Landing platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a landing platform (2), in particular a rooftop landing platform, which forms a landing area (4) for taking off or landing helicopters or other vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The landing platform (2) has several platform elements (6), each of which has a top surface (8) forming part of the landing area (4), and at least one of which has at least one first locking element (10). The landing platform (2) has at least one connecting element (12) connecting two adjacent platform elements (6), which has a top surface (14) forming a supplementary part of the landing area (4) and at least one second locking element (16), wherein the first locking element (10) and the second locking element (16) are engaged with each other in a locking manner. The landing platform (2) has at least one sealing arrangement (18) which is arranged in a sealing area (20) between the connecting element (12) and one of the platform elements (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a landing platform, in particular a roof-mounted landing platform, according to the preamble of claim 1. The landing platform forms a landing area for taking off or landing helicopters or other vertical takeoff aircraft. For this purpose, the landing platform has a plurality of platform elements, each having an upper surface forming part of the landing area. At least one of the platform elements has at least one first locking means. In addition, the landing platform has at least one connecting element connecting two adjacent platform elements, which has an upper surface forming a supplementary part of the landing area and at least one second locking means. The first locking means and the second locking means engage with one another in a locking manner.

[0002] Such landing platforms, also called "heliports," can be erected freestanding, for example, on building roofs, ships, oil rigs, or on a subterranean surface. The load-bearing capacity of such a landing platform can range from 6 to 13 tons. Such landing platforms typically comprise a plurality of platform elements, each of which is connected by a connecting element. The platform elements are designed, in particular, as elongated platform profiles. For ease of manufacture, the platform elements can each be designed as extruded profiles. A comparatively low weight of the platform elements can be achieved by manufacturing them from aluminum. When the landing platform is assembled, the first and second locking means engage with each other, in particular in a releasably locking manner.In order to keep the engagement depth of the connecting element as small as possible in the direction opposite to the height direction (where the height direction means a direction perpendicular to the landing surface and directed away from a subsurface), the first locking means are preferably arranged adjacent to the landing surface. The connecting element and the locking means are in particular designed such that, upon locking engagement of the first locking means with the second locking means, the connecting element engages into the platform elements from the landing surface, i.e. from the top side of the platform elements. For this purpose, the first and second locking means preferably each have at least one locking lug, wherein the locking lugs of the first and second locking means can be brought into releasably locking engagement with one another. The connecting element can thus be inserted and removed from the landing surface.

[0003] Other landing platforms are known in practice whose platform elements each have lugs or recesses receiving the lugs on their mutually facing connecting sides, thus forming lugs themselves at least on one side. By means of these lugs and recesses, the platform elements are hooked into one another at the connecting sides, as is known, for example, from so-called click connections in floor coverings. However, disassembly, in particular of individual platform elements, can only be carried out from one direction or not non-destructively. Compared to these other landing platforms, the landing platform of the type mentioned above enables simpler assembly and simpler, non-destructive replacement of individual platform elements. A landing platform of this type is known from DE 20 2016 101 855 U1. However, the landing platform shown there does not have any protection against the penetration of media.Contaminated water, fire-fighting foam, burning kerosene, or similar substances can penetrate the landing platform and enter an area below, such as a building, where they can cause damage. This landing platform therefore requires improvement from a safety perspective. Furthermore, the platform elements shown are connected to one another exclusively and directly via their respective locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms can be damaged if the landing platform is subjected to force, such as an impact in a direction parallel to the landing surface, thereby compromising the connection between the platform elements. Furthermore, assembling these platform elements can lead to the supporting elements becoming twisted relative to one another. Finally, the connecting element shown is relatively difficult to remove from the platform elements.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of offering improvements over the prior art. These can include improved sealing, stability, and safety during assembly, operation, and repair.

[0005] This object is achieved by a landing platform having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the landing platform is characterized in that it has at least one sealing arrangement arranged in a sealing region between the connecting element and one of the platform elements.

[0006] Adjacent platform elements are understood in particular to mean adjacent platform elements which are directed towards each other with their sides running transversely, i.e. obliquely or perpendicularly, to the landing surface; i.e. the surface normals of these sides are directed towards each other and in particular are arranged parallel to each other.

[0007] The landing surface is formed in particular by the respective upper sides of the platform elements and the upper side of the connecting element. The platform elements and the connecting element preferably form the landing surface in such a way that their respective upper sides lie at least substantially in a common plane. "At least substantially in a common plane" means a deviation in the height direction of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, particularly preferably less than 2 mm.

