Device for attaching fall protection to scaffolding

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for attaching fall protection devices to scaffolding, which has L-shaped wall elements (51) on its longitudinal sides, between which a connecting plate (52) is attached and the wall elements (51) are each provided with a hole (54), wherein a bolt (3) is arranged in the holes (54), to which a rocker arm (56) is attached, which 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), wherein the plate (57) is provided with a cutout (53) which is provided with a hole (531) from which a tension pin (10) can be received, which in the assembled state is supported on the connecting plate (52).

Description

[0001] Construction scaffolding comes in a wide variety of designs. It is used to allow work to be carried out on the facades of buildings. Depending on the height of the building or the scaffolding itself, it typically has several levels stacked on top of each other.

[0002] The scaffolding can be formed from so-called vertical frames, which have a substantially rectangular shape (see, for example, DE 35 46 046 A1). Each frame consists of two uprights connected by at least one welded crossbeam. Two adjacent vertical frames are connected by decking planks that can be attached to the crossbeams. Alternatively, the scaffolding can be constructed from individual uprights, 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 uprights connected by the crossbeams then form the aforementioned vertical frames.

[0003] The fastening devices are used to hook and secure the connecting heads of scaffolding elements. This is generally achieved by hammering the connecting heads themselves into place or by hammering in clamping wedges integrated into the connecting 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, planks are first attached to the crossbeams between two adjacent vertical frames. By connecting several vertical frames with planks in between, the scaffolding can be made to varying lengths. To construct each level above, a vertical frame is placed on top of the one below. Planks are then attached from the lower level to the crossbeams of the vertical frame above, making the level accessible. However, at this stage, there is still no fall protection on the level above. The fall protection – the guardrail – is provided by rails that are suspended between adjacent vertical frames using the mounting points provided on the frame tubes.

[0005] Constructing the upper level without fall protection increases the risk of accidents with conventional scaffolding. Therefore, the employers' liability insurance associations require that access to the platform planks is only permitted if a guardrail is already installed. To meet this requirement, a scaffold is disclosed in DE 196 33 092 A1, which allows assembly from a secure position.

[0006] To enable this kind of advance assembly, brackets are used that are attached to the supports, and posts are then placed onto these brackets. The posts are equipped with devices for attaching fall protection systems, allowing the next higher level of the scaffolding to be erected even with existing guardrails. These devices can, for example, be so-called toggle levers, onto which an opening in the fall protection system must then be threaded. The fall protection systems must therefore be attached to the devices from the secured lower level, which is difficult for the scaffolder due to the length and weight of the fall protection systems and the small size of the opening in the fall protection system.

[0007] To facilitate the installation of fall protection systems, a device for attaching fall protection systems to scaffolding is known from DE 20 2020 103 146 U1, in which a receptacle with a pendulum plate is provided on a post. When a fall protection system is attached from the secured lower level, the pendulum plate comes into contact with the right-angled end of a pole forming the fall protection system. The pendulum plate is moved aside so that the end of the pole can be lowered into the receptacle. The pendulum plate then swings back to its starting position, thus securing the pole against being lifted off.

[0008] The described device fulfills the requirements placed upon it. However, the known device only provides a so-called non-definitive solution. This means that, after completion of the respective floor level of the scaffolding, a user can move the pendulum plate to the side and lift the pole out of the device while the fall protection poles are suspended and horizontally positioned. This allows the fall protection to be removed from its horizontal installation position, potentially creating an unsecured situation at that floor level. This increases the risk of accidents. Locking the pendulum plate to prevent such removal, i.e., creating a so-called definitive solution, is not possible.

[0009] A device that allows fall protection devices to be attached and detached from the secured position of the floor below, while simultaneously providing a definitive solution, is known from DE 20 2020 104 197 U1. This patent discloses a fastening device for a fall protection rod, provided on a support, which consists of a pin with a head at its end facing away from the support. The head has an elliptical contour, the longitudinal centerline of which is oriented 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 floor levels, a permanent solution is desirable for safety reasons. However, near ground level, a temporary solution is often preferable, where the fall protection system can be removed from its horizontal mounting position, for example, to quickly provide an additional exit from the scaffolding. To enable this, however, it is necessary to use temporary supports near ground level during scaffolding construction, while permanent supports are used on the higher floor levels. This is logistically complex.

