Parking facility for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a parking facility for motor vehicles (14), comprising a parking rack (12) with two or more adjacent parking grids (22) and a plurality of parking levels (26) arranged one above the other, wherein the parking levels (26) comprise a top parking level (28), a bottom parking level (30) and at least one intermediate level (32) and at least one parking level (26, 28, 30) is connected or connectable to an access road (34), wherein the parking rack (12) defines parking spaces (36) for the motor vehicles (14) at intersections of the parking grids (22) with the parking levels (26, 28, 30) and the parking rack (12) has at least one empty space (50) in the at least one intermediate level (32).Receiving devices (38) for the motor vehicles (14) are provided, and at least one shifting device (54) effective at each parking space (36) for shifting the receiving devices (38) in a respective parking level (26, 28, 30), as well as at least one lifting device (72) with lifting elements (88), wherein at least one lifting element (88) is arranged at each parking grid (22), which can be optionally coupled to one of the receiving devices (38) for their vertical transport within the parking grid (22). The receiving devices (38) can each assume a transport position and at least one passage position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking facility for motor vehicles, comprising a parking rack with two or more parking grids arranged next to one another, in particular in a row, and a plurality of parking levels arranged one above the other, wherein the parking levels comprise an uppermost parking level, a lowermost parking level and at least one intermediate level therebetween, and at least one parking level can be connected to an access road, wherein the parking rack defines parking spaces for the motor vehicles at intersection areas of the parking grids with the parking levels and the parking rack has at least one empty space in the at least one intermediate level, wherein the parking facility further comprises receiving devices for the motor vehicles, which receiving devices can be positioned in the parking spaces.

[0002] Such parking facilities are known in which, for reasons of access time and structural design, exactly one intermediate level is provided between the top and bottom parking levels. The access road for driving onto the reception facilities on the intermediate level is arranged at the intermediate level. The reception facilities can be moved horizontally within the intermediate level. Lifting devices are coupled to the reception facilities on the top and bottom parking levels so that motor vehicles can also be parked on the top and bottom parking levels. By moving the reception facilities laterally on the intermediate level, the position of the empty space, i.e. a parking space where no reception facility is currently located, can be changed.

[0003] DE 10 2004 024 066 A1 describes a parking facility with parking platforms that can be raised and lowered vertically by means of chains and moved horizontally by means of drive wheels.

[0004] In the present case, position and orientation information is to be understood as relating to the intended installation and use of the parking facility. The parking grids are vertically oriented and preferably vertical. The parking levels are preferably horizontally oriented. Such position and orientation information may include, for example, "above," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic parking system for motor vehicles with which an increased parking space density can be achieved with acceptable access time.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by an automatic parking system for motor vehicles, comprising: a parking rack with two or more parking grids arranged next to one another and a plurality of parking levels arranged one above the other, wherein the parking levels comprise an uppermost parking level, a lowermost parking level, and at least one intermediate level therebetween, and at least one parking level is connected or connectable to an access road, wherein the parking rack defines parking spaces for the vehicles at intersections of the parking grids with the parking levels, and the parking rack has at least one empty space in the at least one intermediate level; receiving devices for the motor vehicles that can be positioned in the parking spaces; at least one displacement device effective at a respective parking space for displacing the receiving devices in a respective parking level;at least one lifting device with lifting elements, wherein at least one lifting element is arranged on each parking grid, which can be selectively coupled to one of the receiving devices for its vertical transport within the parking grid; a control device for controlling the at least one displacement device and the at least one lifting device; ; where: the receiving devices are designed, at least in the at least one intermediate level, to assume a transport position in the parking grid by actuating the at least one displacement device by the control device, in which position they couple to the at least one lifting element for vertical transport; and to assume at least one passing position in which they are displaced laterally with respect to the transport position by means of the at least one displacement device within the parking grid in such a way that the at least one lifting element is vertically movable in the parking grid by means of the at least one lifting device and in doing so passes the respective receiving device.

[0007] In the parking facility according to the invention, the respective receiving device can assume at least two positions in at least one intermediate level. The positions comprise a transport position and at least one passing position. In the transport position, the receiving device can couple to the at least one lifting element and can thereby be raised or lowered. In at least one passing position, the receiving device is displaced within the parking grid relative to the transport position such that the at least one lifting element can be moved past the receiving device, i.e. can pass it. This makes it possible to leave the receiving device largely or even completely within the parking grid. Transverse displacements in the at least one intermediate level can be kept as small as possible in this way.After passing the receiving device, the at least one lifting element can be transported to a receiving device on another parking level and preferably coupled to it for vertical transport. This makes it possible, for example, to keep access times to the receiving devices relatively short, even when more than three parking grids are arranged one above the other. At the same time, a high parking space density is preferably achieved in the parking rack.

[0008] The displacement by means of the at least one displacement device takes place in particular in a transverse direction of the parking rack, transversely and in particular perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the receiving device.

[0009] In the parking spaces, the receiving devices can, for example, be placed on supporting structures that are fixed to the parking rack or formed by it.

[0010] The control device controls the at least one displacement device and the at least one lifting device. The control device preferably includes information about the parking space at which a receiving device is located. The receiving devices are preferably individualized or identifiable, so that the control device knows at which position within the parking rack each receiving device is located.

[0011] In particular, vertical transport of receiving devices takes place only from the parking level to which the access road is connected to a parking level in which the intended parking space for a motor vehicle is located, and vice versa.

[0012] It is understood that the parking spaces can be assigned to individual users or user profiles, whereby relevant links between parking spaces and users or user profiles can be stored in the control device.

[0013] The entrance level can, in particular, be any of the parking levels. However, the entrance level is preferably an intermediate level.

[0014] It is advantageous if the at least one shifting device allows the receiving devices to be shifted into at least one adjacent parking grid. In this way, a parking space within a parking grid can be cleared for vertical transport during the loading and / or unloading of vehicles using other receiving devices. It can be provided that the shifting is possible into two parking grids, each located to the side of the parking grid to be cleared.

[0015] It is advantageous if the receiving devices on the top level and / or on the bottom level are designed to assume the transport position and the at least one passing position. This can prove advantageous, for example, if the receiving devices on the top and / or bottom level are to be lowered or raised by means of the at least one lifting element.

[0016] The ratio of a displacement path of the receiving device from the transport position to the at least one passing position—corresponding to a lateral offset of both positions—to a width of the receiving device is preferably less than 0.5, preferably less than 0.25, and even more preferably less than 0.2. For example, the ratio can be approximately 0.03 to 0.1.

[0017] The receiving devices can be designed to extend partially into an adjacent parking grid in at least one passing position. This allows a compact design of the parking rack to be achieved.

[0018] The receiving devices in the end grids arranged at the ends of the parking rack are advantageously designed to protrude laterally from the end grid in at least one passing position. The parking grids arranged laterally next to one another comprise, in particular, a first end grid and a second end grid, which are arranged on opposite sides of the parking rack. In the passing position, the receiving devices can be displaced away from the adjacent parking grid and, in particular, protrude from the end grid.

[0019] Preferably, the receiving devices are designed to assume two passing positions, in which they are displaced in two directions away from each other relative to the transport position. This provides the parking facility with a high degree of versatility. Depending on which passing position is most advantageous, particularly with regard to short access times, the receiving device can be displaced into a first passing position or into a second passing position, with the directions of displacement facing away from each other.

[0020] Advantageously, the respective lateral offset of the passing positions is identical to the transport position.

[0021] It can be provided that exactly one passing position can be assumed for each possible displacement direction within the plane. In the case of a transverse displacement, the respective passing position is thus clearly defined. Accordingly, in the above-mentioned embodiment, exactly two passing positions can be provided.

[0022] In particular, it can be provided that, in the transport position, an axis defined by the receiving device is aligned with an axis defined by the respective parking grid. In the at least one passing position, however, the axes are spaced apart from each other.

[0023] It is advantageous if the control device is designed to move the receiving devices such that they assume at least one passing position in at least one home position. The home position can be assumed, in particular, when no storage or retrieval process is taking place. If such a process is initiated, the at least one lifting element can be moved past the receiving devices in a time-saving manner, thereby minimizing access time.

[0024] It is advantageous if the receiving devices are positioned one above the other within a respective grid and shifted into a passing position. In particular, it can be provided that the receiving devices are only shifted into the transport positions when a motor vehicle is to be stored or retrieved using the respective receiving device.

[0025] It may be advantageous if the control device is designed to displace the receiving devices in such a way that, in the absence of the actuation of the at least one lifting device and the at least one shifting device (for example when no storage or retrieval process is taking place), at least one parking grid in the at least one intermediate level, in particular in all intermediate levels, is / are free of a receiving device and if the receiving devices of the remaining parking grids are displaced into a passing position in a direction away from the first-mentioned parking grid. At least one parking grid is thereby cleared in the at least one intermediate level. In the remaining parking grids, the receiving devices assume a passing position if necessary in order to enable movement of the at least one lifting element past the receiving devices.

