Modular framework

Abstract

Modular scaffold (1) comprising at least a number of scaffold uprights (2), a number of modular scaffold ledgers (3) and a number of perforated discs (8), as well as a number of walkways (4) that can be suspended from crossbeams (5) and a number of crossbeams (5) each for creating a horizontal connection between two scaffold uprights (2), wherein at least one crossbeam (5) consists of a main body (6) having a perforated disc coupling body (9) at each end, wherein the main body (6) forms a receptacle (7) usable for suspending one or more walkways (4) and the respective perforated disc coupling body (9) forms a suspension extension (10) of the receptacle (7), in particular such that the suspension extension (10) extends into an area that overlaps with the perforated disc (8) at which the perforated disc coupling body (9) couples.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular scaffold according to the preamble of claim 1 and a crossbeam according to the preamble of claim 9. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In the modular scaffolding market, a few scaffolding systems have become established, based on standardized components that can be assembled largely without tools, thus requiring only a few simple steps. A fundamental distinction is made between frame scaffolding and scaffolding systems that utilize individual vertical standards.

[0003] Frame scaffolding utilizes so-called vertical frames. A vertical frame consists of two vertical tubes, permanently connected at their top and bottom by a horizontal crossbeam, thus forming a rectangular frame. Work platforms can typically be hung from the upper horizontal crossbeam. The vertical frames have tenons on their upper sides, designed to fit into the underside of the vertical tubes of another vertical frame. In this way, multiple vertical frames can be stacked on top of each other to achieve the required scaffolding height on the construction site.

[0004] In scaffolding systems that utilize individual uprights (also called vertical standards), individual uprights, preferably vertical tubes, are used instead of vertical frames. These systems also incorporate two horizontal beams (also called crossbeams), which preferably connect two uprights, with a platform suspended from the upper crossbeam. The main difference from the frame scaffolding described above is that the two horizontal beams are not welded to the vertical standards, but are subsequently coupled to them and then usually wedged in place. These scaffolding systems also utilize additional modular ledgers.

[0005] These modular scaffold beams are usually poles that serve laterally on the long side of the scaffold as horizontal connectors and thus as railings or safety bars, or as diagonal connectors. STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Crossbeams known from the state of the art are in Fig. 1 shown. Fig. For better illustration, only one scaffold stand 2 is shown in Figure 1, whereas in reality two scaffold stands 2 are connected by the crossbeam 5.

[0007] The scaffold uprights 2 usually have perforated discs 8, which are preferably welded to the scaffold uprights 2. Crossbeams 5 according to the prior art usually consist of a U-shaped main body 6, which, due to its U-shape, forms an upwardly open area that serves as a receptacle 7 for the claws of walkways.

[0008] The main body 6 also has a perforated disc coupling body 9 on both of its end faces, which makes it possible to couple and wedge the cross member 5 with the perforated disc 8. A simple drive wedge 12 is usually used for this purpose, which is driven into an opening in the perforated disc coupling body 9 and the perforated disc 8. The perforated disc coupling body 9 is usually designed in the shape of a ship's bow, tapering towards the perforated disc 8, and is designed as a continuous, filled component in the area of ​​the wedge.

[0009] Therefore, the recess 7 is limited along the longitudinal axis of the crossbeam 5 by the perforated disc coupling bodies 9. This means that after being inserted or hooked into the recess 7, the platforms have an unnecessarily large distance to the scaffold upright 2 and, consequently, to the wall against which the scaffold is erected. The larger the gap between a platform closest to the wall and the wall, the greater the risk that objects such as tools or building materials will accidentally fall through this gap and endanger another person on a lower level of the scaffold. Furthermore, the risk of a misstep increases with the width of the gap between the wall and the platform closest to the wall.

