Abstract
An element receptacle for providing a receptacle for a scaffolding element on a scaffolding element already positioned, the element receptacle comprising a receptacle which has a receptacle interface for receiving a scaffolding element which also has at least one joint region disposed adjacent to receiving interface, and which also has a clamping region disposed adjacent to the joint region on the side of the receptacle opposite the receptacle interface. The element receptacle also comprises a retainer which has an attaching element for attaching to a scaffolding element already positioned, and which also has at least one mating joint region. In the element receptacle, the joint region of the receptacle is inserted into the mating joint region of the retainer, or the mating joint region of the retainer is inserted into the joint region of the receptacle.
Claims
1. An element receptacle for providing a receptacle for a scaffolding element on a scaffolding element already positioned comprising: a receptacle which has a receptacle interface for receiving a scaffolding element which also has at least one joint region disposed adjacent to the receiving interface, and which also has a clamping region disposed adjacent to the joint region on the side of the receptacle opposite the receptacle interface, a retainer which has an attaching element for attaching to a scaffolding element already positioned and which also has at least one mating joint region, wherein the joint region of the receptacle is inserted into the mating joint region of the retainer, or the mating joint region of the retainer is inserted into the joint region of the receptacle, and, by means of this operative connection between the joint region and the mating joint region, the receptacle is guided for rotation relative to the retainer about at least one first spatial axis, and wherein the retainer comprises an abutment surface disposed on the side of the retainer facing away from the receptacle interface, and the attaching element protrudes beyond the abutment surface on the side of the retainer facing away from the receptacle interface, and the attaching element and the mating joint region are disposed on opposite sides of the abutment surface, and wherein the receptacle comprises a gripping surface disposed on the side of the receptacle facing the attaching element, wherein the receptacle interface and the clamping region are disposed on opposite sides of the gripping surface, wherein a first clamping section of the clamping region protrudes beyond the gripping surface in the direction of the attaching element, and a second clamping section protrudes beyond the surface disposed opposite of the gripping surface.
2. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein due to the operative connection between joint region and mating joint region, the receptacle is guided so that it is linearly movable relative to the retainer along at least one second spatial axis.
3. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, the receptacle comprises a preferably disc- or tongue-shaped basic body comprising the receptacle interface and the joint region, and wherein the clamping region is fixedly connected to the basic body and the gripping surface is formed by a surface of the basic body and provided to at least sectionally enclose a surface of the already positioned scaffolding element, wherein the gripping surface is defined by the connection interface on one side and by the protruding first clamping section on the opposite side.
4. (canceled)
5. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, that the first clamping section comprises a first clamping surface disposed adjacent to the gripping surface and oriented perpendicular to the gripping surface, wherein the first clamping surface is provided for the abutment on a surface of the already positioned scaffolding element.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, the second clamping section comprises a second clamping surface provided for the abutment on a surface of the scaffolding element to be accommodated on its side facing away from the basic body, wherein the second clamping surface is oriented perpendicular to the gripping surface.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, the mating joint region is implemented as a recess in the retainer, and the joint region is implemented as a section of the basic body of the receptacle, wherein the mating joint region implemented as a recess has a length and a width which are larger than the length and the width of the joint region implemented as a section of the basic body, and the joint region is inserted into the mating joint region, wherein the mating joint region encloses the joint region.
13. (canceled)
14. The element receptacle according to claim 12, wherein, the receptacle comprises at least one connecting element connected to the basic body and/or the clamping region, wherein the connecting element is disposed on the side of the basic body disposed opposite of the gripping surface, and the connecting element comprises an aperture which is open on the side facing the basic body, wherein the open side of the aperture at least partly bridges the joint region, and the aperture encloses an area of the retainer disposed adjacent to the mating joint region together with the joint region.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, the two recesses forming the mating joint region are disposed in respectively one limb of the retainer, wherein the limbs are disposed on two opposite sides of the abutment surface, extend perpendicular to the abutment surface, and protrude beyond the side of the retainer disposed opposite of the attaching element.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, a mounting position and an operative position of the element receptacle are provided, wherein the element receptacle is connectable to and detachable from the already positioned scaffolding element in the mounting position, and the element receptacle is fixed to the already positioned scaffolding element in the operative position and wherein in the operative position, the abutment surface is oriented perpendicular to the gripping surface, and the clamping surfaces are oriented parallel to the abutment surface.
22. (canceled)
23. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, starting from the operative position, the element receptacle is transferrable into the mounting position by a linear movement parallel to the second spatial axis and by a rotational movement about the first spatial axis of the receptacle relative to the retainer.
24. (canceled)
25. The element receptacle according to claim 1, wherein, in the mounting position, the abutment surface assumes an angle of more than 90 to the gripping surface, and the clamping surfaces are oriented to the abutment surface at an angle other than 0.
