Connecting element and framework system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- AU2025219700
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-06
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Connecting Element and Scaffolding System The present invention relates to a connecting element for fastening a panel element and a corresponding scaffolding system. So-called enclosure panels are known for scaffolding systems; these are attached, for example, to the exterior of a scaffolding, climbing formwork, or a building under construction or restoration to enclose the scaffolding or the building under construction or restoration, and can serve to ensure safety as well as provide privacy and / or protection from environmental influences, such as wind and sunlight. Such enclosure panels are typically installed using screw fastening, which, however, requires tools. Furthermore, the installation of such panels is often cumbersome and timeconsuming, and a wide range of products is necessary to meet diverse installation-specific requirements. Therefore, a simplified mounting system for such panels is desirable. It is an object of the invention to describe a connecting element and a scaffolding system that at least partially enable the aforementioned object of providing a simplified mounting system. The aforementioned object is achieved by the connecting element and the scaffolding system according to the independent claims and the aspects described herein. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, as well as in the figures and in the following description. According to a first aspect, a connecting element for fastening a panel element to a support comprises: - at least one receiving device for at least one securing element, wherein the receiving device is configured to fasten the connecting element to the support by means of the at least one securing element; and - at least one first stop element, wherein the at least one first stop element has at least one stop for at least one tobe-fastened panel element. An advantage of this is that it provides a simple and quick-to-install method for fastening a panel element to a support. This enables simplified installation compared to known systems. The panel element is a unit of an enclosure intended to be attached to scaffolding to serve as a privacy screen, to protect workers, or to prevent falling objects from the scaffolding. Such a panel element comprises, for example, a frame and a screen secured within the frame. The securing element can be any type of securing element suitable for insertion into the receiving device, thereby fastening the connecting element to the support, for example by having the securing element also engage with the support. Examples of such securing elements include, among others, bolts, pins, square shanks, hexagonal shanks, polygonal shanks, screws, hooks, etc. For example, securing elements that can be inserted into the receiving device without tools, referred to here as sliding securing elements, may be used. The receiving device may be configured differently depending on the type of securing element. For example, if the securing element is a screw, the receiving device has a corresponding thread or an opening and, in addition, a nut. In other embodiments, the receiving device may also comprise only an opening or a cylindrical or square tube for inserting a sliding securing element. For example, the securing element is a bolt that is inserted into a corresponding receiving device and secured with at least one spring pin. The first stop element is, for example, designed in the form of a plate that has one or two surfaces serving as a stop for the to-be-fastened panel element. In this case, the plate, which serves as the stop element here, may have an opening to improve load distribution within the connecting element. In further embodiments, however, the first stop element may also have shapes other than that of a plate; for example, the first stop element may also comprise a beam or a round shape having one or more surfaces that serve as stops for panel elements. For example, a main extension plane of the at least one first stop element lies parallel to a main extension direction of the at least one securing element. By having a panel element rest against the stop of the stop element and fastening the connecting element to the support via the receiving device, panel elements can thus be easily fastened to the support. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element further comprises at least one second stop element, which has at least one additional stop for the support in an edge region facing the support. An advantage of this is that the connecting element can be securely mounted on the support. Furthermore, this configuration contributes to improved force transmission from the panel element to the support since in this configuration the load and / or external forces acting on the panels are not transmitted solely via the receiving device and the securing element. This reduces high, potentially damaging loads on the connecting element. The at least one second stop element may be a unit attached to the connecting element separately from the at least one first stop element, such as a connector arranged between the receiving device and the at least one first stop element, said connector being positioned such that the connecting element rests on a surface of the support with this connector. For example, this connector is designed in the form of a plate. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second stop element may also form a unit with the at least one first stop element. For example, the at least one second stop element may be configured as a notch in the at least one first stop element facing the support, such that the connecting element rests on a surface of the support at this notch. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device comprises at least one first plate having at least one first opening. An advantage of this is that it provides a simple and secure design for the receiving device. Furthermore, such a design enables straightforward and quick installation of the connecting element on the support. For example, a main extension plane of the at least one first plate lies perpendicular to a main extension plane of the at least one first stop element. For example, the main extension plane of the at least one first plate is additionally perpendicular to a surface of a support on which the connecting element is mounted. The at least one first stop element is, for example, arranged such that it abuts the at least one first plate in a central region thereof. Alternatively, the at least one first stop element is, for example, arranged such that an edge region of the at least one first plate abuts an edge region of the at least one first stop element. For example, the main extension plane of the at least one first plate is perpendicular to a main extension plane of the at least one first stop element and lies parallel to a surface of a support on which the connecting element is mounted. In this configuration, the at least one first plate can, for example, be fastened to the support by means of screws. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device comprises two first plates arranged parallel to one another, each first plate having at least one first opening. In this embodiment, at least one first opening in each of the two first plates is arranged such that a securing element can be inserted into a respective first opening of each of the two first plates. With such a configuration of the receiving device, the security and / or stability of the fastening of the connecting element to the support can be further increased. According to at least one embodiment, a distance between surfaces of the two first plates facing away from one another essentially corresponds to an internal distance of a double wall of the support or to a distance between surfaces of two adjacent supports facing each other. An advantage of this is that this configuration ensures a secure and essentially play-free fastening of the connecting element to the support. In the second configuration described above, in which the distance essentially corresponds to the distance between facing surfaces of two adjacent supports, the connecting element can be positioned on both of these adjacent supports by means of the securing element. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element comprises at least one mandrel extending in the direction of the at least one to-be-fastened panel element and being configured to engage with at least one opening of a frame element of the at least one panel element. An advantage of this is that it enables simple and quick installation of the panel element on the support via the connecting element. Furthermore, this improves the secure fastening of the panel element, particularly with regard to lateral (relative to the extension direction of the mandrel) locking of the panel element to the support. According to at least one embodiment, the mandrel is conical, chamfered, pyramidal, for example, octagonal pyramidal, or of any other shape. In particular, tapered shapes, such as the conical, pyramidal, or chamfered designs, have the advantage of facilitating the sliding of the panel element onto the mandrel, as it engages more easily with the opening of the frame element. According to at least one embodiment, a diameter of the at least one mandrel essentially corresponds to a diameter of the at least one opening of the frame element of the panel element. An advantage of this is that an essentially play-free connection between the panel element and the connecting element is achieved. The fact that the diameters of the at least one mandrel and the at least one opening are essentially the same implies that certain manufacturing tolerances or minor deviations exist to facilitate the insertion of the mandrel into the opening. This applies accordingly to all passages in this disclosure where comparable terms, in particular the term “essentially,” are used. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device is arranged such that the at least one mandrel is perpendicular to the at least one securing element provided for the at least one receiving device. An advantage of this is that improved force transmission between the panel element and the support is achieved via the connecting element. The fastening direction of the securing element to the support is perpendicular to an insertion direction of the panel element, so that forces arising during installation, in particular, can be appropriately absorbed by the securing element and transferred to the support. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element comprises exactly two mandrels that extend in opposite directions on opposite sides of the connecting element. An advantage of this is that a panel element can be attached to each of the opposite sides of the connecting element, thereby enabling panel elements to be easily strung together on the support. The two mandrels described here are, in at least one embodiment, two opposite ends of a single-piece element, such as a continuous pin. Alternatively, however, these two mandrels may also be separate elements, each attached to the connecting element, such as the first stop element. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device comprises at least one tube configured to receive the at least one securing element. An advantage of this is that it enables simple and quick installation, in particular tool-free installation. The tube may, for example, have a cylindrical or any polygonal shape. The securing element may be adapted to the shape of the tube; for example, in the case of a cylindrical tube, the securing element may be a cylindrical bolt, etc. According to at least one embodiment, the length of the tube essentially corresponds to an internal distance between double walls of the support or to a distance between facing surfaces of two adjacent supports. An advantage of this is that this configuration ensures a secure and essentially play-free fastening of the connecting element to the support. In the second embodiment described above, in which the length of the tube essentially corresponds to a distance between the facing surfaces of two adjacent supports, the connecting element can be arranged on both of these adjacent supports by means of the securing element. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element comprises a cover plate at an end facing away from the at least one receiving device, wherein a main extension surface of the cover plate extends perpendicular to a main extension direction of the at least one first stop element. An advantage of this is that, in an area where the connecting element is located, the cover plate improves protection against the ingress of dirt or other influences (such as snagging). In particular, since panel elements meet in the area of the connecting element and gaps between adjacent panel elements can arise due to their attachment to the connecting element, such protection against the ingress of dirt or other effects is advantageous in this area. The cover plate described here may be straight, curved, or partially curved / angled. According to at least one embodiment, the cover plate comprises at least one clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device configured to act on the at least one to-be-fastened panel element. An advantage of this is that it enables simple and quick, for example even tool-free, clamping, tensioning, and / or locking fastening of the panel element to the connecting element and thus to the support. Depending on whether a clamping fastening, a tensioning fastening, or a locking fastening is provided, corresponding provisions may be made on the panel element to cooperate with the respective fastening device on the cover plate. Any combination of clamping, tensioning, and locking devices may also be provided on the cover plate. For example, the cover plate features at least one angled edge region as a clamping device, wherein the at least one angled edge region is arranged on a side of the cover plate facing the at least one to-be-fastened panel element and is angled toward the at least one receiving device. The angled edge region thus forms a tab facing the panel element, which reaches behind the panel element and its frame element and can thereby be clamped to the connecting element. The angle at which the angled edge region is angled relative to a main extension plane of the cover plate may range from 1° to 180°. In particular, this angle may be essentially 90°. According to a second aspect, a scaffolding system comprises a support, at least one panel element, and at least one connecting element according to at least one of the embodiments according to the first aspect. The at least one connecting element is fastened to the support by means of at least one securing element inserted into the at least one receiving device. The at least one panel element comprises at least one frame element including at least one third stop element. The at least one panel element abuts against the at least one first stop element of the connecting element by means of the at least one third stop element. The scaffolding system described here enables, in particular, simple and rapid assembly of such a scaffolding system. Advantages and possible embodiments of the scaffolding system correspond to the advantages and possible embodiments of the connecting element described in detail above. The advantages, possible embodiments, and other details described above are not repeated here but apply accordingly. According to at least one embodiment, the scaffolding system comprises one connecting element and two panel elements. For example, both of these panel elements are attached to the single connecting element. According to at least one embodiment, the support is a climbing rail of a climbing system. An advantage of this is that the panel elements can thus be attached to a climbing system, and the enclosure climbs along with the climbing system. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one securing element has an insertion hole for at least one spring pin. An advantage of this is that the securing element itself can thus be secured in the receiving device. According to at least one embodiment, the support is doublewalled, and the at least one receiving device of the at least one connecting element is arranged between two walls of the support. An advantage of this is that the secure fastening of the connecting element to the support is further improved. For example, this prevents the connecting element from tilting between the two walls of the support. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element comprises at least one mandrel extending in the direction of the at least one to-be-fastened panel element. The at least one frame element further comprises at least one opening. The at least one panel element is pinned onto the at least one mandrel of the connecting element via the at least one opening in the at least one frame element. An advantage of this is that it enables simple and quick assembly of the scaffolding system. Furthermore, this improves the secure fastening of the panel element, particularly with regard to lateral (relative to the extension direction of the mandrel) locking of the panel element to the support. According to at least one embodiment, a main extension direction of the at least one mandrel of the at least one connecting element runs parallel to a main extension direction of the support. An advantage of this is that panel elements can be slid onto the connecting element in the direction of the main extension of the support. This further facilitates the installation of the panel elements. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one panel element has, on the at least one frame element, an edge profile that includes a protrusion extending perpendicular to the at least one first stop element of the at least one connecting element. An advantage of this is that the protrusion described here can prevent or reduce the ingress of dirt. Such protection against dirt ingress is particularly advantageous in the area of the connecting element where gaps between panel elements in the enclosure may occur. The at least one protrusion extends, in particular, in a region of the frame element that lies outside a region in which the connecting element itself extends. Alternatively, corresponding recesses for the connecting element may also be provided in the protrusion. If the connecting element is configured with at least one mandrel, the protrusion extends, in particular, parallel to a main extension direction of the at least one mandrel. In the case of a symmetrical configuration of the connecting element, which is suitable for receiving panel elements on opposite sides of the connecting element, the protrusion extends, for example, essentially up to a central axis of the connecting element. Thus, a possible gap between the panel elements in the area of the connecting element is largely or completely covered by two protrusions of two panel elements arranged on the connecting element. According to at least one embodiment, the protrusion of the edge profile of the at least one frame element of the at least one panel element has an edge region angled toward the at least one receiving device. An advantage of this is that it provides additional stability to the frame element, particularly its edge profile. The angled edge region is, for example, angled essentially at a 90° angle with respect to a main extension plane of the protrusion. In this way, the angled edge regions of panel elements arranged opposite one another on a connecting element lie parallel to one another and can thus form a homogeneous transition in the surface of the panel elements. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one connecting element comprises the cover plate with at least one clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device. The at least one panel element has an edge profile on the at least one frame element, wherein the edge profile includes, on a side of the edge profile facing the cover plate of the connecting element, a projection configured to act on the clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device of the cover plate. An advantage of this is that it enables a particularly secure fastening of the panel element to the connecting element. In particular, clamping, tensioning, and / or locking devices are provided that can be connected and released without tools. According to at least one embodiment, the edge profile of the at least one frame element has, on a side of the edge profile facing the support, a contact surface configured to rest on the support or on the at least one connecting element. An advantage of this is that a stable attachment of the panel element to the connecting element or the support is further improved. In this way, the panel elements can withstand even greater loads (for example, from wind acting on the panel elements). When combined with the clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device described above, such a support surface can further enhance the security of the fastening provided by that clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the accompanying figures and the following description. Elements with essentially the same function are given the same reference signs in the figures but need not be identical in every detail. Elements that appear repeatedly in the figures are named, assigned reference signs, and described in detail only upon their first appearance to ensure clarity in the figures and their description. However, the descriptions apply to all corresponding elements appearing in the other figures. In particular, the figures show two different exemplary embodiments of connecting elements. However, the various components of these connecting elements can be combined with one another in any manner. In the figures: Figure 1 shows a connecting element with a securing element according to a first exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 shows a detail of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a detail of a side view of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a panel element according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 5 shows a further detail of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a connecting element with a securing element according to a second exemplary embodiment; Figure 7 shows a detail of a side view of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows a further detail of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 6. Figure 1 shows a connecting element 1 with a securing element 2 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The connecting element shown here is used to fasten a panel element (not shown here) to a support (also not shown here). In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the connecting element 1 comprises two receiving devices 3 configured to receive the securing element 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the receiving devices 3 each consist of a first plate 4, each of which has a first opening 5. The first plates 4 of the two receiving devices 3 are parallel to one another. In all of the exemplary embodiments shown here, the securing element 2 is a bolt 6 that can be inserted into the first openings 5 of the first plates 4. In a first end region 7, the bolt 6 has a conical shape. Due to its conical design, this first end region 7 allows for easy insertion into the first openings 5. In a second end region 8, the bolt 6 has a head 9, with which the bolt 6 abuts against one of the first plates 4 when inserted. The bolt 6 also has a hole 10 in the first end region 7, into which a spring pin 11 can be inserted. In this way, when the bolt 6 is inserted into the receiving device 3 of the connecting element 1, it can be locked in place with the spring pin 11. Two stop elements 12 are attached to the first plates 4; here, they are each configured as second plates 13. The second plates 13 are perpendicular to the plates 4 and extend on opposite sides of the connecting element 1, offset at right angles to the first plates 4, and are primarily arranged, in the view shown here, in a horizontal plane above the first plates 4. Only the lower edge regions of the second plates 13, by which the second plates 13 are connected to the first plates 4, lie in the plane in which the first plates 4 are arranged. Surfaces of the second plates 13 facing away from one another form stops for panel elements not shown here. In the stop elements 12, recesses 14 are located that improve load distribution within the connecting element 1. The first recesses 14 are circular in shape here but may also have any other shape. Third plates 15 are arranged between the second plates 13; these feature second recesses 16, which also serve to improve load distribution. In the illustration shown in Figure 1, only one of these third plates 15 is primarily visible. A corresponding plate is located on the side of the connecting element 1 that is facing away here. The third plates 15 between the second plates 13 are perpendicular to the second plates 13 of the stop elements 12 and are angled at approximately 120° relative to the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3. The third plates 15 serve in particular to reinforce the stability of the connecting element 1. A pin 17 is arranged at one end of the second plates 13 of the stop elements 12 that faces away from the receiving device 3. The pin 17 extends across both second plates 13 and protrudes beyond each of them. At ends of the pin 17 facing away from each other, the pin features two conically shaped mandrels 18. The mandrels 18 are configured to engage with corresponding openings in panel elements adjacent to the connecting element 1 on opposite sides, which are not shown here. This is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. On the sides of the second plates 13 of the stop elements 12 facing the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3, these second plates 13 feature notches 19. