Work platform for working in the roof area of a vehicle, in particular in the roof area of an electrified vehicle, as well as a maintenance device with at least one of such work platforms
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- ES · ES
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing work platforms for vehicle roofs, particularly on electrified vehicles, face limitations such as restricted work areas due to railings that hinder free movement, inadequate fall protection, and complex installation/dismantling of safety railings, posing risks to workers from live electrical components and falls.
A work platform design featuring movable platform elements that act as fall protection barriers and continue the working plane, controlled by a system ensuring safety from live components and falls, with adjustable dimensions and gap-bridging devices to ensure unrestricted access and safety.
Enables efficient and safe work on vehicle roofs by providing full access while preventing contact with live components and falls, with controlled movement of safety elements to minimize risks and adapt to vehicle dimensions.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a work platform for work on a roof area of a vehicle, in particular on a roof area of an electrified vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a maintenance device with at least one work platform according to the preamble of claim 15. Technological background
[0002] Work is frequently carried out on the roof area of vehicles, whether for new installations or maintenance. Especially with cars and trucks, this work is performed at a height of several meters above the ground. Therefore, safety measures are necessary to significantly reduce the risk of falls for workers during these tasks.
[0003] Electrified vehicles have live electrical components, such as pantographs, on their roofs. As long as current is flowing, it is essential to prevent any worker from coming into contact with these live components. The voltage on such vehicles can exceed 10,000 V, meaning that contact with these live components can have extremely serious consequences.
[0004] Work platforms for working on the roof area of a vehicle are known from the state of the art, which have a railing as fall protection and as protection against live electrical components.
[0005] For example, AU2011100718A4 shows a work platform with two working areas. The platform of the work platform has stationary platform elements that form a working level and each have a longitudinal extension with two opposing long sides. A railing runs along each of these long sides as fall protection and as protection against live components. Furthermore, several movable platform elements are provided, which are arranged below the stationary platform elements and, after a vehicle has entered, can be moved from this first position parallel to these stationary platform elements towards the vehicle (second position). In the extended position, the railing is set back from the free edge of the movable platform elements. After ensuring that no current is flowing, individual gates in the railing are unlocked, allowing the worker access to the roof area of the vehicle.
[0006] A disadvantage of this well-known solution is that the railing hinders free work on the working level.
[0007] From KR102126326B1, a work platform with a work area is described, wherein the platform of the work platform has a stationary platform element. A railing runs along each of the longitudinal sides of the stationary platform element as fall protection and as protection against live electrical components. One of the railings has open sections that allow partial and closable access to the work area. In the access area, a movable platform element is provided, which is arranged below the stationary platform element and, after a vehicle has entered, can be moved from this first position parallel to the stationary platform element towards the vehicle (second position). In the extended position, the railing is set back from the free edge of the movable platform element.After ensuring that no more electricity is flowing, the access in the railing is unlocked, allowing the worker to reach a restricted section of the vehicle's roof area.
[0008] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the railing also hinders free movement on the work platform. Furthermore, this solution provides the worker with only a very limited area for working on the vehicle's roof. Additionally, there is no fall protection to the side of the extended second platform element, nor is there any fall protection from falling tools.
[0009] From KR20170118404A another such work platform is known, in which movable platform elements are provided, which are arranged below the stationary platform element and can be moved from this first position parallel to these stationary platform elements in the direction of the vehicle (second position) after a vehicle has entered.
[0010] US Patent 8051951B2 discloses a work platform for working on the roof area of a vehicle, featuring a platform that slides along a stationary, walkable rail element. The rail element has sliding guardrails on both sides as permanent fall protection. A bay window element, rotatable about one axis, is mounted on the platform and has a stationary guardrail enclosure on three sides. A bridge element is pivotally mounted on the side of the bay window element that does not have a fixed guardrail. A fully enclosed, downward-opening guardrail element is located at the free end of the bridge element. The bridge element has guardrails on both sides as permanent fall protection.The bridge element can be moved from a first position, in which the bridge element forms a fall protection barrier for the bay window element, to a second position, in which the bridge element allows access from the bay window element to the work area formed by the fully enclosed railing element.
[0011] RU176334U1 shows a work platform with a pivoting walkway attached to a stationary platform element. When pivoted down, the walkway allows maintenance work to be carried out on the front of a retracted vehicle.
[0012] A disadvantage of this well-known solution is that maintenance work on the entire roof area of the vehicle is not possible.
[0013] Furthermore, it is known from the general state of the art to provide removable railings on a work platform, which can be removed and re-arranged as needed.
[0014] A disadvantage of this well-known solution is that dismantling and installing the railings is complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, there is a risk that a railing will be dismantled before the power is switched off or while there is still a potential fall hazard for the workers. Description of the invention
[0015] The object of the invention is to create a generic work platform and a generic maintenance device which do not have at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages and in particular enable efficient and safe work on a roof area of a vehicle.
