Patent Description:
In order to be capable of carrying out maintenance or repair operations on the top part (the roof) of railway rolling stock, use is made of a fixed gallery arranged at an adequate height, beside which the train set to be inspected is parked. The technicians can then ascend to the gallery and obtain easy access from it to the roof of the various vehicles that make up the train set.

To fill the gap that is inevitably present between the gallery (which usually is a fixed structure) and the train set, typically use is made of mobile platforms which however, because they usually have a standard format, are still not capable of filling the gap at the area of connection between two consecutive rolling stock vehicles (known in the sector with the term "intercarriage gap"). In fact, the discontinuity that is formed between the roofs of two consecutive rolling stock vehicles takes a shape that is quite complex and variable in each instance, and so traditional rectangular or square platforms are therefore not adequate.

Evidently, a discontinuity that is not completely covered represents a source of danger for the technician: the possibility is therefore known of placing a special platform at the side of the train set, directed toward the respective discontinuity, which is provided with a plurality of battens that, by translating, can extend and protrude to a greater or lesser extent on one side of the platform (parallel to it), adapting to the corresponding dimension of the adjacent portion of intercarriage gap.

Overall, by extending in various ways in order to adapt to the shape of the discontinuity, the battens can completely cover the intercarriage gap, thus effectively ensuring the total continuity between the roofs of consecutive rolling stock vehicles and guarding against the risk of falls or injuries for the technicians.

Such implementation solution is also however not devoid of drawbacks Document <CIT>, describes a platform that is used for maintenance operations defining a walking surface which is coupled to a movement assembly allowing the movement of a plurality of beams that are mutually laterally adjacent and parallel and which can translate integrally, longitudinally with respect to said structure.

In order to be capable of ensuring the safety of the technicians, evidently each batten must be extended until it completely covers the corresponding portion of the discontinuity, and the position thus obtained must be maintained for the full duration of use of the platform.

However, it is difficult to ensure the stable positioning of the battens, in that impacts or friction owing to the passage of the technicians can cause an unwanted retraction, which evidently will leave a portion of intercarriage gap uncovered, producing a new source of risk. Moreover, when the extension stroke of a batten is interrupted by an element of the roof in front of it, instead of simply stopping upon coming into contact with the latter, sometimes the batten undergoes a rebound and retreats, again creating an area that is uncovered and potentially hazardous.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems, by providing a platform that offers practical and safe ways of working for the technicians assigned to carrying out maintenance of the roof of railway rolling stock.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a platform that ensures a stable and complete covering of the discontinuity between two consecutive rolling stock vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform that makes it possible to cover a discontinuity between two consecutive railway stock vehicles while remaining insensitive to impacts and without the risk of accidental retraction of the elements adapted for coverage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform that ensures a high reliability of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to those of conventional platforms.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform that can be easily implemented using elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform that is of low cost and safely applied.

The aim of the invention is achieved by a platform, particularly for maintenance operations, which comprises a flat supporting structure, which defines a walking surface and is coupled to a movement assembly for moving a plurality of beams that are mutually laterally adjacent and parallel and which can translate integrally, longitudinally with respect to said structure, with the possibility of mutually independent arrest, and which are adapted to define an extension of said walking surface, characterized in that each one of said beams is associated with a respective one-way clearance unit, which is configured to allow the translation of said respective beam in a first direction, and to prevent the translation of said respective beam in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, said unit being selectively deactivatable in order to allow the translation of said beams in said second direction, wherein each one of said units comprises a first toothed element, mounted on a shaft which is normally braked, with the possibility of said first toothed element to rotate with respect to said shaft, only in a first way, chosen to correspond to the translation of said beams in said first direction, and a second toothed element, integral with said respective beam and meshing with said first toothed element.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the platform according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:.

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral <NUM> generally designates a platform, intended particularly (preferably) to be used to carry out maintenance operations (or also other, similar activities, such as for example repairs, inspections, etc.). In more detail, in the preferred use that will be referred to in the present discussion (for the purposes of non-limiting example of application of the invention), the platform <NUM> is used for the maintenance of any type of railway rolling stock A (or vehicle) (carriage, goods wagon, passenger coach, locomotive, etc.) and even more specifically of its upper portion, known in the sector as the roof.

