Automobile elevators, also known as car lifts or car elevators, are specialized vertical transportation systems designed to transport automobiles between different levels of a building or facility, such as parking garages, car showrooms, or service centers. These elevators typically employ various types of control systems to ensure safe and efficient operation. Common control systems used in automobile elevators include:

Hydraulic Control Systems:

Hydraulic Pump Control: Many automobile elevators use hydraulic systems to lift and lower cars. These systems consist of a hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, hydraulic cylinders, and control valves. The control system regulates the operation of the hydraulic pump, which pressurizes hydraulic fluid to raise the car and releases pressure to lower it.

Safety Systems: Hydraulic automobile elevators incorporate safety features such as pressure sensors, overload protection, and emergency stop buttons. These safety systems ensure that the elevator operates safely and can stop or hold the car in place in the event of an emergency.

Traction Control Systems:

Electric Motor Control: Traction-based automobile elevators use an electric motor to move a counterweight and lift the car. The control system manages the speed and direction of the motor to control the car's movement.

Position Sensors: Traction systems often incorporate position sensors and encoders to accurately determine the car's position within the shaft, ensuring precise leveling and alignment with the target floor.

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Control:

Automation and Logic: Many automobile elevators use PLCs to control the elevator's operation. These controllers execute predefined logic and automation sequences, managing tasks such as door operation, car movement, and safety checks.

Interfacing: PLCs can interface with various sensors, buttons, and safety devices to monitor and control the elevator's status and safety functions.

Microprocessor-Based Control:

User Interface: Microprocessor-based control systems provide a user-friendly interface with buttons, touchscreens, or keypads for users to select floors, initiate car movement, and access emergency controls.

Automated Features: They often include automated features like call buttons, car positioning, and car doors that open and close automatically.

Safety and Emergency Systems:

Emergency Stop: All automobile elevators are equipped with emergency stop buttons that allow users or operators to halt the elevator in case of an emergency.

Safety Interlocks: Safety interlocks are used to ensure that car doors are securely closed before the elevator can move. These interlocks prevent accidental openings during transit.

Overload Protection: Systems include overload protection mechanisms that prevent the elevator from carrying a load exceeding its rated capacity.

The operation of automobile elevators involves a sequence of steps:

Call and Entry: Users typically initiate the elevator by pressing buttons at the entry point or inside the car. The control system registers the call and prepares the car for boarding.

Loading and Securement: After entering the car, the user secures the vehicle, typically using a parking brake or other means. The control system monitors for securement.

Travel and Alignment: Upon receiving the command, the control system activates the elevator's lifting mechanism (either hydraulic or traction-based) to move the car to the desired level. Encoders and position sensors ensure precise alignment with the target floor.

Door Operations: The control system manages the opening and closing of car doors and, if applicable, landing doors on each floor.

Safety Checks: Throughout the operation, the control system continuously monitors safety parameters, such as pressure (for hydraulic systems) or load capacity. If any anomalies are detected, the elevator is halted.

Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, such as an overload or power failure, the control system engages safety features and halts the elevator. Users can also activate emergency stop buttons.