EP0733144A1

EP0733144A1 - Installation for the reception, temporary storage and delivery of mobile objects

Info

Publication number: EP0733144A1
Application number: EP95944743A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jörg c/o Friedrich Maurer Söhne GmbH Co. BEUTLER
Original assignee: Maurer Soehne GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Maurer Soehne GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1994-09-16
Filing date: 1995-07-10
Publication date: 1996-09-25
Also published as: JPH09506150A; KR100279117B1; IL115323A0; DE59504418D1; KR960706004A; KR100278330B1; US5915908A; WO1996008624A1; CN1135781A; EP0728249A1; KR960706005A; WO1996008623A1; ATE174093T1; MXPA96001834A; JPH09505372A; EP0728249B1; IL115323A; WO1996008625A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an installation for the reception, temporary storage and delivery of mobile objects, in particular unmanned powered vehicles. The installation has a transfer tender (5) mounted so that it can rotate about a central axis and take vehicles from at least one entry platform (E) and transfer them to a vacant platform of a multiplicity of parking platforms (3) or take vehicles from the parking platforms and transfer them to an exit platform (A). The transfer tender (5) has at least two support arms (6), one of which is associated with an entry platform (E) and one with an exit platform (A) when the transfer tender is in the entry and exit positions. The exact design and location of the entry and exit platforms (E, A) may differ depending on the particular local conditions. They may also be designed as combined entry/exit platforms (E/A), thus enabling the installation to be adapted to changing requirements.

Description

System for receiving, temporarily storing and dispensing movable objects

The invention relates to a system for receiving, temporarily storing and dispensing movable objects, in particular unmanned movable motor vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In such a system, which is the subject of the application PCT / EP94 / 03113, the motor vehicles are taken from at least one entry platform by means of a translating device of a tender rotatably mounted about a central axis and provided with at least one support arm and onto a free one from a plurality set down from platforms or taken up again by these and transferred to an extension platform, the platforms being arranged along a helical rail for the tender next to one another in the radial direction. The transfer device mounted on the support arm of the tender has a frame device which can be moved in the longitudinal direction between the wheels of the vehicle standing on a platform and on which at least four are at right angles to the area of the vehicle wheels cantilevered support arms are arranged, of which at least two can be pivoted from a position directed in the direction of the frame device into the right-angled cantilevered position, in which they bear under pressure on the lower region of the respective vehicle wheel and lift it off the standing surface.

The performance of such a system, i.e. the number of objects to be picked up and delivered per unit of time, in the case of a parking facility the number of vehicles entering and leaving per unit of time, depends on numerous factors. It is thus possible to provide a tender with only one support arm which, as required, brings a vehicle to a platform or picks it up from a platform and transfers it to the exit platform. However, such an arrangement is only suitable for small parking capacities and a demand for parking space that remains essentially constant over time. In the case of larger systems, intermittent operation and a change in time between predominant entry and exit processes must be taken into account. In the case of a park in the inner city area, mainly entry processes take place in the mornings, while the exit processes become more frequent at the end of business. Likewise, after the end of theater and concert performances or similar events, there is a heavy departure traffic in the associated park facilities.

The invention is based on the object of designing a system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that operation can be optimized and adapted to different loads and operating conditions.

To achieve the object, the tender generally has at least two support arms, of which one support arm is assigned to an entry platform and one support arm to an exit platform in the retracted and extended position of the tender. In this way it is possible to simultaneously move a vehicle from an entry Take over platform on a support arm and hand over a vehicle from the other support arm to an extension platform.

When the tender is equipped with two support arms, these are preferably arranged diametrically opposite one another, while four support arms advantageously each form an angle of 90 ° between them. In the latter case, the entry and exit platforms are also arranged at mutual angular intervals of 90 ° on a circumference.

The capacity of the system can be further increased if more entry and exit platforms than support arms are provided. The support arms can then be assigned to different entry and exit platforms in different angular positions, and the entry and exit platforms not currently connected to a support arm can be driven on or cleared during this time. The entry and exit platforms are preferably arranged next to one another in order to enable a quick changeover to the platform to be approached in each case.

