MXPA04001764A - Improved parking lot for automotive vehicles. - Google Patents

Abstract

Described is a vertical parking lot for automotive vehicles, where car parking is optimized in the same area that is vertically extended, thereby increasing the number of parking spaces by eliminating death areas and spaces and creating pathways or circulating spaces, so that a greater number of cars is parked in each floor, thus obtaining a greater number of parking spaces. The mechanism through which cars are parked has been optimized in such a manner that the number of parts required for parking vehicles in a building has been reduced, thereby offering more security for the automotive vehicles and users upon eliminating the need of operating the vehicle in the complex as well as specialized personnel for operating the vehicle lifting and parking system. The parking lot of the present invention comprises the following elements: an entrance ramp, where the vehicle is stopped and the parking action automatically started; a dragging arm through which the vehicle is received and transpo rted towards a receiving platform; a platform where the vehicle is placed and then parked in a free parking space; a lifting and spinning structure useful for transporting and lifting the vehicle towards an available parking space; parking spaces; an exit ramp where the vehicle is automatically placed for delivering the same at the front area after being parked for a predetermined time; and a control and security system. The aforementioned elements are located in a building useful for vertically parking a greater number of vehicles in a predetermined area. The present invention is useful in the field of automotive vehicle parking lots.

Description

PARKING FOR IMPROVED AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION It presents a vertical parking for motor vehicles are these cars, vans and similar devices, through which, optimizes parking on the same property, where the area grows vertically and at the same time increases the number of drawers to eliminate completely areas and dead spaces by corridors or circulation spaces, so that on each floor, a greater number of vehicles can be parked, obtaining a greater density of spaces for parking. At the same time, the mechanism by which vehicles are parked, has been optimized by reducing the number of parts required for storage of vehicles in a building, resulting in greater security for vehicles, as well as users to eliminate the need to operate the vehicle within the set and not require specialized personnel for the operation of the system of lifting and accommodating the vehicles. The present invention has its field of action within the universe of parking for vehicles.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION To park considerable volumes of vehicles in urban areas, three forms are known: in vacant lots; in buildings based on traditional structures and mechanized structures. The first two require circulation spaces, access ramps and operate the vehicle inside the building for which they need additional space, which increases its cost, both for the land area and the built area.

Mechanized parking even when they are more efficient in terms of land use, are often complex in their design, operation and maintenance which makes it uninteresting due to its high costs of initial investment, operation and mainly maintenance. In view of the above is that the present invention serves as relevant premises the following: 1. Maximize the use of the surface of the available land, eliminating the access ramps, as well as the circulation lanes, taking advantage of the use of urban land with relatively small surface and all those places where it is required to provide a greater number of drawers, 2. Eliminate the driving of the vehicle by the user or third parties, automating the mechanism to park the vehicle in its respective space, 3. Vertical construction for the use optimal of the property and provide the greatest storage capacity; 4. Use state-of-the-art technology, including the principles of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering in order to reduce the operating time of the mechanized system, increase safety and minimize manufacturing costs, as well as operation and maintenance, 5. Reduce total investment po r parking space, 6. Minimize operation and maintenance costs, and 7. Provide safety and reliability to users. The technology used in this invention substantially improves the concepts used in other mechanized parking garages of the radial type.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In order to solve several of the problems mentioned above, several systems have been designed, basically consisting of raising the vehicle in the same space to leave said space for a second vehicle and so on.

Thus, for example, a system consisting of a ramp is known, where a vehicle is deposited and this is lifted by means of a system based on chains or hydraulic systems until reaching a height sufficient to accommodate another vehicle in the available area. Although this system duplicates the parking area, in practice it has not had the success intended fundamentally by the distrust of the owner of the vehicle, who upon seeing the structure so simple, doubts its safety. In addition, this system requires at least one operator to place the vehicle in the space, elevate it to the upper space and insert a second vehicle in the lower part, and then in reverse form deliver the vehicle parked in the upper part of the mechanism, this operation requires the necessary space for the movement of vehicles on the premises. As for registered inventions for the mass storage of vehicles, some patents have been published, being able to cite the case of the American patents 5,674,040 (Wagner) Automatic multistoray car park; 5,478,182 (Fritz) Automatic parking garage; 3,497,087 (Vita) Automatic vehicle parking system; 5,829,941 (Zamorano) Radial mechanized garage parking system. Also known are the Spanish patents 350,464 (Cario) Automatic parking system on support; 572,352 (Fritz) Automatic parking; as well as the patents of the European Union W097 / 21890 (Segal) Parking system; 0 604 818 A3 (Alfred) Anlage zum parken von kraftahrzeugene; w091 / 16515A1 (Nissotti) Automatic garage with two or more independent elevators in a revolving action tower; Japanese Patent 161573 and many more. From Mexico, the Mexican patents 194,867 (Zamorano) Improvements for a parking of vehicles based on a mechanized parking type radial and 194,868 (Zamoranq) Improvements for a parking of vehicles based on a mechanized parking type radial, both of legal date 7 of December 1993. The first patent 194867 (Zamorano), states a mechanized parking of two similar towers with a vertical tower rotating inside a vertical opening for rotation around a vertical axis, a lift cabin by means of a hydraulic system with pulleys and counterweights, as well as a logical control program system operated by a computer. Although said invention tries to solve the problems of mechanized parking for vehicles, some drawbacks have been seen, being able to mention the following: The mechanism for raising and lowering the vehicles is effected by means of a platform which operates by hydraulic pistons, which the multitude of movements, frequent leaks occur, having excessive maintenance and therefore increases the consumption of materials and therefore economically impact on high-cost operation. Due to the excess movement of the pistons, small leaks of the hydraulic fluid occur, which has an effect on the fact of not being adjusted precisely in front of the space, that is, there is a small drop or step which causes the vehicle to have to jump , the tires of the vehicle deteriorating. Although the vehicle is placed on a platform without the vehicle being operated, when the vehicle reaches the space, the driver must park it.