[0026] It can be provided that receiving devices in end grids arranged at the end of the parking rack are moved into a passing position in the direction outwards from the end grid.

[0027] The parking rack preferably has more than three parking levels.

[0028] At the parking level of the access road and / or at each intermediate level, the parking rack preferably has at least one empty space, and in particular exactly one empty space. This proves advantageous for reducing access times. In particular, empty spaces can be arranged one above the other to clear a parking grid, as explained above, by shifting the receiving devices transversely on the parking levels.

[0029] It proves advantageous if at least one guide device for guiding the movement of the at least one lifting element is arranged or formed on each parking grid. By guiding the movement of the lifting element, reliable operation of the parking system is preferably ensured. For example, the guide can ensure a clearly defined relative position of the receiving device and the parking rack during vertical transport.

[0030] The guide device preferably comprises a first guide element formed by the parking rack, for example, by a vertical support of the parking rack, and at least one second guide element arranged on or formed by at least one lifting element. By using vertical supports as guide elements, the structural design of the parking facility can be kept simple and a compact design can be achieved.

[0031] The at least one second guide element can in particular be a guide roller or a sliding guide element on the lifting element.

[0032] Preferably, a guide is provided in at least two spatial directions. This can be, in particular, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the parking rack, corresponding to a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the receiving device.

[0033] Advantageously, the at least one lifting element engages the vertical support in a form-fitting manner and can be moved or shifted along the vertical support. This enables reliable operation of the lifting device with a compact design.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one lifting device comprises at least one pulling element and a drive unit which is coupled indirectly or directly to the at least one lifting element via the pulling element.

[0035] The at least one traction element is advantageously a chain, a toothed belt or a rope.

[0036] For example, the lifting device can comprise a drivable drive shaft that connects to the chain, toothed belt, or rope. When the drive shaft rotates, the lifting element can be raised or lowered.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the parking facility can comprise a lifting device, in particular precisely one lifting device, associated with each parking grid. For example, multiple lifting devices can be provided, corresponding to the number of parking grids. Within each parking grid, the receiving devices can be raised and lowered using the respective at least one lifting device. In particular, this allows vertical movements to be performed simultaneously in different parking grids. The corresponding control can be performed by the control device.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the parking facility comprises two or more lifting devices, with at least one lifting device being assigned to the lifting elements of two or more parking grids. Provision can be made for the receiving devices of two or more parking grids to be transported vertically using only one lifting device. Provision can be made for the lifting device to transport only one receiving device within a parking grid at a time, whereas the receiving devices in the at least one further parking grid assume, for example, a passing position. Alternatively, provision can be made for simultaneous vertical transport to be carried out in two or more parking grids.

[0039] A parking system in a preferred embodiment may prove particularly advantageous in which the parking system comprises a lifting device that is assigned to lifting elements of all parking grids, wherein in particular one lifting device is provided for the lifting elements of all parking grids. The lifting device can in particular have only one drive unit for the entire parking rack. The drive unit is coupled, for example, to the lifting elements of the respective parking grids. In particular, depending on whether the receiving devices in a respective parking grid assume a transport position or a passing position, vertical transport can be carried out within the parking grid. This includes the possibility of carrying out vertical transport within two or more parking grids or only within one parking grid.

[0040] The lifting device, which is assigned to two or more parking grids, preferably comprises a drive unit and at least one drive element coupled to the at least one lifting element of the respective parking grid. The drive element is, for example, a drive shaft, which can be coupled to the aforementioned traction element.

[0041] It is advantageous if two or more lifting elements are arranged on each parking grid for the vertical transport of the receiving devices of this parking grid. In particular, it can be provided that, with respect to a longitudinal direction of the receiving devices, at least one lifting element is provided at the front and rear of the parking rack. This makes it possible to raise or lower the receiving device, particularly at a front and rear side, using the lifting elements. The longitudinal direction can, for example, coincide with the direction of entry into a parking grid.

[0042] "Front" is specifically facing away from the entrance side, "rear" is facing the entrance side.

[0043] "Front, front, rear, back / rear" in this case refer particularly to the intended use of the parking facility. For example, the parking bay is accessed in a forward direction. In this case, the front of the parking bay is located specifically at the front of the parking bay and the side of the parking bay where the front of the vehicle is located. The rear of the parking bay is located specifically at the rear of the parking bay and the side where the rear of the vehicle is located. The front is the side facing away from the entrance to the parking space.

[0044] It is advantageous if the at least one lifting device includes a synchronization device that mechanically couples the at least one lifting element at the front and the at least one lifting element at the rear to the parking grid. The synchronization device can ensure reliable operation of the lifting device, for example, by preventing the lifting elements from jamming.

[0045] Preferably, the synchronizing device comprises a chain, a belt, or a coupling shaft with angular gears connected to the drive shafts of the at least one lifting device, each of which is coupled to at least one of the lifting elements and is operatively connected to one another. This provides the possibility of a passive synchronizing device, whereby the synchronizing device can preferably be limited to a single drive unit.

[0046] Preferably, an electronic synchronization device can be provided in which, for example, two electric drive units are interconnected in such a way that the lifting elements at the front and rear can be moved vertically synchronously, for example via the drive shafts.

[0047] It is advantageous if four lifting elements are arranged on a respective parking grid for the vertical transport of the receiving devices of this parking grid, with two lifting elements being arranged at the front of the parking rack and two lifting elements at the rear of the parking rack, each for coupling to opposite sides of the receiving device. For example, the four lifting elements couple to the receiving device at or near corner areas of the same. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the receiving device, which preferably coincides with the direction of the motor vehicle, in particular two lifting elements are arranged at the front and two lifting elements at the rear, with the lifting elements preferably being positioned on opposite sides, in particular at the front left and right and at the rear left and right.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the parking facility, it can be provided that the at least one lifting element, in particular the two or more and in particular four lifting elements of each parking grid, can only be coupled to the receiving devices of this parking grid. Accordingly, at least one lifting element is arranged on each parking grid, and this lifting element can only be activated with receiving devices within this parking grid.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment of the parking facility, it is advantageous if at least one lifting element is arranged on adjacent parking grids for coupling to the receiving devices of the respective adjacent parking grids when the receiving devices assume the transport position, whereas the lifting element does not couple to the receiving devices when they assume a passing position. This makes it possible for adjacent parking grids to "share" a lifting element, so to speak. If the receiving device of a respective parking grid assumes the transport position, it can couple to the lifting element. In the passing position of the receiving device, the lifting element can be moved past the receiving device. Such an embodiment proves advantageous, for example, when a common lifting device is assigned to the parking grids.Only the receiving device that is in the transport position is moved vertically. Receptacles that are not to be moved can be moved into a passing position beforehand.

[0050] In particular, in the latter embodiment, at least one such lifting element can be provided at the front and rear of the parking rack, relative to a longitudinal direction of the receiving devices.

[0051] Advantageously, two such lifting elements are provided at the front and rear, which can be coupled to the respective receiving device at or near the corner areas at the front left, front right, rear left and rear right.

[0052] The at least one lifting element, which can couple to the receiving devices of both parking grids, is preferably arranged on a vertical support where the parking grids adjoin one another. A guide element is preferably formed by the vertical support.

[0053] The at least one lifting element preferably comprises or forms at least one support element, wherein the receiving devices preferably each comprise or form a holding element for resting on the at least one support element when the receiving devices assume the respective transport position. The holding element is, for example, a projection on the receiving device that can rest on the lifting element. This enables a structurally simple design of the parking facility.

[0054] The at least one holding element is arranged, for example, immovably on the receiving device and / or on an end section.

[0055] It is advantageous if the at least one lifting element has two spaced-apart support elements that face a respective adjacent parking grid and are designed to couple with the receiving devices of this parking grid when they assume the transport position. This embodiment proves to be advantageous in the preferred embodiment explained above, in which a lifting element can interact with receiving devices of adjacent parking grids. Depending on whether the receiving device is to be transported in the left or right parking grid, one of the two support elements can be used with the respective holding element of the receiving device.

[0056] The at least one support element preferably forms a centering area for aligning the at least one holding element and the at least one support element with each other. This simplifies the coupling of the receiving device to the lifting element, reduces the play of moving parts of the parking system while ensuring reliable function, and helps compensate for component tolerances.

[0057] The centering area is or includes, for example, a recess and / or a centering bevel for the holding element.

[0058] Preferably, the receiving device can be hooked into the at least one lifting element on the parking grid in order to couple thereto and can be detached in order to be decoupled therefrom.

[0059] Preferably, particularly in combination with the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, the receiving device can be raised by moving the lifting element from below onto the holding element, which is then raised by means of the at least one lifting element. This achieves a particularly simple construction while simultaneously ensuring reliable function. For example, the relative alignment of the lifting element to the holding element is thus made very simple.

