MX2007009496A - Automated parking garage. - Google Patents

Abstract

An automated parking garage comprising multiple floors, each floor having a plurality of vehicle storage racks for storing loaded or unloaded pallets. The garage includes an entry/exit station (EES) on for receiving a vehicle, the EES having an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven and, an opposing interior entrance that provides access to the storage area. The garage includes a pallet stacking station for storing an unloaded pallet, the pallet stacking station located over a shuttle aisle that extends under the EES. A pallet shuttle that traverses the shuttle aisle to a first position under the EES for handling an unloaded pallet in the EES, and to a second position under the pallet stacking station for stacking the unloaded pallet. The garage also includes a transport system for transporting the loaded pallet in the storage area.

Description

GARAGE FOR AUTOMATED PARKING FIELD Field of the Invention The invention relates to automated parking garages for vehicles and associated systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Automated parking garage systems have been employed since the 1950's that use crane, conveyor, hydraulic and pneumatic systems to transport and store vehicles within a parking structure. In recent years, more advanced garage systems have been developed that include specialized, computer-controlled equipment to take vehicles to assigned parking spaces in a manner similar to computerized assembly lines or to store and retrieve goods in warehouses. . In such an assembly line and storage systems, a computer allocates a location for each item as received from the manufacturer, and the robotic equipment carries each item to its assigned location. The same equipment is dispatched to the location where the item requires recovery. Frequently, items stored in a warehouse are placed on pallets to facilitate transportation and storage of items. The use of platforms is to support the elements for the transport and storage of vehicles, which is also typical of automated garage parking systems. Examples of automated systems for garage of parking are described in U.S. Patent Serial No. 5,467,561 to Takaoka, U.S. Patent Serial No. 5,556,246 to Broshi, U.S. Patent Serial No. 5, 573,364 to Schneider et. al , and U.S. Patent Serial No. 5,669,753 to Schween. Typically, automated garage parking systems use two or more methods to store and retrieve vehicles. A first method of the prior art employs pallets and assigns a separate pallet for each vehicle in the parking bay. In such systems, when a vehicle is to be parked or stored in a storage bay, the pallet associated with the parking bay is transported from the parking bay to the garage entrance where the vehicle is located. The vehicle is loaded onto the pallet and the pallet carried by the vehicle is transported to the parking bay where the platform and the vehicle are stored until their recovery. When a stored vehicle is to be recovered, the pallet carried by the vehicle is transported from the storage bay to the garage exit. The vehicle is then unloaded from the pallet and the pallet is transported back to the storage bay until the vehicle needs to be re-stored. Although the first method of the prior art fulfills the function of transporting vehicles from and to the assigned storage bays, it has important disadvantages. A first disadvantage is the ineffective use of time when a vehicle is stored or retrieved.

Using the first method of prior art, a driver parking the vehicle is required to wait while the stage is delivered to the garage entrance from the assigned parking bay. Although garages can provide limited cushioning to pallets (for example, five pallets), it is not sufficient to handle problems that can occur during busy periods, such as in the morning or at night. A second disadvantage is that the first method of the prior art to empty the empty pallets prevents the garage flow and fails to provide a timely, continuous, endless stream of pallets. Another disadvantage of the first automated parking method is that the management of the empty pallets prevents the main purpose of the automated parking garage, that is, the storage and reception of the vehicles. Specifically, the same equipment used to store and recover vehicles is used to handle empty pallets., which provides an inefficient use of the equipment. Another important disadvantage of the first method is that it can only operate one vehicle and one procedure at a time. Thus, systems employing the first method of the prior art can not park an incoming vehicle at the same time they retrieve an empty pallet and vice versa. As a result, a very long row is formed at the garage entrance during busy periods. In accordance with a second method of the prior art, a single carrier module is used to service the bays of storage without the use of pallets. In such systems, the module is stored in an inactive position in a garage hallway when it is not in use. When a vehicle is to be parked or stored in a storage bay, the vehicle is loaded from the entry / exit station on the module. The carrier module of the vehicle is transported to the storage bay where the vehicle is unloaded. The empty module is transported back to the inactive position, while the vehicle is stored until it is received. Typically, the vehicle is loaded / unloaded in / from the module with the use of the vehicle's own driver system or a crane that traverses the corridors and reaches from the foundations to the roof. When a stored vehicle is to be retrieved, the module is transported from the garage entrance to the storage bay, where the vehicle is stored. The vehicle is loaded on the module and the carrier module of the vehicle is transported to the garage exit. The vehicle is unloaded from the module, and the empty module is transported to the position of the garage corridor where it remains until it is necessary to store or recover the vehicle. Although the second method of the prior art eliminates the need to handle empty pallets, it has several disadvantages. Specifically, it requires excessive vehicle handling such as deflating the tires in one way or another. The second method of the prior art makes inefficient use of time when a vehicle is stored and recovered. In addition, the use of the second method of the prior art puts the vehicle at risk of being soiled during transport (with oil or fluids).

Hydraulic crane). Accordingly, there is a need for an automated parking garage system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, there is a need for a system that carries a platform to the driver of the incoming vehicle before the vehicle enters the automated parking garage. In addition, there is a need for a system that reduces the time required to recover a stored vehicle. There is also another need for a system that handles empty pallets that do not use or impede the use of the equipment used to store and retrieve vehicles. Also, there is a need for a garage system that provides sufficient flow to service garage customers during busy periods.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention described and claimed, in one aspect thereof, comprises an automated parking garage. The garage comprises a multi-storey building having a plurality of shelves for parking vehicles in a storage area for storing a loaded pallet or a unloaded pallet. The entrance level floor of the building includes an entry / exit station (EES) to receive a vehicle, the EES has an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven, and an opposite interior entrance that provides access to the vehicle. storage area and through which the loaded pallet, the loaded pallet and the pallet are transported unloaded are adapted to be placed on the floor level in the EES. The garage includes a pallet stacking station for storing the unloaded pallet, the pallet stacking station located on the boot aisle extends below the EES. A platform start that traverses the starting corridor to a first position below the EES to handle the pallet unloaded in the EES and to a second position below the pallet stacking station to stack the unloaded pallet. The garage also includes a transport system to transport the loaded pallet to the storage area. The garage also includes a mechanism to deliver and store pallets. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, directed towards the storage of pallets, a start platform is placed in a first position below the entry / exit station. The entry / exit station is an area to receive and unload a vehicle. It includes a pallet and a first pallet retractable support mechanism, which supports the pallet. The method also includes the step of raising a pallet starter support platform to support the pallet. The method also includes the steps of retracting the first pallet support retractable mechanism, lowering the pallet and pallet and moving the pallet starter from the first position to a second position below the pallet stacking station for storage. the stage The support platform is then raised, which raises the platform within the pallet stacking station. A second pallet support retractable mechanism operates to support the pallet that is coupled, and the support platform it descends, which causes the second retractable support mechanism to support the lowest pallet in the pallet stacking station. Another aspect of the present invention is directed towards the delivery of a platform to the automated parking garage entrance / exit station, the stage starter is placed in a second position below the stacking station of the stage. The pallet stacking station includes a stacking pallet that has the lowest pallet. The pallet stacking station also includes a second pallet support retractable mechanism, which supports the lowest pallet of pallet stacking. The pallet starter support platform is then raised, which raises the pallet stack within the pallet stacking station, retracts the second pallet support retractable mechanism and descends the pallet, which causes the pallet The lowest pallet stacking stack passes through the second support retractable mechanism of the pallet stacking station. The second support retractable mechanism then engages, which supports all pallets of pallet stacking, except for the lowest pallet. The platform starter and the lower platform then move from the second position to the first position below the entry / exit station to receive and unload a vehicle. The input / output station that includes the first pallet support retractable mechanism operates to support the pallet. The support platform and pallet are then raised, which places the pallet at the entry / exit station, and the first pallet support mechanism engages, which supports the pallet.

