Mechanical parking facility

Abstract

To provide a mechanical parking facility capable of preventing a malfunction while improving convenience.SOLUTION: The entire area in a getting on / off part is divided into a first area and a second area other than the first area. A mechanical parking facility includes: a sensor for detecting a detection object including a user existing in the first area; and an intrusion prevention part for preventing intrusion of the detection object into the second area. The second area includes a third area in which the detection object cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention part is excluded. A facility control device includes a first determination part for determining whether or not to start an operation of the mechanical parking facility based on the detection value by the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to mechanical parking equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known mechanical parking equipment including an entrance / exit section for a user to get in and out of a vehicle, a storage section provided separately from the entrance / exit section for storing the vehicle, and a transfer device for transferring the vehicle between the entrance / exit section and the storage section. Such mechanical parking equipment has been proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The mechanical parking equipment of Patent Document 1 detects the entire interior of the entrance / exit section after a vehicle exits, and when it is determined based on the detection value by this sensor that there is no user in the entrance / exit section, the entrance / exit door of the entrance / exit section is automatically closed to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, convenience is improved as compared with the case where the operation of the mechanical parking equipment is started based on safety confirmation by a user. However, in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the detection target object may enter an area in the entrance / exit section where the detection target object including the user cannot be detected by the sensor, and in such a case, there is a possibility that the mechanical parking equipment may malfunction.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide mechanical parking equipment capable of preventing malfunction while improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a mechanical parking facility according to the present invention includes a boarding and alighting section for a user to get on and off a vehicle, a storage section provided separately from the boarding and alighting section for storing the vehicle, a transfer device for transferring the vehicle between the boarding and alighting section and the storage section, and a facility control device for controlling the operation of the mechanical parking facility. The entire area within the boarding and alighting section is divided into a first area and a second area other than the first area. The mechanical parking facility further includes a sensor for detecting a detection target including the user present in the first area, and an intrusion prevention section for preventing intrusion of the detection target into the second area. The second area includes a third area where the detection target cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention section is removed. The facility control device has a first determination section for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility based on the detection value by the sensor.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the entire area within the boarding and alighting section is divided into a first area and a second area other than the first area. And since a sensor for detecting a detection target including the user present in the first area is provided, convenience can be improved. Also, since an intrusion prevention section for preventing intrusion of the detection target into the second area is provided, and the second area includes a third area where the detection target cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention section is removed, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to intrusion of the detection target into the third area.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] It is possible to provide a mechanical parking facility capable of preventing malfunction while improving convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a mechanical parking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment. Also, hereinafter, throughout all the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations thereof are omitted.

[0012] (Mechanical parking facility 10) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the mechanical parking facility according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the mechanical parking facility 10 according to this embodiment includes a parking tower 12 that defines its outer shape. The parking tower 12 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the vertical direction will be defined and described based on the vehicle V that has entered the boarding and alighting section 20 described later.

[0013] The parking tower 12 has main columns 14a to 14d provided at the four corners in plan view, and a front wall 15a, a rear wall 15b, a left wall 15c, and a right wall 15d supported by the main columns 14a to 14d (see FIGS. 2 and 3 for the main columns 14b, 14c, the left wall 15c, and the right wall 15d).

[0014] The mechanical parking facility 10 includes a boarding and alighting section 20 for a user P (see FIGS. 4 etc.) to board and alight from the vehicle V, and a plurality of storage sections 50 provided separately from the boarding and alighting section 20 for storing the vehicle V. The boarding and alighting section 20 is provided at the lowermost stage of the parking tower 12, and a plurality of storage sections 50 are provided above the boarding and alighting section 20 of the parking tower 12. A first elevator shaft 16 extending in the height direction is provided at the central portion of the parking tower 12 in plan view. Note that the lower end portion of the first elevator shaft 16 is also a part of the boarding and alighting section 20. Along the front side of the first elevator shaft 16, half of the plurality of storage sections 50 (hereinafter referred to as "the front half of the storage sections 50") are arranged in parallel, and along the rear side of the first elevator shaft 16, the remaining half of the plurality of storage sections 50 (hereinafter referred to as "the rear half of the storage sections 50") are arranged in parallel.

[0015] (Conveyor 60) As shown in Fig. 1, the mechanical parking equipment 10 further includes a transfer device 60 for transferring the vehicle V between the boarding and alighting section 20 and the plurality of storage sections 50. The details of the transfer device 60 are as follows. That is, a pit 18 is formed on the floor surface of the parking tower 12 (in other words, the floor surface of the boarding and alighting section 20). In the pit 18, a pallet turning device 64 is provided that can lift a pallet 62 (non-detection object) with the vehicle V mounted thereon and turn it 90° in the horizontal plane. Also, in the first lift shaft 16, a lifter 66 (same as above) for lifting and lowering the pallet 62 is provided. The lifter 66 can reciprocate in the first lift shaft 16 from the pit 14 to the uppermost storage section 50. The lifter 66 is provided with a pallet transfer mechanism 74 for transferring the pallet 62 between itself and a shelf rail 72 described later.

[0016] Near the first floor of the parking tower 12, a lifting drive device 68 for driving the lifter 66 to move up and down is provided. A wire rope 70 is attached to the lifting drive device 68. One side of the wire rope 70 is dropped into the first lift shaft 16 via the upper end of the parking tower 12, and the other side of the wire rope 70 is dropped along the storage section 50. And, one end of the wire rope 70 is attached to the lifter 66 in the first lift shaft 16, and a counterweight 71 is attached to the other end of the wire rope 70. Note that the counterweight 71 is provided to reduce the lifting force by the lifting drive device 68.

