U.S. patent application number 13/922517 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for parking facility.
This patent application is currently assigned to Otto Woehr GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Otto Woehr GmbH. Invention is credited to Gholamreza Farid, Bernd Nickel.
Application Number | 20130322993 13/922517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45464609 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130322993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farid; Gholamreza ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
PARKING FACILITY
Abstract
An automated parking facility for motor vehicles is provided.
The parking facility is made up of at least two storage grids and
at least two transport grids. Motor vehicles are movable along a
first direction of movement in each of the transport grids by a
transport device. Storage-grid storage locations for storing motor
vehicles positioned on storage devices exist in the storage grids.
The storage devices are associated with the storage-grid storage
locations. The storage devices are movable from the respective
storage-grid storage locations into at least one transport grid and
vice versa. In the transport grid, the motor vehicles are
transferable from the respective transport device to the respective
storage device and vice versa by mutual passing. The number of
storage devices are greater than the number of the storage-grid
storage locations and the excess storage devices are associated
with transport-grid storage locations existing in the transport
grids.
Inventors: |
Farid; Gholamreza;
(Althengstett, DE) ; Nickel; Bernd; (Balgheim,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Otto Woehr GmbH |
Korntal-Muenchingen |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Otto Woehr GmbH
Korntal-Muenchingen
DE
|
Family ID: |
45464609 |
Appl. No.: |
13/922517 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2012/050291 |
Jan 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
13922517 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 6/12 20130101; E04H
6/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/231 |
International
Class: |
E04H 6/12 20060101
E04H006/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 13, 2011 |
DE |
10 2011 000 115 |
Claims
1. Automated parking facility for motor vehicles, said parking
facility being made up of grids and comprising at least two storage
grids and at least two transport grids, wherein motor vehicles are
movable along a first direction of movement in each of the
transport grids by a transport device and wherein storage-grid
storage locations for storing motor vehicles positioned on storage
devices are provided in the storage grids, which storage devices
are associated with the storage-grid storage locations, and wherein
the storage devices are movable from the respective storage-grid
storage locations into at least one transport grid in a second
direction of movement oriented transversely to the first direction
of movement and vice versa, in which transport grid motor vehicles
are transferable from the respective transport device to the
respective storage device and vice versa by mutual passing, wherein
the number of storage devices is greater than the number of the
storage-grid storage locations and wherein the excess storage
devices are associated with transport-grid storage locations being
provided in the transport grids.
2. Parking facility in accordance with claim 1, wherein the maximum
number of storage devices is such that at least one transport grid
is clearable of storage devices.
3. Parking facility in accordance with claim 2, wherein the number
of storage devices is such that exactly one transport grid is
clearable of storage devices.
4. Parking facility in accordance with claim 1, wherein the parking
facility comprises a control unit which, when not processing
transactions of storing or retrieving motor vehicles, moves the
storage devices into the storage-grid storage locations and
transport-grid storage locations in such a way that at least one,
in particular exactly one, transport grid is free of storage
devices.
5. Parking facility in accordance with claim 1, wherein the parking
facility comprises shielding devices for protecting motor vehicles
that are arranged below at least one of storage locations and
storage devices.
6. Parking facility in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
shielding devices each comprise at least one shielding element of
planar or trough-shaped configuration.
7. Parking facility in accordance with claim 5, wherein at least
one of at least part of the storage-grid storage locations and part
of the transport-grid storage locations have arranged thereat
shielding devices at least partially covering said storage
locations at the bottom side thereof.
8. Parking facility in accordance with claim 7, wherein at least
part of the storage-grid storage locations have arranged thereat
shielding devices that are fixedly attached to the storage
grid.
9. Parking facility in accordance with claim 8, wherein
storage-grid storage locations of a storage grid arranged between
two transport grids do not have fixedly attached shielding devices
arranged thereat.
10. Parking facility in accordance with claim 7, wherein at least
part of the transport-grid storage locations have arranged thereat
movable shielding devices that are movable from an open position in
which the cross-section of the respective transport grid is opened
up to at least the extent of the transport device movable therein
to a shielding position in which the cross-section of the transport
grid is reduced relative to the open position, and vice versa.
11. Parking facility in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
respective movable shielding device in the shielding position in
each case closes off about one-quarter to one-third of the
cross-section of the transport grid in a transverse direction of
the transport-grid storage location, but leaves a residual
cross-section of about one-half to one-third in the centre of the
transport grid.
12. Parking facility in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
movable shielding devices are each displaceable along the second
direction of movement transverse to the respective transport
grid.
13. Parking facility in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
respective movable shielding device is movably supported on at
least one fixedly attached shielding device of a storage grid
adjacent to the transport grid.
14. Parking facility in accordance with claim 13, wherein the
movable shielding device is arranged above the fixedly attached
shielding device.
15. Parking facility in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
respective movable shielding device comprises two shielding
elements which, when moved from the open position to the shielding
position, are introduceable into the transport grid from opposite
sides thereof.
16. Parking facility in accordance with claim 10, wherein the
respective movable shielding device is couplable, or is coupled, to
a storage device for its movement from the open position to the
shielding position and vice versa.
17. Parking facility in accordance with claim 5, wherein at least
part of the storage devices in each case comprise a movable
shielding device which is movable from an open position to a
shielding position, wherein the shielding device in the shielding
position covers, at the bottom side, a motor vehicle positioned on
the respective storage device to a proportion that is larger than
that in the open position and wherein the shielding device in the
open position, when the storage device is arranged in a
transport-grid storage location, opens up the cross-section of the
transport grid to at least the extent of the transport device
movable therein.
18. Parking facility in accordance with claim 17, wherein the
storage devices each comprise at least one support part on which
the respective shielding device is supported for displacement in a
transverse direction of the storage device.
19. Parking facility in accordance with claim 18, wherein the at
least one support part in each case is arranged centrally in a
transverse direction of the respective storage device and the
respective movable shielding device comprises two shielding
elements which are movable in opposite directions from the open
position to the shielding position and vice versa, starting from
the at least one support part.
20. Parking facility in accordance with claim 19, wherein the
shielding elements are arranged one above the other.
21. Parking facility in accordance with claim 17, wherein the
respective movable shielding device in the shielding position in
each case closes off about one-quarter to one-third of the
cross-section of the transport grid in a transverse direction of
the transport-grid storage location.
22. Parking facility in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
parking facility comprises at least one drain device for draining
liquid off the shielding devices.
23. Parking facility in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least
part of the storage devices have associated with them pallets that
are releasably positionable thereon for the reception of motor
vehicles, said pallets being transferable within the transport grid
from the respective storage device to the respective transport
device and vice versa by mutual passing.
24. Parking facility in accordance with claim 23, wherein the
pallets are each free of openings.
25. Parking facility in accordance with claim 23, wherein the
pallets and the storage devices each comprise cooperating alignment
elements for alignment relative to each other in at least one
spatial direction.
26. Parking facility in accordance with claim 23, wherein the
pallets and the transport devices each comprise cooperating
alignment elements for alignment relative to each other in at least
one spatial direction.
