Washing Cabin for Two-Wheeled Vehicles

Abstract

Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles, although it is also applicable for 3-wheeled vehicles as long as they are similar in structure to the previous ones, comprising a door, an internal enclosure (3) that divides the interior space into a washing chamber (4) with several washing turbines (6), a door (20) for accessing said washing chamber (4) and a machinery cabinet (5) with a high pressure hydraulic circuit connected to said washing turbines (6), wherein they have a head (6.2) that rotates with the passage of water.

Claims

1. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles, comprising: an interior enclosure (3) that divides the interior space into a washing chamber (4) and a machinery cabinet (5); and a door (20) for accessing the washing chamber (4), wherein the machinery cabinet (5) comprises a high pressure hydraulic circuit and the washing chamber (4) comprises several washing turbines (6), characterized in that the washing turbines (6) comprise a fixed central body (6.1) connected at one end to the high-pressure hydraulic circuit and, on the other, to a head (6.2) that rotates with the passage of water, which in turn comprises at least two tubular arms (6.3) ending in two water impeller nozzles (6.4), wherein the axis passing through the center of the impeller nozzles (6.4) forms with the axis of rotation of the head (6.2) an angle α in the range between 2° and 20°.

2. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the cabin has a rectangular prism shape and includes, within its washing chamber (4), washing turbines (6) both on its two largest side walls and on the smaller side wall that does not constitute the entrance door (20).

3. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that the washing chamber (4) comprises, at least: 2 washing turbines (6) on the smaller side wall for front cleaning of the vehicle; and on each of the two largest side walls: two washing turbines (6) in correspondence with the area where the front part of the vehicle is located. a washing turbine (6) in correspondence with the area where the central part of the vehicle is located. two washing turbines (6) in correspondence with the area where the rear part of the vehicle is located.

4. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the machinery cabinet (5) additionally comprises a low pressure hydraulic system connected to the water supply network that provides water to a cold water low pressure hydraulic subsystem and to a hot water low pressure hydraulic subsystem, wherein each of them has, respectively, a solenoid valve (8.9) to allow or not the passage to a high pressure pump (10) belonging to the high pressure hydraulic system.

5. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that the high pressure pump (10) is connected to a high pressure manifold (14) that includes high pressure solenoid valves (15) connected to the washing turbines (6) and to a control system (17) such that it allows a total or sectioned operation of said washing turbines (6) so that it is possible to choose the areas of the vehicle that will be subjected to washing.

6. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that angle α is between 8° and 12°.

7. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 6, characterized in that the angle α is of 10°.

8. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the tubular arms (6.3) is formed by a first section attached to the head (6.2) and a second section ending at the impeller nozzle (6.4), wherein both sections are at an angle to each other.

9. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 8, characterized in that the angle formed by the first and second section of the tubular arms (6.3) is greater than 90°.

10. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 5, characterized in that the machinery cabinet (5) comprises a pressurized air inlet (18) connected to the high-pressure manifold (14) to supply drying air through the washing turbines (6).

11. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 10, characterized in that the machinery cabinet (5) comprises an ozone generator connected to the pressurized air inlet (18) to supply said ozone to the washing chamber (4) through the washing turbines (6).

12. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the machinery cabinet (5) comprises an ozone generator connected to a dosing circuit located in the washing chamber (4).

13. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing chamber (4) comprises a set of ultraviolet light lamps.

14. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a low-pressure water circuit located on the top of the washing chamber (4) for rinsing the vehicle.

15. Washing cabin for two-wheeled vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a low-pressure circuit for the application of degreasing liquid within the washing chamber (4).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description in which, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented:

[0036] FIG. 1 Shows a perspective view of the closed washing cabin of the invention

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the washing cabin of the invention with the door open and with a vehicle inside

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a sectioned elevation view of the cabin of the invention, showing part of the machinery cabinet and the arrangement of the turbines on one of the side walls

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a sectioned plan view of the cabin of the invention, showing part of the machinery cabinet and the ground where the vehicle is located

[0040] FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2 show respective views of the turbines, one in perspective and the other showing the hidden parts respectively

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the washing area covered by the ducts on one of the side walls

[0042] FIG. 7 shows, finally, a side elevation view wherein the elements of the machinery cabinet are schematically seen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

[0043] In view of the figures provided, it can be seen how, in a preferred embodiment, the cabin of the invention comprises a support structure (1) that is paneled on the outside by a set of external walls or panels (2) that make up the enclosure.

[0044] Likewise, it has an internal enclosure (3) that divides the interior space into two, one having greater dimensions that constitutes the washing chamber (4) itself, in which the vehicle to be cleaned is introduced through a door (20), and another one that houses the machinery cabinet (5) in which the necessary devices and mechanisms for its operation and control are housed, which will be seen later.

