Scaffold element

Abstract

A scaffold element for a scaffold, in particular a building scaffold, scaffold grandstand or the like, comprising a scaffold element body (26) having a coupling region (38) for coupling the scaffold element (24) to a scaffold component, wherein the coupling region (38) comprises a fastening unit (40), wherein, with the fastening unit (40) activated, the scaffold element (24) is fastened to the scaffold component in a fastening position, and a scaffold element state detection arrangement (32) for providing state information representing a state of the scaffold element (24), is characterized in that the coupling region (38) comprises a holding unit (42), wherein, with the fastening unit (40) deactivated, and in a holding position of the scaffold element (24) that substantially corresponds to the fastening position, the holding unit (42) is in a holding state in which it holds the scaffold element (24) on the scaffold component, wherein, by moving the scaffold element (24) with respect to the scaffold component from the holding position into a release position, the holding unit (42) can be transferred into a release state in which it allows the scaffold element (24) to be removed from the scaffold component.

Description

[0001] Scaffolding element

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a scaffolding element for a scaffold, such as a construction scaffold, a scaffolding platform, or the like.

[0004] DE 10 2020 101 910 A1 discloses a scaffolding element that serves to provide information about unauthorized manipulation of a scaffold. This scaffolding element comprises a scaffolding element body, which can be attached to a tubular scaffolding component, for example, a vertical post of a scaffold, by means of a clamp-like fastening unit. A scaffolding element status detection unit is provided on the scaffolding element body, which uses various sensors to provide status information representing the status of the scaffolding element. This status information can, for example, include information about a movement of the scaffolding element, which generally accompanies a movement of the scaffolding.By means of a radio communication unit, a signal representing the status information can be transmitted, so that a receiving unit can detect that an unexpected change in the status of the scaffolding element and thus of the scaffolding has occurred and appropriate safety measures can be taken.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a scaffolding element for a scaffold, such as a construction scaffold, scaffolding platform or the like, which has increased security against unauthorized manipulation.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a scaffolding element for scaffolding, in particular construction scaffolding, scaffolding grandstand or the like, comprising: a scaffolding element body with a coupling region for coupling the scaffolding element to a scaffolding component, wherein the coupling region comprises a fastening unit, wherein when the fastening unit is activated the scaffolding element is fastened to the scaffolding component in a fastening position, a scaffolding element state detection arrangement for providing state information representing a state of the scaffolding element.

[0007] This scaffolding element is characterized in that the coupling region further comprises a holding unit, wherein when the fastening unit is deactivated in a holding position of the scaffolding element substantially corresponding to the fastening position, the holding unit is in a holding state holding the scaffolding element on the scaffolding component, wherein by moving the scaffolding element with respect to the scaffolding component from the holding position into a release position, the holding unit can be transferred into a release state allowing removal of the scaffolding element from the scaffolding component.

[0008] The coupling area provided in the scaffolding element constructed according to the invention thus not only serves to enable stable attachment of the scaffolding element to a scaffold or scaffolding component, but also serves to force, by means of the holding unit, an additional or defined movement to transfer the scaffolding element from the holding position to the release position when attempting to remove the scaffolding element from the scaffolding component initially supporting it. This movement, which is forced upon detachment of the scaffolding element from the scaffolding component, can be detected, and accordingly, safety measures can be taken if such a movement occurs, even if it was fundamentally unexpected.

[0009] For stable mounting of the scaffolding element to a scaffolding component, the fastening unit can comprise at least one, preferably at least two, fastening elements that, when the fastening unit is activated, encompass the scaffolding component and are pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the scaffolding component. For example, the fastening unit can comprise a clamp. In order to be able to provide the fastening functionality on the scaffolding element, on the one hand, and the holding functionality on the other, with the required quality, it is proposed that the fastening unit and the holding unit be arranged one after the other in the direction of a coupling region longitudinal axis.For a design that is compact in the assembled state, with the scaffolding element positioned in the fastening position, the coupling area longitudinal axis can be substantially parallel or coaxial to a component longitudinal axis of the scaffolding component in a length range of the scaffolding component that interacts with the coupling area.

