Method of operating mechanical parking device

Abstract

To prevent a priority user and a non-priority user from encountering each other and to give priority to the entry and exit operations of the priority user.SOLUTION: A mechanical parking device includes an entrance / exit room 10 having a first door 14A through which a vehicle M enters and leaves on one side and a second door 14B opposite the first door 14A, through which a vehicle enters and leaves on the other side, a first operation panel 16A that is installed facing a first lane 12A continuous with the first door and is operated by a non-priority user, and a second operation panel 16B that is installed facing a second lane 12B continuous with the second door and is operated by a priority user U2. The first lane 12A and the second lane 12B are separated so that the non-priority user and the priority user U2 do not encounter each other, and the vehicle M of the non-priority user enters and leaves through the first door 14A, or enters through the first door 14A and leaves through the second door 14B, and the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters and leaves through the second door 14B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a mechanical parking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a storage facility for storing a plurality of objects, the storage facility having a storage room facing an entrance space and an exit space that are partitioned from each other, an entrance port that connects the inside of the storage room to the entrance space, an exit port that connects the inside of the storage room to the exit space, and a storage device for storing the plurality of objects, the storage device being provided within the storage room and comprising a plurality of storage sections for storing the objects, an entrance section which is the storage section that connects to the entrance port, an exit section which is the storage section that connects to the exit port, and a transport device configured to be able to transport the objects between the storage sections, the entrance port being provided with an entrance door that, when closed, separates the inside of the storage room from the entrance space and that, when opened, connects the entrance section to the entrance space and allows the objects to be stored, and the exit port being provided with an exit door that, when closed, separates the inside of the storage room from the exit space.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an elevator-type multi-story parking system in which a first parking device having an entrance and exit for a vehicle and a second parking device arranged at the rear of the first parking device are assembled in parallel and in succession, the first parking device being equipped with a first elevator and a vehicle direction changing device for changing the direction of the vehicle to a first elevator waiting stop position set in the vehicle entrance section, an entrance opening in one side wall of the vehicle entrance section for allowing the vehicle to enter the first elevator waiting stop position and an exit opening in the other side wall opposite the first side wall for allowing the vehicle to exit the vehicle in the same orientation as when it entered the vehicle from the first elevator waiting stop position, the second parking device being equipped with a second elevator arranged at a right angle to the first elevator and a parking space on at least one side of the second elevator waiting stop position set in the vehicle entrance section, and a transport device for transporting vehicles between the first and second parking devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-104871 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-217247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention described in Patent Document 1 is said to have two cases: one in which the vehicle passes from the entrance space 3 through the storage section 20 (entrance section, exit section) to the exit space 4, and the other in which the vehicle passes from the exit space 4 through the storage section 20 (entrance section, exit section) to the entrance space 3. The worker opens the entrance door 41, enters the storage section 20, and opens the exit door 46. Then, the vehicle V must be manually pushed from the entrance space 3 through the entrance gate 40, onto the empty pallet, and through the exit gate 45 to the exit space 4, which requires a lot of work when passing through. In addition, there is no priority user for entering and leaving the warehouse, and the order of entering and leaving the warehouse is the order in which the entry and leaving call operation was performed, so there is no configuration that supports priority users.

[0006] Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the vehicle entrance 21 of the first parking device 2 is equipped with an entrance 216 provided on one side wall and an exit 217 provided on the other opposing side wall, and is configured to allow vehicles to leave the parking lot in the same orientation as when they entered the parking lot, but entry and exit can only be performed by calling from only one side of the entrance 216. Furthermore, no priority users are set for entry and exit, and the order of entry and exit is determined by the order in which entry and exit calling operations are performed, so the system does not have a configuration that accommodates priority users.

[0007] To provide an entrance / exit room which is configured to separate a side used by priority users from a side used by non-priority users, thereby preventing priority users from meeting non-priority users and giving priority to entrance / exit work of priority users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A method of operating a mechanical parking device according to a first aspect includes an entry / exit room having a first door through which vehicles enter and exit on one side and a second door opposite the first door through which vehicles enter and exit on the other side, a first operation panel installed facing a first lane continuous with the first door and operated by a non-priority user, and a second operation panel installed facing a second lane continuous with the second door and operated by a priority user, the first lane and the second lane being separated so that the non-priority users and the priority users do not meet each other, and the vehicles of the non-priority users enter and exit through the first door, or enter through the first door and exit through the second door, and the vehicles of the priority users enter and exit through the second door.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is a method of operating a mechanical parking device according to the first aspect, in which, when the non-priority user's exit operation is faster than the priority user's entry / exit operation, the non-priority user's vehicle is exited from the side of the second door.

[0010] The third aspect of the operating method of a mechanical parking device is the same as the first or second aspect of the operating method of a mechanical parking device, in which, when the entry / exit operation of the priority user and the entry / exit operation of a non-priority user are performed at the same time, the entry / exit operation of the priority user is given priority when the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is longer than a predetermined threshold, and the entry / exit operation of the non-priority user is given priority when the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is shorter than the threshold.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of operating a mechanical parking device according to the third aspect, in which, when the priority user starts an entry / exit operation, if the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is shorter than the threshold value, the priority user is notified by a guide light installed in the second lane that a user of another vehicle is performing an exit operation. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the method of operating a mechanical parking device of the first aspect, non-priority users and priority users do not meet each other, and can each operate using an individually installed control panel, so that the mechanical parking device can be operated efficiently without the non-priority users knowing that the entry and exit operations of priority users are given priority.

[0013] According to the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the second aspect, the vehicles of non-priority users can be allowed to leave the parking lot by passing through to the side of the second door, thereby shortening the time required for leaving the parking lot.

[0014] According to the operation method of the mechanical parking device of the third aspect, when the entry / exit operation time of a non-priority user is shorter than a predetermined threshold, the entry / exit operation of the non-priority user is given priority, thereby eliminating the need to return the non-priority user's vehicle to the storage unit when the non-priority user's vehicle is entering or exiting the parking device, thereby enabling the mechanical parking device to be operated efficiently.

