JP2009542945A - Vehicle storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a vehicle storage structure for parking or storing a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an array of one-dimensional or higher parking bays is accessed by one or more mobile platforms that can be lifted and transferred to and from the parking bay. Vehicle loading and access points for the platform lift platform, parking bay, and containment structure are provided with a conveyor on which the vehicle is placed. With the conveyor, the vehicle is moved by the system without having to run on its own.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle storage structure for parking or storing a vehicle.

  The present invention relates to storage or storage of a vehicle in a vehicle storage structure. In particular, such a structure is configured in an array arranged in the width direction and the height direction, so that a large number of vehicles can be stored in a relatively small occupied area, and the land price is high. Especially valuable.

  Such systems are known. Many of them are composed of pallet systems. In this system, when a vehicle is moved onto a special pallet, the pallet is stored in an empty parking bay. However, such a system requires a pallet for each of all vehicles that may be parked in the structure. For this reason, the cost is greatly increased and the structure is complicated.

  Furthermore, when a parking position having a depth longer than that of one vehicle is provided, the space efficiency is poor. The pallet is designed for the maximum length vehicle that can be transported and stored. But many vehicles are much shorter. For example, only two pallets can be installed in a space where three compact cars can be parked. That is, the pallet system has a number of disadvantages.

  Many parking systems are stored in a stack only, that is, having a height but only one vehicle in the width direction. Since this requires only a lifting device for raising the vehicle to the required height, the lifting structure is simple. However, when storing a large number of vehicles (because of the cost of preparing a lifting device for each stack), the dimensions are limited and not practical.

  Fork-type arrangements are also used to lift the vehicle into the parking bay. However, if the vehicle is not lifted by such means or is not supported at an accurate height, recent vehicles are easily damaged, and thus such a configuration is not suitable.

  Another feature of the system in the market is that the vehicle transport lift does not move simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions. Since it is necessary to perform the operations separately, it takes a lot of time to store and carry out the vehicle. This is allowed in a garage for residents of a small-scale apartment, but is not preferable in a busy place such as an airport or a station.

Finally, many parking structures are fixed and lack flexibility. There is no known system that can be dismantled after temporary use and transported to the next location. Therefore, the range of use of such a vehicle storage system is potentially limited.

