Scaffolding that includes a lowering railing

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a scaffolding system.

[0002] The Applicant markets height-adjustable scaffolding under the names SK4 and SK6, achieved by sliding sections of the ladder relative to others. The sections of the ladder intended to remain on the ground are wider than the sections designed to slide upwards. The platform and guardrail also slide relative to the uprights and are therefore installed by moving them upwards along the scaffolding.

[0003] JP S63 125048 U discloses a scaffolding system.

[0004] There is a need for a system that combines compactness in the lowered position, robustness and safety.

[0005] A scaffolding system is proposed according to claim 1.

[0006] Thus, the transition from the lowered position to the raised position puts less stress on the support, and in particular the ladder uprights, than in the prior art, thus allowing higher scaffolding heights to be reached for a given footprint.

[0007] In addition, the guardrail can be relatively rigid and remain relatively straight in the raised position.

[0008] With the frame folded outwards, the design constraints related to taking into account the space inside the scaffolding are avoided.

[0009] In addition, when the guardrail frame is folded down against the ladder, access to the platform becomes more difficult due to the presence of this frame against the ladder, thus making the scaffolding system safer in that a technician wishing to climb the ladder to access the platform will intuitively raise the guardrail frame to free the ladder he wishes to use.

[0010] Also, the scaffolding system can be relatively compact in the lowered position.

[0011] The scaffolding system can therefore be relatively robust, compact and secure.

[0012] The guardrail post extends, when the guardrail is in the raised position, in a direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the corresponding ladder post, or normal to the plane defined by the platform assembly.

[0013] The invention is not limited to a particular mounting of the guardrail upright on the corresponding ladder.

[0014] For example, one can plan to assemble one end of this guardrail upright to one end of a ladder upright.

[0015] The ladder uprights assembled to the guardrail uprights may be ladder uprights, or not, for example vertical uprights of a platform or intermediate structure between the ladders and the guardrail.

[0016] Advantageously, and without limitation, for at least one guardrail post, the corresponding rod-type element that forms the guardrail frame with said post may include another guardrail post and one or more cross brace elements extending between said guardrail posts. The frame may thus have a parallelogram-type structure.

[0017] The rod-type element can, for example, include another guardrail post, for example, a post supported in the raised position by the end of the other ladder post corresponding to the guardrail post.

[0018] Advantageously and without limitation, the guardrail may include a rail fixed at least at one end to at least one post of the guardrail frame.

[0019] The rotation can, for example, take place around an axis having a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of a rung of the ladder.

[0020] Advantageously, when the guardrail is in the raised position, the rail can be straightened relative to the plane of the guardrail frame, and in particular extend in a direction normal to this plane.

[0021] Advantageously, the handrail can be pivotally mounted on the guardrail post, around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the post, so that it can be folded against the guardrail frame. Thus, prior to rotating the guardrail frame, the handrail can be folded into a plane parallel to the plane of the guardrail frame, thereby reducing its overall size.

[0022] The invention is in no way limited to pivoting mounted rails: one could, for example, provide for a rail fixed rigidly to a post, and forming with this post a guardrail frame intended to pivot around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail.

[0023] Advantageously and without limitation, the rail can be arranged so as to be able to go from a first state, corresponding to a first rail length, to a second state, corresponding to a second rail length strictly greater than the first rail length, for example by telescoping, or otherwise.

[0024] Advantageously, the rail may include a joint, and on either side of this joint, two portions of rail, the joint allowing one of these portions of rail to be rotated and folded down against the other portion of rail.

[0025] Advantageously, and without limitation, the guardrail may be permanently attached to at least one ladder; that is, under normal conditions of use, the guardrail remains fixed to the ladder. This does not preclude the possibility of detaching the guardrail, particularly for repair purposes, for example, using specific tools.

[0026] Advantageously, the scaffolding system can include an assembly element with a part mounted on the guardrail upright, and a part mounted on the support, for example on a ladder upright.

[0027] Advantageously, these parts are movable relative to each other and define a pivot joint for the rotation of the guardrail frame.

[0028] Advantageously, a lock can prevent any relative movement of these parts. Thus, the user releases this lock before raising or lowering the guardrail.

[0029] Advantageously, each ladder, referred to as a ladder assembly, can comprise a plurality of ladder sections sliding relative to one another along a longitudinal direction to move from a retracted to an extended state. The ladder assembly can thus be relatively compact when the ladder sections are retracted and the handrail is lowered.

