Mechanical parking device pallet and mechanical parking device

Abstract

To prevent a vehicle from falling from a pallet even when the vehicle passes over a tire stop.SOLUTION: A pallet of a mechanical parking device moves between an entry position allowing a vehicle to enter and a position different from the entry position and it comprises a tire stop 16 restricting a movement of a tyre T of a vehicle C loaded on a pallet 10, a vehicle fall prevention device 17 preventing the vehicle loaded on the pallet from falling from the pallet and an opening 15h at which the vehicle fall prevention device is arranged. The vehicle fall prevention device comprises a swinging member 171 arranged at the opening and a swinging shaft 172 supporting the swinging member swingably in the opening. The swinging member is arranged forward of the tire stop in an entry direction of the vehicle entering into the pallet. When the pallet is at the entry position, the swinging of the swinging member is restricted. When the pallet is at the position different from the entry position, the swinging of the swinging member is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet for a mechanical parking device and a mechanical parking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Mechanical parking systems are used to park multiple vehicles in a limited space. Mechanical parking systems are installed underground in apartment buildings, office buildings, shopping centers, etc., or above ground adjacent to the buildings.

[0003] An underground parking system is an example of a mechanical parking system. A horizontal circulation type parking system (hereinafter referred to as a "horizontal circulation type parking system") is an example of an underground parking system.

[0004] The horizontal circulation parking system comprises a loading / unloading section, pallets, a lift, and multiple storage sections. The loading / unloading section is a space where vehicles are loaded and unloaded. Vehicles that have been loaded forward from the loading / unloading section are placed (loaded) on the pallets. The pallets are transported up and down the elevator shaft by the lift rising and falling, and are also transported horizontally through the underground storage space. The elevator shaft is a vertical transport path for the pallets that connects the loading / unloading section and the storage floor where the storage sections are located. The shape of the pallet in a plan view is rectangular. The pallet is transported in the longitudinal direction of the pallet (the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle placed on the pallet) and the lateral direction of the pallet (the width direction of the vehicle placed on the pallet). The operation of transporting the pallet in the longitudinal direction is called "vertical feeding," and the operation of transporting the pallet in the lateral direction is called "horizontal feeding." The lift raises and lowers pallets with vehicles placed on them or pallets without vehicles placed on them (hereinafter referred to as "empty pallets") in the hoistway. The storage section is an area on the storage floor where pallets (including empty pallets) are stored. The storage section is divided into multiple storage spaces.

[0005] When a pallet carrying a vehicle is transported vertically, the vehicle may move from its resting position on the pallet due to acceleration caused by the vertical transport or inertia caused by the pallet stopping during transport (movement). In other words, when a pallet carrying a vehicle is transported vertically, the position of the vehicle's tires may be displaced. Such tire displacement is particularly likely to occur when the parking brake of the vehicle placed on the pallet is forgotten to be applied. If the tire position is displaced during vertical transport, the vehicle may fall off the pallet. To solve this problem, a pallet has been proposed in which tire chocks (wheel chocks) that restrict the movement of the vehicle's tires are arranged on the top surface of the pallet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-046672

[0007] The tire stopper (car stopper) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes multiple rod-shaped members fixed to the upper surface of a pallet (tray). The multiple rod-shaped members are arranged at a predetermined interval on one side of the shorter side (for example, on the right front tire side of the vehicle) at the front end side of the longitudinal direction of the pallet (the front side in the approach direction when a vehicle advances onto the pallet). The spaces between the rod-shaped members on the upper surface of the pallet form stopping positions for the tires. The stopping positions are positions where the tires (right front tire) of a vehicle placed on the pallet are placed. The rod-shaped members arranged before and after the stopping positions restrict movement of the tires in the fore-and-aft direction when a vehicle is placed on the pallet (when a tire is placed at a stopping position).

[0008] However, when the pallet is transported vertically, the tires may experience greater longitudinal displacement due to shocks caused by intermittent acceleration and inertia, or sudden acceleration and inertia. As a result, depending on the magnitude of the displacement, the tires may climb over the rod-shaped members. Once a vehicle has climbed over the rod-shaped members (tire stops), further tire displacement may cause it to fall off the pallet. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] To provide a pallet for a mechanical parking device, which can prevent a vehicle from falling off the pallet even if the vehicle goes over a tire stopper, and a mechanical parking device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The pallet of the mechanical parking device according to the present invention is a pallet of the mechanical parking device that moves between an entrance position where a vehicle can enter and a position different from the entrance position, At the storage position, a tilt prevention stopper is disposed below the pallet when the pallet is at the storage position, The vehicle fall prevention device comprises a tire stopper that restricts the movement of tires of a vehicle placed on a pallet, a vehicle fall prevention device that prevents the vehicle placed on the pallet from falling from the pallet, and an opening in which the vehicle fall prevention device is placed, the vehicle fall prevention device comprising a swing member that is placed in the opening and a swing shaft that supports the swing member so that it can swing within the opening, the swing member being placed forward of the tire stopper in the approach direction of the vehicle entering the pallet, The axial direction of the swing shaft is perpendicular to the entry direction, When the pallet is in the receiving position, the swinging member is disposed above the tilt prevention stopper so as to be able to come into contact with the tilt prevention stopper; The oscillation of the oscillating member is The tilt can be restricted by a tilt prevention stopper. , In a plan view, the entire swing member closes the opening in a planar manner, When the pallet is in a different location from the receiving location, A portion of the swinging member falls into the opening, and a portion of the opening where the portion of the swinging member that falls into the opening is arranged is configured so that a portion of the tire can fall into it. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even if a vehicle goes over the tire stopper, the vehicle can be prevented from falling off the pallet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a mechanical parking device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a storage space provided in the mechanical parking device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle entry position in the entry / exit section of the mechanical parking device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged schematic side view of a pallet support portion provided in the mechanical parking device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the pallet support unit at the storage position in Figure 3, where (a) shows the pallet support unit in the pallet support position, and (b) shows the pallet support unit in the retracted position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pallet of the mechanical parking device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a vehicle has been stored in a storage / retrieval section. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view showing a state in which the restriction on the swinging of the first vehicle fall prevention device and the second vehicle fall prevention device equipped on the pallet of the mechanical parking device of the present invention is released. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged side view of the first vehicle fall prevention device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is an enlarged side view of the second vehicle fall prevention device of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9 is an enlarged side view showing another state in which the restriction on swing of the first vehicle fall prevention device of FIG. 8 is released. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a pallet for a mechanical parking device and a mechanical parking device according to the present invention will be described.

[0014] The embodiment described below is an example in which the mechanical parking system according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the system") is a horizontal circulation type parking system that allows forward parking.

[0015] In the following description, the direction in which the vehicle approaches the pallet (hereinafter referred to as the "approaching direction") is the "forward" direction in this specification, and the opposite direction to the approaching direction is the "rear" direction in this specification. The left side of the approaching direction is the "left" direction in this specification, and the right side of the approaching direction is the "right" direction in this specification.

[0016] ●Mechanical parking device● ●Configuration of mechanical parking device FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present device. The figure shows a schematic diagram of multiple vehicles stored (parked) in an underground storage space. The storage space is provided on multiple floors (two floors). The specific structure of the pallets, which will be described later, is not shown in the figure.

[0017] The device 1 stores a plurality of vehicles C. The device 1 includes a storage space SP, an elevator shaft UD, a pallet 10, an entrance / exit section 20, an entrance / exit gate 30, a lift 40, a transport device 50, a pallet support section 60 (see FIG. 3), an anti-tilt stopper 70 (see FIG. 3), and a drive device 80 (see FIG. 3). The device 1 stores vehicles C by transporting the pallet 10 in the forward / backward and left / right directions in the underground storage space SP.

[0018] The storage space SP stores multiple vehicles C. The storage space SP has multiple storage floors (first storage floor B1, second storage floor B2). The first storage floor B1 is located above the second storage floor B2 (ground side: upper side of the paper in Figure 1). The second storage floor B2 is located 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.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the first storage floor B1 has a plurality of storage sections B11, B12, ... B1n (n = integer). Each of the plurality of storage sections stores a pallet 10 (10a, 10b, ..., 10i, 10z) and a vehicle C (not shown in Fig. 2) placed on the pallet 10.

[0020] The second storage floor B2, like the first storage floor B1, is equipped with a plurality of storage sections.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The elevator shaft UD is a passageway that connects the loading / unloading section 20 and the storage space SP. A lift 40 moves up and down in the elevator shaft UD.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the storage space SP. The figure shows a schematic plan view of the first storage floor B1 in the storage space SP. However, for ease of explanation, the vehicle C is omitted from the illustration. The figure shows that the first storage floor B1 includes 11 storage sections B1-B111. The figure shows that pallets 10 are placed in 9 of the 11 storage sections B1-B111. In other words, the first storage floor B1 shows that two empty spaces are placed. In other words, the device 1 can store 9 vehicles C on the first storage floor B1. The configuration of the storage sections placed on the second storage floor B2 is the same as the configuration of the storage sections placed on the first storage floor B1.