That is, there are many limitations in the prior art, and the present invention aims to solve them.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle parking or storage system that solves some of the problems in the prior art.
At least, it is an object of the present invention to give the public a useful option.
Aspects of the present invention are presented by way of example only with reference to the following description.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle parking bay includes a plurality of vehicle parking bays and at least one mobile vehicle lifter, and the vehicle parking bay has conveyor means that can move back and forth while the vehicle is placed thereon. The mobile vehicle lifter has a conveyor means on which a vehicle is placed and is movable back and forth, and further includes a vehicle access point, and the mobile vehicle lifter is provided between the vehicle access point and the vehicle parking bay. A vehicle stack apparatus is provided that is movable between at least two of them in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the array is configured by a plurality of vehicle parking bays arranged in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the vehicle parking bay has a depth that allows a plurality of vehicles to be arranged in the front-rear direction.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the vehicle parking bay has a depth that allows a plurality of vehicles to be arranged in the front-rear direction.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the conveyor means of the parking bay is a normal position of a vehicle left-right distance of the vehicle located in the vehicle parking bay or a grounding point of the vehicle. And a pair of conveyors each having an endless loop track.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the conveyor means of the parking bay has its own motor that moves itself and the vehicle mounted thereon.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking device described above, the vehicle parking bay conveyor means is locked in operation unless the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned therewith. It is characterized by that.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking device described above, the access point comprises a platform with conveyor means on which the vehicle rests, the platform being operable in at least one direction It is characterized by being.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the conveyor means of the access point is the same type as the conveyor means of the parking bay.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking apparatus described above, the access point conveyor means is locked in operation unless the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned with respect thereto. It is characterized by.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter includes a conveyor having an infinite loop track.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking device described above, the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter is a normal position of a vehicle left-right distance or a grounding point of the vehicle positioned thereon. And a pair of conveyors each having an endless loop track.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter has its own motor for moving itself and the vehicle mounted thereon.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the motor of the mobile vehicle lifter has a transmission connection means, and the transmission connection means parks the mobile vehicle lifter. When aligned with the bay, the motor of the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter can drive the conveyor means of the parking bay by connecting to the transmission connection means associated with the conveyor means of the parking bay. It is characterized by becoming.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the motor of the mobile vehicle lifter includes a transmission connection means, and the transmission connection means is configured such that the mobile vehicle lifter is an access point. When connected to the transmission connection means associated with the access point conveyor means, the motor of the mobile vehicle lifter conveyor means can drive the access point conveyor means. It is characterized by that.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the conveyor means of the vehicle parking bay has a motor, the vehicle parking bay has transmission connection means, and the transmission connection When the vehicle parking bay is aligned with the mobile vehicle lifter, the means is connected to a transmission connection means associated with the conveyor means included in the mobile vehicle lifter, so that the conveyor means included in the vehicle parking bay The motor can drive the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking apparatus described above, the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter can be synchronized with the conveyor means of the vehicle parking bay so that the vehicle on the conveyor means. Is easily transported between the mobile vehicle lifter and the vehicle parking bay.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking device described above, the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter can be synchronized with the conveyor means of the access point, thereby Further, it is easy to convey between the mobile vehicle lifter and the vehicle parking bay.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the mobile vehicle lifter conveyor means may be configured such that the mobile vehicle lifter is one or both of a vehicle parking bay and a vehicle access point. The operation is locked when not aligned.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle stack device described above has a structure constructed by module units.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the module unit includes one or more vehicle parking bays.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the vehicle parking bay is located in a structure constituted by a detachable frame.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the mobile vehicle lifter can perform horizontal movement and vertical movement simultaneously.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the mobile vehicle lifter includes a moving platform, a vehicle platform, and platform raising means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the movement of the movable vehicle lifter is performed by a chain drive system, a motor drive wheel, a screw / nut type system, an electromagnetic propulsion, a gear / rack type. It is performed by any one or more of a system, a cable / pulley system, and a hydraulic or pneumatic system.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the lift of the vehicle platform of the mobile vehicle lifter is performed by a chain drive system, a screw / nut system, a gear / rack system, a jack / It is performed by any one or more of a ratchet system, a cable / pulley system, and a hydraulic or pneumatic system.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the mobile vehicle lifter is accurately positioned with respect to a vehicle parking bay and / or a vehicle access point. The sensor means for confirming that it is provided is provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle stack device described above includes a vehicle parking bay having a depth equal to or more than one vehicle.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, more than one mobile vehicle lifter is provided, wherein at least one mobile vehicle lifter is located relative to a parking bay on an upper floor. It is characterized by operating.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, at least one transfer access point that is a temporary storage location to which a vehicle parking bay can be assigned is provided, The vehicle is temporarily loaded until the vehicle is loaded by the mobile vehicle lifter operating at the set or floor and removed by the mobile vehicle lifter operating at the set or floor of the second vehicle parking bay. Is mounted on the transfer access point.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, at least one vehicle service bay accompanied by one or both of a vehicle inspection facility and a vehicle fuel supply facility is provided, and the vehicle is inspected or maintained. For this purpose, the vehicle is temporarily transported to the vehicle service bay.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, the vehicle parking bay is arranged in a curved shape or a substantially circular shape when viewed from above.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle stack apparatus described above includes a control system capable of controlling at least the mobile vehicle lifter, and the control system is accessed and removed by the mobile vehicle lifter. Memorize the storage location of the vehicle to do, determine the priority of movement of the mobile vehicle lifter, optimize the movement of the mobile vehicle lifter between the vehicle transport positions, move the mobile vehicle lifter It is characterized in that at least one of the estimated times for the driver to return to determine the priority order is recorded.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, facilitating optional user requests available such as special security, vehicle inspection and care required by the vehicle user, Record at least one of the procedures to enable receipt by other authorized or designated persons, and provide account management, costs, and account facilities for use and / or inspection requests It has the control system which can be performed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stacking device described above, a boat loading lifter provided with lift means that is a boat and extends to the surface of the water so that the boat can be unloaded and removed is provided. The boat-loading lifter lifts the floating boat to the height of the mobile vehicle lifter, i) a vehicle lifter conveyor means, or ii) a platform with wheels located on the vehicle lifter conveyor means Alternatively, a boat can be changed between both or one of the trailers.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, the mobile vehicle lifter includes a proximity sensor for detecting whether one or both of the vehicle parking bay and the access point are in use. And the proximity sensor is connected to prevent the vehicle from being loaded from the mobile vehicle lifter into the already-used vehicle parking bay or access point.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack apparatus described above, one or more of the parking bays have readable data relating to the parking bays, the readable data approaching The mobile vehicle lifter can be read by a sensor.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle stack device described above, one or both of a vehicle parking bay and a mobile vehicle lifter have sensor means, and the sensor means includes the vehicle parking bay and the moving vehicle bay. Characterized in that it assists in accurately positioning both conveyor means of the lifter.