[0008] The connecting element can be formed separately from the platform elements or integrally with one of the platform elements. A separate connecting element is comparatively easy to replace and reduces the component complexity of the platform elements. In contrast, a connecting element formed integrally with one of the platform elements reduces the number of parts of the landing platform and can be manufactured in a single production step with this platform element.

[0009] The sealing arrangement seals the landing surface from an underside of the landing platform facing away from the landing surface. To this end, the sealing arrangement preferably fills the sealing area. In particular, the sealing arrangement fills a gap forming the sealing area between the connecting element and one of the platform elements. The landing surface is thus impermeable to liquids, for example, thereby increasing its safety. In the case of landing platforms designed as roof landing platforms, the building below is thus protected. In addition, by arranging the sealing arrangement between the connecting element and one of the platform elements, improved sealing of the landing platform is achieved, since the sealing arrangement accommodated in the sealing area can be provided in addition to further sealing assemblies arranged between the adjacent platform elements themselves.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the landing platform has at least one additional sealing arrangement for sealing a further sealing area between the connecting element and another of the platform elements. In particular, the additional sealing arrangement is arranged in the additional sealing area between the connecting element and the adjacent platform element. Thus, improved sealing is achieved, especially with a separately formed connecting element.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the sealing arrangements has at least two separate sealing elements. At least one of the sealing arrangements refers to the at least one of the sealing arrangements and / or at least one of the further sealing arrangements. The sealing elements are arranged along a path that, for example, a fluid would have to follow in order to reach the underside of the landing platform, preferably one after the other in sections. The sealing elements act in particular as a serial seal. The sealing effect of the sealing arrangement is thus improved. The separate design of the sealing elements also allows different sealing elements with different properties to be easily combined.

[0012] The tightness of the landing platform is further improved by at least one of the sealing regions having a first sealing region section, in particular running at least predominantly parallel to the landing surface, and a second sealing region section, running at least predominantly transversely thereto. Transversely here means running obliquely or perpendicularly thereto. The second sealing region section preferably borders the landing surface. Preferably, both the sealing region and the preferably present additional sealing region have both a first and a second sealing region section. The first sealing region section and the second sealing region section extend, with their respective longitudinal extensions, in particular in different directions.The first and / or second sealing region sections are particularly designed as a gap extending between the connecting element and one of the platform elements. Due to the different orientation of the respective longitudinal extensions of the first and second sealing region sections, the length of the sealing region can be increased compared to a sealing region that runs exclusively perpendicularly from the landing surface to the underside. Thus, the distance traveled by a fluid is increased, and the sealing of the landing platform is improved.

[0013] Advantageously, one of the sealing elements is arranged in the first sealing area section of the sealing area and another of the sealing elements is arranged in the second sealing area section of the same sealing area. If a further sealing area is present, the sealing area and the further sealing area in particular each have at least one sealing element in their first and second sealing area sections. At least one of the sealing elements can extend over both the first sealing area section and the second sealing area section. In particular, the further sealing element extends over both the first sealing area section and the second sealing area section. Preferably, the one sealing element and the further sealing element overlap in the first sealing area section, in particular in the height direction.Thus, the aforementioned advantages of these features accumulate.

[0014] In particular, at least one of the sealing elements is formed from a sealing compound that is introduced in a viscous state and subsequently cures elastically. Thus, the sealing element can easily fill or be pressed into at least one of the sealing area sections, in particular both sealing area sections of one of the sealing areas, in a manner similar to a silicone sealant.

[0015] Advantageously, at least one of the sealing elements connects the connecting element and at least one of the platform elements, particularly in a materially bonded and particularly permanent manner. This ensures a permanently secure connection.

