FR2679581A1 - LOCKING DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING SCAFFOLDING. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device provides a connection between a vertical tubular upright or post (1), on the one hand, and the end of one or more horizontal or inclined tubular elements (5), on the other hand. A member such as a socket (2), comprising an opening (4), is fixed to the upright or post (1). The end (6) of the tubular element (5) to be connected has a terminal spout (10) which is inserted into the opening (4) of the sleeve (2). A key (11) is movably mounted and retained on the tubular element (5), behind the terminal spout (10). During assembly, the key (11) takes place on the outside of the bush (2), being pressed against the outer surface (3) thereof. Preferably, the end (6) of the tubular element (5) is flattened, and the key (11) has a "U" configuration, with two branches (12) located on either side of this end. flattened.

Description

"Locking device for the assembly of scaffolding" The present

  The invention relates to scaffolding, and it relates more particularly to a locking device belonging to a scaffolding structure and intended to provide a connection between a vertical upright or tubular post, on the one hand, and the end of one or more horizontal or inclined tubular elements, on the other hand, constituting in particular

stringers or railings.

  To ensure the connection between a post or tubular post, on the one hand, and the end of a tube forming a beam or railing, on the other hand, in a scaffolding structure, devices are already known. assembly and blocking which comprise, in combination: on the upright or tubular post, a member such as a yoke, socket or collar, offering at least one opening opening upwards; at the end of the tube forming a spar or railing, a head provided with a key intended to be inserted and wedged in

  the opening offered by the aforementioned member such as yoke, socket or collar.

  Examples of such devices are provided by patents

  French N O 2 450 925, N O 2 513 920, NI 2 515 238 and No 2 642 459.

  In all known embodiments of this kind, as described and illustrated in the preceding documents, the key carried by the end of the horizontal tubular element is inserted, from top to bottom, into the opening of the member as clevis, socket or collar, integral with the vertical tube This "interior" arrangement of the key has various disadvantages: The key taking place very close to the upright or tubular post, its access is quite difficult, in particular to unlock it by striking it with

bottom up.

  The advanced position of the key, relative to the horizontal tubular element, requires the fixing by welding of a special support bracket and

  for guiding the key, at the end of this tubular element.

  It is difficult to release the key backwards.

  The key must have a flat shape, to slide in

  the caliper, which limits its bearing surface in the active position.

  The bulky presence of this bracket makes it practically impossible to connect several horizontal tubes, of distinct directions, on

  a single member such as a socket, fixed to a vertical tube.

  The present invention aims to avoid all these drawbacks, by providing a locking device of a design different from those

  currently known, as regards the arrangement of the key.

  To this end, it is provided according to the invention, in a blocking device for the assembly of scaffolding comprising, on the upright or tubular post, a member such as yoke, socket or collar offering at least one opening opening towards the top, and cooperating with a key carried by the end of the horizontal or inclined tubular element to be connected, that the end of this horizontal or inclined tubular element comprises a terminal spout turned downwards, and intended to be introduced into the opening of the member such as yoke, socket or collar, and that the key is movably mounted and retained on said tubular element behind the aforementioned end spout, so that this key takes place, during assembly, at the outside of the body such as a yoke, socket or collar, in

  being pressed against the outer surface of this member.

  Thus, the present invention is essentially based on the idea of a

  "outside" rather than "inside" arrangement of the key.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the horizontal or inclined tubular element is flattened, and the key has a "U" configuration with two parallel branches located on either side of the end flattened of the tubular element, the key thus having two active faces cooperating with the external surface of the member such as yoke, socket or collar Advantageously, each of the two branches of the key in a "U" shape has an inclined light preferably finished by a circular recess, a pin or a retaining pin fixed to the flattened end of said tubular element

  crossing the two lights of the key.

  As for the abovementioned end spout, this can simply result from a notch formed in the flattened end of the tubular element, from the

  lower edge of this flattened end.

  According to an additional characteristic, the flattened end of the tubular element is limited, with respect to the non-flattened part of this tubular element, by an inclined line directed upwards and rearwards, so that a stop is formed to hold the key in

  tilted backward position when unlocked.

  If necessary, the tubular element may include, in the region of its flattened end, an internal reinforcement sleeve, which provides

  additional resistance at this flattened end.

