U.S. patent application number 10/347520 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure.
Invention is credited to Segal, Maurice, Weiss, Menachem P..
Application Number | 20050095092 10/347520 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24485090 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050095092 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Segal, Maurice ; et
al. |
May 5, 2005 |
Multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure
Abstract
A multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure comprising a
plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies respectively
located on a plurality of structure levels through which a central
air shaft extends vertically. Each assembly comprises a rotary
platform surrounding the shaft that is rotatable about a vertical
axis of rotation extending through the shaft. In one embodiment, at
least two oppositely directed vehicle elevators vertically and
separately displaceable in the shaft have respective, substantially
parallel, base centre lines that are off-radial with respect to the
axis of rotation. Each rotary platform has a plurality of parking
spaces arranged in circular array with respect to the axis of
rotation and having respective base centre lines off-radially
inclined in the same sense with respect to the axis of rotation
Each rotatable platform is rotatably displaceable so as to bring
any selected pair of opposite parking spaces into respective
communication with the elevators with the central base lines of the
elevators being co-directional with the central base lines of the
selected parking spaces. The structure further comprises at least
one vehicle entry and exit level for selective communication with
the elevators for transfer thereto and therefrom of vehicles to be
parked and to be retrieved. Motorised dollies transport vehicles
between the elevators and the parking spaces on the stationary
platform.
Inventors: |
Segal, Maurice; (Jerusalem,
IL) ; Weiss, Menachem P.; (Haifa, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.
624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Family ID: |
24485090 |
Appl. No.: |
10/347520 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10347520 |
Jan 21, 2003 |
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PCT/IL01/00658 |
Jul 18, 2001 |
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PCT/IL01/00658 |
Jul 18, 2001 |
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09620228 |
Jul 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
414/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 6/282 20130101;
E04H 6/245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/263 |
International
Class: |
E04H 006/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure, comprising:
a plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies respectively
located on a plurality of structure levels; a central air shaft
extending vertically through said levels; each assembly comprising
a rotary platform surrounding said shaft and rotatable about a
vertical axis of rotation extending substantially through said
shaft; at least two oppositely directed vehicle elevators
vertically and separately displaceable in said shaft and having
respective, substantially parallel, base centre lines which are
off-radial with respect to said axis of rotation; each of said
rotary platforms having defined thereon a plurality of parking
spaces arranged in circular array with respect to said axis of
rotation and having respective base centre lines off-radially
inclined in the same sense with respect to said axis of rotation;
said base centre lines of said vehicle elevators and of said
parking spaces being substantially tangentially directed with
respect to a circle centred on said axis of rotation and of
diameter substantially equal to the normal distance between the
parallel base centre lines of said vehicle elevators; each
rotatable platform being rotatably displaceable so as to bring any
selected pair of opposite parking spaces into respective
communication with said elevators with the central base lines of
said elevators being substantially co-directional with the central
base lines of the selected parking spaces; at least one vehicle
entry and exit level for selective communication with said
elevators for transfer thereto and therefrom respectively vehicles
to be parked and to be retrieved; motorised dollies for
transporting vehicles from and to said elevators to and from
parking spaces on said stationary platform co-directional with said
elevators; and drive means for respectively rotatably displacing
said rotatable platforms and for vertically displacing said
elevators
2. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 1 wherein each
platform assembly furthermore comprises a stationary platform
surrounding the rotary platform and having defined thereupon a
plurality of like off-radial parking spaces, there being
furthermore provided motorised dollies for transporting vehicles
from and to said rotary platforms to and from parking spaces on
said stationary platforms. A vehicle parking structure according to
claim 2 wherein there are furthermore provided additional elevators
located adjacent to an outer periphery of each rotary parking
platform and having similarly off-radial center lines
3. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 2 wherein there
are furthermore provided additional elevators, vertical
displaceable in additional elevator shafts located adjacent to an
outer periphery of each rotary parking platform and having
similarly off-radial center lines.
4. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 3 wherein said
additional elevators are located in intervals formed in said
stationary platforms.
5. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 1 wherein there
are provided a pair of successive entry and exit of said structure
and wherein one or more of said elevators is/are formed with
double, superimposed decks designed respectively to communicate
with respective successive entry and exit levels of said
structure.
6. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 1 wherein two
pairs of said oppositely directed elevators are provided, each pair
being directed substantially normally with respect to the other
pair.
7. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 1 wherein a
vehicle entry turn-table is provided having an automatic centering
device for aligning the entering vehicle with the associated
elevator center-line.
8. A multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure, comprising:
a plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies respectively
located on a plurality of structure levels; a central air shaft
extending vertically through said levels; each assembly comprising
a stationary platform surrounding said shaft and substantially
coaxial with said shaft; at least two oppositely directed vehicle
elevators separately displaceable in a vertical direction in said
shaft and being rotatable as a unit in said shaft about a vertical
axis of rotation extending through said shaft, said pair of
elevators having respective, substantially parallel, base center
lines which are off-radial with respect to said axis of rotation;
each of said stationary platforms having defined thereon a
plurality of parking spaces arranged in circular array with respect
to said axis of rotation and having respective base center lines
off-radially inclined in the same sense with respect to said axis
of rotation; said parallel base center lines of said vehicle
elevators and of said parking spaces being substantially
tangentially directed with respect to a circle centered on said
axis of rotation and of diameter substantially equal to the normal
distance between the parallel base center lines of said vehicle
elevators; said elevators being rotatably displaceable so as to
bring the central base lines thereof into respective communication
with any selected pair of opposite parking spaces with the central
base lines of said elevators being substantially co-directional
with the central base lines of the selected parking spaces at least
one vehicle entry and exit level for selective communication with
said elevators for transfer thereto and therefrom respectively
vehicles to be parked and to be retrieved; motorised dollies for
transporting vehicles from and to said elevators to and from
parking spaces on said stationary platform co-directional with said
elevators, and for return to their respective elevators; and drive
means for respectively rotatably displacing said elevators and for
their separate vertical displacement.