[0060] It can be particularly advantageous if the respective receiving device is free of driven active elements to enable coupling with the at least one lifting element. For example, the holding element, as mentioned, is immovably mounted on the receiving device. Without active elements, the design of the receiving device can be kept simple, which has a beneficial effect on manufacturing costs and functional reliability. In particular, a power supply for such active elements, especially on the receiving device itself, for example, via a battery or a trailing cable, can be eliminated.

[0061] It is advantageous if the parking facility comprises at least one shifting device at each parking space for shifting a receiving device arranged at that parking space.

[0062] For example, an active shifting device with a drive unit for shifting the receiving device can be arranged at the front and rear of the parking rack.

[0063] Alternatively, an (active) displacement device with a drive unit can be provided only at the front or only at the rear. The receiving device can be passively supported on the other side, for example, on a displacement device or support device. For example, the receiving device runs passively on rollers or on a displacement track.

[0064] It may be advantageous if the at least one displacement device, in particular the plurality of displacement devices, is / are designed as a chain conveyor, a belt conveyor, or a roller conveyor. The receiving device can be displaced within a parking level by means of the chain, belt, or rollers.

[0065] The at least one displacement device can define a contact plane that coincides with a support element of the receiving device. The contact plane is defined, for example, by the chain, the belt, or the rollers. The contact plane can, for example, be aligned parallel to a support plane of the receiving device for the vehicle and / or be aligned horizontally. In another embodiment, the contact plane can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0066] It can be advantageous if the contact plane is aligned relative to a horizontal plane so that it slopes upwards from the front or rear of the parking rack toward the center of the rack. For example, the rotation axes of the rollers or drive elements for the chain or belt can be aligned so that they slope upwards from the front or rear.

[0067] Corresponding guide elements are preferably arranged on the displacement device and the receiving device to guide the displacement movement of the receiving device. For example, a guide track can be arranged on the displacement device, against which guide rollers on the receiving device can rest, or vice versa.

[0068] It may be advantageous, for example, if a plurality of guide rollers spaced relative to one another in the direction of displacement are arranged on the receiving device. It may be particularly advantageous in this case if, when the receiving device is moved from one parking grid to an adjacent parking grid, the guide rollers can abut against guideways of displacement devices of the adjacent parking grids in order to guide the displacement into the adjacent parking grid.

[0069] It is understood that the receiving device can preferably, when moving from one parking grid to an adjacent parking grid, temporarily simultaneously rest against the displacement devices of the two parking grids and, in particular, can rest on them.

[0070] To hold the receiving devices in the respective parking space, at least one support device is preferably provided to support the receiving device when the receiving device is arranged at the parking space. It is advantageous if the receiving device rests on the at least one support device. Preferably, at least one support device is arranged at each parking space. For example, one support device can be arranged at the front and one at the rear of the parking rack.

[0071] It is advantageous if the at least one displacement device forms the at least one support device, in particular if each displacement device forms a support device. Separate support devices can thus be avoided.

[0072] The support device can be designed such that the receiving device can be supported as explained above and passively moves along on it during displacement. Accordingly, a passive displacement device, for example, can also form a support device.

[0073] Irrespective of whether the transport position or the at least one passing position is assumed, the receiving devices can preferably be carried in the parking space by the at least one carrying device.

[0074] It is advantageous if the at least one support device, at least in the at least one intermediate level, in particular the plurality of support devices, can be transferred from a carrying position, in which the at least one support device carries the receiving device at the parking space, into a release position and vice versa, in which release position the parking grid is released for vertical transport of the receiving devices by means of the at least one lifting device past the support device. In order to enable transport of a receiving device in the parking grid, for example, the one or more support devices above or below can be transferred from the carrying position into the release position. In this way, the cross-section within the parking grid is released in such a way that the vertical transport of the receiving device to be moved is enabled.

[0075] Preferably, this also applies to the at least one support device, in particular the plurality of support devices, in the uppermost parking level and / or in the lowest parking level.

[0076] For example, a receiving device on the top parking level can first be lifted by the support device, after which the support device is moved into the release position to enable the downward transport of the receiving device.

[0077] In the lowest parking level, for example, it can be provided that the support device is arranged rigidly and immovably on the parking rack, because the receiving device only needs to be placed on the support device and does not have to be transported downwards underneath it.

[0078] It may prove advantageous if the at least one carrying device for transferring from the carrying position to the release position and vice versa is pivotally mounted on the parking rack, in particular on a vertical support or a cross support.

[0079] It may be advantageous if the at least one support device comprises a drive unit controllable by the control device for transferring from the carrying position to the release position and / or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the at least one support device is coupled to the at least one lifting element and / or the receiving device and can be transferred by means of the latter. Accordingly, an active transfer of the support device using the drive unit may be provided, or a passive transfer in which, for example, corresponding stops on the support device and the lifting element and / or the receiving device interact, in particular mechanically, to transfer the support device.

[0080] It has already been mentioned that receiving devices can be moved, preferably into at least one adjacent parking grid, by means of the at least one displacement device. In this case, it is advantageous if a blocking element is arranged on the parking grid, with which the movement of the receiving device into the parking grid can be blocked when the support device arranged on this parking grid assumes a release position, wherein the blocking element is not effective in the support position of the support device. In this way, the operational reliability of the parking facility is increased. The blocking element can, for example, be a mechanical stop.

[0081] For example, it can be provided that the blocking element is arranged on the support device of the adjacent parking grid and is mechanically coupled to it. By moving the support device from the support position to the release position, the blocking element can preferably be moved from a non-blocking position to the blocking position, and vice versa.

[0082] The receiving devices are preferably designed as parking platforms, which can also be referred to as pallets.

[0083] The parking facility advantageously comprises a sensor device coupled to the control device for determining the position of the respective receiving device within a parking grid, in particular the assumption of the transport position and / or the at least one passing position by the receiving device. Depending on the signal from the sensor device, the control device can control the at least one displacement device and the at least one lifting device, and if necessary, also the at least one carrying device.

[0084] The sensor device is arranged, for example, on the at least one displacement device and / or on the at least one receiving device.

[0085] Advantageously, the sensor device can be designed or effective optically and / or inductively and / or mechanically and / or contactlessly and / or with contact.

[0086] The parking facility may include an electrical charging device, which comprises a charging unit on at least one receiving device, to which the motor vehicle positioned on the receiving unit can be coupled via at least one electrical connecting cable or inductively. This allows the battery of the motor vehicle to be charged while the vehicle is parked in the parking space. Electrical energy is supplied, for example, via trailing cables or, preferably, by contact closure if the receiving device is located in the parking space. For example, an electrical contact is provided for this purpose on the at least one support device.

[0087] It can be provided that the control device controls the at least one displacement device in such a way that displacements of a plurality of receiving devices within a parking level can be carried out with a time delay. In this way, mechanical loads on the parking rack can be minimized.

[0088] It may be particularly advantageous if, in addition to the parking grids arranged side by side, the parking rack comprises at least one parking grid positioned adjacent to one of these parking grids transversely to the arrangement of the parking grids arranged side by side, and if, in at least one parking level, it is possible to drive between these parking grids with the vehicle. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that parking grids can be arranged one behind the other, relative to a direction of entry for the motor vehicle.

[0089] For example, preferably at the entry level where the access is located, the vehicle can be driven over at least one receiving device through at least one parking grid into a parking grid located behind it. Accordingly, parking spaces in the parking rack can be arranged not only two-dimensionally in the horizontal and vertical directions, but also three-dimensionally in two horizontal directions and the vertical.

[0090] The parking rack is preferably constructed using steel construction.

[0091] The parking rack can preferably be implemented using a single rack frame. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the parking rack to comprise two or more rack frames, effectively shelving units. For example, parking grids positioned side by side or one behind the other have separate rack frames. Two or more rack frames can be connected to each other or separated from each other.

[0092] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show: Figure 1: a schematic perspective view of an automatic parking facility according to the invention; Figure 2: a front view of the parking facility from Figure 1 ; Figure 3: an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 2 when removing a vehicle; Figure 4: an enlarged view of detail B in Figure 2 in a plan view, partly in section; Figure 5: an enlarged view of detail C in Figure 3 in a plan view, partially in section; Figure 6: an enlarged perspective view of a lifting element displaceable on a vertical support; Figure 7: a front view of the lifting element from Figure 6 ; Figure 8: a sectional view along the line 8-8 in Figure 7 ; Figure 8A: a perspective detailed view of the park from Figure 1, showing a parking platform and a shifting device for it from below; Figure 9: a partial view of the parking facility from Figure 1 , with support devices assuming a support position; Figure 10: a representation corresponding Figure 9 after transferring part of the support equipment into a release position; Figure 11: an enlarged partial view of the parking facility from Figure 1 , showing a connection to a driveway; Figure 12: an enlarged view of detail D in Figure 1 ; Figure 13: a perspective schematic view of another preferred embodiment of the parking facility according to the invention; Figure 14: an enlarged view of a detail of the parking facility from Figure 13 , in which movable lifting elements and receiving devices are shown; Figure 15: a view in the direction of the arrow "15" in Figure 14; Figure 16: a perspective view of a displacement device of the parking facility according to the invention, which simultaneously forms a support device; Figure 17: a perspective view of a support device of the parking facility according to the invention; Figure 18: a partial view of the parking facility according to the invention in a side view, showing the displacement device according to Figure 16 and a parking platform resting thereon; and Figure 19: a representation according to Figure 18 after lifting the parking platform and transferring the sliding device from the carrying position according to Figure 18 into a release position.

