Parking equipment

Abstract

To provide a parking device which prevents a pallet from falling at unexpected timing.SOLUTION: A parking device includes: an inverter for outputting a drive current when power is supplied; a motor for moving an object in the vertical direction or in the lateral direction by a drive current; a brake for limiting the movement of the object when the power is cut off; a first detection unit for detecting an output value of the drive current provided inside the inverter; and a control unit for outputting a signal for cutting off the supply of the power to the inverter and the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the first detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking device for parking a vehicle such as a car.

[0002] Parking systems, particularly multi-level parking systems for parking vehicles in a multi-level configuration, include pallets on which automobiles are placed and a conveyor system for raising and lowering the pallets. The conveyor system includes rollers, roller chains, a motor for driving the rollers, and a brake for preventing the pallets from falling under their own weight when the motor stops. When raising the pallets, the motor's rotation speed is changed by an inverter.

[0003] The inverter uses a commercial power source to change the frequency of the drive voltage that drives the motor, outputting an output current corresponding to the frequency to the motor. Since the inverter starts outputting at a low frequency to suppress starting current, the torque generated by the motor is generally small. Therefore, the holding brake is applied until the rated torque required to lift the pallet is generated. Patent Document 1 discloses a parking device that releases the holding brake when the frequency output from the inverter rises to a set value that generates a rotational torque greater than the load torque when the elevator motor that lifts the pallet begins to rise. When the frequency output from the inverter reaches a frequency that exceeds the rated torque, the holding brake is released, and the pallet rises. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-075666 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if an abnormality occurs in the inverter's output terminal, the inverter may not be able to output a current corresponding to its output frequency. In this case, even if the output frequency reaches a value exceeding the rated torque, the inverter will not be able to output a current corresponding to that frequency. As a result, even if the inverter's output frequency rises and the brake is released, the rated torque may not be exceeded, and the pallet may fall naturally.

[0006] In view of the above problem, one object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a parking device that prevents a pallet from falling at an unexpected timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an inverter that outputs a drive current when power is supplied, a motor that uses the drive current to move an object vertically or horizontally, a brake that limits the movement of the object when power is cut off, a first detection unit that detects the output value of the drive current provided inside the inverter, and a control unit that outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the first detection unit.

[0008] In the above configuration, the first detection unit has a first measurement unit that measures the drive current and a first judgment unit that judges whether the drive current is at a predetermined output value, and the first judgment unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on the predetermined output value of the drive current measured by the first measurement unit.

[0009] In the above configuration, the first measurement unit measures the voltage value or temperature output from the inverter. The first determination unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on the voltage value or temperature measured by the first measurement unit.

[0010] In the above configuration, the first detection unit has a first measurement unit that measures the drive current, the first measurement unit transmits the measured drive current to the control unit, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the first detection unit.

[0011] In the above configuration, the first measuring unit measures the voltage value or temperature output from the inverter, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the voltage value or temperature detected by the first detecting unit.

[0012] In the above configuration, the device further includes a second detection unit that detects the output value of the drive current flowing between the inverter and the motor, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the first detection unit or the second detection unit.

[0013] In the above configuration, the second detection unit has a second measurement unit that measures the drive current and a second judgment unit that judges whether the drive current is at a predetermined output value, and the second judgment unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on the predetermined output value of the drive current measured by the second measurement unit.

[0014] In the above configuration, the second measurement unit measures the voltage value or temperature output from the inverter, and the second determination unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on the voltage value or temperature measured by the second measurement unit.

[0015] In the above configuration, the second detection unit has a second measurement unit that measures the drive current, and the second measurement unit transmits the measured drive current to the control unit, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the first detection unit.

[0016] In the above configuration, the second measurement unit measures the voltage value or temperature output from the inverter, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the voltage value or temperature detected by the second detection unit.

[0017] A parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an inverter that outputs a drive current when power is supplied, a motor that uses the drive current to move an object vertically or horizontally, a brake that limits the movement of the object when power is cut off, a detection unit that detects the output value of the drive current flowing between the inverter and the motor, and a control unit that outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the detection unit.

[0018] In the above configuration, the detection unit has a measurement unit that measures the drive current and a judgment unit that determines whether the drive current is at a predetermined output value, and the judgment unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on the predetermined output value of the drive current measured by the measurement unit.

[0019] In the above configuration, the measurement unit measures the voltage value or temperature output from the inverter, and the determination unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on the voltage value or temperature measured by the measurement unit.

[0020] In the above configuration, the detection unit has a measurement unit that measures the drive current, The drive current is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the output value of the drive current detected by the detection unit.

[0021] In the above configuration, the measurement unit measures the voltage value or temperature output from the inverter, and the control unit outputs a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake based on the voltage value or temperature detected by the detection unit.

