Patent Application
20250207415
The present application claims the priority of German patent application no. 2022 107 159.6, filed on Mar. 25, 2022, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into the present document.
The invention relates to a vertical post for a scaffold, in particular a modular scaffold, and to a scaffold, in particular a modular scaffold, with a corresponding vertical post. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a vertical post is proposed.
To enable rapid assembly and disassembly of a scaffold, prefabricated, standardized scaffolding components are usually used. The scaffolding components are connected to each other using standardized connector elements and/or connection nodes that ideally allow connections from different spatial directions. The scaffolding components can thus be assembled into complex surface or spatial scaffolds.
The higher the scaffold, the greater the loads acting on the scaffold components and their connections. In particular, overloading can occur at the connection between a horizontal ledger and a vertical post, which means that limits are set to the maximum scaffold height. To remedy this, a vertical post can be used that is made of a tube with an increased outer diameter and/or increased wall thickness. However, this measure leads to an increased weight of the vertical post, making it more difficult to handle.
A vertical scaffold tube is known from EP 0 990 748 A1, to which at least one holding device is attached, in which horizontal and/or diagonal scaffold tubes can be hooked in. To improve the load-bearing capacity of the vertical scaffold tube, it is reinforced in the area where the holding device is attached. This means that the scaffolding tube is only locally reinforced, so that the weight increases only insignificantly. Various measures are proposed for local reinforcement, but these either lead to changes in the external dimensions of the vertical scaffolding tube, so that compatibility with other standardized scaffolding components is no longer guaranteed, or they are complex and therefore costly.
The present invention is therefore concerned with the object of improving the load-bearing capacity of a vertical post in such a way that the disadvantages mentioned above do not occur.
The solution of the object is a vertical post, a scaffold and a method for manufacturing a vertical post. Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the respective sub-claims.
A vertical post for a scaffold is proposed, in particular for a modular scaffold. The vertical post comprises a tube with a longitudinal axis A, which in at least one tube section has an external connector element for connecting the vertical post to a horizontal ledger and an internal reinforcing element for reinforcing the tube section in a contact area of the vertical post with the horizontal ledger. The reinforcing element is elongated and extends transversely to the longitudinal axis A from a first wall area to a second wall area of the tube, which is preferably diametrically opposed to the first wall area.
With the help of the reinforcing element extending from the first wall area to the second wall area, the vertical post is locally reinforced. The vertical post is thus able to absorb high loads that are applied in the contact area by the adjacent horizontal ledger. Accordingly, the load-bearing capacity of the vertical post increases. At the same time, the risk of deformation of the vertical post in the contact area with the horizontal ledger due to excessive loads is reduced.
Since the vertical post is particularly exposed to increased pressure due to the adjacent horizontal ledger, the reinforcing element extends preferably parallel to the horizontal ledger. Furthermore, the reinforcing element is arranged in extension of the horizontal ledger. The compressive force applied via the horizontal ledger is then absorbed directly by the reinforcing element. For example, the reinforcing element can be arranged in such a way that, in the plan view, a longitudinal axis of the reinforcing element coincides with a longitudinal axis A′ of the horizontal ledger. In this case, the longitudinal axis A′ preferably intersects the longitudinal axis A of the tube of the vertical post. The reinforcing element then extends from a first wall area to a second wall area of the tube that is diametrically opposed to the first wall area, so that the tube is optimally reinforced and/or stiffened.
The merely local reinforcement of the vertical post by the reinforcing element increases the weight of the vertical post only insignificantly, even if the vertical post is locally reinforced in several contact areas and/or in several tube sections by reinforcing elements. The single or multiple reinforced vertical post thus remains easy to handle. Since the at least one reinforcing element is also arranged on the inside, the external dimensions of the vertical post remain unchanged. In this way, the compatibility of the vertical post with other standardized scaffolding components is maintained.
The vertical post can be reinforced with the aid of at least one reinforcing element in a simple and cost-effective manner. This applies in particular if a simple bolt or pin is used as the reinforcing element. The reinforcing element can also be a simple elongated plate that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis A in a web-like manner from the first wall area to the second wall area.
An opening is advantageously formed in the first wall area and/or in the second wall area, in which opening the end of the reinforcing element is received. In this way, a form fit is achieved between the reinforcing element and the tube, which holds the reinforcing element in position. An opening is preferably formed both in the first wall area and in the second wall area, in each of which openings the end of the reinforcing element is let. Furthermore, preferably, at least one opening is formed in such a way that it passes through the wall of the tube. The reinforcing element can thus be inserted from the outside into the opening and thus into the tube section to be reinforced when the vertical post is being manufactured. This facilitates the manufacture of the vertical post. If, in addition, the reinforcing element remains visible from the outside, the vertical post can be identified at any time on a construction site as a locally reinforced vertical post.
