Abstract
A scaffold post, in particular for vertically oriented installation in a scaffold section, comprising: a base post which extends along a longitudinal axis; at least one connecting disc which is attached to the base post, the connecting disc enclosing the base post and projecting in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis and in a circumferential direction around the entire base post, at least two connection hooks which are attached to an outer circumferential surface of the base post and, when viewed from above, extend, in a direction of extension, radially away from the longitudinal axis from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and at least two partial connecting discs which are attached to the base post, the partial connecting discs projecting to different extents beyond the base post in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis as viewed in a circumferential direction around the base post.
Claims
1. A scaffold post, comprising: a base post which extends along a longitudinal axis, at least one connecting disc which is attached to the base post and which has at least one connecting surface which is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, wherein a plurality of accommodation openings which, starting from the connecting surface, extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis and extend through the connecting disc are incorporated in the connecting disc, and wherein the connecting disc encloses the base post and projects around the entire base post in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis and in a circumferential direction, at least two connection hooks which are attached to an outer circumferential surface of the base post and, when viewed from above, extend, in a direction of extension, radially away from the longitudinal axis from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; at least two partial connecting discs which are attached to the base post and which have at least one connecting surface which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein a plurality of accommodation openings which, starting from the connecting surface, extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis and extend through the partial connecting disc are incorporated in each of the partial connecting discs, and wherein the partial connecting discs project beyond the base post to different extents in a radial direction to the longitudinal axis as viewed in a circumferential direction around the base post, wherein each partial connecting disc radially projects beyond the base post to a lesser extent in a direction parallel to the direction of extension than in directions perpendicular and opposite to the direction of extension, and wherein the connection hooks project further beyond the circumferential surface of the base post in the direction of extension than the partial connecting discs project beyond the circumferential surface of the base post in the direction of extension.
2. The scaffold post according to claim 1, wherein, along the longitudinal axis, starting from a first end of the base post, first the connecting disc, at a distance to it, a first partial connecting disc, and, on the side of the first partial connecting disc opposite to the connecting disc, at a distance, a second partial connecting disc are arranged, wherein the distance between the connecting disc and the first partial connecting disc and the distance between the first partial connecting disc and the second partial connecting disc are equally large or are different from each other by a maximum of 30% with respect to the distance between the connecting disc and the first partial connecting disc.
3. The scaffold post according to claim 1, wherein the shape and the size of the accommodation openings of the partial connecting disc are implemented so that they are identical to the shape and the size of the accommodation openings of the connecting disc, wherein the number of accommodation openings of the connecting disc is larger than the number of the accommodation openings of the partial connecting disc, and/or the partial connecting disc and the connection hook are arranged at a distance to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
4. The scaffold post according to claim 1, wherein the partial connecting disc is implemented so that it is identical to a portion of the connecting disc, wherein this portion is defined by an edge which is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension, and the edge is arranged at a distance corresponding to the distance from the longitudinal axis to the outer circumferential surface of the base post in the direction of extension +/20% from the longitudinal axis in the direction of extension.
5. The scaffold post according to claim 1, wherein the connecting disc has four accommodation openings which are respectively arranged around the longitudinal axis at an angle of 90 to each other, and the partial connecting disc has three accommodation openings two adjacent accommodation openings of which are arranged around the longitudinal axis at an angle of 90 with respect to an accommodation opening arranged in between, wherein one of the accommodation openings of the connecting disc is oriented in the direction of extension, and the three accommodation openings of the partial connecting dis are flush with the three accommodation openings of the connecting disc which are not oriented in the direction of extension.
6. A scaffold section comprising at least one scaffold post according to claim 1, wherein the scaffold post has a substantially vertical orientation, further comprising: at least one scaffold element which is formed by a horizontal transom or a railing beam and has a substantially horizontal orientation, wherein either a railing beam is positively connected to a connection hook of the scaffold post, or a horizontal transom is positively connected to a partial connecting disc.
7. The scaffold section according to claim 6, wherein at least four scaffold posts are provided, wherein respectively two scaffold posts are connected to each other and arranged one above the other in a vertical orientation in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein respectively one such combination of two scaffold posts is oriented parallel to another such combination of two scaffold posts, wherein respectively one of the lower scaffold posts is connected to a horizontal transom, and respectively one end of the horizontal transom is positively connected to a partial connecting disc, and wherein respectively one of the upper scaffold posts is connected to a railing beam, and respectively one end of the railing beam is positively connected to a connection hook, and wherein the connection hook and the direction of extension of the two upper scaffold posts are oriented in the direction opposite to the connection hook and to the direction of extension of the two lower railing posts.