[0015] According to the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the fourth aspect, priority users can be easily notified that the exit operation is being carried out in the loading / unloading room, so that the priority users can wait for the exit operation to be completed with peace of mind. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the loading / unloading room and its surroundings in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the entry and exit states of non-priority users in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view showing the entry and exit status of priority users in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a vehicle of a priority user is waiting for another vehicle to leave the depot in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which non-priority users and priority users perform loading and unloading operations at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6]13 is a flowchart showing a state when two non-priority users enter the parking lot in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when an entry operation and an exit operation of two non-priority users overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a warehousing operation of a non-priority user and a warehousing operation of a priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a non-priority user's entry operation and a priority user's exit operation overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a non-priority user's exit operation and a non-priority user's entry operation overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a take-out operation of a first non-priority user and a take-out operation of a second non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a state in which a non-priority user's take-out operation overlaps with a priority user's enter-in operation, with the priority user's enter-in operation coming first, in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a state in which a non-priority user's take-out operation overlaps with a priority user's enter-in operation in one embodiment of the present invention, and the priority user's enter-in operation is later. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing a state in which a take-out operation of a non-priority user and a take-out operation of a priority user overlap, and the take-out operation of the priority user is performed first in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a warehousing operation of a priority user and a warehousing operation of a non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a warehousing operation by a priority user and a warehousing operation by a non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]11 is a flowchart showing a state when two priority users perform storage operations at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] An example of a method of operating the mechanical parking device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [Embodiment] <Configuration of the loading / unloading room area> FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a loading / unloading room and its surroundings in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the mechanical parking device 1 has an entry / exit room 10 where a vehicle M enters and leaves, which is provided in communication with a storage section for the vehicle M (not shown). The entry / exit room 10 is surrounded by walls on all four sides and is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in this embodiment, with a floor 10A provided at the entry / exit level for the vehicle M. An opening 10B is formed in the center of the floor 10A and is large enough to allow a tray 18 and a built-in turntable 18A (not shown) to pass through the entry / exit level.

[0019] One side of the entrance / exit room is connected to the non-priority user side lane 12A used by the non-priority user U1, and the wall connected to the non-priority user side lane 12A is provided with a door A14A through which the vehicle M and the non-priority user U1 enter and exit, and a first operation panel 16A (non-priority user operation panel) operated by the non-priority user U1. The other side of the entrance / exit room is connected to the priority user side lane 12B used by the priority user U2, and the wall connected to the priority user side lane 12B is provided with a door B14B through which mainly the vehicle M and the priority user U2 enter and exit, and a second operation panel 16B (priority user operation panel) operated mainly by the priority user U2. Each device and each apparatus, such as the first operation panel 16A, the second operation panel 16B, the door A14A, the door B14B, the built-in turntable 18A, a sensor not shown, and an apparatus having a display function, are electrically connected to a control device not shown. Moreover, the rotation trajectory 18B is a trajectory when the tray 18 rotates in a plane. Here, the non-priority user side lane 12A is an example of a first lane, the priority user side lane 12B is an example of a second lane, the door A 14A is an example of a first door, and the door B 14B is an example of a second door.

[0020] <Entry and exit example 1> FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the state of entry and exit of a non-priority user U1 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, when the non-priority user U1 enters a vehicle M, the non-priority user U1 performs an entry operation on the first operation panel 16A, and an empty tray 18 is transported to the entry and exit room 10 and lands on the entry and exit level. For example, when an authentication medium in which an authentication code (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a "code") possessed by the non-priority user U1 is read by an authentication medium reading unit of the first operation panel 16A, if a control device (not shown) determines that a vehicle M is not stored with the authentication code, it determines that the operation is an entry operation and calls and transports an empty tray 18. When the empty tray 18 transported to the entry and exit room lands on the entry and exit level, the door A14A opens, and the non-priority user U1 gets on the vehicle M, moves the vehicle M onto the empty tray 18, and stops it at the regular position by the action of a sensor (not shown) or the like installed in the entry and exit room 10. The non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the first operation panel to close the door A14A.

[0021] Furthermore, when a non-priority user U1 leaves the vehicle M and there is no operation by the priority user U2, when the non-priority user U1 performs a leaving operation on the first operation panel 16A, a tray 18 carrying the non-priority user's vehicle M is transported to the entry / exit room 10 and lands at the entry / exit level. The leaving operation is the same as the entry operation, and for example, when an authentication medium carrying an authentication code held by the non-priority user U1 is read by the authentication medium reading unit of the first operation panel 16A, a control device (not shown) determines that the vehicle M is stored with the authentication code and determines that this is a leaving operation, and calls and transports the tray 18 carrying the non-priority user's vehicle M. When the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M of the non-priority user transported to the loading / unloading room lands at the loading / unloading level, the door A14A opens, and the non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10, and the door A closes accordingly, and the vehicle M is moved to the side of the open door B14B and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. The non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and operates the second operation panel to close the door B14B. In this embodiment, the external turntable 20 is shown by an imaginary line on the priority user side road 12B, but if there is a public road in front of the vehicle M on the priority user side road 12B, the external turntable 20 does not need to be provided.

[0022] <Entry and exit example 2> FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the state of entry and exit of the priority user U2 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, when the priority user U2 enters and leaves the garage, the priority user U2 passes through the priority user side lane 12B and performs the entry or exit operation on the second operation panel 16B. The vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters and leaves the garage only on the priority user side lane 12B side, and the non-priority user side lane 12A side is not used. Therefore, when the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters and leaves the garage, the direction of the vehicle M is changed by the built-in turntable 18A. In this embodiment, the external turntable 20 is shown by a virtual line on the priority user side lane 12B, but if there is a public road on the rear side of the vehicle M on the priority user side lane 12B, the external turntable 20 may not be provided.

[0023] <Entry and exit example 3> 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a vehicle of a priority user U2 is waiting for another vehicle to leave the depot in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a stop line 22 is displayed on the priority user side driveway 12B at a position avoiding the door B14B to allow the vehicle M of the priority user U2 to wait, and a guide light 24 is provided on a wall near the stop line 22 so that the priority user U2 waiting for the current entry and exit status in the loading and unloading room 10 can see it. For example, when an exit operation is being performed in the loading and unloading room 10, the guide light 24 displays a message such as "Exiting operation in progress". The display may simply be lit, or may be flashed so that the priority user U2 can see it more reliably.

