Operation method of mechanical parking system

Abstract

To prevent a priority user and a non-priority user from encountering each other and to give priority to the entry and exit operations of the priority user.SOLUTION: A mechanical parking device includes an entrance / exit room 10 having a first door 14A through which a vehicle M enters and leaves on one side and a second door 14B opposite the first door 14A, through which a vehicle enters and leaves on the other side, a first operation panel 16A that is installed facing a first lane 12A continuous with the first door and is operated by a non-priority user, and a second operation panel 16B that is installed facing a second lane 12B continuous with the second door and is operated by a priority user U2. The first lane 12A and the second lane 12B are separated so that the non-priority user and the priority user U2 do not encounter each other, and the vehicle M of the non-priority user enters and leaves through the first door 14A, or enters through the first door 14A and leaves through the second door 14B, and the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters and leaves through the second door 14B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation method of a mechanical parking device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a storage facility for storing a plurality of objects, comprising: a storage room facing an inbound space and an outbound space partitioned from each other; an inbound opening for communicating the inside of the storage room with the inbound space; an outbound opening for communicating the inside of the storage room with the outbound space; a storage device for storing the plurality of objects, the storage device being provided in the storage room, the storage device including a plurality of storage parts for storing the objects, an inbound part which is the storage part communicating with the inbound opening, an outbound part which is the storage part communicating with the outbound opening, and a transfer device configured to be able to transfer the objects between the storage parts; the inbound opening being provided with an inbound door which partitions the inside of the storage room from the inbound space when closed and communicates the inbound part with the inbound space when opened, allowing the objects to be stored therein; and the outbound opening being provided with an outbound door which partitions the inside of the storage room from the outbound space when closed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an elevator-type multi-story parking system in which a first parking device having an entrance / exit for automobiles and a second parking device located behind the first parking device are assembled in parallel and in a continuous manner, wherein the first parking device is equipped with a first elevator, and is equipped with an automobile direction changing device that changes the direction of an automobile at the first elevator standby stop position set in the automobile entrance, and is equipped with an entrance opening in one side wall of the automobile entrance for an automobile to enter the first elevator standby stop position and an exit opening in the other side wall opposite the side wall for an automobile to exit in the same direction as when it entered from the first elevator standby stop position, and the second parking device is equipped with a second elevator arranged perpendicular to the first elevator, and is equipped with a parking space on at least one side of the second elevator standby stop position set in the automobile entrance, and is equipped with a transport device between the first and second parking devices for transporting automobiles between the two parking devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-104871 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-217247 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The invention described in Patent Document 1 states that there are two cases in which vehicles can be moved from the receiving space 3 through the storage section 20 (receiving section, delivery section) to the delivery space 4, and from the delivery space 4 through the storage section 20 (receiving section, delivery section) to the receiving space 3. The worker opens the receiving door 41 to enter the storage section 20 and opens the delivery door 46. Then, the vehicle V must be pushed by hand from the receiving space 3 through the receiving opening 40, onto an empty pallet, and through the delivery opening 45 to the delivery space 4, which is a very time-consuming process. Furthermore, there is no priority system for receiving and delivering vehicles, and the order of receiving and delivering vehicles is determined by the order in which the receiving and delivering calls are made, so there is no configuration to accommodate priority users.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention described in Patent Document 2 has a vehicle entry section 21 of the first parking device 2 that includes an entry opening 216 provided on one side wall and an exit opening 217 provided on the other side wall opposite it, and is configured so that the vehicle can exit in the same orientation as when it entered. However, entry and exit can only be performed by calling from one of the entry openings 216. In addition, there is no priority user setting for entry and exit, and the order of entry and exit is determined by the order in which the entry and exit calling operations are performed, so there is no configuration to accommodate priority users.

[0007] The present invention aims to prioritize the loading and unloading operations of priority users by configuring the loading and unloading room to separate the side used by priority users from the side used by non-priority users, thereby preventing priority users from encountering each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first embodiment of the operation method for a mechanical parking system is an entry / exit room having a first door through which vehicles enter and exit on one side, and a second door opposite the first door through which vehicles enter and exit on the other side; a first control panel installed facing a first roadway continuous with the first door and operated by non-priority users; a second control panel installed facing a second roadway continuous with the second door and operated by priority users; and the first roadway and the second roadway are separated so that the non-priority users and priority users do not meet each other, wherein the non-priority user's vehicle enters and exits through the first door, or enters through the first door and exits through the second door, and the priority user's vehicle enters and exits through the second door.

[0009] The operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the second embodiment is as follows: In the operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the first embodiment, if the exit operation of the non-priority user is earlier than the entry / exit operation of the priority user, the vehicle of the non-priority user is moved out toward the second door.

[0010] The operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the third embodiment is as follows: In the operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the first or second embodiment, when the entry and exit operations of the priority user and the entry and exit operations of the non-priority user are performed at the same time, the entry and exit operations of the priority user are given priority when the entry and exit work time of the non-priority user is greater than a predetermined threshold, and the entry and exit operations of the non-priority user are given priority when the entry and exit work time of the non-priority user is less than the threshold.

[0011] The operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the fourth embodiment is as follows: In the operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the third embodiment, when the entry / exit operation of the priority user begins, if the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is less than the threshold, the priority user is notified by a guide light installed in the second lane that another vehicle user is in the process of exiting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the operating method of the mechanical parking system in the first embodiment, non-priority users and priority users can operate the system using individually installed control panels without encountering each other, and even if priority users' entry and exit operations are prioritized, non-priority users will not be aware of this, allowing for efficient operation of the mechanical parking system.

[0013] According to the operation method of the mechanical parking system in the second embodiment, vehicles of non-priority users can be exited by passing through to the second door, thereby shortening the exit work time.

[0014] According to the operation method of the mechanical parking system in the third embodiment, when the entry and exit work time of non-priority users is less than a predetermined threshold, the entry and exit work of non-priority users is given priority, eliminating the need to return the vehicle to the storage unit when the vehicle of a non-priority user is entering or exiting the parking system, and thus enabling efficient operation of the mechanical parking system.