[0017] Each of the plurality of storage sections 50 is provided with a shelf rail 72 extending in the front-rear direction. The shelf rails 72 provided in the front half of the storage sections 50 each have their front ends fixed to the main columns 14a and 14b and their rear ends fixed to a shelf column 19a extending in the height direction along the front side of the first lift shaft 16. Also, the shelf rails 72 provided in the rear half of the storage sections 50 each have their front ends fixed to a shelf column 19b extending in the height direction along the rear side of the first lift shaft 16 and their rear ends fixed to the main columns 14c and 14d. The pallet 62 is transferred between the lifter 66 and the storage section 50 along the shelf rail 72 by the pallet transfer mechanism 74 provided on the lifter 66.

[0018] By having the above structure, the transfer device 60 can transfer the vehicle V mounted on the pallet 62 between the boarding and alighting section 20 and the plurality of storage sections 50.

[0019] (Boarding and alighting section 20) FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the second area (A2) specified in the boarding and alighting section of the mechanical parking facility according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, at the center of the rear wall 15b of the boarding and alighting section 20, there are provided an entrance / exit 21 for the vehicle V to enter and exit the boarding and alighting section 20, and an entrance / exit door 22 for opening and closing the entrance / exit 21. An entrance / exit sensor 23 is provided at the entrance / exit 21. The entrance / exit sensor 23 includes a light projector for projecting a light beam L3 parallel to the entrance / exit door 22, and a light receiver for receiving the light beam L3 projected from this light projector. The entrance / exit sensor 23 can detect whether a detection object including the user P has passed through the entrance / exit 21 based on the light reception state of the light beam L3 by the light receiver.

[0020] An operation device 80 is provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 15b of the boarding and alighting section 20, which receives an operation by the user P, generates an input value based on the received operation, and transmits it to a facility control device 100 described later.

[0021] At the center of the floor surface inside the boarding and alighting section 20, the above-described pallet 62 for mounting the vehicle V is arranged. The pallet 62 is rectangular in the front-rear direction in plan view. A rising portion 63a is erected at the left edge portion extending in the front-rear direction of the pallet 62. Also, a rising portion 63b is erected at the right edge portion extending in the front-rear direction of the pallet 62.

[0022] At a position along the left wall 15c near the main pillar 14c in the boarding and alighting section 20, a duct 24 (object not to be detected) extending in the height direction is provided. Immediately in front of the duct 24 in the boarding and alighting section 20, an elevating drive device 68 (same as above) for driving the elevator 66 to move up and down is provided. At a position along the left wall 15c near the main pillar 14b in the boarding and alighting section 20, a second elevating path 26 (same as above) for the counterweight 71 to move up and down is provided. Near the central portion in the left-right direction of the front wall 15a in the boarding and alighting section 20, a mirror 27 (same as above) is arranged in parallel with the front wall 15a. At a position along the front wall 15a near the main pillar 14a in the boarding and alighting section 20, a facility control device 100 (same as above) for controlling the operation of the mechanical parking facility 10 is provided.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the entire area in the boarding and alighting section 20 is divided into an area A1 (first area) and an area A2 (second area) other than this area A1. In FIG. 2, the area hatched with a plurality of oblique lines parallel to the straight line connecting the main pillars 14a and 14c is the area A2, and the area in the boarding and alighting section 20 that is not hatched in FIG. 2 (that is, the area other than the area A2) is the area A1. Here, the area A1 is mainly the area where the vehicle V drives in and the user P can move. On the other hand, the area A2 is an area where the intrusion of the object to be detected is prevented by the panels 40a to 40d (intrusion prevention parts).

[0024] The panel 40a is erected so as to surround the duct 24 in cooperation with the elevating drive device 68, the main pillar 14c, and the left wall 15c in plan view. The panel 40a is linear in plan view.

[0025] The panel 40b is erected near the front wall 15a. The panel 40b has a first portion extending forward from the front end of the second elevating path 26, a second portion extending in the left-right direction from the front end of this first portion to the facility control device 100, and a third portion extending rearward from the right end of this second portion. The mirror 27 is fixed to the inner surface of the second portion of the panel 40b.

[0026] Panels 40c and 40d are erected near the right wall 15d. Panel 40c has a fourth part that extends rearward along the right wall 15d from the rear end of the equipment control device 100, and a fifth part that bends from the rear end of this fourth part and reaches the right wall 15d. Panel 40d has a sixth part that extends in the left - right direction from near the entrance - exit door 22 to near the main column 14d, a seventh part that extends forward along the main column 14d and the right wall 15d from the right end of this sixth part, and an eighth part that bends from the front end of this seventh part and reaches the right wall 15d. The fifth part of panel 40c and the eighth part of panel 40d face each other in parallel with a space therebetween in the front - rear direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, a part of area A2 is an area surrounded by panel 40a, the lifting drive device 68, the main column 14c, and the left wall 15c. Another part of area A2 is an area surrounded by panel 40b, the second lifting path 26, the equipment control device 100, the main columns 14a, 14b, the front wall 15a, the left wall 15c, and the right wall 15d. Still another part of area A2 is an area surrounded by panel 40d, the main column 14d, and the right wall 15d. As will be described later, area A2 and each panel may be set so as to be outside the detection area of the measurement range sensor.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, in the boarding and alighting section 20, in order to detect detection objects existing in the above - mentioned area A1 (that is, an area where the vehicle V mainly drives in and the user P can move), measurement range sensors 30a - 30c (sensors) and photoelectric sensors 32a - 32d (same as above) are provided therein.

