Mechanical parking device

Abstract

To prevent a vehicle from falling from a pallet by preventing a driver from forgetting to apply a parking brake.SOLUTION: A mechanical parking device 1 includes: a pallet 10 on which a vehicle C is placed; a moving device 40 that moves the pallet to an entering position where the vehicle can enter the pallet; and a pallet support device 60 that supports the pallet at the entering position. The pallet support device includes a plurality of support portions 63 that support the pallet. The plurality of support portions each include a first support portion 64 that supports a rear portion of the pallet and a second support portion 65 that supports a front portion of the pallet, in a direction where the vehicle enters the pallet. Each of the first support portion and the second support portion advances and retreats between a support position for supporting the pallet and a retracted position for releasing the support of the pallet. The first support portion is arranged at a height different from the second support portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Mechanical parking devices are used to park a plurality of vehicles in a limited space. Mechanical parking devices are installed underground in buildings such as condominiums, office buildings, and shopping centers, or on the ground adjacent to the buildings.

[0003] Underground parking devices are an example of mechanical parking devices. A horizontal circulation type parking device (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal circulation type parking device") is an example of an underground parking device.

[0004] The horizontal circulation type parking device includes an entrance / exit section, a lift shaft, a storage space, a pallet, and a lift. The entrance / exit section is a space where vehicle entry and exit are performed. The lift shaft is a vertical conveyance path for the pallet that connects the entrance / exit section and the storage space. The storage space is an underground space partitioned into a plurality of storage floors, and a plurality of storage sections are partitioned for each storage floor. The storage section is a space where the pallet is stored on the storage floor. The pallet is a conveyance floor on which a vehicle that has entered the entrance / exit section is placed (loaded). The pallet is vertically conveyed up and down the lift shaft by the lifting of the lift, and is horizontally conveyed in the underground storage space. The pallet is rectangular in plan view. In the storage space, the pallet is conveyed (longitudinal feed) in the longitudinal direction of the pallet (the front-rear direction of the vehicle placed on the pallet), and is conveyed (lateral feed) in the short side direction of the pallet (the width direction of the vehicle placed on the pallet). The lift raises and lowers the pallet on which the vehicle is placed, or the pallet on which no vehicle is placed (hereinafter referred to as "empty pallet") in the lift shaft.

[0005] When the pallet on which the vehicle is placed is vertically fed, the vehicle placed on the pallet may move from the stop position on the pallet due to the acceleration received at the start of the vertical feed and the inertia received at the stop. In other words, when the pallet on which the vehicle is placed is vertically fed, the position of the tires of the vehicle placed on the pallet may change. When the tires are displaced during the vertical feed, the vehicle moves. When the vehicle moves, the vehicle may fall off the pallet. To solve such problems, a pallet has been proposed in which a tire stopper (vehicle stopper) that regulates the displacement of the vehicle's tires is arranged on the upper surface of the pallet (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] The tire stopper (vehicle stopper) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of rod-shaped members fixed to the upper surface of the pallet (tray). The plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged at a predetermined interval on one side in the short direction (for example, the right front tire side of the vehicle) on one side in the longitudinal direction of the pallet (the front side in the entry direction of the vehicle entering the pallet). The space between each pair of rod-shaped members constitutes the position (hereinafter referred to as the "stop position") where the tire (right front tire) of the vehicle placed on the pallet is placed. Each rod-shaped member arranged before and after the stop position restricts the forward and backward movement of the tire due to the vertical feed when the vehicle is placed on the pallet (when the tire is placed at the stop position).

[0008] However, during the vertical feed of the pallet, a force that causes a larger displacement in the forward and backward directions acts on the tires due to the intermittent and sudden acceleration and inertia acting on the vehicle. When the acceleration and inertia increase, the tire may overcome the rod-shaped member and the vehicle may move. As a result, the vehicle may fall off the pallet.

[0009] Here, usually, when a driver uses a horizontal circulation parking device, after placing the vehicle on the pallet, the driver gets out of the vehicle after applying the parking brake of the vehicle. When the parking brake of the vehicle is applied (when the parking brake of the vehicle is working properly), during the vertical feeding of the pallet, the displacement of the tire in the front-rear direction caused by the intermittent and sudden acceleration or inertia is less likely to occur.

[0010] However, when the driver forgets to apply the parking brake (when the parking brake is not working properly), during the vertical feeding of the pallet, due to the intermittent and sudden acceleration or inertia, the tire is more likely to be displaced greatly in the front-rear direction and may climb over the rod-shaped member. As a result, the vehicle may fall off the pallet.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical parking device that can prevent a driver from forgetting to apply the parking brake and prevent the vehicle from falling off the pallet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The mechanical parking device according to the present invention includes a pallet on which a vehicle is placed, a moving device that moves the pallet to a storage position where the vehicle can enter the pallet, and a pallet support device that supports the pallet at the storage position. The pallet support device includes a plurality of support parts that support the pallet. The plurality of support parts include a first support part that supports the rear part of the pallet and a second support part that supports the front part of the pallet in the entering direction of the vehicle onto the pallet. Each of the first support part and the second support part moves forward and backward between a support position for supporting the pallet and a retracted position for releasing the support of the pallet, and the first support part is arranged at a height different from that of the second support part.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the driver from forgetting to apply the parking brake and prevent the vehicle from falling off the pallet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a mechanical parking device according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this device") will be described by taking a horizontal circulation type parking device for forward storage of a vehicle as an example.

[0016] In the following description, the front in this specification is the direction in which the vehicle enters the pallet (hereinafter referred to as the "entry direction"), and the rear is the opposite direction of the front (the direction opposite to the entry direction). The left side is the left direction of the vehicle entering the pallet (the left direction with respect to the entry direction), and the right side is the right direction of the vehicle entering the pallet (the right direction with respect to the entry direction). The lower side is the direction of gravity (the downward direction with respect to the front, rear, left, and right), and the upper side is the opposite direction of the direction of gravity (the upward direction with respect to the front, rear, left, and right).

[0017] ●Mechanical Parking Device● ●Configuration of Mechanical Parking Device FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present device. This figure schematically shows a state in which a plurality of vehicles C are stored (parked) in an underground storage space. Also, in this figure, in the loading / unloading section described later, the pallet described later is held in a horizontal state. However, as will be described later, in this embodiment, in the loading / unloading section, the pallet is held in an inclined state. The specific configuration in which the pallet is inclined will be described later.

[0018] The present device 1 stores a plurality of vehicles C. The present device 1 includes a storage space SP, a lift passage UD, a pallet 10, a loading / unloading section 20, a loading / unloading port 30, a lift device 40, a conveying device 50, a pallet support device 60, and a drive device 70 (see FIG. 6). The present device 1 stores the vehicle C by transporting the pallet 10 in the front-rear, left-right directions in the underground storage space SP.