[0016] Preferably, at least one of the sealing assemblies borders the landing surface. In particular, the second sealing region section of the sealing region, which preferably runs at least predominantly transversely to the landing surface, borders the landing surface. As a result, an extension of this sealing region section in a direction parallel to the landing surface is small and a gap visible from the landing surface is advantageously small. Bordering the landing surface means in particular at least substantially, i.e. with a deviation of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm, lying in a common plane with the landing surface. Preferably, the at least one sealing assembly is designed to be directly accessible from the landing surface. Thus, during its assembly, the sealing assembly can be easily introduced into the sealing region from the landing surface.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the sealing arrangements is designed to be fire-resistant. Fire-resistant refers, in particular, to a resistance period of the respective sealing arrangement against fire and smoke of at least 10 minutes, preferably at least 90 minutes, particularly preferably at least 240 minutes. For this purpose, the sealing arrangement can be made, for example, from at least one mineral, a polymer dispersion with fire-protection additives, or the like. Thus, the sealing of the landing platform is also improved against burning liquids, such as burning fuels, and / or guaranteed in the event of a fire on the landing platform.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the landing platform, the connecting element has at least one leg having the second locking means, a central section connected to the leg and forming the landing surface, and at least one projection, in particular designed as a web, against which the sealing region rests. The connecting element preferably has a first leg and, if the connecting element is designed separately from the platform elements, a second leg opposite the first leg with respect to a center of the connecting element. In addition, the connecting element preferably has a central section connecting the first leg to the platform element or, in the case of a separately designed connecting element, to the second leg, the upper side of which is directed in the vertical direction also forming the landing surface.At a respective free end of the first and, if present, second leg, the connecting element in particular has or particularly forms a second locking means, which can be designed, for example, as a locking lug. To adapt to platform elements preferably designed as an elongated profile, the connecting element is preferably elongated and, in particular, also designed as a profile. The connecting element can be easily manufactured, preferably as an extruded profile. The connecting element has an advantageously low weight in that it is preferably made of aluminum.

[0019] The projection is particularly designed as an extension of the central region. The projection preferably runs at least predominantly parallel to the landing surface along its longitudinal extent. An upper side of the projection, pointing vertically, preferably also forms the landing surface. This design of the projection positions the sealing region as close as possible to the landing surface, thereby preventing the penetration of fluids or similar substances and improving sealing.

[0020] The connecting element is preferably supported indirectly on the platform element via the projection, in particular via the sealing arrangement in the sealing region. In the case of at least two sealing region sections, preferably several sealing region sections bear against the projection. Preferably, no sealing region bears against the leg forming the second locking means. The function of the second locking means is thus independent of the function of the sealing arrangement. If one of the sealing arrangements fails, the locking connection of the first and second locking means is not directly affected. The connection of the platform elements is therefore particularly secure.

[0021] Advantageously, the central section of the connecting element has at least one taper in a direction perpendicular to the landing surface. The taper is preferably arranged on an underside of the connecting element facing away from the upper side of the connecting element, so that it is not visible from the landing surface. Advantageously, the taper rests against the web of the respective platform element forming the first locking means. The taper facilitates bending of the central section in a direction transverse to the landing surface and thus connecting and releasing the locking connection of the connecting element to at least one of the platform elements.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the landing platform, in addition to the locking engagement of the locking means, the connecting element rests against a web of at least one of the platform elements, in particular extending transversely to the landing surface, and at least partly forms a first sealing channel between the connecting element and the platform element. In particular, the web has the at least one first locking means. The web preferably runs transversely to the landing surface, at least in sections. Together with a remainder of the platform element, the web preferably at least partly forms a sealing groove of the platform element that is open in the vertical direction.The connecting element rests against the web, in particular with its underside directed away from the top side, in particular on the web, so that the weight of the connecting element contributes to the sealing of the sealing channel, and closes the sealing groove vertically, thus creating a sealing channel that is closed, in particular in the circumferential direction. At least one sealing arrangement or at least one sealing element can also be arranged between the connecting element and the web.

[0023] For the tightness of the sealing channel, it is advantageous if the connecting element, with its preferably present projection, also rests against the platform element. The connecting element then rests, in particular in addition to the locking engagement of the first and second locking means, at two points each, namely on a contact surface of the platform element opposite the preferably present projection and on the web, on the platform element connected to it in a locking manner, at least indirectly via a sealing arrangement. If one of the sealing arrangements fails, the sealing channel can, for example, absorb fluids and thus prevent fluids from penetrating the landing platform. In the assembled state of the landing platform, the sealing channel is in particular designed to be closed. For this purpose, the landing platform preferably has closure elements closing the sealing channel at its longitudinal ends.This further improves the tightness of the landing platform.

[0024] Preferably, the distance between the first locking means is greater than the distance between the second locking means. The distance refers, in particular, to a distance measured in a direction parallel to the landing surface. As a result, the connecting element exerts a force on at least one of the platform elements, in particular on both platform elements connected by the connecting element in the case of a separately formed connecting element, in the direction of the adjacent platform element connected to this platform element by means of the connecting element. The platform elements thus rest particularly securely against one another.