[0024] In the present invention, the number of storage sections arranged on each storage floor and the number of vehicles that can be stored in each storage section are not limited to the above-mentioned numbers.

[0025] The following description of the configuration of the device 1 will also refer to Figure 1. In the following description, the planar (horizontal) transportation of pallets 10 will be described using the case where they are transported on the first storage floor B1 as an example. In the following description, when describing individual pallets specifically, they will be described with individual reference numerals (10a-10i, 10z), and when describing pallets collectively, they will be described simply as pallet 10.

[0026] The pallets 10 (10a-10i, 10z) are used to place vehicles C. The pallets 10 are placed movably on the lift 40 and on one of the storage sections B11-B111 via the transport device 50. The pallets 10 are transported between the loading / unloading section 20 and the storage space SP, and move horizontally on the first storage floor B1. The shape of the pallets is rectangular in plan view (see, for example, FIG. 6). The pallets 10 are an example of the "pallet of a mechanical parking system" in the present invention. The specific configuration of the pallets 10 will be described later.

[0027] The loading / unloading section 20 is a space where the vehicle C enters and leaves the garage. The loading / unloading section 20 is located, for example, on the ground floor. When entering the garage, the vehicle C enters the loading / unloading section 20. When leaving the garage, the vehicle C leaves the garage forward from the loading / unloading section 20. The loading / unloading section 20 has a platform 21 and an opening 22h.

[0028] The platform 21 forms the floor of the loading / unloading area 20.

[0029] The opening 22h is a rectangular hole that connects the loading / unloading section 20 (the space excluding the opening 22h) with the elevator shaft UD. The pallet 10 is transported between the loading / unloading section 20 and the elevator shaft UD through the opening 22h. The opening 22h is placed on the platform 21. The opening area of the opening 22h is slightly larger than the planar area of the pallet 10. When the vehicle C is ready to load / unload the loading / unloading section 20, the pallet 10 is placed at the opening 22h. In other words, the position of the opening 22h is an entry position where the vehicle C can enter the pallet 10. When the pallet 10 is placed at the opening 22h, the upper surface (surface) of the platform 21 forms a substantially flat surface with the upper surface (surface) of the pallet 10.

[0030] The entrance / exit section is not limited to a configuration that allows a vehicle to enter or exit the parking lot in a forward direction. For example, the entrance / exit section may be a configuration that allows a vehicle to enter or exit the parking lot in a backward direction.

[0031] The entrance / exit 30 is an entrance / exit for the vehicle C to / from the entrance / exit section 20. The entrance / exit 30 is provided with an openable / closable door 31.

[0032] The door 31 prevents the movement of the vehicle C between the inside and outside of the loading / unloading section 20. The door 31 opens and closes when an operation panel (not shown) is operated by a user of the device 1, an administrator of the device 1, or the like. That is, for example, when the door 31 is "open," the vehicle C can move between the inside and outside of the loading / unloading section 20. When the door 31 is "closed," the vehicle C cannot move between the inside and outside of the loading / unloading section 20. The door 31 is located behind the vehicle C that has advanced into the loading / unloading section 20.

[0033] The "user" is, for example, the driver or passenger of the vehicle C. The "manager" is, for example, a person who guides the user of the device 1 in entering and leaving the facility, or a manager or maintenance person of the device 1.

[0034] The lift 40 moves up and down the elevator shaft UD. The lift 40 raises and lowers the pallet 10, moving the pallet 10 between the loading / unloading section 20, the first storage floor B1, and the second storage floor B2. The lift 40 moves the pallet 10 between the opening 22h (storage position) of the loading / unloading section 20 and a position different from the storage position. The lift 40 places the pallet 10 via the conveying device 50. The pallet 10 placed on the lift 40 is a pallet on which a vehicle C is placed, or an empty pallet. The lift 40 is equipped with a swivel section (not shown).

[0035] The swivel unit swivels the pallet 10.

[0036] The lift does not necessarily have to include a swivel section.

[0037] The conveying device 50 conveys the pallets 10 horizontally (front-back and left-right) on the first storage floor B1. The conveying device 50 is equipped with drive rollers 51. The drive rollers 51 are rotated by the power of a drive device (not shown). The drive rollers 51 support the underside of the pallet 10 (vertical rails 12a and horizontal rails 12b described below). The conveying device 50 is equipped with a first conveying device 50a mounted on the lift 40 and a second conveying device 50b mounted on each of the storage sections B11-B111. The configuration of the first conveying device 50a is the same as the configuration of the second conveying device 50b. That is, the first conveying device 50a is equipped with drive rollers 51a, and the second conveying device 50b is equipped with drive rollers 51b.

[0038] The first conveying device 50a moves the pallet 10 placed on the lift 40 over the drive rollers 51a by the rotation of the drive rollers 51a, and conveys it to the second conveying device 50b. The second conveying device 50b moves the pallet 10 placed on the second conveying device 50b over the drive rollers 51b by the rotation of the drive rollers 51b, and conveys it to another second conveying device 50b or the first conveying device 50a.

[0039] The pallet 10 is transported in the front-to-back direction (the long side of the pallet 10, the left-to-right direction on the paper in FIG. 2) and the left-to-right direction (the short side of the pallet 10, the up-to-down direction on the paper in FIG. 2) on the first storage floor B1 by the rotation of the drive rollers 51a, 51b. The operation of transporting the pallet 10 in the front-to-back direction is called "vertical feeding," and the operation of transporting it in the left-to-right direction is called "horizontal feeding."

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the entrance position of the vehicle C in the entrance / exit section 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic side view of the pallet support portion 60. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the pallet support unit 60 at the storage position of vehicle C, where (a) shows the pallet support unit 60 in the pallet support position, and (b) shows the pallet support unit 60 in the retracted position.

[0041] For ease of explanation, the pallet 10 and vehicle C are omitted from Figures 3, 4, 5(a), and 5(b). Also, in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the configuration behind the storage position is the same as the configuration in front of the storage position, so for ease of explanation, only the configuration in front of the storage position is shown. Furthermore, in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the stopper portion 72, which will be described later, is omitted from illustration.

[0042] The pallet support parts 60 support the pallet 10 placed in the opening 22h (storage position). The pallet support parts 60 are arranged and fixed to the underside (underground surface) of the platform 21 so as to support the pallet 10 at two points on each of the front and rear ends. In other words, the number of pallet support parts 60 is "4." The pallet support parts 60 arranged on the front side of the platform 21 are spaced apart in the direction along the short side of the pallet 10 when the pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h. Similarly, the pallet support parts 60 arranged on the rear side of the platform 21 are spaced apart in the direction along the short side of the pallet 10 when the pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h.

[0043] Each pallet support section 60 is driven by a drive device 80 to be able to move back and forth between a pallet support position and a retracted position.

[0044] The "pallet support position" is a position that supports the pallet 10. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the pallet support part 60 is in the pallet support position, a portion of the pallet support part 60 is located within the opening 22h in a plan view. In other words, when the pallet support part 60 is in the pallet support position, the pallet 10 is supported by the pallet support part 60. The pallet support position is an example of a "support position" in the present invention.

[0045] The "retracted position" is a position where support for the pallet 10 is released and the pallet 10 is allowed to pass through the opening 22h. When the pallet support part 60 is in the retracted position, the pallet support part 60 is positioned so as to overlap with the platform 21 in a plan view (see, for example, FIG. 5(b)).

[0046] When the pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h (when the pallet 10 is placed in the storage position), the pallet support part 60 advances from the retracted position to the pallet 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 part 60 retreats from the pallet support position to the retracted position.

[0047] Each pallet support portion 60 includes a main body portion 61 , an arm portion 62 , and a protrusion portion 63 .

[0048] The main body 61 is disposed on the lower surface of the platform 21 and fixed thereto.

[0049] The arm portion 62 is attached to the main body portion 61 and is movable back and forth between a pallet support position and a retracted position. The arm portion 62 is a plate-shaped member.

[0050] The protrusion 63 is disposed on the upper surface (the surface facing upward in FIG. 4) of the arm portion 62. The protrusion 63 supports the underside of the pallet 10 when the pallet support portion 60 is in the pallet support position. The protrusion 63 is, for example, a square steel pipe.