[0030] For example, the uprights can each define, in a plane normal to the longitudinal direction, a profile with: one side from which the rungs extend, called flank, and, on either side of the flank, two other sides, called fields.

[0031] At least one upright of at least one ladder section may define a male slide element on one of its faces, and at least one upright of at least another ladder section of the same ladder assembly may be profiled along the longitudinal direction so as to define a female slide element on one of its faces, opposite the face defining the male slide element. The scaffolding system may be arranged so that the male slide element cooperates with the female slide element, allowing the ladder sections corresponding to these slide elements to slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the uprights.

[0032] The invention is in no way limited to assemblies of ladders in several parts capable of sliding relative to each other. Each assembly of ladders can, for example, form a rigid whole, called a ladder.

[0033] Advantageously, for each set of scales, locking means can be arranged to prevent a return of that set of scales to the retracted state from a plurality of locking positions defining a locking pitch.

[0034] Advantageously, at least one guardrail upright can be joined to a corresponding ladder upright by a partial link so that, when only one of the ladder assemblies is being deployed, the guardrail upright is set in motion relative to the ladder upright, said motion continuing at least until the difference in heights between the ladder assemblies reaches the locking step, in order to compensate for this difference in height.

[0035] Advantageously, and without limitation, the system may also include a pre-assembled folding base between these sets of ladders. The scaffolding system can thus transition from a closed state, in which the two sets of ladders are brought close together, to an open state, in which the two sets of ladders are kept apart by the folding base.

[0036] The scaffolding system can therefore be particularly compact.

[0037] Advantageously and without limitation, the scaffolding can be arranged so that, regardless of the state of the scaffolding system, the folding base remains attached to the ladder assemblies and remains in the plane occupied by the folding base in the open state.

[0038] Advantageously and without limitation, the scaffolding system may include a locking device arranged to trigger a locking of the basic elements when the open state is reached.

[0039] The scaffolding system may advantageously include a first slide element attached to a folding base element, and a second slide element cooperating with the first slide element, arranged so that when the scaffolding system moves from the folded to the open state, the first slide element moves from a first position relative to the second slide element to a second position. The locking device may be arranged to trigger a locking of the first slide element when said element reaches the second position.

[0040] A method for assembling a scaffolding system according to claim 11 is also proposed.

[0041] The invention will be better described with reference to the figures, which relate to embodiments given by way of example and not limitation. There figure 1 shows an example of scaffolding according to a first embodiment of the invention. figure 2 shows part of the scaffolding depicted on the figure 1 , in its closed state. The figure 3 shows part of the scaffolding depicted on the figure 1 , in its open state. The figure 4 shows a portion of an example of scaffolding according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the closed state. figure 5 shows the part of the scaffolding depicted on the figure 4 , in its open state. The figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of the scaffolding illustrated by the figures 2 et 3 There figure 7 shows an example of scaffolding similar to that of the figure 1 , currently being assembled. The figure 8 is a profile view of three uprights from three respective ladder sections of the scaffolding of the figure 1 . There figure 9 shows an example of a joining element between a guardrail and a section of the scaffolding ladder. figure 1 . There figure 10 shows part of the scaffolding example of the figure 1 , currently being assembled. The figure 11 shows the scaffolding of the figure 7 , in its compact and frontal state, The figure 12 shows the scaffolding of the figure 7 in its compact state, seen from the side. The figure 13 is a perspective view of an upper section of the scaffolding system of the figure 1 . There figure 14 is a perspective view of an example of a folding base for a scaffolding system in an embodiment close to that of figures 4 et 5 . There figure 15 shows the assembly element of the figure 9 , when installed between two uprights.

[0042] Identical references may be used from one figure to another to designate identical or similar elements, in their form or function.

[0043] With reference to the figure 1 , which relates to a first embodiment, a scaffolding system 1 includes a platform support, also called platform assembly support, comprising two ladders, also called ladder assemblies 10, 11, facing each other, and held apart from each other by means of an articulated stringer 160 and a folding base 60.

[0044] In this first embodiment, the folding base 60 defines a pantograph, and includes bar-type elements, here rods 41, 41', 141, 141', articulated, secured to uprights 120, 130 of the ladder assemblies 10, 11 by articulation elements 42, 43.

[0045] The scaffolding system also includes stabilizing elements 40, and offset wheels 50.

[0046] Each set of ladders 10, 11 comprises a plurality of ladder sections 100, 101, 102, and 110, 111, 112, here three ladder sections. Each ladder section 100, 101, 102, 110, 111, 112, comprises two uprights 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, 132 and rungs 3 forming a spacer between the uprights.

