Railing element and method for producing a railing element

Abstract

The invention relates to a railing element (1). The railing element (1) has a tubular upper chord (3), a tubular lower chord (4), and rod-shaped connecting elements (5, 5a). The rod-shaped connecting elements (5, 5a) are connected to the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4). At least one of the rod-shaped connecting elements (5, 5a) is designed as a plug-in connecting element (5a) which is inserted into the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4). The railing element (1) has a metallic coating (26) for corrosion protection. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a railing element (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a railing element and a method for manufacturing a railing element.

[0002] A railing typically comprises at least one railing element that is firmly anchored at the installation site. For anchoring purposes, the railing element may include an anchoring device. Such railings are used, for example, as fall protection, barriers, or pedestrian guidance elements.

[0003] A versatile and proven railing system is the picket railing. In a picket railing, the railing element comprises a top rail, a bottom rail, and connecting elements called pickets. The pickets, or connecting elements, join the top rail to the bottom rail and fill the space between them. The shape and material of the top rail, bottom rail, and pickets, as well as the arrangement of the pickets between the top and bottom rails, can be customized to suit the intended use.

[0004] In a known embodiment of a picket railing, the top rail, bottom rail, and pickets of the railing element are each square steel bars with a solid profile cross-section. The ends of each picket facing away from each other are welded to a side wall of the top rail or bottom rail, respectively. Each weld is made along the outer contour of each picket end, so that each weld joint includes a weld bead that completely encircles the respective picket end along its outer contour. Furthermore, the railing element typically includes a metallic coating for corrosion protection.

[0005] This can be achieved by hot-dip galvanizing the welded railing element. During hot-dip galvanizing, the railing element is coated with metallic zinc. This metallic zinc coating then protects the railing element from corrosion.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a railing element which can be flexibly adapted to different applications and manufactured efficiently.

[0007] The problem is solved by a railing element according to the features of claim 1 and by a method according to the features of claim 14. The respective dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the railing element.

[0008] The invention relates to a railing element. The railing element has a tubular upper chord, a tubular lower chord, and rod-shaped connecting elements. The rod-shaped connecting elements each have two opposite end faces. One of these end faces is connected to the tubular upper chord and the other to the tubular lower chord.

[0009] At least one of the rod-shaped connecting elements is designed as a plug-in connection element. One of the two end sections of the plug-in connection element is inserted into an opening in the pipe wall of the tubular upper chord, the opening being defined by an opening edge. The other of the two end sections of the plug-in connection element is inserted into an opening in the pipe wall of the tubular lower chord, the opening being defined by an opening edge.

[0010] The railing element has a metallic coating for corrosion protection.

[0011] In the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, a slot is formed between an outer surface of the plug-in connection element and the opening edge.

[0012] The gap is covered by the metallic coating from the opening edge to the outer surface of the connector element in such a way that the gap is closed by the metallic coating.

[0013] The railing element can be anchored to or embedded in an anchoring surface or in the ground. The anchoring surface can be a ground surface or an edge surface. The anchoring surface and the ground can be part of a structure. The structure can be a terrace, a balcony, a bridge, a floor, a staircase, etc. The railing element can be firmly anchored to an anchoring surface or in the ground, for example, by a force-fit, form-fit, or material-fit connection.

[0014] To anchor the railing element, the railing element can have an anchoring device. The anchoring device can have one or more through-holes that allow the railing element to be anchored with an anchoring element, such as a screw. The through-holes can be formed on the railing element. The anchoring device can also have one or more anchoring plates with holes, so that the one or more anchoring plates can be anchored to an anchoring surface. The one or more anchoring plates can be aligned parallel or perpendicular to the rod-shaped connecting elements.

[0015] The tubular top chord can be a square tube. The square tube comprises four edges with four tube wall sections between them. The square tube can have a rectangular or square cross-section. In the case of a rectangular tube cross-section, the tubular top chord can have two parallel narrow tube wall sections and two parallel wide tube wall sections.

[0016] The tubular top chord can be formed by rolling up a strip of sheet metal and joining the abutting, free edges of the strip together. The edges of the sheet metal strip can be welded together.

[0017] The tubular upper chord can have a circular cross-section.

[0018] The above descriptions for the tubular upper chord also apply analogously to the tubular lower chord.

[0019] The tubular upper chord can be designed as a handrail and then have a tube cross-section which includes a round, ergonomically shaped section.

[0020] The tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord can extend spaced apart and parallel to each other by means of the rod-shaped connecting elements.

[0021] The rod-shaped connecting elements can each be a solid profile bar or a tube. Both a solid profile bar and a solid profile bar have no hollow space in their cross-section. The rod-shaped connecting elements can each have a round, rectangular, or square cross-section.