The lack of expertise of the driver when placing the vehicle in the cabin, parking it in the space or when removing it, involves risks for the driver, the vehicle, as well as the building. On the other hand, the Mexican patent 194868 (Zamorano registers a parking lot very similar to the previous one and that improves the hydraulic systems, however, the mechanism of drive of the platform is made by means of pulleys and cables, therefore, there is the problem of the deformation of the cables causing the platform and the parking space are not at the same level, also does not resolve the fact that the driver must remain inside the vehicle throughout the operation to make some movements, having to leave the driver of the vehicle by means of an elevator or a ladder, assuming that the parking has seven floors, and if a place is assigned on the top floor, you will have to lower the driver by means of an elevator or a ladder and vice versa which It is annoying especially when the elevator fails.

Unlike the previous, the proposed invention is equipped with precision chains that allow an exact positioning of the platform in the vertical direction and consequently the platform and the parking space will always be at the same level, at the same time. has provided the platform with an automatic mechanism in such a way that the driver will only arrive to deposit the vehicle on the entrance ramp, and then, a system of introduction to the platform will be done automatically, taking the vehicle to the assigned place and vice versa, that is, the driver will not have to perform any action or operation. Additionally we can point out the following advantages of the proposed invention: • Provide redundant systems to maximize safety in the operation of the mechanisms, • Adapt its design and construction to be used in properties with different characteristics, since one of its advantages is that can be built under surface, above the ground or in combined form, ie partially buried, • Considering the different characteristics of the vehicles, the design of the present invention can provide an optimization of the available property by increasing or reducing the number of drawers , as well as the size of them, • Addresses the different needs of society to increase the number of drawers for both public service and for private use, • Contributes to the environment by eliminating all the time, from access to the parking lot until the moment of departure of the vehicle, the use of the engine, which affects the reduction of gases discharged into the atmosphere, in addition to reducing the number: of vehicles parked on public roads, eliminates the need to drive the vehicle inside the parking lot, by the user or third parties, providing greater security to people and their assets. Being a system which operates entirely through computerized means, it allows, in the case of a public parking, to assign in an optimal way the available drawers, to facilitate the person in charge of the collection and the issuance of invoices or receipts. In case of being for private use, it allows the assignment, by means of cards with magnetic strip or "chip" of fixed places for the users or visitors. It provides an automated administration system that allows the parking operator to collect, in the case of a public parking lot, as well as the use of empty drawers or, in the case of private parking, permanently assign the drawers to each user. Provides a self-diagnosis system that facilitates maintenance and minimizes downtime.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top view of the entrance ramp. Figure 2 is a front view of a vehicle on the entrance ramp. Fig. 3 is a side view of a vehicle on the entrance ramp. Figure 4 is a top view of the trailing arm. Figure 5 is a side view of the drag arm. Figure 6 is a front view of the Drag Arm. Figure 7 is a perspective of the platform Figure 8 is a top view of the platform. Figure 9 is a side view of the platform.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the platform containing the trailing arm. Figure 11 is a front view of the platform with a vehicle on the trailing arm. Figure 12 is a side view of the platform with a vehicle on the trailing arm. Figure 13 is a top view of the floor of the building, showing the entry and exit drawers. Figure 14 is a top view of a typical floor plan of the building. Figure 15, It is a top view of the rooftop floor of the building. Figure 16 is a perspective of vehicle support. Figure 17 is a front view of a vehicle on the vehicle support.

Figure 18 is a side view of a vehicle on the vehicle support.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the base of the lift and turn tower. Figure 20 is a side view of the lift and turn tower. Figure 21 is a side view of the upper support of the lift and turn tower. Figure 22 is a perspective of the lifting mechanism of the platform. Figure 23 is a perspective of the counterweights of the lifting mechanism of the platform. Figure 24 is a side view of the parking lot. Figure 25 is a top view of the vehicle exit ramp. Figure 26 is a front view of a vehicle on the exit ramp. Figure 27 is a side view of a vehicle on the exit ramp. Figure 28 is a simplified diagram of the central control system. Figure 29 is a simplified diagram of the remote control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To complement and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is attached, as an integral part where the same reference signs of the illustrated figures are followed. The parking object of the present invention consists of the combination of the following main elements: an entrance ramp (100), which will be the space where the vehicle is left and the parking operation starts automatically; a trailing arm (130) through which the vehicle is received and transported to a platform; a platform (160); a lifting and turning structure (210), by means of which the vehicle is placed, transported and lifted towards an assigned space (183) available, an exit ramp (250), in which the vehicle is automatically deposited for delivery, after having remained parked for a certain time; and a control and security system (500); all these elements within a building (180), designed to accommodate a greater number of vehicles in a given area in a vertical and horizontal direction compared to other parking lots; These main elements are described below in the same order indicated.

An entrance ramp (100) which aims to receive the vehicle, center it and leave it ready for subsequent operations, and is arranged by a base where the vehicle will park at the time of receipt, and where the tires will be placed on registers flush with the floor and where, in a bas-relief manner, a first bed of rollers (102) and towards the rear, a second bed rollers (103) are located in front, formed by rows of rollers placed perpendicularly with respect to the normal position of the wheels, and with enough rows of rollers so that any type of vehicle, according to the wheelbase of their tires, is placed on said beds, also between the different rows of both the roller bed ( 103) of the front and of the roller bed (102) of the rear part, there are sections of free passage (104) which project below the base and where the hiler of the back roller bed (102) will have a greater number of free passage sections (104) Towards the bottom of the base there is a cavity of sufficient depth, where the centering system of the vehicle is located, comprising a servomotor (110) which provides movement to an arrow (121) which runs the entire length of the depth of the cavity, which drives a driving arm of the vehicle. centered (105) consisting of a multiplicity of bars, which will be coincident with the free passage sections (104), these bars are operated by means of the servomotor (110) at the moment of receiving the signal from the control system (500) and consequently the centering trawl arms (105) are moved, passing through the free passage sections (104) from the bottom of the cavity until they touch the inner faces of the vehicle's tires and thus push and travel the vehicle to an alignment position, through the roller bed (103) of the front and the bed rollers (102) of the bottom.

