GB1426081A - Automatic parking system for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1426081 Parking systems R L MOYANO 14 Feb 1973 [3 June 1972 9 Jan 1973] 7250/73 Heading A4T A vehicle parking system comprises a parking surface, mobile multi-floor vehicle storing units selectively displaceable on the surface, loading/unloading means for transferring vehicles to and from the storing units and an electronic computer for controlling the system. The loading/unloading means preferably comprise hoist units, Figs. 5 or 7a, the vehicles being transferred to the hoist units longitudinally, Fig. 7a, or laterally, Fig. 5, on rollers 63. Alternatively, Fig. 8a, the vehicles may be transferred to and from the storing units directly by telescopic units 18, respective vehicle entrances (N 1 )-(N 4 ), Fig. 2 (not shown), being provided for each floor level of the storing units. After longitudinal introduction of a vehicle on to the hoist unit, Fig. 7a, floors 13 of the unit are circulated on endless chains 12 until the vehicle is positioned at the required storing unit floor, whereupon it may be transferred to the storing unit for transport to a required storage position. After lateral introduction on the rollers 63, Fig. 5, locking means, Figs. 6a-6c (not shown) is actuated to engage the vehicle wheels, whereupon the hoist unit floors 13 are similarly circulated on endless chains 12 to position the vehicle. For direct transfer, Fig. 8a, each telescopic unit 18 has a projection 19 which is normally held in a retracted condition and can be raised to engage and push the vehicle, a similar projection 20 for use in unparking the vehicle 20 also being provided. The movement of the unit 18 causes wedges 24, 29 of the storing unit to rise and engage the wheels of the vehicle to locate it on the storing unit. For movement to required storage positions, the storing units have wheels which preferably run on rails (77), (78), Figs. 13 and 14 (not shown) along lanes 11, pivotable track portion (79) at the perpendicular rail intersections being turnable under the control of the computer to turn the wheels of the units to enable them to change direction. For moving the storing units, traction chain systems 57, 62, Fig. 12, are provided, the units being drivingly engaged with the chains 57, 62 as required by levers (74), Fig. 17 (not shown), which may be engaged or disengaged from the chains 57, 62 by a solenoid actuated shaft (68). Movement is controlled by the computer by signals fed to the storing units through contacts 51, Fig. 12 in panels mounted above the storing units, which panels pass signals to means 52 mounted on the units for controlling driving, braking, &c. Weighing means 59, Fig. 8a, may check the weight of the vehicle being parked in order that the computer may adjust braking of the units accordingly. Turntables may be positioned in the lanes 11 to turn the storing units for unparking so that the vehicles may be driven away forwards.