[0029] The measurement range sensor 30a is provided along the inner surface of the left - hand part of the second part of panel 40b. The measurement range sensor 30a mainly projects a light beam L1 toward the rear side of panel 40b. Specifically, in a plan view, the measurement range sensor 30a faces the rear side and projects the light beam L1 into an area about 105° from its own central axis (not shown) extending in the front - rear direction toward the left wall 15c side and about 105° from the same central axis (same as above) toward the right wall 15d side (that is, an area of about 210° in total in a plan view).

[0030] Therefore, the detection range sensor 30a cannot detect an area of about the remaining 150° (in other words, mainly the area in front of itself) in a plan view. Further, the light beam L1 projected from the detection range sensor 30a is blocked by the rising portion 63a of the pallet 62 and cannot proceed to the right of this rising portion 63a. Therefore, the detection range sensor 30a mainly detects detection objects existing in the area in front of and to the left of the pallet 62.

[0031] The detection range sensor 30b is provided along the inner surface of the front portion of the seventh portion of the panel 40d. The detection range sensor 30b mainly projects the light beam L1 toward the left of the panel 40d. Specifically, the detection range sensor 30b faces left in a plan view and projects the light beam L1 to an area of about 105° from its central axis (not shown) extending in the left - right direction toward the front wall 15a side and an area of about 105° from the same central axis (same as above) toward the rear wall 15b side (that is, a total area of about 210° in a plan view).

[0032] Therefore, the detection range sensor 30b cannot detect an area of about the remaining 150° (in other words, mainly the area to the right of itself) in a plan view. Further, the light beam L1 projected from the detection range sensor 30b is blocked by the rising portion 63b of the pallet 62 and cannot proceed to the left of this rising portion 63b. Therefore, the detection range sensor 30b mainly detects detection objects existing in the area to the right of and behind the pallet 62.

[0033] The detection range sensor 30c is provided in front of the mirror 27 (that is, along the inner surface of the central portion of the second part of the panel 40b). The detection range sensor 30c mainly projects the light beam L1 toward the rear of the panel 40b. Specifically, the detection range sensor 30c faces the rear in a plan view and projects the light beam L1 to an area of about 105° from its central axis (not shown) extending in the front - rear direction toward the left wall 15c side and an area of about 105° from the same central axis (same as above) toward the right wall 15d side (that is, a total area of about 210° in a plan view).

[0034] Therefore, the ranging sensor 30c cannot detect an area of about the remaining 150° (in other words, mainly the area in front of itself) in a plan view. Also, since the light beam L1 projected from the ranging sensor 30c is projected toward the pallet 62 from the front side of the pallet 62, it is blocked by the rising part 63a of the pallet 62 and cannot proceed to the left of this rising part 63a, and is blocked by the rising part 63b of the pallet 62 and cannot proceed to the right of this rising part 63b. Therefore, the ranging sensor 30c mainly detects the detection object existing between the rising parts 63a and 63b of the pallet 62.

[0035] The ranging sensors 30a to 30c each have a known structure for detecting a detection object existing in the area A1 by projecting the light beam L1 at a predetermined height from the floor surface in the boarding and alighting part 20 and scanning the area A1.

[0036] As the ranging sensors 30a to 30c, for example, a scanning type light wave distance meter that can output physical shape data of a space can be used. Also, the ranging sensors 30a to 30c may each be configured as a one-axis scanning type ranging sensor that projects a semiconductor laser in the horizontal direction to obtain two-dimensional data of the distance and angle to the detection object on the scanning plane.

[0037] The photoelectric sensors 32a and 32b each include a light projector that is attached to either one of the back surface of the second hoistway 26 and the front surface of the hoisting drive device 68 and projects the light beam L2 in the front-rear direction, and a light receiver that is attached to the other of the back surface of the second hoistway 26 and the front surface of the hoisting drive device 68 and receives the light beam L2 projected from the light projector.

[0038] The photoelectric sensors 32c and 32d are attached to either the fifth part of panel 40c or the eighth part of panel 40d, and include a light projector for projecting a light beam L2 in the front-rear direction, and a light receiver attached to the other of the fifth part of panel 40c and the eighth part of panel 40d for receiving the light beam L2 projected from the light projector.

[0039] The photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d can each detect a detection target present in area A1 based on the light reception state of the light beam L2 by the light receiver.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a third area specified in the boarding and alighting section of the mechanical parking facility according to the present embodiment. The above-described area A2 (i.e., the area where intrusion of the detection target is prevented by the panels 40a to 40d) includes an area A3 (third area) where the detection target cannot be detected by the ranging sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d when the panels 40a to 40d are removed. In FIG. 3, the hatched area formed by a plurality of slashes parallel to the straight line connecting the main columns 14a and 14c and a plurality of slashes parallel to the straight line connecting the main columns 14b and 14d is area A3.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, area A3 is an area where the ranging sensors 30a to 30c cannot detect a detection target mainly because the light beam L1 projected from the ranging sensors 30a to 30c does not reach when the panels 40a to 40d are removed. Specifically, area A3 is the area between the duct 24 and the left wall 15c, the area between the mirror 27 and the front wall 15a, and the area between the equipment control device 100 and the front wall 15a. This area A3 makes it unnecessary to detect the detection target by the sensor by preventing the intrusion of the detection target with the panels 40a to 40d.

[0042] In FIG. 3, the pallet 62 is arranged in the entry direction of the vehicle V and is in a state of being rotated 90° with respect to the elevator 66. When the elevator 66 moves up and down, the pallet 62 rotates 90° from this state and is placed on the elevator 66. The elevator 66 is provided with a wire rope 70 and a sensor pole 78 for attaching a sensor (not shown) for detecting the overhang of the vehicle V. The wire rope 70 and the sensor pole 78 are exposed in the boarding and alighting section 20 when the elevator 66 is located within the boarding and alighting section 20.

