Multi-level parking facility

Abstract

To provide a multi-level parking facility capable of preventing an accident resulting in vehicle damage by properly detecting false entry when entering the garage.SOLUTION: The multi-level parking facility includes: multiple storage spaces with multiple stages with multiple spans 15-17; and a fence 21 that is capable of sliding laterally a pallet of a boarding level 20 and raising and lowering the front of the storage space 7 of a boarding level 20 in the same span as pallets on other levels. The multi-level parking facility includes: a vehicle detection sensor 30 that is placed at a boarding level 20 of multiple spans 15-17 to detect with a beam irradiating a vehicle V boarding on a palette 10-12 from the rear lower part of each span 15-17 toward the forward direction; and a controller device 40 that determines whether the span 15-17 in which receiving palette exists by performing an entrance operation is made agrees with the span 15-17 where the entering vehicle V is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30. The controller device 40 is configured to prohibit fence 21 from being closed when determines that the span 15-17 in which the receiving palette exists does not agree with span 15-17 where the vehicle V is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a multi-level parking facility having multiple levels and spans of storage space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a multi-level parking facility with a lift-and-cross type storage space with multiple levels and spans, vehicles are parked on a pallet that moves across the middle level of the entrance area, and on a pallet that moves up and down from the upper and lower levels toward the empty space in the middle level. Vehicles that are parked in a multi-level parking facility include low-height standard cars (hereinafter, low-height cars are collectively referred to as "low-height cars") and high-height high-roof cars and SUVs (sports utility vehicles) (hereinafter, high-height cars are collectively referred to as "high-height cars").

[0003] In the case of a multi-level parking facility with a lower level in an underground pit, the lower level is often a storage space for low-height vehicles, and the middle level of the boarding level is a storage space for high-height vehicles, as they enter and leave the facility. In addition, there are some cases where the upper level is a storage space for either high-height vehicles or low-height vehicles.

[0004] In the case of such multi-level parking facilities, when a vehicle enters the parking facility, pallets are lined up on all spans of the entrance level, so it is possible that the driver may mistakenly enter the wrong pallet among the multiple lined up pallets. If a user of a high-height vehicle mistakenly enters the pallet for low-height vehicles, and the machine operates with the vehicle over the height limit, the pallet for low-height vehicles will be stored in the underground pit, and the middle pallet will move sideways, causing an accident in which the middle pallet damages the vehicle in the underground pit.

[0005] In addition to damaging the vehicle, such accidents occur when the next user operates the device, so there is often no one to use the damaged vehicle, making it impossible to move the vehicle immediately and requiring time for recovery.

[0006] Prior literature on preventing erroneous entry includes a parking device that prevents erroneous entry by providing an actual vehicle detection means having a light projector and a light receiver on each pallet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This parking device compares incoming pallet information detected by the actual vehicle detection means with nominal pallet information called up at the time of entry, and determines that an erroneous entry has occurred if the nominal pallet information and the incoming pallet information do not match.

[0007] Another prior document is a parking facility that prevents erroneous entry by fixing the span where pallets are placed on the boarding floor to a fixed position (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This parking facility prevents erroneous entry by always using the same span when entering and leaving the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-197354 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-119262 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since an actual vehicle detection means is provided on each pallet, wiring to supply power to each pallet is required, which requires cost and labor.In addition, since the actual vehicle detection means provided on each pallet moves with the pallet, time and labor are required for maintenance to maintain the detection accuracy of the sensor.

[0010] In addition, in the above Patent Document 2, since entry and exit is possible only after the pallet on the boarding floor is placed in its designated position, entry and exit may take time, compromising smoothness.

[0011] The present application aims to provide a multi-level parking facility that can properly detect erroneous entry at the time of entry and prevent vehicle damage accidents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A multi-level parking facility according to one embodiment of the present application comprises a plurality of storage spaces having a plurality of spans on multiple levels, a predetermined level of the multiple levels being a boarding level, at least one level different from the boarding level being a low vehicle height vehicle storage level, and a pallet of the low vehicle height vehicle storage level is raised and lowered and placed in an empty span of the boarding level so that pallets are placed in all spans of the boarding level. The multi-level parking facility comprises a fence that closes the front of the storage space of the boarding level, a vehicle detection sensor that is placed on the boarding level of the multiple spans and detects vehicles that have been loaded onto the pallet with a beam that is irradiated forward from the rear lower part of each of the spans, and a control device that determines whether the span in which a call pallet is located by a loading operation matches the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detected the vehicle, and the control device prevents the fence from being closed when it determines that the span in which the call pallet is placed does not match the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detected the vehicle.

