Patent Description:
The platform gap, also called PTI "platform train interference", is the separation existing between the side of a railway vehicle body and the end of the platform from which passengers access the vehicle.

Ideally, the platform must be aligned with the floor of the railway vehicle on which passengers travel; in some cases, there is a slight difference in height, but in any case, there must be a separation between the platform and the railway vehicle in order to allow vehicles to move freely without interfering with the platform.

For reasons relating to passenger safety and comfort, the separation between the railway vehicle and the platform must be minimized when passengers access the vehicle from the platform or access the platform from the vehicle. To that end, in order to reduce the separation between the vehicle and the platform, platform gap filler devices which can be arranged in the vehicle or directly in the platform are known.

Platform gap filler devices for railway vehicles are arranged in the region of the vehicle doors and can be movable with respect to the vehicle or fixed with respect to the vehicle.

Movable filler devices are concealed when the vehicle is running and configured for performing an emerging movement and covering the platform gap when the vehicle arrives at the station, allowing passengers to get on and off the vehicle safely. These devices are operated by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drives and are, in general, mechanically complex and involve a high manufacturing and maintenance cost.

Fixed filler devices do not present said complexity and are bridging elements projecting in cantilever fashion from the body of the railway vehicle at the lower region of the vehicle doors. See <CIT>, for example.

The dimensions of the bridging element must be designed so that the vehicle complies with the railway gauge of the track through which the vehicle runs, particularly so that the cross-section of the vehicle does not interfere with any track element. In practice, this leads to fixed devices not completely covering the separation between the platform and the vehicle, and therefore not being completely satisfactory in terms of safety and comfort. This problem is exacerbated in curved platforms, where the separation between the vehicle and the platform can be larger in some areas.

<CIT> shows a railway vehicle with platform gap filler devices. The device comprises a bridging element extending in a longitudinal direction and coupleable to the outside of the railway vehicle below the region of a door of the vehicle in order to minimize the separation between the railway vehicle and the platform, a retractable element which is partially housed in a gap of the bridging element and which is configured to be translationally movable in a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, between a retracted position and an extended position in which the retractable element protrudes from the bridging element, and spring means arranged in the gap of the bridging element, between the bridging element and the retractable element, to force the retractable element towards the extended position. The bridging element is coupled by means of guides to the vehicle doors, such that the drive of the doors is utilized to move the bridging element; therefore, when the vehicle doors open, both the bridging element and the retractable element emerge from below the region of the door and move in the transverse direction to contact the platform, and when the doors are closed, both the bridging element and the retractable element are concealed.

<CIT> and <CIT> show platform gap filler devices comprising a retractable bridging element and a leaf spring that force the retractable bridging element towards the platform to fill the gap between the railway vehicle and the platform.

The object of the invention is to provide a platform gap filler device and a railway vehicle comprising said device, as defined in the claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a platform gap filler device for a railway vehicle, comprising a bridging element extending in a longitudinal direction and coupleable to the outside of the railway vehicle below the region of a door of the railway vehicle in order to minimize the separation between the railway vehicle and the platform, a retractable element which is partially housed in a gap of the bridging element and which is configured to be translationally movable in a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, between a retracted position and an extended position in which the retractable element protrudes from the bridging element, and spring means arranged between the bridging element and the retractable element to force the retractable element towards the extended position. The spring means comprise an elastically deformable bar extending in the longitudinal direction and which is fixed between the bridging element and the retractable element, the elastically deformable bar comprises a first bar segment and a second bar segment, and the retractable element comprises a first end and a second end, the first bar segment has a free end which is attached to the first end of the retractable element, and the second bar segment has another free end which is attached to the second end of the retractable element, and the two bar segments are attached to a central region of the bridging element, such that when the retractable element contacts the platform, the retractable element moves from the extended position towards the retracted position compressing the bar.

A platform gap filler device with a simple structural embodiment that does not require complex drives or guiding systems for the correct operation thereof is thereby obtained. Furthermore, the retractable element contacts the platform and protects the bridging element from contact with the platform or from contact with other elements of the railway track, thereby prolonging the service life of the device since, in the case of wear, only the retractable element has to be replaced.

