Device and method for automatic transfer of car in parking system

Abstract

Device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, the device including a main frame for moving between platforms each for placing a car to be parked thereon, and an elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting the car on the platform to a preset height, inclusive of at least one or more than one leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting wheels of the car, and a supplementary frame for moving up together with the legs, thereby transferring the car lifted by the elevating part to an other platform the main frame desires, and permitting fast loading/unloading of the car.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the Korean Application No. P2001-89355 filed on Dec. 31, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an automated car parking system, and more particularly, to device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system.

[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art

[0005] Currently, the automated car parking system is used widely for effective parking lots of cars within a limited space. The parking system is provided with a construction, such as a parking building, or a parking tower having a plurality of parking space, and a transporting and transfer mechanism provided in the construction for loading/unloading the car.

[0006] The parking system has car supporting plates, called as a pallet, for parking the car. In more detail, when a car stops on a ground in the vicinity of an entrance to the construction for parking the car, the entrance is opened. Then, as the pallet is located on a floor inside of the construction, the driver is required to drive the car to a location on the pallet. Thereafter, the driver is required to get out of the entrance, gives a parking instruction to a control panel fitted to the entrance, so that a transporting mechanism, such as an elevator, transports the pallet having the car thereon. Then, the transporting mechanism pushes the car into the parking space together with the pallet, to finish the car parking. Therefore, every parking space requires the pallet.

[0007] However, the related art parking system using the pallets has the following problems.

[0008] First, much time is required for loading/unloading the car into/out of the car parking system.

[0009] For an example, when the car is loaded on the parking system, at first, it is required that the transporting mechanism moves to an empty parking space, takes an empty pallet, and moves to the entrance. Moreover, when the parking system is required to load cars on the parking spaces continuously, much time period is required since the foregoing process is required to be repeated. In unloading the cars from the parking spaces inside of the parking system, before taking out another car, the transporting mechanism is required to place the pallet for a first car to a first car parking space after taking out the first car from the first car parking space. Thus, because much time period is required for placing and taking out the pallet into/out of the parking spaces, the loading/unloading of cars into/from the parking system requires much time period. Consequently, waiting time of drivers at the entrance of the parking system is prolonged, causing the entrance crowded with drivers and inconvenience of the drivers.

[0010] Second, the parking system is complicated and cumbersome since every parking space requires a pallet and an additional facility for the pallet is required. Therefore, many mal-operation and high installation and maintenance cost are caused.

[0011] Third, the pallet has a size larger than the car for supporting the car, to cause vibration and noise during the large sized pallet is placed/taken into/out of the parking space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, which permits fast loading and unloading of the car into/out of a parking system.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, which has a simple structure.

[0015] Further object of the present invention is to provide device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system, which has low vibration and noise.

[0016] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0017] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system includes a main frame for moving between platforms each for placing a car to be parked thereon, and an elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting the car on the platform to a preset height, inclusive of at least one or more than one leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting wheels of the car, and a supplementary frame for moving up together with the legs, thereby transferring the car lifted by the elevating part to an other platform the main frame desires.

[0018] The main frame includes wheels and supplementary wheels driven by power means for moving the main frame.

[0019] Preferably, the legs are in one pair movably fitted to both sides of the main frame, for supporting one pair of the front wheels or rear wheels of the car, and more preferably, the legs support the front wheels of the car.

[0020] The leg has a fork form, and includes a pinion gear driven by a power means, and rack gears each coupled with the leg and engaged with the pinion gear for moving in a horizontal direction as the pinion gear rotates.

[0021] The supplementary frame includes a helical cam rotatably fitted to the main frame, and a roller fitted to the supplementary frame for moving up/down along a sloped surface of the helical cam when the helical cam rotates. Preferably, the supplementary frame further includes a sprocket engaged with the helical cam, and a chain engaged with the sprocket and driven by power means for rotating the sprocket and the helical cam. The supplementary frame includes a plurality of the helical cams, and the rollers and the sprockets in correspondence to the helical cams for stable supporting of the supplementary frame.

[0022] The supplementary frame further includes a guide for moving up/down the supplementary frame, and a supplementary guide.

[0023] Preferably, the device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system further includes a guide part fitted to the main frame for guiding car wheels rotated while the car is moved, wherein the guide part includes guide bars movable to an outside of the main frame so as to be disposed adjacent to the wheels of the car.

