Parking device

Abstract

To provide a parking device that detects abnormalities of an electromagnetic contactor.SOLUTION: A parking device includes: a motor that operates objects; a power supply line; an electromagnetic contactor that includes a first main contact point and a first auxiliary contact point that is interlocked with the first main contact point, is connected to the motor and the power supply line at the first main contact point, and controls the supply of power from the power supply line to the motor; a first control unit that is connected to the electromagnetic contactor and transmits first control signals that control the electromagnetic contactor to close the first main contact point; and a first detection unit that is connected to the first auxiliary contact point and detects the open / closed state of the first auxiliary contact point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a parking device for parking vehicles such as automobiles. Further, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a control method for a parking device for parking vehicles such as automobiles.

Background Art

[0002] As a vehicle parking device, a multi-stage parking device is known in which vehicles are placed on a pallet and parked in a stacked manner three-dimensionally. In the multi-stage parking device, the pallet can be moved in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and the vehicle placed on the pallet that has moved to the loading / unloading port can be loaded and unloaded.

[0003] The movement of the pallet is performed by driving a motor of a transport device provided on the pallet, and an electromagnetic contactor for controlling the supply of power is connected to the motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, when a user of the multi-stage parking device performs an operation for loading and unloading a vehicle on an operation panel, the electromagnetic contactor is controlled, power is supplied to the motor, and a predetermined pallet moves to the loading / unloading port. Thereby, the user can load and unload the vehicle using the predetermined pallet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, one of the failures of an electromagnetic contactor is welding of contacts. When the contacts are welded, the contacts remain closed (connected), and the power supply to the motor becomes possible. In this case, since power is supplied to the pallet that does not need to move, in some cases, the pallet moves and an accident occurs where the vehicles come into contact with each other. Therefore, in order to prevent such an accident, it is necessary to determine whether the electromagnetic contactor or the electromagnetic switch is malfunctioning when the pallet moves.

[0006] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a parking device that determines an abnormality of an electromagnetic contactor in view of the above problems. Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a control method for a parking device that determines an abnormality of an electromagnetic contactor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a motor that operates an object, a power supply line, a first main contact, and a first auxiliary contact that interlocks with the first main contact. The first main contact is connected to the motor and the power supply line, and an electromagnetic contactor that controls the supply of power from the power supply line to the motor, a first control unit that is connected to the electromagnetic contactor and transmits a first control signal for controlling the electromagnetic contactor to close the first main contact, and a first detection unit that is connected to the first auxiliary contact and detects the open / closed state of the first auxiliary contact.

[0008] The first control signal may be transmitted when the first auxiliary contact is closed.

[0009] A thermal relay may be provided in the electromagnetic contactor.

[0010] Further, the parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first to nth motors (n is a natural number) each of which operates on an object, a power supply line, and first to nth electromagnetic contactors each of which includes a first main contact and a first auxiliary contact interlocked with the first main contact, and controls the supply of power from the power supply line to each of the first to nth motors, a first control unit connected to the first to nth electromagnetic contactors and transmitting a first control signal for controlling the first to nth electromagnetic contactors to close the first main contact, and a first detection unit connected to an auxiliary contact circuit unit in which the first auxiliary contacts of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors are connected in series, and detecting the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact circuit unit.

[0011] The first control signal may be transmitted when the auxiliary contact circuit unit is closed.

[0012] Further, the parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first to nth motors (n is a natural number) each of which moves an object, a power supply line, and first to nth electromagnetic contactors each of which includes a first main contact and a first auxiliary contact interlocked with the first main contact, and controls the supply of power from the power supply line to each of the first to nth motors, a first control unit connected to the first to nth electromagnetic contactors and transmitting a first control signal for controlling the first to nth electromagnetic contactors to close the first main contact, and a first detection unit connected to each of m auxiliary contact circuit units (m is a natural number) in which the first auxiliary contacts are connected in series for each of m parking areas, and detecting the open / closed state of the m auxiliary contact circuit units.