The flexibility of the system can be increased further in that at least some of the entry or exit platforms are set up for optional use as entry or exit platforms or are designed to be switchable for such optional use. It is also possible to make the individual support arms adjustable relative to one another in such a way that in one position of the tender each support arm can optionally be assigned at least two entry or exit platforms.

Depending on the size and necessary performance of the system, one or more, in particular two, tenders can be provided, the two tenders being movable independently of one another in the latter case. The entry and exit platforms can either be connected to both tenders be arranged, or separate entry and exit platforms are provided for each tender.

In larger systems, it is advisable to arrange the entry and exit platforms between the upper and lower ends of the helical rail for the tenders in such a way that one tender to the platforms above the entry and exit platforms and the other Tender can be moved to the platforms below the entry and exit platforms. In such a system designed as a parking garage, the platforms located above the entry and exit platforms are located in an above-ground parking lot and the platforms below the entry and exit platforms are located in an underground parking cellar.

For constructional reasons, it can also be expedient if two tenders of different diameters are used, which can be moved separately or together on corresponding rails. The above-ground parking garage can be made much smaller than the underground parking garage. Tenders of different sizes or with a variable length of the support arm can then be used.

The support arms can be arranged radially or as a chord with respect to the circle of rails. With an arrangement in the chord direction, a position would be possible in which the vehicles are picked up at one end of the target arm and released again at the other end, which has the advantage that the vehicle can later be handed over to the exit platform in the forward direction. In such a case, it is advantageously provided that the translation device mounted on the respective support arm can be loaded and unloaded on both sides. It can also be provided that a plurality of support arms of a tender are arranged one above the other and on different heights are arranged offset from each other, but a minimum height must not be fallen below.

Depending on the local conditions, the entry and exit platforms are arranged approximately at the level of the access routes, or they are below or above the level of the access routes, at least one entry and one exit box then being arranged in the level of the access routes, which is connected by a vehicle lift to an entry or exit platform.

The provision of own entry and exit boxes as a kind of feeder for the entry and exit platforms allows them to be arranged in such a way that the vehicles can enter and exit in the forward direction, which makes driving easier.

A vehicle lift can also be provided as a common entry and exit platform for the two tenders, with which the vehicles are brought from the level of the access routes to the level of the respective support arm.

In a further embodiment of the invention, for vehicles whose height exceeds that of a passenger car, such as Transporters or camping vehicles, special platforms can be seen, the receiving cross section of which is adapted to such vehicles. In order to reliably feed such vehicles to the corresponding platforms, a device for automatically detecting the vehicle height is provided in front of the entry platforms.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: 1 is a partially broken perspective representation of a system according to the invention with partially occupied platforms,

2, 3 and 4 are schematic cross sections of the system in the plane of the entry and exit platforms,

5 shows the arrangement of a car lift to two mutually independent tenders,

6 shows the assignment of entry and exit boxes to an underground system and

7 shows a plan view of a tender, the support arms of which are loaded and unloaded in the forward direction of the vehicles.

The system shown in FIG. 1 forms an underground parking garage which is designed as a hollow cylinder in its basic structure. The entrance is at 1 and the exit at 2 in the above-ground part. A multiplicity of parking spaces 3 are accommodated in the interior of the hollow cylinder, which are oriented radially with their longitudinal extension and adjoin the inner wall of the hollow cylinder with their radially outer ends. The parking spaces 3 are arranged along a helical line, so that they lie side by side without interruption from the first to the last or from the top to the bottom parking space. In the example shown, the helix has a uniform diameter. But it can also be provided that two parking garages of different sizes with helical lines of different diameters are arranged one above the other. These are then driven by different tenders 5, or the tenders are provided with support arms 6 which are adjustable in length. On their radially inner side, the parking spaces are connected to one another by a rail 4, which accordingly also runs in a helical shape.

