Automatic parking structure

摘要

A mechanism for moving vehicles within a vehicle parking structure comprises a lift platform which can be moved vertically and laterally to positions in register with one or more transfer rooms through which vehicles enter and leave the structure and a selected parking space of the structure. A vehicle transfer mechanism is carried on the platform and includes four self-powered tractors carrying lift arms that can be driven off the platform to engage the tires of a vehicle and to transfer that vehicle onto the platform for transportation between a transfer room and a parking space. The tractors, when deployed, pass outside the vehicle tires with the lift arms folded and can then be operated to extend the arms in a way that engages the tires and lifts the vehicle.

主权项

1. Apparatus for transporting a vehicle between a lift platform and a parking space of a parking structure comprising four tractors, two on each side of the platform, adapted for motion between the platform and the parking space, each tractor carrying a pair of opposed tire engaging lift arms adapted to engage a tire of the vehicle to be transported and to lift the vehicle for movement to or from the platform or parking space, the tractors being arranged to pass outside the tires of the vehicle with the lift arms in a folded condition and then to extend the arms to engage and lift a respective tire,
wherein the proximal ends of the lift arms are mounted on a lift arm support that is rotatable about a vertical axis to fold and unfold the arms and movable longitudinally to move the arms into and out of engagement of the vehicle tire, the lift arm support being connected to a shaft of a linear actuator mounted on the associated tractor, a housing being restrained against longitudinally motion upon initial extension of the actuator, causing the support to rotate to unfold the lift arms, and wherein unfolding of the lift arms frees the lift arm support for longitudinal motion to move the lift arms into engagement with a vehicle tire.