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

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a guardrail device for a scaffold with scaffold levels, the vertical posts being spaced apart in the width direction, the crossbeams being connected to the vertical posts in the transverse direction, and the decking being connected to the crossbeams in the width direction. The guardrail device is designed as a so-called leading guardrail device, which is mounted from an existing lower scaffold level for an upper scaffold level to be mounted above it and which then forms a side guard for the upper scaffold level, which has at least one first guardrail extending horizontally in the width direction, a right guardrail post connected in an end region of the first guardrail post, in particular extending substantially vertically in the height direction, and a left guardrail post connected in the opposite end region of the guardrail post, in particular extending substantially vertically in the height direction.wherein the right-hand railing post has a first connection device and a second connection device arranged at a distance above it in its lower end region, each for detachable connection to a vertical post of a scaffold, and the left-hand railing post has a third connection device and a fourth connection device arranged at a distance above the third connection device in its lower end region, each for detachable connection to a vertical post of a scaffold.

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

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

[0004] These types of advancing guardrails typically consist of three or four individual components per scaffold bay: two identical guardrail posts attached to existing vertical uprights of the scaffold, to which at least one, and preferably two, telescopic rails are connected. The guardrail posts with their attached rails are assembled from the scaffold level below, thus providing at least a single section of side protection on the next, upper scaffold level due to their length. As construction progresses, one additional guardrail post of the advancing guardrail is successively moved upwards into the guardrail system to secure the upper scaffold level for further assembly work. Disassembly is carried out in reverse order. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] German patent DE 10 2009 024 816 A discloses a railing post for a leading railing system, which 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 part of the scissor-like claws. To ensure a positive fit, the outer post tube of the railing post must be moved vertically, then rotated, and lowered again. Unlocking is performed in reverse order. A disadvantage of this leading railing system is that installation and removal require awkward vertical and horizontal movements. Furthermore, during installation, care must be taken to ensure that the upper and lower scissor-like claws are fully connected to and encircle the vertical frame or post being attached.

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

[0007] EP 1 571 275 A2 discloses a device for mounting a temporary guardrail post with attached telescopic rails to existing vertical posts of a scaffold, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. The guardrail post has claws with an automatic clamping function, wherein a continuous rotatable shaft is inserted inside the guardrail post. This shaft 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 guardrail post, the claws must be actively opened and closed by a rotational movement of the actuating unit. For this purpose, the actuating unit is rotated accordingly. A disadvantage of this solution is that a rotational movement must be actively performed during the assembly and disassembly of the adjoining guardrail. In addition, the internal mechanism is relatively complex and prone to damage.Furthermore, during assembly, care must be taken to ensure that the upper and lower claws are fully connected and locked into place on the vertical frame or vertical pole to be attached.

[0008] DE 103 05 158 A1 discloses a leading railing in which the railing posts and poles are permanently connected, thus forming a single component. This leading railing is attached to a gusset plate of an existing railing and to an already installed upper rail of the scaffolding. The railing is secured in all directions by means of fixing devices. This leading railing has no bracing effect and serves only as temporary side protection during the erection and dismantling phases. Railings and diagonals are still required for the scaffolding. Its use is not essential for the assembly process.

[0009] Furthermore, a guardrail system is known as a leading guardrail, in which the guardrail posts and rails form a frame structure. During assembly, the leading guardrail is hooked onto horizontal profiles, such as U-shaped crossbeams, of the scaffolding, and then the vertical scaffold tubes are attached to the scaffolding's vertical standards using a clip connection. This leading guardrail remains in the scaffolding and, due to its frame construction, has a stiffening effect, thus making diagonals and individual additional guardrails unnecessary. The guardrail is essential for the assembly process and cannot be subsequently removed. This leading guardrail has a relatively large number of braces, which is not optimal in terms of cost-effective manufacturing and transport. JP H06 307072 A, JP 2003 147953 A, and JP 2004 278106 A disclose a guardrail system for scaffolding. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention addresses the objective or technical problem of providing a guardrail device as a leading guardrail for scaffolding and a method for mounting such a guardrail device. This device should provide secure side protection on the next upper scaffold level, be quick and easy to mount from the level below, ensure a durable and robust construction with consistently reliable functionality, be economical to manufacture, guarantee high safety standards, and contribute to the stabilization of the scaffolding. Furthermore, the guardrail device should allow for assembly / disassembly without the need for a successive assembly / disassembly sequence, enabling it to be mounted / disassembled at any point on / from the scaffolding.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The method according to the invention is defined by the features of method claim 18.

[0013] The railing device according to the invention is characterized in that the second connection device and the fourth connection device are suspended from both sides in the width direction of a vertical post in the assembled state in an existing component of the scaffolding, in particular a crossbeam, and partially engage the vertical post in a form-fitting manner, so that a relative movement between the vertical post and the second and fourth connection devices in the transverse direction is blocked, and the first connection device, in the state mounted on the vertical post, engages it at least partially in a form-fitting manner, so that a relative movement between the first connection device and the vertical post is prevented.