[0093] The Figures 1 and 2show an advantageous embodiment of a parking facility according to the invention, designated overall by reference numeral 10. The parking facility 10 comprises a steel-constructed parking rack 12, in this case a rack frame. The parking rack 12 serves for parking motor vehicles 14 (hereinafter referred to as vehicles).

[0094] Operations for storing and retrieving vehicles 14 can be initiated by a user by operating an operating unit or automatically and controlled by the control device of the present automatic parking facility 10. To store the vehicle 14, the user preferably drives into an empty receiving facility in the parking grid in which the vehicle is to be stored.

[0095] The parking rack 12 is positioned on a support surface 16 and comprises interconnected vertical supports 18, which extend vertically, as well as interconnecting, horizontally extending cross supports 20. In addition, longitudinal supports can be provided ( Fig. 1 ).

[0096] The parking rack 12 has a plurality of parking grids 22 arranged laterally next to one another in a row. End grids 24 are arranged at the ends on opposite sides of the parking rack 12.

[0097] In this case, six parking grids 22 are planned, although the number may vary.

[0098] The parking rack 12 has a plurality of parking levels 26. Five parking levels 26 are provided in this case, although the number of these levels could also vary.

[0099] The parking levels 26 comprise an uppermost parking level 28, a lowermost parking level 30 and three intermediate levels 32 in between.

[0100] An access 34, which also serves as an exit, is connected to a parking level 26, in this case to the middle of the three intermediate levels 32. The access 34 could alternatively be connected to one of the other parking levels 26.

[0101] The parking rack 12 defines parking spaces 36 at intersections of the parking grid 22 and the parking levels 26. A total of 30 parking spaces 36 are present, but not all of them are used for storing vehicles 14. For storing and transporting each vehicle 14, receiving devices 38 are provided, each configured as a parking platform 40 (hereinafter referred to as a pallet), although a different configuration could also be provided.

[0102] In this case, "front of the parking rack" is facing away from the entrance side, "rear of the parking rack" is facing the entrance side.

[0103] The pallet 40 has a longitudinal direction that may coincide with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 14. Relative to a typical entry direction 42 into the parking rack 12, the pallet 40 has a front side 44 and a rear side 46. In the present case, the front side 44 and the front side of the vehicle 14 are arranged at the front of the parking rack 12 during intended use, and the rear side 46 and the rear side of the vehicle 14 are arranged at the rear of the parking rack 12.

[0104] The pallets 40 each comprise a holding element 48 designed as a projection for vertical transport within a parking grid 22 at the corner areas at the front left, front right, rear left and rear right. The holding elements 48 will be discussed further below.

[0105] In the present case, the number of receiving devices 38 is less than the number of parking spaces 36. It is provided that in each intermediate level 32 there is at least one empty space 50 in which no receiving device 38 is positioned at the time in question.

[0106] However, it should be noted that the empty spaces 50 are positionally variable in the parking rack 12 due to the possible vertical and transverse movements of the pallets 40. However, the pallets 40 are advantageously moved such that the empty spaces 50 are present in the intermediate levels 32 unless a vehicle 14 is being stored or retrieved.

[0107] It is conceivable that the number of empty spaces 50 varies. At least one empty space 50 is required. In this case, however, providing exactly one empty space 50 on each intermediate level 32 provides a relatively high storage density while simultaneously minimizing access times to the pallets 40.

[0108] For safety reasons, it may be provided that no empty space 50 is provided in the parking level 26 of the access 34 when no vehicle 14 is being moved.

[0109] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 3 , 8A , 9 and 10 As can be seen, the parking rack 12 comprises a respective support device 52 at the front and rear of each parking space 36. For positioning in the parking space 36, the pallet 40 can be positioned on the support device 52 and carried by it. The support devices 52 at the front and rear can be of identical construction.

[0110] In the present exemplary embodiment of the parking facility, the support device 52 is formed by a respective displacement device 54 arranged at a parking space 36. By means of the displacement device 54, a pallet 40 positioned thereon can be displaced horizontally within a parking level 26. The displacement direction runs in a transverse direction of the parking facility, transversely and in particular perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pallet 40.

[0111] The amount of displacement can be freely adjustable, whereby certain displacement ranges can preferably be specified as explained below.

[0112] To move the pallets 40, a respective drive unit 56 of the displacement device 54 can be activated. The drive unit 56 is operatively connected to the control device 58 of the parking facility 10 and can be controlled by it.

[0113] The pallets 40 can be moved at each parking space 36 in both directions facing away from each other within the respective parking level 26. This also applies to the end grids 24.

[0114] The displacement device 54 is configured here as a chain conveyor 60. Alternative configurations include a belt conveyor, a displacement track, or a roller conveyor. The chain conveyor 60 comprises a support 62, which is secured to the cross member 20 via retaining elements 64.

[0115] Sprockets 66 are mounted on the carrier 62. A chain 68 is tensioned over the sprockets 66 and can be driven by the drive unit 56. The pallet 40 rests on the chain 68 and can thus be moved horizontally.

[0116] It can be provided that only one side - front or rear - is driven for the sliding movement and the other side runs passively.

[0117] The support 62 is pivotally mounted on the support elements 64 in all parking levels 26, with the exception of the lowest parking level 30. The pivoting occurs about a pivot axis 70. The pivot axis 70 runs horizontally parallel to the extension of the cross members 20.

[0118] The shifting device 54 is designed to assume a supporting position. In the supporting position, the shifting device 54 extends into the cross-section of the parking grid 22 to such an extent that the pallet 40 can be placed on the chain 68 with a respective support element at one end section (Figure 9).

[0119] The displacement devices 54 are designed such that a contact plane 69 is defined by the respective chain 68 ( Figure 9). The contact plane 69 is aligned parallel to a support plane 73 of the pallet 40 for the vehicle 14, and in the present case, the contact plane 60 is aligned horizontally. This alignment refers to the assumption of the support position by the displacement device 54.

[0120] From the supporting position, the displacement device 54 can be transferred into a release position. To pivot into the release position, the displacement device 54 is pivoted away from the cross-section of the parking grid 22 in the direction of the cross members 20. This increases the free cross-section within the parking grid 22 ( Figure 10 ).

[0121] If shifting devices 54 assume the release position, the pallets 40 can be transported vertically within the parking grid 22 and in particular can be raised and lowered without colliding with the shifting devices 54.

[0122] In the lowest parking level 30, pivoting of the shifting device 54 is not necessary, since the pallet 40 only has to be placed on the chain 68, but does not have to be transported past the shifting device 54.

[0123] The transfer of the displacement device 54 from the carrying position to the release position and / or vice versa can, for example, be carried out actively by means of a Figures 8A and 9 The transfer can be carried out by the drive unit 71 shown, in particular under control by the control device 58. Alternatively, a passive transfer can be provided. For example, corresponding stop elements can be provided on the displacement device 54 and on the pallets and / or the lifting elements explained below, which become effective during the vertical transport of the pallets 40.

[0124] For the vertical transport of pallets 40 within the parking grids 22, the parking facility 10 includes a lifting device 72. In this case, exactly one lifting device 72 is provided, with which pallets 40 can be raised or lowered in all parking grids 22. The lifting device 72 is actuated by the control device 58.

[0125] In the present case, it is provided that only one pallet 40 is transported vertically within each parking grid 22. However, within the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that by providing a plurality of lifting elements one above the other within each parking grid 22, several pallets 40 positioned above one another can be transported vertically simultaneously.

[0126] Accordingly, in the present case, it is provided that in the parking facility 10, only one pallet 40 is transported vertically within a parking grid 22, whereas the pallets 40 in the remaining parking grids 22 remain at the parking space 36. However, the present invention reserves the right to allow pallets 40 to be transported vertically simultaneously in different parking grids 22, within the same parking level 32 and / or in different parking levels 32.

[0127] By providing only one lifting device 72, a structurally simple design can be achieved.

[0128] The lifting device 72 comprises a drive unit 74 ( Figures 1 and 12). The drive unit 74 is mounted, for example, on top of the parking rack 12. A drive element in the form of a drive shaft 76 can be driven in rotation by means of the drive unit 74. The drive shaft 76 extends horizontally in the transverse direction across the parking grids 22.