In the cylindrical interior space not occupied by the parking spaces 3 there is a tender 5 with four support arms 6. Each of the support arms 6 of the tender 5 is supported on the rail 4 by two respective wheels 7. Four motor vehicles 8 can be transported upwards or downwards together on the four arms of the tender 5. The tender 5 rotates about its own axis during the lifting or lowering process, so that each of the four arms can approach a parking space or an entry or exit platform.

On each support arm 6 there is a translating device which lifts the vehicle by means of a frame which can be moved under the vehicle, shifts it onto the support arm and translates it onto the platform of a parking space by moving the support arm. This and the correspondingly reversed process when parking is carried out automatically by means of a control system, without an operator having to intervene. The vehicle is unoccupied. The translating device and the associated control are not the subject of the present invention and are therefore not shown and explained in more detail.

To translate the vehicle onto a support arm 6, it must be brought into a specific position by the driver. An entry platform is used for this purpose, which is located behind entrance 1 and on which the vehicle is guided into the correct position by means of guide rails. When this is reached, the driver and possibly other occupants are prompted to leave the vehicle by a light display. If necessary, suitable measures can be used to automatically determine whether there is no one else in the vehicle. At exit 2 there is an exit platform onto which a vehicle to be parked is transferred upon request by the driver.

Depending on the local conditions and the required performance of the system, i.e. of the parking and exit processes possible per unit of time (per hour), the support arms 6 and the entry and exit platforms can be designed and arranged differently. 2 to 4 schematically show a cross section of the system in the plane of the entry and exit platforms, the entry platforms being designated E and the exit platforms being designated A. The direction of travel of the vehicles is indicated by arrows.

2 shows a system with a two-armed tender 5. The two support arms 6 are arranged diametrically opposite one another.

According to FIG. 2a, two entry platforms E and adjacent two exit platforms A are provided on the outer circumference of the rotating circle of the tender 5. Only one of the support arms 6 can thus always be aligned with one of the entry or exit platforms. The associated disadvantage of a relatively low performance is offset by the advantage that no large areas are required for the access and departure routes. This can be essential in certain cases, for example if the peripheral area of the system is occupied by other buildings and is not accessible.

In FIG. 2b two entry platforms E are located next to one another and diametrically opposite two exit platforms A. In this way, one arm 6 can be loaded and the other arm can be unloaded at the same time. The entrance 1 and the exit 2 of the building are accordingly opposite. This version comes into question if the local conditions require separate access and departure routes.

In the event that the access and exit paths do not have to be separated from one another, the arrangement according to FIG. 2c is suitable, which in practice represents a doubling of the arrangement from FIG. 2a in that both support arms 6 can be loaded or unloaded simultaneously . In the example shown it is provided that in one position of the tender 5 both support arms 6 are unloaded at the same time and in an offset position both support arms are loaded. If the entry and exit platforms are in the correct position, one arm can also be unloaded while the other is being loaded.

While in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 the two support arms 6 are aligned in a continuous radial direction, three support arms can also be provided in a further embodiment, not shown, which include angular distances of 120 ° between them.

A more efficient, but also more complex design results if the tender 5 has four support arms 6, of which two are diametrically opposed when viewed in cross section of the system and are offset by 90 ° with respect to the other two support arms, so that a total of one cruciform arrangement results, as shown schematically in Fig. 3.

3a corresponds in principle to the arrangement according to FIG. 2a while doubling the number of entry and exit platforms. However, only two of the four support arms 6 can be loaded or unloaded at the same time. The same applies to FIG. 3b with reference to FIG. 2b.

Further possibilities are shown in FIGS. 3c, 3d and 3e, the respective specific suitability being readily apparent from the illustration and from the explanation of FIG. 2c. The embodiment according to FIG. 3 is based on a rigid alignment of the four support arms 6 at angular intervals of 90 °. In a modification (not shown), however, the support arms can also be mutually adjustable at limited angles, so that in one position of the tender 5 a support arm 6 can operate two adjacent entry and exit platforms.

In the embodiments described so far, the platforms are provided either only as an entry platform or as an exit platform and are provided with the facilities required for this. However, the platforms can also be designed in such a way that they can be used either as entry or exit platforms. The structural effort is inevitably higher and the change requires certain retrofitting work; however, since the total number of platforms can be kept lower in this way, depending on the circumstances, the provision of such combined platforms may be necessary. economically more advantageous.