[0010] If the holding unit comprises a first holding element which, in the holding state, partially encompasses the scaffolding component and a second holding element which, in the holding state, partially encompasses the scaffolding component, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element have a scaffolding component receiving distance from one another such that the scaffolding component can be positioned between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position, wherein in the release position the first holding element and the second holding element essentially do not encompass the scaffolding component, the holding function can be reliably provided with a structure which is easy to implement.

[0011] The first holding element can comprise a first holding section extending away from the scaffolding element body and a second holding section angled in a first angling direction relative to the first holding section. The second holding element can comprise a third holding section extending away from the scaffolding element body and a fourth holding section angled in a second angling direction relative to the third holding section. Each of these holding elements can thus be provided, for example, as a bent metal component with a substantially L-shaped or hook-shaped structure.

[0012] In order to provide the installation space required for receiving the scaffolding component in the holding unit, it is proposed that the first holding section and the third holding section extend substantially parallel to one another and / or to a substantially equal extent away from the scaffolding element body, and / or that the second holding section is angled to a substantially equal extent, preferably approximately 90°, with respect to the first holding section and the fourth holding section is angled to a substantially equal extent, preferably approximately 90°, with respect to the third holding section, and / or in substantially opposite angling directions.

[0013] The first holding element can be arranged following the fastening unit in the direction of the coupling region's longitudinal axis, and the second holding element can be arranged following the first holding element in the direction of the coupling region's longitudinal axis, on the side of the first holding element facing away from the fastening unit. Thus, the holding unit and the fastening unit define a channel region or a volume region elongated in the direction of the coupling region's longitudinal axis, in which, in the fastening state, i.e., when the fastening unit is activated, the scaffold component is received and encompassed by both the holding unit and the fastening unit.

[0014] For this purpose, it can further be provided that the first holding section and the third holding section are arranged offset from one another substantially transversely to the coupling region longitudinal axis and / or have the scaffold component receiving distance from one another in the direction of the coupling region longitudinal axis, and / or that the second holding section and the fourth holding section extend substantially orthogonal to the coupling region longitudinal axis and / or parallel to one another.

[0015] The holding unit can be designed such that by rotating the scaffolding element about a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the coupling region, preferably at an angle in the range of 90°, the holding unit can be transferred between the held state and the released state. This ensures that a comparatively strong movement of the scaffolding element is required to detach the holding unit from the scaffolding component, which movement is clearly distinguishable from a movement of the scaffolding element occurring during normal use of a scaffold. In order to be able to detect, in particular, a transfer of the holding unit from the held state to the released state, the scaffolding element state detection arrangement can comprise a movement detection unit for providing movement information representing a movement of the scaffolding element.

[0016] In this case, a reliable detection of the movement state or a change in the movement state of the scaffolding element can be ensured if the movement detection unit comprises at least one inclination sensor and / or at least one acceleration sensor.

[0017] The scaffolding element according to the invention may further comprise a radio communication unit for transmitting scaffolding element movement state information on the basis of the scaffolding element state detection arrangement

[0018] Movement information.

[0019] The radio communication unit can be configured to transmit the scaffold element movement status information when the movement information provided by the movement detection unit indicates a movement of the scaffold element between the holding position and the release position. This leads to efficient use of the energy generally provided by batteries or accumulators in such a radio communication unit, since the information representing an unauthorized movement of the scaffold element is actually only transmitted when such a condition is detected.

[0020] The invention further relates to scaffolding, in particular construction scaffolding, comprising at least one scaffolding element fastened to a scaffolding component with a structure according to the invention.

[0021] The scaffolding component can be elongated along a component's longitudinal axis and can be designed, for example, as a vertical post, horizontal bar, diagonal bar, or the like. The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It shows:

[0022] Fig. 1 a scaffold,

[0023] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a scaffold element supported on a scaffold component;

[0024] Fig. 3 is a view of the scaffolding element of Fig. 2 in viewing direction III in Fig. 2;

[0025] Fig. 4 is a view of the scaffolding element of Fig. 2 in viewing direction IV in Fig. 2;

[0026] Fig. 5 is a view of the scaffolding element of Fig. 2 in the direction of view V in Fig. 2.