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the notches 19 are rectangular in shape and are configured to form a stop for a contact surface of the connecting element 1 on a support not shown here. Figure 2 shows a detail of a scaffolding system 20 comprising the connecting element 1 according to Figure 1. Details already explained with reference to Figure 1 are not repeated here and apply accordingly. The detail shown in Figure 2 depicts a double-walled support 21 of the scaffolding system 20. The double-walled support 21 shown here has two walls 22 that are parallel to one another and are connected to each other by screws 23. Alternatively, the walls 22 may, of course, also be connected to one another in other ways, or two separate, for example single-walled, supports may be used instead of one double-walled support. The support 21 has second openings 24 in both walls 22 at regular intervals. The second openings 24 are designed and arranged such that any two second openings 24, one per wall 22, can accommodate the bolt 6 described with reference to Figure 1. In other words, any two second openings 24, one per wall 22, are arranged concentrically with respect to one another. The second openings 24 are also arranged in both edge regions of the support 21 extending along the walls 22, so that the connecting element can be arranged either on an upper side of the support 21, as shown here in Figure 2, or alternatively on a lower side of the support 21 opposite the upper side. This increases a flexibility of the construction of the scaffolding system 20. The connecting element 1, as described with reference to Figure 1, is placed on top of the support 21 in the detail shown in Figure 2. The connecting element 1 is placed on the support 21 such that the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3 rest, with their surfaces facing away from each other, against the inner surfaces of the walls 22 of the support 21 that face each other. The walls 22 each have two side pieces 25 that extend outward at right angles from the walls 22. In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the connecting element 1 rests on the upper side pieces 25 of the support 21 at the notches 19 of the second plates 13. The connecting element 1 is further arranged on the carrier 21 such that the first openings 5 in the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3 are essentially concentric with openings 24 in the walls 22 of the support 21. The tapered end shape of the bolt 6 allows the alignment of the connecting element 1 relative to the second openings 24 on the support 21 to be adjusted as the bolt is inserted, if the first and second openings 5, 24 are not already concentric. This simplifies the fastening of the connecting element 1 to the support 21. The arrangement of the connecting element 1 shown here also ensures that the connecting element 1 is mounted on the support 21 without play. The uniform distribution of the second openings 24 on the walls 22 allows the connecting element 1 to be fastened in numerous different positions, including on the side of the support 21 being the lower side in this figure. This makes it possible to use different sizes and types of panel elements. Alternative configurations regarding the arrangement of the second openings 24 are, of course, also possible. The detail of the scaffolding system 20 shown in Figure 2 also depicts a portion of a panel element 26. The panel element 26 comprises a frame element 27 and a so-called screen 28, i.e. a surface. The frame element 27 forms a circumferential mount for the screen 28. On a side of the frame element 27 facing the connecting element 1, an opening (not shown here) is arranged in the frame element 27 to receive the mandrel 18 pointing toward the panel element 26. This is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 3 shows a detail of a side view of the scaffolding system 20 according to Figure 2, featuring the connecting element 1 shown in Figure 1. The detail shown in Figure 3 provides a side view of the support 21 in an area where the connecting element 1 is attached to the support 21. In the view shown here, the bolt 6 is inserted into the second openings 24 in the walls 22 and into the first openings 5 in the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3. Figure 3 also shows the bolt 6 secured with the spring pin 11. Since the spring pin 11 is attached to a side of the support 21 facing away from the viewing plane, the spring pin 11 is indicated only by dashed lines. The first plates 4 of the receiving device 3 are also not in the viewing plane but lie behind the shown wall 22 of the support 21 and are therefore also indicated by dashed lines. The illustration in Figure 3 shows, in particular, one configuration of the frame element 27. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the frame element 27 comprises a horizontally oriented S-shaped edge profile 29. The S-shaped edge profile 29 is reinforced with a reinforcing element 30 on a side of the panel element 26 facing away from the support 21. The S-shaped edge profile 29 is attached to this reinforcing element 30 by means of a rivet 31. The reinforcing element 30 and a portion of the edge profile 29 that faces away from the support 21 and runs parallel to the support 21 form a protrusion 32 that protrudes from the frame element 27 toward the connecting element 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the connecting element 1 is designed to be symmetrical with respect to a central axis M. The protrusion 32 extends up to this central axis M. An angled edge region 33 is arranged at an end of the protrusion 32 facing away from the panel element 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the edge region 33 is arranged at a right angle to the protrusion 32. The edge profile 29 further includes a central wall 34, in which the opening is located with which the mandrel 18 of the connecting element 1 engages. A left-side panel element 26 is shown here in a state in which it has already been slid onto the left-side mandrel 18. In this state, the central wall 34 abuts the stop element 12 of the connecting element 1. By means of this stop and the mandrel 18 inserted into the opening of the edge profile 29, the panel element 26 is secured to the connecting element 1. A right-side panel element 26 is shown here during an assembly process. The right-side panel element 26 is designed to be axially symmetric to the left-side panel element 26 and is shown here being slid onto the right-side mandrel 18 of the connecting element 1 in the direction of an arrow 35. Figure 4 shows a complete panel element 26 according to an exemplary embodiment. The panel element 26 can, for example, be used with the connecting element 1 shown in Figure 1 or with the scaffolding system 20 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The panel element 26 shown here corresponds to the panel elements 26 described above and shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3. The panel element 26 shown here features the surrounding frame element 27, which serves as a mount for the screen 28. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a metal mesh is used as the screen 28, but any other types of screens, such as Plexiglas or other materials, may also be used. The edge profiles 29 described above are located on opposite transverse sides of the panel element 26. Each edge profile 29 includes the reinforcing element 30, the rivets 31, the protrusion 32, the angled edge region 33, and the central wall 34. Details regarding these elements have already been described elaborately above and will not be repeated here. The edge profiles 29 are designed to be mirror images of each other at both ends of the panel element 26, so that the panel element 26 can be positioned with both edge profiles 29 against separate connecting elements 1. By securing the panel element 26 on both sides between two connecting elements 1 in this manner, the panel element 26 can be fully attached to the support 21 without any additional tools. For example, a first connecting element 1 is first attached to the support 21, then the panel element 26 is slid onto the first connecting element 1, and finally a second connecting element 1 is inserted into the corresponding opening of the edge profile on a side of the panel element 26 opposite the first connecting element 1 and fastened to the support 21. In this way, multiple panel elements 26 can be fastened to the support in a row. This state is shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows another detail of a scaffolding system 20 with connecting elements 1 according to the exemplary embodiments described above. Figure 5 shows two parallel supports 21, to each of which panel elements 26 are fastened using corresponding connecting elements 1. In the view shown here in Figure 5, two connecting elements 1 can be seen. Additional such connecting elements 1 are located in areas on the supports 21 where panel elements 26 meet with their edge profiles 29. Between the panel elements 26 fastened to the supports 21, additional panel elements 26* are arranged, which are fastened to the panel elements 26 fastened to the supports 21. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the additional panel elements 26* are not themselves directly fastened to the supports 21 by means of connecting elements but are secured via their attachment to the remaining panel elements 26. Figure 6 shows a connecting element 1‘ with a securing element 2‘ according to a second exemplary embodiment. With regard to the connecting element 1‘ and securing element 2‘ shown here, the discussion focuses primarily on the differences from the exemplary embodiment of the connecting element 1 and securing element 2 described above. Other features and functions that are essentially the same are not repeated here and apply as described above. The securing element 2‘ here is also designed as a bolt 6‘ and differs from the securing element 2 described above mainly in that the securing element 2‘ does not have a head at one end of the bolt 6‘ but instead has holes 10‘ in both end regions 7‘ and 8‘ for receiving spring pins 11‘. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the securing element 2‘ can be locked in place on both sides by means of spring pins 11‘ on a support not shown here. The connecting element 1‘ shown here also features a receiving device 3‘ for the bolt 6‘. However, the receiving device 3‘ is designed here as a cylindrical tube 36 into which the bolt 6‘ can be inserted. The function of the receiving device 3‘ shown here otherwise corresponds to that of the receiving device 3 described above. With regard to the receiving devices 3, 3‘, it should also be noted that, although the figures shown here depict bolts as securing elements 2, 2‘ and correspondingly round receiving devices 3, 3‘, the receiving devices and securing elements may also be designed in any other shape. For example, a square shank, a hexagonal shank, a pin, screws, hooks, or any other securing elements and correspondingly designed receiving devices may be used. The connecting element 1 shown here also includes a stop element 12‘. The stop element 12‘ comprises a second plate 13‘, which, with its surfaces facing away from each other, serves as a stop for panel elements not shown here. The second plate 13‘ has a main extension surface that lies parallel to a main extension direction of the bolt 6‘ when it is inserted into the receiving device 3‘. A mandrel 18‘ is shown on the second plate 13‘. The mandrel 18‘ extends perpendicular from the second plate 13‘. A corresponding mandrel extending in the opposite direction is arranged on the side of the second plate 13‘ not shown here. The mandrel 18‘ is also configured here to engage with a corresponding opening in a frame element of a panel element. A fourth plate 37 is further arranged between the stop element 12‘ and the receiving device 3‘, with its main extension plane extending perpendicular to a main extension plane of the second plate 13‘. The fourth plate 37 forms, with a surface facing the receiving device 3‘, a stop for the connecting element 1‘ against a surface of a support, and, with a surface facing away from the receiving device 3‘, a contact surface for an edge profile of a panel element. This is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. A connecting piece 38 is also arranged between the fourth plate 37 and the cylindrical tube 36; it is configured to ensure a distance between the fourth plate 37 and the tube 36 corresponding to a distance between a surface of a support and openings in the support. The connecting piece 38 may be formed as a single piece with the second plate 13‘, with the fourth plate 37 surrounding this single-piece element, or it may consist of separate elements, each attached to the fourth plate 37. Alternative configurations are, of course, possible here, for example, by increasing the wall thickness of the tube 36 or by varying the distance between the openings in the support and the surface of the support. At one end of the connecting element 1‘ facing away from the receiving device 3‘, the connecting element 1‘ features a cover plate 39. A main extension surface of the cover plate 39 extends perpendicular to a main extension surface of the second plate 13‘. Opposite edge regions 40 of the cover plate 39 are angled relative to a main extension plane of the cover plate 39. In particular, the edge regions 30 that lie on the sides of the cover plate 39 toward which the mandrels 18‘ also extend, i.e., those on the sides of the cover plate 39 facing the tobe-attached panel elements—are angled. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, these angled edge regions 40 form a clamping device to which the panel elements can be clamped, as will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 7 shows a detail of a side view of a scaffolding system 20‘ with the connecting element 1‘ as shown in Figure 6. The detail shown in Figure 7 provides a side view of a support 21‘ in an area where the connecting element 1‘ is fastened to the support 21‘. The support 21‘ is designed identically to the support 21 described above. In particular, the support 21‘ is also double-walled, with a length of the tube 36 corresponding to an internal distance between the walls of the support 21‘. In the view shown here, the bolt 6‘ is inserted into the second openings 24‘ in the walls 22‘ and into the tube 36 of the receiving device 3‘. Furthermore, Figure 7 shows the bolt 6‘ fixed by means of the spring pin 11‘; the second spring pin 11‘ is located on a side of the support 21‘ facing away from the viewing plane and is not visible here. Figure 7 shows two panel elements 26‘ of the scaffolding system 20‘, wherein, as in Figure 3, a left-side panel element 26‘ is shown already fastened to the connecting element 1‘ and a right-side panel element 26‘ is shown during installation. The illustration in Figure 7 specifically shows a configuration of a frame element 27‘ of the panel elements 26‘. The frame element 27‘ is mounted on the screen 28‘ and, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, comprises an edge profile 41, which is attached to one end of each panel element 26‘ facing the connecting element 1‘. In the exemplary embodiment of the frame element 27‘ shown here, the edge profile 41 has a wall 46 facing the second plate 13‘ of the connecting element 1‘ and abutting the second plate 13‘ when installed. An opening is also provided in the wall 46 to receive the respective mandrel 18‘. At an end of the wall 46 of the edge profile 41 that faces away from the support 21‘, the edge profile features a projection 42 configured to reach behind the angled edge region 40 of the cover plate 39. At an end of the wall 46 of the edge profile 41 facing the support 21‘, the edge profile 41 has a contact surface 43 that runs parallel to the fourth plate 37 and rests on it when the panel element 26‘ is mounted on the connecting element 1‘. In this manner, that is, by the projection 42 reaching behind the angled edge region 40 and the contact surface 45 resting on the fourth plate 37, the panel element 26‘ is securely clamped to the connecting element 1‘ in the assembled state. This applies to both axially symmetrical edge profiles 41, with the rightside panel element 26‘ shown in an assembled state. In this process, the panel element 26‘ is tilted to achieve the described engagement and subsequent resting of the edge profile 41. This enables simple, tool-free installation of the panel element 26‘ onto the connecting element 1‘. Figure 8 shows another detail of a scaffolding system 20‘ with the connecting element 1‘ as shown in Figure 6, although the connecting element 1‘ is not visible in the illustration shown here. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, all panel elements 26‘ are fastened to two supports 21‘ by means of connecting elements 1‘. To this end, one connecting element 1‘ is arranged on each support 21‘ at the same height relative to the arrangement of the panel elements 26‘, such that each panel element 26‘ is hung on two connecting elements 1‘ on a first side, as described above. On a second side, two additional connecting elements 1‘ are then mounted and fastened to the supports 21‘ to fully secure the respective panel element. Alternatively, only one connecting element 1‘ can be fastened to the supports 21‘ on each side, for example in an alternating sequence. As can be seen in the illustration shown in Figure 8, a region of the edge profile 41 in which openings 45 for receiving the mandrels 18‘ are arranged extends across more than half of the side of the panel element 26‘ in a central region of that side. A plurality of openings 45 are arranged here on the edge profile 41, so that the panel elements can be fastened to supports 21‘ spaced at different intervals without having to provide differently configured panel elements 26‘. The exemplary embodiments described separately here can be combined with one another in any suitable manner. Furthermore, the elements described here as axially symmetric, in particular the connecting elements 1, 1‘ and the panel elements 26, 26‘, may also be formed on only one side, for example, for fastening a panel edge piece, or in areas where multiple panel elements are not to be mounted in a row. List of Reference Signs 1, 1‘ connecting element 2, 2‘ securing element 3, 3‘ receiving device first plate first opening 6, 6‘ bolt 7, 7‘ first end region 8, 8‘ second end region head 10, 10‘ hole 11, 11‘ spring pin 12, 12‘ stop element 13, 13‘ second plate 14 first recess 15 third plate 16 second recess 17 pin 18, 18‘ mandrel 19 notch 20, 20‘ scaffolding system 21, 21‘ support 22, 22‘ wall 23 screw 24, 24‘ second opening 25, 25‘ side piece 26, 26*, 26‘ panel element 27, 27‘ frame element 28, 28‘ screen 29 edge profile 30 reinforcing element 31 rivet protrusion edge region central wall arrow tube fourth plate connecting piece cover plate edge region edge profile projection contact surface wall opening central axis
Claims
1. A connecting element (1, 1‘) for fastening a panel element (26, 26‘) to a support (21, 21‘), the connecting element (1, 1‘) comprising:- at least one receiving device (3, 3‘) for at least one securing element (2, 2‘), wherein the receiving device (3, 3‘) is configured to fasten the connecting element (1, 1‘) to the support (21, 21‘) by means of the at least one securing element (2, 2‘); and- at least one first stop element (12, 12‘), wherein the at least one first stop element (12, 12‘) has at least one stop for at least one to-be-fastened panel element (26, 26‘).
2. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one second stop element (19), which has at least one additional stop for the support (21) in an edge region facing the support (21).
3. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one receiving device (1) comprises at least one first plate (4) having at least one first opening (5).
4. The connecting element (1, 1‘) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one mandrel (18, 18‘) extending in the direction of the at least one to-be-fastened panel element (26, 26‘) and being configured to engage with at least one opening (45) of a frame element (27, 27‘) of the at least one panel element (26, 26‘).
5. The connecting element (1, 1‘) according to claim 4, wherein a diameter of the at least one mandrel (18, 18‘)essentially corresponds to a diameter of the at least one opening (45) of the frame element (27, 27‘) of the panel element (26, 26‘).
6. The connecting element (1, 1‘) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one receiving device (3, 3‘) is arranged such that the at least one mandrel (18, 18‘) is perpendicular to the at least one securing element (2, 2‘) provided for the at least one receiving device (3, 3‘).
7. The connecting element (1, 1‘) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the connecting element (1, 1‘) comprises exactly two mandrels (18, 18‘) extending in opposite directions on opposite sides of the connecting element (1, 1‘).
8. The connecting element (1‘) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting element (1‘) comprises a cover plate (39) at an end facing away from the at least one receiving device (3‘), wherein a main extension surface of the cover plate (39) extends perpendicular to a main extension direction of the at least one first stop element (12‘).
9. The connecting element (1‘) according to claim 8, wherein the cover plate (39) comprises at least one clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device configured to act on the at least one to-be-fastened panel element (26‘).
10. A scaffolding system (20, 20‘) comprising a support (21, 21‘), at least one panel element (26, 26*, 26‘), and at least one connecting element (1, 1‘) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:- the at least one connecting element (1, 1‘) is fastened to the support (21, 21‘) by means of at least one securing element (2, 2‘) inserted into the at least one receiving device (3, 3‘);- the at least one panel element (26, 26‘) comprises at least one frame element (27, 27‘) including at least one third stop element (34, 44); and- the at least one panel element (26, 26‘) abuts against the at least one first stop element (12, 12‘) of the connecting element (1, 1‘) by means of the at least one third stop element (34, 44).
11. The scaffolding system (20, 20‘) according to claim 10, wherein the scaffolding system (20, 20‘) comprises two panel elements (26, 26*, 26‘) and one connecting element (1, 1‘).
12. The scaffolding system (20, 20‘) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein:- the connecting element (1, 1‘) is configured according to any one of claims 4 to 7;- the at least one frame element (27, 27‘) further comprises at least one opening (45); and- the at least one panel element (26, 26‘) is pinned onto the at least one mandrel (18, 18‘) of the connecting element (1, 1‘) via the at least one opening (45) in the at least one frame element (27, 27‘).
13. The scaffolding system (20, 20‘) according to claim 12, wherein a main extension direction of the at least one mandrel (18, 18‘) of the at least one connecting element (1, 1‘) runs parallel to a main extension direction of the support (21, 21‘).
14. The scaffolding system (20) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one panel element (26) has, on the at least one frame element (27‘), an edge profile (29) that includes a protrusion (32) extending perpendicular to the at least one first stop element (12) of the at least one connecting element (1).
15. The scaffolding system (20‘) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein:- the at least one connecting element (1‘) is configured according to claim 9; and- the at least one panel element (26‘) has an edge profile (41) on the at least one frame element (27‘), wherein the edge profile (41) includes, on a side of the edge profile (41) facing the cover plate (39) of the connecting element (1‘), a projection (42) configured to act on the clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device of the cover plate.
16. The scaffolding system (20‘) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the edge profile (41) of the at least one frame element (27‘) has, on a side of the edge profile (41) facing the support (21‘), a contact surface (43) configured to rest on the support (21‘) or on the at least one connecting element (1‘).