27. Parking facility in accordance with claim 23, wherein the
parking facility comprises a control unit which causes the
respective pallet to be transported to the storage device
associated with it when there is no motor vehicle positioned on the
pallet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of international
application number PCT/EP2012/050291, filed on Jan. 10, 2012, and
claims the benefit of German application number 10 2011 000 115.8,
filed Jan. 13, 2011, which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety and for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an automated parking
facility for motor vehicles, said parking facility being made up of
grids and comprising at least two storage grids and at least two
transport grids, wherein motor vehicles are capable of being moved
along a first direction of movement in each of the transport grids
by a transport device and wherein storage-grid storage locations
for storing motor vehicles positioned on storage devices exist in
the storage grids, which storage devices are associated with the
storage-grid storage locations, and wherein the storage devices are
capable of being moved from the respective storage-grid storage
locations into at least one transport grid in a second direction of
movement oriented transversely to the first direction of movement
and vice versa, in which transport grid motor vehicles are capable
of being transferred from the respective transport device to the
respective storage device and vice versa by mutual passing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In a parking facility of the aforementioned kind, in which,
in particular, storage locations of a respective storage grid are
arranged one above the other, the procedure for storing a motor
vehicle is as follows: after a user has positioned his/her motor
vehicle on a transport device of a transport grid and has left the
motor vehicle, the motor vehicle is transported in the transport
grid along the first direction of movement in a direction towards
the designated storage-grid storage location. Typically, this takes
place in a direction of height of the parking facility, the
transport device being a raising and lowering device. Using a
drive, the storage device associated with the designated
storage-grid storage location is displaced transversely to the
first direction of movement and thus, in particular, in a
horizontal plane into the transport grid, namely to a point of
intersection of the transport grid with the horizontal storage
level defined by the storage-grid storage location. The transport
device passes the storage device along the first direction of
movement in a direction from top to bottom and in doing so
transfers the motor vehicle to the storage device. This is made
possible by the fact that the cross-sections of the transport
device and the storage device in the transport grid do not overlap
with each other, but they do in each case partially overlap with
the motor vehicle and specifically with the cross-section of its
wheels. Typically, to this end the transport device and the storage
device comprise interengaging comb-shaped or fork-shaped support
elements for the motor vehicle. This is why this technique of the
parking facility is also referred to as a "comb technique" or "fork
technique". Subsequently, the storage device can be moved along the
second direction of movement into the designated storage-grid
storage location and the motor vehicle can be stored therein. The
transport device can for example remain in situ or be moved to a
rest position.
[0004] In order to move the transport devices and the storage
devices, the parking facility comprises drives, each known per se,
which can be controlled by a control unit.
[0005] As used herein, positional and directional terms, such as
"above", "below", "horizontal" and the like, are to be understood
to relate to an operating condition of the parking facility in
which storage-grid storage locations are generally arranged one
above the other in the respective storage grid and each storage
grid comprises storage-grid storage locations in at least one
vertical plane.
[0006] An object underlying the present invention to improve a
generic parking facility such that an increased number of motor
vehicles can be stored therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In an aspect of the invention, an automated parking facility
for motor vehicles is made up of grids and comprises at least two
storage grids and at least two transport grids, wherein motor
vehicles are capable of being moved along a first direction of
movement in each of the transport grids by a transport device and
wherein storage-grid storage locations for storing motor vehicles
positioned on storage devices are provided in the storage grids,
which storage devices are associated with the storage-grid storage
locations, and wherein the storage devices are capable of being
moved from the respective storage-grid storage locations into at
least one transport grid in a second direction of movement oriented
transversely to the first direction of movement and vice versa, in
which transport grid motor vehicles are capable of being
transferred from the respective transport device to the respective
storage device and vice versa by mutual passing. The number of
storage devices is greater than the number of the storage-grid
storage locations and the excess storage devices are associated
with transport-grid storage locations being provided in the
transport grids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0008] The foregoing summary and the following description may be
better understood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first preferred
embodiment of a parking facility constructed in accordance with the
invention, with motor vehicles stored therein;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, with the
motor vehicles omitted;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view in accordance with detail A of
FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 of a variant of the
parking facility from FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 5a and 5b are in each case simplified perspective
views of a storage device for motor vehicles for a second preferred
embodiment of a parking facility constructed in accordance with the
invention, wherein the storage device comprises a shielding device
which is shown in FIG. 5a as occupying an open position and in FIG.
5b as occupying a shielding position;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the second
preferred embodiment of the parking facility constructed in
accordance with the invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a view in accordance with detail B of FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a simplified exploded perspective view of a
transport device, a storage device and a pallet of a third
preferred embodiment of a parking facility constructed in
accordance with the invention; and
[0017] FIG. 9 is a view in accordance with FIG. 2 of a third
preferred embodiment of the parking facility constructed in
accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not
intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various
modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range
of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the
invention.
[0019] The present invention relates to an automated parking
facility for motor vehicles, said parking facility being made up of
grids and comprising at least two storage grids and at least two
transport grids, wherein motor vehicles are capable of being moved
along a first direction of movement in each of the transport grids
by a transport device and wherein storage-grid storage locations
for storing motor vehicles positioned on storage devices are
provided in the storage grids, which storage devices are associated
with the storage-grid storage locations, and wherein the storage
devices are capable of being moved from the respective storage-grid
storage locations into at least one transport grid in a second
direction of movement oriented transversely to the first direction
of movement and vice versa, in which transport grid motor vehicles
are capable of being transferred from the respective transport
device to the respective storage device and vice versa by mutual
passing. The number of storage devices is greater than the number
of the storage-grid storage locations and the excess storage
devices are associated with transport-grid storage locations being
provided in the transport grids.
[0020] In the parking facility constructed in accordance with the
invention, motor vehicles can also be stored in transport-grid
storage locations existing in the transport grids. To this end,
excess storage devices are provided that can be stored in the
excess storage locations. The excess transport-grid storage
locations are formed at points of intersection of the respective
transport grid with the storage levels. An increased number of
motor vehicles can thereby be stored in the parking facility. With
the parking facility comprising at least two transport grids and at
least two storage grids, each of the transport grids can be cleared
of storage devices when a motor vehicle is to be moved in the
transport grid by the respective transport device. Vacating a
transport grid is accomplished by displacing a storage device
stored in a transport-grid storage location into an adjacent grid
which may be a storage grid or another transport grid. If said
adjacent grid already has another storage device stored in it, this
can first be moved into a next-but-one grid--which may again be a
storage grid or a transport grid--relative to the transport grid to
be vacated, etc. This makes it possible to remove, at each storage
level of the parking facility, storage devices from the transport
grid to be cleared so that the respective transport device can be
moved therein for performing storage and retrieval operations.
[0021] As further shown in the above description, a storage device
can be associated with more than one storage location. In
particular, storage devices are each associated with at least one
storage-grid storage location and at least one transport-grid
storage location and can be shuttled between at least these two
storage locations.
[0022] It is advantageous for the maximum number of storage devices
to be such that at least one transport grid is capable of being
cleared of storage devices so that there is no need for empty
locations to exist in the storage grids for temporary parking and
manoeuvring of storage devices. As mentioned earlier, clearing a
transport grid of storage devices is accomplished by use of the
drives controlled by the control unit of the storage device in
order to displace the storage devices back and forth between the
grids.
[0023] Preferably, the number of storage devices is such that
exactly one transport grid is capable of being cleared of storage
devices. It is thus possible to maximize the number of motor
vehicles that can be stored by the parking facility.
[0024] As mentioned, the parking facility can comprise a control
unit for controlling the drives of the storage and transport
devices. It is advantageous for the control unit, when not
processing transactions of storing or retrieving motor vehicles, to
move the storage devices into the storage-grid storage locations
and transport-grid storage locations in such a way that at least
one, in particular exactly one, transport grid is free of storage
devices. If at least one transport grid is kept free of storage
devices during a stand-by mode of the parking facility in which no
storage or retrieval operations are performed, then the average
storage or retrieval time can be kept as short as possible. For
example, the control unit can be configured and programmed such
that a particular transport grid is defined as the transport grid
to be kept free of storage devices, and short-term parkers are
parked in storage grids adjacent to that transport grid. Long-term
parkers, on the other hand, can be parked in a different transport
grid or in storage grids that are more remote from the transport
grid that is kept free.
