WASH CONFIGURATOR

Abstract

An automatic generation of washing programs for an automatic vehicle washing installation is provided. For this purpose, a washing program generator with a washing program generation unit is provided. This includes an input interface for reading-in an equipment data set which represents how the washing installation is currently equipped with machine components, a processor unit for computation of a group of function blocks based on the equipment data set read-in via the input interface, a user interface which is intended for outputting the group of function blocks computed by the processor unit and is intended for detection of a selection of the output function blocks, wherein the processor unit is further intended to compute a washing program based on the detected selected function blocks for operation of the washing installation.

Claims

1. A method for generating a washing program for operation of an automatic washing installation for vehicles, the method comprising: reading-in an equipment data set which represents how the washing installation is currently equipped with machine components; specifying activatable function blocks from a stored group of function blocks based on the read-in equipment data set and providing same for selection, wherein a function block is a digital object in which the correspondingly necessary machine components are allocated to the functionality thereof; detecting a selection of the provided activatable function blocks; and automatically generating the washing program with a computed sequence of selected activatable function blocks for operation of the washing installation.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generating of the washing program is carried out prior to, or for the purpose of, commissioning the washing installation.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the equipment data set comprises an unchangeable configuration data set which represents a configuration of the machine components installed in the washing installation, and a changeable operating constellation data set which represents respective currently detected operating conditions for the machine components.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the equipment data set is read-in via an interface or stored in a memory of the washing installation.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the equipment data set comprises a position element which characterizes a position of the respective machine component in the washing installation.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a function block comprises a white list and/or a blacklist which defines a permitted or non-permitted connectability of the respective function block with other function blocks.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated washing program can also be dynamically expanded by additional function blocks after delivery of the washing installation.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation of the washing installation with the generated washing program takes place only after detection of a verification signal.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated washing program is subjected to an automatic plausibility check and an error message is output in the case of a fault.

10. A washing program generation unit for generating washing programs for an automatic washing installation for vehicles, the washing program generation unit comprising: an input interface for reading-in an equipment data set which represents how the washing installation is currently equipped with machine components; a processor unit for specifying, based on the equipment data set read-in via the input interface, activatable function blocks from a group of function blocks, wherein a function block is a digital object in which the correspondingly necessary machine components are allocated to the functionality thereof; a user interface to output the group of activatable function blocks specified by the processor unit and to detect a selection of the output activatable function blocks, and wherein the processor unit is further configured to generate a washing program automatically based on the selection, detected on the user interface, of the output activatable function blocks for operation of the washing installation.

11. The washing program generation unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein washing program generation unit is configured with a user interface.

12. The washing program generation unit as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a slide control for detection of an input of a quality characteristic in dependence upon a time characteristic.

13. A washing installation with a washing program generation unit as claimed in claim 10, the washing installation comprising: a machine controller.

14. A computer program with program sections for carrying out the method as claimed in claim 1 when the computer program is executed on a computer or an electronic device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure,

[0058] FIG. 2 shows a schematic overview of control variables for generating the washing program,

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a structural overview of a washing program generation unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure,

[0060] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a washing installation with a washing program generation unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, and

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a function block according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0062] The disclosure will be explained hereinafter with the aid of exemplified embodiments and with reference to the figures.

[0063] The disclosure is aimed towards the flexible generation of washing programs.

[0064] FIG. 4 schematically shows an automatic washing installation WA which is delivered and fully assembled at an operator's premises. In order to put this installation into operation, parameters must be set, and the washing programs must be specified. In accordance with the disclosure, it should be possible for the operator to expand the options for generation of washing programs.

[0065] For this purpose, an electronic unit is provided which serves, so to speak, for local generation of washing programs at the operator's premises: the washing program generator. The washing program generator can be integrated into a switching and control center of the washing installation or be connected in as a separate computer via an interface.

[0066] The washing program generator includes a washing program generation unit R. The washing program generation unit R serves to generate washing programs which are to be offered and executable at the washing installation WA. The washing program is therefore generated in a rule-based manner. The rules relate to the equipment data set which specifies the machine components with which the washing installation WA is fitted out, and to inputs of a user which set the scope of performance of the installation. A washing program is automatically generated by a program logic from these guide variables.

