Abstract
A scaffold crossbar, particularly for the horizontally oriented installation in a scaffold section, comprising at least one crossbar beam which has a rod-shaped design and extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis, wherein the crossbar beam has two opposite ends in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and a connection interface which is provided for the connection to a scaffold element is arranged on each of these two ends. The scaffold crossbar further comprises at least two brackets which extend along a bracket axis, respectively, wherein the brackets respectively have two opposite ends in the direction of their bracket axis, wherein one of these ends of each bracket is connected to the crossbar beam, and at least two fasteners respectively one of which is arranged on the end of a bracket which is situated opposite of the connection of this bracket to the crossbar beam.
Claims
1. A scaffold crossbar, for a horizontally oriented installation in a scaffold section, comprising: at least one crossbar beam that is rod-shaped and extends in a direction of a longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one crossbar beam has two opposite ends in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and a connection interface for connection to a scaffold element is arranged on each of the two opposite ends; at least two brackets that extend along a bracket axis respectively, wherein the two bracket axes are respectively oriented at an angle of 1 to 89 to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least two brackets have two opposite ends in the direction of their bracket axis, respectively, wherein one of the two opposite ends of each bracket is connected to the crossbar beam; and at least two fasteners respectively one of which is arranged on the end of a bracket which is disposed opposite of the connection of this bracket to the crossbar beam, wherein the two connection interfaces of the at least one crossbar beam and the at least two fasteners together provide for at least four connection points for connecting the scaffold crossbar to other scaffold elements, and the connection interfaces differ from the fasteners in terms of shape and size, wherein each fastener comprises a support element connected to the bracket which comprises a support surface which, at least in sections, is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and faces away from the respective bracket in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and wherein each fastener comprises a gripping element that is supported so that it is movable relative to the support element, and which has a gripping surface which, at least in sections, is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and faces the respective bracket in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a distance variable by a movement of the gripping element which defines a gripping space which is provided for accommodating a scaffold element exits between the support surface and the gripping surface, and wherein each fastener comprises at least one clamping element, which is movably connected to the support element and the gripping element, wherein the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space can be changed by operating the clamping element.
2. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 1, wherein, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the distance between the gripping surfaces of the fasteners arranged opposite of each other is larger than an overall length of the crossbar beam including its two connection interfaces.
3. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 1, wherein the gripping space extends along a gripper axis which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located in a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes, wherein the distance of the support surface to the gripper axis is constant, and the distance between the gripping surface and the gripper axis is changeable by a movement of the gripping element, wherein the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface is smaller in a retaining position of the fastener than in a mounting position of the fastener.
4. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element, wherein the direction of this linear movability is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis.
5. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 4, wherein the clamping element, at least in sections, has a wedge-shaped design in a plane perpendicular to the gripper axis, wherein a first lateral contour has a linear design and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second lateral contour has a linear design and is oriented at an acute angle to the first lateral contour, wherein the first lateral contour abuts on a portion of the support element which is oriented so that it is inclined with respect to a plane which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second lateral contour abuts on a portion of the gripping element which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the clamping element is operable by a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to change the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space.
6. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 4, wherein the gripping element has a portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis on which a male thread is arranged on its side facing away from the support surface, and the clamping element has a female thread which is connected to the male thread of the gripping element, wherein a portion of the clamping element arranged perpendicular to the direction of extension of the female thread abuts on an outer surface of the support element oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a portion of the gripping element disposed between the male thread and the gripping surface is supported in a recess in the support element so that it is linearly movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the clamping element is operable by a rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis to change the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space.
7. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element so that it is rotatable relative to the support element, wherein the axis of rotation of the bearing is oriented parallel to the gripper axis.
8. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 7, wherein the support element has a guide surface which adjoins the support surface, wherein the guide surface is oriented so that it is inclined at an acute angle to a plane which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and inclined in the direction of the bracket, wherein the guide surface, at least in sections, is set back with respect to the support surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the support surface encloses the gripping space in a circumferential direction around the gripper axis at an angle not exceeding 100 in the retaining position.
9. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 8, wherein the brackets are supported so that they are rotatable relative to the crossbar beam, wherein rotational axes of the bearings are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the gripper axis so that the angles between the bracket axes and the longitudinal axis are variable.
10. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 9, wherein the connection interfaces protrude beyond the crossbar beam in the direction of the gripper axis and in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein a portion of each connection interface, starting from the crossbar beam, extends in the direction of a fastener, and this portion is arranged so that it is centred with respect to a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes.
11. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 10, wherein the connection interfaces protrude beyond the crossbar beam in the direction of the gripper axis and are flush with or set back relative to the crossbar beam in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
12. A scaffold section comprising: at least one scaffold crossbar according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one scaffold element including a pole which comprises at least one crossbar support interface which is attached to the pole, wherein the connection interface of the scaffold crossbar is positively connected to the crossbar support interface of the scaffold element, and the fastener of the scaffold crossbar is positively and/or non-positively connected to an outer shell of the pole of the scaffold element in a retaining position, wherein these two connection points are arranged at a distance to each other.
