Mechanical parking system

Abstract

The purpose is to ensure safety within the passenger compartment by performing actions only after people have safely exited the compartment. [Solution] The mechanical parking system has a pallet 16 on which a vehicle 12 is placed, and an entry / exit room 20 is provided where the driver of the vehicle 12 can get in and out of the vehicle 12. The mechanical parking system is positioned near the location where safety checks are performed within the entry / exit room 20 and includes a confirmation button 34 on which the status of the safety check performed by a person is input, and a control device that executes the transport of the pallet 16 after input is received to the confirmation button 34 and the person has left the entry / exit room 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical parking device.

Background Art

[0002] As a mechanical parking device, a type in which a vehicle is placed on a pallet conveyed to a storage and a boarding and alighting room where a driver of the vehicle can board and alight has become widespread.

[0003] In such a mechanical parking device, after a passenger or luggage is unloaded outside the boarding and alighting room, only the driver of the vehicle enters the boarding and alighting room together with the vehicle, and the vehicle is placed on the pallet. However, there have been cases where an unintended situation occurs, such as when a person outside the boarding and alighting room enters the boarding and alighting room, or when a person other than the driver issues an operation command for the mechanical parking device.

[0004] For this reason, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-story parking device provided with a camera that projects an image from the traveling direction of the vehicle into the boarding and alighting room, and stops the operation of the operation panel when a person is detected in the image of the camera. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a multi-story parking lot that directly detects people and animals inside the parked vehicle and determines the presence of moving objects such as people or animals based on an input signal from a microwave Doppler sensor that detects a part of the vehicle or the sway of the vehicle body. In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses a multi-story parking lot that obtains the weight difference between the weight of the vehicle at the time of storage and the weight of the vehicle after being mounted on the lift table, and controls the opening of the entrance / exit door if the weight difference is not within the range corresponding to the weight of a person.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0006] However, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 require the installation of cameras, Doppler sensors, vehicle weight detection means, etc., which increases costs due to the introduction of these devices. Furthermore, these technologies suffer from problems such as reduced accuracy in detecting people, etc., due to camera blind spots and false detections by Doppler sensors and weight detection means due to external disturbances. As a result, the mechanical parking system may operate even when no one has exited the passenger compartment.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a mechanical parking device that operates more reliably after a person has exited the passenger compartment, thereby ensuring safety within the passenger compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the mechanical parking device of the present invention employs the following means.

[0009] A mechanical parking system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a mechanical parking system in which a vehicle is placed on a pallet that is transported to a storage area, and an entry / exit room is provided from which the driver of the vehicle can get in and out of the vehicle, comprising: one or more input means arranged near a position in the entry / exit room where a safety check is performed, and into which the status of the safety check performed by a person is input; and a control means that, after the input is made to the input means and the person has left the entry / exit room, executes the transport of the pallet.

[0010] In this configuration, the mechanical parking system is designed so that vehicles are placed on pallets that are transported to a storage area, and an entry / exit compartment is provided from which the vehicle's driver can get in and out of the vehicle.

[0011] Near the location where safety checks are performed in the passenger compartment, one or more input means are placed to input the status of the safety check performed by a person. The input means is, for example, a button (push button) that is pressed by a person. The safety check involves confirming the presence or absence of people and the presence or absence of objects that may obstruct the transport of pallets. In other words, the driver who has exited the vehicle moves to the location where safety checks are performed in the passenger compartment as the safety checker. After the safety checker has performed the safety check, they input information into the input means (for example, by pressing the push button). This inputs the status of the safety check being completed into the input means.

[0012] Safety checks inside the passenger compartment are difficult to perform without a reliable method of detecting whether the driver is inside (and sometimes a passenger remains inside the vehicle). Therefore, human verification is considered the most effective method for ensuring safety inside the passenger compartment. In this configuration, since the input device is placed near the location where the safety check is performed, the person performing the safety check must move to the location of the input device. As the person performing the safety check moves to the input device, they will inevitably visually check their surroundings, thereby ensuring safety. The person performing the safety check is not limited to the vehicle driver; it may also be the manager of the mechanical parking system, etc.

[0013] Then, after input is received by the input device and the person has left the passenger compartment, the control device will carry out the transport of the pallet. For this reason, unless safety is ensured by input being received by the input device and the person leaving the passenger compartment, the pallet will not be transported, and the vehicle will not be transported to the hangar.

