RAILING DEVICE, namely a leading railing for a scaffold and a method for mounting a railing device

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a railing device suitable for mounting on a scaffold with scaffolding levels with vertical posts arranged at a distance in the width direction, crossbars connected to the vertical posts in the transverse direction, and decking connected to the crossbars in the width direction, wherein the railing device is designed as a so-called leading railing device which is mounted from an existing lower scaffolding level for an upper scaffolding level to be mounted above it and which then forms a side protection for the upper scaffolding level, which has at least one first railing beam running horizontally in the width direction, a right railing beam connected in an end region of the first railing beam, in particular running essentially vertically in the height direction, a right railing beam connected in the opposite end region of the railing beam, in particular running essentially vertically in the height direction,left railing post, wherein the right railing post has in its lower end region at a second height level a first connection device and a second connection device arranged at a distance above, each for detachable connection to a first vertical post of a scaffold, wherein the left railing post has in its lower end region at a third height level a third connection device and a fourth connection device arranged at a distance above the third connection device, each for detachable connection to a second vertical post of the scaffold spaced apart from the first vertical post in the width direction, wherein the second connection device and the fourth connection device are located at the same height level,the second connection device and the fourth connection device are provided from both sides in the width direction on the first vertical post and on the second vertical post, respectively, in the assembled state in an existing component of the scaffolding, in particular a crossbar, suspended from above and partially surround the first vertical post and the second vertical post, respectively, in a form-fitting manner, so that in the assembled state, a relative movement between the first vertical post and the second connection device and between the second vertical post and the fourth connection device in the transverse direction and in the vertical height direction downwards and in the width direction is blocked, wherein the first connection device, when mounted on the first vertical post, surrounds it in a form-fitting manner at least partially,so that in the assembled state, a relative movement between the first connecting device and the first vertical post is blocked in the transverse direction and in a width direction, and is arranged below a component of the scaffold in the form of a gusset plate, so that a displacement in the vertical height direction upwards is blocked, wherein the third connecting device, in the assembled state, is arranged on the second vertical post below an already connected first connecting unit and surrounds the second vertical post at least in regions in a form-fitting manner, wherein the first connecting device, extending in the width direction, is designed as a hook-shaped, bent screw-in claw with a curved free end region with an insertion recess, which, in the assembled state, surrounds the first vertical post at least in regions in a form-fitting manner,wherein the first connection device is arranged below the gusset plate when mounted on the first vertical post, so that a vertical movement in the vertical direction upwards of the railing post is blocked by the gusset plate, wherein the third connection device is designed as a projection unit extending in the width direction, which, when mounted on the second vertical post, surrounds the second vertical post in a form-fitting manner in some areas and is arranged directly below the first connection device of an adjacent railing device connected on the opposite side, so that a displacement in the vertical direction upwards is blocked.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a railing device.

[0003] Typically, side protection with a guardrail is only installed once the scaffolder is standing on the scaffold level being worked on. This is dangerous, as without side protection, the scaffolder is standing freely at great heights and, in the worst case, could fall from the scaffold. To increase safety, so-called leading guardrails are used, which provide side protection on the upper scaffold level being worked on.

[0004] Such advanced railings typically consist of a total of three or four individual components per scaffold bay, namely two identical railing posts connected to existing vertical scaffolding posts and to which at least one, in particular two, telescopic railing stiles are attached. The railing posts with the connected railing stiles are mounted from the scaffolding level below and, due to their length, provide at least one-piece side protection on the next, upper scaffolding level. Depending on the construction progress, one additional railing post of the advanced railing is successively moved upwards into the railing device to secure the upper scaffolding level for further assembly work. Dismantling takes place in the reverse order. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] DE 10 2009 024 816 A discloses a railing post for a leading railing. It has two scissor-like claws that must be actively opened and closed for connection. A pin serves as a locking and securing mechanism in the lower area of ​​the scissor-like claws. To ensure a positive connection, the outer post tube of the railing post must be moved vertically, then twisted and lowered again. Releasing occurs in the reverse order. A disadvantage of this leading railing is that an unpleasant vertical and horizontal movement must be performed during assembly and disassembly of the leading railing. Furthermore, care must be taken during assembly to ensure that the upper and lower scissor-like claws are fully connected to the vertical frame or vertical post to be attached and also enclose it.

[0006] EP 1 338 723 A2 discloses a device for mounting a temporarily existing railing beam of a scaffold, in which the third lower connecting device is hooked onto existing railing beams and the second connecting device is connected to the railing beam by means of a U-shaped receiving unit with a wedge unit.