A drag arm (130) whose function is to receive the vehicle deposited on the entrance ramp (100) and transport it automatically to a platform (160), formed by a central body (138) of appropriate length to accept any type of vehicle, of square or rectangular shape, carrying at the bottom a base plate (139) and a rack (152), driven by gears (151) which in turn are driven by two servomotors (132) with their respective reducers to perform the translation movement of the drag arm, fixing to said drag arm. In the lateral part of the central body (138) of the driving arm a second rack (136) is fixed, which by means of a mechanism operated by the second servomotor (170) has the function of displacing a system of screw jacks (140) with relation to the trailing arm (130) and through which it allows the vehicle to be delivered facing the exit ramp (250) This trailing arm (130) also has a front grill (135) formed by profiles combs structural and of a rear grill (134) also formed by combs of structural profiles, but with the characteristic of having a greater number of combs to guarantee any type or difference of dimensions of the wheelbase of the vehicles, and which will take under the tires of the vehicle, and elevates it, passing the ends of said grills precisely through the sections of free passage (104) once the central body (138) of the trailing arm has been inserted into the cavity and return to the receiving platform (160). The guide wheels (131 ^ located towards the lower part of the trailing arm (130) are driven on rail beams (111) consisting of a flat surface based on structural profiles, having said rail beams (111) both on the ramp of entrance (100) as in the correlative exit ramp (250), as well as in all the parking spaces which are projected to the platform (160), in this way, once the vehicle has been aligned on the ramp (100) the trailing arm (130) will always be aligned with respect to the vehicle.The movement of the trailing arm (130) is conducted from the platform to the interior of the cavity of the entrance ramp (100) through of guide grooves (131) and once the entire drive arm has been introduced, the jacks (140) will start operating both grills (134 and 135) It is necessary to point out that during this operation, the centering arms (105) remain killed and therefore does not exist interference between both mechanisms.

Of a platform (160) which is intended to receive the vehicle to be parked or pick up the one to be delivered, as well as to house the motor system (132) and some dragging guides (131), as well as to support the vehicle during the movements of rotation and elevation, which comprises a base (164), arranged by structural profiles, placed in both transverse and longitudinal, forming a rectangle and strong enough to support the load of a vehicle, adequately covered by wood or sheet (not shown) and where the motor system (132) is placed by the bottom of the base (164) to save space and where the guides (131) are arranged by a multiplicity of conventional bearings, conveniently distributed throughout of the base (164) in order that the trailing arm (130) can advance or retract resting on said base (164), also having a rectangular frame (161) which is it comes off from the sides of the base (164), starting at half the length of the base (164) also of structural type profiles, and from whose sides they vertically unclip poles and join at their upper ends with an upper tie, from which tensile elements (162) and supports of the mechanical elements are designed to give rigidity and support the stress loads to the base (164), in addition to the fact that at the ends of said vertical posts there is located a system of bearing guides (163) with which both the trailing arm (130) and the platform (160) must operate. For the movement of the drag arm (130) there are two servomotors (132) with their respective speed reducers, which drive two gear wheels (151) which in turn drive the rack (152) installed in the lower part of the drag arm (130) for the horizontal movement of the latter from the entrance ramp (100) to the platform (160) and from this to an assigned space (183); A third servomotor (170) drives a side rack (136) to allow movement for delivery of the vehicle to the front.

Of a lifting and turning structure (210), which has the function of supporting the receiving platform (160) with the loading of the vehicles and at the same time turning and positig in the horizontal plane the platform to have access to the open spaces of parking (183) of each plant and contain and guide the lifting system (230), this set is composed of two main parts: a structure which comprises a base (200), a top support (211) and a mechanism for rotation (202) This base (200) is formed with structural profiles, has a space where the mechanism that transmits the rotation movement to the rest of the set is housed. The rotational movement is transmitted to a tower (210) by means of an axis or pivot (202) aligned with that of the upper part (212), in addition the base (200) rests on a reinforced concrete foundation (204) and it is joined to two vertical structures (210) of reticular form formed by steel profiles that contain the elements of the vertical movement, as well as some guides of the elevation system (213) to guide the platform (160) The guide wheels (163) that they are located on the frame (161), they run on the vertical rails (213) installed for such purpose in the tower (210) of the lifting and turning structure (210). In the upper part of this structure (210) is located a structure similar to that of the base (200) only that inverted and has a pivot or axis (212), which aligned vertically with the lower axis constitutes the axis of rotation of the tower (210) this element is attached to the vertical structures of the building (184 and 185) and its support are beams in the form of armours (190) and which in turn are attached to some columns of the building (184 and 185) . The rotation mechanism (202) has the function of effecting the movement of rotation or rotation and positig of the platform (160) in each level, arranged this by a motor element (203), which in turn transmits the movement to a set of a conventional copy which is attached to the base of the tower (200). The lifting mechanism consists of two or four servomotors, with their respective reducer each (231 and 232), mounted on supports (234) in the upper part of the tower (210) placed one or two per side, which they will transmit the movement to gear wheels (235) which in turn trigger a mechanical precision chain (233) that transmits the vertical movement to the platform. These chains will have to operate the platform (160) and are attached on one side to the platform (160) and on the other to a counterweight (240) which allows to reduce the power of the servomotors since it helps to counteract the weight of the the platform (160) with the vehicle to be parked. Also, the counterweights (240), also move on sob. e rails (243) fixed to the lifting and turning structure (210) and with a guide-wheel arrangement similar to those of the platform (163). The platform (160) moves vertically guided by sets of guide wheels (163) running on rails (213) mounted on the vertical structure of the tower (210) with an arrangement such that prevents horizontal movement of the platform.