[0051] The tilt prevention stopper 70 is disposed (attached) to the tip of the front right pallet support portion 60 and the tip of the rear left pallet support portion 60 of the four pallet support portions 60. In other words, the number of tilt prevention stoppers 70 is "2." The front right tilt prevention stopper 70 restricts the swing of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 (see FIG. 6, first swing member 171 described later) of the pallet 10. The rear left tilt prevention stopper 70 restricts the swing of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A (see FIG. 6, second swing member 171A described later) of the pallet 10. The configuration and function of the front right tilt prevention stopper 70 are the same as those of the rear left tilt prevention stopper 70. The tilt prevention stopper 70 is driven by the drive unit 80 to be able to move back and forth between a swing restriction position and a swing restriction release position as the pallet support portion 60 moves forward and backward. The rear left tilt prevention stopper 70 is an example of a "second tilt prevention stopper" in the present invention. In this specification, the rear left tilt prevention stopper 70, together with the front right tilt prevention stopper 70, are collectively referred to as the "tilt prevention stopper 70."

[0052] The "swing restriction position" is a position that restricts the swing of each of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A. When the tilt prevention stopper 70 is in the swing restriction position, the tilt prevention stopper 70 is located within the opening 22h in a plan view. The swing restriction position is an example of the "restriction position" in the present invention.

[0053] The "swing restriction release position" is a position where the restriction on the swing of each of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is released, allowing each of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A to swing. When the tilt prevention stopper 70 is in the swing restriction release position, the position of the tilt prevention stopper 70 is a position where it overlaps with the platform 21 in a plan view (see, for example, Figure 5(b)). The swing restriction release position is an example of the "restriction release position" in the present invention.

[0054] When a pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h (when the pallet 10 is placed in the receiving position), the tilt prevention stopper 70 advances from the swing restriction release position to the swing restriction position. When the pallet 10 moves (moves) through the opening 22h, the tilt prevention stopper 70 retreats from the swing restriction position to the swing restriction release position. That is, when the pallet 10 is placed through the opening 22h, the pallet support part 60 advances to the pallet support position, and the tilt prevention stopper 70 advances to the swing restriction position. Similarly, when the pallet 10 moves through the opening 22h (when the pallet 10 moves to a position different from the receiving position), the pallet support part 60 retreats to the retreat position, and the tilt prevention stopper 70 retreats to the swing restriction release position.

[0055] The tilt prevention stopper 70 includes a base portion 71 and a stopper portion 72 .

[0056] The base portion 71 is a plate-like member that is placed (attached) to the tip of the arm portion 62. In other words, the base portion 71 and the arm portion 62 form a single plate-like member.

[0057] The stopper portion 72 regulates the swinging of each of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A. The stopper portion 72 is arranged on the upper surface of the base portion 71 (the surface at the top of the paper in FIG. 4). The stopper portion 72 of the front right tilt prevention stopper 70 supports the underside of the rear side of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17. The stopper portion 72 of the rear left tilt prevention stopper 70 supports the underside of the front side of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A. The stopper portion 72 is, for example, a plate-shaped member or a column-shaped member.

[0058] The drive unit 80 advances and retreats the pallet support unit 60 between the pallet support position and the retracted position, and advances and retreats the tilt prevention stopper 70 between the swing restriction position and the swing restriction release position. That is, the drive unit 80 advances and retreats the pallet support unit 60 between the pallet support position and the retracted position simultaneously with the advancement and retreat of the tilt prevention stopper 70. That is, when the drive unit 80 advances the tilt prevention stopper 70 to the swing restriction position, the drive unit 80 advances the pallet support unit 60 to the pallet support position, and when the drive unit 80 retreats the tilt prevention stopper 70 to the swing restriction release position, the drive unit 80 retreats the pallet support unit 60 to the retracted position. The drive units 80 are disposed and fixed to the underside of the platform 21 between the pallet support units 60 arranged on the front side of the platform 21 and between the pallet support units 60 arranged on the rear side of the platform 21. That is, the number of drive units 80 is "2." The drive units 80 are, for example, motors. The drive unit 80 includes a link mechanism 81 .

[0059] The link mechanism 81 connects the drive unit 80 to each of the pallet support units 60 arranged on both sides of the drive unit 80. The link mechanism 81 driven by the drive unit 80 moves the arm unit 62 (pallet support unit 60) forward and backward. In other words, the link mechanism 81 driven by the drive unit 80 moves the base unit 71 (tilt prevention stopper 70) forward and backward.

[0060] ●Pallets for mechanical parking systems FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pallet 10 of the mechanical parking device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the vehicle C has entered the entrance / exit section 20. As shown in FIG.

[0061] The pallet 10 comprises a pallet body 11, vertical rails 12a, horizontal rails 12b, a turning portion 13, a vertical frame 14a, a horizontal frame 14b, a first opening 15h, a second opening 15Ah, a tire stopper 16, a first vehicle fall prevention device 17, a second vehicle fall prevention device 17A, a first fixing plate 18, and a second fixing plate 18A.

[0062] A vehicle C (see FIG. 1) is placed on the pallet body 11. The pallet body 11 is, for example, a plate-like member made of steel. The pallet body 11 has a rectangular shape.

[0063] The vertical rails 12a are arranged on the underside (backside) of the pallet body 11 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the pallet body 11 (the vertical direction on the paper in FIG. 6). The vertical rails 12a are supported by the drive rollers 51 when the pallet 10 is fed vertically. The vertical rails 12a are, for example, H-shaped steel, and are made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11. Two vertical rails 12a are arranged with a gap between them in the short side direction of the pallet body 11 (the horizontal direction on the paper in FIG. 6). The vertical rails 12a are discontinuous at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The horizontal rail 12b is disposed on the underside (back surface) of the pallet body 11 and extends in the short side direction (left-right direction on the paper in Figure 6). The horizontal rail 12b is supported by the drive roller 51 when the pallet 10 is fed laterally. The horizontal rail 12b is, for example, an H-shaped steel, and is made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11. Two horizontal rails 12b are disposed with a gap in the longitudinal direction. The horizontal rails 12b are discontinuous at a predetermined location in the short side direction. The discontinuous location of the horizontal rail 12b is the intersection with the discontinuous location of the vertical rail 12a. A turning portion 13 is disposed between the discontinuous location of the vertical rail 12a and the discontinuous location of the horizontal rail 12b.

[0065] The turning units 13 change the conveying direction of the pallets 10 to switch between vertical feeding and horizontal feeding. The turning units 13 are arranged at intersections. The number of turning units 13 is, for example, "4." The turning units 13 are equipped with turning rails (not shown).

[0066] The diverting rail is disposed on the underside of the pallet body 11 at the diverting section 13. The diverting rail rotates between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the pallet body 11, with a rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction of the pallet body 11 (the direction toward the front of the paper in FIG. 6). That is, the diverting rail can be switched between facing the longitudinal direction and facing the lateral direction. That is, when the diverting rail faces the longitudinal direction, it is located on an extension of the vertical rail 12a, and when the diverting rail faces the lateral direction, it is located on an extension of the horizontal rail 12b. In other words, when the diverting rail faces the longitudinal direction, the pallet 10 is fed longitudinally, and when the diverting rail faces the lateral direction, the pallet 10 is fed transversely.

[0067] The vertical frame 14a is disposed on the underside (back surface) of the pallet body 11 and extends in the longitudinal direction. The vertical frame 14a is disposed along both short sides of the pallet body 11. The ends of the horizontal rails 12b are disposed (fixed) to the vertical frame 14a. The vertical frame 14a is, for example, a square steel pipe, which is the same steel material as the pallet body 11.

[0068] The horizontal frames 14b are disposed on the underside (rear surface) of the pallet body 11 and extend in the short direction. The horizontal frames 14b are disposed along both longitudinal sides of the pallet body 11. The horizontal frames 14b, together with the vertical frames 14a, reinforce the strength of the pallet 10. The ends of the vertical rails 12a are disposed (fixed) to the horizontal frames 14b. The horizontal frames 14b are, for example, square steel pipes, and are made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11.

[0069] The first opening 15h is where the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 is placed. The first opening 15h is a rectangular hole formed on the front right side of the pallet body 11. The opening area of the first opening 15h is slightly larger than the planar area of the first swinging member 171, which will be described later. The front side of the first opening 15h overlaps with the horizontal frame 14b in a plan view. A portion of the horizontal frame 14b is exposed from the first opening 15h (see Figure 9).

[0070] The second opening 15Ah is where the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is placed. The second opening 15Ah is a rectangular hole formed on the rear left side of the pallet main body 11. The second opening 15Ah is placed at a position that is point-symmetric with the first opening 15h with respect to the center P of the pallet main body 11 (pallet 10) (with the center P as the central axis). The opening area of the second opening 15Ah is slightly larger than the planar area of the second swinging member 171A, which will be described later. The rear side of the second opening 15Ah overlaps with the horizontal frame 14b in a plan view. A portion of the horizontal frame 14b is exposed from the second opening 15Ah (see Figure 10).