[0014] Therefore, this configuration ensures that the system operates only after a person has exited the passenger compartment, thereby guaranteeing safety within the passenger compartment.

[0015] In the first embodiment described above, it is preferable that the input means has a function to prompt for input when no input has been made.

[0016] The function of prompting an input according to this configuration is, for example, a function in which an input means flashes. Specifically, the input means where no input is being made flashes, and the input means where an input has been made turns off. As a result, this configuration can prevent forgetting to input or making an input error to the input means.

[0017] In the above first aspect, it is preferable that a plurality of the input means are arranged with the pallet interposed therebetween.

[0018] According to this configuration, since the safety checker will perform safety checks not only on one side of the vehicle but also on the opposite side, the safety inside the boarding and alighting compartment is more reliably ensured.

[0019] In the above first aspect, it is preferable to have a function of prompting an input to the input means arranged on the side opposite to the driver's seat side of the vehicle. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0023] In the first aspect, an entry / exit detection means for detecting a person's entry into and exit from the boarding and alighting room is provided, and it is preferable that the control means enables an operation on the permission input means after the exit of a person who has entered the boarding and alighting room is detected by the entry / exit detection means.

[0024] According to this configuration, an entry / exit detection means for detecting a person's entry into and exit from the boarding and alighting room is provided, for example, at the entry / exit of the boarding and alighting room. And after the exit of a person who has entered the boarding and alighting room is detected by the entry / exit detection means, an operation on the permission input means is enabled. Thereby, for example, even if an operation on the permission input means is performed by another person before the safety checker exits from the boarding and alighting room, the conveyance of the pallet is not executed. Therefore, this configuration more reliably ensures the safety inside the boarding and alighting room.

[0025] In the first aspect, it is preferable that the control means cancels the input to the input means when the entry of a person into the boarding and alighting room is detected by the entry / exit detection means after the input to the input means is made.

[0026] According to this configuration, when a new person enters the boarding and alighting room, since a safety check inside the boarding and alighting room is required again, the safety inside the boarding and alighting room is more reliably ensured.

[0027] In the first aspect, it is preferable that the control means cancels the input to the input means and invalidates the operation on the permission input means when the entry of a person into the boarding and alighting room is detected by the entry / exit detection means after the operation on the permission input means is enabled. / / 这里似乎原内容有误,推测可能是想表达“在许可输入手段的操作被设为有效之后”,但按照要求保留原文标签

[0028] According to this configuration, when another person enters the boarding and alighting room before the safety checker operates the permission input means, the input to the input means is cancelled and the operation on the permission input means that has become valid is invalidated. And after a safety check is performed again, an input is made to the input means, and after the exit is detected by the entry / exit detection means, the operation on the permission input means becomes valid again. With this configuration, when a new person enters the passenger compartment, a safety check of the passenger compartment is required again, thus ensuring greater safety within the passenger compartment.

[0029] In the first embodiment described above, the vehicle is provided with vehicle width detection means arranged on both sides of the vehicle placed on the pallet for detecting the vehicle width, and it is preferable that the control means releases the input to the input means if a detection signal is output from the vehicle width detection means between the time of input to the input means and the operation to the permission input means.

[0030] The vehicle width detection means outputs a detection signal after input to the input means when a passenger who remained in the vehicle has exited the vehicle. In this case, there will be a passenger in the passenger compartment in addition to the driver. Therefore, in this configuration, if a detection signal is output from the vehicle width detection means between the time of input to the input means and the operation of the permission input means, the input to the input means is canceled. As a result, safety checks inside the passenger compartment, including confirmation that the passenger has left the passenger compartment, are required again, thus ensuring greater safety inside the passenger compartment.

[0031] In the first embodiment described above, it is preferable to provide a notification means for notifying the sequence of movement of people within the passenger compartment.

[0032] This configuration allows for smoother movement of safety checkers.

[0033] In the first embodiment described above, it is preferable to provide opposite-side safety confirmation means, which is arranged near the input means and enables safety confirmation on the opposite side from the vehicle.

[0034] With this configuration, the safety checker can perform a safety check on the opposite side of the vehicle without having to move to the opposite side.

