DEVICE FOR PARKING VEHICLES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for parking several vehicles or the like one above the other, wherein at least one platform is provided which can be raised and lowered by a lifting device.

[0002] Such devices, which are particularly used for parking motor vehicles but can also be used for storage purposes, often feature a lifting device on each side of the platform. In addition to the two lifting devices, the use of a synchronizing device is also known, which ensures that the lifting forces on both sides of the platform perform the same lifting movement. Such a synchronizing device is designed, for example, as a flow divider to control the supply to the lifting device, which is designed as a hydraulic lifting device.

[0003] Typically, such flow dividers are equipped with solenoid valves and it requires a high level of design effort in such systems to realize a smooth, i.e. even, lifting or lowering movement of the platform.

[0004] From DE 20 2005 020 270 U1, a device for parking several vehicles or the like one above the other is known, wherein a platform that can be raised and lowered by a lifting device is provided. A synchronizing pull element is provided on each side of the platform, which extends with a first part in a first region of the platform, over a middle second part running along the platform, to a third part to a second region of the platform opposite the first region. The synchronizing pull element is fixed at one end in the first region and at its other end in the second region. Each synchronizing pull element is guided on the platform by at least one roller, and the rollers of both synchronizing pull elements are rotationally connected by a synchronizing shaft.

[0005] FR1183686A discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The invention aims to improve the state of the art and, in particular, to propose ways to improve synchronization, i.e., the similar movement of at least two points located on opposite sides of the platform.

[0007] Main features of the invention are defined in claim 1. Further details are the subject of claims 2 to 14.

[0008] To achieve this object, the invention is based on a device for parking several vehicles or the like on top of one another, wherein a platform which can be raised and lowered by a lifting device is provided, wherein a synchronizing pull element is provided on each side of the platform, which extends with a first part in a first region of the platform, over a middle, second part running on the platform to a third part, to the second region of the platform opposite the first region and which is fixed with one end in the first region and with its other end in the second region, wherein each synchronizing pull element is guided on the platform by at least one roller and the rollers of both synchronizing pull elements are rotationally connected by a synchronizing shaft.The invention proposes that the piston rod of a working cylinder carries a deflection pulley or similar for the tension element and the ends of the tension element are fixed to the structure accommodating the device or to the device and the synchronous tension element is a part of the tension element.

[0009] This design proposes a combined pull-synchronous pull element. The platform rests on a loop of the combined pull-synchronous pull element via a plurality of rollers and is raised or lowered by the movement of the piston rod of the working cylinder, in the corresponding direction of movement of the piston rod. Two rollers, one on each side of the platform, are connected by the synchronous shaft, thus ensuring smooth, synchronous movement of the platform within the device.

[0010] Typically, the synchronous traction element extends from front to back of the device, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the parking spaces on the platform, which usually corresponds to the direction of entry and exit of the vehicles onto the platform. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement; the synchronous traction element can also be guided perpendicular to this, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the parking spaces.

[0011] It is therefore clear that the first area, where the first part of the synchronous pull element is located, refers, for example, to the rear end of the platform facing away from the entrance area, or, for example, to the left side. Consequently, the second area of ​​the platform is the front end facing the entrance area, or the right side of the platform, and thus the second area is opposite the first area.

[0012] The arrangement is selected such that a synchronizing pulley element is provided on each side of the platform. On each side, the platform carries at least one roller for each synchronizing pulley element, which are rotationally connected to one another by the synchronizing shaft. The rollers are fixed to the synchronizing shaft, meaning they cannot change their relative angular position. It is clear that the synchronizing shaft is rotatably mounted and held on the platform, preferably on its underside. However, the invention also encompasses proposals in which the synchronizing shaft is rotatably mounted and held on the upper side of the platform, for example, protected in a housing.

[0013] Cleverly, the platform has at least one additional roller on its sides to guide the synchronous traction element. However, according to the invention, the use of at least one roller is sufficient; the guiding function at other points on the platform can also be achieved by other elements. These could be, for example, angled or rounded slide rails that deflect the synchronous traction element, or even simple rollers.

[0014] The effect of the invention is that when the synchronizing element is raised or lowered, the length of the first and third parts can change, resulting in a relative movement of the synchronizing element with respect to the respective roller. The raising or lowering movement therefore leads to a relative movement of the synchronizing element with respect to the respective roller. This relative movement causes the roller to rotate. Since the two rollers of the respective synchronizing elements are now rotationally connected to one another by the synchronizing shaft (the rollers are non-rotatably mounted on the synchronizing shaft, and the synchronizing shaft is rotatably mounted), the respective movements of the two sides, for example the left and right sides or the front and back of the platform, are automatically synchronized.