Preferably, the length of the reinforcing element is not chosen to be greater than the pipe diameter of the vertical post, so that it is ensured that the reinforcing element does not protrude outwards. This is because the external dimensions of the vertical post should not be changed by the reinforcing element. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the reinforcing element corresponds to the pipe diameter of the vertical post, so that the reinforcing element is flush with the pipe diameter. In this way, recesses in which surface water can collect are avoided.
Furthermore, the shape of the opening receiving the reinforcing element is preferably adapted, at least in sections, to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing element. In this way, the form fit between the reinforcing element and the tube can be optimized so that the reinforcing element is securely held in the opening. If, for example, the reinforcing element has a circular cross-section, the opening can also be circular or at least shaped as a semicircle, for example as an elongated hole with a semicircular end section for the reception of the reinforcing element. A circular cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing element allows the use of a simple bolt as the reinforcing element. However, a variety of other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable.
The reinforcing element is preferably made of steel, as steel has a high strength.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the reinforcing element be firmly connected to the tube of the vertical post, preferably by welding. The fixed connection, in particular the welding, ensures that the reinforcing element is held in the tube of the vertical post in a manner secure against loss. This is particularly advantageous when assembling and dismantling a scaffold with the aid of a vertical post according to the present invention. If at least one opening receiving the reinforcing element is designed in such a way that the opening passes through the wall, the welding can be easily carried out from the outside.
Furthermore, the reinforcing element is preferably arranged at an axial distance from the connecting element. This means that the height of the reinforcing element and the height of the connecting element differ. Thus, a conventional vertical post can be retrofitted and thus reinforced with at least one connector element for connection to a horizontal ledger. Preferably, at least one reinforcing element is arranged above and/or below the connector element with respect to the final installation position of the vertical post. This applies in particular if the contact area of the horizontal ledger extends from above the connector element to below the connector element or if a first contact area is located above and a second contact area is located below the connector element. The vertical post is then reinforced at the particularly loaded and thus critical points.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tube section of the vertical post is reinforced by a plurality of reinforcing elements in the contact area with the horizontal ledger. Since at least two horizontal ledgers, which are arranged in a scaffolding level and extend transversely to one another, are usually connected to the vertical ledger via the connector element, the vertical post can be reinforced in this way in each contact area with a horizontal ledger. Preferably, the plurality of reinforcing elements are arranged offset with respect to one another in terms of their height and/or angular position. The plurality of reinforcing elements can be arranged in a cross-shaped or star-shaped manner by means of the height and/or angular offset, so that the vertical post is optimally reinforced in the various contact areas with one and/or more horizontal ledgers.
Preferably, each reinforcing element is received in an opening at each of its two ends, so that there are always at least two openings lying opposite each other. Accordingly, where there are two reinforcing elements arranged in a cross shape, four openings are to be provided in the tube at the same angular distance from each other, so that two openings lie opposite each other in each case. To simplify the insertion of cross-shaped or star-shaped reinforcing elements, the openings should preferably not only be offset in terms of angle, but also in terms of height. The height offset can be chosen to be so small that the reinforcing elements touch each other.
Since each horizontal ledger adjoining the vertical post can have several contact areas with the vertical post, openings for the reception of reinforcing elements are preferably provided above and below the rosette-like connector element of the vertical post. These are preferably arranged where the largest pressure points of the horizontal ledger abutting the vertical post are located. These can be exactly one above the other, so that in this case the openings for receiving the reinforcing elements are arranged above and below the rosette-like connector element in the same angular position. This means that the openings and the reinforcing elements received therein above and below the rosette-like connector element are also exactly one above the other in the floor plan projection.
In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the connector element for connecting the vertical post to the horizontal ledger is rosette-like and has at least one reception opening for receiving connecting means of the horizontal ledger. The rosette-like connector element is preferably arranged coaxially or concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis A on the tube of the vertical post, so that there are connection options for connecting horizontal transoms from different directions. Furthermore, the connector element preferably has several reception openings, arranged at the same angular distance from one another, for receiving connecting means of horizontal ledgers. In addition, the connector element can have further recesses that provide connection options for further scaffolding components.
Preferably, the proposed vertical post has a plurality of rosette-like connector elements distributed over the length of the vertical post, that is, arranged in different tube sections. This increases the connection options on the vertical post. Preferably, all tube sections in which a rosette-like connector element is arranged are reinforced by at least one reinforcing element received in the tube. Preferably, at least one reinforcing element is arranged above and below a rosette-like connector element.