Another aspect of the present invention is to increase the efficiency of the automated parking garage by significantly increasing the flow rate of the automated parking garage and improving the operation of the automated parking garage, for the most part, managing the empty pallets separately from the mechanics used to store and retrieve vehicles in all garage floors. For a better understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and to the descriptive theme that is illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention. The foregoing has pointed out some important aspects of it. These aspects should be considered only as illustrative of one or more of the most important features and applications of the present invention. Many other benefits can be achieved by applying the present invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, other aspects and a better understanding may be obtained by referring to the brief description of the invention and to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a full understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings thereof, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a parking garage automated employing the present invention. Figure 2 is an isometric view of the entry / exit station (EES) of the automated parking garage of Figure 1. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate isometric views of the EES of Figure 2 during removal of an empty pallet. Figure 4 is an isometric view of the EES of Figure 2 and an adjacent pallet stacking station (PSS). Figure 5 is an isometric view of the PSS of Figure 4, which receives a pallet for storage. Figure 6 is a somatic view of the PSS of Figure 5 and a vertical pallet elevator (PVL) in an open position. Figure 7 is a view isometric of the PVL of Figure 6 partially lowered in an open position. Figure 8 is an isometric view of the PVL of Figure 6 completely lowered in an open position. Figure 9 is an isometric view of the PVL of Figure 6 completely lowered in a closed position. Figure 1 0 is a somatic view of the PVL of Figure 6 fully ascended in a closed position. Figure 1 1 A is an isometric view of the outer and inner door of the EES of Figure 2. Figure 1 1 b is a more detailed isometric image of the EES of Figure 2. Figure 1 2 illustrates a more detailed view of the PSS unit that includes a pallet stacking support mechanism and the PVL.

Figure 1 3 illustrates an end view of a vertical lift conveyor unit (VLC). Figure 1 4 illustrates a more detailed view of the mechanisms used to recover and replace a pallet, loaded or unloaded in the EES. Figure 1 5 illustrates a more detailed view of the carrier module used at different garage levels at the entry level. Figure 1 6 illustrates a more detailed mechanical view of the pallet starter; and Figure 1 7 is a more detailed mechanical view of a REM.

Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates an automated parking garage 1 00 which incorporates a method and apparatus for distributing and storing pallets in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the automated parking garage 100 includes six entry / exit stations (EES) 200. Each EES 200 is for receiving and releasing vehicles stored in the automated parking garage 100. In this particular embodiment, three pallet stacking stations (PSS) 400 are provided which are located near several EES 200. Of course, more or less EES 200 and PSS 400 can be used depending on the actual and projected garage volume 1 00 The one or more PSS 400 are for storing empty pallets 21 2, these pallets are used to support the vehicles during the vehicle storage and reception operations. The stage 212 is removed from the PSS 400 and distributed to an EES 200 as necessary to accommodate incoming vehicles. Platform 21 2 is then removed from the EES 200 and stored in the PSS 400 as necessary to accommodate the outgoing vehicles. The pallets 212 are transported between a plurality of EES 200 and the PSS 400 with the use of one or more pallet starters (not shown, but described below). The automated parking garage 1 00 includes several levels (or floors), each including a plurality of vehicle storage drawers 1 14 for storing vehicles. As shown, each storage box 1 1 4 comprises an interior storage shelf 1 16 and an exterior storage shelf 1 1 8, so that the storage box 1 14 can store up to two vehicles. In this way, a first vehicle can be stored in the interior storage shelf 16 and a second vehicle can be stored in the exterior storage shelf 16. In addition, the storage available for the vehicles shown in Figure 1, vehicle storage is provided on the upper and / or lower floors of the automated parking garage 1 00. One or more vertical lift conveyors (VLC) 1 20 are provided for transporting vehicles between the floors of the automated parking garage 1 00. It should be noted that the architecture of the automated parking garage is flexible enough to accommodate several rows of parking, for example, two rows, three rows, four rows, etc. During storage and reception operations, the vehicle it is transported on a support platform 212 between the parking drawer 1 14 and one of the EES 200 with the use of the carrier module 1 1 0. The carrier module 1 1 0 achieves the pallet through a corridor 1 1 2. The carrier module 1 10 also includes a shelf input module (REM) (described in more detail below) to transfer the pallet 21 2 (in a empty or unloaded state or carry the vehicle in a charged state) between the carrier module 1 1 0 and the indoor and outdoor storage shelves (1 16 and 1 1 8) an EES 200 or a VLC 120. The garage facilities 100 of automated parking, which includes the VLC 1 20, the carrier module 1 10, the REM; the pallet starter 250 and the vertical pallet elevator (PVL) 160, (shown in more detail below) are controlled by a central computer control system of the garage. The central computer control system, which executes an appropriate system control software, preferably, it is housed in one or more control rooms 126. The automated parking garage 1 00 also includes one or more receptions 1 24, where the customer can request the reception of a vehicle, and pay for the automated parking service. When a vehicle enters the automated parking garage 100, the vehicle enters one of the EES 200 through the open outer door 210 and moves on the platform 212, both described later. Before the vehicle enters one of the EES 200, an interior door 21 1 is closed to prevent vehicle occupants from entering the interior of the automated parking garage 100. The driver and the passengers of the vehicle leave the vehicle and the EES 200, and activate the automated parking process through an automated parking interphone located outside the outer door 210 of the EES 200, which closes the outer door 210 of the EES 200. In response to this, the carrier module 110 moves along the corridor 112 to a position corresponding to the EES 200, through which the vehicle entered the garage 100. The REM of the carrier module 110 is controlled to remove the loaded deck 212 from the EES 200 and retrieve it on the module 110 carrier. The carrier module 110 includes a rotary mechanism (described in more detail below) that rotates 180 degrees so that the vehicle can be recovered in the EES 200, where the customer can drive out of the EES, instead of having to return. In an alternative mode of the garage, where one or more EES 200 are built on either side of aisle 112 and exit through an EES on the other side. The central computer determines the availability to select one of the plurality of storage shelves (116 or 118), in which to store the vehicle with the support platform 212. The central computer then directs the carrier module 110 to traverse the aisle 112 to a position corresponding to an empty storage shelf (116 or 118) of the storage drawer 114. In case the predetermined storage shelf (116 or 118) is located on a different floor of the garage 100, the carrier module 110 is placed through one of the VLC 120 and the REM is controlled to transfer the pallet 212 with the vehicle to the VLC 120. The VLC 120 transports the platform 212 with the vehicle to the appropriate floor of the 100 automated parking garage, where platform 212 and the vehicle are transferred to another module 1 1 0 carrier on that floor. Once the carrier module 10 carrying the pallet 212 with the vehicle in a position corresponding to the predetermined storage shelf, for example, the outdoor storage bin 1 1 8 on the floor, the REM is controlled to transfer the pallet. 