DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an automatic washing system for two-wheelers and more particularly to an automatic system for washing two-wheelers controlled by programmable logic controller (PLC) and a method for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the number of two-wheeler(s) are increasing day by day, the requirement to clean the two-wheelers with minimal resource and time becomes essential. Currently, two-wheeler washing is done manually at all two-wheeler-washing centres, wherein the two-wheelers are washed by the employee manually by spraying water all over the two-wheeler using single water nozzle. Thereafter, soap foam is prepared in a bucket with pressurized water and soap solution and further applied all over the two-wheeler.

In the conventional systems, a manually operated liquid applicator is supplied with a stream of high pressure water (generated by means of a pump) so that the water is directed towards the motor two-wheeler by the user. The washing of a motor two-wheeler usually involves several sequences. For example, the motor two-wheeler may first be rinsed with water discharged from the liquid applicator so as to provide a preliminary loosening of dirt and grime. This preliminary rinse sequence may then be followed by a wash sequence where a liquid detergent is supplied to the water and this high-pressure liquid mixture of liquid detergent and water may then be directed towards the motor two-wheeler. Finally, any detergent residue which remains may then be removed by again directing a high-pressure rinse water stream against the motor two-wheeler. It is also sometimes desirable to apply other chemical additives to the water stream at different sequences in the wash cycle. For example, a liquid wax or other surface protective medium may be injected into the water stream and thus applied onto the motor two-wheeler via the wand.

Automotive two-wheeler washing systems of various types are known. Two basic systems have been developed, one comprising so called contact types wherein brushes or pads come into physical contact with the two-wheeler body to perform the washing function. The second type of system used is commonly referred to as non-contact or touch less systems. The tunnel or drive through washing systems of both types are well known as well as so-called rollover systems wherein the two-wheeler remains stationary in the wash bay and the system moves with respect to the two-wheeler to perform the washing operation.

Some of the problems inherent in the existing washing systems is their unhealthy working condition for person who is performing the washing job; wastage of water due to which waste-water ends up in the storm drain and, eventually, in streams, rivers, and lakes; reducing work efficiency that does not only affect the customer but also generates less profit to business owner as it consumes more time. The obvious disadvantage to these types of systems is that they require the manual efforts of the two-wheeler owner rather than the automobile being washed automatically.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks and provides an automatic system for washing two-wheelers controlled by programmable logic controller (PLC) and delivers a high-quality two-wheeler washing system.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to eliminate the shortcomings of existing prior art.
An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic system for washing two-wheelers controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) which is simple in design, easy to use and economical.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic washing system that reduces the time required to wash the two-wheeler and also provides hygienic working condition for the person who performs the washing job.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic washing system that protects the two-wheeler from hazardous soap solution.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic washing system that can be utilized in all the climatic conditions.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the illustrations to disclose the aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an automatic washing system for two-wheelers controlled by automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit and a method for the same designed to wash all types of two-wheeler ranging in length from 5 feet up to and 10 feet.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises of a program selection unit, wherein the pressurized water spraying, soap solution spraying and drying of the two-wheeler is controlled by automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method of working of the automatic washing system for two- wheelers comprises the steps of: parking the two-wheeler and positioning the same inside a wash bay while running a complete wash cycle with multiple loop of a high pressure rinse, a soap wash application, a low pressure rinse and a double dryer pass; selecting the two-wheeler type and wash cycle in auto mode; pressing the start button of the two-wheeler; spraying pressurized water (water rinse cycle) and soap solution (soap cycle) from all side through nozzles on the water and soap boom respectively; repeating the step of rinsing to clean the soap solution from the two-wheeler; drying to remove the spot from two-wheeler using a dryer; and removing the two-wheeler from the bay on completion of washing in reverse direction through a ramp.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the automatic washing system comprises of an inbuilt water recycling system that reduces the water wastage and reuse water with latest filtration technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automated two-wheeler wash of the present invention in a wash sequence.
Fig. 2 is a segmented, view of the chassis frame with positioned two-wheeler within the wash bay.
FIG. 3 is a segmented, close up view of the rear wheel cleaner of the present invention with a two-wheeler positioned within the wash bay.
FIG. 4 is a segmented, close up view of the front wheel cleaner of the present invention with a two-wheeler positioned within the wash bay.
FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the under-body wash of a bike is a present invention with a two-wheeler positioned within wash bay.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a water spray area on a two-wheeler associated with automation frame.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soap wash spray area on a two-wheeler associated with the automation frame.
FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the rear wheel wash, chain cover wash from both sides.
FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the pump and motor assembly for pressurized water spray is the present invention with a two-wheeler positioned within the wash bay.
FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the automation frame trolley assembly with an electric motor is fitted with the timing pulley for the movement of the trolley parallel to the two-wheeler by using wedged rollers.
Fig:11 is schematic view of the automatic two-wheeler washing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system. The illustrative system described herein are not meant to be limiting. It can be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.
The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects.
The embodiment is chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The present invention relates to an automatic system for washing two-wheelers controlled by programmable logic controller (PLC) to deliver a high-quality two-wheeler wash and a method for the same designed to wash all types of two-wheeler ranging in length from 5 feet up to 10 feet.
The automatic washing system for two-wheelers comprises of a program selection unit, wherein the pressurized water spraying, soap solution spraying and drying of the two-wheeler is controlled by automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.