[0025] Advantageously, the parking facility has alternating storage
grids and transport grids in order to minimize average access time
and maximize the number of motor vehicles that can be stored
therein.
[0026] It is advantageous for the number of the storage grids to be
greater than the number of the transport grids in order to increase
the number of motor vehicles that can be stored.
[0027] In particular in the last-mentioned embodiment of the
parking facility, it is advantageous for storage grids to be
provided at the outer sides of the parking facility.
[0028] As mentioned earlier, the parking facility constructed in
accordance with the invention typically stores motor vehicles in
storage levels that lie one above the other, there being provided
at least two storage levels. It is advantageous for the parking
facility to comprise shielding devices for protecting motor
vehicles that are arranged below storage locations--which may be
storage-grid storage locations and/or transport-grid storage
locations--and/or below storage devices. It is thereby possible for
the motor vehicles arranged therebelow to be protected from
dripping water, snow, snow slush, dirt, loose chippings etc. that
become detached from motor vehicles arranged above.
[0029] It is advantageous for the shielding devices each to
comprise at least one planar shielding element, for example of
plate-shaped or trough-shaped form, which is advantageously free of
openings or cutouts so that especially water can be reliably
retained therein and effective protection of the motor vehicles
arranged therebelow can be achieved. The shielding element is for
example made of metal or plastics material. It is further
conceivable to use a shielding element that is configured as a
tarpaulin which may for example be dimensionally stabilized by use
of keder and/or a frame and may be fabricated from a plastics
material or cloth.
[0030] Preferably, at least part of and in particular all of the
storage-grid storage locations and/or transport-grid storage
locations have arranged thereat shielding devices at least
partially covering said storage locations at the bottom side
thereof in order to protect the motor vehicles arranged
therebelow.
[0031] It is advantageous for at least part of and in particular
all of the storage-grid storage locations to have arranged thereat
shielding devices that are fixedly attached to the storage grid.
This allows the parking facility to be constructed using simple and
cost-effective design. Converting a conventional parking facility
which is upgraded to a parking facility constructed in accordance
with the invention can also be accomplished in a simple and
cost-effective manner. The fixedly attached shielding devices in
particular completely or substantially completely cover the
respective storage locations at their bottom sides.
[0032] In a different embodiment of the parking facility
constructed in accordance with the invention, provision may be made
for storage-grid storage locations of a storage grid arranged
between two transport grids not to have fixedly attached shielding
devices arranged thereat. By way of example, this can be provided
in those instances in which the storage devices themselves comprise
shielding devices, as mentioned below. It is then possible to
dispense with the fixedly attached shielding devices, which saves
costs.
[0033] Movable shielding devices may also be provided, said movable
shielding devices being capable of being moved from an open
position for the transport device to a shielding position for at
least partially covering a motor vehicle at the bottom side
thereof, and vice versa.
[0034] For example, in order to provide for protection of motor
vehicles stored in the transport grid, it is advantageous for at
least part of the transport-grid storage locations to have arranged
thereat movable shielding devices that are capable of being moved
from an open position in which the cross-section of the respective
transport grid is opened up to at least the extent of the transport
device movable therein to a shielding position in which the
cross-section of the transport grid is reduced relative to the open
position, and vice versa. In particular, a movable shielding device
may exist at each of the transport-grid storage locations. In the
open position, at least the cross-section for the transport device
movable in the transport grid is opened up so that the transport
device can pass the storage devices associated with the
transport-grid storage locations for performing motor vehicle
storage and retrieval operations without coming into conflict with
the respective shielding device. On the other hand, in the
respective shielding position the cross-section of the transport
grid is reduced in order to protect the motor vehicles.
[0035] To move the shielding devices, drives of any type may be
provided, such as a rack-and-pinion drive, a rope drive, a belt
drive, a friction roller drive, a chain drive etc. The drives of
the shielding devices are capable of being controlled by the
control unit of the parking facility in order to move the shielding
device from the open position to the shielding position and vice
versa.
[0036] Provision may be made for the cross-section of the transport
grid to be substantially open in the open position of the
respective movable shielding device so that a conflict between the
transport device moving in the transport grid and the shielding
devices can be avoided.
[0037] It is advantageous for the cross-section of the transport
grid to be substantially closed off in the shielding position of
the respective movable shielding device in order to protect the
motor vehicles arranged below the respective transport-grid storage
locations in an effective manner.
[0038] In a different embodiment of the parking facility it is
advantageous for the respective movable shielding device in the
shielding position to in each case close off about one-quarter to
one-third of the cross-section of the transport grid in a
transverse direction of the transport-grid storage location, but to
leave a residual cross-section of about one-half to one-third in
the centre of the transport grid. The longitudinal direction of the
respective transport-grid storage location coincides with the
longitudinal direction of the storage devices and the motor
vehicles positioned thereon. In this embodiment, it is possible to
close off the transport grid laterally so that motor vehicles
positioned on the storage devices can be shielded in the lateral
portions of the cross-section of the transport grid, particularly
underneath the wheels. A free residual cross-section remains at the
centre of the transport grid which can be closed off for example by
a cover arranged at the respective storage device so that, on the
whole, a substantially complete covering of a motor vehicle
positioned on the storage device results. In addition, this
provides a way of keeping the material usage for the movable
shielding devices and their actuation distance from the open
position to the shielding position as low as possible. This ensures
that the parking facility can be constructed using simple and
cost-effective design and reduces the average access time to motor
vehicles.
[0039] Advantageously, the movable shielding devices are each
capable of being displaced along the second direction of movement
transverse to the respective transport grid. The overall height
required for the shielding devices can thereby be kept as low as
possible and the parking facility can be built in a compact form.
Furthermore, it is possible to ensure that during movement between
the shielding position and the open position, any water collected
by the shielding device is prevented from spilling and distributing
across motor vehicles arranged therebelow.
[0040] In a different embodiment of the parking facility, provision
may be made for the movable shielding devices to be pivotally
supported on the grids.
[0041] In a configuration of the parking facility that is a
particularly simple design, it is advantageous for the respective
movable shielding device to be movably and in particular
displaceably supported on at least one fixedly attached shielding
device of a storage grid adjacent to the transport grid. This
allows the parking facility to be configured using simple design,
and retrofitting conventional parking facilities can also be
accomplished in a simple and cost-effective manner.
[0042] In a different embodiment, provision may be made for the
respective movable shielding device to be movably supported on a
grid of the parking facility itself. For example, the shielding
devices can be attached to and movably supported on a storage rack
of the parking facility that forms the grids and is constructed
from vertical and horizontal members.
[0043] Preferably, the movable shielding device is arranged above
the fixedly attached shielding device. This facilitates draining a
movable shielding device into the fixedly arranged shielding
device.
[0044] It is advantageous for the respective shielding device to
comprise two shielding elements which, when moved from the open
position to the shielding position, are capable of being introduced
into the transport grid from opposite sides thereof. Providing two
shielding elements makes it possible for the shielding device to be
moved quickly from the open position to the shielding position and
vice versa. Advantageously, each of the shielding elements is
movably, in particular displaceably, supported on a fixedly
attached shielding device of a storage grid adjacent to the
transport grid. Introducing the shielding element into the
transport grid enables the latter's cross-section to be reduced,
while removing it from the transport grid opens up the latter's
cross-section so that the associated transport device can be moved
unhindered within the transport grid.