[0015] According to the operation method of the mechanical parking system in the fourth aspect, priority users can be easily notified that exit operations are being carried out in the entry / exit room, and priority users can wait for the completion of the exit operations with peace of mind. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the configuration around the loading / unloading area in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the entry and exit status of non-priority users in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the entry and exit status of priority users in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing a vehicle belonging to a priority user in one embodiment of the present invention, waiting for other vehicles to exit the parking lot. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing a state in which the entry and exit operations of non-priority users and priority users are performed at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing the state when two non-priority users enter the warehouse in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the state when the warehousing operation and the outwarehousing operation of two non-priority users overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the state when the warehousing operation of a non-priority user and the warehousing operation of a priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the state when the warehousing operation of a non-priority user and the outwarehousing operation of a priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the state when the outwarehousing operation of a non-priority user and the warehousing operation of a non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the state when the outwarehousing operation of the first non-priority user and the outwarehousing operation of the second non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the state when the outwarehousing operation of a non-priority user and the warehousing operation of a priority user overlap, and the warehousing work of the priority user is prior in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the state when the outwarehousing operation of a non-priority user and the warehousing operation of a priority user overlap, and the warehousing work of the priority user is subsequent in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the state when the outwarehousing operation of a non-priority user and the outwarehousing operation of a priority user overlap, and the outwarehousing work of the priority user is prior in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the state when the warehousing operation of a priority user and the warehousing operation of a non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the state when the warehousing operation of a priority user and the outwarehousing operation of a non-priority user overlap in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]This flowchart shows the state when two priority users attempt to enter a parking space simultaneously in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] An example of how to operate the mechanical parking system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [Embodiment] <Configuration of the loading / unloading area> Figure 1 is a plan view showing the configuration around the loading / unloading area in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the mechanical parking system 1 has an entry / exit compartment 10 through which vehicles M enter and exit, which is connected to a vehicle storage area (not shown) for vehicles M. The entry / exit compartment 10 is surrounded by walls on all four sides and, in this embodiment, is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with a floor 10A provided at the vehicle entry / exit level. In the center of the floor 10A, there is an opening 10B large enough for a tray 18 and a built-in turntable 18A (not shown) to pass through the entry / exit level.

[0019] One side of the entry / exit room is connected to a non-priority user lane 12A used by non-priority user U1. The wall connected to the non-priority user lane 12A is equipped with a door A14A for vehicle M and non-priority user U1 to enter and exit, and a first control panel 16A (operation panel for non-priority users) operated by non-priority user U1. The other side of the entry / exit room is connected to a priority user lane 12B used by priority user U2. The wall connected to the priority user lane 12B is equipped with a door B14B mainly for vehicle M and priority user U2 to enter and exit, and a second control panel 16B (operation panel for priority users) mainly operated by priority user U2. The first control panel 16A, the second control panel 16B, door A14A, door B14B, built-in turntable 18A, sensors (not shown), devices with display functions, etc., are electrically connected to a control device (not shown). Furthermore, the rotation trajectory 18B is the trajectory when the tray 18 rotates in a planar manner. Here, the non-priority user lane 12A is an example of the first lane, the priority user lane 12B is an example of the second lane, door A14A is an example of the first door, and door B14B is an example of the second door.

[0020] <Example of receiving and shipping items 1> Figure 2 is a plan view showing the entry and exit state of a non-priority user U1 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, when a non-priority user U1 enters a vehicle M, the non-priority user U1 performs an entry operation on the first control panel 16A, and an empty tray 18 is transported to the entry / exit room 10 and lands on the entry / exit level. For example, when the non-priority user U1 has an authentication medium containing an authentication code (hereinafter also simply referred to as "code") read by the authentication medium reader of the first control panel 16A, a control device (not shown) determines that the vehicle M is not stored based on the authentication code, determines that it is an entry operation, and calls up and transports an empty tray 18. When the empty tray 18 transported to the entry / exit room lands on the entry / exit level, the door A14A opens, the non-priority user U1 gets on the vehicle M, moves the vehicle M onto the empty tray 18, and stops it in the correct position due to the action of sensors (not shown) installed in the entry / exit room 10. Non-priority passenger U1 disembarks from vehicle M, performs an unmanned and safety check inside the entry / exit room 10, and then closes door A14A using the first control panel.

[0021] Furthermore, if a non-priority user U1 is retrieving vehicle M and there is no operation by priority user U2, when non-priority user U1 performs a retrieval operation on the first control panel 16A, a tray 18 on which the non-priority user's vehicle M is placed is transported to the loading / unloading room 10 and lands at the loading / unloading level. The retrieval operation is the same as the loading operation; for example, when a non-priority user U1 has an authentication medium containing an authentication code read by the authentication medium reader on the first control panel 16A, a control device (not shown) determines that vehicle M is stored using the authentication code, determines that it is a retrieval operation, and calls up and transports the tray 18 on which the non-priority user's vehicle M is placed. When the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the non-priority user is placed, which has been transported to the loading / unloading room, lands at the loading / unloading level, door A14A opens, and the non-priority user U1 enters the loading / unloading room 10. As U1 enters, door A closes, and the vehicle M is moved to the side of the open door B14B to exit the loading / unloading room 10. The non-priority user U1 disembarks from the vehicle M, checks for unoccupied and safe conditions inside the loading / unloading room 10, and then closes door B14B using the second control panel. In this embodiment, an external turntable 20 is shown by a dashed line on the priority user side lane 12B, but if there is a public road on the front side of the vehicle M on the priority user side lane 12B, the external turntable 20 does not need to be provided.

[0022] <Example of receiving and shipping items 2> Figure 3 is a plan view showing the entry and exit state of priority user U2 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, when priority user U2 enters or exits the parking lot, priority user U2 passes through the priority user side lane 12B and performs the entry or exit operation at the second control panel 16B. Priority user U2's vehicle M enters and exits only on the priority user side lane 12B side, and the non-priority user side lane 12A side is not used. Therefore, when priority user U2's vehicle M enters or exits the parking lot, the orientation of the vehicle M is changed by the built-in turntable 18A. In this embodiment, an external turntable 20 is shown as a dashed line on the priority user side lane 12B, but if there is a public road behind the vehicle M on the priority user side lane 12B, the external turntable 20 does not need to be provided.

[0023] <Example of receiving and shipping items 3> Figure 4 is a plan view showing a state in which a vehicle of priority user U2 is waiting for another vehicle to exit in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, a stop line 22 is displayed in the priority user lane 12B at a position that avoids the door B14B, indicating that the vehicle M of priority user U2 should wait. An indicator light 24 is provided on the wall near the stop line 22 so that the current entry / exit status in the entry / exit room 10 is visible to the waiting priority user U2. For example, if an exit operation is being performed in the entry / exit room 10, the indicator light 24 will display text such as "Exit Operation in Progress". This display may simply be lit, but it may also be made to flash so that the priority user U2 can see it more clearly.

[0024] After vehicle M exits the loading / unloading room 10, the guide light 24 turns off, and vehicle M of priority user U2, which was waiting at the stop line 22, enters the loading / unloading room 10 through door B14B by performing the loading / unloading operation on priority user U2's second control panel 16B. Priority user U2, who has disembarked from vehicle M, checks that the loading / unloading room 10 is empty and confirms safety, performs the operation to that effect on the second control panel, and then closes door B14B.

[0025] In Figure 4, the vehicle M located inside the entry / exit room 10 is either the vehicle M of a non-priority user U1 or the vehicle M of a priority user U2. When the vehicle is parked or about to park at the entry / exit level of the entry / exit room 10, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 can also exit towards the priority user lane 12B. For example, if the exit operation of the non-priority user U1 is earlier than the entry / exit operation of the priority user U2, the vehicle M of the non-priority user U1 may be exited towards the door B14B. In this embodiment, the external turntable 20 is shown as a dashed line on the priority user lane 12B. However, if there is a public road on the front side of the door B14B of the priority user lane 12B, and the vehicle M of the priority user U2 enters from that front side, the external turntable 20 does not need to be provided.