[0016] These problems are solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.
[0017] The inventive work platform for working on the roof area of a vehicle, in particular on the roof area of an electric vehicle, comprises at least one platform, wherein the at least one platform comprises at least one first platform element, which forms a working plane and has a longitudinal extension with two opposing longitudinal sides, and at least one second platform element, which is arranged along at least one of the longitudinal sides of the at least one first platform element and is movable between two positions relative to the at least one first platform element. In a first position, the at least one second platform element forms a fall protection barrier, and in a second position, it forms a continuation of the working plane of the at least one first platform element.
[0018] The second platform element, at least, is oriented perpendicular to the working plane defined by the first platform element in its initial position. In this position, the second platform element acts as a fall protection barrier and simultaneously prevents workers on the first platform element from coming into contact with live electrical components, similar to a railing.
[0019] The dimensions of at least one second platform element are preferably chosen such that they comply with the relevant standards when viewed perpendicular to the working plane. For example, for low-voltage applications, a dimension corresponding to a railing height of at least 1.10 m is sufficient. For high-voltage applications, however, a dimension of at least one second platform element corresponding to a railing height of at least 1.80 m is required.
[0020] A particularly advantageous feature is that at least one second platform element in the first position is essentially oriented perpendicular to this working plane, thus providing a high sense of security for the workers.
[0021] As long as the live components are still energized and / or there is a risk of falls for the workers, at least one second platform element will remain in the first position. Only when it has been ensured that these two hazards no longer exist will at least one second platform element be moved to its second position.
[0022] Since in the second position at least one second platform element forms a continuation of the working plane of at least one first platform element, the entire working plane is available to the workers, with no structural safety device restricting the working area around the roof area of the vehicle.
[0023] Advantageously, a control system is provided that enables the controlled transfer of at least one second platform element from one position to another. For example, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means are also provided for this purpose. This control system is further advantageously designed such that the transfer of at least one second platform element only occurs if this process poses no danger to workers on or under the platform.
[0024] Preferably, the at least one second platform element is pivotably arranged on the at least one first platform element, thus enabling a simple constructive design for a targeted transfer of the at least one second platform element between the two positions.
[0025] Preferably, at least one second platform element is designed in multiple parts, with one of the platform element parts being movable between two positions relative to another platform element part. This allows, for example, the implementation of a fall protection system that meets the standards for both low-voltage and high-voltage applications. Furthermore, in a maintenance system with high voltage, the space requirement of at least one second platform element in the second position can be reduced, for example, by folding the platform element parts together.
[0026] Preferably, the at least one second platform element has at least one free end, wherein at least one distance-bridging device is provided in the region of the free end of the at least one second platform element for at least partially bridging a distance between the free end of the at least one second platform element and a vehicle located in the work platform. The at least one distance-bridging device ensures that the at least one second platform element can be moved from one position to another without risk of damaging the positioned vehicle, and simultaneously reduces any existing gap between the free end of the at least one second platform element to a tolerable size or closes it completely.This helps to prevent, in particular, work equipment such as tools from unintentionally falling through the gap, which could damage the vehicle or injure workers below the work platform.
[0027] The at least one distance bridging device is advantageously spring-loaded, thus enabling the simple closing of any existing gap. Furthermore, the installation of the at least one distance bridging device is therefore free of constraints, allowing any movements of the vehicle in the positioned state, such as those resulting from pressure fluctuations in an air-sprung chassis, to be compensated for without damage to the vehicle. Advantageously, at least one compression section is provided at a free end of the at least one distance bridging device, which deforms upon contact with an exterior surface of the vehicle, thus preventing damage to the vehicle in the event of contact between the extended at least one distance bridging device and the exterior surface.Furthermore, at least one such compression section can be used to compensate for unevenness on the outside of the vehicle or movements of the positioned vehicle without constraint.
[0028] The at least one distance-bridging device is advantageously controllable and movable between its positions. Furthermore, the at least one distance-bridging device is spring-loaded, with the spring force acting particularly advantageously in such a direction that it forces the device into a parked position, thus allowing any movements of the positioned vehicle to be compensated for without constraint. The feed mechanism for advancing the at least one distance-bridging device is designed such that it can overcome the spring force.
[0029] Preferably, the at least one distance bridging device has several spacer elements that can be moved parallel to each other, so that the gap to the outside of the vehicle can be easily reduced or closed by adapting it to the contour of this outside.
[0030] Advantageously, the multiple parallel-movable distance elements can be controlled separately from each other and transferred between a parking position and a distance bridging position, which simplifies precise positioning.