[0035] A control method for a mechanical parking system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a mechanical parking system in which a vehicle is placed on a pallet that is transported to a storage area, and an entry / exit room is provided from which the driver of the vehicle can get on and off the vehicle, comprising: a first step in which one or more input means arranged near a position in the entry / exit room where a safety check is performed receives input of the status of a safety check performed by a person; and a second step in which, after the input has been received by the input means and the person has left the entry / exit room, the transport of the pallet is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to the present invention, the operation is performed more reliably after a person has exited the passenger compartment, and safety within the passenger compartment is ensured, which is a significant advantage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is an external view of a mechanical parking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a top view showing the configuration of the passenger compartment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a control device for a mechanical parking system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the safety confirmation process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a top view showing the configuration of the passenger compartment according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a control device for a mechanical parking system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a top view showing the configuration of the passenger compartment according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a top view showing the configuration of a passenger compartment according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a top view showing the configuration of a passenger compartment according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a top view showing the configuration of a passenger compartment according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] An embodiment of the mechanical parking system and the control method for the mechanical parking system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0039] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0040] Figure 1 is an external view of the mechanical parking system 10 (multi-story parking garage) according to this first embodiment.

[0041] The mechanical parking system 10 moves the vehicle 12 in and out from the entrance level 14. The mechanical parking system 10 then raises and lowers the pallet 16 on which the vehicle 12 is placed between the entrance level 14 and the storage compartment 18 where the vehicle 12 is stored. Note that the configuration of the mechanical parking system 10 according to this first embodiment is just one example, and other configurations are possible, such as placing the entrance level 14 above the storage compartment 18.

[0042] On the access floor 14, a vehicle 12 is placed on a pallet 16 that will be transported to the hangar 18, and an access room 20 is provided from which the driver of the vehicle 12 can get on and off the vehicle 12.

[0043] Furthermore, an operation panel 22 for the mechanical parking system 10 is provided on the outside of the passenger compartment 20 (entrance floor 14). The control panel 22 accepts input for various operations (such as instructions to park or park) via switches, touch panels, IC cards, remote control devices, etc., so that users of the mechanical parking system 10 can operate it. The control panel 22 also provides various information to users through a liquid crystal display device that displays text and images, indicator lights and other display devices, a voice synthesis device, and a speaker that emits alarm sounds.

[0044] Figure 2 is a top view showing the configuration of the passenger compartment 20.

[0045] Vehicle 12 and the driver, etc., enter and exit the passenger compartment 20 from the entrance / exit gate 30. The entrance / exit gate 30 is provided with an entrance / exit door 32, and a pallet 16 on which vehicle 12 is placed is positioned approximately in the center of the passenger compartment 20.

[0046] The passenger compartment 20 is equipped with confirmation buttons 34A and 34B, which are input means for recording the status of safety checks performed by a person, and are located near the safety check location. Confirmation buttons 34A and 34B are buttons (push buttons) that are pressed by a person. In this first embodiment, the confirmation buttons 34A and 34B are located on either side of the pallet 16 (vehicle 12), specifically on the left and right walls 35 in the example shown in Figure 2. More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 2, confirmation button 34A is located on the right rear wall 35 (front right side of vehicle 12), and confirmation button 34B is located on the left front wall 35 (rear left side of vehicle 12). In the following explanation, when distinguishing between the confirmation buttons 34, either A or B will be added to the end of the code; when not distinguishing between the confirmation buttons 34, A or B will be omitted.

[0047] The confirmation button 34 has a function to prompt input when no input has been received. For example, the confirmation button 34 blinks when no input has been received, i.e., when it is not pressed. Specifically, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a light bulb or other lighting device is provided inside the confirmation button 34, and this lighting device blinks. In addition to blinking, the function to prompt input may simply be to light up. Furthermore, the confirmation button 34 turns off when pressed. This prevents users from forgetting to press (inputting) the confirmation button 34 or from pressing (inputting) it incorrectly.

[0048] An entry / exit detection sensor 36 is provided at the entry / exit gate 30 to detect when people enter or exit the passenger boarding / alighting compartment 20. As an example, sensor 36A is provided on the inside of the entry / exit gate 30, and sensor 36B is provided on the outside of the entry / exit gate 30. The entry / exit detection sensor 36 detects that a person has entered the boarding / exiting room 20 if it detects a person in the order of sensor 36B to sensor 36A, and detects that a person has left the boarding / exiting room 20 if it detects a person in the order of sensor 36A to sensor 36B.

[0049] Furthermore, the passenger compartment 20 is equipped with a speaker 38 for providing information to people via voice.