[0025] Preferably, at least one of the platform elements has at least one spacer on its side facing the adjacent platform element for engagement with the adjacent platform element. The spacer is preferably present in addition to the web having the first locking means. The first locking means and the web forming the first locking means of at least one of the platform elements are thus spaced apart from the adjacent platform element. In the case of a separately formed connecting element, the first locking means and the webs forming the first locking means of adjacent platform elements are spaced apart from one another by at least one, in particular by at least one in each case, spacer of the platform elements. The spacer of the platform element is preferably arranged between the first locking means of this platform element and the adjacent platform element.In the case of separately formed connecting elements, the spacer of the platform element is preferably arranged between the first locking means of this platform element and the spacer of the adjacent platform element. The spacer is preferably designed as a web, which in particular runs parallel to the landing platform at least in sections. For easier production, the spacer can be formed integrally with the platform element. Any forces acting on the first locking means due to the locking connection of the first and second locking means, which could cause deformation of the webs having or forming the first locking means, thus do not act on the adjacent platform element and have no influence on the position of the adjacent platform elements relative to one another. This enables precise alignment of the platform elements during assembly and a consistent position of the platform elements during operation.

[0026] In addition, forces acting parallel to the landing surface, such as those that might occur during an impact, are transferred from one of the platform elements to the adjacent platform element via the spacer. Forces acting parallel to the landing surface between the platform elements do not affect the first locking element or the web forming the first locking element. The locking connection between the adjacent platform elements is thus particularly secure.

[0027] The spacer preferably forms a second sealing channel between the connecting element and the adjacent platform elements. For this purpose, the spacer is particularly L-shaped. In combination with the rest of the platform element having or forming the spacer, the spacer preferably forms a groove that is open in the vertical direction. This groove is preferably closed in the vertical direction by the connecting element, thereby forming the second sealing channel. The second sealing channel, in particular like the first sealing channel, is preferably located on the underside of the connecting element. In the event of failure of one of the sealing arrangements or in the event of failure of the first sealing channel, the second sealing channel can absorb fluids and prevent them from penetrating the landing platform in the opposite vertical direction.The second sealing channel is advantageously large if the platform elements each have a spacer and the spacers abut one another, in particular with a respective leg running transversely to the landing platform. The second sealing channel is then formed between the respective spacers of the platform elements and the connecting element. In the assembled state of the landing platform, the second sealing channel is in particular designed to be closed. For this purpose, the landing platform preferably has at least one closure element that closes the second sealing channel in its longitudinal direction. The sealing of the landing platform is thus further improved and its safety increased.

[0028] Furthermore, the tightness of the landing platform can be improved by at least one of the platform elements having at least one further spacer on its side facing the adjacent platform element for contact with the adjacent platform element. The further spacer preferably extends at least partially away from the remainder of its platform element in a direction parallel to the landing surface. The further spacer is preferably L-shaped so that, in combination with the remainder of the platform element, it forms a groove open in the vertical direction for receiving fluids. The further spacer then forms, together with the remainder of its platform element and the adjacent platform element, a third sealing channel, thereby improving the tightness of the landing platform.

[0029] In particular, each of the adjacent platform elements has at least one further spacer, which runs at least in sections transversely to the landing surface. The transverse sections of the further spacers are in particular arranged adjacent to one another. To simplify assembly, these sections, as well as the similarly arranged sections of the first spacers, can be at least temporarily connected to one another with clamps, screws or the like. Thus, during pre-assembly, several platform elements can be securely connected to one another and brought to the assembly site in groups of several platform elements. Preferably, the spacer is arranged at the respective upper end of the side facing the adjacent platform element, and the further spacer is arranged at the respective lower end of the side facing the adjacent platform element of the platform element having the spacers.The platform element thus rests against the adjacent platform element at several points. The relative positioning of the platform elements is thus more secure, as twisting of the platform elements relative to each other is prevented.

[0030] The landing platform advantageously has an edge that projects upwards relative to the landing surface. Upwards here means in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the landing surface and directed away from any subsurface. At least one additional sealing element, in particular a fire-resistant one, is preferably arranged between the edge and at least one of the platform elements. The edge is preferably designed as an edge profile fastened to at least one of the platform elements, in particular to the upper side of at least one of the platform elements. To improve stability, the edge can be designed with multiple layers, at least in sections. The edge preferably also has a support profile that is arranged on the side facing away from the adjacent platform element and / or underside of at least one of the at least two platform elements and is in particular connected to the edge profile. The tightness of the landing platform is thus also optimized at the edges.