An automatic two-wheeler washing system (1) comprising:

at least two compartments, one for wash bay to park a two-wheeler (2) within the wash bay and another for control panel and machineries;
wherein the wash bay further comprises of:

a movable undercover trolley assembly (12) comprising the timing pulley (22) and timing belt (23) associated with the electric geared motor (20);

a chassis frame assembly (3) comprising of two rails (8) for a positioned two-wheeler (2) within the bay;

an automation frame (13) below the chassis frame assembly (3) comprising of:

at least one drying blower (15) for automatically drying the two-wheeler (2) positioned within the bay on the top of the automation frame (13);
a water boom (distribution pipe of fluid) (14) with variable number of nozzles arranged in such a way that complete two-wheeler is covered from left side, right side, top and bottom on full body of the two-wheeler (2);

a soap boom (distribution pipe of soap fluid) (16) with variable number of nozzles placed at specific place to distribute the soap fluid from left side, right side, top and bottom on full body of two-wheeler (2);

a removable ramp (5) to load and unload the two-wheeler (2) into the wash bay;

a caster wheel (6) at the bottom of the system (1) for easy installation;

a rear wheel mudguard cleaner (9) and a front wheel mudguard cleaner (10) to wash the front and rear wheel mudguard by special position of pressurized water nozzles mounted on mudguards;

a sensor (32) as stoppers for back and forth movement of automation frame (13);

a display (4) for controlling the operations of the washing system.

Water collection tank (25) to collect the water after the completion of the cycle. Further, the wash bay is enclosed by the sheet from all sides.

The wash bay of automatic two-wheeler washing system (1) is having an opening with doors (31) to load and unload the two-wheeler (2) from the wash bay.

The undercover trolley assembly (12) of automatic two-wheeler washing system is movable back and forth over the full length of a two-wheeler (2) positioned within the wash bay.

The automatic two-wheeler back and forth movement of the undercover trolley assembly (12) is powered by an electric geared motor (20) and is along two undercover of chassis frame rails (8) of the wash bay.

Further, the automatic two-wheeler chassis frame assembly (3) is placed within the wash bay at a certain height which is removable from wash bay.

The automatic two-wheeler sensor (32) when comes in contact with automation frame (13), then electric geared motor (20) automatically stops the system which covers the two-wheeler (2).

The automatic two-wheeler washing system (1) further comprises of foam tank assembly (33) having the pipe inside the tank up to a certain level for suction of the soap chemical.

The automatic two-wheeler foam tank assembly (33) is used to spray the pressurized soap fluid on the two-wheeler (2).

The automatic two-wheeler movement of undercover trolley assembly (12) is operated by the smart programmable logic controller (PLC) system.

The automatic two-wheeler display (preferably HMI) (4) is present on front side of the washing system(1).

The automatic two-wheeler display (4) controls the operation for washing two-wheeler (2) through logical programming.

In the automatic two-wheeler washing system, there are four types of cycles that are programmed for the washing of two-wheeler (2) in the wash bay in automatic mode:

• COMPLETE WASH - Complete wash starts with the cycle of water wash after that cycle of soap wash and again the cycle of water wash and the last cycle of dryer.
• WATER WASH - Water wash consists of only water wash cycle.
• QUICK WASH - Quick wash starts with the water wash half cycle (front to back) then soap wash cycle (back to front ad again front to back) then water cycle (back to front).
• FOAM WASH - when we select the option foam wash then soap wash cycle starts.
• BLOWER CYCLE - when we select the option blower cycle then dryer cycle starts.