[0014] is blocked in the transverse direction and in a width direction, and is arranged below a component of the scaffolding, in particular a gusset plate, so that a displacement in the vertical direction is blocked, the third connection device in the assembled state is arranged on the vertical post below an already connected first connection unit and surrounds the vertical post at least partially in a form-fitting manner, the third connection device is designed as a projection unit extending in the width direction, which in the state mounted on the vertical post surrounds the vertical post partially in a form-fitting manner and is arranged directly below the first connection device of an adjacent guardrail device connected on the opposite side, so that a displacement in the height direction upwards is blocked, and the third connection device has a third and fourth projection unit,which each project beyond the free end area in the width direction and which, in the assembled state, partially abut the outer contour of a vertical stem on the inside, that is, the clear inner distance in the transverse direction of the third and fourth projection units essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the vertical stem, wherein the third projection unit is designed to be movable / rotatable from a locking position to a release position and vice versa.

[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 side by side in the width direction, even if a second scaffold level has not yet been installed.

[0016] With known guardrail systems, a specific sequence must be followed during assembly and disassembly: from right to left for assembly and from left to right for disassembly. It is not possible with these systems to begin in the middle of a scaffold bay and then proceed to the left or right. This is because the connecting elements of adjacent scaffold systems overlap and lock themselves in place. The guardrail system according to the invention now makes it possible to begin assembly or disassembly at any point on the scaffold, without having to follow a sequential assembly or disassembly order. Instead, the guardrail systems can be assembled or disassembled in the desired scaffold bays.

[0017] According to the invention, the second and fourth connection devices are designed as mirror images to the transverse direction when viewed from a top view and can be connected to the right and left railing posts respectively in a transverse direction when viewed from a top view with an offset to each other.

[0018] According to the invention, the second and fourth connection devices each have a first projection unit extending in the width direction and a second projection unit extending in the width direction spaced apart in the transverse direction by a clear inner distance, wherein the clear inner distance of the first and second projection units essentially corresponds to the sum of the dimension of the outer diameter of the vertical stem and the offset dimension.

[0019] A particularly advantageous design with regard to easy assembly is characterized by the fact that the first projection unit has a downwardly open suspension recess on its underside, which can, for example, be easily hooked into crossbeams already present on the scaffolding.

[0020] A particularly simple design, which has high connection stiffness, is characterized by the fact that the second and fourth connection devices have a base plate to which the first projection unit and second projection unit are connected.

[0021] According to the invention, the offset dimension essentially corresponds to the thickness of the first or second projection unit.

[0022] This design is particularly advantageous with regard to the positive locking when connecting the second and fourth connection devices to a vertical stem from both sides.

[0023] Particularly high connection reliability is achieved through an advantageous further development in that, in the state of two adjacent railing devices being connected to a vertical post from both sides in a transverse direction, the second and fourth connection devices are arranged such that the first projection units lie laterally against each other in the transverse direction and the second projection units lie laterally against each other in the transverse direction, with 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 resting against the outer contour of the vertical post or vice versa.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the second and fourth connection devices are essentially connected to the left and right railing posts at the same height level, respectively, which ensures simplified manufacturing and high functionality.

[0025] A particularly advantageous design with regard to simple assembly is characterized by the fact that the first connection device is designed in the width direction as a hook-shaped curved screw-in claw with a curved free end area and an insertion recess which, in the assembled state, at least partially engages a vertical stem in a form-fitting manner.

[0026] A secure locking of the connections in the vertical direction is made possible by a preferred embodiment in which the first connection device, when mounted on a vertical post, is arranged below a component of the scaffolding, in particular a gusset plate, so that a vertical movement in the height direction upwards of the railing post is blocked by the gusset plate.

[0027] A preferred design that meets high safety requirements is characterized by the fact that a second railing post is offset downwards in the vertical direction at a predetermined distance from the first railing post and is connected to the left and right vertical posts.

[0028] A particularly advantageous further development, which increases the stiffness of the entire scaffold when assembled, is characterized by the fact that the first / second railing post(s) form a rigid frame construction with the left and right railing posts.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous that the base plate has a partially concave curved inner contour in its free end area, which corresponds to the curvature of the outer contour of a vertical stem.

[0030] A particularly preferred embodiment of the railing device according to the invention, which ensures a structurally simple, functional and reliable construction, is characterized in that the third projection unit is designed as a pivot bracket rotatable about an axis of rotation running parallel to the transverse direction.

[0031] A particularly preferred alternative embodiment of the railing device according to the invention, which also ensures a structurally simple, functional and reliable design, is characterized by the fact that the third projection unit is designed as a movable sliding unit.