[0015] The synchronizing shaft mechanically couples the respective raising and lowering movements of the two opposing sides of the platform, allowing for jerk- and tilt-free movement of the platform at low implementation costs using simple mechanical means. This surprisingly simple mechanical solution is very easy to maintain and repair, and complex adjustment work, such as that required for the flow dividers in hydraulic lifting devices described above, can be avoided. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention does not require any additional, fixed elements. The synchronizing shaft simply engages the synchronizing tension elements already provided for the synchronous movement of the front and rear ends of the platform, thus additionally ensuring synchronous movement of the right and left sides of the platform. This combination of functions saves components compared to separate solutions.The synchronized pulley element moves along with the platform. As the vertical height of the platform increases, the vertically running first section of the synchronized pulley element also becomes longer and higher. By combining the functions of longitudinal synchronization with transverse synchronization of the platform, the counterpart of the synchronized shaft, the synchronized pulley element, moves vertically with the synchronized shaft. In solutions where the synchronized shaft engages with a stationary counterpart, such as a rack, this stationary counterpart would have to extend over the entire travel height of the parking device. The stationary counterpart required in this case would therefore have long dimensions, which in turn places high demands on the dimensional stability and accuracy of this counterpart. Such large, stationary counterparts are complex to manufacture and expensive.The solution according to the invention, without a stationary counterpart, is therefore more fail-safe and cheaper to manufacture.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the proposal, at least one end of the synchronous tension element is fixed to the structure where the device is installed. Alternatively, at least one end of the synchronous tension element is fixed to the device.

[0017] It is essential that the free end of the synchronous tension element is fixed so that the tensile forces acting in the synchronous tension element can be diverted, for example, to the device or the structure. For this purpose, the variants described above are available, which can be used depending on the specific circumstances. The suggestion that at least one end of the synchronous tension element be fixed to the device is advantageous, as such a solution can be used regardless of the specific design of the structure. However, it may be somewhat more complex, as appropriate provisions must be made on the device itself.

[0018] Furthermore, the proposal advantageously provides for at least one end of the synchronous tension element to be fixed to the lifting device, in particular to the movable part of the lifting device. The lifting device often already has a corresponding mounting base with which it is placed on the floor of the building. One end of the synchronous tension element is then also fixed to this element. This is then often a stationary part of the lifting device. However, the proposal according to the invention is not limited to this idea; it also encompasses solutions in which the synchronous tension element is fixed to the movable part of the lifting device and thus participates, for example, in the raising or lowering movement of the platform.

[0019] Furthermore, the lifting device is intended to be located at one end of the platform, and the synchronizing shaft is located in the area of ​​the lifting device. The arrangement is often chosen such that the platform has an access area on one side and the arrangement of the lifting devices on this front side interferes with the arrangement of the lifting devices, which is why the lifting devices are often positioned at the rear, away from the access area. For maintenance purposes, it is therefore advantageous to arrange the synchronizing shaft in this area as well. However, this does not preclude a different arrangement such that the synchronizing shaft is located on the other side of the platform and the platform is then essentially arranged between the synchronizing shaft and the lifting device.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the device is provided with a preferably centrally arranged lifting device. Alternatively, the device is provided with (at least) two lifting devices and the platform is located between the two lifting devices. The necessary lifting work is performed by the lifting device. It is often more economical to provide multiple lifting devices redundantly and thus use smaller lifting devices that can often be produced in larger series, which reduces overall costs. Cleverly, the platform is arranged between the lifting devices in order to introduce the lifting forces into the platform as symmetrically as possible, which facilitates synchronization. However, the proposal according to the invention is not limited to such a variant; the proposal also includes the arrangement of a single, central lifting device for the platform.Such a proposal is advantageous, for example, in space-critical applications. At the same time, the provision of a single lifting device or lifting element eliminates the need for connecting parts to the base and the platform.

[0021] Cleverly, the lifting device is designed to consist of a lifting drive and a lifting mechanism, which the lifting drive acts on or interacts with. A motor, particularly an electric motor, is often used as the lifting drive. The lifting mechanism is the mechanism that actually performs the linear movement, the lifting and lowering movement, with motor support.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the lifting means acts indirectly on the platform or on a movable part of a frame supporting the platform. The device often comprises a frame that supports at least one platform, but possibly also several platforms next to one another and / or one above the other. The arrangement is selected such that the frame comprises movable parts that are moved accordingly by the lifting devices. In this respect, it is equivalent to speaking of a movement of the platform by the lifting means, in that this naturally also includes solutions in which the means act on the movable parts of a frame, which in turn hold and support the platform.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the lifting drive is a hydraulic pump and / or a hydraulic motor.

