Horizontal circulation type parking device

Abstract

To provide a horizontal circulation type parking device capable of surely correcting unintended rotation of a switching rail, and which can bring an extension direction of a turning rail into the normal position even after a long time of use.SOLUTION: A horizontal circulation type parking device 1 includes: a vehicle-placing pallet 5 constituted by including a switching rail 17; a pallet conveyance part 7 for guiding the vehicle-placing pallet 5 and conveying the vehicle-placing pallet 5 in a vertical direction or a lateral direction; and a switching rail extension direction correction part 81 for correcting the extension direction of the switching rail 17 when conveying the vehicle-placing pallet 5 by the pallet conveyance part 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a horizontal circulation type parking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a horizontal circulation type parking device is known that includes a vehicle-mounted pallet and a pallet conveying unit that guides the vehicle-mounted pallet and conveys the vehicle-mounted pallet vertically or horizontally (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle-mounted pallet of the horizontally circulating parking device described in Patent Document 1 is configured with a pallet main body on which the vehicle is mounted, a pair of vertical rails, a pair of horizontal rails, and a pallet-side turning rail (switching rail) that rotates relative to the pallet main body.

[0004] The pallet transport section of the horizontal circulation type parking device described in Patent Document 1 guides the vehicle-mounted pallet and transports the vehicle-mounted pallet in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0005] Furthermore, a horizontal circulation type parking device is known in the prior art, in which the extension direction (vertical or horizontal) of the switching rail is held by a locking mechanism using a spring (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-074805 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-184800 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the horizontal circulation parking device described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the switching rail will rotate unintentionally due to some factor, causing the extension direction of the turning rail to deviate from the direction it should be.

[0008] In addition, in the horizontal circulation parking device described in Patent Document 2, a locking mechanism prevents the switching rail from rotating unintentionally. However, it is important to prevent the function of the locking mechanism from becoming insufficient due to spring wear and tear after prolonged use, causing the extension direction of the switching rail to deviate from its intended direction.

[0009] To provide a horizontal circulation type parking device which can surely correct an unintended rotation of a switching rail and can keep the extension direction of a turning rail in the proper direction even after long-term use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A horizontal circulation type parking device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a pallet body on which a vehicle is mounted, a pair of vertical rails extending vertically and provided on the pallet body, a pair of horizontal rails extending horizontally and provided on the pallet body, a plurality of rail cutouts provided at intersections between each of the pair of vertical rails and each of the pair of horizontal rails, and a plurality of rail cutouts provided on the pallet body at the plurality of rail cutouts, which extend vertically to complement the vertical rails with the rail cutouts, or extend horizontally to complement the rails with the rail cutouts. a pallet conveying section that guides the vehicle-mounted pallet and conveys the vehicle-mounted pallet in a vertical or horizontal direction; and a switching rail extension direction correcting section that corrects the extension direction of the switching rail when the vehicle-mounted pallet is conveyed by the pallet conveying section, wherein the switching rail extension direction correcting section has an abutting section that abuts against the switching rail when correcting the extension direction of the switching rail. the pallet transport unit comprises a base frame, a turning unit that is attached to the base frame so as to turn relative to the base frame about an axis extending in the vertical direction and is positioned by an actuator when turned 90 degrees, a drive wheel that is attached to the turning unit so as to rotate about an axis extending in the horizontal direction and on which the vertical rail, the horizontal rail, or the switching rail is placed and that rotates by an actuator to move the vehicle-mounted pallet vertically or horizontally, and at least a pair of guide wheels that are attached to the turning unit so as to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction and that guide the vehicle-mounted pallet when it moves vertically or horizontally by placing the vertical rail, the horizontal rail, or the switching rail therebetween, and the switching rail extension direction correction unit is configured so that the abutment portion abuts against the switching rail that is in a direction different from the desired direction as the vehicle-mounted pallet is transported by the pallet transport unit, thereby correcting the extension direction of the switching rail to the desired direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a horizontal circulation type parking device that can reliably correct any unintended rotation of the switching rail and can keep the extension direction of the turning rail in the direction that it should be even after long-term use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] (a) is a side view showing the schematic configuration of a horizontal circulating parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a horizontal circulating parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a plan view of the pallet conveying section of the horizontal circulating parking device of an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the drive wheels and guide wheels have been rotated 90 degrees by the rotating section of the pallet conveying section of the horizontal circulating parking device of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a pallet transport unit of a horizontal circulation type parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted pallet of a horizontal circulation type parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted pallet of a horizontal circulation type parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted pallet of a horizontal circulation type parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 6(a) is a plan view showing the switching rails and guide wheels of the vehicle-mounted pallet of the horizontal circulation parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(b) is a view showing the VIIB-VIIB cross section in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 8] 1(a) is a plan view showing the switching rail of the vehicle-mounted pallet of a horizontal circulating parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention and the surrounding area, and FIG. 1(b) is a view showing a cross section VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 1(a). [Figure 9]1 is a diagram showing a switching rail extension direction correction unit, etc., of a horizontal circulation type parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view taken along the arrows XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating the operation of the switching rail extending direction correcting unit and the like. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating the operation of the switching rail extending direction correcting unit and the like. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating the operation of the switching rail extending direction correcting unit and the like. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating the operation of the switching rail extending direction correcting unit and the like. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating the operation of the switching rail extending direction correcting unit and the like. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 9 and illustrating the operation of the switching rail extending direction correcting unit and the like. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a switching rail extension direction correcting unit according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, a horizontal circulation parking system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a mechanical parking facility that moves a vehicle loading pallet 5 carrying a vehicle 3 in a horizontal plane to allow the vehicle 3 to enter and exit the parking lot. The vehicle 3 is, for example, a passenger car. The vehicle 3 may be a compact car, a medium-sized car, a large car, a high-roof car, or the like.

