WO2005061824A1

WO2005061824A1 - Lift cage with gripper

Info

Publication number: WO2005061824A1
Application number: PCT/NL2004/000914
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurentius Gerardus Johannes Wolters; Hendrikus Anthonius Gerhardus Helmink
Original assignee: Mlm Motors B.V.
Priority date: 2003-12-24
Filing date: 2004-12-24
Publication date: 2005-07-07
Also published as: NL1025130C2; EP1706562A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a lift cage for displacing pallets in vertical direction, which lift cage comprises: a substantially cage-like frame; a guide arranged on the frame for guiding a pallet to be carried in and out of the lift cage; a displacing device for displacing a pallet in and out of the lift cage, wherein the displacing device comprises a first arm displaceable parallel to the bottom of the lift cage, a second arm which is arranged displaceably on the first arm and parallel thereto, and a carriage arranged displaceably over the second arm, which carriage comprises coupling means for coupling to a pallet.

Description

LIFT CAGE WITH GRIPPER

The invention relates to a lift cage for displacing pallets in vertical direction. It relates particularly to a lift cage for a fully automatic parking tower wherein a vehicle is driven onto a pallet and then carried automatically with the lift to a parking space in this tower. It is important in the parking towers that the lift system, and particularly the lift cage, operates reliably. A critical point in such a lift tower is moving the pallets onto which the vehicles can be placed in and out of the lift cage. The pallet must herein be displaced from a parking space, which is in a fixed position in the building, to the lift cage which is vertically displaceable in the building. Here the pallet must therefore cross a boundary surface between a fixed part of the building and a suspended part of the building. It is an object of the invention to provide a lift cage which can be manufactured at relatively low cost and furthermore guarantees a reliable operation of the placing of pallets in and out of the lift cage. This object is achieved with a lift cage according to the invention, which lift cage comprises: - a substantially cage-like frame; - a guide arranged on the frame for guiding ■ pallet to be carried in and out of the lift cage; - a displacing device for displacing a pallet in and out of the lift cage, wherein the displacing device comprises a first arm displaceable parallel to the bottom of the lift cage, a second arm which is arranged displaceably on the first arm and parallel thereto, and a carriage arranged displaceably over the second arm, which carriage comprises coupling means for coupling to a pallet. The first and second arm together with the displaceable carriage form a telescopic construction which can be wholly retracted inside the lift cage. With this displacing device a pallet can thus be engaged from the fixed parking space and pulled inside the lift cage without there being extra drive means at the fixed parking space in order to for instance partly push the pallet into the lift cage. Owing to this construction only one displacing device is therefore necessary per lift cage, whereby a relatively inexpensive construction is obtained. The displacing device is moreover arranged wholly in the lift cage, whereby it is not necessary to couple the displacing device in the lift cage to parts which are for instance present on the fixed parking space. This increases reliability since the displacing device is arranged integrally in the lift cage and can thus carry a pallet completely independently out of the parking space into the lift cage, and vice versa. In an embodiment of a lift cage according to the invention, the stroke of the first arm is bounded by the outer dimensions of the lift cage. This stroke of the first arm makes it possible to place the second arm under a pallet lying on a fixed parking space. In a preferred embodiment of the lift cage according to the invention, the carriage and the second arm form part of a linear motor. With a linear motor it is possible to produce sufficient power to move the pallets with for instance a car thereon rapidly from a parking space to the lift cage, and vice versa. A linear motor moreover has the advantage that it forms a flat construction in relation to the power produced. Furthermore, the carriage can hereby be displaced easily from the one end of the second arm to the other end. The second arm can herein be provided with a strip of permanent magnets and the carriage with a number of energizable coils. Such a construction is favourable from a cost price viewpoint, although it is also possible to provide the carriage with the permanent magnets and provide the second arm with energizable coils. In another preferred embodiment of the lift cage according to the invention, a chain is arranged between the two ends of the first arm, and a drivable chain wheel engages on the chain in order to displace the first arm. This is a simple yet reliable construction enabling the first arm to be displaced reciprocally within the outer dimensions of the lift cage. It is of course also possible to allow the arm to move outside the lift cage. In yet another preferred embodiment of the lift cage according to the invention, the coupling means comprise at least one cam pivotable between a horizontal and vertical position for coupling to the pallet. This pivotable cam is arranged on the carriage and can thus couple to the pallet. The carriage is displaced under the pallet, whereafter the cam is pivoted from the horizontal to the vertical position and thus couples to the pallet. By displacing