[0031] Preferably, the multiple spacer elements, which can be moved parallel to one another, are spring-loaded, with the spring force acting particularly advantageously in one direction on the movable spacer elements such that they are forced into their parked position and any movements of the positioned vehicle are compensated for without constraint. The feed device or devices for moving the multiple spacer elements, which can be moved parallel to one another, are designed such that they can overcome the corresponding spring force.
[0032] Preferably, several second platform elements are provided along at least one longitudinal side of the at least one first platform element, making it easy to adapt the elements of the work platform to the corresponding length of the vehicle.
[0033] Advantageously, each of the second platform elements can be moved independently between two positions from the other second platform elements, which further simplifies the adaptability of the work platform, e.g. to the effective length of the vehicle.
[0034] Preferably, at least two first platform elements are provided, spaced apart from each other to form a receiving area for the vehicle. The second platform elements of the two first platform elements are arranged on their respective longitudinal sides, facing each other. When the second platform elements are in their second position, the roof area of the vehicle is accessible from both sides. When the second platform elements are in their first position, workers can move safely on both sides of the receiving area.
[0035] Preferably, the first platform element between two vehicle mounting areas has at least one second platform element on each of its longitudinal sides, wherein each of the at least two second platform elements on one longitudinal side of the first platform element can be moved independently of the other at least two second platform elements on the other longitudinal side of the first platform element from the first position to the second position. This significantly reduces or optimizes the space required for a work platform with multiple mounting areas.
[0036] Preferably, at least two end elements are provided as second platform elements on each first platform element, wherein the at least two end elements in the second position are designed to close off the receiving area at the front. The at least two end elements protect the workers, particularly from falls, in the area of the front or front contour and the rear or rear contour of the vehicle.
[0037] Advantageously, an additional gap-bridging device is provided on each of these end elements, which also reduces or closes the gap between the corresponding free ends and the outside of the vehicle in these areas. This additional gap-bridging device is designed, for example, like the at least one gap-bridging device at the free end of the second platform elements.
[0038] Preferably, at least one end element has a front element that can be moved from a parking position to a working position, thus enabling a greater distance to be overcome in the second position with the end element if required, but the end element can also be arranged somewhere between the ends of the at least one first platform element, which allows the work platform to be used with different vehicle lengths.
[0039] The front element is advantageously arranged in a pivotable manner, which allows for a simple design for targeted transfer of the front element between the two positions.
[0040] Preferably, at least one fall protection element is arranged on at least one of the second platform elements in order to easily ensure fall protection also transversely to the longitudinal side of the at least one first platform element.
[0041] It is advantageous that at least one fall protection element can be moved from a storage position to a securing position, so that it can be positioned as needed, but does not hinder or restrict the positioning of at least one second platform element and / or at least one end element.
[0042] A further advantage is that at least one fall protection element is pivotably arranged on at least one of the second platform elements, thus enabling a simple structural design for a targeted transfer of the at least one fall protection element between the two positions.
[0043] Preferably, a position detection device is provided for detecting the position of a vehicle in the work platform, which enables the control system or the operator of the work platform to move, or have moved, at least one of the at least two platform elements from the first position to the second position according to the detected position of the vehicle. The position detection device includes, for example, sensors such as one or more light curtains.
[0044] The position detection device is advantageously designed to recognize the type of vehicle on the work platform. For example, based on a database containing the dimensions of various vehicles, the control system moves the distance bridging device, enabling quick adjustments and further reducing the risk of damage.
[0045] Preferably, a positioning device is provided for positioning the vehicle along the work platform, which, for example, enables the driver to position the vehicle correctly. For instance, the driver receives a visual instruction to drive the vehicle forward, stop the vehicle, or reverse the vehicle. The display of the positioning device can include sensors and can further advantageously be designed analogously to a display commonly known to those skilled in the art in a car wash.
[0046] Preferably, at least one work platform safety device is provided to detect objects and persons on the work platform, ensuring that no objects or persons are present before one of the elements or a part of the work platform is moved. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
[0047] Advantageously, at least one work plane safety device includes a scanner, in particular a laser scanner. The use of a rotary scanner has proven to be particularly preferred.
[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the work platform safety device includes an optothermal scanner, in particular a thermal scanner such as a thermal imaging camera, for thermal monitoring of the work platform. This makes it easy to detect people who are still in the roof area of the vehicle, even if they are, for example, behind a roof-mounted component. It is particularly advantageous for such a thermal scanner to be positioned above the roof area of the vehicle when it is retracted.
[0049] The maintenance device according to the invention for work on roof areas of vehicles, in particular on roof areas of electrified vehicles, comprises at least one work platform which has at least some of the aforementioned features. Character description
[0050] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the following figures. The list of reference numerals forms part of the disclosure.