[0014] Here, one predetermined horizontal direction is defined as the vertical direction, another predetermined horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the horizontal direction, and the direction that is perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions is defined as the up-down direction (height direction).

[0015] The horizontal circulation parking device 1 is configured to include a vehicle pallet 5 and a pallet transport unit (drive cell) 7. The pallet transport unit 7 moves and positions the vehicle pallet 5 on which a vehicle 3 is loaded or an empty vehicle pallet 5 on which no vehicle 3 is loaded, in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the horizontal circulation type parking device 1 is provided with a lift 8 that raises and lowers the vehicle loading pallet 5, and is capable of storing vehicles 3 in multiple levels (for example, two levels, one above the other).

[0017] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is configured to include a pallet main body 9, at least one pair of vertical rails 11, at least one pair of horizontal rails 13, multiple rail cutout portions 15, and multiple switching rails (diverging rails) 17.

[0018] The pallet main body 9 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and the vehicle 3 is mounted on the pallet main body 9. A pair of vertical rails 11 protrude slightly downward from the pallet main body 9 on the underside of the pallet main body 9, extend long in the vertical direction, and are provided integrally with the pallet main body 9. If the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (the lengthwise direction of the vertical rails 11) and the up-down direction is defined as the width direction of the vertical rails 11, the width direction of the vertical rails 11 coincides with the horizontal direction.

[0019] The longitudinal rail 11 is made of, for example, an "H-shaped steel." Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal rail 11 (the shape of the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is an "H" shape (more precisely, an "H" rotated 90 degrees). Furthermore, in the longitudinal rail, two of the three line segments of the "H" shape that are parallel to each other extend horizontally, and one of the two parallel line segments is located on the upper side and the other on the lower side. Furthermore, in the longitudinal rail 11, one of the three line segments of the "H" shape extends vertically.

[0020] As a result, the lower surface 19 of the vertical rail 11 is a rectangular plane elongated in the vertical direction (a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction). As already understood, the lower surface 19 of the vertical rail 11 is formed by the lower surface of the lower of the two line segments that extend parallel to each other in the "H" shape.

[0021] The longitudinal rail 11 also has a pair of flat surfaces 21 that are perpendicular to the width direction of the longitudinal rail 11. These pair of flat surfaces 21 are also formed at both ends of the lower of the two parallel line segments of the "H" shape. The distance between the pair of flat surfaces 21 of the longitudinal rail 11 is the width dimension of the longitudinal rail 11.

[0022] The pair of horizontal rails 13 are provided integrally with the pallet main body 9 below the pallet main body 9, protruding slightly downward from the pallet main body 9 and extending horizontally. If the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction (the longitudinal direction of the horizontal rails 13) and the up-down direction is defined as the width direction of the horizontal rails 13, the width direction of the horizontal rails 13 coincides with the vertical direction.

[0023] The horizontal rail 13 is also made of, for example, the same "H-shaped steel" as the vertical rail 11. Therefore, the lower surface 23 of the horizontal rail 13 is a rectangular flat surface that is elongated in the horizontal direction (a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction). As already understood, the lower surface 23 of the horizontal rail 13 is formed by the lower surface of the lower of the two line segments that extend parallel to each other in the "H" shape.

[0024] The horizontal rail 13 also has a pair of flat surfaces 25 that are perpendicular to the width direction of the horizontal rail 13. These pair of flat surfaces 25 are also formed at both ends of the lower of the two parallel line segments of the "H" shape. The distance between the pair of flat surfaces 25 of the horizontal rail 13 is the width dimension of the horizontal rail 13.