[0022] The above-described configuration further includes a power cutoff unit that cuts off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake when a signal to cut off the supply of power to the inverter and the brake is received from the control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a parking device that prevents a pallet from falling at an unexpected timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a parking device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a detection unit and a control unit, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of two detection units and a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0026] In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are designated by the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of a number followed by A, B, etc.). Also, for the sake of convenience, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings. Note that ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used solely for the sake of simplicity and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0027] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a parking device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the parking device 100 as seen from the side (when the side with the entrance / exit gate 109 is the front).

[0028] Parking device 100 has a structure formed by support posts 102, and pallets 104 on which vehicles are placed are arranged within the structure. Pallets 104 can be raised and lowered along support posts 102 by a transport device 106. Pallets 104 are provided at predetermined positions with spacing such that when multiple vehicles 101 are stacked vertically within the structure, the vehicles do not interfere with each other. As a result, the structure formed by support posts 102 forms parking areas P1, P2, P3, and P4 stacked vertically in multiple tiers. Transport device 106 is driven by a motor. The motor is controlled by an inverter.

[0029] Although not shown, the parking areas P1, P2, P3, and P4 are not only vertically but also horizontally. A plurality of pallets may be formed side by side in the vertical direction (depth direction in FIG. 1). This allows the pallet 104 to be moved not only vertically but also horizontally.

[0030] Parking device 100 is operated by an operation panel 105. Operation panel 105 is provided on the outside of parking device 100. For example, operation panel 105 is mounted on a support 102 near an entrance / exit gate 109 of parking device 100. A user operates operation panel 105 from outside parking device 100 to move a desired pallet 104 to entrance / exit gate 109 or to open / close gate 108.

[0031] A gate 108 provided at the entrance / exit gate 109 of the parking device 100 can be opened and closed by an operation panel 105. The gate 108 is closed except when it is opened to allow the vehicle 101 to enter or exit the parking device. Therefore, the gate 108 is also closed when the pallet 104 is moving. With the gate 108 closed, people are normally prevented from entering the parking device 100. The control panel 110 is disposed on the side of the parking device 100, but the control panel 110 may also be disposed on the side on which the vehicle 101 enters the parking device. A signal output from the operation panel 105 is transmitted to the control panel 110, and the control panel 110 outputs a control signal to the transport device 106 that moves the pallet 104, a drive device that opens and closes the gate 108, and the like.

[0032] In a parking device 100 that forms a parking area stacked in multiple levels in the vertical direction and stores and parks vehicles 101 in a three-dimensional manner, pallets 104 are raised and lowered to move the target pallet 104 to an entrance / exit gate 109, allowing the vehicle 101 to be loaded or unloaded. There are several methods for moving the target pallet 104 to the entrance / exit gate 109. For example, there are methods that sink the lower pallet 104 into an underground pit in order to unload the vehicle 101 parked on the upper pallet 104, methods that slide the lower or upper pallet 104 toward the vehicle body (in the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 1 ) and lower the upper pallet 104 into an area where there are no lower pallets 104, and methods that combine these methods.

[0033] [Parking device configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A control panel 110 of the parking device 100 is connected to a pallet 104, an operation panel 105, a conveying device 106 including driving components such as a motor, an inverter 107, and a gate 108, and controls the operation of each device. The pallet 104 and the gate 108 are not shown in Figure 2.

[0034] The external power supply 120 supplies power to the power supply unit 112. The power supply unit 112 supplies power to the operation panel 105 and the control unit 111.

[0035] The control panel 110 includes at least a control unit 111, a power supply unit 112, and a power cutoff unit 113 (also called a breaker).

[0036] The control unit 111 includes, for example, a processor and a signal output unit. The processor includes, for example, an arithmetic processing device exemplified by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and memories exemplified by a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 111 loads a program stored in the ROM using the RAM and executes it using the CPU. The signal output unit outputs a signal output from the processor to the power cutoff unit 113 and the brake release relay 151. The control unit 111 receives, for example, a signal transmitted from the operation panel 105, and controls the movement of the pallet 104, the opening and closing of the gate 108, and the like. Note that, although the control unit 111 and the operation panel 105 are illustrated as separate configurations, the operation panel 105 may also include the control unit 111.

[0037] The conveying device 106 includes a slide mechanism, a motor, rollers, a roller chain, bearings, and other components, as well as a plurality of hydraulic drive components, to enable vertical and horizontal movement of the pallet 104. The movement of the pallet 104 is controlled by an inverter 107 and a motor 141.