Since the preferred area of application of a vertical post according to the present invention is a scaffold, in particular a modular scaffold, a scaffold, in particular a modular scaffold, is also proposed with a vertical post according to the present invention and a horizontal ledger. The horizontal ledger is connected to the vertical post by means of the connector element of the vertical post. The fact that the vertical post according to the present invention is locally reinforced in the area of contact with the horizontal ledger increases the load-bearing capacity of the vertical post. This means that the horizontal ledger is better able to bear loads, in particular compressive loads. As a result, the risk of the vertical ledger deforming under load is reduced.
In the proposed scaffold, the connector element is preferably designed in the form of a rosette and the horizontal ledger comprises connecting means which engage in at least one receiving opening of the connector element. The connecting means may comprise a wedge element for locking the connecting means within the receiving opening of the connector element, so that the undesired slipping out of the connecting means from the receiving opening is prevented. For example, the wedge element can be hammered in from above after the connecting means have been inserted into the receiving opening.
The horizontal ledger preferably rests against the vertical post in the contact area via its connecting means and/or an end face area, which is preferably concave in shape. This means that the vertical post can also have several contact areas with the horizontal ledger. For example, in a first contact area, the horizontal ledger can rest against the vertical post via a preferably concave end surface area, wherein the first contact area is preferably arranged above the connector element receiving the connecting means of the horizontal ledger. In a second contact area, which is preferably arranged below the connector element, the horizontal ledger can rest against the vertical post via its connecting means. The load applied from the horizontal ledger to the vertical ledger is thus distributed, which also has a favorable effect on the load-bearing capacity of the vertical post. Furthermore, the vertical post is locally reinforced in both contact areas by an internal elongated reinforcing element. In this respect, the two reinforcing elements are arranged at an axial distance from each other, so that a first reinforcing element is arranged above the connector element and a second reinforcing element is arranged below the connector element.
In addition, a method for manufacturing a vertical post for a scaffold, in particular for a modular scaffold, is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: providing a tube with a longitudinal axis A, fastening a connector element for connecting the vertical post to a horizontal ledger in at least one tube section of the tube, inserting an opening into a wall area of the tube section, wherein preferably the opening passes through the wall of the tube, inserting an elongated reinforcing element into the opening so that the reinforcing element extends transversely to the longitudinal axis A from the first wall area to a second wall area of the tube section, which is preferably located diametrically opposite the first wall area.
The sequence of the process steps can vary. For example, an opening can first be made in the pipe, the reinforcing element can be inserted and then the connector element can be attached to the pipe. The connector element can also be attached before the reinforcing element is inserted.
With the help of the reinforcing element, the load-bearing capacity of the vertical post can be improved because the reinforcing element extends from a first wall section of the pipe to a second wall section that is preferably diametrically opposed to the first wall section. The reinforcing element thus connects the two wall cross-sections, so that the load-bearing cross-section extends from the first wall area via the reinforcing element to the second wall section.
The reinforcing element and the connector element are preferably aligned with each other in such a way that, in the floor plan projection, a horizontal ledger connected to the vertical post via the connector element and the reinforcing element have a common longitudinal axis. This means that the reinforcing element is arranged in extension to the horizontal ledger. The load applied to the vertical post via the horizontal ledger can then be absorbed directly by the reinforcing element.
The fact that the reinforcing element is inserted into an opening means that it is held in the tube in a form-fitting manner. If the opening passes through the wall of the tube, the reinforcing element can be inserted from the outside, which considerably simplifies the production of the vertical post. Furthermore, the opening, which is visible from the outside, and the reinforcing element inserted in it can later be used to identify the vertical post as a reinforced vertical post.
In the second wall area, a further opening is preferably formed and the reinforcing element is inserted at its end into the further opening. The reinforcing element is then received at each of its two ends in an opening of the tube and is thus optimally held in the tube. The further opening can likewise pass through the wall of the tube, so that both openings and both ends of the reinforcing element inserted therein remain clearly visible for identification of the vertical post.
It is advantageous if the reinforcing element is firmly connected to the tube of the vertical post, preferably welded. This ensures that the reinforcing element is permanently held in the tube in a non-losable manner. This applies in particular if the reinforcing element is inserted from the outside into the at least one opening in the wall of the tube. The firm connection, in particular the welding, prevents the reinforcing element from slipping out of the opening, for example during the assembly or disassembly of a scaffold. The reinforcing element is preferably welded to the tube at both of its ends, in particular if both ends of the reinforcing element are received in openings of the tube. The welding can then be easily carried out from the outside.