[0045] Provision may be made for the respective movable shielding
device to be capable of being coupled, or to be coupled, to a
storage device for its movement from the open position to the
shielding position and vice versa. The necessity of a drive for the
movable shielding device can thereby be obviated. For example, a
storage device can be coupled to the shielding device when being
stored in a transport-grid storage location. This makes it possible
for both the storage device and the shielding device to be moved
into the transport grid under the action of a drive for the storage
device in order to store the storage device therein and shield, at
the bottom side, a motor vehicle positioned on the storage device.
Conversely, it is possible for the storage device and the shielding
device to be displaced from the transport-grid storage location
into a storage grid, thereby moving the shielding device from the
shielding position to the open position. The transport grid is
thereby opened up so that the transport device can be moved
therein. In a configuration of simple design, coupling between the
storage device and the shielding device can be accomplished
mechanically, for example by cooperating coupling elements, for
example in the form of catch stops. Magnetic coupling is also
conceivable. Provision may be made for the coupling to be released
in order to simplify storage and retrieval of a motor vehicle
positioned on the storage device. To this end, provision may be
made for a coupling element coupling the storage device to the
shielding device to be moved from a coupling position, in which the
storage device and the shielding device are coupled together, to a
decoupling position, in which the coupling is released. For
example, a coupling element in the form of a catch stop can be
electromagnetically moved from the coupling position to the
decoupling position and/or vice versa. With the coupling element in
the decoupling position, the storage device alone can be moved into
the transport grid, whereas the shielding device remains in the
open position in order to ensure mobility of the transport device
within the transport grid.
[0046] It has already been mentioned that the storage devices can
also comprise shielding devices. It is advantageous for at least
part of and in particular all of the storage devices to each
comprise a movable shielding device which is capable of being moved
from an open position to a shielding position, wherein the
shielding device in the shielding position covers, at the bottom
side, a motor vehicle positioned on the respective storage device
to a proportion that is larger than that in the open position and
wherein the shielding device in the open position, when arranged in
a transport-grid storage location, opens up the cross-section of
the transport grid to at least the extent of the transport device
movable therein. Analogously to what has been described above for
the case of the movable shielding devices that are arranged at the
transport-grid storage locations, the provision of movable
shielding devices at the storage devices allows a motor vehicle
positioned on a storage device to be covered at its bottom side.
This is possible whether the respective storage device is located
in a transport-grid storage location or in a storage-grid storage
location. Also, this makes it possible to dispense with fixedly
attached shielding devices.
[0047] In an embodiment of simple design, provision may be made for
each of the storage devices to comprise at least one support part
on which the respective shielding device is supported for
displacement in a transverse direction of the storage devices in
order to move it between the open position and the shielding
position.
[0048] In a further embodiment of the parking facility, provision
may be made for the respective shielding device to be pivotally
supported on the at least one support part.
[0049] A compact configuration of the parking facility can be
achieved by the movable shielding device being arranged below the
at least one support part.
[0050] It is advantageous for the at least one support part in each
case to be arranged centrally in a transverse direction of the
respective storage device and for the respective movable shielding
device to comprise two shielding elements which are capable of
being moved in opposite directions from the open position to the
shielding position and vice versa, starting from the at least one
support part. The motor vehicle positioned on the storage device
can thereby be shielded in particular laterally, underneath the
wheels. Furthermore, provision may be made for the at least one
support part to also comprise a cover that shields the motor
vehicle centrally so that the motor vehicle can be substantially
completely covered at the bottom side thereof.
[0051] Advantageously, the shielding elements are arranged one
above the other because this allows the storage devices and hence
the parking facility to be built in a compact form.
[0052] In an advantageous embodiment of the parking facility,
provision may be made for the respective movable shielding device
in the shielding position to in each case close off about
one-quarter to one-third of the cross-section of the transport grid
in a transverse direction of the transport-grid storage location.
In particular, the shielding device can in each case close off
one-quarter to one-third of the cross-section of the transport grid
laterally with one shielding element each. The at least one support
part can close off about one-half to one-third of the transport
grid centrally with a cover. Practice shows that material usage can
thereby be kept as low as possible and the design of the parking
facility is simplified. In addition, the actuation distance of the
shielding device, particularly of the shielding elements, is kept
as short as possible.
[0053] The parking facility may comprise the above-mentioned
control unit which moves movable shielding devices to the shielding
position only when the storage device has a motor vehicle
positioned thereon. For example, it can thus be ensured that,
within a transport grid, the transport device can pass a storage
device arranged in a transport-grid storage location if the movable
shielding device of that storage location occupies its open
position. As a result, the average access time of the parking
facility can thereby be kept as short as possible.
[0054] Preferably, the parking facility comprises at least one
drain device for draining liquid off the shielding devices. The in
particular trough-shaped shielding elements can thereby be drained,
providing better protection for the motor vehicles arranged
therebelow.
[0055] Advantageously, movable shielding devices are in fluid
communication with fixedly attached shielding devices via liquid
pipes so that movable shielding devices can be drained into
shielding devices that are fixedly attached to the storage grids.
The last-named shielding devices can for example be connected to
and drained via a downpipe.
[0056] In a different advantageous embodiment of the parking
facility constructed in accordance with the invention, it is
advantageous for at least part of the storage devices and in
particular all of the storage devices to have associated with them
pallets that are capable of being releasably positioned thereon for
the reception of motor vehicles, said pallets being capable of
being transferred within the transport grid from the respective
storage device to the respective transport device and vice versa by
mutual passing. In this case, the cross-section of the respective
transport device and the cross-section of the respective storage
device overlap at least partially with the pallet. As described at
the outset, this provides the possibility of transferring, at a
point of intersection of the transport grid with the storage
levels, the pallet and hence a motor vehicle from the transport
device to the storage device and vice versa. The provision of
pallets associated with the storage devices has a number of
advantages: for example, the pallets can cover, at the bottom side,
motor vehicles positioned thereon and shield motor vehicles
arranged therebelow against water, snow, snow slush, dirt, loose
chippings or the like. As a result, the need for shielding devices
may be eliminated and the drives for movable shielding devices may
also be dispensed with. Control of the parking facility is thereby
simplified. For a user, the process of driving into the parking
facility is made more pleasant when he/she can park his/her motor
vehicle on a pallet rather than having to drive onto the comb
prongs or fork prongs of the transport device. For the case that
the parking facility is installed in a pit and entrance is provided
on the upper side thereof, the risk of a user's dropped objects,
such as a bunch of keys, falling into the transport grid is
reduced.
[0057] Of course, it is conceivable for the storage devices of
existing parking facilities which are upgraded to a parking
facility constructed in accordance with the invention to be
associated with pallets.
[0058] It is advantageous for the pallets to be free of openings or
cutouts, as this improves shielding of the motor vehicles
positioned below the respective storage device. However, provision
may be made for the pallets to comprise a drain opening for
draining purposes.
[0059] It is advantageous for the pallets and the storage devices
each to comprise cooperating alignment elements for alignment
relative to each other in at least one spatial direction and/or for
the pallets and the transport devices each to comprise cooperating
alignment elements for alignment relative to each other in at least
one spatial direction. This allows the pallets to be reliably
positioned on the storage devices and/or transport devices in each
case. The respective alignment elements cooperate for example in a
positively-locking manner. Their alignment relative to each other
is in particular accomplished in horizontal planes perpendicular to
the first direction of movement, i.e. in the storage levels and
levels parallel thereto.
