EP3048214B1 - Connector element for a scaffold, in particular a construction scaffold - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connector element for a scaffold, in particular a scaffolding, which can be used to construct such scaffolding with variable scaffolding depth.

Scaffolds which are used, for example, as scaffolding, are generally constructed of a plurality of vertical struts arranged one above the other or inserted into one another and horizontal struts or diagonal struts connecting them. In particular, in the case of high scaffolds, it may be advantageous to build them up in the upper area with a smaller scaffold depth than in the lower area. This means that at the transition to a lower scaffold depth at least some of the vertical beams can not be coupled with underlying vertical beams by nesting.

In order to be able to stably connect to vertical beams, which are to be arranged offset horizontally with respect to below provided vertical beams for providing a smaller framework depth, but can connect stably to the scaffold, connector elements, also known as plug-in connector, can be used. These are connected to horizontally extending scaffold bars or spars or lattice girders and then offer the possibility to attach a vertical spar. To connect such connector elements, preferably horizontally extending U-shaped spars are generally used, which are also used to mount floor panels with hooks provided in their end regions. In order to prevent the unwanted detachment of such floor panels, the hooks inserted into the U-shaped spars or lattice girders are secured with Abhubsicherungselementen which cover the hooks and are firmly connected to the U-profile spars. However, the use of such Abhubsicherungselemente results in that to be coupled with U-shaped spars connector elements when positioning from above assume a dependent on the configuration or the thickness of such Abhubsicherungselements height positioning. This in turn affects the Height positioning of a to be coupled with such a connector element vertical beam.

A connector element according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 0 383 317 A1 known. This connector element comprises a connector body with a U-shaped connection formed with two U-legs. When connected to a first structural element of a framework, the U-shaped connection region overlaps the first structural element, so that a connecting section of the connection region connecting the two U-legs rests on the first structural element. In order to secure the connector element against lifting from the first scaffold element, an opening in the two U-legs enforcing securing bolt, the first scaffold element can be positioned behind engaging.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a connector element for a scaffold, which provides regardless of its installation position a constant connector positioning for a scaffolding element to be coupled thereto.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a plug connection element for a framework, in particular scaffolding, according to claim 1. This comprises a connection element body with a connection region for connection to a first structural element and a connector region for producing a plug connection with a second structural element to be coupled to the first structural element, Furthermore, comprising a relative to the connecting element body adjustable spacer element for specifying a relative positioning of the connecting element body with respect to the first frame element.

By configuring the plug connection element according to the invention with an adjustable spacer element, it becomes possible to select the positioning of the spacer element with respect to the connection element body in adaptation to the configuration of a respective first frame element or in adaptation of further components coupled to such a first frame element that it can be ensured that the connecting element body with respect to a scaffold can assume a suitable for the connection of a second scaffolding element to this suitable positioning.

For a simple, yet stable connection of the connecting element body to a second framework element, for example a U-profile spar, the connection region comprises a substantially U-shaped connecting portion with two U-legs and a connecting portion connecting them. This can be pushed from the top of a first scaffolding element and then coupled for example by bolts or the like, which engage over the first scaffold element on its underside, with this.

A simple, but nevertheless also stable connection of a respective first framework element to the plug connection element or the connection element body can furthermore be realized in that the plug connection region comprises a preferably hollow plug connection mandrel and / or a plug-in stop.

In order to be able to increase the stability of a plug connection element according to the invention using such a plug stopper, it is proposed that the plug stop comprises a preferably annular stop sleeve, wherein the stop sleeve is preferably fixed to the two U legs of the connection portion connecting portion preferably by welding and wherein the plug-in mandrel is preferably fixed to the stop sleeve by insertion or / and welding.

A stable coupling of the spacer element to the connecting element body and a defined displaceability of the spacer element with respect to the connecting element body is ensured by the fact that the spacer element is rod-like and in the connecting element body in the direction of a spacer element longitudinal axis is displaceable. A reliable support interaction with a first structural element is achieved in that the spacer element has a preferably plate-like support region for support with respect to the first structural element.