[0071] The tire stopper 16 restricts displacement of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10, i.e., restricts movement of the tires T of the vehicle C on the pallet 10. The tire stopper 16 is arranged forward of the longitudinal midpoint of the pallet body 11 and behind the first vehicle fall prevention device 17. The tire stopper 16 is arranged alongside the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 in the longitudinal direction. The tire stopper 16 comprises a plurality of rod-shaped members. Each of the rod-shaped members is arranged parallel to one another. Each of the rod-shaped members has a cylindrical shape. Each of the rod-shaped members also functions as an indicator of the stopping position of the vehicle C when the vehicle C enters the pallet 10. The space between the rod-shaped members functions as a stopping position for the tires T. Each rod-shaped member extends in the short direction of the pallet body 11. In other words, the extension direction of each rod-shaped member is perpendicular to the entry direction.

[0072] The "approaching direction" refers to a direction intersecting the short side direction of the pallet 10 (not limited to a direction perpendicular to the short side direction), and is broadly interpreted to mean any direction intersecting the short side direction of the pallet 10. In other words, a direction perpendicular to the short side direction of the pallet 10, as well as any direction other than a direction perpendicular to the short side direction of the pallet 10, are all "approaching directions." In other words, even when "vehicle C approaches pallet 10 at a slight angle," the approaching direction is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the pallet 10.

[0073] The first vehicle fall prevention device 17 prevents the vehicle C from falling from the pallet 10 if the tire T of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10 climbs over the tire stopper 16 when the pallet 10 is fed vertically. The first vehicle fall prevention device 17 includes a first swinging member 171, a first swinging shaft 172, a first elastic member 173, a first one-end fixed shaft 174, a first elastic member fixing portion 175, and a first other-end fixed shaft 176. The first vehicle fall prevention device 17 is an example of the "vehicle fall prevention device" of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the restrictions on the swinging of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the swinging of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A are released. FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17. As shown in FIG.

[0075] The following description of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 will also refer to FIGS.

[0076] The first swinging member 171 is disposed in the first opening 15h and swings. That is, the first swinging member 171 is disposed forward of the tire stopper 16 in the approach direction. The shape of the first swinging member 171 is substantially rectangular in plan view. The first swinging member 171 swings (inclines) rearward around a first swing shaft 172 as a fulcrum. The first swinging member 171 is made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11. The first swinging member 171 is an example of the "swinging member" in the present invention.

[0077] When the first swinging member 171 swings rearward around the first swing shaft 172 as a fulcrum, the rear side of the first swinging member 171 drops into the first opening 15h, and the front side of the first swinging member 171 protrudes from the top surface of the pallet body 11. The distance from the top surface of the pallet body 11 to the front end of the first swinging member 171 is longer than the distance from the top surface of the pallet body 11 to the top of the tire stopper 16.

[0078] When a pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h (see FIG. 6) (when the pallet 10 is placed in the storage position), the tilt prevention stopper 70 is advanced to the swing restriction position, and therefore the swing of the first swinging member 171 is restricted by the stopper portion 72. In other words, the rearward swing of the first swinging member 171 is restricted by the stopper portion 72. When the swing of the first swinging member 171 is restricted, the upper surface of the pallet body 11 is flat.

[0079] When no pallet 10 is placed in the opening 22h (when the pallet 10 is moved to a position different from the storage position), the first swinging member 171 is released from the restriction by the tilt prevention stopper 70 and swings due to the elastic force of the first elastic member 173 described below. When the first swinging member 171 is swinging with a vehicle C placed on the pallet 10 and the tire T of the vehicle C climbs over the tire stopper 16, the first swinging member 171 restricts the movement of the right front tire T of the vehicle C.

[0080] The first swing shaft 172 swingably supports the first swing member 171 within the first opening 15h. The first swing shaft 172 is disposed to pass through shaft holes formed in two side walls protruding from the underside of the first swing member 171 (the surface toward the back of the paper in FIG. 6). The first swing shaft 172 swingably supports the first swing member 171 around the first swing shaft 172. One end of the first swing shaft 172 is attached (joined) to the vertical rail 12a, and the other end is attached (joined) to the vertical frame 14a. That is, the first swing shaft 172 extends in the short direction of the pallet main body 11. That is, the extending direction (axial direction) of the first swing shaft 172 is perpendicular to the entry direction. The first swing shaft 172 is an example of a "swing shaft" in the present invention.

[0081] The swinging of the first swinging member 171 toward the rear side is regulated by, for example, a swing adjusting plate (not shown) provided on the pallet 10. That is, the swing adjusting plate regulates the swing range of the first swinging member 171. For example, one end of the swing adjusting plate is attached (joined) to the vertical rail 12a, and the other end is attached (joined) to the vertical frame 14a (the lower surface of the vertical frame 14a). When the first swinging member 171 swings toward the rear side about the first swing shaft 172 as a fulcrum, the swing adjusting plate supports the rear part of the first swinging member 171, and regulates the swing range of the first swinging member 171 toward the rear side.

[0082] The first elastic member 173 causes the first oscillation member 171 to oscillate by its elastic force (contractile force). The first elastic member 173 is a linear extension spring, for example, a linear tension coil spring. One end (one end side end) of the linear longitudinal direction of the first elastic member 173 is fixed to a first one end fixed shaft 174. The other end (other end side end) of the linear longitudinal direction of the first elastic member 173 is fixed to a first other end fixed shaft 176. The first one end fixed shaft 174 and the first other end fixed shaft 176 will be described later. The one end side end and the other end side end of the first elastic member 173 are each hook-shaped (for example, an inverted round hook shape). The first elastic member 173 is an example of the "elastic member" of the present invention.

[0083] When the first elastic member 173 is under load (when the first elastic member 173 is stretched), the swinging of the first swinging member 171 is restricted. That is, the first swinging member 171 (first vehicle fall prevention device 17) becomes flat. When the first elastic member 173 is not under load (when the first elastic member 173 is not stretched), the first swinging member 171 is swingable. That is, the rear side of the first swinging member 171 drops into the first opening 15h, and the front side of the first swinging member 171 protrudes from the top surface of the pallet main body 11. That is, the first elastic member 173 is in a normal state when not under load.

[0084] When the tilt prevention stopper 70 is in the swing restriction position, the stopper portion 72 supports the underside (rear surface) of the first swing member 171. As a result, the first elastic member 173 is in a state where it receives a load, and the swing of the first swing member 171 is restricted. On the other hand, when the tilt prevention stopper 70 is in the swing restriction release position, the support of the underside (rear surface) of the first swing member 171 by the stopper portion 72 is released. As a result, the first elastic member 173 returns to a state where it is not receiving a load, and the first swing member 171 becomes swingable.

[0085] The first one-end fixed shaft 174 fixes one end of the first elastic member 173. The first one-end fixed shaft 174 is a component of the first swinging member 171. The first elastic member 173 is fixed by having a hook at one end of the first elastic member 173 hooked onto the first one-end fixed shaft 174. The first one-end fixed shaft 174 is disposed across two side walls protruding from the lower surface of the first swinging member 171. The fixed position of one end of the first elastic member 173 to the first one-end fixed shaft 174 is behind the first swinging shaft 172 in the insertion direction. The fixed position of one end of the first elastic member 173 to the first one-end fixed shaft 174 (first swinging member 171) is an example of a "first fixed position of one end of the tension coil spring in the longitudinal direction with the swinging member" in this invention.

[0086] The first elastic material fixing portion 175 fixes one end of the first elastic material 173 (the other end of the first elastic material 173). The first elastic material fixing portion 175 is made up of two side walls. The first elastic material fixing portion 175 is disposed on the upper surface of the first fixing plate 18.

[0087] The first other-end fixing shaft 176 fixes the other end of the first elastic material 173. The first other-end fixing shaft 176 is a component of the first elastic material fixing portion 175. The first elastic material 173 is fixed by having a hook at the other end of the first elastic material 173 hooked onto the first other-end fixing shaft 176. The first other-end fixing shaft 176 is disposed across the two side walls that make up the first elastic material fixing portion 175. The fixing position of the other end of the first elastic material 173 to the first other-end fixing shaft 176 is forward of the first oscillation shaft 172 (backward of the front end of the first oscillation member 171) in the insertion direction. The fixing position of the other end of the first elastic material 173 to the first other-end fixing shaft 176 (first elastic material fixing portion 175) is an example of a "second fixing position of the other end of the tension coil spring in the longitudinal direction with the elastic material fixing portion" in this invention.

[0088] The first fixing plate 18 fixes the first elastic material fixing portion 175 to the pallet 10. One end of the first fixing plate 18 is attached (joined) to the vertical rail 12a, and the other end is attached (joined) to the vertical frame 14a (the lower surface of the vertical frame 14a). The first fixing plate 18 is disposed forward of the first swing shaft 172 (rearward of the front end of the first swing member 171) in the entry direction.

