Mechanical parking lot

Abstract

To provide a mechanical parking lot in which a user is expected to stay in front of a control panel until a getting-on / off room door is completely closed when a vehicle enters or exit from the parking lot.SOLUTION: In a mechanical parking lot, a vehicle entering a getting-on / off room can be stored in a parking room. The mechanical parking lot comprises a control panel operated for entering / exiting. The control panel places a key for entering / exiting operation in a restricted state in response to occurrence of a predetermined event related to vehicle entering / exiting, and in an unrestricted state once an entering / exiting door of the getting-on / off room which is opened for entering / exiting is completely closed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical parking lot. [Background technology]

[0002] Mechanical parking lots are known as parking lots that can efficiently park a large number of vehicles in a small space. Mechanical parking lots generally include a boarding / alighting area where drivers can get in and out of their vehicles, a parking space located above or below ground, and a lifting device that moves vehicles between the boarding / alighting area and the parking space.

[0003] The recently revised certification standards for safety features of the Multi-Story Parking Garage Industry Association require that, in principle, operations by other users are not accepted from the time a user starts operating the control panel for entry and exit until the operation is completed. In other words, the new certification standards require that the same user both opens the loading / unloading door for entry and exit and closes it after the vehicle has been loaded or unloaded. This new certification standard prevents other users from accidentally closing the loading / unloading door while the user entering or exiting the parking garage is still in the loading / unloading compartment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-100485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Some users leave the area immediately after closing the boarding / deboarding door, and do not wait until the door is completely closed. For example, if a sensor installed in the boarding / deboarding compartment for safety purposes makes a false detection and causes the boarding / deboarding door to stop or open before it is completely closed, the new authentication standards require the user who was operating the door to enter or exit the parking lot to close the door, but if the user has already left, they will be called back to deal with the situation, or the next user will not be able to enter or exit the parking lot until an attendant takes action.

[0006] Some passengers leave without even closing the boarding / alighting door. In this case, the next passenger cannot enter or exit the parking lot until the passenger is called back or an attendant takes action.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and one exemplary purpose of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a mechanical parking lot in which users are expected to remain in front of the operating panel until the boarding / exiting doors are completely closed when entering and exiting the parking lot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a mechanical parking lot that can store a vehicle that has entered a loading / unloading space in a parking space, and is equipped with an operation panel for operating the loading and unloading. The operation panel puts the key for the loading and unloading operation into a locked state when a predetermined event related to the entry and exit of the vehicle occurs, and puts it into an unlocked state when the loading / unloading door of the loading / unloading space that was opened for entry and exit is completely closed.

[0009] Any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a mechanical parking lot can be provided in which users are expected to remain in front of the control panel until the boarding / exiting door is completely closed when entering or leaving the parking lot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical parking lot according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the boarding / deboarding compartment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the control panel of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when entering the mechanical parking lot of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when leaving the mechanical parking lot of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a boarding / de-boarding area of ​​a mechanical parking lot according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a standby screen displayed on the operation panel of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a diagram showing a display on the operation panel of FIG. 7 waiting for a continued operation. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, identical or equivalent components and members shown in each drawing will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the dimensions of the members in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, some of the members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted from the drawings.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a front view of a mechanical parking lot 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a boarding / deboarding area 12 of the mechanical parking lot 10. The mechanical parking lot 10 is an underground mechanical parking lot in which parking spaces are provided in the basement of a building 104 located above ground. Note that the mechanical parking lot 10 may also be an above-ground mechanical parking lot in which parking spaces are provided inside the building 104.

[0014] The mechanical parking lot 10 comprises a B1F parking space 14, which is a parking space on the first basement floor, a B2F parking space 16, which is a parking space on the second basement floor, a B3F parking space 18, which is a parking space on the third basement floor, a plurality of pallets 32, a first transfer device 56, a plurality of second transfer devices 58, a lift frame 88, two or four masts 90 provided as supports along an elevator shaft 96 having an approximately rectangular cross section, an elevator device 94, an operation panel 28 provided outside the boarding and disembarking space 12, and a control device 30 connected to the operation panel 28.

[0015] The mechanical parking lot 10 is a pallet-type parking lot that uses pallets 32. This pallet-type mechanical parking lot 10 is configured to park vehicles in parking spaces by using an elevator device 94 to raise and lower the pallet 32 ​​on which a vehicle such as an automobile 20, a motorcycle 74, or a bicycle is mounted, or by using a first transfer device 56 and a second transfer device 58 to move the pallet in a planar direction.

