EP2325418A2 - Fence post assembly with a cold-formed metal profile - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a cold-formed metal profile (1) provided as a fence post for attaching fence fields (2a, 2b) at an upper fastening section (3). A lower anchoring section (4) is attached at the upper fastening section and is fixed at or in floor (5). A screw channel (6) is molded as a self-grooving screw in the metal profile along the upper fastening section. A clamp is formed as a fastening unit for the fence fields. The metal profile is provided with a single-layer envelope made of a corrosion-resistant plastic material e.g. polyethylene or PVC.

Description

The present invention relates to a fence post assembly having a cold-formed metal profile as a fence post for attaching fence panels to an upper attachment portion to which a lower anchoring portion for attachment to or in a ground adjoins.

The field of application of the present invention extends to fences as a form of fencing. Usually, a fence separates two areas from each other for demarcation and is used primarily as a safety device. The interest here fence consists mainly of metal, especially steel. Such a fence essentially comprises individual fence posts, which serve under the aid of suitable fastening means for upright fixing of the fence panels. Fence panels are preferably made of wire mesh or individual grid mats. With regard to the fence posts, mainly circular cross sections of wire mesh and rectangular or square cross sections are mainly used for the mesh mats. The present invention is suitable for all types of fence posts.

From the DE 29 04 907 A1 goes out a generic fence post arrangement. Each individual fence post consists of a closed metal profile, which is produced starting from an elongated sheet metal strip forming technology. The after the
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Forming abutting edges here are held together by interlocking folds. For corrosion protection, the metal strips to be deformed are hot-dip galvanized on both sides and are coated with a protective varnish on the later inner side. On the later outer side of the metal strips are coated with a weather and light-resistant plastic and finally bent together to the desired hollow profile. Because of the plastic coating, a certain sealing effect is achieved in the region of the fold. However, it is technically demanding to ensure this sealing effect in series production over the entire length of the metal profile, so that in this technical solution penetration of corrosion-causing moisture can not be prevented under all circumstances.

For receiving clamping pieces as fastening means for the fence panels a longitudinally extending dovetailed rib or a Schwalbenschanznut is provided at one point of the circumference of the known closed metal profile, which is preferably within the rabbet joint to cover them. The clamping pieces have a corresponding dovetail shape and have a central threaded bore into which a screw can be screwed from the outside. After the positive insertion of the clamping piece in the groove, the screw is tightened so that the flank sides clamp against each other to effect a secure clamping. If the clamping piece is released due to extreme temperature fluctuations or assembly errors, however, the fence panel attached to the fence post can easily get out of its nominal position.

The DE 197 53 374 A1 discloses another technical solution of a fence post arrangement, in which for the fence posts standard profiles in the form of metal tubes with a circular cross-section. In contrast to the prior art discussed above, these offer a circumferentially securely enclosed circumference, so that moisture that causes corrosion does not penetrate from the wall area into the interior of the fence post can. To attach the individual fence panels, which are preferably formed here as a grid mats, is a special fastener that surrounds the fence post as a pipe clamp to effect with the aid of screw elements with simultaneous attachment of the fence panels a clamp connection against the fence post.

Even with this technical solution can not be ruled out that the fasteners and thus the fence panels can slip in particular by assembly errors under a small force subsequently. In addition, the fasteners appear quite elaborate and visually striking.

Furthermore, other fence post arrangements emerge from the well-known state of the art, which use, for example, a direct attachment of wire mesh to the fence post by means of wire loops. However, these solutions require a tedious time-consuming manual work and have the safety shortcoming that the wire loops can be removed as easily as they have been attached.

In addition, it is also common to introduce in closed metal profiles as a fence post holes or holes to fix fastening means herein, preferably by screwing. Here, the fastening means preferably cooperate via dowels with the hole in the fence post, which are spread by the mentioned screws or nails in the bore to ensure a firm connection.

However, a mechanical processing by punching or drilling is required for this technical solution and the holes are to be introduced in a previously determined and unchangeable distance. If, during assembly of the fence panels, the hole pattern no longer matches the geometry of the fence panel, then there is a need for extensive modification.

In particular, only a very limited height compensation of the fence panels with respect to the fence posts can be carried out on site. Furthermore, the anchors used in the context of this fastening technique mainly consist of plastic, which can be scored or sheared at high temperature differences and / or loads through the surrounding bore of the fence post, so that a fatigue strength of this solution can not be ensured under all circumstances. Furthermore, the fence posts are damaged by the holes or holes to be introduced, so that this area provides an attack site for corrosion.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a fence post assembly with a cold-formed metal profile as a fence post, which is easy to manufacture, corrosion resistant and can be easily and flexibly mounted.