[0024] Preferably, the guide part includes one pair of guide bars movably fitted to both sides of the main frame so as to be disposed adjacent to the front wheels or rear wheels of the car, and more preferably, the guide bars move to be close to the rear wheels.

[0025] The guide part further includes a ball screw rotated by power means, a nut engaged with the ball screw for making a linear movement as the ball screw is rotated, and link bars each having one end hinge coupled to the nut, and the other end connected to the guide bar for transmission of the linear movement of the nut to the guide bar. The link bar is guided by a sloped surface formed on a cam floor fitted to the main frame during operation.

[0026] The platform includes a passage for pass of the main frame, and seats for receiving the legs moved in a horizontal direction while the platform makes no interference with the movement of the legs.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatic transfer of a car including the steps of (a) moving a car transfer device to a first platform provided in a space for receiving a car to be parked, (b) lifting the car on the first platform including the steps of moving legs in the car transfer device to an outside of the car transfer device for supporting wheels of the car, and moving up a supplementary frame in the car transfer device coupled with the legs, (c) transporting the car transfer device to a second platform provided to a parking space in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device, and (d) placing down the car on the second platform including the steps of moving down the supplementary frame, and moving the legs into an inside of the car transfer device.

[0028] Preferably, the step (b) further includes the step of moving guide bars of the car transfer device to an outside of the car transfer device for guiding car wheels rotating during movement of the car. The step (d) further includes the step of moving the guide bars of the car transfer device to an inside of the car transfer device.

[0029] The step (c) includes the steps of moving the car transfer device to a third platform provided to a transporting device in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device, transporting the car and the car transfer device to a second platform apart from the first platform by the transporting device, and transporting the car transfer device to the second platform in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device.

[0030] Preferably, the method for automatic transfer of a car includes the step of returning the car transfer device to the third platform after the step (d).

[0031] Thus, the device and method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system of the present invention permits to reduce car loading/unloading time period into/out of a car parking system, thereby making the drivers convenient. Moreover, the present invention reduces the chances of the car parking system falling into out of order and mal-operation, and reduces installation and maintenance cost.

[0032] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention:

[0034] In the drawings:

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate side views each showing a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIGS. 3A˜3C illustrate front views each showing a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate sections across a line A-A in FIG. 1 each showing a detail of legs in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view showing an elevating part in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate partial sections across a line B-B in FIG. 5 each showing a supplementary frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 7A illustrates a partial enlarged view showing an ‘A’ part in FIG. 5;

[0042] FIG. 7B illustrates a partial section across a line C-C in FIG. 7A;

[0043] FIG. 8A illustrates a partial enlarged view showing a ‘B’ part in FIG. 5;

[0044] FIG. 8B illustrates a partial section across a line D-D in FIG. 8A;

[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial plan view showing a guide part in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in detail;

[0046] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate partial sections across a line E-E in FIG. 9, each showing a guide part in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates a platform in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIGS. 12A˜12D illustrate the steps of a method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, schematically; and

[0049] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate plane and sectional view showing a parking facility according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In explaining embodiments of the present invention, same parts will be given the same names and reference symbols, and iterative explanation of which will be omitted.

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an automatic car transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an automatic car transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3A˜3C illustrate front views each showing a device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, referring to which the present invention will be explained.

[0052] The automatic car transfer device includes a main frame 100 and an elevating part 200 fitted to the main frame, on the whole.

[0053] The main frame 100 is designed to have an adequate strength for supporting load of a car and to permit fitting of various components, basically. The main frame 100 is configured to run by a power for itself. To do this, as shown in FIG. 5 in detail, the main frame 100 has two pairs of wheels 100 each connected to an axel 120. The pair of wheels 110 are driven by a first motor 130. There are one pair of supplementary wheels 140 fitted to the main frame 1 for stable movement of the main frame 100.

[0054] The main frame 100 goes back and forth between platforms 10 to be connected so as to be continuous, actually. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 10 and 11, the platforms 10 are stages each fixedly provided in a space inside of the parking facility for parking the car therein (a car parking space), or in a space outside of the parking facility for receiving a car for parking (a car receiving space), for placing the car thereon. For simplicity, the car 1 is represented with the wheels only in the drawings. The platform 10 may also be formed in a device for transporting the car from the car receiving space to the car parking space and vice versa when the two spaces are far away. As shown, the platform 10 has a passage 29 for the main frame 100. The passage 29 movably receives the main frame 100, and guides the main frame 100 during transfer.