If the reinforcing element is to be welded to the pipe, a reinforcing element can be used that has a recess in at least one end section. The welding can then be carried out in the area of the recess, so that the weld seam remains within the recess and does not protrude outwards. The weld seam can also be designed and arranged in such a way that the recess is no longer visible after welding. To form the recess, for example, the reinforcing element can be designed with a stepped end.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the shape of the at least one opening for the reception of the reinforcing element be adapted, at least in sections, to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing element. Any end recess in the reinforcing element for the reception of welding material is not taken into account here, as otherwise the recess can no longer fulfill its purpose. As an alternative or supplement to the end recess of the reinforcing element, the opening receiving the reinforcing element can be made larger in sections, so that the weld can be placed in this area. For example, the opening can be designed as an elongated hole whose shape is adapted, at least in sections, to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing element.
The at least one opening for receiving the reinforcing element is preferably made in the tube section at an axial distance from the connector element, so that, according to the insertion of the reinforcing element into the at least one opening, the tube section is locally reinforced above or below the connector element with respect to the final installation position of the vertical post. The exact position depends on the position of the contact area of the vertical post with the horizontal ledger, which is connected to the vertical post via the connector element. For example, the horizontal ledger can have connective means that can be brought into engagement with a receiving opening of the connector element, which rests against the vertical post below the connector element. Alternatively or in addition, the horizontal ledger can have an end face area that rests against the vertical post above the connector element. If the latter is the case, the end face area is preferably concave in shape to increase the contact area and improve the load distribution.
Since the vertical post can have several contact areas with the horizontal ledger, a further development of the invention proposes that the vertical post be locally reinforced both above and below the connector element for connecting the horizontal ledger to the vertical post. This means that at least one opening for receiving a reinforcing element is made in the tube both above and below the connector element. If the connector element is not attached to the tube until after the opening has been made, the later position of the connector element must be taken into account when making the openings.
The connector element may, for example, be a rosette-like connection plate that is arranged coaxially or concentrically with respect to the pipe and allows the connection of several horizontal ledgers from different directions via several receiving openings arranged at equal angular distances from one another. In this way, for example, two horizontal ledgers running perpendicular to one another can be connected to the vertical post via the connector element.
As a further training measure, it is therefore proposed that several openings for the reception of several reinforcing elements be made in the tube section of the vertical post, which are arranged offset with respect to one another with respect to their height and/or angular position. This enables a cross-shaped or star-shaped arrangement of several reinforcing elements, so that these can each be arranged in the extension of a horizontal ledger. In this way, the various connection options offered by the connector element are optimally accommodated.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vertical post has two reinforcing elements running perpendicular to each other both above and below the connector element, which are arranged slightly offset from each other in their height position so that they can be guided past each other. In the plan view, this results in a cross-shaped arrangement. In the final installation position of the vertical post, the longitudinal axes of the reinforcing elements preferably coincide with the scaffold axes.
To expand the connection options on the vertical post, it is also proposed that several rosette-like connector elements be arranged along the length of the vertical post. Preferably, all tube sections that have rosette-like connector elements are then locally reinforced with the help of at least one reinforcement element accommodated in the tube.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in more detail in the following with the help of the attached figures. These show:
The vertical post 10 according to the present invention, shown in
Above and below the connector element 20, openings 16 are provided in the tube section 12, which in the present case are designed as an elongated hole. A bolt-like reinforcing element 30 is inserted into each of the openings 16, which runs transverse to the longitudinal axis A of the tube 11. The openings 16 each pass through the wall of the tube 11, so that the reinforcing elements 30 can each be inserted into the openings 16 from the outside. By forming the openings 16 as slots, the reinforcing elements 30 inserted therein can be easily welded to the tube 11. The welding ensures a firm connection between the reinforcing elements 30 and the vertical post 10, so that the reinforcing elements 30 do not fall out of the openings 16. As can be seen from
The position of the reinforcing elements 30 is predetermined by a contact area 13 of the vertical post 10 with a horizontal ledger 40, which is later connected to the vertical post 10 via the connector element 20. The two reinforcing elements 30 arranged above and below the connector element 20 run parallel to each other. This means that the openings 16 are located above one another at an axial distance from one another. The same applies to one of the four receiving openings 21 of the connector element 20, so that it is ensured that the horizontal ledger 40 connected thereto comes to rest in the contact areas 13 on the vertical post 10. The vertical post 10 is thus locally reinforced by the reinforcing elements 30 in the contact areas 13.
When the horizontal ledger 40 is attached, at least the openings 16, which are designed as slots, remain visible. The two reinforcing elements 30 are received in these openings. This means that it is visible to everyone that the vertical post 10 of the scaffold 100 is locally reinforced.
In
The rosette-like connector element 20 shown also allows two further horizontal ledgers 40 (not shown) to be connected, which run transversely to the horizontal ledger 40 so that they connect to the vertical post 10 from above or below-based on
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 107 159.6 | Mar 2022 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/056452 | 3/14/2023 | WO |