[0060] Preferably, the parking facility comprises a control unit
which causes the pallet to be transported to the respective storage
device associated with it when there is no motor vehicle positioned
on the pallet. For example, after a motor vehicle has been
retrieved the control unit can control the drives of the transport
device and the respective storage device such that the now empty
pallet is transported back to and positioned on the storage device
associated with it. This saves the need to hold a store of empty
platforms and the space required therefor so that, in addition, the
parking facility can be built in a more compact form.
[0061] Of course, provision may be made for the parking facility to
use both pallets associated with at least part of the storage
devices and fixed and/or movable shielding devices.
[0062] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first preferred
embodiment of a parking facility constructed in accordance with the
invention, designated by the reference numeral 10. The parking
facility 10 comprises a storage rack 12 fixed standing upright on a
ground surface 14. The storage rack 12 is constructed in a manner
known per se from vertical members 16 and horizontal members 18
(transverse members) and 19 (longitudinal members) that are
connected together crosswise.
[0063] Functionally, the parking facility 10 is constructed from a
plurality of grids, namely five grids arranged one next to the
other. Starting from the right side in FIG. 1, the parking facility
10 comprises a first storage grid 20, a first transport grid 22, a
second storage grid 24, a second transport grid 26 and finally a
third storage grid 28, with the meaning of "storage grid" and
"transport grid" being explained subsequently. Thus, the parking
facility has more storage grids 20, 24 and 28 than transport grids
22 and 26 and has the two storage grids designated 20 and 28
provided at the outer sides thereof.
[0064] Motor vehicles 30, only shown in FIG. 1, are capable of
being stored inside the parking rack 12 in a plurality of storage
levels, namely seven storage levels, with each storage level being
horizontally oriented and arranged one above the other. To this
end, each storage grid 20, 24 and 28 has existing therein seven
storage-grid storage locations--hence the name--that are designated
by the reference numeral 32, which are arranged vertically one
above the other in the respective storage grid 20, 24 or 28.
Whenever used hereinafter, the term storage location 32 should be
understood to mean a storage-grid storage location 32.
[0065] The transport grids 22 and 26 also have existing therein
storage locations for motor vehicles 30, namely seven
transport-grid storage locations each, which are likewise arranged
vertically one above the other and are designated by the reference
numeral 34. Any reference to storage locations 34 made hereinafter
should be understood to refer to transport-grid storage locations
34. In the current configuration of the parking facility 10 as
depicted in FIG. 1, only the storage locations 34 of the first
transport grid 22 are occupied by motor vehicles 30. In contrast,
the storage locations 34 of the second transport grid 26 are
completely free of motor vehicles 30.
[0066] The parking facility 10 further comprises two entrances and
two exits 36 and 38 respectively which are arranged at the
transport grids 22 and 26 respectively at the bottom side thereof;
users can drop off their motor vehicle 30 at the parking facility
10 and pick it up from here.
[0067] As mentioned earlier, the parking facility 10 is a parking
facility standing upright on the ground surface 14. In a variant of
the parking facility, provision could also be made for the parking
facility to be wholly or at least partially arranged in a pit
located below the ground surface 14. Furthermore, the parking
facility only comprises grids 20 to 28 in a vertical plane oriented
perpendicularly to the ground surface 14 (drawing plane in FIG. 1).
In a variant of the parking facility 10 it is, however, also
conceivable for the grids 20 to 28 to extend in at least one
further vertical plane parallel to the above-mentioned vertical
plane (perpendicular to the drawing plane in FIG. 1) and for motor
vehicles 30 to be capable of being also stored in any one of these
additional vertical planes.
[0068] As will be apparent hereinafter, in particular from FIGS. 1
and 2, the parking facility 10 comprises transport devices 40 and
42, hereinafter referred to as lifters 44 and 46 respectively, for
transporting motor vehicles 30 in the transport grids 22 and 26.
For clarity of illustration, the lifter 44 is shown only in FIG. 1
and omitted from FIGS. 2 to 4. The lifters 44 and 46 are each
capable of being moved in a vertical direction in the transport
grids 22 and 26 respectively by schematically shown drives 48 and
50 respectively. The drives 48 and 50 are for example chain drives
known per se that can be controlled by an electronic control unit
52 via control lines not shown in the drawing.
[0069] The lifters 44 and 46 are of identical configuration, each
comprising in a manner known per se two longitudinal members 54
movably supported on vertical members 16. Each of the longitudinal
members 54 has, in a direction towards the other one of the
longitudinal members 54, protruding therefrom a first group of
support elements 56 spaced apart from one another and, spaced at a
distance therefrom, a second group of support elements 58 spaced
apart from one another. Five support elements 56 and ten support
elements 58 are shown as an example. The support elements 56 serve
to receive a front wheel of a motor vehicle 30, and the support
elements 58 serve to receive a back wheel thereof. The support
elements 56 and 58 may each be regarded as the "prongs" of a fork
or comb, which is why this storage and retrieval technique employed
in the parking facility 10 is also called a "comb technique" or
"fork technique".
[0070] To store motor vehicles 30 in the storage locations 32 and
34, the parking facility 10 comprises storage devices 60, in the
following referred to as platforms 62, each of identical
configuration. The platforms 62 each comprise two longitudinal
members 64 spaced apart from one another and extending between the
horizontal members 18 and forming support parts of the platform 62.
The longitudinal members 64 are connected together on both sides at
the end faces thereof facing towards the horizontal members 18 by
transverse members 66.
[0071] The transverse members 66 are supported on the horizontal
members 18 for displacement thereon in a horizontal direction and
therefore transverse to the transport direction of the lifters 44
and 46 in the transport grids 22 and 26.
[0072] This allows the platform 62 to be displaced from the storage
grids 20, 24 and 28 into the transport grids 22 and 26 and vice
versa. In order to displace the platform 62, each of the storage
locations 32 and 34 has existing thereat a drive 68, each of which
is operatively connected to the control unit 52 via a control line
not shown in the drawing. The drive 68 is for example a belt drive
or a friction-wheel drive, known per se.
[0073] The respective longitudinal members 64 of a platform 62 are
covered on the upper side thereof by a cover 70 which closes off
about one-half to about one-third of the respective grid in a
strip-shaped manner in a direction transverse to the longitudinal
direction, the cover 70 extending almost completely from the front
to the rear transverse member 66.
[0074] Extending from each of the longitudinal members 64 in a
direction towards an adjacent grid are a first group of support
elements 72 spaced apart from one another and, spaced at a distance
therefrom, a second group of support elements 74 spaced apart from
one another. Four support elements 72 and nine support elements 74
are shown by way of example. The support elements 72 and 74 are in
each case of prong-like formation and can interdigitate with some
clearance with the support elements 56 and 58 of the lifters 44 and
46 respectively. Furthermore, when one of the platforms 62 is
arranged in a transport grid 22 and 26, there is no overlap in the
cross-sections of the lifters 44 and 46 respectively and the
platforms 62. This makes it possible for the lifters 44 and 46 to
be, in a sense, "moved through the platforms 62" in a vertical
direction. In this way, motor vehicles 30 can be transferred
between the lifters 44 and 46 and the platforms 62. The transfer
takes place at one of the points of intersection between one of the
transport grids 22 and 26 and one of the storage levels. Thus,
motor vehicles in the parking facility 10 are transported
vertically in the transport grids 22 and 26 by use of the lifters
44 and 46 respectively and are transported horizontally in the
respective storage level by use of the platforms 62 and drives
68.