[0129] In this case, the drive shaft 76 is arranged at the front of the parking rack 12. Another drive shaft 78 is arranged at the rear of the parking rack 12. The drive shafts 76 and 78 are coupled to each other by means of a synchronizing device 80 of the lifting device 72. The synchronizing device 80 comprises, for example, a chain 82 running crosswise in a guide between the drive shafts 76 and 78. By means of the drive unit 74, both drive shafts 76, 78 can thus be driven jointly, but in opposite directions.

[0130] As an alternative to the chain 82, a coupling shaft with angle gear can be used.

[0131] Separate drive units for the drive shafts 76 and 78 or an electronic synchronization device are conceivable.

[0132] A plurality of tension elements 84 are each attached to the drive shafts 76 and 78. In this case, there are seven tension elements 84 at the front and seven tension elements 84 at the rear, corresponding to the number of vertical supports 18 (corresponding to the number of parking grids 22 plus one additional vertical support 18). The tension elements 84 are each designed as a revolving chain 86.

[0133] For lifting and coupling the pallets 40, the lifting device 72 comprises lifting elements 88. In this case, a lifting element 88 is arranged on each vertical support 18; for example, on the parking system 10, seven elements are arranged (corresponding to the number of parking grids 22 plus one vertical support 18). This applies both to the front and rear of the parking rack 12.

[0134] Since the function of the lifting device 72 is identical at the front and rear, the following discussion will only refer to the lifting elements 88 arranged at the front of the parking rack 12. The same applies to the support devices and shifting devices 54.

[0135] A respective lifting element 88 is fixed to the chain 86 and can thus be raised or lowered upon rotation of the drive shaft 76.

[0136] The lifting elements 88 in the parking system 10, with the exception of the lifting elements 88 on the outermost vertical supports 18, are each assigned to two parking grids 22. Each lifting element 88 can transport pallets 40 positioned in one of the adjacent parking grids 22.

[0137] This is not possible on the outermost vertical supports 18 because they laterally limit the end grids 24. However, to simplify production, it can be advantageously provided that the same lifting elements 88 are used on the outermost vertical supports 18 as on the inner vertical supports 18, which separate the parking grids 22 from each other on both sides.

[0138] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 4 to 8 As can be seen, the lifting element 88 is designed in the form of a slide 90 which can be moved along the vertical support 18 and which engages around the vertical support 18 in a form-fitting manner.

[0139] The lifting element 88 comprises a base plate 92 and two lateral plates 94 secured thereto. Guide elements in the form of guide rollers 96 are secured to the lateral plates 94. Each lateral plate 94 is provided with two guide rollers 96 for engagement at the front of the vertical support 18 and two guide rollers 96 for engagement at the rear of the vertical support 18.

[0140] Additional guide rollers 98 are arranged on projections 100, which are held on the plates 94. The guide rollers 98 rest laterally on the respective vertical support 18.

[0141] Instead of roller guides, a sliding guide can be provided.

[0142] The chain 86, for example, is held on the base plate 92.

[0143] The vertical support 18 forms a guide element corresponding to the guide rollers 96, 98, so that a guide device 102 is provided for each lifting element 88. The lifting element 88 can be moved reliably and without jamming on the vertical support 18 via the guide device 102.

[0144] The lifting element 88 projects from the vertical support 18 into the free cross-section of the respective parking grid 22.

[0145] The lifting element 88 comprises a receiving device 104 for receiving at least one pallet 40. The receiving device 104 projects from the base plate 92 into the cross section of the parking grid 22.

[0146] On the receiving device 104, two receptacles for the holding elements 48 of the pallet 40 are formed, spaced apart in the transverse direction of the parking rack 12. The receptacles are designed as support elements 106 that are open upwards and have a centering area 108 that tapers downwards. In plan view, the receiving device 104 therefore has an approximately W-shaped section.

[0147] The support elements 106 are dimensioned such that a respective holding element 48 can rest thereon. The centering area 108 aligns the pallet 40 relative to the lifting elements 88. In this way, the pallets 40 can be suspended from the lifting elements 88 in a simple and reliable manner. In the suspended state, the holding elements 48 engage the support elements 106 by means of a curved projection 110 ( Figures 8A and 9 ).

[0148] To transport a pallet 40 in a parking grid 22, the pallet 40 is suspended with all four holding elements 48 at the front left, front right, rear left and rear right on lifting elements 88. In this case, the support element 106 facing the pallet 40 is used. The other support element 106 remains free ( Figure 4 ). This support element 106 serves for the vertical transport of the pallet 40 of the adjacent parking grid 22.

[0149] It can be provided that the lifting element 88 comprises only one support element 106.

[0150] It is advantageous that the pallets 40 are free of driven active elements, both for the coupling with the lifting elements 88 for the vertical movement and for the transverse displacement by means of the chain conveyors 60. In particular, an energy supply on the respective pallet 40 for such active elements can be saved.

[0151] The following is a summary of the Figures 1 to 5 the functioning of Park 10 was discussed.

[0152] The pallets 40 can assume a transport position by being moved by means of the displacement device 54 under the control of the control device 58. In a transport position, the pallet 40 is arranged, in particular, centrally in the parking grid 22 such that an axis 112 of the parking grid 22 is aligned with an axis 114 of the pallet 40.

[0153] In the transport position, the pallet 40 is aligned relative to the lifting elements 88 of the adjacent vertical supports 18 such that the holding elements 48 can couple with the support elements 106. This makes it possible to suspend the pallet 40 from the lifting elements 88 for lifting or lowering. When the pallet 40 assumes the transport position, the lifting elements 88 assigned to this parking grid 22 cannot be moved past the pallet 40.

[0154] In order to make this possible, namely a movement of the lifting elements 88 past the pallets 40 in the storage location 36, each pallet 40 can be transferred into at least one passing position.

[0155] The transfer to the passing position takes place by transverse displacement within the parking grid 22 by means of the displacement devices 54.

[0156] The pallets 40 can be moved so far within the parking space 36 that the lifting device 72 can be moved past the pallet 40. Figure 5 shows this as an example, where the pallet 40 shown on the left in the drawing is shifted to the left as is the pallet 40 shown on the right in the drawing. The latter was shifted in relation to the representation of the Figure 4 shifted to the left.

[0157] It is advantageous that each pallet 40 can assume two passing positions. It is possible to perform a displacement in the direction of the two adjacent parking grids 22 using the displacement device 54. In the respective passing position, the pallets 40 protrude in sections into the adjacent parking grid 22.

[0158] The pallets 40 can also be moved in both directions within the end grids 24. When moved outward, the pallets 40 protrude from the end grids 24 in sections.

[0159] In the respective passing position, the axes 114 of the pallets 40 and 112 of the parking grid 22 are spaced apart from each other ( Figure 2 ).

[0160] When implementing the parking facility in practice, the lateral offset between the transport position and a passing position can be, for example, approximately 5 cm to 30 cm, preferably approximately 10 cm to 20 cm.

[0161] For example, the ratio of a displacement path of the pallet 40 from the transport position into the at least one passing position - corresponding to the lateral offset - to a width of the pallet 40 is approximately 0.03 to 0.1.

[0162] For example, a pallet 40 width can be approximately 240cm to 280cm.

[0163] The situation explained above can be illustrated by Figure 2 visible. There are 32 empty spaces arranged one above the other on the two upper intermediate levels.

[0164] The pallets 40 on either side of the empty spaces 50 are shifted outward in a direction away from the parking grid 22 with the empty spaces 50, thereby assuming a passing position. This has the advantage that the lifting elements 88 can be moved freely within these parking levels 26.

[0165] An empty space 50 is also present in the lowest intermediate level 32. The pallets 40 located to the side are also shifted outward away from the empty space 50 and assume a passing position, so that a shifting of the lifting elements 88 is also possible here.

[0166] If possible, the pallets 40 are positioned in a home position by the control device 58 when no retrieval or storage operation of a vehicle 14 is being performed. The home position preferably corresponds to a passing position in order to facilitate the movement of the lifting elements 88 and thereby shorten access times.

[0167] The pallets 40 of the lowest parking level 30 also assume a passing position, so that the lifting elements 88 can be moved up or down past the pallets 40 without first having to move the pallets 40 transversely. The pallets 40 can then be moved to the left or right into the transport position and lifted by the lifting elements 88.

[0168] In the top parking level 28, a pallet 40 above the empty spaces 50 occupies the transport position, while the pallets arranged to the side are shifted outward into the passing position. It can also be provided that the pallets 40 can assume a basic position corresponding to the passing position on the top parking level 28.

[0169] It may be provided that, in the absence of retrieval or storage operations for vehicles 14, the pallets 40 are moved such that the empty spaces 50 are arranged one above the other and are located within the same parking grid 22. This parking grid 22 is then cleared, except for the top and bottom parking levels 28, 30.

[0170] The parking facility 10 comprises a sensor device 140 which is coupled to the control device 58. By means of the sensor device 140, it is possible to determine the position of a respective pallet 40 in the parking grid 22 ( Figure 8A ), in particular the assumption of the transport position and one of the passing positions.