[0026] <Example of receiving and shipping items 4> Figure 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the inbound and outbound operations of a non-priority user U1 and a priority user U2 are performed at the same time in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, there are cases in which the inbound and outbound operations of a non-priority user U1 and a priority user U2 are performed at the same time. For example, if non-priority user U1 is the first to perform an exit operation using the first control panel 16A, and non-priority user U1's vehicle M is at or about to be at the entry / exit level of the entry / exit room 10, and priority user U2 performs an entry operation using the second control panel 16B, then non-priority user U1's vehicle M will rotate on the floor 10 with the tray 18 lifted by the built-in turntable 18A inside the entry / exit room 10, with its front facing the door A14A, the door A14A will open, non-priority user U1 will enter the entry / exit room 10 and get into vehicle M, exit through door A14A to the non-priority user side lane 12A, and non-priority user U1 will close door A14A using the first control panel 16A.

[0027] When the vehicle M of non-priority user U1 exits the loading / unloading compartment 10 through door A14A, the tray 18 becomes empty after exiting, so door B14B opens without any mechanical operation, and priority user U2 boards the vehicle M parked in the priority user lane 12B and drives the vehicle M into the loading / unloading compartment 10 through door B14B. After driving the vehicle M in, priority user U2 disembarks and exits the loading / unloading compartment 10 through door B14B to the priority user lane 12B, and closes door B14B using the second control panel 16B.

[0028] As described above, in the operation method of the mechanical parking system according to the present invention, the non-priority user lane 12A and the priority user lane 12B are separated so that non-priority users U1 and priority users U2 do not meet each other. Non-priority user U1's vehicle M enters and exits through door A14A, or enters through door A14A and exits through door B14B, while priority user U2's vehicle M enters and exits through door B14B. In this embodiment, an external turntable 20 is not installed in the priority user lane 12B, but an external turntable 20 may be installed if there is no public road behind the vehicle M in the priority user lane 12B.

[0029] <Priority of machine operations when inbound and outbound operations overlap> In the operation method of the mechanical parking system of the present invention, when the entry and exit operations of priority user U2 and non-priority user U1 are performed at the same time, the system may be operated in such a way that the entry and exit operations of priority user U2 are given priority when the entry and exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, and the entry and exit operations of non-priority user U1 are given priority when the entry and exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold.

[0030] For example, when a priority user U2 performs an entry / exit operation, and a non-priority user U1 has already performed an entry / exit operation, and an empty tray in the case of entry, or a tray with the non-priority user U1's vehicle M in the case of exit, is mounted on a lifting device (not shown) and the lifting device is rising or lowering, or when each tray has been moved to the immediate vicinity of the lifting device in a storage area (not shown) and is about to be mounted on the lifting device, the time required for the entry / exit operation of each tray may be considerably shorter than the time required for the entry / exit operation of priority user U2. In such conditions, a predetermined threshold, i.e., the remaining time for the entry / exit operation, is predetermined, and not only is the entry / exit operation time for priority user U2's vehicle M compared to the entry / exit operation time for non-priority user U1's vehicle M, but if the remaining time for the entry / exit operation of non-priority user U1's vehicle M is smaller than the threshold, the entry / exit operation of non-priority user U1's vehicle M is given priority. On the other hand, if the remaining time for the entry / exit operations of non-priority user U1 is greater than the threshold, the entry / exit operations of non-priority user U1's vehicle M will be interrupted, and the entry / exit operations of priority user U2's vehicle M will be given priority.

[0031] The threshold is set to, for example, 1 minute. This time is set appropriately according to the scale or structure of the mechanical parking system 1. For example, in a mechanical parking system 1 with a large number of parking spaces on the floor level, the time it takes for the trays to move to the lifting device tends to be longer, so the threshold may be set to be longer. On the other hand, in a mechanical parking system 1 with a small number of parking spaces on the floor level and a large number of floors on the floor level, the time it takes for the trays to move to the lifting device tends to be shorter, so the threshold may be set to be shorter. The threshold may also be set according to the circulation method of the mechanical parking system 1. In particular, in the case of an elevator-type mechanical parking system 1, the time it takes for the lifting device to move from the upper floors to the entry / exit level tends to be longer overall, so the threshold time may be set by dividing the floors corresponding to the lifting of the lifting device, for example, the time it takes to move from the 7th floor or the 6th floor to the entry / exit level.

[0032] The following flowchart illustrates an example of a situation where inbound and outbound operations overlap, taking into account factors such as the order of operations or threshold values ​​for non-priority user U1 or priority user U2. Here, inbound operations are referred to as "inbound calls," and outbound operations as "outbound calls."

[0033] [When the first and second people entering are non-priority users] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the entry status of two non-priority users U1, U1 in one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the case when the entry operation of both the first and second users, both non-priority users U1, overlaps.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, (S101) The first control panel 16A made a request for the first non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S102) A determination is made as to whether the authentication code (hereinafter also referred to as "code") stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is determined to be registered, the process proceeds to S104; if the code is determined to be unregistered, the process proceeds to S103. (S103) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S101. (S104) Also, a request for the entry of the second non-priority user U1 was made on the first control panel 16A. (S105) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S107; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S106. (S106) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S104.

[0035] Here, we will explain the operation of the machine, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1.

[0036] (S107) When the first non-priority user U1 calls for vehicle entry, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the entry / exit room 10 in order to enter the first vehicle M. The empty tray 18 is then placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the entry / exit room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in their vehicle M. In addition, in the storage area (not shown), after the empty tray 18 for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed on the lifting device and begins to move, if there is an empty tray 18 for the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M, a preparatory operation may be performed in which the empty tray 18 moves toward the position of the lifting device. (S108) Door A14A opens. (S109) The first non-priority passenger U1 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A. Then, the first non-priority passenger U1 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (S110) The first non-priority user U1 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S111) The vehicle M, which was brought in by the first non-priority user U1, is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0037] (S112) Next, in order to bring in the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 into the loading / unloading room 10, and the empty tray 18 is placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first non-priority user U1 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage unit where it is stored, moving away from the position of the lifting device. (S113) Door A14A opens. (S114) The second non-priority passenger U1 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A. Then, the second non-priority passenger U1 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (S115) The second non-priority user U1 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S116) The vehicle M entered by the second non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area. If storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage area and waits in the loading / unloading room 10 for the machine operation to be completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area is moved to the loading / unloading room 10 and the machine operation is completed after it lands.

[0038] Thus, if the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 make a request to enter the storage facility at the same time, the storage process will be carried out in the order of the requests.

[0039] [In the case of the first non-priority user entering the parking lot and the second non-priority user exiting the parking lot] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the state when the entry and exit operations of two non-priority users U1, U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, (S201) The first non-priority user U1 was called to enter the parking lot via the first control panel 16A. (S202) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S204; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S203. (S203) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S201. (S204) Also, a dispatch call was made for the second non-priority user U1 on the first control panel 16A. (S205) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S207; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S206. (S206) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S204.

[0041] Here, we will explain the operation of the machine, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking device 1.

