FR3124813A1 - Scaffolding tower and scaffolding and use of tower and scaffolding - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a scaffolding tower (10) comprising a plurality of modules (12) hinged one above the other, each module (12) comprising a floor (14) and posts (16) hinged to the floor ( 14), the posts (16) also being hinged along their length, the scaffolding tower (10) being capable of occupying a folded configuration in which each module (12) is in the folded position and an unfolded configuration by vertical unfolding of the module per module, in which each module (12) is in the unfolded position. The invention also relates to scaffolding. The invention saves time and increases safety. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Scaffolding tower and scaffolding and use of tower and scaffolding

Field of invention

The invention relates to a scaffold tower, a scaffold comprising the tower and the use of the tower and the scaffold.

State of the art

When carrying out work or temporary events, scaffolding can be used. The installation of the scaffolding requires climbing the floors gradually over the length of the scaffolding. The posts and floors are gradually assembled one after the other, until the desired height is obtained.

The installation of traditional scaffolding is long, from the preparation before the delivery on site of the various parts to the assembly – and is not free from dangers during assembly or disassembly.

The object of the invention is to provide a scaffolding which is quicker to install and in a safe manner.

For this, the invention proposes a scaffolding tower comprising a plurality of modules hinged one above the other, each module comprising a floor and posts hinged to the floor, the posts further being hinged along their length, the tower scaffolding being capable of occupying a folded configuration in which each module is in the folded position and an unfolded configuration by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module is in the unfolded position.

According to a variant, the modules are unfolded independently of each other.

According to a variant, a module is able to unfold by vertical traction of the top module or by vertical lifting of the last unfolded module.

According to a variant, each post of a module comprises an articulation on the floor of said module and an articulation on the floor of the upper module, each post also comprising a joint in the length which is offset laterally with respect to the other joints of the post, in the unfolded position of the module.

According to a variant, the transition to the folded or unfolded position of a module is possible only by vertical lifting of the module.

According to a variant, between the folded position of the modules and the unfolded position of the modules, the joint in the length of the posts is aligned with the other joints of the posts on the floors and in the unfolded position of the modules, the joint in the length of the columns is offset laterally with respect to the other joints of the columns to the floors.

According to a variant, the posts of each module are connected in pairs by a torsion bar, each module further comprises at least one safety railing connected to a post of each pair, the safety railing blocking the articulation in the length of the two poles of the pair in the unfolded position of the module and releasing the joint along the length of the two poles of the pair in the folded position of the module.

According to a variant, in the aligned position of the joint in the length of the posts with the other joints of the posts at the floors, the rotation of the railing activates a cam follower along a cam to a position of the railing wherein the joint in the length of the posts is positioned laterally offset from the other joints of the posts to the floors, this position of the railing corresponding to the unfolded position of the modules.

Alternatively, rotation of the guardrail simultaneously activates a cam follower along a cam at the post of each pair to which the guardrail is connected.

According to a variant, the railing is immobilized with respect to the posts to which it is connected by the cam follower at the end of the cam and by a pin between the railing and a sleeve supporting the cam, the two posts to which the railing is connected and the modules are held in the unfolded position.

According to a variant, in the unfolded position of the modules, a plurality of pins, preferably four pins, block the articulation in the length of at least two posts and the guardrail with respect to the two posts to which it is connected.

According to a variant, the modules comprise a ladder with an articulation in its length, the ladder is rotatable around a post between a position of use of the ladder in the unfolded position of the respective module, the ladder being in a plane orthogonal to the axes of the post joints and a position allowing the folding of the module.

According to a variant, each module further comprises at least one end safety railing, rotatably mounted around a post and optionally removable.

Alternatively, the tower further includes a vertical tower traction frame at the top of the upper module.

According to a variant, the floors are with at least one passage hatch or without a passage hatch.

According to a variant, the tower further comprises connecting tabs between two modules in the folded position or between two neighboring modules in the unfolded position, the connecting tabs optionally comprising an indentation adapting to the gap between the modules.

According to a variant, the tower further comprises movable telescopic extension rods between a retracted position in the floor and an extracted position from the floor, a floor extension being fixed on the rods in the extracted position.

According to a variant, the tower further comprises triangulation cables that are removable or permanently attached to the modules.

According to a variant, the lowest module comprises cylinders with a flat base or with flanges.

According to a variant, the module comprises a staircase articulated to the module by one end.

The invention also relates to a use of the scaffolding tower described above, as a temporary construction for construction sites, as a temporary construction for events such as quick stands, private bleachers or bleacher supports for a show, a sporting event or attractions, as a temporary construction for observation or measurement, as a temporary support such as for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound equipment , electric cables or advertising, as a temporary construction for spanning a road, as a work station at height in industry, as temporary shelving or shelving for shops or warehouses, as a fir tree or access tower or shoring tower, as a complement or in combination with one or more conventional scaffolding bays.

The invention also relates to a scaffolding comprising a plurality of scaffolding towers described above, the towers being juxtaposed to each other.

According to a variant, junctions are positioned between two neighboring modules separated by a space or an angle.