21 2 with the vehicle to the storage shelf 1 1 8 predetermined for storage. Those skilled in the art will understand that similar steps can be executed when the vehicle is retrieved from the storage 1 1 8 rack in either the upper / lower floors or at the entry levels. In accordance with the present invention, pallets 21 2 that are not in use (i.e., supporting a stored vehicle) are stored in POSS 400 by a pallet storage and distribution system. In other words, decks 212 are distributed from the PSS 200 to the nearby EES 200 only as necessary to accommodate incoming vehicles. Similarly, when a departing vehicle leaves its platform 212, the unloaded deck 21 2 can be transferred to the PSS 400 for storage. The pallets 212 stored in the PSS 400 provide an immediate inventory of the empty pallets to operate the automated parking garage 100. The additional pallets 212 can be stacked (or accumulated) in groups of pallets in a pallet stacking support mechanism (described in more detail below) and stored for future use in another empty parking rack (ie, shelf 1 16 interior) on the floors superior / inferior. Such additional pallets 21 2 can be stored and retrieved with the use of dedicated hardware, or the same hardware used to store and retrieve vehicles in the upper / lower floors. When dedicated hardware is not used, requests to store and retrieve stacks of pallets from / to the storage racks are preferably processed during a free time in the operation of the automated parking garage 100 (as at 3:00 p.m. am), in order to efficiently utilize the resources of the automated parking garage 100. It should be noted that there are several VLC 120 built in the garage 100 (in this embodiment, six) to provide the vertical access between the floors, and that the VLC 1 20 are built in a lower row 1 28 In this way, there are VLC storage shelves 130 corresponding "behind" the VLC 120 in a row 1 32 outside, which can be used to store a vehicle. In order to do so, the VLC 1 20 must be raised to the level of the VLC storage shelf 1 30 so that the carrier module 1 1 0 supporting the loaded pallet 212 can insert the loaded pallet through the VLC 120 in the VLC storage shelf 130. Of course, in order to recover the vehicle, the VLC 120 must be in a position at the level of the VLC storage shelf 1 30 from which the vehicle can be recovered so that the carrier module 1 10 obtains access to the stored loaded flooring 212. on the VLC storage shelf 130: Since the garage 1 00 is a multi-level building having a plurality of vehicle storage shelves, each level it has an aisle 1 12 with an associated rail system and one or more modules 1 10 carriers to traverse the length of the garage 100 at that level. The modules 1 10 carriers of any particular floor operate independently in accordance with the instructions from the garage control system. There may also be an overlap interval of the modules 1 1 0 carriers of a given floor, as they traverse the corridor of that floor, so that at least two modules 1 1 0 carriers can have access to the same parking drawer 1 14 and the same VLC 120. Of course, the input level carriers 1 10 may have an overlap range, so that any EES 200 can be accessed by at least two of the entry level carriers 1 10 carriers. Referring now to Figure 2, an isometric representation of one of the EES 200 is illustrated. The EES 200 is a bay located on the entrance floor of the automated parking garage 100 at one level or other levels, where the vehicles they enter and leave the garage 100 and have dimensions similar to a residential garage with a single car. Typically, the EES 200 will have a width of approximately 4.20m and 4.80m and a length of approximately 6.0m and 6.6m. As indicated above, the EES 200 includes an interior door 21 1 (not shown) to provide access between the EES 200 and the interior of the automated parking garage 100. The EES 200 also includes an external door 210 through which an incoming vehicle may enter or an outgoing vehicle may exit the automated parking garage 1 00. When you enter the garage 1 00, the vehicle Incoming is placed on stage 21 2, stage 212 forms a central portion of the floor of EES 200. The incoming vehicle can be placed on stage 21 2 with the use of any number of mechanisms, such as slots, punches, lights (for example, canopies) and acoustic signals. A walker 21 4 for the passenger is provided on either side of deck 212 to allow the driver and passengers of the vehicle to leave the vehicle and the EES 200 of the automated parking garage 100, before beginning the vehicle storage process. icle The platform 212 is supported by two retractable pallet supports 216. Each retractable pallet stand 216 includes a track 220 and a track retractor 218. The platform 21 2 has a 21 3 edge of the platform that runs along the length of each side. A portion of the platform edge 21 3 for each side of the platform 212 lies above the respective track 220. The platform 212 is installed inside and removed from the EES 200 with the use of a platform starter 250. The pallet starter 250 is disposed below the EES 200 in a separate slider extended parallel to the aisle 1 1 2. The pallet starter 250 includes a pallet starter base 252 that has motive means for moving the pallet starter 250 between a pallet first position below the EES 200 and a second position below the PSS 200 (not shown). The driving means for moving the pallet starter 250 may include wheels, a track and / or any other well-known movement mechanism. The pallet starter 250 also includes a pallet starter support platform 256 for carrying the empty pallet 212 and a pallet starter raising mechanism 254 for raising and lowering the pallet 256 of the platform starter (and any platform 21 2 supported therein). When pallet 212 is distributed to one of the EES 200, the pallet starter 250 carrying the pallet 212 is placed below the appropriate EES 200. The retractable pallet supporting mechanism 216 is then controlled to cause the track retractors 21 8 to drive the tracks 220 to the retracted position, which allows the pallet starter 250 to raise the pallet 21 2 to the appropriate position for its installation within the EES 200. To complete the installation of the platform 21 2 within the EES 200, each retractable mechanism 21 6 of pallet support causes the corresponding track retractors 21 8, to extend, drive the tracks 220 within the support position. Once the tracks 220 are in the support position, the pallet starter support platform 256 descends, which causes the stage 212 to rest on the tracks 220, and the installation of the stage 21 2 is complete, which it leaves the free pallet starter 250 to be used for other tasks. Those skilled in the art will recognize that similar steps can be performed to remove pallet 212 from the EES 200 for storage in the PSS 400. Referring now to Figures 3A-9, the structure and operation shown of the present invention, it includes the steps taken to store the pallet 21 2 that has been abandoned by the outgoing vehicle. Of course, the same structural stores can be used to perform the steps for distributing pallet 21 2 on the EES 200 for an incoming vehicle.

