Two-level parking facilities

Abstract

This invention provides a two-tiered parking facility and the sliding and lifting racks used therein. By stopping the lifting drive unit before the lifting rack comes into contact with an obstacle (especially a sliding rack or a bicycle), parking safety is ensured. Lifting racks capable of being raised and lowered are installed on each of the laterally arranged supports. Detection units are configured on a reference plane to establish warning zones. Each warning zone has a width extending laterally from the support supporting the lifting rack to at least the adjacent support when viewed from above, and extends along the long side from the fixed track. The detection units individually detect the presence of a sliding rack within each warning zone. When any detection unit detects the presence of a sliding rack within its corresponding warning zone, the control unit, regardless of whether a bicycle is being carried, consistently outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit that drives the lifting rack corresponding to the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a two-level parking facility. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a two-story parking facility is known, which includes: a plurality of sliding frames that are mounted in a cross configuration on a fixed track disposed on the ground and are capable of sliding on the fixed track; and a lifting frame that is supported by each pillar erected on the ground at certain intervals and can protrude in a cantilever shape, and can be driven by a motor to move up and down along the pillar, so that the lifting frame can move up and down between the upper and lower floors in the space created by the sliding of the sliding frames located on the lower floor.

[0003] Furthermore, in patent documents 1, 2, and 3, a sensor is installed on the bottom side of the lifting frame to directly detect contact with obstacles (sliding frame, bicycle, worker, etc.). When the sensor comes into contact with an obstacle during the descent of the lifting frame, damage (including injury) is avoided by stopping the motor or reversing the operation (switching to ascending).

[0004] Incidentally, if we focus on the lifting frame descending from the upper level and the multiple sliding frames located on the lower level, the areas that may come into contact with the frame vary and change constantly depending on their relative positions when viewed from above, whether they carry bicycles, and the size of the bicycles (especially the handlebar width). Therefore, it is difficult to ensure safety over a wide area using sensors located on the bottom side of the lifting frame, as is done in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.

[0005] Furthermore, the aforementioned sensors directly detect contact with obstacles to stop the descent of the lifting platform or reverse its ascent, thus posing a potential delay in hazard avoidance. There are concerns about decreased operational efficiency if the normal lifting speed is slowed down to avoid this delay. Additionally, since the sensors are mounted on a moving lifting platform, there is a risk that the sensor's detection range will continuously change as the platform moves, making the detection range itself unstable. Moreover, although the occurrence frequency is low, even if the sensor comes into contact with an obstacle during the lifting platform's ascent, hazard avoidance may not be achieved.

[0006] On the other hand, patent documents 3, 4, and 5 disclose technologies that indirectly sense contact between the lifting frame and an obstacle by detecting motor load, wire slack, and chain slack, and then stop the lifting frame's descent or reverse its ascent. However, when using these indirect sensing units, hazard avoidance may be further delayed compared to direct sensing. Furthermore, phenomena such as motor load, wire slack, and chain slack may occur due to reasons other than contact with the obstacle, thus posing a risk of false detection and malfunction.

[0007] It should be noted that Patent Document 3 also describes the installation of human-sensing sensors on the roof surface of the parking area. However, obstacles are obscured by the shadows of the lifting frame, sliding frame, and bicycles mounted on them, making accurate detection difficult. In addition, it is difficult to install such sensors in outdoor parking areas, and there are many issues regarding safety.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-34704

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6670336

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-141298

[0013] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 4133300

[0014] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-279944 Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0016] The problem with this invention is to provide a two-level parking facility that ensures the safety of parking operations by stopping the lifting drive unit before the lifting frame comes into contact with an obstacle (especially a sliding frame and a bicycle).

[0017] The means used to solve the problem and the effects of the invention

[0018] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a two-tiered parking facility comprising: a plurality of sliding racks mounted on fixed tracks (orthogonal or obliquely intersecting each other in length equivalent to a bicycle) arranged in a straight line along a reference plane (e.g., the ground surface) when viewed from above, and capable of sliding (in the lateral direction) on the fixed tracks (allowing bicycles to enter and exit from one side of the lateral direction, regardless of whether a bicycle is mounted); and a lifting rack supported by each pillar erected at intervals along the lateral direction from the reference plane, protruding cantilevered in the lateral direction (in length equivalent to a bicycle) (allowing bicycles to enter and exit from one side of the lateral direction at the lower level, regardless of whether a bicycle is mounted), capable of lifting and lowering along the pillars, the lifting rack being able to move between the upper and lower levels within the space created by the lateral sliding of the sliding racks located on the lower level, characterized in that...

[0019] The two-level parking facility has the following features:

[0020] A lifting drive unit (e.g., including a drive source and a transmission mechanism) is provided in each of the lifting frames and generates a driving force (based on electromotive force, fluid pressure, etc.) for lifting the lifting frame up and down along the corresponding support column.

[0021] A control unit (for electrical signal systems, fluid pressure signal systems, etc.), the control unit being used to individually control the lifting drive unit to raise and lower the lifting frame; and

[0022] A detection unit is configured on a reference plane to establish a warning zone for each of the lifting frames. The warning zone has a width extending laterally from the support column that supports the lifting frame to at least the adjacent support column when viewed from above, and extends along its long side from the fixed track. The detection unit individually detects the presence of the sliding frame within each of the warning zones.

[0023] When any of the detection units detects the presence of the sliding frame within the corresponding warning area, the control unit, regardless of whether a bicycle is mounted on it, always outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit that drives the lifting frame corresponding to the detection unit.

[0024] In this way, a warning zone is fixedly formed on the reference plane by a detection unit configured on the reference plane. Before the lifting drive of the lifting frame is activated, the presence of a sliding frame in the warning zone is detected. Therefore, the lifting drive unit can be stopped before the lifting frame comes into contact with an obstacle (especially a sliding frame or a bicycle), enabling safe and rapid parking operations.

[0025] Furthermore, regardless of whether the lifting platform is descending or ascending, and regardless of whether it is carrying bicycles, the warning zone is stably set within a predetermined range as depicted when viewed from above, thus easily preventing the lifting platform from coming into contact with obstacles during its ascent and descent.

[0026] It should be noted that the sliding frame includes types that can be slidably mounted on a single fixed track arranged laterally, and types that can be slidably mounted across a pair of fixed tracks arranged side-by-side laterally. Additionally, it includes types where, when viewed from above, the lifting frame protrudes only to the left or right of each support column in the direction of the column's arrangement (lateral), and types where, when viewed from above, the lifting frame protrudes alternately from the left and right of each support column. Furthermore, the drive source of the aforementioned lifting drive unit includes electric motors, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc., and the aforementioned detection units include non-contact types (optical, ultrasonic, electromagnetic wave, etc.) in addition to contact types.

[0027] Each of the aforementioned lifting frames protrudes in the same direction along its long side from the horizontally arranged support columns.

[0028] The warning zones are set in a way that they overlap when viewed from above between adjacent pillars.