The invention also relates to a use of the scaffolding as described above, as a temporary construction for construction sites, as a temporary construction for events such as quick stands, private bleachers or bleacher supports for a show, a sporting event or attractions, as a temporary construction for observation or measurement, as a temporary support such as for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound equipment , electric cables or advertising, as a temporary construction for spanning a road, as a work station at height in industry, as temporary shelving or shelving for shops or warehouses, as a complement or in combination with one or more conventional scaffold spans.

All of the embodiments as well as all of the advantages of the modules and the scaffolding tower apply mutatis mutandis to the scaffolding and vice versa. The different embodiments can be taken in combination or individually.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures which show:

, there is an embodiment of a scaffolding tower;

, there shows an example of unfolding the modules of the tower;

, there shows another example of unfolding the modules of the tower;

, there shows an embodiment of a module in the unfolded position;

, there shows an embodiment of a module partially in the folded or unfolded position;

, there shows an embodiment of a module in the folded position;

, there shows an embodiment of the relative position of the joints of each post;

, there shows an embodiment of the actuation of a safety rail of the modules;

, there shows an embodiment of the actuation of a safety rail of the modules;

, there shows an embodiment of the actuation of a safety rail of the modules;

, there shows an embodiment of the actuation of a safety rail of the modules;

, there shows an example of how to secure the post joint;

, there shows an example of making a ladder within the modules;

, there shows an example of making a ladder within the modules;

, there shows an example of making a ladder within the modules;

, there shows an example of making a ladder within the modules;

, there shows an embodiment of an end safety rail;

, there shows an example of connecting brackets between two modules;

, there shows an example of connecting brackets between two modules;

, there shows an embodiment of telescopic extension rods;

, there shows an example of a junction between two neighboring modules;

, there shows an example of a junction between two neighboring modules;

, there shows an example of a module with a staircase.

Figure drawings are not to scale. Like elements are generally denoted by like references in the figures. In the context of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

The invention proposes a scaffolding tower comprising a plurality of modules hinged one above the other, each module comprising a floor and posts hinged to the floor, the posts further being hinged along their length. The scaffolding tower is capable of occupying a folded configuration in which each module is in the folded position and an unfolded configuration by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module is in the unfolded position. The advantage is to save time and cost when installing and dismantling the tower, while promoting the safety of the operators installing the tower.

By juxtaposing a plurality of scaffold towers to each other in an unfolded configuration, in which each module is in the unfolded position, a scaffold is obtained. The scaffolding is an assembly between them of towers in the form of a column; the towers can be placed in unfolded configuration side by side or even unfolded a few meters away (for example in the street next to the place of use of the scaffolding) then juxtaposed to each other in unfolded configuration. The same goes for dismantling. The installation of the scaffolding by assembling the towers in series saves time – which is also the case with dismantling. By juxtaposition of towers, it is meant that the towers and modules are side by side, aligned, neighboring, without necessarily touching; a gap may exist between the towers. Also, by juxtaposition is meant that the towers and modules are adjacent, perpendicular to each other (for example to follow a corner of a building) leaving an empty angle between the two.

There shows an embodiment of a scaffolding tower 10 and the resulting scaffolding when a plurality of towers are juxtaposed. The scaffolding tower and the resulting scaffolding when a plurality of towers are juxtaposed can be used as temporary construction for construction sites, as temporary construction for events (quick stands, private bleacher or bleacher support for a show, sporting event or attractions, etc.), as a temporary construction for observation or measurement, as a temporary support (for antennas, sensors , lighting, sound equipment, electric cables or advertising), as temporary construction for spanning a road, as a workstation at height in industry, as shelving or shelving temporary for shops or warehouses, as a fir tree or access tower or shoring tower, as a complement or in association with one or more conventional scaffolding bays. Conventional scaffolding means scaffolding assembled by assembling tubes and fittings or with prefabricated elements ("frame" scaffolding, but above all also "multidirectional") in which the floors are gradually assembled over the length and height of the desired scaffolding.

The tower 10 comprises a plurality of modules 12 hinged one above the other. Six modules 12 are represented by way of example on the ; it is understood that the tower may include more or fewer modules 12, depending on the use made of it. Each module 12 comprises a floor 14 and posts 16. The posts are used to support the upper modules. Floors are a surface allowing operators to move around. The floors are for example a one-piece surface with a stiffening structure (such as a frame) or a surface supported by said structure. The surface can be metal, wood or fiberglass. The surface can be fixed permanently to the structure or even removable with respect to the structure. The surface can be in one piece or composed of sub-parts – for example 20 to 35 cm wide. The modules include components, such as posts or floor reinforcements, for example made of metal or fiberglass. It is conceivable that the floor of a module is supported by the posts of said module; preferably (and as described below but in a non-limiting way), a module comprises the floor 14 on which the posts 16 are placed and articulated - by their lower end. The modules 12 may comprise four posts 16 in order to ensure the stability of the tower 10. But the invention is not limited to the presence of four posts 16 per module, as long as the stability of the tower 10 is ensured. The modules 12 are hinged to each other in the sense that the upper end of the posts 16 is connected and hinged to the floor 14 of the upper module 12. Furthermore, the posts 16 are hinged along their length. In other words, between their ends, the posts 16 include at least one joint 18 allowing them to bend. Preferably, the posts have a single hinge 18, allowing them to bend in half.