9. A multi-level automated vehicle parking structure comprising: a
plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies respectively
located on a plurality of parking levels of said structure; each
assembly comprising a rotary, annular parking platform having a
vertical axis of rotation and a stationary, annular platform
surrounding said rotary platform, each of said platforms having
defined thereon a plurality of parking spaces arranged in circular
array with respect to said vertical axis; a plurality of elevator
shafts located, adjacent to peripheries of the rotatable platforms
and being vertically displaceable for communication with the
parking spaces on the rotatable platforms of each of said levels to
convey vehicles to, and to retrieve vehicles from selected levels;
each rotatable platform being rotatably displaceable so as to bring
any selected parking space thereon into and out of selective
communication with the or each elevators and into and out of
selective communicating, co-directional alignment of a parking
space thereon with a parking space on said stationary platform;
motorised dollies respectively for transporting vehicles from and
to said elevators to and from aligned vacant parking spaces on said
rotary platform; motorised dollies for transporting vehicles from
and to said rotary platforms to and from parking spaces on said
stationary platforms; at least one vehicle entry and exit level for
selective communication with said elevators for transfer thereto
and therefrom of respectively of vehicles to be parked and to be
retrieved; and drive means for respectively rotatably displacing
said rotatable platforms and for vertically displacing said
elevators.
10. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 9 wherein said
vehicle entry and exit level comprises: a rotatable transfer
platform having defined thereon a plurality of vehicle transfer
locations arranged in circular array with respect to a vertical
axis of rotation of said platform; said elevators being vertically
displaceable for selective communication with the transfer
locations and the parking spaces on the rotatable platforms of each
of said levels to convey vehicles to, and to retrieve vehicles from
said levels; a plurality of vehicle entry and exit stations
radially distributed about an outer periphery of said rotatable
transfer platform, each station being rotatable between vehicle
entry and exit positions and an intermediate vehicle delivery and
collecting position aligned with a vehicle transfer location; said
rotatable transfer platform being rotatably displaceable so as to
bring any selected transfer location thereon into alignment with
said station entry and exit position so as to receive a vehicle
from or to deliver a vehicle to said station and so as to bring any
selected transfer location thereon into alignment with an elevator
so as to deliver a vehicle to or receive a vehicle from said
elevator; and motorised dollies for transporting vehicles from and
to said transfer stations to and from aligned transfer locations of
said transfer level; and for transporting vehicles from and to said
elevators to and from aligned transfer locations and parking
spaces.
11. A parking structure according to claim 9 wherein the radial
distribution of said elevators and said vehicle stations with
respect to the radial distribution of the transfer locations are
such that rotary displacement of said transfer platform into
alignment with an entry/exit position of a vehicle station results
in the simultaneous respective alignment of the entry/exit
positions of the other vehicle
12. A parking structure according to claim 10 wherein motorised
dollies are positioned on a central turntable of said structure
coaxial with and surrounded by said transfer platform, said
turntable being rotatable so as to align an available dolly with an
aligned entry/exit position of a vehicle station and an aligned
transfer location on said transfer platform whereby said available
dolly can be displaced through said aligned transfer location into
said aligned entry/exit position so to be loaded with a vehicle and
to displace said vehicle to said transfer location, or so as to be
loaded with a vehicle in said transfer location and to displace it
into said vehicle station, in either case the unloaded dolly
returning to said central turntable.
13. A vehicle parking structure according to claim 9 wherein there
are provided a pair of successive entry and exit of said structure
and wherein one or more of said elevators is/are formed with
double, superimposed decks designed respectively to communicate
with respective successive entry and exit levels of said structure.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending parent
application PCT/IL01/00658 in which the U.S. has been designated,
filed 18 Jul. 2001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference, itself claiming priority from U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/620,228, filed 20 Jul. 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates, in general, to a multi-level,
automated parking structure wherein entering vehicles can be
automatically transferred by one or more elevators to levels of
generally circular, particularly annular construction having vacant
parking spaces and wherein means are provide for transferring
vehicles from the elevators to the vacant parking spaces and, in
reverse, for transferring the vehicles from the parking spaces to
the elevators for subsequent retrieval.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Automated parking systems are known which are provided with
computerized and mechanical means to take control over a vehicle
upon its arrival and to park it automatically in an available
parking space, the vehicle being later returned to its driver, on
demand. Recent developments in computerization and automation have
lowered labor costs and rendered these systems speedier and more
reliable. Automated parking systems offer obvious advantages over
ramped garages, such as a saving in driver time and in fuel
consumption, as well as the elimination of noxious fumes. These
systems also minimize the dangers of accidents, theft and
violence.
[0004] Nevertheless, few automated parking systems have actually
been installed or enjoyed financial success, possibly because of
high cost but mainly due to their inability to carry out vehicle
parking and retrieving rapidly and efficiently enough when many
clients are waiting in line, namely their steady throughput is too
low and not reliable.