[0016] A boarding / deboarding room 12 for loading and unloading vehicles into and from the mechanical parking lot 10 is provided within a building 104. The boarding / deboarding room 12 is surrounded by walls (sides and ceiling) except for an entrance / exit 12a, which is provided with an entrance / exit door 26. The boarding / deboarding room 12 is provided at the upper end of a hoistway 96. A communication hole 100 is provided in the boarding / deboarding room 12 to connect the boarding / deboarding room 12 to the hoistway 96.

[0017] A camera 11 is installed outside the boarding / deboarding compartment 12. The camera 11 photographs the area in front of the entrance / exit gate 12a at a predetermined interval when entering or leaving the parking lot. The camera 11 transmits the photographed image (hereinafter referred to as the camera image) to the control device 30.

[0018] A person detection means 13 is installed in the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 to detect people when entering or leaving the compartment. For example, the person detection means 13 includes a reflective laser sensor capable of scanning and emitting laser light, and drives the laser sensor to perform a scanning operation, and detects people in the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 based on changes in the scan data. Furthermore, for example, the person detection means 13 may include a camera, process the captured image, and detect people in the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 using an image recognition technique. The person detection means 13 may transmit the detection result to the control device 30 when it detects a person using the image recognition technique, or may transmit the detection result to the control device 30 at a predetermined interval.

[0019] At least one opening / closing sensor 25 is installed in the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 to detect the open / closed state of the loading / unloading door 26. The opening / closing sensor 25 is not particularly limited, but may detect the open / closed state of the loading / unloading door 26 based on the reflected light of light projected toward the loading / unloading door 26, for example. The opening / closing sensor 25 transmits the detection result to the control device 30.

[0020] The elevator shaft 96 is provided along the vertical direction (z direction). The elevator shaft 96 is connected to each of the B1F parking spaces 14, B2F parking spaces 16, and B3F parking spaces 18. At the lower end of the elevator shaft 96, an elevator device 94 is installed that raises and lowers the lift frame 88. For example, four masts 90 are installed at the four corners of the elevator shaft 96.

[0021] The lift frame 88 is supported by four masts 90 so as to be able to move up and down freely, and is raised and lowered along a hoistway 96 by a lifting device 94. A first transfer device 56 is provided on the upper part of the lift frame 88. The lift frame 88, four masts 90, and lifting device 94 can respectively be the lift frame, four masts, and lifting device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-197417, previously filed by the applicant.

[0022] The pallet 32 ​​is a flat member. The vehicle loading surface 32a, which is the upper surface of the pallet 32, is substantially rectangular. The pallets 32 have a uniform size.

[0023] B1F parking room 14, B2F parking room 16, and B3F parking room 18 each include multiple parking spaces. Each parking space is configured to accommodate a pallet 32. A parking space is one parking area (one unit of parking) within the parking room where a vehicle can be parked together with the pallet.

[0024] The first transfer device 56 is provided on top of the lift frame 88 and moves the pallet 32 ​​in the x direction. When there are two masts 90, the first transfer device 56 also moves the pallet 32 ​​in the y direction. The first transfer device 56 moves the pallet between the elevator shaft 96 and each parking space. The second transfer device 58 is provided in each parking space and moves the pallet 32 ​​in the x direction or y direction. The second transfer device 58 moves the pallet between the parking spaces. The conveying device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-29681, previously filed by the applicant, can be applied to the first transfer device 56 and the second transfer device 58.

[0025] The operation panel 28 functions as a user interface for users or staff of the mechanical parking lot 10. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the operation panel 28. The operation panel 28 includes a touch panel 44 and a key switch unit 46. The touch panel 44 functions as an input means that allows various touch operations to be input with a finger, and also functions as a display unit that displays various images in response to instructions from the control device 30.

[0026] 3, a storage / retrieval operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 44. The storage / retrieval operation screen has a number display area 62 that displays the input control number, a numeric keypad 61, a storage button 63, a storage button 64, a retrieval button 65, and a retrieval completion button 66.

[0027] The key switch unit 46 has a keyhole 46a. The operation panel 28 is configured so that when a user inserts a key (not shown) into the keyhole 46a and turns the key to ON, entry and exit operations become possible. In more detail, the operation panel 28 of this embodiment, which is a touch panel type, may be configured so that when the key is turned to ON, an entry and exit operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 44, or may be configured so that when the key is turned to ON, an entry and exit operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 44. The key held by the user is provided by the management company that manages the mechanical parking lot 10.