[0013] The first control signal may be transmitted when the m auxiliary contact circuit units are closed.

[0014] A thermal relay may be provided in at least one of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors.

[0015] The parking device may further include a power source, a second main contact, and a second auxiliary contact interlocked with the second main contact. The second main contact is connected to the power source and the power supply line, and includes a power source electromagnetic contactor that controls the supply of power from the power source to the power supply line, a second control unit connected to the power source electromagnetic contactor and transmitting a second control signal for controlling the power source electromagnetic contactor to close the second main contact, and a second detection unit connected to the second auxiliary contact and detecting the open / closed state of the second auxiliary contact.

[0016] A thermal relay may be provided in the power source electromagnetic contactor.

[0017] The parking device may further include a power source, a second main contact, and a second auxiliary contact interlocked with the second main contact. The second main contact is connected to the power source and the power supply line, and includes an inverter that controls the supply of power from the power source to the power supply line, a second control unit connected to the inverter and transmitting a second control signal for controlling the inverter to close the second main contact, and a second detection unit connected to the second auxiliary contact and detecting the open / closed state of the second auxiliary contact.

[0018] The second control signal may be transmitted when the second auxiliary contact is closed.

[0019] In addition, a control method for a parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes detecting the open / closed state of a first auxiliary contact of an electromagnetic contactor that includes a first main contact and a first auxiliary contact interlocked with the first main contact and is connected to a motor for moving an object and a power supply line at the first main contact, and transmitting a first control signal for closing the first main contact so as to supply power from the power supply line to the motor when the first auxiliary contact is closed.

[0020] The control method of the parking device further includes a second main contact and a second auxiliary contact interlocked with the second main contact, detects the open / closed state of the second auxiliary contact of the electromagnetic contactor for the power supply connected to the power supply and the power supply line at the second main contact, and when the second auxiliary contact is closed, may transmit a second control signal to close the second main contact so as to supply power from the power supply to the power supply line.

[0021] After the first control signal is transmitted, the second control signal may be transmitted.

[0022] Before the first control signal is transmitted, the open / closed state of the second auxiliary contact may be detected.

[0023] The object may be a pallet on which a vehicle is placed.

[0024] The object may be a gate provided at the loading / unloading port.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when moving the pallet, an abnormal state (for example, welding of contacts, etc.) of the electromagnetic contactor connected to the motor is determined, and if the electromagnetic contactor is in an abnormal state, the parking device is stopped. In this case, since no power is supplied to the motor, unexpected movement of the pallet can be prevented, and contact accidents of the vehicle can be prevented in advance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0028] In the drawings referred to in the embodiments, the same parts or parts having the same function are given the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals (for example, reference numerals with capital letters such as "A" or "B" attached after the numbers). Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may be different from the actual ratios for convenience of explanation, or a part of the configuration may be omitted from the drawings. Note that ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", or "third" in this specification and the like are used only for the sake of brevity of explanation and should not be construed in a limiting manner.

[0029] [First Embodiment] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a parking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] [1. Configuration of Parking Device 100] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the parking device 100 viewed from the side (when the surface with the loading / unloading port 109 is taken as the front).

[0031] The parking device 100 is configured with a support column 102 to form a structure, and a pallet 104 for placing the vehicle 101 is arranged inside the structure. The pallet 104 can move up and down along the support column 102 by means of a conveying device 106. The pallet 104 is provided at a predetermined position with an interval such that the vehicles do not interfere with each other when a plurality of vehicles 101 are stacked vertically inside the structure. Thereby, the structure formed by the support column 102 forms parking areas P1, P2, P3, and P4 stacked in multiple levels in the vertical direction. However, the number of parking areas is not limited to four and may be m (m is a natural number). That is, m parking areas P1 to Pm may be formed in the structure.

[0032] Although not shown in the figure, the parking areas P1, P2, P3, and P4 may be formed by arranging a plurality of them not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction (the depth direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1). Thereby, the pallet 104 can be moved not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction.