[0047] These rungs are used for access to the platform, the user using one of the ladder sets in the manner of a ladder, by placing their feet on the rungs.

[0048] Furthermore, ladder assemblies can support the platform assembly directly, meaning the platform assembly is in contact with the ladder assemblies, or indirectly. In the latter case, there may be intermediate parts between the platform assembly and the ladder assemblies, for example, a lower section of a guardrail, also called a guardrail assembly.

[0049] Similarly, ladder assemblies can support the guardrail assembly directly or indirectly.

[0050] The rungs 3 can be fixed to the uprights 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, 132 by welding. In an embodiment not shown, fixing by riveting, or other means, may be provided.

[0051] The parts of scale 100, 101, 102, and 110, 111, 112, of the same set of scale 10, 11 are able to slide relative to each other in pairs.

[0052] Locking devices, in this case 150 mm hooks mounted pivotally on the ladder sections intended to be lifted, and capable of engaging with two rungs of two adjacent ladder sections (one rung of the section on which the hook is mounted and one rung of the adjacent section on the inside of the scaffolding), prevent the extended ladder sections from falling back down under the force of gravity. These hooks can thus provide locking for several scaffolding heights, the interval between these heights being the inter-rung distance.

[0053] In an embodiment not shown, a system of pins and holes in the uprights could also be provided to block any movement between two adjacent ladder sections.

[0054] The scaffolding system 1 further includes a platform, also called a platform assembly 30 with a trapdoor, not shown on the figure 1 , defined in the floor of the plateau.

[0055] The ladder system 1 further includes a guardrail, also called a guardrail assembly 21, comprising guardrail uprights 270, rails 21, 22, sub-rails 24, 25 and reinforcement bars 23.

[0056] THE figures 11 et 12 show a scaffolding similar to the scaffolding system illustrated on the figure 1 , in its compact state. These scaffolding systems are monobloc, with the exception of the platform assembly 30, which is detachable; that is to say, with the exception of the platform assembly 30, each element of these scaffolding systems is secured to the rest of the scaffolding system by a connection that cannot be easily undone. In other words, the scaffolding of the figure 1 is devoid of parts that could be lost, with the exception of the set of 30 trays which is detachable.

[0057] Monobloc scaffolding 1 of figures 11 et 12 Thus, in its folded state, it takes the form of a cube or a block of dimensions 0.98 x 0.92 x 1.38 meters for example and is equipped with four swiveling wheels and adjustable in height 50.

[0058] To assemble this scaffolding, we begin, starting from the closed and folded state corresponding to the representation of the figures 11 et 12 by moving the scale sets 10, 11 further apart along the length (direction z on the coordinate system of the figure 1 ), thus passing from the closed state to the open state.

[0059] THE figures 2 et 3 on which the scaffolding system is only partially represented, allow for a better visualization of this first stage of assembly.

[0060] When the scale sets 10, 11 are thus separated from each other along the length, the folding bases 60 unfold along this direction z.

[0061] The scald system is arranged so that the rods 41, 41', 141, 141' of the folding base 60 are capable of pivoting relative to the ladder parts 110, 130 to which they are attached.

[0062] Rods 41, 41' are pivotally mounted at a first height, near the highest rung of each ladder section 100, 110.

[0063] The scaffolding 1 includes fixed articulation elements 42, attached to the uprights 120, 130 and allowing only pivoting around the x direction. In other words, these articulation elements 42 maintain their position during the step of moving the ladder parts 120, 130 away from each other.

[0064] The rods 141, 141' are pivotally mounted on the uprights 120, 130, respectively, by means of movable articulation elements 43, one of which is detailed in the illustration by the figure 6 .

[0065] These movable articulation elements 43 are arranged to support a pivoting movement of the adjoining rod 141, around the x direction, and also to support a translational movement, along the y direction relative to the corresponding upright 120, 130.

[0066] With reference to the figure 6 , the 130 upright thus defines, in one side of its profile, a female slide element, here a flanged groove 62. This flanged groove receives a male slide element, here a T-shaped element 142, in one piece with the movable articulation element 43.

[0067] The movable articulation element 43 can be obtained by making a profile defining the T-element 142 and two surfaces 242 facing each other, then installing between these surfaces 242 a rod which is also received in a bore of the articulated rod 141, in order to allow rotation around the x-axis of this rod 141.

