APPARATUS FOR TREATING THE SURFACE OR CARRYING OUT MAINTENANCE AND/OR INSPECTION TASKS OF A VERTICAL STABILIZER OF AN AERIAL VEHICLE IN A LOW INTERIOR HEIGHT HANGAR

Abstract

The present invention concerns an apparatus for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the top of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician comprising: a single overhead crane (4) hanged on a roof (100) of a hangar building, a single suspended vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) comprising a telescopic mast (2) connected to the single overhead crane (4), a suspended staging structure (20) firmly connected to the overhead crane (4) by a supporting structure (5), the suspended staging structure (20) comprising at least one working platform (61,62) for treating or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle at different heights by at least one technician, the length of the overhead crane (4) does not extend beyond the vertical axis (A) of the vertical stabilizer (31), characterized in that the suspended staging structure (20) is not vertically movable and is independent from the vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) permitting to reach the suspended staging structure (20).

Claims

1. Apparatus for being placed in a hangar building comprising a roof (100), said apparatus being conceived for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician comprising: a single overhead crane (4) for being firmly hanged on the roof (100); a single suspended vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) comprising a telescopic mast (2) directly connected to the single overhead crane (4); a suspended staging structure (20) firmly connected to the overhead crane (4) by a supporting structure (5), the suspended staging structure (20) comprising at least one working platform (61,62) for treating or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle at different heights by at least one technician; the length of the overhead crane (4) being such that in use it does not extend beyond the vertical axis (A) of the vertical stabilizer (31); characterized in that the suspended staging structure (20) is not vertically movable and is independent from the vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) permitting to reach the suspended staging structure (20); and in that the suspended staging structure (20) is connected to an extremity of the overhead crane (4).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one stair (11) link a lower (61) working platform and an upper (62) working platform of the suspended staging structure (20).

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one working platform (61,62) of the staging structure (20) is connected to the overhead crane (4) maintenance walkway with at least one emergency escape stair (10).

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the access to a lower (61) working platform of the suspended staging structure (20) is achieved using at least one retractable stair (9) after a working platform (41) of the teleplatform unit (30) has been moved under the lower (61) working platform and the teleplatform working platform (41) has been oriented towards the hangar building centreline.

5. Process for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by the apparatus of claims 1 to 4, comprising the following steps: reaching a working position where the length of the overhead crane (4) does not extend beyond the vertical axis (A) of the vertical stabilizer (31); lifting at least one technician from the ground by a teleplatform unit (30) to the proximity of an independent and vertically non movable suspended staging structure (20) comprising at least one working platform (61,62); accessing from the vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30), by a retractable stair (9), the independent and vertically non movable suspended staging structure (20); and treating the surface or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle at different heights by at least one technician.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein the surface of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle is treated simultaneously at different heights by different technicians.

7. The process of claim 5, wherein an upper working platform (62) is positioned such that at least one technician works in a working plane which is substantially parallel to a plane XZ, wherein X is the longitudinal axis of the aerial vehicle and Z is the vertical axis of the vertical stabilizer (31).

8. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein the length of the overhead crane (4) does not extend beyond the vertical axis (A) of the vertical stabilizer (31).

9. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein a distance D between a horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar is higher than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

10. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein a distance D between a horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar is equal or lower than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

11. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein the distance G between a horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is higher or equal than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

12. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein the distance G between a horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is lower than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

13. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar is equal or higher than a distance H between the roof (100) and an upper (4B) horizontal part of the overhead crane (4).

14. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar is lower than a distance H between the roof (100) and an upper (4B) horizontal part of the overhead crane (4).

15. Use according to claim 9, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein the distance d is comprised between 0.4 m and 7 m, the distance G is comprised between 2 m and 7 m, the distance D is comprised between 1 m and 7 m and the distance H is comprised between 0.5 m and 5.5 m.

16. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein the distance G between a horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is higher than a distance D between a horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar.

17. Use of the apparatus of claim 1, firmly hanged on the roof (100) of a hangar building for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance and/or inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician, wherein the distance G between a horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is equal or lower than a distance D between a horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar.

Description

[0028] The present invention will be better understood with the accompanying drawings:

[0029] FIG. 1: shows the front view of the system

[0030] FIG. 2: shows a perspective view of the staging and working platform in parked position

[0031] FIG. 3: shows a front view of the staging and upper working platform permitting to a person to work on the top of the stabilizer, even if as shown in FIG. 3 the distance D between the horizontal longitudinal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof of the hangar is higher than the distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the highest aircraft to be served in a hangar and the roof (100) of the hangar. The vertical axis (A) of the stabilizer is shown.