the carriage the pallet can then be co-displaced. The at least one cam preferably comprises spring means for urging the cam into the vertical position. The cam is thus always urged into the locked position, thereby preventing unexpected release of the pallets. In yet another embodiment, the cam can only be operated in the two end positions of the carriage over the arm. Only in these two end positions is the pallet uncoupled or coupled, and during displacement of the pallet, and thus displacement of the carriage over the arm it is not necessary for the pallet to be uncoupled. The construction is therefore safer if the cam can only be operated in the two end positions. Yet another preferred embodiment of the lift cage according to the invention comprises blocking means for blocking the lift cage in at least vertical direction. When the lift cage is carried to a parking level in unloaded state and a pallet on which a vehicle is standing is then displaced into the lift cage, the lift cage will then tend to drop slightly due to stretch in the lift cables. This could possibly affect the operation of the displacing means. By now arranging blocking means the lift cage is prevented from being able to displace in vertical direction during carrying of the pallet in and out of the lift cage. The blocking means herein preferably have at least one pivotable catching hook for engaging on a protrusion arranged in the lift shaft. Through the use of a pivotable catching hook it is possible to uncouple the lift cage from the lift shaft at all times, irrespective of the load, and so be able to displace it again in vertical direction. The catching hook is herein preferably pivoted between a first position and a second, blocking position by means of operating means. The invention further relates to a lift comprising a shaft and a lift cage according to the invention displaceable up and downward therein. The lift herein has folding floor plates, preferably in the shaft at a floor level, in particular at street level, which in the folded-up position enable passage of at least the underside of the lift cage and which in folded-down position connect to a pallet placed in the lift cage. These floor plates make it possible for persons to gain good access to the pallet, in particular when a vehicle is parked on the pallet. The driver can thus walk over the floor plates to the car and then drive the car off the pallet. In a preferred embodiment of the lift according to the invention, the lift cage comprises at least one catching hook for operating the floor plates between the folded-up and folded-down position. When the lift cage is lowered, the catching hook will automatically operate the floor plates to the folded-down position. When the lift cage is lifted again, the catching hook will automatically carry the floor plates back to the folded-up position. The floor plates preferably comprise spring means for urging the floor plates into the folded-up position. This ensures that the floor plates remain in the folded-up position and do not unexpectedly move to the folded-down position while the lift cage still has to move along the floor plates. These and other features of the invention are further elucidated with reference to the annexed drawings. Figure 1 shows schematically a parking tower with a lift cage according to the invention in perspective view. Figure 2 shows the tower of fig. 1 in a second position. Figure 3 shows the parking tower of fig. 1 in a third position. Figures 4 and 5 show a side view of the lateral displacement of a pallet inside the lift cage, as well as the blocking means for blocking the lift cage in the lift shaft. Figures 6A-6C show in side view and in more detail three different positions of the blocking means according to the invention. Figures 7A-7D show in side view the different positions of the displacing device, wherein a pallet with a vehicle thereon is displaced from a fixed parking space into the lift cage. Figures 8A and 8B show in side view two positions of the different locking means present in the lift cage according to the invention. Figure 9 shows the lift cage according to the invention in top view and with partly broken-away parts. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the parking tower according to the invention. Figure 11 shows in side view a detail of the parking tower according to figure 10. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a parking tower 1. This parking tower 1 has a number of fixed parking spaces 2 on which pallets 3 can be placed in two positions. In the centre is arranged a lift cage 4 according to the invention, which can be displaced in vertical direction by means of cables 5 and a lift motor 6. In the shown position a vehicle V is being driven onto a pallet 3 in lift cage 4. As shown in figure 2, lift cage 4 is then lifted upward to a second parking level by means of motor 6. The counterweights arranged on the other end of cables 5 herein descend. Vehicle V is also displaced in transverse direction in a lift cage 4, so that as to be aligned with a free position in parking space 2. As shown in figure 3, pallet 3 with vehicle V thereon is then displaced from lift cage 4 and placed on fixed parking space 2 by means of displacing device 7. The displacing means will be elucidated in further detail below. Figures 4 and 5 show lift cage 4 in side view. The lift cage is provided with blocking means 8 which comprise a catching hook 9 which can be operated by a cylinder 10. Catching hook 9 falls into a cam 11 which is arranged on lift shaft 12 . In figure 4 the pivot hook 9 is brought into a first position by means of operating means 10, so that lift cage 4 can