The elastically deformable bar is an elongated element extending in the longitudinal direction, like the bridging element, and allows the entire retractable element to be guided in its translation between the extended position and the retracted position. For example, in the device described in <CIT>, several springs must be placed in parallel in the gap of the bridging element so as to enable ensuring a suitable movement of the entire retractable element; furthermore, if one of the springs becomes slack due to use, the retractable element may not be suitably guided. The elastically deformable bar allows the retractable element to be suitably moved and guided.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a railway vehicle with platform gap filler devices such as that defined above which are located below the region of the doors of the railway vehicle.

These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in view of figures and detailed description of the invention.

The invention relates to a platform gap filler device for a railway vehicle.

<FIG> shows a schematic plan view of a railway vehicle <NUM> stopped at a station next to a platform <NUM>. There is a separation S between the body of the vehicle <NUM> and the end of the platform <NUM>.

The railway vehicle <NUM> is configured for running in a direction of circulation on the rails <NUM> of a track. In the sense of the invention, longitudinal direction L is understood as a direction parallel to the direction of circulation of the vehicle <NUM> on the rails <NUM> of the track and transverse direction T is understood as a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Vertical direction V is understood as a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction T.

The railway vehicle <NUM> has doors <NUM> on the side of the body from which passengers access the vehicle <NUM> from the platform <NUM> or access the platform <NUM> from the vehicle <NUM>.

The railway vehicle <NUM> has platform gap filler devices <NUM> in the region of the doors <NUM> which minimize the separation S existing between the vehicle <NUM> and the platform <NUM> so as to ensure the movement of passengers between the vehicle <NUM> and the platform <NUM>.

The platform gap filler device <NUM> comprises a bridging element <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction L and coupleable to the outside of the railway vehicle <NUM> below the region of a door <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> in order to minimize the separation S between the railway vehicle <NUM> and the platform <NUM>, a retractable element <NUM> which is partially housed in a gap <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM> and which is configured to be translationally movable in the transverse direction T, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, between a retracted position P1 (see <FIG>) and an extended position P2 in which the retractable element <NUM> protrudes from the bridging element <NUM> (see <FIG>), and spring means <NUM> arranged between the bridging element <NUM> and the retractable element <NUM> to force the retractable element <NUM> towards the extended position P2.

The bridging element <NUM> has a U shape with an upper flange <NUM> and a lower flange <NUM> between which the gap <NUM> housing the retractable element <NUM> is defined. As can be observed in the enlarged detail of <FIG>, the upper flange <NUM> has on its upper face a non-slip surface <NUM> which passengers step on. The upper flange <NUM> extends rearward into a rear flange <NUM> which is configured for being coupled to the floor of the railway vehicle <NUM> in the region of a door <NUM>. The rear flange <NUM> also has on its upper face a non-slip surface <NUM> which the passengers step on. For reasons of clarity, the non-slip surfaces are shown in <FIG>, but not in <FIG>.

Preferably, the retractable element <NUM> also has a non-slip surface on its upper face. Said non-slip surface covers at least the part of the upper face of the retractable element <NUM> protruding from the gap <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM> when the retractable element <NUM> is in the extended position.

The bridging element <NUM> is configured for supporting the weight of the passengers accessing the vehicle <NUM> from the platform <NUM> or accessing the platform <NUM> from the vehicle <NUM>. The bridging element <NUM> is therefore configured for supporting forces in the vertical direction V.

The bridging element <NUM> is a metallic extrusion profile, preferably an aluminum extrusion profile.

The spring means <NUM> comprise an elastically deformable bar <NUM> extending in the longitudinal direction L and which is fixed between the bridging element <NUM> and the retractable element <NUM>, such that when the retractable element <NUM> contacts the platform <NUM>, the retractable element <NUM> moves from the extended position P2 towards the retracted position P1 compressing the bar <NUM>.

The elastically deformable bar <NUM> keeps the retractable element <NUM> in the extended position P2 (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and when the retractable element <NUM> contacts the platform <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) or another track element, the retractable element <NUM> moves from the extended position P2 towards the retracted position P1 compressing the bar <NUM>; in that sense, when the retractable element <NUM> no longer contact the platform <NUM>, the bar <NUM>, due to its elastic behavior, recovers its shape, moving the retractable element <NUM> towards the extended position P2 again.