[0075] The platforms 62 are associated with the respective storage
locations 32 and 34, wherein "associated" in the present case means
that a particular one of the platforms 62 and a motor vehicle
positioned on that platform 62 can be stored in a particular one of
the respective storage locations 32 and 34. As shown for example in
FIG. 1, the platforms 62 in the storage grid 20 are associated with
the storage locations 32 and 34 in the storage grid 20 and in the
first transport grid 22, in each case on the same storage level.
The platforms 62 shown in the first transport grid 22 are
associated with storage locations 32 and 34 in the first transport
grid 22 and in the second storage grid 24. The platforms 62 shown
in the second storage grid 24 are associated with the storage
locations 32 and 34 in the second storage grid 24 and in the second
transport grid 26. Finally, the platforms 62 shown in FIG. 1 as
being arranged in the third storage grid 28 are associated with the
storage locations 32 and 34 in the third storage grid 28 and in the
second transport grid 26. These associations are in each case
within the same storage level.
[0076] The above description shows that in the present case, in
accordance with the invention, the number of platforms 62 of the
parking facility 10 is greater than the number of storage locations
32 in the storage grids 20, 24 and 28. This makes it possible for
platforms 62 and motor vehicles 30 positioned thereon to be stored
not only in the storage grids 20, 24 and 28 but also in the
transport grids 22 and 26. To this end, the latter comprise the
transport-grid storage locations 34.
[0077] In particular, the number of platforms 62 provided in the
parking facility 10 is just such that, by use of the control unit
52 and the drives 68, exactly one transport grid 22 or 26 is
capable of being cleared of platforms 62, which in the
configuration depicted in FIG. 1 is represented by the second
transport grid 26. On the one hand, this ensures that no empty
locations need exist in the storage grids 20, 24 and 28 for
temporary parking and manoeuvring of platforms 62. On the other
hand, the average access time of the parking facility 10 can be
kept as short as possible because the number of transverse
displacement moves of platforms 62 can be reduced. For example,
provision could be made for the control unit 52 to be configured
and programmed such that the storage grids 24 and 28 are occupied
by motor vehicles 30 of short-term parkers, whereas the transport
grid 22 and the storage grid 20 are preferably occupied by motor
vehicles 30 of long-term parkers. If the control unit 52 is
configured and programmed to keep the transport grid 26 free, as
shown in FIG. 1, then the motor vehicles 30 stored in the storage
grids 24 and 28 can be stored and retrieved in a particularly
expeditious manner. To this end, these motor vehicles 30 can each
be transferred by the lifter 46 from one of the points of
intersection of the transport grid 26 with one of the storage
levels to the respective platform 62 and vice versa.
[0078] On the other hand, if it is desired to retrieve one of the
motor vehicles 30 arranged in the transport grid 22, first at least
the platforms 62 in the storage grid 24 that are arranged below the
motor vehicle 30 to be retrieved are to be displaced into the
transport grid 26 and the platforms 62 of the transport grid 22 are
to be displaced into the storage grid 24. Subsequently, the motor
vehicle 30 to be retrieved can be retrieved in a manner known per
se by use of the lifter 44.
[0079] When one of the motor vehicles 30 stored in the storage grid
20 is to be retrieved, first at least the platforms 62 in the grids
22 and 24 that are arranged below and on the same storage level as
the motor vehicle 30 to be retrieved are to be displaced into the
grids 24 and 26 respectively. Thereafter, the motor vehicle 30 to
be retrieved can be displaced on its associated platform 62 into
the transport grid 22 and can be retrieved in a manner known per se
by use of the lifter 44.
[0080] If, as explained above, a plurality of platforms 62 are to
be moved in order to vacate a transport grid 22 or 26, provision
may be made for these platforms to be displaced simultaneously in
order to keep the average access time as short as possible.
However, the requirements for the parking facility 10 in terms of
electrical power and mechanical stability can be relaxed by
displacing the platforms 62 and hence the masses successively,
thereby increasing the average access time. Provision may be made
for a combination form to be used involving simultaneous and
successive displacements of platforms 62.
[0081] For storing motor vehicles 30 in the parking facility 10,
the above sequence is for example reversed. Of course, provision
may also be made for keeping preferably the transport grid 22 free
of platforms 62.
[0082] In the parking facility constructed in accordance with the
invention, it is thus possible by the provision of excess platforms
62, the number of which is greater than the number of the storage
locations 32, to store an increased number of motor vehicles 30.
Yet, as practice shows, the average access time to a motor vehicle
30 can still be kept sufficiently short.
[0083] In order to protect motor vehicles 30, the parking facility
10 comprises shielding devices, as will be described in more detail
hereinafter. Thus, each of the storage locations 32 of the storage
grids 20, 24 and 28 has fixedly attached shielding devices 76
arranged thereat, namely immediately below the respective storage
locations 32. The fixedly attached shielding devices 76 each
comprise a planar or trough-shaped shielding element 78 that is
fixedly connected, at the bottom side, to the horizontal transverse
members 18 of the storage rack 12 by use of holding elements 80
schematically shown in FIG. 3. This is also schematically shown in
FIG. 1 for the lowermost storage level. The holding elements 80 are
for example conventional mounting brackets, screwed together with
the shielding elements 78 and the horizontal members 18.
[0084] The shielding elements 78, in the present case configured as
troughs 82, are free of openings or cutouts. This makes it possible
for motor vehicles 30 positioned below the respective trough 82 in
one of the storage locations 32 of the storage grids 20, 24 and 28
to be protected from water, snow, snow slush, dirt, loose chippings
or the like that have become detached from a motor vehicle 30 above
the respective trough 82. To this end, the troughs 82 in each case
substantially completely close off the cross-section of the storage
grids 20, 24 and 28 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0085] However, referring to FIG. 3, each of the troughs 82 can be
connected via a liquid pipe 86 to at least one downpipe 84 in order
to drain the trough 82. The downpipes 84 and the liquid pipes 86
together form a drain device 88 of the parking facility 10.
[0086] Each of the transport-grid storage locations 34 has movable
shielding devices 90 associated therewith comprising two planar or
trough-shaped closed shielding elements 92 of identical
configuration and arranged symmetrically with respect to one
another at the storage rack 12. In the present case, the shielding
elements 92 are configured as troughs 94. The troughs 94 are each
supported for displacement in a horizontal direction on one of the
fixedly attached troughs 82, which are attached to the storage rack
12 at storage grids 20 and 24 and storage grids 24 and 28 on
opposite sides of the transport grids 22 and 26 respectively. To
this end, each trough 94 comprises two horizontally oriented
holding elements 96 which are guided for displacement in
groove-shaped guides 98 of the troughs 82 that are shaped
complementary thereto. In a longitudinal direction of the troughs
82 and 94, the holding elements 96 and the guides 98 are arranged
forward of the support elements 72 and rearward of the support
elements 74 respectively.
[0087] In order to displace the troughs 94 transversely, each
holding element 96 has a drive 100 associated with it, said drive
100 being also fixedly attached to the trough 82. The drive 100 is
for example a rack-and-pinion drive, a belt drive, a friction
roller drive or a rope or chain drive. The drives 100 are
operatively connected to the control unit 52 via control lines, not
shown, so that they are capable of being controlled thereby.
[0088] It is also conceivable for the movable troughs 94 to be
movably supported on the storage rack 12, for example on the
horizontal members 18, which can have the guides 98 and drives 100
attached thereto for that purpose.
[0089] In a longitudinal direction of the storage locations 34 and
platforms 62 stored therein, the dimensions of the troughs 94 are
just such that the space between the transverse members 66 is
substantially completely closed off. In a transverse direction of
the storage locations 34, the troughs 94 are dimensioned such that
they in each case close off about one-quarter to about one-third of
the cross-section of the transport grids 22 and 26 laterally. This
substantially corresponds to the residual free cross-section of the
transport grids 22 and 26 with platforms 62 arranged in the
respective storage locations 34 (FIG. 3).