[0055] The elevating part 200 has a system for lifting the car 1 disposed on the platform 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the elevating part 200 includes at least one leg 210, and a supplementary frame 220 for movably receiving the leg 210.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, the leg 210 is designed to support the wheels of the car 1, basically. For making stable support of the car (i.e., the wheels), the car transfer device has one pair of legs 210. As shown, the one pair of legs 210 are movably fitted to the supplementary frame 220 so as to be positioned on both sides of the main frame 110 respectively, for supporting one pair of front or rear wheels. Presently, as most cars are of a front wheel drive type, it is difficult to rotate the front wheel if the transmission gears are engaged. Moreover, handle lock is occurred in most of the cars when the car shimmies following movement of the front wheels. Therefore, it is preferable that the one pair of legs 210 support the front wheel.

[0057] In more detail, the leg 210 may have a form of a fork, for being suitable to support the car wheel, but other forms may also be applicable. As shown, the leg 210 has two bars 210a and a connecting part 210b connecting the two bars 210a. The two bars 210a are fitted parallel to each other at a distance, and the connecting part 210b is extended between the two bars 210a.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4A˜4B, for moving the legs 210, there are a pinion gear 211 rotatably fitted to the supplementary frame 220, and rack gears 212 engaged with the pinion gear 211. The pinion gear 211 is connected to a second motor 214 fitted to the supplementary frame 100 through a driving shaft 213. The rack gears are coupled with the leg 210, more precisely, to the connecting part 210b. Accordingly, when the pinion gear 211 is rotated by the second motor 214, the rack gear 212 and the leg 210 coupled thereto move in a horizontal direction. Referring to FIG. 4B, when the pinion gear 211 rotates in one direction, the legs 210 are projected out of the main frame 100 owing to the horizontal movement of the rack gears 212, and as shown in FIG. 4A, when the pinion gear 211 rotates in the other direction, the legs 210 are retracted back into the main frame 100.

[0059] In order not to interfere movement of the legs 210, as shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and other related drawings, the platform 10 has seats 12 for the legs 210. The seat 12 guides the leg 210 during movement of the leg 210, and holds the projected leg 210.

[0060] Actually, referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the legs 210 are projected out of the main frame 100 by driving elements (i.e., the pinions 211, the rack gears 212) for supporting the wheels of the car 1 before the car is lifted. Once the car 1 is put down on a desired platform 10, the legs 210 are retracted back into the main frame 100. Thus, the legs 210 are projected out of, or retracted back into the main frame 100 selectively according to an operating condition.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the supplementary frame 220 supports the leg 210, and is movable in up/down directions. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, since both ends of the connecting part 210b of the leg is held in the supplementary frame 220, the movement of the leg 210 is also guided by the supplementary frame 220.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there are a helical cam 221 rotatably fitted to the main frame 100, and a roller 222 fitted to the supplementary frame 220 so to be supported on the helical cam 221. The helical cam 221 has a sloped surface continuously formed along a circumferential direction. For driving the helical cam 221, a sprocket 223 is engaged with the helical cam 221, and a chain 226 is engaged both to the helical cam 221 and a third motor 227. Both the sprocket 223 and the helical cam 221 engaged together are rotatably fitted to a bottom of the main frame 100 by a pin 225 passed through the sprocket 223 and the helical cam 221. There are bearings 224 fitted between the pin 225 and the sprocket 223/the helical cam 221, to support the sprocket 223/the helical cam 221 on the pin 225. Accordingly, when the helical cam 221 is rotated by the third motor 227, the chain 226 and the sprocket 223, the roller 222 and the supplementary frame 220 coupled thereto move up/down along the sloped surface of the helical cam 221. As shown in FIG. 6A, if the helical cam 221 rotates in one direction, the roller 222 rolls up along the sloped surface while lifting up the supplementary frame 220 coupled thereto. As shown in FIG. 6B, opposite to this, if the helical cam 221 rotates in the other direction, the roller 222 rolls down along the sloped surface while moving down the supplementary frame 220 coupled thereto. Along with this, the legs 210 are also moves up/down with the supplementary frame 220.