[0025] As shown in Figures 7, 8, etc., the rail cutout portions 15 are provided at the intersections of each of the pair of vertical rails 11 and each of the pair of horizontal rails 13. At the rail cutout portions 15, neither the vertical rails 11 nor the horizontal rails 13 are present. Therefore, the vertical rails 11 do not extend continuously in the vertical direction, but are interrupted at the rail cutout portions 15.

[0026] The horizontal rails 13 also do not extend continuously in the horizontal direction, but are interrupted at the rail cutout portions 15. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if a pair (two) of vertical rails 11 and a pair (two) of horizontal rails 13 are provided, there will be four rail cutout portions 15.

[0027] The switching rail 17 protrudes slightly downward from the pallet main body 9 below the pallet main body 9, and is provided on the pallet main body 9 at each of the multiple rail cutout portions 15. The switching rail 17 is positioned by rotating 90° with respect to the pallet main body 9 (positioned by 90° rotation; positioned by 90° index) so as to be in a vertically extended state (see Figure 6) or a horizontally extended state (see Figure 5).

[0028] The vertically extending state is a state in which the rail 17 extends vertically to complement the vertical rail 11 at the rail cutout 15. In other words, the switching rail 17 takes the place of the vertical rail 11 at the rail cutout 15. The horizontally extending state is a state in which the rail 17 extends horizontally to complement the horizontal rail 13 at the rail cutout 15. In other words, the switching rail 17 takes the place of the horizontal rail 13 at the rail cutout 15.

[0029] 7 and 8, the switching rail 17 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular flat plate having a predetermined length, width, and thickness, with the thickness direction of the flat plate of the switching rail 17 being the up-down direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the center of the rail cutout portion 15 and the center of the switching rail 17 are aligned with each other. Furthermore, the switching rail 17 can be rotated and positioned by 90° relative to the pallet main body 9 around an axis C4 (see FIG. 9, etc.) that passes through the center and extends in the up-down direction.

[0030] By being rotated and positioned by 90°, in the vertically extended state, the longitudinal direction of the switching rail 17 becomes the vertical direction and the width direction of the switching rail 17 becomes the horizontal direction. In the horizontally extended state, the longitudinal direction of the switching rail 17 becomes the horizontal direction and the width direction of the switching rail 17 becomes the vertical direction.

[0031] Furthermore, assuming that the rail cutout portion 15 does not exist, the length dimension value of the vertical rail 11 is greater than the length dimension value of the horizontal rail 13, and the length dimension value of the horizontal rail 13 is greater than the length dimension value of the switching rail 17.

[0032] In addition, the amount of protrusion of the vertical rail 11 from the underside of the pallet main body 9, the amount of protrusion of the horizontal rail 13 from the underside of the pallet main body 9, and the amount of protrusion of the switching rail 17 from the underside of the pallet main body 9 are approximately the same.

[0033] In the horizontal circulation type parking device 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pallet conveying section 7 is provided with at least one pair of guide wheels (guide rollers) 27. When the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves vertically or horizontally, the vertical rail 11, horizontal rail 13, or switching rail 17 is configured to be inserted between at least one pair of guide wheels 27 and guided (see Figure 7(a) and other figures). This guide allows the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 to move straight in the vertical or horizontal direction. Note that Figures 2 and 3 omit the illustration of the switching rail extension direction correction unit 81 of the horizontal circulation type parking device 1. The switching rail extension direction correction unit 81 is shown in Figures 9, 10, etc.

[0034] For example, the width of the vertical rail 11 and the width of the horizontal rail 13 are equal to each other. The width of the switching rail 17 is equal to the width of the vertical rail 11 and the width of the horizontal rail 13.

[0035] Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted pallet 5, guide surfaces 29 are provided at the longitudinal ends of the vertical rails 11, the longitudinal ends of the horizontal rails 13, and the longitudinal ends of the switching rails 17 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The guide surfaces 29 are provided to facilitate the transfer of the pair of guide wheels 27 from the vertical rails 11 to the switching rails 17 and the transfer of the pair of guide wheels 27 from the horizontal rails 13 to the switching rails 17. The guide surfaces 29 are also provided to facilitate the transfer of the pair of guide wheels 27 from the switching rails 17 to the vertical rails 11 and the transfer of the pair of guide wheels 27 from the switching rails 17 to the horizontal rails 13.