Of parking spaces (183) are the car supports (194 and 197) built with structural profiles, where the tires of the vehicles rest and have some collector trays (not shown) to prevent the runoff of oils or other fluids towards vehicles in the lower levels, where said car supports are formed by the combination of a subsequent rest (194), a frontal rest (197), a mount (195) and braces (196), and where the rest for the placement of the rear wheels (194) of the vehicle are formed by a multiplicity of structural sections (198), straight and placed horizontally where they will rest the tires of the vehicle, joined these breaks to a mount (195), arranged over a straight structural section (195) which will be perpendicular to the breaks, also carrying inclined structural braces (196), which are detached from the mount and are fastened to the structural elements of the building by conventional means , while the front rest (197) for the reception of the wheels of the front of the vehicle, are formed by only two structural sections (191), straight and placed horizontally, this front rest joined to a second mount (199) also arranged by a straight structural section perpendicular to said breaks, also carrying inclined structural braces (196) that detach from the mount and are fastened to the structural elements of the building by conventional means, in addition to existing between said breaks an appropriate space for the passage of the drag arm (130) which has the function of depositing the carriage on the supports and real Lift the reverse operation at the time of delivery of the vehicle. To place the vehicle in the spaces intended for parking (183), the drag arm (130) is introduced until the jack system (140) is in position with respect to the breaks, through which it allows the vehicle be placed in said breaks. To pick up the vehicle from the parking spaces (183), the same jack lifting system (140) raises the vehicle until the tires rest on the cat's grills (134 and 135) for subsequent movements until the vehicle is on the exit ramp (250).

For delivery of the vehicle on the exit ramp (250) there is a front exit mechanism, which is responsible for positioning the vehicle with the front facing in the direction of its normal driving, for which the Inverse movement to the inlet, that is, the drag arm enters the vehicle support with the jack system in its lower position, the grill (134 and 135) is placed under the vehicle, the jacks (140) are raised and the vehicle is taken to take it to the platform (160), to finally deliver it to the user on the exit ramp (250) A front exit mechanism is established considering that the drag arm (130) takes the vehicle from the entrance ramp (100) with the front towards the interior of the building, introduces it to the platform, turns and places the vehicle in the assigned space (183) with the front in the same position, looking towards the interior of the building. When carrying out the movement for delivery, it would be placed in the same way, so that to remove the vehicle from the parking lot it would be necessary to do it in reverse, which complicates the driving of the vehicle causing slowness in the evacuation of the vehicles and possible accidents. In order to deliver the user to the vehicle on the exit ramp (250) in the normal direction for driving, this is in front, the invention comprises a mechanism consisting of a rack (136) fastened to the tow arm (130) and driven by a servomotor (170), this rack moves together with the mentioned trailing arm (130) and independently allows the movement of the rack (134 and 135) towards the exit ramp (250), so that take the drag arm (130) to the vehicle of an assigned space (183), once the mechanism of the jacks (140) that lift the vehicle through the grill (134 and 135) has been activated, the turning mechanism positions the vehicle facing forward; the control system (500) sends the corresponding signals by actuating the servomotor of the mentioned rack (136) with which the drive arm and the grill with the vehicle are moved towards the exit ramp by delivering it in frontal position.

A control system (500), whose function is to control and optimize the movements of all the elements that make up the system, ensure the accuracy of these movements, coordinate security devices, issue the alarm signals, make emergency stoppages when required and record the required operating and administrative parameters and is formed by a programmable logic controller (PLC) (502), this is the device that centralizes all the control of the system, is responsible for receiving the detection signals and actuation of the different components of the system, in order that the different mechanisms receive the necessary signals for their proper operation, likewise receives the signals of the security devices (504), of the emergency stops (506) and the data of the administrative system (508) The drive and control of servomotors (510) is carried out by means of programmable elements known as rvo-controllers, which receive the signals or "instructions" from the PLC and send them to servomotors. The security system is integrated by proximity sensor elements, detectors of variation of the pre-established parameters for each of the servomotors, load or photoelectric cells placed in each of the drawers, position sensors and emergency stop buttons. To avoid complete shutdown of the entire system, the main elements of control, PLC and sensors related to safety are duplicated. Additionally, an emergency generating plant (520) has been provided to allow the operation of the parking lot in case of failure of the external electric power supply.

Of a building (180), where the parking area has been optimized to accommodate a greater number of vehicles, it is built in radial form, thus forming a regular polygon, and with the purpose of having a greater number of parking spaces, it is constructed of several floors, whose dimensions will depend both on the size of the land and the type of vehicles that will be received. to park, and where the operation of transferring the vehicle from its reception to its placement in an assigned place and vice versa, is performed automatically.

In its structural part this regular polygon or part of it, is inscribed in a circle with an appropriate diameter. Therefore, the dimensions of the polygons will vary depending on the specific applications of the parking, being able to adapt to the full range of vehicles and passenger vans or adapt to the particular needs of each case. In its inner part, another regular polygon (182) inscribed in a circle with the same diameter necessary to allow the accommodation of the structure of elevation and rotation is formed. Therefore, the dimensions of the polygons will vary depending on the specific applications of the parking, being able to adapt to the full range of vehicles and passenger vans or adapt to the particular needs of each case. In this sense, the building (180), consists of several levels, which can range from two to nine; with heights that can vary, depending again on the type of vehicles to park; the plant of each of these levels, has spaces for parking (183) to store a predetermined number of vehicles depending on their size. The building (180) will be built on a base or bases of reinforced concrete which will support the main columns and secondary elements of the access floor. This foundation will be designed according to the characteristics and properties of the land on which the parking is installed. The rigidity of the building is achieved by: exterior columns (184), interior columns (185), beams [> interior (186) and exterior (187), radial beams (188) and horizontal anti-venting elements (189) and vertical counter-venting (190). The entire structure of the building (180) is fixed by means of high strength screws, which ensures its stability and allows it to be disassembled, if necessary, to be subsequently assembled in another area. The exterior facade of the building (180) can be covered with any type of material, such as sheet, glass, canvas, concrete boards, etc. Because the vehicles are parked without the intervention of operators, there will be an access ladder, marine type for the different levels and its use will be restricted only for extreme cases or maintenance, that is, the owner of the vehicle will not have never access to the interior of the building.

BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION The user leaves his vehicle closed and with the engine off on the entrance ramp, then the trailing arm, using the system of jacks and grille, takes the vehicle by the lower part of the tires, elevates it and places it on the platform, which in turn already with the vehicle inside the rotating tower, takes it to the space previously assigned by the ticket issuing system or, where appropriate, by the user's card, upon arriving at the assigned space, the towing arm with the vehicle enters the space and by means of the descent of the cats it deposits it in the support. When the vehicle is required by the user, the platform and the trailing arm move to the assigned space, retrieve it with a reverse movement to the previous one and deliver it to the user on the exit ramp in the natural driving position, this is with the front in the direction of circulation. The above will be carried out by means of the lifting and turning systems described below: The structure of elevation and turn is. it moves to the center of the building structure, and in its lower part rests on a reinforced concrete foundation, and in the upper part it is subject to a structure that forms part of the structure of the building, which guarantees its structural stability. The turning system consists of a mechanism that by means of a servomotor placed in its lower part will rotate the lifting structure and rotated. Also in the structure of elevation and rotation is housed the system of elevation of the platform that receives the vehicle and that will allow to drive it to the previously assigned space in the building. The lifting of the vehicle will be done by means of an elevator based on precision chains and counterweights driven by servomotors.

The mechanical elements that constitute these systems, both the lifting, the turning and the activation of the mechanical jacks, are specifically programmed by means of a software designed for the control of the servomotors used in each of them and supported by sensors that allow control and ensure the proper functioning of the system. On the other hand, the system for introducing the vehicle to the platform in the structure of rotation and elevation consists of a metallic trailing arm that moves by mechanical means propelled by servomotors and in which by means of a mechanical jack the vehicle is taken by the lower part of it, precisely from the tires and lift it up in order to move it towards the lifting and turning platform. Once this process is finished and as the system rotates and raises the vehicle to position it in the space in which it will be deposited, the drag arm will advance until it is deposited in the space and the jack will lower until it is properly housed in the type space.

Claims (23)

CLAIMS Having described the invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore, what is contained in the following claims is claimed as our property.