Figure 3A illustrates an isometric representation of the EES 200 and the structure of the present invention to perform the first steps required for the removal of the platform 212 from the EES 200. As shown, the pallet starter 250 causes the mechanism 254 of pallet starter lift elevate pallet starter platform 256 to a position that supports pallet 21 2. Each retractable pallet support mechanism 216 then causes the corresponding track retractors 21 8 to place tracks 220 in a retracted position, which releases the edge 213 from the platform on each of the sides of the platform 21 2. The platform 212 and platform 256 of the pallet starter then descend by the pallet starter lift mechanism 254 pass through the aperture defined, in part, by the tracks 220. Figure 3B shows the state of the pallet starter 250 just after the pallet 212 has been replaced. pulled from the EES 200. The pallet starter 250 is illustrated with the pallet starter lifting mechanism 254 in a partially lowered state. Once the pallet starter raising mechanism 254 descends sufficiently the pallet starter support platform 256 and the pallet 212, the pallet starter 250 transports pallet 212 to another part of the parking garage 100 for storage. Referring now to Figure 4, an isometric representation of a wider view of the EES 200 is shown which shows the PSS 400 adjacent to the EES 200. The PSS 400 includes a 41 0 platform stacking support mechanism with safeguards 41 1 of pallet they provide the support for a stack of pallets 412 that are suspended on the pallet starter 250. The PSS 400 is used to store the pallets 212 that can be delivered immediately to the EES 200. The PSS 400 also serves to store the empty 212 pallets removed last of the EES 200. Once the pallet 212 has been removed from the EES 200, as illustrated above in Figures 3A and 3B, the base 252 of the pallet starter of the pallet starter 250 passes through a starter rail system carrying the pallet 21 2 empty and moving to an alignment position underneath of the PSS 400. The PSS 400 and the pallet stacking 412 then descend to a position where the empty platform 21 2, supported by the pallet starter support platform 256, is raised by the pallet starter lifting mechanism 254 within the PSS 400 below and finally, is placed at the bottom of the pallet 41 2 of the pallet. The pallet stacking support mechanism 41 0 is configured to allow the pallet 212 to enter the PSS 400 from below, and to provide support for the pallet 212 and the remaining pallets in the pallet stacking 41 2, once all the platforms rest on the platform support mechanism 41 0. Referring now to Figure 5, the insertion of pallet 212 into the PSS 400 is illustrated. Pallet starter 250 is illustrated with pallet 256 of the raised pallet starter so that pallet 21 2 rises below of pallet stacking 412 until the pallet stacking support mechanism 41 0 with the pallet 41 1 insures pallet 21 2 from below and provides the support vertical for pallet stacking 41 2, once the pallet starter support platform 256 descends. The PSS 400 is designed to accommodate a 412 pallet stacking of up to ten pallets. As necessary, pallet stacking 412 can be removed from the PSS 400 by a vertical pallet elevator (PVL) to an upper / lower floor for long or medium term storage. Figures 6 through 1 illustrate the structure and the steps taken to remove the pallet stack 41 2 for medium or long term storage. Referring now to Figure 6, a representation of a PSS 400 is illustrated. As shown, the PSS 400 is filled to a capacity with pallet stack 412 having ten pallets 21 2. As also shown in Figure 6 , a PVL 61 0 is placed directly below the PSS 400 to raise the stack 412 of pallets. The PVL 61 0 includes a pair of forks 612 to support the weight of pallet stacking 412 during lifting. The PVL 61 0 also includes a support 614 PVL and drive means 616 for raising and lowering the forks 612. Referring now to Figure 7, the PSS of Figure 4 is shown, and the PVL 61 0 partially descended with the forks 612 in an open room during the process of removing a stacking 41 2 from the pallet. The PVL 61 0 operates to lower the forks 61 2 along the sides of the pallets 21 2 of the pallet stack 412 and after the forks 612 pass the lower pallet of the pallet stack 412, the PVL 610 closes the forks 612 and then raises the 41 2 set of pallets. Stacking of pallets is then decoupled on an upper / lower floor for medium or long term storage. When a set 412 of pallets is brought to the PSS 400, the PVL 610 is fed with a set 412 of pallets from the upper or lower floor equipment. The PVL 610 then descends the pallet assembly 41 2 within the pallet stacking support mechanism 410, where the pallet 41 1 latches engage the lower pallet of pallet assembly 41 2. The PVL 61 0 then descends a short distance (eg, 2.54 to 5.08 cm) and decouples from the forks 612 for an open stay. Once the PVL 610 is raised on the pallet assembly 41 2, the PVL 61 0 then closes the forks 61 2 and rises to a position on the upper floor. The steps are reversed, as indicated in the description, when the PSS 400 assembly is removed through a storage location. Referring now to Figure 8, a view of the fully lowered PVL 61 0 with the forks 612 in an open state is illustrated. Referring now to Figure 9, the PVL 61 0 is illustrated in the fully lowered position with the forks 612 in the closed position. The horns 612 are illustrated in the closed position prepared so that the PVL 61 0 rises and thus supports the weight of the stacking 41 2 of the pallets. The pallet stacking 412 is then raised vertically and removed from the PSS 400 for long term storage in another portion of the automated parking garage 100. Once the PVL 61 0 is in the upper or lower floor position, secondary parking machinery can be used to retract the pallet stack 412 from the PVL 610. Such secondary parking machinery they can store the stacking 41 2 of pallets on an empty vehicle parking shelf (for example, the storage shelf 1 16). Of course, a similar process can be employed to recover the stored pallet stack 412 and supply it to the PVL 610. The PVL 61 0 elevates the pallet assembly 412 up or down depending on whether it is used in an underground garage or in a garage at In any case, the PVL 610 moves the set 412 of pallets to a floor different from the floor of the entrance (that is, the floor with the EES 220). With reference now to Figure 10, the forks 612 are shown in the closed state and the PVL 610 in a fully ascended position while supporting pallet stacking 412. Referring now to Figure 11A, a general diagram of the EES 200 and the locations of the outer door 210 and the inner door 211 thereof is illustrated. Referring now to Figure 1 1 b, a more detailed view of the EES 200 is illustrated. As indicated above, the EES 200 facilitates the entry and exit of a vehicle from the parking garage 100. The EES 200 is similar in size to a residential garage for a single car. The EES 200 includes an exterior door 21 0 that provides vehicle access to the garage exterior 1 00 once it is recovered, and the entrance to the garage 1 00 for parking, and the interior door 21 1 (in a cutting portion) that provides access to the interior of the garage 100. The doors (21 0 and 21 1) inside and outside can be roll-up doors, such that in the "up" position they put the door on a rail in the roof area of the EES 200 In normal operation, only one door is opened per time. The EES 200 has a ceiling 1 10 that closes to prevent exposure to the mechanisms that are built on top. Similarly, the EES 200 includes a first side wall 1 1 02 and a second side wall 1 1 04, both constructed for security purposes to avoid exposure to the mechanisms inside the garage 100. The floor area 1 1 03 of the EES 200 includes a platform 21 2 and walkers 214 on either side of the platform 21 2 so that the customer can exit or enter the vehicle from the walkers 214. The upper part of the platform 212 is placed essentially at floor level with walkers 214 to avoid potential risks to customers. As illustrated, stage 21 2 includes a pair of tire guides 1 1 08 into which the tires of the vehicles enter when the vehicle is driven within stage 2. This helps the customer determine the location for parking the vehicle on stage 212. In this particular mode, an automated parking intercom 1 1 06 is provided outside the EES 200, so that the customer enters to buy the parking service, and to start the parking process. Once the transaction is completed, the customer makes the selection that initiates the parking process, which causes the exterior door 21 0 to close. It should be noted that in such an alternative mode, the automated parking