[0027] In Fig. 1, a scaffold constructed, for example, as a construction scaffold is generally designated by 10. The scaffold 10 is constructed with a plurality of scaffold components, such as vertical posts 12, horizontal ledgers 14, base jacks 16, scaffold decks 18, ladders 20, and the like. When erecting such a scaffold 10 with a greater overall height, vertical posts 12 provided, for example, on respective frame elements are stacked on top of one another in a known manner and thus stably connected. It should be emphasized that such a scaffold 10 can be constructed with a plurality of different scaffold components known in the art, adapted to specific requirements.

[0028] In the scaffold 10 shown in Fig. 1, a scaffold element 24, described in detail below, is provided in an upper scaffold area 22, for example, in the area of ​​the upper end of a vertical post 12 positioned in the upper scaffold area 20. This scaffold element 24 is designed to provide and transmit information about the status of the scaffold 10.

[0029] This scaffolding element 24 is shown in more detail in Figs. 2 to 5. In the example shown, the scaffolding element 24 is fastened to a vertical post 12 of the scaffold 10, which provides a scaffolding component and is elongated in the direction of a component's longitudinal axis B. The scaffolding element 24 comprises a scaffolding element body, generally designated 26, on which the various functional areas of the scaffolding element 26 are also provided or attached. The scaffolding element body 26 comprises a plate-like support 28, on which a housing 30 is carried. Various functional areas of the scaffolding element 24 can be accommodated in the housing 30, such as, for example, a scaffolding element status detection arrangement 32 and a radio communication unit 34, which can emit radio signals via at least one antenna 36 protruding through the support 28.The energy storage devices required to operate these functional areas, i.e. batteries or accumulators, can also be accommodated in the housing 30.

[0030] Furthermore, a coupling region of the scaffold element 24, generally designated 38, is provided on the support 28. The coupling region 38 comprises a fastening unit 40 and a holding unit 42 following the fastening unit 40 in the direction of a coupling region longitudinal axis K.

[0031] The fastening unit 40 is designed in the manner of a clamp and comprises two fastening elements 44, 46 which, in a fastening state, i.e. when the fastening unit 40 is activated, encompass the scaffolding component, i.e., the vertical post 12. The fastening element 44 is fixed to the support 28, and the fastening element 46 is pivotally supported on the fastening element 44 on the one hand and, on the other hand, is acted upon by a screw member 48 in the fastening state encompassing the vertical post 12 in the direction of the fastening element 44, so that in the activated state of the fastening unit 40, it holds the scaffolding element 24 in a defined fastening position on the scaffolding component or vertical post 12, as can be seen in Figs. 2 to 5. In this state, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupling unit longitudinal axis K is positioned substantially parallel or coaxial to the component longitudinal axis B of the vertical post 12.The holding unit 42 comprises two holding elements 50, 52. The first holding element 50 is carried on the carrier 28 following the fastening unit 40 in the direction of the coupling region longitudinal axis K, and the second holding element 52 is carried on the carrier 28 following the first holding element 50 in the direction of the coupling region longitudinal axis K on the side of the same facing away from the fastening unit 40.

[0032] The first holding element 50 comprises a first holding section 54 fixed to the carrier 28 and extending away from the latter, and a second holding section 56 adjoining the first holding section 54 in a bending region 55 and angled relative thereto. The first holding element 50, which is bent, for example, from a metal rod, thus has a substantially L-shaped structure.

[0033] The second holding element 52 has a third holding section 58 supported or fixed on the carrier 28 and extending therefrom substantially parallel to the first holding section 54 of the first holding element 50, as well as a fourth holding section 60 adjoining the third holding section 58 in a bending region 59 and angled relative thereto. The second holding element 52 can also be provided, for example, by bending a metal rod with a substantially L-shaped structure.