[0043] Also, since the wire rope 70 and the sensor pole 78 are within the first hoistway 16 (within the frame of the elevator 66) in plan view, they cannot be covered by the panels 40a to 40d fixed to the boarding and alighting section 20.

[0044] The area A4 that is shaded by the wire rope 70 and the sensor pole 78 in the second hoistway 26 and in the vicinity of the second hoistway as seen from the measurement range sensor 30a, and the area A4 that is shaded by the panel 40d and the wire rope 70 in the vicinity of the panel 40d as seen from the measurement range sensor 30b are both within the first area, and the light beam L1 projected from the measurement range sensors 30a to 30c does not reach, or the wire rope 70 and the sensor pole 78 become obstacles and it is difficult to detect the detection object with the measurement range sensors 30a to 30c. As will be described later, the area A4 and the non-detection object may be set so as to be outside the detection area of the measurement range sensor.

[0045] The area where the detection object is detected by the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d includes the area A4 where it is difficult to detect the detection object by the measurement range sensor, and thereby the area A4 is included in the area A1.

[0046] ​Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a user and first and second areas on a panel and its peripheral part of a mechanical parking facility according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the panels 40a to 40d are each in a flat plate shape with the entire area of both main surfaces being flat. In Figure 4, the light rays L1 projected from the area measurement sensors 30a to 30c are shown by broken lines. For example, the area measurement sensors 30a to 30c may each scan a height of about 100 mm or more and 130 mm or less from the floor surface in the boarding and alighting section 20.

[0047] Here, generally, the average height of a 3-year-old child's head from the floor surface is about 130 mm. Therefore, by each of the area measurement sensors 30a to 30c projecting the light ray L1 at the above-mentioned height to scan the area A1, it is possible to reliably detect a detection target object existing in the area A1 regardless of, for example, the height and body type of the user P. Note that the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d may also project the light ray L2 at the same height.

[0048] The area measurement sensors 30a to 30c can each arbitrarily set a desired detection area by masking a part of the detectable area during data processing. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a boundary line B is set slightly inside the panels 40a to 40d (for example, about 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less inside the panels 40a to 40d), and the inside from this boundary line B (the right side of the boundary line B in Figure 4) is set as the desired detection area, and the outside from this boundary line B (the left side of the boundary line B in Figure 4) may be set as an area outside the detection target.

[0049] By setting the desired detection area in this way, it is possible to easily prevent the panels 40a to 40d, the wire ropes 70, and the sensor poles 78 from being erroneously detected as detection target objects, and it is also possible to sufficiently detect even when the detection target object is, for example, in a state of leaning against the panels 40a to 40d.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a panel of the mechanical parking facility according to the present embodiment and its peripheral portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the panel 40d may be configured by arranging a plurality of panels in parallel without gaps. Note that since the same applies to the panels 40a to 40c, the description thereof will not be repeated here. When the elevator 66 is located within the boarding / lowering section 20, a wire rope 70 or the like is located near the eighth portion of the panel 40d extending from the right wall 15d. However, since it interferes with the elevator 66 during the raising and lowering of the elevator 66, it cannot be covered by the panels 40a to 40d fixed to the boarding / lowering section 20.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an operating device of the mechanical parking facility according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the operating device 80 includes a touch panel 82 in which a touch sensor and a display unit are integrated, a card reader 90 for reading a user number recorded on an IC card, a "safety confirmation (door closed)" button 92 described later, and a keyhole 94 for stopping the operation of the mechanical parking facility 10.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the screen configuration of the touch panel 82 includes a message display unit 83 for displaying a message to the user P, a user number display unit 84 for displaying the user number, and a video display unit 85 for displaying a video captured by an imaging device (not shown) provided in the boarding / lowering section 20. Also, the screen configuration of the touch panel 82 includes numeric keys 86 from "0" to "9" Furthermore, it further includes a "start" button 87 described later and a "correction" button 88 for correcting an operation. Note that the touch panel 82 can change the screen configuration shown in FIG. 6 as needed.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the mechanical parking equipment according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the equipment control device 100 is connected to the measurement range sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d, and has a first determination unit 102 for determining whether or not to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment 10 based on the detection values by the measurement range sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d. Further, the equipment control device 100 is connected to the operation device 80, and further has a second determination unit 104 for determining whether or not to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment 10 based on the operation of the user P on the operation device 80 regardless of the detection values by the measurement range sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d.

[0054] The equipment control device 100 further has a determination switching unit 106 for switching between a first determination mode for determining whether or not to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment 10 based on the determination result of the first determination unit 102 and a second determination mode for determining whether or not to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment 10 based on the determination result of the second determination unit 104. The determination switching unit 106 is connected to the first determination unit 102, the second determination unit 104, the operation device 80, and an operation control unit 108 described later.

[0055] The equipment control device 100 is connected to the operation device 80 and the determination switching unit 106, and further has an operation control unit 108 for controlling the operation of the mechanical parking equipment 10. Note that the equipment control device 100 has a storage unit (not shown) for storing a user number and a password number associated with this user number, which will be described later.

[0056] (An example of the delivery mode in the first determination mode) An example in which the user P performs the delivery of the vehicle V in the first determination mode using the mechanical parking equipment 10 according to the present embodiment will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart in the case where delivery is performed in the first determination mode of the mechanical parking equipment according to the present embodiment.