[0042] (S207) When the first non-priority user U1 calls for vehicle entry, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the entry / exit room 10 in order to enter the first vehicle M. The empty tray 18 is then placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the entry / exit room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in their vehicle M. In addition, in the storage area (not shown), after the empty tray 18 for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed on the lifting device and begins to move, a preparatory operation may be performed in which the tray 18 on which the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed moves in a direction toward the position of the lifting device. (S208) Door A14A opens. (S209) The first non-priority passenger U1 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A. Then, the first non-priority passenger U1 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (S210) The first non-priority user U1 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S211) The vehicle M, which was brought in by the first non-priority user U1, is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0043] (S212) Next, in order to release the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed into the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first non-priority user U1 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage unit where it is stored, moving away from the position of the lifting device. (S213) Door A14A opens. At this point, when the second non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A, door B14B opens and door A14A closes. (S214) The second non-priority user U1 boards vehicle M and exits the entrance / exit compartment 10 through door B14B. At this time, an exit guidance device (not shown) located on the side of door B14B inside the entrance / exit compartment 10 displays and provides voice guidance saying, "Please exit forward," prompting the second non-priority user U1 to exit through door B14B. In other words, since there is no priority user U2, the non-priority user U1's vehicle M exits to the priority user lane 12B side in a through-passage manner. In this case, the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 do not meet (see Figure 2). (S215) The second non-priority user U1 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (S216) After the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 departs, the now-empty tray 18 remains resting on the entry / exit level of the entry / exit room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed.

[0044] Thus, when the entry call for the first non-priority user U1 and the exit call for the second non-priority user U1 are made at the same time, the entry and exit operations are performed in the order of the entry and exit calls, and since there is no entry or exit call for priority user U2, the vehicle M of non-priority user U1 can exit to the priority user lane 12B.

[0045] [When the first non-priority user enters the parking lot and the second user enters the parking lot as a priority user] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the state when the entry operation of non-priority user U1 and the entry operation of priority user U2 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, (S301) The first control panel 16A made a request for the first non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S302) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S304; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S303. (S303) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S301. (S304) Next, the second control panel 16B made a request for the second priority user U2 to enter the depot. (S305) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S307; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S306. (S306) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S304.

[0047] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the case where the parking time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than the predetermined threshold mentioned above.

[0048] (S307) Since the time required for the entry process by the first non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the entry call by the second priority user U2 is given priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, in order to enter the second vehicle M, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 into the entry / exit room 10, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the entry / exit room 10 (see Figure 3). (S308) Door B14B opens. (S309) The second priority passenger U2 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B. Then, the second priority passenger U2 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (S310) The second priority user U2 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (S311) The vehicle M carrying the second priority user U2 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0049] (S312) Next, in order to bring in the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 into the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage unit where it is stored, moving away from the position of the lifting device. (S313) Door A14A opens. (S314) At this point, the first non-priority passenger U1 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A. Then, the first non-priority passenger U1 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (S315) The first non-priority user U1 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S316) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area. If storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage area and waits in the loading / unloading room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed after it lands.

[0050] Thus, if the entry call for the first non-priority user U1 and the entry call for the second priority user U2 occur at the same time, and the entry work time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the entry work for the second priority user U2 will take priority and will be performed before the entry work for the first non-priority user U1.

[0051] [When the first non-priority user enters the parking lot and the second priority user exits] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the state when the entry operation of the first non-priority user U1 and the exit operation of the second priority user U2 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, (S401) The first control panel 16A made a request for the first non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S402) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S404; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S403. (S403) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S401. (S404) Next, the second control panel 16B made a request for the second priority user U2 to leave the depot. (S405) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S407; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S406. (S406) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S404.

[0053] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system 1, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the case where the parking time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than the predetermined threshold mentioned above.

[0054] (S407) Since the time required for the entry operation due to the entry call of the first non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the exit call of the second priority user U2 is given priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, in order to exit the second vehicle M, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed to the entry / exit room 10, and the tray 18 is moved from a storage unit (not shown) on a lifting device and lands in the entry / exit room 10. (S408) Door B14B opens. (S409) The second priority user, U2, enters the entry / exit room 10, boards vehicle M, and exits the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B. (S410) The second priority user U2 gets out of vehicle M, checks for an empty entrance / exit room 10 and for safety, and then closes door B14B by pressing the door close button on the second control panel 16B. The second priority user U2 gets back into vehicle M and exits through the priority user lane 12B.

[0055] (S411) When the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 exits the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, making it possible for the next vehicle to enter. In this embodiment, the door A14A opens for the first non-priority user U1 to enter. (S412) The first non-priority user U1 places vehicle M into an empty tray 18 prepared in the loading / unloading room 10, disembarks from vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. (S413) The first non-priority user U1 to exit the room confirms that the entrance / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety is being checked, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S414) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area. If storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage area and waits in the loading / unloading room 10 for the machine operation to be completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after it lands.

[0056] Thus, if the entry call for the first non-priority user U1 and the exit call for the second priority user U2 occur at the same time, and the entry work time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the exit work for the second priority user U2 will take priority and will be performed before the entry work for the first non-priority user U1.

[0057] [In the case of the first non-priority user exiting and the second non-priority user entering] This flowchart shows the state when the exit operation of the first non-priority user U1 and the entry operation of the second non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, (S501) The first non-priority user U1 is called out of the parking lot via the first control panel 16A. (S502) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S504; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S503. (S503) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the process returns to S501. (S504) Next, the first control panel 16A made a request for the second non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S505) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S507; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S506. (S506) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the process returns to S504.

[0059] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the case where the vehicle exit time for the second non-priority user U1 is greater than the predetermined threshold. In addition, we will assume here that there are no entry or exit calls from priority user U2 on the second control panel 16B.

[0060] (S507) Because the time required for the entry operation due to the entry call of the second non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the exit call of the first non-priority user U1 takes priority, and the second non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user side lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation may be performed to call an empty tray 18 for the second vehicle M, in which case a mechanical operation may be performed in parallel to move the empty tray 18 in a storage unit (not shown) toward the lifting device. (S508) When door A14A opens and the first non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10, door A14A closes and door B14B opens. This is because priority user U1 has not yet performed an entry / exit operation, allowing non-priority user U1 to exit on the priority user side lane 12B. (S509) The first non-priority user, U1, boards vehicle M and exits the entry / exit compartment 10 through door B14B. (S510) The first non-priority user U1 gets out of vehicle M, checks for an empty entrance / exit room 10 and for safety, and then closes door B14B by pressing the door close button on the second control panel 16B. The first non-priority user U1 gets back into vehicle M and exits through the priority user lane 12B.

[0061] (S511) When the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 exits the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, making it possible for the next vehicle to enter. In this embodiment, the door A14A opens to allow the second non-priority user U1 to enter. (S512) The second non-priority user U1 places vehicle M into an empty tray 18 prepared in the loading / unloading room 10, disembarks from vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. (S513) The second non-priority user U1 who has left the room confirms that the entrance / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S514) The vehicle M entered by the first non-priority user U1 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area. If storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage area and waits in the loading / unloading room 10 for the machine operation to be completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area is moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation is completed after it lands.