[0010] The same applies, in essence, to double-width scaffolding, where the described gap problem exists not only between the wall and the platform closest to the wall, but also occurs in the middle of the adjacent groups of platforms kept apart by vertical uprights. THE TASK UNDERLYING THE INVENTION

[0011] In light of this, the object of the invention is to provide a modular scaffold which offers increased safety. INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0013] A modular scaffold is proposed here, comprising at least a number of uprights, a number of modular ledgers, and a number of perforated discs. The uprights are the corresponding, preferably tubular, vertical posts for the vertical assembly of the scaffold. The modular ledgers are preferably the poles that run laterally along the long side of the scaffold, serving as horizontal connectors for the uprights and thus preferably at least partially as guardrails, or as diagonal connectors between uprights.

[0014] In the context of the present modular scaffolding system, a "perforated disc" is understood to be a preferably disc-shaped, in particular circular or nearly circular, component that is attached to the outer circumference of a scaffold upright, in particular by welding or by a force-fit or form-fit connection. A perforated disc has a plurality of openings arranged circumferentially, in particular perforations arranged radially or at uniform angular intervals. These openings serve for the detachable connection with coupling elements of scaffolding components, in particular with perforated disc coupling bodies of crossbeams or modular scaffold ledgers.

[0015] The scaffold uprights are preferably connected at their short side by a number of crossbeams, each serving to create a horizontal connection between two uprights. Walkways can be suspended from these crossbeams. Preferably at least one, and more preferably two, walkways can be suspended from a crossbeam, with the short side of the walkway preferably running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crossbeam.

[0016] In this arrangement, at least one crossbeam consists of a main body with a perforated disc coupling body at each end. The main body forms a receptacle for attaching one or more walkways. Furthermore, each perforated disc coupling body forms an extension of this receptacle that can also be attached. Preferably, this extension extends into an area that (during the intended vertical assembly of the scaffold) overlaps the perforated disc to which the respective perforated disc coupling body is coupled.

[0017] Preferably, the main body transitions at both end faces into a perforated disc coupling body, each of which forms a more than negligible extension of the receptacle usable for attachment. In some cases, it is advantageous if the perforated disc coupling body provides an extension that is suitable for (regular, i.e., intended) attachment of a running surface over a distance of more than an additional 20 mm or even more than an additional 30 mm.

[0018] The main body is preferably designed in a rod shape along a longitudinal axis.

[0019] The "receptacle usable for hanging" preferably provides a means for the intended holding of the hooves of a running board, particularly preferably such that at least two running boards can be hung in the receptacle with their narrow sides facing each other. Usually, a total of four running boards are hung in a receptacle of a crossbeam, with two of them facing each other with their long sides and the other two facing each other with their short sides facing the first two. The receptacle is designed in particular as an upwardly open profile, preferably U-shaped.

[0020] At both ends of the main body, it transitions into a perforated disc coupling body, which is designed for connection to a perforated disc of a respective scaffold upright. The connection is made, in particular, by means of a drive wedge or a functionally comparable locking element.

[0021] According to the invention, it is provided that the respective perforated disc coupling body forms a more than merely insignificant continuation of the receptacle usable for hooking.

[0022] The term "more than merely insignificant extension" here refers, not least, to the fact that the perforated disc coupling body is not simply designed as a separate attachment serving solely for the purpose of connection, but is structurally and functionally integrated into the geometry of the receptacle. In some generously dimensioned cases, this can be achieved, in particular, by the perforated disc coupling body extending the usable receptacle area by at least 35 mm, and preferably by at least 40 mm, in the longitudinal direction of the cross member.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the perforated disc coupling body can at least partially continue the geometric contour of the receptacle or define an area that contributes to the lateral guidance, support or covering of a running surface.

[0024] This design ensures that the mounting does not end abruptly with the perforated disc coupling body and thus away from the scaffold upright, but rather continues functionally towards the scaffold upright. This reduces the gaps remaining in the transition area between the platform and the scaffold upright. In particular, it minimizes safety-relevant openings through which tools or materials could fall or in which people's footwear or clothing could become caught.

[0025] Furthermore, the improved design of the mounting allows for better lateral guidance of the walkway and its positioning closer to the respective scaffold upright. This enables optimized space utilization within the scaffold bay. Additionally, the functional integration of the perforated disc coupling body into the mounting geometry allows for improved force transmission towards the scaffold upright. PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS

[0026] There are a number of possibilities to design the invention in such a way as to further improve its effectiveness or usability.