The object is achieved on the basis of a fence post arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The following dependent claims give advantageous developments of the invention.

The invention includes the technical teaching that in the formed as a metal profile fence post at least along the upper mounting portion a closed screw for direct engagement of at least one self-tapping screw or clamp is formed as a fastener for the fence panels. The clamp is preferably made of plastic and may be provided with splitting means to form a kind of dowel.

The advantage of the solution according to the invention lies in the fact that thanks to the completely closed circumference of the metal profile penetration of corrosion-causing moisture into the interior of the fence post is not possible. On the other hand can be achieved by the screw channel and in particular the direct engagement of the fastener herein reliably reliable permanent fixation of the fence panels on the fence post. At the same time, because of the continuous longitudinal extent of the screw channel, it is possible without difficulty to compensate the height of the fence panels during installation on site in order, for example, to adapt the fence to the terrain of the construction site. Since the screw is generated during the forming process for producing the metal profile, no separate manufacturing steps are required, in particular no machining steps, such as drilling and the like. In connection with the screw fastening means can be used, which can be turned or screwed into the screw and there immovably firmly seated without the relative position of fence panel and fence post can move through the burden of the junction on the fence panels. The solution according to the invention allows a complete prefabrication in the workshop and a simple and quick installation on the site.

According to a measure improving the invention, it is proposed that at least partially of a transverse parallel to the longitudinal direction of the metal profile parallel groove structure for perpendicular guidance of the screw or the nail - over at least four lines - during screwing in or at least one of the two opposite channel flanks of the screw. Einschlagens is introduced into the screw. As a result, an optimal interaction between the fastening means and screw is achieved in a simple manner and thus a maximum of strength. A parallel groove structure can be produced for example by embossing in the context of the forming process of the metal profile and can be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular or semicircular in cross section. This groove shapes allow compared to tangentially extending screw fasteners in a screw considerably higher pull-out forces through higher contact surface and vertical guidance of the screw.

According to another solution according to the invention with regard to an additional corrosion protection improving measure, it is proposed that the deformed metal profile together with screw with a at least single-layer sheath of a corrosion-resistant material, preferably a plastic material, most preferably the plastic material polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , is provided. Such a sheath made of plastic material can be applied for example by extrusion. The sheathing should have a layer thickness of 0.2 to 1.5 mm, very preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm in order to achieve on the one hand a mechanically resistant coating, which on the other hand is also produced with the most economical use of materials. For additional corrosion protection, the metal profile can also consist of a strip-galvanized steel, which is cold-formed and joined to the profile cross-section resulting in the fence post. However, the fence post can also be made blank and optionally then galvanized to achieve the additional corrosion protection when needed. Also conceivable are coating measures by powder coating or color coat, which could also be used in combination with the plastic coating described above.

In a preferred embodiment of the fence post, it is proposed to arrange the sheathing over the screw channel, namely the envelope geometry of the basic cross section of the metal profile, in order to conceal the screw channel optically. This can prevent that in the screw from the outside corrosion-inducing media penetrate and the fence post receives an ungangled surface. The fasteners are placed at any point along the screw as required. As an additional assembly aid, it is proposed that the course of the screw channel concealed by the casing is marked by a marking line. Such a marking line can be carried out in a continuous or interrupted manner, preferably as an imprint.

Instead of or in addition to the sheath covering the screw, if necessary, the screw can also be filled by a permanently elastic compound or a polyurethane foam compound (PU) in order to achieve higher puncture resistance or to additionally support the outer sheath. In addition, such a filled screw is less susceptible to corrosion. It is also conceivable to close the screw through a simple sealing strip, this is for example a so-called Alufixband, a metallic and very thin tape. This solution is particularly useful when the entire metal profile is then to be provided in an extruder along the entire circumference with a plastic sheath, without the point of the Schraubkanalverlaufs is visually recognizable by a dent. As a result, the fence post according to the invention receives the same appearance as included standard profile, but with hidden functionality of the screw. During assembly, the screw can be found again, in which the sheathing is pierced in place of the marking line to then anchor the fastener in the screw.