[0033] The parking device 100 is operated by an operation panel 105. The operation panel 105 is provided outside the parking device 100. For example, the operation panel 105 is arranged on the support column 102 near the loading / unloading port 109 of the parking device 100. The user operates the operation panel 105 from outside the parking device 100 to move the target pallet 104 to the loading / unloading port 109 or to open and close the gate 108.

[0034] The gate 108 provided at the loading and unloading port 109 of the parking device 100 can be opened and closed by the operation panel 105. The gate 108 is in a closed state except when it is opened to allow the vehicle 101 to enter and exit. Therefore, the gate 108 is also in a closed state when the pallet 104 moves. When the gate 108 is closed, people cannot enter the parking device 100 during the movement of the pallet 104. In FIG. 1, the control panel 110 is arranged on the side surface of the parking device 100, but the control panel 110 may be provided in the vehicle 101's warehousing direction. The signal output from the operation panel 105 is transmitted to the control panel 110, and the control panel 110 outputs a control signal to the conveying device 106 that moves the pallet 104, or the driving device (including a motor) that opens and closes the gate 108, etc.

[0035] In the parking device 100 that forms a parking area stacked in multiple levels in the vertical direction and stores and parks the vehicle 101 three-dimensionally, the pallet 104 moves up and down to move the target pallet 104 to the loading and unloading port 109 to take in and out the vehicle 101. There are several methods for the operation of moving the target pallet 104 to the loading and unloading port 109. For example, a method of sinking the lower pallet 104 into the underground pit to take out the vehicle 101 parked on the upper pallet 104, a method of sliding the lower or upper pallet 104 in the vehicle body direction (the depth direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1) to lower the upper pallet 104 to an area where the lower pallet 104 does not exist, or a method combining these is adopted. Any of these methods can be applied to the parking device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the parking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the parking device 100 includes a first electromagnetic switch 130-1, a second electromagnetic switch 130-2, a first electromagnetic contactor 132-1, a second electromagnetic contactor 132-2, ···, an nth electromagnetic contactor 132-n (n is a natural number), a first motor 134-1, a second motor 134-2, ···, an nth motor 134-n, a control circuit board 140, a power supply 142, a power supply line 150, a control signal line 152, and a detection signal line 154. Hereinafter, for convenience, the first electromagnetic contactor 132-1, the second electromagnetic contactor 132-2, ···, the nth electromagnetic contactor 132-n may be described as the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1~n, or as the electromagnetic contactor 132 when they are not particularly distinguished. Similarly, the first motor 134-1, the second motor 134-2, ···, the nth motor 134-n may be described as the first to nth motors 134-1~n, or as the motor 134 when they are not particularly distinguished.

[0038] The power supply 142 is connected to the power supply line 150 via the first electromagnetic switch 130-1 or the second electromagnetic switch 130-2. The first electromagnetic switch 130-1 and the second electromagnetic switch 130-2 control the supply of power from the power supply 142 to the power supply line 150. The first electromagnetic switch 130-1 and the second electromagnetic switch 130-2 are respectively connected to the power supply line 150 such that when power is supplied to the motor 134, the rotation directions of the motors 134 are opposite to each other. For example, the first electromagnetic switch 130-1 controls the supply of power to the motor 134 that rotates forward, and the second electromagnetic switch 130-2 controls the supply of power to the motor 134 that rotates backward. Hereinafter, for convenience, when the first electromagnetic switch 130-1 and the second electromagnetic switch 130-2 are not particularly distinguished, they may be described as the electromagnetic switch 130.

[0039] The power supply line 150 is connected to each of the first to nth motors 134-1~n via the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1~n. The first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1~n control the supply of power from the power supply line 150 to each of the first to nth motors 134-1~n.