[0038] The motor 141 is a geared motor in which a three-phase motor and a reducer are integrated. The three-phase motor has a built-in electromagnetic brake. The electromagnetic brake is composed of a brake disc 145 attached to a rotating shaft 146 of the motor, a brake pad 144, a braking electromagnet 143, and a pressure spring 147. The brake pad 144 is constantly pressed against the brake disc 145 by the pressure spring 147. The braking electromagnet 143 is also provided near the brake pad 144. The braking electromagnet 143 is connected to the external power supply 120 via a brake release relay 151. The brake release relay 151 is in a conductive state while receiving a signal to make it conductive, but is in a non-conductive state when not receiving a signal to make it conductive. When the brake release relay 151 is in a conductive state, AC current is supplied to the braking electromagnet 143 from the external power supply 120. As a result, the braking electromagnet 143 attracts the brake pad 144 and separates the brake pad 144 from the brake disc 145, thereby releasing the rotary shaft 146 and releasing the brake.

[0039] When a three-phase motor is used as motor 141, it is necessary to change the frequency of the current flowing through motor 141 according to the speed at which pallet 104 is moved. Inverter 107 has the role of converting AC to DC and generating AC of a desired frequency, and changes the frequency of the AC to be output according to the speed at which pallet 104 is moved. Inverter 107 has a frequency conversion circuit 131 that converts the frequency, a detection unit 132 inside inverter 107 that detects the output value of the drive current to be output, and a monitoring unit 134 that monitors whether the drive current has reached the desired frequency.

[0040] The frequency conversion circuit 131 converts AC current supplied from the external power source 120 into DC current when it is input to input terminals R, S, and T, respectively, and outputs the DC current with a desired frequency from output terminals U, V, and W. The frequency conversion circuit 131 can change the rotation speed of the motor 141 by adjusting the frequency of the current supplied to the motor. When the frequency output from the frequency conversion circuit 131 reaches a set value that generates a rotational torque greater than or equal to the load torque, the monitoring unit 134 outputs a signal from output terminal Y1 to the control unit 111, switching the brake release relay 151 to a conductive state. Furthermore, when a signal for forward rotation or a signal for reverse rotation is input from the control unit 111 or the operation panel 105 to the inverter 107, the inverter 107 moves the pallet 104 up and down depending on the rotation direction.

[0041] The detector 132 detects the drive current output values ​​output from the output terminals U, V, and W. If the detector 132 cannot detect the drive current output value from any of the output terminals U, V, and W, or if the detected drive current output value satisfies a predetermined relationship, the detector 132 determines that an abnormality exists in the output terminal of the inverter 107 and outputs an abnormality signal from the output terminal 30A to the control unit 111. Here, the drive current output value that satisfies the predetermined relationship for the output terminals U, V, and W is a value that can be arbitrarily set and that causes the pallet 104 to fall naturally. The drive current output value may be an effective value or an average value. Different threshold values ​​for the drive current output value may be set for the output terminals U, V, and W, or the same threshold value may be set. For example, if the drive current output value for at least one of the output terminals U, V, and W is below a threshold, the detector 132 outputs an abnormality signal from the output terminal 30A to the control unit 111.

[0042] 2, the inverter 107 is connected to the external power supply 120 via the power supply cutoff unit 113, and the braking electromagnet 143 is connected to the external power supply 120 via the brake release relay 151 and the power supply cutoff unit 113. Therefore, when the power supply cutoff unit 113 becomes non-conductive, the supply of power to the inverter 107 and the braking electromagnet 143 is cut off.

[0043] [Parking device control method] Next, an operation method of the parking device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of the parking device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 111 reads a program for executing the operation method shown in Fig. 3 from the ROM, and executes it by the CPU by expanding it into the RAM.

[0044] First, a case where the pallet 104 of the parking device 100 moves normally will be described. Here, a case where the pallet 104 is raised will be described. The control unit 111 outputs a signal to turn on the power supply cutoff unit 113, thereby turning on the power supply cutoff unit 113 and supplying AC current to the inverter 107 from the external power supply 120 via the power supply cutoff unit 113 (START). First, the control unit 111 receives a signal instructing the operation of the pallet 104 from the operation panel 105 (step S401). The inverter 107 outputs AC drive current from the output terminals U, V, and W (step S402). At this time, the detection unit 132 starts detecting the output value of the drive current output from the output terminals U, V, and W. The inverter 107 gradually increases the frequency until the output frequency reaches a set value that generates a rotational torque greater than or equal to the load torque. Accordingly, the drive current output from the output terminals U, V, and W also increases. When the output frequency reaches a set value that generates a rotational torque greater than or equal to the load torque of the motor, the monitoring unit 134 outputs a signal from the output terminal Y1 to the control unit 111 to turn on the brake release relay 151.

[0045] When the control unit 111 receives a signal to turn on the brake release relay 151 (step S403), the control unit 111 outputs a signal to turn on the brake release relay 151 (step S404). When the brake release relay 151 turns on, an AC current is supplied to the braking electromagnet 143 from the external power supply 120. The braking electromagnet 143 attracts the brake pad 144 and separates the brake pad 144 from the brake disc 145, thereby releasing the rotating shaft 146 and releasing the brake. When the brake is released, the pallet 104 starts to rise. Even while the pallet 104 is rising, the detection unit 132 continues to constantly measure the output values ​​of the drive currents output from the output terminals U, V, and W.