[0063] As explained, the load of the car is placed on the supplementary frame 220 through the legs 210 during the car is moved up/down. Therefore, it is preferable that a plurality of helical cams 221, and the rollers 222 and the sprockets are fitted for adequate supporting of the supplementary frame 220. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown, four sets of helical cams 221, rollers 222, and sprockets 223 are provided to the car transfer device.

[0064] Moreover, it is preferable that a guide 230 is provided to the supplementary frame 220 for prevention of unstable movement caused by heavy load. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the guide 230 has a channel member 231 fixed to the main frame 100, and a pin 232 fitted to the supplementary frame 220. The channel member 231 is extended vertically along a direction of movement of the supplementary frame 220. The pin 232 is movably fitted in the channel member 231. Therefore, the guide 230 permits a stable movement of the supplementary frame 220 without shaking. More preferably, a supplementary guide 240 may be fitted to the supplementary frame 220. The supplementary guide 240 has first teeth 241 on the supplementary frame 220 and second teeth 242 on the main frame 220. The first, and second teeth 241 and 242 are extended vertically and engaged with each other. Therefore, alike the guide 230, the supplementary guide 240 also supports the supplementary frame 220, for making stable movement against forward/backward direction shaking of the car transfer device.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3A˜3C, the car 1 moves up when the car is lifted from the platform 10, and moves down when the car 1 is put down on a desired platform 10. The legs 210 are always projected while the supplementary frame 220 moves up/down, and when the supplementary frame 220 is moved down fully, the legs 210 starts to project out of or retract into the main frame 100.

[0066] The elevating part 200 lifts up one pair of the wheels, and transfers the car 1 from one platform 10 to another platform 10. Accordingly, the other pair of the wheels of the car roll on the platform, and, therefore, has a possibility of rolling off the platform 10 as the wheels are put to one side. As shown in FIG. 1, due to this reason, the car transfer device of the present invention is mounted on the main frame, and it is preferable that the car transfer device includes a guide part 300 for guiding the rotating wheels during movement of the car 1.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B, the guide part 300 is basically guide bars 310 which move to outsides of the main frame 100 and placed adjacent to the wheels of the car 1. As shown, the guide bars 310 are extended in parallel with the wheels substantially for guiding the wheels and restricting left/right side movement of the car. Preferably, one pair of the guide bars 310 are provided to the car transfer device for making a stable guide of the wheels of the car 1. Such guide bars 310 are fitted at both sides of the main frame 100, so as to be movable adjacent to the pair of front wheels or rear wheels of the car 1. As explained, since it is preferable that the front wheels are supported by the legs 210, the one pair of guide bars 310 are disposed adjacent to the rear wheels.

[0068] For moving the legs, there are a screw 320 rotatably fitted to the main frame 100, and a nut 330 coupled with the screw 320. There are link bars 340 each having one end hinge coupled to the nut 330, and the other end hinge coupled to the guide bar 310. One end of the screw 320 is rotatably supported on a bearing fitted to the main frame 100, and connected to the fourth motor 390 with power transmission means, such as chain, or belt. There is a screw guide 350 extended in a length direction of the screw for guiding and supporting the screw 320. The link bar 340 has two links, i.e., a first and second links 340a and 340b. The first link 340a moves under the restriction of the nut 330, and the second link 340b moves under the restriction of the linear bearing 360 fitted to the main frame 100. In the meantime, in general, the wheels of the car 1 are disposed on the platform 10 at a level higher than the car transfer device. Therefore, for making the guide bars 310 to reach to the wheels, the link bars 340 moves up/down restricted by the sloped surface formed on a cam floor 380. The cam floor 380 restricts the link bar 340 for guiding the second link 340b to make a linear movement. As explained, it is more preferable that the foregoing driving mechanism is disposed at both ends of the guide bar 310 for securing operative stability of the guide part 300.

[0069] According to this, when the screw 320 is rotated by the fourth motor 390, the nut 330 makes a linear motion along the screw 320 by thread on the screw 320. At the same time with this, the link bar 340 transmits the motion to the guide bar 310. That is, the first link 340a transmits the linear motion of the nut 330 to the second link 340b. Then, the second link 340a is made to make a linear motion by the transmitted linear motion under the restriction of the cam floor 380 and the linear bearing 360, and at the same time, moves the guide bar 310. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the screw 320 rotates in one direction, the guide bar 310 is projected to an outside of the main frame 100. Opposite to this, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the screw 320 rotates in the other direction, the guide bar 310 is retracted into the main frame 110.

