Parking equipment and parking systems

Abstract

To provide parking facilities to direct carrying vehicles to the desired parking compartment.SOLUTION: A parking facility 1 is suitable for loading a vehicle into a parking section 4 or unloading the vehicle from the parking section using a carrier vehicle 7 which enters into the lower space LS of the vehicle V and picks up the vehicle. The parking facility is provided with a restriction member 41 movable between a restriction position for restricting the entrance of the carrying vehicle into the parking section so as to carry the vehicle into the parking section or carry the vehicle out of the parking section, and a permission position for permitting the entrance of the carrying vehicle into the parking section so as to carry the vehicle into the parking section or carry the vehicle out of the parking section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to parking facilities and parking systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A lift transport cart that enters the space below a vehicle to pick up the vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the cart frame of the lift transport cart first enters the space below the vehicle. Then, for each tire of the vehicle, a pair of arms are moved from the cart frame to below the tire at the front and rear of the tire. Then, the cart frame is lifted, whereby the tire is lifted by the arms, and thus the vehicle is lifted. Then, the lift transport cart moves to transport the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-078099 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is believed that parked vehicles can be easily transported by using the lift transport cart described in Patent Document 1. However, this may increase the risk of vehicle theft. In particular, in auto valet parking, where vehicles are carried into and out of parking spaces by a transport cart, the parking facility is basically unmanned, so the risk of theft may be even higher. Alternatively, there is a risk that the transport cart may transport a vehicle that should not be transported. In other words, there is a risk that a vehicle may be transported unintentionally in the parking facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the present disclosure, the following is provided: [Configuration 1] A parking facility suitable for carrying a vehicle into or out of a parking space by a transport vehicle that enters a space under the vehicle to pick up the vehicle, comprising: a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position that restricts the transport vehicle from entering the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space and a permitting position that permits the transport vehicle to enter the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space; Parking facilities. [Configuration 2] The parking facility described in configuration 1, wherein the restricting member is positioned at the restricting position when a vehicle is parked in the parking space, and is positioned at the permissible position when the transport vehicle transports the vehicle into the parking space and when the transport vehicle transports the vehicle out of the parking space. [Configuration 3] 3. The parking facility according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is positioned in the restricting position when no vehicle is parked in the parking space. [Configuration 4] The parking facility according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the restricting member is provided around one or both longitudinal ends of the parking space. [Configuration 5] A parking facility as described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the restricting member protrudes from the road surface in the restricting position and retracts into the road surface in the allowing position. [Configuration 6] 6. The parking facility according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the restricting member comprises a plurality of restricting members arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the parking space. [Configuration 7] A parking facility as described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the restricting member is close to a vehicle parked in the parking space in the restricting position and is away from a vehicle parked in the parking space in the allowing position. [Configuration 8] A parking facility as described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the restricting member, in the restricting position, allows a vehicle to move in or out of the parking space by itself. [Configuration 9] 9. The parking facility of any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the transport vehicle is an autonomous vehicle. [Configuration 10] A parking system suitable for carrying a vehicle into or out of a parking space by a transport vehicle that enters a space under the vehicle to pick up the vehicle, comprising: a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position that restricts the transport vehicle from entering the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space and a permitting position that permits the transport vehicle to enter the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space; a management server that controls the restriction member so that the restriction member is located at the restriction position when a vehicle is parked in the parking section, and is located at the permissible position when the vehicle is carried into the parking section by the transport vehicle and is carried out from the parking section; A parking system comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0006] Unintended transport of vehicles can be restricted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall view of a parking facility according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example transport vehicle according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example management server according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating side and top views of an embodiment of a transport cart according to the present disclosure, with the cart in a lowered position and the arms in a retracted position. [Diagram 5] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating side and top views of an embodiment of a transport cart according to the present disclosure, with the cart in a raised position and the arms in a deployed position. [Figure 6] 6A, 6B, and 6C are a plan view, a side view, and a front view taken along arrow C in FIG. 6A of a parking stall according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the restricting member in the permitted position. [Figure 7] 7A, 7B, and 7C are plan, side, and front views similar to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, showing the restricting member in the restricting position. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a restricting member control routine in an embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of a parking stall. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of a parking stall. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of a parking stall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a parking facility 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the parking facility 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a parking area 3 surrounded by, for example, a fence 2. The parking area 3 includes at least one parking section 4, at least one aisle 5 connected to the parking section 4, and a transport vehicle waiting area 6.

[0009] Each parking section 4 is defined by, for example, a line 4a painted on the road surface as an area for parking approximately one vehicle. The transport vehicle waiting area 6 is an area for waiting at least one transport vehicle or transport robot 7. The transport vehicle 7 transports the vehicle V within the parking area 3 by automatic driving.

