated at least once until the gantry-shaped traveling frame reaches its final position. When the end position of a predetermined repetitive drying section including at least a section for spraying is reached, the reciprocating movement of the top drying nozzle can be repeated limited to that repetitive drying section, and therefore the portal traveling frame can be Since the drying process on at least one of the windshield or the rear glass can be repeated without repeatedly traveling back and forth over the entire travel section, the drying process effect can be enhanced while
The drying process time can be shortened, and this can contribute to improving work efficiency and reducing driving power for the gate-shaped traveling frame and the like.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

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 the main parts, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a stop device, and Fig. 4 is an air and hydraulic pressure Diagram showing the circuit,
・Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the detection parts of the traveling position detection means, the upper surface car wash brush position detection means, and the upper surface drying nozzle position detection means, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control system, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the brushing process, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means in the case of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a top view. Diagram showing the principle of setting the vertical position of the drying nozzle, No. 10
11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means in the case of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is an example of a design change of the support mechanism for the upper car wash brush.

Claims (1)

[Claims] Drying air is blown toward the upper surface of the vehicle body from an upper surface drying nozzle provided on the traveling frame while the gate-type traveling frame capable of straddling the vehicle moves in the front-rear direction so as to pass the vehicle. , in a method for drying the upper surface of an automobile body, the end point of a predetermined repeated drying section that includes at least a section in which the upper surface drying nozzle blows air to at least one of a windshield or a rear glass during the movement of the portal traveling frame; Once the position is reached, the first step is to reversely move the gantry-shaped traveling frame until the nozzle returns to the starting point position of the repeated drying section, and the gantry-shaped traveling frame is again inverted and moved until the nozzle reaches the end point position. A method for drying an upper surface of an automobile body, the method comprising repeating a repetitive drying step consisting of a second step at least once.