[0024] After vehicle M leaves the loading / unloading room 10, the guide lights 24 are turned off, and vehicle M of priority user U2, which has been waiting at the stop line 22, performs a loading operation on the second operation panel 16B of priority user U2 and enters his / her own vehicle M through door B14B into the loading / unloading room 10. Priority user U2 who has disembarked from vehicle M checks whether there is anyone inside the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, performs an operation to that effect on the second operation panel, and then performs an operation to close door B14B.

[0025] In Fig. 4, the vehicle M located in the entrance / exit room 10 is the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 or the vehicle M of the priority user U2, and when the vehicle M has landed or is about to land at the entrance / exit level of the entrance / exit room 10, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 can also exit to the side of the priority user side lane 12B. For example, when the exit operation of the non-priority user U1 is earlier than the entrance / exit operation of the priority user U2, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 may be allowed to exit to the side of the door B14B. In this embodiment, the external turntable 20 is shown by a virtual line on the priority user side lane 12B, but if there is a public road in front of the door B14B of the priority user side lane 12B and the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters from the front side, the external turntable 20 may not be provided.

[0026] <Entry and exit example 4> Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which a non-priority user U1 and a priority user U2 perform loading and unloading operations at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, there is a case in which a non-priority user U1 and a priority user U2 perform loading and unloading operations at the same time. For example, when a non-priority user U1 is the first person to perform the exit operation on the first operation panel 16A, and the non-priority user U1's vehicle M has landed or is about to land at the entry / exit level of the entry / exit room 10, if a priority user U2 performs the entry operation on the second operation panel 16B, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 rotates on the floor 10 together with the tray 18 lifted by the built-in turntable 18A inside the entry / exit room 10, and the front is turned toward the door A14A side, the door A14A opens, the non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10 and gets into the vehicle M, which exits through the door A14A to the non-priority user side lane 12A, and the non-priority user U1 closes the door A14A on the first operation panel 16A.

[0027] When the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through door A14A, the tray 18 becomes an empty tray after leaving, so door B14B opens without any mechanical operation, and the priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M parked in the priority user side car lane 12B and brings the vehicle M into the loading / unloading room 10 through door B14B. After bringing the vehicle M into the loading / unloading room 10, the priority user U2 exits through door B14B of the loading / unloading room 10 to the priority user side car lane 12B and closes door B14B by operating the second operation panel 16B.

[0028] In this way, in the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the present invention, the non-priority user side lane 12A and the priority user side lane 12B are separated so that the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 do not meet each other, and the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 enters and leaves the parking lot through door A14A, or enters through door A14A and leaves through door B14B, and the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters and leaves through door B14B. In this embodiment, the external turntable 20 is not installed on the priority user side lane 12B, but if there is no public road behind the vehicle M on the priority user side lane 12B, the external turntable 20 may be installed.

[0029] <Priority of machine operations when inbound and outbound shipments overlap> In the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the present invention, when the entry / exit operations of a priority user U2 and the entry / exit operations of a non-priority user U1 are performed at the same time, the entry / exit operation of the priority user U2 is given priority when the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, and the entry / exit operation of the non-priority user U1 is given priority when the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user U1 is shorter than the threshold.

[0030] For example, when the priority user U2 performs an entry / exit operation, if the non-priority user U1 is already performing an entry / exit operation, and an empty tray in the case of entry, or a tray with the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 in the case of eviction, is loaded on an elevator (not shown) and the elevator is rising or lowering, or if each tray is moved to the immediate vicinity of the elevator in a storage section (not shown) and is about to be loaded on the elevator, the time required for the entry / exit operation of each tray may be considerably shorter than the time required for the entry / exit operation of the priority user U2. In such a case, a predetermined threshold, i.e., the remaining time in the entry / exit operation is determined in advance, and not only is the entry / exit operation time of the vehicle M of the priority user U2 and the entry / exit operation time of the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 compared, but when the remaining time for the entry / exit operation of the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 is shorter than the threshold, the entry / exit operation of the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 is given priority. On the other hand, when the remaining time for the non-priority user U1's entry / exit work is greater than the threshold, the entry / exit work of the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 is interrupted, and the entry / exit work of the vehicle M of the priority user U2 is given priority.

[0031] The threshold value is set to, for example, 1 minute. This time is appropriately set according to the scale or structure of the mechanical parking device 1. For example, in a mechanical parking device 1 with a large number of cars accommodated in the planar storage section, the travel time of the tray to the lifting device tends to be long, so the threshold value may be set longer. Also, in a mechanical parking device 1 with a small number of cars accommodated in the planar storage section and a large number of storage layers, the travel time of the tray to the lifting device tends to be short, so the threshold value may be set shorter. Also, the threshold value may be set according to the circulation method of the mechanical parking device 1. In particular, in the case of an elevator-type mechanical parking device 1, the time required for the lifting device to rise and fall from a high floor to the entrance and exit level tends to be long overall, so the threshold time may be divided into floors corresponding to the lifting device, and may be the time required for the lifting device to rise and fall from, for example, the 7th or 6th floor to the entrance and exit level.

[0032] Below, an example of a case where non-priority user U1 and priority user U2 overlap in loading and unloading operations, taking into consideration the order of loading and unloading operations or the magnitude of thresholds, etc., will be described with a flowchart. Here, loading operations will be described as "loading call" and unloading operations will be described as "unloading call."

[0033] [When the first and second passengers are non-priority users] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a state when two non-priority users U1, U1 enter the parking lot in one embodiment of the present invention, and shows a case where the entry operations of the first and second non-priority users U1 and U1 overlap.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, (S101) A call for entry from the first non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S102) It is determined whether the authentication code (hereinafter also referred to as "code") stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S104, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S103. (S103) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S101. (S104) In addition, a call for entry of the second non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S105) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S107, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S106. (S106) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S104.

[0035] Here, the details of the machine operation will be explained on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1.

[0036] (S107) When a storage call is made for the first non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 in order to store the vehicle M of the first user, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in the vehicle M. In addition, after the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is loaded onto the lifting device in the storage unit (not shown) and starts moving, if there is an empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1, a preparatory operation may be performed to move the empty tray 18 in a direction approaching the position of the lifting device. (S108) Door A14A opens. (S109) The first non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door A14A. Then, the first non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S110) The first non-priority user U1 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S111) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0037] (S112) Next, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 so that the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 can be stored, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first non-priority user U1 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. Also, the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 may be subjected to a storage operation in which it moves away from the position of the lifting device in the storage section where it is stored. (S113) Door A14A opens. (S114) The second non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door A14A. Then, the second non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S115) The second non-priority user U1 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S116) The vehicle M entered by the second non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section and waits in the loading / unloading room 10, completing the machine operation. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after landing.