[0051] Positional references, such as "top", "bottom", "right" or "left", refer to the corresponding representations and are not to be understood as restrictive.
[0052] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Identical reference symbols indicate identical components. They show Fig. 1 a maintenance device according to the invention for vehicle maintenance with a work platform according to the invention in cross-section; Fig. 2 a work platform according to the invention with two work areas in a perspective top view; Fig. 3 a section of the in Figure 1 The maintenance device shown is shown in a top view; Fig. 4 is a front view of a maintenance device according to the invention as shown in line IV-IV. Figure 3 ; Fig. 5 a finishing element in a perspective top view; Fig. 6 the one in the Figure 5 shown end element without cover; Fig. 7 a flowchart of the process for operating a maintenance device according to the invention; Fig. 8 the variant of the maintenance device according to the Figure 2 in a top view; and Fig. 9 a front view of the maintenance device according to the invention according to line IX-IX in the figure. Implementation of the invention
[0053] The following drawings show rail-bound, electrified vehicles. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle, but can also be applied to work on the roof area of any other vehicle, such as trucks, buses, motorhomes, and this list is not exhaustive.
[0054] The one in Figure 1The maintenance facility 11 shown, for the maintenance of rail-bound, electrified vehicles 12, e.g., locomotives, train sets, trams, etc., features a work platform 21 according to the invention for work on the roof area of the vehicles 12. In this example, five work areas 14 are available, allowing work to be carried out on up to five vehicles 12 simultaneously. Each work area 14 has a work pit 15 for work below the vehicle 12. In an area above the vehicle 12, a ceiling conductor rail 16 is provided for each work area 14, which can be folded up after the corresponding vehicle 12 has been positioned in the maintenance facility 11. After completion of the maintenance work, the corresponding ceiling conductor rail 16 is folded down again, and the vehicle 12 can leave the maintenance facility 11. Each work area 14 can additionally have a movable overhead crane 17.
[0055] A first variant of a work platform 31 according to the invention, with two receiving areas 32 and 33, is described in the Figures 2 to 4 The elements of the work platform 31, described in detail below, are located in the first work area 32 in a position that allows a vehicle 12 to enter. In the second work area 33, a vehicle 12 is already present, and the elements of the work platform 31, described in detail below, are located in a position that allows work to be carried out on the roof area of the vehicle 12 without significant restrictions.
[0056] The work platform 31 comprises a platform 36, which has three first platform elements 37, 57 and 67, forming a working level 34.
[0057] In a variant not shown here, the first platform elements of a work platform can also be arranged offset from each other or in a staggered manner, for example to take local conditions and / or architectural wishes into account.
[0058] The first platform element 37, shown here in the upper left, has a longitudinal extension with two opposing longitudinal sides 38 and 39. Fixed railings 40 and two secured access routes 41 for the workers are provided at each end and along the outer longitudinal side 38 of the first platform element 37.
[0059] Along the longitudinal side 39 of the first platform element 37, several second platform elements (46 to 54, see below) are provided, which can be moved between two positions. In the first position shown here, these form a fall protection barrier, and in a second position, which will be described in detail later in connection with the work area 33, they form at least a partial continuation of the work level 34.
[0060] In this exemplary embodiment, the second platform elements - starting from the upper right - are a closing element 46, three similarly designed intermediate elements 47, 48 and 49, an intermediate closing element 50, an intermediate element 51 with fall protection element 118, a further intermediate closing element 52, a further intermediate element 53 with fall protection element 118 and a further closing element 54, each pivotably arranged.
[0061] The central first platform element 57 has a longitudinal extension with two opposing longitudinal sides 58 and 59. Fixed railings 60 and two secured access routes 61 for workers are provided at each end. Advantageously, fixed railings 62 are also provided along the access openings.
[0062] Along the longitudinal side 58 of the central first platform element 57, several second platform elements (66 to 74, see below) are provided, which can also be moved between two positions. In the first position shown here, these form a fall protection barrier, and in a second position, which will be described in detail later in connection with the work area 33, they form at least a partial continuation of the work level 34.
[0063] The multiple second platform elements 66 to 74 and the multiple second platform elements 46 to 54 face each other and are essentially mirror images of the second platform elements 46 to 54 of the first platform element 37. Thus, starting again from the top right, a termination element 66, three identically designed intermediate elements 67, 68 and 69, an intermediate termination element 70, an intermediate element 71 with fall protection element 119, another intermediate termination element 72, another intermediate element 73 with fall protection element 119 and another termination element 74 are each pivotably arranged.
[0064] Along the longitudinal side 59 of the central first platform element 57, several second platform elements (46 to 54, each identically designed to the second platform elements with the same reference numerals on the upper first platform element 37) are provided, which can be moved between two positions. In the positions shown here, the second platform elements 46 to 50 form a continuation of the working plane 34, with the second platform elements 51 to 54 also forming a fall protection barrier.