[0057] Here, it is described from the state where the user P has previously stored the vehicle V in the mechanical parking facility 10, the vehicle V is stored in any one of the plurality of storage units 50, and the entrance / exit door 22 is closed. Also, the user P has been previously assigned a user number and a password number associated with this user number. Further, the user P holds an IC card (not shown) in which at least the user number is recorded.

[0058] First, the user P brings an IC card (not shown) into contact with the card reader 90 of the operation device 80, inputs the password number using the numeric key 86, and then presses the "Start" button 87 (step S1-1 in FIG. 8).

[0059] The facility control device 100 determines whether the password number input in step S1-1 is the password number previously associated with the user number read by the card reader 90. That is, the facility control device 100 determines whether the password number input in step S1-1 is correct (step S1-2 in FIG. 8).

[0060] When the facility control device 100 determines that the password number input in step S1-1 is incorrect ( "NO" in step S1-2), it displays an error screen (step S1-3 in FIG. 8), returns to step S1-1, and waits for the user P to re-enter the password number.

[0061] On the other hand, when the facility control device 100 determines that the password number input in step S1-1 is correct ( "YES" in step S1-2), it transports the vehicle V from the storage unit 50 to the boarding / alighting unit 20 by the transport device 60 and opens the entrance / exit door 22 (step S1-4 in FIG. 8).

[0062] After step S1-4 is performed, after user P enters the boarding area 20 from the entrance / exit 21, boards vehicle V, and then drives vehicle V out of the boarding area 20 from the entrance / exit 21, the vehicle is taken out of storage (step S1-5 in FIG. 8). Here, the facility control device 100 detects that user P has entered the boarding area 20 by the entrance / exit sensor 23, and then, by the entrance / exit sensor 23 detecting that vehicle V and user P driving this vehicle V have exited the boarding area 20, it is possible to recognize that step S1-5 has been performed.

[0063] After step S1-5 is performed, the facility control device 100 determines by the first determination unit 102 whether the detection target objects are not detected by the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d (step S1-6 in FIG. 8).

[0064] If the facility control device 100 determines in step S1-6 that the detection target objects are not not detected (''NO'' in step S1-6), it returns to step S1-6. On the other hand, if the facility control device 100 determines in step S1-6 that the detection target objects are not detected (''YES'' in step S1-6), the operation control unit 108 closes the entrance / exit door 22 (step S1-7 in FIG. 8).

[0065] As described above, using the mechanical parking facility 10 according to this embodiment, user P can take vehicle V out of storage in the first determination mode. Note that after the facility control device 100 starts the operation of the mechanical parking facility 10 by closing the entrance / exit door 22 by the operation control unit 108, it is preferable to operate movable parts other than the entrance / exit door 22 (for example, the elevator 66). Thereby, the safety of the mechanical parking facility 10 can be ensured.

[0066] (An example of the takeout mode in the second determination mode) An example of a user P using the mechanical parking facility 10 according to this embodiment to perform vehicle V's departure in the second determination mode will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart when departure is performed in the second determination mode of the mechanical parking facility according to this embodiment. Note that, for example, when at least one of the ranging sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d malfunctions, the determination switching unit 106 may automatically switch from the first determination mode to the second determination mode, or the user P may operate the operation device 80, and the determination switching unit 106 may switch from the first determination mode to the second determination mode.

[0067] Steps S2-1 to S2-5 in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S1-1 to S1-5 in the first determination mode described above with reference to FIG. 8, so the description thereof will not be repeated here. Also, the same content as the first determination mode described above with reference to FIG. 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] After step S2-5 is performed, the user P gets out of the vehicle V, checks that there is no one in the boarding and alighting section 20 (in other words, there is no detection object remaining in the boarding and alighting section 20), and then presses the "Safety Confirmation (Door Closed)" button 92 of the operation device 80 (step S2-6 in FIG. 9).

[0069] After step S2-6 is performed, the user P inputs the password with the numeric keys 86 (step S2-7 in FIG. 9).

[0070] After step S2-7 is performed, the facility control device 100 determines whether the password input in step S2-1 matches the password input in step S2-7.

[0071] When the second determination unit 104 determines that the password number input in step S2-1 does not match the password number input in step S2-7 (\"NO\" in step S2-8), an error screen is displayed (step S2-9 in FIG. 9), and the process returns to step S2-7 to wait for the user P to re-enter the password number.

[0072] On the other hand, when the second determination unit 104 determines that the password number input in step S2-1 matches the password number input in step S2-7 (\"YES\" in step S2-8), the operation control unit 108 closes the entrance / exit door 22 (step S2-10 in FIG. 9).

[0073] As described above, using the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the present embodiment, the user P can perform the vehicle V's outgoing in the second determination mode.

[0074] (Effect) After the vehicle V is taken out of the boarding area 20, the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the present embodiment determines, based on the detection values of the ranging sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d, that there is no detection object in the boarding area 20, and the equipment control device 100 can automatically close the entrance / exit door 22. Thereby, the mechanical parking facility 10 can improve convenience as compared with the case where the user P gets out of the vehicle V once, checks the safety in the boarding area 20, and then operates the operation device 80 to close the entrance / exit door 22 as in the prior art. Also, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the entrance / exit door 22.

[0075] Furthermore, the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the present embodiment includes panels 40a to 40d (intrusion prevention parts) for preventing the intrusion of detection objects into the area A2, and since the area A2 includes an area A3 (third area) where detection objects cannot be detected by the ranging sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d when the panels 40a to 40d are removed, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to the intrusion of detection objects into the area A3.