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. A connection system for connecting a scaffolding portion to an already positioned scaffolding portion comprising: at least one element receptacle according to claim 1, at least one first horizontal bar constituting a part of the already positioned scaffolding portion, wherein the horizontal bar comprises a support pipe which has a rectangular cross-section and is defined by two broad side surfaces and two high side surfaces in the circumferential direction, and wherein respectively one connection interface is disposed on the front sides of the support pipe, wherein the element receptacle is fixedly connectable to the horizontal bar in its operative position, wherein the abutment surface abuts on a high side wall, the first clamping surface abuts on the opposite high side wall, and the gripping surface and/or the surface of the attaching element disposed opposite of the gripping surface abuts on a broad side wall.
29. The connection system according to claim 28, wherein, the abutment surface, the gripping surface, the attaching element, and the first clamping region form an undercut positively enclosing the support pipe in its cross-section in the operative position.
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. The connection system according to claim 28, wherein, a second horizontal bar is provided which is part of the scaffolding portion connected or to be connected, wherein a connection interface of the horizontal bar is inserted into the receptacle interface of the element receptacle.
33. The connection system according to claim 28, wherein, in the operative position, respectively one surface of the connection interface of the second horizontal bar abuts on the second clamping surface and the surface of the retainer disposed opposite of the abutment surface.
34. (canceled)
35. The connection system according to claim 28, wherein, during the insertion of the connection interface of the second horizontal bar into the receptacle interface of the element receptacle, the connection interface moves the receptacle interface away from the retainer along the second spatial axis and thereby clamps the support pipe between the first clamping surface and the abutment surface in a direction parallel to the broad side wall.
36. (canceled)
37. A method for mounting a scaffolding portion on an already positioned scaffolding portion using at least one element receptacle according to claim 1 comprising the steps of: transferring the element receptacle into the mounting position, positioning the element receptacle on a horizontal bar of the already positioned scaffolding portion so that the attaching element, in combination with the abutment surface, encloses a first broad side wall of the horizontal bar, guiding the first clamping section past the second broad side wall disposed opposite of the first broad side wall so that the gripping surface, in combination with the first clamping region, encloses the second broad side wall, rotating the receptacle relative to the retainer about the joint formed of the joint region and the mating joint region about the first spatial axis until the gripping surface abuts on the second broad side wall of the horizontal bar disposed opposite of the attaching element, inserting a connection interface of a horizontal bar which is part of the scaffolding portion to be attached into the receptacle interface of the element receptacle, linearly moving the connection interface parallel to the receiving surface in the direction from the attaching element towards the clamping region, wherein, due to the contact of the connection interface to the receptacle interface, the receptacle, guided by the joint formed by the joint region and the mating joint region, is linearly moved away from the retainer along the second spatial axis until the horizontal bar is non-positively clamped between the first clamping surface and the abutment surface and the operative position is reached thereby.
38. (canceled)
39. The method according to claim 37, wherein, during the linearly moving, the second clamping surface contacts the connection interface and is pressed against the connection interface when the operative position is reached.
40. The method according to claim 37, wherein, during the linearly moving, an operating element of the connection interface is operated so that the shape of the connection interface, particularly a circumference of the connection interface, is changed and/or enlarged.
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
Description
[0075] In the Figures, embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated. Here:
[0076] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffolding portion including a horizontal bar fastened by two element receptacles,
[0077] FIG. 2 shows a perspective, enlarged view of a section of the scaffolding portion of FIG. 1,
[0078] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an element receptacle according to the invention,
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the first embodiment of an element receptacle in the operative position,
[0080] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the first embodiment of an element receptacle in the mounting position,
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a connection system according to the invention in-between the mounting position and the operative position,
[0082] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the first embodiment of a connection system according to the invention in the operative position,
[0083] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an element receptacle according to the invention,
[0084] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the second embodiment of an element receptacle in the operative position,
[0085] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a first state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system to an already positioned scaffolding portion,
[0086] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a second state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system to an already positioned scaffolding portion,
[0087] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a third state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system to an already positioned scaffolding portion, and
[0088] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a fourth state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system to an already positioned scaffolding portion.
[0089] In the Figures, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals. Basically, the described features of an element described in connection with one Figure also apply to the other Figures Directional information such as upper or lower refer to the described Figure and should be applied to other Figures according to their meaning.