In the automatic two-wheeler washing system, there are six types of cycles that are programmed for the washing of two-wheeler in the wash bay:

• RAMP FORWARD - while selecting this button ramp moves forward.
• RAMP REVERSE - while selecting this button ramp moves backward.
• HP PUMP – used for pump ON/OFF.
• FOAM SOLENOID – Used for SOAP Wash ON/OFF.
• BLOWER – used for dryer ON/OFF
• FAULT RESET – Used for cycle reset.

The automatic two-wheeler washing system further comprises of emergency stop, connectors, trip meter and MCB for safety purpose of machine associated with smart programmable logic controller (PLC) system

The automatic two-wheeler washing system furthermore comprises of a tower lamp for the indication of start and stop of the machine.

The automatic two-wheeler washing system also includes a water pump assembly (17) consisting of the HTP pump (19) used with an electric geared motor (18) connection to spray the pressurized water through the jet nozzles on the two-wheeler (2).

The automatic two-wheeler water pump assembly (17) comprises of a valve (34) associated with the compressor wherein the valve (34) is used to immediately stop the water flow from the HTP pump (19) after every water wash cycle which is automatically operated by the smart programmable logic controller (PLC) system.

The automatic two-wheeler valve (34) prevents the soap mixture from getting waste of soap water mixture and controls the air coming from air compressor which is associated to the foam tank assembly (33) to spray the soap mixture on the two-wheeler (2).

After washing the two-wheeler, water is collected in the water collector tank which is kept below the wash bay. After that, the collected water is pumped from the water collector tank through the filter by using a centrifugal pump to the settling tank.
In the settling tank, mud and other debris settle down to the bottom of the settling tank by water recycling equipment system of water tank. After that collected water in the settling tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump and then it is passed to the pressure vessel in which the mixture of sand and carbon is present. Treated water is passed through the filter in which next level of filtration for micro particles is processed. Finally, clean water is pumped into the storage tank and water is used again for washing two-wheeler.
The said water recycling equipment system comprising:

a water collection tank (25) which is associated with the wash bay and is kept below the machine (1) which collects the water after the completion of the cycle;

a filter is used for suction of water from water collection tank (25) by using centrifugal pump (26) to a settling tank (27);

the settling tank (27) collects the pumped water and is passed through a pressure vessel (28) which contains the mixture of the carbon and the sand mixture to filter the water and again it is passed through special purpose filter (29) to the storage tank (30) which is fitted to top of the machine (1).

Further, the two-wheeler washing system has auto mode in which The method of operation of the system comprises the steps of:
• parking the two-wheeler and positioning the same inside a wash bay while running a complete wash cycle with multiple loop of a high-pressure rinse, a soap wash application, a low-pressure rinse and a double dryer pass;
• selecting the auto mode and wash cycle in auto mode;
• pressing the start button on display for automatic washing cycle;
• spraying pressurized water (water rinse cycle) and soap solution (soap cycle) from all sides through nozzles on the two-wheeler respectively;
• repeating the step of rinsing to clean the soap solution from the two-wheeler;
• drying to remove the spot from two-wheeler using a dryer; and
• removing the two-wheeler from the bay on completion of washing in reverse direction through a ramp.
• The said system also works in manual mode, as following: parking the two-wheeler and positioning the same inside a wash bay while running a complete wash cycle with multiple loop of a high-pressure rinse, a soap wash application, a low-pressure rinse and a double dryer pass;
• selecting the manual mode and wash cycle in manual mode;
• pressing the start button on display for each cycle i.e. water cycle and soap cycle.
• spraying pressurized water (water rinse cycle) and soap solution (soap cycle) from all side through nozzles on the two-wheeler respectively.
• repeating the step of rinsing to clean the soap solution from the two-wheeler manual mode.
• drying to remove the spot from two-wheeler using a dryer with manual mode.
removing the two-wheeler from the bay on completion of washing in reverse direction through a ramp.
The automatic system for washing two-wheelers is designed to fit into an area preferably 12 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches tall (approx.).
The soap and water boom associated with the automation frame moves back and forth parallel to two-wheelers from front to back to spray the pressurized water on the two-wheeler.
The rear wheel cleaners of the system wash the rear wheel, machine cover and tyres of a two-wheeler positioned within the wash bay by special position of pressure nozzles.
The mudguard cleaner of the system washes the mudguard of the two-wheeler positioned within the wash bay by special position of pressure nozzle associated with the chassis frame having specific angle of splash area of water. Mudguard cleaner is positioned for front and rear mudguard of the two-wheeler.
The display is given to operate the machine in automatic (as well as manual) mode which is operated by the automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.
Undercover trolley positioned within the chassis frame which is controlled by the sensor which is used to control back and forth movement of the automation trolley. When the wash cycle is started, an automation trolley assembly comes into the contact with the forward limit switch which stops at the forward position and again goes back to the home position and comes into contact with the backward limit switch. The limit switches are operated by the automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.
After the completion of the water cycle, the excess water flow automatically cut off with the help of electric valve which is operated by the automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.
For foam cycle valves are used and it is operated pneumatically which are operated by the automated Programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.