[0007] EP 1 571 275 A2 discloses a device for mounting a temporarily existing railing post with connected telescopic railing stiles to existing vertical posts of a scaffold according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. The railing post has claws with an automatic clamping function, wherein a continuous rotatable shaft is inserted inside the railing post, which can be rotatably actuated via actuating units and is connected to the claws via a relatively complex mechanism. To connect the vertical post to the railing post, the claws must be actively opened and closed by a rotary movement of the actuating unit. For this purpose, the actuating unit is rotated accordingly. A disadvantage of this solution is that an active rotary movement must be performed during assembly and disassembly of the leading railing. In addition, the internal mechanism is relatively complex and prone to damage.During assembly, it is also important to ensure that the upper and lower claws are fully connected and locked into place on the vertical frame or vertical post to be attached.

[0008] DE 103 05 158 A1 discloses a leading railing in which railing stiles and railing posts are permanently connected to each other, thus forming a single component. This leading railing is connected to a gusset plate of an existing railing and to a pre-installed upper railing stile of the scaffolding. Holding devices secure the railing in all directions. This leading railing has no bracing effect and serves only as temporary side protection during assembly and dismantling. Railings and diagonal braces are still required for the scaffolding. Their use is not mandatory for the assembly process.

[0009] Other prior art documents of note are JP 2005 299300 A, JP 2004 278106 A, JP 2003 147953 A and JP H06 307072 A.

[0010] Another railing device is known as a leading railing, in which railing posts and railing stiles form a frame construction. During assembly, the leading railing is hooked onto horizontal profiles, such as U-shaped crossbars, of the scaffolding, and then the vertical scaffold tubes are attached to the vertical posts of the scaffolding using a clip connection. This leading railing remains in the scaffolding and, thanks to its frame construction, has a stiffening effect, making diagonal braces and individual additional railings unnecessary. The railing is essential for the assembly process and cannot be subsequently removed. This leading railing has a relatively large number of struts, which is not optimal in terms of cost-effective production and transport. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Based on the cited prior art, the present invention is based on the object or technical problem of specifying a railing device as a leading railing for a scaffold and a method for assembling a railing device which provides safe side protection in the next upper scaffolding level, can be assembled quickly and easily from the scaffolding level below, ensures a durable and robust construction with permanently reliable functionality, can be manufactured economically and ensures high safety standards and contributes to the stabilization of the scaffold.

[0012] The railing device according to the invention is defined by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on independent claim 1.

[0013] The method according to the invention is given by the features of method claim 16.

[0014] The railing device according to the invention is accordingly characterized in that the difference between the second height level and the third height level essentially corresponds to the height of the third connecting device.

[0015] The railing device according to the invention is secured in the assembled state in the direction of all axes when several devices are mounted next to each other in the width direction, even if a second scaffolding level has not yet been installed.

[0016] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the second and fourth connecting devices are formed as a mirror image of the transverse direction when viewed in a plan view and are connected to the right and left railing posts in the transverse direction at an offset to one another when viewed in a plan view.

[0017] An advantageous further development is characterized in that the second and fourth connecting device each have a first projection unit running in the width direction and a second projection unit running in the width direction and arranged at a distance in the transverse direction by a clear inner distance, wherein the clear inner distance of the first and second projection unit corresponds substantially to the sum of the dimension of the outer diameter of the vertical post and the offset dimension.

[0018] A particularly advantageous embodiment with regard to simple assembly is characterized in that the first projection unit has a downwardly open suspension recess on the underside, which can, for example, be easily suspended in crossbars present on the scaffolding.

[0019] A particularly simple design, which has a high connection rigidity, is characterized in that the second and fourth connection device have a base plate to which the first projection unit and second projection unit are connected.

[0020] A particularly advantageous embodiment with regard to the positive connection when connecting the second and fourth connection device from both sides to a vertical post is characterized in that the offset dimension essentially corresponds to the thickness of the first or second projection unit.

[0021] A particularly high level of connection security is provided by an advantageous further development in that, when two adjacent railing devices are connected to a vertical post from both sides in the transverse direction, the second and fourth connection device are arranged such that the first projection units lie laterally against one another in the transverse direction and the second projection units lie laterally against one another in the transverse direction, the inside of the first projection unit of the second connection device and the inside of the fourth projection unit of the second connection device lying against the outer contour of the vertical post or vice versa.