Although any cross-sectional shape in combination with the longitudinally oriented through-screw channel is possible with regard to the solution according to the invention, rectangular tubes, square tubes and round tubes are preferred for reasons of compatibility with various accessories.

According to a further measure improving the invention, it is proposed that the fastening means between fence panel and metal profile in the form of a wire mesh clamp or a mesh mat holder - are executed - depending on the type of fence panel. In the former case, a plastic mesh clamp, preferably polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA), whose spreaderable stud abuts after insertion of the hook nail. The hook nail with the protruding end wrapped in the plastic clamp and the opposite end of the hook of the wire mesh is embraced to this on Firmly fix the fence post. A lattice mat holder can for example be hammered over a provided with peg-like transformations base in the screw. A clamping pin of the base is formed adapted to the grooves of the screw to form a positive connection with the screw. Thereafter, the grid mat is placed, which is subsequently screwed over a the grating rods encompassing clamp by means of stainless steel sheet screw in the screw of the fence post under selbstfurchender generation of screw threads. Other fastening means functioning on the principle of nailing or screwing are also conceivable.

Figur 1

eine schematische Frontansicht einer Zaunpfostenanordnung,

Figur 2

ein Querschnittsprofil eines Zaunpfostens nach einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 3

ein Querschnittsprofil eines Zaunpfostens nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Figur 4

eine Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Befestigungsmittels,

Figur 5

eine Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Befestigungsmittels, und

Figur 6

einen schematischen Querschnitt im Bereich des Schraubkanals des Zaunpfostens.

Further, measures improving the invention will be described in more detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS. It shows:

FIG. 1

a schematic front view of a fence post arrangement,

FIG. 2

a cross-sectional profile of a fence post according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 3

a cross-sectional profile of a fence post according to a second embodiment,

FIG. 4

a side view of a first embodiment of a fastening means,

FIG. 5

a side view of a second embodiment of a fastening means, and

FIG. 6

a schematic cross section in the region of the screw channel of the fence post.

According to FIG. 1 consists of the fence post arrangement shown here essentially of a cold-formed metal profile 1 shown as an example as a fence post to which fence panels 2a and 2b are attached on both sides. The fixing of the fence panels 2a and 2b takes place at an upper mounting portion 3 of the metal profile 1. In contrast, the adjoining the upper mounting portion 3 lower anchoring portion 4 of the metal profile 1 for fixing in a bottom 5 is provided. The fixing in the soil 5 takes place here by cementing the anchoring section 4 into the ground.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 the metal profile 1 has a circular basic cross-section which is interrupted solely by a substantially U-shaped closed screw 6. The screw 6 is used for engagement - not shown here - attachment means for the fence fields described above.

For vertical guidance of the fastening means in the screw 6 whose channel flanks 7a and 7b are provided with a transverse to the longitudinal direction of the metal profile 1 extending parallel groove structure 8. For corrosion protection, the metal profile 1 is provided with a casing 9 made of the plastic material polyethylene (PE), which covers the screw channel 6 of the circular envelope geometry of the cross section of the metal profile 1 following to visually obscure the screw 6 from the outside. The round metal profile 1 is particularly suitable in connection with the use of wire mesh as a fence box.

In the FIG. 3 a metal profile 1 'is shown with a rectangular cross-section. The metal profile 1 'is also a hollow profile, which is formed by cold rolling of sheet steel. This rectangular metal profile 1 'is particularly suitable in connection with grid mats as fence panels. Also, this metal profile 1 'is made with a sheath 9 Provided plastic material, which also extends over the screw 6 away. In order to mark the screw 6 at the hidden by the casing 9 point, a marking line 10 is printed at this point on the casing 9.

In the FIG. 4 a mounting clip 11 is shown made of plastic, which is provided with a recess 12 for receiving wire mesh by hanging. Via an integrally formed guide section 13, the mounting clip 11 can be inserted into the screw channel of the metal profile (not shown). The mounting clip 11 is then fastened thereto by means of a hook nail 14.

The in FIG. 5 mounting clip 11 'is provided in connection with the use of grid mats as fence panels and has geometrically adapted thereto retaining formations 15. Also this mounting clip 11' is provided with a molded guide projection 13 'and is in the screw of the metal profile ultimately with the aid of a hammer in the Screwed in. The two-legged guide projection 13 'prevents twisting of the holder and ensures a positive and non-positive fixation. The grid mat is fixed by a pressure clamp and a screw.