[0045] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cabin of the invention has a rectangular prism shape, but this may also be any other shape that allows vehicle accommodation inside, for example, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the cabin of the invention may comprise, according to a possible practical embodiment shown in the figures, a lower tray (21) for collecting liquids coming from the washing, which can be discharged to a water recycling equipment or directly to the drain according to its installation location. Thus, as can be seen in the figures, especially in FIG. 4, a grid (22) would provide access to said lower tray (21), which would be the one on which the vehicle would be placed during cleaning.

[0047] On the other hand, according to the preferred embodiment, the washing turbines (6) are arranged in the washing chamber (4), which will supply the water and the washing fluids to the vehicles.

[0048] Specifically, as can be seen in FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2, the washing turbines (6) comprise a fixed central body (6.1) connected at one end to the high-pressure hydraulic circuit and, on the other end, to a head (6.2) that, in turn, comprises at least two tubular arms (6.3) that end in two water impeller nozzles (6.4), wherein said head (6.2) is a rotating head that rotates by being moved by the force of the water that passes through it.

[0049] More specifically, each of the tubular arms (6.3) is formed by a first section attached to the head (6.2) and a second section ending at the impeller nozzle (6.4), wherein both sections form an angle with each other.

[0050] Thus, as can be seen in the preferred embodiment shown in said figures, the arrangement of the tubular arms (6.3) is such that the axis that passes through the center of the impeller nozzles (6.4) is not parallel with respect to the axis that passes through the center of the head (6.2), which is the axis of rotation thereof, that is, that both axes, that of the impeller nozzle (6.4) and that of the head (6.2) form an angle α to each other as marked on the FIG. 5.2.

[0051] As explained above, said angle must be between a minimum value such that the washing cones (7) of the impeller nozzles (6.4) do not overlap too much and a maximum value such that said washing cones (7) open too much, leaving areas of the vehicle unwashed.

[0052] According to the tests and trials carried out, these minimum and maximum values of the separation angle between the axes must be in the range between 2° and 20° and, optimally, between 8° and 12°.

[0053] However, according to a preferred embodiment that guarantees optimal washing and, therefore, an optimal superposition or overlap of the washing cones (7) is one in which the angle is equal to 10°.

[0054] Thus, this angled arrangement between the impeller nozzles causes the washing cone (7) or water cone that they project during washing to overlap, optimally covering the vehicle's surface.

[0055] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the inclination angle between the axes of the impeller nozzles (6.4) and that of the head (6.2) that achieves the optimal washing cone (7), is achieved by making the angle formed by the first and second section of the tubular arms (6.3) greater than 90°.

[0056] However, other alternative embodiments are not ruled out either, in which, for example, said inclination angle between the axes of the impeller nozzles (6.4) and that of the head (6.2) is achieved because the union of the first section of the tubular arm (6.3) is attached to the head (6.2) in an inclined way.

[0057] However, in order to carry out an optimal washing, it is not only important the washing cone (7) projected by each impeller nozzle (6.4) or, in other words, the washing area covered by the washing cones (7) of each one of the impeller nozzles (6.4) comprising each wash turbine (6), but also the number and arrangement of said wash turbines (6).

[0058] Thus, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures in which the cabin has a rectangular prism shape, it includes, within its washing chamber (4), washing turbines (6) both on its two largest side walls and on the smaller side wall that does not constitute the entrance door (20).

[0059] More specifically, the washing turbines (6) located on the larger side walls will be responsible for cleaning the vehicle on both sides, while the washing turbines (6) located on the smaller side wall will be responsible for cleaning the front face of the motorcycle.

[0060] Likewise, another important parameter in order to achieve optimal washing of two-wheeled vehicles is the number of washing turbines (6) that will comprise each of the walls of the washing chamber (4).

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, only partially shown in the figures, the washing chamber (4) comprises, at least: [0062] On the smaller side wall that is responsible for the front cleaning of the vehicle: 2 washing turbines (6). [0063] On each of the two largest side walls (FIG. 6): [0064] 2 washing turbines (6) matching the area that occupies the front of the vehicle. [0065] A washing turbine (6) matching the area that occupies the central part of the vehicle. [0066] 2 washing turbines (6) matching the area occupied by the rear of the vehicle.