[0040] Note that the electromagnetic switch is configured such that a thermal relay for interrupting the electromagnetic contactor when the temperature rises due to a load such as an overcurrent is provided in the electromagnetic contactor. Therefore, in the above description, it has been explained that the supply of power from the power supply 142 to the power supply line 150 is controlled by the electromagnetic switch 130, but an electromagnetic contactor can also be used instead of the electromagnetic switch 130. Similarly, for the supply of power from the power supply line 150 to the motor 134, an electromagnetic switch can also be used instead of the electromagnetic contactor 132. Also, when distinguishing between the electromagnetic contactor used instead of the electromagnetic switch 130 and the electromagnetic contactor 132, for the sake of convenience, the former electromagnetic contactor may be described as an electromagnetic contactor for power supply.

[0041] The electromagnetic contactor 132 and the motor 134 are provided in the transfer device 106 together with components such as a slide mechanism, rollers, roller chains, bearings, or a plurality of drive components related to hydraulics. Therefore, when power is supplied to the motor 134 and the motor 134 rotates, the pallet 104 can move in the vertical or horizontal direction. Note that it is also possible to move one pallet 104 by a plurality of motors 134. For example, a motor 134 for moving the pallet 104 in the vertical direction and a motor 134 for moving it in the horizontal direction can be provided separately.

[0042] The motor 134 may use a geared motor in which a three-phase motor and a speed reducer are integrated. An electromagnetic brake is built into the three-phase motor. The electromagnetic brake includes a brake disk attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 134, a brake pad, an electromagnetic brake magnet, and a pressing spring. The brake pad is constantly pressed against the brake disk by the pressing spring. The electromagnetic brake magnet is provided in the vicinity of the brake pad. The electromagnetic brake magnet is powered through a brake release relay. The brake release relay supplies power to the electromagnetic brake magnet while receiving a control signal, and stops supplying power to the electromagnetic brake magnet when it stops receiving the control signal. When power is supplied to the electromagnetic brake magnet, the electromagnetic brake magnet attracts the brake pad and separates the brake pad from the brake disk. Since the rotating shaft is released, the brake is released and the pallet 104 operates.

[0043] The control circuit board 140 is connected to each of the electromagnetic switch 130 and the electromagnetic contactor 132 via a control signal line 152. The control circuit board 140 can transmit a control signal to each of the electromagnetic switch 130 and the electromagnetic contactor 132 via the control signal line 152. The electromagnetic switch 130 that has received the control signal operates to supply power from the power supply 142 to the power supply line 150. The electromagnetic contactor 132 that has received the control signal operates to supply power from the power supply line 150 to the motor 134.

[0044] The control circuit board 140 is further connected to each of the electromagnetic switch 130 and the electromagnetic contactor 132 via a detection signal line 154. Although details will be described later, the control circuit board 140 detects the open / closed state of the auxiliary contacts of each of the first electromagnetic switch 130-1 and the second electromagnetic switch 130-2 and the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1~n via the detection signal line 154. The control circuit board 140 determines whether to transmit a control signal based on the detected open / closed state of the auxiliary contacts.

[0045] [Configuration of the operation panel 105] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 105 of the parking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 105 includes an operation power switch 120, an operation unit 122, an information display unit 124, an information input unit 126, and an emergency stop button 128.

[0047] The operation power switch 120 is a switch for activating the operation panel 105 of the parking device 100. For example, by inserting an operation key and turning it from "off" to "on", the operation power switch 120 enables at least one of turning on the power of the operation panel 105, accepting operations of the operation unit 122, and inputting information using the information input unit 126. The operation unit 122 has a lighting lamp and operation buttons for each operation procedure. The information display unit 124 displays various information. The information display unit 124 includes, for example, a display device using liquid crystal or OLED. The information input unit 126 accepts input of information from the user. The information input unit 126 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons. The user can operate the plurality of buttons of the information input unit 126 to input predetermined information. The emergency stop button 128 is a button operated in an emergency. When the emergency stop button 128 is operated, specific operations of the parking device 100 (for example, the operation of the pallet 104 or the gate 108) stop to ensure the safety of the user.