[0019] The storage space SP is a space for storing a plurality of vehicles C. The storage space SP is an underground space partitioned into a plurality of storage floors (the first storage floor B1 and the second storage floor B2 in this embodiment), and a plurality of storage sections are partitioned for each storage floor. The first storage floor B1 is disposed above the second storage floor B2 (the ground side: the upper side on the paper surface in FIG. 1). The second storage floor B2 is disposed below the first storage floor B1. That is, for example, the first storage floor B1 is the first basement floor. The second storage floor B2 is the second basement floor.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the first storage floor B1 includes a plurality of storage units B11, B12, ··· B1111. That is, the first storage floor B1 includes 11 storage units. Each of the plurality of storage units is a space for storing the pallet 10 (10a, 10b ···, 10i, 10z) and the vehicle C (not shown in FIG. 2) placed on the pallet 10.

[0021] Similar to the first storage floor B1, the second storage floor B2 includes a plurality of storage units (for example, 11 storage units).

[0022] In the present invention, the number of storage floors arranged in the storage space is not limited to "2". That is, for example, the number of storage floors may be "1", or may be "3" or more.

[0023] Also, in the present invention, the number of storage units arranged on each storage floor is not limited to "11". That is, for example, the number of storage units may be "10" or less, or may be "11" or more.

[0024] The elevator shaft UD is a vertical conveyance path for the pallet 10 that connects the loading / unloading section 20 and the storage space SP. In the elevator shaft UD, the lift device 40 moves up and down.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view schematically showing the plane of the storage space SP. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pallet 10.

[0026] FIG. 2 schematically shows a plan view of the first storage floor B1 in the storage space SP. However, for convenience of explanation, the illustration of the vehicle C is omitted. FIG. 2 shows that the first storage floor B1 includes 11 storage parts B11 - B111. The figure shows that the pallets 10 are stored in 9 of the 11 storage parts B1 - B111, namely, B11 - B14, B17 - B111. That is, it shows that there are formed areas (empty areas) where no pallets are arranged in the first storage floor B1. That is, the present device 1 can store up to 9 vehicles C in the first storage floor B1. The configuration of the storage parts on the second storage floor B2 is the same as that of the storage parts on the first storage floor B1.

[0027] In addition, in the present invention, the maximum number of vehicles stored in the storage part is not limited to "9".

[0028] In the following description of the configuration of the present device 1, FIG. 1 is also referred to. Also, in the following description, the conveyance of the pallet 10 in the horizontal direction (planar direction) will be described by taking the case of being conveyed on the first storage floor B1 as an example. Also, in the following description, when specifically describing an individual pallet, individual reference numerals (10a - 10i, 10z) will be attached for description, and when it is not necessary to specifically identify an individual pallet, it will be simply collectively referred to as the pallet 10 for description.

[0029] The pallet 10 is a conveyance floor on which the vehicle C is placed. The pallet 10 (10a - 10i, 10z) is movable between the lift device 40 and any one of the storage parts B11 - B111 via the conveyance device 50. The pallet 10 is conveyed vertically between the loading / unloading part 20 and the storage space SP and moves horizontally on the first storage floor B1. The pallet is rectangular in plan view.

[0030] The pallet 10 includes a pallet body 11, a vertical rail 12, a horizontal rail 13, a turning part 14, a vertical frame 15, a horizontal frame 16, and a tire stopper 17.

[0031] The pallet body 11 is a conveyance floor on which the vehicle C is placed. The pallet body 11 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of steel. The shape of the pallet body 11 is a rectangle that is long in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The longitudinal rails 12 are arranged on the lower surface (back surface) of the pallet body 11 so as to extend in the front-rear direction (longitudinal direction) of the pallet body 11. When the pallet 10 is longitudinally fed, the longitudinal rails 12 are supported by conveyance rollers 51 (first conveyance roller 51a and second conveyance roller 51b), which will be described later. The longitudinal rails 12 are, for example, H-shaped steel and are made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11. Two longitudinal rails 12 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction (lateral direction) of the pallet body 11. The longitudinal rails 12 are discontinuous at predetermined positions in the front-rear direction.

[0033] "Longitudinal feeding" is an operation of the present device 1 for conveying the pallet 10 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction on the paper surface in FIG. 2).

[0034] The lateral rails 13 are arranged on the lower surface (back surface) of the pallet body 11 so as to extend in the left-right direction of the pallet body 11. When the pallet 10 is laterally fed, the lateral rails 13 are supported by conveyance rollers 51 (first conveyance roller 51a and second conveyance roller 51b). The lateral rails 13 are, for example, H-shaped steel and are made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11. Two lateral rails 13 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction of the pallet body 11. The lateral rails 13 are discontinuous at predetermined positions in the left-right direction. The discontinuous portion of the lateral rail 13 is an intersection portion with the discontinuous portion of the longitudinal rail 12 (a position where the longitudinal rail 12 and the lateral rail 13 intersect if they are continuous on the lower surface of the pallet body 11). A turning portion 14 is arranged at the discontinuous portion of the longitudinal rail 12 and the discontinuous portion of the lateral rail 13.

[0035] "Lateral feeding" is an operation of the present device 1 for conveying the pallet 10 in the left-right direction (up-down direction on the paper surface in FIG. 2).

[0036] The turning section 14 turns the conveying direction of the pallet 10 and switches between vertical feeding and horizontal feeding. The turning section 14 is arranged at the intersection. The number of turning sections 14 is, for example, "4". The turning section 14 includes turning rails (not shown).

[0037] The turning rails are arranged on the lower surface side of the turning section 14. The turning rails rotate between the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the pallet body 11 with the vertical direction (the depth direction in the drawing of FIG. 3) as the rotation axis. That is, the turning rails can be switched between a state facing the front-rear direction and a state facing the left-right direction. That is, the turning rails are positioned so as to connect to the discontinuous part of the vertical rail 12 in the state facing the front-rear direction, and are positioned so as to connect to the discontinuous part of the horizontal rail 13 in the state facing the left-right direction. In other words, when the turning rails face the front-rear direction, the pallet 10 is vertically fed, and when the turning rails face the left-right direction, the pallet 10 is horizontally fed.

[0038] The vertical frames 15 are arranged on the lower surfaces of both side edges in the left-right direction of the pallet body 11 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. That is, the vertical frame 15 is composed of a rear vertical frame 15 and a front vertical frame 15. The ends of the horizontal rails 13 are arranged (fixed) on the vertical frames 15. The vertical frames 15 are, for example, square steel pipes and are composed of the same steel material as the pallet body 11.