[0013] With this configuration, in a multi-level parking facility having multiple spans on multiple levels, the control device can determine whether the span on which the call pallet is located by the entry operation matches the span on which the vehicle detection sensors arranged on each span detect the vehicle that has entered the pallet on the entry level. If it is determined that the span of the call pallet does not match the span on which the entered vehicle is detected, it can determine that the entry has been erroneous, and the fence cannot be closed to prevent the entry from being completed. This prevents erroneous entry of a vehicle onto a pallet other than the call pallet, and appropriately prevents accidents after entry caused by erroneously entering a high-height vehicle onto a pallet for low-height vehicles.

[0014] The control device may also be configured to enable closing of the fence when the vehicle detection sensor no longer detects the vehicle in the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detected the vehicle.

[0015] With this configuration, the user recognizes that the warehousing has been erroneous because the fence cannot be closed and the warehousing is not completed, and the fence can be closed by removing the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to be warehousing again on the call pallet.

[0016] In addition, the control device may be configured to notify of erroneous entry when it determines that the span in which the call pallet is placed does not match the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detects the vehicle.

[0017] With this configuration, the user can be notified of the erroneous storage of a pallet in a span different from the span in which the nominal pallet is located.

[0018] In addition, the vehicle detection sensor may be composed of a regression reflection type beam sensor having a sensor body and a reflective member that reflects the beam emitted from the sensor body, and the multi-stage storage space may have an upper stage above the boarding stage, and the pallet of the upper stage may have the reflective member on its underside that reflects the beam emitted from the sensor body provided at the rear lower part of the storage space.

[0019] With this configuration, when a retroreflective beam sensor is used as the vehicle detection sensor, a reflective member that reflects the beam emitted from the sensor body is located on the underside of the upper pallet, thereby preventing dirt such as dust and the adhesion of water droplets.

[0020] In addition, the upper pallet may have a convex portion protruding upward between supporting surfaces on which the vehicle tires are placed, the supporting surfaces extending in the fore-and-aft direction, and the reflective member may be provided on the underside of the convex portion.

[0021] With this configuration, the reflective member is provided in the recessed portion formed by the convex portion of the upper pallet, so that the reflective member does not interfere with vehicles entering and leaving the shed.

[0022] The reflective member may also be provided on a framework that defines the storage space.

[0023] With this configuration, when a retroreflective beam sensor is used as a vehicle detection sensor, the beam emitted from the sensor body can be reflected by the reflective member provided in the framework even when the upper pallet is not on the upper level. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the multi-level parking system of the present application, it is possible to appropriately detect erroneous entry when entering the parking lot. Therefore, it is possible to prevent vehicle damage accidents caused by erroneous entry. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first multi-level parking facility according to a first embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the first multi-level parking facility shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are drawings of an upper pallet provided with the reflector shown in FIG. 2, in which (A) is a front view and (B) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view seen from the side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a second multi-level parking facility according to a second embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the second multi-level parking facility shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional side view showing a portion of the frame on which the reflector shown in FIG. 6 is provided. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a third multi-level parking facility according to the third embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the first half of a flowchart for determining erroneous entry in the multi-level parking facility of the present application. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the latter half of the flowchart for determining whether or not a vehicle has entered the multi-level parking facility of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] An embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, the multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70 will be described as having a plurality of storage spaces 6-8, each of which has three levels and three spans 15-17. In each of the multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70 in the following embodiment, the middle level is the entrance level, allowing high-height vehicles HV to enter and exit the parking facility, and the middle level is used for low-height vehicles LV and high-height vehicles HV to enter and exit the parking facility. In addition, the concepts of up, down, left, and right directions in this specification and claims are assumed to be consistent with the concepts of up, down, left, and right directions in a state facing the fence 21 as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the concept of the front-rear direction is assumed to be consistent with the concept of the front-rear direction in which the direction in which high-height vehicles HV and low-height vehicles LV enter and exit the parking facility is the front, as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the high-height vehicles HV and low-height vehicles LV are also collectively referred to as vehicles V.