There shows tower 10 able to occupy a folded configuration (on the left of the ) in which each module 12 is in the folded position. The posts 16 are then folded in two at the joint 18 along their length and folded down against the lower (of the module) and upper (of the upper module) floors by the joint at their ends. There also shows tower 10 able to occupy an unfolded configuration (on the right of the ) by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module 12 is in the unfolded position. The joints 18 in the length of the posts 16 and the joints on the floors allow the unfolding and folding of the modules 12 and therefore of the tower 10.

Tower 10 is therefore a one-piece, unfoldable and collapsible system, for which the operator does not have to carry and assemble structural components. The floors 14 and posts 16 are already in place when the tower is in the folded or unfolded configuration. The tower saves time during installation and removal. The advantage is that it is easier to prepare the tower before installing it because there is no risk of forgetting floors 14 or posts 16, as well as removing it. In addition, the height of the tower is prepared in advance, overlapping as many 12 modules as necessary to achieve the desired height. In addition, the tower in the folded configuration can be easily transported by truck – which greatly facilitates the delivery of the tower.

There shows an embodiment of the unfolding of the modules 12. We also see the constitution of the scaffolding 9 by juxtaposing the towers 10. In practice, the modules 16 are unfolded one after the other, starting from the highest module of the round. A lifting device, such as a crane 20 (fixed or on a vehicle), makes it possible to unfold the modules 12 one after the other, by vertical traction of the top module 121 (from above the top module 121). On the , the top module 121 supported by the crane is already in the unfolded position and the lower module 122 is being unfolded. The still lower modules are still in a folded position. According to , several towers 10 with three modules 12 (by way of example) are already in the unfolded configuration. The modules unfold by gravity, which facilitates unfolding. As indicated above, the towers can be placed in the unfolded configuration in a juxtaposed manner or else separated then juxtaposed once in the unfolded configuration by displacement by the lifting device.

There shows another embodiment of the unfolding of the modules 12. We also see the constitution of the scaffolding 9 by juxtaposition of the towers 10. Here, a lifting device, such as a forklift 22, deploys the modules vertically according to the arrow 24, lifting the last unfolded module vertically. In other words, the top module 121 is unfolded first, then the machine vertically lifts this module from below in order to unfold the lower module – and so on lifting the tower from below the last unfolded module. Just as for the , the modules 16 are unfolded one after the other, starting from the highest module of the tower. The modules unfold by gravity, which facilitates unfolding. A tower 10 comprising, for example, three modules 12 is already in the unfolded configuration. A second tower 10 is being deployed. As indicated above, the towers can be placed in the unfolded configuration in a juxtaposed manner or else separated then juxtaposed once in the unfolded configuration by displacement by the lifting device. The embodiment of the is particularly applicable in the case where access from above is not possible (in a building for example).

In order to allow vertical deployment of the modules 12, the tower 10 may include a vertical traction frame 13 of the tower 10, at the top of the upper module. Figures 1 to 3 show the frame 13. The posts 16 are bolted in the corners of the frame 13. In the center, a lifting ring allows gripping preferably by a lifting device (whether in the deployment mode of the or 3). The ring is positioned in the axis of the center of gravity of the tower, which makes it possible to lift the highest module and, if necessary, the tower such that it remains vertical.

The floors 14 allow operators to move around in the tower 10. The floors are with at least one passage hatch, allowing to pass from a module 12 to another module 12 higher or lower in the tower. The floors 14 can comprise one or two passage hatches. The floors can also be without passage hatch.

There shows an embodiment of a module 12 in the unfolded position. In particular, the posts 16, four in number by way of example, are shown in more detail - without the floor 14. The posts 16 have a hinge 26 at their lower end, hingedly connecting the posts 16 to the floor 14 of the module 12. As indicated with reference to the , the posts can also be hinged along their length, for example by the hinge 18. In addition, the posts 16 have a hinge 28 at their upper end, connecting the posts 16 in an articulated manner to the floor 14 of the upper module 12 . On the , module 12 (without floor) is in the unfolded position. In addition, the posts 16 of each module 12 are connected in pairs by a torsion bar 30. This allows the synchronized unfolding of the posts 16 per pair, and prevents the posts from twisting. This improves the passage from one position to another of the module 12.

There shows an embodiment of a module 12 partially in the folded or unfolded position. In this intermediate position (whether towards the unfolded position or towards the folded position), the joint 18 makes it possible to fold the posts 16 in two and the joints 26 and 28 make it possible to bring two superimposed floors closer to each other. , to reach the configuration shown on the left of the .

There shows an embodiment of a module 12 in the folded position. The posts 16 are folded in half by means of the joint 18 and the joints 26 and 28 of each post 16 are brought closer together. In this position, the size of the modules 12 is minimal, which allows easy transport and storage.