[0027] It is particularly preferred if the continuation of the usable receptacle extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the usable receptacle over the predominant part of the perforated disc coupling body.

[0028] The term "over the majority" means that the functional continuation of the receptacle is not limited to a small section of the perforated disc coupling body, but covers the largest longitudinal section. Preferably, the axial extent is at least 70%, and particularly preferably at least 80%, of the total length of the perforated disc coupling body along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and thus of the entire cross member.

[0029] This design allows the walkway to be engaged along almost the entire length of the coupling body. This offers several advantages: Firstly, it reduces gaps and thus the risk of tools or materials falling through, as the walkway can be positioned closer to the respective scaffold upright. Secondly, it improves the lateral guidance and stability of the walkways, enabling safer access to the scaffold. Furthermore, the continuous engagement ensures that the forces from the inserted walkway are transferred more effectively to the scaffold upright, which can increase the load-bearing capacity and durability of the scaffold. In this way, the function of the perforated disc coupling body is not limited to connecting the crossbeam to the scaffold upright, but also plays an active role in guiding, supporting, and laterally covering the walkways.

[0030] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the coupling body, on its end face facing away from the usable receptacle, has a rounded section to provide increased support on a scaffold upright tube. A "rounded section" in this context means that the end face of the coupling body does not terminate abruptly, sharply, or at a triangular apex, but rather transitions into a curved or rounded area—concave relative to the tube of the nearest upright—which allows for increased contact or support on the scaffold upright tube. This rounding increases the contact area between the coupling body and the scaffold upright. This is advantageous because the rounded surface ensures more stable positioning of the crossbeam on the scaffold upright, as the crossbeam is less prone to tipping or twisting under lateral forces.Above all, the rounding allows the crossbeam to be positioned closer to the respective scaffold upright in its longitudinal direction, thus further reducing gaps. In some embodiments, it is also preferred, at least concurrently or alternatively, that the perforated disc coupling body has supports in the area of ​​its rounding, preferably at the outer edges of the rounding. These supports can be, for example, in the form of knobs or projections extending partially or completely along the outer edges. It is often preferred that the scaffold upright rests against the perforated disc coupling body only or primarily at these supports, with a gap even existing between the remaining rounding and the scaffold upright. This results in greater torsional rigidity and resistance to dirt between the scaffold upright and the rounding.

[0031] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the perforated disc coupling body has a guide for a drive wedge for clamping the perforated disc coupling body to a perforated disc, which holds a drive wedge inserted into it in a region—preferably in the central region—of the extension of the receptacle usable for suspension, i.e., in a region that can be traversed laterally by running surfaces suspended in the extension, preferably predominantly or ideally completely. A “guide for a drive wedge” is understood to mean that the perforated disc coupling body has a defined recess, groove, or contour in which a drive wedge can be inserted in such a way that it remains fixed during and after insertion into the perforated disc.According to the invention, the drive wedge guide is preferably arranged in a region of the continuation of the usable receptacle, particularly in the central section, i.e., in the middle 75% of the total length along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. This region is dimensioned such that the inserted drive wedge can pass laterally over the running surfaces suspended in the continuation without hindering the assembly or use of the running surfaces. Preferably, this laterally accessible region extends predominantly, ideally completely, over the continuation of the receptacle. Such a guide design offers several advantages: Firstly, the drive wedge is guided securely and remains stable in position during assembly, ensuring reliable clamping between the coupling body and the perforated disc.Secondly, the lateral accessibility allows the running surfaces to be mounted or dismounted in the continuation of the mount without having to remove the drive wedge or it being an obstruction.