[0027] <First multi-level parking facility> Fig. 1 is a front view showing a first multi-level parking facility 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the first multi-level parking facility 1. Figs. 1 and 2 show the ground and other parts in cross section.

[0028] The first multi-level parking facility 1 is constructed with a framework 5 formed by a plurality of support columns 2 and cross beams 3 as a skeleton. The framework 5 forms a storage space with three levels vertically and three spans 15-17 horizontally. The first multi-level parking facility 1 has an upper storage space 6 in the upper level capable of storing high-height vehicles HV, a middle storage space 7 in the middle level capable of storing high-height vehicles HV, and a lower storage space 8 in the lower level capable of storing low-height vehicles LV. In the first multi-level parking facility 1, the lower storage space 8 is a storage level for low-height vehicles. The lower storage space 8 is provided in a pit 9 formed by excavating underground, and the middle storage space 7 on the ground level is a designated level for the boarding level 20. The upper storage space 6 and the middle storage space 7 have a height capable of storing high-height vehicles HV, and the lower storage space 8 has a height capable of storing low-height vehicles LV.

[0029] In the upper storage space 6, three upper pallets 10 (in this example, A to C are attached from left to right) are arranged side by side. In the lower storage space 8, three lower pallets 11 (in this example, F to H are attached from left to right) are arranged side by side. In the middle storage space 7, two middle pallets 12 (in this example, D and E are attached from left to right) are arranged side by side, which is one less than the number of spans. In the state shown in the figure, the middle pallets 12 (D, E) are located in the left span 15 and the right span 17, and the lower pallet 11 (G) is raised and arranged in the central span 16, which is an empty span of the boarding step 20. In the boarding step 20, two middle pallets 12 and one lower pallet 11 are arranged, and pallets are arranged in all spans.

[0030] The middle pallet 12 can be moved laterally in the middle storage space 7 by a lateral movement drive unit (not shown). The upper pallet 10 can be raised and lowered in the same span between the upper storage space 6 and the middle storage space 7 by a lifting chain driven by a lifting drive unit 14 (Fig. 3). The lower pallet 11 can be raised and lowered in the same span between the lower storage space 8 and the middle storage space 7 by a lifting chain driven by a lifting drive unit (not shown). Note that the lateral movement of the middle pallet 12 and the raising and lowering of the upper pallet 10 and the lower pallet 11 can be performed using the same configuration as that in a known multi-level parking facility, and therefore a detailed description of the configuration for moving these pallets 12, 10, 11 laterally and raising and lowering them will be omitted.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the upper pallet 10 of the upper storage space 6 of the high vehicle height vehicle storage level is also called the high vehicle height pallet, and the lower pallet 11 of the lower storage space 8 of the low vehicle height vehicle storage level is also called the low vehicle height pallet. In addition, the spans 15-17 when a high vehicle height pallet is placed in the middle storage space 7 of the boarding level are also called the high vehicle height span, and the spans 15-17 when a low vehicle height pallet is placed in the middle storage space 7 of the boarding level are also called the low vehicle height span. The low vehicle height span is only when the lower pallet 11, which is a low vehicle height pallet, is placed in the middle storage space 7, and is a maximum of one span. In the state shown in the figure, the central span 16 is a low vehicle height span.

[0032] Further, an operation panel 25 is provided on the support pillars 2 of the framework body 5. The operation panel 25 receives entry and exit operations by users. An openable and closable fence 21 is provided in front of the boarding step 20 between the boarding floor 22 and the boarding step. The fence 21 is opened and closed in the vertical direction by a fence opening and closing drive unit 23 via a chain (not shown). By opening the fence 21, the vehicle V can be entered and exited at the boarding step 20.

