Device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffoldings

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding, which has L-shaped wall elements (51) on each of its longitudinal sides, between which a connecting plate (52) is attached, and the wall elements (51) are each provided with two holes (54, 55). A bolt (3) is arranged in the first holes (54), to which a rocker arm (56) is attached. The rocker arm (56) consists of a plate (57), and the rocker arm (56) is provided with a support element (58) oriented at an angle to the plate (57). The plate (57) is provided with an offset 53. A tension pin (10) can be received from the second holes (55), which, in the assembled state, is arranged on the side of the rocker arm (56) facing away from the connecting plate (52).

Description

[0001] Scaffolding comes in a wide variety of designs. It is used to carry out work on the facades of buildings. Depending on the height of the building or the scaffolding, the scaffolding has several levels stacked on top of each other.

[0002] The scaffolding can be constructed from so-called vertical frames, which have a substantially rectangular shape (see, for example, DE 35 46 046 A1). They each consist of two supports connected by at least one welded crossbeam. Two adjacent vertical frames are connected by decking planks that can be suspended from the crossbeams. Alternatively, the scaffolding can be constructed from individual supports, each equipped with at least one holding and / or fastening device to which both crossbeams for the decking planks and fall protection devices can be attached (see, for example, US 6 976 557 B2). The supports connected by the crossbeams then replicate the aforementioned vertical frames.

[0003] Scaffolding element connector heads are suspended and secured in the fastening devices. This is usually achieved by hammering in the connector heads themselves or by hammering in clamping wedges integrated into the connector heads or the connecting elements of the ledgers. The fastening devices are shaped like discs with openings (see, for example, DE 197 26 950 A1).

[0004] When erecting scaffolding, decking planks are first attached to the crossbeams between two adjacent vertical frames. By arranging several vertical frames with decking planks in between, the scaffolding can be constructed in variable lengths. When constructing each higher level, a vertical frame is placed on top of the vertical frame below. Decking planks from the lower level are then attached to the crossbeams of the vertical frame above, making the level above accessible. However, there is no fall protection on the level above at this point. The fall protection - the railing - on scaffolding is formed by poles that are suspended between adjacent vertical frames on fastening devices provided on the frame tubes.

[0005] The construction of the upper level without fall protection increases the risk of accidents with conventional scaffolding. Therefore, the professional associations require that access to the deck planks may only be permitted if a railing is already installed. To meet this requirement, a scaffold is known from DE 196 33 092 A1 that allows assembly from a secure position.

[0006] To enable this kind of advanced assembly, brackets are used. These are attached to the supports and then posts are placed onto them. The posts are equipped with devices for attaching fall protection devices, so that the next higher level of the scaffolding can be constructed with an existing railing. The devices can, for example, be formed by so-called rocker arms, onto which an opening in the fall protection device must then be threaded. The fall protection devices must therefore be attached to the devices from the secured lower level, which is difficult for the scaffolding erector due to the length and weight of the fall protection devices, as well as the small size of the opening in the fall protection device.

[0007] To facilitate the installation of fall protection devices, DE 20 2020 103 146 U1 discloses a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding. A support with a pendulum plate is provided on a post. When attaching a fall protection device from the secured lower level, the pendulum plate comes into contact with the right-angled end of a pole forming the fall protection device. The pendulum plate is moved aside so that the end of the pole can be lowered into the support. The pendulum plate then swings back into its original position, securing the pole against lifting.

[0008] The described device meets the requirements placed on it. However, the known device only provides a so-called non-permanent solution. This means that after completion of the respective floor level of the scaffolding, with the poles forming the fall protection suspended and arranged horizontally, a user can move the pendulum plate aside and lift the pole out of the device. This can remove a fall protection device in its horizontal installation position, which can create an unsecured situation at the floor level. This increases the risk of accidents. Locking the pendulum plate to prevent such lifting, i.e., creating a so-called permanent solution, is not possible.

[0009] A device that enables the attachment and removal of fall protection devices from the secured position of the floor level below and simultaneously provides a definitive solution is known from DE 20 2020 104 197 U1. This device discloses a fastening device provided on a support for a rod forming the fall protection device. The rod consists of a pin with a head at its end facing away from the support. The head has an elliptical contour, with its longitudinal center line aligned at an angle of approximately 45° to the vertical. This prevents the fall protection device from being disassembled in its horizontal orientation.