[0022] A preferred embodiment, which meets high safety requirements, is characterized in that a second railing post is provided, offset downwards in the vertical direction at a predetermined distance from the first railing post, which is connected to the left and right vertical posts.

[0023] A particularly advantageous further development, which increases the rigidity of the entire scaffolding when assembled, is characterized by the fact that the first / second railing beam(s) form a rigid frame construction with the left and right railing posts.

[0024] An advantageous further development with a particularly simple design, which ensures a simple and permanently functional, reliable connection, is characterized in that the third connection device has a base plate, on the free end region of which a third and fourth projection unit are arranged, which, in the assembled state, partially abut the outer contour of a vertical post on the inside, i.e., the clear inner distance between the third and fourth projection units corresponds to the outer diameter of the vertical post. It is particularly advantageous that the base plate, in its free end region, has a partially concavely curved inner contour that corresponds to the curvature of the outer contour of a vertical post.

[0025] With regard to economical production, a preferred further development is characterized in that the first and second projection units of the second and fourth connecting devices and the third and fourth projection units of the third connecting device are designed as folded profile units, which are each connected / molded to the base plate.

[0026] The integration of the leading railing into the assembled scaffolding is improved according to a preferred embodiment in that the right and left railing posts have an encompassing profile on the opposite outer side approximately at the level of the connection of the first railing post or the second railing post, which, when the railing device is connected to the vertical post, encompasses the components present on the vertical post, in particular railing boxes, at least in some areas in a form-fitting manner.

[0027] A particularly preferred embodiment of the railing device according to the invention with regard to the transport volume is characterized in that the left and right railing poles are designed to be foldable / telescopic and lockable.

[0028] A particularly preferred design variant, which ensures quick assembly and disassembly while simultaneously meeting high safety requirements, is characterized by an integrated toe board connected to the left and right railing posts of the railing device. This toe board is preferably connected to the right and left railing posts at the level of the second and fourth connection devices.

[0029] The railing device according to the invention offers, among other things, the following advantages: · Once installed, the railing device is secured in all axes, even if a second scaffolding level (frame level) has not yet been erected. · Compared to existing solutions, the railing device according to the invention is characterized by its lower weight and space-saving storage. · The design with an integrated toe board ensures faster assembly and disassembly and guarantees high safety standards.

[0030] The method according to the invention for assembling a railing device with at least one railing beam with left and right railing posts connected in the left and right end areas with connection units to a scaffold with vertical posts, wherein the railing device is designed as a so-called leading railing device which is mounted from an existing lower scaffolding level for an upper scaffolding level to be mounted above it and which then forms a side protection for the upper scaffolding level, is characterized in that firstly, in a first scaffolding bay, a right railing post of a first railing device is connected to the right vertical post of the first scaffolding bay via connection devices and is secured against lifting, the left railing post of the first railing device is connected to the left vertical post of the scaffolding bay via connection devices,In a scaffold bay adjacent to the first scaffold bay, a right railing post of a second railing device is connected to the right vertical post of the second railing bay via connecting devices and secured against lifting, whereby the left railing post of the first railing device is also secured against lifting, the left railing post of the second railing device is connected to the left vertical post of the scaffold bay via connecting devices, and successively in further adjacent scaffold bays, further railing devices are connected to the vertical posts with their connecting devices.

[0031] The device according to the invention uses railing devices of the type described above.