[0062] Thus, if the departure call for the first non-priority user U1 and the arrival call for the second non-priority user U1 occur at the same time, and the arrival work time for the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the departure work for the first non-priority user U1 will take priority and will be performed before the arrival work for the second non-priority user U1.

[0063] [In the case of the first non-priority user exiting the parking lot and the second non-priority user exiting the parking lot] This flowchart shows the state when the exit operation of the first non-priority user U1 and the exit operation of the second non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11, (S601) The first control panel 16A made a call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the depot. (S602) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S604; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S603. (S603) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the process returns to S601. (S604) Next, the first control panel 16A made a request for the second non-priority user U1 to enter the parking lot. (S605) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S607; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S606. (S606) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the process returns to S604.

[0065] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second non-priority user U1 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the case where the vehicle exit time for the second non-priority user U1 is greater than the predetermined threshold. In addition, we will assume here that there are no entry or exit calls from priority user U2 on the second control panel 16B.

[0066] (S607) Because the time required for the departure operation due to the departure call of the second non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the departure call of the first non-priority user U1 takes priority, and the second non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation may be performed to call the tray 18 on which the second vehicle M is placed, and in this case, a mechanical operation may be performed in parallel to move the tray 18 in a storage area (not shown) toward the lifting device. (S608) When the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed lands on the boarding level of the entry / exit room 10, door A14A opens. When the first non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10, door A14A closes and door B14B opens. (S609) The first non-priority user U1 boards vehicle M and exits the entry / exit compartment 10 through door B14B. This is because the entry / exit operation for priority user U2 has not yet been performed, allowing the non-priority user U1 to exit towards the priority user lane 12B. (S610) The first non-priority user U1 gets out of vehicle M, checks for an empty entrance / exit room 10 and for safety, and then closes door B14B by pressing the door close button on the second control panel 16B. The first non-priority user U1 gets back into vehicle M and exits through the priority user lane 12B. (S611) When the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 leaves the depot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 is moved to the storage unit by the lifting device.

[0067] (S612) Next, a mechanical operation is performed in which the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed is lowered from the storage area to the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 by a lifting device. (S613) Door A14A opens, and when the first non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10, door A14A closes and door B14B opens. (S614) The second non-priority passenger, U1, boards vehicle M and exits through door B14B. (S615) The second non-priority user U1 gets out of vehicle M, checks for an empty entrance / exit room 10 and for safety, and then closes door B14B by pressing the door close button on the second control panel 16B. The second non-priority user U1 gets back into vehicle M and exits through the priority user lane 12B. (S616) After departure, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed.

[0068] Thus, if the dispatch request for the first non-priority user U1 and the dispatch request for the second non-priority user U1 occur at the same time, and the dispatch work time for the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the dispatch work for the first non-priority user U1 will take priority and be executed before the dispatch work for the second non-priority user U1.

[0069] [When the first non-priority user exits and the second priority user enters, the priority user enters first.] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the situation in one embodiment of the present invention where the exit operation of non-priority user U1 and the entry operation of priority user U2 overlap, and the entry operation of priority user U2 is performed first.

[0070] As shown in Figure 12, (S701) The first non-priority user U1 is called out of the parking lot via the first control panel 16A. (S702) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S704; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S703. (S703) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S701. (S704) Next, the second control panel 16B made a request for the second priority user U2 to enter the depot. (S705) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S707; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S706. (S706) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, etc., if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the process returns to S704.

[0071] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the case where the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is removed from the parking system, assuming that the removal time is greater than the predetermined threshold mentioned above.

[0072] (S707) Because the departure time for the first non-priority user U1's departure call is greater than a predetermined threshold, the second priority user U2's arrival call takes priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, in order to bring in the second vehicle M, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the arrival / departure room 10, and the empty tray 18 is loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the arrival / departure room 10 (see Figure 3). (S708) Door B14B opens. (S709) The second priority passenger, U2, boards vehicle M, and vehicle M enters the loading / unloading room 10 through door B14B. Then, the second priority passenger, U2, disembarks from vehicle M and exits the loading / unloading room 10. (S710) The second priority user U2 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (S711) The vehicle M carrying the second priority user U2 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0073] (S712) Next, in order to release the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed into the loading / unloading room 10. The tray 18 is then placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the loading level of the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the second priority user U2 has already left the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage area away from the position of the lifting device. (S713) Here, in order to move the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 out to the non-priority user lane 12A, the built-in turntable 18A rotates 180 degrees so that the front of the vehicle M faces the door A14A (see Figure 5). (S714) Door A14A opens. (S715) At this point, the first non-priority user U1 boards vehicle M and exits the parking area 10 through door A14A. (S716) The first non-priority user U1 disembarks from vehicle M, confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and safe, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (S717) After departure, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed.

[0074] Thus, if the departure call for the first non-priority user U1 and the arrival call for the second priority user U2 occur at the same time, and the departure time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the arrival operation for the second priority user U2 takes priority and is performed before the departure operation for the first non-priority user U1. In this arrival / departure pattern, when the first non-priority user U1 departs, the arrival operation for the second priority user U2, which was performed earlier, has been completed and the second priority user U2 has left the priority user lane 12B. Therefore, the built-in turntable 18A may not be rotated, and the first non-priority user U1 may enter the arrival / departure room 10 through door A14A, board vehicle M, and depart from the side of door B14B. Even in this case, the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 will not meet. The method of entering the loading / unloading room 10 through door A14A and exiting through door B14B will be explained later in the description of Figure 14.

[0075] [When the first non-priority user exits and the second priority user enters, and the priority user enters later.] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the state in one embodiment of the present invention where the exit operation of non-priority user U1 and the entry operation of priority user U2 overlap, and the entry operation of priority user U2 is performed later.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, (S801) The first control panel 16A made a call for the first non-priority user U1 to leave the depot. (S802) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S804; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S803. (S803) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S801. (S804) Next, the second control panel 16B made a request for the second priority user U2 to enter the depot. (S805) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S807; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S806. (S806) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the process returns to S804.

[0077] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the process assuming that the vehicle exit time for the first non-priority user U1 is less than the predetermined threshold mentioned above.

[0078] (S807) The departure time for the first non-priority user U1's departure call is assumed to be less than a predetermined threshold, that is, the tray 18 on which the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed is being moved on the lifting device, or the tray 18 has landed at the boarding level of the entry / exit room 10. In such a case, even if the entry / exit call of the priority user U2 has been received, prioritizing the mechanical operation of the tray 18 on which the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed will result in a shorter entry / exit time for the second priority user U2. Therefore, the departure call of the first non-priority user U1 is prioritized, and the second priority user U2 waits in the priority user lane 12B. During this time, mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the entry / exit room 10 for the second priority user U2's vehicle M to enter, and preparatory operation may be performed in the direction that the empty tray 18 approaches a lifting device (not shown). (S808) Here, in order to move the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 out to the non-priority user lane 12A, the built-in turntable 18A rotates 180 degrees so that the front of the vehicle M faces the door A14A (see Figure 5). (S809) Door A14A opens. (S810) The first non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A and exits vehicle M. (S811) The first non-priority user U1 then disembarks from vehicle M, confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is empty and that safety has been checked, and closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. Since tray 18 becomes an empty tray after departure, it remains stopped at the boarding level of the entry / exit room 10.