[0005] The prior art contains examples of automated parking
structures having successive circular, particularly annular parking
levels, none of which, however, have provided a solution for the
combined problems of construction costs and rapid vehicle
throughput. Such examples are to be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,915,908; 5,851,098; 5,674,040; 5,478,182; 4,039,089, CH 684,203
A5; and European 0445,712-A1.
[0006] Of particular interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,676 which
discloses a circular parking garage which includes from two up to
five rotating elevators in a central shaft of the parking system.
This structure is volume-consuming as the inner diameter of the
center, devoted to vehicle transfer, is very large, because of the
spatial requirements of a central structural shaft wherein a
plurality of rotatable elevators are located.
[0007] Also of interest is the disclosure in JP 4,149,377 of a
multilevel parking structure, each level comprising a pair of
coaxial rotary parking platforms respectively and independently
served by inner and outer elevators. The structure is not provided
with any means for ensuring transfer of vehicles from one rotating
platform to its coaxial neighbor. Furthermore the location and mode
of operation of the elevators do not, for example, offer any
back-up provision for the eventuality that the inner elevator fails
to function.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,091 discloses a circular parking system
using rotatable carousels to transfer vehicles to concentric spaces
in a round, special purpose building. A few such carousels act to
move the cars vertically and, by rotation of the carousel, also
horizontally. Here one carousel is not able to approach the
entrance of other levels because another carousel occupies the
space at that time. Hence the response time of the system is slow.
Also, the center shaft is dedicated to car transfer and therefore
the volumetric efficiency of the system is relatively small.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,571 includes a ring of elevators, but
each elevator serves only certain parking sites, so that temporary
failure of said elevator will prevent exit of vehicles parked in
these sites, so that no redundancy is optional. This patent, like
many others in the prior art, uses pallets rather than dollies for
transferring and storing the vehicles which makes it dependent on a
pallet handling system and additional needed space, that further
reduce the throughput of such system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure in
which at least some of the disadvantages inherent in the prior art
constructions are substantially reduced.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is provided a multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure,
comprising:
[0012] a plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies
respectively located on a plurality of structure levels;
[0013] a central air shaft extending vertically through said
levels;
[0014] each assembly comprising a rotary platform surrounding said
shaft and rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation extending
substantially through said shaft;
[0015] at least two oppositely directed vehicle elevators
vertically and separately displaceable in said shaft and having
respective, substantially parallel, base centre lines which are
off-radial with respect to said axis of rotation;
[0016] each of said rotary platforms having defined thereon a
plurality of parking spaces arranged in circular array with respect
to said axis of rotation and having respective base centre lines
off-radially inclined in the same sense with respect to said axis
of rotation;
[0017] said base centre lines of said vehicle elevators and of said
parking spaces being substantially tangentially directed with
respect to a circle centred on said axis of rotation and of
diameter substantially equal to the normal distance between the
parallel base centre lines of said vehicle elevators;
[0018] each rotatable platform being rotatably displaceable so as
to bring any selected pair of opposite parking spaces into
respective communication with said elevators with the central base
lines of said elevators being substantially co-directional with the
central base lines of the selected parking spaces;
[0019] at least one vehicle entry and exit level for selective
communication with said elevators for transfer thereto and
therefrom respectively vehicles to be parked and to be
retrieved;
[0020] motorised dollies for transporting vehicles from and to said
elevators to and from parking spaces on said stationary platform
co-directional with said elevators; and
[0021] drive means for respectively rotatably displacing said
rotatable platforms and for vertically displacing said
elevators.
[0022] This provision of the structure with a plurality of
centrally located elevatora who centre base lines are not radially
directed with respect to the rotational axis of the structure and,
their association with off-radially directed parking spaces on the
platforms allows for a very significant economy in space in the
central air shaft (as compared with the space required to
accommodate radially directed elevators). This, together with the
possibility of supplementing the central elevators with additional
elevators disposed adjacent the outer peripheries of the rotatable
platforms radically increases the vehicle throughput capacity of
the styructure.
[0023] Preferably, the rotatable platforms are surrounded by
coaxial stationary platforms with similarly off-radial parking
spaces, motorised dollies being provided for transferring vehicles
between each par of coaxial platforms. The outer stationary
platform can be of segmented construction with the outer elevators
being displaceable in the inter-segmentary spaces.
[0024] It will be appreciated that, the provision, in accordance
with this aspect of the invention, of a bank of elevators within
the inner periphery of the rotatable platforms and which are
off-radially directed and which are designed to communicate with
similarly off-radially directed parking spaces on the platforms
allowsw for a maximal number of elevators in a minimal spatial
region thereby considerably contributing to to an increased vehicle
throughput with minimal increase of constructional space.