[0036] Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted pallet 5, the vertical rail 11 is divided into a plurality of sections 11A, 11B, and 11C in the longitudinal direction by the rail cutout portion 15 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Similarly to the vertical rail 11, the horizontal rail 13 is also divided into a plurality of sections 13A, 13B, and 13C in the longitudinal direction by the rail cutout portion 15 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0037] The switching rail 17 is configured so that it is rotated and positioned in the vertically extended state or the horizontally extended state by a plunger (e.g., a ball plunger) 31 and a ball button 33, and this rotated and positioned state is maintained (see Figure 8).

[0038] 2 and 3, the pallet conveying unit 7 is configured to include a base frame 39, a swivel unit 41, drive wheels (drive rollers) 43, and guide wheels 27. The swivel unit 41 is provided on the base frame 39 and is configured to rotate relative to the base frame 39 around an axis (rotation center axis) C1 (see FIG. 9, etc.) that extends in the vertical direction. The swivel unit 41 is configured to be rotated 90° and positioned by an actuator (for example, a motor with a reducer) 47.

[0039] The drive wheels 43 are provided on the swivel section 41 so as to rotate around a horizontally extending axis (rotation center axis) C3 (see FIG. 9, etc.). The drive wheels 43 are rotated by an actuator (for example, a motor with a reducer) 49. With the vertical rail 11, horizontal rail 13, or switching rail 17 placed on the drive wheels 43, the drive wheels 43 are rotated by the actuator 49, so that the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves vertically or horizontally.

[0040] 2(a) shows a set of guide wheels 27 and drive wheels 43 that are rotated and positioned by the swivel unit 41 when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is moved in the vertical direction. FIG. 2(b) shows the guide wheels 27 and drive wheels 43 that are rotated and positioned by the swivel unit 41 when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is moved in the horizontal direction.

[0041] At least one pair of guide wheels 27 is provided on the swivel section 41 so as to rotate around an axis (rotation center axis) C2 (see FIG. 9, etc.) extending in the vertical direction. By inserting the vertical rail 11, horizontal rail 13 or switching rail 17 between the pair of guide wheels 27, the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is guided when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0042] Here, the horizontal circulation type parking system 1 will be described in more detail.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is provided with two vertical rails 11 and two horizontal rails 13. The vertical rails 11 are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the horizontal direction and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center plane (a plane that includes the center of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 and is perpendicular to the horizontal direction). The horizontal rails 13 are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the vertical direction and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center plane (a plane that includes the center of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 and is perpendicular to the vertical direction).

[0044] Since there are four intersections between the vertical rails 11 and the horizontal rails 13, there are four rail cutouts 15. The four rail cutouts 15 result in a pair of sections 11A of the vertical rails 11, a pair of sections 11B, and a pair of sections 11C. Furthermore, the four rail cutouts 15 result in a pair of sections 13A of the horizontal rails 13, a pair of sections 13B, and a pair of sections 13C.

[0045] The dimension between portions 11A and 11B in the vertical direction of the first rail cutout portion 15 is equal to the dimension between portions 13A and 13B in the horizontal direction. The other rail cutout portions 15 have similar dimension values.

[0046] 8(a), the guide surfaces 29 at the longitudinal ends of the vertical rails 11 and horizontal rails 13 are formed by a pair of slopes. At the guide surfaces 29, the width gradually decreases toward the longitudinal ends of the vertical rails 11.

[0047] 7 and 8, the switching rail 17 is formed in a generally rectangular shape with a predetermined thickness. When viewed in the vertical direction, the guide surfaces 29 at both ends of the switching rail 17 in the longitudinal direction are configured in the same manner as the guide surfaces 29 at both ends of the vertical rails 11 and the horizontal rails 13.

[0048] 7(b) and 8(b), a switching rail support member 53 formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape protrudes upward from the top surface of the switching rail 17. The switching rail support member 53 is supported via bearings 55, and the switching rail 17 rotates around an axis C4 (see FIG. 9, etc.) extending in the vertical direction relative to the pallet main body 9.

[0049] In Figure 7(b) etc., the bearing 55 is configured as a ball bearing (rolling bearing), but as shown in Figure 10, the bearing 55 may be configured as a sliding bearing which has slightly greater rotational resistance than a ball bearing.

[0050] When viewed in the vertical direction, the rotation central axis C4 of the switching rail 17, the center of the rail cutout portion 15, and the central axis of the switching rail support member 53 are aligned with one another. The bearing 55 is supported by a cylindrical bearing support member 56 that is integrally provided with the pallet main body 9 and protrudes downward from the pallet main body 9.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pallet conveying unit 7 is provided with four swivel units 41 in accordance with the number of switching rails 17.

[0052] The swivel unit 41 is configured to include a rectangular cylindrical portion 57 that is open at the top end. The cylindrical portion 57 is configured to be rotated and positioned by 90° around the central axis of the cylinder (the axis extending in the vertical direction).