[0050] The control panel 22 outside the passenger compartment 20 is equipped with a final confirmation button 40 that, when operated by a person, inputs permission to transport the pallet 16.

[0051] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the control device 50 of the mechanical parking system 10.

[0052] The control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54 in which various programs and parameters are pre-stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 56 used as a work area when the CPU 52 executes various programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 58 as a storage means for storing various programs and information.

[0053] In addition, instead of the HDD58, other memory elements such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory, or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) with battery backup may be used, and different memory elements may be used depending on the type of data, such as programs, user information, and setting values.

[0054] The control device 50 includes a motor control unit 60 that controls various motors (not shown) for driving the pallet 16, etc., and a sensor signal receiving unit 62 that receives signals from the entry / exit detection sensor 36. The control device 50 also includes a button control unit 64 that determines the pressed state of the confirmation buttons 34 and 40 and controls the blinking of the confirmation buttons 34 and 40.

[0055] These components—CPU 52, ROM 54, RAM 56, HDD 58, motor control unit 60, sensor signal receiver 62, button control unit 64, and control panel 22—are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 66. Therefore, the CPU 52 can access the ROM 54, RAM 56, and HDD 58, drive the motor via the motor control unit 60, understand the entry and exit status of people into the passenger compartment 20 via the sensor signal receiver 62, understand the safety confirmation status via the button control unit 64, and understand the operation status and display images on the control panel 22, etc.

[0056] Next, the operation of the mechanical parking device 10 according to this first embodiment will be described.

[0057] When a vehicle 12 is parked in the mechanical parking system 10, passengers other than the driver and luggage are removed from the vehicle 12 before it enters the passenger compartment 20. After the vehicle 12 enters the passenger compartment 20 and is placed on the pallet 16, the driver must check the safety of the passenger compartment 20 before operating the pallet 16.

[0058] The safety check inside the passenger compartment 20 involves confirming the presence or absence of people and any objects that could obstruct the transport of the pallet 16. Specifically, the driver who has disembarked from the vehicle 12 moves to the safety check location inside the passenger compartment 20 as the safety checker. After the safety checker has completed the check, they press the confirmation button 34. This inputs the status of the safety check completion into the confirmation button 34.

[0059] Safety checks within the passenger compartment 20 are difficult because, although the driver is inside the passenger compartment 20 (and sometimes a passenger remains inside the vehicle), there is no reliable method for detecting their presence. Therefore, human verification is considered the most effective method for ensuring safety within the passenger compartment 20. According to this first embodiment, since the confirmation button 34 is located near the location where the safety check is performed, the person performing the safety check must move to the location of the confirmation button 34. In the process of moving to the confirmation button 34, the person performing the safety check will inevitably visually check their surroundings, thereby ensuring safety. The person performing the safety check is not limited to the driver of the vehicle 12; it may also be the manager of the mechanical parking system 10, etc.

[0060] Then, after the confirmation button 34 is pressed and the person has left the boarding / alighting room 20, the control device 50 will execute the transport of the pallet 16. For this reason, unless the confirmation button 34 is pressed and safety is ensured by the person leaving the boarding / alighting room 20, the pallet 16 will not be transported, and the vehicle 12 will not be transported to the hangar 18.

[0061] Therefore, the mechanical parking device 10 according to this first embodiment operates more reliably after a person has exited the passenger compartment 20, thereby ensuring safety within the passenger compartment 20.

[0062] Furthermore, in the mechanical parking device 10 according to this first embodiment, the transport of the pallet 16 is performed by the control device 50 after a person exits the passenger compartment 20 and the final confirmation button 40 is pressed (operated). In other words, the transport of the pallet 16 is performed after the safety checker who has entered the status of safety check into the confirmation button 34 operates the final confirmation button 40 located on the control panel 22 outside the passenger compartment 20, thus ensuring greater safety within the passenger compartment 20.

[0063] The safety confirmation using the confirmation buttons 34 and 40 according to the first embodiment described above is referred to as the safety confirmation process.

[0064] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the safety confirmation program executed by the control device 50 when safety confirmation processing is performed. The safety confirmation program is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 58. The safety confirmation program starts after the vehicle 12 is placed on the pallet 16. The confirmation button 34 also begins flashing at the same time as the safety confirmation program starts. Furthermore, any operation on the final confirmation button 40 is invalid at the start of the safety confirmation program.