A design which enables the desired supporting action of the spacer element for the connecting element body in a simple manner can provide that a first locking area is provided on the spacer element, that a second locking area is provided on the connecting element body, and that the spacer element is secured in its first locking area on the second locking element by means of a locking element Locking area is locked. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the first locking area comprises a plurality of first locking openings, preferably first locking opening pairs, offset relative to one another in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis, and that the second locking area comprises at least one second locking opening, preferably second locking opening pair.

An essentially independent of the size of the first locking holes spacing of the first locking holes in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis can be achieved in that at least two offset in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis first locking openings, preferably first Arretieröffnungspaare, circumferentially offset with respect to each other. Thus, it is possible that in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis directly successive first locking openings are arranged overlapping each other in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis by the circumferential offset.

A stable connection effect, in particular to the connecting element body, can be ensured by at least one second locking opening passing through the stop sleeve and the plug connection mandrel.

In order to prevent unintentional detachment of the spacer element from the connecting element body, it is proposed that the spacer element is secured against detachment from the connecting element body by a securing device for securing against loss.

In this case, in order to maintain the displaceability of the spacer element with respect to the connecting element body can be provided that the Verlierersicherungsanordnung in the spacer element at least one slot-like Verlierersicherungsöffnung, preferably Verliersicherungsöffnungspaar, and a carried on the Verbindungselementenkörper and the at least one Verliersicherungsöffnung enforcing losiersicherungselement.

In order to be able to ensure a stable connection of a first structural element to be connected to the connector element according to the invention to the connecting element body, it is proposed that a locking opening arrangement be provided in the spacer element and in the connecting element body for receiving a locking element locking the second structural element on the connecting element body.

It is also proposed for the locking opening arrangement for ensuring the displaceability of the spacer element with respect to the connecting element body that the locking opening arrangement in the spacer element comprises at least one slot-like first locking opening, preferably first locking opening pair, and in the connecting element body at least one second locking opening, preferably locking opening pair, for receiving the locking element.

Fig. 1

ein mit einem ersten Gerüstelement gekoppeltes Steckverbindungselement;

Fig. 2

in ihren Darstellungen a) und b) das Steckverbindungselement der Fig. 1 in zueinander um 90° gedrehten Ansichten;

Fig. 3

in ihren Darstellungen a) und b) ein Distanzelement des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Steckverbindungselements in zueinander um 90° gedrehten Ansichten;

Fig. 4

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung eines Steckverbindungselements in einer anderen Einbausituation;

Fig. 5

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung eines Steckverbindungselements in einer anderen Einbausituation.

The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a plug connection element coupled to a first frame element;

Fig. 2

in their representations a) and b) the connector element of Fig. 1 in views rotated by 90 ° to each other;

Fig. 3

in their representations a) and b) a spacer of the in Fig. 1 shown connector element in mutually rotated by 90 ° views;

Fig. 4

one of the Fig. 1 corresponding representation of a plug connection element in another installation situation;

Fig. 5

one of the Fig. 1 corresponding representation of a connector element in another installation situation.

The Fig. 1 shows a section of a scaffold, for example scaffolding, in which a substantially horizontally oriented U-profile spar 10 is coupled as a first scaffolding element with two adjoining these two bottom plates 12, 14. The U-profile spar 10, which is oriented upwardly open, can be seen at its two in the Fig. 1 unrecognizable end areas, for example with the Structure of a scaffold used vertical beams or horizontal beams firmly, so for example by welding, or be releasably connected.

The two bottom plates 12, 14 are hooked respectively with hooks 16, 18 from above into the U-profile spar 10.

A generally designated 20 connector element is coupled to the extending in a scaffold depth direction U-profile spar 10. The plug connection element 20 is constructed with a connection element body 22, which comprises a connection region 24 with a likewise substantially U-shaped connection section 25 for connecting the connection element body 22 to the U profile rail 10 and a plug connection region 26 to be positioned substantially vertically upwards. At the connector region 26 can be attached to a scaffold or with the U-profile spar 10 to be coupled vertical spar as a second scaffolding element by attaching.