[0024] Furthermore, the proposal advantageously provides for the lifting means to be formed from a combination of the traction element and the working cylinder. The traction element is a flexible element extending over a relatively long length that is capable of transmitting tensile forces. This includes, for example, a chain, a belt, a rope, or similar.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the proposal, one end of the traction element is fixed to the structure or device supporting the device, and the other end is fixed to the platform or the movable part of a frame supporting the platform. The combination of a traction element with a working cylinder allows for the simple implementation of a pulley system.

[0026] Furthermore, it is planned that at least part of the synchronous traction element will interact with the lifting device for raising and lowering the platform. This dual function saves components and makes the entire proposal more cost-effective.

[0027] The rollers are rigid, i.e. mounted at a fixed angle on the synchronizing shaft in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to one another. To simplify the construction of the parking device, provision is made for an adjustment option with which the synchronization between the left and right sides of the platform can be set or adjusted. For example, it can be provided that at least one roller can be designed to be adjustable in its rotational alignment to the other roller. This can be achieved, for example, by a toothing between the synchronizing shaft and the roller. Alternatively, the clamping or fastening point of the synchronizing tension element can be designed to be variable relative to the stationary part of the device, for example by providing a threaded rod at the end of the synchronizing tension element, which is connected to the stationary part of the device in an axially adjustable manner via nuts.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the synchronous traction element is designed as a chain, in particular as a traction chain. Advantageously, the same elevator element is designed as a flexible, movable component. In addition to a chain, a design as a rope, belt, band, etc. is also conceivable.

[0029] Cleverly, the roller is designed as a pinion or sprocket. This design is particularly advantageous when used with a chain as the synchronizing element, as it enables a positive connection between these two force-transmitting elements.

[0030] It should be noted that the phrase "raisable and lowerable platform" does not, of course, mean both of these movements simultaneously, but rather the platform is mounted in such a way that it can be raised or lowered depending on the application.

[0031] In a further variant of the proposal, it is provided that the platform has a front roller and a rear roller on each of its sides in the respective end area and the lifting devices are arranged in the area of ​​the rear roller and the combined tension-synchronous tension element is part of the lifting devices and is guided from a fixing point via a deflection roller of the working cylinder of the lifting devices from above to the rear roller and thus forms the first part of the synchronous tension element, the second part of the synchronous tension element extends between the rear and front roller and the third part extends from the front roller upwards to a further fixing point and the synchronous shaft connects the two rear rollers to one another.

[0032] The preferred embodiment described here is, for example, in Figure 2realized without, however, reducing the object formulated here to this pictorial representation. The terms "top" and "bottom" are not to be understood strictly as a perpendicular, vertical direction, but naturally also include slopes that have a corresponding vertical component. The advantage of this design is that the combined tension-synchronous tension element is guided in a loop-like manner, and the platform, with its rollers provided at the four corners, lies in this loop and is very well guided.

[0033] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing, particularly in one embodiment. Shown are: Figure 1 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of an embodiment not belonging to the invention, Figure 2 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 3 shows a perspective view schematically forces and moments in an embodiment of the invention not belonging to the invention, Figure 4a shows a detailed view of the Fig. 3 with D IV marked area in one embodiment, Figure 4b a detailed view of the Fig. 3 area marked D IV in other embodiments.

[0034] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals and are therefore not described again unless expedient. The disclosures contained in the entire description are analogously applicable to identical parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be analogously applied to the new position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described can represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions in themselves.

[0035] The structure of the device 1 is shown in the two Figure 1 , 2essentially identical. The device 1 has two lifting devices 2, which are arranged in the first, rear area 10, behind the platform 3. The second, front area 11 also contains the access area 12 for parking or leaving a vehicle to be parked on the platform 3. It should be noted that the invention naturally also encompasses a different arrangement; i.e., in one variant of the invention, it is possible for the lifting devices 2 to be located in the front area 11, i.e., in the access area 12.

[0036] The two lifting devices 2 engage the respective support points 30a and 30b of the platform 3. The support points 30a and 30b are provided on side walls 31a and 31b, which accommodate the platform surface 32 between them. The side walls 31a and 31b have a certain vertical height to provide stability to the platform 3 and also to provide space for additional elements such as the support points 30a and 30b or the rollers 50a, 50b.

[0037] The lifting devices 2 are constructed similarly. These holding points 30a and 30b are located near the end, particularly in the rear area 10 of the platform 3. In the embodiment shown here, the lifting device 2 is formed by a lifting drive (not shown) and a lifting means 20, on which the lifting drive acts. A hydraulic working cylinder 29 is provided as the lifting means 20. The lifting drive is designed, for example, as a hydraulic pump driven by a motor, for example an electric motor. The piston rod 27 of the working cylinder 29 carries a deflection pulley 26, over which a tension element 28 is guided. One end of the tension element 28 is attached to the respective holding point 30a and 30b of the platform 3 and is capable of transmitting the corresponding lifting forces to the platform 3. The other end of the tension element 28 is fixed to the fixing point 25, for example on the structure or the device 1.