[0089] The second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is disposed at a position symmetrical with the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 with respect to the center P of the pallet body 11 (pallet 10) (with the center P as the central axis). The second vehicle fall prevention device 17A prevents the vehicle C from falling from the pallet 10 if the position of the tire T of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10 is displaced when the pallet 10 is fed vertically. The second vehicle fall prevention device 17A includes a second swinging member 171A, a second swinging shaft 172A, a second elastic member 173A, a second one-end fixed shaft 174A, a second elastic member fixing portion 175A, and a second other-end fixed shaft 176A. The configurations and functions of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A are common to the configurations and functions of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17, with some exceptions. Below, the configurations of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A will be described, focusing on the differences from the configurations of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17.

[0090] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the second vehicle fall prevention device. The following description of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A will also refer to FIGS.

[0091] Among the components of the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A, the swing direction of the second swinging member 171A differs from the swing direction of the first swinging member 171 of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17. That is, the second swinging member 171A swings (tilts) forward with the second swing shaft 172A as a fulcrum. The forward swing of the second swinging member 171A is regulated, for example, by a swing adjusting plate (not shown) provided on the pallet 10. That is, the swing adjusting plate regulates the swing range of the second swinging member 171A. The fixed position of one end side end of the second elastic member 173A to the second one-end fixed shaft 174A is forward of the second swing shaft 172A in the approach direction. The fixed position of the other end side end of the second elastic member 173A with the second other end fixed shaft 176A is rearward of the second swing shaft 172A (forward of the rear end of the second swing member 171A) in the approach direction. When the pallet 10 is in the storage position, the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A restricts the swing of the second swing member 171A by the tilt prevention stopper 70 on the rear left side.

[0092] The second fixing plate 18A fixes the second elastic material fixing portion 175A to the pallet 10. One end of the second fixing plate 18A is attached (joined) to the vertical rail 12a, and the other end is attached (joined) to the vertical frame 14a (the underside of the vertical frame 14a). The second fixing plate 18A is positioned so as to be symmetrical with the first fixing plate 18 with respect to the center P of the pallet body 11 (pallet 10) (with the center P as the central axis). The second fixing plate 18A is positioned rearward of the second swing shaft 172A (forward of the rear end of the second swing member 171A) in the entry direction.

[0093] ● Operation of mechanical parking devices Next, the operation of the device 1 will be described together with the operation of the vehicle C parked in the device 1 with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 6-8.

[0094] ● Warehousing operation First, after vehicle C stops in front of door 31 of loading / unloading entrance 30, when a user or manager operates the operation panel, device 1 causes conveying device 50 to convey empty pallet 10 (pallet 10z) within storage space SP, and causes lift 40 to lift empty pallet 10 (pallet 10z) within elevator shaft UD to opening 22h of loading / unloading section 20. At this time, first elastic member 173 and second elastic member 173A are each contracted (because they are not receiving load), so first swinging member 171 and second swinging member 171A are each swingable. Lift 40 lifts pallet 10z above opening 22h. At this time, pallet support member 60 is in the retracted position, and tilt prevention stopper 70 is in the swing restriction release position.

[0095] Next, the pallet support part 60 advances from the retracted position to the pallet support position by the drive device 80. At this time, the tilt prevention stopper 70 advances together with the pallet support part 60 from the swing restriction release position to the swing restriction position.

[0096] After the pallet support parts 60 and the tilt prevention stoppers 70 have advanced to their corresponding positions, the lift 40 lowers the pallet 10z to the position of the opening 22h, causing the pallet 10z to be supported by the pallet support parts 60. At this time, the first elastic member 173 and the second elastic member 173A are each under load, and the swinging of the first swinging member 171 and the second swinging member 171A is restricted by the tilt prevention stoppers 70. As a result, the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A each lie flat against the top surface of the pallet main body 11.

[0097] When the pallet 10z is placed in the opening 22h of the loading / unloading section 20, the door 31 opens.

[0098] Next, when vehicle C enters loading / unloading section 20 from loading / unloading entrance 30, device 1 provides guidance to the driver of vehicle C, such as "go forward," "backward," or "stop," by audio guidance from a speaker (not shown) or by displaying on a display panel (not shown). When vehicle C enters loading / unloading section 20 from loading / unloading entrance 30 and is stopped at a predetermined location (stop position) on pallet 10z (tire T of vehicle C is placed in a predetermined position), door 31 is closed by operation of the operation panel by a user or manager. The direction in which vehicle C enters loading / unloading section 20 (pallet 10z) is along the longitudinal direction of pallet 10z. For example, in FIG. 7, vehicle C enters from left to right on the paper.

[0099] After the user stops the vehicle C at a predetermined position on the pallet 10z, the user gets off the vehicle C and exits the device 1.

[0100] The "predetermined location on the pallet 10" is a location where any of the ends of the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle C fits within the space on the top surface of the pallet 10.

[0101] The "stop position" is the position on the top surface of the pallet 10 where the tire stopper 16 is located.

[0102] Furthermore, when the vehicle is not in the designated location on the pallet (when at least one of the front, rear, left, or right ends of the vehicle protrudes from the space on the top surface of the pallet) or when the vehicle's tires are not in the parked position, the door will not close even when the control panel is operated.When the mechanical parking device detects that the vehicle is not in the designated location on the pallet, it will notify the driver that the vehicle is not in the designated location on the pallet by audio guidance from a speaker or by displaying on a display panel.

[0103] The "notice that the vehicle is not in the designated place on the pallet" is, for example, a notice to re-enter the pallet or a notice informing the user that the vehicle being stored is out of specification and cannot be stored. The fact that the vehicle is not in the designated place on the pallet is detected, for example, by a sensor (not shown) that detects vehicles protruding from the pallet and is arranged in the storage / retrieval section.

[0104] Next, after the door 31 is closed, the lift 40 lowers the pallet 10z, on which the vehicle C is placed, down the elevator shaft UD. At this time, the lift 40 first raises the pallet 10z to above the opening 22h.

[0105] Next, the pallet support section 60 is retracted from the pallet support position to the retracted position by the drive device 80. At this time, the tilt prevention stopper 70 retracts together with the pallet support section 60 from the swing restriction position to the swing restriction release position.

[0106] After the pallet support part 60 and the tilt prevention stopper 70 have retreated to their respective positions, the lift 40 lowers the pallet 10z within the elevator shaft UD. As the restriction by the tilt prevention stopper 70 is released, the first swinging member 171 and the second swinging member 171A become swingable due to the contraction forces of the first elastic member 173 and the second elastic member 173A (as they are no longer subjected to load).

[0107] The pallet 10z descends down the elevator shaft UD as the lift 40 descends, and stops at the first storage floor B1 under the control of a control unit (not shown). The pallet 10z that has stopped at the first storage floor B1 is fed vertically or horizontally by the rotation of the drive roller 51a, and is transported to the adjacent second transport device 50b.

[0108] The second conveying device 50b conveys the pallet 10z vertically or horizontally to another adjacent second conveying device 50b by rotating the drive roller 51b. In this way, the device 1 stores the pallet 10 in a desired storage section (an empty space where no other pallets 10a-10i are placed). When the second conveying device 50b conveys the pallet 10z to a desired storage section, the other pallets 10a-10i placed on the second conveying device 50b are conveyed vertically or horizontally as appropriate. In other words, the device 1 stores the pallet 10z in a desired storage section by moving the pallet 10z and the other pallets 10a-10i placed on the second conveying device 50b like a puzzle.

[0109] When the vehicle C is transported vertically by the second conveying device 50b, the tire stoppers 16 restrict the forward and backward movement 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.

[0110] When the pallet 10z is transported vertically, the position of the tire T may be significantly displaced due to impacts caused by intermittent acceleration and inertia, or sudden acceleration and inertia. In this case, the tire T may climb over the tire stopper 16, causing the vehicle C to fall from the pallet. As in this embodiment, the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 is disposed on the pallet 10 forward of the tire stopper 16 in the approach direction, and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is disposed at a position that is point-symmetric with respect to the center P of the pallet 10. As a result, even if the position of the tire T is significantly displaced, a portion of the tire T falls into the first opening 15h or the second opening 15Ah. When a portion of the tire T falls into the first opening 15h, the tire T makes two-point contact with the first swinging member 171 and the pallet main body 11 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the front side of the first swinging member 171 protrudes from the top surface of the pallet main body 11. This restricts the movement of the tire T in the front-rear direction. Similarly, when a portion of the tire T falls into the second opening 15Ah, the tire T comes into contact with the second swinging member 171A and the pallet main body 11 at two points in the front-rear direction. In addition, the rear side of the second swinging member 171A protrudes from the upper surface of the pallet main body 11. Therefore, movement of the tire T in the front-rear direction is restricted.