There shows an embodiment of the relative position of the joints 18, 26, 28 of each post 16, in different positions of the posts 16. The joint 18 in the length of each post 16 can be offset laterally with respect to the other joints 26, 28 of the post, in the unfolded position of module 12. On the left part of the , the post 16 is in a state corresponding to the (completely) unfolded position of the module 12; it can be seen that the axis of articulation represented by a point of the articulation 18 is not aligned with respect to the axis of articulation represented by a point of the upper 28 and lower 26 joints. first security of the tower 10 in the sense that, by this shift or non-alignment of the three joints, the posts 16 are in a stable state, allowing an operator to complete the securing of the posts and modules as will be described later more in detail. To pass from a folded position to the unfolded position or the reverse of the modules, the joints 18, 26, 28 of the posts are actuated so as to pass through a state in which the joint 18 is aligned with the other two joints. 26, 28; the posts 16 are in an unstable state allowing them to be manipulated. On the right side of the , a movement to the right of the articulation 18 continues to cause the folding of the post 16 (towards the state of the ); conversely, a movement to the left of the articulation 18 continues to cause the unfolding of the post (and to reach the state of the left part of the ). Whether to fold or unfold a module, the posts 16 pass through the unstable state only by vertical lifting of the module. Vertical lifting is performed by the lifting device (which either lifts the entire tower by traction or lifts the last unfolded module from below). The fact of operating a lifting action makes it possible to secure the installation and the dismantling.

Figures 8 to 11 show an embodiment of the actuation of a safety railing of the modules 12. Each module 12 may further comprise at least one safety railing 32 connected to a post 16 of each pair, the railing 32 safety blocking the joint 18 in the length of the two posts 16 of the pair in the unfolded position of the module 12 and releasing the joint 18 in the length of the two posts 16 of the pair in the folded position of the module 12. The guardrail 32 therefore allows blocking of two posts 16 of the module in an unfolded state and release of the two posts 16 of the module in a folded state, which is sufficient to block or release the entire module 12. In addition, the guardrail 32 allows this change of state in a synchronized manner of the two posts of each pair – and therefore of the two pairs thanks to the torsion bar 30. The description of figures 8-11 applies to the two posts of the pair – in a synchronized and inverted manner .

There shows guardrail 32 sliding into a sleeve 34 of one post 16 – and sliding into a similar sleeve 34 of the other post 16 of the pair. The sleeve 34 is for example fixed to a stirrup 36 of the articulation 18. According to the arrows 36, the upper and lower parts of the post 16 connected by the articulation 18 are in motion in the direction of the unfolded state of the post 16. The railing 32 slides in the sleeve 34 - as well as in the sleeve 34 of the other post 16 of the pair. This is also visible in Figures 4 to 6 (in the reverse movement, towards the folded state of the posts 16). In the unfolded position of the module 12, the two sleeves 34 are close to the free ends of the railing 32; in the folded position of the module 12, the two sleeves 34 approach each other towards the center of the railing 32.

According to , the three joints 18, 26, 28 are aligned, as on the right part of the – the post is in an unstable state. According to , the joint 18 is offset laterally with respect to the other joints 26, 28 as on the left part of the – the pole is in stable condition. Since the , in the aligned position of the joint 18 along the length of the posts with the other joints 26, 28 of the posts 16, the rotation of the guardrail 32 activates a cam follower 38 along a cam 40 to a position of the railing 32 in which the joint 18 in the length of the posts is positioned laterally offset with respect to the other joints 26, 28 of the posts, this position of the railing 32 corresponding to the unfolded position of the modules 12, represented on the .

On the , the cam follower 38 is not in the cam 40; on the , the cam follower 38 is engaged in the cam 40 by the rotational movement of the guardrail 32 according to the arrow 42. The cam follower 38 has a movement according to the arrow 44 along the cam 40, in a helical section of cam 40.

Figures 10 and 11 show the final movement of the cam follower 38 towards the end of the cam 40, in order to block the guardrail in the unfolded position of the module 12. The cam 40 comprises a rectilinear section connecting the helical section to a section of blockage. According to , the guardrail 32 is moved longitudinally so as to move the cam follower 38 in the rectilinear section according to the arrow 45. The posts continue the movement according to the arrows 46. According to the , the cam follower 38 has reached the end of the rectilinear section of the cam 40. A rotational movement of the guardrail 32 according to the arrow 48 makes it possible to engage the cam follower 38 in the locking section of the cam 40. The cam follower 38 allows the locking of the guardrail 32 and therefore the locking of the two posts 16 connected to the guardrail 32 in their unfolded and stable state.

Thus, rotation of guardrail 32 simultaneously activates cam follower 38 along cam 40 at the post of each pair to which guardrail 32 is connected. The activation of the guardrail 32 by a single operator therefore makes it possible to lock or unlock the guardrail of two posts 16 and therefore of the entire module 12 in a synchronized manner. This makes it possible to quickly ensure the modules in the unfolded position or, conversely, to allow the unlocking of the modules 12 with a view to folding them. Everything is operated in a secure manner with the lifting gear supporting the modules.

There shows how to secure railing 32 and module 12 in the unfolded position. The railing 32 is immobilized with respect to the posts 16 to which it is connected by the cam follower 38 at the end of the cam 40 – this ensuring a first securing of the railing 32 and of the module 12. In addition, the railing 32 is immobilized with respect to to the posts 16 to which it is connected by a pin 50 between the railing 32 and the sleeve 34 supporting the cam – this ensuring a second securing of the railing 32 and of the module 12. The pin 50 extends through an orifice 52 through the sleeve 34 and the guardrail 32. The guardrail 32 held with the cam followers 38 at the bottom of the cam 40 and with the pins 50 is immobilized with respect to the sleeves 34 and thus with respect to the posts 16 of the pair; the guardrail 32 prevents the posts 16 from collapsing. Thus, the two posts 16 to which the railing is connected and thus all the modules are held and secured in the unfolded position. The installation is therefore simple and quick to install, while ensuring high security.