[0067] Regarding the height of the washing turbines (6) described above, for all of them the criterion that has been followed is that their washing cone (7) covers from the ground to, at least, the highest point of motorcycles that currently exist in the market, taking into account that the user, in addition, will be obliged to leave the vehicle according to a previously established or marked position inside the cabin, or at least in a very limited range of positions that allows applying the washing cones (7) correctly and so that the handlebar or front part of the motorcycle is located at the point furthest from the door, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0068] Thus, in the case of those located on the smaller side wall that is responsible for the front cleaning of the vehicle, the heights of both washing turbines (6) have been calculated so that both of them jointly cover the above-mentioned area from the ground to said highest part of the motorcycles currently on the market.

[0069] In the case of those located on the two largest side walls, the same criterion has been followed regarding height, so that in the case of the front and rear ones they cover from the ground to the highest area reached by motorcycles on the market and, in the case of the central, unique one, so that it covers from the ground to the seat area, which is also perfectly typified, therefore, an additional washing turbine (6) is not necessary as in the case of the front and rear areas as explained.

[0070] However, the aforementioned rear part of the vehicles is the most critical since it is where most changes are present depending on their size, the existence of suitcases, etc. Thus, according to a possible embodiment, the two washing turbines (6) intended to wash the rear part of the vehicle may be placed, either so that the axis of the head (6.2) is substantially perpendicular thereto and in front of the axis of the wheel rear, or so that the axis of the head (6.2) is further away, behind the axis of the rear wheel and inclined with respect to the vehicle so that the projected washing cone (7) is larger and covers a greater surface area, improving the process.

[0071] On the other hand, according to a possible embodiment, it will be possible to divide into sections the action of the washing turbines (6), that is, to operate all at once or by sections depending on various washing options, vehicle features, etc. For example, the highest wash turbines (6) located matching the rear part of the vehicle may be activated for those cases in which the vehicles are large and have suitcases, but being deactivated in the case of small vehicles that do not have these suitcases because in those cases the incidence of the washing cone (7) will be minimal.

[0072] Finally, according to different alternative embodiments not shown, these washing turbines (6) could also be present on the top and/or on the ground of the washing chamber (4) if an even more complete washing is to be achieved.

[0073] As for the different devices and mechanisms that comprise the cabin of the invention and that houses the machinery cabinet (5), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention that can be seen mainly in FIG. 7, these will be as follows.

[0074] Specifically, the hydraulic system is inside the machinery cabinet (5). This is made up of a low pressure hydraulic system and a high pressure hydraulic system. The low pressure hydraulic system is responsible for supplying water to the entire cabin. It is connected to the water supply network and provides water to the two subsystems that exist within it, a cold water low pressure hydraulic subsystem and a hot water low pressure hydraulic subsystem. Each of these subsystems, cold water and hot water, has a low pressure solenoid valve (8) (9), respectively. These solenoid valves (8,9) are the ones that allow or prevent the passage of water to the high pressure pump (10).

[0075] The hot water low pressure hydraulic system comprises a boiler (11) and a thermal storage tank (12). The boiler (11) supplies hot water to the thermal storage tank (12) so that it can supply hot water to the high-pressure pump (10) when necessary, according to the washing program that is currently being executed.

[0076] In addition, the low pressure hydraulic system also includes chemical pumps (13), in charge of supplying or injecting chemical products such as soap, waxes, brightener or any other product necessary for cleaning vehicles. These chemical pumps (13) are located at the inlet of the high pressure pump (10).

[0077] On the other hand, the high pressure hydraulic system includes the high pressure pump (10), in charge of supplying the fluid for high pressure washing, for example at a pressure between 60 and 120 bar, to a high pressure manifold (14).

[0078] The high pressure solenoid valves (15) are mounted on said high pressure manifold (14). These solenoid valves (15) divide into sections the washing areas of the machine as explained above, so that it is possible to choose the areas of the vehicle that will be subjected to washing. More specifically, there is a high pressure solenoid valve (15) for each area that is intended to be sectioned.

[0079] For example, according to an example of sectioning of 6 areas as indicated above, these would be: front area, left and right front lower lateral area, left and right central lateral area, left and right rear lower lateral area, left and right front upper lateral area and left and right rear upper lateral area.

[0080] The electrical/electronic equipment of the cabin is also inside the machinery cabinet (5), which includes an electrical cabinet (16) made up of the electrical elements necessary for the operation of all the components. Furthermore, it comprises a control system such as a PLC programmable robot (17) that controls the washing sequence of the machine by means of a program recorded in its internal memory.

[0081] On the other hand, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, the machinery cabinet (5) also comprises a pressurized air inlet (18) that supplies pressurized air to the machine to carry out the drying process. This pressurized air inlet (18) is connected to a solenoid valve (19) that controls the passage of pressurized air. The solenoid valve (19) is connected to the high pressure manifold (14) and, in the drying phases, will supply air at a normal pressure of, for example, 8 bar, which, leaving the washing turbines (6), will carry out the drying of the vehicle.