8. The scaffold section according to claim 6, wherein at least eight scaffold posts are provided, wherein respectively two scaffold posts are connected to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis and arranged one above the other in a vertical orientation, wherein respectively one such combination of two scaffold posts is oriented parallel to another such combination of two scaffold posts, wherein the two lower scaffold posts are connected to a horizontal transom, and respectively one end of this horizontal transom is positively connected to a partial connecting disc of a scaffold post, and wherein the two upper scaffold posts are connected to a railing beam, and respectively one end of the railing beam is positively connected to a connection hook of a scaffold post, and wherein the connection hook and the direction of extension of the two upper scaffold posts are oriented in the direction opposite to the connection hook and the direction of extension of the two lower railing posts so that a two-dimensional frame is formed, and wherein, moreover, respectively two scaffold posts are connected to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis and arranged one above the other in a vertical orientation so that two additional combinations of two scaffold posts oriented one above the other are formed, and these additional combinations are respectively oriented parallel to one of the combinations of the two-dimensional frame and positioned at a distance from the two-dimensional frame, wherein the two additional combinations are respectively arranged in the two-dimensional frame in the direction of extension of a scaffold post or in a direction opposite thereto, and the two additional combinations are respectively connected to the two-dimensional frame by at least two horizontally oriented horizontal transoms, wherein the these horizontal transoms are positively connected to a partial connecting disc or to a connecting disc of a scaffold post in the two-dimensional frame and to a partial connecting disc or to a connecting disc of a scaffold post in another combination, respectively.
9. The scaffold section according to claim 8, wherein four of the scaffold posts define a lower level of the scaffold section, wherein adjacent scaffold posts in the lower level are respectively connected by at least one horizontal transom, wherein these horizontal transoms are positively connected to a partial connecting disc of the adjacent scaffold posts, respectively, and four additional scaffold posts define an upper level of the scaffold section, wherein at least two adjacent scaffold posts in the upper level are connected to each other by a horizontally oriented railing beam, wherein this railing beam is positively connected to a connection hook of the adjacent scaffold posts, respectively.
10. The scaffold section according to claim 8, wherein, in the lower level of the scaffold section, at least two adjacent scaffold posts are connected by means of two parallelly oriented horizontal transoms which are positively connected to a partial connecting disc of a scaffold post, respectively, and in that, in the upper level of the scaffold section, at least two adjacent scaffold posts are connected by means of two parallelly oriented railing beams which are positively connected to a connection hook of a scaffold post, respectively.
11. A method for constructing a scaffold section, comprising the steps of: A) providing at least one scaffold post according to claim 1, B) deciding whether a scaffold section having an increased rigidity is required, wherein, in this case, the method is continued with process step C), or whether a scaffold section having a lower rigidity is required, wherein, in this case, the method is continued with process step D), C) connecting a horizontal transom to a partial connecting disc of the scaffold post, wherein one end of the horizontal transom is positively connected to the partial connecting disc, D) connecting a railing beam to a connection hook of the scaffold post, wherein one end of the railing beam is positively connected to the connection hook.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, in the case in which process step C) was performed, at least one additional scaffold post is provided and positively connected to the other end of the horizontal transom by means of one of its partial connecting discs, and at least two additional scaffold posts are provided which, in a vertical orientation, are connected to one of the already connected scaffold posts by respectively at least one additional horizontal transom, wherein this connection is established by means of respectively one connecting disc or partial connecting disc on each scaffold post.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, in the case in which process step D) was performed, at least one additional scaffold post is provided and positively connected to the other end of the railing beam by means of one of its connection hooks, and at least two additional scaffold posts are provided, which, in a vertical orientation, are connected to one of the already connected scaffold posts by respectively at least one horizontal transom, wherein this connection is established by means of respectively one connecting disc on each scaffold post.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, first, a scaffold section which constitutes a lower level of the scaffold section is assembled, and then a scaffold section is installed on the lower level, wherein the direction of extension of the scaffold posts of the upper level is oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of extension of the scaffold posts of the lower level so that a scaffold section having two levels arranged one above the other is obtained the lower level of which has a higher rigidity than its upper level.
15. The scaffold post according to claim 1, wherein the scaffold post is for vertically oriented installation in a scaffold section.
Description
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] In the Figures, embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated. Here,
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold post according to prior art,
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a scaffold post according to the invention,
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a scaffold section according to the invention,
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the embodiment of the scaffold section of FIG. 3,
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a scaffold section according to the invention,
[0056] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the embodiment of the scaffold section of FIG. 5,
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the embodiment of a scaffold post of FIG. 2, and
[0058] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a part of the scaffold post of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] In the Figures, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals. Generally, the described properties of an element described with reference to one Figure also apply to the other Figures. Directional information such as above or below refer to the described Figure and are to be applied to other Figures accordingly.