[0038] In this way, when the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 make warehousing calls at the same time, the warehousing work is carried out in the order of the warehousing calls.

[0039] [When the first non-priority user enters and the second non-priority user leaves] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a state in which two non-priority users U1 and U1 perform entry and exit operations at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, (S201) A call for entry from the first non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S202) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S204, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S203. (S203) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S201. (S204) Also, a call for the second non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S205) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S207, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S206. (S206) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S204.

[0041] Here, the details of the machine operation will be explained on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1.

[0042] (S207) When a storage call is made for the first non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 in order to store the first user's vehicle M, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in the vehicle M. In addition, in a storage unit (not shown), after the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is loaded onto a lifting device and starts moving, a preparatory operation may be performed in which the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed moves in a direction approaching the position of the lifting device. (S208) Door A14A opens. (S209) The first non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door A14A. Then, the first non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S210) The first non-priority user U1 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S211) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0043] (S212) Next, in order to allow the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M to leave the warehouse, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed into the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is loaded onto an elevator device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first non-priority user U1 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. Also, the tray 18 on which the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed may undergo a storage operation in which it moves away from the position of the elevator device in the storage section in which it is stored. (S213) Door A14A opens. When the second non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10 through door A14A, door B14B opens and door A14A closes. (S214) The second non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. At this time, a not-shown exit guidance device installed on the side of the door B14B in the loading / unloading room 10 displays and sounds a message saying "Please exit by moving forward," urging the second non-priority user U1 to exit through the door B14B. In other words, since there is no priority user U2, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 exits to the side of the priority user's lane 12B in a through state. In this case, the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 do not meet each other (see FIG. 2). (S215) The second non-priority user U1 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (S216) After the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 leaves the warehouse, the empty tray 18 remains at the entrance / exit level of the entrance / exit room 10, and the machine operation is completed.

[0044] In this way, if an entrance call from the first non-priority user U1 and an exit call from the second non-priority user U1 are made at the same time, the entrance and exit operations are carried out in the order of the entrance call and the exit call, and since there is no entrance or exit call from the priority user U2, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 can exit to the priority user side lane 12B.

[0045] [When the first non-priority user enters the parking lot and the second priority user enters the parking lot] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a state in which a warehousing operation by a non-priority user U1 and a warehousing operation by a priority user U2 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, (S301) A call for entry from the first non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S302) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S304, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S303. (S303) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S301. (S304) Next, a call for entry of the second priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (S305) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S307, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S306. (S306) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S304.

[0047] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the description will be made on the assumption that the time taken for the first non-priority user U1 to enter the vehicle M is longer than the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value.

[0048] (S307) Because the time required for the warehousing operation due to the warehousing call of the first non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the warehousing call of the second priority user U2 is given priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user side lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 to allow the second user's vehicle M to enter the warehousing, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10 (see FIG. 3). (S308) Door B14B opens. (S309) The second priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. Then, the second priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S310) The second priority user U2 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (S311) The vehicle M entered by the second priority user U2 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0049] (S312) Next, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 so that the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 can be stored, and the tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. Also, the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 may undergo a storage operation in which it moves away from the position of the lifting device in the storage section where it is stored. (S313) Door A14A opens. (S314) Here, the first non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door A14A. Then, the first non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S315) The first non-priority user U1 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S316) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section and waits in the loading / unloading room 10, completing the machine operation. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after the vehicle lands on the floor.

[0050] In this way, when a warehousing call of the first non-priority user U1 and a warehousing call of the second priority user U2 are made at the same time, if the warehousing operation time for the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the warehousing operation of the second priority user U2 is given priority and is performed before the warehousing operation of the first non-priority user U1.

[0051] [When the first non-priority user enters and the second priority user leaves] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a state in which a first non-priority user U1 performs an entry operation and a second priority user U2 performs an exit operation at the same time in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, (S401) A call for entry from the first non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S402) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S404, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S403. (S403) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S401. (S404) Next, a call for the second priority user U2 to leave the garage is made on the second operation panel 16B. (S405) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S407, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S406. (S406) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S404.

[0053] Here, the details of the mechanical operation will be described on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the description will be made on the assumption that the time taken for the first non-priority user U1 to enter the vehicle M is longer than the predetermined threshold value.

[0054] (S407) Because the time required for the entry operation due to the entry call of the first non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the exit call of the second priority user U2 is given priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user side lane 12A. During this time, in order to allow the second user's vehicle M to leave the warehouse, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M to the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device from a storage section (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. (S408) Door B14B opens. (S409) The second priority user U2 enters the loading / unloading room 10, gets into the vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. (S410) The second priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B 14B. The second priority user U2 gets back into the vehicle M and leaves the parking lot from the priority user side lane 12B.

[0055] (S411) When the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 leaves the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, making it possible for the next vehicle to enter the parking lot, and in this embodiment, the door A14A opens to allow the first non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S412) The first non-priority user U1 stores the vehicle M in an empty tray 18 prepared in the loading / unloading room 10, gets off the vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. (S413) The first non-priority user U1 who has left the room checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S414) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section and waits in the loading / unloading room 10, completing the machine operation. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after the vehicle lands on the floor.

[0056] In this way, when a storage entry call of the first non-priority user U1 and a storage exit call of the second priority user U2 are made at the same time, if the storage entry work time for the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold value, the storage exit work of the second priority user U2 is given priority and is performed before the storage entry work of the first non-priority user U1.

[0057] [When the first non-priority user leaves and the second non-priority user enters] 11 is a flowchart showing a state in which a first non-priority user U1 performs a withdrawal operation and a second non-priority user U1 performs a storage operation at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, (S501) A call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S502) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S504, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S503. (S503) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S501. (S504) Next, a call for entry from the second non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S505) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S507, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S506. (S506) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S504.

[0059] Here, the details of the machine operation will be explained on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the explanation will be given assuming that the time required for the second non-priority user U1 to leave the vehicle M is longer than the predetermined threshold value. Here, it is assumed that there is no entry or exit call from the priority user U2 on the second operation panel 16B.