  Thus, overall, the invention provides an economical and space-saving solution, while being resistant mechanically, this in particular by the elimination of the stirrup welded to the end of the horizontal tube and by the remote arrangement of the key, preferably in the shape of a "U" More particularly, the advantages provided by the locking device which is the subject of the invention are the following: The "external" arrangement of the key facilitates access to it,

  especially when it comes to hitting it from bottom to top to unlock it.

  This arrangement, combined with the shape of the flattened end part, also facilitates the release of the key with tilting backwards, and its maintenance in the inclined position, in a small footprint.

when not in use.

  The stirrup or other fixing element of the key is eliminated, and it suffices to provide for a crushing of the end of the tubular element, this

  which brings a significant simplification and economy.

  Acting by its two branches, the "U" key offers a large active surface, distributed on two sides, ensuring more effective blocking

  in all directions and better resistance of the assembly.

  The part introduced into the opening of the member such as yoke, socket or collar, integral with the vertical tube, is limited to a terminal spout formed on the flattened end of the other tubular element to be connected; this part is therefore compact, so that the same socket, for example, can easily accommodate two or three identical terminal nozzles and thus serve as a starting point for several horizontal or inclined tubular elements, of distinct directions In particular, the use of '' a generally square socket, fixed by one side against an upright or tubular post, allows the connection of three horizontal tubular elements, forming right angles in pairs, on the other three sides

from the socket.

  In any case, the invention will be better understood, and other characteristics and advantages will be highlighted, using the

  description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing,

  by way of nonlimiting examples, some embodiments of this blocking device for assembling scaffolding: FIG. 1 is a side view partially showing an upright or post and the end of a horizontal tubular element, provided with the device according to the invention, before assembly; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but in the assembled state, with indication of the locked and unlocked positions of the key; Figure 3 is a plan view from above, corresponding to Figure 2 Figure 4 is a plan view from below, illustrating the connection of three tubular elements to the same socket; Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the detail of the flattened end of a horizontal tubular member; Figure 6 is a side view similar to Figure 2, showing a first variant of the device object of the invention; Figure 7 is a plan view from above, corresponding to Figure 6 Figure 8 is a side view, similar to Figure 2, showing another variant of the device according to the invention, applied to an element

inclined tubular.

  In the region of an assembly node, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a post or tubular post 1 belonging to a scaffolding structure laterally carries at a certain level a socket 2 Of generally square shape, open or closed , the socket 2 is fixed, in particular welded by one side against the upright or vertical post 1 The other three sides of the socket 2 defining three vertical bearing surfaces 3, facing outwards, and this socket 2 also defines an opening 4, opening upwards and downwards As shown in FIG. 4, the socket 2 makes it possible to connect to the upright or tubular post 1, in the same assembly node, the respective ends of three tubular elements 5 horizontal or inclined which , seen in plan, form two by two of the right angles. The device for assembling a tubular element to the upright or post 1 will be described below, the devices being able to be identical for the

  three elements connected to the same socket 2.

  The tubular element 5, the section of which is circular over its length

  current, has a flattened end 6, obtained by crushing the tube.

  The flattened end 6 is limited, with respect to the non-flattened part of the tubular element 5, by an oblique line 7, inclined to the horizontal by an angle A of the order of 400 for example, the inclined line 7 being directed towards

  up and back from the bottom edge 8 of the flattened end 6.

  A notch 9, arranged vertically in the flattened end 6 of the tubular element 5 from the lower edge 8 thereof, delimits a terminal spout 10, facing downward, which is the most advanced part of the element

tubular 5.

  A key It is movably mounted and retained on the flattened end 6 of the tubular element 5 The key It has two parallel branches 12, located on either side of the flattened end 6, and interconnected

  by a middle part 13 extending above the flattened end 6.

  Each of the two branches 12 of the key It has an inclined light 14 ending in a circular recess 15, the two lights 14

  belonging respectively to the two branches 12 being located opposite.

  Behind the notch 9, the flattened end 6 of the tubular element 5 carries a pin or a small retaining pin 16, which passes through the two slots 14 of the key 11 The flattened end 6 of the tubular element 5 also includes, above the notch 9, a local deformation 17 which prevents the tilting of the key 11 forward and its disengagement

of the assembly area.