[0028] The key switch unit 46 is configured to be switchable between a constrained state in which the key cannot be removed, specifically a constrained state in which the key cannot be turned from ON to OFF, and an unconstrained (released) state in which the key can be removed, specifically an unconstrained state in which the key can be turned from ON to OFF. The key switch unit 46 may be configured using known technology. When the operation panel 28 receives a control signal from the control device 30 instructing the key switch unit 46 to switch between the constrained and unconstrained states, the operation panel 28 switches the key switch unit 46 to a state corresponding to the control signal.

[0029] When entering a vehicle, the user parks the vehicle to be entered outside the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12. The user inserts the key into the keyhole 46a of the key switch unit 46 on the operation panel 28 and turns it ON. The user presses the numeric keypad 61 on the entry / exit operation screen to input the control number in the number display area 62, and then presses the enter button 63. When the enter button 63 is pressed, the operation panel 28 generates a entry request signal including the input control number and sends it to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the entry request signal, it places an empty pallet 32 ​​that does not contain a vehicle in the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12 and opens the entry / exit door 26.

[0030] The user enters the loading / unloading compartment 12 with the vehicle to be loaded and places it on the pallet 32. After confirming that there is no one in the loading / unloading compartment 12, the user enters the control number in the number display area 62 on the loading / unloading operation screen and presses the storage button 64. When the storage button 64 is pressed, the operation panel 28 generates a storage request signal and transmits it to the control device 30. Upon receiving the storage request signal, the control device 30 closes the loading / unloading door 26 and moves the pallet 32 ​​on which the vehicle is loaded to a parking space. Note that if the human detection means 13 detects a person while the loading / unloading door 26 is closing, the loading / unloading door 26 will stop midway or open fully, regardless of whether the detection was erroneous or not. In this case, the user confirms again that there is no one in the loading / unloading compartment 12 and then presses the storage button 64 to close the loading / unloading door 26.

[0031] When the vehicle is being stored, the operation panel 28 switches the key switch unit 46 to the locked state when it receives a lock start signal transmitted from the control device 30 in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event (described below) related to the storage, and switches the key switch unit 46 to the unlocked state when it receives a lock end signal transmitted from the control device 30 in response to the loading / unloading door 26, which was opened for the storage, being completely closed. In other words, when the storage button 64 is pressed and the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed, the key can be turned OFF and removed.

[0032] When retrieving a vehicle, the user inserts a key into the keyhole 46a of the key switch unit 46 on the operation panel 28 and turns it ON. The user enters a control number in the number display area 62 on the entry / exit operation screen and then presses the exit button 65. When the exit button 65 is pressed, the operation panel 28 generates an exit request signal including the entered control number and sends it to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the exit request signal, it moves the pallet 32 ​​carrying the vehicle identified by the control number included in the exit request signal to the boarding / departing compartment 12 and opens the entry / exit door 26.

[0033] The user leaves the loading / unloading compartment 12 and parks the vehicle outside the loading / unloading compartment 12. After confirming that there is no one in the loading / unloading compartment 12, the user enters the control number in the number display area 62 on the loading / unloading operation screen and then presses the unloading completion button 66. When the unloading completion button 66 is pressed, the operation panel 28 generates a door close request signal and transmits it to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the door close request signal, it closes the loading / unloading door 26. Note that if the human detection means 13 detects a person while the loading / unloading door 26 is closing, the loading / unloading door 26 will stop halfway or open fully, regardless of whether the detection was erroneous or not. In this case, the user confirms again that there is no one in the loading / unloading compartment 12 and then presses the unloading completion button 66 to close the loading / unloading door 26.

[0034] When the vehicle is taken out, the operation panel 28 switches the key switch unit 46 to the restrained state upon receiving a restraint start signal transmitted from the control device 30 in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event (described below) related to taking out the vehicle, and switches the key switch unit 46 to the non-restrained state upon receiving a restraint end signal transmitted from the control device 30 in response to the loading / unloading door 26, which was opened for taking out the vehicle, being completely closed. In other words, when the taking out end button 66 is pressed and the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed, the key can be turned OFF and removed.

[0035] 4 is a block diagram showing the functions and configuration of the control device 30. Each block shown here can be realized in hardware by elements or mechanical devices such as a computer's central processing unit (CPU), and in software by a computer program, etc. However, the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, those skilled in the art who have read this specification will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0036] The control device 30 includes an authentication unit 112, a matching unit 114, a storage processing unit 118, a shipping processing unit 120, a notification unit 122, a reporting unit 124, a restraint control unit 126, and a user information storage unit 130.