  The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises a plurality of parking bays, one or more vehicle access points, and one or more vehicle transport lifters capable of transporting the vehicle between the access points and the parking bay. Other vehicle transport operations may be performed sequentially. Here, the term vehicle includes not only automobiles, vans, and trucks, but also trailers, boats, and (although mainly small) aircraft. When a vehicle without wheels (for example, a boat) is used, the conveyor means may be deformed according to the ground contact portion or support portion of the vehicle (for example, a V-shaped conveyor structure is used to support the boat hull). Alternatively, a trailer or wheeled carrier may be used to support the vehicle.

  Generally, a plurality of vehicle parking bays are arranged as at least a two-dimensional array having a height direction and a width direction. The arrangement can be linear in plan view, but it can also be conceived to be configured in a curved state, an angled state, or a circular state in plan view. This is generally a matter of user choice or whether space (land) requires other designs.

  Multiple arrays of vehicle parking bays can be provided and can be accessed by one or more mobile vehicle lifters. For example, it is carried by a mobile vehicle lifter arranged between two vehicle parking bay arrays. (See FIG. 1 below.) Mobile vehicle lifters can also transport vehicles between arrays of different vehicle parking bays.

  The vehicle parking bay is generally arranged in a normal pattern, but is not limited to this. Each bay has a substantially uniform height or width, but different size bays may be provided for a particular vehicle, for example, a vehicle whose height or width exceeds normal.

  In a preferred embodiment, the structure with vehicle parking bays is modular (each module has one or more vehicle parking bays) or a structure that is easy to disassemble or change the structure. Both of these configurations allow for temporary or semi-permanent (and permanent) construction and use that can be removed or moved after use. Also, in both configurations, the structure can be expanded quickly if more parking bays are needed and if different types of bays are included.

  Module units typically comprise individual bays (which may comprise multiple bays), each bay ideally raised to a predetermined position by a crane. After raising the module in place, the necessary conveyor means are placed or installed.

  As a modified example, a frame structure assembled using a detachable fixing tool (such as a bolt) may be provided. This allows for immediate assembly or disassembly (due to removal or structural design changes). As will be appreciated, there are readily assembled structures other than the frame structure, such as various pre-assembled elements and sites, which can be used.

  Each vehicle parking bay has at least one opening through which mobile vehicle lifters can visit. Through this opening, the vehicle can move between the lifter and the bay. In some variations, particularly when the mobile vehicle lifter operates at both ends of the bay, it may have access openings at both ends of the bay. This would be more common in devices where multiple arrays (of vehicle parking bays) are separated by a mobile vehicle lifter, but there is a lot of traffic even when there is a single array of bays. Mobile vehicle lifters can be operated on both sides (eg at both ends of the bay) to speed up parking and removal during installation.

  The vehicle parking bay can have a depth of one vehicle or more to maximize space. The length can be optimized, such as the length of two large vehicles or three compact vehicles. In order to maximize stack efficiency, the control system monitors the car to park in the appropriate bay.

  In a multi-depth parking bay system, it may be desirable to have a temporary storage bay so that the vehicle at the end can be temporarily placed when the vehicle in the deep position of the bay is taken out. Other empty parking bays may be used to perform this operation, but in case the structure is almost full, a temporary storage bay (a normal parking bay assigned as a temporary storage bay only) It may be desirable to provide. Temporary storage bay is used as a transfer access point for transferring vehicles from one mobile vehicle lifter to another mobile vehicle lifter used in other vehicle parking bays (for example, bays on adjacent floors) May be.

  Different mobile vehicle lifters may be used in sets or arrangements of vehicle parking bays on different floors. There is a maximum height that should be handed over to other mobile vehicle lifters. This is determined by the maximum liftable height of the lifter (this reflects the average weight of a typical vehicle being transported, which is a compact Japanese car compared to a large American car) and the number of parking bays with the lifter. It also depends on how long it takes to run against. Therefore, when the arrangement is high, a plurality of mobile vehicle lifters supported on tracks having different heights can be used. These may operate at different locations (carry-in positions), such as when the parking device can be accessed from roads of different heights.