[0067] The washing program generation unit R includes an input interface 41 which serves for the reading-in of the equipment data set which represents how the washing installation is currently equipped with machine components. It further includes a processor unit 42 for computing a group of activatable function blocks based on the equipment data set read-in via the input interface 41 and a user interface 43 which is intended to output the group of activatable function blocks computed by the processor unit 42 and which is intended to detect a selection of the output activatable function blocks. The processor unit 42 is further intended to compute a washing program based on the detected, selected, activatable function blocks in order to operate the washing installation WA. The washing program generation unit R typically includes a further UI (user interface), a control user interface 44 (in particular a graphical user interface, GUI), via which it is controlled and operated on site by the operator or technician in the context of the installation WA. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 4, the washing program generation unit R can additionally also include an additional processor P which is intended to carry out further computation processes.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the washing program generation unit R includes a slide control 45. This can be designed as a mechanical-electronic component (in the sense of a switch). The slide control 45 can also be designed virtually. It is then depicted as an element on a graphical user interface 44 and has buttons for operation. The slide control serves for simultaneous setting of a quality characteristic and of a time characteristic or parameter for the wash. Since the two factors are dependent on each other (proportionally dependent: the higher the quality is to be, the more time the wash requires and vice versa), the slide control 45 is implemented in such a way that upon input or change of one of the two factors, the other factor changes therewith automatically and correspondingly. This also serves to inform the user directly that he can effect only viable inputs.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a typical sequence of a method. After the start, the equipment data set is read-in in step S11. This takes place automatically. It can be read in from a stored file or can be requested via a network interface from the manufacturer of the installation WA. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the locally read-in equipment data set can be checked in that this is compared with a reference equipment data set to see if there is a match, the reference equipment data set being read-in by the server via the network interface. In step S12, on the basis of the equipment data set, a group of activatable function blocks is automatically computed based on the read-in equipment data set. This has the advantage that in the subsequent step S13, the user is shown and offered for selection as activatable only the function blocks which he can also execute on the current installation WA as currently configured or equipped. In step S14, the user's selection is then detected. The user can thus select at this point the scope of performance he wishes to effect at the installation WA. With this information, a washing program can then be generated automatically, in which the control variables are taken into consideration (such as how the machine/installation WA is currently equipped and possibly further configurations of machine components), which type of machine component is installed (length of hoses, pump output volumes, etc.) and the user's inputs for selection of desired function blocks and for specification of the scope of performance to be achieved on the installation WA to be operated. In step S15, the washing program generator can therefore be operated in a rule-based manner using the above-mentioned and further control variables so that a controlled and automatic generation of the washing program can be carried out which is specifically adapted to the respective requirements and technical circumstances. The method can terminate thereafter or be carried out iteratively in order e.g. to modify inputs that have been made.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, in step S16 a verification signal can be detected. This serves to increase safety. In this case the user and/or manufacturer of the installation WA (who can be connected-in via a network interface (Internet)) has the option, before commissioning of the installation WA, to check, by the generated and automatically configured program, whether all adjustments are correct and whether the washing program is inherently correct. Pre-setting may be such that the washing installation WA can be brought into operation only when the verification signal has been detected.

[0071] In step S17, the generated washing program can typically be subjected to an automatic plausibility check. In the case of a fault, an error message can be output in step S18.

[0072] The method steps of the method are typically carried out in the stated order. However, this does not have to take place in immediate succession. Thus, it is possible, e.g., for the generation of the washing program to be carried out only after a certain time period has elapsed.

[0073] All the method steps of the method can be implemented by electronic devices (circuits, e.g., on a printed circuit board, PCB) which are suitable for carrying out the respective method step. Conversely, all functions which are carried out by features relating to objects can be a method step of a method. Thus, e.g., the method step of reading-in an equipment data set can be implemented by an input interface which has said corresponding functionality for reading-in purposes.

[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates the variables which serve for automatic washing program generation. This concerns the equipment data set with a dynamic and a static portion. The dynamic portion (operating constellation data set) typically includes data relating to the current operating conditions and data relating to the selection of activatable function blocks for specification of the desired scope of performance. The variables mentioned are read-in in the usual manner by different units via different interfaces. The washing program generation unit R then generates the washing program.