[0039] The horizontal frames 16 are arranged on the lower surfaces of both side edges in the front-rear direction of the pallet body 11 so as to extend in the left-right direction. That is, the horizontal frame 16 is composed of a rear horizontal frame 16 and a front horizontal frame 16. The horizontal frames 16, together with the vertical frames 15, reinforce the strength of the pallet 10. The ends of the vertical rails 12 are arranged (fixed) on the horizontal frames 16. The horizontal frames 16 are, for example, square steel pipes and are composed of the same steel material as the pallet body 11.

[0040] The tire stopper 17 restricts the movement of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10, that is, the displacement of the tire T of the vehicle C on the pallet 10. The tire stopper 17 is disposed on the upper surface of the pallet body 11 (pallet 10) and at the right front portion of the pallet body 11. That is, for example, the tire stopper 17 is disposed at a position where the right front tire T of the vehicle C on the pallet body 11 should be placed. The tire stopper 17 is a columnar rod-shaped member. The tire stopper 17 functions as an indicator of the stop position of the vehicle C when the vehicle C enters the pallet 10. The tire stopper 17 extends in the left-right direction of the pallet body 11. That is, the extending direction of the tire stopper 17 is a direction orthogonal to the entering direction. Among the upper surface of the pallet 10, the region adjacent to the rear of the tire stopper 17 functions as the stop position of the tire T.

[0041] In the present invention, the "entering direction" means a direction that intersects the left-right direction of the pallet 10 (not limited to the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction), and is interpreted broadly so as to mean any direction that intersects the left-right direction of the pallet 10. That is, the entering direction is not limited to the front-rear direction of the pallet 10, and is interpreted to include a direction inclined from the front-rear direction in plan view. That is, both the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction of the pallet 10 and the direction other than the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction of the pallet 10 are the "entering direction". In other words, even when the vehicle C enters the pallet 10 slightly obliquely, the entering direction is a direction along the front-rear direction of the pallet 10.

[0042] Note that the tire stopper may be composed of a plurality of rod-shaped members. In this case, for example, each of the plurality of rod-shaped members is arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction with a predetermined interval therebetween. Each of the plurality of rod-shaped members is arranged parallel to each other. The space between the plurality of rod-shaped members functions as the stop position of the tire.

[0043] The warehousing and shipping department 20 is a space where the vehicle C is warehoused and shipped through the warehousing and shipping opening 30. The warehousing and shipping department 20 is installed, for example, on the ground above the storage space SP. At the time of warehousing, the vehicle C moves forward into the warehousing and shipping department 20. At the time of shipping, the vehicle C moves forward out of the warehousing and shipping department 20. The warehousing and shipping department 20 includes a platform 21 and an opening 22h.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the vehicle C is warehoused in the warehousing and shipping department 20. This figure shows that the pallet 10 is disposed obliquely in the warehousing and shipping department 20.

[0045] The platform 21 constitutes the floor of the warehousing and shipping department 20. In the warehousing and shipping department 20, the height of the platform 21 on the warehousing and shipping opening 30 side is lower than the height of the platform 21 on the side opposite to the warehousing and shipping opening 30. That is, in the warehousing and shipping department 20, the height of the platform 21 on the warehousing and shipping opening 30 side is different from the height of the platform 21 on the side opposite to the warehousing and shipping opening 30. The platform 21 is composed of, for example, a floor portion on the warehousing and shipping opening 30 side (the rear portion of the platform 21), a floor portion on the side opposite to the warehousing and shipping opening 30 (the front portion of the platform 21), and a floor portion in the middle thereof (the middle portion of the platform 21). The floor portion in the middle is, for example, an inclined surface with an upward slope from the floor portion on the warehousing and shipping opening 30 side to the floor portion on the side opposite to the warehousing and shipping opening 30.

[0046] The opening 22h is a rectangular hole in plan view that connects the loading and unloading section 20 and the elevator shaft UD. The opening 22h is disposed at an inclined portion (the inclined surface in the middle part) of the platform 21. The pallet 10 is conveyed between the loading and unloading section 20 and the elevator shaft UD through the opening 22h. The opening area of the opening 22h is slightly wider than the planar area of the pallet 10. When the vehicle C is in a state where it can be loaded and unloaded in the loading and unloading section 20, the pallet 10 is disposed in the opening 22h. That is, when the pallet 10 is located in the opening 22h, the pallet 10 is located at a loading position where the vehicle C can enter the pallet 10. That is, the position of the opening 22h is the loading position. When the pallet 10 is disposed in the opening 22h, the pallet 10 is inclined at the same gradient as the inclination of the platform 21. That is, the pallet 10 is disposed in the loading and unloading section 20 in an inclined state.

[0047] Note that the configuration of the loading and unloading section is not limited to a configuration that allows the vehicle to enter and exit forward. That is, for example, the configuration of the loading and unloading section may be a configuration that allows the vehicle to enter and exit in reverse.

[0048] The loading and unloading opening 30 is the entrance and exit of the vehicle C to and from the loading and unloading section 20. The loading and unloading opening 30 is provided with an opening and closing door 31.

[0049] The door 31 restricts the passage of the vehicle C between the inside and outside of the loading and unloading section 20. The door 31 opens and closes when an operator (not shown) of an operation panel is operated by a user or a manager of the present apparatus 1 or the like. That is, for example, when the door 31 is open, the vehicle C can pass between the inside and outside of the loading and unloading section 20. When the door 31 is closed, the vehicle C cannot pass between the inside and outside of the loading and unloading section 20. The door 31 is disposed behind the vehicle C that has entered the loading and unloading section 20 in a forward direction.

[0050] The "user" is, for example, the driver or a passenger of the vehicle C. The "manager" is, for example, a person who guides the loading and unloading for the user of the present apparatus 1, the administrator of the present apparatus 1, or a maintenance worker.

[0051] The lift device 40 raises and lowers the pallet 10 by raising and lowering the hoistway UD, and moves the pallet 10 between the loading and unloading section 20, the first storage floor B1, and the second storage floor B2. That is, the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10 between the opening 22h (loading position) of the loading and unloading section 20 and a position different from the opening 22h. The pallet 10 is placed on the lift device 40 via the conveying device 50. The pallet 10 placed on the lift device 40 is a pallet on which the vehicle C is placed or a pallet on which the vehicle C is not mounted (empty pallet). The lift device 40 includes a turning section (not shown) that turns the orientation of the pallet 10 in the horizontal direction by 180 degrees. The lift device 40 is an example of the moving device in the present invention.

[0052] Note that the lift device may not include a turning section.