[0037] The user information storage unit 130 stores information about users who have signed parking contracts (hereinafter also referred to as "authorized users"). The user information storage unit 130 stores a management number, which is an ID that uniquely identifies an authorized user, in association with the authorized user's contact information. The contact information may be, for example, the authorized user's email address or mobile phone number.

[0038] When the enter button 63, store button 64, exit button 65, or exit completion button 66 is pressed, the authentication unit 112 authenticates whether the person who performed the operation is a legitimate user. Specifically, the authentication unit 112 determines whether a record with the same control number as the control number entered when performing the operation exists in the user information storage unit 130. If a record with the same control number exists, the authentication unit 112 authenticates the person who performed the operation as a legitimate user.

[0039] The matching unit 114 determines whether the authorized user who pressed the enter button 63 and the authorized user who pressed the store button 64 are the same person. Specifically, the matching unit 114 determines whether the control numbers entered when performing these operations are the same. If they are the same, the matching unit 114 determines that the authorized user who pressed the enter button 63 and the authorized user who pressed the store button 64 are the same person, and if they are not the same, the matching unit 114 determines that the authorized user who pressed the enter button 63 and the authorized user who pressed the store button 64 are different people.

[0040] When the warehousing processing unit 118 receives a warehousing start signal from the operation panel 28, it controls the lifting device 94, the first transfer device 56, and the second transfer device 58 to move the empty pallet to the boarding / deboarding compartment 12, and further controls a door opening / closing mechanism (not shown) to open the loading / unloading door 26. The warehousing processing unit 118 guides the vehicle to be warehousing to a stopping position on the pallet 32 ​​arranged in the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 by means of audio and vehicle guide lights.

[0041] Furthermore, when the storage processing unit 118 receives a storage start signal from the operation panel 28, it controls the door opening / closing mechanism to close the loading / unloading door 26, and further controls the lifting device 94, the first transfer device 56, and the second transfer device 58 to move the pallet on which the vehicle is loaded from the boarding / unloading compartment 12 to a predetermined parking space. Even when the storage start signal is received, if the matching unit 114 determines that the user who pressed the storage button 63 and the user who pressed the storage button 64 are different people, the storage processing unit 118 displays an error on the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 28 without closing the loading / unloading door 26 or moving the pallet 32.

[0042] When the unloading processing unit 120 receives an unloading start signal from the operation panel 28, it controls the lifting device 94, the first transfer device 56, and the second transfer device 58 to move the pallet carrying the vehicle identified by the control number included in the unloading start signal from the parking space to the boarding / deboarding space 12, and further controls the door opening / closing mechanism to open the entrance / exit door 26. The unloading processing unit 120 guides the vehicle out of the boarding / deboarding space 12.

[0043] Furthermore, when the unloading processing unit 120 receives an unloading completion signal from the operation panel 28, it controls the door opening / closing mechanism to close the loading / unloading door 26. Even when the unloading completion signal is received, if the matching unit 114 determines that the user who pressed the unloading button 65 and the user who pressed the unloading completion button 66 are different people, the unloading processing unit 120 displays an error on the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 28 without closing the loading / unloading door 26.

[0044] When entering or leaving the warehouse, if a predetermined condition is met while the entrance / exit door 26 is not completely closed, the notification unit 122 notifies a predetermined message to the user who has left the entrance / exit door 26 in that state (hereinafter also referred to as the "abandoned user"). For example, the notification unit 122 notifies the abandoned user of a message that the entrance / exit door 26 is not closed by sending an email to the contact information of the abandoned user registered in the user information storage unit 130 or by making an automated voice call.

[0045] The predetermined condition may be that the loading / unloading door 26 remains open for a predetermined period of time when entering or leaving the warehouse. In this case, the notification unit 122 may determine whether the loading / unloading door 26 remains open for a predetermined period of time based on the detection result of the open / close sensor 25 transmitted at a predetermined interval.

[0046] Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be that the mobile terminal carried by the abandoned vehicle user is a predetermined distance or more away from the mechanical parking lot 10 when entering the parking lot, or that the mobile terminal carried by the abandoned vehicle user or the on-board device of the abandoned vehicle user's vehicle is a predetermined distance or more away from the mechanical parking lot 10 when leaving the parking lot. In this case, the notification unit 122 may determine that the mobile terminal, etc. is a predetermined distance or more away from the mechanical parking lot 10 based on the current position of the mobile terminal, etc., determined by a known positioning method, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) function.

[0047] Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be that, when leaving the parking lot, a vehicle exiting the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12 is detected and driven away based on a camera image captured by the camera 11. In this case, the notification unit 122 may detect the vehicle from the camera image using a trained detector (for example, a neural network).