[0029] In this way, by making a portion of the warning zone overlap, the safety of the lifting frame relative to obstacles during the lifting and moving process is further improved, and more lifting frames and sliding frames can be installed (accommodated) in the parking facility.

[0030] Each of the aforementioned lifting frames also includes: a display unit (e.g., a green light) for indicating whether the corresponding lifting drive unit can be driven based on the operator's operation; and an operation unit (e.g., a lowering-side button switch or an raising-side foot switch) that allows the operator to perform a (lowering or raising) operation when the display unit indicates that the lifting drive unit can be driven (e.g., the light is on).

[0031] When the control unit outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit, it displays on the corresponding display unit that the operator cannot perform (e.g., lowering) operations (e.g., the power is off), and sets the corresponding operation unit to be inoperable (e.g., the push-button switch is off). On the other hand,

[0032] When the detection unit detects that the sliding frame is not present, the control unit displays on the corresponding display unit that the operator can perform (e.g., lowering) an operation (e.g., lighting up).

[0033] In this way, when a sliding frame is present in any warning area, the corresponding operating unit is set to be inoperable, and when no sliding frame is present, the corresponding display unit shows that operation is possible, thus improving the safety of manual operation.

[0034] The aforementioned detection unit includes a rod-shaped or plate-shaped detection component (e.g., an area sensor) that, when viewed from above, is arranged parallel to a fixed track on a reference plane, covering the entire lateral width of the warning area.

[0035] The presence of a sliding frame is detected by contact with the detection component.

[0036] This contact-type detection component allows for reliable detection of the presence or absence of the sliding frame.

[0037] The aforementioned detection component, together with the fixed track, supports the lateral sliding of the sliding frame from below. By moving up and down in conjunction with the passage of the sliding frame, (regardless of whether a bicycle is being carried) the presence of the sliding frame is detected.

[0038] In this way, by detecting the up-and-down movement caused by the load, the presence or absence of the sliding frame can be reliably detected.

[0039] The aforementioned two-tiered parking facility also includes a force-applying unit (such as a gas spring, a constant load spring, or a weight), which applies force to the lifting frame in the direction of continuous ascent, thereby assisting the driving force of the lifting drive unit.

[0040] The lifting drive unit includes an electric motor as the drive source and a chain drive mechanism driven by the electric motor. The chain drive mechanism has: sprockets, which are respectively supported on the upper and lower interior of the support column; and a flat link chain, which is wound around these sprockets inside the support column and connected to the lifting frame at both ends.

[0041] The force-applying unit has a rope drive mechanism, which is assembled with: two movable pulleys connected to the front end of a piston rod and sharing a common axis of rotation, the piston rod protruding downward from the cylinder of a gas spring mounted above the base of the support column to exert traction; two fixed pulleys fixed inside the support column at a position higher than the cylinder; and a single steel wire rope that is alternately wound once on each of the movable pulleys and each of the fixed pulleys.

[0042] This allows the chain drive mechanism and the rope drive mechanism to be compactly housed within the support column.

[0043] Each of the aforementioned lifting frames also has a sensing unit (e.g., including a rod-shaped sensor as a sensing component) on its bottom surface. This sensing unit detects when the lifting frame comes into contact with an obstacle located below it.

[0044] When the sensing unit corresponding to any of the lifting frames comes into contact with an obstacle during its descent, the control unit outputs a rising drive command to the lifting drive unit corresponding to the lifting frame that is descending, regardless of whether a bicycle is being carried on it.

[0045] By setting up such a sensing unit, dual safety can be ensured when the lifting platform descends. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the lifting frame and sliding frame of the two-level parking facility in this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A top view of the sliding rack of the two-tiered parking facility.

[0048] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A top view of the lifting platform of the two-level parking facility.

[0049] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged side views of the lifting frame when it is in the upper position (a) and the lower position (b).

[0050] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the chain drive mechanism and the rope drive mechanism.

[0051] Figure 6 These are enlarged views showing the side (a) and front (b) of the upper part of the pillar.

[0052] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view showing the side (a) and its AA section (b) of the middle part of the support.

[0053] Figure 8 This is the front view of the inspected component when viewed from the rear side of the sliding frame.

[0054] Figure 9 This is an enlarged top view of the rear end of the lifting frame.

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 BB cross-sectional view.

[0056] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The main view.

[0057] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The side view of the lifting platform when it is in the lower position.

[0058] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 The side view of the lifting platform in its upper position when it is able to descend.

[0059] Figure 14 Is Figure 1 The side view of the sliding frame when the detection component detects the lifting frame during the process of the lifting frame rising or falling.

[0060] Figure 15 Is Figure 1 The side view of the lifting frame when the sensing component detects an obstacle during the process of rising or falling.

[0061] Figure 16 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the electrical structure of a two-story parking facility.

[0062] Figure 17 yes Figure 1 The flowchart shows the control procedures implemented for the two-story parking facility.

[0063] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of the initialization control.

[0064] Figure 19 This is a flowchart of safety confirmation control.

[0065] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of the lifting drive control.

[0066] Figure 21 It means Figure 1 A top view of a modified example of a two-level parking facility, specifically a lifting frame.

[0067] Figure 22 yes Figure 17 The flowchart of a variation of the control.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0069] 1000: Two-tiered parking facility; 1: Support column; 2: Fixed track; 3: Detection unit; 30: Detection component (area sensor); 100: Lifting frame; 110: Lifting drive unit; 111: Electric motor; 112: Chain drive mechanism; 113, 114: Sprockets; 115: Flat link chain; 120: Force application unit; 121: Gas spring; 122: Rope drive mechanism; 123, 124: Fixed pulleys; 125A, 125B: Movable pulleys; 126: Steel... 150: Sensing unit; 151: Sensing component (rod sensor); 154: Foot pedal (operating unit, lifting operating unit); 160: Illuminated button (green light); 161: Display unit; 162: Operating unit (lowering operating unit); 200: Sliding frame; 500: Control unit; X: Long side direction; Y: Lateral; BCL: Bicycle; D, D1, D2: Warning area; E: Ground surface (reference plane); ES: Empty space; W: Obstacle. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the two-level parking facility 1000 of this embodiment has multiple sliding racks 200 and lifting racks 100.

[0072] The racks 100 and 200 here are elongated strips with the forward and backward direction (front-to-back direction) for loading and unloading the bicycle BCL as the long side X, and the upper surface is an open groove shape extending in a cantilever shape. An entrance / exit 4 for loading and unloading the bicycle BCL is formed at the front (rear) end of the racks 100 and 200. Support members 5 (side rails) for preventing the loaded bicycle BCL from tipping over are provided in pairs on both sides of the racks 100 and 200 in the width direction. Additionally, a tire guard 6 is provided at the front of the rack 100 to hold the first wheel (e.g., the front wheel) of the loaded bicycle BCL in place.