The platform <NUM> can therefore be placed beside the discontinuity comprised between the top of two consecutive railway rolling stock vehicles A (as in <FIG> and <FIG>), at the height deemed suitable for offering a technician B practical access to the roof to be inspected (in <FIG> several technicians B are visible, one of whom is in fact standing on a platform <NUM>).

In the technical jargon, the space comprised between two rolling stock vehicles A is called the "intercarriage gap" and it is precisely in this context that the preferred application of the platform <NUM> is found. In fact, although it can also be placed beside another point of the roof of the rolling stock vehicle A, the peculiarities of the platform <NUM> according to the invention (which will be illustrated in the following pages) are brought out when it is deployed at the cited discontinuity (as indeed in <FIG>), in that it is capable of filling it and covering it optimally, by adapting to the more or less complex shape of that discontinuity (as will be seen).

More generally however, it is to be noted that the scope of protection claimed herein extends to any use of the platform <NUM>, even if different from the uses indicated above and possibly in different technical contexts and sectors.

The platform <NUM> therefore comprises a flat supporting structure <NUM>, which defines a walking surface. The term "flat" means a structure <NUM> in which two dimensions predominate over the third, so as to define in fact an (upper) walking surface, on which the technician B can stand or move around.

The structure <NUM> is coupled to a movement assembly <NUM> for moving a plurality of beams <NUM> that are mutually laterally adjacent and parallel (and parallel to the walking surface).

The beams <NUM> can translate integrally, longitudinally with respect to the structure <NUM>, but with the possibility of mutually independent arrest, and they are adapted to define an extension (expansion) of the walking surface. The direction of translation (indicated with an arrow in <FIG>, in which for some beams <NUM> the outline of the position assumed after a possible translation is shown in dotted lines) is parallel to the walking surface.

It should be noted that by beam <NUM> in the present context what must be understood is any (rigid) element in elongated form along at least one (longitudinal) predominant direction and having in any case a flat surface (designed in fact to constitute the extension of the walking surface); therefore, in an entirely equivalent manner, the beam <NUM> can also be referred to as a finger, a strip, a shank, a boom, a plank, a bar, or the like.

The direction of translation of the beams <NUM> is therefore, equivalently, the longitudinal direction identified by the elongated form of the beams <NUM>.

In more detail, in a first possible configuration, of minimum space occupation (in which the platform <NUM> is shown for example in <FIG> and <FIG>), the laterally adjacent beams <NUM> are all located below the structure <NUM> (which is typically square and rectangular) and in particular below the walking surface.

Following the actuation of the assembly <NUM> the beams <NUM> can integrally translate (along the longitudinal direction), thus progressively protruding beyond the floor of the structure <NUM> (the beams <NUM> protrude from one of its sides) and therefore extending (expanding) the walking surface (in that the technician B will be able to walk not only on the structure <NUM> but also indeed on the beams <NUM>).

When a beam <NUM> encounters an obstacle, it stops without affecting the travel of the other beams, which can continue to extend until they come into contact with another obstacle or until the assembly <NUM> is deactivated. In this manner, it is possible to fully and easily cover a discontinuity of any shape comprised between two rolling stock vehicles A (as <FIG> clearly shows), in that in fact the beams <NUM> adapt to the shape of only the portion of discontinuity that they are located in front of, covering it completely.

In the following pages a practical embodiment of the assembly <NUM> will be provided, but it must be said that what is described up to this point regarding the movement of the beams <NUM> is already known in the background art and can therefore be implemented drawing on the common general knowledge of the sector (to which, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein, reference may also be made for other accessories or functionalities not discussed here).

According to the invention, each beam <NUM> is associated with a respective one-way clearance unit <NUM>, which is configured to allow the translation of the respective beam <NUM> in a first direction, and to prevent its translation in a second direction, opposite to the first one.