[0032] To ensure an exact positioning of the third projection unit in its locking function, an advantageous embodiment is characterized by the fact that the third projection unit has a stop unit which, in the locking position, abuts a counter-stop unit on a base plate of the third connection device.

[0033] A particularly advantageous further development, which facilitates assembly or disassembly, is characterized by the fact that the third projection unit is designed in such a way that it automatically moves / rotates from the release position into the locking position under the sole effect of its own weight.

[0034] With regard to economical manufacturing, a preferred further development is characterized by the fact that the first and second projection units of the second and fourth connection devices and the third and fourth projection units of the third connection device are designed as bent profile units, each of which is connected / molded onto the base plate.

[0035] The integration of the leading railing in the assembled scaffold is improved according to a preferred embodiment by the fact that the right and left railing posts have a gripping profile on the opposite outer side at approximately the height of the connection of the first railing post and the second railing post, respectively, which, when the railing device is connected to the vertical post, grips the components present on the vertical post, in particular railing boxes, at least partially in a form-fitting manner.

[0036] A particularly preferred embodiment of the railing device according to the invention with regard to transport volume is characterized in that the left and right railing posts are foldable / telescopic and lockable.

[0037] A particularly preferred embodiment, which ensures quick assembly and disassembly while simultaneously meeting high safety requirements, is characterized by an integrated toeboard connected to the left and right railing posts of the railing system. Preferably, this toeboard is connected to the right and left railing posts at the level of the second and fourth connection points, respectively.

[0038] The railing device according to the invention offers, among other things, the following advantages: • After installation of the guardrail system, it is secured in all axial directions, even if a second scaffold level (frame level) has not yet been erected. • Compared to known solutions, the guardrail system according to the invention is characterized by its lighter weight and space-saving storage. • The design with an integrated toeboard ensures faster assembly and disassembly and guarantees high safety standards.

[0039] The inventive method for mounting a guardrail device described above, comprising at least one guardrail post with left and right guardrail posts connected at their left and right ends via connection units to a scaffold with vertical posts, wherein the guardrail device is designed as a so-called leading guardrail device, which is mounted from an existing lower scaffold level for an upper scaffold level to be mounted above it and which then forms side protection for the upper scaffold level, is characterized in that, first, in a first scaffold bay, a right guardrail post of a first guardrail device is connected to the right vertical post of the first scaffold bay via the first and second connection devices and is secured against lifting, and the left guardrail post of the first guardrail device is connected to the left vertical post of the scaffold bay via the third and fourth connection devices.wherein the third projection unit of the third connection device is initially brought / held in the release position and, after connection, moved into the securing position, in a scaffold bay adjacent to the first scaffold bay, a right-hand guardrail post of a second guardrail device is connected to the right-hand vertical post of the second guardrail bay via the second and then the first connection device and is secured against lifting, thereby also securing the left-hand guardrail post of the first guardrail device against lifting, the left-hand guardrail post of the second guardrail device is connected to the left-hand vertical post of the scaffold bay via the third and fourth connection devices, successively, in further scaffold bays, further guardrail devices are connected to the vertical posts with their first, second, third, and fourth connection devices.

[0040] Preferably, railing devices of the type described above are used in the method according to the invention.

[0041] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention become apparent from the features further listed in the claims and from the exemplary embodiments given below. The features of the claims and the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another in any way, provided they are not obviously mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0042] 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 drawing. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawing can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a railing device with Fig. 2 railing posts and balusters forming a rigid frame structure, wherein a first and second connection device is provided on a right baluster post and a third and fourth connection device is provided on a left baluster post, schematic view of the railing device according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Detail perspective of the second connection device, Fig. 4 Detail perspective of a fourth connection device, Fig. 5 Detail perspective of a first connection device, Fig. 6 Detail perspective of a third connection device, Fig. 7 Schematic cross-section in a top view of the connection of a second and fourth connection device to a vertical post in the assembled state, Fig. 8 Schematic cross-section in a top view of the connection of a first and a second connection device to a vertical post in the assembled state, Fig. 9 Schematic detail perspective of the connection of the first and second connection devices to a vertical post, Fig. 10 Schematic detail perspective of the connection of the third and fourth connection devices to a vertical post, Fig.11 Schematic detail perspective of the respective two-sided connection of a first and second connection device of a left guardrail device and a third and fourth connection device of a right guardrail device to a vertical post, Fig. 12 Schematic perspective view of a scaffold bay of a lower scaffold level with two erected vertical frames of a scaffold and an inclined intermediate mounting position of the guardrail device according to . Fig. 1 , Fig. 13 schematic perspective view of the mounted railing device according to Fig. 12 , Fig. 14 schematic perspective view of a scaffold with three scaffold bays, each with a mounted guardrail device according to Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 schematic perspective view of a scaffold according to Fig. 14 with additionally mounted decking and vertical frames in an upper scaffold level, Fig. 16 schematic perspective view of the third connection device according to Fig. 6 on an enlarged scale, wherein the third projection unit is designed as a swivel bracket, Fig. 17 schematic perspective view of the third connection device according to Fig. 16 with partial representation of a vertical post of a scaffold, Fig. 18 schematic side view of the connection of a third connection device and a first connection device of adjacent scaffold devices to a common vertical post, wherein the third projection unit is in a locking position, Fig. 19 schematic side view according to Fig. 18 , wherein the third projection unit is held in the release position and Figs. 20, 21 are schematic perspective views of the first and third connection devices attached to a vertical stem according to Fig. 18 . WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0043] The railing device 10 shown in the figures is depicted within an orthogonal reference system, which has a vertical direction H, a horizontal direction B perpendicular to it, and a transverse direction Q perpendicular to the horizontal direction B. The railing device 10 has a first rail 12 extending in the horizontal direction B and a second rail 14 arranged in the vertical direction H at a distance GA. The distance GA is chosen to meet required safety standards. A right-hand post 16 extending downwards in the vertical direction H from the first rail 12 is attached to the right end regions of the first and second rails 12 and 14, respectively, and a left-hand post 18 is attached to the left end region. A vertically extending central bar 28 is connected to the midpoint between the two rails 12 and 14.