[0079] (S812) When the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 exits the parking lot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, making it possible for the next vehicle to enter. In this embodiment, the door B14B opens to allow the second priority user U2 to enter. (S813) The second priority user U2 places vehicle M into an empty tray 18 prepared in the loading / unloading room 10, disembarks from vehicle M, and leaves the loading / unloading room 10. (S814) The second priority user U2, who has left the room, confirms that the entrance / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (S815) The vehicle M entered by the second priority user U2 is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area. If storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M is not stored in the storage area and waits in the loading / unloading room 10 for the machine operation to be completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M is stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area is moved to the loading / unloading room 10 and the machine operation is completed after it lands.

[0080] Thus, when a vehicle departure call for the first non-priority user U1 and a vehicle arrival call for the second priority user U2 occur at the same time, and the vehicle departure time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is less than a predetermined threshold, the vehicle departure operation for the first non-priority user U1 takes priority and is performed before the vehicle arrival operation for the second priority user U2.

[0081] [When the first non-priority user exits the parking lot and the second priority user exits, the priority user exits first.] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a scenario in one embodiment of the present invention where the vehicle departure operation of non-priority user U1 and the vehicle departure operation of priority user U2 overlap, with priority user U2's departure operation being performed first.

[0082] As shown in Figure 14, (S901) On the first control panel 16A, a dispatch call was made for the first non-priority user U1. (S902) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If it is determined that the code is registered, the process proceeds to S904; if it is determined that the code is not registered, the process proceeds to S903. (S903) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S901. (S904) Next, a dispatch call for the second priority user U2 was made on the second control panel 16B. (S905) It is determined whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is determined to be registered, the process proceeds to S907; if the code is determined to be unregistered, the process proceeds to S906. (S906) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to S904.

[0083] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system 1, assuming that both the first non-priority user U1 and the second priority user U2 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain the case where the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is removed from the parking system, assuming that the removal time is greater than the predetermined threshold mentioned above.

[0084] Since the departure time for the second priority user U2's departure call is less than a predetermined threshold, the second priority user U2's departure call takes priority, and the first non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user lane 12A. During this time, a mechanical operation may be performed to call the tray 18 on which the first vehicle M is placed. In this case, a mechanical operation may be performed in parallel to move the tray 18 in a storage area (not shown) toward the lifting device. (S907) When the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 is placed lands at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, the built-in turntable rotates so that the front of the vehicle M faces the door B14B. (S908) Door B14B opens. (S909) The second priority user U2 boards vehicle M and exits the parking area 10 through door B14B towards the priority user side lane 12B. (S910) The second priority user U2 gets out of vehicle M, checks for an empty entrance / exit room 10 and for safety, and then closes door B14B by pressing the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (S911) When the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 leaves the depot, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 is moved to the storage unit by the lifting device.

[0085] (S912) Next, a mechanical operation is performed in which the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 is placed is lowered from the storage area to the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10 by a lifting device. (S913) Door A14A opens, and when the first non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10, door A14A closes and door B14B opens. (S914) The first non-priority passenger, U1, boards vehicle M and exits through door B14B. (S915) The first non-priority user U1 gets out of vehicle M, checks for an empty entrance / exit room 10 and for safety, and then closes door B14B by pressing the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (S916) After departure, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed.

[0086] Thus, if the dispatch call for the first non-priority user U1 and the dispatch call for the second priority user U2 occur at the same time, and the dispatch work time for the first non-priority user U1's vehicle M is greater than a predetermined threshold, the dispatch work for the second priority user U2 will take priority and will be performed before the dispatch work for the first non-priority user U1.

[0087] [In the case of the first priority user entering the parking lot and the second non-priority user entering the parking lot] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the state when the entry operation of priority user U2 and the entry operation of non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] As shown in Figure 15, (SA01) The second control panel 16B made a request for the first priority user U2 to enter the parking lot. (SA02) It is determined whether the authentication code stored in the authentication medium held by the first priority user U2 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is determined to be registered, the process proceeds to SA04; if the code is determined to be unregistered, the process proceeds to SA03. (SA03) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to SA01. (SA04) Also, a second non-priority user U1 was called to enter the parking lot via the first control panel 16A. (SA05) The system checks whether the code stored on the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered with the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is found to be registered, the system proceeds to SA07; if the code is found to be unregistered, the system proceeds to SA06. (SA06) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to SA04.

[0089] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system assuming that both the first priority user U2 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain assuming that the entry process for the first priority user U2 will be prioritized because the entry process time for the second non-priority user U1 is greater than the threshold.

[0090] (SA07) When the first priority user U2 calls for vehicle entry, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the entry / exit room 10 in order to enter the vehicle M of the first priority user U2. The empty tray 18 is then placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moves to the entry / exit room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in their vehicle M. In addition, in a storage area (not shown), after the empty tray 18 for the first priority user U2's vehicle M is placed on the lifting device and begins to move, a preparatory operation may be performed in which the empty tray 18 for the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M moves in a direction that approaches the position of the lifting device. (SA08) Door B14B opens. (SA09) The first priority user U2 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B. Then, the first priority user U2 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (SA10) The first priority user U2 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (SA11) The vehicle M, which was entered by the first priority user U2, is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0091] (SA12) Next, in order to bring in the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 into the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage area away from the position of the lifting device. (SA13) Door A14A opens. (SA14) The second non-priority user, U1, boards vehicle M and enters the parking area 10 through door A14A. (See Figure 5). (SA15) The second non-priority user U1 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (SA16) The tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed is moved to the storage area while still mounted on the lifting device and stored in the storage area. However, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M will not be stored in the storage area and will remain in the loading / unloading room 10 until the machine operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M will be stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area will be moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation will be completed after it lands.

[0092] Thus, when the entry call for the first priority user U2 and the entry call for the second non-priority user U1 occur at the same time, the entry of the first priority user U2 is prioritized on the priority user side lane 12B, and the second non-priority user U1 waits on the non-priority user side lane 12A. As a result, the priority user U2 and the non-priority user U1 do not meet, and the entry process for the priority user U2 is prioritized.

[0093] [In the case of the first priority user entering and the second non-priority user exiting] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the state when the entry operation of priority user U2 and the exit operation of non-priority user U1 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] As shown in Figure 16, (SB01) The second control panel 16B made a request for the first priority user U2 to enter the parking lot. (SB02) The system checks whether the authentication code stored on the authentication medium held by the first priority user U2 is registered with the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is found to be registered, the system proceeds to SB04; if the code is found to be unregistered, the system proceeds to SB03. (SB03) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to SB01. (SB04) Also, a dispatch call was made for the second non-priority user U1 on the first control panel 16A. (SB05) The system checks whether the code stored in the authentication medium held by the second non-priority user U1 is registered in the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is determined to be registered, the system proceeds to SA07; if the code is determined to be unregistered, the system proceeds to SA06. (SA06) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the first control panel 16A, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered in the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to SB04.