[0048] The signal output by the operation of the operation panel 105 is transmitted to the control panel 110. Specifically, the output signals from the operation of the operation power switch 120, the input operation by the information input unit 126, and the operation of the emergency stop button are transmitted to the control panel 110.

[0049] [3. Configuration of the control panel 110] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control panel 110 of the parking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the control panel 110 includes a control circuit board 140 and a power supply 142. The control circuit board 140 includes a first control unit 140a, a first detection unit 140b, a second control unit 140c, and a second detection unit 140d. Note that the configuration of the control panel 110 is not limited to this. The control panel 110 may further include a storage unit or a communication unit, etc.

[0051] The first control unit 140a, the first detection unit 140b, the second control unit 140c, and the second detection unit 140d include, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The first control unit 140a, the first detection unit 140b, the second control unit 140c, and the second detection unit 140d expand the program stored in the ROM by the RAM and execute it by the CPU. For example, the first control unit 140a and the second control unit 140c receive the signal transmitted from the operation panel 105 and generate a control signal for controlling the movement of the pallet 104, the opening and closing of the gate 108, etc. Specifically, in the case of the movement of the pallet 104, the first control unit 140a and the second control unit 140c respectively generate and transmit a control signal for controlling the electromagnetic contactor 132 and the electromagnetic switch 130.

[0052] The electromagnetic contactor 132 includes a main contact (a contact or NO contact) of the mirror contact and an auxiliary contact 132a (b contact or NC contact). That is, the opening and closing state of the auxiliary contact 132a is interlocked with the main contact. When the main contact opens, the auxiliary contact 132a closes, and when the main contact closes, the auxiliary contact 132a opens. Therefore, when welding occurs at the main contact, the auxiliary contact 132a maintains the closed state. The electromagnetic contactor 132 is connected to the motor 134 and the power supply line 150 at the main contact. On the other hand, the first detection unit 140b is connected to the auxiliary contact 132a via the detection signal line 154.

[0053] The first control unit 140a is connected to the electromagnetic contactor 132 via the control signal line 152, and transmits a control signal for controlling the electromagnetic contactor 132 to close the main contacts. The electromagnetic contactor 132 that has received the control signal closes the main contacts, enabling the supply of power from the power supply line 150 to the motor 134. In this case, the auxiliary contacts 132a are opened.

[0054] When the electromagnetic contactor 132 malfunctions and power is supplied from the control signal line 152 to the motor 134 without receiving the control signal, the cause is the welding of the main contacts. Also in this case, the auxiliary contacts 132a are opened. Therefore, the first detection unit 140b detects the open / closed state of the auxiliary contacts 132a and transmits a signal indicating the open / closed state of the auxiliary contacts 132a to the first control unit 140a. Specifically, when it is detected that the auxiliary contacts 132a are closed, the first detection unit 140b transmits a normal signal indicating that the electromagnetic contactor 132 is normal to the first control unit 140a. On the other hand, when it is detected that the auxiliary contacts 132a are open, the first detection unit 140b transmits an abnormal signal indicating that the electromagnetic contactor 132 has malfunctioned to the first control unit 140a. The first control unit 140a transmits a control signal to the electromagnetic contactor 132 based on the signal indicating the open / closed state of the auxiliary contacts 132a. Specifically, when the first control unit 140a receives a normal signal, the first control unit 140a transmits a control signal to the electromagnetic contactor 132 to operate the electromagnetic contactor 132. On the other hand, when the first control unit 140a receives an abnormal signal, the first control unit 140a does not transmit a control signal to the electromagnetic contactor 132.

[0055] In the parking device 100, by detecting the open / closed state of the auxiliary contacts 132a of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n, it is possible to determine the failure of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n. When the electromagnetic contactor 132 malfunctions, power is not supplied to the motor 134. Therefore, in the parking device 100, contact accidents of the vehicle due to the movement of the pallet 104 are prevented in advance, and safety is achieved.

