Abstract: The apparatus for washing or drying vehicles has a conveyor belt drawing the vehicle through the apparatus and a flexible support member (4), guided in a horizontal plane above the plane of movement of the vehicle over a plurality of return wheels (5, 6), with a multiplicity of narrow strips (10) of absorbent material connected with said support member and vertically suspended therefrom. Two strands (4, 4b) of the support member (4) extend at an angle (.alpha.) obliquely relative to the direction (B) of movement of the vehicle. The strand (4a) facing the front end of the vehicle is driven in a direction which has a velocity component (K1) oriented opposite to the direction (B) of the vehicle advance. That strand (4b) of the support member (4) which faces toward the tail (1b) of the vehicle is inclined at such an angle (.alpha.) relative to the direction (B) of vehicle advance that its motion has a velocity component (K2) which is oriented in the direction (B) of the vehicle advance. This angle (.alpha.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying motor vehicles into vehicle washing installations comprises two endless conveying chains (1) running at a distance (A) from each other and parallel to each other. Between the two chains (1) there are arranged bearing shafts (7) at right angles thereto and separated from each other, said bearing shafts (7) each carrying a driving roll (10) engaging with a vehicle wheel. Below each chain (1) there is arranged a slide strip (2), on which the chain is supported. The chains (1) are guided by chain guide rails (3) running in the longitudinal direction of the chains. Between the chains (1) there is provided a travel path (12). The chains (1) are arranged at a distance above the travel path (12). The conveying chains (1) themselves are constructed as side guides for the vehicle wheel. At the same time, the chain guide rails (3) are so arranged and constructed that direct contact between the vehicle wheel and the conveying chains (1) is possible.

Abstract: The apparatus for washing the wheels (2) of vehicles in a washing plant has two oppositely arranged rotating wash brushes (4) each of which is associated with the wheels of one side of the vehicle and adjustable in the vehicle's direction of movement (B) on a carriage movable together with the vehicle in the vehicle's direction of movement (B) by means of a drive motor, and which during the washing phase can be pressed against one wheel (2) at a time. A light barrier (12, 13) is provided between the oppositely arranged carriages (6) and connected thereto and its light beam (15) is spaced from the axes of rotation (A) of the wash brushes (4) at a radial distance (R1) which corresponds approximately to the radius (R) of an average wheel size.

Abstract: In a portal-type washing arrangement for vehicles, one of the rotary mountings for a horizontal rotary washing brush is arranged at the lower end of a vertically downwardly hanging swinging arm. The upper end of the swinging arm is connected to a first carriage which is vertically displaceable on a vertical guide rail of the portal assembly. Disposed in the region of movement of the swinging arm is a switching arrangement which controls a control motor. The control motor is connected by way of flexible traction means to the first carriage and to a second carriage which is vertically displaceable on a further vertical rail on the portal assembly. The other rotary mounting of the washing brush is directly and rigidly connected to the second carriage.

Abstract: A counting mechanism for a motor vehicle washing plant. A vertically movable switching member is located in the track in the washing plant and in the path of the vehicle wheel located in the track. The switching member is movable vertically upon engagement by a vehicle wheel and is urged downwardly into engagement with the bottom of the track. After the wheel has passed over the switching member, structure is provided for returning the switching member to its initial position. The second vehicle wheel will then engage the switching member a second time and urge it downwardly into engagement with the bottom of the track. This second engagement will produce an indexing of a stroke counter to register a counting unit thereon. As a result, it will not be possible to control or thwart, in an unauthorized manner, the counting mechanism for counting cars actually washed in the washing plant.

Abstract: Vehicle washing apparatus having two suspended brushes rotatable about generally vertical axes which are forced apart during passage of the vehicle between the brushes wherein the brushes are initially inclined towards the vehicle and are swung into an oppositely-inclined position by pressure against the vehicle, whereby the front and rear surfaces of the vehicle are more efficiently cleaned.