[0044] The components shown form a rigid frame structure.

[0045] In the lower end area of ​​the right railing post 16 a first connection device 20 and at a vertical distance A1 above it a second connection device 22 is arranged.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In Fig. 2 Additionally, the height level at which the second connection device 22 is connected to the right railing post 16 and the fourth connection device 26 is connected to the left railing post 18 is designated H1. Both connection devices 22 and 26 are located at the same height level H1. The height level of the first connection device 20 is in Fig. 2 The height level of the third connection device 24 is designated with the reference symbol H2, and the height level of the third connection device 24 is designated with the reference symbol H3. The difference between height level H2 and height level H3 essentially corresponds to the height of the third connection device 24.

[0048] The selected height levels allow the second connection device 22 and the fourth connection device 26 to be connected to a vertical post 58 from both sides at the same height level (see Fig. 11 ) and the third connection device 24 is arranged directly below the first connection device 20 when connected to a vertical stem 58 (see Fig. 11 ).

[0049] The Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows the second connection device 22 connected to the right railing post 16. This device has a base plate 40 arranged in the plane B,Q, to which projection units extending in the width direction B are connected, spaced parallel on both sides, namely a first projection unit 30 and a second projection unit 32.

[0050] The projection units 30, 32 extend beyond the end area of ​​the base plate 40 in the width direction B, and in the projecting area 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 crossbeam of a scaffold 50 during assembly (see, for example, Fig. 12 and 13 ).

[0051] 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 ).

[0052] The in Fig. 4 The fourth connection device 26 shown is a mirror image of the second connection device 22 about the transverse axis Q. Identical components bear the same reference numeral and are not explained again.

[0053] As from Fig. 7 As can be seen, the second connection device 22 and the fourth connection device 26 are connected to the right railing post 16, 18 with an offset V to each other 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.

[0054] The clear internal distance between the first and second projection unit 30, 32 is given by AV in Fig. 7 marked. It essentially corresponds to the sum of the outer diameter D of the vertical stem 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 As shown, the two sections can be attached laterally opposite each other to the frame 50 on the crossbar 60, with the outer contour of the vertical post 58 simultaneously bearing against the inside of the first projection unit 30 of the second connection device 22 and the second projection unit 32 of the fourth connection 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 connection devices 22, 26 lie directly against each other, so that a relative displacement of the connection devices 22, 26 in the transverse direction Q is blocked.

[0055] In Fig. 5 The first connection device 20 is shown, which is connected to the right-hand guardrail post 16 as a hook-in clamp. The hook-in clamp initially extends in the width direction B and transitions into a curved end section 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 section 48 forms an insertion recess 49 into which the vertical post 58 of the scaffold 50 can be inserted during assembly.

[0056] The assembled state of the first connection device 20 is in Fig. 8 As shown, the end region 48 of the first connection device 20 partially surrounds the outer contour of the vertical stem 58 in a form-fitting manner.

[0057] The in Fig. 6 and further details in the Figuren 16 bis 21 The third connection device 24, which is connected to the lower end of the left railing post 18, has a base plate 42 arranged in the plane B, Q. A wall 78 extending along one longitudinal side in the width direction B is connected to this base plate 42, the upper end face of which forms a counter-stop unit 76. The third projection unit 34 is arranged on the outside of the wall 78 and is rotatably connected to it via a pivot axis E running parallel to the transverse direction Q. The third projection unit 34 is designed as a pivotable bracket, and a stop unit 74 is connected to it. In the locking position, the stop unit 74 is secured according to the diagram. Fig. 16 abuts the counter-stop unit 76 of the wall 78. In this securing position, the third projection unit 34 is connected to the vertical upright 58 of the scaffold (see Fig. 17 ) available.