[0046] If the control unit 111 does not receive an abnormality signal (step S405), it determines whether the pallet 104 has reached a specified position (step S406). To determine whether the pallet 104 has reached the specified position, for example, a position confirmation sensor is used. The position confirmation sensor is provided at a predetermined position where the pallet 104 is to be placed. When the pallet 104 has reached the specified position, the position confirmation sensor detects it and transmits a signal to the control unit 111. If the pallet 104 has not reached the specified position (step S406; No), the processes of steps S405 and S406 are repeated until the pallet 104 reaches the specified position. If the control unit 111 receives a signal detected by the position confirmation sensor and determines that the pallet 104 has reached the specified position (step S406; Yes), the control unit 111 outputs a signal to stop the operation command to the inverter 107, thereby stopping the output of the drive current from the inverter 107 (step S407). At this time, the frequency of the inverter 107 drops, and when the frequency falls below the threshold, the control unit 111 cuts off the signal that puts the brake release relay 151 into a conductive state. (Step S408). As a result, the brake release relay 151 is brought into a non-conductive state, and the supply of AC current from the external power supply 120 to the braking electromagnet 143 is stopped. In addition, the brake pad 144 is released from the braking electromagnet 143, and the brake disc 145 and the brake pad 144 are brought into close contact with each other, thereby restricting the rotating shaft 146 and applying the brake. This completes the movement of the pallet 104 (END).

[0047] The above describes the case where the pallet 104 of the parking device 100 moves normally. However, if an abnormality occurs in the inverter's output terminal, the inverter may not be able to output a drive current corresponding to its output frequency. In this case, even if the inverter reaches an output frequency exceeding the rated torque, it cannot output a drive current corresponding to the frequency. As a result, even if the inverter's output frequency increases and the brake is released, the rated torque is not exceeded, and the pallet may fall naturally. Furthermore, during periodic inspections or part replacement, maintenance workers may work while standing on the pallet, which can create a very dangerous situation. Furthermore, even if no one is standing on the pallet, the pallet may fall naturally, potentially resulting in damage to objects.

[0048] Therefore, in an operating method of parking device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a detection unit 132 is provided in inverter 107, and the output values ​​of the drive currents output from output terminals U, V, and W are measured. If detection unit 132 cannot detect the output values ​​of the drive currents at output terminals U, V, and W, or if the detected output values ​​of the drive currents satisfy a predetermined relationship, it determines that there is an abnormality in output terminals U, V, and W of inverter 107, and outputs an abnormality signal from output terminal 30A of inverter 107 to control unit 111.

[0049] Next, a case where an abnormality occurs in the inverter 107 in the parking device 100 will be described. Here, a case where the pallet 104 is raised will be described. Note that the processing from steps S401 to S404 is the same as that when the pallet 104 of the parking device 100 described above moves normally, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In step S404, control unit 111 outputs a signal to turn brake release relay 151 on, thereby turning on brake release relay 151 and releasing the brake. At this time, detection unit 132 constantly measures the output values ​​of the drive currents output from output terminals U, V, and W. If detection unit 132 cannot detect the output values ​​of the drive currents output from output terminals U, V, and W, or if the detected output values ​​of the drive currents satisfy a predetermined relationship, inverter 107 determines that an abnormality has occurred in output terminals U, V, and W, and outputs an abnormality signal from output terminal 30A of inverter 107 to control unit 111.

[0051] When the control unit 111 receives the abnormality signal from the inverter 107 (step S405; Yes), it executes power cut-off processing (step S409). In this embodiment, as the power cut-off processing, the control unit 111 outputs a signal that causes the power cut-off unit 113 to be in a non-conductive state, thereby causing the power cut-off unit 113 to be in a non-conductive state. This cuts off the supply of power from the external power supply 120 to the inverter 107 and the brake release relay 151 via the power cut-off unit 113. When the supply of power to the inverter 107 is cut off, the signal that is output from the output terminal Y1 and that causes the brake release relay 151 to be in a conductive state is cut off, and therefore the brake release relay 151 is in a non-conductive state. This causes the brake release relay 151 to be in a non-conductive state. Alternatively, instead of the control unit 111 receiving an abnormality signal from the inverter 107, if the detection unit 132 cannot detect the output values ​​of the drive current at the output terminals U, V, and W, or if the detected output values ​​of the drive current satisfy a predetermined relationship, the control unit 111 may cut off the signal from the output terminal Y1 that turns on the brake release relay 151. The control unit 111 may stop the signal that puts the brake release relay 151 into a conductive state, thereby putting the brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state. When the brake release relay 151 is non-conductive, the power supply to the braking electromagnet 143 is cut off, so that the brake pad 144 of the braking electromagnet 143 is released and the rotating shaft 146 is constrained, thereby tightening the brake. This stops the movement of the pallet 104, so that the pallet 104 that is about to fall can be stopped in its current position. After that, an error is displayed on the display panel (not shown in FIG. 4) of the operation panel 105.