[0053] The conveying device 50 conveys the pallet 10 in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction, left-right direction) in the storage space SP (first storage floor B1). The conveying device 50 includes four conveying rollers 51. The conveying rollers 51 support the lower surface (vertical rail 12, horizontal rail 13) of the pallet 10 and rotate by the power of a driving device (not shown) to move the pallet 10. The conveying rollers 51 are arranged at four locations on the central side of the conveying device 50. The shape formed by the virtual lines connecting the four arranged conveying rollers 51 is rectangular. The conveying device 50 includes a first conveying device 50a placed on the lift device 40 and a second conveying device 50b placed on each of the storage sections B11 - B111 (see FIG. 2). The first conveying device 50a includes first conveying rollers 51a. The second conveying device 50b includes second conveying rollers 51b. The configuration of the second conveying device 50b is the same as the configuration of the first conveying device 50a.

[0054] The first transfer device 50a transfers the pallet 10 placed on the lift device 40 to the second transfer device 50b by the rotation of the first transfer roller 51a. In other words, the first transfer device 50a sends the pallet 10 to the second transfer device 50b. The second transfer device 50b transfers the pallet 10 placed on the second transfer device 50b to another second transfer device 50b or the first transfer device 50a by the rotation of the second transfer roller 51b. In other words, the second transfer device 50b sends the pallet 10 to another second transfer device 50b or the first transfer device 50a.

[0055] In this way, the pallet 10 is transferred in the front - rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the pallet 10) and the left - right direction (the short - hand direction of the pallet 10) in the storage space SP by the first transfer roller 51a and the second transfer roller 51b.

[0056] Note that the moving device in the present invention may be composed of a lift device and a first transfer device. In this case, the lift device may be integrally configured with the first transfer device.

[0057] Note that the configuration and function of the transfer device are the same as those of the transfer device arranged on the second storage floor. That is, for example, similar to the first storage space, the second transfer device is arranged for each storage part. However, since the first transfer device is placed on the lift device, it is a common device.

[0058] The pallet support device 60 supports the pallet 10 disposed at the opening 22h (the storage position). The pallet support device 60 supports two points on each of the front end side and the rear end side of the pallet 10. That is, the pallet support device 60 supports the pallet 10 at four points. The pallet support device 60 is disposed on the lower surface (the underground side surface) of the platform 21. The pallet support device 60 disposed at the rear part of the platform 21 (hereinafter referred to as "the rear pallet support device 60a") supports the pallet 10 at two points spaced apart in the direction along the left-right direction of the pallet 10 when the pallet 10 is disposed at the opening 22h. Similarly, the pallet support device 60 disposed at the front part of the platform 21 (hereinafter referred to as "the front pallet support device 60b") supports the pallet 10 at two points spaced apart in the direction along the left-right direction of the pallet 10 when the pallet 10 is disposed at the opening 22h. The pallet support device 60 includes a main body portion 61, an arm portion 62, and a support portion 63.

[0059] The height (position) at which the front pallet support device 60b is disposed is higher (above) than the height (position) at which the rear pallet support device 60a is disposed. That is, when the pallet 10 is supported by the pallet support device 60, the pallet 10 is supported in an inclined state with respect to the horizontal plane. The inclination of the pallet 10 is an upward slope in the vehicle C entry direction. The inclination angle of the pallet 10 is an angle at which the vehicle C can descend (move) along the inclination when the parking brake is not applied when the vehicle C is stopped. The inclination angle of the pallet 10 with respect to the horizontal plane is, for example, about 5 degrees.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged schematic view of the pallet support device 60, where (a) shows the rear pallet support device 60a and (b) shows the front pallet support device 60b. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the loading / unloading unit 20. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the pallet support device 60 at the storage position, where (a) shows the state where the pallet support device 60 is at the support position and (b) shows the state where the pallet support device 60 is at the retracted position.

[0061] In FIGS. 6 and 7(a) and (b), for convenience of explanation, the illustration of the pallet 10 and the vehicle C is omitted. Further, in FIGS. 7(a) and (b), since the operation of the front pallet support device 60b is the same as the operation of the rear pallet support device 60a, only a schematic plan view showing the operation of the rear pallet support device 60a is illustrated for convenience of explanation.

[0062] The pallet support device 60 is movable back and forth between a support position and a retracted position by the drive of the drive device 70.

[0063] The "support position" is the position where the pallet 10 is supported. As shown in FIG. 7(a), when the pallet support device 60 is in the support position, a part of the pallet support device 60 (a support portion 63 described later) is located within the opening 22h in plan view. That is, when the pallet support device 60 is in the support position, the pallet support device 60 can support the pallet 10.

[0064] The "retracted position" is the position where the support of the pallet 10 is released and the passage of the pallet 10 within the opening 22h is permitted. When the pallet support device 60 is in the retracted position, the pallet support device 60 (the support portion 63 described later) is located at a position overlapping the platform 21 in plan view (below the platform 21).

[0065] When the pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h (when the pallet 10 is placed in the storage position), the pallet support device 60 advances from the retracted position to the support position. That is, when the pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h, the pallet support device 60 is in the support position. When the pallet 10 moves from the opening 22h (when the pallet 10 moves to a position different from the storage position), the pallet support device 60 retracts from the support position to the retracted position. That is, when the pallet 10 passes through the opening 22h, the pallet support device 60 is in the retracted position.

[0066] The main body portion 61 is composed of a main body portion 61a disposed at the rear part of the platform 21 and a main body portion 61b disposed at the front part of the platform 21. The arm portion 62 is composed of an arm portion 62a disposed at the rear part of the platform 21 and an arm portion 62b disposed at the front part of the platform 21. The support portion 63 is composed of a support portion 64 disposed at the rear part of the platform 21 and a support portion 65 disposed at the front part of the platform 21. That is, the rear pallet support device 60a includes the main body portion 61a, the arm portion 62a, and the support portion 64. The front pallet support device 60b includes the main body portion 61b, the arm portion 62b, and the support portion 65. In other words, the pallet support device 60 includes a plurality of main body portions 61 (main body portions 61a, 61b), a plurality of arm portions 62 (arm portions 62a, 62b), and a plurality of support portions 63 (support portions 64, 65).

[0067] The main body portion 61a is disposed on the lower surface at the rear part of the platform 21. The main body portion 61b is disposed on the lower surface at the front part of the platform 21.

[0068] The arm portion 62a is attached to the main body portion 61a and is movable back and forth between a support position and a retracted position. The arm portion 62b is attached to the main body portion 61b and is movable back and forth between a support position and a retracted position. The arm portion 62 (62a, 62b) is a plate-shaped member.