[0090] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffolding portion including a horizontal bar 20 fastened by two element receptacles 1. In FIG. 1, a scaffolding portion comprising four vertically oriented vertical posts 30 can be seen. The four vertical posts 30 are connected to two horizontally oriented frames disposed one above the other. The frames are respectively formed by four horizontal bars 20. Each of these frames constitutes a horizontal level in the scaffolding portion. Of course, the scaffolding portion can be expanded and comprise further scaffolding elements. In the upper frame, an additional horizontal bar 20 is disposed which is located within the frame. Such an additional horizontal bar 20 may be required, for example, to provide for an opening in the horizontal level through which persons working on the scaffolding portion can climb. The opening between the frame and the additionally attached horizontal bar 20 disposed on the front left in FIG. 1 may be used, for example, as an opening for such a passage. The area of the frame extending from the additionally attached horizontal bar 20 to the rear right may then be provided with a treading covering and closed thereby. The horizontal bar 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 which is additionally disposed in the frame is an example of an application in which a frame formed of four horizontal bars 20 is to be expanded by another horizontal bar 20. However, there are also other applications requiring the attachment of another horizontal bar 20. For example, a panel also supported by one or a plurality of additional horizontal bars 20 may be required outside of the frame. In this case, the additional horizontal bar 20 is attached so that it is positioned outside of the frame and extends outwards from there. The horizontal bars 20 forming the frame usually do not include interfaces for the direct attachment of other horizontal bars 20. For this reason, element receptacles 1 exist which render such a connection of two horizontal bars 20 possible. In the state illustrated in FIG. 1, the additional horizontal bar 20 disposed within the frame is connected to respectively one of the longer horizontal bars 20 forming the frame by two such element receptacles 1.
[0091] FIG. 2 shows a perspective, enlarged view of a section of the scaffolding portion of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the area of the upper frame of the scaffolding portion of FIG. 1 facing the front left is shown in an enlarged view. In FIG. 2, the two element receptacles 1 rendering the connection of the additional horizontal bar 20 to the already positioned, longer horizontal bars 20 of the frame possible can be clearly seen. The element receptacles 1 are, on the one hand, connected to respectively one support pipe 21 of one of the horizontal bars 20 belonging to the frame and, on the other hand, to a connection interface 22 of the additional horizontal bar 20 disposed within the frame. The position of the element receptacle 1 relative to the already positioned horizontal bars forming the frame is freely adjustable. Therefore, it is possible to also position the additional horizontal bar 20 in another position in the frame in a simple manner. In the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the element receptacle 1 is in the operative position. In this operative position, the element receptacle 1 establishes a fixed, clearance-free connection of the horizontal bars 20. For the installation and deinstallation of the scaffolding portion or of the connection system formed by an element receptacle 1 and two horizontal bars 20, the element receptacle 1 can be transferred into the mounting position.
[0092] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an element receptacle 1 according to the invention. The element receptacle 1 comprises two assemblies: on the upper side in the illustration, there is the retainer 12. The retainer 12 is movably connected to the receptacle 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 12 is implemented in a plate or disc shape. Its length oriented upwards in the illustration and its width extending from the front left to the rear right in the illustration are significantly larger than its thickness. On the end of the retainer 12 facing upwards, an attaching element 121 is disposed which has the shape of a hook here. The attaching element 121 faces away from the viewer in the illustration. On the side facing away from the viewer, the abutment surface 123 is disposed below the attaching element 121. This abutment surface 123 is designed to be planar and provided to be brought into contact with a high side wall 21b of a support pipe 21 of an already positioned horizontal bar 20. The abutment surface 123 extends from the attaching element 121 up to the mating joint region 122. The mating joint region 122 forms a joint guiding and defining the relative movement among receptacle 11 and retainer 12 together with the joint region 112 of the receptacle 11. In the illustrated first embodiment, the mating joint region 122 is implemented as a recess extending through the retainer 12. The recess forming the mating joint region 122 is disposed on the side of the abutment surface 123 disposed opposite of the attaching element 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 12 is formed of two components. In a first component, the mating joint region 122 is disposed, and the abutment surface 123 is provided as a planar surface. The hook-shaped attaching element 121 is formed by a second component. However, the two components were fixedly connected to each other, for example, through a weld connection after their moulding and production. In this way, the retainer 12 is easy to produce at low costs. In the illustrated embodiment, the component of the retainer 12 in which the mating joint region 122 is disposed is designed in a bell shape in a plan view of the abutment surface 123. In this way, a high stiffness is achieved at an, at the same time, low weight. Alternatively, this first component of the retainer 12 may also have a simple rectangular shape or another shape. Likewise, it is possible that the entire retainer 12 is formed by a single component. The attaching element 121 protruding beyond the abutment surface 123 may, in this case, be produced by reshaping, for example, by bending a section of the retainer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess forming the mating joint region 122 is designed to be rectangular. However, the shape of this recess may also have another design.