The connection region 24 can be produced for example by punching and forming a sheet metal blank. As the Fig. 2a) and 2b ) also show this, the connection portion 25 with two in the assembled state is substantially down and the U-profile spar 10 in the height direction overarching U-legs 28, 30 and a connection section connecting them 32 constructed. In the end portions remote from the connecting portion 32, the U-legs 28, 30 have respective openings 34, 36, through each of which a securing bolt 38 can be passed through the U-profile spar 10 on its underside. After inserting the locking bolt 38, the connector element 20 can no longer be detached from the U-profile spar 10 by pulling up.

The plug connection region 26 comprises a hollow plug connection mandrel 40, which is formed, for example, as a metal tube. The latter is inserted into a stop sleeve 42 in its lower end region, that is, adjacent to the connection section 32 of the connection region 24. In its plugged into the stop sleeve 42 end portion of the connector pin 40 in the interior of the stop sleeve 42nd For example, by a preferably completely annular circumferential weld 44 are firmly connected to the stop sleeve 42. The stop sleeve 42 in turn can be firmly connected by a preferably completely annular circumferential weld 46 to the connection region 24, in particular the connecting portion 32 thereof. In this way, a stable composite of the connecting element body 22 is provided.

In the interior of the connecting element body 22, in particular of the hollow plug connection mandrel 40, a rod-like spacer element 48, which is also designed as a metal tube, for example, is accommodated. That in the Fig. 3a) and 3b ) shown spacer element 48 is elongated in the direction of a spacer element longitudinal axis A and in this direction in the connector pin 40 slidably. In its end region 50 projecting out of the plug-in mandrel 40 and lying at least partially in the region enclosed by the connection region 24, the spacer element 48 is formed with a plate-like support region 52. As described below and in Fig. 1 recognizable, the spacer 48 is supported with the plate-like support portion 52 downwards with respect to the U-profile spar 10, wherein in the installation situation of Fig. 1 this support takes place directly on the U-profile spar 10, in particular the free end regions of the U-legs thereof. For this purpose, the plate-like support region 52 is preferably dimensioned such that it engages over the U-profile spar 10 in the width direction.

In the hollow, rod-like spacer element 48, a plurality of first locking openings 54, 56, 58 are provided following one another in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis A or offset relative to one another. Due to the hollow configuration of the spacer element 48, these first locking openings 54, 56, 58 are actually provided in pairs opposite each other. One recognizes in Fig. 3 in that the pairs of first locking openings 54 and 56 which are immediately following one another in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis A are offset by 90 ° relative to one another in the circumferential direction and overlap one another in the spacer element longitudinal direction A. The pairs of first locking openings 56, 58 are offset in the circumferential direction to each other by 90 °, but do not overlap each other in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis A.

In the connecting element body 22, a second locking opening 60 is provided in that region in which the stop sleeve 42 and the plug-in connecting pin 40 overlap one another or are inserted into one another. Due to the hollow configuration of both the stop sleeve 42, and the plug-in mandrel 40, also here two extending through these two components each extending therethrough and opposing second locking holes 60 are present.

A locking bolt 62 guided through the second locking openings 60 arranged in pairs opposite one another and in each case one pair of first locking openings 54, 56 or 58 arrests the spacer element 48 in its first locking area 64 comprising essentially the first locking openings 54, 56, 58 with respect to that which is associated with each other A pair of second locking openings 60 comprising second locking portion 66. For example, by a provided on the safety pin 62 spring clip 68, which can be positioned embracing the stop sleeve 42, the locking pin 62 can be secured against detachment from the connecting element body 22.

Depending on which pair of first locking openings 54, 56, 58 of the securing bolt 62, which also extends through the pair of second locking openings 60, the spacer element 48 protrudes with its end area 50 more or less far into that of the U-shaped connection area 24 enclosed space. For example, in Fig. 1 1 shows a mounting situation in which the securing bolt 62 is arranged in the pair of first locking openings 58 positioned farthest from the end area 50 or the plate-type supporting area 52. As a result, the end region 50 of the spacer element 58 extends to the maximum extent into the connection region 24. If the plug connection element 20 is placed on the U-profile spar 10 in this state until the plate-like support region 52 rests directly on the U-profile spar 10, this leads to the plug connection region 26, in particular with a stop 70 provided by the stop sleeve 42, having a defined spacing D, for example, to the upper end of the U-profile spar 10 and thus has a defined mounting position to other components or assemblies of a scaffold. It can thereby be ensured that a vertical spar plugged onto the plug connection region 26 has a positioning in the height direction which coincides with the positioning of other vertical bars provided in a frame, so that, for example, coupling areas of different vertical bars of a stand are positioned at the same height position as perforated disks.