[0053] To explain further, the four cylindrical portions 57 are configured to rotate in synchronization with one another by the actuator 47 and the link mechanism 59. This allows the four swivel portions 41 to rotate in synchronization with one another.

[0054] Four guide wheels 27 (two pairs) are provided in one cylindrical portion 57. The guide wheels 27 are, for example, configured as cam followers, and the rotating wheels of the cam followers protrude upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 57. When viewed in the vertical direction, each of the four guide wheels 27 is located near one of the four corners of the cylindrical portion 57. The vertical rails 11, horizontal rails 13, and switching rails 17 can be inserted between each of the two pairs of guide wheels 27.

[0055] Because four cylindrical portions 57 are provided, sixteen guide wheels 27 (eight pairs) are provided in one pallet conveying section 7. The vertical rails 11 and the switching rails 17 are arranged between the eight pairs of guide wheels 27. The distance (the horizontal gap dimension) between the two guide wheels 27 that position the vertical rails 11 therebetween is slightly larger than the width of the vertical rails 11 and the width of the switching rails 17 in the vertically extended state. The distance (the vertical gap dimension) between the two guide wheels 27 that position the horizontal rails 13 therebetween is slightly larger than the width of the horizontal rails 13 and the width of the switching rails 17 in the horizontally extended state.

[0056] When the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves in the vertical or horizontal direction, the vertical rail 11, the horizontal rail 13, and the switching rail 17 form rolling pairs with the guide wheels 27.

[0057] The drive wheels 43 are provided inside the cylindrical portion 57, and the upper ends of the drive wheels 43 protrude slightly from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 57. The guide wheels 27 are located above the drive wheels 43. One drive wheel 43 is provided per cylindrical portion 57.

[0058] Since the pallet conveying unit 7 is provided with four cylindrical portions 57, one pallet conveying unit 7 is provided with four drive wheels 43. In FIG. 2 etc., two of the four drive wheels 43, which are diagonally opposite each other, are rotationally driven by an actuator 49. Therefore, the drive wheels 43 that are not rotationally driven themselves should perhaps be called vehicle-mounted pallet support wheels. Note that all four drive wheels 43 may be rotationally driven by an actuator 49.

[0059] In the vertically stretched state, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the drive wheel 43 is rotated by the actuator 49 around the axis C3 extending in the horizontal direction. By driving the drive wheel 43 to rotate, the pallet conveying unit 7 moves in the vertical direction. At this time, the drive wheel 43, the vertical rail 11, and the switching rail 17 form a rolling pair.

[0060] In the horizontally extended state, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the drive wheel 43 is rotated by the actuator 49 around the axis C3 extending in the vertical direction. By driving the drive wheel 43 to rotate, the pallet conveying unit 7 moves in the horizontal direction. At this time, the drive wheel 43, the horizontal rail 13, and the switching rail 17 form a rolling pair.

[0061] The plunger 31 is provided integrally with the pallet main body 9, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the ball button 33 is provided integrally with the switching rail 17, for example.

[0062] The longitudinal direction of the switching rails 17 is switched from the longitudinally extending state to the transversely extending state when each of the four switching rails 17 is mounted on a corresponding one of the four drive wheels 43 and the switching rails 17 are positioned between the guide wheels 27. Furthermore, this is achieved by rotating the drive wheels 43 and the guide wheels 27 at the swivel unit 41. The longitudinal direction of the switching rails 17 is also switched from the transversely extending state to the longitudinally extending state in the same manner.

[0063] A plurality of pallet conveying units 7 are provided as shown in Fig. 1. The plurality of pallet conveying units 7 are arranged in a matrix at regular intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0064] Here, the switching rail extending direction correcting section 81 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

[0065] The switching rail extension direction correcting unit 81 forcibly corrects the extension direction of the switching rail 17 in accordance with the movement of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is transported by the pallet transport unit 7. In other words, when the extension direction of the switching rail 17 is different from the direction it should be, the switching rail extension direction correcting unit 81 corrects the extension direction of the switching rail 17 to the direction it should be.

[0066] For example, when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is being transported vertically by the pallet transport unit 7, the extension direction of the switching rail 17 should be vertical. However, when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is being transported vertically by the pallet transport unit 7, the extension direction of the switching rail 17 may be in a direction that intersects obliquely with the vertical direction or in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this case, the switching rail extension direction correction unit 81 corrects the extension direction of the switching rail 17 so that it becomes vertical.

[0067] Similarly, when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is being transported laterally by the pallet transport unit 7, the extension direction of the switching rail 17 should be horizontal. However, when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is being transported laterally by the pallet transport unit 7, the extension direction of the switching rail 17 may be in a direction that intersects obliquely with the horizontal direction or in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. In this case, the switching rail extension direction correction unit 81 corrects the extension direction of the switching rail 17 so that it becomes horizontal.