Two-wheeler counting system is also given which is operated by the automated programmable logic controller (PLC) unit.

In all-weather climate areas, the automated two-wheeler wash of the present invention is able to stand alone in any parking lot where proper utilities are provided. It is also able to be mounted on a trailer and become a mobile automated two-wheeler wash that is suitable for use at two-wheeler rallies, trade shows, shopping market area and the like.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. The present invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages described herein be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. An automatic two-wheeler washing system (1) comprising:

at least two compartments, one for wash bay to park a two-wheeler (2) within the wash bay and another for control panel and machineries;

wherein the wash bay further comprises of:

a movable undercover trolley assembly (12) comprising the timing pulley (22) and timing belt (23) associated with the electric geared motor (20);

a chassis frame assembly (3) comprising of two rails (8) for a positioned two-wheeler (2) within the wash bay;

an automation frame (13) below the chassis frame assembly (3) comprising of:

at least one drying blower (15) for drying the two-wheeler (2) positioned within the bay on the top of the automation frame (13);

a water boom (distribution pipe of fluid) (14) with variable number of nozzles arranged in such a way that complete two-wheeler is covered from left side, right side, top and bottom on full body of the two-wheeler (2);

a soap boom (distribution pipe of soap fluid) (16) with variable number of nozzles placed at specific place to distribute the soap fluid from left side, right side, top and bottom on full body of two-wheeler (2);

a removable ramp (5) to load and unload the two-wheeler (2) into the wash bay;

a caster wheel (6) at the bottom of the system (1) for easy installation;

a rear wheel mudguard cleaner (9) and a front wheel mudguard cleaner (10) to wash the front and rear wheel mudguard by special position of pressurized water nozzles mounted on mudguards;

a sensor (32) as stoppers for back and forth movement of automation frame (13);

a display (4) for controlling the operations of the washing system.

2. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the undercover trolley assembly (12) is movable back and forth over the full length of a two-wheeler (2) positioned within the wash bay.

3. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the back and forth movement of the undercover trolley assembly (12) is powered by an electric geared motor (20) and is along the two undercover of chassis frame rails (8) of the wash bay.

4. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (32) when comes in contact with automation frame (13) stops the electric geared motor (20) which is associated with programmable logic controller (PLC) system which covers the two-wheeler (2).

5. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washing system further comprises of a foam tank assembly (33) having the pipe inside the tank up to certain level for suction of the soap chemical.

6. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein foam tank assembly (33) is used to spray the pressurized soap fluid on the two-wheeler (2).

7. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claim1, wherein there are majorly five types of wash cycles: complete wash, water wash, quick wash, foam wash and blower cycle.

8. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washing system further comprises of a water pump assembly (17) consisting of the HTP pump (19) used with an electric geared motor (18) connection to spray the pressurized water through the jet nozzles on the two-wheeler (2).

9. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claim 1 and 8, wherein the water pump assembly (17) comprises of a valve (34) associated with the compressor wherein the valve (34) is used to immediate stop the water flow from the HTP pump (19) after every water wash cycle.

10. The automatic two-wheeler washing system as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein the valve (34) prevents the soap mixture from getting waste of soap water mixture and controls the air coming from air compressor which is associated to the foam tank assembly (33) to spray the soap mixture on the two-wheeler (2).