In other words, taking the configuration of minimum encumbrance in which the beams <NUM> are collected under the structure <NUM> as a reference, each unit <NUM> is configured to allow the respective beam <NUM> to progressively protrude from one side of the structure <NUM>, thus extending the walking surface (effectively, such first direction corresponds to the transition from the position of <FIG> to the position of <FIG>). By contrast, the unit <NUM> does not allow translation back to the configuration of minimum encumbrance (from the position of <FIG> to the position of <FIG>).

The units <NUM> are furthermore selectively deactivatable in order to allow the translation of the beams <NUM> in the second direction (and therefore obtain the restoration of the configuration of minimum encumbrance, when desired).

In this manner, the unit <NUM> allows the beams <NUM> to progressively protrude from the side of the structure <NUM> and therefore fill or cover the discontinuity between two consecutive rolling stock vehicles A (or any other empty space of interest), but (until it is deactivated) it prevents the return of the beams <NUM> (in particular, the rebound or accidental movement), thus effectively achieving the set aim.

The deactivation of the unit <NUM>, which can occur in any manner, as a function in fact of the specific embodiment and of the operating mode chosen for that unit <NUM>, in fact consists of inhibiting the function that prevents translation in the second direction, which normally the unit <NUM> ensures.

In particular, in the claimed embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying figures of the invention, each unit <NUM> comprises a first toothed element <NUM>, mounted on a shaft <NUM> which is normally braked, with the possibility of the first element <NUM> to rotate with respect to the shaft <NUM>, only in a first way, chosen to correspond to the translation of the beams <NUM> in the first direction; furthermore, each unit <NUM> comprises a second toothed element <NUM>, which is integral with the respective beam <NUM> and which meshes with the corresponding first element <NUM>.

The term "normally" in fact indicates the condition in which the platform <NUM> is maintained and which can be changed only with an outside intervention (such intervention will obtain the deactivation of the unit <NUM>).

It should likewise be noted that whenever reference will be made in the present discussion to the translation of the beams <NUM>, we will speak of first and second "direction", while (in order to avoid ambiguity) when we speak of the rotation of the unit <NUM> we will speak correspondingly of first and second "way".

Preferably, but not necessarily, all the first elements <NUM> are mounted on the same shaft <NUM>, which is arranged parallel to the side of the structure <NUM> from which the beams <NUM> can protrude and is perpendicular to the beams <NUM> (to the longitudinal direction of translation).

When the beam <NUM> is moved in translation by the assembly <NUM> in the first direction, the second element <NUM>, which meshes with the first element <NUM>, makes the latter rotate, the latter being free to rotate around the shaft <NUM> and therefore no opposition is offered against the translation of the beam <NUM>.

Conversely, if the beam <NUM> is pushed in translation in the opposite direction (using the assembly <NUM> or accidentally/inadvertently, for example because of an impact or a rebound off an obstacle), the meshing between the toothed elements <NUM>, <NUM> prevents any movement (translation), because, as seen, the first element <NUM> cannot normally rotate in the second way (opposite to the first way and corresponding to the translation in the second direction).

Even more specifically, each first element <NUM> is mounted on the shaft <NUM> with the interposition of a unidirectional bearing and/or of a freewheel <NUM> (which can be conventional), which in fact are in any case configured to allow the rotation of the first element <NUM> with respect to the shaft <NUM> only in the first way (i.e. they oppose the free rotation in the second way).

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example, the first element <NUM> is a pinion (and in particular a cylindrical pinion with straight teeth). Likewise, in this non-limiting embodiment, the second element <NUM> is a rack, which is applied rigidly on the respective beam <NUM> (on the opposite side with respect to the surface intended to be walked on). Each rack is arranged parallel to the direction of translation.

Usefully, the platform <NUM> comprises a brake <NUM>, which is normally arranged so as to interfere with the free rotation of the shaft <NUM>; preferably, but not necessarily, the brake <NUM> is of the electromagnetic type.

It is therefore the brake <NUM> that takes care of keeping the shaft <NUM> normally braked (in fact), and this makes it possible for the unit <NUM> to prevent the translation of the beams <NUM> in the second direction.

The voluntary deactivation of the brake <NUM> instead allows the beams <NUM> to return to the configuration of minimum encumbrance.