[0052] In parking device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, if an abnormality occurs in inverter 107 while the brake is released, power supply to inverter 107 and the brake is cut off by power cut-off unit 113. If inverter 107 is stopped by power cut-off unit 113, the user will be unable to operate parking device 100. Since only a maintenance worker can perform the reset operation of parking device 100, it is possible to prevent secondary damage caused by a malfunction of parking device 100 due to user operation.

[0053] (Second embodiment) In this embodiment, a parking apparatus 100A having a configuration that is partially different from the parking apparatus 100 described in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100A according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control panel 110 of the parking device 100A is connected to the operation panel 105, the conveying device 106 including the driving parts, the inverter 107A, and the detection unit 135, and controls the operation of each device.

[0055] In this embodiment, the detection unit 135 is provided not inside the inverter 107A but between the output terminals U, V, and W of the inverter 107A and the conveyance device 106. The output terminals of the inverter 107A are connected to the motor 141. The detection unit 135 detects the drive currents output from the output terminals U, V, and W outside the inverter 107A. Each of the detected output values ​​of the drive currents is transmitted to the control unit 111. Note that the operation when the pallet 104 of the parking device 100A moves normally or when an abnormality occurs in the inverter 107A is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 3, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0056] If an abnormality occurs inside the inverter, it may not be possible to output an abnormality signal from output terminal 30A to the control unit. For example, even if the output frequency required to generate the rated torque is reached inside the inverter, the drive current corresponding to the frequency may not be output. Even in such a case, the monitoring unit may output a signal from output terminal Y1 to the control unit to turn on the brake release relay. This may result in a situation where the drive current corresponding to the frequency is not being output even though the brake is released, and the rated torque is not being exceeded, which could cause the pallet to fall naturally.

[0057] As described in this embodiment, by providing the detection unit 135 between the output terminals U, V, and W of the inverter 107A and the conveyance device 106, even if the monitoring unit 134 cannot detect an abnormality in the drive current inside the inverter 107A, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the drive current outside the inverter 107A. When the detection unit 135 detects an abnormal drive current output value, it determines that there is an abnormality in the output terminals U, V, and W of the inverter 107, and the detection unit 135 outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit 111. When the control unit 111 receives the abnormality signal, it executes a power cut-off process. As a power cut-off process, the control unit 111 outputs a signal that causes the power cut-off unit 113 to be in a non-conductive state, thereby putting the power cut-off unit 113 in a non-conductive state. As a result, the power cut-off unit 113 can be turned off from the external power source 120. The power supply to the inverter 107A and the brake release relay 151 is cut off via the power cutoff unit 113. This allows the AC current to the inverter 107A and the brake to be immediately cut off by the power cutoff unit 113. Furthermore, when the power supply to the inverter 107A is cut off, the signal output from the output terminal Y1 to turn on the brake release relay 151 is cut off, so the brake release relay 151 becomes non-conductive. When the inverter 107A is stopped by the power cutoff unit 113, the user cannot operate the parking device 100. Since only a maintenance worker can perform the reset operation of the parking device 100, it is possible to prevent the parking device 100 from malfunctioning due to the user's operation and causing secondary damage.

[0058] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, a parking apparatus 100B having a configuration that is partially different from the parking apparatuses 100 and 100A described in the previous embodiments will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100B according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control panel 110 of the parking device 100B is connected to a pallet 104, an operation panel 105, a conveying device 106 including drive components, an inverter 107, and a gate 108, as well as a detection unit 135, and controls the operation of each device.

[0060] In this embodiment, in addition to the detector 132 provided inside the inverter 107, a detector 135 is also provided on the output terminal side of the inverter 107. The output terminal of the inverter 107 is connected to the motor 141. The detector 132 measures the output values ​​of the drive currents output from the output terminals U, V, and W. The detector 135 measures the output values ​​of the drive currents output from the output terminals U, V, and W.

[0061] If the detection unit 132 cannot detect the drive current output values ​​from the output terminals U, V, and W, or if the detected drive current output values ​​satisfy a predetermined relationship, it determines that an abnormality exists in the output terminals U, V, and W of the inverter 107, and sends an abnormality signal from the output terminal 30A of the inverter 107 to the control unit 111. Even if the detection unit 132 cannot detect an abnormality, if the detection unit 135 detects an abnormal drive current output value, it determines that an abnormality exists in the output terminals U, V, and W of the inverter 107, and the detection unit 135 outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit 111. When the control unit 111 receives the abnormality signal from the detection unit 132 or the detection unit 135, it executes a power cutoff process. As the power cutoff process, the control unit 111 outputs a signal to turn the power cutoff unit 113 off, thereby turning the power cutoff unit 113 off. This cuts off the supply of power from the external power supply 120 to the inverter 107 and the brake release relay 151 via the power cutoff unit 113. This allows the power cutoff unit 113 to immediately cut off the AC current to the inverter 107 and the brake. Alternatively, the control unit 111 may cut off the signal that places the brake release relay 151 in a conductive state as the power cutoff process.