[0033] <Entry detection sensor> The first multi-level parking facility 1 is provided with an entrance detection sensor 35 at the front of the middle storage space 7 so as to cross all spans 15-17 in the left-right direction. The entrance detection sensor 35 may be a beam sensor. The entrance detection sensor 35 is provided at the entrance of the middle storage space 7, which is the entrance level 20, at a height that detects the vehicle V entering from the outside. The entrance detection sensor 35 irradiates a beam 36 so as to cross all spans 15-17 in the left-right direction, and detects the entry of the vehicle V when the beam 36 is blocked by the entering vehicle V. The entrance detection sensor 35 can determine that the vehicle V has entered the designated position of the pallet when it detects the vehicle V and then no longer detects it. The entrance detection sensor 35 may be a front end position restriction sensor that detects the protrusion of the front of the vehicle. The entrance detection sensor 35 may also be an obstacle detection sensor provided so as to cross the entire span. The entrance detection sensors 35 may be installed in two in the front-rear direction to determine the traveling direction of the vehicle V, and the entrance or exit of the vehicle V may be determined in the order of detection. The two entrance detection sensors 35 may be used as both a front end position restriction sensor and an obstacle detection sensor, which are normally provided.

[0034] <Vehicle detection sensor> Each span 15-17 is provided with a vehicle detection sensor 30 that detects, in the respective span 15-17, a vehicle V entering the pallet 10-12 arranged on the entrance level 20. The vehicle detection sensor 30 is provided in the left-right central portion of each of the spans 15-17 in the middle storage space 7.

[0035] The vehicle detection sensor 30 of the first multi-level parking facility 1 is composed of a retroreflective beam sensor. The vehicle detection sensor 30 has a sensor body 31 and a reflector 32 as a reflecting member, and detects an obstruction between the sensor body 31 and the reflector 32. The sensor body 31 is provided at the rear lower part of the center in the left-right direction of each span 15-17 of the middle storage space 7. The sensor body 31 is arranged so as to irradiate a beam 33 diagonally forward in each span 15-17. The sensor body 31 irradiates the beam 33 from the rear of each span 15-17 forward in the entrance direction, so that it does not interfere with the entry and exit of the vehicle V. The reflector 32 is provided on the lower surface at the front of the upper pallet 10, and reflects the beam 33 irradiated from the sensor body 31. The reflecting member is not limited to a plate-shaped member.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the upper pallet 10 provided with the reflector 32 shown in FIG. 2, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view from the side. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the upper pallet 10 has a protruding portion 10b protruding upward between tire placement surfaces 10a extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 4(B), the reflector 32 is attached to a bracket 34 provided toward a recessed portion on the lower surface of the protruding portion 10b. Since the reflector 32 is provided in the recessed portion on the lower surface of the upper pallet 10, it does not protrude downward from the upper pallet 10 and does not interfere with the entry and exit of the vehicle V. In addition, since the reflector 32 is provided on the lower surface of the upper pallet 10, it is possible to prevent dirt such as dust and water droplets from adhering to the upper pallet 10. The reflector 32 may be directly attached to the reinforcing material 13 of the upper pallet 10. The reflector 32 can be easily attached by providing it on the lower surface of the upper pallet 10.

[0037] The first multi-level parking facility 1 emits a beam 33 from the sensor body 31 of the vehicle detection sensor 30 toward a reflector 32, and detects a vehicle V when the vehicle V enters a pallet arranged in the middle storage space 7 and interrupts the beam 33.

[0038] In addition, in the spans at the left and right ends, the reflectors 32 may be attached to the pillars 2 or cross beams 3 on the entrance side of the framework 5. The reflectors 32 are attached so as to detect only actual vehicles in that span and not actual vehicles in other spans. The reflectors 32 in the spans in the center may be attached to the underside of the upper pallet 10.

[0039] Furthermore, if a reflector 32 is attached to the underside of the upper pallet 10, the reflector 32 cannot be used when the upper pallet 10 moves to the middle storage space 7. However, since the upper pallet 10 is suspended by a chain or the like and descends to the boarding level 20, it is easy to identify that it is located in the middle storage space 7. Therefore, if the upper pallet 10 is used as a storage space for high-height vehicles (HVs), it is difficult to mistake the pallet when the upper pallet 10 is located in the middle storage space 7, so erroneous entry may not be detected. Furthermore, reflectors may be attached to other parts as in the second multi-level parking facility 50 described later to detect erroneous entry.