[0034] The second holding section 56 and the fourth section 60 are, starting from the respectively associated first holding section 54 and third holding section 58, angled in substantially opposite directions to one another and each at an angle of approximately 90°, so that the second holding section 56 and the fourth holding section 60 also extend substantially parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the coupling region longitudinal axis K.

[0035] The two holding elements 50, 52 are arranged on the support 28 in the direction of the coupling area longitudinal axis K with a scaffold component receiving distance A from one another, which is dimensioned such that a scaffold component, for example vertical post 12, with the component longitudinal axis B oriented substantially orthogonal to the coupling area longitudinal axis K, can be inserted between the two holding elements 50, 52 in such a way that the scaffold component, i.e. vertical post 12, is positioned in the direction of a rotation axis D substantially orthogonal to the coupling area longitudinal axis K between the second holding section 56 or the fourth holding section 60 and the support 28. In this release position of the holding unit 52, which corresponds to a release state of the scaffold component 24, the scaffold component is oriented with its component longitudinal axis B substantially parallel to the rotation axis D orthe second holding section 56 and the fourth holding section 60, and the scaffolding element 24 can be moved without being impaired by the holding elements 50, 52 in the direction of the axis of rotation D towards the scaffolding component into the release state or away from the release state from the scaffolding component.

[0036] When the scaffolding element 24 is positioned in the release state, it can be rotated approximately 90° about the rotation axis D. This brings the scaffolding element 24 into a holding position in which the holding unit 42 is in a holding state. In this holding state, the two holding elements 50, 52 encompass the scaffolding component, i.e., the vertical post 12, on both sides thereof and also on the side facing away from the support 28, so that in this holding state of the holding unit 42 or the holding position of the scaffolding element 24, the scaffolding element 24 cannot be removed or detached from the scaffolding component or vertical post 12 by movement in the direction of the rotation axis D.

[0037] The fastening unit 40 and the holding unit 42 define a channel or volume area which is generally elongated in the direction of the coupling area longitudinal axis K and in which, when the scaffold element 24 is fixed to a scaffold component, the scaffold component extends in the coupling area 38.

[0038] When the scaffolding element 24 is positioned in this holding position, the fastening unit 40 can be positioned so as to encompass the scaffolding component, i.e. the vertical post 12, and can be activated by pressing the two fastening elements 44, 46 against the outer circumference of the vertical post 12. The scaffolding element 24 is then in a fastening position with respect to the scaffolding component supporting it. This fastening position essentially corresponds to the holding position which the scaffolding element 24 is in when the holding unit 22 is positioned in the holding state, but is still deactivated, i.e. the fastening unit 40 does not yet encompass the scaffolding component. When the fastening unit 40 is deactivated and the holding unit 44 is in the holding state, a movement of the scaffolding element 24 essentially orthogonal to the axis of rotation D is only possible to the extent that there is a gap between the various holding sections 54, 56, 58, 60 orThere is a mutual distance between the support 28 on the one hand and the scaffolding component on the other. A rotation of the scaffolding element 24 to transfer it from the holding position to the release position with the fastening unit 40 deactivated with a rotation of approximately 90°, indicated by arrows P in Fig. 4, is fundamentally possible.

[0039] If the scaffolding element 24 is in the fastening position shown in Figs. 2 to 5 with respect to the scaffolding component with activated fastening unit 40, the scaffolding element 24 can only be released from the scaffolding component, i.e. the vertical post 12, by first deactivating the fastening unit 40, i.e. releasing it and bringing it out of its state encompassing the scaffolding component, and then rotating the scaffolding element 24 about the axis of rotation D by an amount of approximately 90°, as shown in Fig. 4. As a result, the holding unit 42 comes into its release state and the scaffolding element 24 can be moved away from the scaffolding component by movement in the direction of the axis of rotation D from the release position.