[0065] First, in step 100, the button control unit 64 determines whether the first confirmation button 34, for example, confirmation button 34A, has been pressed. Pressing confirmation button 34A indicates that confirmation button 34A has received input that the safety check in its vicinity has been completed. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 101. The confirmation button 34A blinks until it is pressed, but turns off after it is pressed.

[0066] In step 101, it is determined whether the entry / exit detection sensor 36 has detected a person entering the boarding / alighting room 20. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 112; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 102.

[0067] In step 102, the button control unit 64 determines whether the second confirmation button 34, for example, confirmation button 34B, has been pressed. Pressing confirmation button 34B indicates that confirmation button 34B has received input indicating the completion of the safety check in its vicinity. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 103. The confirmation button 34B blinks until it is pressed, but turns off after it is pressed.

[0068] As described above, the confirmation buttons 34A and 34B are positioned on either side of the pallet 16. Therefore, in the mechanical parking device 10 according to this first embodiment, the driver, who is the safety checker, will be able to check the safety of not only one side of the vehicle 12 but also the opposite side, thus ensuring greater safety within the passenger compartment 20.

[0069] In step 103, it is determined whether the entry / exit detection sensor 36 has detected a person entering the boarding / alighting room 20. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 112; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 104.

[0070] In step 104, based on the detection result of the entry / exit detection sensor 36, it is determined whether or not the driver has left the passenger compartment 20. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 106.

[0071] In step 106, the operation of the final confirmation button 40 provided on the control panel 22 is enabled. After the exit of a person who has entered the boarding / alighting compartment 20 is detected, the operation of the final confirmation button 40 is considered valid. Therefore, even if the final confirmation button 40 is operated by someone else before the safety checker leaves the boarding / alighting compartment 20, the transport of the pallet 16 will not be performed. Therefore, the mechanical parking system 10 according to this first embodiment can more reliably ensure safety within the passenger compartment 20.

[0072] In the next step 107, it is determined whether the entry / exit detection sensor 36 has detected a person entering the boarding / alighting room 20. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 114; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 108.

[0073] In step 108, the button control unit 64 determines whether the final confirmation button 40 has been pressed. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0074] In step 110, the operation of the mechanical parking device 10 is initiated, and this safety confirmation process is completed. Specifically, the entrance / exit door 32 is closed, and the pallet 16 on which the vehicle 12 is placed is transported to the storage area 18.

[0075] If a positive result is obtained in steps 101 and 103, and the process proceeds to step 112, then in step 112, all inputs to the confirmation button 34 are cleared, and the process returns to step 100. Clearing the inputs to the confirmation button 34 means that all inputs made to the confirmation button 34 up to that point are canceled.

[0076] Furthermore, if a positive result is obtained in step 107 and the process proceeds to step 114, in step 114, all inputs to the confirmation button 34 are cleared, the operation to the final confirmation button 40 is disabled, and the process returns to step 100.

[0077] If the process proceeds to steps 112 and 114, the safety checker must press the confirmation button 34 again to allow the entry / exit detection sensor 36 to detect the exit and activate the operation of the final confirmation button 40. In this way, the mechanical parking device 10 according to this first embodiment requires safety checks inside the entry / exit compartment 20 again whenever a new person enters the compartment 20, thus ensuring greater safety inside the compartment 20.

[0078] Furthermore, the order in which people move within the passenger compartment 20 may be notified by a notification means. For example, the notification means is a speaker 38, which provides voice notification instructing the passenger to press confirmation buttons 34A and 34B in that order, then exit the room and press the final confirmation button 40. Alternatively, the notification means is a display device located inside the passenger compartment 20 or on the control panel 22, which provides notification by displaying instructions to press confirmation buttons 34A and 34B in that order, then exit the room and press the final confirmation button 40. This will allow for smoother movement of safety checkers.

[0079] As described above, in this first embodiment, the mechanical parking device 10 has a vehicle 12 placed on a pallet 16 that is transported to a storage compartment 18, and an entry / exit compartment 20 is provided where the driver of the vehicle 12 can get in and out of the vehicle 12. The mechanical parking device 10 then transports the pallet 16 after a confirmation button 34 located near the safety confirmation position inside the entry / exit compartment 20 is pressed and the person has left the entry / exit compartment 20. Therefore, the mechanical parking system 10 according to this first embodiment operates more reliably after a person has exited the passenger compartment 20, thereby ensuring safety within the passenger compartment.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0081] The mechanical parking device 10 according to this second embodiment includes a function to prompt input to a confirmation button 34, which is an input means located on the opposite side of the driver's seat of the vehicle 12.