13. A method for assembling a scaffold section according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: transferring at least one fastener of the scaffold crossbar into a mounting position, wherein the gripping element is moved away from the support element to the extent that a pole of the scaffold element can be introduced into the gripping space between the gripping surface and the support surface, connecting a connection interface of the crossbar beam to a crossbar support interface of the scaffold element, and introducing the pole into the gripping space between gripping surface and support surface, transferring the fastener of the scaffold crossbar into a retaining position, wherein the clamping element is operated and the gripping element including the gripping surface is thereby moved towards the support element including the support surface until the pole is non-positively and/or positively connected to the fastener.
14. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 4, wherein the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface is identical in the retaining position and in the mounting position.
15. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element, wherein the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface is identical in the retaining position and in the mounting position.
16. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 6, wherein the clamping element is implemented as a cam nut.
17. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 7, wherein the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface is different in the retaining position and in the mounting position.
18. The scaffold crossbar according to claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element so that it is rotatable relative to the support element, wherein the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface is different in the retaining position and in the mounting position.
19. The scaffold section according to claim 12, wherein these two connection points are arranged at a distance to each other in the longitudinal direction of the pole.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] In the Figures, embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated. Here,
[0055] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section in a first embodiment according to the invention,
[0056] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a scaffold crossbar in a first embodiment according to the invention,
[0057] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to the first embodiment of the invention,
[0058] FIG. 4 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section of FIG. 3,
[0059] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a second embodiment of the invention,
[0060] FIG. 6 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section of FIG. 5,
[0061] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a third embodiment of the invention,
[0062] FIG. 8 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 7,
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,
[0064] FIG. 10 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 9,
[0065] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,
[0066] FIG. 12 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 11,
[0067] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,
[0068] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a scaffold crossbar involving an alternative connecting technique,
[0069] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a scaffold element having an additional cavity,
[0070] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 14 and the scaffold element of FIG. 15.
[0071] In the Figures, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals. In general, the described properties of an element described in connection with one Figure also apply to other Figures. Directional information such as top or bottom relate to the described Figure and are to be applied to the other Figures according to their meaning.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 in a first embodiment according to the invention. The illustrated scaffold section 100 comprises a scaffold crossbar 1 which is mounted with its longitudinal axis LA oriented horizontally here. The scaffold crossbar 1 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2 and described accordingly. Respectively one end of the scaffold crossbar 1 is connected to a scaffold element 20 which is embodied by a vertical pole here. On each of its ends, the scaffold crossbar 1 has two connection points to a scaffold element 20. Higher up on the scaffold element 20, respectively one crossbar support interface 202 is disposed which is implemented as a connecting disc here. On each of its ends, the scaffold crossbar 1 is positively connected to a crossbar support interface 202 of the scaffold element 20 at one of its connection interfaces 21. Below the crossbar support interface 202, the scaffold crossbar 1 is positively and non-positively attached to the outer circumferential surface of a scaffold element 20 by means of a fastener 41, 42, respectively. Between the crossbar support interfaces 202, the scaffold element 20 is formed by a cylindrical pole 201. In the illustrated embodiment, this pole 201 has a cylinder-shaped outer shell. The fasteners 41, 42 engage around this smoothly implemented, cylindrical surface of the scaffold elements 20 and clamp them in the gripping space GR. No special interfaces for the connection to the fasteners 41, 10) 42 are provided on the scaffold elements 20. Rather, the fasteners 41, 42 can be fixed in any position of the rod-shaped portions of the scaffold elements 20 between the crossbar support interfaces 202. There are respectively two connection points between the scaffold crossbar 1 and a scaffold element 20. Owing to this connection via two connection points between the scaffold crossbar 1 and a scaffold element 20, considerably higher forces and momentums can be transferred between the scaffold crossbar 1 and the scaffold element 20. Therefore, the illustrated scaffold section 100 has a considerably higher load-capacity and can absorb higher bending loads than a scaffold section in which, instead of the scaffold crossbar 1, a known horizontal crossbar is mounted which is connected to a scaffold element 20 at respectively one connection point.