[0069] The support portion 63 is disposed on the upper surface of the arm portion 62. The support portion 63 supports the horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10) when the pallet support device 60 is in the support position.

[0070] The support portion 64 is disposed on the upper surface of the arm portion 62a. That is, the support portion 64 is disposed at the rear part of the platform 21 (the rear side in the entering direction). The support portion 64 supports the rear horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10) when the rear pallet support device 60a is in the support position. The support portion 64 is an example of the "first support portion" in the present invention.

[0071] The support portion 64 includes a stepped portion 641. The stepped portion 641 holds the rear horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10). The stepped portion 641 includes a support surface 641a and a holding surface 641b. The stepped portion 641 is an example of the "holding portion" in the present invention.

[0072] The support surface 641a is a surface on which the lower surface of the rear horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10) is placed to support the rear horizontal frame 16. The support surface 641a is an inclined surface with an upward slope toward the front. The inclination angle of the support surface 641a with respect to the horizontal plane is, for example, about 5 degrees.

[0073] The holding surface 641b cooperates with the support surface 641a to hold the rear horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10). That is, the backward movement of the pallet 10 is restricted by the support portion 64 (by the cooperation of the support surface 641a and the holding surface 641b). The holding surface 641b is the front surface of a wall portion that protrudes above the support surface 641a. That is, the holding surface 641b is in a direction (in the vertical direction in this embodiment) that intersects the support surface 641a from the support surface 641a and is a surface that protrudes above the support surface 641a. The holding surface 641b (wall portion) is arranged (connected) at the rear end of the support surface 641a when the support portion 64 is in the support position.

[0074] The support portion 65 is arranged on the upper surface of the arm portion 62b. That is, the support portion 65 is arranged at the front portion of the platform 21 (the front side in the entering direction). The support portion 65 supports the front horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10) when the front pallet support device 60b is in the support position. The support portion 65 is an example of the "second support portion" in the present invention.

[0075] When the front pallet support device 60b is in the support position, the height (position) of the support portion 65 is higher (above) than the height (position) of the support portion 64 when the rear pallet support device 60a is in the support position. That is, the support portion 65 is arranged at a higher position than the support portion 64. In other words, the height at which the support portion 65 is arranged is different from the height at which the support portion 64 is arranged.

[0076] The support portion 65 includes a stepped portion 651. The stepped portion 651 holds the front horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10). The stepped portion 651 includes a support surface 651a and a holding surface 651b. The stepped portion 651 is an example of the "second holding portion" in the present invention.

[0077] The support surface 651a is a surface on which the lower surface of the front horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10) is placed to support the front horizontal frame 16. The support surface 651a is an inclined surface with an upward slope facing forward. The inclination angle of the support surface 651a with respect to the horizontal plane is, for example, about 5 degrees. The support surface 651a is an example of the "second support surface" in the present invention.

[0078] The holding surface 651b cooperates with the support surface 651a to hold the front horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10). That is, the backward movement of the pallet 10 is restricted by the support portion 65 (by the cooperation of the support surface 651a and the holding surface 651b). The holding surface 651b is the front surface of a wall portion that protrudes above the support surface 651a. That is, the holding surface 651b is in a direction (in the present embodiment, the vertical direction) that intersects the support surface 651a from the support surface 651a and is a surface that protrudes above the support surface 651a. The holding surface 651b (wall portion) is arranged (connected) at the rear end of the support surface 651a when the support portion 65 is in the support position. The holding surface 651b is an example of the "second holding surface" in the present invention.

[0079] The driving device 70 moves the pallet support device 60 forward and backward between the support position and the retracted position. In other words, the driving device 70 moves the support portions 63 (support portions 64, 65) forward and backward between the support position and the retracted position. The driving device 70 is, for example, a motor. The driving device 70 includes a link mechanism 71. The driving device 70 is composed of a rear driving device 70a and a front driving device 70b. The link mechanism 71 is composed of a link mechanism 71a and a link mechanism 71b.

[0080] The rear drive device 70a is disposed between the two rear pallet support devices 60a on the lower surface of the platform 21. The rear drive device 70a moves the rear pallet support device 60a forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position. In other words, the rear drive device 70a moves the support portion 64 forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position. The rear drive device 70a is, for example, a motor. The rear drive device 70a includes a link mechanism 71a.

[0081] The link mechanism 71a connects the rear drive device 70a and the rear pallet support devices 60a disposed on both sides in the left-right direction of the rear drive device 70a. The link mechanism 71a is driven by the rear drive device 70a to move the arm portion 62a (rear pallet support device 60a) forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position. In other words, the link mechanism 71a driven by the rear drive device 70a moves the support portion 64 forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position.

[0082] The front drive device 70b is disposed between the two front pallet support devices 60b on the lower surface of the platform 21. The front drive device 70b moves the front pallet support device 60b forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position. In other words, the front drive device 70b moves the support portion 65 forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position. The front drive device 70b is, for example, a motor. The front drive device 70b includes a link mechanism 71b.

[0083] The link mechanism 71b connects the front drive device 70b and the respective front pallet support devices 60b disposed on both sides in the left-right direction of the front drive device 70b. The link mechanism 71b is driven by the front drive device 70b to move the arm portion 62b (front pallet support device 60b) forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position. In other words, the link mechanism 71b driven by the front drive device 70b moves the support portion 65 forward and backward between a support position and a retracted position.

[0084] ● Operation of the mechanical parking device Next, the operation of the present apparatus 1 will be described together with the operation of the vehicle C parked in the present apparatus 1 with reference to FIGS. 1-6. The operation of the present apparatus 1 includes an entry operation and an exit operation.

[0085] ● Entry operation First, after the vehicle C stops in front of the door 31 of the entrance / exit port 30, when the operation panel is operated by the user or the administrator, the door 31 opens. At this time, the pallet 10z is in a state of being disposed at the opening 22h (entry position) of the entrance / exit unit 20. That is, the rear horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10z) is supported by the support portion 64 (held by the stepped portion 641), and the front horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10z) is supported by the support portion 65 (held by the stepped portion 651). That is, the pallet 10z is disposed in an inclined state with an upward slope at the opening 22h (entry position).

[0086] Note that when the pallet is not disposed at the opening of the entrance / exit unit, the door does not open. When the pallet is not disposed at the opening of the entrance / exit unit, the mechanical parking apparatus moves the empty pallet from the storage unit to the opening of the entrance / exit unit.