[0056] The determination of the failure of the electromagnetic contactor 132 described above can be applied not only to the electromagnetic contactor 132 but also to the electromagnetic switch 130. The electromagnetic switch 130 is connected to the power supply 142 and the power supply line 150 at the main contact. On the other hand, the second detection unit 140d is connected to the auxiliary contact 130a via the detection signal line 154.

[0057] The second control unit 140c is connected to the electromagnetic switch 130 via the control signal line 152 and transmits a control signal for controlling the electromagnetic switch 130 to close the main contact. The electromagnetic switch 130 that has received the control signal closes the main contact and supplies power from the power supply 142 to the power supply line 150. In this case, the auxiliary contact 130a is opened.

[0058] When the electromagnetic switch 130 fails and power is supplied from the power supply 142 to the power supply line 150 without receiving the control signal, the cause is the welding of the main contact. Also in this case, the auxiliary contact 130a is opened. Therefore, the second detection unit 140d detects the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a and transmits a signal indicating the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a to the second control unit 140c. Specifically, when it is detected that the auxiliary contact 130a is closed, the second detection unit 140d transmits a normal signal indicating that the electromagnetic switch 130 is normal to the second control unit 140c. On the other hand, when it is detected that the auxiliary contact 130a is open, the second detection unit 140d transmits an abnormal signal indicating that the electromagnetic switch 130 has failed to the second control unit 140c. The second control unit 140c transmits a control signal to the electromagnetic switch 130 based on the signal indicating the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a. Specifically, when the second control unit 140c receives a normal signal, the second control unit 140c transmits a control signal to the electromagnetic switch 130 to operate the electromagnetic switch 130. On the other hand, when the second control unit 140c receives an abnormal signal, the second control unit 140c does not transmit a control signal to the electromagnetic switch 130.

[0059] In the parking device 100, the failure of the electromagnetic switch 130 can be determined by detecting the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a of the electromagnetic switch 130. When the electromagnetic switch 130 fails, power is not supplied to the power supply line 150. Therefore, in the parking device 100, contact accidents of the vehicle due to the movement of the pallet 104 are prevented in advance, and safety is achieved.

[0060] Note that after the control circuit board 140 transmits a control signal to the electromagnetic contactor 132 by the first control unit 140a, the control signal may be transmitted to the electromagnetic switch 130 by the second control unit 140c.

[0061] [4. Control Method of Parking Device 100] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control method of the parking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the movement process of the pallet 104. The movement process of the pallet 104 is started by the input of the operation panel 105.

[0062] In step S100, the control circuit board 140 of the control panel 110 receives an output signal from the operation panel 105.

[0063] In step S110, the first detection unit 140b detects the open / closed state of each auxiliary contact 132a of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n.

[0064] In step S120, the first detection unit 140b transmits a signal indicating the open / closed state of each auxiliary contact 132a of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n (a normal signal indicating that the auxiliary contact 132a is closed or an abnormal signal indicating that the auxiliary contact 132a is open) to the first control unit 140a.

[0065] In step S130, the first control unit 140a determines the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 132a. Specifically, when the first control unit 140a receives only normal signals (step S130: YES), step S140 is executed. When the first control unit 140a receives even one abnormal signal (step S130: NO), it is assumed that an abnormal state has occurred in the parking device 100, and the parking device 100 is stopped.

[0066] In step S140, the second detection unit 140d detects the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a of the electromagnetic switch 130.

[0067] In step S150, the second detection unit 140d transmits a signal indicating the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a (a normal signal indicating that the auxiliary contact 130a is closed or an abnormal signal indicating that the auxiliary contact 130a is open) to the second control unit 140c.

[0068] In step S160, the second control unit 140c determines the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 130a. Specifically, when the second control unit 140c receives a normal signal (step S160: YES), step S170 is executed. When the second control unit 140c receives an abnormal signal (step S160: NO), it is assumed that an abnormal state has occurred in the parking device 100, and the parking device 100 is stopped.