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 11 comprises two components: the basic body 110 in which the receptacle interface 111 is disposed as a recess is oriented towards the front right. The joint region 112 is disposed laterally on the basic body 110. The second component of the receptacle 11 is formed by the clamping region 113 which is fixedly connected to the basic body 110. The clamping region 113 comprises a first clamping section 113a oriented upwards in the illustration which is oriented in the direction of the attaching element 112 from the basic body 110. The clamping region 113 further comprises a second clamping section 113b oriented downwards in the illustration which is oriented in the direction of the side facing away from the attaching element 121 from the basic body 110. The second clamping section 113b has a larger length than the first clamping section 113a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamping section 113a and the second clamping section 113b are formed by a common component also forming the clamping region 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint region 112 is formed as a section of the basic body 110. This section forming the joint region 112 has a rectangular cross-section in a plane parallel to the abutment surface 123. Here, the outer dimensions of the rectangular cross-section of the joint region 112 are designed to be smaller than the inner dimensions of the recess forming the mating joint region 122. In the illustrated first embodiment, the joint region 112 is inserted into the mating joint region 122 and forms a joint or an operative connection between the receptacle 11 and the retainer 12 together with it. The joint region 112 comprises two surfaces which are parallel to each other, planar, and facing away from the basic body 160 which contact two likewise planar, parallel inner surfaces of the mating joint region 122 or are disposed at a small distance to these. A first spatial axis A1 extends perpendicular to these two parallel, planar surfaces of the joint region 112. At the same time, the first spatial axis A1 extends parallel to the abutment surface 123 and to the clamping surfaces S1 and S2. A second spatial axis A2 is shown perpendicular to the first spatial axis A1. Both spatial axes A1 and A2 are imaginary axes facilitating the description of the relative movement or movability of the retainer 12 and the receptacle 11. In addition, the second spatial axis A2 extends parallel to the gripping surface 114 of the receptacle 11. In the illustrated first embodiment, a connecting element 115 which is connected to the basic body 110 through two surfaces here is disposed below the basic body 110. The connecting element 115 is attached on the side of the basic body 110 disposed opposite of the gripping surface 14. The connecting element 115 serves to ensure that retainer 12 and receptacle 11 are positively but movably connected to each other but cannot separated from each other. The connecting element 115 comprises an aperture 115a enclosing a section of the retainer 12 disposed below the mating joint region 112. In this embodiment, the connecting element 115 is a part which belongs to the receptacle 11. In the present embodiment, the connecting element 115 is connected to the basic body 110 by a weld connection. The receptacle interface 111 is configured as an opening or recess in the receptacle 11. In a plan view of the gripping surface 114, the receptacle interface 111 has a substantially oval shape. In this view, the shape of the receptacle interface 111 is selected so that it is designed so that it is complementary to the type of connection interface 22 which is provided on a horizontal bar 20 to be attached. This means that the shape of the receptacle interface 111 may also have a design other than the shown shape in case of another shape of the connection interface 22 of the horizontal bar 20. The clamping region 113 is disposed on the side of the gripping surface 114 disposed opposite of the receptacle interface 111. On the first clamping region 113a protruding upwards beyond the gripping surface 114 in the view, the first clamping surface S1 is disposed which has a planar design and is oriented parallel to the abutment surface 123 in the shown position of the element receptacle 1. The first clamping surface S1 is also disposed parallel to the retaining surface 121c of the attaching element 121 also having a planar design. The attaching element 121 consists of a base 121a oriented perpendicular to the abutment surface 123 and disposed adjacent to the abutment surface 123 at one of its ends. The retaining area 121b which is attached to the end of the base 121a disposed opposite of the abutment surface at one of its ends is also disposed perpendicular to the base 121a. The base 121a and the retaining area 121b together produce a hook shape of the attaching element 121. The retaining surface 121c is disposed inside the attaching element 121 and oriented parallel to the abutment surface 123. The clamping region 113 comprises a second clamping section 113b which is oriented downwards in the illustration and on which the second clamping surface S2 is disposed. The second clamping surface S2 is oriented parallel to the first clamping surface S1. The second clamping section 113b is disposed on the side of the basic body 110 disposed opposite of the gripping surface 114 and oriented in the direction opposite to the retainer 12.
[0094] The joint region 112 and the mating joint region 122 together form a joint or an operative connection which guides the retainer 12 relative to the receptacle 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating joint region 122 is formed by a substantially rectangular recess in the retainer 12. The joint region 112 is formed by a section of the basic body 110 which also has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The outer dimensions of the joint region 112 are the inner dimensions of the mating joint region 122. In this way, the receptacle can be rotated relative to the retainer 12 about the first spatial axis A1, this rotational movement being guided by the joint formed by the mating joint region 122 and the joint region 112. In addition, the receptacle 11 can be linearly shifted relative to the retainer 12 along or parallel to the second spatial axis A2. In this way, the receptacle interface 111 can be moved towards and away from the retainer 12. With a rotation about the first spatial axis A1 and a shift along the second spatial axis A2, the element receptacle 1 which is in the operative position in FIG. 1 can be transferred into the mounting position. The operative position and the mounting position are illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. In the first embodiment of the element receptacle 1, all of its components are made of the same basic material, for example of steel. Alternatively, other materials can be used, for example plastic materials to the extent they exhibit the required mechanical load capacity.