The disassembly process is done in the opposite direction to the assembly process described above – and is therefore just as easy while ensuring the safety of operators. As indicated, a lifting or vertical traction by a lifting device makes it possible to bend the modules, in particular, by passing through the unstable state of the posts, and this in a safe manner.

Modules can include one or more guardrails – preferably two guardrails. In Figures 4 and 5, a second guardrail 33, lower than the guardrail 32 is provided. The railing 33 is connected to a post 16 of each pair by sliding in a sleeve similar to the sleeve 34. A pin 50 makes it possible to fix the railing 33 in position with respect to the posts. The activation of the guardrail 32 (towards the unfolded or folded position of the module) also activates the guardrail 33.

In the unfolded position of the modules 12, a plurality of pins block the posts 16 in the unfolded state as well as the guardrail 32 with respect to the sleeves 34 and therefore with respect to the posts 16. More specifically, preferably four pins 50 block the joint 18 in the length of at least two posts 16 and the railing 32 relative to the two posts to which it is connected. According to , a pin 50 is used to lock the guardrail 32 to each of the posts 16 of the pair to which it is connected. There shows an embodiment of the securing of the joint 18 of the posts not connected to the railing 32. A pin 50 blocks the joint 18 in the length of the posts 16. In the stable state of the posts 16 (in which the joint 18 is offset laterally relative to joints 26 and 28), a pin blocks the stirrups 36 forming the joint 18 relative to each other, passing through an orifice 54. Thus, two pins 50 are used for the posts connected by the railing 32 and two pins 50 are used for the other two posts not connected by the railing 32 – thus four pins are sufficient to secure a module in the unfolded position. Other pins allow in addition to block other components such as the guardrail 33 in the unfolded position of the modules.

Figures 13 to 16 show an embodiment of a ladder within the modules 12. The modules 12 may include a ladder 56 with a joint 58 along its length (one joint per ladder upright), the ladder 56 is rotatable around a post 16 between a position of use of the ladder 56 in the unfolded position of the respective module 12, the ladder 56 being in a plane orthogonal to the axes of rotation of the joints of the posts and a position allowing folding of the module 12. In the position allowing folding, the ladder is in the plane of the axes of rotation of the joints of the posts. The scale therefore has several advantages. Ladder 56 can be folded and unfolded at the same time as the rest of the module. It is therefore not necessary to add the 56 ladder at a later stage of assembly of the modules and the tower or to manage the dismantling separately. The ladder 56 also makes it possible to reinforce the security of the modules 12 in the sense that, in the position of use, the ladder prevents the joints 18, 26, 28 from bending. The ladder blocks the change of state of the posts, which further increases the security of the modules and the tower.

On the , a lower module 12 is in the folded position and an upper module is in the unfolded position. The ladder 56 of the upper module is in the use position in a plane orthogonal to the axes of the joints 18, 26, 28. The ladder 56 can be immobilized in the use position by a fixing 60 to the railing 32. This allows to avoid a change of position of the ladder 56 during its use.

On the , the ladder 56 is changed position. The ladder 56 is in position allowing the folding of the module 12. The ladder 56 has undergone a rotation according to the arrow 62 around a post 16. The ladder is in the plane of the axes of the joints 18, 26, 28. The axis of the joint 58 of each upright of the ladder 56 is parallel to the axes of the joints 18, 26, 28, which allows the folding of the ladder 56 at the same time as the module - which facilitates the change module position.

On the , after the rotation of the scale according to the , the module 12 can be placed in the folded position. The posts 16 are bent according to the arrows 64, causing the joints 18 to move towards the inside of the module 12. The movement of the joints 26 and 28 allows the floor 14 of the upper module to lower according to the arrow 66. The guardrail 32 slides relative to the posts 16 to which it is connected, allowing the module to pass to the folded position. The 56 ladder in the position of the folds together with the rest of module 12.

There shows the tower 10 in the folded configuration in which each module 12 is in the folded position. The ladder 56 has been folded at the same time as the respective module. In this configuration, the tower is space-saving and there is no need to transport components such as posts, floors, railings and ladders separately; the tower forms an easy-to-carry package.

There shows an embodiment of an end safety rail 68. It is conceivable that each module 12 further comprises one or more end safety railings 68, rotatably mounted around a post 16. For example, for modules intended to be at the end of the scaffolding 9, the end railing 68 secures the installation. The guardrail 68 can be mounted to rotate around a post so that it can be opened if necessary. The guardrail 68 is preferably the size of a lower half-post 16, so as to prevent the passage of a person but also to bend at the same time as a pair of posts 16 connected by the torsion bar 30 This makes it possible to make the guardrail 68 operational once the module 12 has been unfolded without however hindering the folding of the module 12. The guardrail 68 is rotatable around a post 16 to be opened if necessary; in the closed position, the railing 68 can be secured by a pin inserted into an orifice 70 and a post 16 opposite the post 16 around which the railing 68 is rotatable.