[0171] For this purpose, the sensor device 140 comprises two sensor elements 142, which in this case are positioned at a distance from one another on the carrier 62 or, for example, on the cross member 20. Corresponding projections 144 are arranged at the bottom of the pallet 40.

[0172] The sensor elements 142 are, for example, inductive sensor elements that provide a different signal in the presence or absence of the respective projection 144.

[0173] In the transport position of the pallet 40, a projection 144 is opposite each sensor element 142. In the passing position, one sensor element 142 is exposed, and a projection 144 is opposite the other sensor element 142. Depending on which sensor element 142 delivers a signal, the control device 58 can distinguish between the transport position and the passing positions.

[0174] The following describes a removal process for the Figures 1 to 3 in the uppermost intermediate level 32 and the second parking grid 22 from the left. Without limiting the generality, it is assumed that the pallets 40 are the Figure 2shown positions (transport position or passing position).

[0175] The pallet 40 rests in the position 36 on the shifting device 54.

[0176] In order for the pallet 40 to be transported to the access 34 at the middle intermediate level 32, the pallet 40 must first be removed from beneath the vehicle 14. This is done by means of the shifting devices 54 in the middle intermediate level 32 (arrow 116).

[0177] To enable the pallet 40 to be transported vertically by the vehicle 14, the drive unit 74 is activated. The lifting elements 88 can all be moved along the vertical supports 18, since at least below the relevant parking level 26, all pallets 40 assume a passing position.

[0178] The pallet 40 is moved from the passing position to the transport position by means of the shifting device 54, to the right in the drawing (arrow 118).

[0179] It is understood that transverse displacements and vertical movements, which cannot influence each other, can be performed simultaneously.

[0180] The lifting elements 88 are moved from below to the holding elements 48, and the pallet 40 is suspended from the four lifting elements 88 ( Figure 3 ). The pallet 40 is slightly raised using the lifting elements 88. It is advantageous to raise it only far enough to pivot the shifting device 54 from the carrying position to the release position.

[0181] The lifting of the pallet 40 is marked with an arrow 120.

[0182] If the shifting device 54 assumes the release position, the vertical transport direction can be reversed and the pallet 40 can be lowered (arrow 122) until it reaches the level of the access 34 and can be placed on the shifting devices 54 there.

[0183] In order to reduce the displacement movements during subsequent processes, it is advantageous if one of the resulting empty spaces 50 in the uppermost intermediate level 32 is again equipped with a pallet 40.

[0184] Removing a vehicle 14 from one of the lower parking levels 26 can be done in a similar manner. Any pallets 40 above must be removed from the parking grid 22 by sliding them transversely.

[0185] At least on those parking levels 26 where the lifting elements 88 must be moved, the pallets 40 assume a passing position. The lifting elements are moved beneath the holding elements 48, and the corresponding pallet 40 is moved into the transport position with the vehicle 14. Overhead shifting devices 54 are moved into the release position, and the pallet 40 can be lifted with the vehicle 14.

[0186] It is understood that the displacement devices 54 can be returned to a carrying position as standard.

[0187] The Figures 13 to 15 show an advantageous embodiment of the parking facility according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 130. In parking facility 130, features and components that are identical or have the same effect as parking facility 10 are designated by identical reference numerals. The advantages achievable with parking facility 10 can also be achieved with parking facility 130. Reference is made to the above explanations. Only the essential differences will be discussed.

[0188] In the parking system 130, an independent lifting device 72 with its own drive unit 74 is provided at each parking grid 22. For example, drive shafts 76, 78 and a synchronizing device 80 are also present here.

[0189] In the parking facility 130, each parking grid 22 is assigned four independent lifting elements 88, which are used for the vertical transport of pallets 40 only in this parking grid 22.

[0190] The Figures 14 and 15 illustrate this by way of example, with the lifting elements 88 in this case being arranged on separate vertical supports 18. It could be provided that both lifting elements 88 are arranged so that they can be moved together on a cross member 20.

[0191] Instead of the two support elements 106, only one support element 106 is provided in this case, since with each lifting element 88 only one pallet 40 of the same parking grid 22 can be transported anyway.

[0192] Figure 15 shows the pallet 40 on the left in the drawing in the transport position, whereas the pallet 40 on the right in the drawing is in a passing position.

[0193] The advantage of parking system 130 is that vertical transports can be carried out independently in different parking grids 22.

[0194] As already mentioned, in the parking systems 10, 130, support devices 52 can be arranged at the front and rear of the parking rack 12, which in both cases are formed by a respective active displacement device 54, or vice versa. Figures 9 to 11 illustrate this using the example of Park 10.

[0195] With a respective support element 146 at a respective end section 148 at the front and rear, the pallet 40 rests on the chain 68 ( Figure 11 ). The chain 68 and the support element 146 form corresponding guide elements of a guide device for the pallet 40 when moving within the parking grid 22 and / or into an adjacent parking grid 22.

[0196] As already mentioned, it can be provided that a displacement device 54 forms a support device 52. Both support devices 52 can, in particular, be transferable from the support position to the release position and vice versa.

[0197] The Figures 17 to 19 show support devices 52 that can be used instead of the previously explained support devices 52 in parking facilities 10 or 130. Only the most important differences from the previously explained design will be discussed. For the rest, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0198] Both support devices 52 are formed by sliding devices.

[0199] It is preferably provided that an active shifting device 54 is arranged at the front of the parking rack 12 and a passive shifting device 54, i.e. at the entrance side of the parking rack 12. Since more dirt usually accumulates in the area of ​​the entrance side than at the front of the parking rack, the dirt ingress into the active shifting device 54 at the front of the parking rack is kept as low as possible in this way. Accordingly, the shifting device 54 is designed according to the Figures 16 , 18 and 19 preferably arranged at the front of the parking rack and the passive shifting device 54 or carrying device 52 according to Figure 17 on the entrance side.

[0200] Both support devices 52 each comprise the support 62, whereby the supports can be constructed essentially identically. Each support 62 is pivotably mounted on the parking rack 12 by means of bearing elements 150 about the pivot axis 70, in this case on the vertical supports 18. The drive unit 71 serves for pivoting.

[0201] The passive support device 52 at the rear according to Figure 17 In the present case, it comprises a plurality of rollers 152. The rollers 152 are rotatably mounted on the support 62, laterally adjacent to one another, in the longitudinal extension of the support 62, between adjacent cross members 20. The rollers 152 can, for example, be arranged equidistant from one another on the support 62.

[0202] The pallet 40 can rest on the rollers 152 with a rear end section 148 (not shown). The contact plane 69 of the rollers 152 can, for example, be aligned parallel to the support plane 73 of the pallet 40.

[0203] The active displacement device 54 at the front is also designed as a chain conveyor 60 with sprockets 66 and a chain 68. The drive unit 56 can be controlled by the control device 58.

[0204] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 18 and 19 As can be seen, the support element 146 is arranged on the pallet 40 at a front end portion 148. The support element 146 is inclined relative to the support plane 73 and extends in the transverse direction of the pallet 40.

[0205] The contact plane 69 between the chain 68 and the support element 146 is inclined relative to the support plane 73 and relative to the horizontal. The contact plane 69 rises from the front of the parking rack 12 to the rear when the sliding device 54 assumes the support position ( Figure 18). When the support position is assumed by the displacement device 54, the rotation axes 160 of the sprockets 66 are aligned obliquely relative to the support plane 73 and obliquely relative to the horizontal. The rotation axes 160 rise from the front of the parking rack 12 to the rear ( Figure 18 ).

[0206] If the pallet 40 rests on the chain 68 via the support element 146, centering in the longitudinal direction of the parking rack 12 can be achieved in this way.

[0207] For additional support of the pallet 40, guide elements are provided on the pallet 40 and on the displacement device 54, which form a guide device for guiding the pallet 40 when displacing within the parking grid 22 and / or into the adjacent parking grid 22.

[0208] In the present case, the displacement device 54 comprises a guide track 154 as a guide element, which is designed as a bar along the extension of the carrier 62.

[0209] Guide rollers 156 are arranged on the pallet 40 as guide elements. In this case, several guide rollers 156 are provided, for example, four. The guide rollers 156 are preferably arranged equidistant from one another in the transverse direction of the pallet 40. When moving the pallet 40 into an adjacent parking grid 22, a guide roller can preferably interact with the guide track 154 of the displacement device 54 of the adjacent parking grid 22.

[0210] Rotation axes 158 of the guide rollers 156 are preferably aligned transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the plane of the support element 146 and thus, when resting on the chain 68, transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the contact plane 69 ( Figure 18 ). When the pallet 40 is placed on the chain 68, the centering due to the inclination of the contact plane 69 causes the guide rollers 156 to come into contact with the guide track 154 and assume their desired position.