[0011] To avoid this problem, a device for attaching fall protection systems to scaffolding is known from DE 20 2023 105 830 U1, which provides both a definitive and a non-definitive solution for attaching the poles forming the fall protection system. This is made possible by a toggle lever that has a vertically oriented web with an opening. In its vertically oriented position, the opening aligns with two holes in the device that can accommodate a tension pin. The tension pin, which then passes through the opening in the web, provides a definitive solution.

[0012] The known device fulfills the requirements placed upon it. However, its manufacture has proven to be quite complex, particularly because the vertically oriented bridge must be positioned very precisely to ensure that the opening provided in it aligns with the holes in the device for guiding the tension pin through.

[0013] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a device for attaching fall protection systems to scaffolding that offers both a permanent and a temporary solution for attaching the poles forming the fall protection system and that is less complex to manufacture. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0014] The invention provides a device for attaching fall protection systems to scaffolding, offering both a permanent and a temporary solution for attaching the fall protection poles. This is achieved by inserting the tension pin into the hole in the cutout, which locks the toggle lever, preventing it from pivoting. This provides the permanent solution. If no tension pin is installed, the toggle lever can be pivoted in the usual way, thus providing a temporary solution.

[0015] Other embodiments and configurations of the invention are specified in the remaining dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail below. The drawings show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a definitive solution; Figure 2 shows a right-hand side view of the device. Figure 1 The device shown; Figure 3, the perspective view of the device with the rocker arm pivoted; Figure 4, the right-hand side view of the device shown in Figure 3 The device shown; Figure 5, the view of a rod; Figure 6, the enlarged view of detail "Z" in Figure 5Figure 7: a section view of a support of scaffolding with devices according to the invention with a non-definitive solution; Figure 8: a section view of a support of scaffolding with devices according to the invention with a definitive solution; Figure 9: a view of scaffolding during erection with a pole suspended from the secured position; Figure 10: a view of the scaffolding in a further phase of erection with a pole suspended and a second support from the secured position; Figure 11: a view of the scaffolding in another phase of erection with a pole suspended and a second support from the secured position; Figure 12: a section view of a support with a pole suspended from the secured position with a non-definitive solution; Figure 13: a right-hand side view of the Figure 12 depicted support; Figure 14 the perspective view of the in Figure 12The support shown; Figure 15, the section-by-section view of a support with a suspended rod in a horizontal position with a non-definitive solution; Figure 16, the right-hand side view of the support shown in Figure 15 depicted support; Figure 17 the perspective view of the in Figure 15 shown support.

[0016] The scaffold chosen as an exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of vertical frames 1. Each vertical frame 1 has supports 2, which are formed in the form of tubes. The supports 2 of each scaffold level are connected to each other 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 attach bars 6, which serve as fall protection or railings, or to fasten diagonal braces 4, which can be installed to increase the stability of the scaffold.

[0017] Threaded base plates 7, which are height-adjustable and serve to compensate for uneven ground, can be attached to the bottom ends of the supports 2. At their top ends, each support 2 has a pin 21, which serves to attach another vertical frame 1 in order to construct multi-level scaffolds. Each support 2 is provided with a retaining device 22, which is shaped as a disc with openings.

[0018] The crossbeam is detachably connected to the supports 2 at the retaining devices 22, as is typical for system scaffolding. The crossbeam is equipped with fittings for attaching decking boards 8. Adjacent to the decking boards 8 are toe boards 9. These provide side protection or a toe board and prevent tools or objects from falling from the respective decking board.

[0019] The crossbeam can have various designs, for example as a rectangular tube or a U-profile. The decking boards 8 are attached to the crossbeam using corresponding support or suspension devices. The use of more or fewer boards 8 in a single plane is also possible, depending on the width of the vertical frames 1 and the width of the boards 8. The crossbeam is positioned in the middle third of the length of the columns 2. As a result, when the vertical frames are installed, the columns 2 project beyond the respective decking board 8 such that the projecting portions of the columns 2 correspond to approximately half the story height.

[0020] The fastening devices 5 are designed as attachment points for fall protection systems. They serve to mount the poles 6, which form the guardrail and thus a fall protection system. The poles 6 also increase the stability of the scaffolding. Each pole 6 has a guardrail fin at its end, formed by a flat piece 61. The flat pieces 61 are bent essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the pole 6. Each flat piece 61 has a hole 62. The flat pieces 61 are each provided with a right-angled recess 63.

[0021] The fastening devices or fixtures 5 are arranged on the (inner) side of the supports 2 facing the decking boards 8. The fixtures have a housing-like design. Each has L-shaped wall elements 51 on its longitudinal 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 centerline of the supports 2, have a greater length than the horizontal legs 512, which are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the supports 2.