[0022] If the rod-shaped connecting elements of the railing are arranged essentially vertically and side by side, they can also be called balusters. The rod-shaped connecting elements can be spaced apart and arranged parallel to each other. The rod-shaped connecting elements can be arranged perpendicular to the tubular top and bottom chords, or at a specific angle to the tubular top and bottom chords, respectively.

[0023] The rod-shaped connecting elements of the railing fill the space between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. When the railing is anchored, these connecting elements block passage through the space between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord, thus forming a fall protection barrier.

[0024] The rod-shaped connecting elements each comprise two opposite end regions, with each of the two end regions comprising an end end of the rod-shaped connecting element.

[0025] The end regions of the rod-shaped connecting elements are each connected to the tubular upper chord or tubular lower chord in such a way that the rod-shaped connecting elements cannot be separated or detached from the tubular upper chord and / or tubular lower chord by a normal force acting on an anchored railing element.

[0026] For example, a certain amount of the end sections can be connected to the tubular upper or lower chord by a material-bonded, form-fit, or force-fit connection. A material-bonded connection can, for instance, be a weld. In a weld, the end section to be joined and the point to be joined on the tubular upper or lower chord are heated to near their melting point and joined together by the supplied molten welding material. The weld then comprises a weld bead or weld spot formed by the supplied welding material.

[0027] At least one of the rod-shaped connecting elements is designed as a plug-in connector. Therefore, for example, two, three, four, or even all of the rod-shaped connecting elements can be designed as plug-in connectors. If not all of the rod-shaped connecting elements are designed as plug-in connectors, then at least one rod-shaped connecting element can be arranged between each pair of plug-in connectors. For example, two, three, four, or more rod-shaped connecting elements can then be arranged between two plug-in connectors.

[0028] The plug connector is a rod-shaped connecting element with two end sections. Each of the two end sections comprises one end of the plug connector.

[0029] One of the two end sections of the connector is inserted into an opening in the wall of the tubular upper chord, and the other end section is inserted into an opening in the wall of the tubular lower chord. "Inserted" means that the two end sections are each inserted into the opening of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, respectively, so that they extend into and within the cavity of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, respectively.

[0030] This opening is bounded by an opening edge. The opening forms a passage to the cavity enclosed by the pipe wall of the tubular upper chord.

[0031] The opening edge can essentially have the same shape as the cross-sectional outer contour of the end face of the connector element to be inserted into the opening. The opening edge can essentially be a circle, oval, rectangle, square, etc. The opening edge can have a height corresponding to the wall thickness of the tubular top flange.

[0032] The opening can be formed, for example, by punching out a section of the wall of the tubular top chord. Alternatively, the opening can be formed by cutting out a section of the wall of the tubular top chord using a laser cutter.

[0033] If the tubular top chord is a square tube with a rectangular cross-section, two parallel narrow tube wall sections and two parallel wide tube wall sections, then the opening can be an opening in one of the two parallel wide tube wall sections.

[0034] The descriptions above for the opening and the opening edge of the tubular upper chord also apply analogously to the opening and the opening edge of the tubular lower chord.

[0035] The tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord can be designed in the same way.

[0036] The metallic coating for corrosion protection can be a metallic zinc coating. A metallic zinc coating can be achieved by hot-dip galvanizing the tubular top chord, the tubular bottom chord, and the rod-shaped connecting elements that are joined together.

[0037] In the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, the opening with its edge and the end section inserted into the opening can each be designed such that a slight insertion gap allows the end section to be inserted into the opening. The insertion gap can then essentially correspond to this insertion gap.

[0038] The insertion gap can have a specific gap width B. The gap width B can be, for example, 0.2 mm ≤ B ≤ 1.5 mm. B can be 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, or 1.5 mm. The gap width B can be, for example, 0.8 mm ≤ B ≤ 1.0 mm.

[0039] The respective slot can form a passage into the cavity of the tubular upper chord or into the cavity of the tubular lower chord. The passage formed by the respective slot can taper in cross-section towards the cavity of the tubular upper chord or towards the cavity of the tubular lower chord. The passage formed by the respective slot can taper in cross-section towards the outer surface of the tubular upper chord or towards the outer surface of the tubular lower chord.

[0040] In the area of ​​the cavity of the tubular upper chord or in the area of ​​the cavity of the tubular lower chord, the respective opening edge can abut the outer surface of the plug-in connection element, so that the respective plug gap forms a triangular pocket in cross-section.

[0041] In the area of ​​the outer surface of the tubular upper chord or in the area of ​​the outer surface of the tubular lower chord, the respective opening edge can abut the outer surface of the plug-in connection element, so that the plug gap forms a triangular pocket in cross-section.

[0042] If the gap forms a passage into the cavity of the tubular upper chord or into the cavity of the tubular lower chord, the passage can be partially or completely filled by the metallic coating, thereby closing the gap with the metallic coating.