[0038] The tension element 28 is preferably resilient to tensile forces and flexibly deflectable, such as a chain, belt, rope, wire rope, band, or similar. Preferably, a chain is used as the tension element 28, and the deflection pulley 26 is a sprocket or pinion, which, on the one hand, creates a positive connection and, on the other hand, reliably guides the tension element 28.

[0039] In the Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the fixing point 25 is located on the floor, on which the working cylinder 29 is also mounted. It has already been explained that the fixing point 25 is located on the floor of the structure that accommodates the device 1 or on the device 1 itself. The fixing point 25 does not necessarily have to be located on the floor; however, in the lowered position of the device 1, i.e., when the platform 3 is in its lowest position, it should still be located below the deflection pulley 26.

[0040] During a lifting or lowering movement, the end of the pulling element 28 connected to the holding points 30a, 30b of the platform 3 moves according to the position of the piston rod 27 and raises or lowers the platform 3 accordingly.

[0041] As from the Figure 1 or Figure 2As can be seen, only one lifting device 2 is provided in each area, in this case the rear area 10. To ensure that the front area 11 is also lifted in the same way, the synchronous traction element 4a, 4b is provided.

[0042] The structure of the synchronous train elements 4a, 4b is similar and is therefore only described for one side.

[0043] The synchronous tension element 4a, 4b is divided into three different parts 41, 42, 43.

[0044] The first part 41 is located in the rear area 10 of the platform 3 and extends from a first end 48 in a (substantially) vertical direction to a first roller 50a (hereinafter also referred to as the rear roller 50a). The first end 48 is secured, for example, to the floor of the pit of the structure at the fixing point 18. The first roller 50a is located in the rear area 10 of the platform 3. Between the end edge 38 of the platform 3 and the first roller 50a is the holding point 30a of the platform 3, to which the tension element 28 is attached.

[0045] The fixing point 18 can be located, as shown here, at the bottom of the pit of the structure. However, it can also be arranged on the device 1 itself, for example, on an enlarged base plate that also supports the working cylinder 29. The vertical position of the fixing point 18 is selected such that, even in the lowest position of the platform 3, the fixing point 18 is still located below the platform 3, such that the first part 41 actually runs vertically for some distance. The term "vertical" is to be interpreted broadly; the direction of the first part 41 must have at least a vertical component; in this respect, a vertically running first part 41 is also to be understood to mean an obliquely arranged first part in an equivalent manner. Such solutions also belong to the invention.

[0046] At a short distance from the front edge 39, the side cheeks 31a, 31b carry a further, second roller 51a, 51b (hereinafter also referred to as the front roller 51a, 51b because these rollers 51a, 51b, in the variant shown here, are located in the front area 11 of the device 1, facing the entrance 12). The front edge 39 is located on the side of the platform 3 opposite the end edge 38. The roller 51a is assigned to the side cheek 31a, and the roller 51b to the side cheek 31b. The rollers 51a, 51b also serve to deflect the synchronizing tension element 4a, 4b. It should be noted that the synchronizing tension element 4a is assigned to the side cheek 31a, and the synchronizing tension element 4b is assigned to the side cheek 31b.

[0047] The second part 42 of the synchronous traction element 4 thus extends between the two rollers 50a and 51a of the side cheek 31a, or 50b and 51b of the side cheek 31b, which essentially follows the longitudinal extension of the platform 3.

[0048] At the rear roller 50a, the synchronizing tension element 4 is guided around the top to deflect the vertically extending first part 41 into the substantially horizontally extending second part 42. At the front roller 51a, the synchronizing tension element 4 is guided around from below, whereby the second part 42 of the synchronizing tension element 4 is deflected into the third, substantially vertically extending part 43. The free end 49 on the third part 43 is secured at the fixing point 19.

[0049] It should be noted that the axes of rotation of the front and rear rollers 50a, 51a on the respective side cheek 31a are approximately at the same height and therefore the course of the second part 42 of the synchronous tension element 4 is slightly inclined towards the horizontal, which, however, is still encompassed by the term "horizontally running" according to the invention.

[0050] The position of the fixing point 19 can also be flexibly selected. For example, if the device 1 is to be installed in a pit, the fixing point 19 can then be provided on the wall of the pit. It is also possible for the fixing point 19 to be located on an element of the device 1 (not shown here); this element can, for example, be part of the frame of the device 1. However, the fixing point 19 is cleverly selected so that, when the platform 3 is in its highest position, it is still above the platform 3. In general, the vertical distance between the two fixing points 18, 19 is slightly greater than the stroke of the platform 3. The length of the synchronous traction element 4 is therefore at least the vertical distance between the fixing points 18, 19 plus the horizontal distance between the front roller 51a and the rear roller 50a.