1. Improved parking for motor vehicles, object of the present invention of operation is fully automatic, and where the parking area has been optimized forming a regular polygon, with the purpose of having a greater number of parking spaces and which comprises the combination of an entrance ramp where the car will be left to automatically line up in a certain position, of a tow arm, through which the vehicle is received and is automatically transported to a platform, of a lifting and turning structure. by means of which, the placed vehicle is transported and elevated towards an available drawer, of spaces destined to the parking, an exit ramp, through which the vehicle will be deposited automatically for the delivery after having remained parked by a determined time, of a control and security system and of a building, designed for this purpose, in whose structure a greater number of vehicles will be housed vertically in a certain area, characterized by comprising an entrance ramp whose purpose is to receive the car and be arranged in a centered form for its later operation, it is arranged by a base where the vehicle will be parked at the moment of reception, leaving the tires placed on registers flush with the floor and where, in a bas-relief manner, a first bed of rollers is located front and, a second bed rolls towards the back, formed these by rows of rollers, placed perpendicular with respect to the normal position of the rims, and with sufficient rows of rollers for, and of sections of free passage which project downwards from the base, which are located between the different rows of rollers, In addition, towards the bottom of the base, there is a cavity with sufficient depth, where it is located, the alignment system of the vehicle's tires, where a servo motor is located, which provides movement to an arrow that joins said servomotor, which runs along the depth of the cavity and from which a multiplicity of rods or centering arms emerge, which will be coincident with the sections of free passage, and which at the time of receiving the signal of the servomotor, these centering arms move through the sections of free passage, from the bottom of the cavity to touch the inner faces of the llan of the vehicle and, pushing and traversing the vehicle to an alignment position, through the bed of front rollers and of the bed rolls of the bottom; A drag arm whose function is to receive the car deposited on the entrance ramp and transport it automatically to a platform, as well as housing the engine system and arm guides and support the vehicle during the movements of rotation and elevation, comprises a Structure formed by structural profiles, arranged by a central body of appropriate length to accept any type of vehicle, of square or rectangular shape, carrying at the bottom a base plate which is guided during its travel guides wheels installed on the platform, and where the lower part of the base plate has a rack operated by gears which in turn are driven by two servomotors with their respective reducers to perform the movement of translation of the arm, as well as having also a second rack operated by the second servomotor whose function is to move a system of some jacks in relation to the arm of drag and through which allows the car to be delivered facing the exit ramp, also carrying on the upper part of the central body, towards its front end, a grate formed by combs of structural profiles and towards its rear end of a second grate with a greater number of combs of structural profiles, to take under the tires of the. automobile, and elevate it, passing the ends of said grills through the free passage sections, where in addition the guide wheels, located towards the lower part of the trailing arm, are carried on rail beams, consisting of a flat surface based on structural profiles, counting with said lanes rail both on the entry ramp and the correlative exit ramp and which are projected to the platform; A platform, which aims to receive the vehicle to be parked or pick up the one to be delivered, as well as to house the motor system and some drag guides, as well as support the vehicle during the movements of rotation and elevation , which comprises a base, arranged by structural profiles, placed both transversely and longitudinally, forming a rectangle and strong enough to support the load of a vehicle, suitably covered by wood or sheet and where said motor system is placed by the lower part of the base to save space and where the guides are arranged by a multiplicity of conventional bearings, conveniently distributed along the base in order that the trailing arm can move forward or backward by leaning on said base, counting also with a rectangular frame, which is detached from the sides of the base, starting in the middle of the The base also has profiles of structural type, and from whose sides they vertically detach poles and join at their upper ends with an upper tie, from which tensile elements and supports of the mechanical elements are projected to give rigidity and support stress loads to the base, in addition to that at both ends of said vertical posts is located a system of bearing guides, with which both the trailing arm in conjunction with the platform must operate, and where for the movement of said trawl arm has two servomotors with their respective speed reducers, which drive a set of two toothed wheels, which in turn drive a rack installed in the lower part of the trailing arm for horizontal movement from the entrance ramp to the platform and from this to an assigned space, counting in addition said trailing arm, a third servomotor which drives a second side zipper to allow the movement of delivery of the vehicle towards the front; Of a structure of elevation and rotation, which has the function of supporting the reception platform with the load of the automobiles, and at the same time, to turn and position in the horizontal plane the platform of distribution of automobiles to have access to the drawers of parking on each floor as well as containing and guiding the elevation system, arranged this set by two main parts: a structure which includes a base, a top support and a rotation mechanism, where this base is formed by means of structural profiles , as well as a system where it houses the mechanism that transmits the rotation movement to the rest of the assembly and where the rotation movement is transmitted to a tower by means of a central axis or pivot, aligned with one correlative that of the upper part. In addition, said base rests on a reinforced concrete foundation placed below the floor and joined to two vertical structures of reticular form, constituted by or steel profiles that contain elements of vertical movement, as well as some guides of the elevation system of the receiving platform, also carrying in the upper part of this structure an armature structure similar to that of the base, only that inverted as well as a pivot superior to the center, correlative to the lower pivot, being aligned vertically, joined to the vertical structures and in turn joined to the columns of the building for the horizontal movement of the latter from the entrance ramp to the reception platform and from this to a space for assigned parking, in addition, the mechanism of elevation and rotation for the positioning of the vehicles in each level, arranged this by a motor element, which consists of two or four servomotors, each one with its respective reducers, mounted on the part top of the tower and placed 'one or two per side, which in turn transmits it to an arrow set and metal plates (flanges) attached to the base of the tower, which will transmit the movement to gear wheels which in turn trigger a mechanical chain of precision that will drive the receiving platform, and are attached on one side to the delivery platform and on the other to a counterweight which allows to reduce the power of the servomotors and to counteract the weight of the reception platform with the vehicle to park. Some spaces for parking consist of supports built with structural profiles, in which the tires of the vehicles rest and have some collector trays (not shown) to prevent the runoff of oils or other fluids towards vehicles in the lower levels, where said supports are formed by the combination of a subsequent rest, a frontal rest, a mount and braces, and where the rest stops the placement of the rear wheels of the car are formed by a multiplicity of structural, straight sections and placed horizontally where they will rest the tires of the vehicle, joined these breaks to a mount, that arranged over a straight structural section which will be perpendicular to the breaks, also carrying structural slanted braces, which are detached from the assembly and are attached to the structure of the building by conventional elements, while the front rest for the reception of the wheels of the front of the car, are formed by only two structural sections, straight and placed horizontally, joined this front rest to a second mount ready also by a straight structural section perpendicular to said breaks, also carrying inclined structural braces that detach from the mount and are attached to the structure of the building by conventional elements, in addition to existing between said breaks an appropriate space for the passage of the platform, and where the s system to introduce the vehicle to the platform in the structure of rotation and elevation consists of a metal arm that moves by mechanical means propelled by servomotors and in which by means of a mechanical jack the vehicle is taken by the inferior part of the same, precisely of the tires and lift it up in order to move it towards the lifting and turning platform. Once this process is finished and as the system turns and elevates the vehicle until it is positioned in the drawer in which it will be deposited, the arm will advance until it is deposited in the drawer and the jack will lower until it is properly housed in the space for free parking.; From an entrance ramp, it has the function of receiving the vehicle and has a mechanism that is responsible for positioning it by aligning it with respect to the arm, so that once aligned the arm enters with the system of jacks in its lower position, the grills are placed below of the car, the jacks go up and take the vehicle to take it to the platform, this by means of the mechanism of elevation and rotation moves the vehicle to the assigned space. Considering that the trailing arm takes the vehicle in the assigned drawer, with the front facing the interior of the structure, it introduces it to the platform, rotates it and places the vehicle in the type drawer with the front in the same position, facing the inside the structure to finally deliver it to the user on the exit ramp and where the front exit mechanism installed in the tow arm moves towards the exit ramp delivering the vehicle in front. A control system, whose function is to control and optimize the movements of all the elements that make up the system, ensure the accuracy of these movements, coordinate security devices, issue alarm signals, make emergency stoppages when required and record the required operating and administrative parameters and is formed by a programmable logic controller (PLC), where this is the device that centralizes all the control of the system, is responsible for receiving the signals of detection and activation of the different components of the system, in order that the different mechanisms receive the necessary signals for their proper operation, likewise receives the signals of the safety devices, of the emergency stops and the data of the administrative system and where the drive and control of the servomotors It is done through known programmable elements! as servo-controllers those that receive the signals or "instructions" of the PLC and send them to servomotors, which allows to take advantage of all the characteristics of these. The security system is integrated by proximity sensor elements, detectors of variation of the pre-established parameters for each of the servomotors, load or photoelectric cells placed; »in ^ each of the drawers, position sensors and stop buttons of emergency. To avoid complete shutdown of the entire system, the main elements of control, PLC and sensors related to safety are duplicated, also because an emergency generating plant has been planned to allow the operation of the parking lot in case of failure of the power supply external electric; Of a building, which houses all the other elements, which has been designed, built and optimized so that the parking area includes a greater number of vehicles, for which parking is done in a radial manner, thus forming a polygon regular, and with the purpose of having a greater number of spaces or parking spaces, the height of the building is increased in several floors, whose dimensions will depend both on the size of the land and the type of vehicles that will be received for parking, and where The operation of moving the vehicle from its reception to the placement of the same in an assigned place and vice versa, is performed automatically, in its inner part another regular polygon is formed inscribed in a circle with the necessary diameter to allow the accommodation of the structure of elevation and rotation, and therefore, the dimensions of the polygons will vary depending on the specific applications of the the parking, being able to adapt to the whole range of cars and passenger vans or adapt to the particular needs of each case.

2. Improved car parking, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that the entrance ramp has the purpose of receiving the car and being aligned, in a centered manner, and comprises registers flush with the floor and where, in a bas-relief manner, they are located at front, a first bed of rollers and towards the back, a second bed rollers to the front, are formed with enough rows of rollers to make any type of vehicle according to the wheelbase of your tires.

3. Improved car parking, claimed according to clauses one and two, characterized in that the entrance ramp has sections of free passage between the various roller beds, and because in addition, towards the rear, it will have a greater number of said passage sections free.

4. Improved car parking, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that the trailing arm has a motor system and guides that support the vehicle during the movements of rotation and elevation, driven by servomotors

5. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed according to clauses one and four, characterized in that the trailing arm has a rear grill with a sufficient number of combs of structural profiles, by which the vehicle taken from its tires is lifted, regardless of the wheelbase of different types or sizes of vehicles.

6. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed according to clauses one and above, characterized in that the trailing arm has guide wheels, towards the bottom and are conducted on a rail track, both on the entrance ramp, and on the ramp of exit and in the spaces destined to parking, allowing the vehicle to be received in an aligned way in front and at the same time, it is delivered in the exit ramp lined up front. The drag arm is composed of a structural element of square, rectangular or tubular shape mounted on a steel plate which is guided by a group of packed wheels that allow its sliding inside the platform and from this to the different spaces of parking or ramps, at the bottom of the plate is located a rack that is operated by means of two cogwheels that are mounted on the platform structure and that are operated by means of servomotors with couplings and speed reducers. Another element that makes up this system is a structural component that supports the jacks that raise the vehicle on the tow arm and that allow the vehicle to move from the entrance ramp to the platform and from it to the parking space or vice versa to the ramp of exit. It is also characterized by containing linear guides or precision rails which by means of a rack and gear driven by a servomotor with a speed reducer provides the movement of translation of the grills for the frontal delivery of the vehicle on the exit ramp.

7. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that the lifting and turning structure is formed by the combination of a lower frame mounted on the base, and a frame on the upper part, where this structure similar to that of the base, only inverted leading to the center two pivots, being aligned vertically which constitutes the axis of rotation of the tower.

8. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one and above, characterized in that in the structure of elevation and rotation, the platform is vertically moved guided by the sets of the guide wheels that run through rails mounted on the vertical structure of the tower, with an arrangement that prevents horizontal movement of the platform.

9. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one and above, characterized in that the lifting and turning structure has counterweights that counteract the weight of the reception platform with the vehicle to be parked and which also move on fixed rails to the structure of elevation and rotation and with an arrangement of guide wheels similar to those of the distribution platform, which reduce the power of the servomotors of the elevator and therefore reduce the consumption of electrical energy.

10. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that in the spaces intended for parking, the platform, is introduced in said spaces until the screw jack system of the platform, are in position with respect to the breaks , through which it allows the car to be placed in said breaks and, because in addition, to pick up the vehicle from the parking spaces the same system of lifting the jack screws raises the vehicle until the tires are fastened in the Car support for subsequent movements until the vehicle is in front of the exit ramp.

11. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that the vertical building consists of several levels, which can range from two to nine; with heights that can vary, depending again on the type of vehicles to park; the plant of each of these levels, has spaces for parking to store a number of vehicles limited according to their size.

12. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized because the building is cemented on reinforced concrete bases and where they will support the main columns and secondary elements of the access floor, and where this foundation will be designed according to the characteristics and properties of the land on which the parking is installed.

13. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized in that the stiffness of the building is achieved by: exterior columns, interior columns, interior and exterior perimeter beams, radial beams and vertical anti-venting and vertical anti-venting elements .

14. Parking for improved vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized because the building will have an access ladder, marine type for the different levels and its use will be restricted only maintenance personnel.

15. Parking for improved automobiles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized by automated parking; uses a system based on precision chains, counterweights and servomotors coupled to speed reducers and sprockets that are integrated into the control system, to elevate the platform with the required precision to each of the different levels of the building and move the platform vertically which receives the vehicles within the structure of lifting and turning

16. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized because, automated parking based on the principles of mechanics; The lifting system consists of precision chains connected at one end to the counterweights, to facilitate vertical movement and reduce stresses, and connect the other end to the vehicle lift platform. This lifting system, being automated, allows vertical movements to be made precisely, vertically raising the platform from one level to another according to the previously prepared electronic program.

17. Parking for improved automobiles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized by automated parking; The construction of the building is designed based on a regular polygon, with the number of sides needed to accommodate the largest number of vehicles, according to their physical characteristics.

18. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized in that the structure of the building may be reinforced concrete, steel or the combination of both elements, in any case I will carry in radial form, in each space destined for parking, a Lock steel rail with guide wheels to allow access to the arm that moves the vehicle from the drawers to the platform and vice versa.

19. Improved parking for motor vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized in that the foundations of the building and the lifting and turning structure may be independent of each other or be the same according to the characteristics of the land to be used and the specifications determined by the specialist in structural calculation.

20. Parking for improved automobiles, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that the platform for raising vehicles is a structure. open, formed by diverse elements, and to which the USUF does not have access, providing additional security by eliminating incidents to people in their use and by reducing dead weights in the structure.

21. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that this platform is guided by rails and structural elements that provide the rigidity required for its proper operation.

22. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed according to clause one, characterized in that the entry ramp has a security system consisting of an element that detects the height of the lowest part of the vehicle, with respect to the floor level of the ramp of entry, to electronically instruct a servomotor that in turn operates a mechanism that operates a set of safety stops that ensures that the vehicle stops at the most appropriate point for arm operation.