[0010] For higher floors, a permanent solution is desirable for safety reasons. However, at ground level, a non-permanent solution is often desirable, where the fall protection system can be removed from the device or fastening device in its horizontal installation position, for example, to provide an additional exit from the scaffolding at short notice. To achieve this, however, it is necessary to use props near ground level during the erection of the scaffolding that provide a non-permanent solution, and to use props on the higher floors of the scaffolding that provide a permanent solution. This is logistically complex.

[0011] To avoid this problem, DE 20 2023 105 830 U1 discloses a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding. This device provides both a permanent and a temporary solution for attaching the poles forming the fall protection device. This is made possible by a rocker arm to which a vertically aligned web with an opening is welded. In its vertically aligned position, the opening of the web is aligned with two holes in the device that can accommodate a dowel pin. The dowel pin then penetrates the opening in the web, providing a permanent solution.Although the known device fulfills the requirements placed on it, its manufacture has proven to be quite complex, particularly because the vertically aligned web must be positioned very precisely to allow alignment of the opening provided therein with the holes in the device for the passage of the clamping pin.

[0012] Another device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding is known from DE 20 2024 100 688 U1. The device consists of a bracket consisting of a multiply bent round bar with two vertically aligned legs. A support element, also consisting of a multiply bent round bar, is arranged on the bracket. The support element has a vertically aligned leg that merges into an approximately circular eyelet. The eyelet is positioned between the legs of the bracket and welded to them. The definitive solution is created by a crank formed on a pivoting plate, into which a pin is driven with a force fit.This known device also meets the requirements; however, its manufacturing is complex, as the outer diameter of the eyelet must exactly match the distance between the vertically aligned legs of the bracket in order to weld the eyelet to the legs. Furthermore, the assembly of the pin to provide a definitive solution is cumbersome, as the pin must be in contact with the eyelet in its final position, which complicates driving the pin.

[0013] Furthermore, a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding is known from DE 20 2023 106 733 U1. This device is also formed by a bracket consisting of a multiply bent round bar with two vertically aligned legs. A support element is arranged on the bracket, which also consists of a multiply bent round bar and has a U-shaped design when viewed from above. The support element is welded to the bracket. A rocker arm is arranged on the bracket, which is secured against falling by means of a pin on the bracket. At the same time, a permanent solution can be provided by driving in the pin further.This known device also meets the requirements placed on it; however, its manufacturing is also complex, as the width of the support element must exactly match the distance between the vertically aligned legs of the bracket in order to weld the support element to the legs. In addition, the device is subject to the risk of operating errors if the pin is accidentally driven too far into the rocker arm, creating a permanent release even though this is not desired. The same applies if the pin is not driven in sufficiently deeply, thereby inadvertently creating a non-permanent release.

[0014] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of creating a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding that provides both a permanent and a temporary solution for attaching the poles forming the fall protection device, is less complex to manufacture, and avoids operating errors. According to the invention, this object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1.

[0015] The invention provides a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding, which provides both a permanent and a temporary solution for attaching the poles forming the fall protection device. This is ensured by the fact that the roll pin can be inserted into the holes in the wall elements, which locks the rocker arm so that it cannot be pivoted. This creates a permanent solution. If no roll pin is installed, the rocker arm can be pivoted in a known manner, thus creating a temporary solution.

[0016] Further developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the remaining subclaims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. They show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a definitive solution; Figure 2 is a side view from the right of the Figure 1 shown device; Figure 3 the perspective view of the device with pivoted rocker arm; Figure 4 the side view from the right of the Figure 3 device shown; Figure 5 the view of a rod; Figure 6 the enlarged view of the detail "Z" in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a scaffold support with devices according to the invention with a non-definitive solution; Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a scaffold support with devices according to the invention with a definitive solution; Figure 9 shows a scaffold during erection with a suspended pole from the secured position; Figure 10 shows a view of the scaffold in a further phase of erection with a suspended pole and a second support from the secured position; Figure 11 shows a view of the scaffold in another phase of erection with a suspended pole and a second support from the secured position; Figure 12 shows a sectional view of a support with a pole suspended from the secured position with a non-definitive solution; Figure 13 shows a side view from the right of the Figure 12 shown support; Figure 14 the perspective view of the Figure 12shown column; Figure 15 the section view of a column with suspended rod in horizontal position with non-definitive solution; Figure 16 the side view from the right of the Figure 15 shown support; Figure 17 the perspective view of the Figure 15 shown support; Figure 18 the section view of a support with the rod suspended from the secured position with definitive release; Figure 19 the side view from the right of the Figure 18 shown support; Figure 20 the section-wise perspective view of the Figure 18 shown column; Figure 21 the section view of a column with suspended rod in horizontal position with definitive solution; Figure 22 the side view from the right of the Figure 21 shown support; Figure 23 the section-wise perspective view of the Figure 21 shown support.