[0087] Next, the vehicle C enters the entrance / exit unit 20 from the entrance / exit port 30. At this time, the present apparatus 1 guides the driver of the vehicle C, for example, with voice guidance from a speaker (not shown) or a display on a display panel (not shown), such as "forward", "backward", "stop". The entry direction in which the vehicle C enters the entrance / exit unit 20 (pallet 10z) is the front-rear direction. For example, in FIG. 4, the vehicle C enters from the left side to the right side of the paper surface. When the vehicle C enters the entrance / exit unit 20 from the entrance / exit port 30 and reaches a predetermined position of the pallet 10z, the right front tire T reaches the stop position. At this time, since the pallet 10z is inclined, if the driver forgets to apply the parking brake, the vehicle C moves backward. Therefore, the driver notices the omission of applying the parking brake and surely applies the parking brake. That is, the present apparatus 1 prevents the driver from forgetting to apply the parking brake by disposing the pallet 10z in an inclined state at the entry position.

[0088] When the user parks the vehicle C at a predetermined position on the pallet 10z, the user gets out of the vehicle C and exits outside the apparatus 1.

[0089] After the user exits outside the apparatus 1, the door 31 closes by an operation of the operation panel by the user or the administrator.

[0090] The "predetermined position on the pallet 10" is a position where any end of the front side, rear side, left side, or right side of the vehicle C is accommodated in the space on the upper surface of the pallet 10.

[0091] Here, when the vehicle is not located at the predetermined position on the pallet (when at least any end of the front side, rear side, left side, or right side of the vehicle protrudes from the space on the upper surface of the pallet) or when the tire of the vehicle is not located at the stop position, the door will not close even if the operation panel is operated. When the mechanical parking apparatus detects that the vehicle is not located at the predetermined position on the pallet, it guides the driver of the vehicle that the vehicle is not located at the predetermined position on the pallet by voice guidance from the speaker, display on the display panel, etc.

[0092] The "guidance that the vehicle is not located at the predetermined position on the pallet" is, for example, guidance for re-stocking or guidance informing that the vehicle trying to be stocked is out of specification and cannot be stocked. That the vehicle is not located at the predetermined position on the pallet is detected by, for example, a sensor (not shown) that detects the protrusion of a plurality of vehicles arranged in the loading / unloading section.

[0093] Next, the lift device 40 moves from the opening 22h (loading position) to a predetermined position in the storage space (in this embodiment, the first storage floor B1) through a series of operations described later. After the door 31 closes, the lift device 40 lowers the pallet 10z on which the vehicle C is placed in the lift path UD. At this time, the lift device 40 first raises the pallet 10z above the opening 22h.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing a state when the lift device 40 lifts the pallet 10z arranged at the loading position. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the lift device 40 has lifted the pallet 10z until the pallet 10z becomes horizontal.

[0095] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the illustration of the vehicle C is omitted.

[0096] When the lift device 40 raises the pallet 10z above the opening 22h (the storage position), first, among the first transport rollers 51a of the first transport device 50a, the rear first transport roller 51a (hereinafter referred to as "rear first transport roller 51Ba") supports the horizontal rail 13 (the lower flange constituting the horizontal rail 13) at substantially the same height as the rear pallet support device 60a.

[0097] Next, the lift device 40 further ascends with the rear first transport roller 51Ba supporting the lower flange of the horizontal rail 13. At this time, the support of the rear horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10z) by the support portion 64 (holding of the horizontal frame 16 by the stepped portion 641) is released. At this time, since the pallet 10z is inclined, a force that moves the pallet 10z backward due to its own weight acts. However, since the horizontal rail 13 is supported by the rear first transport roller 51Ba, the backward movement of the pallet 10z is restricted. Also, since the parking brake is applied, the backward movement of the vehicle C (movement of the vehicle C in the reverse direction) is restricted.

[0098] Next, when the lift device 40 further ascends, among the first transport rollers 51a of the first transport device 50a, the front first transport roller 51a (hereinafter referred to as "front first transport roller 51Fa") supports the horizontal rail 13 (the lower flange constituting the horizontal rail 13) at substantially the same height as the front pallet support device 60b.

[0099] Next, the lift device 40 ascends until the support of the front horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10z) by the support portion 65 is released while the horizontal rail 13 is supported by the rear first transport roller 51Ba and the front first transport roller 51Fa. As a result, the lift device 40 raises the pallet 10z above the opening 22h (storage position) and supports the pallet 10z horizontally.

[0100] Next, the pallet support device 60 retracts from the support position to the retracted position by the drive of the drive device 70 (see FIG. 6). That is, in the storage operation, the drive device 70 retracts the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) from the support position to the retracted position before the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z from above the support portion 65 to below the support portion 64. In other words, the drive device 70 retracts the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) from the support position to the retracted position when the pallet 10z is positioned above the support portion 65 and the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) is in the support position, before the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z below the support portion 64.

[0101] After the pallet support device 60 retracts to the retracted position, the lift device 40 lowers the pallet 10z in the lifting path UD. That is, in the storage operation, the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z from above the support portion 65 to below the support portion 64 when the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) is in the retracted position.

[0102] The lift device 40 lowers the pallet 10z to the first storage floor B1 and stops it at the first storage floor B1. The pallet 10z stopped at the first storage floor B1 is horizontal. The pallet 10z stopped at the first storage floor B1 is longitudinally or laterally fed by the rotation of the first transport roller 51a and is transported from the first transport device 50a to the second transport device 50b adjacent to the first storage floor B1.

[0103] The pallet 10z conveyed to the second conveying device 50b is vertically or horizontally conveyed to another adjacent second conveying device 50b by the rotation of the second conveying roller 51b, and is conveyed to an arbitrary storage section (for example, storage section B16 in FIG. 2) where no other pallets 10a-10i are placed. When the pallet 10z is conveyed to an arbitrary storage section, the other pallets 10a-10i placed on the second conveying device 50b are vertically or horizontally conveyed as appropriate. That is, the present device 1 stores the pallet 10z in an arbitrary storage section by moving the pallet 10z and the other pallets 10a-10i placed on the second conveying device 50b like a puzzle.

[0104] When the pallet 10z is vertically conveyed by the second conveying device 50b, the displacement in the front-rear direction of the tires T of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10z and the other vehicles C placed on the other pallets 10a-10i is restricted by the tire stopper 17 and the effect of the parking brake.

[0105] As described above, when the pallet 10 is inclined at the time of warehousing into the warehousing and shipping section 20, the driver notices that the parking brake has been forgotten when parking the vehicle on the inclined pallet 10z. Therefore, the present device 1 can prevent forgetting to apply the parking brake. As a result, the vehicle C falling from the pallet 10 due to forgetting to apply the parking brake is prevented.

[0106] ● Shipping operation Next, the shipping operation of the present device 1 will be described. The shipping operation is substantially the opposite operation of the warehousing operation.