23. Parking for improved motor vehicles, claimed in accordance with clause one, characterized in that the control system consists of a programmable logic controller (PLC), which receives the signals of the different drive devices, safety, position detectors, speed, torque and data. The user, when leaving his vehicle closed in the entrance drawer, activates an input recording device, which sends a signal to the PLC; the latter receives from the device of entry registration, which can be a machine issuing tickets with barcode, a reader of prepaid cards, a reader of cards with "chip" or magnetic stripe, or any other means that allows a communication between the input device and the PLC. The programmable logic controller verifies, through the registers in the memory, which boxes are unoccupied and assigns the drawer in which the newly arrived vehicle will be parked. Once the drawer is assigned, it sends the signals to the servo controllers of the positioning system, the elevator and the arm so that they in turn transform it and send it to the elements that drive these three systems; Simultaneously, the PLC sends information about the time of entry, the assigned drawer and any other information that may be relevant to the computer. The positioning system, once it has placed the vehicle in the correct position, sends a permission signal to the PLC, which relays it to the elevator and turning system drives so that the central structure and the elevator position the platform with the arm on the entrance ramp to take the newly arrived car. Once the vehicle has been deposited in the assigned drawer, the servomotors of these systems, through the servo controllers, send to the PLC the cycle termination signal and its position. When the user wishes to pick up his vehicle, it will request it by means of the same means used to register the entry, either in the collection booth, or in the barcode or "chip" card reader, this device sends the signal to the PLC for it to be retransmitted to the servocontroladores of the central structure and the elevator so that the latter move to the drawer in which the requested vehicle is located, take it by the arm and transfer it to the exit ramp where the user picks it up. The automation and safety devices and their respective permissive signals are the following: a) Position of the rotating structure: a proximity sensor that can be of magnetic or laser type, sends a signal to the PLC when the structure is located at a predetermined point in a horizontal plane; this signal together with those of position of the arm and of the platform, are the permissive ones to initiate the cycle of operation. b) Arm position: using the same type of sensor is used to determine and where appropriate, place the arm in the initial position on the platform. c) Platform: As in the previous cases, the position of the platform in the vertical direction is detected, the signal is sent to the PLC. The PLC, once it receives the signals, carries out the verification by comparing them with those pre-established by the program, and if everything is correct, it initiates the cycle of instructions to the equipment. The PLC sends the necessary signals to the servo controllers of the turning tower, and of the elevator (platform) so that they are placed in front of the entrance ramp, once this is done, the servomotors send the PLC the appropriate signal, this it sends the signal to the arm so that it moves to the entry ramp to be placed under the car, when the arm reaches its position, it gives the warning to the PLC, which orders the servomotors of the cats to initiate the upward movement to lift the car. The PLC receives the notification of the servo controllers of the jacks when the vertical race has been completed, sending the command to the arm to remove the car from the entrance ramp and take it to the platform. In the part of the system described above, the safety devices to be used are: limit switch located in the rear part of the rail of the entrance ramp (to avoid the movement of the arm beyond its intended position) , the speed, position, current and torque detectors of the servomotors of the jacks, of the actuators of the arm and the position indicators of the stops The weight of the vehicle is detected by the effort of the servomotors of the jacks (pair) , or by means of load cells, in case of exceeding the design capacity, they send to the PLC the signal of excessive load and the latter orders the suspension of the cycle. Additionally, there is a photoelectric cell at the entrance, which detects the presence or absence of a vehicle and its height on the entrance ramp, activates a light signal to prevent access by another vehicle until the entrance ramp is cleared and sends a signal to the PLC in case the vehicle exceeds the permitted height. In the event that any of the parameters whose signals reach the PLC are outside the limits established in the programming, the latter makes the necessary adjustments or orders the stoppage of the entire system. The next operation that is carried out is the introduction of the trailing arm with the vehicle on the platform, for this, the displacement servo motors of said arm are ordered to move it towards the platform, move it to the predetermined point and stop, once in this position, it sends the respective signal to the PLC and this in turn orders the cats to descend to the low point of their stroke to initiate the movements of rotation and elevation of the platform. The safety devices that are used in this part of the cycle are limit switches at the end of the displacement of the trailing arm, the internal transmitters of the servomotors of displacement of the trailing arm, of the servomotors of the jacks and of the servomotor of displacement of the system of jacks and grille, limit switches of the vertical stroke of the jacks system, photoelectric cell to detect the height of the vehicle, The load balance (asymmetry of the weight of the vehicle) on both sides of the grille, is detected by means of the torque signal of the servomotors of the jacks, in case of being greater than convenient, the PLC orders the stop of the subsequent operations. Then the movements of the structure's rotation and elevation of the platform are performed simultaneously to position the platform in front of the box in which the vehicle will park; these operations are ordered and controlled by the PLC according to the information received from the entry and registration control device, that is, it places the car in front of the assigned drawer. Before ordering the movement of the trawl arm to the drawer, the PLC receives a signal emitted by a photoelectric cell or a proximity sensor indicating that the drawer is empty, if so, the arm moves towards the drawer, reaches its position final and emits the corresponding signal, once the authorization is received, the cats begin the descent movement to place the vehicle on the car support, at the end of their race, the servomotors of the cats emit the signal and upon receiving this, the PLC sends the order to the arm for its removal from the drawer and placed on the platform sending the signal for the rotation of the column and the movement of the elevator to start the next cycle. The safety in this part of the operation is achieved by the aforementioned signals of the servomotors, the also mentioned cells or sensors in each drawer, proximity sensors in each level (which allow the elevator to be placed in the exact position in the corresponding level), signs of the servomotors of the elevator that inform by means of their torque detectors in case of any obstacle in the path of the elevator. The operation described above is repeated for each of the vehicles to be parked. When the user arrives to pick up his car, the device of registration of exit, by means of the ticket or card that presents the user, sends the signal to the PLC so that this in turn of the order of beginning of the cycle of recovery of the vehicle; this cycle is the inverse of the entrance, that is, the structure of rotation and the elevator place the platform in front of the drawer from which the vehicle is going to be taken, enter the arm, raise the jacks, remove the drag arm with the vehicle and placed on the platform to perform the movements of rotation and descent until placed in front of the exit box; once in this position the jacks go up, and the drag arm comes out with the car; when they reach their final position, the jacks lower and the trailing arm is removed to its resting position on the platform. The security devices are the same and work in the same way as those described in the storage cycle. The present invention developed for an automated parking based on mechatronics, uses robotics as a fundamental principle in its design and operation, by using this principle the pure mechanization becomes an electro-mechanical-electronic system, which does not require hydraulic systems for its operation and therefore is totally clean in terms of emissions or leaks, eliminates the need to have operators for the operation of it, eliminates accidents to both vehicles and users by reason of not requiring the driving of the vehicle inside the parking lot. On the other hand, when the vehicle's engine is turned off at the time of accessing the entry drawer, emissions to the atmosphere, which are the product of engine gases, are significantly reduced. The control system is designed so that each step necessary for reception, placement in the drawer type and delivery of the vehicle to the user is checked at least twice by the control system, this redundancy substantially increases the security, making it fail-safe; In addition, the use of servomotors significantly reduces the consumption of electrical energy, minimizing operating costs. The control system may be connected to a central monitoring system that may, on the one hand, operate the system and mainly detect faults and correct them from this central system through telephone or satellite lines, which considerably reduces the maintenance costs . In view of the foregoing, the present invention improves in a novel way the mechanized parking systems existing or known to date. The concepts described in this document refer to the use of state-of-the-art equipment that obviously can be overcome in time by what should not be considered limiting.