[0043] If the slot forms a triangular pocket, the triangular pocket can be partially or completely filled by the metallic coating, thereby closing the slot with the metallic coating.

[0044] The metallic coating can cover the respective slot in such a way that the tubular top chord or bottom chord is bonded to the connector element by the metallic coating. The metallic coating acts as the connecting element, joining the tubular top chord or bottom chord and the connector element, thus holding them together. In a railing element that features a connector element thus joined to the tubular top chord and bottom chord, the connection can be partially or completely weld-free.

[0045] If all rod-shaped connecting elements of the railing element are designed as plug-in connecting elements, then the connection of the tubular upper chord, the tubular lower chord and the plug-in connecting elements can be partially or completely weld-free.

[0046] By using a rod-shaped connecting element as a plug-in connector that is inserted into the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord, the connection of the tubular top chord, the tubular bottom chord, and the rod-shaped connecting elements is greatly simplified. For example, this can partially or completely eliminate the need for welding the rod-shaped connecting elements to the tubular top chord or the tubular bottom chord.

[0047] Because certain rod-shaped connecting elements can be designed as plug-in connectors, the connection between the tubular top chord, the tubular bottom chord, and the rod-shaped connecting elements can be flexibly adapted to the intended application. For example, if the application requires that a rod-shaped connecting element be welded to the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord at predetermined intervals in the railing element, then the rod-shaped connecting elements between the welded rod-shaped connecting elements can be designed as plug-in connectors.

[0048] The fact that the connection of the tubular upper chord, the tubular lower chord and the plug-in connecting elements can be partially or completely free of weld beads gives the railing element an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0049] Because the tubular top and bottom chords are both tubular, the railing element is lighter than a railing element whose top and / or bottom chords are solid profiles. The weight can be further reduced by using at least one rod-shaped connecting element in a tubular form. This allows the railing element to be flexibly adapted to its intended use.

[0050] The tubular upper chord, the tubular lower chord and the rod-shaped connecting elements or plug-in connecting elements can be made of steel, for example structural steel.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the two end regions of the connector element each have a free cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector element. In the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, a through-opening is formed between an inner surface of the upper chord or an inner surface of the lower chord, respectively, and the free cross-sectional area. The inner surface of the upper chord or the inner surface of the lower chord and the free cross-sectional area are covered by the metallic coating.

[0052] A free cross-sectional area on the connector element is created by a separating cut in a cutting plane that lies perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector element. Such a cutting plane can lie in either of the two end regions of the connector element.

[0053] The through-opening can be designed so that, when applying the metallic coating, the coating can be applied through the opening. This allows the inner surface of the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord and the respective free cross-sectional area to be coated with the metallic coating. If the plug connector is tubular, the through-opening can be designed so that, when applying the metallic coating, the coating can be applied through the opening and to the inner surface of the tubular plug connector. This allows the inner surface of the tubular plug connector to be coated with the metallic coating.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the two end regions of the connector element is reduced compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​an intermediate region located between the two end regions. The connector element has an additional free cross-sectional area perpendicular to its longitudinal direction between the intermediate region and the two end regions. In the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, a gap is formed between an outer surface of the upper chord or an outer surface of the lower chord, respectively, and this additional free cross-sectional area. The gap is covered by the metallic coating from the outer surface of the upper chord or the outer surface of the lower chord to the additional free cross-sectional area, such that the gap is closed by the metallic coating.

[0055] In the cross-section of a plug connector element at one end, the cutting plane lies perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug connector element and in the end area.

[0056] In the cross-section of a plug connector element in an intermediate area, the cutting plane lies perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug connector element and in the intermediate area.

[0057] The gap can have a specific gap width B1. The gap width B1 can be, for example, 0.2 mm ≤ B1 ≤ 1.5 mm. B1 can be 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, or 1.5 mm. The gap width B1 can be, for example, 0.8 mm ≤ B1 ≤ 1.0 mm.

[0058] The gap may be partially or completely filled by the metallic coating and thus sealed by the metallic coating.

[0059] The metallic coating can cover the gap in such a way that the tubular top chord or bottom chord is bonded to the connector element by the metallic coating. The metallic coating acts as the connecting element, joining the tubular top chord or bottom chord and the connector element, thus holding them together. In a railing element that features a connector element thus joined to the tubular top chord and bottom chord, the connection can be partially or completely weld-free.

[0060] The plug-in connector element can be essentially the same width in the intermediate area as the tubular upper chord and / or the tubular lower chord.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord each have a spacer in the opening, particularly in a region of the opening plane. In both the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, surface areas of the plug-in connector rest against the spacer, so that the outer surface of the plug-in connector is kept at a distance from the edge of the opening, thereby forming the plug gap.

[0062] The opening plane is the plane in which the opening extends.