[0010] The parking area 3 is connected to, for example, a road R outside the parking facility 1 via at least one boarding and alighting area 8. In the example shown in Fig. 1, two boarding and alighting areas 8 are provided. The boarding and alighting area 8 includes an inner gate 8i on the parking area 3 side and an outer gate 8o on the road R side.

[0011] A management facility 9 is provided, for example, outside the parking facility 1, and a management server 10 is installed within the management facility 9.

[0012] The parking facility 1 of the embodiment according to the present disclosure is suitable for performing an auto valet parking service. This auto valet parking service will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1 as follows. That is, in the embodiment according to the present disclosure, when the vehicle V approaches the boarding / alighting station 8 from the road R, the outer gate 8o of the boarding / alighting station 8 is opened, and the vehicle V enters the boarding / alighting station 8 through the outer gate 8o and stops there. The occupant or user then gets off the vehicle V and leaves the boarding / alighting station 8, and transmits a parking instruction, for example, by the user's mobile terminal. When this parking instruction is received by the management server 9, the outer gate 8o is closed and the inner gate 8i is opened in response to an instruction from the management server 9. Next, the transport vehicle 7 transports the vehicle V into the parking section 4 determined by the management server 9 in response to an instruction from the management server 9. In one example, the transport vehicle 7 first moves to the boarding / alighting station 8 and picks up the vehicle V. Next, the transport vehicle 7 moves along the passage 5 to transport the vehicle V to the parking section 4 determined by the management server 9 and drops it off. Therefore, the vehicle V is brought into the parking section 4 and stored in the parking facility 1.

[0013] On the other hand, when the vehicle V should be taken out from the parking facility 1, the user transmits a take-out instruction by the mobile terminal. When the take-out instruction is received by the management server 9, the transport vehicle 7 takes the vehicle V out of the parking section 4 in response to an instruction from the management server 9. In one example, the transport vehicle 7 moves to the corresponding parking section 4 and picks up the vehicle V. Then, the transport vehicle 7 moves along the passage 5 to transport the vehicle V to the boarding / alighting station 8 where the inner gate 8i is open, and drops off the vehicle V. Then, the inner gate 8i is closed and the outer gate 8o is opened in response to an instruction from the management server 9. Then, when the user gets on the vehicle V and the vehicle V exits the boarding / alighting station 8 onto the road R, the outer gate 8o is closed. Thus, the vehicle V is taken out of the parking section 4 and taken out of the parking facility 1. The transport vehicle 7 that has dropped off the vehicle V at the parking section 4 or the boarding / alighting station 8 then returns to the transport vehicle waiting area 6, or heads to another parking section 4 or boarding / alighting station 8 to pick up another vehicle V.

[0014] In another embodiment that is applicable when the vehicle V is an autonomous vehicle, the vehicle V receives an entry instruction from the management server 9 and drives itself to a parking section 4 determined by the management server 9. Upon receiving an exit instruction from the management server 9, the vehicle V drives itself from the parking section 4 to the boarding / alighting area 8.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the transport vehicle 7 of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more processors 71, one or more memories 72, a storage device 73, and an input / output interface (IF) 74, which are communicatively connected to each other by a bidirectional bus. The memory 72 includes a volatile or non-volatile memory. Various programs and the like are stored in the memory 72, and these programs are executed by the processor 71. The storage device 73 stores map data (e.g., the layout of the parking spaces 4) of the parking area 3, a calculation model, and the like. A communication device 75, an input / output device 76, one or more sensors 77, a GPS receiver 78, an automatic driving device 79, a trolley control device 80, and the like are communicatively connected to the input / output IF 74.

[0016] The communication device 75 is communicatively connected to a communication network such as the Internet. The input / output device 76 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a media reader / writer, an in-vehicle display, and the like. The sensor 77 includes a camera for automatic driving, a LiDAR, and the like. The GPS receiver 78 receives signals from GPS satellites, and thereby detects information representing the absolute position (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the transportation vehicle 70. The automatic driving device 79 includes actuators that respectively drive, steer, and brake the transportation vehicle 70. The bogie control device 80 will be described later.

[0017] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the management server 9 of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more processors 91, one or more memories 92, a storage device 93, and an input / output interface (IF) 94, which are communicatively connected to each other by a bidirectional bus. The memory 92 includes a volatile or non-volatile memory. Various programs and the like are stored in the memory 92, and these programs are executed by the processor 91. The storage device 93 stores map data (e.g., the layout of the parking spaces 4) of the parking area 3, a calculation model, and the like. A communication device 95, an input / output device 96, a limiting member control device 97, and the like are communicatively connected to the input / output IF 94. The communication device 95 is communicatively connected to a communication network such as the Internet. The input / output device 96 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a media reader / writer, and the like. The limiting member control device 97 is communicatively connected to an actuator 43 described later.