[0040] <Control device> The first multi-level parking facility 1 is equipped with a control device 40 which operates each of the pallets 10-12 in response to input from the operation panel 25. The control device 40 places a call pallet operated by the operation panel 25 on the entrance level 20. The control device 40 stores the span in which the call pallet input from the operation panel 25 is located. The control device 40 uses the vehicle detection sensor 30 to detect which span the incoming vehicle has entered.

[0041] The control device 40 has a processor, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an I / O interface, etc. The control device 40 realizes each determination by the processor performing arithmetic processing using the volatile memory based on a program stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0042] <Entry into the first multi-level parking facility> As shown in FIG. 1, the first multi-level parking facility 1 places the lower pallet 11 of the low height vehicle storage level in the middle storage space 7 of the central span 16 when the lower pallet 11 (G) is called by the operation panel 25. The state of FIG. 1 shows a state in which a high height vehicle HV has already been stored in the middle pallet 12 of the left span 15 and the upper pallet 10 of the right span 17, and a low height vehicle LV has been stored in the lower pallet 11 of the central span 16. In this case, when the low height vehicle LV is stored, the storage detection sensor 35 detects the low height vehicle LV. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle detection sensor 30 provided in each span 15-17 detects the low height vehicle LV when the beam 33 irradiated from the sensor body 31 provided in the central span 16 toward the reflector 32 is blocked by the low height vehicle L. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the lower pallet 11(G) of the low vehicle height vehicle storage level is called to the central span 16, and the vehicle detection sensor 30 detects the low vehicle height vehicle LV in the central span 16. Therefore, the central span 16 where the called pallet is placed and the central span 16 where the low vehicle height vehicle LV is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30 match, and the entry is problem-free.

[0043] 1, the first multi-level parking facility 1 is also capable of storing a vehicle V on the middle pallet 12 of the right span 17 with the lower pallet 11(G) placed in the middle storage space 7 of the central span 16. In this case, since the central span 16 where the call pallet is placed does not match the right span 17 where the vehicle V is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30, the control device 40 determines that this is an erroneous entry and disables the closure of the fence 21, thereby disabling any subsequent entry operations. The determination of an erroneous entry will be explained in the flow chart described below.

[0044] <Second multi-level parking facility> Fig. 5 is a front view showing a second multi-level parking facility 50 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a side view of the second multi-level parking facility 50, and Fig. 7 is a plan view of the second multi-level parking facility 50. Note that the same components as those in the first multi-level parking facility 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted.

[0045] The second multi-level parking facility 50 is an example in which the lower storage space 8 is a storage space for low height vehicles, and the upper storage space 6 is also a storage space for low height vehicles. The second multi-level parking facility 50 uses a retroreflective beam sensor as the vehicle detection sensor 60. When the upper storage space 6 is a storage space for low height vehicles, the reflector 32 provided on the back surface of the upper pallet 10 moves to the middle storage space 7 when the upper pallet 10 moves to the middle storage space 7. Therefore, when the upper pallet 10 is moved to the middle storage space 7, the reflector 62 of the vehicle detection sensor 60 that detects the entering vehicle V is required.

[0046] In the second multi-level parking facility 50, a reflector 64 is also attached to the cross beam 3 above the entrance to the middle storage space 7. The reflector 64 attached to the cross beam 3 reflects the beam 63 emitted from the sensor body 61 of the vehicle detection sensor 60 when the upper pallet 10 is not in the upper storage space 6, and detects the entering vehicle V. The reflector 64 may be provided on the support pillar 2. In the second multi-level parking facility 50 where the upper storage space 6 is for low-height vehicles, it is often installed indoors with a ceiling, and there is little need to prevent the reflector 64 from getting dirty or dripping with water.

[0047] <Vehicle detection sensor> Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view from the side showing a portion of the framework 5 where the reflector 62 shown in Fig. 6 is provided. As shown in Fig. 6, the vehicle detection sensor 60, which is a retroreflective beam sensor, has a sensor body 61 and a reflector 62 as a reflecting member. The sensor body 61 is provided at the rear lower part of each of the spans 15-17 of the middle storage space 7, and is arranged so as to irradiate a beam 63 diagonally forward of the middle storage space 7. As shown in Fig. 8, a reflector 64 that reflects the beam 63 of the sensor body 61 is attached to the cross beam 3 of the framework 5. The reflector 64 is provided on a bracket 65 provided at a predetermined angle on the cross beam 3 of the framework 5.