[0032] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the modular frame also includes drive wedges, at least two of which are special drive wedges consisting of a wedging section whose large surfaces, when used as intended, run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, with a drive section for driving in the drive wedge being attached to the upper side of the wedging section, the large surfaces of which run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. In the case of a flat or partially cylindrical plate-shaped body or section, "large surfaces" here refers to the largest parallel surfaces of the body or section. After the wedge has been driven in as intended, the wedging section remains at least partially in the perforated disc. A drive section, the large surfaces of which run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, is attached to the upper side of the wedging section.This drive section serves to drive the drive wedge into the drive wedge guide of the perforated disc coupling body, for example with a hammer, thus creating the clamping force between the coupling body and the perforated disc. The special design of the large surfaces with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mounting offers advantages in this regard. Ideally, the large surface of the driving section of the wedge facing away from the main body has a rounded edge that is guided by a complementary rounded edge on the end face of the perforated disc coupling body facing the upright tube of the scaffold stand. A "rounded edge" in this context means that the end face of the driving section is not abrupt or sharp-edged, but rather transitions into a curved area that enables defined guidance. According to the invention, this rounded edge is guided by a complementary rounded edge on the end face of the perforated disc coupling body facing the upright tube of the scaffold stand. The complementary rounded edge ensures that the driving section is guided precisely during engagement with the driving wedge guide. It cannot deflect laterally. This design facilitates the insertion of the wedge, as the impact energy is transferred directly into the desired wedging position without the wedge deflecting elastically. This increases assembly precision and reduces the risk of the wedge being inserted at an angle or the connection remaining incompletely tensioned.

[0033] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the extension of the mounting surface extends into an area immediately adjacent to the large surfaces of the drive wedge. "Immediately adjacent" here means that the extension of the mounting surface lies in the direct vicinity of the large surfaces of the drive wedge running laterally or end-face, so that no significant unused gap remains between the drive wedge and the mounting surface. This is achieved with a distance of no more than 7 cm between the drive wedge and the extension of the mounting surface, and particularly preferably no more than 4 cm. This design ensures that the running surface can be mounted along the extension of the mounting surface right up to the drive wedge without any collisions or lateral interference from the drive wedge.

[0034] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the perforated disc coupling body has a perforated disc receiving slot, which forms a claw that, when coupled, grips a perforated disc attached to a scaffold upright from both the top and bottom. A "perforated disc receiving slot" is understood to be a continuous or partially cut-out opening in the coupling body, designed to grip a perforated disc attached to a scaffold upright from both the top and bottom when the disc is connected to the coupling body in a coupled state. This design ensures that the perforated disc is securely fixed in the crossbeam. The claw ensures that the crossbeam is held stably on the scaffold upright without the need for additional fasteners.The overlapping design on both the top and bottom improves lateral guidance and prevents the crossbeam from tipping or twisting during the erection and operation of the scaffold. This generally creates a functional overall system for the modular scaffold. LIST OF FIGURES The Fig. Figure 1 shows crossbeams according to the state of the art on a perforated disc. The Fig. Figure 2 shows a crossbeam according to the invention in a three-dimensional view. The Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a scaffolding module according to the invention in side view. The Fig. Figure 4 shows a crossbeam according to the invention in a top view. The Fig. Figure 5 shows a crossbeam according to the invention in a cut side view. The Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of a modular scaffold according to the invention with walking platforms in a top view. The Fig. Figure 7 shows the modular scaffolding according to the invention with walkways made of Fig. 6 in the cutaway side view. The Fig. Figure 8 shows a further section of a modular scaffold according to the invention with walking platforms in a top view. The Fig. Figure 9 shows a drive wedge of the crossbeam in side view. The Fig. 10 shows the drift wedge made of Fig. 9 in the front view. PREFERRED EXAMPLE

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described by reference to the Fig. Figures 2 to 10 describe by way of example. The modular scaffold 1 according to the invention comprises at least a number of scaffold uprights 2, a number of modular scaffold beams 3, a number of perforated discs 8, a number of walkways 4 and a number of crossbeams 5. The modular scaffold beams are not shown in the figures for clarity.