[0073] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, each sliding frame 200 is mounted along its long side direction X. When viewed from above, this long side direction X is relative to the transverse direction Y (reference plane) set on the ground surface E (reference plane). Figure 2 A single or parallel fixed track 2 is arranged in a straight line, orthogonally or obliquely intersecting, and each sliding frame 200 can slide on the fixed track 2. Each sliding frame 200 has a length equivalent to that of a bicycle in its long side direction X, allowing a bicycle BCL to enter and exit from one side of the long side direction X, and each sliding frame 200 can slide along the lateral direction Y on the fixed track 2 regardless of whether a bicycle BCL is mounted on it.

[0074] Each sliding frame 200 here has multiple rollers 8 (rolling elements) mounted on its bottom surface at one end (here, the front end), configured to slide laterally along a fixed track 2 provided on the ground surface E via these multiple rollers 8 (rolling elements). Furthermore, at the other end (here, the rear end) of each sliding frame 200, casters 9 are mounted on their bottom surface. The casters 9 are configured to support the frame 200 by touching the ground surface E (reference plane), and are capable of rolling laterally in the Y direction. Through these structures, each sliding frame 200 is configured to slide laterally in the Y direction.

[0075] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the lifting frame 100 is along the transverse Y (refer to...) Figure 3 Each support 1, erected at regular intervals from the ground surface E (reference plane), is supported and cantilevered outwards along its long side X, allowing it to rise and fall along the support 1. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, each lifting frame 100 can move up and down between the upper layer (predetermined upper layer position) and the lower layer (predetermined lower layer position) within the empty space ES created by the sliding frame 200 located on the lower layer in the lateral Y (arrangement direction of the support column 1). Figure 1 (In such a situation, lifting and lowering cannot be performed when there is no space directly below). In addition, each lifting frame 100 is supported on each support column 1 and protrudes in a cantilever shape along the long side X with a length equivalent to that of a bicycle BCL, and can allow the bicycle BCL to enter and exit from one side along the long side X at the lower position and can be lifted and lowered along the support column 1 regardless of whether a bicycle BCL is being carried.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 1 as well as Figures 4-7 As shown, the two-level parking facility 1000 includes: a lifting drive unit 110, which is disposed in each lifting frame 100, and generates a driving force based on electromotive force, fluid pressure, etc. (electromotive force in this case) for lifting the lifting frame 100 up and down along the corresponding support column 1; and a control unit 500 (see reference) for an electrical signal system, a fluid pressure signal system, etc. (electrical signal system in this case). Figure 16 These are used to control the vertical lifting of the lifting frame 100 by the lifting drive unit 110. For example... Figure 16As shown, the control unit 500 here has individual control units 502 corresponding to each support column 1 and lifting frame 100, and a main control unit 501 connected to these individual control units 502. In addition, each individual control unit 502 is connected to a detection unit 3 (detection unit 34), a sensing unit 150 (sensing unit 154), an illuminated button 160, a limit switch 171, a limit switch 172, an electric motor 111, etc., which are related to the corresponding lifting frame 100 and will be described later. The control units 501 and 502 are known microcomputers with CPUs, etc., and various programs for controlling the up-and-down movement of the lifting frame 100 performed by the lifting drive unit 110 are stored in a predetermined storage unit. These programs can be executed by the CPU.

[0077] In addition, there are 1000 two-story parking facilities here. Figure 1 as well as Figures 4-7 As shown, a force-applying unit 120 is provided, which is used to apply force to each lifting frame 100 in the direction of continuous upward movement to assist the driving force of the lifting drive unit 110.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the lifting drive unit 110 includes an electric motor 111 as the drive source. The driving force of the electric motor 111 is less than the actual weight of the lift rack in its actual state with the bicycle BCL mounted, and the lifting force of the force application unit 120 is greater than the empty weight of the lift rack in its empty state without the bicycle BCL mounted. Here, assuming the weight of the lift rack 100 is 10 kg and the maximum weight of the bicycle BCL is 40 kg, when the lift rack 100 rises, in order to pull (lift) their combined weight, the force application unit 120 exerts a constant lifting force capable of pulling half of the combined weight, 25 kg, and the lifting drive unit 110 exerts a constant lifting drive force capable of pulling the remaining half, 25 kg (motor torque: 10.6 Nm). When the lift rack 100 rises, these constant lifting forces and constant lifting drive forces are applied regardless of whether the lift rack 100 is in its actual state with the bicycle BCL mounted or in its empty state without the bicycle BCL mounted. When the lifting frame 100 descends, with the constant upward force of the force application unit 120 always in operation, the lifting drive unit 110 exerts a constant downward driving force exceeding the constant upward force, regardless of whether the lifting frame 100 is in a loaded or unloaded state. When the lifting frame 100 stops, the electric motor 111 stops driving, and the self-locking mechanism of the worm gear 116 connected to the electric motor 111 activates to keep the lifting frame 100 at a stop.

[0079] It should be noted that the electric motor 111 may also have a regenerative braking function that corresponds to the torque of the lifting force applied by the force application unit 120, which is equivalent to the lifting force exceeding the weight of the lifting frame when the lifting frame 100 is raised in an empty state. However, in this case, some of the structure needs to be modified.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the lifting drive unit 110 includes a chain drive mechanism 112 driven by an electric motor 111. As... Figure 5 As shown, the chain drive mechanism 112 includes: sprockets 113 and 114, which are respectively supported on the upper and lower interior of the support column 1; and a flat link chain 115, which is wound around these sprockets 113 and 114 inside the support column 1, and connected to the lifting frame 100 at both ends. An electric motor 111 rotates the upper sprocket 113 via a worm gear 116. Here, as... Figure 5 As shown, a lifting trolley 105 that moves up and down along the support column 1 is provided at the front end of the lifting frame 100. One end 115A of the flat ring chain 115 is connected to the lifting trolley 105 from the upper side (sprocket 113 side), and the other end 115B is connected to the lifting trolley 105 from the lower side (sprocket 114 side). A guide rail 15G extending in the vertical direction Z on the rear side of the support column 1 is assembled on the lifting trolley 105 (see reference). Figure 7 (b) Roller 105R (refer to) Figure 5 ).

[0081] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the force application unit 120 has a gas spring 121 as the source of upward force generation. In addition, the force application unit 120 has a rope transmission mechanism 122 that transmits the upward force to the corresponding lifting frame 100.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, the gas spring 121 here, which applies force to the lifting frame 100 (lifting platform 105) in a manner that always lifts it upwards, has: a cylinder 121S, the base of which is mounted inside the upper part of the support column 1; and a piston rod 121P, which protrudes downwards from the cylinder 121S to exert traction force. Figure 6 As shown, an assembly shaft portion 13 extending along the width direction of the support column 1 is provided on the upper side inside the support column 1. By inserting the assembly shaft portion 13 into the assembly insertion through portion 121T that penetrates the rear end side of the cylinder 121S, the front end side of the piston rod 121P can be extended along the long side direction X of the lifting frame 100 inside the support column 1. Figure 5 The assembly is performed by swinging in a left-right direction. Additionally, a lifting body 127 that moves up and down along the support column 1 is provided at the front end of the piston rod 121P. Figure 7As shown in (b), a roller 127R is assembled on the lifting body 127, which rolls on a guide rail 17G that extends in the vertical direction Z and is disposed inside the support column 1.