[0107] First, when a user or administrator of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10z operates an operation panel (not shown) to call the vehicle C, the present device 1 calls the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10z through a series of operations described later.

[0108] The pallet 10z is vertically and horizontally fed by the rotation of the second conveying roller 51b of the second conveying device 50b placed in the storage section B16, and is conveyed to the first conveying device 50a placed on the lift device 40 in the lifting path UD. At this time, the other pallets 10a - 10i are vertically and horizontally fed as appropriate.

[0109] When the pallet 10z is vertically fed by the second conveying device 50b, the forward and backward movement of the vehicle C (tire T) placed on the pallet 10z is restricted by the tire stopper 17 and the effect of the parking brake, similar to the warehousing operation.

[0110] After the pallet 10z is placed on the first conveying device 50a, the lift device 40 raises the pallet 10z above the opening 22h (warehousing position) in the lifting path UD. At this time, the pallet support device 60 retracts from the support position to the retracted position by the drive of the drive device 70. That is, the lift device 40 raises (moves) the pallet 10z from below the support portion 64 to above the support portion 65 when the pallet 10z is positioned below the support portion 64 and the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) is in the retracted position.

[0111] In other words, the drive device 70 retracts the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) from the support position to the retracted position before the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z from below the support portion 64 to above the support portion 65 when the pallet 10z is positioned below the support portion 64 and the support portion 63 (support portions 64, 65) is in the support position. That is, the rear drive device 70a (see FIG. 6) retracts the support portion 64 from the support position to the retracted position before the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z from below the support portion 64 to above the support portion 65. The front drive device 70b (see FIG. 6) retracts the support portion 65 from the support position to the retracted position before the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z from below the support portion 64 to above the support portion 65.

[0112] When the pallet 10z has moved above the opening 22h, the rear side of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10z is arranged to face the door 31. The pallet 10z that has moved above the opening 22h is horizontal. The pallet 10z is rotated 180 degrees by the rotation of a swivel part (not shown). As a result, the front side of the vehicle C is arranged to face the door 31.

[0113] Next, the pallet support device 60 advances from the retracted position to the support position by the drive of the drive device 70. That is, in the shipping operation, after the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z above the support part 65, the drive device 70 advances the support parts 63 (support parts 64, 65) from the retracted position to the support position. That is, after the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z above the support part 65, the rear drive device 70a advances the support part 64 from the retracted position to the support position. After the lift device 40 moves the pallet 10z above the support part 65, the front drive device 70b advances the front pallet support device 60b (support part 65) from the retracted position to the support position.

[0114] After the pallet support device 60 has advanced to the support position, the lift device 40 lowers the pallet 10z to the opening 22h (the storage position).

[0115] When the lift device 40 lowers the pallet 10z to the opening 22h (the storage position), first, the horizontal frame 16 (pallet 10z) at the front (the rear side of the vehicle C) is placed on the support surface 651a and supported (held by the step part 651) by the support part 65. That is, when the pallet 10z is positioned above the support part 65 and the support parts 63 (support parts 64, 65) are in the support position, the lift device 40 lowers (moves) the pallet 10z to the support surface 651a (support part 65).

[0116] Next, when the lift device 40 further descends, among the first transport rollers 51a of the first transport device 50a, the front first transport roller 51Fa separates from the horizontal rail 13 at substantially the same height as the front pallet support device 60b and releases the support of the horizontal rail 13.

[0117] Next, when the lift device 40 further descends, the lateral frame 16 (pallet 10z) at the rear (front side of the vehicle C) is placed on the support surface 641a and supported (held by the stepped portion 641) by the support portion 64. While the lift device 40 is descending and until the lateral frame 16 (pallet 10z) at the rear is placed on the support surface 641a, the pallet 10z begins to gradually incline from the horizontally supported state. At this time, a force that moves the pallet 10z backward due to its own weight acts on the pallet 10z. However, since the lateral rail 13 is supported by the rear first transport roller 51Ba, the backward movement of the pallet 10 is restricted.

[0118] Next, when the lift device 40 further descends, the rear first transport roller 51Ba separates from the lateral rail 13 at substantially the same height as the rear pallet support device 60a and releases the support of the lateral rail 13. As a result, the pallet 10z is supported by the pallet support device 60 in an inclined state. At this time, in the vehicle C, since the parking brake is applied, the forward movement of the vehicle C is restricted.

[0119] Next, the door 31 opens, and the user gets into the vehicle C and moves forward and out of the loading / unloading section 20 (this device 1). After the vehicle C is unloaded, the door 31 closes by operating the operation panel by the user or the administrator.

[0120] Thus, also in the unloading operation, since the parking brake of the vehicle C is applied, the movement of the vehicle C is restricted. As a result, the vehicle C is prevented from falling off the pallet 10.

[0121] ●Summary● According to the embodiment described above, the pallet support device 60 included in the present apparatus 1 includes a plurality of support portions 63. The plurality of support portions 63 include a support portion 64 disposed at the rear portion (the rear side in the entry direction) of the platform 21 and a support portion 65 disposed at the front portion (the front in the entry direction) of the platform 21. The height (position) of the support portion 65 is higher (above) than the height (position) of the support portion 64. That is, the height of the support portion 65 is different from the height of the support portion 64. According to this configuration, the pallet 10 is disposed at the opening 22h (the warehousing position) in an inclined state in the front-rear direction in the warehousing and unloading section 20. Therefore, when the driver parks the vehicle C on the inclined pallet during warehousing, if the parking brake is forgotten to be applied, the vehicle C will move backward. For this reason, the driver notices the omission of applying the parking brake and surely applies the parking brake. As a result, the omission of applying the parking brake by the driver is prevented, and the backward movement of the vehicle C is restricted. As a result, the fall of the vehicle C from the pallet 10 due to the omission of applying the parking brake is prevented.

[0122] Also, according to the embodiment described above, the support portion 64 includes a stepped portion 641. The stepped portion 641 includes a support surface 641a and a holding surface 641b. The holding surface 641b is disposed (connected) at the rear end of the support surface 641a and cooperates with the support surface 641a to hold the pallet 10. That is, the inclined pallet 10 is held by the support portion 64 (the cooperation between the support surface 641a and the holding surface 641b). As a result, the backward movement of the pallet 10 is restricted by the support portion 64 (the cooperation between the support surface 641a and the holding surface 641b).

[0123] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the support portion 65 includes a stepped portion 651. The stepped portion 651 includes a support surface 651a and a holding surface 651b. The holding surface 651b is disposed (connected) at the rear portion of the support surface 651a and cooperates with the support surface 651a to hold the pallet 10. That is, the inclined pallet 10 is held by the support portion 65 (the cooperation between the support surface 651a and the holding surface 651b). As a result, the backward movement of the pallet 10 is restricted by the support portion 65 (the cooperation between the support surface 651a and the holding surface 651b).