[0063] This allows the insertion gap to be controlled. For example, a specific insertion gap width can be achieved in this way.

[0064] According to one embodiment, in the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, the spacer is formed by a shaping of the tube wall extending in the opening plane.

[0065] Such a spacer is easy to manufacture.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the plug-in connector is tubular, and the surface areas of the plug-in connector that abut the spacers are surface areas of an inner surface of the plug-in connector.

[0067] This allows for a uniform insertion gap.

[0068] According to one embodiment, in the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, the spacer extends from the opening edge to the outer surface of the plug-in connector, and the surface areas of the plug-in connector that abut the spacers are surface areas of the outer surface of the plug-in connector.

[0069] This allows for checking the plug gap, especially with plug connectors that are solid profiles.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the pipe wall of the tubular upper chord and the pipe wall of the tubular lower chord each have a further opening opposite the opening. The two end regions of the plug-in connector each have a projecting spacer. The projecting spacer of one of the two end regions is inserted into the further opening of the tubular upper chord. The projecting spacer of the other of the two end regions is inserted into the further opening of the tubular lower chord. This is such that the outer surface of the plug-in connector is kept spaced from the edge of the opening in both the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, thereby forming the plug gap.

[0071] This makes the insertion gap controllable and ensures a uniform insertion gap.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the protruding spacers of the two end regions of the connector element each extend in the longitudinal direction of the connector element from a free cross-sectional area of ​​one of the two end regions or of the other of the two end regions.

[0073] Such a spacer is easy to manufacture.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the protruding spacers of the two end regions of the plug-in connection element are each materially bonded to the pipe wall of the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord, wherein the further openings are closed by the material-bonded connections, and the material-bonded connections are covered by the metallic coating.

[0075] This allows for a simple and secure connection between the tubular upper chord, the tubular lower chord and the plug-in connecting element.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the two end regions of the plug-in connector each have a projecting through-opening retainer. The projecting through-opening retainer of one of the two end regions rests against the inner surface of the tubular upper chord. The projecting through-opening retainer of the other of the two end regions rests against the inner surface of the tubular lower chord. This is such that, in the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord respectively, the inner surface of the upper chord and the inner surface of the lower chord are spaced apart from the free cross-sectional area, thereby forming the through-opening.

[0077] This allows the opening to be controlled. For example, the dimensions of the opening, i.e., the distance between the inner surface of the top chord or the inner surface of the bottom chord and the respective free cross-sectional area, can be determined.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the projecting through-opening holder of one of the two end regions rests against the inner surface of the tubular upper chord. The projecting through-opening holder of the other of the two end regions rests against the inner surface of the tubular lower chord. This is such that, in the case of the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord, respectively, the outer surface of the upper chord and the outer surface of the lower chord are spaced apart from the remaining free cross-sectional area, thereby forming the gap.

[0079] This makes the opening and gap easy to control. The necessary opening holder is easy to manufacture.

[0080] According to one embodiment, in one of the rod-shaped connecting elements, one of the two end regions is materially bonded to the tubular upper chord and the other of the two end regions is materially bonded to the tubular lower chord, in particular wherein the materially bonded connection is formed by four point-like connection points.

[0081] This further improves the connection between the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord with the rod-shaped connecting element.

[0082] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a railing element in which a tubular upper chord and a tubular lower chord are connected by rod-shaped connecting elements. The method comprises the steps Providing a tubular top chord, a tubular bottom chord, and rod-shaped connecting elements, each having two opposite end faces; connecting the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord to the rod-shaped connecting elements by connecting the tubular top chord to one of the two end faces and the tubular bottom chord to the other of the two end faces; coating the tubular top chord, the tubular bottom chord, and the rod-shaped connecting elements in their connected state with a metallic coating for corrosion protection;In connecting a rod-shaped connecting element, designed as a plug-in connection element, one of the two end regions is inserted into an opening in the tube wall of the tubular upper chord, bounded by an opening edge, and the other of the two end regions is inserted into an opening in the tube wall of the lower chord, bounded by an opening edge, so that a plug-in gap is formed between an outer surface of the plug-in connection element and the opening edge of both the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord; and in the case of the fitting, the plug-in gap of both the tubular upper chord and the tubular lower chord is covered by the metallic covering from the opening edge to the outer surface of the plug-in connection element in such a way that the plug-in gap is closed by the metallic covering. The railing element can be a railing element according to the invention.