[0058] In the free end area of ​​the base plate 42, a fourth protrusion unit 36 ​​is formed opposite the third protrusion unit 34.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, the front end face of the base plate 42 has a concave inner contour 38 in certain areas, the radius of curvature of which corresponds to the radius of curvature of the outer contour of the vertical stem 58. The clear inner distance IA (see Fig. 8 ) between the third and fourth projection unit 34, 36 in the transverse direction Q corresponds essentially to the outer diameter of the vertical stem 58 (see Fig. 8 ). In the assembled state according to Fig. 8 , 20, 21 The inner side of the third and fourth projection unit 34, 36 lies on the outer contour of the vertical stem 58 and the partially concave inner contour 38 of the base plate 42 lies partially on the outer contour of the vertical stem 58.

[0060] In the state of two adjacent scaffold devices mounted on a vertical post 58, the connection diagram shows according to Fig. 21 , that the upper end face of the fourth projection unit 36 ​​abuts the wall of the first connection device 20 arranged above it on the underside, i.e., lifting in the vertical direction H upwards is reliably prevented, especially since the first connection device 20 abuts the gusset plate 64 which is firmly connected to the vertical stem 58 on the underside.

[0061] The geometry of the third projection unit 34 in conjunction with the arrangement of the axis of rotation E is chosen such that, after the third projection unit 34 has been temporarily pivoted into a free-holding position for assembly purposes (see Fig. 19 ), these under the sole effect of gravity into the secured position (see Fig. 18 ) falls back automatically. During assembly, the installer only needs to pivot the third projection unit 34 into the release position – the flushness of the outer surface of the third projection unit 34 with the inner edge of the left railing post 18 serves as a guide for reaching this position. This position must be held during assembly. After the installer releases the pivotable third projection unit 34 upon reaching the final assembly position, it falls back into the locking position automatically.

[0062] For disassembly, the installer must unlock the pivoting third projection unit 34 and pivot it into the release position, holding it there. Again, the flushness of the outer surface of the third projection unit 34 with the inner edge of the railing post 18 serves as a guide for reaching this position. The railing assembly can then be pivoted outwards and removed. The pivot point is the second connection device 22 of the opposite railing post 16.

[0063] The safety of a guardrail device 10 mounted on the scaffold 50 against lifting upwards in the vertical direction H is ensured by the fact that, in the mounted state, the first connection device 20 with its hook is positioned directly below a protruding 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 vertical direction H upwards of the in Fig. 11 The right-hand railing post 16, shown in partial detail, is reliably prevented from moving. Simultaneously, in the assembled state, two railing devices 10 engage in adjacent scaffold bays according to... Fig. 11 the third projection unit 34 of the third connection device 24 under the first connection device 20, so that its displacement in the vertical direction H upwards and thus the displacement of the left railing post 18 is also blocked (see Fig. 20, 21 ) is.

[0064] Thus, in the connected state, the guardrail device 10 is secured against lifting upwards in the vertical direction H. Lateral displacement B is also impossible, as this movement is blocked by the positive locking of the first and third connection devices 20 and 24 to the vertical post 58. Simultaneously, the first and third connection devices 20, 24 and the second and fourth connection devices 22, 26 reliably prevent lateral displacement of the guardrail devices 10. The base plates 40 of the second and third connection devices 22 and 24 are spaced from the vertical post 58 at their end faces, which facilitates the insertion of these connection devices 20, 24 during the assembly process for connecting them to the existing scaffolding 50.

[0065] The Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows, in perspective, an exemplary scaffold bay of a lower scaffold level 52 of a scaffold 50, with two erected vertical frames 56 spaced apart in the width direction B, each with vertical uprights 58 spaced apart in the cross direction Q. The vertical uprights 58 are connected to each other at the upper end by a crossbeam 60.

[0066] In the lower end region, a cross profile 62 connects the two vertical posts 58 of a vertical frame 56. A stiffening gusset plate 64 is arranged in the corner area between the crossbar 60 and the vertical post 58. The vertical frame 56 also has railing boxes 72 to which... Fig. 12 an existing railing post 70 is already connected.