[0022] Between the two vertical legs 511, a connecting plate 52 is attached to the inside of the supports 2 on the device 5, connecting the legs 511 to each other. The vertical legs 511 of the wall elements 51 are each provided with a hole 54. A bolt 3 is arranged in the holes 54, on which a rocker arm 56 is attached. The bolt 3 has a bore into which a pin 31 is driven.

[0023] The rocker arm 56 consists of a plate 57 with a cutout 53, which is bent at approximately 70° towards the supports 2. The cutout 53 has a hole 531. The hole 531 serves to receive a tension pin 10, such as those from the Figures 1 and 2This is evident. The spring pin 10 is a slotted spring pin whose diameter, in its uninstalled state, is larger than the diameter of the hole 531. When the spring pin 10 is driven in, its diameter reduces to the diameter of the hole 531, whereby the spring force reliably holds the spring pin 10 in the hole 531.

[0024] In the driven-in or mounted state, the tension pin 10 is supported against the connecting plate 52, as also shown from Figure 2 This is evident. In this arrangement, the rocker arm 56 is secured against pivoting. The device provides a definitive solution in this configuration.

[0025] On the side of the plate 57 facing away from the ground, an arc extends, enclosing the bolt 3 by approximately 180°. The bolt 3 is thus located within the arc. The arc of the rocker arm 56 is provided with a recess 561 for the passage of the pin 31, thereby securing the rocker arm 56 against lateral displacement on the bolt 3. The rocker arm 56 is held on the bolt 3 by means of a locking pin 562. A support element 58 is attached to the free end of the arc, which is provided with a semicircular recess on its side facing the support 2. The diameter of the recess corresponds essentially to the diameter of the support 2.

[0026] With the aid of the device according to the invention, a preliminary assembly of the scaffold is possible. This is carried out from the secured position of the lower floor level. The rod 6 can be assembled from this secured position. For this purpose, the rod 6 with a flat piece 61 is moved towards the device 5 on the support 2. When the flat piece 61 contacts 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, whereby the rocker arm 56 pivots about the bolt 3. This releases the space created between the support element 58 and the support 2, so that the bent flat piece 61 can be lowered further. After the flat piece 61 has been lowered into the space, it rests with the recess 63 on the horizontally oriented leg 512 of the wall element 51.At the same time, the rocker arm 56 swings back to its starting position and thus covers the suspended flat piece 61. This prevents the rod 6 from being accidentally lifted out of the device 5.

[0027] 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 bolt 3 and lift the flat section 61 of the rod 6 out of the device. To release the connection from the secured position of the floor level below, in which the rod 6 is held at an angle of approximately 45°, it is necessary to lift the flat section 61 out through the space open on the side of the device between support 2, vertical leg 511, horizontal leg 512 and support element 58.

[0028] This also applies to the disassembly of the rod 6 if the device 5 provides a definitive solution, i.e., if the rocker arm 56 is secured against pivoting by means of the tension pin 10. In this case as well, it is necessary to lift the flat piece 61 out of the secured position of the floor level below through the space open on the side of the device between support 2, vertical leg 511, horizontal leg 512, and support element 58. Lifting the flat piece 61 of the rod 6 out of the device in its horizontal installation position is not possible.

[0029] The device according to the invention for attaching fall protection systems enables both a permanent and a temporary solution. Consequently, regardless of the desired type of fall protection, the same supports can be used throughout, all of which are equipped with the device according to the invention. The installation of the tension pin alone determines whether the device offers a permanent or a temporary solution.

[0030] The tension pin 10 can be driven in or out on site if necessary. The preload with which the tension pin 10 is held in the holes 55 makes tool-free assembly or disassembly of the tension pin impossible. This prevents accidental or unintentional disassembly.

Claims

1. 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 a hole (54), wherein a bolt (3) is arranged in the holes (54), to which a rocker arm (56) is attached, which 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), characterized by the fact that the plate (57) is provided with a cutout (53) which has a hole (531) from which a tension pin (10) can be received, which in the assembled state is supported on the connecting plate (52).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cutout (53) is bent by approximately 70° in the direction of the supports (2).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe support element (58) is provided with a semicircular recess, the diameter of which essentially corresponds to the diameter of a support (2) 4. Device according to one or more of the aforementioned claims, characterized by the fact that in the first holes (54) the bolts (3) are arranged, on which the rocker arm (56) is attached.

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

6. Device according to one or more of the aforementioned claims, characterized by the fact 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).

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

8. Support according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the device is welded to the support.

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