[0068] To return to the figure 3 , the folding base 60 is thus fixed to two uprights 120, 130, by means, for each upright 120, 130, of a fixed articulation element 42 and a movable articulation element 43.

[0069] In this example, the fixed hinge element 42 is secured, for example, by welding to the corresponding upright 120, 130 substantially at the level of the highest rung 3 of the corresponding ladder section, 100, 110, while the movable hinge element 43 is capable of being translated upwards, along the y direction, when the ladder sections 100, 110, are moved away from each other.

[0070] With reference to the figure 6 In addition, a locking device 300 can be provided which automatically engages at the end of the movement.

[0071] The locking device may, for example, include a pin 301 mounted on a spring (not shown), and a plate 302 defining an orifice (not visible on the figure 6 ) sized to receive the pin 301. The plate 302 is fixed on the slide element 43. When this element 43 reaches an end-of-stroke position, the non-visible orifice is opposite the pin 301. Due to the forces exerted by the spring, the pin 301 becomes embedded in this orifice, thus ensuring the locking of the element 43, and therefore of the rod 141.

[0072] The plate includes a projecting part 303, which butts against an edge of the element 43, in order to prevent the plate 302 from being driven into pivoting relative to this element 43.

[0073] To unlock element 43, an operator can insert a finger into ring 304 and pull pin 301 out of the hole. The operator must then move rod 141 while keeping pin 301 out of the hole to prevent it from locking again in the open position.

[0074] Such a system, involving a sliding connection and automatic locking at the end of its travel, can prove more reliable than previous designs that required human intervention, with the operator securing rods using pins. Furthermore, the time saved during assembly can be significant. However, manual unlocking is included for safety reasons.

[0075] When the articulated spar 160 is deployed horizontally, a lock can be put in place at its articulation to prevent folding and thus ensure a spacer function between the ladder parts 100, 110.

[0076] In a second step, when the scale sets 10, 11 are thus separated from each other by a distance corresponding to the length of the platform set 30, a platform of the platform set 30 can be placed on the highest rungs 3 of the scale parts 102, 112.

[0077] More specifically, the tray assembly 30 comprises two parts and a hinge that allows these two parts to be folded against each other by rotating them around the x-axis when the tray assembly is oriented in its intended position. The tray assembly can thus be stored, when folded, in the rectangular structure, as illustrated in the figure 12 .

[0078] The platform can be placed by means of hooks 71 on the highest rungs 3 of the ladder parts 102, 112.

[0079] Once the platform is installed, the entire guardrail assembly 20 can be raised.

[0080] In its folded state, this set 20 comprises two subsets 220, 221, each corresponding to a set of respective scale 11, 10 (see the figures 10, 11 And 13 ). Subset 220 comprises two amounts 270, 273 in continuity with the two amounts 122, 122' of the scale part 112, and the amounts 271, 272 of subset 221 are in continuity with the amounts 132,132' of the scale part 102.

[0081] Each sub-assembly 220, 221 comprises a rail 21, 22, a corresponding sub-rail 25, 24, and reinforcing bars 23 forming a spacer between these rails and these sub-rails.

[0082] More specifically, as illustrated on the figures 7 , 10 And 13, the rail 22 and the sub-rail 24 each define a joint 26 allowing a part of the guardrail 201 of the sub-assembly 221 comprising this rail 22 and this sub-rail 24 to be folded back on itself.

[0083] Similarly, a guardrail section 202 comprising the rail 21, the sub-rail 25 and the corresponding reinforcement bars 23 can be folded back on itself by means of similar hinges 26.

[0084] The upright 271 forms with rod-type elements 272, 274, 275, here another upright 272 and spacer elements 274, 275, a guardrail frame in continuity with the plan of the entire ladder 10.

[0085] The upright 273 forms with rod-type elements 270, 276, 277, here another upright 270 and spacer elements 276, 277, another guardrail frame, this time in continuity with the plan of the entire ladder 11.

[0086] In the compact state, these guardrail sections 201, 202 are therefore folded upon themselves. Each guardrail section 201, 202 is secured by a non-removable connection 223, 224 to a corresponding post 271, 273, this non-removable connection 223, 224 defining a hinge around a direction close and parallel to the longitudinal direction of this post 271, 273, so that in the compact state, the guardrail section 201, 202 folded upon itself by means of the hinge elements 26 can be folded down against the corresponding guardrail frame.