[0082] Figure 5 is a top view of the passenger compartment 20 according to this second embodiment. Note that components in Figure 5 that are the same as those in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 2, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0083] The mechanical parking system 10 according to this second embodiment includes a vehicle width restriction sensor 70 that detects the vehicle width of a vehicle 12 in order to restrict the placement of a vehicle 12 that is too wide for the pallet 16 onto the pallet 16. As an example, the vehicle width restriction sensor 70 includes a pair of emitting units 70A and light receiving units 70B on both sides of the vehicle 12. The emitting unit 70A is positioned in front of the vehicle 12, for example, when it is placed on a pallet 16, and the light receiving unit 70B is positioned behind the vehicle 12, facing the emitting unit 70A. The pair of emitting units 70A and light receiving units 70B are positioned at an interval corresponding to the maximum vehicle width of the vehicle 12 that can be placed on the pallet 16. In other words, if the light beam emitted from the irradiation unit 70A is not received by the light receiving unit 70B, it means that the width of the vehicle 12 to be placed on the pallet 16 exceeds the maximum vehicle width. Even if such a vehicle 12 is placed on the pallet 16, the pallet 16 will not be transported.

[0084] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the control device 50 of the mechanical parking system 10 according to this second embodiment.

[0085] A sensor signal indicating the light reception status of the light beam by the light receiving unit 70B of the vehicle width restriction sensor 70 is input to the CPU 52 via the sensor signal receiving unit 62.

[0086] In this second embodiment, the CPU 52 determines the driver's side of the vehicle 12 based on the light reception state of the light beam by the light receiving unit 70B after the vehicle 12, which has a vehicle width within the maximum vehicle width, has been placed on the pallet 16. Specifically, when the driver exits the vehicle 12 placed on the pallet 16, the light rays from the illuminating unit 70A are blocked by the opening door or the exiting driver. Therefore, the driver's seat is determined to be the side where the light receiving unit 70B, which no longer receives light rays, is located.

[0087] The CPU 52 then prompts the driver to press the confirmation button 34, which is located on the opposite side of the vehicle 12 from the driver's seat, by flashing the confirmation button 34. Specifically, if it is determined that the driver's seat is on the right side of the vehicle 12, confirmation button 34B flashes, and if it is determined that the driver's seat is on the left side of the vehicle 12, confirmation button 34A flashes. This allows the driver of vehicle 12 to move from the driver's seat side to the opposite side of vehicle 12, enabling a wider area of ​​safety checks within the passenger compartment 20.

[0088] If it is determined that the light rays on both sides of vehicle 12 are blocked, the driver's side cannot be determined, and both confirmation buttons 34A and 34B will blink.

[0089] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0090] Figure 7 is a top view of the passenger compartment 20 according to this third embodiment. Note that components in Figure 7 that are the same as those in Figure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 2, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] The mechanical parking device 10 according to this third embodiment includes monitors 80A, 80B and cameras 82A, 82B as safety confirmation means, which are located near the confirmation button 34 and enable safety confirmation on the opposite side from the vehicle 12. Monitor 80A, located near the confirmation button 34A, displays an image captured by camera 82A, which is located on the opposite side from the vehicle 12. On the other hand, monitor 80B, located near the confirmation button 34B, displays an image captured by camera 82B, which is located on the opposite side from the vehicle 12.

[0092] Therefore, according to the mechanical parking device 10 of this third embodiment, safety checks can be performed on the opposite side without the safety checker having to move to the opposite side of the vehicle 12. For example, there may be difficulties in moving around within the passenger compartment 20, such as when the driver, who is the safety checker, is in a wheelchair. In such cases, the safety checker can simply visually check the image on one of the monitors 80A and input it into the confirmation button 34, allowing for a simpler and wider-ranging safety check within the passenger compartment 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the safety confirmation means may be a mirror capable of reflecting the opposite side of the vehicle 12. In this third embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, cameras 82A and 82B are placed on both sides of the vehicle 12, but it is preferable that cameras 82A and 82B be positioned to confirm parts that cannot be seen by the safety checker.