[0065] The first platform element 77 shown here at the bottom right is essentially a mirror image of the first platform element 37 shown at the top left. Thus, the first platform element 77 also has a longitudinal extension with two opposing longitudinal sides 78 and 79. Fixed railings 80 and two secured access routes 81 for workers are provided at each end and along the outer longitudinal side 79 of the first platform element 77.
[0066] Along the longitudinal side 78 of the first platform element 77, several second platform elements (66 to 74, each identically designed to the second platform elements with the same reference numerals on the central first platform element 57) are provided, which can be moved between two positions. In the positions shown here, the second platform elements 66 to 70 form a continuation of the working plane 34, with the second platform elements 71 to 74 also forming a fall protection barrier.
[0067] The following explanations relating to the end element 46 apply analogously or mutatis mutandis to the other end elements 54, 66, and 74. The end element 46 has a railing section on its upper side in the form of a pivotably arranged fall protection element 86, which rests on the upper side of the end element 46 in the first position. In the second position, the fall protection element 86 closes off the work platform 31 in this area. A first distance bridging device 88 and a second distance bridging device 89 are provided on the underside of the end element 46.
[0068] The following statements relating to the intermediate element 47 apply analogously or mutatis mutandis to the other intermediate elements 48, 49 and 67, 68, 69. A distance bridging device 91 is provided on the underside of the intermediate element 47.
[0069] The distance bridging devices mentioned above are described in detail below in connection with the intermediate termination elements 50, 52 and 70, 72.
[0070] The following explanations (see also) Figures 5 and 6The provisions relating to the intermediate end element 50 apply analogously or mutatis mutandis to the other intermediate end elements 52 and 70, 72. In plan view, the intermediate end element 50 has an L-shaped basic structure, with its longer side 96 pivotably attached to the first platform element 37. The intermediate end element 50 is also multi-part and thus comprises a first platform element part 97 and a front element 106 pivotably connected to it. A first gap-bridging device 98 is provided on the underside of the first platform element part 97 in the area of its free end to bridge a gap between the vehicle and the first platform element part 97.
[0071] On the underside of the front element 106, in the area of its free end, a further distance bridging device 107 is provided to bridge a gap between the front or rear end of the vehicle 12 and the front element 106.
[0072] The distance bridging devices 88, 91, 98 and 116 are designed identically, therefore the following explanations regarding the distance bridging device 98 also apply analogously to the distance bridging devices 88, 91 and 116. As in Figure 6As can be seen, the distance bridging device 98 comprises several spacer elements 99 arranged side by side and displaceable relative to each other, which are spring-loaded by means of a spring element 101. A compression section 100 is provided at the free end of the spacer elements 99, which is deformable under pressure. As a result of the spring loading and also by the compression section 100, a constraint-free fit of the distance bridging device 98 to the positioned vehicle 12 is achieved.
[0073] The further distance bridging devices 89 and 107 are designed identically, therefore the following descriptions of distance bridging device 107 also apply analogously to distance bridging device 89. The further distance bridging device 107 also comprises several spacer elements 108 arranged side by side and displaceable relative to one another, which are spring-loaded by means of a spring element 110. A compression section 109 is provided at the free end of the spacer elements 108, which is deformable under pressure. As a result of the spring loading and also by the compression section 109, a constraint-free fit of the distance bridging device 107 to the positioned vehicle 12 is achieved.
[0074] The distance elements 99 and 108 are controlled, for example individually or in a group of several, e.g., four to six, and moved between a parking position and a distance-bridging position. The control system or the corresponding mechanism is advantageously designed such that a distance element 99 or 108 is no longer moved when it comes into contact with the outside of the vehicle 12, while the other distance elements 99 and 108, which are not yet in contact with the outside of the vehicle 12, can still be moved forward.
[0075] The following explanations relating to the intermediate element 51 apply analogously or mutatis mutandis to the other intermediate elements 53 and 71, 73. A distance bridging device 116 and a pivotably arranged fall protection element 118 are provided on the underside of the intermediate element 51, which can be moved from a storage position to a secured position. In the secured position, the fall protection element 118 enables the end face of a section of the work platform to be enclosed (see Figures 2 and 3 ), which is free from constraints.
[0076] The arrangement and design of the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 shown and described here refers to the configuration of the work platform 31 shown. For example, the second platform elements may include more or fewer intermediate or end elements. The end elements 46 and 54 and 66 and 74 shown are advantageously always present as beginning and end elements, but are not absolutely necessary.
[0077] To detect the position of a vehicle 12 within the recording area 33, a position detection device is provided, which includes, for example, several light grids 121, 122.
[0078] Furthermore, a positioning device 126 is provided for positioning the vehicle 12 along the work platform 31, which indicates the correct position of the vehicle 12 to the driver.