[0062] As a result, even if the detector 132 provided inside the inverter cannot detect an abnormal drive current output value due to a failure of the inverter 107, the detector 135 outside the inverter can detect the abnormal drive current output value. When the detector 135 detects an abnormal drive current output value at the output terminals U, V, and W, the control unit 111 can immediately cut off the AC current to the inverter 107 and the brakes using the power cutoff unit 113. When the inverter 107 is stopped by the power cutoff unit 113, the user cannot operate the parking device 100. Since only a maintenance worker can perform the reset operation of the parking device 100, it is possible to prevent the parking device 100 from malfunctioning due to the user's operation and causing secondary damage. can.

[0063] (Variation) Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiments can be applied by combining or replacing each other. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments can be implemented with at least a portion modified as follows.

[0064] (1) In one embodiment of the present invention, the inverter 107 is connected to the external power supply 120 via the power supply cutoff unit 113, and the braking electromagnet 143 is connected to the external power supply 120 via the brake release relay 151 and the power supply cutoff unit 113. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The wiring connecting the external power supply 120 and the inverter 107 and the wiring connecting the external power supply 120 and the braking electromagnet 143 may be connected separately.

[0065] 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a parking device 100C according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the inverter 107 is connected to an external power source 120 via a power cutoff unit 113, and the braking electromagnet 143 is connected to the external power source 120 via a brake release relay 151.

[0066] In the case of the parking apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2, when the control unit 111 receives an abnormality signal, the power supply cutoff unit 113 cuts off the power supply to the inverter 107 and the braking electromagnet 143. In contrast, in the case of the parking apparatus 100C shown in FIG. 6, when the control unit 111 receives an abnormality signal, the control unit 111 outputs a signal to put the brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state. This puts the brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state, cutting off the power supply to the braking electromagnet 143, allowing the brake to be applied. In this way, in the case of the parking apparatus 100C shown in FIG. 6, signals to cut off the power supply are output separately to the inverter 107 and the braking electromagnet 143. In other words, the control unit 111 can put only the brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state without cutting off the power supply to the inverter 107. Therefore, in the parking apparatus 100C, the brake can be applied without stopping the power supply to the inverter 107. Similarly, the parking device 100A shown in FIG. 4 and the parking device 100B shown in FIG. 5 may also be configured so that the inverter 107 and the braking electromagnet 143 are supplied with power separately.

[0067] (2) In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 132 of the inverter 107 measures the output value of the drive current output from the output terminal. However, this is not limiting. The detection unit 132 may also measure the voltage value output from the inverter 107. If the detection unit 132 cannot detect the output voltage value of any of the output terminals U, V, and W, or if the detected output voltage value satisfies a predetermined relationship, the detection unit 132 may determine that an abnormality exists in the output terminal of the inverter 107 and output an abnormality signal. Here, the output voltage value that satisfies the predetermined relationship for the output terminals U, V, and W is a value that can be arbitrarily set and is a value at which the pallet 104 falls naturally. Furthermore, the output voltage value may be an effective value or an average value. Different threshold values ​​for the output voltage value may be set for the output terminals U, V, and W, or the same threshold value may be set. For example, if the output voltage value of at least one of the output terminals U, V, and W is below a threshold, the detection unit 132 outputs an abnormality signal.

[0068] The detector 132 may also measure the temperature inside the inverter 107 and the temperature around the inverter 107. For example, if the drive current increases too much, the temperature inside the inverter 107 will rise. Also, if the temperature inside the inverter 107 increases too much, the temperature around the inverter 107 will also rise. If the temperature drops below -10°C, inverter 107 will no longer be able to output normally. Therefore, it is preferable to measure the temperature by providing a temperature sensor inside or around inverter 107. Therefore, detection unit 132 may output an abnormality signal from output terminal A30 when the temperature inside or around inverter 107 measured by the temperature sensor is outside the operating temperature range of inverter 107, that is, does not satisfy a predetermined temperature range.

[0069] Furthermore, the detector 135 may detect a magnetic field when a drive current flows from each of the output terminals U, V, and W outside the inverter 107A.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the case has been described in which the detection unit 132 detects the drive current and the monitoring unit 134 determines whether the output frequency is a set value that generates a rotational torque equal to or greater than the load torque of the motor, but this is not limiting. The detection unit 132 may also have the function of the monitoring unit 134. For example, the detection unit 132 may measure the frequency output from the output terminals U, V, and W, and determine whether the frequency is equal to or greater than a threshold that generates a rotational torque equal to or greater than the load torque of the motor.