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided
[0026] a multi-level, automated vehicle parking structure,
comprising:
[0027] a plurality of horizontal, planar platform assemblies
respectively located on a plurality of structure levels;
[0028] a central air shaft extending vertically through said
levels;
[0029] each assembly comprising a stationary platform surrounding
said shaft and substantially coaxial with said shaft;
[0030] at least two oppositely directed vehicle elevators
separately displaceable in a vertical direction in said shaft and
being rotatable as a unit in said shaft about a vertical axis of
rotation extending through said shaft, said pair of elevators
having respective, substantially parallel, base centre lines which
are off-radial with respect to said axis of rotation;
[0031] each of said stationary platforms having defined thereon a
plurality of parking spaces arranged in circular array with respect
to said axis of rotation and having respective base centre lines
off-radially inclined in the same sense with respect to said axis
of rotation;
[0032] said parallel base centre lines of said vehicle elevators
and of said parking spaces being substantially tangentially
directed with respect to a circle centred on said axis of rotation
and of diameter substantially equal to the normal distance between
the parallel base centre lines of said vehicle elevators;
[0033] said elevators being rotatably displaceable so as to bring
the central base lines thereof into respective communication with
any selected pair of opposite parking spaces with the central base
lines of said elevators being substantially co-directional with the
central base lines of the selected parking spaces;
[0034] at least one vehicle entry and exit level for selective
communication with said elevators for transfer thereto and
therefrom respectively vehicles to be parked and to be
retrieved;
[0035] motorised dollies for transporting vehicles from and to said
elevators to and from parking spaces on said stationary platform
co-directional with said elevators, and for return to their
respective elevators; and
[0036] drive means for respectively rotatably displacing said
elevators and for their separate vertical displacement.
[0037] As distinct from the prior art structures, referred to
above, there is the continuing possibility of transfer of vehicles
from the inner rotary to the outer stationary platforms and vice
versa. Furthermore optimal use of constructional space is achieved
when the outer stationary platforms are constructed in segmental
form with the elevators vertically displaceable in the
inter-segmental spaces or intervals.
[0038] Preferably said vehicle entry and exit level comprises:
[0039] a rotatable transfer platform having defined thereon a
plurality of vehicle transfer locations arranged in circular array
with respect to a vertical axis of rotation of said platform;
[0040] said elevators being vertically displaceable for selective
communication with the transfer locations and the parking spaces on
the rotatable platforms of each of said levels to convey vehicles
to, and to retrieve vehicles from said levels;
[0041] a plurality of vehicle entry and exit stations radially
distributed about an outer periphery of said rotatable transfer
platform, each station being rotatable between vehicle entry and
exit positions and an intermediate vehicle delivery and collecting
position aligned with a vehicle transfer location;
[0042] said rotatable transfer platform being rotatably
displaceable so as to bring any selected transfer location thereon
into alignment with said station entry and exit position so as to
receive a vehicle from or to deliver a vehicle to said station and
so as to bring any selected transfer location thereon into
alignment with an elevator so as to deliver a vehicle to or receive
a vehicle from said elevator; and motorised dollies for
transporting vehicles from and to said transfer stations to and
from aligned transfer locations of said transfer level; and for
transporting vehicles from and to said elevators to and from
aligned transfer locations and parking spaces.
[0043] Such an arrangement allows for a radically increase
potential for rapid and effective vehicle throughput especially
during peak traffic times.
[0044] In all cases the motorised dollies which are employed to
transfer vehicles from and to the elevators and between the rotary
and stationary platforms can be of the AGV (Automatic Guided
Vehicle) type whilst appropriate computer controlled systems are
used to ensure the ready elevator availability and the appropriate
positioning of a vacant parking space as well as the control of the
motorised dollies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be carried out in practice, preferred embodiments will now be
described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a multi-level
vehicle parking structure in accordance with the invention;
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-level parking
structure having two elevators installed in a central air shaft
serving the inner perimeter of a rotatable parking platform wherein
the inner elevators and parking spaces are in non-radial alignment
with the center of rotation; all parking places are turned in one
tendency from the radial.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment on which each level of the
multi-level structure is a rotary annular platform serviced by a
central bank of four elevators with non-radial centerlines
operating within a vertical air shaft bordered by the inner
periphery of the non-radial parking platform. An additional, outer
stationary annular non radial array of parking spaces, receives
vehicles from, and returns them to, the rotatable parking
platform.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates the drive-in, drive-out level of an
embodiment according to FIG. 3 wherein a bank of four non-radial
elevators operates within the air shaft of the building, serviced
by several turntables to facilitate easy ingress and egress.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which on every level of
the multi-level structure is a stationary annular parking platform,
with non radial parking places, serviced by a rotating central bank
of two elevators operating within a vertical air shaft bordered by
the inner periphery of the stationary parking platform.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating one level of a parking
structure for parking vehicles with a rotatable annular parking
platform having radially aligned parking spaces. Elevators are
spaced at the outer periphery of said rotating platform and
additional stationary parking spaces between the outer elevators
receive vehicles from, and return them to, the rotatable parking
platform.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of a a
multi-level parking structure having a rotatable annular parking
platform with elevators at its outer periphery. Additional parking
spaces between the outer elevators and an additional inner
stationary central annular parking platform, receive vehicles from,
and return them to, the rotatable parking platform.
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of the drive-in, drive-out
street level of the parking structure of FIG. 7 serviced by twice
as many turntables as the number of elevators.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a parking level in accordance with a
further embodiment of the invention;
[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates an entry/exit level of a further
embodiment in accordance with the invention; and
[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that
includes a double-decker elevator of adjustable deck heights
increases the throughput of the system where there exists separate
drive-in, drive-out levels and parking levels of varying
heights.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle-parking installation generally
indicated by 1. The installation is designed as a circular building
with a central vertical axis X. An entry/exit level 3 may be
located at ground level as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the
entry/exit level 3 may be located above or below ground level, in
which case, the entry/exit level is accessed by one or more ramps.