The Fig. 4 shows one of the Fig. 1 corresponding representation of a framework region in which the two bottom plates 12, 14 and the hooks 16, 18 are secured by a cross-sectionally, for example T-shaped Abhubsicherungselement 72 against detachment from the U-profile spar 10. The attached from above on the hooks 16, 18 Abhubsicherungselement 72 can be firmly connected, for example, in several longitudinal areas thereof down to the U-profile spar 10. Since the Abhubsicherungselement 72 extends substantially over the entire length range of the U-profile spar 10, would be when placing a male connector 20 in his in Fig. 1 shown configuration forcibly give a respect to the U-profile spar 10 and thus the entire framework slightly raised installation situation, with the result that the provided by the stop sleeve 42 stop 70 by more than the distance D with respect to the example used as a reference upper end portion of the U Profile spar 10 would be spaced. This in turn would mean that a plugged onto the connector region 26 vertical beam would occupy a different height positioning, as would be the case with other provided in a scaffold structure constructed in this way vertical bars.

To avoid this, the installation situation of the Fig. 4 For example, the spacer 48 may be positioned in the connector body 22 such that the pair of first locking apertures 56 are aligned with the pair of second locking apertures 60 and the spacer 48 is locked by the locking pin 62 on the connector body 22 in this installation situation. This has the consequence that the end region 50 of the spacer element 48 engages less far in the space area encompassed by the connection region 24. In particular, in vote the thickness of the Abhubsicherungselements 72 to be considered in the upward direction, the positioning of the various first locking openings 54, 56, 58 are chosen so that when selecting a respective pair of first locking openings with respect to the installation situation of Fig. 1 unchanged height positioning of the connecting element body 22 and thus also the stop 70 results. This means that even in the installation situation of the Fig. 4 the stop 70 is positioned with respect to the U-profile spar 10 with the distance D and insofar can be achieved for a aufzusteckenden on the Steckverbindugnsbereich 26 vertical spar the same height positioning, as in the installation situation of Fig. 1 ,

The Fig. 5 shows a further alternative installation situation in which a Abhubsicherungselement 72 'comes with upwardly greater thickness used. In accordance with the greater thickness of the lift-off securing element 72 ', the spacer element 48 can now be positioned such that the pair of first locking openings 54 are aligned with the pair of second locking openings 60 and the spacer element 48 with its first locking area 64 in this positioning on the second locking area 66 is locked. By selecting the positioning of the first locking openings 54, 56, 58 in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis A, a coordination of the respective relative positioning of the spacer element 48 with respect to the connecting element body 22 taking into account the shape or dimensioning of a respective Abhubsicherungselements 72 'or taking into account the circumstance, whether a Abhubsicherungselement is ever used, are given. In order to achieve an even greater variability, it could also be provided, for example, that more than one second locking opening 60 or more than a pair of second locking openings 60 with offset in the direction of the spacer element longitudinal axis A, for example also with Circumference offset to each other, are provided.

In order to secure the spacer element 48 in the connecting element body 22 against unintentional detachment or against loss, a loss securing arrangement 74 can be provided in the construction according to the invention. This can in the spacer element preferably slot-like Verliersicherungsöffnung 76 or due to the hollow, tubular design of the spacer element 48 a pair of such loss prevention openings 76 include. On the connecting element body 22, for example, inserted into corresponding openings, a pin-like Verliersicherungselement 78 may be firmly worn, which also passes through the pair of Verliersicherungsöffnungen 76. Due to the slot-like configuration of the Verliersicherungsöffnungen 76 on the one hand, the Verliersicherungsfunktionalität guaranteed. On the other hand, it is ensured that the spacer element 48 is displaceable in the connecting element body 22 in order to achieve the various installation situations described above.