[0040] Since the scaffolding element 24 is further attached to the scaffold 10 in such a way that it cannot be removed from the scaffolding component, i.e. from the vertical post 12, by movement in the direction of the component's longitudinal axis B or in the direction of the coupling area's longitudinal axis K, even when positioned in the holding position, a rotation about the axis of rotation D is unavoidable in order to detach the scaffolding element 12 from this scaffolding component 12. To ensure this, the scaffolding element 24 is to be attached to the scaffold 10 in such a way that either elements limiting movement in the direction of the component's longitudinal axis, for example perforated disks on a vertical post 12, are provided on the scaffolding component 12 carrying the scaffolding element 24, or further scaffolding components adjoin this scaffolding component in the assembled scaffold, which prevent the scaffolding element 24 from being detaching from the scaffolding component by movement in the direction of its component's longitudinal axis.

[0041] The rotational movement required during the transfer of the holding unit 42 from the holding state to the release state can be detected when the scaffold element state detection arrangement 32 is activated. For this purpose, the scaffold element state detection arrangement 32 can comprise a movement detection unit 62. The movement detection unit 62 can, for example, detect at least one acceleration sensor 64 and / or at least one inclination sensor 66. Such a movement detection unit 62 can thus detect any movement of the scaffold element 24 and provide corresponding movement information. In particular, due to the rotational movement about the rotation axis B required to transfer the scaffold element 24 between the holding position and the release position, the movement detection unit 62 can reliably provide information that such a movement of the scaffold element 24 from the holding position to the release position has occurred.If such a movement does not occur in connection with the normal or expected use of the scaffolding element 24, for example, during the dismantling of a scaffold, but in a state in which the scaffolding 10 is to be monitored for unauthorized tampering by means of the scaffolding element, the radio communication unit 34 can transmit scaffolding element movement status information based on the movement information provided by the movement detection unit and indicating the transition between the holding position and the release position, which can be received in a receiving unit. If such scaffolding element movement status information indicating unauthorized tampering of the scaffolding element 24 is received at a receiving unit, security measures can be taken, which may, for example, consist of security personnel inspecting the monitored scaffolding 10.Of course, further information representing the state of the scaffolding element 24 or the scaffolding 10 supporting it can also be provided by means of the scaffolding element 10 or the scaffolding element state detection arrangement 32 provided thereon. For this purpose, the scaffolding element state detection arrangement can comprise further sensors, generally designated 68, such as brightness sensors, temperature sensors, a GPS unit, or the like. All information provided by such sensors can be transmitted via the radio communication unit 34 permanently or only when it indicates an unusual change in the state of the scaffolding element 24.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the scaffolding element 24, particularly with regard to the design of the fastening unit 40 or the holding unit 42, can be designed differently than shown in the figures. For example, the holding elements 50, 52 of the holding unit 54 can have a different shape than the L-shaped structure visible in the figures. For example, the holding elements 50, 52 can be provided with a fundamentally curved, for example quarter-circular structure, wherein, within the meaning of the present invention, a section of such a holding element that then adjoins the support 28 is to be understood as a first or third holding section, and a section that overlaps a scaffolding component received in the holding unit 42 on the side of the latter facing away from the support 28 is to be understood as a third or fourth holding section.

[0043] The mutual distance between the two holding elements and in particular also the orientation of the third holding section and the fourth holding section could also be such that a rotation of more than 90° is required to transfer the scaffold element 24 from the holding position to the release position, which can increase the reliability in detecting such a transition.