[0017] The scaffolding chosen as an exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of vertical frames 1. Each vertical frame 1 has supports 2, which are shaped like tubes. The supports 2 of each scaffolding level are connected to one another by means of a crossbeam (not shown). Two supports 2, each with a crossbeam, form the vertical frame 1. The supports 2 have fastening devices 5. The fastening devices 5 serve to arrange poles 6, which serve as fall protection or railings, or to attach diagonal struts 4, which can be installed to increase the stability of the scaffolding.

[0018] Threaded base plates 7 can be attached to the ground-side ends of the supports 2. These height-adjustable base plates serve to compensate for uneven floor surfaces. At their head ends, the supports 2 each have pins 21, which serve to attach an additional vertical frame 1 to create multi-level scaffolds. Each support 2 is provided with a holding device 22, which is shaped like a disc with openings.

[0019] As is common with system scaffolding, the crossbeam is detachably connected to the supports 2 at the holding devices 22. The crossbeam is equipped with devices for attaching deck planks 8. Toeboards 9 are arranged adjacent to the deck planks 8. They form side protection or a toeboard and prevent tools or objects from falling from the deck plank.

[0020] The crossbeam can have various designs, for example, as a rectangular tube or a U-profile. The deck planks 8 are inserted or suspended from the crossbeam using corresponding support or suspension devices. The use of more or fewer planks 8 in one plane is also possible, depending on the width of the vertical frames 1 and the width of the planks 8. The crossbeam is arranged in the middle third of the length of the supports 2. As a result, the supports 2, when the vertical frame is assembled, protrude beyond the respective deck plank 8 so that the projecting areas of the supports 2 correspond approximately to half the floor height.

[0021] The fastening devices 5 are designed as devices for attaching fall protection devices. They serve to arrange the poles 6, which form the railing and thus a fall protection device. The poles 6 also increase the stability of the scaffolding. The poles 6 each have a railing flag at their ends, which is formed by a flat piece 61. The flat pieces 61 are bent essentially at right angles to the longitudinal center line of the pole 6. A hole 62 is arranged in each of the flat pieces 61. The flat pieces 61 are each provided with a rectangular recess 63.

[0022] The fastening devices or devices 5 are arranged on the (inner) side of the supports 2 facing the deck planks 8. The devices have a housing-like design. They each have L-shaped wall elements 51 on their long sides, the distance between which essentially corresponds to the diameter of the supports 2. The vertical legs 511 of the wall elements 51, which are aligned parallel to the longitudinal center line of the supports 2, are longer than the horizontal legs 512, which are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the supports 2.

[0023] A connecting plate 52 is attached to the device 5 between the two vertical legs 511 on the inside of the supports 2, connecting the legs 511 to each other. The vertical legs 511 of the wall elements 51 are each provided with two holes, of which the first hole 54 has a larger diameter than the second hole 55. A bolt 3 is arranged in the first holes 54, to which a rocker arm 56 is attached. The bolt 3 has a bore into which a pin 31 is driven.

[0024] The rocker arm 56 consists of a plate 57 which is provided with an offset 53. Due to the offset 53, the distance between the area of ​​the plate 57 facing the ground (upper) and the support 2 is smaller than in the area facing away from the ground (lower). On the side facing away from the ground, the plate 57 is adjoined by an arc which encloses the bolt 3 by approximately 180°. The bolt 3 thus lies in the arc. The arc of the rocker arm 56 is provided with a recess 561 for the passage of the pin 31, whereby the rocker arm 56 is secured against lateral displacement on the bolt 3. The rocker arm 56 is held on the bolt 3 by means of a locking pin 562. Adjoining the free end of the arc is a support element 58 which is provided with a part-circular recess on its side facing the support 2. The diameter of the recess essentially corresponds to the diameter of support 2.