[0083] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the rope drive mechanism 122 includes movable pulleys 125A and 125B, fixed pulleys 123 and 124, and a wire rope 126. Movable pulleys 125A and 125B are configured to have the same diameter. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the piston rod 121P, which exerts traction force by protruding downward from the cylinder 121S of the gas spring 121 mounted above the support column 1 from the base end, is connected to the front end (lifting body 127) of the cylinder 121S. It rotates about a common rotation axis 15 (rotation axis R15) extending along the width direction (lateral Y) of the support column 1. The fixed pulleys 123 and 124 here have different diameters, as shown in (a). Figure 6 As shown, at a position higher than cylinder 121S, it is fixed inside the support column 1 and rotates about a rotation axis 14 (rotation axis R14) extending along the width direction of the support column 1 (see reference). Figure 5 The wire rope 126 is a single rope that is alternately wound once on each of the movable pulleys 125A and 125B, and on each of the fixed pulleys 123 and 124.

[0084] Specifically, such as Figures 5-7 As shown, one end 126A of the wire rope 126 (starting end: refer to...) Figure 6 The wire rope 126 is hooked and fixed to a wire rope fixing part 16 (one end of the shaft-like part) located at the upper position inside the support column 1. Starting from this hooking position, the wire rope 126 is wound around a movable pulley 125A mounted on the front end (lifting body 127) side of the piston rod 121P. It continues to be wound alternately around a fixed pulley 123 located on the base end side of the cylinder 121S and another movable pulley 125B located on the front end (lifting body 127) side of the piston rod 121P, and then around the remaining fixed pulley 124 mounted on the base end side of the cylinder 121S. That is, the wire rope 126 is wound sequentially around the movable pulley 125A, the fixed pulley 123 (intermediate fixed pulley), the movable pulley 125B, and the fixed pulley 124 (end fixed pulley) starting from the hooked end 126A (starting end).

[0085] Furthermore, the other end 126B of the wire rope 126 (terminal: refer to) Figure 5The piston rod 121P is directly or indirectly connected to the lifting frame 100. Thus, the lifting carriage 105 descends by the retraction (contraction) of the piston rod 121P and rises by its extension (protrusion). The other end 126B of the wire rope 126 is directly connected to the lifting carriage 105. The lifting frame 100 is integrally assembled onto the lifting carriage 105 here, so it can also be said that the other end 126B of the wire rope 126 is directly connected to the lifting frame 100.

[0086] In this way, by forming a rope drive mechanism 122 using movable pulleys 125A and 125B, fixed pulleys 123 and 124, and wire rope 126, a free space is created on the lower interior side of the support column 1. Moreover, this free space is effectively utilized using a chain drive mechanism.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lifting drive unit 110 includes: an upper limit switch 171 serving as an upper position detection unit, which detects that the lifting frame 100 is in an upper position (a predetermined upper position); and a lower limit switch 172 serving as a lower position detection unit, which detects that the lifting frame 100 is in a lower position (a predetermined lower position) below the upper position. These limit switches 171 and 172 are connected to the control unit 500 (502) (see reference). Figure 16 When the lifting drive unit 110 drives the lifting frame 100 to rise, if the upper limit switch 171, which serves as the upper position arrival detection unit, detects the lifting frame 100, the control unit 500 stops the lifting drive unit 110 from rising. Similarly, when the lifting drive unit 110 drives the lifting frame 100 to descend, if the lower limit switch 172, which serves as the lower position arrival detection unit, detects the lifting frame 100, the control unit 500 stops the lifting drive unit 110 from descending.

[0088] In addition, the two-story parking facility 1000 is equipped with 3 detection units (see reference). Figure 14 ),like Figure 3 As shown, the detection unit 3 is configured on the ground surface E (reference plane) to set a warning zone D for each lifting frame 100. The warning zone D has a width extending at least from the support column 1 supporting the lifting frame 100 to the lateral Y direction of the adjacent support column 1 when viewed from above, and extends from the fixed track 2 in the long side direction X. The detection unit 3 detects the presence of the sliding frame 200 within each warning zone D. Each detection unit 3 is connected to the control unit 500 (502) (see reference). Figure 16When any detection unit 3 detects the presence of a sliding frame 200 in the corresponding warning area D, the control unit 500 continuously outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit 110 that drives the lifting frame 100 corresponding to the detection unit 3, regardless of whether a bicycle BCL is mounted on it.

[0089] Furthermore, the detection unit 3 here includes a rod-shaped or plate-shaped detection member 30 (area sensor) arranged parallel to the fixed track 2 on the ground surface E (reference plane) and covering the entire width of the transverse Y of the warning area D when viewed from above. The presence of the sliding frame 200 is detected by contact with this detection member 30. Further, the detection member 30, together with the fixed track 2, supports the sliding frame 200 from below in the transverse Y direction. The presence of the sliding frame 200 is detected by the vertical movement (load-based vertical movement) accompanying the passage of the sliding frame 200, regardless of whether a bicycle BCL is mounted on it.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the detection unit 3 has the above-mentioned detection component 30 (area sensor), as well as a base component 39, a swing arm 33, a sensor force application component 38, and a detection part 34. The area sensor 30 constitutes the main part of the detection unit 3.

[0091] The detection member 30 is formed into an open, reverse-groove shape on its lower surface and extends in the transverse Y direction, with its two ends 30S, 30S forming outwardly downward curved portions. Consequently, the upper surface 30a of the detection member forms an outwardly downward inclined surface at its two ends 30S, 30S. The base member 39 is located below the detection member 30, is formed into an open, groove shape on its upper surface and extends in the same direction (transverse Y) as the detection member 30, and is fixed to the ground surface E. The swing arm 33 connects the detection member 30 relative to the base member 39 so that it can be moved from its initial position along one side facing the transverse Y direction (…). Figure 8 The right side) and the predetermined swing trajectory (rotation trajectory) below it oscillate back and forth. Figure 8 (in the Q1 direction) so that the detection component 30 moves downward, and the pair of tilted swing arms 33 form a parallel crank mechanism.

[0092] The detection member 30 and the base member 39 have a swing range defining portion 35 and a swing range defining portion 36 that define the swing range of the detection member 30. The swing range defining portion 35 consists of multiple lower limit position defining portions 35 (wall portions) extending longitudinally from the bottom wall portion of the groove-shaped base member 39. At their upper ends, these portions contact the lower surface of the detection member 30 (swing lower limit position), restricting further descent of the detection member 30. The swing range defining portion 36 consists of an upper limit position defining portion 36 (wall portion) descending from the bottom wall portion (top wall portion) of the reverse groove-shaped detection member 30. At its position (swing upper limit position), this portion contacts a protruding contact portion 36t (here, a bolt member penetrating the lower limit position defining portion 36) protruding laterally Y from the lower limit position defining portion 35 (wall portion), restricting the detection member 30 from moving to the other side laterally Y (…). Figure 8 Further movement of the left side, i.e., further rise of the detection component 30.