Claims

Claims: Scaffolding element for a scaffold, in particular construction scaffold, scaffold grandstand or the like, comprising: a scaffolding element body (26) with a coupling area (38) for coupling the scaffolding element (24) to a scaffolding component, wherein the coupling area (38) comprises a fastening unit (40), wherein, when the fastening unit (40) is activated, the scaffolding element (24) is attached to the scaffolding component in a fastening position; a scaffolding element state detection arrangement (32) for providing state information representing a state of the scaffolding element (24), characterized in that the coupling area (38) comprises a holding unit (42), wherein, when the fastening unit (40) is deactivated, the holding unit (42) is in a holding state of the scaffolding element (24) in a holding position substantially corresponding to the fastening position.wherein by moving the scaffolding element (24) relative to the scaffolding component from the holding position to a release position, the holding unit (42) can be brought into a release state that permits removal of the scaffolding element (24) from the scaffolding component. Scaffolding element according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening unit (40) comprises at least one, preferably at least two, fastening elements (44, 46) which, when the fastening unit (40) is activated, surround the scaffolding component and are pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the scaffolding component. Scaffolding element according to claim 2, characterized in that the fastening unit (40) comprises a clamp. Scaffolding element according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the fastening unit (40) and the holding unit (42) are arranged successively in the direction of a coupling area longitudinal axis (K), preferably wherein, when the scaffolding element (24) is positioned in the fastening position, the coupling area longitudinal axis (K) is substantially parallel or coaxial to a component longitudinal axis (B) of the scaffolding component in a length region of the scaffolding component that interacts with the coupling area (38).Scaffolding element according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the holding unit (42) comprises a first holding element (50) which partially surrounds the scaffolding component in the holding state and a second holding element (52) which partially surrounds the scaffolding component in the holding state, wherein the first holding element (50) and the second holding element (52) have a scaffolding component receiving distance (A) to each other such that the scaffolding component can be positioned between the first holding element (50) and the second holding element (52) in the release position, wherein in the release position the first holding element (50) and the second holding element (52) do not substantially surround the scaffolding component.Scaffolding element according to claim 5, characterized in that the first holding element comprises a first holding section (54) extending away from the scaffolding element body (26) and a second holding section (56) angled in a first angling direction with respect to the first holding section (54), and that the second holding element (52) comprises a third holding section (58) extending away from the scaffolding element body (26) and a fourth holding section (60) angled in a second angling direction with respect to the third holding section (58). Scaffolding element according to claim 6, characterized in that the first holding section (54) and the third holding section (58) extend substantially parallel to each other and / or to a substantially equal extent away from the scaffolding element body (26), and / or that the second holding section (56) is angled with respect to the first holding section (54) and the fourth holding section (60) is angled with respect to the third holding section (58) to a substantially equal extent, preferably about 90°, and / or in substantially opposite directions of angulation.Scaffolding element according to claim 4 and one of claims 5-7, characterized in that the first retaining element (50) is arranged following the coupling area longitudinal axis (K) towards the fastening unit (40) and the second retaining element (52) is arranged following the coupling area longitudinal axis (K) towards the first retaining element (50) on the side of the first retaining element (50) facing away from the fastening unit (40). Scaffolding element according to claim 4 and one of claims 5-8, characterized in that the first holding section (54) and the third holding section (58) are arranged substantially transversely to the coupling area longitudinal axis (K) offset from each other and / or have the scaffolding component receiving distance (A) to each other in the direction of the coupling area longitudinal axis (K), and / or that the second holding section (56) and the fourth holding section (60) extend substantially orthogonally to the coupling area longitudinal axis (K) and / or parallel to each other.Scaffolding element according to claim 4 and one of claims 5-9, characterized in that by rotating the scaffolding element (24) about an axis of rotation (D) that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (K) of the coupling area, preferably with an angle in the range of 90°, the holding unit (42) can be transferred between the holding state and the release state.

11. Scaffolding element according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the scaffolding element state detection arrangement (32) comprises a motion detection unit (62) for providing motion information representing a movement of the scaffolding element (24).

12. Scaffolding element according to claim 11, characterized in that the motion detection unit (32) comprises at least one tilt sensor (64) and / or at least one acceleration sensor (68).

13. Scaffolding element according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by a radio communication unit (34) for transmitting scaffolding element movement status information based on the movement information provided by the scaffolding element state detection arrangement (32).

14. Scaffolding element according to one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the radio communication unit (34) is configured to transmit the scaffolding element movement status information when the movement information provided by the motion detection unit (62) indicates a movement of the scaffolding element (24) between the holding position and the release position.

15. Scaffolding, in particular construction scaffolding, comprising at least one scaffolding element (24) attached to a scaffolding component according to one of the preceding claims.

16. Scaffold according to claim 15, characterized in that the scaffold component is elongated in the direction of a component longitudinal axis.

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