[0048] If the user who has left the door open returns after receiving the notification, the situation in which the entrance / exit door 26 has been left open can be resolved as soon as possible.

[0049] The notification unit 124 notifies an attendant that the entrance / exit door 26 has been left in an incompletely closed state. The notification unit 124 may issue a notification, for example, if the state remains unchanged even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification unit 122 notified the abandoned user of a message. The notification unit 124 may, for example, display the content of the notification on a display unit referred to by the attendant (for example, the display unit of the attendant's mobile terminal or a monitor installed in the attendant's waiting area). Upon receiving this notification, the attendant rushes to the operation panel 28 of the mechanical parking lot 10 and resolves the situation.

[0050] The constraint control unit 126 controls the constraint / unconstraint state of the key of the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28. The constraint control unit 126 generates a constraint start signal when a predetermined event related to entry and exit occurs, and sends it to the operation panel 28. When the operation panel 28 receives the constraint start signal, it puts the key switch unit 46 into the constraint state. In addition, when the entry / exit door 26, which was opened for entry and exit, is completely closed, the constraint control unit 126 generates a constraint end signal and sends it to the operation panel 28. When the operation panel 28 receives the constraint end signal, it puts the key switch unit 46 into the unconstrained state.

[0051] The specified event at the time of warehousing may be the operation of pressing the warehousing button 63, i.e., inputting an instruction to start warehousing to the operation panel 28, or the operation of pressing the storage button 64, i.e., inputting an instruction to start storage to the operation panel 28.

[0052] In either case, the restraint control unit 126 keeps the key switch unit 46 in a restraint state at least while the loading / unloading door 26 is closing, and puts the key switch unit 46 in a non-restraint state when the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed.

[0053] The operation of the mechanical parking lot 10 configured as above will now be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when entering the mechanical parking lot 10.

[0054] The user stops the vehicle to be stored in front of the storage / retrieval door 26. The user inserts the key into the keyhole 46a of the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28 and turns it ON. The user enters the control number on the storage / retrieval screen of the operation panel 28 and presses the storage button 63, i.e., inputs a storage start instruction to the operation panel 28. The operation panel 28 accepts the storage start instruction (S10). The authentication unit 112 of the control device 30 determines whether the user who entered the storage start instruction is an authorized user (S12). If the storage start instruction is not from an authorized user (N in S12), for example, an error is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 28, and the process returns to S10. If the storage start instruction is from an authorized user (Y in S12), the restraint control unit 126 sets the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28 to a restrained state (S14). The storage processing unit 118 places an empty pallet in the boarding / deboarding room 12 (S16), opens the loading / unloading door 26 (S18), and guides the vehicle to the pallet 32 ​​in the boarding / deboarding room 12 (S20).

[0055] The user parks the vehicle on the pallet 32. After confirming that no one is inside the boarding / deboarding compartment 12, the user enters the control number on the entry / exit screen of the operation panel 28 and presses the storage button 64, i.e., inputs a storage start command to the operation panel 28. The operation panel 28 accepts the storage start command (S22). The authentication unit 112 of the control device 30 determines whether the user who input the storage start command is an authorized user (S24). If the storage start command is not from an authorized user (N in S24), for example, an error is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 28, and the process returns to S22. If the storage start command is from an authorized user (Y in S24), the matching unit 114 determines whether the user who input the entry start command and the user who input the storage start command are the same person (S26). If they are not the same person (N in S26), for example, an error is displayed, and the process returns to S22. If it is the same person (Y in S26), the entry / exit processing unit 118 closes the entry / exit door 26 (S28) and moves the pallet 32 ​​on which the vehicle is loaded to a parking space (S30). The restraint control unit 126 sets the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28 to the non-restraint state (S32). The user turns the key inserted in the operation panel 28 to OFF and removes it.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processes when leaving the mechanical parking lot 10.

[0057] The user inserts the key into the keyhole 46a of the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28 and turns it to ON. The user inputs the control number on the entry / exit screen of the operation panel 28 and presses the exit button 65, i.e., inputs an instruction to start retrieval to the operation panel 28. The operation panel 28 accepts the instruction to start retrieval (S40). The authentication unit 112 of the control device 30 determines whether the user who input the instruction to start retrieval is an authorized user (S42). If the instruction to start retrieval is not from an authorized user (N in S42), for example, an error is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 28 and the process returns to S40. If the instruction to start retrieval is from an authorized user (Y in S42), the restraint control unit 126 sets the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28 to a restrained state (S44). The unloading processing unit 120 moves the pallet 32 ​​loaded with the vehicle identified by the management number included in the unloading start instruction from the parking space to the boarding / unloading space 12 (S46), opens the loading / unloading door 26 (S48), and guides the vehicle out of the boarding / unloading space 12 (S50).