[0036] In order to clearly illustrate the core of the invention, only excerpts of the modular framework 1, which consists of several of these sections, are shown.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows the crossbeam 5 according to the invention, which will be explained in detail later. This crossbeam 5 connects two scaffold uprights 2, preferably substantially horizontally, at a certain height. For this purpose, the scaffold upright 2 preferably has perforated discs 8, which have several openings. It is usually necessary for the perforated discs 8 to be attached to the respective scaffold upright 2 at fixed heights in order to be connected horizontally to each other. The crossbeam 5 is positioned for attachment to the perforated discs 8 such that each perforated disc 8 is inserted into a perforated disc receiving slot 9a of the perforated disc coupling body 9. A drive wedge 12 is driven into each of the resulting through openings (one on each perforated disc coupling body 9), which connects the perforated disc coupling bodies 9 and thus the crossbeam 5 to the two scaffold uprights 2.

[0038] The crossbeam 5 preferably comprises a main body 6, which is preferably at least partially a U-shaped profile. The perforated disc coupling body 9 is attached to each of the two end faces of the main body 6. The main body 6 of the crossbeam 5 initially forms a receptacle 7 for the insertion of running surfaces. In the prior art, this receptacle 7 is usually formed only by the aforementioned main body 6. It extends along the longitudinal axis of the main body, which thus coincides with or at least runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the usable receptacle. According to the invention, however, this receptacle 7 is continued axially on both sides by the corresponding design of the perforated disc coupling bodies 9, which is why an axial continuation 10 of the receptacle 7 is made on both sides, which is particularly advantageous in Fig. 2 is clearly visible. This results in a longer usable recording time.

[0039] These extensions 10 can be used accordingly so that the running boards 4 can also be hung in this area (see Fig. 6) Accordingly, the length of the effectively usable support for the crossbeam is extended axially, and – as shown – the platforms can be suspended closer to the scaffold uprights 2. This is achieved by the correspondingly small distance between the platforms 4. Fig. 6 indicated. The running surfaces 4 are preferably hooked into the receptacle 7 or its continuation 10 with protruding claws 4a. Fig. Figure 7 shows this engagement of the claws 4a more clearly in the sectional side view. The claws 4a can be engaged accordingly in continuation 10 and can even bear at least partially axially against the drive wedge or against the drive section of the drive wedge.

[0040] Fig. Figure 8 shows the preferred method of suspending two walkways from a crossbeam 5. The arrangement shown even includes two further walkways that connect to each other in the plane of the walkway. This configuration is found where a modular scaffold needs to provide wider working and / or walking surfaces. It is clearly evident here that the gap between the left and right pair of walkways, which is dangerous from an occupational safety perspective, can be significantly reduced by using the means according to the invention.

[0041] In general terms and independent of the specific embodiment, the invention preferably consists in equipping the crossbeam with a main body which carries a perforated disc coupling body at each end end, which is designed in such a way that a walking platform can be hooked into it such that the extension of the scaffold-stand-side outer longitudinal edge (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the walking platform) of this walking platform intersects the scaffold stand and / or that a claw 4a of the walking platform can be hooked into the perforated disc coupling body at a distance of less than 30 mm from the scaffold stand.

[0042] The perforated disc coupling body 9 preferably has a rounded section 11a on its axial outer surface, which is preferably complementary to the radius of the outer surface of the frame uprights 2, allowing both to bear against each other over a flat surface. Following this rounded section 11a, the drive wedge 12 preferably also has a rounded section 11b on at least one large surface of its drive section 12b. This rounded section 11b preferably lies flat, preferably at least partially, against the inner surface of the rounded section 11a of the perforated disc coupling body 9.

[0043] In general, the 12-inch wedge is best used in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 individually and in Fig. 5 together with the crossbeam 5 can be seen.

[0044] The drive wedge 12 preferably comprises a drive section 12b with the aforementioned corresponding rounding 11b. This drive section 12b preferably serves to drive the drive wedge 12 into the perforated disc 8. Its large surfaces preferably run transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle. Adjoining this drive section 12b (relative to the intended installation position) on its underside is a wedging section 12a. Its large surfaces preferably run parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle. Thus, two sections of the drive wedge 12 are formed, with the upper section (drive section 12b) being designed such that it occupies minimal axial space for the claws 4a of the running surface 4 and minimally obstructs the continuation 10 of the receptacle.