[0032] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are revealed by the features further recited in the claims and by the exemplary embodiments specified below. The features of the claims and the exemplary embodiments may be combined with one another in any manner, provided they are not obviously mutually exclusive and fall within the scope of the claims. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The invention, as well as advantageous embodiments and further developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention, provided that these combinations fall within the scope of the claims. They show: Fig. 1 schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a railing device with railing bars and railing posts, which form a rigid frame construction, wherein a first and second connection device is provided on a right railing post and a third and fourth connection device is provided on a left railing post, Fig. 2 schematic view of the railing device according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 Detailed perspective of the second connection device, Fig. 4 Detailed perspective of a fourth connection device, Fig. 5 Detailed perspective of a first connection device, Fig. 6 Detailed perspective of a third connection device, Fig. 7 Schematic cross-section in a plan view of the connection of a second connection device and fourth connection device to a vertical post in the assembled state, Fig. 8 Schematic cross-section of a plan view of the connection of a first connection device and a second connection device to a vertical post in the assembled state, Fig. 9 Schematic detailed perspective of the connection of the first and second connection device to a vertical post, Fig. 10 Schematic detailed perspective of the connection of the third and fourth connection device to a vertical post, Fig.11 schematic detailed perspective of the connection on both sides of a first and second connection device and a third and fourth connection device to a vertical post, Fig. 12 schematic perspective representation of a scaffolding field of a lower scaffolding level with two vertical frames of a scaffold and an inclined intermediate assembly position of the railing device according to. Fig. 1 , Fig. 13schematic perspective view of the mounted railing device according to Fig. 12 , Fig. 14schematic perspective view of a scaffold with three scaffold fields, each with a mounted railing device according to Fig. 13 and Fig. 15schematic perspective view of a scaffold according to Fig. 14 with additionally mounted decks and vertical frames in an upper scaffolding level. WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0034] The railing device 10 shown in the figures is depicted within an orthogonal reference system having a vertical horizontal direction H, a horizontal width direction B running perpendicular thereto, and a transverse direction Q running perpendicular to the width direction B. The railing device 10 has a first railing post 12 running in the width direction B and a second railing post 14 arranged in the height direction H at a distance GA. The distance GA is selected such that the required safety standards are met. A right railing post 16 running downwards in the height direction H from the first railing post 12 is arranged at the right end regions of the first and second railing posts 12, 14, and a left railing post 18 is arranged in the left end region. A vertically running central vertical bar 28 is connected to the middle of the two railing posts 12, 14.

[0035] The components shown form a rigid frame construction.

[0036] In the lower end region of the right railing post 16, a first connecting device 20 is arranged and at a vertical distance A1 above it, a second connecting device 22 is arranged.

[0037] In the lower end area of ​​the left railing post 18, a third connection device 24 is arranged and above it, at a vertical distance A2, a fourth connection device 26 is arranged.

[0038] In Fig. 2 In addition, the height level at which the second connection device 22 to the first railing post 12 and the fourth connection device 26 to the left railing post 18 are located is designated H1. Both connection devices 22, 26 are located at the same height level H1. The height level of the first connection device 20 is in Fig. 2 H2, and the height of the third connection device 24 is designated by reference symbol H3. The difference between the height level H2 and the height level H3 essentially corresponds to the height of the third connection device 24.

[0039] The selected height levels allow the second connection device 22 and the fourth connection device 26 to be connected to a vertical post 58 at the same height level from both sides (see Fig. 11 ) and the third connection device 24 is arranged directly below the first connection device 20 when connected to a vertical post 58 (see Fig. 11 ).

[0040] The Fig. 3 shows the second connection device 22 connected to the right railing post 16. This has a base plate 40 arranged in the plane B,Q, to which projection units running parallel and spaced apart in the width direction B on both sides, namely a first projection unit 30 and a second projection unit 32, are connected.

[0041] The projection units 30, 32 project beyond the end region of the base plate 40 in the width direction B and in the projecting region of the first projection unit 30 there is a downwardly open suspension recess 44 by means of which the second connection device 22 can be suspended in a crossbar of a scaffold 50 during assembly (see for example Fig. 12 and 13 ).

[0042] The first projection unit 30 is arranged on the inside of the vertical stem 58 and the second projection unit 32 on the outside of the vertical stem 58 (see Fig. 7 ).

[0043] The Fig. 4 The fourth connection device 26 shown is formed as a mirror image of the second connection device 22 about the transverse axis Q. Identical components bear the same reference numerals and will not be explained again.

[0044] As from Fig. 7 As can be seen, the second connection device 22 and the fourth connection device 26 are connected to the right-hand or railing post 16, 18 with an offset V running in the transverse direction Q, wherein the offset dimension V corresponds to the cross-sectional thickness of the first or second projection unit 30, 32.

[0045] The clear inner distance between the first and second projection unit 30, 32 is AV in Fig. 7 It essentially corresponds to the sum of the outer diameter D of the vertical post 58 and the offset dimension V. This makes it possible for the second connection device 22 and the fourth connection device 26 - as in Fig. 7 shown - can each be suspended laterally opposite one another on the scaffold 50 on the crossbar 60, wherein at the same time the outer contour of the vertical post 58 rests on the inside of the first projection unit 30 of the second connecting device 22 and the second projection unit 33 of the fourth connecting device 26. Furthermore, in the assembled state shown in the figure, the two first projection units 30 and the two second projection units 32 of the second and fourth connecting devices 22, 26 lie directly against one another, so that a relative displacement of the connecting devices 22, 26 in the transverse direction Q is blocked.