[0048] In the second multi-level parking facility 50, in order to store a low height vehicle LV in the upper storage space 6, the upper pallet 10 of the low height vehicle pallets is lowered and placed in the middle storage space 7. In this state, there is no upper pallet 10 in the upper storage space 6, but the beam 63 emitted from the sensor main body 61 can be appropriately reflected by the reflector 64 provided on the cross beam 3 of the framework body 5. The second multi-level parking facility 50 emits the beam 63 from the sensor main body 61 of the vehicle detection sensor 60 toward the reflector 64, and detects the entry of a vehicle V entering the upper pallet 10 arranged in the middle storage space 7 when the beam 63 is interrupted.

[0049] The second multi-level parking facility 50 is identical to the first multi-level parking facility 1 except that the upper storage space 6 is a storage space for low-height vehicles LV and the reflector 64 of the vehicle detection sensor 60 is also provided on the framework body 5, so a description of the other configurations will be omitted.

[0050] <Entry into the second multi-level parking facility> As shown in FIG. 5, the second multi-level parking facility 50 places the upper pallet 10 of the low height vehicle storage level in the middle storage space 7 of the central span 16 when the upper pallet 10(B) is called by the operation panel 25. The state of FIG. 5 shows a state in which a high height vehicle HV has already been stored in the middle pallet 12 of the left span 15, a low height vehicle LV has already been stored in the upper pallet 10 of the right span 17, and the low height vehicle LV has been stored in the upper pallet 10 of the central span 16. In this case, when the low height vehicle LV is stored, the storage detection sensor 35 detects the low height vehicle LV. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle detection sensor 60 detects the low height vehicle LV when the beam 33 irradiated from the sensor body 61 provided in the central span 16 toward the reflector 64 is blocked by the low height vehicle LV. 5, the upper pallet 10 of the low vehicle height storage level is called to the central span 16, and the vehicle detection sensor 60 detects the low vehicle height vehicle LV in the central span 16. Therefore, the central span 16 where the called pallet is placed and the central span 16 where the low vehicle height vehicle LV is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30 match, and the entry is problem-free.

[0051] 5, the second multi-level parking facility 50 can also store a vehicle V on the middle pallet 12 of the right span 17 with the upper pallet 10(B) placed in the middle storage space 7 of the central span 16. In this case, since the central span 16 where the call pallet is placed does not match the right span 17 where the vehicle V is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30, the control device 40 determines that this is an erroneous entry and prevents any further entry operations.

[0052] <Third multi-level parking facility> 9 is a side view showing a third multi-level parking facility 70 according to the third embodiment. The third multi-level parking facility 70 differs from the first multi-level parking facility 1 only in the vehicle detection sensor 80. The same components as those in the first multi-level parking facility 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those components will be omitted.

[0053] The vehicle detection sensor 80 of the third multi-level parking facility 70 is composed of a diffuse reflection type beam sensor, which shines a beam on a detected object and detects the detected object by its reflection. The vehicle detection sensor 80 is provided at the rear lower part of the center in the left-right direction of each span 15-17 of the middle storage space 7. The vehicle detection sensor 80 irradiates a beam 83 toward the front of the middle storage space 7. The third multi-level parking facility 70 irradiates a beam 83 toward a vehicle V stored on a pallet arranged in the middle storage space 7, and detects the entering vehicle V by the beam 83 reflected by the vehicle V. The vehicle detection sensor 80 may be such a sensor. The third multi-level parking facility 70 has the same configuration as the first multi-level parking facility 1 except for the vehicle detection sensor 80, so a description of the other configurations will be omitted. In addition, the determination of erroneous storage is also the same as the first multi-level parking facility 1, so a description will be omitted.