[0051] An advantage of the invention is that the double L-shaped guide of the synchronous traction element 4, divided into three parts 41, 42, and 43, significantly simplifies the design of the frame of the device 1, since part of the weight of the platform 3 and also of the vehicle or goods parked on the platform 3 is transferred into the structure at the fixing point 19. Therefore, the device 1 presented here requires relatively little steel construction, which significantly reduces production costs.

[0052] The essential effect of the invention lies in the fact that the two rear rollers 50a, 50b are connected to one another by the synchronizing shaft 5. It is clear that during a raising or lowering movement of the platform 3, the length of the first part 41 increases or decreases, and accordingly, the length of the third part 43 decreases or increases, whereas the length of the middle, second part 42, which is located between the front and rear rollers 50a, 51a, remains unchanged, but the synchronizing tension element 4 moves in this area. There is a relative movement of the synchronizing tension element 4 with respect to the rear rollers 50a, 50b. Of course, there is also a relative movement to the front rollers 51a and 51b, which are also set in rotation as a result. Since the rollers 50a, 50b cause a deflection of the synchronizing tension element 4, they are set in rotation due to the raising or lowering movement of the platform 3.The rollers 50a, 50b are rigidly mounted on the synchronizing shaft 5, resulting in a mechanically fixed coupling of the two synchronizing elements 4a, 4b. The rotation of the rollers 50a, 50b is synchronized with each other, and therefore also the movement of the respective synchronizing elements 4a, 4b.

[0053] An uneven lifting or lowering movement of the lifting device 2, which in the prior art proposal would have led to a tilting or jamming of the platform 3 in the device 1, is counteracted and compensated by this rigid mechanical coupling, thus achieving, on the one hand, jerk-free, continuous operation and, on the other hand, reducing the wear of such a device 1 and significantly increasing its availability.

[0054] In the Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the synchronizing shaft 5 is located in the rear area 10 of the platform 3 or the device 1, on the side of the device 1 facing away from the entrance area 12. The synchronizing shaft 5 is also located in the immediate vicinity of the lifting device 2, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the holding points 30a, 30b, at which the tension element 28 of the lifting element 2 engages. The distance of the axis of rotation 59 of the synchronizing shaft 5 to the respective holding points 30a, 30b is less than 30%, preferably less than 15%, particularly preferably less than 10% or 5% of the total length of the platform (this is the distance between the front edge 39 and the end edge 38).

[0055] However, this embodiment does not exclude the possibility that the invention also encompasses a solution in which the synchronizing shaft 5 is located in the front area 11 of the platform 3 or device 1 and connects the front rollers 51a and 51b. In this solution, the platform 3 is located essentially between the synchronizing shaft 5 and the lifting device 2, which is arranged, for example, on the opposite side, here the rear area 10.

[0056] It should also be noted that the proposal according to the invention also includes solutions in which the lifting device 2 is not arranged redundantly, but is provided as a single, central lifting device 2. Such an embodiment is shown, for example, in Figure 3 shown.

[0057] Advantageously, a positive engagement between the synchronous traction element 4a, 4b and the respective rollers 50a, 50b, 51a, and 51b is provided. This is particularly advantageous for the rigid transmission of torque between the two sides of the platform 3 by the synchronous shaft 5. Therefore, it is advisable to implement the synchronous traction element 4a, 4b as a chain, preferably oriented toward tension, and to design the rollers 50a, 50b, 51a, and 51b as pinions or sprockets.

[0058] However, the invention also encompasses solutions in which a frictional connection is provided between the synchronous traction element 4a, 4b and the rollers 50a, 50b, 51a, and 51b. These solutions are also equivalent to the concept proposed here. Therefore, ropes or belts, possibly even belts equipped with teeth or cams, can also be used. The rollers can have correspondingly conical or prismatic notches, thus significantly increasing friction.

[0059] Figure 2 essentially shows the same structure as Figure 1 , whereby only the differences will be discussed below. The remaining functions, properties as well as equivalent exchange means and approaches, as they are for Figure 1 were mentioned, are also Figure 2 can also be used and are considered to be disclosed.

[0060] In contrast to the non-inventive Figure 1 are in the inventive Figure 2 In the rear area 10 of the platform 3, no holding points 30a, 30b are provided for the traction element 28. Also missing in Figure 2 a separate fixing point 18 for the synchronous tension element 4a, 4b. This is due to the fact that in Figure 2 The tension element 28 and the synchronous tension element 4a, 4b are formed in one piece, and certain sections of this integrated component 6 serve primarily as the tension element 28 and the synchronous tension element 4a, 4b, respectively. By combining these two functions, an additional fixing point for the synchronous tension element is unnecessary.