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold post G according to prior art. The known scaffold post G comprises a base post 2 which is vertically oriented in the illustration. On its upper end, the base post 2 has a first interface S1 provided for the connection to another scaffold post G. The first interface S1 has a smaller diameter than the remaining part of the base post 2. In the end of the base post 2 facing downwards, a second interface S2 is arranged which is formed by a receptacle inside the base post 2. A connection of a plurality of scaffold posts G to each other in the vertical direction can be established by inserting the first interface S1 of a scaffold post G into the second interface S2 of another scaffold post G. The two interfaces S1 and S2 are implemented so that they are complementary in shape with respect to each other. In this way, a plurality of scaffold posts G can be arranged one above the other and connected to each other. In the vicinity of the lower end of the base post 2, a connecting disc 3 is arranged which serves the connection to horizontally oriented scaffold elements such as, for example, horizontal transoms 201. During the assembly of a scaffold section, a plurality of scaffold posts G is oriented parallel to each other and connected to each other through the connecting discs 3 by means of horizontal transoms 201. On the horizontal transoms 201, treading layers can be placed which serve as a treading surface for walking on a scaffold level. Another scaffold level disposed above it can be erected by mounting additional scaffold posts G on the interfaces S1 of the lower level by means of their second interface S2. Then, the connecting discs 3 of the upper level are connected to each other by means of horizontal transoms 201, and another treading layer is placed on the horizontal transoms 201. In this way, a scaffold section comprising a plurality of levels can be assembled in a modular fashion. The scaffold post G comprises two connection hooks 4 which are attached in about the centre and in the upper third of the base post 2. These connection hooks 4 may be used to mount railing beams 202 which serve as fall protections for persons moving on the treading layers of the levels. The illustrated known scaffold post G has a simple design, can be readily transported, and has a low weight. A drawback of the known scaffold post G is that scaffold sections based on this scaffold post G can only bear a limited load which is often insufficient for supporting a plurality of scaffold levels disposed above them.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a scaffold post 1 according to the invention. The illustrated scaffold post 1 is different from the known scaffold post G of FIG. 1 in a plurality of features. However, the scaffold post 1 and the known scaffold post G also have common or similar features. The scaffold post 1 also comprises a base post 2 which extends along a longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the base post 2 is formed by a cylindrical tube. Like the known scaffold post G, the scaffold post 1 has a first interface S1 on its upper end and a second interface S2 on its lower end. These interfaces S1 and S2 are designed so that they are compatible in shape with each other and can be inserted into each other. Preferably, the interfaces S1 and S2 of the scaffold post 1 are implemented so that they are identical to the interfaces S1 and S2 of the known scaffold post G so that the two types of scaffold posts can be compatibly connected to each other. In the lower third in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, a connecting disc 3 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the base post 2. Facing upwards in the illustration, the connecting disc 3 has a planar connecting surface 31 which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Starting from the connecting surface 31, a plurality of accommodation openings 32 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA and extending through the entire connecting disc 3 are incorporated in the connecting disc 3. Into these accommodation openings 32, interfaces of other scaffold elements 20, for example, of horizontal transoms 201, may be inserted. By inserting an interface of a scaffold element 20 into an accommodation opening, 32 a positive and/or non-positive connection between the scaffold post 1 and the scaffold element 20 can be established. The connecting disc 3 encloses the entire base post 2 and projects around the entire base post in the circumferential direction. The accommodation openings 32 are arranged regularly, i.e. at equal angles to each other, in the connecting disc 3 in the circumferential direction.
[0062] Similar to the known scaffold post G, the illustrated embodiment of a scaffold post 1 comprises two connection hooks 4 one of which is attached to an outer surface of the base post 2 in about the centre of the length of the base post 2, and the other one in the upper third of the base post 2. Each connection hook 4 extends away from base post 2 in a direction of extension ER. The direction of extension ER is defined in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and extends radially away from the longitudinal axis LA in the direction in which the connection hook 4 projects beyond the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2 in the described plane. The direction of extension ER is illustrated in a plan view in FIG. 7. In the following, this direction of extension ER is also used for describing and defining other elements of the scaffold post 1.