The parking installation 1 may also have separate entry and exit
levels located at different levels in the installation 1. The
entry/exit level 3 is shared by a plurality of parking levels 2
that may be either above, below or partly above and partly below
the entry/exit level. In accordance with the invention, each
parking level 2 includes one or more circular or annular platforms
that are rotatable around the axis X of the installation 1.
[0058] The installation 1 includes one or more elevator shafts 5
extending vertically through the installation. Each elevator shaft
includes an elevator car 9 for transferring vehicles between each
of the parking levels 2 and the entry/exit level 3. The elevator
shafts may be located in the center of the installation as shown in
FIG. 1, or may be located around the periphery of the
installation.
[0059] Each parking space in the installation 1 preferably has an
associated sensor that determines whether the parking space is
occupied or vacant. A change in the status of each space (occupied
or vacant) is transmitted in real time to a computer and stored in
a database associated with the computer. The sensor may be, for
example, an electromagnetic permeability detector planted in each
parking space which senses the metallic presence of a vehicle
overlying the sensor, to generate a signal which is supplied to the
data base of the computer to indicate whether the parking space is
free or taken.
[0060] When a vehicle enters the entry/exit level 3 the computer
generates a map-giving the existing status of the parking spaces in
the facility and determines the closest vacant parking space on the
parking levels 2 that elevator. The car is delivered into an
elevator car, and the computer then generates a command signal to
the elevator car to rise to the parking level 2 upon which the
determined vacant parking space is located. Movement of vehicles on
the entry/exit level 3 and on the parking levels 2 is by means of
motorized dollies, as described in detail below.
[0061] Where a high throughput is desirable, drive-in and drive-out
facilities can be Located on two levels, for example, with one
being at street level and the other at basement level, accessible
by way of a ramp or ramps. During regular operation, drive-in
facilities could be in the basement and drive-out at street level,
but at peak hours both levels could cooperate to serve either
entering or departing vehicles. The two parking levels can be
served by a double-decker elevator as described in detail
below.
First Embodiment
[0062] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the parking level 2,
generally indicated by 2a. The parking level 2a includes an annular
platform 8 rotatable about the central axis X of the installation.
Two elevator shafts 4 and 6 are centrally located in an interior
central space 26 of the parking level 2a. The elevators 4 and 6
share a common wall 10 that lies on a diameter of the parking level
2a. The elevators 4 and 6 have parallel base centerlines 14a and
14b, respectively, which are off-radial, i.e. neither of which lie
on a diameter of the parking level 2a. The elevator shafts 4 and 6
each have an opening 15a and 15b, respectively, at the parking
level 2a, facing opposite directions. The annular rotatable
platform 8 comprises a plurality of parking spaces 20, having
off-radially aligned center base lines, represented by broken lines
14.
[0063] Transferring a vehicle from an elevator car, for example,
the elevator car 9a located in the elevator shaft 6, to a vacant
parking space 20a takes place at a position wherein the center base
line 24 of the parking space 20a is aligned with the center base
line 16 of the elevator car 9a. The centerlines 14 of the parking
spaces 20, are tangential to a circle 28 having its center at the
axis X, where the diameter of the circle 28 is the distance between
the centerlines 14 and 16, of the two elevator shafts 4 and 6,
respectively.
[0064] This arrangement of the two elevator shafts 4 and 6 in which
the two center lines 14 and 16 do not lie on radii of the parking
level 2 minimizes the area of the central space 26, which need only
occupy an area slightly greater than a single rotating elevator.
(Two central elevators whose centerlines lie on a diameter of a
circular parking level require a central space at least twice the
area of the central space 26). A rotary drive (not shown) rotates
the rotatable platform 8 around the axis X so as to align the
centerline of an available parking space 20 with the center base
line of an elevator car 9a.
[0065] Vehicles 30 are transferred between the elevator cars 9 and
the parking spaces 20 by motorized dollies 17 that are attached to
the floor of the elevator cars 9 by umbilical electrical or
hydraulic cords. The motorized dollies 16 may be, for example,
electrically powered through an umbilical point cord tethered to
the elevator. The cord winds around a spring-loaded reel so that
when the dolly travels out of the elevator, the cord unwinds from
the reel, and when the dolly returns to its elevator station, the
cord rewinds.
Second Embodiment
[0066] Further attention is now directed to FIG. 3, illustrating a
second embodiment of a parking level 2, generally indicated by 2b,
that is part of the parking installation 1. The parking level 2b
comprises an inner annular parking platform 54, and a rotatable
outer parking platform 56. The parking platforms 54 and 56 are both
coaxial with the axis X of the installation 1. The inner platform
54 has a sufficiently large inner diameter to surround a central
region 59 including four elevator shafts 64a-64d, each servicing
all levels of the installation 1.
[0067] The central region 59 is divided into four quadrants A, B, C
and D by a cruciform partition wall 70.
[0068] In each one of the elevators 64a-64d, is an elevator car 9
upon which an electrically-powered motorized dolly 76 is installed.
The motorized dolly 76 is loadable by a vehicle to be parked and
functions in the same manner previously described, to transfer a
vehicle from an elevator car 9 to a vacant parking space 80 that is
in line with the elevator. As in the previous embodiment, the
center base lines of the parking spaces 80 do not lie on a radius
of the parking platform 2b. The center base lines 82a-82d of the
elevators 64a-64d, respectively, coincide with the center base
lines 86 of a parking space 80.