[0060] (S507) Because the time required for the entry operation due to the entry call of the second non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the exit call of the first non-priority user U1 is given priority, and the second non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation may be performed to call up an empty tray 18 for the second vehicle M, and in this case, a mechanical operation may be performed in parallel to move the empty tray 18 in a direction approaching the lifting device in a storage section (not shown). (S508) When the door A14A opens and the first non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10, the door A14A closes and the door B14B opens. This is because the priority user U1 is not yet performing the loading / unloading operation, and the non-priority user U1 can exit to the priority user side lane 12B. (S509) The first non-priority user U1 gets into vehicle M and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through door B14B. (S510) The first non-priority user U1 once gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. The first non-priority user U1 gets back into the vehicle M and leaves the parking lot from the priority user side lane 12B.

[0061] (S511) When the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 leaves the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, making it possible for the next vehicle to enter the parking lot, and in this embodiment, the door A14A opens to allow the second non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S512) The second non-priority user U1 stores the vehicle M in an empty tray 18 prepared in the loading / unloading room 10, gets off the vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. (S513) The second non-priority user U1 who has left the room checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S514) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section and waits in the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after the vehicle lands on the floor.

[0062] In this way, when a first non-priority user U1's exit call and a second non-priority user U1's entry call are made at the same time, if the entry work time for the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M is longer than a predetermined threshold, the exit work of the first non-priority user U1 is given priority and is performed before the entry work of the second non-priority user U1.

[0063] [When the first non-priority user leaves the parking lot and the second non-priority user leaves the parking lot] 11 is a flowchart showing a state when a withdrawal operation by a first non-priority user U1 and a withdrawal operation by a second non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11, (S601) A call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S602) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S604, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S603. (S603) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S601. (S604) Next, a call for entry from the second non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S605) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S607, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S606. (S606) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S604.

[0065] Here, the details of the machine operation will be explained on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the explanation will be given assuming that the time required for the second non-priority user U1 to leave the vehicle M is longer than the predetermined threshold value. Here, it is assumed that there is no entry or exit call from the priority user U2 on the second operation panel 16B.

[0066] (S607) Because the time required for the second non-priority user U1 to perform the exit call is longer than a predetermined threshold, the first non-priority user U1's exit call is given priority, and the second non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation may be performed to call up the tray 18 on which the second user's vehicle M is placed, and in this case, a mechanical operation may be performed in parallel to move the tray 18 in a direction approaching the lifting device in a storage section (not shown). (S608) When the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed reaches the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, the door A14A opens. When the first non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10, the door A14A closes and the door B14B opens. (S609) The first non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. This is because the non-priority user U1 can leave the vehicle to the priority user side lane 12B since the priority user U2 is not yet performing the loading / unloading operation. (S610) The first non-priority user U1 once gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. The first non-priority user U1 gets back into the vehicle M and leaves the parking lot from the priority user side lane 12B. (S611) When the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 leaves the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device.

[0067] (S612) Next, a mechanical operation is performed in which the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed is landed at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 from the storage section by the lifting device. (S613) When the door A14A opens and the first non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10, the door A14A closes and the door B14B opens. (S614) The second non-priority user U1 gets into vehicle M and leaves through door B14B. (S615) The second non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. The second non-priority user U1 gets back into the vehicle M and leaves the parking lot from the priority user side lane 12B. (S616) After leaving the depot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 until the machine operation is completed.

[0068] In this way, when a first non-priority user U1's and a second non-priority user U1's exit call are made at the same time, if the exit work time for the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M is longer than a predetermined threshold, the exit work of the first non-priority user U1 is given priority and is performed before the exit work of the second non-priority user U1.

[0069] [When the first non-priority user leaves the parking lot and the second priority user enters, the priority user comes first] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a state in an embodiment of the present invention in which a non-priority user U1 performs a take-out operation and a priority user U2 performs a take-in operation at the same time, and the priority user U2 performs the take-in operation first.

[0070] As shown in Figure 12, (S701) A call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S702) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S704, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S703. (S703) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S701. (S704) Next, a call for entry of the second priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (S705) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S707, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S706. (S706) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S704.

[0071] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the description will be made on the assumption that the time required for the first non-priority user U1 to exit the vehicle M is longer than the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value.

[0072] (S707) Because the time required for the first non-priority user U1 to take the leave call is greater than a predetermined threshold, the second priority user U2's entry call is given priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 to allow the second user's vehicle M to enter, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10 (see FIG. 3). (S708) Door B14B opens. (S709) The second priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. Then, the second priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S710) The second priority user U2 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (S711) The vehicle M entered by the second priority user U2 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0073] (S712) Next, in order to allow the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed into the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second priority user U2 has already left the loading / unloading room 10. Also, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 is placed may undergo a storage operation in which it is moved away from the position of the lifting device in the storage section in which it is stored. (S713) Here, in order to allow the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 to exit to the non-priority user lane 12A, the built-in turntable 18A rotates 180 degrees to face the front side of the vehicle M toward the door A14A (see FIG. 5). (S714) Door A14A opens. (S715) Here, the first non-priority user U1 gets into the vehicle M and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through the door A14A to cause the vehicle M to leave the loading / unloading room 10. (S716) The first non-priority user U1 temporarily gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone inside the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (S717) After leaving the depot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 until the machine operation is completed.

[0074] In this way, when the first non-priority user U1's exit call and the second priority user U2's entry call are made at the same time, if the first non-priority user U1's exit work time for the vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the second priority user U2's entry work is prioritized and is performed before the first non-priority user U1's exit work. In this entry / exit pattern, when the first non-priority user U1 exits the vehicle, the second priority user U2's entry work, which was performed earlier, has been completed and the second priority user U2 is away from the priority user side vehicle lane 12B. Therefore, the first non-priority user U1 may be controlled to enter the entry / exit room 10 from the door A14A, get on the vehicle M, and exit from the door B14B side without rotating the built-in turntable 18A. Even in this way, the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 will not meet. The method of entering the loading / unloading room 10 through door A 14A and departing through door B 14B will be described later in the description of FIG.

[0075] [When the first non-priority user leaves the parking lot and the second priority user enters, the priority user comes later] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a state in an embodiment of the present invention in which a non-priority user U1 performs a take-out operation and a priority user U2 performs a take-in operation at the same time, and the priority user U2 performs the take-in operation later.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, (S801) A call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S802) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S804, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S803. (S803) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S801. (S804) Next, a call for entry of the second priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (S805) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S807, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S806. (S806) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S804.