intercom 1 106 may be located within the EES 200, so that once the parking transaction is completed in the intercom 1 106, the customer (and any passenger) must leave the EES 200 before the start of the parking process. In any case, the interior of the EES 200 can include one or more motion sensors that prevent the start of the mechanisms of the automated parking garage by the garage control system when movement is detected by the presence of the customer and / or passengers inside the EES 200. In this way, when the customer has paid for the parking service, the customer and all the passengers who left the EES 200, the motion sensors indicate such and the control system of the garage 100 allows the parking process for that vehicle. In the EES 200, the transaction includes giving a receipt, reading an RF (radio-frequency) tag (for example, by an EZ or similar pass, or reading a credit card.) It should be appreciated that other transaction methods can be provided. Conventionals with adaptations to process such transactions Once the client returns and wants his car back, he simply goes to the reception desk 124 where the receipt reader, the credit card reader, or the RF reader is used to process the corresponding method to release the payment, which initiates the reception of the vehicle A message center at reception 124 will notify the customer where to pick up their vehicle (ie the EES 200 or appropriate terminal). earlier, more robust implementations of automated parking intercom 1 106 can be included to adapt payment methods, which include cash, debit cards, parking debit cards pre-paid, rechargeable, or many other conventional means to complete the transaction. In addition, the Automated barrier 106 and other automated networks associated with another garage 200 EES 200 are networked with one or more computer systems that facilitate the use of the aforementioned payment methods. For example, when a credit card is used, intercom 1 1 06 can interface with the network, which provides access to the user's credit database so that the payment can be authorized. Such access can be provided through a switched network in packets such as the Internet, through a switched network of the Public Switched Telephone Network or GPS (Global Positioning System) circuit. further, garage 100 can be properly constructed to provide different services to car parking. For example, the customer can, at the moment of having access to the automated intercom 1 1 06, select that his vehicle be washed during the time in which the vehicle is parked in the garage 100. At some point, the garage attendant can be aware of the service purchased, recover the vehicle, wash it and return the vehicle to its parking rack in garage 100. Other services can also be provided as desired by the garage owner, in a more robust garage implementation 1 00 , such as carrying out an engine maintenance to include oil change, tuning, car details, etc. It should be noted that the automated garage 100 described can be implemented to accommodate storage for other items than vehicles. For example, platform 212 can be adapted to accommodate compatible storage containers, so that containers are delivered, stored and retrieved with the use of garage equipment and systems. In addition, such storage containers can be constructed for use within the garage 100 without the use of pallet 212. Referring now to Figure 12, a more detailed isometric view of the 400 PSS unit including a supporting mechanism 410 is illustrated. of pallet stacking and a PVL 610. In this particular embodiment, the PSS 400 is constructed in a multi-storey steel beams structure 1201 suitable for supporting and elevating a set 412 of pallets. The PSS 400 includes the pallet stacking support mechanism 41 0 where stacks of the EES 200 are accumulated when the vehicles are retrieved for the customer and removed from the set 412 of pallets for use in the EES 200 in preparation for receiving A vehicle. The PSS 400 is built on a starter rail system 1200 which accommodates the pallet starter 250. The PVL 610 is suspended from the structure 1201 so that it can be lowered to replace or remove the stack 412 of pallets of the pallet stacking support mechanism 410. In this way, the PVL 61 0 operates on the height of several floors, in accordance with a particular garage design, so that when the pallet stack 41 2 is to be handled, the pallet stack 412 can be raised from or up to the upper floors (or lower floors). The PSS 400 includes the 616 motor of the PVL (for example, an electro-mechanical motor) that operates in accordance with the control signals from the central control system to raise or lower the PVL 61 0 by operating a rotating arrow 1204 to remove or insert the support 614 from the PVL (ie, a suspension means). During operation, the pallet starter 250, when receiving the control signals from the control system computer, traverses the starter rail system 1200 in a lateral direction 1 203 (or x-axis) from the EES 200, and place under any PSS 400 in the garage 1 00. The pallet starter 250 includes two pairs of steel 1 207 starter wheels, one at each end that engage with the 1 200 starter rail system. When the pallet 21 2 is brought to the PSS 400, the control system signals the pallet starter lifting mechanism 254 (not shown) contained in the base 253 of the pallet starter of the pallet starter 250 to elevate pallet 256 from pallet starter stand. The pallet starter support platform 256 is raised to a point such that the pallet 21 2 supported on the pallet starter support platform 256 makes contact with the lower pallet of the pallet assembly 41 2, and the force continues to rise. to the set 412 of vertical pallets at a height sufficient to allow the pallet stacking support mechanism 410 to capture the pallet 212 when engaging with the carrier latches 41 1. The pallet starter support platform 256 then descends to a transport position so that the pallet starter 250 can traverse the starter rail system 1200 in accordance with the instructions from the garage control system.

In a scenario where the pallet assembly 41 2 is removed from the PSS 400 for storage, the PVL 61 0 is controlled to descend to approximately the pallet assembly 412. The forks 612 are in an open state to release the pallet assembly 412 and the PVL 610 descends to a point where the upper edge 1206 of the forks is lower than the lower portion of the lower pallet of the pallet assembly 412. The forks 612 are then closed and secured to raise the pallet assembly 41 2, after the pallet stacking support mechanism 410 is decoupled from the stacks 41 1 of the stacking. The PVL 610 is then raised to a predetermined floor by the garage control system. When it is carried to a position on the given floor, the PVL 61 0 is aligned on the floor so that the lower portion 1 208 of the gutter of the forks channel 61 2 facilitates the insertion of a REM (not shown) for the removal of the pallet assembly 41 2 from the PVL 610. An upper carrier module unit (UCM) (described in more detail below) comprising the REM and the UCM has access to the PVL 610 from the UCM rail system 1 210 of that floor. Referring now to Figure 13, an end view of the 120 VLC unit is illustrated. As indicated above, the unit 1 20 VLC operates to transport only loaded in the vertical direction (or z axis) between the different floors of the garage 100. The VLC 1 20 is built inside a steel piles structure so that the car 1300 engages with each of the four beams by its corners when it reaches the appropriate floor (or level). As illustrated, the loaded carriage 1 300 is placed in a lock mode at garage level 100, wherein one end of carriage 1300 is placed between the two end piles (1302 and 1304). The carriage 1300 includes an electro-mechanical means 1305 that operates in accordance with the control signals from the central control system to rotate the rotary locking arrow 1306 to cause two pairs of opposing locking pins to engage with the piles of corner. Here, a pair of pins (1308, 1310) is illustrated, coupled with the respective corner piles (1302, 1304). The electro-mechanical means 1305 is connected with another arrow near the other end of the carriage 1300 to control the locking pins on that end in a similar manner. In this particular embodiment, the VLC 120 is shown with a loaded deck 212 (i.e., supporting a vehicle 1312). It should be noted that the VLC 120 accommodates the pallet 212 loaded in the same way that the pallet 212 is supported by the retractable pallet support mechanism 216 of Figure 2, that is, by the edges 213 of the pallet. The REM 1314 associated with a particular floor is shown inserted into the