To FIG. 6 is in the region of the screw 6 of the fence post, not shown, a permanently elastic seal 16 introduced in the opening area.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, modifications are also conceivable which are included in the scope of protection of the following claims. For example, other cross sections for the metal profile are conceivable as long as they have a closed circumferential line. Other fastening means can be used in conjunction with the inventive screw, which is a reliable create detachable or non-detachable connection between fence panels and metal profile and make of a few parts an elegant look effect. Thus, fastening means can also be simply hammered into the screw, in such a way that there is a security against rotation and positioning accuracy for the fence panels to be fastened.

Plastic Montageklipps can serve as a mat holder or wire mesh fasteners and are pressed over the pin-like insertion in the screw.

Preferably, a separate toothing of the insertion section with a parallel rib structure of the screw channel correspond positively. However, the final fixation is ensured in all cases with additional screws or nails, so that the fence field attachment is reliably protected by external force by pressure or train, but also with respect to axial displacement. Due to the inventive Schraubkanaltechnik extraction forces of up to 6kN per screw can be achieved so that high safety requirements can be met. In the case of using screws as fasteners, the screw head may be formed so that only special tools allow unscrewing to ensure a higher degree of security against sabotage. Additional decorative caps can cover the fasteners.

Overall, the fence post assembly according to the invention provides a simple way of attaching different types of fence panels for the production of a fence, the screw in the fence post allows a continuous adjustment of the fence panels to the terrain.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

metal profile

2

fence field

3

attachment section

4

anchoring section

5

ground

6

screw

7

channel edge

8th

Parallel groove structure

9

jacket

10

marking line

11

mounting clip

12

recess

13

Einsteckansatz

14

screw

15

Halteanformung

16

flap

Claims (13)

Fence arrangement with a cold-formed metal profile (1, 1 ') as a fence post for attachment of fence panels (2a, 2b) at an upper mounting portion (3), which is followed by a lower anchoring portion (4) for fixing on or in a bottom (5) .
characterized in that in the closed metal profile (1, 1 ') at least along the upper attachment portion (3) a screw channel (6) for direct engagement of at least one self-tapping screw (14) and / or a terminal as fastening means for the fence panels (2a, 2b) is formed. Fence post arrangement according to claim 1,
characterized in that on at least one of the two mutually opposite channel flanks (7a, 7b) of the screw (6) at least partially extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the metal profile (1) parallel groove structure (8) for vertical guidance of the screw (14) or the terminal is introduced during screwing or wrapping in the screw (6). Fence post arrangement according to claim 2,
characterized in that the parallel groove structure of the two mutually opposite channel flanks (7a, 7b) of the screw channel (6) are designed so that the positive connection between the screw channel (6) and screw (14) forms at least four lines as a contact surface. Fence post arrangement according to claim 1,
characterized in that the metal profile (1, 1 ') is provided with an at least single-layer sheath (9) made of a corrosion-resistant material. Fence post arrangement according to claim 4,
characterized in that the casing (9) extends over the screw channel (6) following the envelope geometry of the cross-section of the metal profile (1; 1 ') in order to optically cover the screw channel (6). Fence post arrangement according to claim 4,
characterized in that the metal profile (1, 1 ') is either strip-galvanized and powder-coated or is galvanized and the screw channel (6) extends open in cross-section of the metal profile (1, 1'). Fence post arrangement according to claim 6,
characterized in that the metal profile (1, 1 ') with the screw channel (6), which extends open in the cross section of the metal profile (1, 1'), by a permanently elastic seal (16) is sealed. Fence post arrangement according to claim 5,
characterized in that the sheath (9) consists of a plastic material applied in the extrusion process. Fence post arrangement according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized in that the of the plastic material polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) existing sheath (9) has a thickness of 0.2 to 1.5 millimeters. Fence post arrangement according to claim 1,
characterized in that the cold-formed metal profile (1; 1 ') is a hollow profile made of steel with a circular or rectangular cross-section and has an inwardly-shaped screw channel. Fence post arrangement according to claim 10,
characterized in that the metal profile (1, 1 ') of steel is formed by cold rolling and galvanized its bare surface for additional corrosion protection and / or powder coated and / or painted and / or plastic coated. Fence post arrangement according to claim 1,
characterized in that the fastening means comprise a wire mesh clamp or a mesh mat holder for adaptation to the type of fence panel (2) to be fastened to the metal profile (1; 1 '). Fence post arrangement according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the course of the concealed by the sheath screw channel (6) is characterized by a marking line (10).

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