[0070] Actually, the guide bars 310 move closer to the wheels for guiding the wheels before the car 1 is moved, and move into an inside of the main frame 100 after movement of the car 1 is finished. Thus, alike the legs 210, the guide bars 310 are projected/retracted selectively depending on operation conditions of the car transfer device.

[0071] As explained, when two different platforms 10 are brought into contact such that the passages 13 thereof are connected, the car transfer device of the present invention can transfer the car, lifted by the elevating part 300, from one platform to the other, as the main frame 10 moves through the connected passages 13.

[0072] The operation of the automatic car transfer device, and a method for automatic transfer of a car will be explained, with reference to related drawings. FIGS. 12A˜12D illustrate the steps of a method for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. And, FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate plane and sectional view showing a parking facility according to the present invention.

[0073] In the method of the present invention, a first platform 10 is one provided in a space for receiving a car 1 to be parked, and a second platform 20 is one provided in a space for parking the car therein. That is, the first platform 10 is located outside of the parking facility adjacent thereto, and the second platform is located inside of the parking space formed in the parking facility, such as a parking building or parking tower, actually.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 12A, when the car 1 to be parked stops at the first platform 10, the car transfer device ‘D’ is moved to the first platform 10 (step 1). In this instance, after stopping the car 1 on the first platform 10 in front of the entrance to the car parking facility, the driver gives an order to an operation panel fitted at the entrance for parking the car 1 in the parking facility. It is very important for the driver to position the wheels of the car between the seats 12 in the first platform 10, so that the car transfer device ‘D’ can lift the car 1 in a following operation. Thereafter, the parking facility, having received the parking order, opens the entrance, and moves the car transfer device ‘D’ to the first platform 10 outside of the parking facility. In general, since the parking facility has lots of car parking spaces (car parking chamber), with the entrance and the parking spaces distanced far away, a transporter, such as an elevator, is required for transporting the car from the entrance to the car parking space, or vice versa. For transferring the car to the second platform 20 in the car parking space by using the car transfer device, a platform is required in the transporter, which may be defined as a third platform 30. Accordingly, actually, the parking facility moves the transporter to the entrance, and joins the third platform 30 in the transporter to the first platform 10, such that passages thereof 13 and 33 are connected. As explained, the passages 13 and 33, provided for permitting passage of the car transfer device ‘D’, are the same. Then, when the entrance is opened, the car transfer device ‘D’ is moved from the third platform 30 to an underside of the car 10 on the first platform 10. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the car transfer device ‘D’ is moved by the first motor 130 and the wheels 110 movably coupled to the first motor 130.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 12B, when the first step is finished, the car transfer device ‘D’ lifts the car 1 on the first platform (step 2).

[0076] In the step (step 2) of lifting the car, the legs 210 are projected out of the car transfer device ‘D’ for supporting the wheels of the car 1 according to an order from the parking facility (step 2-1). Before the step of projecting the legs 210 (step 2-1), the parking facility aligns the car transfer device ‘D’ so that the legs 210 are inserted into the seats 12 in the first platform 1, accurately. Then, the legs 210 advance into the seats 12, and are deployed under the wheels of the car 1 at adequate lengths. As shown, for stable supporting of the car 1, the car transfer device ‘D’ employs one pair of the legs 210. Moreover, as explained before, taking the driving type of the car 1 (i.e., the front driving type), handle lock, and the like, into account, the legs 210 are arranged to support the front wheels. The projection of the legs 210 is made by a driving mechanism inclusive of the pinion gear 211, and the rack gears 212, which is explained in detail before with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0077] After the step of projecting (step 2-1), the supplementary frame 220 coupled to the legs 210 moves up (step 2-2).