[0095] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system, assuming that both the first priority user U2 and the second non-priority user U1 are determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain assuming that the first priority user U2's parking operation is prioritized because the second non-priority user U1's exit operation time is greater than the threshold.

[0096] (SB07) When the first priority user U2 calls for vehicle entry, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the entry / exit room 10 in order to enter the vehicle M of the first priority user U2. The empty tray 18 is then loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the entry / exit room 10. In this case, the second non-priority user U1 waits in the non-priority user side lane 12A. In addition, the tray 18 on which the second non-priority user U1's vehicle M is placed may undergo a preparatory operation in a storage area (not shown) that moves in a direction closer to the position of the lifting device after the empty tray 18 for the first priority user U2's vehicle M has been loaded onto the lifting device and has started to move. (SB08) Door B14B opens. (SB09) The first priority user U2 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B. Then, the first priority user U2 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (SB10) The first priority user U2 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (SB11) The vehicle M, which was brought in by the first priority user U2, is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0097] (SB12) Next, in order to release the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1, a mechanical operation is performed to call the tray 18 on which the vehicle M is placed into the loading / unloading room 10. The tray 18 is then moved on a lifting device (not shown) and lands in the loading / unloading room 10. The tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 is placed is rotated 180 degrees by the built-in turntable 18A so that the front of the vehicle M faces the door A14A. In this case, the first priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage unit where it is stored, moving away from the position of the lifting device. (SB13) Door A14A opens. (SB14) The second non-priority passenger, U1, boards vehicle M and exits the entry / exit compartment 10 through door A14A. (See Figure 5). (SB15) The second non-priority passenger U1 disembarks from vehicle M, confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and safe, and then closes door A14A by operating the door close button on the first control panel 16A. (SB16) After departure, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second non-priority user U1 was placed becomes an empty tray 18, and the empty tray 18 waits at the boarding level of the loading / unloading room 10, and the mechanical operation is completed.

[0098] Thus, when the entry call for the first priority user U2 and the exit call for the second non-priority user U1 occur at the same time, the entry of the first priority user U2 is prioritized on the priority user side lane 12B, and the second non-priority user U1 waits on the non-priority user side lane 12A. As a result, the priority user U2 and the non-priority user U1 do not meet, and the entry operation of the priority user U2 is prioritized.

[0099] On the other hand, let's explain the case where the exit time for the second non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold. In this case, we will explain assuming that the entry process for the first priority user U2 is put into a waiting state, and the exit of the second non-priority user U1 is given priority. Note that in this case, "Door A" in steps SB13 to SB15 of Figure 16 should be read as "Door B".

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, when priority is given to the departure of the second non-priority user U1, the first priority user U2 has their vehicle M wait at the position of the stop line 22 displayed on the floor of the priority user lane 12B. At this time, priority user U2 sees the indicator light 24, which is installed near the second control panel 16B and is visible from the priority user U2's vehicle M, displaying "Departure Operation in Progress".

[0101] When non-priority user U1 enters the entry / exit room 10 through door A14A, door A14A closes and door B14B opens. Then, non-priority user U1 boards vehicle M and exits through door B14B. Non-priority user U1 disembarks from vehicle M, operates the door close button on the second control panel 16B to close door B14B, and then boards vehicle M again to exit the priority user lane 12B. At this time, priority user U2 cannot distinguish whether the departing vehicle M belongs to another priority user U2 or non-priority user U1, and therefore does not realize that non-priority user U1 has exited.

[0102] The indicator light 24 changes from displaying "Departure Operation in Progress" to "Entry OK," and priority user U2 performs the entry operation on the second control panel 16B, entering vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B. In this case, since the empty tray 18 from the previous departure is waiting in the entry / exit room 10, door B14B opens without delay.

[0103] Thus, if the exit time for the second non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold, the entry process for the first priority user U2 may be put into a waiting state, and the exit of the second non-priority user U1 may be given priority. This makes it possible to shorten the overall entry and exit time for the mechanical parking system 1.

[0104] [In the case of the first priority user entering the parking lot and the second priority user entering the parking lot] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the state when the entry operation of the first priority user U2 and the entry operation of the second priority user U2 overlap in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] As shown in Figure 17, (SC01) The second control panel 16B made a request for the first priority user U2 to enter the parking lot. (SC02) The system checks whether the authentication code stored on the authentication medium held by the first priority user U2 is registered with the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is found to be registered, the system proceeds to SC04; if the code is found to be unregistered, the system proceeds to SC03. (SC03) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to SC01. (SC04) Next, the second control panel 16B made a request for the second priority user U2 to enter the depot. (SC05) The system checks whether the code stored on the authentication medium held by the second priority user U2 is registered with the mechanical parking device 1. If the code is found to be registered, the system proceeds to SC07; if the code is found to be unregistered, the system proceeds to SC06. (SC06) When the authentication medium is held over the reader on the second control panel 16B, or a PIN is entered into the keypad, etc., if the code is not registered with the mechanical parking device 1, a message such as "Authentication code not registered" is displayed as an unregistered user indication, and the system returns to SC04.

[0106] Here, we will explain the operation of the mechanical parking system assuming that both the first and second priority users U2 have been determined to be registered users of the mechanical parking system 1. Furthermore, we will explain assuming that the parking process for the first priority user U2 will be prioritized because the parking process time for the second priority user U2 is greater than the threshold.

[0107] (SC07) When the first priority user U2 calls for vehicle entry, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 to the entry / exit room 10 in order to enter the vehicle M of the first priority user U2. The empty tray 18 is then loaded onto a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the entry / exit room 10. In this case, the second priority user U2 waits in their vehicle M which is parked in the priority user side lane 12B. In addition, in a storage area (not shown), the empty tray 18 for the second priority user U2's vehicle M may undergo a preparatory operation in which it moves in a direction closer to the position of the lifting device after the empty tray 18 for the first priority user U2's vehicle M has been loaded onto the lifting device and has started to move. (SC08) Door B14B opens. (SC09) The first priority user U2 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B. Then, the first priority user U2 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (SC10) The first priority user U2 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (SC11) The vehicle M, which was entered by the first priority user U2, is moved to the storage area by the lifting device and stored in the storage area.

[0108] (SC12) Next, in order to bring in the vehicle M of the second priority user U2, a mechanical operation is performed to call an empty tray 18 into the loading / unloading room 10, and the tray 18 is placed on a lifting device (not shown) and moved to the loading / unloading room 10. In this case, the first priority user U2 is away from the loading / unloading room 10. In addition, the tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the first priority user U2 is placed may be moved in a storage operation in the storage area away from the position of the lifting device. (SC13) Door B14B opens. (SC14) The second priority user U2 boards vehicle M and drives vehicle M into the entry / exit room 10 through door B14B (see Figure 3). Then, the second priority user U2 disembarks from vehicle M and exits the entry / exit room 10. (SC15) The second priority user U2 confirms that the entry / exit room 10 is unoccupied and that safety has been confirmed, then closes door B14B by operating the door close button on the second control panel 16B. (SC16) The tray 18 on which the vehicle M of the second priority user U2 is placed is moved to the storage area while still mounted on the lifting device and stored in the storage area. However, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would make the storage area full, the vehicle M will not be stored in the storage area and will remain in the loading / unloading room 10 until the machine operation is completed. On the other hand, if storing the vehicle M in the storage area would not make the storage area full, the vehicle M will be stored in the storage area as described above, and the empty tray located in the storage area will be moved to the loading / unloading room 10, and the machine operation will be completed after it lands.

