Car elevators can be used to transport a car to another parking level without the need for a space consuming ramp.
Firstly we can make a distinction in the types of hoist mechanisms that can be applied.
Traction elevators.
Traction elevators are driven by AC or DC electric motors. They can be constructed with or without a gearbox. The latter is called a gearless traction elevator and is suitable for high speeds. The electric motor propells a drive sheaf on which the steel hoist ropes are “rolled”. The steel ropes are connected to the elevator car. For car elevators usually geared moters are used, delivering speeds up to 1 m/s (100 ft/min), although speeds up to 2,5 m/s (500 ft/min) are possible.
hydraulic elevators
Hydraulic elevators make use of electrically driven hydropumps. Two main types can be distinguished: those with cylinders directly supporting the car and those using a scissor mechanism. The cylinder in the first type can either be underneath the cabin (in a hole at the bottom of the shaft) or there can be 2 (or even 4) cylinders, at opposite sides without a hole at the bottom of the shaft. In general these types of elevators can reach up to 4 or 5 floors, combined with a rope mechanism that can be up to 10 floors.
Ofcourse there are some less common systems like rack and pinion elevators but they are not often found in car elevators.
A car elevator can be constructed with a cabin, complete with inner and outer doors. In this way it is like a big passenger elevator for cars. It is also possible to construct the elevator with only a cabin floor. In this concept the driver needs to stay in the car and operate the elevator using a deadman’s switch on the control panel through the window of his car. This concept is only viable for situations with regular users and a low volume of traffic.
If an car elevator is only to be used very rarely, i.e. at a car dealers it is possible to have a car lift with very limited safety features to reduce costs. In these goods elevators no people are allowed on the platform during operation and it should be controlled by an operator standing by using a deadman’s switch.
You will also receive as a bonus an introduction to mechanical parking systems and provides rules of thumb to quickly asses the viability of these systems in your project.
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Vittorio Miraglia
12 years ago
The publication is very useful.
Would like to know who makes car lifts, we are planning a valet parking operation with double stakers distributed in three floors.
Thank you.
adminmps
12 years ago
Hi Vittorio,
great you find the mechanical parking manual to be of use. If you have any suggestions or questions please feel free to ask.
Indeed we did not focus on car lifts in the supplier list, as the number of suppliers worldwide would simply be to great. But I can give some directions.
First you need to decide if you want a full cabin on the lift platform. If the lift is meant for public use I would recommend a full cabin. If so, just contact the suppliers of person lifts in your area. Most of them are capable of delivering a car lift with a full cabin.
If you don’t need a full cabin I would suggest contacting the local suppliers of mechanical parking system (you will find the local suppliers in your manual). Most of them can supply a car lift without a cabin. Make sure they offer safety features with the lift so people can remain in their car during transport! Not all supplier offer this, and that is what you want I guess. And check if the travel of the offered lift is sufficient as these types of lifts are sometimes limited in the maximum travel.
Succes, and let us know how you are faring…
Leon.