[0058] The user leaves the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 and parks the vehicle outside the boarding / deboarding compartment 12. After confirming that no one is inside the boarding / deboarding compartment 12, the user enters the control number on the entry / exit screen of the operation panel 28 and presses the exit completion button 66, i.e., inputs a door close command to the operation panel 28. The operation panel 28 accepts the door close command (S52). The authentication unit 112 of the control device 30 determines whether the user who input the door close command is an authorized user (S54). If the door close command was not issued by an authorized user (N in S54), for example, an error message is displayed on the touch panel 44 of the operation panel 28, and the process returns to S50. If the door close command was issued by an authorized user (Y in S54), the matching unit 114 determines whether the user who input the exit start command and the user who input the door close command are the same person (S56). If they are not the same person (N in S56), for example, an error message is displayed, and the process returns to S52. If it is the same person (Y in S56), the unloading processing unit 120 closes the loading / unloading door 26 (S58). The restraint control unit 126 sets the key switch unit 46 of the operation panel 28 to the non-restraint state (S60). The user turns the key inserted in the operation panel 28 to OFF and removes it.

[0059] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, the key cannot be removed until the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed, so it is expected that the user will remain in front of the operation panel 28 until the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed. If the user leaves the operation panel 28 before the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed, it will mean that the user has left the key behind. In this case, the next time the user enters or leaves the storage facility, the user will not be able to do so because the key is missing, and the user will be warned by the staff member who is in charge of the key. Therefore, it is expected that the user will be careful to wait until the loading / unloading door 26 is completely closed before leaving the storage facility. In other words, recurrence can be prevented.

[0060] The configuration and operation of the mechanical parking system according to the embodiment have been described above. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of the components, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] (Variation 1) 7 is a plan view showing the boarding / deboarding room 12 of the mechanical parking lot 10 according to a modified example. Hereinafter, the x direction will be the left-right direction of the boarding / deboarding room 12, and the y direction will be the front-to-rear direction of the boarding / deboarding room 12. In particular, when looking at the inside of the boarding / deboarding room 12 from the entrance / exit 12a in the front-to-rear direction, the back side will be the front, and the front side (i.e., the side where the entrance / exit 12a is located) will be the rear.

[0062] The mechanical parking lot 10 according to the modified example has two operation panels 28. Hereinafter, the operation panel 28 provided near the entrance / exit 12a will be referred to as the first operation panel 28a, and the other operation panel 28 will be referred to as the second operation panel 28b.

[0063] The boarding / deboarding room 12 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The first operation panel 28a is provided on the rear wall of the boarding / deboarding room 12 where the loading / unloading entrance 12a is provided, i.e., in the vicinity of the loading / unloading entrance 12a. A first service entrance 12b is provided on the rear wall of the boarding / deboarding room 12. The first service entrance 12b is opened and closed by a first service entrance door 13a.

[0064] The second operation panel 28b is provided on the front wall of the boarding / deboarding compartment 12. A second service entrance 12c is provided on the front wall of the boarding / deboarding compartment 12 adjacent to the second operation panel 28b. The second service entrance 12c is provided in a position generally facing the first service entrance 12b in the front-to-rear direction, although this is not particularly limited. The second service entrance 12c is opened and closed by a second service entrance door 13b.

[0065] The second operation panel 28b and the second service entrance 12c may be provided on the left wall or the right wall of the boarding / deboarding room 12. In either case, the first service entrance 12b faces the outside of the building 104, and the second service entrance 12c faces the inside of the building 104.

[0066] When parking a vehicle, the user parks the vehicle outside the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12 and operates the first operation panel 28a. The user inserts the key into the keyhole 46a of the key switch unit 46 of the first operation panel 28a and turns it ON. At this time, the second operation panel 28b displays the standby screen of FIG. 8 on its touch panel 44 and stops accepting operations.

[0067] The user inputs the control number on the loading / unloading operation screen of the first operation panel 28a and then presses the loading button 63. When the loading button 63 is pressed, the first operation panel 28a generates a loading request signal including the input control number and transmits it to the control device 30. Upon receiving the loading request signal, the control device 30 places an empty pallet 32 ​​that does not contain a vehicle in the boarding / unboarding compartment 12 and opens the loading / unloading door 26.