[0076] Since the mechanical parking equipment 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d in the area A4 that cannot be detected by the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c, it is possible to efficiently and reliably detect the detection target existing in the area A1 in the boarding and alighting section 20.

[0077] Since the mechanical parking equipment 10 according to the present embodiment includes the panels 40a to 40d as intrusion prevention parts, it is possible to easily install and reduce the number of parts as compared with the case of providing other structures as the intrusion prevention parts.

[0078] In the present embodiment, since the equipment control device 100 includes the second determination unit 104 and the determination switching unit 106 in addition to the first determination unit 102, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment 10 based on the operation by the user P. Thereby, for example, when at least one of the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d is malfunctioning, etc., regardless of the detection values by the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d, it is possible to perform the delivery of the vehicle V based on the safety confirmation by the user P.

[0079] Whether or not at least one of the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d is malfunctioning can be easily confirmed, for example, by performing a logical check by the equipment control device 100. Here, the logical check is, for example, checking that the user P is detected by the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d after it is detected by the entrance / exit sensor 23 that the user P has entered the boarding and alighting section 20. When a contradiction is confirmed in this logical check, that is, for example, even though it is detected by the entrance / exit sensor 23 that the user P has entered the boarding and alighting section 20, if the user P is not detected by the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d, the equipment control device 100 may determine that at least one of the measurement area sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d is malfunctioning.

[0080] Also, for example, even though there is actually no detection target in area A1 within the boarding and alighting section 20, the measurement range sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d detect the detection target, and when the user P leaves the mechanical parking facility 10 with the entrance / exit door 22 remaining in an open state, it becomes possible to close the entrance / exit door 22 based on a safety check by a person other than the user P (for example, a maintenance worker, etc.).

[0081] (Modification example) From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of practicing the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the details of its structure and / or function can be substantially changed.

[0082] (First modification example) FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a user and first and second areas clearly marked on the panel of the mechanical parking facility and its peripheral part according to the first and second modification examples of the present embodiment. FIG. 10(A) is a schematic diagram showing the first modification example. The mechanical parking facility 10 according to this first modification example has the same structure as the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, except for the structure of the panels 40a to 40d. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the same description will not be repeated.

[0083] In the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the case where the panels 40a to 40d are each in a flat plate shape with the entire surfaces on both sides being flat has been described. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(A), in this first modification, the panels 42a to 42d are each in a flat plate shape, but a concave portion 43 is formed on the inner surface side of the bottom portion thereof. This concave portion 43 is formed over the entire width direction of the panels 42a to 42d. Then, the ranging sensors 30a to 30c each project a light beam L1 at a height passing through the concave portion 43 to scan the area A1, and set a boundary line B within the concave portion 43. The inner side from this boundary line B may be set as a desired detection area, and the outer side from this boundary line B may be set as an area outside the detection target.

[0084] By having the above configuration, in this first modification, compared with the case described with reference to FIG. 4, the desired detection area by the ranging sensors 30a to 30c can be enlarged, so that it becomes possible to more reliably detect the detection target object existing in the area A1.

[0085] (Second Modification) FIG. 10(B) is a schematic diagram showing the second modification. The mechanical parking equipment 10 according to this second modification has the same structure as the mechanical parking equipment 10 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 except for the structure of the panels 40a to 40d. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the same explanations are not repeated.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 10(B), in this second modification, the panels 44a to 44d are each in a flat plate shape, but triangular convex portions 45 are formed on the inner surface side of the portion near the floor surface in a side view. These convex portions 45 are formed over the entire width direction of the panels 44a to 44d. Then, the ranging sensors 30a to 30c each project a light beam L1 at a height passing between this convex portion 45 and the floor surface to scan the area A1, and set a boundary line B between this convex portion 45 and the floor surface. The inner side from this boundary line B is set as a desired detection area, and the outer side from this boundary line B is set as a detection area outside the target.

[0087] By having the above configuration, in this second modification example, as compared with the case described with reference to FIG. 4, the desired detection areas by the ranging sensors 30a to 30c can be enlarged, so that it becomes possible to more surely detect the detection target existing in the area A1.

[0088] In this second modification example, as shown in FIG. 10(B), since the distance between the apex of the convex portion 45 and the inner surfaces of the panels 44a to 44c is sufficiently close, the user P cannot get on the convex portion 45. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user P from getting on the convex portion 45 and the ranging sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d from failing to detect the user P even though the user P exists in the area A1 within the boarding and alighting portion 20. Note that the convex portion 45 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 10(B), and may be, for example, hemispherical or other shapes, but a shape that is difficult for a person to step on, such as having no upward horizontal plane, is desirable.

[0089] (Third Modification Example) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a fence of the mechanical parking facility according to the third modification example of the present embodiment and its peripheral portion. The mechanical parking facility 10 according to this third modification example has the same structure as the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, except for the structure of the panels 40a to 40d. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the same description will not be repeated.

[0090] In the above embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the case where the intrusion prevention portion is configured as the panels 40a to 40d has been described. On the other hand, in this third modification example, the intrusion prevention portion is configured as fences 46a to 46d (fences 46a to 46c are not shown). Such an intrusion prevention portion may prevent the detection target from entering the area A2 within the boarding and alighting portion 20. Note that the intrusion prevention portion may be any other structure that can prevent the detection target from entering the area A2 within the boarding and alighting portion 20.

[0091] (Fourth Modification Example) FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fence and its peripheral portion of the mechanical parking facility according to the fourth modification of the present embodiment. The mechanical parking facility 10 according to this fourth modification has the same structure as the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the third modification except for the structure of the fences 46a to 46d. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the same description will not be repeated.