[0061] This combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 is fixed at one end 60 in the fixing point 25. This corresponds to the design as in Figure 1This fixing point 25 is, as already explained, provided vertically below the deflection pulley 26. A first section 61 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 extends upward from the fixing point 25 to the deflection pulley 26, where it is deflected.

[0062] This is followed by a second section 62 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6, which runs vertically downwards and is then deflected in a vertical direction around the rear roller 50a at the bottom. This second section 62 corresponds to the first part 41 of the synchronous tension element 4. The first and second sections 61, 62 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 functionally correspond to the tension element 28. The second section 62 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 has a dual function; it is assigned to both the tension element 28 and the synchronous tension element 4.

[0063] The third section 63 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 runs between the rear roller 50a and the front roller 51a and corresponds to the second, middle section 42. At the front roller 51a, the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 is guided from below to the roller 51a and deflected from the horizontal back into a vertically upward direction. This is followed by the fourth section 64 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6, which corresponds to the third part 43 of the synchronous tension element 4. The end 65 of the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 is fixed at the fixing point 19.

[0064] Again, the arrangement of the fixing point 19 is chosen so that it is above the upper position of the raised platform 3.

[0065] The platform 3 has rollers 50a, 50b, 51a, and 51b, preferably at its respective corners, i.e., at the ends of the cheeks 31a, 31b. It is clearly visible that the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 forms a substantially U-shaped loop, and the platform 3 with its rollers 50a, 50b, 51a, and 51b is mounted in this combined tension-synchronous tension element 6. It is clear that the combined tension-synchronous tension element 6 is located on both sides of the platform 3, and the design on both sides of the platform 3 is the same in this regard.

[0066] Also in the embodiment according to Figure 2 rollers 50a and 50b opposite each other on the platform 3 are connected by the synchronizing shaft 5, here too the rollers 50a and 50b are a synchronizing coupling between the two sides of the platform 3. As in Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the synchronizing shaft 5 is arranged in the rear region 10 of the device 1, in close proximity to the lifting device 2. The distance between the location of the roller 50a, 50b and the end edge 38 is less than 30%, preferably less than 15%, particularly preferably less than 10% or 5% of the total length of the platform 3 (this is the distance from the front edge 39 to the end edge 38).

[0067] Also in this embodiment according to Figure 2 The same advantages are presented as already mentioned in the upper part of the description and especially in Figure 1 It is clear that the constant velocity shaft 5 also in the embodiment according to Figure 2 the two front rollers 51a, 51b can be connected, i.e. the platform 3 can be arranged between the synchronizing shaft 5 and the lifting device 2 in order to achieve this synchronizing effect here as well.

[0068] Also in the embodiment according to Figure 2 Instead of a redundant, double arrangement of the lifting device 2, a central lifting device is provided as an alternative.

[0069] In both embodiments according to Figure 1 and 2 Alternatively, the entrance area 12 can also be arranged between the two lifting devices 2 (not shown). Such a proposal is also part of the invention.

[0070] Fig. 3 A perspective view schematically shows forces and moments in one embodiment of the invention. The relationships between weights, forces, and moments shown and described below also apply analogously to other embodiments of the invention.

[0071] In the center of platform surface 32, an arrow represents the weight force FG, which represents the weight of a vehicle ideally parked centrally on the platform. This weight force FG acts at the center of gravity, which is ideally located on the axis of symmetry or the central axis. This represents an ideal case for a perfectly parked vehicle on a corresponding platform; platform 3 is symmetrically loaded. In this state, no synchronizing shaft 5 is required, because in this ideal case, the two lateral ends move in the same direction (without taking friction into account).

[0072] The real case is represented by adding another force which does not act symmetrically to platform 3 and is caused, for example, by a vehicle that is not parked in the middle. This additional force is referred to as F disturbance and can be seen to the left behind the weight force FG. Due to this disturbance force F disturbance, platform 3 is loaded on one side in the rear area. Because platform 3 is loaded on one side in the rear area by F disturbance, it would sink further there than in the front area without the counteraction of the synchronization mechanisms. The result would be a tilted platform 3. A tilted platform 3 will jam or tilt during its vertical movement, which would damage the parking device if it continued to move.

[0073] To compensate for the tilt of platform 3 caused by the disturbing force F disturbance, the synchronizing shaft 5 with the rollers 50a, 50b mounted thereon is provided. The synchronizing shaft 5 is rotatable on the platform 3, but is fixed in position. In the Fig. 3 In the case shown, the disturbing force F disturbance causes a slight sinking of the rear left corner of platform 3 and thus also of roller 50b. This sinking A disturbance is symbolized by a dashed arrow.