VLC 120 under the loaded floor 212, so that the floor 212 can be raised enough to remove the loaded floor 212 from the VLC 120 (for a removal operation). The REM 1314 includes wheels 1315 to rotate the REM 1314 within the VLC 120 on the 1316 VLC rails. The carriage 1300 also includes corner units 1318 at each corner thereof, which connect with the vertical lifting means (not shown) for example, chains so that the carriage 1300 can be raised or lowered within the vertical arrow of the VLC 120 defined by the corner piles. With reference now to Figure 14, a further view is illustrated Detailed description of the mechanism used to recover and replace a pallet, loaded or unloaded, in the EES 200. As illustrated, the unloaded deck 212 rests on the tracks 220 within the EES 200. The tracks 200 can be retracted with the use of a number of 21 8 track retractors, which are electro-mechanical devices that operate under the control of the garage's control system. That is, when pallet 212 is to be retrieved or returned to PSS 400 (not shown), track retractors 218 operate to distribute tracks 220 (along the x-axis) far enough so that stage 212 can descend ( on the z axis) by the pallet starter 250. Similarly, when the pallet 212 is to be returned to the EES 200 from the PSS 400, it rises from below to a position, so that the edges 21 3 of the pallet on the support surface of the tracks 220, the track retractors 218 operate to move the tracks inward, so that the platform 212 can descend a short distance therefrom. It should be noted that the pallet starter 250 travels under the EES 200 in the starter rail system 1200, as indicated above. Also, it should be noted that the PSS 400 need not be adjacent to the EES 200, since the 1200 system of the starter rail facilitates travel to virtually any location along the length of garage 1 00. When a customer has left The EES 200 began the parking process for a vehicle, a type of carrier module 1 1 0 used at the garage entrance level, indicated here as the 1400 system of the lower carrier module (LCM) moves toward the alignment with the EES 200 for the garage control system. The 1400 LCM system includes a rotating table LCM 1402 rotating 180 degrees in a horizontal plane, a lower carrier 1403 having carrier wheels 1404 at each end, which are provided to traverse the length of garage 1 00 (on the x axis) in a rail system 1406 LCM, and a lower shelf input module 1408 (REM) to be inserted into the EES 200 (on the y axis). It should be noted that the number and orientation of the lower carrier wheels 1 404 is such that at least one wheel 1 404 of a pair is always on a carrier paper of the lower carrier 1 403 in the LCM rail system 1406. Rotating table 1402 LCM includes a 141 0 rail (or wheel guide) on each side, inside which the wheels 1412 travel on either side of the lower carrier REM 1408. The 1410 REM rails of the lower carrier of the rotary table 1 402 are designed to be aligned with an inner, lower L portion 1414 of the channel beams that function as the tracks 220 that support the decks 212 loaded in the EES 200. The inner, lower, L portion 1414 of each track 220 functions as a rail on which the wheels 1 41 2 wheel to place the lower carrier REM 1408 under the deck 212. It should be noted that the tracks 1410 do not they need to be near or in direct contact with the corresponding inner L portion 1414, since the REM 1 412 wheels are grouped in pairs that are well spaced in a support hole. When the loaded pallet 212 is selected for storage in the current floor, the 1400 LCM system moves the designated storage drawer 14 and the REM 1408 extends into the interior storage shelf 16 or completely to the shelf 1 1 8 outdoor storage to store the pallet 21 2 loaded. Alternatively, when the garage control system directs the pallet 212 loaded to be stored on a different floor, the 1400 LCM system and the loaded pallet 212 move the VLC 1 20 (not shown) where the pallet 212 loaded is placed inside the VLC 1 20 for the vertical movement for the other floor. The lower carrier REM 1408 of the 1400 LCM system includes a lower REM control means 1 416 that communicates with the garage control system to process the signals that control the functions of the lower carrier REM 1408, including movement inside and outside of the vehicle. the EES 200 and the elevation of the lifting means. The control means 1 416 of the lower REM is electrically connected to a first wheel drive section 1 41 7, the first wheel drive section 141 7 includes the following general components: (not illustrated here, but shown in detail in Figure 17), a first drive means, a first transfer means, and a first group of four wheels 1412 with a pair located on each side and near the end of the REM chassis. The lower REM control means 1416 is also electrically connected to a second wheel drive section 141 9, the second wheel drive section 419 includes a second drive means, a second transfer means, and a second drive group. four-wheel 1 41 3 with a pair located on each side and near the opposite end of the REM chassis. The first and second drive means may be one or more electro-mechanical motors that drive the wheels (1412 and 1413) so that the REM 1408 below the axis and inside and outside the tracks 220 of the EES 200. The first and second transfer means that transfer the drive torque from the first (and second means) drive to the wheels 1 41 2 (and 141 3), may include a combination of conventional equipment such as arrows, gears, bands and pulleys or chains that are appropriately designed within the lower carrier REM 1408 to facilitate such functions. The lower REM 1408 also includes a lower REM lifting means 1418 under the control of the lower REM control means 1416 so that the lifting component (not shown) of the lower REM 1408 can be raised to support the loaded or unloaded deck 2. in the EES 200, and descend for the transport of the platform and / or the vehicle along the 1 406 LCM rail system. The lifting component comprises a platform to coincide with the lower side of the platform 21 2 to prevent the movement of the platform 21 2 during transport. The elevator means 1 41 8 of the lower REM includes one or more electric motors with sufficient operating parameters to drive the raising and lowering of the pallet 21 2 when it is loaded. The lifting component may include a plurality of screw caps, screw actuators and similar means for connecting the lower mover REM drive means 141 to facilitate the lifting process of the lower carrier REM 1408. The lower carrier 1403 also includes a lower carrier control means (not shown) in communication with the garage control system, and a lower carrier drive means (not shown). shown), both facilitate the operation thereof along the LCM rail system 1406 to place the LCM 1400 in alignment with the tracks 200. Once aligned, the lower carrier REM 1408 moves along the tracks 220 under the pallet 212 and raises the stage 212 sufficiently to release the tracks 220 and leaves the EES 200 back on the LCM 1 402 with the stage 212. Of course, the REM 1408 lower carrier has a width that allows it to be raised between the tracks 220 when the tracks are closed on the support paper, to support the stage 21 2 for the removal of the EES 200. As described, the track retractors 21 8 do not need to be operated when a loaded platform 212 is removed or retrieved from the EES 200. It should be noted that the 1400 LCM unit only operates on the entry level floor, while the UCM unit operates at any floor different to the entry level. Floors other than the entry level floor have only a fraction of a vehicle handling load made on the entry floor. In this way, the UCM unit is more frequently available to move the 41 2 set of pallets in and out of the 61 0 PVL, and in and out of the parking spaces in those floors. The VLC 1 20 and the 1400 LCM unit are preferably never used to operate the pallet assemblies 412 or an empty pallet, these machines must only handle pallets loaded. The UCM units handle only a portion of the vehicles depending on the number of floors in the garage 100. Referring now to Figure 1 5, a carrier module 1 10 used at garage levels 1 00 different to the level of input, and is specifically designated as the 1 500 unit of the upper bearer module (UCM). The 1 500 UCM unit includes a superior carrier 1 502 and an upper carrier REM 1 504 (similar to the lower carrier REM 1408). The upper carrier 1502 is similar to the lower carrier 1403 of the 1400 LCM system, except that the upper carrier 1502 includes rails 1 506 upper carriers (or wheel guides, similar to the rails 141 0 of the 1400 LCM system) within which travel 1 508 wheels (similar to