[0090] The movable shielding device 90 is capable of being moved
from an open position to a shielding position and vice versa, with
the drives 100 being correspondingly controlled by the control unit
52. In the open position, the troughs 94 are arranged outside of
the cross-section of the transport grids 22 and 26, namely on
opposite sides of the storage grids 20 and 24 and 24 and 28
adjacent to the respective transport grid 22, 26. Therefore, the
free cross-section of the respective transport grid 22, 26 is
completely free in the open position so that the lifters 44 and 46
respectively can be moved therein.
[0091] For moving the troughs 94 to the shielding position, the
drives 100 are activated in order to displace the holding elements
96 in a horizontal direction within the guides 98. The troughs 94
of a shielding device 90 are thereby displaced from opposite sides
into the respective transport grid 22, 26. They are displaced so
far that the troughs 94, seen in the projection of the transport
grids 22 and 26, reach the longitudinal members 64 of platforms 62
stored in the respective storage location 34. As a result, the
cross-section of the transport grids 22, 26 is reduced in the
shielding position of the shielding devices 90.
[0092] In combination of the shielding device 90 with a platform 62
stored in a storage location 34, the cross-section of the transport
grids 22, 26 is capable of being substantially completely closed
off. Of this, as mentioned above, approximately one-half to
approximately two-thirds are closed off laterally by the troughs 94
and approximately one-half to approximately one-third is closed-off
centrally by the cover 70, in a transverse direction of the storage
location. This allows a motor vehicle 30 positioned in a storage
location 34 to be substantially completely covered at its bottom
side. Motor vehicles 30 that are stored below the respective motor
vehicle 30 in the transport grid 22, 26 are thereby protected
effectively against water, snow, snow slush, dirt, loose chippings
or the like.
[0093] It is understood that for leaving a transport grid 22, 26
vacant, the shielding devices 90 associated with the respective
storage locations 34 are also to be moved to the open position in
order for the lifters 44 and 46 respectively to be movable therein.
In particular, provision may be made for shielding devices 90
associated with the storage locations 34 to be moved to the
shielding position only when a platform 62 is stored in the storage
location 34 and a motor vehicle 30 is positioned thereon.
Otherwise, the respective shielding device 90 can remain in the
open position in order to reduce the average access time.
[0094] For draining the troughs 94, the drain device 88 comprises
liquid pipes 102, each trough 94 being capable of being drained via
a liquid pipe 102 into one of the fixed troughs 82 on which it is
supported. To this end, it is advantageous for the troughs 94 to be
arranged above the troughs 82.
[0095] A variant of the parking facility 10 and further preferred
embodiments of the parking facility constructed in accordance with
the invention are discussed in the following. The same reference
numerals are used for features that are identical to or
functionally equivalent to those of the parking facility 10. The
advantages that can be achieved with the parking facility 10 can
also be achieved with the parking facilities that are described
hereinafter, and only the essential differences will be
discussed.
[0096] In a variant of the parking facility 10, of which only a
detail is shown in FIG. 4 in a view corresponding to that of FIG.
3, the movable shielding device 90 only comprises a single closed
shielding element 104 which is of a planar or trough-shaped form.
The shielding element 104 in the present case is a trough 106 that
is supported for horizontal displacement on one of the fixed
troughs 82 of the fixed shielding devices 76 by use of the holding
elements 96, guides 98 and drives 100. Preferably, the troughs 106
that are displaceable into the transport grid 22 are supported for
displacement on the troughs 82 of the storage grid 20 and the
troughs 106 that are displaceable into the transport grid 26 are
supported for displacement on the troughs 82 of the storage grid
28.
[0097] It is, however, also conceivable for the movable troughs 106
to be movably supported on the storage rack 12, for example on the
horizontal members 18, which can have the guides 98 and drives 100
attached thereto for that purpose.
[0098] The troughs 106 are dimensioned such that they in each case
substantially completely close off the cross-section of the
transport grids 22, 26 when in the shielding position. In this
case, they substantially completely cover, at the bottom side, the
platforms 62 arranged in the storage locations 34 in order to
shield motor vehicles 30 arranged therebelow effectively. In the
respective open position, the troughs 106 open up the cross-section
of the transport grids 22, 26 and are arranged completely above the
fixed troughs 82 on which they are supported in each case (not
shown).
[0099] In a further variant of the parking facility 10, not shown
in the drawing, which exhibits similarities to the variant of the
parking facility 10 depicted in FIG. 4, the movable shielding
device 90 has none of the drives 100 associated with it. Instead,
the shielding devices 90, each of which comprises a trough 106 as
in FIG. 4, are capable of being coupled to the platforms 62 and are
capable of being moved from the open position to the shielding
position and vice versa by making use of the drives 68 of said
platforms 62.
[0100] For example, two troughs 106 are supported, one above the
other, for displacement in a horizontal direction on the storage
rack 12, for example on the horizontal members 18, below each
storage location 34 of the storage grid 24. Out of these two
troughs 106, one in each case is capable of being displaced into
the transport grid 22, while the other one is capable of being
displaced into the transport grid 26. The first-mentioned trough is
capable of being coupled to the platform 62 that is shown to be
arranged in the transport grid 22 in the configuration of the
parking facility 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The last-named trough
106 is capable of being coupled to the platform 62 that is shown to
be arranged in the storage grid 24 in the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0101] The coupling between the troughs 106 and the platforms 62
can be accomplished by cooperating coupling elements, for example
in the form of catch stops. Electromagnetic coupling is also
conceivable. The coupling, for example by catch stops, can be
released for example by moving the respective coupling element from
a coupling position to a decoupling position. To this end, it may
be provided for electromagnets capable of being controlled by the
control unit 52 to exist at the platforms 62 in order to move the
coupling elements from the coupling position to the decoupling
position and/or vice versa.
[0102] For example, if the motor vehicles 30 shown in FIG. 1 as
being stored in the storage grid 24 are to be intermediately stored
in the transport grid 26, the platforms 62 can be coupled to the
respective troughs 106 so that both the platforms 62 and the
troughs 106 are moved into the transport grid 26 under the action
of the drives 68, whereby the troughs 106 are moved to the
shielding position. Conversely, the platforms 62 and the troughs
106 can be removed from the transport grid 26 under the action of
the drives 68, whereby the troughs 106 are moved to the open
position.
[0103] When one of the motor vehicles 30 shown as being arranged in
the storage grid 24 is to be retrieved, the corresponding platform
can be decoupled from its associated trough 106 by moving the
respective coupling element to the decoupling position. This makes
it possible to move the platform 62 together with the motor vehicle
30 into the transport grid 26 where the motor vehicle 30 can be
transferred to the lifter 46. Due to the decoupling action, the
trough 106 remains in the storage grid 24 so that the lifter 46 can
be moved unhindered within the transport grid 26. This applies
analogously to the platforms 62 shown in FIG. 1 as being arranged
in the transport grid 22 and to the troughs 106 that are capable of
being coupled thereto.
[0104] In this variant of the parking facility 10, it is even
possible to dispense with the shielding devices 76 that are fixedly
attached at the storage grid 24.
[0105] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a detail of a second preferred embodiment
of a parking facility, designated by the reference numeral 110, in
a view corresponding to that of FIGS. 2 and 3. While the parking
facility 110 uses the fixed shielding devices 76, it does not use
the movable shielding devices 90. Instead, movable shielding
devices 112 are provided for bottom-side covering of motor vehicles
30 in the transport grids 22, 26.