[0032] FIG. 4: shows a detail front view of the staging in retracted position and working platform in fuselage working position

[0033] FIG. 5: shows a perspective view of the staging in retracted position and working platform in fuselage right working position.

[0034] FIG. 6: represents FIG. 5 where the novel apparatus of the present invention is only shown, the other apparatuses known from the prior art are in phantom lines.

[0035] FIG. 7: defines the system axis (X, Y, Z).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The teleplatform apparatus consists of a teleplatform unit (30) and an overhead crane (4). The overhead crane (4) can travel along runways (along axis X) which are connected to the bottom truss of the horizontal building roof (100).

[0037] The teleplatform unit (30) consists of a carrier (3) which travels along the overhead crane girders and though allows movements in lateral direction (along axis Y). The carrier (3) is connected to a telescopic mast (2), and at the bottom of the telescopic mast to a teleplatform working platform (41) with for safety reasons a mechanical mast protection (1). The telescopic mast (2) allows the teleplatform working platform (41) to be lifted/lowered from ground level up to a working height (along axis Z) which as a minimum would allow a technician to reach the top center area of the aircraft fuselage and the lower part of the vertical stabilizer (31) in combination with a hangar building of reduced height. The connection of the telescopic mast (2) and the carrier (3) is done by means of a slewing ring which will allow a rotation of the teleplatform mast (2) and the teleplatform working platform (41).

[0038] The above described system has 4 axis (X, Y, Z and rotation) which will allow the technician to reach any point of the hangar (within the travel and rotation system limits) with the main working edge in a best possible orientation towards the object (aircraft skin).

[0039] The overhead crane (4) will be equipped with an additional independent staging structure (20) allowing the technician to reach the vertical stabilizer (31) portion up to the upmost aircraft edge. The staging structure (20) will be connected to the overhead crane (4) by means of a supporting structure (5). The staging consists of above mentioned supporting structure to which multiple levels of working platforms (6) are connected. The access between one or a plurality of platforms is achieved using access stairs between working levels (11). The access to the staging is achieved using a retractable or hinged stair/ladder (9) after the teleplatform working platform (41) has been moved under the staging platforms (6) and the teleplatform working platform (41) has been oriented in a defined direction (usually towards the hangar centerline). The at least one working platform (6) of the staging structure (20) is/are equipped with retractable sliding platform extensions (7) which can be retracted to allow the aircraft to enter or leave the hangar and extended to guarantee best possible access to the aircraft skin. The platforms additionally have handrails (8) to protect the technicians. Optionally the front working edge may be left open for better aircraft access without handrails under the condition that the technicians use additional personal fall protection systems. The front edge of the sliding platform extension is equipped with protecting bumpers (12) to avoid damages on the aircraft skin.

[0040] One or a plurality of the working platform(s) (6,61,62) of the staging structure (20) may be connected to the overhead crane (4) maintenance walkway with an emergency escape stair (10). An additional crane for material lifting (14) may be installed to allow the technicians to lift the consumables to the platform levels.

[0041] The present invention relates to an aerial vehicle vertical stabilizer (31) top access suspended apparatus for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the top of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle by at least one technician in a hangar building of reduced height comprising:

a suspended mobile lateral teleplatform unit (30) connected to an overhead crane (4) hanged on the roof of a hangar building of reduced height, the apparatus further comprises a suspended staging structure (20) connected to at least one extremity of the overhead crane (4) by a supporting structure (5), the supporting structure (5) being connected to at least one working platform (6) for treating the surface or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer of the aerial vehicle at different heights by the at least one technician, the longitudinal axis of the overhead crane (4) is relatively perpendicular to the vertical axis of the vertical stabilizer (31) and the length of the overhead crane (4) does not extend above the top of the vertical stabilizer (31), i.e. beyond the vertical axis of the vertical stabilizer (31), and the horizontal longitudinal lower part (4A) of the length of the overhead crane (4) is or may be lower in height than the top of the stabilizer (31).

[0042] In one embodiment the upper (62) working platform of the supporting structure (5) is substantially at the same level than the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4). In another embodiment the upper (62) working platform of the supporting structure (5) is lower than the top of the vertical stabilizer of the highest aircraft to be served in this hangar.

[0043] The meaning of fixed suspended staging structure (20) is that the suspended staging structure (20) is not vertically movable even if the lateral teleplatform unit (30) moves vertically. The suspended staging structure (20) can only move laterally and horizontally together with the overhead crane (4).