Optionally, the end safety rail 68 is removable. It can be installed on the module if necessary or removed. This may be the case for modules 12 which are not at the end of the scaffolding and for which it is not useful to have such a railing 68. For this, the railing 68 is tilted by its free edge towards the high according to arrow 72 so that its edge connected to post 16 of rotation tilts according to arrow 74. be removed from the post 16. Then a lower elbow 78 of the railing 68 ensuring the rotation of the railing 68 around the post 16 can in turn be removed from the post 16 in order to completely remove the railing 68.

Figures 18 and 19 show an example of connecting tabs between two modules 12. The shows the tower 10 in the folded configuration with two modules 12 visible, in the folded position. The tower is ready for transport. The tower 10 has connecting tabs 80 between two modules in the folded position. The connecting brackets ensure that the modules cannot unfold during transport or even transhipment. Preferably, a connecting tab 80 is provided at each of the four corners of the modules 12. A fixing member 82 makes it possible to fix a connecting tab between two modules and prevent unfolding. The connecting members 80 are for example screws with a butterfly nut as a nut so as to easily fix or remove the connecting lugs 80. The fixing lugs 80 can be rotatable relative to the modules, facilitating their use. The rotational movement can be around the fastener 82.

There shows the tower 10 in the unfolded configuration with two modules 12 visible, in the unfolded position. The tower 10 may include the connecting tabs 80 between two neighboring modules 12 in the unfolded position. In other words, when the towers are positioned side by side, it is preferable to fix the towers together; the connecting tabs 80 make it possible to fix together two neighboring modules 12 of two different towers. A rotational movement of the legs makes it possible to fix the modules together.

The fixing lugs 80 can comprise at one of their ends a hole for passage of the fixing members 82. Whether the fixing member 82 is tightened or loosened, the fixing lugs 80 remain hooked to the respective module, which avoids misplacing a mounting bracket 80. For attachment to another module, the mounting brackets 80 may include another mounting member passage at their other end, as is visible on the . The fixing lugs 80 are then fixed by their two ends to the modules. The fixing lugs 80 can also optionally comprise an indentation 81, in the shape of a comb, making it possible to fix the fixing lugs 80 to another module 12 positioned at a distance other than the gap between the two passages of fixing member of a leg. On the , we see that the gap between the two neighboring modules 12 is less than the length of a fixing lug 80. It is therefore possible to fix the modules together by a fixing member 82 at one end of a lug 80 and by another fixing member of a neighboring module by positioning the fixing member 80 in an indentation 81 of the fixing lug 80. The fixing lugs 80 thus make it possible to fix two modules 12 between them, while s adapting to the space between the two modules.

There shows an example of making telescopic extension rods. The tower 10 may further comprise movable telescopic extension rods 84 between a retracted position in the floor 14 of the respective module and an extracted position from the floor 14. The arrow 85 shows the movement of the rods 84 towards the extracted position. A floor extension 86 can then be fixed on the rods 86 in the extracted position. At least two rods 84 are provided per module, in order to ensure the stability of the extensions 86; preferably, three rods 84 are provided in order to avoid the buckling of the extensions 86 under the weight of a person. The telescopic character of the rods 84 makes it possible to use these rods and extensions only if necessary, if a space exists between the tower and a building against which the tower is unfolded. This also makes it possible to take into account standards where applicable. Extensions 86 are for example placed on the floor during the preparation of the tower before installation; it is then sufficient to position the extensions 86 on the rods 84 according to the arrow 88. The extensions 86 can be secured to the rods 84 by a fixing such as nuts, butterfly, pins or clips. The extensions 86 can also be fixed to a component of the module during the preparation of the tower before installation or disassembly to prevent a fall during the unfolding or folding of the modules. It is also possible for the extensions 86 to be placed on the rods 84 when folding or unfolding the modules.

As can be seen on the , the tower 10 may also include triangulation cables 90 that are removable or permanently attached to the modules. The triangulation cables 90 make it possible to avoid the lateral folding of the modules, and therefore of the tower. The cables 90 are for example easily screwed by butterfly nuts between two floors. They are removable or permanently depending on whether or not these slack cables 90 interfere with the handling of the tower in the folded position.

According to , the lowest module 12 of the tower 10 may include jacks 92 with a flat base or with flanges. The cylinders 92 are for example telescopic parts – for example by screwing/unscrewing – making it possible to adjust the flatness of the tower according to the ground. Flat base 92 jacks allow the lowest module to be placed on the ground. The jacks 92 with flanges make it possible to fix the lowest module, and therefore the tower, to a lower structure. For example, it is possible to mount the tower on a lower scaffolding allowing the passage of people along a sidewalk or to allow the tower to overcome a door. It is thus possible to combine one or more towers 10 and optionally the resulting scaffolding with a conventional scaffolding (as described above).

There shows an embodiment of a junction 94 between two neighboring modules 12. Junctions 94 are positioned between two neighboring modules 12 separated by a space. The junctions make it possible to connect two modules of two different towers whereas a vacuum exists and that this vacuum cannot be filled by a tower or a module. Junctions 94 then serve as bridges or footbridges. Modules can be in the same alignment but separated by a space. Junction 94 then makes it possible to extend the two neighboring modules towards each other. The modules can be perpendicular to each other (for example to follow a corner of a building) leaving an empty angle between the two. Junction 94 then makes it possible to bridge the angle between the two neighboring modules.

Junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) comprises a floor 14 and a safety barrier 96. The barrier is hinged to the floor, which allows it to be folded to reduce its size during transport of the junctions 94. The barrier 96 comprises a locking member 98 allowing the barrier to be locked with the railing 32 of the neighboring module to ensure the operator safety. Two safety barriers 96 can also be considered in the case of a corner junction 94.

The junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) may also include a retractable lifting ring 102 in the floor 14 to the right of the top of the safety barrier 96 positioned between 50 and 70° relative to the floor – preferably around 60° – and a double lifting eye 104 on the top of the barrier. The junction is able to remain substantially horizontal by lifting by a cable 100 fixed between the two rings 102, 104 (now the inclined barrier) and by a cable 106 fixed to the ring 104.

One or the other of the floor and of the neighboring module 12 comprises projecting plates supporting an axis 108 penetrating into a respective orifice of the other of the floor or of the neighboring module 12. According to , the junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) may comprise plates projecting from the floor 14 supporting the axis 108 penetrating into the respective orifice of a neighboring module. This makes it possible to securely fasten the junction with the neighboring module. Additionally, a pin may be provided to block removal of pin 108 from the hole. This makes it possible to secure the attachment of the junctions 94 to the modules 12.

There shows an embodiment of junction 94 between two neighboring modules. Junctions 94 are positioned between two neighboring modules 12 separated by an angle. A bottom view is shown. A junction 94 intended to connect two neighboring modules 12 separated by an angle can comprise a floor 14 and cross beams 110 on which the floor 14 rests. This ensures the stability of the junction 94 trodden by an operator.

The junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) can also include extension rods 84 as described above to support an extension 86.

There shows an exemplary embodiment of module 12 with a staircase 112. The staircase 112 makes it possible to move easily between the modules, within the scaffolding tower; for example, the staircase allows operators to move more easily while carrying loads with both hands, which is not possible with the ladder 56. The staircase 112 can be added in an unfolded module – or removed before folding the module. Preferably, the staircase 112 is hinged to the module 12 and is put in place during the unfolding of the module or follows the movement of the module during the folding. For example, the staircase 112 is hinged to the module by its upper end and is able to slide on the floor of the module 12 by its lower end. Thus, when folding or unfolding the module, the staircase 112 follows the change in position of the module. In the folded position of the module, the lower end of the staircase 112 slides and slides outside the module. In the unfolded module position, the lower end of the staircase 112 slides and slides towards the inside of the module. Once the module has been unfolded and the staircase 112 in place, the lower end of the staircase 112 is locked, for example by a pin. The upper end of the staircase 112 is for example articulated by the two uprights to the posts 16 or to the torsion bar 30. In addition, the staircase 112 makes it possible to reach an upper module (or to descend from it) by an empty passage in the floor 14 – which may or may not be closed by a hatch.

The invention is therefore a modular, foldable scaffolding solution with simplified assembly. This saves time for the installation because in general, such an installation often condemns a street. The scaffolding is one-piece, in foldable and unfoldable modules over, for example, at least 6 m, preferably at least 10 m. The scaffolding can reach 20 m high, even 30 meters. The scaffolding consists of juxtaposable towers; the scaffolding has no stability arms by resting on the ground extending beyond the ground surface of the modules, which makes it possible to juxtapose the towers in series. The deployment of a tower is carried out without human intervention in a mechanized way, preferably by a lifting device; it reduces accidents. Securing by several means described above is done by an operator, in complete safety thanks to the lifting device. Additionally, the tower may have a number of components (such as posts, floors, guardrails, ladders, etc. if applicable) already in place in the folded position of the tower and which are in place in the unfolded position – and vice versa. A 10 m tower can weigh between 1000 to 2000 Kg – for example, which is not possible for a man to handle with his bare hands (but by a lifting device). The modules are for example more than 2 meters wide, but preferably less than 2.4 meters wide to contain across a truck 2.5 meters wide. The junctions can measure, for example, between 2 and 4 meters in length.

The towers are of a height suitable for the use mentioned above, and are suitable for being juxtaposed to cover a great length of use. The assembly is done in columns and lateral juxtapositions and not in line as traditionally. The unfoldable and foldable character by articulation allows a very high level of folded compactness.

Towers 10 have the ability to be pre-assembled and hinge-folded assemblies, which makes them as compact as possible. They are unfolded (and folded) by a lifting device, which lifts the entire tower (from above or from below the last unfolded module). All the components are already assembled, no manual operation on the floor is necessary for installation and dismantling – only the actuation of the safety devices described. The lifting device is for example a crane, a forklift, a crane truck, a manuscopic, etc. The fact that the unfolding or folding method described above of the modules during installation or dismantling is possible only by vertical lifting of the modules by the lifting device for each module level, assumes that the lifting means be present. The lifting device secures both installation and dismantling (and therefore the lowering of modules and towers). This avoids the folding being done by a sudden fall from a level without being hooked and secured from above by the lifting device. The process steps described for folding and unfolding the modules and the towers, as well as the juxtaposition of the towers, ensure time savings and operator safety.