[0069] The center base lines 86 of the parking spaces 80, are
tangential to a circle 90 having a common center with the center X
of the installation, where the diameter of the circle 90 is the
distance between the centerlines of each pair of elevators 64a and
64b; and 64c and 64d.
[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the elevator shafts
64a-64d in the central bank operate independently. Hence, if four
vehicles to be parked enter the installation, they need not await
their turn to be parked. Each vehicle may be driven into a
different elevator in the elevator bank and transported by that
elevator to a level 2b in the installation having an available
parking space. The outer platform is rotated so that a vacant
parking space (e.g. the space 80a) is aligned with the elevator.
The number of parking spaces is a multiple of four, so that when a
parking space is aligned with one elevator, a parking space is
aligned with each of the remaining three elevators, so that up to
four vehicle transfers from or to the elevators can take place on a
single parking level 2b simultaneously.
[0071] In the facility illustrated in FIG. 3 there is a bank of
four elevators 64a-64d in the central region 59. However, the bank
may consist of only two or three elevators depending on the
required operating time of the system. Thus with a facility having
10 levels, four elevators operating simultaneously may be necessary
to achieve rapid parking. However, if there are only four levels in
the facility, a bank of two elevators may be sufficient to provide
acceptable fast service.
[0072] The outer stationary platform 56 and the inner rotary
platform 54 each has a circular array of parking spaces 80. The
outer stationary platform 56 has a greater number of parking places
than the inner rotary platform 54. The motorized dollies, 57 are
powered by a rechargeable battery power pack, and are therefore
untethered. The dolly is therefore itinerant, being free to travel
throughout the facility to transfer vehicles to and from spaces in
the rotary platform 54 and spaces in the stationary platform 56.
The itinerant dollies, when not active, are stationed in vacant
spaces in the stationary platform.
[0073] Encircling the stationary platform 56 is a rail 59 with
sockets for recharging the power pack of a dolly when a plug at the
rear of the pack engages the socket (not shown).
[0074] Since the outer platform 56 is stationary, an elevator 61
may be located in the platform 56 to carry a vehicle to be parked
to any level of the facility having a vacant space.
[0075] When a vehicle at the entry/exit 3 level wishes to enter one
of the elevators 64a-64d, the vehicle must be correctly oriented
with respect to the center line 82a-82d of the respective elevator,
so that the center line of the entering vehicle is aligned with the
center line of the elevator so that the vehicle does not veer to
one side of the elevator.
[0076] Attention is now directed to FIG. 4 which illustrates the
entry/exit level 3 of a parking installation 1 having the parking
levels 2b. Four turntables 92a-92d are provided each enclosed
within a cylindrical shell 98a-98d, respectively. Each cylindrical
shell 98a to 98d has an entry opening 100a-100d for a vehicle to be
parked, and an exit opening 102a-102d for a departing vehicle. In
operation, a vehicle 110 rides onto the turntable 92a through the
entry opening 102a, as shown in FIG. 4, and is rotated so that the
center line of the vehicle 10 is aligned with the centerline of
elevator 64a. Hence the vehicle 110 can now move into the elevator
64d and be loaded on the dolly 76 stationed therein.
[0077] When a vehicle 114 departs the installation 1, it is brought
down by an elevator, say elevator 64c, and is deposited by its
dolly 76 onto the turntable 92c The turntable 92c then turns to
align the vehicle 114 thereon with exit opening 102c so as to
permit the vehicle to depart the installation.
Third Embodiment
[0078] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a parking level 2,
generally indicated by 2c. In this embodiment, the installation 1
comprises two elevators 156a and 156b located within a rotatable
central circular region 160 in the interior of an annular
stationary platform 162. The elevators 156a and 156b share a common
wall 164 that lies on a diameter of the parking level 2c. The
elevators 156a and 156b have parallel center base lines 166a and
166b respectively that face in opposite directions that are not
radially aligned. The platform 162 comprises a plurality of
non-radially aligned parking spaces 166, represented by dashed
lines 166. The difference between the present embodiment and that
illustrated in FIG. 1 resides in that the platform 162 is
stationary and is served by the rotary bank of elevators 156a and
156b.
[0079] The bank of elevators rotates, until they are aligned with a
parking space. Although the elevators turn together, they travel
vertically quite independently which differentiates them from a
single central elevator system with two parking places.
Fourth Embodiment
[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the parking level
2, generally indicated by 2d. The parking level 2d comprises a
rotatable annular platform 214 and a stationary platform 224
surrounding the annular platform 214. Rotatable platform 214 is
divided into segments, i.e. is segmented and has a circular array
of parking spaces 216 for vehicles 218 and stationary platform 224
has a circular array of parking spaces 226 for vehicles 228. The
parking spaces in both platforms 214 and 224 extend radially with
respect to the axis X of the installation 1. The parking level 2d
also includes four elevators 210 which are vertically displaceable
in the inter-segmentary intervals in the stationary platform 224.
Each elevator 210 carries an electrically powered motorized dolly
211 adapted to accommodate and be loaded by a vehicle to be parked
which is transported by the elevator 210 to the parking level 2d on
whose rotatable platform 214 is a vacant parking space 216. The
platform 214 is then rotated to align the vacant space 216 with the
elevator 210. The dolly 211 then transfers the vehicle 218 from the
elevator to the parking space 216 where it is unloaded from the
dolly. The unloaded dolly 211 then returns to the elevator 210 so
that it can subsequently retrieve the parked vehicle or receive
another vehicle to be parked.