[0067] The in Fig. 12 The depicted guardrail device 10 is currently in an intermediate assembly position. Assembly can be carried out on any scaffold bay. The right guardrail post 16 is raised to a height at which the second connection device 22 can be hooked into the crossbar 60. Overall, the guardrail device 10 is in an inclined intermediate state in which the first connection device 20, designed as a hook-in claw, does not yet engage the vertical post 58, and the second connection device 22 is hooked into the crossbar 60. In the further assembly process, the guardrail device 10, or rather the left guardrail post 18, is raised upwards so that the fourth connection device 26 of the left guardrail post 18 can also be hooked into the crossbar 60, whereby simultaneously the first connection device 20 on the opposite side engages the Fig. 12 The right vertical post 58 is partially enclosed in a form-fitting manner. During further assembly, the third projection unit 34 of the third connection device 24 of the left railing post 18 is pivoted into the release position and held (see Fig. 19 ) until the base plate 42 is on the outer contour of the in Fig. 12 The left vertical stem 58 is struck. The third projection unit 34 is then released and automatically falls into the safety position, meaning that the striking unit 74 rests against the counter-strike unit 76 (see Fig. 18 The third and fourth projection units 34, 36 of the third connection device 24 then rest with their inner sides against the outer contour of the vertical post 58. The assembled final state of the guardrail device 10 in a scaffold bay is shown in Fig. 13 depicted.

[0068] In Fig. 14 A scaffold 50 with a total of three scaffold bays is shown, each containing a guardrail device 10, as in Fig. 13 The upper scaffold level 54, which is yet to be erected above the lower scaffold level 52, is thus secured by the guardrails 10, as the guardrails 10 provide side protection. In the next assembly step, decking can now be hung on the crossbeams 60 of the vertical frames 56 of the lower scaffold level 52, and toe boards 68 can be mounted. Afterwards, the upper scaffold level 54 can be safely accessed by the assembly personnel, as the already installed guardrails 10 ensure reliable side protection. Now, further vertical frames 56 of the upper scaffold level 54 are attached to the already erected vertical frames 56 of the lower scaffold level 52, as shown in the figure. Fig. 15 As shown. In the last assembly step, the assembled railing device 10 is now moved from the lower scaffold level 52 to the upper scaffold level 54, so that in the further assembly process side protection is also ensured for the further scaffold level to be mounted above the upper scaffold level 54.

[0069] When mounted on the scaffold 50, the guardrail devices 10 can be detached at any desired scaffold bay. Disassembly can be carried out starting from a specific scaffold bay or only individual scaffold bays. For this purpose, the third projection unit 34 is pivoted into the release position (see Fig. 19 ) and the connection devices 20, 22, 24, 26 can be solved field by field.

[0070] In the presentation in Fig. 15 Does the connection situation of the railing devices 10 in the area of ​​the vertical frames 56 correspond to the representation according to the Figuren 7 und 8 .

[0071] Additionally, as is shown in, among other places, Fig. 2 As shown, on the right railing post 16 at approximately the height of the second railing rail 14, a gripping profile 47 extending outwards in the width direction B is present, and on the opposite side, on the left railing post 18, slightly below the first railing rail 12, a gripping profile 45 extending outwards in the width direction B is present, which serves to further secure the railing device 10 in the assembled state by these two gripping profiles 45, for example by each gripping a railing box 72.

[0072] In summary, the assembly of the guardrail devices 10 on the scaffold 50 is carried out as follows. Based on the illustration in Fig. 15Without the guardrail fittings already installed there, assembly can begin in any scaffold bay. The right guardrail post 16 is connected to the right vertical post 58 or the crossbeam 60 via its second connection 22 and first connection 20, and then the left guardrail post 18 is connected to the left vertical post 58 via the third and fourth connection 24, 26. In this state, the right guardrail post 16 is secured against lifting. In the next assembly step, the guardrail fitting 10 is installed, for example, in an adjacent scaffold bay, again first via the first and second connection 20, 22 of the right guardrail post 16 to the right vertical post 58 of the middle scaffold bay, which simultaneously forms the left vertical post 58 of the first scaffold bay.Once the left guardrail post 18 is connected to the left vertical post 58 of the middle scaffold bay by its third and fourth connection devices 24, 26, the right guardrail post 16 of the guardrail device 10 in the middle scaffold bay and simultaneously the left guardrail post 18 of the guardrail device 10 in the first scaffold bay are secured against lifting. The described process is then successively continued in the adjacent scaffold bays. It is also possible to carry out the assembly and disassembly in parallel on different scaffold bays.

[0073] Disassembly of a guardrail device 10 can be carried out starting from any scaffold bay. The left guardrail post 18 is slightly lifted until the mounting recess 44 disengages from the crossbar 60 and the third projection unit pivots into the release position. The left section of the guardrail device 10 can then be tilted slightly forward or backward, pivoted out, and tilted further downward so that the first connection device 20, with its mounting claw, disengages from the vertical post 58. The second connection device 22 is then released from the crossbar 60. This disassembly process is then carried out in each subsequent scaffold bay.

[0074] The guardrail device 10 is designed to be a permanent guardrail device for the entire duration of the scaffold 50's erection, thus ensuring safety standards throughout its entire service life. Simultaneously, the frame-like overall construction of the guardrail device 10, in conjunction with its connection devices (20, 22, 24, 26), allows the guardrail device 10 to act as a stiffening component for the entire scaffold 50, eliminating the need for additional diagonals or guardrail posts.