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the scaffold post 1 comprises two partial connecting discs 5 which are attached to the base post 2 and project beyond it. Each partial connecting disc 5 is, in sections, designed so that it is identical to the connecting disc 3 illustrated at the very bottom. The partial connecting disc 5 includes at least one planar connecting surface 51 facing upwards in the illustration which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Moreover, the partial connecting disc 5 comprises a plurality of accommodation openings 52 which are, like the accommodation openings 32 of the connecting disc 3, provided for the connection to a scaffold element 20. In contrast to the connecting disc 3, the partial connecting disc 5 projects around the circumference of the base post 2 to different extents in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis LA. This means that the distance by which the partial connecting disc 5 projects beyond the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2 is different in magnitude in the circumferential direction around the base post 2. Here, the partial connecting disc 5 radially projects beyond the base post 2 in the direction of extension ER or in a direction parallel thereto to a lesser extent than, for example, in a direction extending opposite to the direction of extension ER. In the illustration, it can be clearly seen that, in the direction of extension ER in which also the connection hooks 4 are attached to the base post 2, the partial connecting disc 5 projects beyond the base post 2 to an obviously lesser extent than in other directions oriented radially away from the longitudinal axis LA. The partial connecting disc 5 also projects further beyond the base post 2 in directions perpendicular to the direction of extension ER than in the direction of the direction of extension ER. The connection hook 4 projects further beyond the base post 2 than the partial connecting disc 5 in the direction of extension ER. This can be seen particularly well in FIG. 7. The projection of at least one partial connecting disc 5 entails a plurality of advantages. On the one hand, the connecting hooks 4 can be used in a familiar way like with the known scaffold post G to mount, for example, railing beams 202. The partial connecting disc 5 is designed so that it does not interfere with the use of the connecting hook 4, respectively. For this reason, the partial connecting disc 5 is set back in the direction of extension ER as compared to the connection hook 4. In this way, there is no risk of collision of a scaffold element 20 connected to the connection hook 4 with the partial connecting disc 5. The partial connecting disc 5 is designed so that it renders the connection of additional scaffold elements 20 to the scaffold post 1 possible. This connection of additional scaffold elements 20 is possible particularly in the directions opposite to the direction of extension ER and perpendicular to the direction of extension ER. The accommodation openings 52 of the partial connecting disc 5 render the connection of additional scaffold elements 20 possible which can be used to increase the load capacity of a scaffold section 100. When a scaffold post 1 is installed in, for example, a lower or intermediate level of a scaffold section 100 where the requirements on a load absorption and load capacity are higher than in an upper scaffold level the partial connecting disc 5 can be used for mounting additional reinforcement elements such as, for example, horizontal transoms 201 in the scaffold section. Here, the connection of these additional scaffold elements 20 or reinforcement elements is performed in a familiar way like the connection of these scaffold elements 20 to the known connecting disc 3. In the illustrated embodiment of a scaffold post 1, it is, for example, possible to connect altogether three additional scaffold elements 20, for example, horizontal transoms 201 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER. Two of these scaffold elements 20 are connected to respectively one partial connecting disc 5, and a third scaffold element 20 is connected to the connecting disc 3. In this way, the load capacity and the stability of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold post 1 can be significantly improved. When a scaffold post 1 is used the mounting position around the longitudinal axis LA can be adapted so that either the partial connecting disc 5 or the connection hook 4 can be used for connecting scaffold elements 20. Examples of the different mounting positions as well as of differently implemented scaffold sections 100 can be seen in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6.
[0064] The scaffold post 1 further comprises a connection receptacle 6 which is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2. The connection receptacle 6 projects beyond the base post 2 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER. The connection receptacle 6 is provided for connecting the scaffold post 1 to other scaffold elements 20. For example, the connection receptacle 6 can be positively connected to a diagonal strut 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection receptacle 6 has a U-shaped design and comprises two connecting surfaces 61 forming the arms of the U. The two arms of the U are connected by a connecting portion which is oriented perpendicular to the two connecting surfaces 61. In each of the two connecting surfaces 61 which are respectively oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and parallel to the direction of extension ER, a connecting opening 62 is incorporated. The connecting opening 62 extends through a connecting surface 61, respectively. For connecting a scaffold element 20 to the connection receptacle 6, a portion of the scaffold element 20 can be introduced into one or both connecting openings 62 and positively connected to it/these. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection receptacle 6 is formed by a bracket curved in a U-shape and made of an iron-based material which is welded to the base post 2. However, the connection receptacle 6 may also comprise only one connecting surface 61 having a connecting opening 62. In this case, the connection receptacle 6 may be formed, for example, by a simple plate which extends from the base post 2 radially away from the longitudinal axis LA in a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER. The connection receptacle 6 is attached to the base post 2 between the connecting disc 3 and a partial connecting disc 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Alternatively, the connection receptacle 6 may also be attached to the base post 2 in another position. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of connection receptacles 6 in different positions in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, respectively one connection hook 4 is arranged so as to be spaced-apart from a partial connecting disc 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Here, this distance is from 2 cm to 30 cm. It is also possible to attach the connection hook 4 and the partial connecting disc 5 in the same position in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape and the size of an accommodation opening 52 of the partial connecting disc 5 are implemented so that they are identical to the shape and the size of an accommodation opening 32 of the connecting disc 3. In this way, a scaffold element 20 can be connected to both the partial connecting disc 5 and the connecting disc 3 in the same way. The number of the accommodation openings 32 in the connecting disc 3 is four here. The number of the accommodation openings 52 in the partial connecting disc 5 is three here. Therefore, the connecting disc 3 offers more connecting options for a scaffold element 20 than the partial connecting disc 5. In the illustrated embodiment, respectively one accommodation opening 51 of a partial connecting disc 5 and one accommodation opening 32 of the connecting disc 3 are arranged so that they are congruent or flush with each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. This renders the attachment of scaffold elements 20 which are connected in the same position in circumferential direction around the base post 2 and which, accordingly, extend radially away from the longitudinal axis LA in the same direction to the connecting disc 3 and to a partial connecting disc 5 possible. In the illustrated embodiment, an accommodation opening 52 of the partial connecting disc 5 disposed on the upper side is arranged so that it is flush with an accommodation opening 52 of the partial connecting disc 5 disposed on the lower side in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. In this way, scaffold elements 20 which are identically positioned in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis LA can also be attached to two partial connecting discs 5. This renders the connection of a plurality of scaffold elements 20 extending parallel to each other to the scaffold post 1 possible. Alternatively, additional partial connecting discs 5 and/or additional connecting discs 3 can be arranged on a scaffold post 1. Moreover, the ratio of the length to the diameter of the base post 2 may deviate from the illustrated embodiment. For example, the length of the base post 2 may also be twice as large or half as large relative to its diameter.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a scaffold section 100 according to the invention. A scaffold section 100 comprising two scaffold levels arranged one above the other is illustrated. The lower scaffold level comprises altogether four scaffold posts 1 and therefore corresponds to an embodiment of a scaffold section 100 according to the invention. The upper scaffold level comprises four scaffold posts G which are already known. Therefore, the upper scaffold level is a scaffold section according to prior art. In the lower scaffold level, four scaffold posts 1 are oriented vertically and parallel to each other. Respectively two adjacent scaffold posts 1 are connected to each other by scaffold elements 20 which are formed by horizontal transoms 201. The horizontal transoms 201 are respectively positively connected to a connecting disc 3 of a scaffold post 1 on one of their ends. In this way, a horizontal transom 201 is arranged between adjacent scaffold posts 1, respectively. The horizontal transoms 201 jointly span a treading plane which is provided with treading layers here. Above the treading plane, altogether two railing beams 202 which secure persons present on the lower treading plane from falling off or down from the scaffold level are attached to the two scaffold posts 1 facing the front right. In the illustrated case, the two railing beams 202 are introduced into a connection hook 4 of a scaffold post 1 on each of their ends and attached in this way. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction of extension ER in which the connection hooks 4 extend away from the longitudinal axis LA of a scaffold post 1 is oriented in the direction of the treading plane. The connection hooks 4 therefore face the inner side of the scaffold. The mounted railing beams 202 are particularly safe in this way since a person, in the event of falling, will fall from the treading plane against the railing beams 202 from the inside, and the railing beams 202 are, apart from being attached to the connection hooks 4, disposed inside the scaffold posts 1 and are therefore further positively held inside the scaffold level by the base posts 2. In this way, it is ensured that, even in case of a failure of a connecting hook 4, the railing beams 202 stay in place under load from inside the scaffold and securely protect a person from falling. In the illustrated embodiment of a scaffold section 100 in the lower level, the load capacity of this scaffold section 100 is roughly comparable to that of the known scaffold section in the upper level. In the illustrated embodiment, the four lower scaffold posts 1 are therefore used like common scaffold posts G. The respectively two partial connecting discs 5 of the scaffold posts 1 are not used in the illustrated embodiment. The upper level of the illustrated scaffold section 100 is based on four known scaffold posts G which are connected to the four scaffold posts 1 located beneath through the interfaces S1 and S2 by being inserted into each other. The upper treading plane is formed by four horizontal transoms 201 which are connected to a connecting disc 3 of a scaffold post G on respectively one end. On the upper frame formed of four horizontal transoms 201 as well, treading layers are placed so that a treading plane is provided in the second scaffold level. Between the two scaffold posts G facing the front right, also two railing beams 202 are attached which are connected to the scaffold posts G by means of connection hooks 4. Furthermore, a diagonal strut 203 is provided which, starting from a connection receptacle 6 of the scaffold post 1 on the front left in the lower level, extends to one of the scaffold posts G on the front right in the upper level. This diagonal strut 203 increases the stability of the scaffold section 100. In the illustrated embodiment of a scaffold section 100, the lower level has roughly the same load capacity as the upper level. A similar result could be achieved by replacing the four lower scaffold posts 1 with known scaffold posts G. Essential in the scaffold section 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is that the direction of extension ER is oriented toward the inside of the scaffold section 100, in the direction of a treading plane, which renders an attachment of railing beams 202 to the inside of the scaffold section 100 possible.