[0081] Vehicles can be transferred between the rotatable platform
214 and parking spaces 226 on the outer stationary platform 224 and
back by means of an electrically powered, motorized dolly 222 on a
turntable 220 whose center is the axis X of the instillation 1. The
rotatable platform 214 rotates so that the vehicle to be
transferred is aligned with an available parking space 226 on the
stationary platform 224. At the same time central turntable 220
rotates and aligns dolly 222 with the vehicle and the available
parking space 226. Dolly 222 is then powered to travel under the
vehicle, load it, transfer it to the available parking space 226 on
the stationary platform 224, unload it there and then return to the
turntable 220. In reverse, a vehicle 228 parked on the stationary
platform 224 can be transferred to the rotatable platform 214. As
the dolly 222 only travels in straight lines, it can be tethered to
the center of the turntable 220 by an umbilical electric line.
Fifth Embodiment
[0082] Attention is now directed to FIG. 7 illustrating another
embodiment 2e of a parking level 2 of the parking installation 1.
The parking platform 2d comprises an inner annular rotatable
platform 254 and an outer annular stationary platform 256
surrounding the inner platform 254. Parking spaces are arranged in
the outer annular platform with the center base line of each
parking space being oriented radially on the platform. Stationary
platform 256 includes a bank of three elevators 264a,b and c. The
elevators 264a-264c communicate with the parking spaces on the
inner rotatable platforms 254 of each of the parking levels to
convey vehicles to, and to retrieve vehicles from, the parking
level 2d. Rotating the inner annular platform 254 brings each
parking space on the rotatable platform 254 into and out of
alignment with an elevator 264 and into and out of alignment with a
parking space 282 on the stationary platform 256.
[0083] An electrically powered, motorized dolly 276 is stationed on
each of the elevators that is adapted to accommodate and be loaded
by a vehicle that is to be parked. The rotatable inner platform 254
is rotated so as to align a vacant parking space with the elevator
264. The dolly 276 is then powered to transport the vehicle from
the elevator 264 to the vacant parking space on the rotatable
platform 254 and to unload the vehicle in the vacant space. The
unloaded dolly 276 then returns to its station in the elevator 264
so that it can subsequently retrieve the parked vehicle or receive
another vehicle to be parked.
[0084] Vehicles can be transferred between the rotatable platform
254 and the stationary platform 256 by means of
electrically-powered motorized dollies 258, stationed on a
turntable 260, whose center is on the axis X of the installation 1.
The rotatable platform 254 is rotated so that a vehicle in a
parking space on the rotatable platform 254 is aligned with an
available parking space 282 on the stationary parking platform 258.
At the same time, the central turntable 260 rotates and aligns an
electrically powered dolly 258 with the vehicle and the available
parking space 282. One of two dollies 258 is then powered to run
under the vehicle, load it, transfer it to the available parking
space on stationary platform 256, unload it and return to turntable
260. As the dollies travel in straight lines they can be tethered
to the center of the turntable 260 by an umbilical electric cord
which winds around a spring-loaded reel so that, when the dolly 258
leaves the turntable 260 the cord unwinds and when the dolly
returns to the turntable the cord then rewinds. The two dollies 258
are shown in FIG. 7 as lying on the same diameter of the turntable
260. In this case the two dollies 258 can only move along radii
separated by 180.degree.. Alternatively, each dolly can be
supported on a small platform at the extremity of an arm (not
shown) that pivots on the axis X (the two arms thus acting like the
hands of a clock) so that each dolly can move along radii having
any angle between them.
[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates an entry/exit level 3a of an embodiment
of the parking installation 1 having the parking levels 2d shown in
FIG. 7. The entry/exit level 3a includes a rotatable transfer
platform 252 and the bank of three elevators 264a-264c. Seven
turntables 290 are located outside the rotatable transfer platform
252. The turntables 290 are enclosed by security walls or screens
292 having three openings that can be closed off by roll down
shutters. An entry opening 294 for a drive-in vehicle, an exit
opening 296 for a drive-out vehicle and a security opening 298.
Each security wall 292 and corresponding turntable 290 can serve as
a drive-in or a drive-out facility, thus at particular peak hours
most, or all, of the seven turntables, could serve arriving
vehicles and at other peak hours, departing vehicles.
[0086] An important feature of this embodiment is that the center
base lines of the three elevators 264 are 22.5.degree. apart and
the center base lines of the seven turntables 290 lie on radial
lines 45.degree. apart. The rotatable transfer platform 252 in the
entry/exit level has 16 transfer spaces on radial lines
22.5.degree. apart. The rotation of the rotatable transfer platform
252 is programmed to stop precisely with the center base line of a
transfer space 291 aligned with the center base line of an elevator
264. Due to the 16-fold radial symmetry of parking level 2d, the
remaining 2 elevators and the 7 turntables will also be aligned
with other transfer spaces 291 so that a number of vehicle
transfers can take place simultaneously to and from elevators
264a-264c and to and from turntables 290 while the rotatable
transfer platform 252 is temporarily stationary.
[0087] An arriving vehicle rides onto a turntable 290 and is
rotated thereby so that the center base line of the vehicle is
radially aligned with a transit space 291 on the rotatable transit
platform 252. An electrically powered mechanical dolly 270 on a
central turntable 272 transfers the vehicle from the turntable 290
to a transient space 291 on the rotatable transfer platform 252.