[0079] On the work area 34 of the work platform 31, several rotary scanners 127, 128 are provided as a work level safety device for detecting objects and persons on the work level 34. Referring to the figures above the work area 34 of the work platform 31, thermal imaging cameras 129 are provided for thermal monitoring of the roof area of the vehicle 12 and the work area 34 of the work platform 31.
[0080] For the entry of a vehicle 12 into the corresponding work area, the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 are in the first position, as shown for work area 32. Once the vehicle 12 is correctly positioned, the corresponding second platform elements 46 to 50 and 66 to 70 are moved into the second position, preferably controlled and independently of each other.
[0081] For the intermediate end element 50, the front element 106 is first swung out, so that in the second position of the intermediate end element 50 it also forms a continuation of the working plane 34.
[0082] Subsequently, all distance bridging devices 88, 89, 91, 98, 107 and 116 of the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 are moved forward until the gap between the free end of the corresponding second platform element 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 and the outside of the vehicle 12 is closed or at least partially bridged.
[0083] Based on the flowchart according to Figure 7 The following section describes in detail how a work platform 31 works.
[0084] In step 131, vehicle 12 waits outside maintenance facility 11. The overhead busbar 16 is live (energized) and swung down. The second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 are in their first position (folded up). The first platform elements 37, 57, and 77 provide a protected area for the workers, making them safe to access.
[0085] In step 132, vehicle 12 enters. Upon passing through the first light barrier 121 (entry side), horizontal light grids of the work platform 31 are activated.
[0086] In step 133, the vehicle 12 is correctly positioned using the positioning device 126, which here has an optical display. Warning lights, e.g., rotating warning lights, are activated on the work platform 31 to alert the workers. Final positioning is achieved via automatic length detection in the form of horizontal light grids 121, 122 placed on both sides.
[0087] In step 134, the ceiling busbar 16 is grounded and then swung upwards.
[0088] In step 135, the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74, located along the positioned vehicle 12, are moved into the second position (folded down). The other second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 remain in the first position and thus continue to form a fall protection barrier. Vehicle 12 is still not accessible.
[0089] In step 136, the distance bridging devices 88, 89, 91, 98, 107, and 116 of the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74, which are in the second position, are advanced until the gap between the free ends of the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 and the outside of the vehicle 12 is at least partially bridged. Any remaining gap advantageously does not exceed 12 cm. For safety reasons, only the area of the first platform elements 37, 57, and 77 remains accessible during this step 136.
[0090] In step 136, the fall protection elements 86 and, if necessary, the fall protection elements 118 and 119 are also pivoted into the securing position.
[0091] In step 137, the warning lights are now switched off, signaling to the workers that the working level 34 of the work platform 31 is now fully accessible for maintenance work on the vehicle 12.
[0092] In step 138, the overhead traveling crane 17 can be put into operation to support maintenance and repair work.
[0093] In step 139, the maintenance work is completed. The overhead traveling crane 17 is moved into its parked position and securely locked in place. The position of the overhead traveling crane 17 is also monitored using suitable sensors. The workers, along with all mobile equipment, leave the work area of the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74.
[0094] In step 140, the warning lights are reactivated. A worker can then initiate the process of transferring the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 from the second position to the first position, preferably using a safety device such as a badge. The working areas of the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 are scanned with the rotary scanners 127 and 128 to verify that neither persons nor objects are present in these working areas.
[0095] If the check with the rotary scanners 127 and 128 shows that neither persons nor objects are present, the distance bridging devices 88, 89, 91, 98, 107, and 116 are retracted in step 141. Light curtains are also activated, which monitor the transition between the first platform elements and the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74. If a person crosses the light curtain, an acoustic warning signal is triggered, and the retraction of the distance bridging devices 88, 89, 91, 98, 107, and 116 is stopped.
[0096] In step 141, the fall protection elements 86 and, if necessary, the fall protection elements 118 and 119 are also pivoted into the storage position.
[0097] After the distance bridging devices 88, 89, 91, 98, 107 and 116 have been retracted, in step 142 the second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74, which are in the second position, are moved to the first position or pivoted upwards. A warning is triggered before the transfer process, for example, a longer acoustic signal.
[0098] Once all second platform elements 46 to 54 and 66 to 74 are in the first position, the corresponding ceiling power rail 16 is swung down in step 143 and then energized. The warning lights are then switched off.
[0099] Now the serviced vehicle 12 can leave the maintenance facility 11 (step 144).
[0100] As an optional step, the corresponding ceiling busbar 16 can be folded up again, so that the overhead crane 16 is available again, e.g. for tidying up the work platform 31.