[0083] The railing element according to the invention is described in more detail below by way of example, based on specific embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Figure 1: a railing element with an anchoring device; Figure 2: a plug-in connection element separated from a tubular upper chord or a tubular lower chord with an opening in the tube wall; Figure 3: the plug-in connection element inserted into the opening of the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord. Figure 2 Figure 4 shows a side view of the plug-in connector and the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord made of Figure 3 Figure 5, a sectional view AA according to Figure 4 Figure 6, a sectional view BB according to Figure 4Figure 7 shows a plug-in connector separate from a tubular upper chord or a tubular lower chord with an opening in the tube wall; Figure 8 shows the plug-in connector inserted into the opening of the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord. Figure 7 Figure 9 shows a side view of the plug-in connector and the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord made of Figure 8 Figure 10, a sectional view CC according to Figure 9 Figure 11 shows a sectional view of DD according to Figure 9 Figure 12 shows a plug-in connector separate from a tubular upper chord or a tubular lower chord with an opening in the tube wall; Figure 13 shows the plug-in connector inserted into the opening of the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord. Figure 12 Figure 14 shows a bottom view of the plug-in connector and the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord made of Figure 13Figure 15 shows a side view of the plug-in connector and the tubular upper chord or the tubular lower chord made of the Figure 13 and 14 Figure 16 shows a sectional view of EE according to Figure 15 Figure 17 shows a sectional view FF according to Figure 15 Figure 18, a sectional view BB according to Figure 4 Figure 19 shows a sectional view of GG according to Figure 18 Figure 20: The view of Figure 19 with metallic coating; and Figure 21, the view of Figure 19 with a metallic coating.

[0084] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a railing element 1 with an exemplary anchoring device 2. The anchoring device comprises two anchoring plates 2a. The railing element 1 has a tubular top chord 3, a tubular bottom chord 4, and rod-shaped connecting elements 5, 5a. The rod-shaped connecting elements 5, 5a each have two opposite end regions 6a, 6b. Of these end regions 6a, 6b, one 6a is connected to the tubular top chord 3 and the other 6b to the tubular bottom chord 4.

[0085] At least one of the rod-shaped connecting elements 5, 5a is designed as a plug-in connecting element 5a. One end 6a of the two end regions 6a, 6b of the plug-in connecting element 5a is inserted into an opening 8a in the pipe wall 9a of the tubular upper chord 3, which is bounded by an opening edge 7a. The other end 6b of the two end regions 6a, 6b of the plug-in connecting element 5a is inserted into an opening 8b in the pipe wall 9b of the tubular lower chord 4, which is bounded by an opening edge 7b.

[0086] The railing element 1 has a metallic coating 26 as corrosion protection.

[0087] In the case of the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, a plug gap 11a,11b is formed between an outer surface 10 of the plug connection element 5a and the opening edge 7a,7b.

[0088] The plug gap 11a,11b is covered by the metallic coating 26 from the opening edge 7a,7b to the outer surface 10 of the plug connection element 5a in such a way that the plug gap 11a,11b is closed by the metallic coating 26.

[0089] The in Figure 1 The intermediate area 15 of the connector element 5a shown lies between the two end areas 6a,6b of the connector element 5a.

[0090] Figure 2Figure 5a shows an embodiment of a plug-in connector 5a separated from a tubular upper chord 3 and a tubular lower chord 4, respectively. In the plug-in connector 5a, the two end regions 6a and 6b each have a free cross-sectional area 12a and 12b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug-in connector 5a. In the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, a through-opening 14 is formed between an inner surface 13a of the upper chord 3 and an inner surface 13b of the lower chord 4, respectively, and the free cross-sectional area 12a and 12b. The inner surface 13a of the upper chord 3 and the inner surface 13b of the lower chord 4, respectively, and the free cross-sectional area 12a and 12b, can be covered by the metallic coating 26.

[0091] In the connector element 5a, the cross-sectional area of ​​the two end regions 6a, 6b is reduced compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​an intermediate region 15 located between the two end regions 6a, 6b. The connector element 5a has an additional free cross-sectional area 16a, 16b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector element 5a between the intermediate region 15 and the two end regions 6a, 6b. In the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, a gap 18a, 18b is formed between an outer surface 17a of the upper chord 3 and an outer surface 17b of the lower chord 4, respectively, and the additional free cross-sectional area 16a, 16b. The gap 18a,18b can be covered by the metallic covering 26 from the outer surface 17a of the upper chord 3 or the outer surface 17b of the lower chord to the further free cross-sectional area 16a,16b in such a way that the gap 18a,18b is closed by the metallic covering 26.

[0092] The tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4 each have a spacer 19a, 19b in the opening 8a, 8b, in particular in a region of the opening plane 20a, 20b. In the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, surface areas 21 of the plug-in connector 5a abut the spacer 19a, 19b, such that the outer surface 10 of the plug-in connector 5a is spaced apart from the opening edge 7a, 7b, thereby forming the plug gap 11a, 11b.

[0093] In the case of the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, the spacer 19a,19b is formed by a shaping of the tube wall 9a,9b extending in the opening plane 20a,20b.