[0025] The second holes 55 serve to receive a clamping pin 10, such as Figure 2 visible. In the assembled state, the roll pin 10 passes through the second holes 55. The roll pin 10 is a slotted spring pin whose diameter, when not assembled, is larger than the diameter of the hole 55. When the roll pin 10 is driven in, the diameter is reduced to the diameter of the hole 55, whereby the roll pin 10 is reliably held in the hole 55 due to the spring force.

[0026] Due to the offset 53 in the rocker arm 56, the clamping pin 10 is arranged on the side of the rocker arm 56 facing away from the connecting plate 52. The rocker arm 56 is therefore caught with its plate 57 in its lower area between the connecting plate 52 and the clamping pin 10, as can also be seen from Figure 2can be seen. In this arrangement, the rocker arm 56 is secured against pivoting. The device provides a definitive solution in this configuration.

[0027] With the aid of the device according to the invention, advanced assembly of the scaffolding is possible. This takes place from the secured position on the lower floor level. The rod 6 can be assembled from the secured position. For this purpose, the rod 6 is moved with a flat piece 61 in the direction of the device 5 on the support 2. When the flat piece 61 comes into contact with the support element 58 on the rocker arm 56, the support element 58 is moved towards the ground as the flat piece 61 of the rod 6 is lowered, with the rocker arm 56 pivoting about the bolt 3. This releases the space created between the support element 58 and the support 2, allowing the bent flat piece 61 to be lowered further. After the flat piece 61 has been lowered into the space, its recess 63 rests on the horizontally aligned leg 512 of the wall element 51.At the same time, the rocker arm 56 swings back to its original position and thus covers the suspended flat piece 61. This prevents the rod 6 from being accidentally lifted out of the device 5.

[0028] To release the connection in the horizontal installation position of the rod 6, it is necessary to pivot the rocker arm 56 with the support element 58 around the pin 3 and lift the flat piece 61 of the rod 6 out of the device. To release the connection from the secured position of the underlying floor level, in which the rod 6 is held at an angle of approximately 45°, it is necessary to lift the flat piece 61 out through the open space on the side of the device between the support 2, the vertical leg 511, the horizontal leg 512, and the support element 58.

[0029] This also applies to the disassembly of rod 6 when the device 5 provides a definitive solution, i.e., the rocker arm 56 is secured against pivoting by means of the clamping pin 10. In this case, too, it is necessary to lift the flat piece 61 from the secured position of the underlying floor level through the open space on the side of the device between support 2, vertical leg 511, horizontal leg 512, and support element 58. However, lifting the flat piece 61 of rod 6 out of the device in the horizontal installation position is not possible.

[0030] The device according to the invention for attaching fall protection devices allows for both a permanent and a temporary solution. Consequently, regardless of the desired type of protection, the same supports can be installed, all of which are equipped with the device according to the invention. The installation of the clamping pin alone determines whether the device offers a permanent or temporary solution.

[0031] The roll pin 10 can be driven in or out on site if necessary. The preload with which the roll pin 10 is held in the holes 55 makes tool-free assembly or disassembly of the roll pin impossible. This prevents, in particular, accidental or inadvertent disassembly.

Claims

1. Device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding, which has L-shaped wall elements (51) on its long sides, between which a connecting plate (52) is fastened and the wall elements (51) are each provided with two holes (54, 55), wherein a bolt (3) is arranged in the first holes (54), to which a rocker arm (56) consisting of a plate (57) is fastened, and the rocker arm (56) is provided with a support element (58) aligned at an angle to the plate (57), characterized in that the plate (57) is provided with an offset 53, wherein a clamping pin (10) can be received by the second holes (55), which in the mounted state is arranged on the side of the rocker arm (56) facing away from the connecting plate (52).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support element (58) is provided with a part-circular recess whose diameter substantially corresponds to the diameter of a support (2).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the first holes (54) the bolt (3) on which the rocker arm (56) is fastened is arranged.

4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bolt (3) lies in an arc of the rocker arm (56) which encloses the bolt (3) by approximately 180°.

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bolt (3) has a bore into which a pin (31) is driven which passes through a recess (561) in the rocker arm (56).

6. Support for scaffolding with a device according to one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Support according to claim 6, characterized in that the device is welded to the support.

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