[0092] In this fourth modification, a wire rope 70 for raising and lowering the elevator 66 is described, and the intrusion prevention part is configured as fences 46a to 46d (not shown for fences 46a to 46c) at a position where it does not interfere with the raising and lowering of the elevator 66. The wire rope 70 is exposed inside the boarding and alighting section 20, and such an intrusion prevention part prevents the intrusion of a detection target object into the area A2 inside the boarding and alighting section 20. Similar to the third modification, the intrusion prevention part may have other structures capable of preventing the intrusion of a detection target object into the area A2 inside the boarding and alighting section 20.

[0093] (Fifth Modification) FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fence and its peripheral portion of the mechanical parking facility according to the fifth modification of the present embodiment. The mechanical parking facility 10 according to this fifth modification has the same structure as the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the fourth modification except for the structure of the fences 46a to 46d. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and the same description will not be repeated.

[0094] In this fifth modification, there is a space on the elevator 66 near the wire rope 70 where a detection target object can intrude. Since the intrusion prevention part fixed inside the boarding and alighting section 20 is provided outside the first lifting path 16 that does not interfere with the raising and lowering of the elevator 66, it cannot prevent the intrusion of the detection target object into the possible space. It is impossible to prevent the intrusion into the possible space.

[0095] Therefore, in the fifth modified example, the elevator 66 is provided with intrusion prevention parts 47a-47e so as to cover the wire rope 70 at the four corners of the elevator 66, and the boarding section 20 is provided with panels 46e-46h. The intrusion prevention parts 47a-47e, in combination with the panels 46a-46h, prevent the detection object from intruding into the space outside the wire rope 70. As in the fourth modified example, the intrusion prevention parts may have other structures capable of preventing the intrusion of the detection object. Also, when the elevator 66 is raised or lowered, the intrusion prevention parts 47a-47e are provided with a structure that prevents the intrusion of the detection object. The detecting mechanism 64 may be configured to be movable forward and backward so as to retreat to a position (for example, outside the first elevator shaft 16) that does not impede the ascent and descent of the elevator 66, and advance to a position (inside the first elevator shaft 16) that impedes the ascent and descent of the elevator 66 only when the elevator 66 is stopped at the boarding / disembarking section 20, thereby preventing the intrusion of an object to be detected. In this case, a known advancing and retreating mechanism such as a hydraulic mechanism or a link mechanism can be used.

[0096] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, an example in which a user P uses the mechanical parking facility 10 to exit a vehicle V has been described mainly based on Figures 8 and 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the mechanical parking facility 10 can be used in the same manner when a user P enters a vehicle V, and the same effects as when the vehicle V is exited can be obtained.

[0097] In addition, when a user P uses the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the above embodiment to park a vehicle V in the first determination mode, for example, if the pallet 62 has a shape that does not obstruct the light beam L1 of the range measurement sensors 30a to 30c, the range measurement sensors 30a to 30c can detect the presence of the four tires of the vehicle V mounted on the pallet 62 within the boarding / disembarking area 20, and by excluding the rectangular area containing these four tires from the desired detection area, it is possible to easily prevent the vehicle V from being erroneously detected as an object to be detected.

[0098] Also, when the user P stores the vehicle V in the first determination mode using the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the above embodiment, for example, it is possible to detect using microwaves whether a person including the user P is not still in the vehicle V mounted on the pallet 62 in the boarding and alighting section 20. Here, the detection by microwaves may have a known structure that detects an operating detection object (for example, the heartbeat of a person including the user P) using the Doppler effect. Thereby, since the presence of a person including the user P who has boarded the vehicle V can also be detected, it becomes possible to ensure the safety of the mechanical parking facility 10.

[0099] Here, in a conventional mechanical parking facility, when a user stores a vehicle, usually, rules are defined such that only the driver, who is the user, boards the vehicle and the vehicle enters the boarding and alighting section 20 in a state where only the driver is in the vehicle. Therefore, after the vehicle enters the boarding and alighting section 20 by the entrance / exit sensor, by detecting that the user P has exited the outside of the boarding and alighting section 20, there should be no person in the vehicle V.

[0100] If, in violation of the above rules, the vehicle enters the boarding and alighting section 20 with a plurality of people including the driver in the vehicle, in the mechanical parking facility 10 according to the above embodiment, after the vehicle V enters the boarding and alighting section 20, when the user P, who is the driver, exits the outside of the boarding and alighting section 20, even if there is a person other than the user P in the vehicle V, the entrance / exit door 22 will be closed and safety cannot be ensured. Therefore, by detecting the people in the vehicle V using the above-described Doppler sensor, it becomes possible to ensure the safety of the mechanical parking facility 10.

[0101] In the above embodiment and its modification, the case where the ranging sensors 30a to 30c and the photoelectric sensors 32a to 32d are used as sensors has been described. However, it is not limited to this case, and only either the ranging sensor or the photoelectric sensor may be used as the sensor. Note that When only a photoelectric sensor is used as the sensor, for example, a plurality of photoelectric sensors may be densely arranged. At this time, for example, in order to prevent adjacent photoelectric sensors from interfering with each other, the detection may be performed by shifting the timing at which adjacent photoelectric sensors project light rays from each other by a short time. Further, as the sensor, a so-called safety light curtain in which such a structure is packaged may be used. Furthermore, as the sensor, the above-described Doppler sensor may be used, or a passive infrared sensor (so-called passive sensor) may be used.

[0102] Further, for example, at least a part of the panels 40a to 40d is located at a position that obstructs the operation of the elevator 66 before the first determination unit 102 determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility 10, and after the first determination unit 102 determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility 10, It may be configured to move to a position that does not obstruct the operation of the elevator 66.