[0031] Since the landing surface of the landing platform is regularly walked on and / or driven on during operation, it is advantageous if the landing surface is designed to be slip-resistant. For this purpose, at least the platform elements have a ribbing on their respective upper sides to provide slip resistance. In particular, the platform elements and the connecting element have a ribbing on their respective upper sides to provide slip resistance. Individual ribbing of the ribbing preferably protrudes 0.1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly preferably 0.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters, further particularly preferably 1 millimeter to 2 millimeters in the vertical direction relative to the landing surface. Preferably, the platform elements and in particular also the connecting element additionally have a slip-resistant surface treatment, such as a coating, on their respective upper sides.

[0032] To connect the landing platform to a building, a ship, an oil rig, and / or the ground, a substructure is usually required. In a preferred design of the landing platform, it has a substructure supporting the platform elements, on which the platform elements are mounted in a floating manner.

[0033] In the case of roof-mounted landing pads, the substructure is particularly stationary. Preferably, the substructure is also designed as a support frame. The substructure can be manufactured in a structurally simple manner by advantageously having elongated support elements that preferably extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the likewise elongated platform elements.

[0034] Due to the floating mounting of the platform elements on the substructure, relative movement of the platform elements to the substructure is possible, preferably in at least one direction lying within the landing area, in particular in a plane parallel to the landing area. Relative movement of the platform elements to the substructure in the vertical direction is preferably prevented. This allows for compensation of mechanical and / or thermal expansion of the platform elements as well as assembly and / or manufacturing tolerances. This prevents, among other things, distortion of the mounting of the platform elements on the substructure. The operational reliability of the landing platform is increased.

[0035] The floating mounting of the platform elements on the substructure can be achieved in a structurally simple manner in that the platform elements and the substructure are each connected via at least one holding element that is firmly connected to the platform elements or formed thereby, wherein the holding element engages around a connecting section of the substructure. The holding elements thus prevent any relative movement of the platform elements to the substructure in the vertical direction. To facilitate the relative movement of the platform elements to the substructure in a plane parallel to the landing surface, the holding elements preferably each have a first sliding surface that bears against at least one second sliding surface of the substructure. The first and second sliding surfaces are arranged parallel to one another and in particular to the landing surface.The retaining elements can, for example, be retaining profiles arranged on the underside of the platform elements or formed thereby, or at least a groove formed by the platform elements for accommodating sliding elements of the substructure that complement the groove. This enables a structurally simple connection between the platform elements and the substructure.

[0036] To ensure safe operation of the landing platform in frost or snowfall, the platform elements are each designed as hollow chamber elements, in particular hollow chamber profiles, and have at least one heating element receptacle that is open in the circumferential direction in a respective hollow chamber. In view of the regularly circular cross-section of heating elements, the at least one heating element receptacle preferably has a cross-section that is circular at least in sections. The heating element receptacle is in particular designed to be open in the circumferential direction such that 5 percent to 50 percent, preferably 10 percent to 40 percent, particularly preferably 15 percent to 30 percent, of a circumference of the heating element receptacle, in particular along an entire longitudinal extent of the heating element receptacle, is open. Thus, a heating element can be inserted into the heating element receptacle along the longitudinal extent of the heating element receptacle in the circumferential direction.Pushing the heating element along its longitudinal extent is avoided.

[0037] For ease of manufacture, the heating element holder is formed integrally with the platform element containing the heating element holder. This allows for easy installation of any heating elements and increases the safety of the landing platform at temperatures around or below the freezing point of water.