[0073] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a scaffold crossbar 1 in a first embodiment according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 1. The scaffold crossbar 1 comprises a crossbar beam 2 oriented from the left to the right in the illustration. This crossbar beam 2 has a rod-shaped design and is formed by a pipe having a rectangular cross section here. The crossbar beam 2 extends along a longitudinal axis LA. On the two opposite ends of the crossbar beam 2, a connection interface 21 is disposed, respectively. Each of these connection interfaces 21 comprises two elements which are movable relative to each other. The connection interface 21 is provided for a positive connection to a scaffold element 20, for example, a vertical pole. However, the connection interface 21 may also have a rigid design such as, for example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In addition, the scaffold crossbar 1 comprises two additional connection points which are formed by the two fasteners 41 and 42. The crossbar beam 2 is fixedly connected to a first fastener 41 via a first bracket 31. Furthermore, the crossbar beam 2 is fixedly connected to a second fastener 42 via a second bracket 32. The first bracket 31 extends along a first bracket axis AA1, the second bracket 32 extends along a second bracket axis AA2. In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 31 and 32 are made of massive, plate-shaped elements made of an iron-based material. Alternatively, the two brackets 31 and 32 may also be formed by pipes. The brackets 31 and 32 are dimensioned so that a sufficient transfer of forces and momentums from the fasteners 41 and 42 to the crossbar beam 2 is possible. The two bracket axes AA1 and AA2 are respectively oriented at an identical angle W to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle W is about 60. However, the angle W may also assume other values which are from 1 to 89. The smaller the angle W is selected, the longer the brackets 31 and 32 have to be. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the two brackets 31, 32 are rigidly connected to the crossbar beam 2, respectively, so that the angle W is always constant. Alternatively, it is also possible that the brackets 31, 32 are movably connected to the crossbar beam 2. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each bracket 31, 32 has two opposite ends. One of these ends is connected to the crossbar beam 2, for example, by means of a weld connection or a joint. It is also possible to design this connection in another way, for example as a plug-in connection or screw connection. On the second end of a bracket 31, 32, a fastener 41, 42 is fastened, respectively. The fastener 41, 42 serves as an interface or connection point for connecting the scaffold crossbar 1 to a scaffold element 20. Each fastener 41, 42 comprises a support element 5 which is fixedly connected to the bracket 31, 32. Each support element 5 has a support surface 51 which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and faces outwards in the illustration, respectively. Below the support element 5, a gripping element 6 is disposed, respectively, which is also part of the fastener 41, 42 and is supported so that it is movable relative to the support element 5. The gripping element 6 protrudes beyond the support element 5 towards the outside in the direction of the longitudinal axis, respectively. On each gripping element 6, a gripping surface 61 is disposed which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and faces inwards in the direction the centre of the crossbar beam 2 in the illustration, respectively. Between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 of each fastener 41, 42, a gripping space GR is defined, respectively. Here, gripping space GR is to be understood to be the space which, in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, is defined by a support surface 51 and a gripping surface 61. Each gripping space GR extends along a gripper axis GA which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and located in a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes AA1, AA2. During the connection of a fastener 41, 42 to a scaffold element 20, the gripper axis GA is oriented so that it is at least parallel, preferably coaxial to the longitudinal axis or the central axis of the scaffold element 20. Each fastener 41, 42 further comprises a clamping element 7 which is movably connected to the support element 5 and the gripping element 6. During an operation of the clamping element 7, the gripping element 6 moves relative to the support element 5 so that the size of the gripping space GR also changes. The support element 5, the gripping element 6, and the clamping element 7 may have different designs. Details of the embodiment of these elements illustrated in FIG. 2 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described accordingly. Details relating to the design and the function of other embodiments of the fastener 41, 42 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 12 and described accordingly. In the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, a distance is present between each gripping surface 61 and the face side of the connection interfaces 21 located adjacent thereto in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Therefore, the gripping element 6 protrudes beyond the adjacent connection interface 21 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA on each side of the scaffold crossbar 1. This enables the connection interface 21 to be brought in abutment on a scaffold element 20 on one side and to engage around the gripping surface 61 of this scaffold element 20 on the opposite side during the connection to a scaffold element 20. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, the distance between the gripping surfaces 61 of the fasteners 41, 42 arranged opposite of each other is larger than the overall length of the crossbar beam 2 including its two connection interfaces 21. In the illustrated embodiment, this overall length of the crossbar beam 2 including its two connection interfaces 21 is equal to the distance between the two support surfaces 51. During a connection of the scaffold crossbar 1 to a scaffold element 20, the face side of a connection interface 21 is brought in abutment in the same position on the scaffold element 20 in the circumferential direction as the support surface 51. In all embodiments, the gripping surface 61 and/or the support surface 51, at least in sections, have a curved design, the axis of curvature being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA, parallel to the gripper axis GA. Preferably, the radius of curvature of this curvature is implemented so that it is similar or identical to the radius of the cross section of the scaffold element 20. In this way, an extensive abutment of the fastener 41, 42 on the scaffold element 20 is achieved. In the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastener 41, 42 is in the mounting position in which the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 is larger than the diameter of the scaffold element 20. In the mounting position, therefore, the scaffold element 20 can be introduced into the gripping space GR between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61. Starting from the illustrated mounting position, the clamping element 7 is then operated which results in a reduction of the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61. Consequently, the size of the gripping space GR is also reduced. A retaining position of the fastener 41, 42 is reached when the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 is equal to the diameter of the scaffold element 20. In the connected state, the scaffold element 20 is clamped in the gripping space GR by the fastener 41, 42 in the retaining position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the two brackets 31, 32 are located on the same side of the crossbar beam 2, and both face downwards in the illustration. Alternatively, the brackets 31, 32 may also be arranged on opposite sides of the crossbar beam 2. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0074] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, a scaffold crossbar 1 according to the first embodiment can be seen which is connected to a scaffold element 20 implemented as a vertical pole to form a scaffold section 100. Here, the visible connection interface 21 comprises a plurality of parts at least one part of which is implemented so that it is movable relative to the remaining scaffold crossbar 1. This connection interface 21 is introduced into a recess in the crossbar support interface 202. The crossbar support interface 202 is implemented as a connecting disc which can also be used to connect known horizontal crossbars to the scaffold element 20. The connection interface 21 is positively and non-positively connected to the crossbar support interface 202. A second connection point is formed by the connection between the illustrated fastener 42 and the scaffold element 20. Here, the fastener 42 engages around an outer shell of the scaffold element 20. No special interface for the connection to the fastener 42 is provided on the scaffold element 20. The fastener 42 comprises the support element 5 fixedly connected to the bracket 32 which is implemented as a plate here. This plate is oriented perpendicular to the bracket 32. The support surface 51 is oriented towards the right rear in the illustration and has a curved design. The radius of curvature of the support surface 51 is equal to the radius of the vertical pole which forms the scaffold element 20. Below the support element 5, the gripping element 6 supported so that it is movable relative to the support element 5 can be seen which, in sections, engages around the scaffold element 20. The gripping surface 61 also has a curved design and faces the front left in the illustration. The fastener 42 comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element 6 so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element 5, the direction of this linear movability being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated first embodiment, the clamping element 7, in sections, has a wedge-shaped design. The clamping element 7 is operated by a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. During the insertion of the clamping element 7 into the fastener 41 from the rear left to the front right, the gripping element 6 is linearly moved relative to the support element 5. In the process, the gripping surface 61 moves towards the support surface 51. The interaction of the clamping element 7, the support element 5, and the gripping element 6 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. In the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the orientation of the gripping surface 61 relative to the support surface 51 is identical in the retaining position and in the mounting position. The clamping element 7 has a protrusion protruding in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA on the side facing rearwards. On the side facing the front right, a pin which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and protrudes beyond the clamping element 7 on both sides in this direction is introduced into the clamping element 7. These two protruding portions cause the clamping element 7 to be movably but positively connected to the remaining portion of the fastener 42. In this way, the clamping element 7 cannot get lost when the scaffold crossbar 1 is in use.
[0075] FIG. 4 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section 100 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a portion of FIG. 3 from below as seen from the direction of the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. The movable gripping element 6 has a hook-shaped design. The gripping surface 61 is disposed in the interior of the hook-shaped portion facing towards the right and encompasses the scaffold element 20 at an angle of more than 90 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. The support element 5 disposed above it and partly hidden by the gripping element 6 encloses the scaffold element 20 and thus the gripping space GR at an angle of more than 45 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. Owing to the arrangement of the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 opposite of each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, the fastener 42 encloses the gripping space GR and therefore the introduced scaffold element 20 by more than 180 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA in the illustrated retaining position. In the illustrated retaining position, the fastener 42 is therefore both non-positively and positively connected to the scaffold element 20 which results in a particularly stable, tolerance-free connection. The bearing which supports the gripping element 6 so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element 5 is formed by a portion of the support element 5. This portion is illustrated in the cross section in FIG. 4 and comprises two guides between which the portion of the gripping element 6 facing towards the left is introduced in clearance fit. The gripping element 6 is therefore slidably supported in a portion of the support element 5. In the portion of the support element 5 forming the bearing, a through hole having a rectangular cross section is produced which extends through this portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and to the gripper axis GA. In the portion of the gripping element 6 introduced into the bearing and facing towards the left in the drawing, a recess is produced which also extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. As can be seen in the illustration, the right boundary of this recess is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis LA. However, the left boundary of this recess is oriented at an acute angle to the right boundary. Into this recess, and, at the same time, into the through hole in the bearing, the clamping element 7 is introduced. The clamping element 7 has a first lateral contour 71 which has a linear design and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. On the opposite side, the clamping element 7 is defined by a second lateral contour 72 which also has a linear design but is oriented at an acute angle to the first lateral contour 71. The first lateral contour 71 and the second lateral contour 72 together form a wedge-shaped portion. The first lateral contour 71 abuts on the right boundary of the through hole in the bearing which forms a portion of the support element 5. The second lateral contour 72 abuts on a portion of the gripping element 6 which is formed by the inclined left boundary of the recess in the gripping element 6. Owing to the interaction of the inclined portions of the clamping element 7 and the gripping element 6, the gripping element 6 is moved leftwards when the clamping element 7 is inserted, in the illustration from the bottom to the top. In this way, the distance between the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 decreases, and the scaffold element 20 is clamped in the fastener 42. In this first embodiment of a scaffold crossbar 1, the clamping element is operated in a simple manner, for example, by applying hammer blows onto the portion of the clamping element 7 facing downwards in FIG. 4. When the fastener 42 is to be retransferred from the retaining position to the mounting position the clamping element 7 is moved in the reverse direction, in the illustration from the top to the bottom.