[0075] The data set which is used according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure for computation of the washing program includes the equipment data set 31 with a (dynamic) operating constellation data set 32 which characterizes the current operating conditions (e.g., water supply pressure, etc.), the (static) configuration data set, and a selection data set for definition of the selection of function blocks (scope of performance) andoptionallya position element 34 which indicates the position at which a specific machine component is installed in the washing installation WA. Thus, e.g., it regularly makes a difference where the metering pump(s) are installed in the washing installation WA. In dependence upon the position thereof and therefore the distance thereof from the operating assemblies to be supplied thereby (e.g., the brushes) different hose lengths result according to circumstances. In order to avoid down times, the metering pumps can now be actuated in a modified manner in order to be able to adapt the pressure build-up times to the water drainage. This also applies to the construction height of the washing installation WA (e.g., when the installation is designed not for passenger cars but for commercial vehicles and therefore has a taller construction height). Different hose lengths can also result from this and render adapted operating assembly or machine component adjustments necessary.

[0076] FIG. 3 shows a schematic-structural view of the washing program generation unit R during operation. Firstly, in step S11, the equipment data set and possibly further information relevant to washing program generation are read-in via the interface 41 from, e.g., a memory card. As shown in FIG. 3, top left, this can take place by accessing an SD memory card. A group of generally available function blocks FuB can be stored in a memory of the washing program generation unit R (not shown in FIG. 3) or be read-in via an interface to a server S as shown at the top of FIG. 3. In step S12, the processor unit 42 is configured to specify which of the group of generally available function blocks FuB are activatable function blocks which can be activated on the basis of how the washing installation WA is fitted out (equipment data set, configuration data set). In step S13, these are output on the graphical user interface 43. The operator is then given the option of selecting specified function blocks from the displayed activatable function blocks in order to specify the scope of performance of the washing program to be generated. In the figure, these function blocks selected by the user are illustrated outlined in bold, thus in this example, function blocks FuB1, FuB3 and FuB4. In step S14, this selection is forwarded to the processor unit 42 with a selection data set. With these data, the processor unit 42 can generate a washing program automatically and locally on the installation in step S1, said program being forwarded to the washing installation WA for execution.

[0077] FIG. 5 schematically shows the construction of a function block FuB. This is stored and processed as a digital object. It includes a functionality object FO which represents the respective functionality of the function block FuB. Furthermore, it includes a component data object BO which specifies the machine components required for its functionality, and a connection object VO in which permitted connection information is stored. This can include, e.g., a rule data set which accesses a blacklist BL with prohibited connections or prohibited connection rules, and a white list with permitted connections or permitted connection rules. The blacklist BL and the white list WL can be retrieved via a server connection, each in updated form. Cumulatively or alternatively, the connections rules can be stored centrally in a rule base and likewise be accessible via a network interface. This has the advantage that the rules or the list with permitted and non-permitted function block connections can also be changed centrally without a change to the installation being necessary. This is shown in FIG. 5 by the three arrows at the bottom.

[0078] Finally, it is noted that the description of the disclosure and the exemplary embodiments are fundamentally to be understood to be non-limiting with respect to a specific physical implementation of the disclosure. All features explained and illustrated in conjunction with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can be provided in a different combination in the subject matter in accordance with the disclosure in order to achieve the advantageous effects thereof at the same time. Thus, the subject matter of the disclosure can be applied to different types of automatic washing installations, such as gantry washing installations, etc. Furthermore, it is, e.g., also within the scope of solution described herein to providealternatively or cumulatively with respect to the graphical user interfaceother operating or control elements than an interface for inputting the selection of function blocks. It is particularly obvious to a person skilled in the art that the solution described herein can be applied not only for specific configurations of washing installations but also for washing installations which are fitted out with different machine components or with machine components which are configured differently (e.g. different performance spectrum of a pump, etc.).

[0079] Furthermore, the components of the washing program generator and/or of the washing program generation unit R can be embodied in a manner distributed to a plurality of physical products. They are then in data exchange via corresponding interfaces. This increases the modularity of the system.

[0080] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.