Claims (24)

Scaffolding tower (10) comprising a plurality of modules (12) hinged one above the other, each module (12) comprising
a floor (14) and
posts (16) hinged to the floor (14), the posts (16) also being hinged along their length,
the scaffolding tower (10) being capable of occupying a folded configuration in which each module (12) is in the folded position and an unfolded configuration by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module (12) is in the unfolded position. The scaffolding tower (10) according to claim 1, wherein the modules (12) are unfolded independently of each other. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a module (12) is adapted to unfold by vertical traction of the top module or by vertical lifting of the last unfolded module. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each post (16) of a module (12) comprises an articulation (26) on the floor (14) of said module (12) and an articulation ( 28) to the floor of the upper module, each post (16) further comprising a joint (18) in the length which is offset laterally with respect to the other joints of the post, in the unfolded position of the module. The scaffolding tower (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the transition to the folded or unfolded position of a module is possible only by vertical lifting of the module. The scaffolding tower (10) according to the preceding claim, in which,
between the folded position of the modules (12) and the unfolded position of the modules (12), the joint (18) in the length of the posts is aligned with the other joints (26, 28) of the posts at the floors and
in the unfolded position of the modules (12), the joint (18) in the length of the posts (16) is offset laterally with respect to the other joints (26, 28) of the posts to the floors. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of Claims 4 to 6, in which the posts of each module are connected in pairs by a torsion bar (30), each module (12) further comprises at least one guardrail (32) connected to a post (16) of each pair, the guardrail (32) blocking the joint (18) in the length of the two posts (16) of the pair in the unfolded position of the module (12 ) and releasing the joint (18) along the length of the two posts (16) of the pair in the folded position of the module (12). The scaffolding tower (10) according to the preceding claim, when dependent on claim 6, in which, in the aligned position of the joint (18) in the length of the posts with the other joints (26, 28) from the posts to the floors, rotation of the guardrail (32) activates a cam follower (38) along a cam (40) to a position of the guardrail (32) in which the hinge (18) in the length of the posts is positioned offset laterally relative to the other joints (26, 28) of the posts on the floors, this position of the railing corresponding to the unfolded position of the modules. The scaffold tower (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein rotation of the guardrail (32) simultaneously activates a cam follower (38) along a cam (40) at the post of each pair to which the railing is connected. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the guardrail (32) is fixed with respect to the posts (16) to which it is connected by the cam follower (38) at the end of the cam ( 40) and by a pin (50) between the guardrail (32) and a sleeve (34) supporting the cam (40), the two posts to which the guardrail is connected and the modules are held in the unfolded position. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, in which, in the unfolded position of the modules (12), a plurality of pins (50), preferably four pins, block the joint (18) in the length of at least two posts (16) and the guardrail (32) relative to the two posts to which it is connected. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the modules (12) comprise a ladder (56) with a hinge (58) along its length, the ladder is rotatable about a pole between
a position of use of the ladder (56) in the unfolded position of the respective module (12), the ladder being in a plane orthogonal to the axes of the joints of the posts
and a position allowing the folding of the module (12). The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, each module further comprising at least one end safety rail (68), rotatably mounted around a post (16) and optionally removable. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vertical tension frame (13) of the tower at the top of the upper module. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the floors (14) are with at least one passage hatch. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising connecting brackets (80) between two modules (12) in the folded position or between two neighboring modules in the unfolded position of towers positioned side by side, the connecting legs (80) optionally comprising an indentation (81) adapting to the gap between the modules. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising telescopic extension rods (84) movable between a retracted position in the floor (14) and an extracted position from the floor, an extension (86) of floor being fixed on the rods (84) in the extracted position. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising triangulation cables (90) removable or permanently on the modules. The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lowermost module includes flat base or flanged jacks (92). The scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the module (12) comprises a staircase (112) hinged to the module at one end. Use of a scaffolding tower (10) according to one of the preceding claims, as a temporary construction for construction sites, as a temporary construction for events such as quick stands, private bleachers or bleacher supports for a show, sporting event or attractions, as a temporary construction for observation or measurement, as a temporary support such as for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound systems, electric cables or advertising, as temporary construction for crossing a road, as a work station at height in industry, as temporary shelving or shelving for shops or warehouses , as a fir tree or access tower or shoring tower, as a complement or in association with one or more conventional scaffolding bays. A scaffolding (9) comprising a plurality of scaffolding towers (10) according to one of claims 1 to 20, the towers being juxtaposed to each other. The scaffolding (9) according to claim 22, in which junctions (94) are positioned between two neighboring modules (12) separated by a space or an angle. Use of a scaffolding (9) according to claim 22 or 23, as a temporary construction for construction sites, as a temporary construction for events such as quick stands, private bleachers or bleacher supports for a show, a sporting event or attractions, as a temporary construction for observation or measurement, as a temporary support such as for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound equipment, cables electricity or advertising, as a temporary construction for crossing a road, as a work station at height in industry, as temporary shelving or shelving for shops or warehouses, as complement or in combination with one or more conventional scaffolding bays.