[0094] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the case in which the confirmation button 34 and monitor 80 are provided inside the passenger compartment 20 is illustrated, but the confirmation button 34 and monitor 80 may be incorporated into the control panel 22 or installed near the control panel 22, or multiple confirmation buttons 34 and monitors 80 may be provided inside and outside the passenger compartment 20.

[0095] [Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0096] The mechanical parking device 10 according to this fourth embodiment includes a function to cancel the input to the confirmation button 34 if a person remaining inside the vehicle 12 leaves the vehicle 12 before operating the final confirmation button 40.

[0097] The configuration of the passenger compartment 20 and the control device 50 according to this second embodiment is the same as that of Figures 5 and 6 described above in the second embodiment.

[0098] In this fourth embodiment, the CPU 52 determines whether a vehicle 12 with a width within the maximum vehicle width is placed on the pallet 16, and whether the vehicle width restriction sensor 70 has outputted a sensor signal between the time of input to the confirmation button 34 and the operation to the final confirmation button 40.

[0099] The vehicle width restriction sensor 70 outputs a sensor signal when a passenger who remained in the vehicle 12 gets out of the vehicle 12. In this case, there will be a passenger other than the driver in the passenger compartment 20. Specifically, when a passenger disembarks from the vehicle 12 placed on the pallet 16, the light beam from the illuminating unit 70A is temporarily blocked by the opening door or the disembarking passenger. After the door of the vehicle 12 is closed and the passenger moves away from the vehicle 12, the vehicle width restriction sensor 70 returns to the light-receiving state.

[0100] In this fourth embodiment, the CPU 25 determines that if the light beam of the vehicle width restriction sensor 70 is blocked between steps 100 and 108 in Figure 4, that is, between input to the confirmation button 34 and operation to the final confirmation button 40, and the vehicle width restriction sensor 70 outputs a sensor signal, then that a person other than the driver is still inside the passenger compartment 20. The CPU 25 then cancels all inputs to the confirmation button 34.

[0101] The mechanical parking device 10 then operates after the driver inputs confirmation button 34 again, the entry / exit detection sensor 36 detects the driver's exit, and the final confirmation button 40 is pressed. Thus, in this embodiment, if a passenger remains in the vehicle 12, the mechanical parking device 10 requires a safety check of the passenger compartment 20, including confirmation that the passenger has left the compartment 20, thus ensuring greater safety within the compartment 20.

[0102] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments above without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0103] For example, in each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which a total of two confirmation buttons 34 are provided on the left and right wall surfaces 35 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which one or three or more confirmation buttons 34 are provided is also possible.

[0104] If there is only one confirmation button 34, for example, as shown in Figure 8, the confirmation button 34 is positioned on the front side of the vehicle 12 on the left side wall 35 of the vehicle 12. The reason for this is that in Japan, many vehicles 12 have the driver's seat on the right side, and the driver, who is responsible for safety checks, will inevitably have to visually check the right and left sides of the vehicle 12, as well as the front of the vehicle 12, in the process of moving to the position of the confirmation button 34.

[0105] Figure 9 also shows an example where there are four confirmation buttons 34. In the example shown in Figure 9, confirmation buttons 34 are placed on the walls 35 that are on the front left and right and rear left and right sides of the vehicle 12. This allows the safety checker to visually inspect a wider area to perform safety checks.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the confirmation button 34 is provided on the wall surface 35, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the confirmation button 34 may be located anywhere other than the wall surface 35, as long as it is positioned near the location where safety checks are performed within the passenger compartment 20.

[0107] Figure 10 shows an example where the confirmation button 34 is placed on the floor surface 90 near the location where the safety check is to be performed. In the example in Figure 10, the safety checker visually confirms the location where the safety check is to be performed and then presses the confirmation button 34 by stepping on it.

[0108] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the safety check status is input by pressing the confirmation button 34 once, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the safety check status may be input by pressing the confirmation button 34 multiple times. For example, if the safety check status is entered by pressing the confirmation button 34 twice, the first press will input the start of the safety check, and the second press will input the end of the safety check. The confirmation button 34 will continue to blink until both presses are complete, but the blinking interval may be made faster, for example, after the first press.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the input means for inputting the status of safety checks is a push button, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the input means does not have to be a push button. For example, the input means may be a reading means that reads authentication information recorded on a dedicated portable authentication medium, such as an authentication card, authentication tag, or remote control, which can only be used and carried by the contract holder of the mechanical parking system 10.