[0106] Each shielding device 112 is comprised by a platform 62, is
arranged at the bottom side thereof and has two closed shielding
elements 114 of planar or trough-shaped configuration. The
shielding elements 114 in the present case are configured in the
form of troughs 116 which in terms of their dimensions
substantially correspond to the troughs 94 of the shielding devices
90 and are arranged one above the other in a space-efficient
manner. The troughs 116 are supported on the transverse members 66
for displacement in a horizontal direction within corresponding
guides 118. For their drive, the platforms 62 comprise drives 120
(schematically shown in FIG. 7) which are configured for example as
rack-and-pinion drives, belt drives, friction roller drives or
chain drives. The drives 120 are connected to the control unit 52
and thus capable of being controlled thereby.
[0107] The movable shielding devices 112 can adopt an open position
in which the troughs 116 are in each case arranged below the
longitudinal members 64 and the cover 70 (FIG. 5a). In the open
position, the cross-section of a platform 62 arranged in a storage
location 34 has no overlap with the cross-section of the respective
lifter 44 or 46 so that the same can be moved in the transport grid
22 and 26 respectively. By control through the control unit 52, the
troughs 116 can be moved by the drives 120 to a shielding position
in which they are displaced horizontally in opposite directions
along the guides 118, starting from the longitudinal members 64. In
the shielding position, the troughs 116 in combination with the
cover 70 substantially completely close off the cross-section of
the transport grids 22 and 26 both in a longitudinal and a
transverse direction, as is the case in the parking facility 10
with the troughs 94 in the shielding position. Reliable shielding
of motor vehicles 30 arranged below the respective platform 62 can
thereby be ensured.
[0108] In particular, provision is made for the control unit 52 to
move the movable shielding device 112 to the respective shielding
position only when the respective platform 62 has a motor vehicle
30 positioned thereon. Further, in the parking facility 110,
provision may be made for the fixed shielding devices 76 to be
eliminated partially or entirely. For example, it lends itself to
omitting the fixed shielding elements 78 in the central storage
grid 24. The platforms 62 arranged in the grids 22 and 24 may each
comprise movable shielding devices 112 in order to permit shielding
in the transport grids 22, 26 and in the storage grid 24. On the
other hand, the storage grids 20 and 28 may be provided with
platforms 62 with no movable shielding devices 112, but with fixed
shielding devices 76 instead. It is, however, also possible for
each of the platforms 62 to comprise a movable shielding device
112, in which case fixed shielding devices 76 are no longer a
necessity.
[0109] The shielding elements 78, 92, 104 and 114 in the present
case are for example partially or completely made of a metal and/or
a plastics material. The shielding elements 78, 92, 104 and 114 can
be of plate-shaped configuration instead of being configured as
troughs 82, 94, 106 and 116 respectively. The use of shielding
elements configured as tarpaulins is also conceivable.
[0110] FIG. 9 shows a third preferred embodiment of a parking
facility constructed in accordance with the invention, designated
by the reference numeral 130, in a view corresponding to that of
FIG. 2. In the parking facility 130, instead of the transport
devices 40 and 42, transport devices are provided of which only one
transport device 132 is shown in the transport grid 26, hereinafter
referred to as lifter 134 (refer also to FIG. 8). The lifter 134
comprises two longitudinal members 136 that are constructed
symmetrically with respect to each other and are each movably
supported at their ends on the vertical members 16 and are capable
of being vertically moved by the drives 48 and 50. Each
longitudinal member 136 has, in a direction towards the other one
of the longitudinal members 136, a plurality of supporting elements
138 protruding therefrom in a castellated manner. By way of
example, four supporting elements 138 of rectangular cross-section
are provided in each case. Each supporting element 138 has an
alignment element 140 protruding therefrom in a vertical direction,
said alignment element 140 in the present case having a disk-shaped
configuration.
[0111] Storage devices 142, hereinafter platforms 144, are provided
in lieu of the storage devices 60. The platforms 144 each comprise
two longitudinal members 146 extending parallel to one another and
joined on both sides at the ends thereof by cross members 148. The
longitudinal members 146 and the cross members 148 serve the same
purpose as the longitudinal members 64 and the transverse members
66 of the platforms 62. The cross-sections of the platforms 144 and
the lifter 134 in the respective transport grid 22, 26 do not
overlap so that the transfer of motor vehicles at the points of
intersection between the transport grids 22, 26 and the storage
levels can likewise be accomplished as described above.
[0112] Furthermore, the parking facility 130 comprises pallets 150,
each platform 144 having exactly one pallet 150 associated with it.
The pallet 150 is closed and thus free from openings or cutouts and
serves to accommodate motor vehicles 30. To this end, it comprises,
in the conventional manner, wheel recesses 152 extending parallel
to one another in a longitudinal direction. The pallets 150 are
double-folded in the transition region from the wheel recesses 152
to a central section 154. In a transverse direction of the pallet
150, the central section 154 is in each case dimensioned such that
it can cover the longitudinal members 146 of the pallets 150 in a
positively-locking manner. This enables the pallet 150 to be
aligned and fixed relative to the platform 144 in a horizontal
plane.
[0113] Furthermore, alignment elements 156 in the form of
cylindrical recesses 158 are provided at the bottom side of the
pallet 150. The alignment elements 140 of the lifter 134 can engage
in the recesses 158 in a positively-locking manner. This ensures
alignment and fixing of the pallet 150 relative to the lifter 134
in a horizontal plane.
[0114] Instead of two times four supporting elements 138 and
alignment elements 140 and 156, more or less supporting elements
and alignment elements may be provided, in particular two times two
supporting elements and alignment elements. Instead of the
alignment elements 140 and 156, alignment elements of different
type may be provided, for example alignment elements in the form of
centring mandrels, which may for example have a conical shape, and
associated recesses, also having a conical shape. Cooperating
alignment brackets at the longitudinal members 136 and the pallets
150 are also conceivable.
[0115] In the parking facility 130, the pallets 150 serve to
transport motor vehicles positioned thereon for storing and
retrieving the same. Due to the fact that in the transport grids
22, 26, the cross-section of the pallets 150 in each case overlaps
with the cross-section of the platforms 144 and the cross-section
of the lifter 134, the pallets 150 with motor vehicles 30
positioned thereon are transferred at the points of intersection of
the transport grids 22, 26 with the storage levels.
[0116] Furthermore, the pallets 150 allow the motor vehicles 30
arranged therebelow to be shielded from water, snow, snow slush,
dirt, loose chippings or the like. Therefore, the shielding devices
76, 90 and/or 112 may be omitted in the parking facility 130,
although provision may of course be made for them to be also
utilized in the parking facility 130. The use of combination forms
of the parking facilities 10, 110 and/or 130 in which both pallets
150 and shielding devices 76, 90 and/or 112 may be used is also
conceivable.
[0117] By eliminating the need for shielding devices 76, 90 and/or
112, it is also possible to eliminate the necessity for the drives
100 and 120 associated with them, thereby simplifying control of
the parking facility 130. Users benefit from the pallets 150 in
that driving into the parking facility 130 and onto the pallets 150
can be a significantly more pleasant experience than driving onto
the spaced-apart support elements 56 and 58 of the lifters 44 and
46.
[0118] In the control of the parking facility 130, it is in
particular provided for the pallets 150 to be transported back to
the platform 144 associated therewith once the motor vehicle has
been retrieved. This eliminates the necessity of vacant spaces for
pallets 150 which would otherwise have to be provided for holding
them in store. This allows the parking facility 130 to be built in
a compact form.
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