[0044] The meaning of independent from the vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) is that the suspended staging structure (20) is an apparatus physically separated, distinct, independent from the teleplatform unit (30). Their only common support is the overhead crane (4). The direct connection of the staging structure (20) with the overhead crane (4) is located at a different place on the overhead crane (4) than the direct connection of the teleplatform unit (30) with the overhead crane (4).

[0045] The meaning of substantially the same level is a distance between the horizontal longitudinal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the horizontal upper (62) working platform of the supporting structure (5). The horizontal upper (62) working platform of the supporting structure (5) can be above or under the horizontal longitudinal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 minimum and maximum values of the d, D, H and G heights: Min. Value Max. Value [m] [m] Comments d 0.4 7 depends on Customer fleet and available hangar height D 1 7 Depending on H as well as crane girder height (which depends on crane span and max loading of bridge) H 0.5 5.5 Depending on design of runway suspension and potential equipment under the ceiling (lights, ventilation equipment etc.) Distance upper platform (62) 2 7 to roof (100) (G) Distance lower platform (61) 4 9 to roof (100) Distance platform (41) of the 6 11 teleplatform unit to roof (100)

[0046] The vertical distance d between the top of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the highest aircraft to be served in this hangar and the roof (100) of the hangar is preferably comprised between 0.4 m and 7 m, between 1 m and 6 m, between 2 m and 5 m, between 3 and 4 m, between 1 m and 2 m.

[0047] The vertical distance D between the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar is comprised preferably between 1 m and 7 m, between 1 m and 6 m, between 2 m and 5 m, between 3 and 4 m, between 1 m and 2 m.

[0048] The vertical distance H between the horizontal upper (4B) part of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar is preferably comprised between 0.5 m and 5.5 m, between 1 m and 5 m, between 2 m and 4 m, between 2 m and 3 m, between 3 and 5 m, between 1 m and 2 m.

[0049] The vertical distance G between the horizontal upper (62) working platform of the supporting structure (5) and the roof (100) of the hangar is preferably comprised between 2 m and 7 m, between 2 m and 3 m, between 2.5 m and 3.5 m, between 2 m and 3 m, between 3 and 5 m, between 1 m and 2 m.

[0050] The apparatus of the present disclosure has a single suspended mobile lateral teleplatform unit (30) and a suspended staging structure (20) connected to an overhead crane (4) hanged on the roof (100) of the hangar building of reduced height located on each side of the vertical stabilizer (31). This is shown at FIG. 7.

[0051] The at least one working platform (6) of the suspended staging structure (20) can comprise preferably either one working platform, or more preferably an upper (62) and a lower (61) working platform or even a third intermediate working platform, or a fourth, a fifth, a sixth or even more working platforms.

[0052] The apparatus comprises a working platform (41) of the teleplatform unit (30) stopping at about the same lateral position relative to the vertical stabilizer (31) as the lower working platform (61) of the suspended staging structure (20). The air gap between the working platform (41) and the vertical stabilizer (31) is less than 100 cm, less than 80 cm, less than 60 cm, less than 40 cm, less than 30 cm, preferably comprised between 1 cm and 30 cm, more preferably between 1 cm and 25 cm, most preferably between 1 cm and 15 cm, between 1 cm and 10 cm, between 1 cm and 5 cm.

[0053] The working platform (6, 61, 62) is positioned such that at least one technician works in a working plane which is substantially parallel to a plane XZ, wherein X is the longitudinal axis of the aerial vehicle and Z is the vertical axis of the vertical stabilizer (31) (see FIG. 7).

[0054] The working platform (6), the upper working platform (62) and the lower working platform (61) are at a working height superior to the maximum working height of a teleplatform working platform (41).

[0055] The apparatus can comprise a foldable hinged footbridge connecting the teleplatform working platform (41) and the lower (61) working platform of the staging structure (20).

[0056] At least one technician can be lifted from the ground by the teleplatform unit (30) to the lower working platform (6).

[0057] The aerial vehicle can be a motorized aerial vehicle, like an aircraft or a helicopter, or the aerial vehicle can be a non-motorized aerial vehicle, like a glider.

[0058] The hangar building height is less than 25 meters, and preferably can be comprised between 13 meters and 25 meters.

[0059] Stairs (11) link at least two working platforms (6) connected to the supporting structure (5).

[0060] The working platforms (6) can be equipped with retractable sliding platform extensions (7).

[0061] The front edge of the sliding platform extension (7) can be equipped with protecting bumpers (12).

[0062] The working platforms (6) can be equipped with handrails (8).

[0063] The front working edge of the working platforms (6) might not be equipped with handrails (8). At least one working platform (61,62) of the staging structure (20) can be connected to the overhead crane (4) maintenance walkway with an emergency escape stair (10).