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the embodiment of the scaffold section 100 of FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the detail of FIG. 3 designated by IV is illustrated in an enlarged scale. With regard to the illustrated elements of the scaffold section 100 and their interaction, the description relating to FIG. 3 is made reference to. In the detailed view in FIG. 4, it can be seen more clearly that, in the illustration, the two railing beams 202 are arranged behind the base post 2 of the scaffold post 1. Therefore, the railing beams 202 are located inside the scaffold section 100. In the ends of the railing beams 202, cylindrical openings are provided which are moved over a connection hook 4 and can therefore be introduced into it. In this connection, a clearance remains so that the railing beams 202 are, to a certain extent, still movable relative to the scaffold post 1. With the arrangement of the railing beams 202 inside the base post 2, however, nevertheless a safe protection of persons from falling from the scaffold level is given. If a person falls against one or both railing beams 202 from the inside the railing beams 202 are, on the one hand, held in their position by their connection to the connection hooks 4 and, on the other hand, by their arrangement between the treading plane and the base post 2. The railing beams 202 are attached to the scaffold posts 1 in a self-assisting manner so that a particularly reliable fall protection is provided. The two partial connecting discs 5 have no function in the illustrated scaffold section 100 and are, at least in sections, oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a scaffold section 100 according to the invention. The illustrated scaffold section 100 according to a second embodiment also comprises two scaffold levels arranged one above the other. Other than the first embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction of extension ER of the lower scaffold posts 1 is oriented away from the lower treading plane to the outside of the scaffold section 100 in the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. With respect to the first embodiment of FIG. 3, the four lower scaffold posts 1 are installed in the scaffold section 100 so that they are rotated by 180 about their longitudinal axis LA. In this way, the lower scaffold level can be reinforced by mounting additional scaffold elements 20, here in the form of additional horizontal transoms 201, in the second embodiment so that the lower scaffold level obtains a higher load capacity. Here, it is particularly advantageous that one and the same scaffold post 1 can be used both in the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 for assembling a level having a normal load capacity and in the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 for assembling a level having an increased load capacity. Prior to the assembly of a scaffold section 100 or a level of such a scaffold section 100, it only has to be decided whether or not an increased load capacity is required. If an increased load capacity is required the lower scaffold posts 1 are arranged so that their direction of extension is directed toward the outside of the scaffold section 100. If a scaffold section having a simple configuration and a normal load capacity is required the lower scaffold posts 1 are oriented so that their direction of extension is directed toward the inside of the scaffold section 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the direction of extension ER is oriented toward the inside of the scaffold section 100 in the direction of the treading plane in the lower scaffold level so that the lower scaffold level has an increased load capacity. The upper scaffold level is based on known scaffold posts G which can be used for assembling an upper scaffold level having a normal load capacity here. However, it would also be possible to use scaffold posts 1 the direction of extension ER of which is directed into the inside of the scaffold towards the upper treading plane for the upper level. Consequently, the upper scaffold level would look like the lower scaffold level of the embodiment of FIG. 3. A scaffold section 100 comprising levels having different load capacities can therefore be assembled in a simple manner based on a single type of scaffold post 1 based on a modular concept. Therefore, the provision of known scaffold posts G is not required for assembling a scaffold section according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 either. The types of scaffold posts available on the construction site may therefore be reduced by using the scaffold post 1. Due to the fact that the direction of extension ER of the scaffold posts 1 is oriented away from the inside of the scaffold section 100, the connection hooks 4 are arranged on the opposite side of the treading plane facing outwards. In this way, the connection hooks 4 do not interfere with work on the treading plane. A fall protection for persons present on the lower treading plane is provided for by installing two horizontal transoms 201 oriented parallel to each other in the illustrated embodiment. These horizontal transoms 201 are positively connected to a partial connecting disc 5 of one of the lower scaffold posts 1 on respectively one of their ends. On the longer side of the scaffold section 100 directed towards the front right, two horizontal transoms 201 are arranged with respect to each other. On the narrow sides of the lower scaffold level of the scaffold section 100 directed towards the front left and the rear right, respectively only one horizontal transom 201 is connected to the upper partial connecting discs 5 of adjacent vertical posts 1. In order to further increase the stability and load capacity of the lower scaffold level, additionally, further horizontal transoms 201 could also be arranged on the narrow sides of the scaffold section 100 between the two lower partial connecting discs 5. In the lower scaffold level, the mounted horizontal transoms 201 serve, on the one hand, as a railing and as a fall protection and, on the other hand, as a bracing or reinforcement for increasing the load capacity of the lower scaffold level. It is advantageous that, in the illustrated lower scaffold level having an increased load capacity, no additional railing beams 202 are required as a fall protection. When normal requirements are placed on the load capacity of a scaffold level it is recommendable to assemble this level like the lower scaffold level of FIG. 3. The railing beams 202 have a lower weight and are less expensive in acquisition than horizontal transoms 201. By using a scaffold post 1 according to the invention, therefore, a scaffold level having an increased load capacity can be assembled using additional horizontal transoms 201 when