[0046] In Fig. 5 The first connection device 20 is shown, which is connected to the right railing post 16 as a suspension claw. The suspension claw initially runs in the width direction B and merges into a curved end region 48, which has a concave, semicircular inner contour 46 that essentially corresponds to the curvature of the outer contour of the vertical post 58. At the same time, due to its curvature, the end region 48 forms an insertion recess 49 into which the vertical post 58 of the scaffold 50 can be inserted during assembly.

[0047] The assembled state of the first connection device 20 is shown in Fig. 8 It can be seen that the end region 48 of the first connecting device 20 surrounds the outer contour of the vertical post 58 in a form-fitting manner.

[0048] The third connection device 24, which is connected to the left railing post 18 in the lower end region thereof, has a base plate 42 arranged in the plane B, Q, on which a third projection unit 34 and a fourth projection unit 36 ​​projecting in the transverse direction Q are provided. The front end face of the base plate 42 has a concave inner contour 38 in some areas, the radius of curvature of which corresponds to the radius of curvature of the outer contour of the vertical post 58. The clear inner distance IA between the third and fourth projection units 34, 36 in the transverse direction Q essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the vertical post 58 (see Fig. 8 ). When assembled according to Fig. 8 the inner side of the third and fourth projection units 34, 36 lies on the outer contour of the vertical stem 58 and the concave inner contour 38 lies partially on the outer contour of the vertical stem 58.

[0049] The safety of a railing device 10 mounted on the scaffold 50 against lifting upwards in the height direction H is ensured by the fact that in the mounted state the first connecting device 20 with its suspension hook is located directly below a projecting component of the existing scaffold 50, in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 11 of the gusset plate 64 of the frame 50 is arranged so that a displacement in the height direction H upwards of the Fig. 11 The partially shown right handrail post 16 is reliably prevented. At the same time, when mounted, two handrail devices 10 engage in adjacent scaffolding bays according to Fig. 11 the third and fourth projection units 34, 36 of the third connecting device 24 under the first connecting device 20, so that their upward displacement in the height direction H and thus the displacement of the Fig. 11 blocked by the left railing post 18 shown on the right.

[0050] Thus, in the connected state, the railing device 10 is secured against lifting upwards in the height direction H. Displacement in the width direction B is also not possible, since this movement is blocked by the positive engagement of the first connecting device 20 and third connecting device 24 on the vertical post 58. At the same time, displacement of the railing devices 10 in the transverse direction Q is reliably prevented by the first and third connecting devices 20, 24 and the second and fourth connecting devices 22, 26. The base plate 40 of the second connecting device 22 and the third connecting device 24 are spaced from the vertical post 58 in their front end region, which facilitates the threading of these connecting devices 20, 24 during the assembly process for connection to the existing scaffolding 50.

[0051] The Fig. 13 shows, in a perspective view, an example of a scaffolding field of a lower scaffolding level 52 of a scaffold 50, each with two vertical frames 56 spaced apart in the width direction B, each with vertical posts 58 spaced apart in the transverse direction Q. The vertical posts 58 are connected to one another in the upper end region via a cross bar 60.

[0052] In the lower end area, the two vertical posts 58 of a vertical frame 56 are connected by a cross profile 62. In the corner area between the crossbar 60 and the vertical post 58, a stiffening gusset plate 64 is arranged. At the same time, the vertical frame 56 has railing boxes 72, to which Fig. 12 an existing railing post 70 is already connected.

[0053] The Fig. 12 The railing device 10 shown is currently in an intermediate assembly position. The right railing post 16 is raised to a height at which the second connecting device 22 can be hooked into the crossbar 60. Overall, the railing device 10 is in an inclined intermediate state in which the first connecting device 20, designed as a hooking claw, does not yet encompass the vertical post 58 and the second connecting device 22 is hooked into the crossbar 60. During the further assembly process, the railing device 10 or the left railing post 18 is raised upwards in such a way that the fourth connecting device 26 of the left railing post 18 can also be hooked into the crossbar 60, wherein at the same time on the opposite side the first connecting device 20 Fig. 12 right vertical post 58 is partially encompassed in a form-fitting manner and the third connecting device 24 of the left railing post 18 with its base plate 42 on the outer contour of the Fig. 12 left vertical post 58 and the third and fourth projection units 34, 36 of the third connecting device 24 rest with their inner side on the outer contour of the vertical post 58. The assembled final state of the railing device 10 in a scaffolding bay is shown in Fig. 13 shown.