[0076] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 5, only the lower portion of the bracket 31 and a fastener 41 are illustrated in connection with a scaffold element 20 implemented as a vertical pole. With regard to the remaining portion of the scaffold crossbar 1, FIG. 2 and the associated description are made reference to. The second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 is quite similar to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The fastener 41 comprises a support element 5 implemented as a plate which is fixedly connected to the bracket 31. In sections, the movable gripping element 6 has a hook-shaped design and engages around the scaffold element 20. In the second embodiment, the clamping element 7 is formed by a cam nut which is screwed onto a male thread disposed on the gripping element 6. Here, the clamping element 7 implemented as a cam nut is supported on the support element 5 on the side facing away from the support surface 51 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. For moving the gripping element 6, the support element 7 is rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. By the interaction of the male thread disposed on the gripping element 6 and the female thread in the clamping element 7, therefore, the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 is changed. The clamping element 7 implemented as a cam nut may either be rotated manually or operated by applying hammer blows onto the cams of the cam nut for clamping the scaffold element 20 between support element 5 and gripping element 6.
[0077] FIG. 6 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section 100 of FIG. 5. In this view, the scaffold section 100 is illustrated from below as seen from the longitudinal direction of the scaffold element 20. A curved support surface 51 abuts on an outer shell of the scaffold element 20 on the, in the illustration, right side. Under the support element 5, the gripping element 6 the, in the illustration, left side of which has a hook-shaped design and engages around the scaffold element 20 with a curved gripping surface 61 is illustrated in the cross section. In the illustrated retaining position, the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 enclose the gripping space GR and thus the scaffold element 20 by more than 180 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. The section of the gripping element 6 oriented towards the right in the illustration comprises a portion having a rectangular design which adjoins the hook-shaped section. On the right side of this portion having a rectangular design, a male thread extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. Similar to the first embodiment of FIG. 4, the bearing of the gripping element 6 is formed by a portion of the support element 5. This portion of the support element 5 is illustrated in the cross section and has a rectangular cross section. The section of the gripping element 6 having a rectangular design is introduced into the bearing formed by the support element 5 in clearance fit and therefore slidable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The clamping element 7 is implemented as a cam nut and has a female thread in its interior which is screwed onto the male thread on the gripping element 6 which faces towards the right. The surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of extension of the female thread in the clamping element 7 abuts on a surface of the support element 5 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA which is disposed on its side opposite of the support surface 51. During a rotation of the clamping element 7, its surface facing towards the left is supported on the surface of the support element 5 facing towards the right. In this way, the gripping element is pulled towards the right in the illustration during a rotation of the clamping element 7 so that the scaffold element 20 is positively and non-positively clamped in the fastener 41 between the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51.
[0078] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated third embodiment, the connection interface 21 is identical to the first and the second embodiment. However, the operating principle of the fastener 41 is different from the first and the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the fastener 41 comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element 6 so that it is rotatable relative to the support element 5 about an axis of rotation parallel to the gripper axis GA. Due to this, in the illustration, vertically oriented axis of rotation, the orientation of the gripping surface 61 relative to the support surface 51 is different in the illustrated retaining position and in the mounting position in which a scaffold element 20 such as the illustrated vertical pole can be introduced into the gripping space GR of the fastener 41. In the third embodiment, the bracket 31 is rigidly connected to the crossbar beam 2. During the fixation of the scaffold crossbar 1 on the scaffold element 20, first, the end of the connection interface 21 facing downwards in the illustration is introduced into a recess in the crossbar support interface 202 and moved downwards. For rendering the insertion of the scaffold element 20 into the gripping space GR possible, the gripping element 6, starting from the illustrated state, is transferred backwards into the mounting position. Then, the support element 5 rigidly connected to the bracket 31 is guided past the scaffold element 20 to introduce the scaffold element 20 into the gripping space GR. For rendering this insertion or pivoting of the fastener 41 around the scaffold element 20 possible, it is important that the support element 5 exhibits no or only an extremely small undercut. This is required because the position of the scaffold crossbar 1 relative to the scaffold element 20 is already determined by the connection interface 21 introduced into the crossbar support interface 202. In order to facilitate pivoting the fastener 41, a guide surface 52 is provided which can be seen in detail in FIG. 8. After the fastener 41 has been pivoted, the gripping element 6 is then rotated around the vertically oriented axis of rotation and transferred into the retaining position illustrated in FIG. 7. In the third embodiment, the clamping element 7 comprises a plurality of parts which are illustrated in detail in FIG. 8 and described accordingly.