[0111] ●Removal operation The following description will be given of the retrieval operation by the device 1, taking as an example the case where a vehicle C placed on a pallet 10z stored in the storage section B16 is retrieved (the pallet 10z is not shown in FIG. 2). The retrieval operation is substantially the opposite of the retrieval operation. Therefore, a description of the retrieval operation that is common to the retrieval operation will be omitted.

[0112] First, when a user or manager of the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10z operates an operation panel (not shown), the device 1 calls the pallet 10z.

[0113] The pallet 10z is transported vertically or horizontally by the rotation of the drive roller 51b of the second transport device 50b placed in the storage section B16, and is transported to the first transport device 50a placed on the lift 40 in the elevator shaft UD. When the pallet 10z is transported from the second transport device 50b placed in the storage section B16 to the first transport device 50a, the pallets 10a-10i placed on each of the second transport devices 50b are transported vertically or horizontally as appropriate.

[0114] When the vehicle C is transported vertically by the second conveying device 50b, the tire stoppers 16 restrict the forward and backward movement 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.

[0115] After the pallet 10z is placed on the first conveying device 50a, the pallet 10z ascends up the elevator shaft UD by the lift 40. The lift 40 raises the pallet 10z above the opening 22h. At this time, the pallet support part 60 is in the retracted position, and the tilt prevention stopper 70 is in the swing restriction release position.

[0116] When the pallet 10z is moved above the opening 22h, the vehicle C placed on the pallet 10z is positioned with the rear side of the vehicle C facing the door 31. The pallet 10z is rotated 180 degrees by the rotation of a swivel unit (not shown), and the front side of the vehicle C is positioned facing the door 31.

[0117] Next, the pallet support part 60 advances from the retracted position to the pallet support position by the drive device 80. At this time, the tilt prevention stopper 70 advances together with the pallet support part 60 from the swing restriction release position to the swing restriction position.

[0118] After the pallet support section 60 and the tilt prevention stopper 70 have advanced to their respective positions, the lift 40 lowers the pallet 10z to the position of the opening 22h, and the pallet 10z is supported by the pallet support section 60. At this time, the swinging of the first swinging member 171 and the second swinging member 171A is restricted by the tilt prevention stopper 70 (the swingable state is released), and the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A each become flat against the upper surface of the pallet main body 11.

[0119] Next, the door 31 opens, and the user gets into the vehicle C and drives it forward out of the loading / unloading section 20 (the device 1). After the vehicle C has left the parking lot, the door 31 closes by the user or the caretaker operating the control panel.

[0120] In this way, in the loading / unloading section 20, the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 and the second vehicle fall prevention device 17A are each flattened because the tilt prevention stopper 70 restricts the swinging of the first swinging member 171 and the second swinging member 171A. On the other hand, when the pallet 10z is moving from the loading / unloading section 20 (when the pallet 10z is in a position different from the loading position), the restriction by the tilt prevention stopper 70 is released, and the first swinging member 171 and the second swinging member 171A become swingable.

[0121] ●Summary● According to the embodiment described above, the device 1 includes a tilt prevention stopper 70. The pallet 10 included in the device 1 includes a tire stopper 16 and a first vehicle fall prevention device 17. The first vehicle fall prevention device 17 is disposed forward of the tire stopper 16 in the direction of entry of the vehicle C. The first vehicle fall prevention device 17 includes a first swinging member 171, a first swinging shaft 172, and a first elastic member 173. In the loading / unloading section 20, the swinging of the first swinging member 171 is restricted by the stopper portion 72 of the tilt prevention stopper 70, so that the pallet 10 remains flat. On the other hand, when the pallet 10 is moving from the loading / unloading section 20 (when the pallet 10 is not in the loading position, such as when it is moving up and down the elevator shaft UD or when it is being transported vertically or horizontally through the storage space SP), the restriction by the stopper portion 72 of the tilt prevention stopper 70 is released, and the load that the first elastic member 173 was bearing is removed (due to the contraction force of the first elastic member 173), allowing the first swinging member 171 to swing. The first swinging member 171 swings rearward. The swinging of the first swinging member 171 significantly displaces the position of the tire T, and even if the tire T climbs over the tire stopper 16, a portion of the tire T will fall into the first opening 15h. When a portion of the tire T falls into the first opening 15h, the tire T comes into contact with the first swinging member 171 and the pallet body 11 at two points in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the front side of the first swinging member 171 protrudes from the upper surface of the pallet body 11. Moreover, the distance from the upper surface of the pallet body 11 to the front end of the first swinging member 171 is longer than the distance from the upper surface of the pallet body 11 to the top of the tire stopper 16. Therefore, movement of the tire T in the front-to-rear direction is restricted. As a result, the vehicle C is prevented from falling off the pallet 10.

[0122] Furthermore, when the first elastic member 173 is under load (when the first elastic member 173 is stretched), the swinging of the first swinging member 171 is restricted, and when the first elastic member 173 is not under load (when the first elastic member 173 is not stretched), the first swinging member 171 is swingable. In other words, when the first elastic member 173 is not under load, it is in its normal state. Therefore, when the pallet 10 is in a position different from the storage position, the first elastic member 173 is not under load. In other words, when the pallet 10 is in a position different from the storage position, the first swinging member 171 is always in a swingable state. As a result, due to the swinging of the first swinging member 171, the rear side of the first swinging member 171 falls into the first opening 15h, and the front side of the first swinging member 171 protrudes from the upper surface of the pallet body 11, preventing the vehicle C from falling off the pallet 10.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the pallet 10 is equipped with a second vehicle fall prevention device 17A. The second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is disposed in a position that is point-symmetric with the first vehicle fall prevention device 17 with respect to the center P of the pallet body 11 (pallet 10) (with the center P as the central axis). The second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is positioned behind the left rear tire T of the vehicle C when the vehicle C is placed in a predetermined position on the pallet 10. The second vehicle fall prevention device 17A is equipped with a second swinging member 171A, a second swinging shaft 172A, and a second elastic member 173A. In the loading / unloading section 20, the swinging of the second swinging member 171A is restricted by the stopper portion 72 of the tilt prevention stopper 70 (second tilt stopper), so that the pallet 10 becomes flat. On the other hand, when the pallet 10 is moving from the loading / unloading section 20, the restriction by the stopper portion 72 of the tilt prevention stopper 70 is released, and the load that the second elastic member 173A was receiving is removed (due to the contraction force of the second elastic member 173A), allowing the second swinging member 171A to swing. The second swinging member 171A swings rearward. Even if the position of the tire T is significantly displaced due to the swinging of the second swinging member 171A, a portion of the tire T falls into the second opening 15Ah. When a portion of the tire T falls into the second opening 15Ah, the tire T comes into contact with the second swinging member 171A and the pallet main body 11 at two points in the front-rear direction. In addition, the rear side of the second swinging member 171A protrudes from the upper surface of the pallet main body 11. Therefore, the movement of the tire T in the front-rear direction is restricted. As a result, the vehicle C is prevented from falling off the pallet 10.

[0124] Furthermore, when the second elastic member 173A is under load (when the second elastic member 173A is stretched), the swinging of the second swinging member 171A is restricted, and when the second elastic member 173A is not under load (when the second elastic member 173A is not stretched), the second swinging member 171A is swingable. In other words, when the second elastic member 173A is not under load, it is in its normal state. Therefore, when the pallet 10 is in a position different from the storage position, the second elastic member 173A is not under load. In other words, when the pallet 10 is in a position different from the storage position, the second swinging member 171A is always in a swingable state. As a result, due to the swinging of the second swinging member 171A, the front side of the second swinging member 171A falls into the second opening 15Ah, and the rear side of the second swinging member 171A protrudes from the upper surface of the pallet main body 11, thereby preventing the vehicle C from falling off the pallet 10.

[0125] In the embodiment described above, the first swinging member 171 swings rearward. However, the first swinging member of the present invention may be configured to swing forward.

[0126] FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view showing another state in which the restriction on the swing of the first vehicle fall prevention device is released.

[0127] The pallet 10 is equipped with a first vehicle fall prevention device 17B instead of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17. The configurations and functions of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17B are common to the configurations and functions of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17, with some exceptions. Below, the configurations of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17B will be explained, focusing on the differences from the configurations of the first vehicle fall prevention device 17.

[0128] The first vehicle fall prevention device 17B prevents a vehicle (not shown) from falling from the pallet 10 if a tire T of a vehicle C placed on the pallet 10 climbs over a tire stopper 16 when the pallet 10 is fed vertically. The first vehicle fall prevention device 17B includes a first swinging member 171B, a first swinging shaft 172B, a first elastic member 173B, a first one-end fixed shaft 174B, a first elastic member fixing portion 175B, a first other-end fixed shaft 176B, and a tire abutment portion 177B. The first vehicle fall prevention device 17B is an example of the "vehicle fall prevention device" of the present invention.