[0038] The flexibility of the heating element receptacle is particularly improved in that the landing platform has an adapter element to be arranged in the heating element receptacle for receiving a heating element with a smaller minimum extension in the circumferential direction compared to an opening width of the heating element receptacle. The adapter element preferably has a circular cross-section at least in sections. The adapter element, which is in particular elongated, can thus be inserted in a form-fitting manner into the heating element receptacle, which is preferably designed with a circular cross-section. The adapter element preferably has a holding means for securing the heating element, which in particular has a circular cross-section at least in sections. The heating element can in particular be inserted into the holding means in a locking manner. The adapter element is intended to reduce the distance between the heating element received therein and the landing surface, thereby improving the heating effect on the landing surface.This improves the safety of the landing area in frost or snowfall. Furthermore, the heating element holder can accommodate heating elements with different circumferential extensions, even if this extension is less than the opening width of the heating element holder, without the heating elements threatening to fall out of the heating element holder. The opening width refers to the distance between parts of the heating element holder that form a circumferential opening for inserting the heating element.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the landing platform, the platform elements each have at least one hollow chamber in which at least one, in particular fire-resistant, insulation element is accommodated. In the case of platform elements provided with heating elements, the insulation element is preferably arranged in the hollow chamber containing the heating element receptacle. This reduces the escape of heat emitted by the heating elements in the opposite vertical direction. The insulation element is arranged vertically below any heating element receptacles and / or heating elements. The heating effect on the landing surface and the safety of the landing platform are thus improved.

[0040] To reduce the number of parts and assembly effort of the landing platform, the platform elements can each be made of at least two platform element parts that are permanently connected to one another by a joining process, in particular by friction welding. In particular, each of the platform element parts forms the platform element at least substantially, i.e., with a deviation of less than 30 percent, preferably less than 20 percent, particularly preferably less than 10 percent, in equal proportions. This advantageously allows for large dimensions of the platform elements.

[0041] Further advantages and details emerge from the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are described below; they show: Fig. 1 a landing platform according to the invention in vertical section, Fig. 2 an enlargement of the detail 2 from Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 an enlargement of detail 3 from Fig. 2 , Fig. 4a view of the landing platform from Fig. 1 from direction IV Fig. 1 , Fig. 5 a first embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention and Fig. 6 a second embodiment of a connecting element according to the invention. Bezugsziffern

[0042] 2Landing platform 4Landing area 6Platform element 8Top of the platform element 10First locking means 12Connecting element 14Top of the connecting element 16Second locking means 18Seal arrangement 20Sealing area 22Further sealing arrangement 24Further sealing area 26First sealing element 28Second sealing element 30First sealing area section 32Second sealing area section 34Height direction 36Leg 38Middle section 40Protrusion 42Web 44First sealing channel 46Side of the platform element 48Spacer 49Further spacer 50Second sealing channel 52Groove 53Third sealing channel 54Edge 56Tapering 58Ribbing 60Substructure 62Retaining element 64Connecting section 66Hollow chamber 68Heating element holder 70Circumferential direction 72Adapter element 73Holding means 74Opening width 76Platform element part

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a part of a landing platform 2 with a landing area 4 on which helicopters or other vertical take-off aircraft can take off and / or land. The landing platform 2 has several platform elements 6, the respective upper side 8 of which forms part of the landing area 4. As well Fig. 2 As shown in an enlarged view, at least one, in this case each, of the platform elements 6 has at least one first locking means 10, which engages in a locking manner with a second locking means 16 of a connecting element 12. The upper side 14 of the connecting element 12 forms a supplementary part of the landing surface 4. The connecting element 12 connects two adjacent platform elements 6 to one another from the landing surface 4. As Fig. 3 As shown again in enlarged form, a sealing area 20 with a sealing arrangement 18 is arranged between the connecting element 12 and at least one of the platform elements 6. As a result, any liquids cannot penetrate the landing platform 2, and the tightness of the landing platform 2 is improved. The landing platform 2 has, as also shown in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the landing platform 2 has an edge 54 raised relative to the landing surface 4 in a height direction 34 perpendicular to the landing surface 4 and directed away from a substrate. This ensures that no liquids flow from the edge of the landing platform 2 and / or objects fall from the landing platform 2.

[0044] The platform elements 6 are supported by a substructure 60, on which they are mounted in a floating manner in the illustrated embodiment. This allows, for example, thermal and / or mechanical expansion of the platform elements 6 to be compensated for during operation.

[0045] The platform elements 6 of the illustrated embodiment each have at least one hollow chamber 66 in which at least one, in particular fire-resistant, insulating element (not shown) is accommodated. This improves the heating effect of preferably existing heating elements, since the escape of heat in the opposite vertical direction is reduced.

[0046] Advantageous dimensions of platform elements 6, in particular designed as extruded profiles, can also be achieved by producing them from at least two platform element parts 76 and permanently and firmly connecting them to one another by means of a joining process, in particular by means of friction welding.