[0054] In Fig. 14 a scaffold 50 is shown with a total of three scaffold fields, in each of which a railing device 10, as in Fig. 13 shown. Thus, the upper scaffolding level 54, which is still to be erected above the lower scaffolding level 52, is secured by the railing device 10, since the railing device 10 forms a side protection. In the next assembly step, decks can now be suspended from the crossbars 60 of the vertical frames 56 of the lower scaffolding level 52 and toe boards 68 can be mounted. The upper scaffolding level 54 can then be accessed by the assembly personnel without danger, since the already installed railing devices 10 ensure safe side protection. Now, further vertical frames 56 of the upper scaffolding level 54 are attached to the already erected vertical frames 56 of the lower scaffolding level 52, as shown in Fig. 15 shown. In the final assembly step, the assembled railing device 10 is now moved from the lower scaffolding level 52 to the upper scaffolding level 54, so that in the further assembly process, lateral protection is also ensured for the additional scaffolding level to be mounted above the upper scaffolding level 54.

[0055] When mounted on scaffold 50, the railing devices 10 of adjacent scaffold bays cannot be removed. Disassembly is performed from an edge scaffold bay to whose vertical post 58 the left railing post 18 is connected.

[0056] When presented in Fig. 15 The connection situation of the railing devices 10 in the area of ​​the two middle vertical frames 56 corresponds to the illustration according to the Figuren 7 und 8 .

[0057] In addition, as in Fig. 2 shown - on the right railing post 16 approximately at the level of the second railing stile 14 there is an encompassing profile 47 pointing outwards in the width direction B and on the opposite side on the left railing post 18 slightly below the first railing stile 12 there is an encompassing profile 47 pointing outwards in the width direction B, which serves to additionally secure the railing device 10 in the assembled state by these two encompassing profiles 47, for example by each encompassing a railing box 72.

[0058] In summary, the installation of railing devices 10 on the scaffold 50 is carried out as follows. Based on the illustration in Fig. 15 without the railings already installed there, the installation will be carried out in the Fig. 15 right scaffolding bay. The right railing post 16 is connected to the right vertical post 58 or the crossbar 60 via its second connection device 22 and first connection device 20, and then the left railing post 18 is connected to the left vertical post 58 via the third and fourth connection devices 24, 26. In this state, the right railing post 16 is secured against lifting. In the next assembly step, the railing device 10 is mounted in the middle scaffolding bays, again initially via the first and second connection devices 20, 22 of the right railing post 16 to the right vertical post 58 of the middle scaffolding bay, which simultaneously forms the left vertical post 58 of the first scaffolding bay.After the left railing post 18 is connected to the left vertical post 58 of the middle scaffold bay with its third and fourth connection devices 24, 26, the right railing post 16 of the railing device 10 in the middle scaffold bay and, at the same time, the left railing post 18 of the railing device 10 in the first scaffold bay are secured against lifting. The described process is then successively continued in the adjacent scaffold bays.

[0059] When dismantling a railing device 10, which as already mentioned above can only be done from the scaffolding bay in which only the left railing post 18 is connected to an edge vertical post 58, such as the one shown in Fig. 15left scaffold bay, the left railing post 18 is raised slightly until the suspension recess 44 disengages from the crossbar 60. The left section of the railing device 10 can then be tilted slightly forward or backward, swung out, and tilted further downward, so that the first connection device 20 with its suspension claw disengages from the vertical post 58, and subsequently the second connection device 22 is released by unhooking it from the crossbar 60. This disassembly is then carried out successively in each subsequent scaffold bay on the right.

[0060] The railing device 10 is designed to be a permanent railing device throughout the service life of the scaffold 50, thus ensuring safety standards throughout its entire service life. At the same time, the frame-like overall construction of the railing device 10, in conjunction with its connecting devices (20, 22, 24, 26), makes the railing device 10 a stiffening component of the entire scaffold 50, so that no additional diagonal braces or railing beams need to be installed.