[0077] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the description will be made on the assumption that the time required for the first non-priority user U1 to exit the vehicle M is shorter than the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value.

[0078] (S807) Assume that the time required for the unloading operation due to the unloading call of the first non-priority user U1 is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, that is, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed is being moved on the lifting device, or the tray 18 has landed at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10. In such a case, even if the unloading call of the priority user U2 is accepted, the machine operation of the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed will result in a shorter unloading operation time of the second priority user U2. Therefore, the unloading call of the first non-priority user U1 is given priority, and the second priority user U2 waits at the priority user side lane 12B. During this time, a machine operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the unloading room 10 for the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 to be loaded, and a preparatory operation may be performed in the direction in which the empty tray 18 approaches the lifting device (not shown). (S808) Here, in order to allow the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 to exit to the non-priority user lane 12A, the built-in turntable 18A rotates 180 degrees to face the front side of the vehicle M toward the door A14A (see FIG. 5). (S809) Door A14A opens. (S810) The first non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10 through the door A14A and causes the vehicle M to exit the loading / unloading room 10. (S811) Then, the first non-priority user U1 gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. After unloading, the tray 18 becomes an empty tray 18, so it remains stopped at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10.

[0079] (S812) When the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 leaves the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, making it possible for the next vehicle to enter the parking lot, and in this embodiment, the door B14B opens to allow the second priority user U2 to enter the parking lot. (S813) The second priority user U2 stores the vehicle M in an empty tray 18 prepared in the loading / unloading room 10, gets off the vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. (S814) The second priority user U2 who has left the loading / unloading room 10 checks whether there is anyone there and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (S815) The vehicle M entered by the second priority user U2 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section and waits in the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after the vehicle lands on the floor.

[0080] In this way, when a first non-priority user U1's exit call and a second priority user U2's entry call are made at the same time, and the exit work time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is shorter than a predetermined threshold, the exit work of the first non-priority user U1 is given priority and is performed before the entry work of the second priority user U2.

[0081] [When the first non-priority user leaves the parking lot and the second priority user leaves the parking lot, the priority user leaves first] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a state in which a non-priority user U1's withdrawal operation overlaps with a priority user U2's withdrawal operation, and the priority user U2's withdrawal operation is performed first in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] As shown in Figure 14, (S901) A call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse is made on the first operation panel 16A. (S902) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S904, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S903. (S903) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S901. (S904) Next, a call for the second priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (S905) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to S907, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to S906. (S906) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to S904.

[0083] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, here, the description will be made on the assumption that the time required for the first non-priority user U1 to exit the vehicle M is longer than the predetermined threshold value.

[0084] Since the time required for the second priority user U2 to call for leaving the garage is less than a predetermined threshold, the call for leaving the garage of the second priority user U2 is given priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation may be performed to call up the tray 18 on which the first vehicle M is placed, and in this case, a mechanical operation may be performed in parallel to move the tray 18 in a direction approaching the lifting device in a storage section (not shown). (S907) When the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 lands at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, the built-in turntable rotates to face the front side of the vehicle M toward the door B14B. (S908) Door B14B opens. (S909) The second priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B to the priority user side lane 12B. (S910) The second priority user U2 temporarily gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (S911) When the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 leaves the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device.

[0085] (S912) Next, a mechanical operation is performed in which the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed is moved from the storage section to the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 by the lifting device. (S913) When the door A14A opens and the first non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10, the door A14A closes and the door B14B opens. (S914) The first non-priority user U1 gets into vehicle M and leaves through door B14B. (S915) The first non-priority user U1 temporarily gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (S916) After leaving the depot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 until the machine operation is completed.

[0086] In this way, when a first non-priority user U1's exit call and a second priority user U2's exit call are made at the same time, if the exit work time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is longer than a predetermined threshold, the exit work of the second priority user U2 is given priority and is performed before the exit work of the first non-priority user U1.

[0087] [When the first priority user enters the parking lot and the second non-priority user enters the parking lot] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a state when a warehousing operation by a priority user U2 and a warehousing operation by a non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] As shown in Figure 15, (SA01) A call for entry from the first priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (SA02) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to SA04, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to SA03. (SA03) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to SA01. (SA04) In addition, a call for entry from the second non-priority user U1 is made on the first operation panel 16A, (SA05) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to SA07, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to SA06. (SA06) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to SA04.

[0089] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first priority user U2 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, the explanation will be made on the assumption that the parking operation time of the second non-priority user U1 is greater than a threshold value, so that the parking operation of the first priority user U2 is given priority.

[0090] (SA07) When a first priority user U2 makes a storage call, a machine operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 in order to store the vehicle M of the first priority user U2, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in the vehicle M. In addition, in a storage unit (not shown), a preparatory operation may be performed in which the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 moves in a direction approaching the position of the lifting device after the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is loaded onto the lifting device and starts moving. (SA08) Door B14B opens. (SA09) The first priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. Then, the first priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (SA10) The first priority user U2 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (SA11) The vehicle M entered by the first priority user U2 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0091] (SA12) Next, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 so that the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 can be stored, and the tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. Also, the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 may undergo a storage operation in which it moves away from the position of the lifting device in the storage section where it is stored. (SA13) Door A14A opens. (SA14) A second non-priority user U1 gets into vehicle M and enters the loading / unloading room 10 through door A14A (see FIG. 5). (SA15) The second non-priority user U1 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (SA16) The tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed is moved to the storage section while still mounted on the lifting device, and is stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section, but waits in the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after landing.

[0092] In this way, when a parking call of the first priority user U2 and a parking call of the second non-priority user U1 are made at the same time, the parking call of the first priority user U2 is given priority on the priority user side lane 12B side, and the second non-priority user U1 waits on the non-priority user side lane 12A side, so that the priority user U2 and the non-priority user U1 do not meet, and the parking call of the priority user U2 is given priority.