[0074] The roller 50b is in engagement with the tensioned synchronizing tension element 4b. For this purpose, the synchronizing tension element 4b can be designed, for example, as a roller chain and the roller 50b as a pinion with suitable teeth. Through this engagement between the roller 50b and the synchronizing tension element 4b, the roller 50b is set into a right-directed rotary movement D disturbance by the sinking A disturbance. Via the synchronizing shaft 5, this rotary movement D disturbance of the roller 50b is transferred into a rotary movement D compensation of the second roller 50a, which is arranged opposite and rigidly on the synchronizing shaft 5. Since the second roller 50a is in engagement with the second synchronizing tension element 4a, the rotary movement D compensation is converted into a sinking A compensation of the left front corner, or the sinking A disturbance is reduced such that the sinking movement at the two lateral ends is again the same.

[0075] Through the interaction of the synchronizing elements 50a, 50b with the synchronizing shaft 5 and the rollers 50a, 50b arranged thereon, any one-sided sinking of the platform 3 is immediately compensated, preventing any tilting and preventing the problems described above. The balancing shaft 5, with two rollers 50a and 50b arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner and engaging with the two synchronizing elements 4a, 4b, represents a mechanism with a simple design and therefore a high degree of reliability. When the platform 3 moves, the synchronizing shaft 5 ensures a uniform movement of both sides of the platform 3.

[0076] Surprisingly, it has been found that arranging such a synchronizing shaft 5 between the two synchronizing tension elements 4a, 4b alone is sufficient for synchronization, even with respect to both sides of the platform 3. The two synchronizing tension elements 4a, 4b, tensioned by the weight force FG, are suitable on their own for absorbing and supporting rotational movements of the two rollers 50a and 50b. For transmitting rotational movements and torques from one roller 50a to the other roller 50b via the synchronizing shaft 5, no further, stationary support elements are required. For example, it is not necessary to arrange stationary, vertically extending racks in close proximity to the platform 3, into which the rollers 50a, 50b, for example designed as gears, engage.

[0077] A balance shaft 5 according to the invention engages only in the flexible but tensile constant velocity elements 4a, 4b and does not engage with stationary counterparts, such as racks.

[0078] The prerequisite for the described mechanism to function is that the two synchronizing tension elements 4a, 4b are under tension and thus act like a fixed component, for example like a rack. This tension is the case when the tensile force F z prevailing in the synchronizing tension elements 4a, 4b is greater than the synchronizing force F Gl acting on the ends of the synchronizing shaft 5. This synchronizing force F Gl is directly related to the disturbing force F störung . Due to the fact that the disturbing force F störung is absorbed by several elements (at least two synchronizing tension elements 4a, 4b and one lifting element 2), the synchronizing force F Gl acting on one end of the synchronizing shaft 5 is always smaller than the disturbing force F störung .

[0079] It was found that for realistic applications, the tensile force F z in the synchronous tension elements 4a, 4b is always greater than the synchronous force F Gl. Thus, in realistic applications, the described interaction of the elements always works, even without the provision of stationary elements to support the synchronous movements.

[0080] The advantage of this design is that the synchronous traction element 4, 4a, 4b now performs a number of tasks. First, it ensures that the front and rear ends of the platform move uniformly. Due to the high tensile stress absorbed by the synchronous traction element, it also functions as a rack and pinion, allowing precise compensation of the platform movement on the left and right sides along its longitudinal extension. Cleverly, the synchronous traction element is designed as a chain, although it was found that a rigid chain is not necessary here.

[0081] In addition, it is intended that the synchronous traction element 4, 4a, 4b is also used as part of the lifting device, as is the case, for example, in Figure 2 is shown.

[0082] In Fig. 3Only one lifting element 2 is provided, which introduces its lifting force centrally on the narrow side of the platform 3 oriented to the rear left. This embodiment is not according to the invention and is of a simpler construction than the solutions in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 . Due to the balance shaft 5 and its previously described mode of operation, synchronization between the two sides of the platform is ensured despite only a single force introduction point by the lifting device 2.

[0083] Fig. 4a shows a detailed view of the Fig. 3 with D IV marked area. In this embodiment, the roller 50a has two functions simultaneously: firstly, it serves, as Fig. 3described, the absorption or transmission of rotary movements that are transmitted in connection with the function of the balance shaft 5. For this purpose, the roller 50 a (and also the roller 50 b on the opposite side) is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner (i.e., without freewheel) on the balance shaft 5.