  During assembly of the tubular element 5, the end spout 10 is inserted from above into the opening 4 of the sleeve 2, as shown in FIG. 3 The tubular element 5 is then self-held in position, the key 11 located outside the sleeve 2 It is enough to strike from top to bottom with a hammer on the middle part 13 of the key 11 to push it in and ensure, by virtue of the inclination of the lights 14, the pressing of the front faces of its two branches 12, which are its active faces, against the external surface 3 of the sleeve 2 The assembly is thus blocked by pressing perpendicularly to the surface 3 of the sleeve 2, the key II to

  two branches 12 further ensuring good transverse stiffness.

  For the release of the key 11, for the disassembly of the tubular element 5, the lower ends of the two arms 12 of the key 11 are struck from below upwards. Thanks to the appropriate shape of the flattened end 6, limited by the inclined line 7, the key It then switches backward by itself and takes an inclined position; thanks to the circular recess 15 of the lights 14, cooperating with the pin or the axis 16, the key It is correctly maintained in the inclined inactive position (traced in dashed lines in FIG. 3), in particular during handling of the element tubular 5 This also gives a low

  space for the storage of the tubular element 5.

  The inclined position of the key It is also advantageous in use, because it allows the key Il to automatically fall into the locking position outside the sleeve 2, by tilting when the terminal spout 10 engages in the sleeve 2, deformation 17

  then intervening to limit the tilting of the key 11.

  In the embodiment described so far, the flattened end 6 of the tubular element 5 is constituted by a crushed part of this tubular element 5 itself Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 5, an internal reinforcement sleeve 18 is introduced into the region of the end of the tubular element 5, before it is crushed The end of the tubular element 5, reinforced by the inner sleeve 18, is formed by the press in a single operation ensuring simultaneously: flattening of this end 6 according to the desired shape, cutting the notch 9, drilling the hole receiving the pin or the axis 16, and obtaining the

deformation 17.

  Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment, in which an insert 19, such as a stamped or forged part, is welded to the end of the tubular element 5, in particular by means of

  a flange 20, to form the flattened part 6 receiving the key 11.

  Still in the shape of a "U", the key It has here two branches 12 devoid of lights, which are connected together by a small pin 21 which can be engaged in the notch 9 delimiting the terminal spout 10 The blocking effect results from the inclination of the rear faces 22 of the two branches 12 of the key 11, which bear on the flange 20 when this key It is pressed; thus, the reaction is no longer carried out as previously via an axis or a pin, but against the surface of the flange 20, and the blocking forces may be higher. It should be noted that the axis 21 makes the key 11 captive, while allowing it to tilt backwards see the position indicated in phantom This constructive arrangement allows an assembly of high mechanical strength, while remaining very compact, and of course it retains all of the advantages of the first embodiment,

previously described.

  FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment, applied to the connection of a tubular element 5 ′ constituting a diagonal, therefore inclined to the horizontal. The end of the tubular element 5 ′ here also has a flattened part 6 ′ for example in the form of an added flat iron, formed by stamping or forging, and forming an angle relative to the tubular element 5 ', so as to assemble to one side of the sleeve 2 as in the embodiments previous embodiment, the "U" key It does not have any modification compared to the first embodiment. However, the diagonal formed by the tubular element 5 ′ transmits inclined forces F to the socket 2, which can decompose into a horizontal force FI and a vertical force F 2 The vertical component F 2 tends to tear off the end 6 ′ of the tubular element 5 'To avoid this risk, the lower end of the end spout 10 of the part 6' has a retaining notch 23, turned towards the rear, which engages under the lower edge of the socket 2 in order to ensure a positive connection, unlike blockages obtained by the sole friction effect in the previous embodiments However, this latter arrangement can also be used on tubular elements 5 as a horizontal safety measure . While an inclined tubular element 5 ′ constitutes a diagonal, the horizontal tubular elements 5 can be either side members,

  sleepers or guardrails belonging to the scaffolding structure.