[0071] (3) Here, the configurations of the detection unit 132 provided inside the inverter 107 and the detection unit 135 provided outside the inverter 107 will be described. For example, the detection unit 132 and the detection unit 135 each include a measurement unit and a determination unit. In this case, the measurement unit measures the drive current, and the determination unit determines whether the drive current measured by the measurement unit is at a predetermined output value. The determination unit may output an abnormality signal to the control unit 111 when the output value of the drive current measured by the measurement unit falls below a threshold or when the output value of the drive current satisfies a predetermined relationship. The same applies to the case where the detection units 132 and 135 detect an abnormality in at least one of the voltage value and the temperature. That is, the measurement unit measures the voltage value and the temperature, and the determination unit determines whether the voltage value and the temperature measured by the measurement unit are at a predetermined output value. When the measurement unit measures the voltage value, the determination unit may output an abnormality signal when the output value of the voltage value falls below a threshold or when the voltage value does not satisfy a predetermined voltage value range. Furthermore, when the temperature is measured by the measuring unit, the determining unit may output an abnormality signal if the temperature does not satisfy a predetermined temperature range.

[0072] Alternatively, the detection unit 132 provided inside the inverter 107 and the detection unit 135 provided outside the inverter 107 may each include a measurement unit but not a determination unit. In this case, the measurement unit may measure the output values ​​of the drive currents output from the output terminals U, V, and W and transmit the output values ​​of the drive currents measured by the measurement unit to the control unit 111. In this case, the control unit 111 determines whether the output values ​​of the drive currents output from the output terminals U, V, and W satisfy a predetermined relationship, and if so, determines that an abnormality exists in the output terminals U, V, and W of the inverter 107. Next, the control unit 111 interrupts a signal that causes the power supply interruption unit 113 to be non-conductive or a signal that causes the brake release relay 151 to be conductive. The same applies to the case where the detection units 132 and 135 detect an abnormality in at least one of the voltage value and the temperature. That is, the measurement unit may measure the voltage value and the temperature and transmit the output value to the control unit 111. Furthermore, the control unit 111 may determine whether the voltage value and temperature measured by the measurement unit are predetermined output values. When the control unit receives a voltage value, it may output an abnormality signal if the output voltage value falls below a threshold value or if the voltage value does not satisfy a predetermined voltage value range. When the control unit receives a temperature, it may output an abnormality signal if the temperature does not satisfy a predetermined temperature range.

[0073] (4) In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor equipped with the CPU of the control unit 111 receives an abnormality signal output from the detection unit 132 or the detection unit 135 and detects an abnormality in the inverter. In the above description, an example in which a signal is output to the inverter 107 or the brake release relay 151 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. An abnormality signal from the detection unit 132 or the detection unit 135 may be received by the signal output unit, and the signal may be switched by the signal output unit to output the signal to the inverter 107 or the brake release relay 151.

[0074] Fig. 7(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of the detection unit 132 and control unit 111 included in the parking device 100 shown in Fig. 2. The detection unit 132 has a measurement unit 161 and a determination unit 162. The control unit 111 also has a processor 171 and a signal output unit 172. The signal output unit 172 is, for example, a relay control circuit, and the relay control circuit outputs a signal corresponding to a signal received from the detection unit 132 to the brake release relay 151 or the like.

[0075] Measurement unit 161 measures the output value of the drive current, and determination unit 162 determines whether the drive current measured by measurement unit 161 is a predetermined output value. Furthermore, if the output value of the drive current measured by measurement unit 161 satisfies a predetermined relationship, determination unit 162 outputs an abnormality signal from output terminal 30A of inverter 107 to control unit 111. At this time, control unit 111 may receive the abnormality signal at signal output unit 172 rather than at processor 171. In this case, a relay included in signal output unit 172 may switch the abnormality signal to a signal that puts brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state, and output the signal to brake release relay 151.