[0045] In some embodiments, it is also preferred, at least simultaneously or instead, that the perforated disc coupling body 9 has supports 13 in the area of ​​its radius 11a, preferably at the outer edges of the radius 11a. These supports 13 can, for example, be in the form of knobs or projections extending partially or completely along the outer edges. It is often preferred that the scaffold stand rests against the perforated disc coupling body 9 only or primarily at these supports 13, and that a gap even exists between the remaining radius 11a and the scaffold stand 2. This results in greater torsional stiffness and insensitivity to dirt between the scaffold stand 2 and the radius 11a. This gap is also, for example, Fig. 6 recognizable. REFERENCE LIST 1 modular scaffold 2 scaffold stands 3 modular scaffold beams 4 running floor 4a Claw of the running floor 5 crossbeams 6 main bodies of a truss 7th recording 8 perforated disc 9 perforated disc clutch bodies 9a Perforated disc receiving slot 10 Continuation of the recording 11a Rounding of perforated disc coupling body 11b Rounding of the drift wedge 12 Driving wedge 12a Wedge section 12b Driving section 13 Support L Longitudinal axis of the usable recording

Claims

[1] Modular scaffold (1) comprising at least a number of scaffold uprights (2), a number of modular scaffold ledgers (3) and a number of perforated discs (8), as well as a number of walkways (4) that can be suspended from crossbeams (5) and a number of crossbeams (5) each for creating a horizontal connection between two scaffold uprights (2), wherein at least one crossbeam (5) consists of a main body (6) having a perforated disc coupling body (9) at each end, wherein the main body (6) forms a receptacle (7) usable for suspending one or more walkways (4) and the respective perforated disc coupling body (9) forms a suspension extension (10) of the receptacle (7), in particular such that the suspension extension (10) extends into an area that overlaps with the perforated disc (8) at which the perforated disc coupling body (9) couples. [2] Modular scaffolding (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the continuation (10) of the receptacle (7) usable for mounting extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the usable receptacle (7) over the predominant part of the perforated disc coupling body (9), preferably over at least 70%, better 80% of its length in the direction of said longitudinal axis (L). [3] Modular scaffolding (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the perforated disc coupling body (9) has a rounding (11a) on its end face facing away from the usable receptacle (7) for increased surface area support on a tube of a scaffold stand (2). [4] Modular scaffold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the perforated disc coupling body (9) has a guide for a drive wedge (12) for clamping the perforated disc coupling body (9) with a perforated disc (8) which holds a drive wedge (12) inserted into it in a region of the extension (10) of the receptacle (7) usable for hooking, which can be passed laterally by running surfaces (4) hooked into the extension (10), preferably predominantly or ideally completely. [5] Modular scaffold (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the module framework (1) also includes drive wedges (12), of which at least two are special drive wedges, consisting of a wedging section (12a) whose large surfaces run parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receptacle (7), wherein a drive section (12b) for driving in the drive wedge (12) is attached to the upper side of the wedging section (12a), the large surfaces of which run transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the receptacle (7). [6] Modular scaffold (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the large surface of the drive section (12b) of the drive wedge (12) facing away from the main body (6) has a rounding (11b) which is guided by a complementary rounding (11a) on the end face of the perforated disc coupling body (9) facing the stand tube of the frame stand (2). [7] Modular scaffold (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the continuation (10) of the mounting (7) extends into an area immediately adjacent to the large surfaces of the drift wedge (12). [8] Modular scaffold (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the perforated disc coupling body (9) has a perforated disc receiving slot (9a) with which it forms a claw which, when coupled to a scaffold stand (2), engages a perforated disc (8) on the top and bottom. [9] Crossbeam (5) for a modular scaffold (1), characterized by, that the crossbeam (5) is designed according to a feature directed to the crossbeam (5) of claims 1 to 8.

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