[0103] (Summary) In order to solve the above-described problems, a mechanical parking facility according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a boarding and alighting unit for a user to board and alight from a vehicle, a storage unit provided separately from the boarding and alighting unit for storing the vehicle, and a conveyance for conveying the vehicle between the boarding and alighting unit and the storage unit. a device, and a facility control device for controlling the operation of the mechanical parking facility, the entire area in the boarding and alighting unit is divided into a first area and a second area other than the first area, and a sensor for detecting a detection target including the user existing in the first area; and an intrusion prevention unit for preventing intrusion of the detection target into the second area, the second area including a third area in which the detection target cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention unit is removed, and the facility control device includes a first determination unit for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility based on a detection value by the sensor.

[0104] According to the above structure, the entire area within the boarding and alighting area is divided into a first area and a second area other than the first area. And since a sensor for detecting a detection target including a user existing within the first area is provided, convenience can be improved. Further, an intrusion prevention unit for preventing intrusion of the detection target into the second area is provided, and since the second area includes a third area where the detection target cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention unit is removed, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to intrusion of the detection target into the third area. As a result, the mechanical parking facility according to the present embodiment can provide a mechanical parking facility capable of preventing malfunction while improving convenience.

[0105] For example, a non-detection target object that is provided within the boarding and alighting area and is not detected by the sensor is further provided, and the third area includes an area where the detection target cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention unit is removed due to being obstructed by the non-detection target object, and the intrusion prevention unit may be provided such that at least a part of the non-detection target object is exposed to the first area.

[0106] For example, the non-detection target object may include an elevator whose operation is controlled by the facility control device and a member that moves up and down integrally with the elevator after the first determination unit determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility.

[0107] For example, at least a part of the intrusion prevention unit is in a position that obstructs the operation of the elevator before the first determination unit determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility, and is configured to move to a position that does not obstruct the operation of the elevator after the first determination unit determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking facility.

[0108] For example, at least a part of the intrusion prevention unit is provided on the elevator and may move up and down integrally with the elevator.

[0109] For example, the sensor may include at least one of a measurement range sensor and a photoelectric sensor.

[0110] For example, the intrusion prevention unit may include at least one of a panel and a fence.

[0111] The equipment control device may further include a second determination unit for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the operation by the user regardless of the detection value by the sensor, a first determination mode for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the determination result of the first determination unit, and a determination switching unit for switching between the first determination mode and a second determination mode for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the determination result of the second determination unit.

[0112] According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform vehicle departure based on the safety confirmation by the user regardless of the detection value by the sensor.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 10 Mechanical parking equipment 12 Parking tower 14a~14d Main columns 16 First lifting path 18 Pit 20 Landing 21 Entrance / exit 22 Entrance / exit door 23 Entrance / exit sensor 24 Duct 26 Second lifting path 27 Mirror 30a~30c Detection range sensors 32a~32d Photoelectric sensors 40a~40d Panels 46a~46h Fences 47a~47e Panels 50 Storage section 60 Conveyor 62 Pallet 64 Pallet turning device 66 Elevator 68 Lifting drive device 70 Wire rope 71 Counterweight 72 Shelf Rail 74 Pallet Transfer Mechanism 78 Sensor Pole 80 Operating Device 82 Touch Panel 92 "Safety Confirmation (Door Closed)" Button 94 Keyhole 100 Equipment Control Device 102 First Judgment Unit 104 Second Judgment Unit 106 Judgment Switching Unit 108 Operation Control Unit

Claims

1. A mechanical parking equipment, comprising: A boarding and alighting section for a user to board and alight from a vehicle; A storage section provided separately from the boarding and alighting section for storing the vehicle; A transport device for transporting the vehicle between the boarding and alighting section and the storage section; An equipment control device for controlling the operation of the mechanical parking equipment, All areas within the boarding and alighting section are divided into a first area and a second area other than the first area, A sensor for detecting a detection target object including the user present in the first area; An intrusion prevention section for preventing intrusion of the detection target object into the second area, The second area includes a third area where the detection target object cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention section is removed, The equipment control device has a first determination section for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the detection value by the sensor. A mechanical parking equipment.

2. Further comprising a non-detection target object provided within the boarding and alighting section and not detected by the sensor, The third area includes an area where the detection target object cannot be detected by the sensor when the intrusion prevention section is removed due to being obstructed by the non-detection target object, The intrusion prevention section is provided such that at least a part of the non-detection target object is exposed to the first area. The mechanical parking equipment according to claim 1.

3. The non-detection target object includes an elevator whose operation is controlled by the equipment control device and a member that moves up and down integrally with the elevator after the first determination section determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment. The mechanical parking equipment according to claim 2.

4. At least a part of the intrusion prevention section is in a position to obstruct the operation of the elevator before the first determination section determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment, and is configured to move to a position that does not obstruct the operation of the elevator after the first determination section determines to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment. The mechanical parking equipment according to claim 3.

5. At least a part of the intrusion prevention section is provided on the elevator and moves up and down integrally with the elevator. The mechanical parking equipment according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The sensor includes at least one of a measurement range sensor and a photoelectric sensor. The mechanical parking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The anti-intrusion part includes at least one of the panel and the fence, and the mechanical parking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The equipment control device a second determination unit for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the operation by the user regardless of the detection value by the sensor; a first determination mode for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the determination result of the first determination unit, and a second determination mode for determining whether to start the operation of the mechanical parking equipment based on the determination result of the second determination unit, and a determination switching unit for switching between the two, and the mechanical parking equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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