[0094] The plug-in connector 5a is tubular, and the surface areas 21 of the plug-in connector 5a, which in the plugged state rest against the spacers 19a,19b, are surface areas 21 of an inner surface 22 of the plug-in connector 5a.

[0095] The two end regions 6a, 6b of the plug-in connector 5a each have a projecting through-opening retainer 25a, 25b. The projecting through-opening retainer 25a, 25b of one of the two end regions 6a, 6b rests against the inner surface 13a of the tubular upper chord 3 when plugged in. The projecting through-opening retainer 25a, 25b of the other of the two end regions 6a, 6b rests against the inner surface 13b of the tubular lower chord 4 when plugged in. This is such that, in the case of the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4 respectively, the inner surface 13a of the upper chord 3 and the inner surface 13b of the lower chord 4 are spaced apart from the free cross-sectional area 12a, 12b, thereby forming the through-opening 14.

[0096] The projecting through-opening holder 25a of one of the two end sections 6a,6a rests against the inner surface 13a of the tubular upper chord when inserted. The projecting through-opening holder 25b of the other 6b of the two end sections 6a,6b rests against the inner surface 13b of the tubular lower chord 4 when inserted. This is such that the outer surface 17a of the upper chord 3 and the outer surface 17b of the lower chord 4, respectively, are spaced apart from the further free cross-sectional area 16a,16b, thereby forming the gap 18a,18b.

[0097] Figure 3 The plug-in connecting element 5a, inserted into the opening 8a,8b of the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4, is shown. Figure 2 .

[0098] Figure 4 shows a side view of the plug-in connector 5a and the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 made of Figure 3 .

[0099] Figure 5 shows a sectional view AA according to Figure 4 .

[0100] Figure 6 shows a sectional view BB according to Figure 4 .

[0101] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a plug-in connector 5a separated from a tubular upper chord 3 and a tubular lower chord 4, respectively. In the plugged-in state, in this embodiment, the spacer 19a, 19b extends from the opening edge 7a, 7b to the outer surface 10 of the plug-in connector 5a in both the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, and the surface areas 21 of the plug-in connector 5a that abut the spacers 19a, 19b are surface areas of the outer surface 10 of the plug-in connector 5a.

[0102] Claims which are directed at external contact Figure 8The plug-in connecting element 5a, inserted into the opening 8a,8b of the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4, is shown. Figure 7 .

[0103] Figure 9 shows a side view of the plug-in connector 5a and the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 made of Figure 8 .

[0104] Figure 10 shows a section view CC according to Figure 9 .

[0105] Figure 11 shows a sectional view DD according to Figure 9 .

[0106] Figure 12Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a plug-in connector 5a, separate from a tubular upper chord 3 and a tubular lower chord 4, respectively. In this embodiment, the tubular wall 9a of the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular wall 9b of the tubular lower chord 4 each have a further opening 23a, 23b opposite the opening 8a, 8b. The two end regions 6a, 6b of the plug-in connector 5a each have a projecting spacer 24a, 24b. The projecting spacer 24a of one of the two end regions 6a, 6b is to be inserted into the further opening 23a of the tubular upper chord 3. The projecting spacer 24b of the other end region 6a, 6b is to be inserted into the further opening 23b of the tubular lower chord 4.In the inserted state, the outer surface 10 of the plug-in connecting element 5a is held spaced away from the opening edge 7a,7b in both the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4, thereby forming the plug gap 11a, 11b.

[0107] The foreground spacers 24a,24b of the two end regions 6a,6b of the plug-in connector 5a each project in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in connector 5a from a free cross-sectional area 12a, 12b of one 6a of the two end regions 6a,6b or of the other 6b of the two end regions 6a,6b.

[0108] Figure 13 The plug-in connecting element 5a, inserted into the opening 8a,8b of the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4, is shown. Figure 12 .

[0109] Figure 14 shows a view from below of the plug-in connector 5a and the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 made of Figure 13 .

[0110] The foreground spacers 24a, 24b of the two end regions 6a, 6b of the plug-in connection element 5a can each be materially bonded to the tube wall 9a, 9b of the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4, wherein the further openings 23a, 23b are then closed by the materially bonded connections, and the materially bonded connections are covered by the metallic coating 26.

[0111] Figure 15 shows a side view of the plug-in connector 5a and the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 made of the Figure 13 and 14 .

[0112] Figure 16 shows a sectional view EE according to Figure 15 .

[0113] Figure 17 shows a sectional view FF according to Figure 15 .

[0114] Figure 18 shows a sectional view BB according to Figure 4 .

[0115] Figure 19 shows a sectional view GG according to Figure 18 .