[0087] In addition, each guardrail subassembly 221, 220 is fixed to the corresponding ladder assembly 10, 11 by an x-joint at element 28, allowing the rigid guardrail frames and the rail assemblies folded onto these guardrail frames to pivot around axes (D1), (D2), respectively, passing through the outside of the scaffolding system 1.

[0088] These axes (D1), (D2) are each parallel to a line included both in a plane defined by the platform (horizontal plane, or plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the uprights if they are indeed vertical) and in a plane defined by the corresponding guardrail frame.

[0089] Thus, in its compact state, the guardrail sub-assemblies 220, 221 are folded against the various ladder sections 120, 121, 122 and 100, 101, 102, thereby obtaining a relatively compact scaffolding system as illustrated in the figures 11 et 12 .

[0090] Once the ladder assemblies 10 and 11 are moved apart (open state) and the platform is installed, each guardrail subassembly is rotated around the x-direction so that the guardrail uprights 270, 271, 272, and 273 extend in line with the uprights 122 and 132, as illustrated in the diagram. figure 7 .

[0091] We can then rotate around the corresponding upright 271, 273 each part of the guardrail 201, 202 folded upon itself, and then unfold, by means of the joints 26 these parts of the guardrail 201, 202, so that they occupy the entire length of the scaffolding system 1.

[0092] The guardrail parts 201, 202 are then fixed by their end 204, 205 opposite to the end attached to the upright 271, 273 corresponding to the upright 270, 272 of the other respective ladder assembly, by means of fixing 208, for example wire locks.

[0093] The guardrail can therefore be put in place by a technician remaining on the ground, which corresponds to a level 3 safety standard.

[0094] Once the guardrail is installed, the scaffolding system 1 can be deployed at height.

[0095] The ladder sections 100, 101, 102, and 110, 111, 112 are capable of sliding relative to one another. More precisely, each upright 120, 121, 122, 122', 130, 131, 132, 132' comprises a metal profile such as the profiles shown on the figure 8 This figure shows the sections of three uprights 120, 121, 122 when the respective ladder parts 110, 111, 112 are against each other.

[0096] Each upright profile 120, 121, 122 includes sides 63 or fields, and sides 64 or flanks, the fields 63 being of smaller dimensions than the flanks 64.

[0097] The amounts 120, 121, 122, 122' and 130, 131, 132, 132' are oriented so that the planes of the respective fields 63 are substantially normal to the z direction.

[0098] The section of each upright 120, 121, 122 has a recess, or groove, 62 defined in a field with rims 66 partially closing the recess 62, and a slide element 65 defined in the field 63 opposite the field defining the recess 62 of this upright.

[0099] As illustrated on the figure 8 , the slide element 65 of an upright 121, 122, is inserted into the groove 62 with flanges 66 of the respective adjacent upright, 120, 121, so that the upright 121 can slide relative to the upright 120 and the upright 122 can slide relative to the upright 121.

[0100] The uprights 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, 132 define, in addition to a groove with flanges 62 on one side, two recesses 61 in the two respective opposite sides. These recesses 61 allow the rungs 3 to be received.

[0101] Thus, the uprights 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, 132 define means of cooperation two by two, directly in their sides normal to the length of the scaffolding, here grooves with flanges 62 and sliding elements 65.

[0102] These amounts 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, 132 can therefore be of the same width so that there is no need to provide several dimensions of step 3.

[0103] Furthermore, as can be seen on the figure 8 Each upright defines both a flanged groove 62 and a slide element 65, so uprights 120, 121, 122, 130, 131, and 132 can be identical. This allows for a single model of ladder parts 100, 101, 102, 110, 122, and 112, thus simplifying logistics and procurement for manufacturing.

[0104] The surfaces of intermediate stud 121 are treated to facilitate sliding of the studs relative to each other. This treatment is not applied to the sides of stud 121, nor to studs 120 and 122.

[0105] In another embodiment, the uprights 120, 121, 122 all receive an identical surface treatment, on only one of their fields, for example on the fields corresponding to the parts in T 65.

[0106] To deploy the scaffolding system at height, an external upright 102 or 112 is planned to slide relative to the adjacent upright 101 or 111 respectively, by a height corresponding to the height between two adjacent rungs 3, as illustrated by the figure 10 .

[0107] To prevent such a misalignment from introducing stresses into the guardrail assembly 20, assembly elements 28 were provided, linked to the respective uprights 130, 132, defining partial connections that allow relative movement between the guardrail uprights 270-273 and the ladder uprights 122, 122', 132, 132' on which these guardrail uprights are installed. Thus, the guardrail assembly 20 can be designed to be relatively rigid, as the stresses induced by height differences during vertical deployment will be absorbed by displacements of the guardrail uprights relative to the ladder uprights.