[0068] In addition, if the extension direction of the switching rail 17 is in the direction it should be (vertical or horizontal) (including when it is slightly tilted within the allowable range), the switching rail extension direction correction unit 81 will not particularly correct the extension direction of the switching rail 17.

[0069] The switching rail extension direction correcting section 81 is configured to include an abutment section 83 that abuts against the switching rail 17 when correcting the extension direction of the switching rail 17. The vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is transported by the pallet transport section 7, and the abutment section 83 makes the correction when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves relative to the base frame 39. In other words, the abutment section 83 abuts against an end face of the switching rail 17, for example, on one side in the width direction, to correct the extension direction of the switching rail 17.

[0070] The contact portion 83 is configured to take a first position shown in Figures 9 to 14 when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves vertically. Furthermore, the contact portion 83 is configured to take a second position (see Figures 15 and 16) different from the first position when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves horizontally.

[0071] Furthermore, the contact portion 83 of the switching rail extension direction correcting portion 81 is configured to take a first position or a second position by the rotation of the swivel portion 41 (cylindrical portion 57).

[0072] Furthermore, switching rail extension direction correction unit 81 is configured to include a first gear (for example, a commercially available spur gear) 85 and a second gear (for example, a commercially available spur gear) 87. First gear 85 is installed integrally with swivel unit 41 so that its rotation center coincides with the rotation center (axis C1) of swivel unit 41, and rotates together with swivel unit 41.

[0073] The second gear 87 is provided with an abutment portion 83. The second gear 87 meshes with the first gear 85 and rotates with the first gear 85 around an axis C6 extending in the vertical direction relative to the base frame 39. The rotation of the second gear 87 causes the abutment portion 83 to take a first position or a second position.

[0074] Here, the switching rail extension direction correcting unit 81 will be described in more detail.

[0075] The first gear 85 is integrally provided on the cylindrical portion 57 of the swivel portion 41 via a gear installation member (not shown). When viewed in the vertical direction, the cylindrical portion 57 is located inside the first gear 85. When viewed in the vertical direction, the first gear 85 is located in the middle of the cylindrical portion 57. In addition, the cylindrical portion 57 and the first gear 85 are configured to rotate by 90° relative to the base frame 39 around an axis C1 extending in the vertical direction. The cylindrical portion 57 is supported on the base frame 39 via a bearing 89 (see FIG. 10).

[0076] A cylindrical bearing-supported member 91 protrudes downward from the cylindrical portion 57 (second gear 87). The cylindrical portion 57 (second gear 87) is supported by the base frame 39 at the bearing-supported member 91 via a bearing 93. The second gear 87 is designed to rotate by 90° relative to the base frame 39 around an axis C6 extending in the vertical direction (see FIG. 10).

[0077] The contact portion 83 is formed, for example, by a rotating portion 97 of a cam follower 95. The cam follower 95 protrudes upward from the outer periphery (near the teeth) of the second gear 87. The rotating portion 97 is designed to rotate freely relative to the second gear 87 around an axis C5 extending in the vertical direction. Note that, in order to prevent noise when the contact portion 83 contacts the switching rail 17, a cylindrical, somewhat soft buffer member made of, for example, synthetic resin may be provided on the outer periphery of the rotating portion 97.

[0078] Alternatively, the contact portion 83 may not rotate but may be integral with the second gear 87. In this case, it is desirable that the contact portion 83 (particularly the portion that contacts the switching rail 17) be made of a material with a small coefficient of friction.

[0079] In a configuration in which the first gear 85 rotates by 90° and the second gear 87 also rotates by 90°, unlike the configuration shown in the figure, the number of teeth of the first gear 85 and the number of teeth of the second gear 87 are the same. In addition, in a configuration in which the second gear 87 rotates by an angle other than 90° so that the abutment portion 83 takes the first position or the second position, the number of teeth of the first gear 85 and the number of teeth of the second gear 87 will be different from each other.

[0080] Furthermore, the first gear 85 and the second gear 87 have teeth on the entire circumference, but since the first gear 85 and the second gear 87 only rotate 90°, the teeth may be formed only at the points where they mesh during this rotation.

[0081] Next, the operation of the horizontal circulation type parking system 1 will be described.

[0082] In the initial state, a vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is placed on each of the multiple pallet conveying units 7. However, it is assumed that no vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is loaded on one of the multiple pallet conveying units 7. The vehicle-mounted pallet 5 may or may not have a vehicle 3 loaded on it.