[0054] <Prevention of erroneous entry into multi-level parking facilities> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the first half of a flowchart for determining whether an erroneous entry has occurred in a multi-level parking facility, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the second half of the flowchart for determining whether an erroneous entry has occurred. The following explanation will be given using the reference numerals of the first multi-level parking facility 1. The first multi-level parking facility 1 determines whether an erroneous entry has occurred in the control device 40 based on the spans 15-17 on which the entry pallet called for entry is arranged and the spans 15-17 on which the entry of the vehicle V is detected by the vehicle detection sensor 30. In the following example, a case will be described in which the lower pallet 11 of the pallets for low height vehicles is called and arranged in the middle storage space 7 by an entry operation.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 10, a user turns on the power on the operation panel 25 (S1). Next, the user inputs a call number and presses the start button (S2). This call operation operates the first multi-level parking facility 1, and the call pallet is moved to the middle storage space 7 of the entrance level (S3). When the call pallet is placed in the middle storage space 7, the fence 21 is opened (S4).

[0056] In the case of leaving the warehouse, the determination as to whether or not to enter the warehouse (S5) is "NO," and the user drives the vehicle V on the pallet placed in the middle storage space 7 to leave the warehouse (S6). Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 11, the user presses the fence close button on the operation panel 25 (S7), which closes the fence (S8). The user then turns off the power (S9), completing the leaving process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the determination of whether or not the vehicle is entering the shed (S5) in FIG. 10 is "YES," the user drives the vehicle V to enter the shed into the pallet arranged in the middle storage space 7 (S10). The control device 40 determines whether or not the vehicle detection sensor 30 has detected the vehicle V in a span other than the span in which the nominal pallet is present (S11). That is, it is determined whether or not the span in which the nominal pallet is present matches the span in which the vehicle detection sensor 30 detected the vehicle V (this determination is referred to as (X)). If the determination (X) is "NO," the entering vehicle V is detected in the span of the nominal pallet and is a correct entry into the shed. In this case, after completing the entry into the shed, the user presses the close button for the fence 21 on the operation panel 25 (S7), closes the fence (S8), and turns off the power (S9) as shown in FIG. 11, to end the entry into the shed.

[0058] If the result of the determination (S11) of whether the vehicle detection sensor 30 has detected the vehicle V in a span other than the span in which the nominal pallet is present in FIG. 10 is "YES," it is determined that the vehicle V has entered an incorrect entry into a span different from the span of the nominal pallet. If it is determined that the vehicle V has entered an incorrect entry into a span, as shown in FIG. 11, "incorrect entry" is displayed, and the closing operation of the fence 21 becomes impossible (S12). If the closing operation of the fence 21 becomes impossible, the entry into the warehouse cannot be performed thereafter, and the entry is not completed. The user checks the display of "incorrect entry" and causes the vehicle V to leave the warehouse (S13). The control device 40 determines whether the vehicle detection sensor 30 detected in the determination (X) no longer detects the vehicle V (S14). If the result of this determination is "YES," the display of "incorrect entry" is released because the vehicle V that was entered incorrectly has left the warehouse, and the closing operation of the fence 21 becomes possible (S15). The user confirms that the "Incorrect Entry" display has been cleared, and re-enters vehicle V on the call pallet span (S16), as shown in Fig. 10. By re-entering vehicle V on the call pallet span, the determination as to whether vehicle detection sensor 30 has detected vehicle V on a span other than the call pallet (S11) becomes "NO." After completing entry into the pallet, the user presses the close button for fence 21 on the operation panel 25 (S7), closes the fence (S8), and turns off the power (S9), as shown in Fig. 11, to end entry into the pallet.

[0059] 10 (S11), the control device 40 may determine whether the vehicle detection sensor 30 has detected the vehicle V in a span other than the span in which the call pallet is located, and whether the span in which the call pallet is located matches the span in which the vehicle V entered, only for spans in which the vehicle V is not present on the entry level 20 at the time of the opening operation (S4) of the fence 21. In this way, it becomes easier to control and determine whether an erroneous entry has occurred in the case of a multi-level parking facility having many spans.

[0060] <Other Modifications> In the above-described multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70, an erroneous entry indicator light or warning lamp may be installed near the operation panel 25 operated by the user. When the control device 40 determines that an erroneous entry has occurred, it may notify the user by turning on / flashing these lights, informing the user of the erroneous entry and encouraging the user to leave. The erroneous entry may be notified by a warning buzzer or voice.