[0078] When the supplementary frame 220 starts to move up, the legs 210 are brought into contact with the car wheels at first. As the supplementary frame 220 keeps moving up, the legs 210 supports the wheels and lifts a part of the car. Once the car 1 is lifted to a preset height, the upward movement of the supplementary frame 220 is stopped. At the end, the front car wheels are separated from the first platform 10, while the rear wheels are still in contact with a top surface of the first platform 10. That is, since the front wheels, of which rotation is restricted as the front wheels are coupled with the transmission gears, are freed from the restriction, the car transfer device ‘D’ satisfies a minimum condition for moving the car. The moving up of the supplementary frame 220 is made by a driving mechanism inclusive of the helical cam 221 and the roller 222, of which explanation is already given in association with FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0079] In the meantime, as the rear wheels are not connected to the transmission gears, the rear wheels rotate on the platform 10, 20 or 30 freely during transfer of the car. However, if the driver does not align the car, particularly the wheels to the first platform 10 appropriately, the wheels of the car may roll off the platform 10, 20 or 30 during transfer of the car 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the guide bar 310 are moved out of the car transfer device ‘D’ for guiding the car wheels in the step (step 2) of lifting the car (step 2-3).

[0080] Then, by the instruction from the parking facility, the guide bars 310 move toward the wheels from outside of the car transfer device ‘D’ until the guide bars 310 come close to the wheels. According to this, as shown in FIG. 10B, the guide bars 310 are disposed parallel to the wheels, with limiting left/right direction movements of the car. The guide bars 310 may be moved any time of the projecting or the moving up step (steps 2-1 or 2-2). For stable guide of the wheels, preferably the car transfer device ‘D’ employs one pair of guide bars 310, and disposes at the rear wheels as the legs 210 lifts the front wheels. Such a movement of the guide bars 310 is made by a driving mechanism inclusive of the ball screw 320, the nut 330, the link bars 340 as explained with reference to FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 12C, upon finishing the step 2, the car transfer device ‘D’ transfers the car 1 to the second platform 10 (step 3).

[0082] In the transfer step (step 3), the car transfer device ‘D’ transfers the car 1 up to the third platform 30 (step 3-1) at first. After the step of moving the car transfer device ‘D’ (step 1), the entrance to the parking facility is left open, and the third platform 30, in contact with the first platform 10, is also at standby. Accordingly, under the instruction from the parking facility, the car transfer device ‘D’ moves along the connected passages 13 and 33. While the movement, the front wheels are in a lifted state, and the rear wheels are rotated on the first, and second platform 10 or 30. Meanwhile, a plurality of rollers could be disposed in the platforms along with a path of the rear wheels. Therefore, the car 1 is transferred between the platforms without the rotation of the rear wheels.

[0083] Then, the transporter transports the car and the car transfer device from the first platform 10 to the second platform 20 (step 3-2). At first, the parking facility moves the transporter to the entrance of the second platform 20. Then, the third platform 30 and the second platform 20 are joined such that the passages 23 and 33 are connected. As explained, the third platform 30 has a passage identical to the first, or second platform 10 or 20. In general, though the space the second platform 20 is opened, if the entrance thereof is closed with a predetermined device, the space is required to be opened before connection to the third platform 30.

[0084] Moreover, during the step of transporting (step 3-2), since it is not required to put down the car 1 on the third platform 30, the car 1 is maintained in a lifted up state by the transfer device ‘D’. Therefore, the seats 12 for the legs 210 may not be formed in the third platform 30.

[0085] After the step of transporting (step 3-2), the car transfer device ‘D’ transfers the car 1 to the second platform 20 (step 3-3). In this instance, the car transfer device ‘D’ moves along the passages 23 and 33 connected from the third platform 30 to the second platform 20. During the movement, the front wheels are kept lifted, and the rear wheels are idle on the second, or third platform 20 or 30. As mentioned above, these platforms could also include a plurality of rollers in order for car 1 to be transferred therebetween without rotating the rear wheels. Thereafter, the parking facility aligns the car transfer device ‘D’ such that the legs 210 are placed down on the seat 22 in the platform 20, accurately.

[0086] As explained in the steps 1˜3, the car transfer device ‘D’ comes out of the parking facility and takes the car on the first platform 10 into an inside of the car parking facility, directly. Therefore, since the driver is not required to drive the car into the parking facility the same as the related art parking facility, the parking facility of the present invention is convenient to the drivers.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12D, when the third step is finished, the car transfer device places down the car 1 on the second platform 20 (step 4).

[0088] In the step of placing down the car (step 4), the supplementary frame 220 is moved down together with the legs 210 fitted thereto (step 4-1). When the supplementary frame 220 is moved down to some extent, the wheels of the car 1 come into contact with the second platform 20 at first. When the supplementary frame 220 is moved down further, the wheels are supported on the second platform 20. At the same time with this, the legs 210 are separated from the wheels as the legs 210 are inserted into the seats 22. Once the legs 210 are inserted in the seats 22 fully, the moving down of the supplementary frame 220 is stopped. By the step of moving down (step 4-1), the car 1 is substantially parked on the second platform 20.