[0109] Thus, if the entry call for the first priority user U2 and the entry call for the second priority user U2 occur at the same time, the entry of the first priority user U2 is given priority on the priority user side lane 12B, and the second priority user U2 waits on the priority user side lane 12B, and the vehicles M are entered in the order of the first and second users.

[0110] As described in detail above, the present invention relates to a method for operating a mechanical parking system comprising: an entry / exit room 10 having a door A14A through which a vehicle M enters and exits on one side, and a door B14B opposite door A14A through which a vehicle enters and exits on the other side; a first control panel 16A installed facing a non-priority user side lane 12A continuous with door A14A and operated by a non-priority user U1; a second control panel 16B installed facing a priority user side lane 12B continuous with door B14B and operated by a priority user U2; and the non-priority user side lane 12A and the priority user side lane 12B being separated so that non-priority users U1 and priority users U2 do not meet each other, wherein the vehicle M of non-priority user U1 enters and exits through door A14A, or enters through door A14A and exits through door B14B, and the vehicle M of priority user U2 enters and exits through door B14B.

[0111] As a result, non-priority user U1 and priority user U2 do not encounter each other and can operate the system using their respective individually installed control panels (first control panel 16A, second control panel 16B). This allows for efficient operation of the mechanical parking system without the non-priority user U1 being aware that priority is given to priority user U2's entry and exit operations.

[0112] Furthermore, in the operation method of the mechanical parking system of the present invention, if the exit operation of non-priority user U1 is earlier than the entry / exit operation of priority user U2, the vehicle M of non-priority user U1 is moved out towards door B14B.

[0113] This allows vehicle M, belonging to non-priority user U1, to exit the depot via a pass-through method on the side of door B14B, thereby shortening the exit operation time.

[0114] Furthermore, in the operation method of the mechanical parking system of the present invention, when the entry and exit operations of priority user U2 and non-priority user U1 are performed at the same time, if the entry and exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the entry and exit operation of priority user U2 is given priority, and if the entry and exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold, the entry and exit operation of non-priority user U1 is given priority.

[0115] As a result, when the entry and exit time for non-priority user U1 is less than a predetermined threshold, the entry and exit operations of non-priority user U1 are prioritized. This eliminates the need to return vehicle M to the storage area when non-priority user U1's vehicle M is being entered or exited, allowing for efficient operation of the mechanical parking system 1 and shortening the overall entry and exit operation time of the mechanical parking system 1.

[0116] Furthermore, in the operation method of the mechanical parking system of the present invention, when the entry / exit operation of priority user U2 is started, if the entry / exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is less than a threshold, the guide light 24 provided in the priority user's lane 12B notifies the priority user U2 that another vehicle M is in the process of exiting.

[0117] This makes it easy to notify priority user U2 that outbound operations are being carried out in the inbound / outbound room 10, allowing priority user U2 to wait for the completion of the outbound operations with peace of mind.

[0118] In this invention, various patterns of entry and exit occur, but the entry / exit room 10 is provided with a door A14A and a door B14B located opposite it. The side with door A14A is designated as the non-priority user lane 12A, and the side with door B14B is designated as the priority user lane 12B, and these are separate laneways. Thus, the mechanical parking system is operated in a way that separates the non-priority user U1 and the priority user U2 so that they do not meet. As a result, even if the entry and exit operations of the priority user U2 are prioritized, it is possible to use an operation method that prevents the priority user U2 and the non-priority user U1 from meeting. Therefore, even if the entry and exit time for the non-priority user U1 is slightly longer, it is not apparent that this is due to the entry and exit operations of the priority user U2.

[0119] Furthermore, when the entry / exit operations of priority user U2 and non-priority user U1 occur at the same time, the operation is designed so that if the entry / exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the entry / exit operation of priority user U2 takes priority, and if the entry / exit operation time of non-priority user U1 is less than the threshold, the entry / exit operation of non-priority user U1 takes priority. As a result, the control device determines when entry / exit can be completed in a short time and performs the mechanical operation accordingly, thereby shortening the overall entry / exit operation time of the mechanical parking system.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it has been explained that when vehicle M leaves the depot, the door closing button is operated to close either door A14A or door B14B. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a system for confirming departure using various imaging devices and sensors may be configured in the depot entry / exit room 10 to perform various controls such as unmanned confirmation, safety confirmation, and door closing operations, thereby automatically closing door A14A or door B14B from vehicle M that has left the depot entry / exit room 10 without the non-priority user U1 or priority user U2 having to disembark.

[0121] The above lists examples of inbound and outbound patterns in the present invention, but of course, other inbound and outbound patterns are also included within the technical scope intended by the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 1. Mechanical parking system 10. Inbound / Outbound Room 10A Floor 10B opening 12A Non-priority user lane (an example of the first lane) 12B Priority user lane (an example of a second lane) 14A Door A (An example of the first door) 14B Door B (An example of the second door) 16A First control panel (an example of a control panel for non-priority users) 16B Second control panel (an example of a control panel for priority users) 18 trays, empty trays 18A Built-in Turntable 18B Rotation Trajectory 20 External Turntable 22 Stop line 24 Guide lights M Vehicle U1 Non-priority user U2 priority user

Claims

1. An entry / exit compartment having a first door through which vehicles enter and exit on one side, and a second door opposite the first door through which vehicles enter and exit on the other side, A first control panel is installed facing the first roadway which is continuous with the first door, and is operated by non-priority users. It has a second control panel installed facing the second roadway which is continuous with the second door, and which is operated by priority users, The first lane and the second lane are a method of operating a mechanical parking system that is separated so that non-priority users and priority users do not come into contact with each other. Vehicles of non-priority users may enter and exit the depot through the first door, or enter through the first door and exit through the second door. The vehicle of the aforementioned priority user enters and exits the depot through the second door, When the loading / unloading operations of the priority user and the loading / unloading operations of the non-priority user are performed at the same time, the loading / unloading operations of the priority user are given priority if the loading / unloading operation time of the non-priority user is greater than a predetermined threshold, and the loading / unloading operations of the non-priority user are given priority if the loading / unloading operation time of the non-priority user is less than the threshold. Operation method for mechanical parking systems.

2. The method for operating a mechanical parking system according to claim 1, wherein if the exit operation of the non-priority user is earlier than the entry / exit operation of the priority user, the vehicle of the non-priority user is moved out toward the second door.

3. When the entry / exit operation of the priority user is initiated, if the entry / exit operation time of the non-priority user is less than the threshold, the priority user is notified by a guide light provided in the second lane that another vehicle user is in the process of exiting the parking space, the method of operating a mechanical parking system according to claim 1 or 2.

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