  Different types of bays may be provided. For example, one or more service bays may be provided for the vehicle to receive options such as inspection, cleaning, and care. The inspection includes, for example, fuel replenishment, lubricating oil check, coolant check, mechanical inspection, tire replacement, and the like. Vehicles reserved for various care or inspection options are carried according to procedures determined by the control system. The procedure is determined based on many matters. For example, although the following are included, it is not limited to this. That is, the time of entry into the structure, the expected time of removal from the structure, the urgency indicated by the driver, the expected operation completion time, the number of unprocessed items, the priority according to the type of job, and the like. The control system may have an integrated account so that the driver can be paid for a service fee or billed at a later date when the vehicle is parked or left. Various credit cards, electronic bank transactions, bills and account arrangements can be realized.

  The service bay may simply be a relay point where a vehicle parking clerk or inspector obtains a vehicle for service. However, it can be a special bay with all necessary equipment, such as a cleaning bay with an automatic car wash. By implementing these options, drivers can refuel and return home after cleaning, making it a valuable option for busy executives.

  The vehicle access point is a position where the driver can store or take out the vehicle. Typically, a platform (which may be the lifter itself) is provided that allows the vehicle to be placed on and removed from the mobile vehicle lifter. There may be more than one mobile vehicle lifter at a particular access point. One or more vehicle access points may be provided. Each vehicle access point typically has conveyor means.

  Typically, each access point is provided with a station for inputting driver instructions. This can be for storage or retrieval. Various options can also be entered, such as inspection and care. Operations include keypads, touch panels / screens, magnetic cards, voice to operators or automated devices, operations using software or dedicated devices in smartphones or PDAs, and / or remote controllers (used by many when opening garages Can be done). A help station facility may be provided where a parking clerk assisting the actual operator or driver is stationed.

  The parking device also includes one or more mobile vehicle lifters that transport the vehicle between the various bays and / or access points when needed. Mobile vehicle lifters can be of various designs, but it is desirable that they can be moved (horizontally) during ascent and descent to reduce access time.

  The lifter is mounted on a movable table that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the parking bay structure (or the longitudinal direction of a part of the parking bay structure when a plurality of lifters are used in different parts of the structure). Can be placed. The moving table can be driven by various means. Examples include chain drive systems, drive wheels, screw / nut systems, electromagnetic propulsion, gear / rack systems, cable / pulley systems, hydraulic or pneumatic systems. A wide range of options exists and can be implemented. However, it is desirable that the system is simple to mount, easy to maintain, highly reliable, and suitable for moving a moving table on which a vehicle is mounted.

  A vehicle platform on which a vehicle can be mounted is provided on the mobile vehicle lifter. This platform can be raised with and without a vehicle as cargo. This vehicle platform can be raised by various means. For example, a chain drive mechanism, a screw / nut system, a gear / rack system, a jack / ratchet system, a cable / pulley system, a hydraulic or pneumatic system, and the like.

  In a preferred arrangement, support masts are provided at each corner of the platform. The height of the mast is about the same or higher than the height of the parking bay array. (Excluding systems that use lifts at different heights described below.) This supports one or more types of lift configurations (eg, hydraulic pumps, chain drive systems) that raise the vehicle platform in a synchronized manner without tilting.

  In order to easily use higher positions, multiple mobile vehicle lifters operating at different heights may be used. For example, to access a higher floor, the lowest lifter raises the vehicle to its upper limit height and raises it to a temporary storage bay. Here it is accessed by another mobile vehicle lifter operating at a higher level. Repeat this operation to increase the height. However, using a plurality of lifters increases access time and is inefficient. Therefore, such a system would be best used when access points at different heights are available (perhaps when each road has a different height). For example, a person can enter from a certain floor, but a vacant parking bay can only be accessed on a floor that is handled by a different lifter. In this case, for example, the driver can return to a different (road) height and take out his / her vehicle.

  Conveyor systems are used to facilitate horizontal movement of the vehicle between elements, such as movement between access points, parking bays, and vehicle platforms. Essentially, the vehicle wheels (in this example using a wheeled vehicle) are placed on the conveyor and the vehicle is propelled back and forth as necessary. Multiple conveyors on aligned elements are coordinated to facilitate movement of the vehicle between the vehicle platform and access point, between the vehicle platform and parking bay, or between the vehicle platform and service bay, etc. . Where a multi-depth parking bay is provided, the associated conveyor system may be divided into a plurality of independently operable conveyors that allow the vehicle to move without affecting other vehicles in the bay.

  The conveyor generally has an endless loop track such as that provided in a bulldozer. Although metal track components may be used to form the loop, in a preferred embodiment, a solvent resistant and sturdy plastic material is used. The use of many suitable plastics such as various nylons, urethanes and polyurethanes, synthetic rubbers is conceivable.