[0124] Note that in the embodiment described above, the height (position) of the support portion (second support portion) 65 was higher (above) than the height (position) of the support portion (first support portion) 64. That is, the inclination of the pallet 10 was an upward slope in the entry direction. Instead of this, the inclination of the pallet in the present invention may be a downward slope in the entry direction. That is, for example, the height (position) of the second support portion may be lower (below) than the height (position) of the first support portion.

[0125] In this case, the first support portion includes a holding portion (stepped portion) in the same manner as the first support portion of the embodiment described above. The holding portion includes a support surface and a holding surface. The holding surface is disposed (connected) at the front end (the front portion of the first support portion) of the support surface when the first support portion is in the support position and cooperates with the support surface to hold the pallet.

[0126] Also, the second support portion includes a second holding portion (stepped portion) in the same manner as the second support portion of the embodiment described above. The second holding portion includes a second support surface and a second holding surface. The second holding surface is disposed (connected) at the front end (the front portion of the second support surface) of the second support surface when the second support portion is in the support position and cooperates with the second support surface to hold the pallet.

[0127] Furthermore, the position where the tire stopper is disposed is not limited to the right front portion of the pallet body. That is, for example, the position where the tire stopper is disposed may be at the left front portion of the pallet body, or at both the right front portion and the left front portion.

[0128] Furthermore, the tire stopper may be disposed on either the right rear part or the left rear part of the pallet body, or on both the right rear part and the left rear part.

[0129] Furthermore, the tire stopper may be disposed on both the front and rear of the pallet body, on either the left or right side, or on both the left and right sides.

[0130] Furthermore, the shape of the rod-shaped member (tire stopper) may not be cylindrical, but may be triangular prism-shaped, quadrangular prism-shaped, or the like.

[0131] Furthermore, the pallet may not be provided with a tire stopper.

Explanation of Signs

[0132] 1 Mechanical parking device 10 Pallet 11 Pallet body 12 Vertical rail 13 Horizontal rail 14 Steering part 15 Vertical frame 16 Horizontal frame 17 Tire stopper 20 Loading / unloading section 21 Platform 22h Opening (loading position) 30 Loading / unloading opening 31 Door 40 Lift device (moving device) 50 Conveyor 50a First conveyor 50b Second conveyor 51 Conveyor roller 51a First conveyor roller 51b Second conveyor roller 60 Pallet support device 60a Rear pallet support device 60b Front pallet support device 61, 61a, 61b Body part 62, 62a, 62b Arm part 63 Support part 64 Support Section (First Support Section) 641 Segment Section (Retention Section) 641a Support Surface 641b Retention Surface 65 Support Section (Second Support Section) 651 Segment Section (Second Retention Section) 651a Support Surface (Second Support Surface) 651b Retention Surface (Second Retention Surface) 70 Driving Device 70a Rear Driving Device 70b Front Driving Device 71a, 71b Link Mechanism SP Storage Space B1 First Storage Floor B2 Second Storage Floor UD Lifting Path C Vehicle T Tire

Claims

1. A pallet on which a vehicle is placed, a moving device that moves the pallet to a storage position where the vehicle can enter the pallet, a pallet support device that supports the pallet at the storage position, characterized in that, the pallet support device includes a plurality of support portions that support the pallet, and the plurality of support portions include a first support portion that supports the rear portion of the pallet in the entering direction of the vehicle into the pallet, and a second support portion that supports the front portion of the pallet, and each of the first support portion and the second support portion moves forward and backward between a support position for supporting the pallet and a retracted position for releasing the support of the pallet, the first support portion is arranged at a height different from that of the second support portion, a mechanical parking device characterized by the above.

2. The second support portion is arranged at a position higher than that of the first support portion. The mechanical parking device according to Claim 1.

3. The first support portion includes a holding portion that holds the pallet, and the holding portion includes a support surface on which the pallet is placed, and a holding surface that protrudes upward from the support surface in a direction intersecting the support surface, and when the first support portion is in the support position, in the entering direction, the holding surface is arranged at the rear end of the support surface and cooperates with the support surface to hold the pallet. The mechanical parking device according to Claim 2.

4. The moving device lowers the pallet to the second support portion when the pallet is located above the second support portion and each of the first support portion and the second support portion is in the support position. The mechanical parking device according to Claim 3.

5. a plurality of driving devices that move each of the plurality of support portions forward and backward between the support position and the retracted position, characterized in that, after the moving device moves the pallet above the second support portion, each of the plurality of driving devices advances each of the plurality of support portions from the retracted position to the support position. The mechanical parking device according to Claim 4.

6. The moving device raises the pallet above the second support portion when the pallet is located below the first support portion and each of the first support portion and the second support portion is in the retracted position. The mechanical parking device according to Claim 4.

7. A plurality of driving devices for moving each of the plurality of the supporting parts back and forth between the supporting position and the retracted position, comprising: When the pallet is positioned below the first supporting part and the first supporting part and the second supporting part are each positioned at the supporting position, each of the plurality of driving devices retracts the first supporting part and the second supporting part from the supporting position to the retracted position before the moving device moves above the second supporting part. The mechanical parking device according to claim 6.

8. The second supporting part comprises a second holding part for holding the pallet, and the second holding part comprises a second supporting surface for placing the pallet thereon, and a second holding surface protruding upward from the second supporting surface in a direction intersecting the second supporting surface, and when the second supporting part is positioned at the supporting position, in the entering direction, the second holding surface is arranged at the rear end of the second supporting surface and cooperates with the second supporting surface to hold the pallet. The mechanical parking device according to claim 3.

9. The second supporting part is arranged at a position lower than the first supporting part. The mechanical parking device according to claim 1.

10. The first supporting part comprises a holding part for holding the pallet, and the holding part comprises a supporting surface for placing the pallet thereon, and a holding surface protruding upward from the supporting surface in a direction intersecting the supporting surface, and when the first supporting part is positioned at the supporting position, in the entering direction, the holding surface is arranged at the front end of the supporting surface and cooperates with the supporting surface to hold the pallet. The mechanical parking device according to claim 9.

11. The second supporting part comprises a second holding part for holding the pallet, and the second holding part comprises a second supporting surface for placing the pallet thereon, and a second holding surface protruding upward from the second supporting surface in a direction intersecting the second supporting surface, and when the second supporting part is positioned at the supporting position, in the entering direction, the second holding surface is arranged at the front end of the second supporting surface and engages with the second supporting surface to engage the pallet. The mechanical parking device according to claim 10.

Images