[0095] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the first embodiment of an element receptacle 1 in the operative position. In FIG. 4, the first embodiment of an element receptacle 1 also illustrated in FIG. 3 can be seen in a side view. The retainer 12 on the upper end of which the hook-shaped attaching element 121 which is oriented towards the right here is disposed is oriented upwards. The abutment surface 123 disposed on the retainer and oriented vertically in the illustration is also facing leftwards in the illustration. The receptacle 11 which is oriented horizontally in the illustration is inserted into the retainer 12. Here, the planar gripping surface 114 is directed upwards in the illustration. In FIG. 4, the operative position of the element receptacle 1 is illustrated in which it can be fixedly connected to an already positioned scaffolding element, for example a horizontal bar 20. A connection system 100 in a corresponding operative position including the illustrated, already positioned horizontal bar 20 can be seen in FIG. 7. In the operative position, the attaching element 121, the abutment surface 123, the gripping surface 114, and the clamping surface S1 together form an undercut into which a scaffolding element to be positioned can be inserted. A scaffolding element inserted into this undercut is then enclosed by the element receptacle 1 so that the element receptacle can no longer be separated from the already positioned scaffolding element. In the illustrated operative position, the abutment surface 123 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the gripping surface 114. The two clamping surfaces S1 and S2, on the other hand, are oriented substantially parallel to the abutment surface 123 as well as to the retaining surface 121c on the attaching element 121. The area of the basic body 110 facing rightwards from the retainer 12 in the illustration is also oriented substantially perpendicular to the abutment surface 123. In FIG. 4, the connecting element 115 serving the additional connection of the receptacle 11 and the retainer 12 can be clearly seen. An aperture 115a is disposed approximately in the centre of the connecting element 115. In the illustrated, connected state, the end portion of the retainer 12 facing away from the attaching element 121 is inserted into the aperture 115a of the connecting element 115 and partly enclosed by it. This area of the retainer 12 disposed below the mating joint region 112 is therefore enclosed by the combination of the connecting element 115 and the basic body 110 around its entire circumference. Therefore, the receptacle 11 cannot be separated from the retainer 12 even though the two components are connected to each other so that they are movable relative to each other. During the assembly of the element receptacle 1, the basic body 110 is first inserted into the mating joint region 122 so that the joint region 112 is disposed inside the mating joint region 122. Then, the aperture 115a the of connecting element 115 is pushed over the part of the retainer 12 facing downwards and connected to the surface of the basic body 110 facing downwards by weld connections via two surfaces. In the illustrated side view, the aperture 115a has a substantially rectangular shape. However, the aperture 115a may also have another shape, for example the shape of a semicircle, or another shape. In the side view in FIG. 4, the shape of the second clamping section 113b oriented downwards can be clearly seen. In the area in which the second clamping section 113b adjoins the basic body 110, it has a wedge-shaped design and is tapered with an increasing distance to the basic body 110. In this way, the second clamping section 113b is, on the one hand, designed so that it is resistant to bending about a bending axis parallel to the first spatial axis A1 and, on the other hand, configured so that it is compact and light-weight. On the lower end of the second clamping section 113b, the planar second clamping surface S2 provided for the transmission of forces to the connection interface 22 of a horizontal bar 20 is disposed so that it faces rightwards. In the state connected to the connection interface 22, a force which is transferred on by the second clamping section 113b and guided to the basic body 110 and the first clamping section 113a is introduced into the second clamping section 113b via the second clamping surface S2. During this transmission of the force, the second clamping section 113b is subjected to bending. For this reason, the second clamping section 113b has the described wedge-shape.
[0096] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the first embodiment of an element receptacle 1 in the mounting position. FIG. 5 shows the same embodiment of an element receptacle 1 as FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the element receptacle 1 was transferred into the mounting position starting from the operative position illustrated in FIG. 4. To this end, the receptacle 11 was rotated counterclockwise relative to the retainer 12 about the first spatial axis A1. Here, the first spatial axis A1 extends into the plane of the drawing. The rotation about the first spatial axis A1 is guided by the joint formed by the interaction of the joint region 112 and the mating joint region 122. In the illustrated mounting position, the element receptacle 1 can be connected to an already positioned scaffolding element, particularly an already positioned horizontal bar 20, in a simple manner. The undercut described in connection with FIG. 4 which is formed by a plurality of components of the element receptacle 1 in the operative position is eliminated in the illustrated mounting position. Therefore, a horizontal bar can be inserted into or taken out of the element receptacle 1. In the mounting position, the distance between the end of the attaching element 121 facing downwards in the illustration and directed in the direction of the receptacle 11 and the end of the first clamping region 113a facing upwards in the illustration is larger than the corresponding distance in the operative position illustrated in FIG. 4. Owing to this larger distance in the mounting position, the element receptacle 1 can be separated from or connected to the already positioned scaffolding element. In the mounting position, the angle between the gripping surface 114 and the abutment surface 123 is larger than 90. In the mounting position, the two clamping surfaces S1 and S2 are no longer aligned parallel to the abutment surface 123 and to the retaining surface 121c. In the mounting position, the connecting element 115 also ensures that the receptacle 11 and the retainer 12 cannot be separated from each other.