In an embodiment of significant practical interest, cited in any case for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention, each beam <NUM> comprises (or is constituted by) a first profiled element <NUM> with a transverse cross-section chosen from a rectangular cross-section (as in the accompanying figures), a square cross-section, a T-shaped cross-section, a double-T-shaped cross-section, a C-shaped cross-section, an L-shaped cross-section, a planar cross-section (in such case the first profiled element <NUM> will be a flat sheet).

With further reference to such embodiment, the structure <NUM> comprises a plurality of second profiled members <NUM>, which are mutually adjacent and which slideably accommodate, at least partially, the first profiled members <NUM>, the shape of which is at least partially complementary. For example, as in the accompanying figures, the second profiled members <NUM> can be C-shaped (with the opening on the opposite side from the walking surface).

It should be noted in any case that any embodiment of the structure <NUM> and of the beams <NUM> should be understood to be covered in the scope of protection claimed herein.

Advantageously, the structure <NUM> comprises a plate <NUM> (of any material and shape, but preferably rectangular or square) which effectively defines the walking surface (offering a continuous surface on which it is easier to stand or walk). Preferably, this plate <NUM> is stably applied to the second profiled members <NUM> (on the opposite side to the beams <NUM>).

In a preferred embodiment, which in any case does not limit the invention, the movement assembly <NUM> comprises an apparatus for driving a slider <NUM> which can translate with respect to the structure <NUM> (along the longitudinal direction of translation of the beams <NUM>). The slider <NUM> can assume any shape and can for example comprise or be constituted by a contoured plate, as in the accompanying figures. The beams <NUM> are normally coupled to the slider <NUM> with the possibility to disengage at least temporarily, for the mutually independent arrest of the beams <NUM> during the movement of the slider <NUM>. The disengagement in fact allows each beam <NUM> to be arrested independently of the others when it encounters an obstacle or in any case we wish to end its travel, without this causing the arrest of the other beams <NUM> (which up to that moment have been entrained integrally with the slider <NUM>).

In particular, the driving apparatus can comprise a screw jack <NUM>, associated with the slider <NUM>. More specifically, the jack <NUM> comprises a rotating screw <NUM> on which slides a spindle nut <NUM>, which is rigidly associated with the slider <NUM>.

The jack <NUM> can in any case be chosen to be conventional and can be moved by a motor <NUM> of any type, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

More specifically, the possibility exists that each beam <NUM> is coupled to the slider <NUM> via a magnetic coupling, which can be automatically deactivated upon contact by the respective beam <NUM> with an obstacle placed along its path of translation. In other words, the beam <NUM> can continue along its path of translation in the first direction until it comes into contact with an obstacle: the constraining reaction consequent to the additional advancement of the slider <NUM> exceeds the magnetic force of attraction that maintains the coupling and in fact allows the decoupling.

In particular, the magnetic coupling can be provided by virtue of a permanent magnet <NUM> which is configured to keep a first bracket <NUM>, integral with the slider <NUM>, and a second bracket <NUM>, integral with the respective beam <NUM> (<FIG>), coupled to each other. After coming into contact with an obstacle, or in any case upon reaching the stroke limit, the beam <NUM> and the respective second bracket <NUM> are arrested, while the first bracket <NUM> with the magnet <NUM> can continue the travel integrally with the slider <NUM>, which entrains the other beams <NUM> farther.

When the slider <NUM> performs the return stroke, progressively each first bracket <NUM> moves closer back to the corresponding second bracket <NUM> of the beams <NUM> that had been stopped previously, until the magnet <NUM> is brought back into contact and the magnetic coupling is restored, and with it the integral movement mode of the beams <NUM>.

Operation of the platform according to the invention has therefore been extensively explained, but a brief summary will be given below.

In general, the platform <NUM> can be arranged in an elevated position beside any vehicle, machine, or plant to which access is desired, while in the typical application the platform <NUM> can be arranged beside a railway train set, at a suitable height to allow a technician B who is standing on it to easily access the roof of a rolling stock vehicle A. More specifically, the peculiarities of the invention are brought out when the platform <NUM> is arranged at the discontinuity (intercarriage gap) between two consecutive rolling stock vehicles A.