[0116] Figure 20 shows the view of Figure 19 with a metallic coating. The metallic coating 26 is shown enlarged. The metallic coating 26 covers the respective insertion gap 11a, 11b and the respective gap 18a, 18b such that, at the respective insertion gap 11a, 11b and gap 18a, 18b, the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 is metallurgically connected to the plug-in connector 5a by the metallic coating 26. The metallic coating 26 acts as the connecting element, joining the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 and the plug-in connector 5a, thus holding them together. The connection shown is completely free of weld beads. The respective insertion gap 11a, 11b and the respective gap 18a, 18b are each partially filled with the metallic coating 26.

[0117] Figure 21 shows the view of Figure 19with a metallic coating. The metallic coating 26 is shown enlarged. The metallic coating 26 covers the respective insertion gap 11a, 11b and the respective gap 18a, 18b such that, at the respective insertion gap 11a, 11b and gap 18a, 18b, the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 is metallurgically connected to the plug-in connector 5a by the metallic coating 26. The metallic coating 26 acts as the connecting element, joining the tubular upper chord 3 or the tubular lower chord 4 and the plug-in connector 5a, thus holding them together. The connection shown is completely free of weld beads. The respective insertion gap 11a, 11b and the respective gap 18a, 18b are each completely filled with the metallic coating 26.

[0118] In the Figure 3 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 18The plug-in connecting element 5a in the intermediate area 15 is essentially the same width as the tubular upper chord 3 and the tubular lower chord 4.

Claims

1. Railing element (1), comprising a tubular upper chord (3), a tubular lower chord (4), and rod-shaped connecting elements (5), each having two opposite end regions (6a, 6b), one (6a) of which is connected to the tubular upper chord (3) and the other (6b) of which is connected to the tubular lower chord (4), wherein at least one of the rod-shaped connecting elements (5) is designed as a plug-in connecting element (5a), of which one (6a) of the two end regions (6a, 6b) is inserted into an opening (8a) of the tube wall (9a) of the tubular upper chord (3) bounded by an opening edge (7a), and the other (6b) of the two end regions (6a, 6b) is inserted into an opening (8b) of the tube wall (9b) of the tubular lower chord (4) bounded by an opening edge (7b), characterized by the fact thatthe railing element (1) has a metallic coating (26) as corrosion protection, in the case of the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4) a plug gap (11a, 11b) is formed between an outer surface (10) of the plug connection element (5a) and the opening edge (7a, 7b), and the plug gap (11a, 11b) from the opening edge (7a, 7b) to the outer surface (10) of the plug connection element (5a) is covered by the metallic coating (26) in such a way that the plug gap (11a, 11b) is closed by the metallic coating (26).

2. Railing element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatIn the plug-in connector element (5a), the two end regions (6a, 6b) each have a free cross-sectional area (12a, 12b) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the plug-in connector element (5a), and in the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4), a through opening (14) is formed between an inner surface (13a) of the upper chord (3) or an inner surface (13b) of the lower chord (4) and the free cross-sectional area (12a, 12b), wherein the inner surface (13a) of the upper chord (3) or the inner surface (13b) of the lower chord (4) and the free cross-sectional area (12a, 12b) are covered by the metallic coating (26).

3. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by the fact thatIn the plug-in connector (5a), the cross-sectional area of ​​the two end regions (6a, 6b) is reduced compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​an intermediate region (15) located between the two end regions (6a, 6b). The plug-in connector (5a) has a further free cross-sectional area (16a, 16b) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug-in connector (5a) between the intermediate region (15) and the two end regions (6a, 6b). In the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4), a gap (18a, 18b) is formed between an outer surface (17a) of the upper chord (3) and an outer surface (17b) of the lower chord (4), respectively, and the further free cross-sectional area (16a, 16b). The gap (18a, 18b) is separated from the outer surface of the upper chord. (17a) orthe outer surface of the lower chord (17b) towards the further free cross-sectional area (16a, 16b) is covered by the metallic coating (26) in such a way that the gap (18a, 18b) is closed by the metallic coating (26).

4. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that The tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4) each have a spacer (19a, 19b) in the opening (8a, 8b), in particular in a region of the opening plane (20a, 20b), and surface areas (21) of the plug-in connecting element (5a) of the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4) each abut the spacer (19a, 19b), so that the outer surface (10) of the plug-in connecting element (5a) is kept spaced apart from the opening edge (7a, 7b) and thereby the plug gap (11a, 11b) is formed.

5. Railing element (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact thatIn the case of the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4), the spacer (19a, 19b) is formed by a shaping of the tube wall (9a, 9b) extending in the opening plane (20a, 20b).

6. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized by the fact that the plug-in connector (5a) is tubular, and the surface areas (21) of the plug-in connector (5a) that abut the spacers (19a, 19b) are surface areas (21) of an inner surface (22) of the plug-in connector (5a).

7. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized by the fact thatIn the case of the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4), the spacer (19a, 19b) extends from the opening edge (7a, 7b) to the outer surface (10) of the plug-in connector (5a), and the surface areas (21) of the plug-in connector (5a) that abut the spacers (19a, 19b) are surface areas of the outer surface (10) of the plug-in connector (5a).

8. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact thatThe pipe wall (9a) of the tubular upper chord (3) and the pipe wall (9b) of the tubular lower chord (4) each have a further opening (23a, 23b) opposite the opening (8a, 8b), the two end regions (6a, 6b) of the plug-in connector (5a) each have a projecting spacer (24a, 24b), the projecting spacer (24a) of one of the two end regions (6a) is inserted into the further opening (23a) of the tubular upper chord (3), and the projecting spacer (24b) of the other of the two end regions (6b) is inserted into the further opening (23b) of the tubular lower chord (4), so that the outer surface (10) of the plug-in connector (5a) of the tubular upper chord (3) and of the tubular lower chord (4) is held spaced apart from the opening edge (7a, 7b). is and thereby the slot gap (11a, 11b) is formed.

9. Railing element (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact thatthe preceding spacers (24a, 24b) of the two end regions (6a, 6b) of the plug-in connector element (5a) each project in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in connector element (5a) from a free cross-sectional area (12a, 12b, 16a, 16b) of one of the two end regions (6a) or of the other of the two end regions (6b).

10. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized by the fact that the foreground spacers (24a, 24b) of the two end regions (6a, 6b) of the plug-in connection element (5a) are each materially bonded to the tube wall (9a, 9b) of the tubular upper chord (3) or the tubular lower chord (4), wherein the further openings (23a, 23b) are closed by the materially bonded connections, and the materially bonded connections are covered by the metallic coating (26).

11. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized by the fact thatthe two end regions (6a, 6b) of the plug-in connector element (5a) each have a projecting through-opening holder (25a, 25b), the projecting through-opening holder (25a) of one of the two end regions (6a) rests against the inner surface (13a) of the tubular upper chord (3), and the projecting through-opening holder (25b) of the other of the two end regions (6b) rests against the inner surface (13b) of the tubular lower chord (4), so that in the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4) respectively the inner surface (13a) of the upper chord (3) and the inner surface (13b) of the lower chord (4) is held spaced apart from the free cross-sectional area (12a, 12b) and thereby the through-opening (14) is formed.

12. Railing element (1) according to claim 11 and one of claims 3 to 10, characterized by the fact thatthe projecting through-opening holder (25a) of one of the two end regions (6a) rests against the inner surface (13a) of the tubular upper chord (3), and the projecting through-opening holder (25b) of the other of the two end regions (6b) rests against the inner surface (13b) of the tubular lower chord (4), so that in the case of the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4) respectively the outer surface (17a) of the upper chord (3) and the outer surface (17b) of the lower chord (4) is held spaced apart from the further free cross-sectional area (16a, 16b) and thereby the gap (18a, 18b) is formed.

13. Railing element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact thatin one of the rod-shaped connecting elements (5, 5a) one of the two end regions (6a, 6b) are materially bonded to the tubular upper chord (3) and the other of the two end regions (6a, 6b) is materially bonded to the tubular lower chord (4), in particular wherein the materially bonded connection is formed by four point-like connection points.

14. Method for manufacturing a railing element (1) in which a tubular top chord (3) and a tubular bottom chord (4) are connected by rod-shaped connecting elements (5), comprising the steps of providing a tubular top chord (3), a tubular bottom chord (4) and rod-shaped connecting elements (5), each having two opposite end regions (6a, 6b), connecting the tubular top chord (3) and the tubular bottom chord (4) to the rod-shaped connecting elements (5) by connecting the tubular top chord (3) to one of the two end regions (6a, 6b) and the tubular bottom chord (4) to the other of the two end regions (6a, 6b), and covering the tubular top chord (3), the tubular bottom chord (4) and the rod-shaped connecting elements (5) in the connected state with a metallic covering (26) as Corrosion protection, characterized by the fact thatWhen connecting a rod-shaped connecting element (5), which is designed as a plug-in connecting element (5a), one of the two end regions (6a) is inserted into an opening (8a) in the pipe wall (9a) of the tubular upper chord (3) bounded by an opening edge (7a), and the other of the two end regions (6b) is inserted into an opening (8b) in the pipe wall (9b) of the lower chord (4) bounded by an opening edge (7b), so that a plug-in gap (11a, 11b) is formed between an outer surface (10) of the plug-in connecting element (5a) and the opening edge (7a, 7b) of both the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4), and when the plug-in gap (11a, 11b) is pulled over the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4), the plug-in gap (11a, 11b) extends from the opening edge (7a, 7b) to the outer surface of both the tubular upper chord (3) and the tubular lower chord (4). (10) of the plug-in element (5a) is covered by the metallic coating (26) so that the plug gap (11a, 11b) is closed by the metallic coating (26).

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