PLATFORM SCREEN DOOR INSTALLATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A trailer vehicle having a stillage for one or more platform screen door module, wherein a respective first and second lifting module is provided at the respective front and rear end of the trailer vehicle, wherein the lifting module comprises a support bed and post for the platform screen door module, which is configured to laterally translate the or each platform screen door module and is provided with a tilt mechanism The tilt mechanism allows the support post to tilt around 20 degrees forwards and 10 degrees backwards from a plane vertical with respect to the trailer to compensate for positive and negative camber of the tracks.

Claims

1. A trailer vehicle having a stillage for one or more platform screen door modules, wherein a respective first and second lifting module is provided at the respective front and rear end of the trailer vehicle, wherein the lifting module is configured to laterally translate the or each platform screen door module and is provided with a tilt mechanism, which tilt mechanism can tilt the or each platform screen module.

2. The trailer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the or each lifting module comprises a raise lower mechanism, a linear transverse mechanism and a tilt mechanism.

3. The trailer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the raise lower mechanism comprises a plurality of screw jacks to enable positioning and holding of a set position, wherein a sliding guide bed is positioned above the screw jacks.

4. The trailer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lifting module comprises a support post and bed for the platform screen door module, the tilt mechanism allowing the support post to tilt around 20 degrees forwards and 10 degrees backwards from a plane vertical with respect to the trailer to compensate for positive and negative camber of the tracks.

5. The trailer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each lifting module comprises a screw jack assembly that is driven by a respective electric motor under the control of control electronics.

6. The trailer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lifting modules are controllable independently of one another.

7. The trailer vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the transverse mechanism is provided with a second screw jack adapted to drive the sliding guide bed and first screw jack in a second motion.

8. The trailer vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the sliding guide bed travels on four linear roller bearings running in profiled channels in the horizontal plane of the trailer vehicle.

9. The trailer vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the tilt mechanism is off-set between the centre of gravity and the pivot point on the interface posts.

Description

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a platform door transport

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a raise lower mechanism

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a linear transverse mechanism

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a tilt mechanism

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a platform door transport comprising a trailer vehicle 1 having a stillage 2 for receiving three platform screen door modules 3,4,5. A respective first 6 and second 7 lifting module is provided at the respective front and rear end of the trailer vehicle 1 with respect to its direction of longitudinal travel. A twist lock interface is provided at each end of the platform screen door to retain the platform screen door modules in position during transit.

[0016] The first and second lifting modules 6,7 each comprise a screw jack assembly that is driven by a respective electric motor under the control of control electronics. Limit switches and an emergency stop are provided.

[0017] The raise lower mechanism shown in FIG. 2 comprises a linear roller bearing arrangement 10. This enables the raise lower carriage to remain slim and in close proximity to the platform screen door module. The linear roller bearings also provide rigid support for the off-set load applied to them. The raise/lower motions are driven by screw jacks 11, 12, enabling accurate positioning and holding of a set position.

[0018] The sliding guide bed 13 is positioned above the screws instead of to one side, which reduces the off-set loading applied.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a linear transverse mechanism. The linear transverse mechanism comprises a screw jack driven coupling trolley arranged to travel front to back on a support bed. This can then meet all three module locations on the stillage. A second motion delivers the coupling trolley to the platform edge for unloading. This motion is provided by driving the whole bed 13 forward complete with screw jack 11, using a further screw jack 12. The bed travels on four linear roller bearings running in profiled channels in the horizontal plane. The radial load capabilities of the bearings will easily be able to handle the off-set load.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows the tilt mechanism in further detail. The tilt mechanism is incorporated into the coupling trolley. The tilt motion can be manually controlled, as the degree of tilt required is relatively low. The mechanism makes use of the off-set between the centre of gravity and the pivot point on the interface posts. The off-set means the module naturally wants to tilt, so a supporting post positioned on linear guide bearings provides support to the interface post and holds the module vertical. The support post is then attached to a rotating nut on a screw which can be hand wound 14. By winding the screw the position of the supporting post can be moved forward and back to allow the platform screen door module to tilt. The tilt mechanism allows the support post to tilt around 20 degrees forwards and 10 degrees backwards from the vertical plane. This compensates for positive and negative camber of the tracks at each platform where the platform screen doors are to be installed.

[0021] For the installation process, a works train can align the trailer vehicle to the appropriate Module location so that the platform screen door module is ready to be offloaded. An operator then selects the first lifting module control setting then using left/right commands and extend/retract commands, aligns the lifting mechanism ready to pick up the respective interface post of the platform screen door module. This is then repeated for the second lifting mechanism.

[0022] With both sides engaged the operator isolates the controls and detaches the platform screen door module from the stillage at both ends of the module. The module is then detached from the stillage. Using a combination of Raise, Extend and Traverse commands, the operator is able to lift the module clear of any obstructions on the stillage and drive it towards the platform edge.

[0023] The Traverse command enables the operator to compensate for misalignment of the platform screen door in relation to its installation position along the platform. If required, the module can be tilted to help clear any obstructions from above in its line of path. Tilt is achieved by a manual hand wind facing the platform at each end of the module and requires two operators turning their respective wheels at the same rate. A large ratio is used between the hand wind and screw motion to help prevent one side tilting significantly more than the other. With the nominal amount of module tilt in place, the extend motion to clear the obstacles and deliver the module to the platform edge can be continued.

[0024] Once any obstacles have been cleared, the operators will tilt the module back to vertical.

[0025] As the platforms vary along their length and from platform to platform, the operator can now switch to individual control of the Lifting mechanisms to fine position each end.

[0026] Some modules are required to locate around a vertical structural post at one end. This can be done using the traverse motion in dual control mode. Provision is made in the mounting method of the Interface posts to allow a clear path around a vertical structural post). The module can now be placed for fixing to the platform.

[0027] Once the module is anchored to the platform, the operator the locating pins of the Interface posts are removed and using individual control over each lifting mechanism; each lifting mechanism, is driven back to their home position with the interface posts still attached.