[0108] With reference to figures 9 et 15 , the assembly element 28 includes a part 435 intended to be secured to the upright 271 without particular play, for example by means of a rod fixed by riveting 440 to the upright 271, or otherwise, and a part 433 intended to cooperate with the upright 132.

[0109] When a lock 434 is raised, these parts 433, 435 are rigidly joined together, and the element 28 forms a rigid whole.

[0110] Part 433 defines a partial connection with the upright 132, so as to absorb the displacements induced during the deployment of the ladder assemblies.

[0111] Element 28 has a central part with flanges 438, intended to be inserted between uprights 271 and 132.

[0112] Part 433 defines a recess 436 to receive a rod (not shown) fixed by riveting 432 or welding to the upright 132.

[0113] This recess 436 is positioned high enough so that when this part 433 is (partially) received in the upright 132, and the rod is received in the recess 436, the lower edge of the part 438 remains distant from the upper end of the upright 132, as illustrated by the figure 15 .

[0114] On the other hand, the upper edge of this central part 438 can be in contact with the lower end of the upright 271.

[0115] Element 28 is therefore likely to move relative to amount 132.

[0116] Incorporating such inherent play in the joints allows for the design of a relatively rigid guardrail system. This avoids the need to distribute play across the top and bottom rails, which can be more comfortable and reassuring for users.

[0117] Thus, an operator can raise one section of a ladder from one of the ladder sets to a height corresponding to the height between two respective rungs, then move to the other side of the scaffolding system and raise the opposite section of the ladder to twice the height between two respective rungs. The scaffolding can therefore be deployed at height by a single person.

[0118] Element 28 further defines a pivot joint for the rotation of the guardrail frame allowing it to move from the lowered position to the raised position, and vice versa.

[0119] More specifically, part 28 is in two parts 433, 435, mounted articulated on a rod 437.

[0120] The lock 434 includes a non-visible hook which, in the locked position, blocks a rod 439, allowing the parts 433, 435 to be locked together.

[0121] When the handle of this lock 434 is lowered, part 435 can pivot around the axis (D1). Since this part is integral with the guardrail frame including the post, this rotation can allow the guardrail frame to tilt.

[0122] During the deployment at height of the scaffolding system, the stabilizers 40 can be installed in a manner known per se.

[0123] During the vertical deployment, we start by deploying the outermost ladder sections 102, 112 and then the intermediate ladder sections 101, 102.

[0124] As is apparent from the figure 1 The lowest ladder sections, 101 and 102, are the closest to each other. This allows a user of a scaffolding system accessing a platform assembly 30 via the hatch in the floor to reach this hatch relatively comfortably and, more importantly, to descend from the scaffolding relatively safely. This stepped arrangement can be particularly advantageous for a user accessing the platform from inside the scaffolding. This allows for a simpler platform access, such as a simpler and less cumbersome hatch, than a gate-type access via a guardrail.

[0125] In addition, the scaffolding device 1 includes two pre-assembled diagonals 170.

[0126] Each diagonal comprises a large-diameter tube 171 and a small-diameter tube 172 installed inside the large-diameter tube. The small-diameter tube of the diagonal may have a diameter of, for example, 40 mm, and the large-diameter tube of the diagonal may have a diameter of, for example, 50 mm.

[0127] The large diameter tube 171 is pre-mounted on a lower scale section, 100 or 110, while the small diameter tube 172 is pre-mounted on a higher scale section, 102 or 112.

[0128] When folded, the small diameter and large diameter tubes are separated from each other, each tube remaining simply attached to the corresponding ladder section.

[0129] When the ladder sections are fully extended, the free end of the smaller diameter tube is inserted into the free end of the larger diameter tube. The tubes can be left free to move relative to each other until the extension is complete.

[0130] A pin system allows the length of the diagonal formed by these two tubes to be defined by locking their relative movement. This locking can be performed when scaffolding 1 has reached the desired height.

[0131] Several holes are provided in the larger diameter tube, allowing the diagonal length to be adjusted before locking.

[0132] Attaching the diagonal braces to the ladder section can be advantageous compared to pre-assembling them on the platform only. This telescopic diagonal can be pre-assembled, and when the platform is moved, the connection between the diagonals and the rest of the scaffolding does not need to be detached. The installation of the diagonals is independent of the platform assembly, which can be safer.