[0097] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a connection system 100 according to the invention in-between the mounting position and the operative position. Here, the illustrated connection system 100 according to the invention comprises an element receptacle 1, an already positioned horizontal bar 20 the longitudinal direction of which extends into the plane of the drawing, and a second horizontal bar 20 to be attached which extends horizontally to the right, away from the element receptacle 1 in the illustration. In the illustrated state, the element receptacle 1 was already connected to the first horizontal bar 20 in its mounting position. Then, the receptacle 11 was rotated about the first spatial axis A1 so that the gripping surface 114 and the abutment surface 123 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other in the illustrated state. Here, the gripping surface 114 already abuts on the broad side surface 21a of the first horizontal bar 20 facing downwards. The abutment surface 123 abuts on the high side wall 21b directed towards the right. It can be seen that, in the illustrated state, the first clamping surface S1 does not yet abut on the first horizontal bar 20. Moreover, the second clamping surface S2 does not yet abut on the connection interface 22 of the second horizontal bar 20. Therefore, the illustrated state shows a position of the element receptacle 1 which is in-between the mounting position and the operative position. On side of the second horizontal bar 20 facing the element receptacle 1, a connection interface 22 is disposed. This connection interface 22 comprises a plurality of subsections. A first section which is oriented downwards was already inserted into the receptacle interface 111 of the element receptacle 1 and extends through it. This first section is disposed at a small distance to the second clamping surface S2. A second section of the connection interface 22 already contacts the retainer 12. The second section abuts on the retainer 12 opposite of the abutment surface 123. The operating element 22a facing upwards can be seen. The circumference of the connection interface 22 can be changed by operating this operating element 22a. For operating the operating element 22a, it is moved upwards or downwards relative to the support pipe 21 of the horizontal bar 20. In the state illustrated in FIG. 6, the operating element 22a is not operated. For operating the operating element 22a, it is moved into the connection interface 22 in the direction of the support lug 21. The state illustrated in FIG. 6 can be transferred into the operative position of the connection system 100 illustrated in FIG. 7 by operating the operating element 22a.
[0098] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the first embodiment of a connection system 100 according to the invention in the operative position. In FIG. 7, the connection system 100 of FIG. 6 is illustrated in the operative position. In FIG. 7, the operating element 22a is in the operating state and inserted into the connection interface 22. For facilitating the operation of the operating element 22a, for example, the upper side of the operating element 22a can be stricken with a hammer. In the operative position, part of the operating element 22a protrudes from the receptacle interface 111 in the basic body 110 on the lower side. In the state illustrated in FIG. 7, the dimensions of the circumference of the section of the connection interface 22 located in the connection interface 111 are larger than in the state illustrated in FIG. 6. In this way, the receptacle 11 was drawn to the right in the illustration towards the second horizontal bar 20. This drawing took place via a surface of the connection interface 22 contacting a surface inside the connection interface 11. With the operation of the operating element 22a, the receptacle 11 was moved relative to the retainer 12 parallel to the second spatial axis A2. In this way, the first clamping surface S1 was also drawn in the direction of the abutment surface 123, and the second clamping surface S2 was drawn in the direction of the first section of the connection interface 22. In the operative position illustrated in FIG. 7, therefore, now a positive connection and a non-positive connection exist between the element receptacle 1 and the first horizontal bar 20 as well as the second horizontal bar 20. The first horizontal bar 20 is now clamped between the first clamping surface S1 and the abutment surface 123. At the same time, the second section of the connection interface 22 abuts on the side of the retainer 12 disposed opposite of the abutment surface 123. Therefore, a flow of forces from the first clamping surface S1 through the first horizontal bar 20 to the retainer 12 and from there to the connection interface 22 of the second horizontal bar 20 is produced. This results in a clearance-free, particularly stable connection. In addition, the first section of the connection interface 22 facing downwards exerts pressure on the second clamping surface S2 so that a clamping force is guided through a second path, namely, from the section of the connection interface 22 facing downwards through the second clamping section 113b to the receptacle 11. Therefore, the components of the connection system 100 are non-positively connected or clamped to each other by two flows of forces guided through different paths. For deinstalling the connection system 100, the operating element 22A, starting from its operative position illustrated in FIG. 7, is moved back upwards again so that the clamping among the three components is released. In the unclamped state, the components can then again be separated from each other in the reverse order as previously described.