[0211] Figure 19 represents the assumption of the release position by the displacement device 54. For this purpose, the pallet 40 is, as explained above, by means of the Figures 18 and 19 not shown lifting elements 88. In the release position, the pallet 40 can be moved upwards and downwards on the displacement device 54 and, in a corresponding manner, on the passive support device 52 assuming the release position according to Figure 17 be moved past the entrance side.

[0212] On the support devices 52 according to the Figures 16 to 19 Blocking elements 162 are arranged in each case, facing the respective adjacent parking grid 22. The support devices 52 arranged in the end grids 24 comprise at least one blocking element 162 facing the adjacent parking grid 22.

[0213] In the present example, the blocking element 162 is mechanically coupled to the support 62 and is designed as a rod 164 forming a stop. A stop element 166 for the rod 164 is arranged on the parking rack 12 ( Figures 18 and 19 ). The rod 164 is pivotable relative to the support 62.

[0214] When pivoting the support device 52 from the support position into the release position, the rod 164 pivots relative to the carrier 62 under the action of the stop element 166. In this way, the rod 164 is moved into a blocking position ( Figure 19 ) transferred.

[0215] In the blocking position, the rod 164 prevents the pallet 40 from being pushed into the parking grid by serving as a stop for the pallet 40.

[0216] When the support device 52 is moved into the support position, the rod 164 is again pivoted relative to the support 62 into a non-blocking position under the action of the stop element 166. In the non-blocking position, the cross-section for moving the pallet 40 is released so that it can be moved into the adjacent parking grid.

[0217] Overall, it is advantageous in the parking facility according to the invention if a blocking element is provided, preferably on the support device, with which insertion of the receiving device into the parking grid can be blocked.

[0218] The following description includes in particular the disclosure of the embodiments of a parking facility for motor vehicles according to the invention defined by the following sentences: 1. A parking facility for motor vehicles (14), comprising a parking rack (12) with two or more adjacent parking grids (22) and a plurality of parking levels (26) arranged one above the other, wherein the parking levels (26) comprise an uppermost parking level (28), a lowermost parking level (30), and at least one intermediate level (32) therebetween, and at least one parking level (26, 28, 30) is connected or connectable to an access road (34), wherein the parking rack (12) defines parking spaces (36) for the motor vehicles (14) at intersection areas of the parking grids (22) with the parking levels (26, 28, 30), and the parking rack (12) has at least one empty space (50) in the at least one intermediate level (32); receiving devices (38) for the motor vehicles (14), which can be positioned in the parking spaces (36); at least one displacement device (54) effective at a respective parking space (36) for displacing the receiving devices (38) in a respective parking level (26, 28,30); at least one lifting device (72) with lifting elements (88), wherein at least one lifting element (88) is arranged on each parking grid (22), which can be selectively coupled to one of the receiving devices (38) for vertical transport within the parking grid (22); a control device (58) for controlling the at least one displacement device (54) and the at least one lifting device (72); wherein: the receiving devices (38) are designed, at least in the at least one intermediate level (32), to assume a transport position in the parking grid (22) by controlling the at least one displacement device (54) by the control device (58), in which they couple with the at least one lifting element (88) for vertical transport; and to assume at least one passing position in which they are laterally displaced relative to the transport position by means of the at least one displacement device (54) within the parking grid (22) in such a way thatthat the at least one lifting element (88) is vertically movable in the parking grid (22) by means of the at least one lifting device (72) and thereby passes the respective receiving device (38). 2. Parking facility according to sentence 1, characterized in that receiving devices (38) are displaceable into at least one adjacent parking grid (22) by means of the at least one displacement device (54). 3. Parking facility according to sentence 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving devices (38) in the uppermost level (28) and / or in the lowest level (30) are designed to assume the transport position and the at least one passing position. 4. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the receiving devices (38) in at least one passing position protrude in sections into an adjacent parking grid (22) and / or that the receiving devices (38) are designed in end grids (24) arranged at the ends of the parking rack (12).to protrude laterally from the end grid (24) in at least one passing position. 5. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the receiving devices (38) are designed to assume two passing positions, in which they are displaced in two directions pointing away from each other with respect to the transport position. 6. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that in the transport position, an axis (114) defined by the receiving device (38) is aligned with an axis (112) defined by the respective parking grid (22). 7. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the control device (58) is designed to displace the receiving devices (38) such that they assume the at least one passing position in at least one basic position. 8. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the control device (58) is designedto displace the receiving devices (38) such that, in the absence of actuation of the at least one lifting device (72) and the at least one displacement device (54), at least one parking grid (22) in the at least one intermediate level (32), in particular in all intermediate levels (32), is / are free of a receiving device (38) and that the receiving devices (38) of the remaining parking grids (22) are displaced from the direction away from the first-mentioned parking grid (22) into a passing position. 9. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the parking rack (12) has at least one empty space (50) and in particular exactly one empty space (50) in the parking level (26) of the access (34) and / or in each intermediate level (32). 10. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized inthat at least one guide device (102) for guiding the movement of the at least one lifting element (88) is arranged or formed on a respective parking grid (22). 11. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the at least one lifting device (72) comprises at least one tension element (84) and a drive unit (74) which is coupled to the at least one lifting element (88) via the tension element (84), in particular that the at least one tension element (84) is a chain (86), a toothed belt, or a cable. 12. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that one of the following applies: the parking facility (10) comprises a lifting device (72), in particular precisely one lifting device (72), associated with a respective parking grid (22); the parking facility (10) comprises two or more lifting devices (72),wherein at least one lifting device (72) is assigned to the lifting elements (88) of two or more parking grids (22); the parking facility (10) comprises a lifting device (72) assigned to the lifting elements (88) of all parking grids (22), wherein in particular exactly one lifting device (72) is provided for the lifting elements (88) of all parking grids. 13. Parking facility according to sentence 12, characterized in that the lifting device (72), which is assigned to two or more parking grids (22), comprises a drive unit (74) and at least one drive element, in particular a drive shaft (76, 78), which is coupled to the at least one lifting element (88) of the respective parking grid (22). 14. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that two or more lifting elements (88) for the vertical transport of the receiving devices (38) of this parking grid (22) are arranged on a respective parking grid (22), in particular in thatWith respect to a longitudinal direction of the receiving devices (38), at least one lifting element (88) is provided at the front and rear of the parking rack (12). 15. Parking facility according to sentence 14, characterized in that the at least one lifting device (72) comprises a synchronizing device (80) that mechanically couples the at least one lifting element (88) at the front and the at least one lifting element (88) at the rear of the parking grid (22), preferably in that the synchronizing device (80) comprises a chain (82), a belt, or a coupling shaft with angular gears, via which the drive shaft(s) (76, 78) of the at least one lifting device (72), each coupled to at least one of the lifting elements (88), are operatively connected to one another. 16. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that four lifting elements (88) are arranged on a respective parking grid (22) for the vertical transport of the receiving devices (38) of this parking grid (22).wherein two lifting elements (88) are arranged at the front of the parking rack (12) and two lifting elements (88) are arranged at the rear of the parking rack (12), for coupling to opposite sides of the receiving device (38). 17. Parking facility according to one of sentences 14 to 16, characterized in that the at least one lifting element (88), in particular the two or more lifting elements (88) of each parking grid (22), can only be coupled to the receiving devices (38) of this parking grid (22). 18. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that at least one lifting element (88) is arranged on adjacent parking grids (22) for coupling to the receiving devices (38) of the respective adjacent parking grids (22) when the receiving devices (38) assume the transport position, whereas the lifting element (88) does not couple to the receiving devices (38) when these assume a passing position, in particular that,relative to a longitudinal direction of the receiving devices (38), at least one such lifting element (88) is provided at the front and rear of the parking rack (12). 19. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the at least one lifting element (88) comprises or forms at least one support element (106) and that the receiving devices (38) each comprise or form a holding element (64) for resting on the at least one support element (106) when the receiving devices (38) assume the respective transport position. 20. Parking facility according to sentence 19, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the at least one support element (106) preferably forms a centering region (108) for aligning the at least one holding element (64) and the at least one support element (106) with respect to one another; the receiving device (38) is liftable,by moving the lifting element (88) from below onto the holding element (64), which is lifted by means of the at least one lifting element (88). 21. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the parking facility (10) comprises at least one displacement device (54) at a respective parking space (36) for displacing a receiving device (38) arranged at this parking space (36). 22. Parking facility according to sentence 21, characterized in that an active displacement device (54) with a drive unit (56) for displacing the receiving device (38) is provided at the front and rear of the parking rack (12). 23. Parking facility according to sentence 21, characterized in that an active displacement device (54) with a drive unit (56) for displacing the receiving device (38) is provided only at the front or only at the rear of the parking rack (12). 24. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized inthat the at least one displacement device (54), in particular the plurality of displacement devices (54), is or are designed as a chain conveyor (60), as a belt conveyor, or as a roller conveyor. 25. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that at least one support device (52) is provided for supporting the receiving devices (38) when these are arranged in the parking space (36), in particular that the receiving device (38) rests on the at least one support device (52), wherein preferably at least one support device (52) is arranged at a respective parking space (36). 26. Parking facility according to sentence 25, characterized in that the at least one displacement device (54) forms the at least one support device (52), in particular that a respective displacement device (54) forms a support device (52). 27. Parking facility according to sentence 25 or 26, characterized inthat the at least one support device (52), at least in the at least one intermediate level (32), in particular the plurality of support devices (52), can be transferred from a support position, in which the at least one support device (52) supports the receiving device (38) in the parking space (36), into a release position and vice versa, in which release position the parking grid (22) is released for vertical transport of the receiving devices (38, 104) past the support device (52) by means of the at least one lifting device (72). 28. Parking facility according to sentence 27, characterized in that this also applies to the at least one support device (52), in particular the plurality of support devices (52), in the uppermost parking level (28) and / or in the lowest parking level (30). 29. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the receiving devices (38) are designed as parking platforms (40). 30. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences,characterized in that the parking facility (10) comprises a sensor device (140) coupled to the control device (58) for determining the position of the respective receiving device (38) within a parking grid (22), in particular the assumption of the transport position and / or the at least one passing position by the receiving device (38). 31. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the parking facility (10) comprises an electrical charging device which comprises a charging unit on at least one receiving device (38), to which the motor vehicle (14) positioned on the receiving device (38) can be coupled via an electrical connecting line or inductively. 32. Parking facility according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the parking rack (12) comprises at least one parking grid (22) in addition to the parking grids (22) arranged laterally next to one another.which is positioned adjacent to one of the parking grids (22) transversely to the arrangement of the parking grids (22) arranged side by side, and that in at least one parking level (36) a crossing between these parking grids (22) with the vehicle (14) is possible. List of reference symbols:

[0219] 10Parking facility 12Parking rack 14Motor vehicle 16Installation area 18Vertical beam 20Cross beam 22Parking grid 24End grid 26Parking level 28Top parking level 30Bottom parking level 32Intermediate level 34Access 36Parking space 38Receiving device 40Parking platform / pallet 42Entry direction 44Front 46Rear 48Holding element 50Empty space 52Carrying device 54Shipping device 56Drive unit 58Control device 60Chain conveyor 62Carrier 64Holding element 66Sprocket 68Chain 69Contact level 70Pivoting axis 71Drive unit 72Lifting device 73Carrying level 74Drive unit 76Drive shaft 78Drive shaft 80Synchronization device 82Chain 84Traction element 86Chain 88Lifting element 90Slide 92Base plate 94Plate 96Guide roller 98Guide roller 100Protrusion 102Guide device 104Receiving device 106Support element 108Centering area 110Protrusion 112Axis 114Axis 116,118, 120,122 Arrow 130Parking facility 140Sensor device 142Sensor element 144Protrusion 146Support element 148End section 150Bearing element 152Roller 154Guide track 156Guide roller 158Rotation axis 160Rotation axis 162Blocking element 164Rod 166Stop element,

Claims

1. A parking facility for motor vehicles (14), comprising - a parking rack (12) with two or more parking grids (22) arranged next to one another and a plurality of parking levels (26) arranged one above the other, wherein the parking levels (26) comprise an uppermost parking level (28), a lowermost parking level (30) and at least one intermediate level (32) therebetween, and at least one parking level (26, 28, 30) is connected or connectable to an access road (34), wherein the parking rack (12) defines parking spaces (36) for the motor vehicles (14) at intersection areas of the parking grids (22) with the parking levels (26, 28, 30), and the parking rack (12) has at least one empty space (50) in the at least one intermediate level (32); - receiving devices (38) for the motor vehicles (14) which can be positioned in the parking spaces (36), wherein the receiving devices (38) are preferably designed as parking platforms (40);- at least one displacement device (54) effective at a respective parking space (36) for displacing the receiving devices (38) in a respective parking level (26, 28, 30); - at least one lifting device (72) with lifting elements (88), wherein at least one lifting element (88) is arranged on each parking grid (22), which can be selectively coupled to one of the receiving devices (38) for vertical transport thereof within the parking grid (22); - a control device (58) for controlling the at least one displacement device (54) and the at least one lifting device (72); wherein: - the receiving devices (38), at least in the at least one intermediate level (32), are designed to assume a transport position in the parking grid (22) by controlling the at least one displacement device (54) by the control device (58), in which position they couple with the at least one lifting element (88) for vertical transport;- and to assume at least one passing position in which they are displaced laterally relative to the transport position within the parking grid (22) by means of the at least one displacement device (54) such that the at least one lifting element (88) is vertically movable within the parking grid (22) by means of the at least one lifting device (72) and in doing so passes the respective receiving device (38); and wherein at least one lifting element (88) is arranged on each adjacent parking grid (22) for coupling to the receiving devices (38) of the respective adjacent parking grid (22) when the receiving devices (38) assume the transport position, whereas the lifting element (88) does not couple to the receiving devices (38) when these assume a passing position, wherein in particular, with respect to a longitudinal direction of the receiving devices (38), at least one such lifting element (88) is provided at the front and rear of the parking rack (12).

2. Park according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - by means of the at least one displacement device (54), receiving devices (38) can be displaced into at least one adjacent parking grid (22); - the receiving devices (38) project in sections into an adjacent parking grid (22) in at least one passing position; - the receiving devices (38) in end grids (24) arranged at the end of the parking rack (12) are designed to project laterally out of the end grid (24) in at least one passing position.

3. Park according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving devices (38) in the uppermost level (28) and / or in the lowermost level (30) are designed to assume the transport position and the at least one passing position.

4. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe receiving devices (38) are designed to assume two passing positions in which they are displaced in two directions pointing away from each other with respect to the transport position and / or that in the transport position an axis (114) defined by the receiving device (38) is aligned with an axis (112) defined by the respective parking grid (22).

5. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe control device (58) is designed to displace the receiving devices (38) such that, in the absence of actuation of the at least one lifting device (72) and the at least one displacement device (54), at least one parking grid (22) in the at least one intermediate level (32), in particular in all intermediate levels (32), is or are free of a receiving device (38) and that the receiving devices (38) of the remaining parking grids (22) are displaced into a passing position in the direction away from the first-mentioned parking grid (22).

6. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lifting device (72) comprises at least one pulling element (84) and a drive unit (74) which is coupled to the at least one lifting element (88) via the pulling element (84), in particular that the at least one pulling element (84) is a chain (86), a toothed belt or a rope.

7. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the following applies: - the parking facility (10) comprises a lifting device (72), in particular exactly one lifting device (72), assigned to a respective parking grid (22); - the parking facility (10) comprises two or more lifting devices (72), wherein at least one lifting device (72) is assigned to the lifting elements (88) of two or more parking grids (22); - the parking facility (10) comprises a lifting device (72) which is assigned to the lifting elements (88) of all parking grids (22), wherein in particular exactly one lifting device (72) is provided for the lifting elements (88) of all parking grids.

8. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thattwo or more lifting elements (88) for vertically transporting the receiving devices (38) of this parking grid (22) are arranged on a respective parking grid (22), in particular that, with respect to a longitudinal direction of the receiving devices (38), at least one lifting element (88) is provided at the front and rear of the parking rack (12).

9. Park according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one lifting device (72) comprises a synchronizing device (80) which mechanically couples the at least one lifting element (88) at the front and the at least one lifting element (88) at the rear to the parking grid (22).

10. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatfour lifting elements (88) for vertically transporting the receiving devices (38) of this parking grid (22) are arranged on a respective parking grid (22), two lifting elements (88) being arranged at the front of the parking rack (12) and two lifting elements (88) being arranged at the rear of the parking rack (12), for coupling to opposite sides of the receiving device (38).

11. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lifting element (88) comprises or forms at least one support element (106) and that the receiving devices (38) each comprise or form a holding element (64) for resting on the at least one support element (106) when the receiving devices (38) assume the respective transport position.

12. Park according to claim 11, characterized in thatat least one of the following applies: - the at least one support element (106) preferably forms a centering region (108) for aligning the at least one holding element (64) and the at least one support element (106) with respect to one another; - the receiving device (38) can be raised by moving the lifting element (88) from below onto the holding element (64) and raising the latter by means of the at least one lifting element (88).

13. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parking facility (10) comprises at least one displacement device (54) at a respective parking space (36) for displacing a receiving device (38) arranged at this parking space (36).

14. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe parking facility (10) comprises a sensor device (140) coupled to the control device (58) for determining the position of the respective receiving device (38) within a parking grid (22), in particular the assumption of the transport position and / or the at least one passing position by the receiving device (38).

15. Park according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parking rack (12) comprises, in addition to the parking grids (22) arranged laterally next to one another, at least one parking grid (22) which is positioned adjacent to one of these parking grids (22) transversely to the arrangement of the parking grids (22) arranged laterally next to one another, and in that a crossing between these parking grids (22) with the vehicle (14) is possible in at least one parking level (36).

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