The elastically deformable bar <NUM> comprises a first bar segment <NUM> and a second bar segment <NUM>. The retractable element <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first bar segment <NUM> has a free end <NUM> which is attached to the first end <NUM> of the retractable element <NUM>, and the second bar segment <NUM> has another free end <NUM> which is attached to the second end <NUM> of the retractable element <NUM>. The two bar segments <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to a central region <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM>.

Therefore, when the retractable element <NUM> contacts the platform <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the free ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the bar <NUM> move together with the retractable element <NUM>, with each segment <NUM> and <NUM> of the bar <NUM> being compressed between the central region <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM> and the respective free end <NUM> and <NUM> thereof. When the retractable element <NUM> no longer contacts the platform <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bar <NUM> recovers its shape and the free ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the bar <NUM> move, driving the retractable element <NUM> from the retracted position P1 to the extended position P2. The bar <NUM> therefore has a crossbow-like behavior, wherein the two bar segments <NUM> and <NUM> guide the retractable element <NUM> between the extended position P2 and the retracted position P1.

The elastically deformable bar <NUM> is an elongated element extending in the longitudinal direction L. The bar <NUM> can have a rounded or prismatic shape.

For example, the elastically deformable bar <NUM> can be manufactured in steel.

The elastically deformable bar <NUM> is arranged below the bridging element <NUM>. The elastically deformable bar <NUM> is arranged on the lower face of the lower flange <NUM> below the gap <NUM>. The bar <NUM> is therefore located in an external position from which it is readily accessible to enable the performance of maintenance operations.

Preferably, as shown in the example of <FIG>, the bar <NUM> is a single elongated element, wherein the first bar segment <NUM> extends continuously towards the second bar segment <NUM>. Alternatively, the first bar segment <NUM> and the second bar segment <NUM> can be independent segments, such that each bar segment <NUM> and <NUM> is attached to the bridging element <NUM> in the central region <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM>.

Even more preferably, the bar segments <NUM> and <NUM> are symmetrical with respect to the central region <NUM>, such that guiding of the retractable element <NUM> is improved.

The bar <NUM> is attached to the bridging element <NUM> by means of half-parts <NUM> between which the bar <NUM> is arranged and said half-parts <NUM> are attached to the central region <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM> with screws <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the free end <NUM> and <NUM> of each bar segment <NUM> and <NUM> is attached to its bar segment <NUM> and <NUM> by means of a curvature segment <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the free ends <NUM> and <NUM> can be bent with respect to the bar segments <NUM> and <NUM> as a result of the curvature segments <NUM> and <NUM>. The curvature segments <NUM> and <NUM> therefore favor compression of the bar <NUM> in the event of forces in the longitudinal direction L which can occur the moment the railway vehicle arrives at a station and contacts the platform. For example, <FIG> depicts the retractable element <NUM> in the extended position P2 right before coming into contact with the platform <NUM>, and <FIG> depicts the retractable element <NUM> in the retracted position P1 right after contacting the platform <NUM>, wherein the retractable element <NUM> has moved in the transverse direction T but also in the longitudinal direction L. The curvature segments <NUM> and <NUM> therefore allow forces in the longitudinal direction L, which can occur at the initial moment of contact with the platform <NUM> or when the retractable element <NUM> contacts other track elements when the vehicle is running, to be absorbed.

The free ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the elastically deformable bar <NUM> are attached to the retractable element <NUM> by means of pins <NUM> and <NUM> going through openings <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM>. Contact between the pins <NUM> and <NUM> and the edge of the openings <NUM> therefore establishes a guiding of the retractable element <NUM> with respect to the bridging element <NUM>, and furthermore also establishes a stop which limits the movements of the retractable element <NUM>.

The bar <NUM> and the contact between the pins <NUM> and <NUM> and the edge of the openings <NUM> limit the movements of the retractable element <NUM> in the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L.

The openings <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM> therefore have a shape allowing the free movement of the free ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the bar <NUM> in the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L when the retractable element <NUM> moves between the extended position P2 and the retracted position P1.