  The conveyor means may comprise one track, but typically two tracks are provided, generally matched to the wheel spacing of a typical wheeled vehicle.

  Each conveyor means (on the mobile vehicle lifter, vehicle parking bay, or access point) has a drive motor that drives itself and moves the mounted vehicle as well. However, in a large structure, the number of motors increases in this case (if a motor is prepared for each vehicle parking bay). As a variant, the motor of the mobile vehicle lifter may also drive the conveyor of the vehicle parking bay in which the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned. This can be easily accomplished by providing an appropriate transmission connection between the paired lifter and the vehicle parking bay when aligned. The driving force is transmitted to both of the two conveyor means for driving.

  A separate motor may be provided on the mobile vehicle lifter to drive the parking bay conveyor means. Other variations exist. For example, the same configuration may exist in the access point and the mobile vehicle lifter. Similarly, a unique motor may be provided in the vehicle parking bay and / or access point that drives the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter via a transmission connection. In this case, the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter is operable only when aligned and connected to the access point and / or the vehicle parking bay.

  Many embodiments require some degree of accurate positioning between the mobile vehicle lifter, the access point, and the vehicle parking bay before beginning the transfer operation. Various sensor means can be used and applied. In order to perform positioning accurately, for example, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a sound wave sensor, a short wave sensor, or the like can be used. Data that can be read (e.g., magnetically or optically (e.g., as a barcode)) may be recorded in front of each vehicle parking bay so that information about the bay can be read. This can be read by the mobile vehicle lifter to reconfirm its position.

  A proximity sensor may be provided on the mobile vehicle lifter to detect whether there is a vehicle in the parking bay. It is possible to prevent a vehicle from entering a bay that already has a vehicle.

  In the case of a boat storehouse, the conveyor system may be modified because the boat is not initially loaded onto the trailer. Two preferred conveyors in the car embodiment are installed here in a V-shape to accommodate the boat hull. The elements of the conveyor are elastic, flexible and / or inclined so that they can (move) to accommodate different sized boat and hull shapes. Each conveyor track may be part of a spring or tilting system, for example, two conveyor tracks may be narrow and steep V-shaped during normal times. The hull shape is accommodated by the weight of the boat pushing the conveyor track out. Various hinges and ramps are often found on boat trailer rollers. A keel guide (which can be constituted by a series of rollers) may be provided.

  Another example is to place a boat on the trailer and store the trailer to store the vehicle. In the present invention, since the conveyor structure is used to move the vehicle in and out of the parking bay, the present system is not limited to a vehicle having a power source. That is, trailers and caravans can be stored as long as they fit within the bay dimensions.

  The device typically has an associated control system, which can range from a very simple design to a sophisticated one. Ideally, the control system has the following functions: That is, storing the location where the vehicle is stored, determining the priority of movement, optimizing the route for moving the vehicle, and the like. In more advanced systems, the driver's return time is estimated and recorded (potentially used as an element for optimizing vehicle movement), special security requirements, use for inspection and care, etc. Facilitating possible options and receiving relevant driver requests, enabling receipt by other authorized or designated persons, providing account management, costs, and account facilities, etc. For flexibility, it is within the scope of view to configure most of this type of control system in software.

It is within the scope of the vision that the control system has the ability to work with other systems. For example, sending a request to the service department and receiving information. Thereby, for example, the service department can make a request to take out the next vehicle in the service list. This is also integrated into the account system so that an account can be charged and / or a bank or other account or credit account can be automatically debited.

1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is an end elevation of other embodiments of the present invention. It is a perspective view of other embodiments of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a mobile vehicle lifter and an access point structure. It is the perspective view which showed preferable embodiment of the mobile vehicle lifter. FIG. 6 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed preferable embodiment of the conveyor means. It is the figure which showed a part of embodiment of FIG. It is the perspective view which showed one step of the vehicle removal procedure. It is the perspective view which showed the other step of the vehicle taking-out process. It is the side view which showed one Embodiment of the multi-depth parking bay. It is the top view which showed the curved embodiment of this invention. It is the front view which showed embodiment in the ocean of this invention. It is a modification of FIG. 13 and is an example in which a boat is stored in a trailer.

  Referring now to the drawings by way of example, a vehicle stack apparatus generally indicated by arrow 1 is provided, which comprises a plurality of parking bays 2 (generally indicated by arrows 2), a vehicle access point 3a. , 3b and a mobile vehicle lifter (generally indicated by arrow 4).