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the fastener 41 of FIG. 7 can be seen whereas the scaffold element 20 is not illustrated. The support element 5 is rigidly connected to the bracket 31 and comprises a support surface 51 having a curved design. Adjacent to this support surface 51, a planar guide surface 52 is disposed. This guide surface 52 guides the fastener 41 when the scaffold crossbar 1 is pivoted around a scaffold element 20. The guide surface 52 is inclined at an acute angle to a plane which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Here, the guide surface 52, starting from the adjoining support surface 51, is inclined away from gripping element 6 in the direction of the bracket 31. The curved support surface 51 is slightly set back in the direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the line in which the guide surface 52 and the support surface 51 adjoin. In this way, a slight undercut is formed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. When the scaffold crossbar 1 is pivoted around a scaffold element 20 this undercut can be attached to the scaffold element 20 due to tolerances and a slight elastic deformation of the scaffold crossbar 1. If this undercut in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA was larger a collision might occur when pivoting the scaffold crossbar 1 since the position of the scaffold crossbar 1 relative to the scaffold element 20 is predetermined by the connection between the connection interface 21 and the crossbar support interface 202. The position of the scaffold element 20 is usually not changeable either in an already partly assembled scaffold section 100. After the pivoting process in which the scaffold element slides along the guide surface 52, the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20 is oriented so that it is congruent with the gripper axis GA. In this state, the support surface 51 then encompasses the gripping space GR and therefore the scaffold element 20 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA at an angle not exceeding 90. In the third embodiment, the gripping element 6 is connected to the support element 5 by means of a hinge, the axis of rotation of this hinge being oriented parallel to the gripper axis GA. The gripping element 6 has a gripping surface 61 also having a curved design which encompasses the gripping space GR and therefore the scaffold element 20 contained therein at an angle of more than 180 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. In the retaining position of the fastener 41 illustrated in FIG. 8, it can be clearly seen that the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 surround the gripping space almost completely, at least at an angle of 270, in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. In this way, the fastener 41 renders an effective positive connection of the scaffold crossbar 1 to the scaffold element 20 possible. Here, the largest part of this positive connection is provided for by the movable gripping element 6. Alternatively, the curved support surface 51 may also be flush with the guide surface 52 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA so that there is no undercut of the support surface 51 with respect to the guide surface 52 at all in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. In the third embodiment, the clamping element 7 comprises an insertion element 73 which is arranged on the side of the gripping element 6 opposite of the bearing or the hinge so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the gripper axis GA. This insertion element 73 has an insertion cavity 731 which extends through the insertion element 73 in the direction of the gripper axis GA. In the illustrated retaining position, the insertion element 73 is passed through a groove which extends through the support element 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. However, with a rotation around its axis of rotation, the insertion element 73 can be pivoted out of this groove during a transition into the mounting position to render a rotational movement of the gripping element 6 away from support element 5 possible. The clamping element 7 further comprises a wedge element 74 which is introduced into the insertion cavity 731. The wedge element 74 comprises two planar surfaces arranged at an acute angle with respect to each other which are oriented towards the left and the right in the illustration. A first side of the wedge element 74 abuts on the surface of the support element 5 facing rightwards. A second side of the wedge element 74 opposite of the first side, on the other hand, abuts on a likewise inclined surface in the interior of the insertion cavity 731. Here, the inclination of this surface is equal to the angle of the first side relative to second side of the wedge element 74. When the wedge element 74 is moved downwards in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA this movement is translated into a movement of the insertion element 73 towards the right which results in the gripping element 6 being pulled towards the support element 5. In this way, the distance between the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 is reduced, and a scaffold element 20 introduced into the gripping space GR is clamped in the fastener 41.
[0080] In the first, the second, and the third embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1, the connection interfaces 21 always have an identical design. These connection interfaces 21 protrude beyond the crossbar beam 2 in the direction of the gripper axis GA and in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Here, a portion of each connection interface 21, starting from the crossbar beam 2, extends in the direction of the fastener 41, 42 arranged adjacent to or below it. This portion is positioned so that it is centred with respect to the crossbar beam and to a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes AA1, AA2. Here, each connection interface 21 has a part rigidly connected to the crossbar beam 2 and a part movable relative to this rigid part. The illustrated connection interfaces 21 are known from conventional horizontal beams and are provided for the connection to a recess in a crossbar support interface 202.