[0069] In step S170, the control circuit board 140 transmits a first control signal to a predetermined electromagnetic contactor 132 (for example, the electromagnetic contactor 132 of the pallet 104 to be moved). Thereby, the predetermined electromagnetic contactor 132 operates, and power supply to the motor 134 becomes possible.

[0070] In step S180, the control circuit board 140 transmits a second control signal to the electromagnetic switch 130. Thereby, the electromagnetic switch 130 operates, and power is supplied from the power source to the motor 134 via the power supply line 150.

[0071] As described above, the parking device 100 according to the present embodiment can determine the abnormal states (for example, contact welding) of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n by detecting the open / closed states of the auxiliary contacts 132a of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n. When the electromagnetic contactor 132 is in an abnormal state, power is not supplied to the motor 134, so that unexpected movement of the pallet 104 can be prevented, and contact accidents of the vehicle can be prevented in advance.

[0072] In the above description, the electromagnetic contactor 132 connected to the motor 134 that operates the pallet 104 is described as an example. However, the same configuration can be applied to the determination of the abnormal state of the electromagnetic contactor connected to the motor that operates the gate 108.

[0073] <Second Embodiment> Referring to FIG. 6, a parking device 100A, which is a modification of the parking device 100, will be described. When the configuration of the parking device 100A is the same as that of the parking device 100, the description may be omitted.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n belong to any one of m (m is a natural number) parking areas P1 to Pm. The parking device 100A includes m auxiliary contact circuit portions in which the auxiliary contacts 132a of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n belonging to the respective parking areas P1 to Pm are connected in series for each of the m parking areas P1 to Pm. The first detection unit 140b of the control circuit board 140 is connected to the m auxiliary contact circuit portions via the detection signal line 154 and detects the open / closed states of the m auxiliary contact circuit portions. Therefore, the first control unit 140a of the control circuit board 140 can determine the open / closed states of the auxiliary contacts 132a of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n belonging to each of the m parking areas P1 to Pm.

[0076] As described above, the parking device 100A according to the present embodiment can determine an abnormal state of any one of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n by detecting the open / closed state of any one of the auxiliary contacts 132a belonging to each of the m parking areas P1 to Pm. In the parking device 100A, the number of detection signal lines 154 connected to the control circuit board 140 can be reduced compared to the parking device 100. Further, when the electromagnetic contactor 132 is in an abnormal state, power is not supplied to the motor 134, so that unexpected movement of the pallet 104 can be prevented, and contact accidents of vehicles and the like can be prevented in advance.

[0077] <Third Embodiment> Referring to FIG. 7, a parking device 100B, which is still another modification of the parking device 100, will be described. Note that when the configuration of the parking device 100B is the same as that of the parking device 100, the description thereof may be omitted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the parking device 100B includes an auxiliary contact circuit section in which the auxiliary contacts 132a of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n are connected in series. The first detection section 140b of the control circuit board 140 is connected to the auxiliary contact circuit section via the detection signal line 154 and detects the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact circuit section. Therefore, the first control section 140a of the control circuit board 140 can determine the open / closed state of any one of the auxiliary contacts 132a of any one of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n.

[0079] As described above, the parking device 100B according to the present embodiment can determine an abnormal state of any one of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n by detecting the open / closed state of any one of the first to nth auxiliary contacts 132a. In the parking device 100B, the number of detection signal lines 154 connected to the control circuit board 140 can be reduced compared to the parking device 100. Further, when the electromagnetic contactor 132 is in an abnormal state, power is not supplied to the motor 134, so that unexpected movement of the pallet 104 can be prevented, and contact accidents of vehicles and the like can be prevented in advance.