Claims

1. Railing apparatus (10) for a scaffold (50) with scaffolding levels (52, 54), which scaffold has vertical members (58) arranged spaced apart in a width direction (B), has crossbars (60) connected to the vertical members (58) in a transverse direction (Q), and has decks (66) connected to the crossbars (60) in the width direction (B), - wherein the railing apparatus (10) is configured as a so-called lead railing apparatus, which, from an existing lower scaffolding level (52), is mounted for an upper scaffolding level (54) to be mounted thereabove and which then forms side protection for the upper scaffolding level (54), said railing apparatus - having at least one first guard rail (12) which extends horizontally in the width direction (B), - having a right-hand railing member (16), in particular extending substantially vertically in a height direction (H), which is connected in an end region of the first guard rail (12), - having a left-hand railing member (18), in particular extending substantially vertically in the height direction (H), which is connected in the opposite end region of the guard rail (12), - wherein the right-hand railing member (16) has in its lower end region a first connection device (20) and a second connection device (22), which is arranged thereabove with a spacing, in each case for releasable connection to a vertical member (58) of a scaffold (50), - the left-hand railing member (18) has in its lower end region a third connection device (24) and a fourth connection device (26), which is arranged above the third connection device (24) with a spacing, in each case for releasable connection to a vertical member (58) of a scaffold (50), wherein - the second connection device (22) and the fourth connection device (26) are configured such that they are able to be fitted to a vertical member (58) from both sides in the width direction (B) in the mounted state in an existing component of the scaffold (50), specifically a crossbar (60), and such that they are able to surround the vertical member (58) in a form-fitting manner regionally, so that a relative movement between the vertical member (58) and the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26) in the transverse direction (Q) and downwards in the vertical height direction (H) is able to be blocked, - the first connection device (20) is configured such that, in the state in which it is mounted on the vertical member (58), it is able to engage around the latter at least regionally in a form-fitting manner so that a relative movement between the first connection device (20) and the vertical member (58) in the transverse direction (Q) and in one width direction (B) is able to be blocked, and is able to be arranged below a component of the scaffold (50), in particular a gusset plate (64), so that an displacement upwards in the vertical height direction (H) is able to be blocked, - the third connection device (24), in the mounted state, is able to be arranged on the vertical member (58) below an already connected first connection unit (20) and is configured such that it is able to surround the vertical member (58) in a form-fitting manner at least regionally, - the third connection device (24) is in the form of a projection unit which extends in the width direction (B) and which is configured such that, in the state in which it is mounted on the vertical member (58), it is able to surround the vertical member (58) in a form-fitting manner regionally and which is able to be arranged directly below the first connection device (20), connected on the opposite side, of an adjacent railing apparatus (10) so that a displacement upwards in the height direction (H) is able to be blocked, and - the third connection device (24) has a third and fourth projection unit (34, 36), which each project beyond the free end region in the width direction (B) and which, at the inner side, are, in the mounted state, able to be placed on the outer contour of a vertical member (58) regionally, that is to say the clear inner spacing in the transverse direction (Q) of the third and fourth projection units (34, 36) corresponds substantially to the outer diameter (D) of the vertical member (58), wherein the third projection unit (34) is configured such that it is able to be moved or rotated from a securing position into a release position and vice versa, characterized in that - the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26), when seen in plan view, are configured so as to be mirror-inverted with respect to the transverse direction (Q) and, when seen in plan view, are able to be connected to the right-hand and left-hand railing member (16, 18), respectively, with an dimension of offset (V) with respect to one another in the transverse direction (Q), - the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26) have in each case one first projection unit (30), which extends in the width direction (B), and one second projection unit (32), which is arranged spaced apart by a clear inner spacing (AV) in the transverse direction (Q) and extends in the width direction (B), wherein the clear inner spacing (AV) of the first and second projection units (30, 32) corresponds substantially to the sum of the dimension of the outer diameter (D) of the vertical member (58) and the dimension of offset (V), and - the dimension of offset (V) corresponds substantially to the thickness of the first or second projection unit (30, 32).

2. Railing apparatus according to Claim 1, - characterized in that - the first projection unit (30) has a downwardly open fitting recess (44) at the bottom side.

3. Railing apparatus according to either or both of Claims 1 and 2, - characterized in that - the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26) have a base plate (40) to which the first projection unit (30) and the second projection unit (32) are connected.

