Synchronized lifting system for high-speed trainsets

The system is designed to lift a complete high-speed trainset for scheduled inspections and for the replacement of bogies, wheelsets and underfloor equipment. The train enters the station under its own power, after which all cars are raised simultaneously to a height sufficient for bogie roll-out — there is no need to uncouple the train or distribute cars across several stations.

The lifting columns are installed permanently in recesses along both sides of the track and, when lowered, do not project above floor level, so the station remains clear for vehicle traffic and staff. Each column carries an electromechanical drive with a self-locking screw transmission and a support head that extends under the car body's standard lifting points. The number of columns follows the train length: four support points per car, or thirty-two columns for an eight-car train.

Control is from a central cabinet whose controller compares the travel of all columns via position sensors and adjusts the drive speeds to keep the trainset level to within a few millimetres. The operator starts the lift from a pendant station or radio remote control, and every column has an emergency stop button. Where the depot maintains trainsets of different lengths, the operator engages only the group of columns matching the train presented; a single uncoupled car is lifted on its own group of columns.

On request the system is supplemented with support stands that hold the car bodies while freeing the columns, load cells in the support heads for checking weight distribution, and interfaces with a bogie roll-out unit and the inspection pit system.