wheels 141 2 of carrier 1408 REM lower carrier of system 1 400 LCM) located on either side of upper carrier REM 1 504 to facilitate movement of REM 1 504 upper carrier along the axle Y. Generally, in this way, the only difference between the 1 400 LCM unit and the 1 500 UCM unit is that the 1400 LCM unit includes a rotating LCM 1402 table with the 141 0 rails, and the 1 500 UCM unit includes the carrier 1 502 superior with the 1 506 rails, but the characteristic of the rotary table. The 1 500 UCM system includes a superior REM control means 1 510 and a superior REM 1 512 driving means, both providing similar functions to the control means 1 416 and the corresponding driving means 1 418 of the lower carrier REM 1408. The upper REM control means 1 510 communicates with the garage control system to process signals controlling the functions of the upper carrier REM 1 504, including movement in and out of the storage box 1 14 (extended through the shelf 1 16 of internal storage to the shelf 1 1 8 of exterior storage) and the elevation of the lifting means. The upper REM control means 1 510 is electrically connected to a first section 151 1 drive of wheel, the first wheel drive section 1 51 1 includes the following general components: (not illustrated here, but shown in detail in Figure 1 7), a first drive means, a first transfer means , and a first group of four wheels 1 508 with a pair located on each side and near the end of the REM chassis. The upper REM control means 1 51 0 is also electrically connected to a second wheel drive section 51 3, the second wheel drive section 151 3 includes a second driving means, a second transfer means, and a second group of four wheels 1 509 with a pair located on each side and near the opposite end of the REM chassis. The first and second drive means may be one or more electro-mechanical motors that drive the wheels (1 508 and 1 509) so that the upper REM 1 504 moves along the axis and in and out of the tracks 1 514 of the storage drawer 1 14. The first and second transfer means that transfer the drive torque from the first (and second means) of drive to the wheels 1 508 (and 1509), can include a conventional combination of equipment such as arrows, gears, belts and pulleys. or chains that are appropriately designed within the REM 1 504 top carrier to facilitate such functions. The upper REM 1 504 also includes a superior REM 1 motive means 1 51 2 under the control of the upper REM control means 1 510 so that the lifting component (not shown) of the upper REM 1 504 can be raised or lowered while supporting the platform 212 loaded or unloaded and lowered to transport the platform 21 2 and / or the vehicle along the system 1 516 of the UCM rail. The lifting component comprises a platform to coincide with the lower side of the platform 212 to avoid the displacement of the platform 21 2 during transport. The elevator means 51212 of the upper REM includes one or more electric motors with sufficient operating parameters to drive the raising and lowering of the platform 212 when it is loaded. The lifting component can include several screw ferrules, screw actuators and similar means for connecting the upper mobility means 1 51 2 elevator to facilitate the lifting process of the REM 1 512 upper carrier. The upper 1 502 carrier includes similar arrangements, for example, a control box, drive settings, etc. , to move on the x axis along the corridors of the associated floors. In this particular scenario, the unloaded pallet 21 2 is stored in one of the vehicle storage drawers 1 14 of the upper (or lower) levels of the garage 100. Thus, in the storage box 1 14 it includes beams 1 51 4 of support that are fixed inside the structure of the garage. Similar to the aforementioned 1400 LCM system, the 1 500 UCM system operates on the 1 516 UCM rail system essentially extending the garage length 1 00. Each level includes a single 1 516 UCM rail system and one or more 1,500 UCM systems that operate independently under the control of the garage control system to recover or store the decks 212 loaded or unloaded. During operation, the 1500 UCM system moves into alignment with the storage drawer 1 14 under the control of the system of garage control. The alignment process is similar to that of the 1400 LCM system so that the wheel guides 1 506 of the upper carrier are aligned with the lower L portion 1 51 8 of the corresponding support beams 1 51 4. The REM 1 504 of the upper carrier is then controlled to move over the lower L portion of the support beams 1 514 at a position under the platform 21 2. The carrier module 502 remains in the aligned position while the REM 1504 carrier The upper carrier is raised to support the platform 212. The upper carrier REM 1 504 is then controlled to return on the upper carrier 1052. Similar to the operation of the lower carrier REM 1408, upon return, the REM 1 504 upper carrier descends back to a more stable position on the upper carrier 1052 for transporting the platform 21 2 to one of several VLC 120. With reference Now to Figure 16, one or more mechanical views of the pallet starter 250 are illustrated. As indicated above, the pallet starter 250 comprises the base 252 of the pallet starter, the lift mechanism 254 of the pallet starter, a platform 256 for supporting the pallet starter. The base 252 of the pallet starter includes starter wheels 12078 at each end which are in rotatable contact with the starter rail system 1200. The pallet starter lifting mechanism 254 comprises four mechanical screw actuators (1600, 1602, 1604 and 1606) operating from the lifting drive means 1607 which is under coordinated control of the starter control means 1608, the means 1608 starter control communicates with the control system of the garage in room 1 26 control to facilitate the operation of the platform starter 250. The pallet starter raising mechanism 254 rises between the tracks 220 when it is on the EES 200 to be placed sufficiently to support the unladen pallet, so that the tracks 220 can be retracted (or separated) by the retractors 218 of track. When operating with the PSS 400, the pallet starter lifting mechanism 254 is raised to a sufficient position to support all the pallets 21 2 currently stored in the PSS 400, and where the 41 1 stacks of the mechanism stack. 410 of pallet stacking support can be moved to support a portion of the pallet bottom stacking platform 41 2. Pallet stacker base 252 includes one or more starter drive means 1610 (eg, electric motors) ) to drive the wheels 1207 to travel along the starter rail system 1200 and to lock the pallet starter 250 in position when it is aligned vertically under the EES 200 or at any of the PCC 400 locations to handle the pallets 21 2. The drive means 161 0 is coupled with the corresponding gear boxes 1 612 where the transfer equipment resides to couple the actuating means 161 0 with the jumps Ego 1207 corresponding wheel. As indicated above, such transfer equipment may include bands, pulleys, gears, chains and arrows as conventionally used with such equipment. With reference to Figure 1 7, a more detailed mechanical view of a REM 1 700 (similar to the REM carrier 1408 below and REM) is illustrated. 1 504 upper carrier). The REM 1 700 includes a first wheel drive section 1702 and a second wheel drive section 704. The first wheel drive section 1 702 includes a first wheel means 1 706 (eg, an electro-mechanical motor) that operates under the control of a REM control means 1 708 (similar to the control means 1416 of the lower carrier and the control means 1 510 of the upper carrier). The first wheel drive means 1706 is mounted on the first transfer means 1 71 0, so that the torque provided therefrom is transferred to the wheels 1 712 associated with the first wheel drive section 702. As indicated before, such transfer is provided by conventional mechanisms such as bands and pulleys, gears, chains and / or arrows. Similarly, the second wheel drive section 1 704 includes a second wheel drive means 7 714 (eg, an electro-mechanical motor) that operates under the control of the REM control means 1 708. The second wheel drive means 7 714 is mounted on a second transfer means 7 716, so that the torque provided therefrom is transferred to the wheels 1718 associated with the second wheel drive section 1704. It should be noted that the first and second drive means (1 706 and 1714) operate synchronized by the REM control means 708. However, it should be appreciated that the first and second drive means (1 706 and 1714) can also be operated independent of one another, which provides an inversion feature when one of the means (1 706 and 1 714) of drive will fail.