Claims

1. Railing device (10) suitable for assembling on a scaffold (50) having scaffold levels (52, 54) having vertical poles (58) which are disposed so as to be spaced apart in the width direction (B), crossbeams (60) which are connected to the vertical poles (58) in the transverse direction (Q), coverings (66) which are connected to the crossbeams (60) in the width direction (B); - wherein the railing device (10) is designed as a so-called leading railing device which is assembled so as to proceed from an existing lower scaffold level (54) in order to assemble an upper scaffold level (52) to be assembled above the latter and then forms a lateral guard for the upper scaffold level (52) which - has at least one first railing bar (12) extending horizontally in the width direction (B); - a right-hand railing pole (16) which is connected in an end region of the first railing bar (12) and extends substantially vertically, in particular in the height direction (H); - a left-hand railing pole (18) which is connected in the opposite end region of the railing bar (12) and extends substantially vertically, in particular in the height direction (H); - wherein the right-hand railing pole (16) in its lower end region, at a second height level (H2), has a first connecting installation (20), and disposed above the latter so as to be spaced apart therefrom a second connecting installation (22), each for releasably connecting to a first vertical pole (58) of a scaffold (50); - the left-hand railing pole (18) in its lower end region, at a third height level (H3), has a third connecting installation (24), and disposed above the third connecting installation (24) so as to be spaced apart therefrom a fourth connecting installation (26), each for releasably connecting to a second vertical pole (58) of the scaffold (50) that is spaced apart from the first vertical pole in the width direction (B); - wherein the second connecting installation (22) and the fourth connecting installation (26) are located at the same height level (H1); - in the assembled state in an existing component of the scaffold (50), in particular a crossbeam (60), the second connecting installation (22) and the fourth connecting installation (26) are present hooked from both sides in the width direction (B) from above onto the first vertical pole (58) and the second vertical pole (58), respectively, and comprise in regions the first vertical pole (58) and the second vertical pole (58), respectively, in a form-fitting manner in such a way that in the assembled state any relative movement between the first vertical pole (58) and the second connecting installation (22), and between the second vertical pole (58) and the fourth connecting installation (26), in the transverse direction (Q) and in the vertical height direction (H) downwards and in the width direction (B) is blocked; - the first connecting installation (20) in the assembled state on the first vertical pole (58) encompasses the latter at least in regions in a form-fitting manner in such a way that in the assembled state any relative movement between the first connecting installation (20) and the first vertical pole (58) in the transverse direction (Q) and in the width direction (B) is blocked, and disposed below a component of the scaffold (50) in the form of a sheet metal joint plate (64) in such a way that any displacement in the vertical height direction (H) upwards is blocked; - the third connecting installation (24) in the assembled state on the second vertical pole (58) is disposed below an already connected first connection unit (20) and surrounds the second vertical pole (58) at least in regions in a form-fitting manner; - the first connecting installation (20) is designed as a claw fastener which is bent in the shape of a hook, extends in the width direction (B) and has a curved free end region (48) having an introduction clearance (49) that in the assembled state comprises the first vertical pole (58) at least in regions in a form-fitting manner; - the first connecting installation (20) in the assembled state on the first vertical pole (58) is disposed below the sheet metal joint plate (64) in such a way that any vertical movement of the railing pole (18) in the height direction (H) upwards is blocked by the sheet metal joint plate (64); - the third connecting installation (24) is designed as a protrusion unit which extends in the width direction (B) and which in the assembled state on the second vertical pole (58) surrounds the second vertical pole (58) in regions in a form-fitting manner and is disposed directly below the first connecting installation (20) of an adjacent railing device (10) connected on the opposite side in such a way that any displacement in the height direction (H) upwards is blocked, characterized in that - the difference between the second height level (H2) and the third height level (H3) corresponds substantially to the height of the third connecting installation (24).

2. Railing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that - the second and the fourth connecting installation (22, 26), when seen in top view, are designed so as to be a mirror image in relation to the transverse direction (Q) and, when seen in top view, are connected to one another on the right-hand and the left-hand railing pole (16, 18), respectively, in the transverse direction (Q) in an offset dimension (V).

3. Railing device according to Claim 2, characterized in that - the second and the fourth connecting installation (22, 26) have in each case a first protrusion unit (30) which extends in the width direction (B), and a second protrusion unit (32) which extends in the width direction (B) so as to be spaced apart in the transverse direction (Q) by a clear internal spacing (AV), wherein the clear internal spacing (AV) of the first and of the second protrusion unit (30, 32) corresponds substantially to the sum of the dimension of the external diameter (D) of the vertical pole (58) and to the offset dimension (V).

4. Railing device according to Claim 3, characterized in that - the first protrusion unit (30) on the lower side has a hooking clearance (44) which is open towards the bottom.

5. Railing device according to one or a plurality of Claims 3 to 4, characterized in that - the second and the fourth connecting installation (22, 26) have a base plate (40) to which the first protrusion unit (30) and the second protrusion unit (32) are connected.

6. Railing device according to one or a plurality of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that - the offset dimension (V) corresponds substantially to the thickness of the first or of the second protrusion unit (30, 32).