FIG. 4 shows some possibilities for the arrangement of such combined entry / exit platforms I / O. 4a, three entry platforms E, three exit platforms A and one entry / exit platform E / A are provided. The latter can be changed depending on the traffic load, e.g. at the start of business or performance on the entry platform and after completion on the exit platform. FIG. 4b shows a possible arrangement for a four-armed tender 5 and FIG. 4c for a two-armed tender.

With large systems and / or with a high frequency of parking and parking, it is advisable to provide two tenders 5. The two tenders can either be permanently coupled to one another and moved by a common drive, or they are operated independently of one another. In the case of two mutually dependent tenders, the structure accommodating the system can be carried out in any manner, for example above ground or underground. However, the need for a synchronous mode of operation requires an increased control effort and a certain loss in performance.

Two independent tenders are particularly suitable for larger systems, where some of the parking spaces are underground and the other part above ground. One tender then serves the underground part and the other tender the surface part. The entry and exit can take place in such a way that separate entry and exit ramps and associated entry and exit platforms are provided for each tender.

Another possibility is to use a car lift as the entry and exit platform, by means of which the vehicles are brought from a common entrance to the level of the respective tender or are brought back from this to a common exit level. 5 shows such an arrangement with an entrance 1, two entry platforms E1 and E2, which are designed as an autolift and can be moved independently, an upper tender T1 and a lower tender T2. In FIG. 5a, a first vehicle F1 has moved onto the upper entry platform E1 and a second vehicle F2 is waiting in the entrance 1. The upper entry platform E1 is then moved upward and the second vehicle F2 moves onto the lower entry platform E2 , as shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c. The two entry platforms E1 and E2 are then brought to the levels of the two tenders T1 and T2 located one above the other in the end position according to FIG. 5d and taken over by the translating device of the support arms. After the takeover, the tenders move to a free parking space, and the upper entry platform El is brought back to the level of entry 1 in order to take over the next waiting vehicle F3 (FIG. 5e). The whole process, the same reversing on the exit side takes about 5 minutes.

In the embodiment of the system according to the invention shown in FIG. 6, all parking spaces 3 are located underground, so that only a minimum of traffic area is required for the arrival and departure. Above ground only at least one entry box EB and one exit box AB are provided, from which a car lift leads to the underground transfer point.

The vehicle to be parked is placed in the entry box EB on the lift and brought up to the level of the tender 5 in its uppermost position. There it is either transferred to an entry platform E, or the lift itself is designed as an entry platform from which the vehicle is taken over by means of the transfer device. On the exit side, the process is reversed.

This arrangement has the additional advantage that the exit box AB and the lift located therein can be designed so that the vehicle can extend in the forward direction. Due to the specific design, the exit platforms in the previously described embodiments can only be driven backwards, which is sometimes difficult for inexperienced drivers.

FIG. 7 shows a further possibility for forming a tender 5 with two support arms 6. According to the arrows, the vehicles can be taken over to the target arms in the forward direction and released again in the same direction, so that the vehicles can Leaving exit platform A driving forward.

The system according to the invention can also be equipped in a manner not shown with some parking spaces for particularly tall vehicles. The height of the vehicles is detected at the entrance, for example by light barriers, and High-altitude vehicles are brought to the designated parking spaces by the automatic control system.

Claims

Expectations

1. System for receiving, temporarily storing and dispensing movable objects, in particular unmanned movable motor vehicles, each of which by means of a translating device on a support arm (6) at least one tender (5) rotatably mounted about a central axis by at least one entry platform (E ) and transferred to a free of a plurality of platforms (3) or picked up again by these and transferred to an extension platform (A), the platforms along a helical travel rail (4) for the tender (5) are arranged side by side in radial direction and the translating device mounted on the support arm of the tender has an automatically controlled device to move the vehicle from a platform to the tender (5) or vice versa, characterized in that the Tender (5) has at least two support arms (6), of which a traga in the retracted and extended position of the tender rm is assigned to an entry platform (E) and a support arm to an exit platform (A).