[0084] Furthermore, the roller 50a deflects the synchronous tension element 4a between the first part 41 and the second part 42 from the horizontal part to the vertical part. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller 50a performs these two functions in a combined function.

[0085] Fig. 4b shows the same area as Fig. 4a , however, the balance shaft 5, compared to Fig. 4a, further to the right, away from the deflection point that deflects into the vertical. The roller 50a, 50b preferably cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the essentially horizontally extending part of the synchronous tension element 4a, 4b. In the Fig. 4b In the embodiment shown, the roller 50a only performs the function of absorbing or transmitting rotary movements that are transmitted in connection with the function of the balance shaft 5. The deflection of the synchronizing element 4a between the first part 41 and the second part 42 is performed here by a deflection piece 333, which is different from the roller 50a and arranged separately on the platform 3.

[0086] For this purpose, the deflection piece 333 does not necessarily have to be in engagement with the synchronous traction element 4a. The deflection piece 333 can, for example, also be designed as a pinion that engages with the synchronous traction element 4b, but is freely rotatably mounted on the platform 3.

[0087] Also in the Fig. 4b The embodiment shown, with a functional separation between the deflection of the synchronous traction element and the transmission of the rotary movements required for synchronization, ensures a safe and stable function of the synchronization both in the lateral and longitudinal directions of the platform 3. The synchronization shaft 5 can thus also be arranged separately and away from the point at which the deflection of the synchronous traction element 4a from its first part 41 to its second part 42 takes place.

Claims

1. Device for parking a plurality of vehicles or the like on top of one another, - wherein at least one platform (3) which is able to be lifted and lowered by a lifting installation (2) that comprises a working cylinder (29) is provided, and - one synchronization traction element (4a, 4b) is in each case provided so as to be lateral on the platform (3), - said synchronization traction element (4a, 4b) by way of a first part (41) in a first region (10) of the platform (3) - extending across a central, second, part (42) running on the platform (3) - to a third part (43) and to a second region (11) of the platform (3) that is opposite the first region (10) and - said synchronization traction element (4a, 4b) by way of one end (48) thereof being fixed in the first region (10) and by way of the other end (49) thereof being fixed in the second region (11), - wherein each synchronization traction element (4a, 4b) is guided on the platform (3) by at least one roller (50a, 50b, 51a, 51b) and - the rollers (50a, 50b, 51a, 51b) of both synchronization traction elements (4a, 4b) are rotationally connected by way of a synchronization shaft (5), wherein - a piston rod (27) of the working cylinder (29) supports a deflection roller (26) or similar for a traction element (28), and the ends of the traction element (28) are fixed to the building that receives the device (1), or to the device (1), characterized in that - the synchronization traction element (4a, 4b) is part of the traction element (28), as a result of which a combined traction / synchronization traction element (6) is formed.

2. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting installation (2) is located at one end of the platform (3) and the synchronization shaft (5) is provided in the region of the lifting installation (2), preferably in the immediate proximity of the lifting installation (2).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a lifting installation (2) which is preferably disposed so as to be central.

4. Device according to preceding Claim 3, characterized in that the centrally disposed lifting installation (2) is connected to the platform (3) at the rear region (10) of the latter, and one holding point (30) which is provided for introduction of force from the lifting installation (2) into the platform (3) is in particular disposed so as to be centric between the longitudinal sides of the platform (3).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has two lifting installations (2) and the platform (3) is located between the two lifting installations (2).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting installation (2) is formed by a lift drive and a lifting means (20) on which the lift drive acts or which interacts with the lift drive.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting means (20) engages indirectly on the platform (3) or on a movable part of a frame that supports the platform (3).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one end of the traction element (28) is fixed to the building which receives the device (1) or to the device (1), and the other end is fixed to the platform (3) or to the movable part of a frame that supports the platform (3).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller (50a, 50b, 51a, 51b) is configured as a pinion or a chain wheel.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the synchronization traction element (4) is configured as a chain, in particular as a traction chain.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) on the sides thereof in the respective end region has in each case one front roller (51a, 51b) and one rear roller (50a, 50b), and the lifting installations (2) is disposed in the region (10) of the rear roller (50a, 50b), wherein the combined traction / synchronization traction element (6) is part of the lifting installations (2) and, from a fixing point (25) is guided by way of the deflection roller (26) of the working cylinder (29) of the lifting installations (2) from above to the rear roller (50a, 50b), thus forming the first part (41) of the synchronization traction element (4), the second part (42) of the synchronization traction element (4) extending between the rear (50a, 50b) and the front roller (51a, 51b), and the third part (43) from the front roller (51a, 51b) extending upwards to a further fixing point (19), and the synchronization shaft (5) connecting the two rear rollers (50a, 50b) to one another.