[0093] The sensor force-applying member 38 is connected to both the detection member 30 and the base member 39. It consistently applies an upward force to the detection member 30 relative to the base member 39, maintaining it at the aforementioned upper limit position (initial position). Unless a downward external force is applied to the detection member 30, the sensor force-applying member 38 will consistently apply an upward force to the detection member 30 within its swing range, maintaining it at the predetermined upper limit position. The sensor force-applying member 38 here uses a tension coil spring.

[0094] The detection unit 34 is a sensor that detects the descent of the detection component 30. Here, the detection unit 34 is a limit switch that detects when the switch button 34P is pressed downwards. It is connected to the control unit 500 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 500.

[0095] It should be noted that each detection component 30 here has a length (e.g., 1300 mm) equal to the width of a bicycle (mainly slightly wider than the handlebars). The support column 1 and the lifter 100 are positioned at the center of the detection component 30 in the transverse Y direction, and the warning area D is defined in the transverse Y direction within the length of the detection component 30, including the area directly below the lifter 100. Furthermore, each lifter 100 protrudes from the support column 1 arranged along the transverse Y direction in the same direction along its longer side X. To more densely arrange the support column 1 and lifter 100 in the transverse Y direction, the warning area D of each lifter 100 is defined so that adjacent support columns 1 overlap when viewed from above.

[0096] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the detection component 30 includes: a plurality of first detection components 31 arranged in a straight line along the transverse Y direction at a first position in the long side direction X of the lifting frame 100; and a plurality of second detection components 32 arranged in a straight line along the transverse Y direction at a second position different from the first position. Each first detection component 31 is located at the center of its corresponding support column 1 and lifting frame 100 in its own length direction (transverse Y), forming a warning area D1 directly below the lifting frame 100 and on both sides of the transverse Y direction. Each second detection component 32 is also located at the center of its corresponding support column 1 and lifting frame 100 in its own length direction (transverse Y direction), forming a warning area D2 directly below the lifting frame 100 and on both sides of the transverse Y direction. The support column 1 and the lifting frame 100 are arranged at equal intervals, with the support column and lifting frame corresponding to the first detection component 30 and the support column and lifting frame corresponding to the second detection component 32 alternating in the horizontal Y direction. The adjacent support column 1 and lifting frame 100 in the horizontal Y direction are set to overlap their respective warning areas D1 and D2.

[0097] The sliding frame 200 is configured such that the sliding frame corresponding to the first detection member 31 and the sliding frame corresponding to the second detection member 32 are alternately arranged in the transverse Y direction. A roller 7 is assembled on the underside of the frame, which rolls along the length direction (transverse Y) of the corresponding detection members 31 and 32. The detection member 30 is pressed downwards by the roller 7. Adjacent detection members 30 in the transverse Y direction are arranged with a gap between them slightly wider than one roller 7 to prevent adjacent detection members 30 from being pressed down by the roller 7 simultaneously.

[0098] Furthermore, each detection unit 3 (area sensor) in this embodiment corresponds to any one of the groups of support column 1 and lifting frame 100, as described above. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 They are arranged in two parallel columns as shown. Furthermore, for each detection unit 3, the number of support columns 1, lifting frames 100, and sliding frames 200, the spacing between each support column 1 and each lifting frame 100, the length of the fixed track 2, and the length of each detection unit 3 are adjusted so that regardless of how the sliding frame 200 moves along the fixed track 2, at most one detection unit 3 is in a non-detection state. That is, in the two-level parking facility 1000 of this embodiment, it is configured such that only one lifting frame 100 can be raised and lowered, and multiple lifting frames 100 cannot move simultaneously.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the two-level parking facility 1000 has a sensing unit 150 on the bottom surface of each lifting frame 100. The sensing unit 150 senses the lifting frame 100 and obstacles W located below the lifting frame 100 (see reference). Figure 15 The control unit 500 detects when a contact occurs. When the sensing unit 150 corresponding to any of the lifting frames 100 comes into contact with an obstacle during its descent, the control unit 500 outputs a rise drive command to the lifting drive unit 110 corresponding to the lifting frame 100 that is descending, regardless of whether a bicycle BCL is mounted on it.

[0100] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the sensing unit 150 here has a sensing member 151 (rod sensor), a suspension arm 152 that swings the sensing member 151, and a sensing part 153 that senses the rise that accompanies the swing of the sensing member 151. The contact-type rod sensor 151 functions as the main part of the sensing unit 150.

[0101] The sensing member 151 is formed into a slot-shaped form with an open upper surface and extends along the long side direction X of the lifting frame 100. The suspension arm 152 connects the sensing member 151 relative to the lifting frame 100 so that it can extend along one side (front side) towards the long side direction X. Figure 10 (left side) and above ( Figure 10 The upper side) reciprocates along the predetermined swing trajectory (rotation trajectory). Figure 10 (in the Q2 direction) so that the sensing member 151 moves downward from the initial position, and the pair of inclined suspension arms 152 constitute a parallel crank mechanism.

[0102] A foot pedal 154 is assembled at the other end (rear end) of the sensing member 151 in the long side direction X. A swing limiting part 154b is provided on the foot pedal 154 to define the lower limit position of the swing of the sensing member 151. Specifically, the foot pedal 154 has a mounting part 154b, which extends from the back side of the rearward-facing foot pedal operating surface 154a towards the front in the long side direction X. Figure 10 Extending in a plate-like shape (from center to left). The lower limit position of the swing of the sensing member 151 is the position where the sensing member 151 is placed on the mounting part 154b. On the other hand, the upper limit position of the swing of the sensing member 151 is the position where the sensing member 151 contacts the lifting frame 100. It should be noted that as long as no upward external force is applied, the sensing member 151 will be held at the above-mentioned lower limit position (initial position) due to its own weight.

[0103] The sensing unit 153 is a sensor that senses the rise of the sensing member 151. Here, the sensing unit 153 senses when the switch button 153P (in this case, the foot-operated pedal 154) is moved forward in the longitudinal direction X. Figure 9 as well as Figure 10The limit switch (on the left side) is pressed to detect this situation, and the detection result (sensing result) is output to the control unit 500. When the sensing unit 153 senses the rise accompanying the swing of the sensing member 151, the control unit 500 outputs a rise drive command to the corresponding lifting drive unit 110.

[0104] The foot pedal 154 is configured to operate from the rear to the front (from the long side direction X) via the rearward direction. Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The lifting operation (pressing from right to left) presses the switch button 153P of the detection unit 34 into place. The foot pedal 154 and the detection unit 34 together constitute the lifting operation unit 164 (operation unit, lifting operation unit). The detection unit 34 and the control unit 500 (see reference) Figure 16 The system connects to the control unit 500 and outputs the operation result (sensing result) to the control unit 500. When the lifting frame 100 is raised, the operator presses the foot pedal 154 of the lifting frame 100 (raising operation). The sensing unit 153 senses the operation of the foot pedal 154, and the control unit 500 outputs a raising drive command to the corresponding lifting drive unit 110.