be displaced in vertical direction without any problem. Figure 5 shows the position in which lift cage 4 is locked relative to lift shaft 12. Figures 6A-6C show the different positions when lift cage 4, and in particular the blocking means, are locked relative to lift shaft 12. In fig. 6A the lift cage 4 comes from above and catching hook 9 runs against the cam 11 which is arranged on lift shaft 12. Operating means 10 are here in the position in which catching hook 9 enters the locked position. As is shown in fig. 6B, as lift cage 9 displaces further the catching hook 9 is pressed aside by rise surface 13 on cam 11 so that it is released from operating means 10. In fig. 6C catching hook 9 is coupled to cam 13. Only when operating means 10 are operated can lift cage 4 be uncoupled from shaft 12 again and be displaced vertically. Figure 7A shows a side view of lift cage 4. On the bottom of lift cage 4 is arranged a first displaceable arm 14 which has a second displaceable arm 15 thereon. The second displaceable arm 15 is provided with magnets and forms a linear motor together with carriage 7. In fig. 7A both the first arm 14 and the second arm 15 are displaced fully to the left, as is carriage 7. Carriage 7 can hereby couple to pallet 3. In fig. 7B the carriage 7 is then first displaced over second arm 15 so that carriage 7 is wholly situated on the right-hand side of second arm 15. Then, as shown in fig. 7C, the first arm 14 is also moved to the right by driving toothed wheel 16, which drives a chain 17, which is arranged at both ends on first arm 14. Pallet 3 is thus carried fully inside lift cage 4. Coupling means 18 are then moved from the vertical position, as shown in fig. 7C, to a horizontal position, whereby it is possible for carriage 7 to be displaced to the centre of lift cage 4, as shown in fig. 7D, without pallet 3 5 being carried outside the lift cage again. Figure 7D further shows two extra linear motors 19 which extend transversely of the first and second arm 14, 15 and whereby pallet 3 can be displaced reciprocally inside lift cage 4. LO Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional view of lift cage 4. Pallet 3 with vehicle V thereon rests via wheels 20 on frame 21 of lift cage 4. The first arm 14 with second arm 15 thereon is arranged under pallet 3. Fig. 8A shows clearly that a layer of magnets 22 is arranged on the second arm. L5 Carriage 7 is in turn provided with the electric coils for the purpose of thus together forming a linear motor. Coupling means 18 here lie in vertical direction and are operated by a system of rods 23. Lift cage 4 further comprises a second set of 20 locking cams 24 which can be operated by cylinders 25. Pallet 3 is locked on lift cage 4 with these locking cams 24. In fig. 8B the locking cams 24 and coupling means 18 are oriented in a substantially horizontal position, whereby pallet 3 is uncoupled from lift cage 4 and can thus 5 be displaced and thus placed in a parking space. In fig. 9 lift cage 4 is shown in top view. Shown clearly here is that the system of rods 23 operates coupling means 18 arranged on carriage 7. Further shown are locking means 24 which lock pallets 3 on lift cage 4. 0 The linear motors 19 are clearly shown with which pallet 3 can be displaced in transverse direction inside lift cage 4. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a parking tower 30. This parking tower largely corresponds with the parking tower of figure 1. Only the differing features will therefore be further elucidated. Floor plates 32 and 33 are arranged on the bottom of lift shaft 31. Floor plates 32 are stationary, while floor plates 33 can fold upward. Lift cage 4 is herein provided with a recess such that, in the folded-up position of floor plates 33, lift cage 4 can be moved downward. As shown in more detail in figure 11, lift cage 4 has a catching hook 34 which operates a roller 35 with which the foldable floor plates 33 can be carried into the folded- down position. Floor plates 33 pivot about pivot point 36. Further arranged is (a gas spring 37 which urge floor plates 33 to the upright position. When lift cage 4 is situated in the lowermost position, catching hook 34 ensures that gas spring 37 cannot push floor plate 33 upward. However, as soon as lift cage 4 is carried upward again, catching hook 34 will be released from roller 35, whereby gas spring 37 can press floor plate 33 upward. This takes place in good time to enable lift cage 4 to pass along the upright floor plates 33. Sprinklers 38 are further provided in lift shaft 31. With these sprinklers it is possible to extinguish a car fire, or at least limit it such that the fire service can arrive in time to put out the fire completely. Sensors are arranged in the whole of parking tower 30 in order to detect temperature increases. If an unacceptable increase in temperature is detected in a parked car, the control system of parking tower 30 will then carry lift cage 4 to the level in question, so that the pallet having thereon the car which is causing the temperature increase can be placed in the lift cage. The lift cage is herein provided with fire-resistant materials. Lift cage 4 is then carried downward, where sprinklers 38 can cool the vehicle and if possible extinguish the fire. In particular circumstances it would optionally also be possible to displace pallet 3 to the outside on the ground floor, so that the fire service has better access to a burning vehicle. 5 Sensors 41 are further placed at entrance 39 and exit 40, which sensors detect a vehicle driving in or out. This detection ensures that parking tower 30 can be operated in a safe manner. Finally, pallet locks 42 are arranged at the