[0110] When a mobile authentication medium is used as the input method, the security verifier holds the mobile authentication medium over the reader, which then reads the authentication information recorded on the mobile authentication medium. This reading inputs the status of the security verification. However, if the mobile authentication medium transmits authentication information as radio waves, for example, the security verifier does not need to hold the mobile authentication medium over the reader; the reader can receive the radio waves and input the status of the security verification. In this way, by using the reading means as an input means, only the safety verifier carrying the mobile authentication medium can input the status of the safety check. In other words, the input means cannot be operated by unspecified people, thus ensuring greater security within the passenger compartment 20.

[0111] Furthermore, as part of safety checks within the passenger compartment 20, an input means (push button) may be provided in the passenger compartment 20 to input the status of the check to see if there are any people remaining in the vehicle 12.

[0112] Furthermore, the safety confirmation process flow described in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0113] (Note) (Note 1) A mechanical parking system in which a vehicle is placed on a pallet that is transported to a hangar, and a passenger compartment is provided from which the driver of the vehicle can get in and out of the vehicle, One or more input means are located near the safety check location within the passenger compartment, and the status of the safety check performed by a person is inputted. A control means that, after input is received to the input means and a person has left the passenger compartment, executes the transport of the pallet. A mechanical parking system equipped with [a specific feature]. (Note 2) The aforementioned input means is a mechanical parking device as described in Appendix 1, which has a function to prompt for input when no input has been made. (Note 3) The input means is a mechanical parking device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which is arranged in multiple locations on either side of the pallet. (Note 4) The mechanical parking device described in Appendix 3, which includes a function to prompt input to the input means located on the opposite side from the driver's seat of the vehicle. (Note 5) Located outside the passenger compartment, and equipped with permission input means into which permission for the transport of the pallet is entered, The control means is a mechanical parking device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, wherein the control means transports the pallet after an operation is performed on the permission input means. (Note 6) It is equipped with an entry / exit detection means for detecting when a person enters or leaves the passenger compartment, The control means is a mechanical parking device as described in Appendix 5, wherein the operation of the permission input means is enabled after the entry / exit detection means detects that a person who has entered the passenger compartment has exited. (Note 7) The mechanical parking device according to Appendix 6, wherein the control means releases the input to the input means if the entry / exit detection means detects a person entering the passenger compartment after an input has been made to the input means. (Note 8) The mechanical parking device according to Appendix 6 or Appendix 7, wherein the control means, after the operation to the permission input means has been enabled, cancels the input to the input means and disables the operation to the permission input means when the entry / exit detection means detects that a person has entered the passenger compartment. (Note 9) The pallet is equipped with vehicle width detection means positioned on both sides of the vehicle, which is placed on the pallet, for detecting the vehicle width of the vehicle. The control means cancels the input to the input means if a detection signal is output from the vehicle width detection means between the time of input to the input means and the operation to the permission input means, according to any of the mechanical parking devices described in Appendix 5 to Appendix 8. (Note 10) A mechanical parking device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, comprising a notification means for notifying the sequence of movement of people within the passenger compartment. (Note 11) A mechanical parking device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, comprising a means for checking the safety on the opposite side of the vehicle, which is arranged near the input means. (Note 12) A control method for a mechanical parking system in which a vehicle is placed on a pallet that is transported to a hangar, and a passenger compartment is provided from which the driver of the vehicle can get in and out of the vehicle, One or more input means located near the safety check location within the passenger compartment receive input on the status of the safety check performed by a person in the first step, A second step is to perform the transport of the pallet after input has been made to the input means and a person has left the passenger compartment. A control method for a mechanical parking system, including [a specific component]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 10 Mechanical parking systems 12 vehicles 16 Palettes 18 Hangar 20 passenger compartments 34 Confirmation button 36. Entry / exit detection sensor 38 speakers 40 Final confirmation button 50 Control device 70 Vehicle width restriction sensor 80A, 80B Monitor

Claims

[Claim 1] A mechanical parking system in which a vehicle is placed on a pallet that is transported to a hangar, and a passenger compartment is provided from which the driver of the vehicle can get in and out of the vehicle, One or more input means are located near the safety check location within the passenger compartment, and the status of the safety check performed by a person is inputted. A control means that, after input is received to the input means and a person has left the passenger compartment, executes the transport of the pallet. A mechanical parking system equipped with [a specific feature].

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