[0064] The access to the suspended staging structure (20) can be achieved using a retractable ladder/stair (9) after the working platform (41) of the teleplatform unit (30) has been moved under the staging platforms (6) and the working platform (41) has been oriented towards the hangar centreline.

[0065] The present invention concerns an apparatus for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) (preferably the top) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician comprising: [0066] a single overhead crane (4) firmly hanged/attached/connected on a roof (100) of a hangar building, [0067] a single suspended vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) comprising a telescopic mast (2) connected to the single overhead crane (4), [0068] a suspended staging structure (20) firmly connected to the overhead crane (4) by a supporting structure (5), the suspended staging structure (20) comprising at least one working platform (61,62) for treating or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle at different heights by at least one technician, [0069] the length of the overhead crane (4) does not extend beyond the vertical axis (A) of the vertical stabilizer (31), characterized in that the suspended staging structure (20) is not vertically movable and is independent from the vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) permitting to reach the suspended staging structure (20).

[0070] Preferably, a single suspended staging structure (20) is directly connected to a single overhead crane (4) hanged on the roof (100) of the hangar building located on each side of the vertical stabilizer (31).

[0071] Preferably the distance D between the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar is higher than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

[0072] Preferably the distance D between the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar is equal or lower than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

[0073] Preferably the distance G between the horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is higher than a distance D between the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar.

[0074] Preferably the distance G between the horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is equal or lower than a distance D between the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar.

[0075] Preferably the distance G between the horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is higher or equal than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

[0076] Preferably the distance G between the horizontal upper (62) working platform and the roof (100) of the hangar is lower than a distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar.

[0077] Preferably the distanced between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar is equal or higher than a distance H between the roof (100) and the upper (4B) horizontal part of the overhead crane (4).

[0078] Preferably the distanced between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle and the roof (100) of the hangar is lower than a distance H between the roof (100) and an upper (4B) horizontal part of the overhead crane (4).

[0079] Preferably the retractable stairs (9) link the lower (61) and the upper (62) working platforms of the suspended staging structure (20).

[0080] Preferably the upper (62) working platform or at least one working platform (61,62) is connected to the overhead crane (4) maintenance walkway with an emergency escape stair (10).

[0081] Preferably the access to the suspended staging structure (20) is achieved using retractable stairs (9) after a working platform (41) of the teleplatform unit (30) has been moved under the lower (61) working platform of the staging structure (20) and the working platform (41) has been oriented towards the hangar building centerline.

[0082] The present disclosure also relates also to a process for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by at least one technician in a hangar building of reduced height comprising the following steps: [0083] lifting at least one technician from the ground by a teleplatform unit (30) to the proximity of a lower (61) working platform (6) of a suspended staging structure (20), [0084] treating the surface or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle at different heights by the at least one technician, [0085] working at a working height superior to the maximum working height of a teleplatform working platform (41). [0086] moving an overhead crane (4) at a distance D being the distance between the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) and the roof (100) of the hangar and the distance D which may be higher than the distance d between the top of the stabilizer (31) of the highest aircraft to be served in this hangar and roof (100) of the hangar, [0087] working on an upper (62) working platform of a supporting structure (5) being at substantially the same level than the horizontal lower part (4A) of the overhead crane (4) or substantially 1.5 m lower than the top of the vertical stabilizer of the highest aircraft to be served in this hangar.

[0088] The surface of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle can be treated simultaneously at different heights by the at least one technician.

[0089] The working platform (6, 61, 62) of the staging structure (20) is positioned such that at least one technician works in a working plane which is substantially parallel to a plane XZ, wherein X is the longitudinal axis of the aerial vehicle and Z is the vertical axis of the vertical stabilizer (31) (see FIG. 7).

[0090] The suspended staging structure (20) of the present invention is firmly attached to an end face of the rails of the overhead crane (4) allowing it to give access to a higher position of the aircraft than the mobile teleplatform (30).

[0091] The present invention relates also to a process for treating surfaces or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of a vertical stabilizer (31) of an aerial vehicle by the apparatus of the present invention, comprising the following steps: [0092] reaching a working position where the length of the overhead crane (4) does not extend beyond the vertical axis of the vertical stabilizer (31), [0093] lifting at least one technician from the ground by a teleplatform unit (30) to the proximity of an independent and vertically non movable suspended staging structure (20) comprising at least one working platform (61,62), [0094] accessing the independent and vertically non movable suspended staging structure (20) from the vertically movable lateral teleplatform unit (30) by a ladder (9), [0095] treating the surface or carrying out maintenance/inspection tasks of the vertical stabilizer (31) of the aerial vehicle at different heights by at least one technician.

[0096] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.