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the tender (5) has two support arms (6) which are arranged diametrically opposite one another, and that the entry and exit platforms (E, A) are diametrically opposite.

3. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the tender (5) has four support arms (6), two of which are diametrically opposed and are arranged offset by 90 ° with respect to the other two support arms.

4. Plant according to claim 3, characterized in that the entry and exit platforms (E, A) are arranged on a circumference at an angular distance of 90 °.

5. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the tender (5) has three support arms (6) which are arranged in Winkelab¬ stands of 120 ° around the central axis.

6. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized ge indicates that the number of entry and exit platforms (E, A) together is a multiple of the number of support arms (6), and that in various angular positions of the Tenders (5) each support arm (6) is associated with an associated entry or exit platform (E, A).

7. Plant according to claim 6, characterized in that for each support arm (6) a plurality of entry or exit platforms (E, A) are arranged side by side.

8. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized ge indicates that at least some of the entry or exit platforms (E, A) as a combined entry / exit platform (E / A) for optional use as an entry platform (E) or set up as an extension platform (A) or designed to be switchable for such optional use.

9. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized ge indicates that the support arms (6) in their Winkelstel¬ tion against each other are adjustable in such a way that in one position of the tender each support arm optionally at least two entry or exit platforms (I, O, I / O) can be assigned.

10. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized ge indicates that two superposed tenders (Tl, T2) are provided with at least two support arms (6) each.

11. Plant according to claim 10, characterized in that the tenders (Tl, T2) can be moved together.

12. Plant according to claim 10, characterized in that the tenders (Tl, T2) can be moved independently of one another.

13. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tenders (Tl, T2) have different diameters and are assigned to an upper, in particular above-ground, and a lower, in particular subterranean driving area.

14. Installation according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the support arms of the tenders (Tl, T2) are adjustable in length, in particular in order to automatically adapt them to a variable diameter of the screw-shaped travel rail.

15. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arms are not arranged in a radial, but in a position tangential to the central axis of the tender (Tl, T2).

16. Plant according to claim 15, characterized in that the support arms are arranged at an acute angle to each other with in the corner point common entrances and exits for the platforms.

17. Plant according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least some support arms of a tender are arranged one above the other.

18. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, da¬ characterized in that the Einfahr- and Ausfahr¬ platforms (E, A) are assigned to both tenders (Tl, T2) together.

19. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry and exit platforms (E, A) are arranged at one end of the helical rail (4) for the tenders (Tl, T2).

20. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the two tenders (Tl, T2) own entry and exit platforms (E, A) are zugeord¬ net.

21. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Einfahr- and Ausfahrplatform (E, A) between the upper and lower ends of the helical rail (4) for the tenders (Tl, T2) in the manner are arranged that one tender (T1) to the platforms above the entry and exit platforms (E, A) and the other tender (T2) to the platforms below the entry and exit platforms (E, A) is movable.

22. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry and exit platforms (E, A) are arranged approximately at the level of the access routes, so that the platforms located above the entry and exit platforms essentially above ground and the platforms located below the entry and exit platforms are essentially underground.

23. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry and exit platforms (E, A) are designed to be vertically movable in the manner of a car lift, and that at least one upper entry platform (El) and one upper exit platform are the upper tender (Tl) and at least one lower entry platform (E2) and one lower exit platform is assigned to the lower tender (T2).

24. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entry and exit platforms (E, A) are arranged below the level of the access routes and that at least one entry and one exit box (EB , AB) are arranged, which are connected by a vehicle lift to an entry or exit platform.

25. Plant according to claim 25, characterized in that the entrance and exit boxes or boxes (EB, AB) are arranged in such a way that the vehicle can drive in and out in the forward direction.

26. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the translating device mounted on the respective support arm can be loaded or unloaded on both sides.

27. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for automatically detecting the vehicle height is arranged in front of the entry platforms (E), and that special platforms are provided for receiving vehicles whose height exceeds a predetermined maximum height.