[0068] The user brings the vehicle to be stored into the loading / unloading compartment 12 and loads it onto the pallet 32. The user turns the key inserted into the first operation panel 28a to OFF and removes it, either before or after bringing the vehicle into the loading / unloading compartment 12. At this time, the second operation panel 28b displays the continuation operation waiting screen of FIG. 9 on its touch panel 44.

[0069] The user takes the key and enters building 104 through second service entrance 12c. The user inserts the key into keyhole 46a of key switch section 46 of second operation panel 28b and turns it ON. Second operation panel 28b switches the display on touch panel 44 from the continued operation waiting screen of FIG. 9 to the loading / unloading operation screen of FIG. 3.

[0070] The user enters the control number on the entry / exit operation screen and then presses the storage button 64. When the storage button 64 is pressed, the second operation panel 28b generates a storage request signal and transmits it to the control device 30. Upon receiving the storage request signal, the control device 30 closes the entry / exit door 26 and moves the pallet 32 ​​on which the vehicle is loaded to a parking space.

[0071] When entering the vehicle, the second operation panel 28b switches the key switch unit 46 to a restrained state when it receives a restraint start signal sent from the control device 30 in response to the occurrence of a specified event (described below) related to entry after the key is inserted into the second operation panel 28b, and switches the key switch unit 46 to a non-restrained state when it receives a restraint end signal sent from the control device 30 in response to the entry / exit door 26, which was opened for entry, being completely closed.

[0072] When leaving the garage, the user inserts the key into the keyhole 46a of the key switch unit 46 of the second operation panel 28b and turns it ON. At this time, the other operation panel, the first operation panel 28a, displays the standby screen shown in Figure 8 on its touch panel 44 and stops accepting operations.

[0073] The user inputs the control number on the loading / unloading operation screen of the second operation panel 28b and then presses the unloading button 65. When the unloading button 65 is pressed, the second operation panel 28b generates an unloading request signal including the input control number and transmits it to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the unloading request signal, it moves the pallet 32 ​​loaded with the vehicle identified by the control number included in the unloading request signal to the boarding / unloading compartment 12.

[0074] The user turns the key inserted in the second operation panel 28b to OFF and removes it. At this time, the other operation panel, the first operation panel 28a, displays a screen waiting for continued operation, as shown in FIG. 9, on its touch panel 44.

[0075] The user takes the key and enters the boarding / deboarding room 12 through the second entrance 12c, passes through the passage 12d of the boarding / deboarding room 12, and exits the boarding / deboarding room 12 through the first entrance 12b. The user inserts the key into the keyhole 46a of the first operation panel 28a and turns it to ON. The first operation panel 28a switches the display on the touch panel 44 from the continued operation waiting screen to the loading / unloading operation screen.

[0076] The user inputs the control number on the loading / unloading operation screen of the first operation panel 28a and then presses the unloading button 65. When the unloading button 65 is pressed, the first operation panel 28a generates a continuation unloading signal including the input control number and transmits it to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the continuation unloading signal, it opens the loading / unloading door 26.

[0077] The user takes the vehicle out of the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12 and parks it outside the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12. After confirming that there is no one inside the boarding / de-boarding compartment 12, the user enters the control number on the entry / exit operation screen of the first operation panel 28a and presses the exit completion button 66. When the exit completion button 66 is pressed, the first operation panel 28a generates a door close request signal and sends it to the control device 30. When the control device 30 receives the door close request signal, it closes the entry / exit door 26.

[0078] When this vehicle is being taken out, the first operation panel 28a switches the key switch unit 46 to a restrained state when it receives a restraint start signal sent from the control device 30 in response to the occurrence of a specified event (described below) related to the vehicle being taken out after the key was inserted into the first operation panel 28a, and switches the key switch unit 46 to a non-restrained state when it receives a restraint end signal sent from the control device 30 in response to the vehicle being completely closed.

[0079] Next, the control device 30 of this modified example will be described. Upon receiving an output start signal, the output processing unit 120 controls the lifting device 94, the first transfer device 56, and the second transfer device 58 to move a pallet carrying a vehicle identified by the control number included in the output start signal from the parking space to the boarding / de-boarding space 12. Furthermore, upon receiving an output continuation signal, the output processing unit 120 controls the door opening / closing mechanism to open the loading / unloading door 26. In other words, unlike the embodiment, the output processing unit 120 of this modified example does not open the loading / unloading door 26 even when it receives an output start signal, but opens the loading / unloading door 26 when it receives an output continuation signal.