[0076] FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing the configurations of the detection unit 132, the detection unit 135, and the control unit 111 included in the parking apparatus 100B shown in FIG. 5. The detection unit 135 includes a measurement unit 163 and a determination unit 164. The measurement unit 163 measures the output value of the drive current, and the determination unit 164 determines whether the drive current measured by the measurement unit 163 is a predetermined output value. Furthermore, if the output value of the drive current measured by the measurement unit 163 satisfies a predetermined relationship, the determination unit 164 outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit 111. At this time, the control unit 111 may receive the abnormality signal not in the processor 171 but in the signal output unit 172. In this case, the relay included in the signal output unit 172 may switch the abnormality signal to a signal that causes the brake release relay 151 to be non-conductive, and output the signal to the brake release relay 151. In Fig. 7(B), if an abnormal signal is output from at least one of the detection unit 132 and the detection unit 135, the signal output unit 172 can switch the abnormal signal to a signal that puts the brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state and output it to the brake release relay 151. Note that the configurations of the detection unit 135 and the control unit 111 that the parking device 100A shown in Fig. 4 has are the same as the configurations shown in Fig. 7(B) with the configuration of the detection unit 132 omitted, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, although not shown, the detection unit 132 or the detection unit 135 may transmit an abnormality signal to the monitoring unit 134. When the monitoring unit 134 receives the abnormality signal, it cuts off the signal from the output terminal Y1 that puts the brake release relay 151 into a conductive state. This puts the brake release relay 151 into a non-conductive state, thereby cutting off the supply of power to the braking electromagnet 143. According to this method, the brake release relay 151 can be put into a non-conductive state without sending the abnormality signal output from the detection unit 132 or the detection unit 135 to the control unit 111, so that the fall of the pallet 104 can be stopped in a shorter time.

[0078] (5) In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring the drive current output from the inverter 107 when the pallet 104 is moved in the vertical direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The drive current output from the inverter 107 when the pallet 104 is moved in the horizontal direction may also be measured. The configurations of the parking devices 100, 100A, and 100B described in the first to third embodiments can also be applied when the pallet 104 is moved in the horizontal direction. Note that a motor for moving the pallet 104 in the horizontal direction is different from the motor for moving the pallet 104 in the vertical direction. Pallet 1 While the detector 132 is moving the pallet 104 in the horizontal direction, the pallet 104 does not move in the vertical direction. In other words, the motor for moving the pallet 104 in the vertical direction is stopped. Therefore, at least one of the detectors 132 and 135 only needs to continue measuring the drive current output to the motor for moving the pallet 104 in the horizontal direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the rated torque of the motor for moving the pallet 104 in the lateral direction is smaller than the rated torque of the motor for moving the pallet 104 in the vertical direction. However, when the pallet 104 moves in the lateral direction, multiple motors can operate simultaneously, so depending on the size of the parking device 100, there may be more lateral movement. In this case, the rated torque of the motor for moving the pallet in the lateral direction may be greater than the rated torque of the motor for moving the pallet in the vertical direction. Therefore, depending on the size of the parking device 100, the threshold value of the drive current for moving the pallet 104 in the vertical direction and the threshold value of the drive current for moving the pallet in the lateral direction may be different.

[0080] (6) In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for moving the pallet 104 in the vertical direction using the inverter 107 and the conveying device 106 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any device that moves the pallet 104 in the vertical direction using the inverter 107 and the conveying device 106 may be used, and the present invention may be applied to, for example, the gate 108. In this case, the drive current output to the motor that moves the gate 108 up and down is measured. By applying this to the gate 108, it is possible to prevent the gate 108 from falling at an unexpected timing when moving the gate 108 up and down.

[0081] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a parking device according to the present embodiment can be modified by a person skilled in the art by adding, deleting, or modifying components as appropriate, and the modifications are within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent, and technical matters common to each embodiment are included in each embodiment even if not explicitly stated.

[0082] Even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the aspects of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100, 100A, 100B: parking device, 101: vehicle, 102: support, 104: pallet, 105: operation panel, 106: conveying device, 107: inverter, 107A: inverter, 108: gate, 109: loading / unloading gate, 110: control panel, 111: control unit, 112: power supply unit, 113: power cut-off unit, 120: external power supply, 131: frequency conversion circuit, 132: detection unit, 134: monitoring unit, 135: detection unit, 141: motor, 142: brake, 143: brake electromagnet, 144: brake pad, 145: brake disc, 146: rotating shaft, 147: pressure spring, 151: brake release relay, 161: measurement unit, 162: judgment unit, 163: measurement unit, 164: judgment unit, 171: processor, 172: signal output unit

Claims

[Claim 1] an inverter having a frequency conversion circuit that converts the frequency of a drive current, and that outputs a drive current corresponding to the frequency and a first signal corresponding to the frequency when power is supplied; a motor that moves an object vertically or horizontally by the drive current; a brake that limits movement of the object when power is interrupted; a first detection unit provided inside the inverter and configured to detect an output value of the drive current when power is supplied; a brake release relay that is in a conductive state when a second signal is received and supplies power to the brake, and that is in a non-conductive state when the second signal is not received and stops the supply of power to the brake; a control unit that controls whether to output the second signal based on the first signal received from the inverter, the second signal is a signal that causes the brake release relay to be in a conductive state, the first detection unit includes a first measurement unit that measures the drive current and a first determination unit that determines whether the drive current is a predetermined output value; the first determination unit outputs an abnormality signal to the control unit based on a predetermined output value of the drive current measured by the first measurement unit; The control unit stops the inverter when it receives the abnormal signal, and stops outputting the second signal when reception of the first signal is blocked after the inverter has stopped.

Images