[0129] The first swinging member 171B is disposed in the first opening 15h and swings. The first swinging member 171B swings (tilts) forward around a first swing shaft 172B as a fulcrum. The first swinging member 171B is made of the same steel material as the pallet body 11. The first swinging member 171B is an example of the "swinging member" of the present invention.

[0130] When the first swinging member 171B swings forward around the first swing shaft 172B as a fulcrum, the front side of the first swinging member 171B drops into the first opening 15h, and the rear side of the first swinging member 171B protrudes from the upper surface of the pallet main body 11. The distance from the upper surface of the pallet main body 11 to the rear end of the first swinging member 171B is longer than the distance from the upper surface of the pallet main body 11 to the top of the tire stopper 16.

[0131] The rear end of the first swinging member 171B in the direction of entry is bent. The bent rear end of the first swinging member 171B forms a tire contact portion 177B.

[0132] The "tire abutment portion 177B" is a portion that abuts against the tire of a vehicle that has passed over the tire stopper 16 and moved forward in the entry direction. Because the tire abutment portion 177B is a curved portion, it is less sharp than if the rear end portion of the first swinging member 171B were straight. Therefore, the tire abutment portion 177B can prevent the tire from puncturing.

[0133] The tire contact portion may be provided with a shock absorbing material as long as it can prevent the tire from puncturing.

[0134] When a pallet 10 is placed in the opening (not shown) of the loading / unloading section (not shown) (when the pallet 10 is placed in the loading position), the tilt prevention stopper (not shown) advances to the swing restriction position. Therefore, the swing of the first swinging member 171B is restricted by the stopper portion (not shown). The stopper portion of the front right tilt prevention stopper supports the underside of the front side of the first swinging member 171B (first vehicle fall prevention device 17B). In other words, the forward swing of the first swinging member 171B is restricted by the stopper portion. When the swing of the first swinging member 171B is restricted, the upper surface of the pallet body 11 becomes flat.

[0135] When no pallet 10 is placed at the opening of the loading / unloading section (when the pallet 10 is in a position different from the loading position), the restriction by the tilt prevention stopper is released, and the first swinging member 171B can swing due to the elastic force of the first elastic member 173B described below. When the first swinging member 171B can swing with a vehicle placed on the pallet 10, if a tire (not shown) of the vehicle climbs over the tire stopper 16, the first swinging member 171B restricts the movement of the right front tire of the vehicle.

[0136] The swinging of the first swinging member 171B toward the front side is restricted by, for example, a swing adjusting plate (not shown) provided on the pallet 10. That is, the swing adjusting plate restricts the swinging range of the first swinging member 171B. For example, one end of the swing adjusting plate is attached (joined) to the vertical rail 12a, and the other end is attached (joined) to the vertical frame 14a (the lower surface of the vertical frame 14a). When the first swinging member 171B swings toward the front side about the first swing shaft 172B as a fulcrum, the swing adjusting plate supports the front part of the first swinging member 171B, restricting the swinging range toward the front side of the first swinging member 171B.

[0137] The first elastic member 173B oscillates the first oscillating member 171B by its elastic force. The first elastic member 173B is a linear extension spring, for example, a linear tension coil spring. One end (one end side end) of the linear longitudinal direction of the first elastic member 173B is fixed to a first one end fixed shaft 174B. The other end (other end side end) of the linear longitudinal direction of the first elastic member 173B is fixed to a first other end fixed shaft 176B. The first one end fixed shaft 174B and the first other end fixed shaft 176B will be described later. The one end side end and the other end side end of the first elastic member 173B are each hook-shaped (for example, an inverted round hook shape). The first elastic member 173B is an example of the "elastic member" defined in the present invention.

[0138] When the first elastic member 173B is under load (when the first elastic member 173B is stretched), the swinging of the first swinging member 171B is restricted. That is, the first swinging member 171B (first vehicle fall prevention device 17B) is flat. When the first elastic member 173B is not under load (when the first elastic member 173B is not stretched), the first swinging member 171B is swingable. That is, the front side of the first swinging member 171B drops into the first opening 15h, and the rear side of the first swinging member 171B protrudes from the top surface of the pallet main body 11. That is, the first elastic member 173B is in a normal state when not under load.

[0139] When the tilt prevention stopper is in the swing restriction position, the stopper portion supports the underside (rear surface) of the first swing member 171B. As a result, the first elastic member 173B is in a state where it receives a load, and the swing of the first swing member 171B is restricted. On the other hand, when the tilt prevention stopper is in the swing restriction release position, the support of the underside (rear surface) of the first swing member 171B by the stopper portion is released. As a result, the first elastic member 173B returns to a state where it is not receiving a load, and the first swing member 171B can swing.

[0140] The first one-end fixed shaft 174B fixes one end of the first elastic material 173B. The first one-end fixed shaft 174B is a component of the first swinging member 171B. The first elastic material 173B is fixed by having a hook at one end thereof hooked onto the first one-end fixed shaft 174B. The first one-end fixed shaft 174B is disposed across two side walls protruding from the lower surface of the first swinging member 171B. The fixed position of one end of the first elastic material 173B to the first one-end fixed shaft 174B is further forward than the first swinging shaft 172B in the insertion direction. The fixed position of one end of the first elastic material 173B to the first one-end fixed shaft 174B (first swinging member 171B) is an example of the "first fixed position of one longitudinal end of the tension coil spring with the swinging member" in this invention.

[0141] The first elastic material fixing portion 175B fixes one end of the first elastic material 173B (the other end of the first elastic material 173B). The first elastic material fixing portion 175B is made up of two side walls. The first elastic material fixing portion 175B is disposed on the upper surface of the first fixing plate 18B.

[0142] The first other end fixed shaft 176B fixes the other end of the first elastic material 173B. The first other end fixed shaft 176B is a component of the first elastic material fixing part 175. The first other end is fixed by hooking a hook on the other end of the first elastic material 173B onto the first other end fixed shaft 176B. The first other end fixed shaft 176B is disposed across the two side walls that make up the first elastic material fixing part 175B. The fixing position of the other end of the first elastic material 173B to the first other end fixed shaft 176B is rearward of the first swing shaft 172B (forward of the rear end of the first swing member 171B) in the insertion direction. The fixed position of the other end side end of the first elastic material 173B with the first other end fixing shaft 176B (first elastic material fixing portion 175B) is an example of the "second fixed position of the other longitudinal end of the tension coil spring with the elastic material fixing portion" in the present invention.

[0143] The first fixing plate 18B fixes the first elastic material fixing portion 175B to the pallet 10. One end of the first fixing plate 18B is attached (joined) to a vertical rail (not shown) and the other end is attached (joined) to a vertical frame (not shown) (the underside of the vertical frame). The first fixing plate 18B is disposed rearward of the first swing shaft 172B (forward of the rear end of the first swing member 171B) in the entry direction.

[0144] The positions on the pallet where the vehicle fall prevention devices are arranged are not limited to the front right side and the rear left side of the pallet body. That is, for example, the positions on the pallet where the vehicle fall prevention devices are arranged may be the front left side and the rear right side of the pallet body.

[0145] In addition, the vehicle fall prevention device may be arranged on only one of the left and right sides of the front side of the pallet body, or on only one of the left and right sides of the rear side of the pallet body, or on both sides of the front side of the pallet body, or on both sides of the rear side of the pallet body.

[0146] Furthermore, the vehicle fall prevention devices may be arranged both at the front and rear of the pallet body, on either the left or right side, or on both the left and right sides.

[0147] Furthermore, when vehicle fall prevention devices are disposed at locations other than the front right side and the rear left side of the pallet body, the openings may be configured to correspond to the locations where each vehicle fall prevention device is disposed. In this case, tilt prevention stoppers corresponding to each vehicle fall prevention device are disposed at the tip of the pallet support part.

[0148] Furthermore, the vehicle fall prevention device placed on the pallet may be any of the "first vehicle fall prevention device 17," "second vehicle fall prevention device 17A," and "first vehicle fall prevention device 17B," or a combination of these.

[0149] Furthermore, the tire stopper may be configured to correspond to the position of the vehicle fall prevention device (second vehicle fall prevention device) on the left side of the rear side of the pallet body. Also, when vehicle fall prevention devices are arranged in places other than the right side of the front side and the left side of the rear side of the pallet body, the tire stopper may be configured to correspond to the position where each vehicle fall prevention device is arranged.

[0150] Furthermore, the rod-shaped member that constitutes the tire stopper may have a triangular prism or a square prism shape instead of a cylindrical shape.