[0047] As in Fig. 2 As shown, the connecting element 12, in addition to the locking engagement of the first and second locking means 10, 16, rests against a web 42 comprising the first locking means 10, which in the illustrated embodiment forms a first sealing channel 44 between the connecting element 12 and the platform element 6, in which, for example, fluids can be accommodated, preventing them from penetrating the landing platform 2. The tightness of the landing platform 2 is thus improved.

[0048] One of the platform elements 6 can have at least one spacer 48 on its side 46 facing the adjacent platform element 6, with which the platform element 6 rests against the adjacent platform element 6 and with which it is spaced apart therefrom. Thus, the platform elements 6 do not rest against one another with a respective web 42 forming the first locking means 10, whereby any deformation of this web 42 has no influence on the relative position of the platform elements 6 to one another. Likewise, any compressive forces in a direction parallel to the landing surface 4 have no influence on the connection of the platform elements 6 by means of the connecting element 12, thus improving the stability of the landing platform 2. The spacer 48 can also form a second sealing channel 50 between the connecting element 12 and the adjacent platform elements 6, further improving the tightness of the landing platform 2.

[0049] With regard to sealing, it is also advantageous to provide a further spacer 49 on a side 46 of at least one of the platform elements 6 facing the adjacent platform element 6. This allows, particularly with an L-shaped design of the spacers 48, 49, a further groove 52 to be formed for receiving fluids, which, together with the respective remainder of the platform elements 6, forms a third sealing channel 53, which in turn forms a barrier for fluids penetrating the landing platform 2 from the landing surface 4 in the opposite height direction. Furthermore, the spacers 48, 49 enable a defined, precise contact of the platform elements 6 with one another.

[0050] If the platform elements 6 each have at least one hollow chamber 66, at least one heating element receptacle 68 can be arranged therein. The heating element receptacle 68 is designed to be open in the circumferential direction 70, so that a heating element (not shown) can be inserted in a direction opposite thereto, for example in a locking manner. In order to also be able to accommodate heating elements with a smaller extension in the circumferential direction compared to an opening width 74 in the heating element receptacle 68, the heating element receptacle 68 can have an adapter element 72. The adapter element 72 can in particular be designed as a clip-on profile that is arranged in a locking manner in the heating element receptacle 68. By means of an optional holding means 73 of the adapter element 72, the heating element can be held as close as possible to the landing surface 4 in order to increase the heating effect and the safety of the landing platform 2 in frost or snowfall.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows, for improved sealing of the landing platform 2, a further sealing region 24 with a further sealing arrangement 22 between the connecting element 12 and another of the adjacent platform elements 6. For tightness, it is advantageous if at least one of the sealing assemblies 18, 22 has at least two separate sealing elements 26, 28. The sealing elements 26, 28 then act in series to seal and are thus more effective. Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the sealing regions 20, 24 has a first sealing region section 30, which runs in particular parallel to the landing surface 4, and a second sealing region section 32, which runs in particular transversely to the landing surface 4. Thus, a length of the sealing region 20, 24 in the vertical direction 34 is increased and the tightness of the landing platform 2 is improved.One of the sealing elements 26, 28 should be located in the first sealing area section 30, and another of the sealing elements 26, 28 should be located in the second sealing area section 32 of the same sealing area 20. It is also advantageous if, as shown, at least one of the sealing arrangements 18, 22 borders the landing surface 4, so that it can be easily inserted from the landing surface 4 during its assembly and the penetration of fluids into the landing platform 2 is prevented as early as possible.

[0052] The safety of the landing platform 2 is increased if at least one of the sealing arrangements 18, 22 is designed to be fire-resistant, that is to say that at least one of the sealing elements 26, 28 is designed to be fire-resistant.

[0053] Advantageously, the connecting element 12 has at least one leg 36 having, in particular forming, the second locking means 16, a central section 38 connected to the leg 36 and forming the landing surface 4, and at least one projection 40, here designed as a web, with the sealing region 20 abutting the projection 40. Thus, the tightness of the first sealing channel 44 and the load-bearing capacity of the connecting element 12, for example when walking or driving on its upper side 14, are improved.

[0054] The locking connection between the first locking means 10 (cf. Fig. 2 ) and the second locking means 16 is in Fig. 3 shown only schematically and with undeformed leg 36. In practice, the leg 36 having the second locking means 16 would be elastically deformed in the illustrated locking position such that the locking means 10, 16 abut one another and engage with one another in a releasably locking manner.