[0099] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an element receptacle 1 according to the invention. The second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is distinct from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in the design of the mating joint region 122 and of the joint region 112. The other components of the second embodiment, particularly the clamping region 113, the attaching element 121, the receptacle interface 111, the gripping surface 114, and the abutment surface 123 have a design identical to the first embodiment and will therefore not be described in detail again. In the second embodiment, the mating joint region 122 of the retainer 12 is implemented in two parts. The retainer 12 comprises two limbs 124 oriented perpendicular to the abutment surface 123. The mating joint region 122 is formed by two recesses disposed in respectively one of the limbs 124. The two limbs 124 are disposed adjacent to the abutment surface 123. The limbs 124 protrude beyond the side of the retainer 12 facing away from the abutment surface 123. The limbs 124 also protrude beyond the abutment surface 123 on the side facing away from the attaching element 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the two limbs 124 are formed by separate components other than the component on which the abutment surface 123 is disposed. When the element receptacle 1 is assembled, the two limbs 124 are fixedly connected to the component on which the abutment surface 123 is disposed, for example, by a weld connection. Alternatively, it is also possible to implement the limbs 124 as sections of the same component also including the abutment surface 123. The orientation of the limbs 124 perpendicular to the abutment surface 123 may, in this case, be realised by reshaping, for example by bending. Here, the two limbs 124 are designed in a key shape and comprise a rod-shaped part facing upwards in the illustration which is connected to the component on which the abutment surface 123 is disposed. The lower part of the limbs is designed to be wider than the upper part. The recesses forming the mating joint region 122 are disposed in the wider, lower part the limbs 124. In the second embodiment, the joint region 112 of the receptacle 11 is also disposed on basic body 110 and is located between the receptacle interface 111 and the clamping region 113. The joint region 112 is formed by two protrusions here which protrude to the outside on basic body 110 parallel to the gripping surface 114 and to the two clamping surfaces S1 and S2. The two protrusions forming the joint region 112 are implemented as studs having a rectangular cross-section here. The protrusions forming the joint region 112 are inserted into the recesses forming the mating joint region 122. Here, a positive connection with a clearance is established which results in that the receptacle 11 and retainer 12 cannot be separated from each other but movability among the two components is given. During the assembly or the installation of the element receptacle 1, first one of the two limbs 124 can be fixedly connected to the part of the retainer 12 on which the abutment surface 123 is disposed. In the next step, the receptacle is connected to the retainer 12 by one of the protrusions belonging to joint region 112 being inserted into the recess of the already attached limb 124. Finally, the second limb 124 is connected to the second joint region 112 and fixedly connected to the component on which the abutment surface 123 is disposed.
[0100] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the second embodiment of an element receptacle 1 in the operative position. In this side view, the second embodiment of the element receptacle 1 of FIG. 8 can be seen. In this view, it can be seen that the protrusions forming the joint region 112 have a rectangular cross-section. The recesses forming the mating joint region 122 have a complex shape here. The area of the recesses disposed on the lower side in the illustration has a rectangular cross-section. However, this rectangular cross-section is dimensioned so that it is larger than the rectangular cross-section of the protrusions forming the joint region. The width of the rectangular area of the recesses extending from the left to the right in the illustration is larger than the width of the protrusion forming the joint region 112. In this way, the joint region 112 can be linearly shifted in the mating joint region 122 along the second spatial axis A2. This relative shiftability along the second spatial axis A2 is required for producing a flow of forces between the element receptacle 1 and an already positioned scaffolding element. The interrelations for the production of this non-positive connection previously described based on the example of the first embodiment are analogously also applicable to the illustrated second embodiment. The recesses forming the mating joint region comprise a directly adjoining triangular area above the rectangular area. Owing to this triangular area, it is possible to rotate the protrusions forming the mating joint region 123 relative to the recesses forming the mating joint region 122 about the first spatial axis A1. Owing to this rotatability about the first spatial axis A1, the element receptacle can be transferred into the mounting position from the operative position illustrated in FIG. 9. For the transition of the element receptacle 1 from the operative position to the mounting position and vice versa, the interrelations previously described for the first embodiment analogously also apply to the second embodiment. The cross-sections of the protrusions forming the mating joint region 112 and the cross-sections of the recesses forming the mating joint region 122 may also have shapes different from the illustrated embodiment as long as movability in the form of rotatability about the first spatial axis A1 and linear shiftability along the second spatial axis A2 is possible. In the second embodiment, the second clamping section 113b has a more stable design than the second clamping section 113b in the first embodiment. In the second clamping section 113b, a larger section has a wedge-shaped design and a larger bending cross-section than in the first embodiment. The second clamping section 113b according to the second embodiment is designed to be more resistant to bending than in the first embodiment. Such a second clamping section 113b may also be combined with the first embodiment.