[0151] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the swinging of each of the first swinging member 171 and the second swinging member 171A in the loading / unloading section 20 is restricted by the stopper portion 72 of the tilt prevention stopper 70. However, to more reliably restrict the swinging of the first swinging member and the second swinging member in the loading / unloading section, the mechanical parking device may be provided with an auxiliary member. The auxiliary member is attached to the lift or the first transport device. The auxiliary member supports the tilt prevention stopper from below, reinforcing the force restricting the swinging. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1. Mechanical parking equipment 10 palettes 11 Pallet body 12a vertical rail 12b horizontal rail 13 Turning Section 14a Vertical frame 14b Horizontal frame 15h 1st opening 15Ah 2nd opening 16 Tire chocks 17 First vehicle fall prevention device (vehicle fall prevention device) 171 First swinging member (swinging member) 172 First swing axis (swing axis) 173 First Elastic Material (Elastic Material) 174 First end fixed shaft 175 First elastic material fixing portion (elastic material fixing portion) 176 First other end fixed shaft 18 1st fixed plate 17 Second vehicle fall prevention device 171 second swinging member 172 Second swing axis 173 Second elastic material 174 2nd one end fixed shaft 175 Second elastic material fixing part 176 Second other end fixed shaft 18 Second fixing plate 20. Intake and delivery area 21 Platform 22h opening 30 Entrance and Exit Gate 31 Door 40 lifts 50 Conveyor 50a First conveying device 50b Second conveying device 51 Drive roller 51a First driving roller 51b Second driving roller 60 Pallet support 61 Main body 62 Arm section 63 Protrusion 70 Tilt prevention stopper 71 Base 72 Stopper part 80 Drive unit 81 Link mechanism SP storage space B1 1st storage floor B2 2nd storage floor UD elevator C vehicle T Tire

Claims

1. A pallet of a mechanical parking device that moves between an entrance position where a vehicle can enter and a position different from the entrance position, a tilt prevention stopper is disposed at the storage position and is disposed below the pallet when the pallet is at the storage position; a tire stopper that restricts movement of the tire of the vehicle placed on the pallet; a vehicle fall prevention device that prevents the vehicle placed on the pallet from falling from the pallet; an opening in which the vehicle fall prevention device is disposed; and The vehicle fall prevention device includes: a swinging member disposed in the opening; a swing shaft that swingably supports the swing member within the opening; Equipped with The swinging member is disposed forward of the tire stopper in the direction of entry of the vehicle into the pallet, The axial direction of the swing shaft is perpendicular to the entry direction, When the pallet is in the storage position, the swinging member is disposed above the tilt prevention stopper so as to be able to come into contact with the tilt prevention stopper, The swinging of the swinging member can be restricted by the tilt prevention stopper, In a plan view, the entire swing member closes the opening in a planar manner, When the pallet is at a position different from the storage position, A portion of the swinging member falls into the opening, a portion of the opening, into which a portion of the swinging member that drops into the opening is disposed, is configured so that a portion of the tire can drop into the portion; A pallet for a mechanical parking device.

2. The swinging member, in the approach direction, a front portion located forward of the swing shaft; a rear portion located rearward of the swing shaft; Equipped with When the pallet is at a position different from the storage position, The front portion of the swinging member protrudes upward above the upper surface of the pallet, The rear portion of the swinging member falls into the opening, a portion of the opening into which the rear portion of the swinging member is disposed is configured to allow a portion of the tire to fall; When a portion of the tire falls into the opening, in the approach direction, the rear portion of the swinging member is configured to be able to come into contact with a front side of the tire, The pallet is configured to be able to contact the rear side of the tire. A pallet for a mechanical parking system according to claim 1.

3. When the restriction on the swinging of the swinging member is released, The swinging member is tilted rearward in the entry direction, The distance from the top surface of the pallet to the front end of the swinging member in the entry direction is longer than the distance from the top surface of the pallet to the top of the tire stopper. A pallet for a mechanical parking system according to claim 1.

4. The vehicle fall prevention device includes: a linear elastic member that causes the swinging member to swing; an elastic material fixing portion that fixes one end of the elastic material; Equipped with The swinging member swings due to the elastic force of the elastic material, One end of the elastic member in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the swinging member, The other end of the elastic material in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the elastic material fixing portion. A pallet for a mechanical parking system according to claim 3.

5. The elastic member is a tension coil spring, The swinging member swings due to the contraction force of the tension coil spring, a first fixed position of one end of the tension coil spring in a longitudinal direction with respect to the swing member is located rearward of the swing shaft in the insertion direction; a second fixing position of the other longitudinal end of the tension coil spring with the elastic material fixing portion is rearward of a front end of the swinging member in the insertion direction; A pallet for a mechanical parking system according to claim 4.

6. A second tilt prevention stopper is disposed at the storage position and is disposed below the pallet when the pallet is at the storage position; a second vehicle fall prevention device that prevents the vehicle placed on the pallet from falling from the pallet; a second opening in which the second vehicle fall prevention device is disposed; and The second vehicle fall prevention device is a second swinging member disposed in the second opening; a second swing shaft that swingably supports the second swing member within the second opening; Equipped with The axial direction of the second oscillation shaft is perpendicular to the entry direction, When the pallet is in the storage position, the second swinging member is disposed above the second tilt prevention stopper so as to be able to come into contact with the second tilt prevention stopper, The swing of the second swing member can be restricted by the second tilt prevention stopper, When the pallet is at a position different from the storage position, a portion of the second swinging member falls into the second opening, The second vehicle fall prevention device and the second opening are each disposed at a position that is point-symmetric with the vehicle fall prevention device and the opening with respect to the center of the pallet. A pallet for a mechanical parking system according to claim 1.

7. A mechanical parking device having a pallet on which a vehicle is placed, A pallet that moves between a storage position where the vehicle can be stored and a position different from the storage position; and The pallet is a tire stopper that restricts movement of the tire of the vehicle placed on the pallet; a vehicle fall prevention device that prevents the vehicle that has passed over the tire stopper from falling from the pallet; an opening in which the vehicle fall prevention device is disposed; Equipped with The vehicle fall prevention device includes: a swinging member disposed in the opening; a swing shaft that swingably supports the swing member within the opening; Equipped with The swinging member is disposed forward of the tire stopper in the direction of entry of the vehicle into the pallet, The axial direction of the swing shaft is perpendicular to the entry direction, When the pallet is in the storage position, The swinging of the swinging member is restricted, In a plan view, the entire swing member closes the opening in a planar manner, When the pallet is at a position different from the storage position, The restriction on the swinging of the swinging member is released, A portion of the swinging member falls into the opening, a portion of the opening, into which a portion of the swinging member that drops into the opening is disposed, is configured to allow a portion of the tire to drop therein; a tilt prevention stopper that restricts the swing of the swing member when the pallet is in the storage position; It is made of A mechanical parking device characterized by:

8. The swinging member, in the approach direction, a front portion located forward of the swing shaft; a rear portion located rearward of the swing shaft; Equipped with When the pallet is at a position different from the storage position, The front portion of the swinging member protrudes upward above the upper surface of the pallet, The rear portion of the swinging member falls into the opening, a portion of the opening into which the rear portion of the swinging member is disposed is configured to allow the portion of the tire to fall; When the portion of the tire falls into the opening, in the entry direction, the rear portion of the swinging member is configured to be able to come into contact with a front side of the tire, The pallet is configured to be able to contact the rear side of the tire. The mechanical parking system according to claim 7.

9. a drive device that moves the tilt prevention stopper back and forth between a restriction position where the rocking of the rocking member is restricted and a restriction release position where the restriction on the rocking of the rocking member is released; It is made of The mechanical parking system according to claim 7.

10. a pallet support portion for supporting the pallet at the storage position; and The drive device moves the pallet support unit back and forth between a support position where the pallet is supported and a retracted position where the support of the pallet is released. The mechanical parking system according to claim 9.

11. The drive device is When the tilt prevention stopper is advanced to the restricting position, the pallet support portion is advanced to the supporting position, When the tilt prevention stopper is retracted to the restriction release position, the pallet support portion is retracted to the retracted position. The mechanical parking system according to claim 10.

12. The pallet is a second vehicle fall prevention device that prevents the vehicle placed on the pallet from falling from the pallet; a second opening in which the second vehicle fall prevention device is disposed; Equipped with The second vehicle fall prevention device is a second swinging member disposed in the second opening; a second swing shaft that swingably supports the second swing member within the second opening; Equipped with The axial direction of the second oscillation shaft is perpendicular to the entry direction, When the pallet is in the storage position, the swing of the second swing member is restricted, When the pallet is at a position different from the storage position, the restriction on the swing of the second swing member is released, The second vehicle fall prevention device and the second opening are each disposed at a position that is point-symmetric with the vehicle fall prevention device and the opening with respect to the center of the pallet, a second tilt prevention stopper that restricts the swing of the second swing member when the pallet is in the storage position; It is made of The mechanical parking system according to claim 7.

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