[0080] When storing the vehicle, the restraint control unit 126 generates a restraint start signal and transmits it to the second operation panel 28b when a predetermined event related to storing occurs after the key is inserted into the second operation panel 28b. The predetermined event may be the operation of pressing the storage button 64 on the second operation panel 28b, i.e., the input of an instruction to start storing to the second operation panel 28b. This operation can also be considered as the input of an instruction to continue storing that was started by the operation on the first operation panel 28a.

[0081] When retrieving the vehicle, the restraint control unit 126 generates a restraint start signal and transmits it to the first operation panel 28a when a predetermined event related to retrieval occurs after the key is inserted into the first operation panel 28a. The predetermined event may be the operation of pressing the retrieval button 65 on the first operation panel 28a, that is, the input of a continuation instruction to continue the retrieval that was started by the operation on the first operation panel 28a.

[0082] According to this modification, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the embodiment. In addition, according to this modification, when entering the building 104, the vehicle can enter and exit the building 104 via the boarding and disembarking room 12, thereby improving convenience for users.

[0083] (Variation 2) In the embodiment and the above-mentioned modified example, the key is described as a typical key, but this is not limiting and the key may be a card key. When performing a storage / retrieval operation, the user inserts the card key into the operation panel 28. In this case, the restrained state may be a state in which the card key is not ejected even when a predetermined ejection button is pressed, or a state in which the predetermined ejection button is not displayed at all. The non-restrained state may be a state in which the card key is ejected when a predetermined ejection button is pressed, or a state in which the card key is automatically ejected.

[0084] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the combined effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Mechanical parking lot, 12 Boarding and disembarking room, 14 B1F parking room, 16 B2F parking room, 18 B3F parking room, 26 Entrance and exit door, 28 Control panel, 30 Control device, 60 Management device.

Claims

1. A mechanical parking lot that can store a vehicle that has entered a boarding / disembarking area in a parking space, Equipped with a control panel for entering and retrieving vehicles, The boarding and disembarking room is provided separately from the parking space, the operation panel puts the key for the entry / exit operation into a restrained state when a predetermined event related to the entry / exit of the vehicle occurs, and puts the key into an unlocked state when the entry / exit door of the boarding / alighting compartment that was opened for the entry / exit is completely closed; In a mechanical parking lot, the event that occurs when the vehicle enters the parking lot is (1) inputting an instruction to start entering the parking lot into the operation panel by pressing an entry button that is separate from the exit button, or (2) inputting an instruction to start the storage process, which closes the entry / exit door and moves the vehicle parked in the boarding / exiting area into the parking space, into the operation panel.

2. A mechanical parking lot capable of storing a vehicle that has entered a boarding / disembarking area in a parking space, Equipped with a control panel for entering and retrieving vehicles, the operation panel puts the key for the entry / exit operation into a restrained state when a predetermined event related to the entry / exit of the vehicle occurs, and puts the key into an unlocked state when the entry / exit door of the boarding / alighting compartment that was opened for the entry / exit is completely closed; Further provided with another operation panel for operating the storage and retrieval, The operation panel is provided at a position farther from the loading / unloading door than the other operation panels, A mechanical parking lot wherein the specified event is the input of an instruction to the control panel to continue entry that was started on the other control panel.

3. A mechanical parking lot capable of storing a vehicle that has entered a boarding / disembarking area in a parking space, Equipped with a control panel for entering and retrieving vehicles, the operation panel puts the key for the entry / exit operation into a restrained state when a predetermined event related to the entry / exit of the vehicle occurs, and puts the key into an unlocked state when the entry / exit door of the boarding / alighting compartment that was opened for the entry / exit is completely closed; Further provided is another operation panel for operating loading and unloading, which is provided at a position farther from the loading and unloading door than the operation panel, A mechanical parking lot wherein the specified event is the input of an instruction to the control panel to continue the exit that was started on the other control panel.

4. A mechanical parking lot according to claim 2 or 3, wherein while one of the control panel and the other control panel is being operated, the other does not accept operation.

5. 5. A mechanical parking lot according to claim 1, wherein the control panel keeps the key in a locked state at least during the closing operation of the entrance / exit door that has been opened for entrance / exit.

6. A mechanical parking lot as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a control device that notifies a user who is performing an entry / exit operation of a predetermined message when a predetermined condition is met while the entry / exit door that has been opened for entry / exit is not completely closed.

7. 7. The mechanical parking lot according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is that the entrance / exit door has not been completely closed for a predetermined period of time.

8. 7. A mechanical parking lot according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is that the user's mobile terminal or in-vehicle device is located a predetermined distance or more away from the mechanical parking lot.

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