[0082] Finally, as initially stated, the cabin of the invention comprises, according to a possible embodiment, means of disinfection and/or elimination of viruses and pathogens of the vehicle.

[0083] Said disinfection means can also be double, to ensure optimum disinfection.

[0084] Specifically, on the one hand the cabin of the invention comprises an ozone dosing circuit, not shown in the figures, and which may be made either independently or may use the elements that the cabin already has to carry out drying. In other words, an ozone generator included in the machinery cabinet (5) could also be connected to the aforementioned pressurized air inlet (18) to supply said ozone, either alone or in combination with the drying air in the washing chamber (4).

[0085] Specifically, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, the machinery cabinet (5) also includes an ozone generator connected to the pressurized air inlet (18), which in turn is connected to a solenoid valve (19) that controls the passage of said ozone. All this, commanded by the control system in such a way that the disinfection can be activated or not at the user's choice, even as an alternative to conventional washing, that is, without this having occurred or at the end as a complement thereto.

[0086] Furthermore, according to another possible alternative embodiment, either independently or in combination with the ozone circuit, the cabin of the invention comprises a set of ultraviolet or UV lamps located inside the washing chamber (4) and arranged so that all parts of the vehicle are irradiated, thus allowing additional disinfection. These lamps will also be commanded and/or controlled by the control system so that their activation is possible at the most favorable moment or, at the user's choice, even as an alternative to conventional washing and/or to the use of ozone, that is to say, independently of them or at the end as a complement to them.

[0087] Having said all of the above, an example of the operation of the cabin of the invention could be the one described below.

[0088] Once the vehicle to be cleaned has been introduced into the washing chamber (4), the system will be activated by means of the PLC (17). It will close the door (20) to prevent the water from escaping to the outside and so that all the water that drains during the wash falls into the collection tray (21) through the grid (22).

[0089] The water from the network enters the machine and reaches, on the one hand, the cold water low-pressure solenoid valve (8) and, on the other hand, the boiler (11). The boiler (11) heats water and stores it in the thermal storage tank (12). The hot water comes out of this and reaches the hot water low pressure solenoid valve (9).

[0090] Depending on the program chosen by the user, the passage of the cold water low pressure solenoid valve (8) will open if it is in a cold water washing phase, or the passage of the hot water low pressure solenoid valve (9) will open if it is in a hot water washing phase. Thus, the solenoid valve (8,9) that has been activated, will let the water pass, which will go to the high pressure pump (10). On its way, it will come across with the chemical pumps (13), which will supply the products directly into the water flow that the solenoid valve (8, 9) may let pass through. These will supply product according to what is indicated in the washing program. Once the chemicals are included in the water, it will reach the high pressure pump (10). This pump takes the water at low pressure and raises it up to a pressure between, for example, 60 and 120 bar.

[0091] Once the water is at high pressure it leaves the pump towards the high pressure manifold (14). The washing program will indicate an opening sequence of the solenoid valves (15) so that the cycle allows for a vehicle washing by sections.

[0092] Finally, the high-pressure solenoid valves (15), when activated, send the high-pressure water to the washing turbines (6), passing through the fixed central body (6.1) thereof and reaching the head (6.2). The water pressure itself makes the head (6.2) rotate on its axis and the high pressure water reaches the tubular arms (6.3), which will project an optimal washing cone (7) as explained above.

[0093] The washing process will be completed by repeating the cycle described as many times as deemed appropriate, activating the high pressure solenoid valves (14) so that the entire vehicle to be washed is covered, performing this washing with hot or cold water as programmed.

[0094] Likewise, said washing process may be completed with the activation of the previously described disinfection elements such as the ozone circuit and/or the ultraviolet light lamps.

[0095] In addition to all the elements described, the hydraulic system includes safety elements not represented in the figures, such as non-return and safety valves that prevent the operation of the cabin from being inappropriate and from carrying out incomplete or faulty washing.

[0096] Finally, according to an alternative embodiment not described in the figures, the cabin of the invention could also comprise a low-pressure water circuit inside the washing chamber (4) in order to rinse the vehicle, in which case this could be arranged on the top of said washing chamber (4) and drop the water in the conventional way, by gravity. However, it would also not be ruled out, as previously stated, that the rinse system be also carried out at high pressure, so that the corresponding washing turbines (6), two of them, for example that would fulfill this function, would be located on the top.

[0097] In the same way, the cabin of the invention could also, on an alternative or complementary basis, comprise a low pressure circuit for the application of degreasing liquid, which may have dosing nozzles at certain places in the washing chamber (4), which could also be activated or not according to the type of washing program chosen by the user.