[0105] Additionally, each lifting frame 100 includes: a display unit 161 for displaying whether the corresponding lifting drive unit 110 can be driven based on the operator's operation; and an operation unit 162, which allows the operator to operate the lifting drive unit 110 when the display unit 161 indicates that it can be driven. When the control unit 500 outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit 110, it displays on the corresponding display unit 161 that the operator cannot operate, and also disables the corresponding operation unit 162. On the other hand, when each detection unit 3 detects that the sliding frame 200 is not present, it displays on the corresponding display unit 161 that the operator can operate.

[0106] The display unit 161 and the operation unit 162 here are illuminated buttons 160 that have the functions of both mentioned above, and are located at the rear end of the lifting frame 100 in the long side direction X. Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 (right end).

[0107] An illuminated button 160 is located on a guardrail frame 170 at the rear end of the lifting frame 100 along its long side X. It has an internal light source such as an LED and a green light (green luminous part) serving as a display unit 161 that illuminates the operating surface. Simultaneously, the illuminated button 160 functions as a lowering operation unit (operation unit, lowering operation unit) as an operation unit 162 for lowering the lifting frame 100, and is integrated with the control unit 500 (see reference). Figure 16The control unit 500 illuminates the corresponding illuminated button 160 when it can drive the lifting drive unit 110, indicating that the operator can lower the button 160. Conversely, when the control unit 500 outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit 110, it turns off the corresponding illuminated button 160, indicating that the operator cannot lower the button 160.

[0108] It should be noted that when any detection unit 3 detects the presence of the sliding frame 200 in the corresponding warning area D, the drive stop command for the lifting drive unit 110 is output to the lifting drive unit 110 of the lifting frame 100 corresponding to that detection unit.

[0109] Furthermore, when multiple illuminated buttons 160 (display units 161) simultaneously indicate that the operator can perform the operation (in this case, they are all lit up at the same time), the control unit 500 only outputs a drive command to the lifting drive unit 110 corresponding to the illuminated button 160 (operation unit 162) first operated by the operator. Therefore, in the two-level parking facility 1000, only one of the multiple lifting racks 100 can be raised or lowered, while the remaining lifting racks 100 cannot be raised or lowered.

[0110] The basic operation of the lifting frame 100 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0111] The lifting frame 100 is located on the lower level. Figure 12 >

[0112] • The lifting platform 100 is kept stationary in the lower position.

[0113] • Upper limit switch 171 is off, lower limit switch 172 is on.

[0114] • Because the lower limit switch 172 is turned on, the control unit 500 turns off the illuminated button 160, setting it to prevent descent operation.

[0115] <Lifting platform rises 100 degrees: Figure 12 → Figure 13 >

[0116] • When the foot pedal 154 (lifting operation unit 164) is operated (lifting operation), the control unit 500 outputs a lifting drive command to the corresponding lifting drive unit 110, causing the corresponding lifting frame 100 to rise.

[0117] • During the ascent, limit switches 171 and 172 are disconnected.

[0118] • When the lifting frame 100 is ascending, the control unit 500 illuminates the illuminated button 160, indicating that a descent operation can be performed. However, the illuminated button 160 is off on other lifting frames 100, and a descent operation cannot be performed.

[0119] • During the ascent, the illuminated button 160 can also be set to different lighting states (e.g., flashing) to indicate that the lifting frame 100 is in the process of rising or falling.

[0120] • As the upper limit switch 171 turns on (reaching the upper position), the control unit 500 stops the electric motor 111 from driving, and the lifting frame 100 is in a stop-hold state.

[0121] <Lifting frame 100 is located on the upper level: Figure 13 >

[0122] • The lifting platform 100 is kept stationary in the upper position.

[0123] • Upper limit switch 171 is turned on, and lower limit switch 172 is turned off.

[0124] If the detection unit 3 (area sensor) and the sensing unit 150 (rod sensor) are disconnected, the control unit 500 illuminates the illuminated button 160, enabling the descent operation.

[0125] If either the detection unit 3 (area sensor) or the sensing unit 150 (rod sensor) is turned on, the control unit 500 turns off the illuminated button 160, setting it to prevent the descent operation.

[0126] <Lifting platform descends 100 degrees: Figure 13 → Figure 12 >

[0127] • When the illuminated button 160 (lowering operation unit) is operated (lowering operation), the control unit 500 outputs a lowering drive command to the corresponding lifting drive unit 110, causing the corresponding lifting frame 100 to lower.

[0128] • During the descent, limit switches 171 and 172 are disconnected.

[0129] • During the descent of the lifting frame 100, the control unit 500 illuminates the illuminated button 160, indicating that the descent operation can be performed.

[0130] • During descent, the illuminated button 160 can also be set to different lighting states (e.g., flashing) to indicate that the lifting frame 100 is in the process of rising or falling.

[0131] • As the lower limit switch 172 turns on (reaching the lower position), the control unit 500 stops the electric motor 111 from driving, and the lifting frame 100 is in a stop-hold state.

[0132] During the descent of the lifting frame 100, detection unit 3 is activated: Figure 14 >

[0133] • The control unit 500 stops the electric motor 111 from driving, and the lifting frame 100 is in a stop-hold state.

[0134] • Control unit 500 turns off the illuminated button 160, setting it to prevent descent operation.

[0135] • The control unit 500 sets the foot pedal 154 (lifting operation unit 164) to prevent lifting operations.

[0136] All lifting frames 100 except the one being lowered remain stationary (lifting prohibited). Their illuminated buttons 160 are also turned off and cannot be lowered. Their foot pedals 154 are also disabled for raising.

[0137] • By returning the detection unit 3 (area sensor) to the off state, the control unit 500 illuminates the illuminated button 160, enabling the descent operation. The foot pedal 154 is also switched to the ascending operation.

[0138] The sensing unit 150 is activated during the descent of the lifting frame 100. Figure 15 >

[0139] The control unit 500 drives the electric motor 111 to rise, causing the lifting frame 100 to rise.

[0140] • As the lifting frame 100 rises, the sensing unit 150 (rod sensor) becomes disconnected (and continues to rise).

[0141] • By turning off the sensing unit 150, the control unit 500 illuminates the illuminated button 160, enabling a descent operation.

[0142] The following uses Figures 17-20 The flowchart illustrates the overall operation of the two-level parking facility 1000 in this embodiment.

[0143] like Figure 17 As shown, the main control unit 501 first controls the reset switch 503 (start switch: refer to...) Figure 16In M0, an execution instruction for initialization control S0 is output to all individual control units 502. Each individual control unit 502 that receives the execution instruction for initialization control S0 executes the initialization control in S0.

[0144] It should be noted that the reset switch 503 can be a push-button switch or the like located somewhere within the two-story parking facility 1000, or it can be a switch that can be remotely operated from outside the two-story parking facility 1000.