4. Railing apparatus according to either or both of Claims 1 and 3, - characterized in that - in the state of two adjacent railing apparatuses (10) in which they are connected to a vertical member (58) from both sides in the transverse direction (Q), the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26) are able to be arranged in such a way that in each case the first projection units (30) bear against one another laterally in the transverse direction (Q) and the second projection units (32) bear against one another laterally in the transverse direction (Q), wherein the inner side the first projection unit (30) of the second connection device (22) and the inner side of the fourth projection unit (26) of the second connection device (22) are able to be placed against the outer contour of the vertical member (58) or vice versa.

5. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26) are configured such that they are able to be connected substantially at the same height level (H1) to the right-hand and left-hand railing member (16, 18), respectively.

6. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the first connection device (20) is configured to extend in the width direction (B) as a turn-in claw bent in the shape of a hook and having a curved free end region (48) with an insertion cutout (49), which is configured such that, in the mounted state, it is able to surround a vertical member (58) in a form-fitting manner at least regionally.

7. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - in the state in which it is mounted on a vertical member (58), the first connection device (20) is able to be arranged below a component of the scaffold (50), in particular a gusset plate (64), so that a vertical movement upwards in the height direction (H) of the railing member (18) is able to be blocked by the gusset plate (64).

8. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - provision is made of a second guard rail (14) which is downwardly offset in the height direction (H) from the first guard rail (12) by a predefined spacing (GA) and which is able to be connected to the left-hand and right-hand vertical members (16, 18).

9. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the first / second guard rail(s) (12, 14) form with the left-hand and right-hand railing members (16, 18) a flexurally rigid frame construction.

10. Railing apparatus according to Claim 1, - characterized in that - the third projection unit (34) is configured as a pivot bracket able to be rotated about an axis of rotation (E) which extends parallel to the transverse direction (Q).

11. Railing apparatus according to Claim 1, - characterized in that - the third projection unit is configured as a movable slide unit.

12. Railing apparatus according to Claim 10 or 11, - characterized in that - the third projection unit has a stop unit (74) which, in a locking position, abuts against a counterpart stop unit (76) on a base plate (42) of the third connection device (24).

13. Railing apparatus according to Claim 12, - characterized in that - the third projection unit (34) is configured in such a way that it automatically moves or rotates into the locking position from the release position purely under the effect of its own weight.

14. Railing apparatus according to either or both of Claims 1 and 13, - characterized in that - the first and second projection units (30, 32) of the second and fourth connection devices (22, 26) and the third and fourth projection units (34, 36) of the third connection device (24) are in the form of a folded profile unit, in each case being connected to or formed on the base plate (40, 42).

15. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the right-hand and left-hand railing members (16, 18) have an engaging-around profile (47) approximately at the height of the connection of the first guard rail (12) and the second guard rail (14), respectively, on the opposite outer side, which engaging-around profile, when the railing apparatus (10) is connected to the vertical member (58), engages around the components provided on the vertical member (58), in particular railing holders, in a form-fitting manner at least regionally.

16. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - the left-hand and right-hand railing members (16, 18) are configured to be foldable or telescopic and arrestable.

17. Railing apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, - characterized in that - a toe board (68) is connected in an integrated manner at the left-hand and right-hand railing members (16, 18) so as to extend over the entire width in the width direction (B), wherein the connection is arranged preferably at the height of the second and fourth connection devices (22, 24).

18. Method for mounting a railing apparatus (10) according to one or more of preceding Claims 1 to 17, having at least one guard rail (12), having left-hand and right-hand railing members (16, 18) which are connected in the left-hand end region and right-hand end region and have connection units (20, 22, 24, 26), onto a scaffold (50) having vertical members (58), wherein the railing apparatus (10) is configured as a so-called lead railing apparatus, which, from an existing lower scaffolding level (54), is mounted for an upper scaffolding level (52) to be mounted thereabove and which then forms side protection for the upper scaffolding level (52), - characterized in that - firstly, in a first scaffold zone, a right-hand railing member (16) of a first railing apparatus (10) is connected to the right-hand vertical member (58) of the first scaffold zone via the first and second connection devices (20, 22) and is secured against lifting, - the left-hand railing member (18) of the first railing apparatus (10) is connected to the left-hand vertical member (58) of the scaffold zone via the third and fourth connection devices (24, 26), wherein the third projection unit (34) of the third connection device (24) is firstly brought into / held in the release position, and after the connection is brought into the securing position, - in a scaffold zone adjacent to the first scaffold zone, a right-hand railing member (16) of a second railing apparatus (10) is connected to the right-hand vertical member (58) of the second scaffold zone via the second and then first connection device (20, 22) and is secured against lifting, whereby the left-hand railing member (16) of the first railing apparatus (10) is also secured against lifting, - the left-hand railing member (18) of the second railing apparatus (10) is connected to the left-hand vertical member (58) of the scaffold zone via the third and fourth connection devices (24, 26), - further railing apparatuses are connected by way of their first, second, third and fourth connection devices (20, 22, 24, 26) to the vertical members (58) in succession in further scaffold zones.