[0083] Also, in the initial state, the switching rails 17 of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 are placed on the drive wheels 43, the switching rails 17 of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 are between the guide wheels 27, and the switching rails 17 of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 are in a state of vertical extension. When this initial state is viewed from above, the center of the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 and the center of the pallet conveyor 7 are aligned with each other. Furthermore, with these centers aligned with each other, the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is stopped and the vehicle 3 is being stored. Also, in the initial state, the abutment portion 83 is in the first position.

[0084] In the initial state, when one vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is moved vertically to an adjacent pallet conveying section 7 on which no vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is loaded, the drive wheels 43 are rotated to move the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 vertically by a predetermined distance.

[0085] At this time, Figure 11 shows the state in which the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is on its way to the adjacent pallet conveying section 7 and has moved close to the adjacent pallet conveying section 7. In Figure 11, the switching rail 17, which should normally extend vertically, extends diagonally.

[0086] 11, when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 (rails 11, 13, 17) is moved leftward in FIG. 11 relative to the switching rail extension direction correcting unit 81 (base frame 39), the state shown in FIG. 12 is reached.

[0087] The state shown in Figure 12 is the state where the abutment portion 83 begins to abut against the switching rail 17. When the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is further moved to the left in Figure 12 relative to the switching rail extension direction correction portion 81 (base frame 39) from the state shown in Figure 12, it reaches the state shown in Figure 13. Between the state shown in Figure 12 and the state shown in Figure 13, the abutment portion 83 corrects the extension direction of the switching rail 17 so that it becomes vertical.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 14, even if the switching rail 17 extends in a diagonal direction opposite to the state shown in FIG. 11, the direction of extension of the switching rail 17 is corrected to be vertical.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 11, stopper members 105 (105A, 105B) may be provided to prevent the switching rail 17 from rotating in the reverse direction, so that the switching rail 17 does not extend in the direction shown in FIG.

[0090] To explain further, the stopper member 105A may be provided so as to protrude from the end of the vertical rail 11 on the switching rail 17 side in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). In this case, the stopper member 105A is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape and protrudes from one lateral surface of the vertical rail 11. Also, the stopper member 105B may be provided so as to protrude from the end of the horizontal rail 13 on the switching rail 17 side in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction). In this case, the stopper member 105B is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape and protrudes from one lateral surface of the horizontal rail 13.

[0091] The switching rail 17 may be configured to rotate only within an angular range of 90°. That is, the switching rail 17 may be configured to rotate clockwise from the state shown in Fig. 11 until the stopper member 105A and the side surface 17a of the switching rail 17 abut against each other. Alternatively, the switching rail 17 may be configured to rotate counterclockwise from the state shown in Fig. 11 until the stopper member 105B and the side surface 17b of the switching rail 17 abut against each other.

[0092] In the above initial state, when one vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is moved laterally to an adjacent pallet conveying section 7 where no vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is loaded, the switching rail 17 is extended laterally by the swivel section 41. After this, the drive wheels 43 are rotated to move the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 laterally by a predetermined distance.

[0093] At this time, Figure 15 shows the state in which the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is on its way to the adjacent pallet conveying section 7 and has moved close to the adjacent pallet conveying section 7. In Figure 15, the switching rail 17, which should normally extend horizontally, extends diagonally.

[0094] When the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is moved downward in Figure 15 relative to the switching rail extension direction correction section 81 (base frame 39) from the state shown in Figure 15, it reaches the state shown in Figure 16, similar to the case described using Figures 11 to 14.

[0095] The horizontal circulation parking device 1 is configured with a switching rail extension direction corrector 81 that corrects the extension direction of the switching rail 17 when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 is transported by the pallet transporter 7. This allows for reliable and easy correction even if the switching rail 17 rotates unintentionally (even if the extension direction of the switching rail 17 is at an angle).

[0096] Furthermore, the horizontal circulation parking system 1 can keep the extension direction of the switching rail (diverting rail) 17 in the direction it should be even after long-term use. For example, in an embodiment in which a locking mechanism using a spring is used to prevent the extension direction of the switching rail 17 from shifting, the extension direction of the diverting rail 17 can be kept in the direction it should be even if the function of the spring deteriorates after long-term use.

[0097] Furthermore, in the horizontal circulation parking device 1, the switching rail extension direction correcting section 81 is configured to include an abutting section 83 that abuts against the switching rail 17 when correcting the extension direction of the switching rail 17. The abutting section 83 is configured to take a first position when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves vertically, and to take a second position when the vehicle-mounted pallet 5 moves horizontally.

[0098] This allows the extension direction of the switching rail 17 to be in the direction that it should be, with a simple configuration in which the position of the abutting portion 83 is simply changed.