required. At the same time, however, it is also possible to use the existing, more lightweight, and less expensive railing beams 202 as a fall protection and to thereby reduce the effort and the weight of a scaffold level in case of normal requirements on the load capacity. When a scaffold post 1 according to the invention is used for assembling a scaffold section 100 it only has to be decided, prior to the assembly of each level or scaffold level, whether normal or increased requirements prevail with respect to the load capacity of this scaffold level. Based on this decision, then, the orientation of the scaffold posts 1 about their longitudinal axis LA is adjusted in the associated level. Then, depending on the orientation of the scaffold posts 1 or the direction of extension ER, the scaffold posts 1 are either connected to each other by railing beams 202 which are introduced into the connection hooks 4, or the scaffold posts 1 are connected by positive connections of their partial connecting discs 5 to horizontal transoms 201. This simple method for the assembly is repeated for each scaffold level of the scaffold section 100 to be assembled. During the assembly of each scaffold level, of course, also horizontal transoms 201 are connected between adjacent scaffold posts by means of their connecting discs 3, respectively, to produce the associated tread planes.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the embodiment of the scaffold section 100 of FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, the detail of FIG. 5 designated by VI is illustrated in an enlarged scale. With regard to the illustrated elements of the scaffold section 100 and their interaction, the description relating to FIG. 5 is made reference to. In FIG. 6, it can be clearly seen that the two connection hooks 4 are directed towards the front right, and that therefore the direction of extension ER is oriented away from the treading plane and the inside of the scaffold section 100. The upper one of the two partial connecting discs 5 is positively connected to a horizontal transom 201 via respectively one accommodation opening 52. Here, one of the connecting openings 52 is oriented opposite to the direction of extension ER in the direction of the treading plane and connected to a horizontal transom 201 on the narrow side of the scaffold section 100. Moreover, an accommodation opening 52 which is arranged in a position perpendicular to the direction of extension ER with respect to the longitudinal axis LA is connected to a horizontal transom 201 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the scaffold section 100. The third accommodation opening 52 directed towards the front left is not connected to any scaffold element 20 in the illustrated embodiment. However, it would be possible to extend the scaffold section 100 or the level of the scaffold section 100 toward the front left by also attaching another horizontal transom 201 connecting another scaffold post 1 to the scaffold section 100 to the third, still free accommodation opening 52. In addition, the accommodation openings 52 may of course also be connected to other types of scaffold elements 20. In FIGS. 5 and 6, also a diagonal strut 203 connecting the lower scaffold level to the upper scaffold level can be seen, respectively. Like in the first embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the diagonal strut 203 in the lower level is connected to a connection receptacle 6 of a scaffold post 1. In contrast to the first embodiment, the diagonal strut 203 is arranged inside the scaffold section 100 in the second embodiment. The diagonal strut 203 unfolds its reinforcing effect for the entire scaffold section 100 in equal measure inside or outside the scaffold section. An arrangement of one or a plurality of diagonal struts 203 is therefore possible in two mounting orientations, in two orientations of the direction of extension ER of a scaffold post 1.
[0070] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the embodiment of a scaffold post 1 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 7, the scaffold post 1 can be seen from above from the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. The longitudinal axis LA is symbolised by a point in this illustration and extends into the plane of the drawing. The longitudinal axis LA constitutes the central axis of the base post 2 which is formed by a cylindrical tube here. Inside the base post 2, the first interface S1 arranged concentrically thereto can be seen. In the illustrated embodiment, the first interface S1 is also formed by a tube section which has a smaller diameter than the base post 2 and is attached in the base post 2. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first interface S1 projects beyond the upper end face of the base post 2. Facing towards the right in the illustration in FIG. 7, a connection hook 4 can be seen in the direction of extension ER. A side view of this connecting hook 4 is illustrated in FIG. 8. A partial connecting disc 5 can be seen in a plan view of the connecting surface 51. The partial connecting disc 5 is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the base post 5 in a plurality of sections, for example by a weld connection. In the partial connecting disc 5, three accommodation openings 52 extending through the partial connecting disc 5 starting from the connecting surface 51 are incorporated in the illustrated embodiment. One of these accommodation openings 52 is located in a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER starting from the longitudinal axis LA. The other two accommodation openings 52 are respectively located in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension ER starting from the longitudinal axis LA. Therefore, adjacent accommodation openings 52 are respectively arranged at an angle of 90 to each other relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In the direction of extension, there is no accommodation opening 52 on the side on which the connection hook 4 is arranged. Preferably, the size and the shape of the accommodation openings 52 correspond to the size and the shape of the accommodation openings 32 of the connecting disc 3 disposed below. Preferably, the accommodation openings 52 of the partial connecting disc 5 are also flush with accommodation openings 32 of the connecting disc 3 arranged below. The partial connecting disc 5 projects around the entire circumference of the base post 2. In the direction of extension ER, the partial connecting disc 5 protrudes beyond the base post 2 to a lesser extent than in other directions radial to the longitudinal axis LA. Particularly, the partial connecting disc 5 projects beyond the base post 2 to a lesser extent in the direction of extension ER than in a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER and in directions perpendicular to the direction of extension ER. The partial connecting disc 5 is defined by a straight edge K on the right side in the illustration. This straight edge K extends perpendicular to the direction of extension ER. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a distance between the edge K and the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2 in the direction of extension ER. This means that the edge K projects beyond the base post 2. Alternatively, is es also possible that the edge K is flush with the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2 in the direction of extension ER and does therefore not project beyond it. Finally, it is also possible that the edge K is set back with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2 in the direction of extension. The edge K is preferably arranged in a distance range corresponding to +/20% of the distance from the longitudinal axis LA to the outer circumferential surface of the base post 2 in the direction of extension ER from the longitudinal axis LA. The definition of the partial connecting disc 5 by the edge K serves to avoid collisions with scaffold elements 20 which are attached to the connection hook 4 and extend downwards parallel to the base post 2 starting therefrom. For example, such a scaffold element 20 may be formed by a face side railing which is mounted on the connection hooks 4 and extends parallel to the base post 2 from there at a small distance. If the partial connecting disc 5 projected further in the direction of extension ER like, for example, in the direction opposite to the direction of extension ER, the connection of such a face side railing to the connection hook 4 would not be possible because the face side railing would collide with the projecting section. By providing the edge K as a boundary, it is therefore possible to also combine existing face side railings originally provided to be mounted on a known scaffold post G with the scaffold post 1 according to the invention. In this way, the flexibility and deployability of the scaffold post 1 are further increased. As an alternative to the illustrated straight embodiment, the edge K may also have a curved, for example a concavely or convexly curved, or an irregular shape as long as a partial connecting disc 5 defined by the edge K does not cause collisions with other scaffold elements 20. Preferably, the partial connecting disc 5 is identical to a portion of the connecting disc 3 disposed below it on the base post 2. However, the partial connecting disc 5 lacks a portion which is provided in the connecting disc 3 beyond the edge K of the partial connecting disc 5 in the direction of extension ER here. In production, the partial connecting disc 5 may therefore be produced, for example, from an existing connecting disc 3 which is cut in a portion of the connecting disc 3 along the edge K. The portion of the connecting disc 3 which is identical to the partial connecting disc 5 may also be defined with the aid of a circumferential angle UW around the longitudinal axis LA. Inside this circumferential angle UW, the partial connecting disc 5 and the connecting disc 3 are identical. This circumferential angle UW is comprised of two half circumferential angles UW/2. Such a half circumferential angle UW/2 is defined from a direction opposite to the direction of extension ER to an imaginary straight line extending radially away from the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, such a half circumferential angle UW/2 is about 120. The entire circumferential angle UW is therefore about 240 and is therefore larger than 220. The imaginary straight line which constitutes the right boundary of a half circumferential angle UW/2 in the illustration intersects the end of the straight edge K here. In FIG. 7, a plurality of alternative options relating to the shape and extension of the partial connecting disc 5 are illustrated and described accordingly.
[0071] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a portion of the scaffold post 1 of FIG. 2. In this side view of a portion of the scaffold post 1, the shape of the connecting hook 4 can be clearly seen. In the illustration, the base post 2 extends along its longitudinal axis LA from the top downwards. The direction of extension ER is positioned in the right angle to the longitudinal axis LA. The connection hook 4 comprises a retaining portion 41 which extends in the direction of extension ER. Moreover, the connection hook 4 comprises a securing portion 42 which extends perpendicular to the direction of extension ER. Here, the securing portion 42 faces away from the partial connecting disc 5 arranged below the connecting hook 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion 41 and the securing portion 42 are connected to each other by a curved portion. When a railing beam 202 is mounted, first, an opening in one end of the railing beam 202 is moved over the securing portion 42 and then slid over the retaining portion 41. In this mounted position, the securing portion 42 will then prevent the railing beam 202 from slipping from the retaining portion 41. In the side view of FIG. 8, it can be clearly seen that the connection hook 4 projects further beyond the base post 2 in the direction of extension ER than the edge K of the partial connecting disc 5. In this way, scaffold elements 20 which are mounted on the connection hooks 4 and extend downwards parallel to the base post 2 are prevented from colliding with the connecting disc 5.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0072] 1 Scaffold post [0073] 2 Base post [0074] 3 Connecting disc [0075] 31 Connecting surface [0076] 32 Accommodation opening [0077] 4 Connection hook [0078] 41 Retaining portion [0079] 42 Securing portion [0080] 5 Partial connecting disc [0081] 51 Connecting surface [0082] 52 Accommodation opening [0083] 6 Connection receptacle [0084] 61 Connecting surface [0085] 62 Connecting opening [0086] 100 Scaffold section [0087] 20 Scaffold element [0088] 201 Horizontal transom [0089] 202 Railing beam [0090] 203 Diagonal strut [0091] G Scaffold post [0092] S1 First interface [0093] S2 Second interface [0094] ER Direction of extension [0095] LA Longitudinal axis [0096] K Edge [0097] UW Circumferential angle
