A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

A method for treating the surface of a vehicle by means of at least one rotating treatment brush. The treatment brush comprises treatment elements, the surfaces of which are brought into frictional contact with the vehicle surface during the treatment. According to the method, a reference measurement is carried out, in which the treatment brush is set in rotation and is moved into a defined position relative to a reference element, such that the surfaces of the handling elements are brought into frictional contact with the surface of the reference element, and in this case the value of the frictional force is measured directly or indirectly. During the treatment of the vehicle surface, the treatment brush is controlled as a function of the value of the frictional force measured during the reference measurement. A system for treating the surface of a vehicle by means of which this method can be carried out.

A method for treating the surface of a vehicle by means of at least one rotating treatment brush. The treatment brush comprises treatment elements, the surfaces of which are brought into frictional contact with the vehicle surface during the treatment. According to the method, a reference measurement is carried out, in which the treatment brush is set in rotation and is moved into a defined position relative to a reference element, such that the surfaces of the handling elements are brought into frictional contact with the surface of the reference element, and in this case the value of the frictional force is measured directly or indirectly. During the treatment of the vehicle surface, the treatment brush is controlled as a function of the value of the frictional force measured during the reference measurement. A system for treating the surface of a vehicle by means of which this method can be carried out.

A vehicle treatment system includes at least one treatment device that is movable relative to a vehicle to be treated. The vehicle treatment system also includes a collision detection device for width monitoring of a maximum treatment area of the vehicle treatment system, which for monitoring a lateral boundary of the maximum treatment area has at least one first optical sensor and a control unit for evaluating output values of the first optical sensor. The detection area of the first optical sensor is aligned along a lateral boundary of the maximum treatment area of the vehicle treatment system and the treatment device in the direction of travel leading ahead by a specified distance. The control unit is set such that the control unit detects an imminent collision if a specified number of consecutive cycles is scanned with a covered event.

A brush for a vehicle washing system comprising: flexible elements (2) intended to come into contact with the vehicle for cleaning and/or polishing and/or drying; a central annular support (3) from which the flexible elements (2) extend; a shaft (4) rotating about its own axis (40) of rotation, the shaft (4) crossing the central support (3) and placing the central support (3) in rotation about the axis (40) of rotation;
the central support (3) comprising a lateral surface (35), from which the flexible elements (2) extend, which is inclined with respect to the axis (40) of rotation of the shaft (4).

A rotary vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash facility is provided. The vehicle wash component includes a hub disposed about and rotatable about a center axis. A plurality of media elements extend outwardly from the hub for rotation with the hub. Each of the media elements has a centerline that is positioned offset relative to the center axis such that the centerline does not intersect the center axis. The media elements may be fixed to the hub or they may be pivotable relative to the hub. The media elements may pivot between two offset positions in response to rotation in opposite directions. The media elements may include a plurality of treatment heads secured to the media elements.

A rotary vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash facility is provided. The vehicle wash component includes a hub disposed about and rotatable about a center axis. A plurality of media elements extend outwardly from the hub for rotation with the hub. Each of the media elements has a centerline that is positioned offset relative to the center axis such that the centerline does not intersect the center axis. The media elements may be fixed to the hub or they may be pivotable relative to the hub. The media elements may pivot between two offset positions in response to rotation in opposite directions. The media elements may include a plurality of treatment heads secured to the media elements.

A carwash station receives a vehicle being conveyed in a direction of travel in a carwash having a ground pathway. The carwash station includes a frame supported by the ground pathway, a four-bar linkage attached to the frame and a side washing brush attached to the four-bar linkage and having an axis of rotation being perpendicular to the direction of travel and perpendicular to the ground pathway.

A drive technology for vehicle treatment installations. The drive technology comprises a washing installation drive motor (2) for a vehicle treatment system (69). The washing installation drive motor (2) is preferably configured as a synchronous motor, in particular as a brushless DC motor. The drive motor (2) has an internal rotor (3) with a hollow shaft (5). As an alternative, or in addition, the washing installation drive motor (2) is configured as a modular drive unit (7). The modular drive unit (7) has a uniform configuration and is provided and configured for driving different apparatus constituent parts of a washing installation. The drive technology further includes a washing installation drive (1), a treatment element (52, 55, 57, 64) and also a vehicle treatment system (60) with a corresponding washing installation drive motor (2), and an associated operating method.

A drive technology for vehicle treatment installations. The drive technology comprises a washing installation drive motor (2) for a vehicle treatment system (69). The washing installation drive motor (2) is preferably configured as a synchronous motor, in particular as a brushless DC motor. The drive motor (2) has an internal rotor (3) with a hollow shaft (5). As an alternative, or in addition, the washing installation drive motor (2) is configured as a modular drive unit (7). The modular drive unit (7) has a uniform configuration and is provided and configured for driving different apparatus constituent parts of a washing installation. The drive technology further includes a washing installation drive (1), a treatment element (52, 55, 57, 64) and also a vehicle treatment system (60) with a corresponding washing installation drive motor (2), and an associated operating method.