  1 to 3, two arrays 5a and 5b of the parking bay 2 are provided apart from each other, and these are handled by a mobile vehicle lifter 4 that moves between them. FIG. 3 shows a specially arranged parking bay 2 and bays of different heights are provided for different sized vehicles.

  FIG. 4 shows the vehicle access points 3a, 3b with the mobile vehicle lifter 4 in a position to receive the vehicle. The parking bay arrangement is installed in the building 8 as shown in FIG. A command input station 9 is provided as a system interface for the driver to store and remove the vehicle. This can also include payment means such as cash payment mechanisms and / or electronic commerce readers for banks and / or credit cards. Such payment means are likely to be used in public places. In private garages, security cards, keypads, and devices are likely to be used. Motion sensor equipment may be provided to confirm that no one is on the vehicle before it is stored.

  5 and 6 show a preferred embodiment of the mobile vehicle lifter 4. This includes a support 10 that is movable along the rail 11. An electric motor 12 cooperates with the chain or cable to move the support 10 horizontally.

  The vehicle platform 14 is supported at its four corners by a mast 15, and the mast 15 serves as a movement guide, so that the vehicle platform 14 can move in the vertical direction along the mast 15. A chain drive system (not shown) is accommodated in the mast 15, and the chain drive system is driven by a pair of electric motors 16 to raise and lower the vehicle platform 14. That is, the mobile vehicle lifter 4 can move horizontally while the vehicle platform 14 moves up to place or remove the vehicle in response to the control signal.

  7 and 8 are conveyor assemblies used for the parking bay 2, the vehicle access point 3, and the vehicle platform 14. Vehicle wheels (not shown) are located on the conveyor track 17. When the electric motor 18 drives the connected roller 19, it moves the track 17 and the vehicle above it, if present, backwards or forwards. By using such an arrangement, the vehicle is transported between one of the vehicle access point 3 or the parking bay 2 and the vehicle platform 14.

  9 and 10 show a state where the vehicle 24 in the bay is taken out (or parked). In FIG. 9, the conveyor 20 and the conveyor 21 are aligned because the vehicle platform 14 of the mobile vehicle lifter 4 is aligned with the parking bay 2. The conveyors 20, 21 are operated so that the car moves on the platform. A sensor may be provided to indicate whether the vehicle is in an appropriate position. Next, the vehicle 24 is in the position shown in FIG. The vehicle platform 14 and the mobile vehicle lifter 4 move the vehicle horizontally and lower it to move the vehicle to the vehicle access point 3 or, if necessary, to another location (eg service bay or temporary storage location). .

  In FIG. 9, one of the bays 30 is a service bay. This can have a manual gasoline refueling pump operated by a parking clerk. An access point (not shown) may be provided at the rear so that a worker can take out or park a vehicle that requires inspection. The bay 30 may also include or supply an automatic car wash. The same conveyor system can be used for car wash.

  Each parking bay can be a module unit as shown in FIGS. Each module can be added to or removed from the structure, and the control system is programmed accordingly. If necessary, the rail 11 of the support 10 can be extended.

  FIG. 3 further illustrates a skeleton-type structure that can be quickly assembled or disassembled upon modification or removal.

  FIG. 11 shows a multi-depth parking bay structure, in which a parking bay 52 having a depth longer than that of one vehicle is used. Up to three compact cars 41 can be stored in the upper bay. Instead, two large vehicles 40 are stored in the lower bay. To accomplish this, a plurality of conveyors 45a-45d are used so that each vehicle can be moved (from the end for removal). This is a representative example of several cases.

  FIG. 12 is a curved or partially circular parking bay structure in certain cases (due to land and space limitations, appearance, or other reasons).

  FIG. 13 is a modification used for storing a boat in a marina or the like. A boat loading lifter 103 is provided that extends to the water 192 and can raise the boat 162 to the height of the platform 110 and its platform 114. The boat loading (and leaving) portion 103 also has a platform 160, and the platform 160 has an inclined conveyor system 161 that can accommodate the hull of the boat 162. The conveyor system 160 may have a structure that swings with a hinge so that the conveyor track 120 can spread out to accommodate differently shaped hulls.

  In use, the platform 160 is lowered until the boat 162 can float to a predetermined position. When in place, the platform 160 is raised until the boat 162 is at a height that allows the boat 162 to rest on the platform 114 of the platform 110. The conveyor places the boat on the table, which then moves the boat to the appropriate parking bay 130. An inclined conveyor arrangement 121 in the parking bay 130 loads the boat into the bay. To leave a stored boat, essentially reverse the procedure.