[0145] Specifically, such as Figure 18 As shown, in S01, each individual control unit 502 sets the illumination indicator BF (green light indicator) related to the illuminated button 160 (green light) to 0, thus turning off the illuminated button 160 (indicating that the corresponding lifting frame 100 cannot be raised or lowered). In S02, it sets both the descent switch indicator DF and the ascent switch indicator UF to 0, thus disconnecting the illuminated button 160 constituting the descent operation unit and the sensing unit 154 constituting the ascent operation unit. In S03, it sets both the motor descent indicator MDF and the motor ascent indicator MUF related to the electric motor 111 to 0, thus placing the lifting frame 100 in a stop-and-hold state. After the initialization control S0 ends, each individual control unit 502... Figure 17 In S00, the execution result of the initialization control S0 is sent to the main control unit 501.

[0146] The main control unit 501, which receives the execution results of the initialization control S0 from each individual control unit 502, such as... Figure 17 As shown, in M1, an execution command for safety confirmation control S1 is output to all individual control units 502. Upon receiving the execution command for safety confirmation control S1, all individual control units 502 execute the safety confirmation control in S1.

[0147] Specifically, such as Figure 19As shown, each individual control unit 502 determines in S11 whether the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) is on. If the detection unit 34 is on, each individual control unit 502 sets the illumination flag BF (green light flag) to 0 in S19 (turning off the illuminated button 160) and ends the safety confirmation control. On the other hand, if the detection unit 34 is off, each individual control unit 502 sets the illumination flag BF (green light flag) to 1 in S12, illuminating the illuminated button 160 (enabling the descent operation). Next, each individual control unit 502 determines in S13 whether the illuminated button 160 (descent switch) is off. If the illuminated button 160 (descent switch) is on, each individual control unit 502 sets the descent switch flag DF to 1 and the ascending switch flag UF to 0 in S14, ending the safety confirmation control. On the other hand, when the illuminated button 160 (lower switch) is off, each individual control unit 502 sets the lower switch flag DF to 0 in S15 and determines in S16 whether the sensing unit 153 (upper switch) of the sensing unit 150 (rod sensor) is on. If the sensing unit 153 (upper switch) is on, each individual control unit 502 sets the upper switch flag UF to 1 in S17, ending the safety confirmation control. On the other hand, if the sensing unit 153 (upper switch) is off, each individual control unit 502 sets the upper switch flag UF to 0 in S18, ending the safety confirmation control. After ending the safety confirmation control S1, each individual control unit 502... Figure 17 In S10, the execution result of the safety confirmation control S1 is sent to the main control unit 501.

[0148] like Figure 17 As shown, the main control unit 501, upon receiving the execution result of the safety confirmation control S1 from each individual control unit 502, determines in M2 the individual control unit 502 that first establishes either the lighting flag BF (green light flag) as 1 and the down switch flag DF as 1, or the lighting flag BF (green light flag) as 1 and the up switch flag UF as 1. The main control unit 501 then outputs the execution command for the lifting drive control S2 only to the determined individual control unit 502. The individual control unit 502 that receives the execution command for the lifting drive control S2 executes the lifting drive control in S2.

[0149] Specifically, such as Figure 20As shown, the separate control unit 502, which receives the execution command of the lifting drive control S2, first determines in S21 whether the illumination mark BF (green light mark) is 1 and whether the descent switch mark DF is 1. If the illumination mark BF (green light mark) is 1 and the descent switch mark DF is 1, the separate control unit 502 sets the motor descent mark MDF to 1 in S22, causing the electric motor 111 to output a predetermined driving force for lowering the lifting frame 100.

[0150] Based on this, the individual control unit 502 determines in S23 whether the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) is turned on, and in S24 determines whether the sensing unit 153 (lift switch) of the sensing unit 150 (rod sensor) is turned on. As long as both are not disconnected, the individual control unit 502 continues to lower the lifting frame 100. This descent ends when the lifting frame 100 reaches the predetermined lower position and the lower limit switch 172 (lower limit switch) turns on (S25 / Yes). At this time, in S26, the individual control unit 502 sets the motor descent flag MDF to 0 to stop the descent drive of the electric motor 111, puts the lifting frame 100 in a stop holding state, and sets the illumination flag BF (green light flag) to 0 to turn off the light-type button 160.

[0151] Furthermore, when the sensing unit 153 (ascent switch) of the sensing unit 150 (rod sensor) is turned on during the descent of the lifting frame 100, the separate control unit 502 enters S28, and the lifting frame 100 changes from descent to ascent. The processing after S28 will be described later.

[0152] On the other hand, in S21, if the illuminated indicator BF (green light indicator) is not 1 and the down switch indicator DF is not 1, the individual control unit 502 determines in S27 whether the illuminated indicator BF (green light indicator) is 1 and the up switch indicator UF is 1. If the illuminated indicator BF (green light indicator) is 1 and the up switch indicator UF is 1, the individual control unit 502 proceeds to S28.

[0153] In S28, the separate control unit 502 sets the motor lifting flag MUF to 1, causing the electric motor 111 to output a predetermined driving force for lifting the lifting frame 100.

[0154] Based on this, the individual control unit 502 determines in S29 whether the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) is turned on. If it is turned off, the lifting frame 100 continues to rise. The rise ends when the lifting frame 100 reaches the predetermined upper position and the upper limit switch 171 (upper limit switch) turns on (S30 / Yes). At this time, in S31, the individual control unit 502 sets the motor rise flag MUF to 0 to stop the rise drive of the electric motor 111, thereby putting the lifting frame 100 in a stop holding state, and sets the illumination flag BF (green light flag) to 0 to turn off the illuminated button 160.

[0155] Incidentally, when the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) is activated during the descent (S23) or ascent (S29) of the lifting frame 100, the individual control unit 502 sets the motor descent indicator MDF and the motor ascent indicator MUF to 0 in S32, thereby stopping the electric motor 111 and placing the lifting frame 100 in a stop-hold state. Furthermore, it sets the illuminated indicator BF (green light indicator) to 0, thus extinguishing the illuminated button 160 (green light). Based on this, the individual control unit 502 can also output a predetermined alarm or warning sound in S33 from the alarm output unit (not shown).

[0156] On the other hand, in S27, if the illumination mark BF (green light mark) is not 1 and the rise switch mark UF is 1, the separate control unit 502 ends the lifting drive control.

[0157] The separate control unit 502 after the lifting drive control S2 ends is in Figure 17 In S20, the execution result of the lifting drive control S2 is sent to the main control unit 501. Each individual control unit 502 returns to S0 and executes the initialization control again.

[0158] It should be noted that when the immediate lifting drive control S2 ( Figure 20 When the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) in the ) is turned on and the lifting frame 100 stops, upon returning to S0, each individual control unit 502 again starts from the initialization control S0 ( Figure 17 Safety confirmation control S1 ( Figure 17 When the security confirmation control S1 is executed, Figure 19 When the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) in the lifting unit becomes disconnected (S11 / N), the separate control unit 502 sets the illumination mark BF (green light mark) to 1 in S12 and illuminates the illuminated button 160, enabling raising and lowering operations for the stopped lifting frame 100 (S12). That is, in the lifting drive control S2 ( Figure 20Even if the detection unit 34 of the detection unit 3 (area sensor) is turned on and the lifting frame 100 stops, as long as it can automatically return to the state where the detection unit 34 is turned off, it is possible to perform raising and lowering operations on the stopped lifting frame 100.