[0133] Also, it can be noted that during vertical deployment, it is not necessary to uncouple the same tubes on the same diagonal, but simply to leave the tubes unlocked or to unlock them so that these tubes can slide relative to each other.

[0134] The scaffolding system can therefore be installed in a relatively simple, quick and intuitive way, while still meeting a high level of safety requirements.

[0135] By folding each guardrail sub-assembly 220, 221 against the ladder sections through rotation around the x-axis, a single-piece guardrail can be formed. In other words, the guardrail is independent of the sliding system between the ladder sections of the scaffolding ladder assemblies. This allows for a balance between compactness and height. Thus, the scaffolding system according to the first embodiment of the invention can reach a height of approximately 3 meters while remaining relatively compact when folded.

[0136] It may be noted that since element 28 is fixed to both a subset of guardrails and a set of ladders, the guardrail set 20 is also pre-assembled, meaning that it is not possible for the user to misplace it, thus providing greater safety.

[0137] THE figures 4 et 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the pantograph-type folding base 60 (or accordion) has been replaced by a folding base 60' with a spacer element, here a vertical rod 39. The figure 14 is related to an embodiment similar to that of figures 4 et 5 and will be commented on simultaneously. On the figure 14 The folding base shown corresponds to the open state.

[0138] Just like the 60 folding bases, the 60' folding bases remain in the vertical plane (yz) when the 10, 11 scale sets are moved apart along the z length.

[0139] More specifically, the 60' folding base comprises first bar-type elements, here rods 45, 45', articulated in x around a joint 36, and second bar-type elements, here rods 38, 38', articulated in x around a joint 37. The joints 36 and 37 are located at the ends of the vertical rod 39.

[0140] The folding base 60' further includes two diagonal rods 44 fixed by a joint 46 to the rods 45 (or, in embodiments not shown, to the uprights 120, 130).

[0141] The other end of these rods 44 is attached to a slide element 53, this element 53 defining a recess in which the rod 39 is received so that this element 53 is able to slide along the vertical rod 39.

[0142] As illustrated on the figure 4 , in the folded state the rods 44 are folded against the rods 45.

[0143] When the ladder assemblies are moved away from each other, the vertical rod 39 slides relative to this element 53, until it reaches a locking position.

[0144] More specifically, the element 53 includes a slide element, here a ring 153, cooperating with another slide element, here the vertical rod 39. More specifically, the ring 153 defines a through recess, and the vertical rod 39 is received in this recess so as to be able to slide relative to this ring 153.

[0145] A support piece 154 is rigidly fixed to the ring 153, on which the rods 44 are pivotally mounted.

[0146] The rod 39 defines an orifice not visible in the figures, and the ring defines an orifice 403. A pin 401 mounted on spring 402 can be received in these orifices when they are opposite each other, thus ensuring a locking triggered simply because the ring 153 has reached a predetermined position relative to the rod 39.

[0147] A door knob type part 404, against which the spring 402 presses, can be manually pushed towards the ring 153 to ensure unlocking.

[0148] The 44 diagonal bars ensure that the ladder assemblies are kept at a distance.

[0149] The ladder assemblies are further separated by two bar elements 48, 48' which are also articulated and also capable of folding against each other by means of a joint 49 as illustrated on the figures 4 et 5 .

[0150] Like the pantograph-type folding base, the 60' base is held in the vertical plane and uses a sliding connection to automatically move the folding base into a locked position. The lock engages automatically at the end of the movement, thus combining time savings and safety.

[0151] More generally, it can also be noted that the (or the, in the mode of implementation of the figure 7 The folding base(s) 60 remain in the vertical plane (yz). Each folding base is fully pre-assembled thanks to the sliding connections 43. Thanks to these sliding connections, each of the rods of the folding base is brought to its deployed position automatically, without any particular intervention from the operator.

[0152] To return to the figure 1 The wheels 50 are offset by means of adjustable rods, thus allowing level offsets of the scaffolding system 20. The wheels 50 are swivel and height adjustable.

[0153] With the 50 wheels offset outwards, the stresses can be better supported and the risk of tipping is reduced.

[0154] The scaffolding system 1, as well as the system according to the other embodiments shown, can thus be relatively compact when folded while having a certain height, here on the order of 3 meters, when deployed, and this while conforming to the EN 1004 standard.