[0080] <Fourth Embodiment> With reference to FIG. 8, a parking device 100C, which is a modification of the parking device 100, will be described. When the configuration of the parking device 100C is the same as that of the parking device 100, the description thereof may be omitted.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100C according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, the parking device 100C includes an inverter 130C instead of the electromagnetic switch 130. The inverter 130C can generate an arbitrary frequency and can start outputting from a low frequency. The generated torque of the motor 134 is generally small. Therefore, until the rated torque for moving the pallet 104 is generated, the brake pad is pressed against the brake disk, and the brake pad can be released when the frequency output from the inverter 130C reaches a rotational torque equal to or greater than the load torque. In this way, the inverter 130C is connected to the power supply line 150 and can control the rotational speed of the motor 134. That is, the inverter 130C can supply power from the power source 142 to the power supply line 150 and can control the movement of the pallet 104 having the motor 134.

[0083] Similar to the parking device 100, in the parking device 100C, the auxiliary contacts 132a of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n are connected to the first detection unit 140b of the control circuit board 140. Therefore, in the parking device 100C as well, it is possible to determine the failure of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n.

[0084] Also, similar to the electromagnetic switch 130, the inverter 130C may include a main contact and an auxiliary contact interlocked with the open / closed state of the main contact. Since the inverter 130C in this case is the same as the electromagnetic switch 130, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0085] As described above, the parking device 100C according to the present embodiment can determine the abnormal state of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n by detecting the open / closed state of the auxiliary contact 132a of each of the first to nth electromagnetic contactors 132-1 to n. When the electromagnetic contactor 132 is in an abnormal state, power is not supplied to the motor 134, so that unexpected movement of the pallet 104 can be prevented, and contact accidents of the vehicle can be prevented in advance.

[0086] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, based on the parking device of the present embodiment, those in which those skilled in the art have appropriately added, deleted, or changed the design of the components are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction, and technical matters common to each embodiment are included in each embodiment even without explicit description.

[0087] Other operational effects different from those brought about by the aspects of the above-described embodiments, which are obvious from the description of this specification or can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art, are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C: Parking device, 101: Vehicle, 102: Support column, 104: Pallet, 105: Control panel, 106: Conveyor, 108: Gate, 109: Loading and unloading port, 110: Control panel, 120: Operation power switch, 122: Operation unit, 124: Information display unit, 126: Information input unit, 128: Emergency stop button, 130: Electromagnetic switch, 130a: Auxiliary contact, 130C: Inverter, 132: Electromagnetic contactor, 132a: Auxiliary contact, 134: Motor, 140: Control circuit board, 140a: First control unit, 140b: First detection unit, 140c: Second control unit, 140d: Second detection unit, 142: Power supply, 150: Power supply line, 152: Control signal line, 154: Detection signal line

Claims

1. A parking device including first to n-th pallets on which a vehicle can be placed and first to n-th motors for operating the first to n-th pallets, respectively, A power source; an electromagnetic contactor connected to the power source; a power supply line connected to the electromagnetic contactor and supplying power from the power source to the first to nth motors via the electromagnetic contactor; a control circuit including a control unit connected to the electromagnetic contactor via a control signal line and a detection unit connected to the electromagnetic contactor via a detection signal line; The detection unit generates a signal including a result of determining whether the electromagnetic contactor is operating normally, The control unit controls the electromagnetic contactor based on the signal.

2. 2. A parking device as described in claim 1, wherein when the signal is an abnormal signal indicating a failure of the electromagnetic contactor, no control signal is sent from the control unit to the electromagnetic contactor, and the power is not supplied from the power source to the power supply line.

3. The electromagnetic contactor includes a main contact and an auxiliary contact interlocking with the main contact, The control signal line is connected to the main contact, the detection signal line is connected to the auxiliary contact; The control unit transmits a control signal to control the electromagnetic contactor to close the main contact, The parking device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit detects an open / closed state of the auxiliary contact.

4. The parking device according to claim 3 , wherein the control signal is not transmitted from the control unit when the detection unit detects that the auxiliary contact is closed.

5. A parking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electromagnetic contactor is provided with a thermal relay.

6. The number of the electromagnetic contactors is two, 6. A parking device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two electromagnetic contactors is connected to the power source.

7. The parking device according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is provided in a control panel including the power supply.

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