[0099] Furthermore, in the horizontal circulation parking device 1, the abutment part 83 of the switching rail extension direction correction part 81 is configured to take the first position or the second position by rotating the swivel part 41. This eliminates the need for an actuator just for positioning the abutment part 83, further simplifying the configuration of the switching rail extension direction correction part 81.

[0100] Furthermore, the horizontally circulating parking device 1 is configured to include a first gear 85 that rotates together with the turning unit 41, and a second gear 87 that meshes with the first gear 85 and rotates relative to the base frame 39. The abutment unit 83 is configured to take the first position or the second position due to the rotation of the second gear 87. By using mass-produced commercially available spur gears as the first gear 85 and the second gear 87, the switching rail extension direction corrector 81 can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0101] As shown in Figure 17, the link mechanism 99 in the switching rail extension direction correction section 81 may cause the abutment section 83 to take the second position (see Figure 17(a)) or the first position (see Figure 17(b)).

[0102] That is, the switching rail extension direction corrector 81 may be configured to include a first element 101 and a second element 103. In this configuration, the first element 101 has one end, a first end (first element first end), which is engaged with the swivel portion 41 (cylindrical portion 57). The first element 101 is configured to rotate relative to the swivel portion 41 around an axis C7 extending in the vertical direction at the engaged portion.

[0103] Also, a contact portion 83 is provided at one end of the second element 103, which is a second end (second element first end). A predetermined portion (second element predetermined portion; intermediate portion of the second element) of the second element 103 engages with the other end of the first element 101, which is a second end (first element second end).

[0104] The second element 103 is adapted to rotate relative to the first element 101 around an axis C8 extending in the vertical direction at this engaged portion. The second element 103 also has a second end (second element second end) which is the other end thereof engaged with the base frame 39, and is adapted to rotate relative to the base frame 39 around an axis C6 extending in the vertical direction at this engaged portion.

[0105] The contact portion 83 is configured to take the first position or the second position by rotating the second element 103 (the cylindrical portion 57).

[0106] The engagement portions of the cylindrical portions 57 of the first element 101 and the second element 103 and the base frame 39 may be located at portions other than the ends, and the installation portions of the abutment portions 83 may be located at portions other than the ends. Furthermore, the engagement portions of the first element 101 and the second element 103 may be located at portions other than the middle portions.

[0107] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Horizontal circulation parking system 3 vehicles 5. Vehicle Pallets 7 Pallet transport section 9 Pallet body 11 Vertical rail 13 Horizontal rail 15 Rail cutout 17 Switching Rail 27 Guide Wheel 39 Base Frame 41 Swivel section 43 Drive wheels 49 Actuators 81 Switching rail extension direction correction section 83 Contact part 85 First Gear 87 Second Gear 101 First Element 103 Second Element C1, C2, C3, C6, C7, C8 axis

Claims

[Claim 1] a vehicle-mounted pallet comprising: a pallet body on which a vehicle is mounted; a pair of vertical rails extending vertically and provided on the pallet body; a pair of horizontal rails extending horizontally and provided on the pallet body; a plurality of rail cutouts provided at intersections between each of the pair of vertical rails and each of the pair of horizontal rails; and a switching rail provided on the pallet body at the plurality of rail cutouts, which rotates relative to the pallet body so as to be in a vertically extended state in which the rail cutouts complement the vertical rails, or in a horizontally extended state in which the rail cutouts complement the horizontal rails; a pallet conveying unit that guides the vehicle-mounted pallet and conveys the vehicle-mounted pallet in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction; a switching rail extension direction correction unit that corrects the extension direction of the switching rail when the vehicle-mounted pallet is transported by the pallet transport unit; and the switching rail extension direction correction portion is configured to include an abutment portion that abuts against the switching rail when correcting the extension direction of the switching rail, The pallet transport unit is configured to include a base frame, a swivel unit that is provided on the base frame so as to rotate relative to the base frame around an axis extending in the vertical direction and is positioned by an actuator when rotated 90 degrees, a drive wheel that is provided on the swivel unit so as to rotate around an axis extending in the horizontal direction and on which the vertical rail, the horizontal rail, or the switching rail is placed and that rotates by an actuator to move the vehicle-mounted pallet in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and at least one pair of guide wheels that is provided on the swivel unit so as to rotate around an axis extending in the vertical direction and that guide the vehicle-mounted pallet when it moves in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction by placing the vertical rail, the horizontal rail, or the switching rail therebetween, The switching rail extension direction correction unit is configured so that, as the vehicle-mounted pallet is transported by the pallet transport unit, the abutment portion abuts against the switching rail, which is in a direction different from what it should be, thereby correcting the extension direction of the switching rail to what it should be.This horizontal circulation parking device.

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