  FIG. 14 is the same except that there is an empty trailer 180 on a platform loading platform 114 and a boat 162 is mounted thereon. For example, the empty trailer 180 is removed from the parking bay 130 and positioned in front of the boat loading / unloading lifter 103. Instead of loading the boat directly onto the platform 114 of the platform 110, it is loaded onto an empty trailer 180 on the platform. The trailer loaded with the boat is then stored in an empty bay. Departure is essentially the reverse of this procedure. Further, a second loading unit 190 is provided so that the boat and the trailer can be connected to a vehicle or a land vehicle and towed. The second loading unit 190 is essentially the same as a loading unit for a vehicle (for example, reference numeral 3b in FIG. 1). A second loading unit may be provided in the embodiment of FIG. 13 so that the boat can be lowered from the platform of the platform and placed on a trailer connected to the land vehicle.

  It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention has been described by way of example only and modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of the invention described herein.

  The term “comprising” as used herein should be considered not to be used in a limiting sense. That is, “preparation” does not represent or define an exclusive requirement, but suggests that other elements or configurations may be added.

  This specification is based on an understanding of the prior art by the inventors. The description of the prior art is not a reliable disclosure of the authentic contents of the prior art, but rather is a reference that the inventor has hesitated in making the present invention.

Claims (39)