[0093] [When the first priority user enters the parking lot and the second non-priority user leaves the parking lot] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a state when a loading operation by a priority user U2 and a withdrawal operation by a non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] As shown in Figure 16, (SB01) A call for entry from the first priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (SB02) A determination is made as to whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to SB04, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to SB03. (SB03) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code in question is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to SB01. (SB04) Also, a call is made on the first operation panel 16A for the second non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse. (SB05) A determination is made as to whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to SA07, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to SA06. (SA06) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the first operation panel 16A or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to SB04.

[0095] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first priority user U2 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, the explanation will be made on the assumption that the time required for the second non-priority user U1 to leave the parking lot is greater than a threshold value, so the entry operation of the first priority user U2 is given priority.

[0096] (SB07) When a first priority user U2 makes a storage call, a machine operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 in order to store the vehicle M of the first priority user U2, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user side lane 12A. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed may undergo a preparatory operation to move in a direction approaching the position of the lifting device after the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is loaded onto a lifting device and starts moving in a storage section (not shown). (SB08) Door B14B opens. (SB09) The first priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. Then, the first priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (SB10) The first priority user U2 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (SB11) The vehicle M entered by the first priority user U2 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0097] (SB12) Next, in order to allow the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 to leave the warehouse, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed to the loading / unloading room 10, the tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed is rotated 180 degrees by the built-in turntable 18A so that the front side of the vehicle M faces the door A14A. In this case, the first priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is placed may be subjected to a storage operation in which the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is placed is moved in a direction away from the position of the lifting device in the storage section where it is stored. (SB13) Door A14A opens. (SB14) A second non-priority user U1 gets into vehicle M and leaves the loading / unloading room 10 through door A14A (see FIG. 5). (SB15) The second non-priority user U1 temporarily gets off the vehicle M, checks whether there is anyone inside the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the first operation panel 16A to close the door A14A. (SB16) After leaving the depot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 until the machine operation is completed.

[0098] In this way, when a first priority user U2 makes an entrance call and a second non-priority user U1 makes an exit call at the same time, the entrance of the first priority user U2 is given priority on the priority user side lane 12B side, and the second non-priority user U1 waits on the non-priority user side lane 12A side, so that the priority user U2 and the non-priority user U1 do not meet, and the entrance of the priority user U2 is given priority.

[0099] On the other hand, a case where the leaving operation time of the second non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the entry operation of the first priority user U2 is put on hold, and the leaving operation of the second non-priority user U1 is given priority. In this case, "Door A" in steps SB13 to SB15 in FIG. 16 is replaced with "Door B."

[0100] As shown in Fig. 4, when the second non-priority user U1 is given priority for the exit operation, the first priority user U2 waits his / her vehicle M at the stop line 22 marked on the floor of the priority user's road 12B. At this time, the priority user U2 is viewing the guide light 24 that is installed near the second operation panel 16B and displays "Exit operation in progress" in the direction visible from the vehicle M of the priority user U2.

[0101] When non-priority user U1 enters the entrance / exit room 10 through door A14A, door A14A closes and door B14B opens. Then, non-priority user U1 gets into vehicle M and leaves through door B14B. Non-priority user U1 once gets off vehicle M, operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close door B14B, and then gets back into vehicle M to leave the priority user side lane 12B. At this time, priority user U2 cannot tell whether the leaving vehicle M is vehicle M of another priority user U2 or vehicle M of non-priority user U1, and therefore does not know that non-priority user U1 has left the parking lot.

[0102] The guide light 24 changes from "Exiting operation in progress" to "Entry OK", and the priority user U2 performs the entry operation on the second operation panel 16B, and the vehicle M enters the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. In this case, since an empty tray 18 from the previous exit is waiting in the loading / unloading room 10, the door B14B opens immediately.

[0103] In this way, when the exit operation time of the second non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold, the entry operation of the first priority user U2 is put on hold, and the exit of the second non-priority user U1 is given priority. This can shorten the overall entry and exit operation time of the mechanical parking device 1.

[0104] [When the first priority user and the second priority user enter the parking lot] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a state when a warehousing operation by a first priority user U2 and a warehousing operation by a second priority user U2 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] As shown in Figure 17, (SC01) A call for entry from the first priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (SC02) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the first priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to SC04, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to SC03. (SC03) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B, or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to SC01. (SC04) Next, a call for entry from the second priority user U2 is made on the second operation panel 16B. (SC05) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium possessed by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, proceed to SC07, and if it is determined that the code is not registered, proceed to SC06. (SC06) When the authentication medium is held over the reading section of the second operation panel 16B or the PIN number is entered into the numeric keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" will be displayed to indicate that the user is not registered, and the process returns to SC04.

[0106] Here, the details of the machine operation will be described on the assumption that both the first priority user U2 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1. In addition, the explanation will be given on the assumption that the parking operation time of the second priority user U2 is greater than the threshold value, so that the parking operation of the first priority user U2 is given priority.

[0107] (SC07) When a first priority user U2 makes a storage call, a machine operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 in order to store the vehicle M of the first priority user U2, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second priority user U2 waits in the vehicle M parked in the priority user side road 12B. In addition, the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 may undergo a preparatory operation to move in a direction approaching the position of the lifting device after the empty tray 18 for the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is loaded onto the lifting device and starts moving in a storage unit (not shown). (SC08) Door B14B opens. (SC09) The first priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B. Then, the first priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (SC10) The first priority user U2 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (SC11) The vehicle M entered by the first priority user U2 is moved to the storage section by the lifting device and stored in the storage section.

[0108] (SC12) Next, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the loading / unloading room 10 in order to store the vehicle M of the second priority user U2, and the tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moves to land in the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. Also, the tray 18 carrying the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 may undergo a storage operation in which it moves away from the position of the lifting device in the storage section where it is stored. (SC13) Door B14B opens. (SC14) The second priority user U2 gets into the vehicle M and causes the vehicle M to enter the loading / unloading room 10 through the door B14B (see FIG. 3). Then, the second priority user U2 gets off the vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (SC15) The second priority user U2 checks whether there is anyone in the loading / unloading room 10 and whether it is safe, and then operates the door close button on the second operation panel 16B to close the door B14B. (SC16) The tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 is placed is moved to the storage section while still mounted on the lifting device, and is stored in the storage section. If storing the vehicle M in the storage section would cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage section, but waits in the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage section would not cause the storage section to become full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage section as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage section is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after landing.