[0018] 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B are schematic diagrams of a transport vehicle 7 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the transport vehicle 7 includes a driving portion 7a and a carriage 7b that are aligned in the longitudinal direction and coupled to each other. The driving portion 7a is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with the above-mentioned automatic driving device 79. The carriage 7b can be moved vertically between a relatively low lowered position and a relatively high raised position by the above-mentioned carriage control device 80. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the carriage 7b is in the lowered position. On the other hand, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the carriage 7b is in the raised position. The carriage 7b also includes a pair of carriage portions 7ba and 7bb aligned in the longitudinal direction. These carriage portions 7ba and 7bb can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction by the above-mentioned carriage control device 80. On each side of each carriage portion 7ba and 7bb, a pair of arms 7c and 7c are attached to the carriage portion 7ba while being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The arms 7c, 7c can be moved about the pins 7d, 7d by the above-mentioned carriage control device 80 between a retracted position in which the arms extend longitudinally along the carriage sections 7ba, 7bb and a deployed position in which the arms extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction away from the carriage sections 7ba, 7bb. In Figures 4A and 4B, the arms 7c, 7c are in the retracted position. Meanwhile, in Figures 5A and 5B, the arms 7c, 7c are in the deployed position.

[0019] When the transport vehicle 7 is to transport the vehicle V, the transport vehicle 7 moves to the vehicle V with the dolly 7b in the lowered position and the arms 7c, 7c in the retracted position. Then, as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the transport vehicle 7 is moved so that the dolly 7b enters the lower space LS formed between the vehicle V and the road surface RS. In one example, the dolly 7b enters the lower space LS from one end in the longitudinal direction of the lower space LS. At this time, the position of the dolly 7b with respect to the vehicle V and the longitudinal relative positions of the dolly parts 7ba, 7bb are controlled so that the arms 7c, 7c face the corresponding tires W, respectively. Then, the arms 7c, 7c are moved to the deployed position. As a result, the arms 7c, 7c are positioned below the tires W at the front and rear sides of the corresponding tires W. Then, the dolly 7b is moved to the raised position. As a result, the vehicle V is picked up by the transport vehicle 7 as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B. The transport vehicle 7 moves while picking up the vehicle V, thereby transporting the vehicle V.

[0020] Next, when the transport vehicle 7 reaches the destination position, the dolly 7b is moved to the lowered position. Next, the arms 7c, 7c are moved to the retracted position. Next, the transport vehicle 7 is moved so that the dolly 7b exits the lower space LS. In this manner, the vehicle V is dropped off from the transport device 7.

[0021] The transport vehicle 7 or the dolly 7b may enter the lower space LS from the front side of the vehicle V, or may enter the lower space LS from the rear side of the vehicle V.

[0022] 6A, 6B, 6C and 7A, 7B, 7C are schematic diagrams of a parking space 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figs. 6A, 6B, 6C and 7A, 7B, 7C, the parking space 4 is defined, for example, by three lines 4a in a rectangular shape, and is connected to an aisle 5 at one longitudinal end of the parking space 4.

[0023] A restricting member 41 having, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape is provided around one longitudinal end of the parking section 4, i.e., in a front region 4F close to the passage 5. In contrast, two parking blocks 42, 42 are provided around the other longitudinal end of the parking section 4, i.e., in a rear region 4R far from the passage 5. The restricting member 41 can be moved vertically by an actuator 43 between a restricting position where it protrudes from the road surface RS and an allowable position where it retracts into the road surface RS. In Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the restricting member 41 is in the restricting position. In Figs. 7A, 7B, and 7C, on the other hand, the restricting member 41 is in the allowable position.

[0024] When the vehicle V is to be transported into the parking section 4 by the transport vehicle 7, the restricting member 41 is positioned in the permitting position. As a result, the transport vehicle 7 can enter the parking section 4 and drop off the vehicle V.

[0025] Next, when the loading of the vehicle V into the parking section 4 is completed, that is, when the transport vehicle 7 drops off the vehicle V into the parking section 4 and then exits the parking section 4, the control member 41 is positioned in the restricting position. As a result, the transport vehicle 7 is restricted from entering the parking section 4, and the carriage 7b of the transport vehicle 7 is restricted from entering the space LS below the vehicle V. Therefore, the vehicle V in the parking section 4 is restricted from being unintentionally transported by the transport vehicle 7.

[0026] 7A and 7C, the width of the limiting member 41 in the embodiment according to the present disclosure is shorter than the distance between the left and right tires of the vehicle V. Therefore, when the limiting member 41 is in the limiting position, the vehicle V is allowed to enter or exit the parking section 4 under its own power.