[0061] In the above-mentioned multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70, the middle pallet 12 for high vehicle heights in the middle storage space 7 is always in the middle level, so the pallet does not move during entry and exit, and the fence 21 opens. For this reason, for users of the middle pallet 12, there is an operation method that can be performed only with the fence open button by calling the vehicle without inputting the vehicle number. With this operation method, since the vehicle number is not input, it is not possible to identify which span the vehicle is entering, but since only the fence open button is operated, it is possible to identify that the vehicle is entering the middle pallet 12 of the high vehicle height pallet. In the case of such an operation of only the fence open button, the vehicle is entering in a high vehicle height span, so if the vehicle detection sensor 30, 60, 80 detects the vehicle V entering in a span that is a low vehicle height span, it may be determined that the vehicle is entering in an erroneous manner.

[0062] In addition, the multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70 are not limited to the configurations in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, the multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70 may have a configuration with more spans. In addition, the multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70 may have a combination of configurations and are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0063] <Summary> As described above, the multi-level parking facilities 1, 50, 70 described above make it possible to detect erroneous entry based on the span in which the call pallet that has been called for entry is located and the span in which the vehicle detection sensor 30, 60, 80 detects the entering vehicle V in the middle storage space 7 of the entrance level 20. This makes it possible to prevent accidents caused by a vehicle entering a span other than the span in which the call pallet is located.

[0064] Moreover, by reducing the number of components required for preventing erroneous entry, it is possible to reduce equipment costs and detect erroneous entry reliably. It can also be installed as an add-on to an existing multi-level parking facility, making it possible to add an erroneous entry prevention function to an existing multi-level parking facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. First multi-level parking facility 3 crossbeam 6 Upper storage space 7 Middle storage space 8 Lower storage space 10 Upper Pallet 10b Convex part 11 Lower Pallet 12 Middle Pallet 15 Left Span 16 Center Span 17 Right Span 25 Operation panel 30 Vehicle detection sensor 31 Sensor body 32 Reflector (reflective material) 33 Beam 35 Entry detection sensor 36 Beam 40 Control device 50 Second multi-level parking facility 60 Vehicle detection sensor 61 Sensor body 62 Reflector (Reflective material) 63 Beam 64 Reflector (Reflective material) 70 3rd Multi-level Parking Facility 80 Vehicle detection sensor 83 Beam LV low vehicle height HV high vehicle height V Vehicle

Claims

1. A multi-level parking facility comprising a plurality of storage spaces each having a plurality of spans in a multi-level configuration, a predetermined level of the multi-level configuration being a boarding level, at least one level different from the boarding level being a low height vehicle storage level, and a pallet of the low height vehicle storage level being raised and lowered and placed in an empty span of the boarding level, thereby placing a pallet in all spans of the boarding level, A fence that closes the front of the storage space of the boarding stage; A vehicle detection sensor is disposed on the entrance level of each of the spans and detects a vehicle loaded onto the pallet by irradiating a beam from a rear lower portion of each of the spans toward a front portion; a control device that determines whether or not the span in which a call pallet is present due to a warehousing operation coincides with the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detects the vehicle, A multi-level parking facility in which the control device disables the closure of the fence when it determines that the span in which the call pallet is located does not match the span in which the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection sensor.

2. The multi-level parking facility according to claim 1 , wherein the control device enables closing of the fence when the vehicle detection sensor no longer detects the vehicle in the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detected the vehicle.

3. 3. The multi-level parking facility according to claim 1, wherein the control device notifies an erroneous entry when it determines that the span in which the call pallet is located does not match the span in which the vehicle detection sensor detects the vehicle.

4. The vehicle detection sensor is composed of a recurrent reflection type beam sensor having a sensor body and a reflective member that reflects a beam emitted from the sensor body, The storage space of the multiple stages has an upper stage above the boarding stage, A multi-level parking facility as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pallet on the upper level has a reflective member on its underside that reflects a beam emitted from the sensor main body provided at the rear lower part of the storage space.

5. The upper pallet has a protrusion that protrudes upward between a support surface on which tires of the vehicle are placed, the support surface extending in the front-rear direction, The multi-level parking facility according to claim 4 , wherein the reflective member is provided on a lower surface of the convex portion.

6. 5. The multi-level parking facility according to claim 4, wherein the reflective member is also provided on a framework that forms the storage space.

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