Preferably, the openings <NUM> have a triangular shape. Even more preferably, the openings <NUM> have a triangular shape, for example, an isosceles triangle shape, with an obtuse angle oriented towards the platform <NUM>, such that in the extended position P2, the pins <NUM> and <NUM> are fitted in the vertex of the obtuse angle of the openings <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The shape of the openings <NUM> and the movement of the pins <NUM> and <NUM> also favor the adaptability of the retractable element <NUM> to curved platforms <NUM>.

The retractable element <NUM> has oblong-shaped holes <NUM> in the transverse direction T for fixing the pins <NUM> and <NUM> which allow the distance by which the retractable element <NUM> protrudes from the bridging element <NUM> to be adjusted.

A hole <NUM> for the fixing of a pin <NUM> or <NUM> is arranged at each end <NUM> and <NUM> of the retractable element <NUM>. <FIG> shows an exploded perspective view of the fixing of the pin <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the retractable element <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is identical. The retractable element <NUM> has recesses <NUM> in which the oblong hole <NUM> is located for arranging plates <NUM> into which the pin <NUM> is threaded. Changing the position of the pin <NUM> in the oblong hole <NUM> allows the distance by which the retractable element <NUM> protrudes from the gap <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM> to be adjusted. For example, the plates <NUM> can be positioned in different positions in the recesses <NUM>, such that the position of the pin <NUM> in the oblong hole <NUM> can be brought forward or moved back.

Preferably, the retractable element <NUM> is manufactured in a consumable material that gradually becomes worn with use and allows absorbing impacts when it comes into contact with the platform <NUM> or other track elements, protecting the bridging element <NUM> from said impacts. The retractable element <NUM> can therefore be replaced when it has been worn without having to replace the bridging element <NUM>. For example, the retractable element <NUM> can be manufactured in polyamide.

Preferably, the retractable element <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the gap <NUM> of the bridging element <NUM>, and the retractable element <NUM> has beveled edges <NUM> at its ends <NUM> and <NUM>. Those edges <NUM> generate an oblique surface with respect to the longitudinal direction L which allows the impacts suffered by the retractable element in the longitudinal direction L to be gradually absorbed. <FIG> shows the moment prior to the contact of the platform <NUM> with the edge <NUM> of the end <NUM> of the retractable element <NUM>. The edges <NUM> and the curvature segments <NUM> and <NUM> therefore help to ensure gradual forces in the longitudinal direction, increasing the service life of the device <NUM>. The retractable element <NUM> has beveled edges at the two ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the retractable element <NUM> since the railway vehicle can run equally in the two directions of travel.

Claim 1:
Platform gap filler device for a railway vehicle, comprising a bridging element (<NUM>) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and coupleable to the outside of the railway vehicle (<NUM>) below the region of a door (<NUM>) of the railway vehicle (<NUM>) in order to minimize the separation (S) between the railway vehicle (<NUM>) and the platform (<NUM>), a retractable element (<NUM>) which is partially housed in a gap (<NUM>) of the bridging element (<NUM>) and which is configured to be translationally movable in a transverse direction (T), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), between a retracted position (P1) and an extended position (P2) in which the retractable element (<NUM>) protrudes from the bridging element (<NUM>), and spring means (<NUM>) arranged between the bridging element (<NUM>) and the retractable element (<NUM>) to force the retractable element (<NUM>) towards the extended position (P2), characterized in that the spring means (<NUM>) comprise an elastically deformable bar (<NUM>) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and which is fixed between the bridging element (<NUM>) and the retractable element (<NUM>), the elastically deformable bar (<NUM>) comprises a first bar segment (<NUM>) and a second bar segment (<NUM>), and the retractable element (<NUM>) comprises a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>), the first bar segment (<NUM>) has a free end (<NUM>) which is attached to the first end (<NUM>) of the retractable element (<NUM>), and the second bar segment (<NUM>) has another free end (<NUM>) which is attached to the second end (<NUM>) of the retractable element (<NUM>), and the two bar segments (<NUM>, <NUM>) are attached to a central region (<NUM>) of the bridging element (<NUM>), such that when the retractable element (<NUM>) contacts the platform (<NUM>), said retractable element (<NUM>) moves from the extended position (P2) towards the retracted position (P1) compressing the elastically deformable bar (<NUM>).