[0101] The in the Figure 8 and 9 The depicted variant of a work platform 231 corresponds in principle to the previously described work platform 31, except that it is designed for vehicles 212 which are operated with high-voltage electricity. Comparable elements of the work platform 31 have a reference numeral increased by 200.
[0102] The second platform elements 246 to 254 and the second platform elements 266 to 274 of platform 236 are in their first position, thus forming a fall protection barrier and protection against live components, allowing a vehicle 212 to enter the first work area 232. In the second work area 233, a vehicle 212 is already present, and the corresponding second platform elements 246 to 254 and the second platform elements 266 to 274 are in their second position, in which work can be carried out on the roof area of the vehicle 212.
[0103] The first platform element 237 shown above has a secured access ramp 241 for workers at each end face, which can be folded up to allow a vehicle 212 to enter or exit. When the access ramp 241 is folded, the first platform element 237 cannot be accessed.
[0104] The secured ascents 261 to the middle first platform element 257 are located in the position in which the middle first platform element 257 is accessible to workers.
[0105] Since high-voltage current is present here, the dimensions of the second platform elements 246 to 254 and 266 to 274 in their first position above the corresponding first platform element 237, 257, or 277 must be at least 1.80 m in accordance with the applicable standards. Among other reasons, to keep the overall width of the maintenance equipment as small as possible, the distance between a first platform element 237, 257, or 277 and a vehicle 212 located in the work platform 231 is less than this dimension. Accordingly, the second platform elements 246 to 254 and 266 to 274 are designed in multiple sections.
[0106] In Figure 9The second platform element 274 shown on the left is depicted in the first position and comprises a first platform element part 275 and a second platform element part 276. The first platform element part 275 is pivotally arranged on the second platform element part 276. In the first position, the first platform element part 275 lies in line with the second platform element part 276.
[0107] The one in Figure 9The illustrated second platform element 254 is shown in its second position and is also designed in multiple parts. The first platform element part 263 is pivoted relative to the second platform element part 264, so that this second platform element 254 is folded. The second platform element 254 is designed such that the gap-bridging device 265 can be advanced to close the remaining gap between the folded second platform element 254 and the outside of the vehicle 212. For example, corresponding recesses are provided for this purpose.
[0108] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims. Reference symbol list
[0109] 11 Maintenance facility 12 Vehicle 14Work area 15Work pit 16Ceiling busbar 17Overhead crane 21 work platform 31 Work platform 32 Work area 33 Work area 34 Working level 36 Platform 37 1. Platform element 38 Long side of 37 39 Outer long side of 37 40 Railing 41 Ascent 46 End element 47 Intermediate element 48 Intermediate element 49 Intermediate element 50 Intermediate-end element 51 Intermediate element 52 Intermediate-end element 53 Intermediate element 54 End element 571. Platform element 58 Long side of 57 59 Outer long side of 57 60 Railing 61 Ascent 62 Railing around 61 66 End element 67 Intermediate element 68 Intermediate element 69 Intermediate element 70 Intermediate-end element 71 Intermediate element 72 Intermediate-end element 73 Intermediate element 74 End element 771. Platform element 78 Long side of 37 79 Outer long side of 37 80 Railing 81 Ascent 86 Fall protection element 881. Distance bridging device 892. Distance bridging device 91 Distance bridging device 96 longer side v. 50 971. Platform element part 981. Distance bridging device 99 Spacer element 100 Compression section 101 Spring element 106 Front element 107 2. Distance bridging device 108 Spacer element 109 Compression section 110 Spring element 116 Distance bridging device 118 Fall protection element 119 Fall protection element 121 Light grid 122 Light grid 126 Positioning device 127 Rotary scanner 128 Rotary scanner 129 Thermal imaging camera 131-145 Procedure steps 212 Vehicle 231Work platform 232Work area 233Work area 236 Platform 2371. Platform element 241 Ascent 246 End element 247 Intermediate element 248 Intermediate element 249 Intermediate element 250 Intermediate-end element 251 Intermediate element 252 Intermediate-end element 253 Intermediate element 254 End element 2571. Platform element 261 Ascent 2631. Platform element part v. 254 2642. Platform element part v. 254 265Distance bridging device 266End element 267Intermediate element 268Intermediate element 269Intermediate element 270Intermediate-end element 271Intermediate element 272Intermediate-end element 273Intermediate element 274End element 2751. Platform element part v. 274 2762. Platform element part v. 274 2771. Platform element
Claims
1. A work platform for working on a roof area of a vehicle, particularly on a roof area of an electrified vehicle (12; 212), comprising at least one platform (36; 236), the at least one platform (36; 236) having at least one first platform element (37, 57, 77; 237, 257, 277), which forms a work plane (34), and a longitudinal extent with two mutually opposite long sides (38, 39, 58, 59, 78, 79), and having at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274), which is arranged along at least one of the long sides (39, 58, 59, 78) of the at least one first platform element (37, 57, 77; 237, 257, 277) and can be transferred between two positions with respect to the at least one first platform element (37, 57, 77; 237, 257, 277), characterized in that the at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) forms a fall protection device in a first position and a continuation of the work plane (34) of the at least one first platform element (37, 57, 77; 237, 257, 277) in a second position.