.0 different parking levels 2 which can lock a pallet 3 placed on parking level 2. This ensures extra safety and prevents the possible case of a pallet 3 sliding back and falling into lift shaft 31. The pallet locking is preferably operated by

L5 insertion of the carriage of the displacing device arranged in lift cage 4. When carriage 7 is inserted under pallet 3, this means that lift cage 4 is at the correct height and that there is no danger of undesired displacement of pallet 3.

Claims

1. Lift cage for displacing pallets in vertical direction, which lift cage comprises: - a substantially cage-like frame; - a guide arranged on the frame for guiding a pallet to be carried in and out of the lift cage; - a displacing device for displacing a pallet in and out of the lift cage, wherein the displacing device comprises a first arm displaceable parallel to the bottom of the lift cage, a second arm which is arranged displaceably on the first arm and parallel thereto, and a carriage arranged displaceably over the second arm, which carriage comprises coupling means for coupling to a pallet.

2. Lift cage as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stroke of the first arm is bounded by the outer dimensions of the lift cage.

3. Lift cage as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein the carriage and the second arm form part of a linear motor.

4. Lift cage as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second arm is provided with a strip of permanent magnets, and wherein the carriage comprises a number of energizable coils.

5. Lift cage as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a chain is arranged between the two ends of the first arm, and a drivable chain wheel engages on the chain in order to displace the first arm.

6. Lift cage as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling means comprise at least one cam pivotable between a horizontal and a vertical position for coupling to a pallet.

7. Lift cage as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one cam comprises spring means for urging the cam into the vertical position.

8. Lift cage as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the cam can only be operated in the two end positions of the carriage on the arm.

9. Lift cage as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising blocking means for blocking the lift cage in at least vertical direction.

10. Lift cage as claimed in claim 9, wherein the blocking means comprises at least one pivotable catching hook for engaging on a cam arranged in the lift shaft.

11. Lift cage as claimed in claim 10, wherein the catching hook can be pivoted between a first position and a second, blocking position by operating means.

12. Lift comprising a shaft and a lift cage as claimed in any of the foregoing claims displaceable up and downward therein.

13. Lift as claimed in claim 12, wherein folding floor plates are arranged in the shaft at a floor level, in particular at street level, which in the folded-up position enable passage of at least the underside of the lift cage and which in folded-down position connect to a pallet placed in the lift cage.

14. Lift as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lift cage comprises at least one catching hook for operating the floor plates between the folded-up and folded-down position.

15. Lift as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the floor plates comprise spring means for urging the floor plates into the folded-up position.