[0055] Safety when walking or driving on the landing area 4 can be further increased by providing the platform elements 6 and in particular the connecting element 12 on their respective upper sides 8, 14 with a ribbing 58 to prevent slipping.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows the substructure 60 supporting the platform elements 6, on which the platform elements 6 are mounted in a floating manner. For this purpose, the platform elements 6 each have at least one holding element 62 connected to or formed by the respective platform element 6, which engages around a connecting section 64 of the substructure 60. A relative movement of the platform element 6 to the substructure 60 is thus prevented in the vertical direction 34, but is enabled in a plane parallel to the landing surface 4.

[0057] Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 show alternative embodiments of a connecting element 12 according to the invention, each with two legs 36 forming the second locking means 16, a central section 38 connecting the legs 36 and two projections 40 formed as an extension of the central section 38. The respective central section 38 has for each web 42 opposite it in the assembled state of the landing platform 2 (cf. Fig. 2 ) each have a taper 56, which facilitates bending of the connecting element 12 in the vertical direction 34. This simplifies insertion and removal of the connecting element 12, for example, during maintenance.

[0058] The landing platform 2 shown in the figures is therefore particularly stable and tight, easy to assemble and offers a high level of safety during operation and maintenance.

Claims

1. Landing platform (2), in particular a roof landing platform, which forms a landing area (4) for taking off or landing helicopters or other vertical take-off aircraft, with a plurality of platform elements (6), each having an upper side (8) forming part of the landing area (4), and at least one of which has at least one first locking means (10), and with at least one connecting element (12) connecting two adjacent platform elements (6), which has an upper side (14) forming a supplementary part of the landing area (4) and at least one second locking means (16), wherein the first locking means (10) and the second locking means (16) engage with one another in a locking manner, characterized by at least one sealing arrangement (18) which is arranged in a sealing area (20) between the connecting element (12) and one of the platform elements (6).

2. Landing platform (2) according to claim 1, characterized bya further sealing arrangement (22) for sealing a further sealing area (24) between the connecting element (12) and a further one of the platform elements (6).

3. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sealing arrangements (18, 22) has at least two separate sealing elements (26, 28).

4. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sealing regions (20, 24) has a first sealing region section (30) which runs at least predominantly parallel to the landing surface (4) and a second sealing region section (32) which runs at least predominantly transversely thereto.

5. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims and including claims 3 and 4, characterized in thatone of the sealing elements (26, 28) is arranged in the first sealing area section (30) of the sealing area (20) and another of the sealing elements (26, 28) is arranged in the second sealing area section (32) of the same sealing area (20).

6. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sealing arrangements (18, 22) borders the landing surface (4).

7. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the sealing arrangements (18, 22) is fire-resistant.

8. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe connecting element (12) has at least one leg (36) having the second locking means (16), a central section (38) connected to the leg (36) and forming the landing surface (4), and at least one projection (40), in particular designed as a web, against which the sealing region (20) rests, wherein the central section (38) of the connecting element (12) preferably has at least one taper (56) in a direction (34) perpendicular to the landing surface (4).

9. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (12), in addition to the locking engagement of the locking means (10, 16), rests on a web (42) of at least one of the platform elements (6), in particular running transversely to the landing surface (4), and at least helps to form a first sealing channel (44) between the connecting element (12) and the platform element (6).

10. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the platform elements (6) has at least one spacer (48) on its side (46) facing the adjacent platform element (6) for engagement with the adjacent platform element (6), wherein the spacer (48) in particular at least co-forms a second sealing channel (50) between the connecting element (12) and the adjacent platform elements (6).

11. Landing platform (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the platform elements (6) has at least one further spacer (49) on its side (46) facing the adjacent platform element (6) for engagement with the adjacent platform element (6).

12. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an edge (54) projecting upwards relative to the landing surface (4).

13. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe platform elements (6) and the connecting element (12) have a ribbing (58) on their respective upper sides (8, 14) to prevent slipping.

14. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform elements (6) are each designed as hollow chamber elements, in particular hollow chamber profiles, and have in a respective hollow chamber (66) at least one heating element receptacle (68) open in the circumferential direction (70), and in particular characterized by an adapter element (72) to be arranged in the heating element receptacle (68) for receiving a heating element with a smaller minimum extension in the circumferential direction compared to an opening width (74) of the heating element receptacle (68).

15. Landing platform (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe platform elements (6) are each made of at least two platform element parts (76) which are permanently connected to one another by means of a joining process, in particular by means of friction welding.

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