Claims

1. A scaffolding system (1) including a guardrail (20), and a support for a platform (30) and for the guardrail (20), the support comprising two ladders (10, 11) facing one another, each ladder (10, 11) comprising at least two uprights (132, 122) and at least two rungs (3) each extending between the two uprights (132, 122), the guardrail (20) comprising at least one upright (270, 271, 272, 273) and at least one rod (270,271,272,273,274,275, 276, 277) rigidly secured to the upright (270, 271) of the guardrail (20), the rod (272, 273, 274,275,276,277) forming with the upright (270, 271) of the guardrail (20) a frame, the guardrail (20) passing from a lowered position to a raised position, and conversely, by a rotation of the frame about an axis ((Dl), (D2)) having a parallel both in a plane defined by the frame and in a plane defined by the platform (30), in the raised position, the plane defined by the frame being coincident with or close to a plane defined by said ladder (10, 11) on which the upright (270,271) of the guardrail (20) is mounted, during rotation the frame being on the outside of the scaffolding system (1), the system being characterized in that, in the lowered position, the upright (270, 271) of the guardrail (20) is folded down against the upright (132, 122) of said ladder (10, 11).

2. The scaffolding system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guardrail (20) comprises a rail (21, 22) assembled at one end to the upright (271,273) of the guardrail (20), in the raised position, the rail (21, 22) is set upright relative to the plane of the frame, and the rail (21, 22) is mounted pivotably on the upright (271, 273) of the guardrail (20), about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of this upright (271, 273), the rail (21, 22) being able to be folded down against the frame.

3. The scaffolding system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rail (21,22) comprises a joint (26) and in that on either side of this joint (26) two portions of the rail (21, 22) are mounted pivotably about the joint (26), said portions being able to be folded down one against the other.

4. The scaffolding system (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises removable fastening means (208) for one end of the rail (21, 22) opposite the end assembling the rail (21, 22) to the frame to another upright (271, 272).

5. The scaffolding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each ladder (10, 11) includes a plurality of parts (100, 101, 102, 110, 111, 112) sliding relative to one another according to a longitudinal direction to move the scaffolding system (1) from a retracted state to a deployed state.

6. The scaffolding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, the scaffolding system (1) further comprising a folding base (60) pre-mounted between the ladders (10, 11), the scaffolding system (1) moves from a closed state, wherein the two ladders (10, 11) are brought closer together, to an open state, wherein the two ladders (10, 11) are kept spaced apart by the folding base (60).

7. The scaffolding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, for at least one of the uprights (270, 271) of the guardrail (20), the rod (272, 273, 274,275,276,277) forming with said upright (270,271) the frame, comprises another upright (272, 273) of the guardrail (20) and the spacer elements (276, 277) extending between said uprights (270,271,272,273) of the guardrail (20).

8. The scaffolding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guardrail (20) is assembled in a non-detachable manner on at least one of the ladders (10, 11).

9. The scaffolding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises an assembly element (28) comprising a part (435) mounted on the upright (270,271,272,273) of the guardrail (20), and a part (433) mounted on one of the uprights (132, 132', 122, 122') of said ladder (10, 11) corresponding to this upright (270, 271, 272, 273) of the guardrail (20).

10. The scaffolding system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the parts (433, 435) are mounted pivotably relative to one another and define a pivot connection for rotation of the frame.

11. A method for assembling a scaffolding system (1) according to claim 1 comprising two ladders (10, 11) facing one another, the ladders (10, 11) supporting a platform (30), each ladder (10, 11) comprising at least two uprights (132, 122) and at least two rungs (3) each extending between the two uprights (132, 122), the scaffolding system (1) including a guardrail (20) comprising at least one upright (270,271,272, 273) and at least one rod (270,271,272,273,274,275,276,277) rigidly secured to the upright (270,271) of the guardrail (20), the rod (272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277) forming with said upright (270, 271) of the guardrail (20) a frame, the guardrail (20) comprising a raised position wherein the frame defines a plane coincident with or close to a plane defined by said ladder (10, 11) on which the upright (271, 270) of the guardrail (20) is mounted, the assembly method comprising moving the guardrail (20) from a lowered position to a raised position, and conversely, by pivoting the frame about an axis having a parallel in a plane defined by the platform (30) and in the plane defined by the frame, during rotation the frame being on the outside of the scaffolding system (1), the assembly method being characterized in that, in the lowered position, the upright (270, 271) of the guardrail (20) is folded down against the upright (132, 122) of said ladder (10, 11).