Furthermore, in order to be able to lock a vertical spar which is plugged onto the plug connection region 26 and is supported downwardly on the stop 70 of the stop sleeve 42 on the plug connection element 20, a locking opening arrangement 80 is also provided. This includes in the spacer element a slot-like first locking opening 82 and a pair of opposing first locking openings 82. In association with this, a pair of second locking openings 84 are provided opposite each other in the connector pin 40. By a corresponding openings in the vertical spar and the first and second locking apertures 82, 84 passing bolt-like locking element thus a vertical spar can be locked on the connector region 26, wherein due to the slot-like configuration of the pair of first locking apertures 82 in turn does not affect the displaceability of the spacer element 48 in the connecting element body 22 is.

Claims (12)

1. Plug connection element for a supporting structure, in particular a scaffold, comprising a connection element body (22) with a connection area (24) for connection to a first scaffold element (10) and a plug connection area (26) for realizing a plug connection with a second scaffold element to be coupled to the first scaffold element (10), wherein the connection area (24) comprises an essentially U-shaped linking section (25) with two U-legs (28, 30) and a connection section (32) connecting the two U-legs (28, 30), wherein the linking section (25) is to be positioned so that it grips over the first scaffold element (10) with its two U-legs (28, 30) in a height direction, characterised by a distance element (48) adjustable with respect to the connection element body (22) for defining a relative positioning of said connection element body (22) with respect to the first scaffold element (10) in the height direction, wherein the distance element (48) is formed rod-like and is slidable inside the connection element body (22) in the direction of a distance element longitudinal axis (A) and comprises a support area (52) for a support with respect to the first scaffold element (10).
2. Plug connection element according to claim 1, characterised in that the plug connection area (26) comprises a preferably hollow plug connection gudgeon (40) or/and a plug-in stop (70).
3. Plug connection element according to claim 2, characterised in that the plug-in stop (70) comprises a preferably ring-like stop sleeve (42), wherein the stop sleeve (42) is fixed at the connection section (32) connecting the two U-legs (28, 30) of the linking section (25), preferably by welding and wherein the plug connection gudgeon (40) is fixed at the stop sleeve (42) preferably by plugging in or/and by welding.
4. Plug connection element according to one of claims 1 through 3, characterised in that the support area (52) is plate-like.
5. Plug connection element according to one of claims 1 through 4, characterised in that a first locking area (64) is provided at the distance element (48), in that a second locking area (66) is provided at the connection element body (22) and in that the distance element (48) can be locked at the second locking area (66) by means of a locking element (62) in its first locking area (64).
6. Plug connection element according to claim 5, characterised in that the first locking area (64) comprises a plurality of first locking openings (54, 56, 58) which are offset to one another in the direction of the distance element longitudinal axis (A), preferably locking opening pairs, and in that the second locking area (66) comprises at least a second locking opening (60), preferably a second locking opening pair.
7. Plug connection element according to claim 6, characterised in that at least two first locking openings (54, 56, 58) which are offset to one another in the direction of the distance element longitudinal axis, preferably first locking opening pairs, are offset to one another in the circumferential direction.
8. Plug connection element according to claim 3 and claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the at least one second locking opening (60) passes through the stop sleeve (42) and the plug connection gudgeon (40).
9. Plug connection element according to one of claims 1 through 8, characterised in that the distance element (48) is secured against detachment from the connection element body (22) by a detachment safety arrangement (74).
10. Plug connection element according to claim 9, characterised in that the detachment safety arrangement (74) comprises in the distance element (48) at least one elongated hole-shaped detachment safety opening (76), preferably a detachment safety opening pair, and a detachment safety element (78) carried at the connection element body (22) and passing through the at least one detachment safety opening (76).
11. Plug connection element according to one of claims 1 through 10, characterised in that a latch release opening (80) is provided in the distance element (48) and in the connection element body (22) for receiving a latch element locking the second scaffold element at the connection element body (22).
12. Plug connection element according to claim 11, characterised in that the latch release opening (80) in the distance element (48) comprises at least one elongated hole-shaped first latch opening (82), preferably a first latch opening pair, and in the connection element body (22) at least a second latch opening (84), preferably a latch element pair, for receiving the latch element.

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