As seen, as needed the assembly <NUM> moves the beams <NUM> which, by performing a translational motion, exit from below the walking surface (from the plate <NUM>), parallel thereto, thus extending it. Taking care to face the side of the structure <NUM> from which the beams <NUM> exit toward the discontinuity, the latter can progressively fill it and cover it. In fact, the assembly <NUM> moves the beams <NUM> integrally, but when one of them encounters an obstacle it can be arrested independently of the others, which can continue their travel (up until a respective obstacle or the desired stroke limit). Thus, as <FIG> clearly shows, the beams <NUM> can fully cover and fill the discontinuity at the intercarriage gap between the two consecutive rolling stock vehicles A.

During the translation movement of the beams <NUM> in the first direction (in which in fact they progressively exit from below the structure <NUM>) each first toothed element <NUM> can rotate around the shaft <NUM> which is braked by virtue of its meshing with the respective second toothed element <NUM> which is integral with the corresponding beam <NUM>; conversely, any translation in the opposite direction is normally prevented by the fact that the first element <NUM> is mounted on the shaft <NUM> in such a way in fact that it cannot rotate in the opposite direction.

The choice to use a one-way clearance unit <NUM> (in the embodiment just described or of any other type) which in fact allows the translation only in the first direction makes it possible to achieve the set aim. In fact, by preventing the translation in the second direction (to return to the configuration of minimum encumbrance) the unit <NUM> prevents the respective beam <NUM> from rebounding backward following contact (a more or less violent impact) with the obstacle that brings an end to its travel; similarly, any stress or friction undergone by the beam <NUM> (for example following the transit of a technician B) cannot cause its at least partial return. This ensures the maintenance of the condition of fully covering the discontinuity, and therefore offers practical and safe ways of working for the technicians B assigned to carrying out maintenance of the roof of railway rolling stock A.

The covering of the discontinuity is therefore not just complete (by virtue of the beams <NUM> that are arrested in a mutually independent manner), but is also stable, by virtue in fact of the units <NUM> that prevent the accidental return.

In particular, by virtue of the unit <NUM> each beam <NUM> is insensitive to impacts and does not run the risk of accidental retraction.

It has been seen however that the unit <NUM> can be selectively deactivated in order to allow translation in the second direction, when it is desired to effectively return the beams <NUM> to below the structure <NUM> (in the configuration of minimum encumbrance).

In the embodiment described, such result is obtained by deactivating the brake <NUM> and so allowing the rotation of the shaft <NUM>. When a beam <NUM> is pushed in translation in the second direction, and therefore tends to make the first toothed element <NUM> rotate in the second way, by virtue of the deactivation of the brake <NUM> the first toothed element <NUM> can effectively rotate integrally with the shaft <NUM> and this in fact allows the return stroke of the respective beam <NUM>, in the second direction.

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Claim 1:
A platform, particularly for maintenance operations, which comprises a flat supporting structure (<NUM>), which defines a walking surface and is coupled to a movement assembly (<NUM>) for moving a plurality of beams (<NUM>) that are mutually laterally adjacent and parallel and which can translate integrally, longitudinally with respect to said structure (<NUM>) characterised such that the beams (<NUM>) have the possibility of mutually independent arrest, and which are adapted to define an extension of said walking surface, each one of said beams (<NUM>) being associated with a respective one-way clearance unit (<NUM>), which is configured to allow the translation of said respective beam (<NUM>) in a first direction, and to prevent the translation of said respective beam (<NUM>) in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, said unit (<NUM>) being selectively deactivatable in order to allow the translation of said beams (<NUM>) in said second direction,
wherein each one of said units (<NUM>) comprises a first toothed element (<NUM>), mounted on a shaft (<NUM>) which is normally braked, with the possibility of said first toothed element (<NUM>) to rotate with respect to said shaft (<NUM>), only in a first way, chosen to correspond to the translation of said beams (<NUM>) in said first direction, and a second toothed element (<NUM>), integral with said respective beam (<NUM>) and meshing with said first toothed element (<NUM>).