[0109] In this way, when a parking call of the first priority user U2 and a parking call of the second priority user U2 are made at the same time, the parking call of the first priority user U2 is given priority on the side of the priority user side lane 12B, and the second priority user U2 waits on the side of the priority user side lane 12B, and the first user and then the second user bring their vehicles M into the parking lot in that order.

[0110] As described above in detail, the present invention relates to a method of operating a mechanical parking device comprising: an entry / exit room 10 having a door A14A through which a vehicle M enters and exits on one side, and a door B14B opposite the door A14A through which a vehicle enters and exits on the other side; a first operation panel 16A installed facing the non-priority user side lane 12A continuous with the door A14A and operated by a non-priority user U1; and a second operation panel 16B installed facing the priority user side lane 12B continuous with the door B14B and operated by a priority user U2; and the non-priority user side lane 12A and the priority user side lane 12B are separated so that the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 do not meet each other, and the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 enters and exits through the door A14A, or enters through the door A14A and exits through the door B14B, and the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters and exits through the door B14B.

[0111] This allows the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 to avoid meeting each other and to operate the individually installed operation panels (first operation panel 16A, second operation panel 16B), and the mechanical parking device can be operated efficiently without the non-priority user U1 knowing that the entry and exit operations of the priority user U2 are given priority.

[0112] In addition, in the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the present invention, when the exit operation of the non-priority user U1 is earlier than the entry / exit operation of the priority user U2, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 is caused to exit to the side of the door B14B.

[0113] This allows the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 to leave the parking lot by passing through the door B14B, thereby shortening the time required for leaving the parking lot.

[0114] In addition, in the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the present invention, when the entry / exit operations of a priority user U2 and the entry / exit operations of a non-priority user U1 are performed at the same time, if the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the entry / exit operation of the priority user U2 is given priority, and if the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user U1 is shorter than the threshold, the entry / exit operation of the non-priority user U1 is given priority.

[0115] As a result, when the entry / exit work time of a non-priority user U1 is less than a predetermined threshold, the entry / exit work of the non-priority user U1 is given priority, eliminating the need to return vehicle M to the storage section when non-priority user U1's vehicle M is entering or exiting the parking lot, allowing the mechanical parking device 1 to be operated efficiently and shortening the overall entry / exit work time of the mechanical parking device 1.

[0116] In addition, in the operating method of the mechanical parking device of the present invention, when a priority user U2 starts entering or exiting the parking lot, if the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user U1 is shorter than a threshold value, the priority user U2 is notified by a guide light 24 provided in the priority user side lane 12B that a user of another vehicle M is currently performing an exit operation.

[0117] This makes it possible to easily notify the priority user U2 that the retrieval work is being carried out in the loading / unloading room 10, and the priority user U2 can wait for the retrieval work to be completed with peace of mind.

[0118] In the present invention, various patterns of entry and exit are performed, but the entry / exit room 10 is provided with a door A14A and a door B14B facing it, and the door A14A side is the non-priority user side lane 12A, and the door B14B side is the priority user side lane 12B, which are independent lanes, so that the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 do not meet each other. As a result, even if the entry / exit work of the priority user U2 is given priority, an operation method can be adopted in which the priority user U2 and the non-priority user U1 do not meet, so even if the entry / exit time of the non-priority user U1 is slightly longer, the non-priority user U1 will not know that this is due to the entry / exit work of the priority user U2.

[0119] In addition, when the entry and exit operations of priority user U2 and non-priority user U1 are performed at the same time, the entry and exit operations of priority user U2 are given priority when the entry and exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is longer than a predetermined threshold, and the entry and exit operation of non-priority user U1 is given priority when the entry and exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is shorter than the threshold.Since this operation method is such that the control device determines when entry and exit will be completed in a short time and performs mechanical operation, the overall entry and exit operation time of the mechanical parking device can be shortened.

[0120] In addition, in this embodiment, when vehicle M leaves the depot, door A14A or door B14B is closed by operating the door close button. However, this is not limited to this. A system for confirming leaving the depot using various imaging devices and various sensors, etc. may be configured in the depot / return room 10 to perform various controls for unmanned confirmation, safety confirmation, and door closing operation, so that door A14A or door B14B can be automatically closed without non-priority user U1 or priority user U2 getting out of vehicle M that has left the depot / return room 10.

[0121] Although an example of the loading / unloading pattern in the present invention has been given above, it goes without saying that other loading / unloading patterns are also included within the technical scope intended by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Mechanical parking system 10. Storage room 10A Floor 10B opening 12A Non-priority user side lane (example of the first lane) 12B Priority User Side Lane (Example of the Second Lane) 14A Door A (Example of the first door) 14B Door B (Example of the second door) 16A 1st operation panel (an example of an operation panel for non-priority users) 16B Second operation panel (an example of an operation panel for priority users) 18 trays, empty trays 18A Built-in turntable 18B Rotation trajectory 20 External turntable 22 Stop line 24 Guide Light M Vehicle U1 Non-priority user U2 priority user

Claims

1. an entrance / exit room having a first door through which a vehicle enters / exits the room and a second door opposed to the first door through which a vehicle enters / exits the room; a first operation panel that is installed facing a first roadway connected to the first door and that is operated by a non-priority user; a second operation panel that is installed facing a second roadway connected to the second door and is operated by a priority user; A method for operating a mechanical parking device, in which the first lane and the second lane are separated so that the non-priority users and the priority users do not meet each other, The vehicle of the non-priority user enters and leaves the parking lot through the first door, or enters the parking lot through the first door and leaves the parking lot through the second door, The priority user's vehicle enters and leaves the parking lot through the second door. How to operate a mechanical parking device.

2. 2. A method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 1, wherein when the non-priority user's exit operation is earlier than the priority user's entry and exit operation, the non-priority user's vehicle is allowed to exit from the side of the second door.

3. 3. A method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the entry / exit operations of the priority user and the entry / exit operations of a non-priority user are performed at the same time, the entry / exit operations of the priority user are given priority when the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is longer than a predetermined threshold value, and the entry / exit operation of the non-priority user is given priority when the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is shorter than the threshold value.

4. 4. The method of operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 3, wherein when the priority user starts entering or leaving the parking lot, if the entry / exit work time of the non-priority user is shorter than the threshold value, the priority user is notified by a guide light provided in the second lane that a user of another vehicle is performing an exit operation.

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