The REM 1 700 also includes a drive means 1 720 under the control of the REM control means 1 708, so that a lifting component (not shown) can be raised or lowered while supporting the loaded or unloaded deck 21 2, and descends more for the transport of stage 21 2 and / or the vehicle. The lifting component comprises a platform to coincide with the lower side of the platform 212 to prevent displacement of the platform 21 2 during transport. The lifting power means 1 720 REM includes one or more electric motors of sufficient operating parameters to drive the ascent and descent of the stage 21 2 when it is loaded. The lifting component may include several screw actuators or similar means placed in the housings (1 722 and 1 724) of the hoist gear and connected with the lifting drive means 1 720 of the REM to facilitate the lifting process. It should be noted that all vehicle storage operations in the garage storage area 100 (ie, the area of vehicle storage shelves) and the handling of pallets loaded from and to the EES; can be generalized by a transport system, the transportation system includes the 120 VLC unit, the 1400 LCM system, the 1 500 UCM unit; the carrier aisle systems, etc. , although the UCM can be used to manage 412 sets of platforms, which of course, are unloaded platforms. As mentioned before, the PSS 400 handles only unloaded pallets. Because the garage 100 includes a number of upper and lower module systems (1400 and 1500) that operate independently under the control of the multi-level garage control system, appreciate that communication from the garage control system for the module systems (1400 and 1500) is preferred, but not necessarily wireless to prevent the need for large wiring harnesses and extensive cable runs suspended in the garage structure . In this way, each module system (1 400 and 1 500) can communicate wirelessly with the garage's control system through a single frequency. Although this invention has been described in its preferred forms with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that the present description of the preferred form is only exemplary and that changes can be made in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of the parts, that can be restored without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. REIVIN DICACIONES 1 . An automated parking garage, characterized in that it comprises: a multi-storey building having a plurality of vehicle storage shelves in a storage area for storing a loaded pallet or a unloaded pallet; an entry / exit station (EES) on an entry-level floor of the building to receive the vehicle, the EES has an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven and an opposite interior entrance providing access to the vehicle. storage area and through which the loaded pallet is transported, the pallet loaded and the pallet unloaded are adapted to place the floor level in the EES; a pallet stacking station for storing the unloaded pallet, a pallet stacking station located on a starter aisle extending below the EES; a pallet starter that traverses the pallet corridor to a first position under the EES to handle the pallet unloaded in the EES, and to a second position under the pallet stacking station to stack the pallets unloaded; and a transportation system to transport the loaded pallets in the storage area. 2. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of vehicle storage shelves include a first vehicle storage shelf and a second shelf. of vehicle storage that are aligned end to end, so that the transportation system operates to access the second vehicle storage shelf through the first vehicle storage shelf. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a vertical lifting conveyor that transports the pallet loaded vertically between the floors of a multi-storey building. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a lower carrier unit that extends within the EES to handle the loaded pallet. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that each floor of the multistory building includes a carrier passageway on which it passes through at least one carrier unit to have access to each of the storage shelves therein. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a vertical lifting conveyor that transports the pallet loaded vertically between the floors of a multi-storey building, and a carrier unit that traverses the horizontal length of the floor, so that the vertical lifting conveyor has associated therewith a vehicle storage shelf which is accessed by the carrier unit through only the vertical lift conveyor. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the EES includes a platform support mechanism that operates in one of a support position and a non-support position, so that when the unloaded pallet is removed from the EES to the pallet stacking station, the pallet starter goes to the first position below the ESS and operates the mechanism of the pallet starter platform lift to raise the pallet not loaded from below so that the pallet support mechanism can be operated in a non-support position. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the pallet stacking station includes a vertical pallet elevator that performs one of the vertical transportation of a pallet assembly from a non-entry level floor to a supporting mechanism of pallet stacking of the pallet stacking station and from the pallet stacking support mechanism to a non-entry level floor. 9. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the customer starts the storage of the pallet loaded with the transport system through an automated parking intercom associated with and located outside the EES where the customer's vehicle has entered. . The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system comprises a lower carrying unit in the entry level floor which includes a rotating table that rotates the loaded pallet in a horizontal plane once in the area storage. eleven . The garage according to claim 8, characterized in that the vertical pallet elevator includes: forks for the support of at least one pallet; a fork controller which operates coupled with the forks to control the forks in the open position and in the closed position; a fork suspension system to suspend the forks; and a vertical lifting drive means for lifting the forks relative to the pallet stacking station. The garage according to claim 9, characterized in that the automated parking intercom communicates with a garage control system so that in response to the customer conducting the transaction thereof, the garage control system closes the outer door of the outer entrance of the EES and opens the inner door of the inner entrance of the EES. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the EES includes a first pallet support mechanism that operates in a support position and in a retracted position, the support position supports the pallet loaded and unloaded, and the retracted position facilitates the transfer of support to the pallet starter. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a lower carrier unit and an upper carrier unit, each one including a shelf entrance module extending therefrom, so that the module of the lower carrier unit's extending inlet extends in horizontal in at least one of the EES, a vertical lifting conveyor and the plurality of storage shelves and the shelf entry module of the upper carrier module extends into the plurality of storage shelves and the vertical lifting conveyor. The garage according to claim 1 4, characterized in that the shelf entry module raises and lowers the loaded pallet. 16. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the pallet stacking station operates to free the pallet not loaded for the pallet starter and recover the pallet discharged from the pallet starter. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the pallet stacking station operates to free the pallet discharged for the pallet starter from the lower part of the pallet assembly and recover the pallet discharged from the pallet starter to the lower part of the set of platforms. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a top carrying unit for the entry level floor of a multi-story building, the non-entry level floor is other than the level floor inlet, so that the upper carrier unit traverses the non-entry level floor to access at least one of the storage shelves associated therewith and with the vertical lift conveyor. 9. The garage according to claim 1, characterized because the transportation system includes a plurality of upper carrying units for each non-entry level floor of the multi-story building, the non-entry level floor is different from the entry level floor, so that the plurality of upper carrier units traverse the non-entry level floor to access at least one of the plurality of storage shelves associated therewith and with the vertical lift conveyor. 20. The garage according to claim 1 9, characterized in that the plurality of upper carrying units for a given entry level floor operate independently and overlapped. twenty-one . The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a lower carrier unit for the entry level floor, so that the lower carrier unit traverses the entry level floor to have access to at least one from the storage shelves, to the vertical lift conveyor and to the EES. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport system includes a plurality of lower carrying units for the entry level floor, so that the plurality of lower carrying units traverse the entry level floor to have access to at least one of the storage shelves, the vertical lift conveyor and the EES. 23. The garage according to claim 22, characterized in that the plurality of lower carrier units for The entry level floor operate independently and overlapped. 24. The garage according to claim 22, characterized in that the plurality of lower carrying units only carry loaded pallets. 25. The garage according to claim 1, characterized in that the garage includes a plurality of EES in the entry level floor, and a plurality of stage starters, the plurality of stage starters go through the starting corridor to have access to a selected one of the plurality of EES. 26. The garage according to claim 25, characterized in that each of the plurality of pallet starters operate independently and overlapped. 27 An automated parking garage characterized in that it comprises: a multi-storey building having a plurality of vehicle storage shelves in a storage area for storing a loaded pallet or a unloaded pallet; an entry / exit station (EES) on an entry level floor in the building to receive the vehicle, the EES has an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven and an opposite interior entrance that provides access to the storage area and through which the loaded pallet is transported, the loaded pallet and the unloaded pallet are adapted to be placed at the floor level in the EES; a transport system to transport the loaded pallet in the storage area, the transportation system includes: a lower carrier unit that can be moved over the lower carrier passage to remove and insert the loaded pallet into the EES; a vertical lifting conveyor that interfaces with the lower carrier unit and transports the pallet loaded vertically between the entry level floor and the non-entry level floor; and a top carrier unit movable on the top carrier corridor of the non-entry level floor that interfaces with the vertical lift conveyor and transports the loaded pallet between the vertical lift conveyor and the storage rack; a pallet stacking station that keeps the platform unloaded for use in the EES, the pallet stacking station includes: a vertical pallet elevator to vertically process the pallet unloaded; and a support mechanism for pallet stacking to support the unloaded pallet, and a pallet starter that can be moved over the starter aisle to a first position under the EES and to a second position under the pallet stacking station, the Lawn starter goes through the starting corridor to facilitate the transportation of the pallet unloaded between them. 28. The garage according to claim 27, characterized in that the pallet starter moves to a first position under the EES and elevates the discharged pallet to a vertical position. Within the confines of the platform support mechanism of the EES, the pallet support mechanism is closed to capture the pallet unloaded at the support position. 29. The garage according to claim 27, characterized in that the pallet starter moves to the second position under the pallet stacking station and elevates the unloaded pallet to a predetermined vertical position of the pallet stacking support mechanism, vertical pallet elevator then captures the pallet unloaded in a support position. The garage according to claim 27, characterized in that the vertical pallet elevator captures and elevates at least one platform unloaded from the pallet stacking support mechanism and transports the at least one pallet unloaded to a level floor. No entry for storage. SUMMARY An automated parking garage comprising multiple floorsEach floor has a plurality of vehicle storage shelves to store loaded and unloaded pallets. The garage includes an entry / exit station (EES) to receive a vehicle, the EES has an exterior entrance through which the vehicle is driven and an opposite interior entrance that provides access to the storage area. The garage includes a pallet stacking station for storing an unloaded pallet, the pallet stacking station is located on the boot aisle that extends below the EES. The pallet starter traverses the starting corridor to a first position under the EES to handle the pallet unloaded in the EES, and to a second position under the pallet stacking station to stack the unloaded pallet. The garage also includes a transportation system to transport the loaded pallet in the storage area.