The alignment of an available parking space 291 on the rotatable
transform platform 252 and a vehicle on a turntable 290 generates a
command to the dolly 270 to cross the rotatable transfer platform
274, which is stationary during the transfer, and enter the
security cell 292 through opening 298. It then loads the vehicle
standing on the turntable 290, transfers it to a transfer space 291
on the rotating transfer platform 252, unloads it and returns to
turntable 272. The reverse procedure is performed when a vehicle is
to be moved from the rotatable transfer platform 252 to a turntable
290. The motorized dollies 270 may be powered through umbilical
cords tethered to the turntable 272. The four motorized dollies on
the center turntable 272 are shown at fixed right angles to each
other, so that when the turntable 272 is aligned with a turntable
290, the other three dollies will be aligned with three other
turntables 290. As described above, the four dollies can also be
supported by swinging arms (not shown) that pivot around the
central axis, much like the hands of a clock.
[0088] Vehicles are transferred from the rotatable transfer
platform 252 to an elevator 264 by an electrically-powered,
motorized tethered dolly 276 stationed in the elevator; which moves
under the vehicle on the rotatable transfer platform; loads the
vehicle and transfers it to the elevator which then rises or
descends to a parking level. The reverse procedure occurs when a
departing vehicle is to be moved an elevator 264 to the rotatable
transfer platform 252, and in a further transfer, onto a turntable
290 during departure.
Sixth Embodiment
[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates a parking level 2 in accordance with
another embodiment generally indicated by 2e. This embodiment
includes an inner stationary platform 325, an outer stationary
platform 330, and a rotatable platform 315. It also includes six
equally spaced elevators 310 in the outer stationary platform 330.
A dolly 305 parked on a central turntable 320 and tethered to a
central point of said turntable, is enabled to transfer a vehicle
from the rotatable parking platform 315 to a parking space on the
inner stationary parking platform 325 and also to perform the
reverse procedure. The large number of parking spaces on every
level necessitates a large number of elevators (6). Spacing of
vehicles on the parking level 2e is along radial lines at
12.degree. spacing from each other. Elevators are on radial lines
spaced 60.degree. apart. Every parking space on the inner
stationary platform 325 is radially aligned with every second
parking space on the rotatable parking platform 315. Thus when one
of the 30 parking spaces on the rotatable parking platform 315 is
aligned with an elevator, another five parking spaces will
simultaneously be aligned with the remaining 5 elevators and 15 of
the parking spaces will be simultaneously aligned with 15 parking
spaces on the inner circular parking platform 325. At peak arrival
and departure times, these features increase the number of vehicles
that can be handled simultaneously.
[0090] FIG. 10 illustrates an entry/exit level 3b of an embodiment
of the parking installation 1 having parking levels 2d. The
entry/exit level 3b includes turntables 290 enclosed by security
mesh with roll down gates 292 for drive-in entry, drive-out exit
and transfers between turntable and elevator, as in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 8. In comparison to that embodiment, a rotatable
transfer platform 252 has a greater diameter and there are more
turntables. Each of six dollies 400 is tethered to an individual
transfer platform 410 which travels on arcuate tracks 420 in
shallow recesses 425 in the central area. The upper surface of each
platform 410 is level with the overall floor level, the level of
the platform 252 and the level of the turntables 290. Each platform
410 is motorized and travels between two radii connecting the
center of two adjacent turntables to the axis X of the instillation
1. The platform 410 is positioned at one limit of its travel, at
which position it's center base line and the center base line of
the dolly 400 is carrying is aligned with a vehicle on a turntable.
The dolly leaves its platform, travels over a vacant parking space
on the rotatable transfer platform 430, stops under the vehicle;
lifts it and carries it to the vacant parking space, unloads it and
returns to the small platform. The process is reversed when a
vehicle is to be moved from the rotatable parking platform to the
turntable.
Seventh Embodiment
[0091] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the elevator car 9 that
may be used with any of the embodiments of the invention. The
embodiment of FIG. 11 is a double-decker elevator car that can
accommodate two vehicles simultaneously, one on top of the other,
where the difference in the levels of the two vehicles corresponds
to the difference in the levels of two adjacent parking levels (or
the exit/entry level and a parking level) in the installation 1.
The elevator is built like a freight elevator having a cabman 120
suspended on steel cables 121 stiffened by a regular double beam
structure 122.
[0092] The elevator 120 includes an upper floor 125 supported by
two or more vertically-extending columns 126 whose height is fixed
to align the upper floor 125 and the lower floor 129 with the
surfaces of two adjacent parking levels 2 and 2' from which or to
which the two vehicles are to be transferred. Floor 125 of the
elevator has a dolly 127a therein for transferring the vehicle on
that floor to the parking level 2, and lower floor 129 has a dolly
127b therein for transferring the vehicle on that floor to the
adjacent parking level 2'.
[0093] Both floors 125 and 129 preferably include chocks 130 at
both ends of the dollies 127 to prevent horizontal movement of the
dollies and vehicle until the floors 125 and 129 are aligned with
the parking levels 2 and 2', respectively. The elevator may be
provided with sensors and controls to assure that the chocks 130
can only be withdrawn into the elevator floor when the elevator
floor is properly aligned with the a parking level 2 or an
entry/exit level 3. No elevator doors are then required.
[0094] While in the specific embodiments described above the use of
tethered and untethered motorized vehicles has been mentioned, it
is clear that an AGV type device can be used throughout.
* * * * *