[0159] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but this is only an example. The present invention is not limited thereto. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the technical solution, various changes such as additions and omissions can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0160] Hereinafter, embodiments different from the above-described embodiments and variations thereof will be described. It should be noted that parts having the same functions as in the above-described embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments, the following variations, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined and implemented without creating technical inconsistencies.

[0161] The fixed rails 2 can also be arranged in pairs (two rails) on one side relative to the arrangement direction (lateral Y) of the support column 1. In this case, each sliding frame 200 is provided with two casters 9 corresponding to the two fixed rails 2. Additionally, for example... Figure 21 As shown, the fixed track 2 can also be provided with one or two tracks on each side of the column 1 (in... Figure 21 (The middle one). Figure 21 In the middle, the lifting frame 100 is alternately arranged on the left and right sides relative to the arrangement direction (lateral Y) of the support column 1.

[0162] Alternatively, each sliding frame 200 may be equipped with a wheel moving trolley, which is configured to move from one side (rear side) to the other side (front side) in the long side direction X while holding the first wheel (e.g., the front wheel) of the bicycle BCL that is first introduced from the inlet 4. The wheel moving trolley makes it easier to move the bicycle BCL into the sliding frame 200.

[0163] The driving source for the lifting drive unit 110 may not be an electric motor 111, but a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, etc.

[0164] For the upward force generation source of the force application unit 120, the gas spring 121 may not be used, and a constant load spring, weight, etc. may be used instead.

[0165] The detection unit 3 may not be a mechanical type as described above, but a non-contact obstacle detection unit (light, ultrasound, electromagnetic waves, etc.).

[0166] In the above embodiment, in the two-level parking facility 1000, among the multiple lifting racks 100, only one lifting rack 100 can be raised and lowered, while the remaining lifting racks 100 cannot be raised or lowered. This can also be achieved through control. In this case, the control unit 500 is configured such that, when multiple illuminated buttons 160 (display units 161) simultaneously indicate that the operator can operate (here, they are all lit up at the same time), it only outputs a drive command to the lifting drive unit 110 corresponding to the illuminated button 160 (operation unit 162) first operated by the operator.

[0167] Specifically, as follows: Figure 22 The processing of M2 in various controls is modified. Specifically, in M2, the main control unit 501 determines the individual control unit 502 that first establishes either the lighting flag BF (green light flag) as 1 and the down switch flag DF as 1, or the lighting flag BF (green light flag) as 1 and the up switch flag UF as 1. The main control unit 501 then outputs the execution command for the lifting drive control S2 only to the determined individual control unit 502. Then, only the individual control unit 502 that received the execution command executes the lifting drive control in S2. Furthermore, in M3, the main control unit 501 outputs the execution command for the initialization control S0 to individual control units 502 other than the individual control unit 502 that output the execution command for the lifting drive control S2. Only the individual control unit 502 that received the execution command for the lifting drive control S2 sends the execution result of the lifting drive control in S20, and the subsequent processing is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0168] The two-level parking facility of the present invention can be used in outdoor parking areas such as sidewalks and parks, indoor parking areas such as high-end apartments and public housing, and underground parking areas such as buildings and subways.

Claims

1. A two-tiered parking facility comprising: a plurality of sliding racks mounted on a fixed track orthogonal or obliquely intersecting the long side of a horizontally arranged, linearly positioned fixed track as defined in a reference plane when viewed from above, and capable of sliding on the fixed track; and a lifting frame supported by each of a column erected at intervals along the lateral side of the reference plane, projecting cantilevered along the long side, and capable of lifting and lowering along the columns, the lifting frame being able to move between the upper and lower tiers within the space created by the lateral sliding of the sliding racks located on the lower tier. Its features are, The two-level parking facility has the following features: A lifting drive unit is provided in each of the lifting frames, and generates a driving force for the lifting frame to move up and down along the corresponding support column; A control unit, which is used to individually control the lifting drive unit to raise and lower the lifting frame; as well as A detection unit is configured on a reference plane to establish a warning zone for each of the lifting frames. The warning zone has a width extending laterally from the support column that supports the lifting frame to the adjacent support column when viewed from above, and extends along its long side from the fixed track. The detection unit individually detects the presence of the sliding frame within each of the warning zones. When any of the detection units detects the presence of the sliding frame within the corresponding warning area, the control unit, regardless of whether a bicycle is mounted on it, always outputs a drive stop command to the lifting drive unit that drives the lifting frame corresponding to the detection unit.

2. The two-level parking facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned lifting frames protrudes in the same direction along its long side from the laterally arranged support columns. The warning zones are set in such a way that they overlap when viewed from above between adjacent pillars.

3. The two-level parking facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned lifting frames further includes: a display unit for displaying whether the corresponding lifting drive unit can be driven based on the operator's operation; and an operation unit for operation by the operator when the display unit indicates that the lifting drive unit can be driven. When the control unit outputs the drive stop command to the lifting drive unit, it displays on the corresponding display unit that the operator cannot perform the operation, and sets the corresponding operation unit to be inoperable. On the other hand... When the detection unit detects that the sliding frame is not present, the control unit displays on the corresponding display unit that the operator is able to perform the operation.

4. The two-level parking facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit comprises a rod-shaped or plate-shaped detection component, which, when viewed from above, is arranged parallel to the fixed track on a reference plane, covering the entire lateral width of the warning area. The presence of the sliding frame is detected by contact with the detection component.

5. The two-level parking facility according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection component, together with the fixed track, supports the lateral sliding of the sliding frame from below. The presence of the sliding frame is detected by the up-and-down movement that accompanies the passage of the sliding frame.

6. The two-level parking facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two-tiered parking facility also includes a force-applying unit, which assists the lifting drive unit by applying force to the lifting frame in the direction of continuous upward movement. The lifting drive unit includes an electric motor as a drive source and a chain drive mechanism driven by the electric motor. The chain drive mechanism has sprockets that are respectively supported on the upper interior and lower interior of the support column. And a flat link chain, which is wound inside the support column and connected at both ends to the lifting frame, and, The force-applying unit has a rope drive mechanism, which is assembled with: two movable pulleys connected to the front end of the piston rod and sharing a common axis of rotation, the piston rod protruding downward from the base end by a cylinder of a gas spring mounted above the support column to exert traction force; and two fixed pulleys, which are fixed inside the support column at a position higher than the cylinder. And a single steel wire rope, which is alternately wound once on each of the said movable pulleys and each of the said fixed pulleys.

7. The two-level parking facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned lifting frames is also equipped with a sensing unit on its bottom surface, which senses when it comes into contact with an obstacle located below the lifting frame. When the sensing unit corresponding to any of the lifting frames comes into contact with an obstacle during the descent of the lifting frame, the control unit outputs a rising drive command to the lifting drive unit corresponding to the lifting frame that is descending, regardless of whether a bicycle is being carried on it.

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