  These elements are fixed in any combination on the three accessible sides of the sleeve 2, the opening 4 of which provides sufficient free space to receive three spouts 10 belonging respectively to three tubular elements 5 or 5 'Of course, the same amount or tubular post 1 has sockets 2 at different levels, and possibly oriented in two or more directions, so as to increase the possibilities of assembly. It should also be noted that the "U" shaped key 11 can be produced either as a part whose shape comes directly from molding, or by bending an initially straight part, or by assembling several elements. The middle part 13 of the key 11 can receive externally an insert, on which one comes to strike for

  press this key in order to block it.

  As is obvious, and as is clear from the above, the invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this blocking device for the assembly of scaffolding which have been described above, by way of examples; on the contrary, it embraces all of the variant embodiments and applications respecting the same principle. It is thus, in particular, that one would not depart from the scope of the invention by constructive modifications of detail, and that the characteristics described above with reference to some illustrated examples of embodiment

  can be grouped differently, according to all compatible combinations.

Claims (10)

  1 locking device belonging to a scaffolding structure and intended to ensure a connection between a vertical upright or tubular post (1), on the one hand, and the end of one or more horizontal or inclined tubular elements (5, 5 '), on the other hand, the device comprising, on the upright or tubular post (1), a member such as a yoke, socket or collar (2) offering at least one opening (4) opening upwards, and cooperating with a key (11) carried by the end (6,6 ') of the horizontal or inclined tubular element (5,5') to be connected, characterized in that the end (6,6 ') of this element horizontal or inclined tubular (5,5 ') has a downwardly turned end beak (10) intended to be introduced into the opening (4) of the member such as yoke, socket or collar (2), and in that the key (11) is movably mounted and retained on said tubular element (5.5 ′) behind the abovementioned end spout (10), so that this key (11) takes place, during assembly, outside the member such as yoke, socket or collar (2), by being pressed against the outer surface (3) of this member ( 2). 2 locking device for the assembly of scaffolding according to claim 1, characterized in that the end (6,6 ') of the horizontal or inclined tubular element (5,5') is flattened, and in that the key (11) has a U-shaped configuration with two parallel branches (12) located on either side of the flattened end (6,6 ') of the tubular element, the key (11) thus presenting two active faces cooperating with the surface   outside (3) of the member such as yoke, socket or collar (2).   3 locking device for the assembly of scaffolding according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the two branches (12) of the "U" key (11) has an inclined lumen (14) preferably terminated in a recess circular (15), a pin or a retaining pin (16) fixed to the flattened end (6,6 ') of said tubular element (5,5') passing through   the two lights (14) of the key (11).   4 Locking device for the assembly of scaffolding according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the aforementioned end spout (10) results from a notch (9) formed in the flattened end (6, 6 ') of the tubular element (5,5 '), from the lower edge (8) of this flattened end (6.6 ').   Locking device for the assembly of scaffolding according to claim 4, characterized in that the two arms (12) of the "U" key (11), devoid of lights, are connected by an engaging pin (21)   in the notch (9) delimiting the end spout (10) of the tubular element (5).   6 Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the end   flattened (6) of the tubular element (5) is limited, vis-à-vis the non-flattened part of this tubular element (5), by an inclined line (7) directed upwards and rearwards, so that a stopper is formed to maintain the   key (11) in an inclined rearward position when it is released.   7 Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the end   flattened (6,6 ') of the tubular element (5,5') has a local deformation   (17) preventing the tilting of the key (11) forwards.   8 Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the element   tubular (5) has, in the region of its flattened end (6), a   inner reinforcement sleeve (18).   9 Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the end   flattened (6) of the tubular element (5) is constituted by a crushed part of this tubular element itself.   Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the end   flattened tubular element (5.5 ') is constituted by an insert   (6 ', 19) in particular welded to this tubular element (5).   11 Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the end   bottom of the terminal spout (10) of the tubular element (5.5 ′) has a notch   retainer (23) facing rear.   12 Locking device for assembling scaffolding according to one   any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the member such as   clevis, bushing or collar (2), fixed on the upright or tubular post (1), is designed to receive two or three end spouts (10) and thus serve as a starting point for several horizontal or inclined tubular elements (5.5 ') , from separate directions.   13 Locking device for the assembly of scaffolding according to claim 12, characterized in that the aforementioned member is a socket (2) of generally square shape, fixed by one side against a post or tubular post (1), which allows by its three other sides the connection of three   horizontal tubular elements (5), forming right angles two by two.