[0089] After the step of moving down (step 4-1), the legs 210 are retracted back into the car transfer device ‘D’ (step 4-2). The legs 210, guided not only by the supplementary frame 220 but also by the seat 22, is retracted gradually back into the car transfer device ‘D’ fully.

[0090] The guide bars 310 are also moved back into an inside of the car transfer device ‘D’ (step 4-3). The guide bars 310 moves back into the car transfer device ‘D’ continuously until the guide bars 310 are accommodated fully. During the car is being moved down, the guide bar 310 can be moved any time independent from the step of moving down (step 4-1), and the step of retracting (4-2).

[0091] In the foregoing steps (steps 4-1, 4-2 and 4-3), all the driving mechanism and the operation thereof related to the legs 210, the supplementary frame 220 and the guide bars 310 are identical to the explanation given with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B.

[0092] In the meantime, when the parked car 1 is to be taken out of the parking facility, the foregoing all steps (steps 1 to 4) are carried out oppositely. That is, the car 1 is transferred from the second platform 20 to the third platform 30 in a state the car 1 is lifted by the car transfer device ‘D’, and the third platform 30 is transported to the first platform 10 at the entrance of the parking facility. Then, the car 1 is moved from the third platform 30 to the first platform 10, and placed down on the first platform, for the driver. Because all the steps of taking out the car is the same with the foregoing steps (steps 1 to 4) substantially, any further explanation will be omitted.

[0093] In the meantime, it is preferable that the car transfer device ‘D’ is returned to the third platform 30, after finish of the parking (i.e., after the step 4), so that the car transfer device ‘D’ is readily transportable to the first, or second platform 10 or 20, when parking or taking out of the car 1 is request as the third platform 30 is positioned between the first and second platforms 10 and 20. On the same reason, it is required that the car transfer device ‘D’ is returned to the third platform 30 after the taking out of the car is finished, too.

[0094] In a general parking system, a pallet can not move for itself, to require being put/taken into/out of a parking space in a passive fashion. Moreover, the pallet itself is heavy and bulky. Accordingly, a moving speed of the pallet is relatively slow. Opposite to this, as explained in the present invention, according to an optimized automatic car transfer method, a small sized automatic car transfer device ‘D’ moves for itself with a car loaded thereon, places the car into the parking space in the parking system, or takes the car out of the parking system. Accordingly, the present invention can shorten a time required for parking/taking out a car into/out of a parking system.

[0095] Moreover, since the car transfer device is movable for itself, the car transfer device is movable to a standby position for the next operation at once when an instructed operation (for an example, a parking operation) is finished. In comparison to the related art parking system, the present invention requires no taking/placing an empty pallet out of/into the parking space. These features permit a continuous loading/unloading of the car into/out of the parking system, to shorten the time period required for loading/unloading the car into/out of the parking system.

[0096] Eventually, the short time period required for loading/unloading the car, with consequent short waiting time period at the entrance of the parking system, makes the drivers convenient. Moreover, since the car transfer system of the present invention transfers the car into/out of the parking system directly, the present invention makes the drivers more convenient.

[0097] On the other hand, the car transfer system of the present invention is small and has a simple structure. Therefore, the car transfer system of the present invention has less chances of out of order or mal-operation, low installation and maintenance cost, and little vibration and noise during operation.

[0098] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device and method for automatic transfer of a vehicle of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for automatic transfer of a car in a parking system comprising:

a main frame for moving between platforms each for placing a car to be parked thereon; and

an elevating part fitted to the main frame for lifting the car on the platform to a preset height, including;

at least one or more than one leg fitted to be movable to an outside of the main frame for supporting wheels of the car, and

a supplementary frame for moving up together with the legs,

thereby transferring the car lifted by the elevating part to another platform the main frame desires.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame includes wheels and supplementary wheels driven by power means for moving the main frame.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the legs are in one pair movably fitted to both sides of the main frame, for supporting one pair of the front wheels or rear wheels of the car.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the legs support the front wheels of the car.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg has a fork form.

6. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg includes;

a pinion gear driven by a power means, and

rack gears each coupled with the leg and engaged with the pinion gear for moving in a horizontal direction as the pinion gear rotates.

7. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supplementary frame includes;

a helical cam rotatably fitted to the main frame; and

a roller fitted to the supplementary frame for moving up/down along a sloped surface of the helical cam when the helical cam rotates.

8. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the supplementary frame further includes;

a sprocket engaged with the helical cam, and

a chain engaged with the sprocket and driven by power means for rotating the sprocket and the helical cam.

9. A device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the supplementary frame includes a plurality of the helical cams, and the rollers and the sprockets in correspondence to the helical cams for stable supporting of the supplementary frame.

10. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supplementary frame further includes a guide for moving up/down the supplementary frame, having a channel member extended in a vertical direction, and a pin fixed to the supplementary frame and fastened in the channel member.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the supplementary frame further includes a supplementary guide for making a stable up/down movement, having first teeth formed in the supplementary frame extended in a vertical direction, and second teeth formed in the main frame extended in a vertical direction so as to be engaged with the first teeth.

12. A device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a guide part fitted to the main frame for guiding car wheels rotated while the car is moved.

13. A device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the guide part includes guide bars movable to an outside of the main frame so as to be disposed adjacent to the wheels of the car.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide part includes one pair of guide bars movably fitted to both sides of the main frame so as to be disposed adjacent to the front wheels or rear wheels of the car.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the guide bars move to be close to the rear wheels.

16. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide part further includes;

a ball screw rotated by power means,

a nut engaged with the ball screw for making a linear movement as the ball screw is rotated, and

link bars each having one end hinge coupled to the nut, and the other end connected to the guide bar for transmission of the linear movement of the nut to the guide bar.

17. A device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the link bar is guided by a sloped surface formed on a cam floor fitted to the main frame during operation.

18. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform includes a passage for pass of the main frame.

19. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform includes seats for receiving the legs moved in a horizontal direction while the platform makes no interference with the movement of the legs.

20. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platforms include;

a first platform provided in a space for receiving a car to be parked,

a third platform provided in an intermediate device for transporting the car to a parking space, and

a second platform provided in the parking space.

21. A method for automatic transfer of a car comprising the steps of:

(a) moving a car transfer device to a first platform provided in a space for receiving a car to be parked;

(b) lifting the car on the first platform including the steps of,

moving legs in the car transfer device to an outside of the car transfer device for supporting wheels of the car, and

moving up a supplementary frame in the car transfer device coupled with the legs;

(c) transporting the car transfer device to a second platform provided to a parking space in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device; and

(d) placing down the car on the second platform including the steps of;

moving down the supplementary frame, and

moving the legs into an inside of the car transfer device.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the car transfer device is movable by a power means and wheels movably fitted to the power means.

23. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the car is lifted by one pair of legs movably fitted on both sides of the main frame for supporting one pair of front wheels or rear wheels of the car.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the one pair of legs support the front wheels.

25. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the legs are movable by a pinion gear driven by power means, and rack gears coupled with the legs respectively and engaged with the pinion gear for moving in a horizontal direction as the pinion gear rotates.

26. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the supplementary frame is movable by a helical cam rotatably fitted to the main frame, and a roller fitted to the supplementary frame for moving up/down along a sloped surface of the helical cam when the helical cam rotates.

27. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step (b) further includes the step of moving guide bars of the car transfer device to an outside of the car transfer device for guiding car wheels rotating during movement of the car.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the car is guided by one pair of guide bars movably fitted to both sides of the main frame for being disposed close to the one pair of front wheels or rear wheels of the car.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the one pair of guide bars are disposed close to the rear wheels.

30. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the guide bars are movably by

a ball screw rotated by power means,

a nut engaged with the ball screw for making a linear movement as the ball screw is rotated, and

link bars each having one end hinge coupled to the nut, and the other end connected to the guide bar for transmission of the linear movement of the nut to the guide bar.

31. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step (d) further includes the step of moving the guide bars of the car transfer device to an inside of the car transfer device.

32. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step (c) includes the steps of;

moving the car transfer device to a third platform provided to a transporting device in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device,

transporting the car and the car transfer device to a second platform apart from the first platform by the transporting device, and

transporting the car transfer device to the second platform in a state the car is lifted by the car transfer device.

33. A method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the step of returning the car transfer device to the third platform after the step (d).