7. Railing device according to one or a plurality of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that - in the state in which two adjacent railing devices (10) are connected from both sides in the transverse direction (Q) to a vertical pole (58), the second and the fourth connecting installation (22, 26) are able to be disposed in such a way that the first protrusion units (30) rest in each case laterally against one another in the transverse direction (Q), and the second protrusion units (32) rest laterally against one another in the transverse direction (Q), wherein an internal side of the first protrusion unit (30) of the second connecting installation (22), and an internal side of the fourth protrusion unit (26) of the second connecting installation (22), are able to rest on the external contour of the vertical pole (58) or vice versa.

8. Railing device according to one or a plurality of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a second railing bar (14), which is connected to the left-hand and the right-hand vertical pole (16, 18), is present so as to be offset in the height direction (H) downwards at a predefined spacing (GA) from the first railing bar (12).

9. Railing device either according to one or a plurality of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that - the first railing bar (12) conjointly with the left-hand and the right-hand railing pole (16, 18) forms a flexurally stiff frame construction; or according to Claim 8, characterized in that - the first railing bar (12) and the second railing bar (14) conjointly with the left-hand and the right-hand railing pole (16, 18) form a flexurally stiff frame construction.

10. Railing device according to one or a plurality of Claims 2 to 9, characterized in that - the third connecting installation (24) has a base plate (42) on the free end region of which are disposed a third and a fourth protrusion unit (34, 36) which in the assembled state on the inside rest in regions on the external contour of a vertical pole (58), i.e. the clear internal spacing of the third and of the fourth protrusion unit (34, 36) corresponds to the external diameter (D) of the second vertical pole (58).

11. Railing device according to Claim 10, characterized in that - the base plate (42) on its free end region has an internal contour (38) which is in regions concavely curved and corresponds to the curvature of the external contour of the second vertical pole (58).

12. Railing device according to Claims 3 and 10, characterized in that - the first and the second protrusion unit (30, 32) of the second and of the fourth connecting installation (22, 26), and the third and the fourth protrusion unit (34, 36) of the third connecting installation (24), are designed as edged profile units which are in each case connected to or integrally moulded on the base plate (40, 42).

13. Railing device according to one or a plurality of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the right-hand and the left-hand railing pole (16, 18), approximately at the height of the connection of the first railing bar (12) or of the second railing bar (14), respectively, on the opposite external side has an encompassing profile (47) which, when the railing device (10) is connected to the vertical pole (58), is designed to be able to encompass the components, in particular railing boxes, present on the vertical pole (58), at least in regions in a form-fitting manner.

14. Railing device according to one or a plurality of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the left-hand and the right-hand railing pole (16, 18) are designed so as to be able to be folded, telescopic and locked.

15. Railing device according to one or a plurality of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a toe board (68) is connected so as to be integrated on the left-hand and the right-hand railing pole (16, 18) and so as to extend across the entire width in the width direction (B), wherein the connection is preferably disposed at the height of the second and of the fourth connecting installation (22, 24).

16. Method for assembling a railing device (10) having at least one railing bar (12) having left-hand and right-hand railing poles (16, 18) connected in the left-hand and the right-hand end region, and having connection units (20, 22, 24, 26) to a scaffold (50) having vertical poles (58), wherein the railing device (10) is designed as a so-called leading railing device which is assembled so as to proceed from an existing lower scaffold level (54) for an upper scaffold level (52) to be assembled above the latter, and then forms a lateral guard for the upper scaffold level (52), characterized in that - railing devices (10) according to one or a plurality of Claims 1 to 15 are used; - initially, in a first scaffold bay, a right-hand railing pole (16) of a first railing device (10) is connected to the right-hand vertical pole (58) of the first scaffold bay by way of connecting installations (20, 22) and is secured against lifting; - the left-hand railing pole (18) of the first railing device (10) is connected to the left-hand vertical pole (58) of the scaffold bay by way of connecting installations (24, 26); - in a scaffold bay adjacent to the first scaffold bay, a right-hand railing pole (16) of a second railing device (10) is connected to the right-hand vertical pole (58) of the second railing bay by way of connecting installations (20, 22) and is secured against lifting, as a result of which the left-hand railing pole (16) of the first railing device (10) is also secured against lifting; - the left-hand railing pole (18) of the second railing device (10) is connected to the left-hand vertical pole (58) of the scaffold bay by way of connecting installations (24, 26); and - in additional adjacent scaffold bays, additional railing devices by way of their connecting installations (20, 22, 24, 26) are successively connected to the vertical poles (58).