[0027] Next, when the vehicle V is to be removed from the parking section 4 by the transfer vehicle 7, the restricting member 41 is positioned in the permitting position. As a result, the transfer vehicle 7 can enter the parking section 4 and pick up the vehicle V.

[0028] Next, when removal of the vehicle V from the parking section 4 is completed, i.e., when the transport vehicle 7 leaves the parking section 4 after picking up the vehicle V from the parking section 4, the control member 41 is positioned at the restricting position. That is, even when the vehicle V is not parked in the parking section 4, the restricting member 41 is positioned at the restricting position. As a result, erroneous entry of the transport vehicle 7 is restricted. In this case as well, unintended transportation of the vehicle V is restricted. In another example, the restricting member 41 is held at the permissible position even after removal of the vehicle V from the parking section 4 is completed.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a restricting member control routine in an embodiment according to the present disclosure. This routine is executed, for example, by the processor 91 of the server 9. Referring to FIG. 8, in step 100, it is determined whether the vehicle V should be brought into or removed from the parking section 4. When it is determined that the vehicle V should be brought into or removed from the parking section 4, the process proceeds to step 101, where the restricting member 41 is controlled to the permitted position. In the following step 102, it is determined whether the entry into or removal from the parking section 4 is completed. When it is not determined that the entry into or removal from the parking section 4 is completed, the process returns to step 101. When it is determined that the entry into or removal from the parking section 4 is completed, the process proceeds to step 103, where the restricting member is controlled to the restricting position. On the other hand, when it is not determined in step 100 that the vehicle V should be brought into or removed from the parking section 4, the process jumps to step 103.

[0030] 9, 10, and 11 show another embodiment of the parking section 4. In the example shown in Fig. 9, a restricting member 41a is also provided in the rear region 4R of the parking section 4. Therefore, in this example, the restricting members 41, 41a are provided around both ends of the parking section 4 in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the transport vehicle 7 is more reliably restricted from entering the parking section 4.

[0031] 10, the restricting member 41 includes a plurality of restricting members 41, 41, 41 provided offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the parking section 4. In the example shown in Fig. 10, three restricting members 41, 41, 41 are provided. In this way, the longitudinal position of the protruding restricting member 41 is changed in accordance with the longitudinal length of the vehicle V.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the limiting member 41 does not move vertically, but is movable horizontally between a limiting position shown in solid lines and an allowable position shown in dashed lines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 Parking facilities 4 Parking Space 7 Transport Vehicles 9 Management Server 41 Restriction member V Vehicle LS lower space

Claims

1. A parking facility suitable for carrying a vehicle into or out of a parking space by a transport vehicle that enters a space under the vehicle to pick up the vehicle, comprising: a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position that restricts entry of a transport vehicle into a parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space and a permitting position that permits entry of the transport vehicle into the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space; The restricting member, in the restricting position, allows a vehicle to move into or out of the parking space by itself. Parking facilities.

2. 2. The parking facility of claim 1, wherein the restricting member is positioned at the restricting position when a vehicle is parked in the parking space, and is positioned at the permissible position when the transport vehicle transports the vehicle into the parking space and when the transport vehicle transports the vehicle out of the parking space.

3. The parking facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restricting member is positioned in the restricting position when no vehicle is parked in the parking space.

4. The parking facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restricting member is provided around one or both longitudinal ends of the parking space.

5. The parking facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restricting member protrudes from the road surface in the restricting position and retracts into the road surface in the allowing position.

6. 3. The parking facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restricting member comprises a plurality of restricting members arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the parking space.

7. 3. The parking facility according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is close to a vehicle parked in the parking space in the restricting position and is away from the vehicle parked in the parking space in the allowing position.

8. The parking facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport vehicle is an autonomous vehicle.

9. A parking facility suitable for transporting a vehicle into or out of a parking space by a transport vehicle that enters a space below the vehicle and picks up the vehicle, comprising: a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position that restricts entry of a transport vehicle into a parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space and a permitting position that permits entry of the transport vehicle into the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space; The restricting member includes a plurality of restricting members offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the parking space. Parking facilities.

10. A parking facility suitable for carrying a vehicle into or out of a parking space by a transport vehicle that enters a space under the vehicle and picks up the vehicle, comprising: a restricting member that is movable between a restricting position that restricts entry of a transport vehicle into a parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space and a permitting position that permits entry of the transport vehicle into the parking space to bring a vehicle into the parking space or remove a vehicle from the parking space; the restricting member is close to a vehicle parked in the parking space at the restricting position and is away from the vehicle parked in the parking space at the allowing position; Parking facilities.

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