[0081] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 only differs from the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 in the implementation of the connection interface 21. The fasteners 41 and 42 of the fourth embodiment are identical in design with the fasteners 41 and 42 of the third embodiment. Therefore, the description relating to the third embodiment is made reference to with regard to the fasteners 41 and 42. The connection interfaces 21 of the fourth embodiment respectively comprise a smaller number of parts. Each connection interface 21 of the fourth embodiment protrudes beyond the side of the crossbar beam 2 oriented in the direction of the bracket 31, 32 in the direction of the gripper axis GA. However, the connection interface 21 is flush with the crossbar beam 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. In the fourth embodiment, the connection interface 21 is implemented so that it is symmetric to the longitudinal axis LA, part of the connection interface 21 respectively being located laterally adjacent to and fixed to the crossbar beam 2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. On each side of the crossbar beam 2, a plate-shaped mount 211 is attached which carries an insertion pin 212. The insertion pin 212 extends in a direction parallel to the gripper axis GA. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion pin 212 is implemented as a cylindrical pin halved in the longitudinal direction. The end of the insertion pin 212 facing downwards and protruding beyond the mount 211 is respectively introduced into a recess in the crossbar support interface 202. The two insertion pins 212 of a connection interface 21 together fix the scaffold crossbar 1 in the crossbar support interface 202 so that it is secured against a rotation around an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. In the fourth embodiment, the two insertion pins 212 are introduced into other recesses in the crossbar support interface 202 than the connection interfaces 21 of the other embodiments. The face side of the crossbar beam 2 has a curved surface which is adapted to the curvature of the scaffold element 2. In this way, the face side of the crossbar beam 2 extensively abuts on the outer shell of the scaffold element 20 in the mounted state illustrated in FIG. 9. The connection interface 21 used in the fourth embodiment has a simpler design and can be mounted faster than the connection interfaces 21 of the other embodiments. In turn, the connection interfaces 21 of the first, the second, and the third embodiment can, in addition, absorb torques around bending axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. However, in the fourth embodiment, bending momentums acting in this direction which act on the scaffold crossbar 1 or the scaffold element 20 can also be absorbed and transferred by the combination of the two connection points on one side of the scaffold crossbar, namely the connection interface 21 in combination with the fastener 41. Therefore, the load capacity and robustness of the scaffold section 100 are also considerably improved by the fourth embodiment as compared to the use of a known horizontal crossbar.
[0082] FIG. 10 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the scaffold element 20 is not indicated so that the connection interfaces 21 can be seen more clearly. It can be clearly seen that the face side of the crossbar beam 2 has a curved surface which is adapted to the curvature of the scaffold element 20. Moreover, it can be clearly seen that, symmetric to the longitudinal axis LA, respectively one mount 211 and an insertion pin 212 held by it are disposed on two sides of the crossbar beam 2. The surfaces of the mounts 211 and the insertion pins 212 facing the front left in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA are flush with the end face of the crossbar beam 2. Alternatively, these surfaces of the mounts 211 and the insertion pins 212 may also be set back relative to the end face of the crossbar beam 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. For connecting the connection interface 21 to a crossbar support interface 202, the two insertion pins 212 are positioned congruent to openings in the crossbar support interface 202, and then the entire scaffold crossbar 1 is moved vertically downwards so that the two insertion pins 212 enter the openings. The mounted end position is reached as soon as the surface of the mounts 211 facing downwards abuts on the surface of the crossbar support interface 202 facing upwards. Prior to this connection of the connection interface 21 to the crossbar support interface 202, the gripping element 6 of the fastener 41 is transferred into the mounting position in which it is folded away from the support element 5. The embodiment of the connection interface 21 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 can also be combined with the previously described first, second, and third embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1 and the associated embodiments of the fasteners 41 and 42.
[0083] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the previously described first, second, third, and fourth embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1, the bracket 31, 32 is supported so that it is rotatable relative to the crossbar beam 2 in the illustrated fifth embodiment. The axis of rotation of this bearing is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. Owing to the bearing, the angle W between the longitudinal axis LA and the bracket axis AA1, AA2 is variable. The movable support of the bracket 31, 32 results in that the fastener 41, 42 can be connected to the scaffold element 20 after the connection of the connection interface 21 to the crossbar support interface 202. In this way, collision problems between the scaffold crossbar 1 and the scaffold element 20 during the connection of these components are avoided. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing between the crossbar beam 2 and the bracket 31, 32 is formed by a hinge. In the illustrated fifth embodiment, the fastener 41, 42 is formed by a known scaffold coupling which is fixedly connected to the end of the bracket 31, 32 disposed opposite of the crossbar beam 2. The support element 5 and the gripping element 6 are respectively formed by a half shell, the gripping element 6 being supported so that it is rotatable relative to the support element 5 about an axis of rotation which extends parallel to the gripper axis GA. The gripping surface 61 as well as the support surface 51 have a curved design and, in the illustrated retaining position, engage around the scaffold element 20 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA by respectively more than 90. In this way, the scaffold element 20 is enclosed by the fastener 41, 42 in a large portion of its circumference in the illustrated retaining position. In this way, a particularly good positive connection between the components is given. Despite the severe undercuts in the curved portions of the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61, the installation of the fastener 41, 42 is possible by pivoting the bracket 31, 32 around the bearing towards crossbar beam 2 during the installation of the fastener 41, 42. The clamping element 7 is described in connection with FIG. 12. In the retaining position illustrated in FIG. 11, the connection interface 21 and the fastener 41 are fixedly connected to the scaffold element 20. Notwithstanding the movable support of the bracket 31, an improved transfer of forces and momentums between the crossbar beam 1 and the scaffold element 20 is possible via the two connection points. The illustrated fifth embodiment is attachable to an already existing scaffold section 100 in a particularly easy manner, particularly when the spatial conditions are limited, for example by a plurality of horizontal beams already connected to a scaffold element 20.