[0101] FIGS. 10 to 13 show various states during the attachment or installation of a connection system 100 to or on an already positioned scaffolding portion. Here, these views partially show process steps of the disclosed method.
[0102] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a first state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system 100 to an already positioned scaffolding portion. Here, the already positioned scaffolding portion comprises a vertical post 30 illustrated on the right side to which two horizontally oriented horizontal bars 20 which are part of a frame are attached. On the horizontal bar 20 illustrated in the front, an element receptacle 1 according to the first embodiment is attached in the illustrated state. In the illustrated state, the attaching element 121 is already partly guided over the broad side wall 21a of the support pipe 21 of the horizontal bar 20 directed upwards. The element receptacle 1 is in the mounting position and can therefore be guided over the support pipe 21 of the horizontal bar 20. Starting from the state illustrated in FIG. 10, the first clamping section 113a is guided past below the broad side wall 21a facing downwards until the first clamping section 113a is located on the side of the support pipe 21 facing backwards in the view. The illustrated state corresponds to process steps B) and C) of the disclosed method for mounting a scaffolding portion on an already positioned scaffolding portion.
[0103] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a second state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system 100 to an already positioned scaffolding portion. In the state illustrated in FIG. 11, the receptacle 11 was already partly rotated relative to the retainer 12 about the first spatial axis A1. However, in the illustrated state, the gripping surface 114 does not yet abut on the broad side wall 21a facing downwards. In FIG. 11, a second horizontal bar 20 is illustrated which faces rightwards and constitutes a further scaffolding element to be attached here. A connection interface 22 of the second horizontal bar 20 was already partly inserted into the connection interface 111 of the element receptacle 1. The state illustrated in FIG. 11 corresponds to process steps D) and E) of the disclosed method.
[0104] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a third state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system 100 to an already positioned scaffolding portion. In the state illustrated in FIG. 12, the receptacle 11 was further rotated about the first spatial axis A1 so that the gripping surface 114 abuts on the broad side wall 21a facing downwards. In the illustrated state, the element receptacle 1 encloses the support pipe 21 of the already positioned horizontal bar 20 so that the element receptacle 1 can no longer be separated from the horizontal bar 20. In FIG. 12, the connection interface 22 of the second horizontal bar 20 to be attached is inserted further into the receptacle interface 111 than in FIG. 11. In the state illustrated in FIG. 12, there is already a positive connection between the element receptacle 1, the already positioned horizontal bar 20, and the second horizontal bar 20 to be attached. However, in this state, the components are not yet clamped to each other and still exhibit a clearance relative to each other. In the state shown in FIG. 12, the operating element 22a is in a not yet operated state and protrudes upwards beyond the horizontal bar 20. For transferring the connection system 100 and the element receptacle 1 into the clamped operative position, the operating element 22a is operated by being inserted into the connection interface 22. The state illustrated in FIG. 12 corresponds to the end of process step E) of the disclosed method.
[0105] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a fourth state during the attachment of an embodiment of a connection system 100 to an already positioned scaffolding portion. In the state shown in FIG. 13, the operating element 22a of the connection interface 22 was operated by being inserted into the horizontal bar 20. With this operation of the operating element 22a, the cross-sectional area of the connection interface 22 disposed in the receptacle interface 111 was enlarged. With this enlargement of the cross-sectional area, the receptacle 11 was shifted relative to the retainer 12 parallel to the second spatial axis A2. With this shift, the already positioned first horizontal bar 20 was in turn clamped between the first clamping surface S1 and the abutment surface 123. Moreover, a contact was established between the second clamping surface S2 and the part of the connection interface 22 protruding downwards through the receptacle interface 111. In the illustrated state, in addition to the positive connection, there is now also a non-positive connection between the components element receptacle 1, first horizontal bar 20, and second horizontal bar 20 to be attached. These components are clamped to each other and therefore attached to each other without a clearance. The state illustrated in FIG. 13 corresponds to the completion of process step F) of the disclosed method.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0106] 1 Element receptacle [0107] 100 Connection system [0108] 11 Receptacle [0109] 110 Basic body [0110] 111 Receptacle interface [0111] 112 Joint region [0112] 113 Clamping region [0113] 113a First clamping section [0114] 113b Second clamping section [0115] 114 Gripping surface [0116] 115 Connecting element [0117] 115a Aperture [0118] 12 Retainer [0119] 121 Hook [0120] 121a Base [0121] 121b Retaining area [0122] 121c Retaining surface [0123] 122 Mating joint region [0124] 123 Abutment surface [0125] 124 Limb [0126] 20 Horizontal bar [0127] 21 Support pipe [0128] 21a Broad side wall [0129] 21b High side wall [0130] 22 Connection interface [0131] 22a Operating element [0132] 30 Vertical post [0133] A1 First spatial axis [0134] A2 Second spatial axis [0135] S1 First clamping surface [0136] S2 Second clamping surface