2. The work platform according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) is arranged in a pivotable manner on the at least one first platform element (37, 57, 77; 237, 257, 277).
3. The work platform according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one second platform element (50, 52; 70, 72; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) is constructed in a multipart manner, wherein one of the platform element parts (97; 263, 275) can be transferred between two positions with respect to a different platform element part (98; 264, 276).
4. The work platform according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) has at least one free end, wherein in the region of the free end of the at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) at least one distance bridging device (88, 89, 91, 98, 107, 116; 265) is provided for at least partial bridging of a distance between the free end of the at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) and a vehicle (12; 212) located in the work platform, wherein at least one compression section (100, 109) is preferably provided at a free end of the at least one distance bridging device (88, 89, 91, 98, 107, 116; 265), and wherein further preferably, the at least one distance bridging device (88, 89, 91, 98, 107, 116; 265) is spring-loaded.
5. The work platform according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one distance bridging device (88, 89, 91, 98, 107, 116; 265) has a plurality of spacer elements (99, 108), which can be moved parallel to one another and which can preferably be transferred in a controllable manner separately from one another between a park position and a distance bridging position, and which are further preferably spring-loaded.
6. The work platform according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a plurality of second platform elements (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) are provided along at least one long side (39, 58, 59, 78) of the at least one first platform element (37, 57, 77), wherein preferably each of the second platform elements (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) can be transferred between two positions independently of the other second platform elements (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274).
7. The work platform according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two first platform elements (37, 57, 77) are provided, which are spaced from one another with the formation of an accommodating region (32, 33; 232, 233) for accommodating the vehicle (12, 212) between the two first platform elements (37, 57, 77), wherein the second platform elements (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) of the two first platform elements (37, 57, 77) are respectively arranged on the long side (39, 58, 59, 78) of the same, which sides face one another.
8. The work platform according to Claim 7, characterized in that the first platform element (57; 257) has at least one second platform element (46 to 54, 66 to 74; 246 to 254, 266 to 274) respectively on both of its long sides (58, 59) between two accommodating regions (32, 33; 232, 233) for the vehicles (12; 212), wherein each at least one second platform element (66 to 74; 266 to 274) on one long side (58) of the first platform element (57; 257) can be transferred from the first position to the second position independently of the other at least one second platform element (46 to 54; 246 to 254) on the other long side (59) of the first platform element (57; 257).
9. The work platform according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least two closing elements (46, 50, 52, 54, 66, 70, 72, 74; 246, 250, 252, 254, 266, 270, 272, 274) are provided as second platform elements on each first platform element (37, 57, 77; 237, 257, 277), wherein the at least two closing elements (46, 50, 52, 54, 66, 70, 72, 74; 246, 250, 252, 254, 266, 270, 272, 274) are formed in the second position for end-face closure of the accommodating region (32, 33; 232, 233), wherein preferably in each case, a further distance bridging device (89, 107) is provided on these closing elements (46, 50, 52, 54, 66, 70, 72, 74; 246, 250, 252, 254, 266, 270, 272, 274).
10. The work platform according to Claim 9, characterized in that at least one closing element (50, 52, 70, 72; 250, 252, 270, 272) has a front element (106), which can be transferred from a park position to a work position, wherein the front element (106) is preferably arranged in a pivotable manner.
11. The work platform according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least one fall protection element (86, 118, 119) is arranged on at least one of the second platform elements (46, 51, 53, 54, 66, 71, 73, 74), wherein preferably the at least one fall protection element (86, 118, 119) can be transferred from a storage position to a safety position, and further preferably, the at least one fall protection element (86, 118, 119) is arranged in a pivotable manner on the at least one of the second platform elements (46, 51, 53, 54, 66, 71, 73, 74).
12. The work platform according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a position detection device (121, 122) is provided for detecting the position of a vehicle in the work platform.
13. The work platform according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a positioning device (126) for positioning the vehicle (12) is provided along the work platform (31).
14. The work platform according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one work plane safety device is provided for detecting objects and people on the work plane (34), wherein the at least one work plane safety device preferably comprises a scanner, particularly preferably a rotary scanner (127, 128) and / or a thermal imaging camera (129) as thermal scanner.
15. A maintenance device for working on roof areas of vehicles, particularly on roof areas of electrified vehicles (12; 212), comprising at least one work platform (21; 31; 231) according to one of Claims 1 to 14.