A plurality of vehicle parking bays and at least one mobile vehicle lifter;
The vehicle parking bay has a conveyor means that is movable forward and backward while the vehicle is placed thereon,
The mobile vehicle lifter has a conveyor means on which a vehicle is placed and which can move back and forth.
Furthermore, a vehicle access point is provided, and the mobile vehicle lifter is movable in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction between at least two of the vehicle access point and the vehicle parking bay. .   The vehicle stack device according to claim 1, wherein the array is configured by a plurality of vehicle parking bays arranged in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.   The said vehicle parking bay is a vehicle stack apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 which has the depth which can accommodate and accommodate a some vehicle in the front-back direction.   The vehicle stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor means of the parking bay comprises a conveyor with an endless loop track.   The conveyor means of the parking bay comprises a pair of conveyors each having an endless loop track located at a normal position of a vehicle left-right distance or a grounding point of the vehicle located in the vehicle parking bay. Item 5. The vehicle stack device according to Item 4.   The vehicle stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor means of the parking bay has its own motor that moves itself and the vehicle mounted thereon.   The vehicle stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor means of the vehicle parking bay is locked in operation unless the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned therewith.   The vehicle stack device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access point comprises a platform with conveyor means on which the vehicle rests, the platform being operable in at least one direction.   9. The vehicle stacking device according to claim 8, wherein the access point conveyor means is of the same type as the parking bay conveyor means.   10. A vehicle stacking device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the access point conveyor means is locked in operation unless the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned with respect thereto.   A vehicle stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter comprises a conveyor with an endless loop track.   The conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter comprises a pair of conveyors each having an endless loop track located at a normal distance from the left-right distance of a vehicle wheel positioned above or a grounding point of the vehicle. Item 12. The vehicle stack device according to Item 11.   The vehicle stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter has its own motor that moves itself and the vehicle mounted thereon.   The motor of the mobile vehicle lifter has transmission connection means, the transmission connection means associated with the conveyor means of the parking bay when the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned with the parking bay. 14. The vehicle stacking device according to claim 13, wherein a motor of a conveyor means included in the mobile vehicle lifter is capable of driving the conveyor means of the parking bay by connecting to the means.   The motor of the mobile vehicle lifter has transmission connection means, the transmission connection means being associated with the conveyor means of the access point when the mobile vehicle lifter is aligned with the access point. 14. A vehicle stacking device according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the motor of the mobile vehicle lifter conveyor means is capable of driving the access point conveyor means by connecting to the vehicle.   The conveyor means of the vehicle parking bay has a motor, the vehicle parking bay has transmission connection means, and the transmission connection means is arranged when the vehicle parking bay is aligned with the mobile vehicle lifter. 2. The connection to transmission means associated with the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter enables the motor of the conveyor means of the vehicle parking bay to drive the conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter. The vehicle stack apparatus as described in.   The conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter can be synchronized with the conveyor means of the vehicle parking bay, so that the vehicle on the conveyor means can be easily transported between the mobile vehicle lifter and the vehicle parking bay. The vehicle stack device according to any one of the above claims.   The conveyor means of the mobile vehicle lifter can be synchronized with the conveyor means of the access point, thereby facilitating transport of the vehicle on the conveyor means between the mobile vehicle lifter and the vehicle parking bay. The vehicle stack apparatus according to any one of the above claims.   Each of the mobile vehicle lifter conveyor means is locked in operation when the mobile vehicle lifter is not aligned with either or both of a vehicle parking bay or a vehicle access point. The vehicle stack device according to any one of the above.   The vehicle stack apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle stack apparatus has a structure constructed by module units.   The vehicle stack device according to claim 20, wherein the module unit includes one or more vehicle parking bays.   The vehicle stack apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle parking bay is located in a structure constituted by a detachable frame.   The vehicle stack apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movable vehicle lifter can perform horizontal movement and vertical movement simultaneously.   The said mobile vehicle lifter is a vehicle stack apparatus as described in any one of the said each aspect provided with the mobile stand, the vehicle platform, and the platform raising means.   The movable vehicle lifter is moved by any one of a chain drive system, a motor drive wheel, a screw / nut system, an electromagnetic propulsion, a gear / rack system, a cable / pulley system, and a hydraulic or pneumatic system. The vehicle stack apparatus according to claim 24, which is performed as described above.   The lift of the vehicle platform of the mobile vehicle lifter may be one of a chain drive system, a screw / nut system, a gear / rack system, a jack / ratchet system, a cable / pulley system, and a hydraulic or pneumatic system. 26. The vehicle stacking device according to claim 24 or 25, which is performed by one or more.   Each of the above-mentioned mobile vehicle lifters is provided with sensor means for confirming that the mobile vehicle lifter is accurately positioned with respect to a vehicle parking bay and / or a vehicle access point. The vehicle stack device according to any one of the above.   The vehicle stack apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vehicle parking bay having a depth equal to or greater than one vehicle.   The vehicle stack apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein more than one mobile vehicle lifter is provided, and at least one mobile vehicle lifter operates with respect to a parking bay on an upper floor.   At least one transfer access point that is a temporary storage location to which a vehicle parking bay can be assigned is provided, and the vehicle is loaded by a mobile vehicle lifter operating on the first vehicle parking bay set or floor, 30. The vehicle stacking device according to claim 29, wherein the vehicle is temporarily loaded on the transfer access point until it is taken out by a mobile vehicle lifter operating on a set or floor of two vehicle parking bays. .   At least one vehicle service bay associated with one or both of a vehicle inspection facility and / or a vehicle refueling facility, wherein the vehicle is temporarily transported to the vehicle service bay for inspection or maintenance. The vehicle stack device according to any one of the above.   The vehicle stack device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle parking bay is arranged in a curved shape or a substantially circular shape when viewed from above.   A control system capable of controlling at least the mobile vehicle lifter, wherein the control system stores a storage location of the vehicle for access and removal by the mobile vehicle lifter, and prioritizes movement of the mobile vehicle lifter; Determining the order, optimizing the movement of the mobile vehicle lifter between the vehicle transport positions, and roughly recording the return time of the driver to determine the movement priority of the mobile vehicle lifter. The vehicle stack device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of them is mounted.   Facilitates user requests for available options such as special security, vehicle inspection and care required by vehicle users, enabling receipt by other authorized or designated persons, use And / or having a control system capable of recording and executing at least one procedure of providing account management, costs, and account facilities for inspection requests. Vehicle stack device.   The vehicle is a boat, and is provided with a boat loading lifter having lift means capable of extending to the surface of the water and allowing the boat to be removed and removed. The boat can be transferred to and / or from either i) a vehicle lifter conveyor means, or ii) a table or trailer with wheels located on the vehicle lifter conveyor means. The vehicle stack apparatus according to any one of claims.   36. The vehicle stacking apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the boat loading lifter has conveyor means for loading and unloading a boat on the boat loading lifter.   The mobile vehicle lifter has a proximity sensor for detecting whether one or both of the vehicle parking bay and the access point are in use, and the proximity sensor is already in use from the mobile vehicle lifter. Alternatively, the vehicle stacking device according to any one of the above claims, which is connected to prevent the vehicle from being loaded on the access point.   One or more of the parking bays have readable data relating to the parking bays, the readable data configured to be readable by a sensor of the mobile vehicle lifter that is approaching. The vehicle stack device according to any one of the items. Sensor means in one or both of the vehicle parking bay and mobile vehicle lifter, the sensor means assisting in accurately positioning the conveyor means of both the vehicle parking bay and mobile vehicle lifter The vehicle stack apparatus according to any one of claims.

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