[0084] FIG. 12 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, the fifth embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1 is illustrated without the scaffold element 20. It can be clearly seen that both the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 have an undercut. In this embodiment, the clamping element 7 is formed by a bolt 75 and a clamping nut 76. The bolt 75 is supported on the support element 5 so that it is pivotable about an axis parallel to the gripper axis GA. The gripping element 6 has a groove which, in the illustrated retaining position, extends through the gripping element 6 parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. For connecting the fastener 41, 42, the bolt 75 is introduced into the groove in the gripping element 6, and then the clamping nut 76 is screwed onto a male thread applied to the bolt 75 and tightened. Here, the clamping nut 76 abuts on a surface of the gripping element 6 which is disposed opposite of the support element 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. By tightening the clamping nut 76, the gripping surface 61 is moved towards the support surface 51. With the operation the clamping nut 76, the scaffold element 20 is clamped between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 in a simple manner. The movable bearing of the bracket 31, 32 of the fifth embodiment can also be combined with the fasteners 41, 42 of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The illustrated sixth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in terms of the orientation of the brackets 31, 32 relative to the crossbar beam 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 31, 32 are located on opposite sides of the crossbar beam 2 with respect to a plane which extends through the longitudinal axis LA and is oriented perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. Here, the two bracket axes AA1 and AA2 are disposed in a common plane. The illustrated sixth embodiment also renders a connection of the scaffold crossbar 1 to a scaffold section 100 at four connection points possible. Owing to the opposing arrangement the brackets 31, 32, collisions with other components of the scaffold section 100 can be avoided. For example, another scaffold element could be mounted on the crossbar support interface 202 of the scaffold element 20 illustrated on the right side below the already mounted scaffold crossbar 2, a collision with the bracket 32 and the fastener 42 being impossible. The illustrated sixth embodiment can also be combined with the various fasteners 41, 42 of the first, the second, the third, the fourth, and the fifth embodiment. In addition, the sixth embodiment can also be combined with a movably supported bracket 31, 32 according to the fifth embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a scaffold crossbar 1 involving an alternative connecting technique. In FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a scaffold crossbar 1 is illustrated which, like the previously described embodiments according to the invention, comprises altogether four connection points for the connection to a scaffold element 20, particularly a vertical pole. In the illustrated alternative connecting technique, the scaffold crossbar 1 does not comprise a fastener 41, 42. Instead, an insertion element 91, 92 is disposed on each bracket 31, 32 on its end disposed opposite of the crossbar beam 2. This insertion element 91, 92 is provided for the connection to a cavity K disposed on a scaffold element 20. Each insertion element 91, 92 includes a protrusion V which protrudes into the plane defined by the two bracket axes AA1, AA2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, this protrusion V has a rectangular cross section. Adjacent to each protrusion V, an abutment surface AF oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA is disposed. This abutment surface AF is oriented perpendicular to the plane which is defined by the two bracket axes AA1 and AA2. The abutment surface AF is set back with respect to and disposed directly adjacent to the protrusion V.
[0087] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a scaffold element 20 having an additional cavity K. The illustration shows a scaffold element 20 implemented as a vertical pole which, in its upper section, comprises a crossbar support interface 202 in the form of a connecting disc. Below this crossbar support interface 202, a cavity K is disposed outside of the outer shell of the pole 201. This cavity K is disposed between the outer shell of the pole 201 and an inner surface of a ring 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring 203 encloses the pole 201 around its entire circumference. The ring 203 may be connected to the pole 201 by means of, for example, a weld connection. Between the ring 203 and the pole 201, the cavity K having a rectangular cross section extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. The shape and size of the cavity K are implemented so that a protrusion V of the scaffold crossbar 1 according to the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 is insertable into the cavity K in clearance fit. The ring 203 may be attached as early as during the production of the scaffold element 20 or subsequently retrofit on an already existing scaffold element 20.
[0088] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 14 and the scaffold element of FIG. 15. In FIG. 16, the mounted state of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 14 and the scaffold element 20 of FIG. 15 can be seen. The protrusion V of the insertion element 92 is positively introduced into the cavity K. The connection interface 20 is connected to the crossbar support interface 202. In the illustrated mounted state, the abutment surface AF abuts on the surface of the ring 203 facing upwards adjacent to the cavity K. In the illustrated alternative embodiment, the connection point which is formed by a protrusion V and a cavity K is connectable and disconnectable in a simple manner. The alternative embodiment also renders an, as compared to a known horizontal crossbar, improved transfer of momentums in a scaffold section 100 possible.
