Connecting element and framework system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting element (1, 1') for fastening a panel element (26, 26') to a support (21, 21'). The connecting element (1, 1') comprises at least one receiving device (3, 3') for at least one securing element (2, 2'), wherein the receiving device (3, 3') is provided to fasten the connecting element (1, 1') to the support (21, 21') by means of the at least one securing element (2, 2'). The connecting element (1, 1') further comprises at least one first stop element (12, 12'), wherein the at least one first stop element (12, 12') has at least one stop for at least one panel element (26, 26') to be fastened.

Description

[0001] P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO 4. Februar 2025 - 1 -Description of a connecting element and scaffolding system. The present invention relates to a connecting element for fastening a panel element and a corresponding scaffolding system. So-called enclosure panels are known for scaffolding systems. These panels are attached, for example, to the exterior of a scaffold, a climbing formwork, or a structure under construction or restoration to enclose the scaffold or the structure under construction or restoration. They can serve for safety as well as privacy screening and / or protection against environmental influences such as wind and solar radiation. Such enclosure panels are usually mounted with screw fastenings, which, however, require tools. Furthermore, the installation of such panels is often complicated and time-consuming, and a wide range of products is necessary to meet diverse installation-specific requirements.Therefore, a simplified assembly system for such panels is desirable. One object of the invention is to describe a connecting element and a scaffolding system with which the above-mentioned object of a simplified assembly system is at least partially enabled. The above-mentioned object is achieved with the connecting element and the scaffolding system according to the independent patent claims and the aspects mentioned herein. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent patents P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 2 -Patent claims, as well as in the figures and in the following description. According to a first aspect, a connecting element for fastening a panel element to a support comprises: - at least one receiving device for at least one securing element, wherein the receiving device is intended to fasten the connecting element to the support by means of the at least one securing element; and - at least one first stop element, wherein the at least one first stop element has at least one stop for at least one panel element to be fastened. One advantage here is that a simple and quick-to-install fastening of a panel element to a support is provided. In this way, simplified assembly is possible compared to known systems.The panel element is a unit of an enclosure that is attached to scaffolding as a visual barrier, to protect workers, or to protect falling objects from the scaffolding. Such a panel element comprises, for example, a frame and a screen fastened to the frame. The securing element can be any type of securing element suitable for insertion into the receiving device and thus securing the connecting element to the beam, for example, by the securing element also engaging with the beam. Examples of such securing elements include bolts, tenons, squares, hexagons, polygons, screws, hooks, etc. For example, the following can be inserted into the P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 3 -Receiving device securing elements are used that can be inserted without tools, here referred to as sliding securing elements. The receiving device can be designed differently depending on the type of securing element. For example, if the securing element is a screw, the receiving device has a corresponding thread or opening and additionally a nut. In other designs, the receiving device can also comprise only an opening or a cylindrical or square tube for inserting a sliding securing element. For example, the securing element is a bolt that is inserted into a corresponding receiving device and secured with at least one spring pin. The first stop element is designed, for example, in the form of a plate that has one or two surfaces as a stop for the panel element to be fastened.In this case, the plate, which serves as a stop element here, can have an opening to improve load distribution in the connecting element. In further embodiments, however, the first stop element can also have shapes other than a plate; for example, the first stop element can also comprise a beam or a round shape having one or more surfaces that serve as stops for panel elements. For example, a main extension plane of the at least one first stop element lies parallel to a main extension direction of the at least one securing element. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 4 -By a panel element resting against the stop of the stop element and fastening the connecting element to the support via the receiving device, panel elements can be attached to the support in a straightforward manner. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element further comprises at least one second stop element, which has at least one further stop for the support in an edge region facing the support. One advantage here is that the connecting element can be securely mounted on the support. This embodiment also contributes to improved force transmission from the panel element to the support, since with this embodiment the load and / or external forces acting on the panels are not transmitted solely via the receiving device and the securing element. This reduces high, potentially damaging loads on the connecting element.The at least one second stop element can be a unit attached to the connecting element separate from the at least one first stop element, such as a connector arranged between the receiving device and the at least one first stop element, which is arranged such that the connecting element rests on a surface of the carrier with this connector. For example, this connector is designed in the form of a plate. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second stop element can also be a unit with the at least one first stop element. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 5 -For example, the at least one second stop element can be designed as a notch of the at least one first stop element facing the carrier, so that the connecting element rests on a surface of the carrier at this notch. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device comprises at least one first plate with at least one first opening. One advantage here is that a simple and secure design of the receiving device is provided. Furthermore, such a design enables uncomplicated and rapid assembly of the connecting element on the carrier. A main extension plane of the at least one first plate lies, for example, perpendicular to a main extension plane of the at least one first stop element.For example, the main extension plane of the at least one first plate is additionally perpendicular to a surface of a support on which the connecting element is mounted. The at least one first stop element is arranged, for example, such that it meets the at least one first plate in a central region. Alternatively, the at least one first stop element is arranged, for example, such that an edge region of the at least one first plate meets an edge region of the at least one first stop element. For example, the main extension plane of the at least one first plate is perpendicular to aP2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 6 -Main extension plane of the at least one first stop element and lies parallel to a surface of a support on which the connecting element is attached. In this embodiment, the at least one first plate can be fastened to the support, for example by means of screws. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device comprises two first plates arranged parallel to one another, wherein each first plate has at least one first opening. In this embodiment, at least one first opening of each of the two first plates is arranged in such a way that a securing element can be introduced into a first opening in each of the two first plates. With such a configuration of the receiving device, the security and / or stability of the fastening of the connecting element to the support can be further increased.According to at least one embodiment, a distance between mutually facing surfaces of the two first plates essentially corresponds to an internal distance of a double wall of the support or a distance between mutually facing surfaces of two adjacent supports. One advantage here is that this embodiment ensures a secure and essentially play-free attachment of the connecting element to the support. In the above second embodiment, in which the distance essentially corresponds to a distance between mutually facing surfaces of two adjacent supports, the connecting element can be arranged on both of these adjacent supports by means of the securing element. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 7 -According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element comprises at least one pin extending in the direction of the at least one panel element to be fastened, which pin is intended to engage in at least one opening of a frame element of the at least one panel element. One advantage here is that uncomplicated and rapid assembly of the panel element to the support is enabled via the connecting element. Furthermore, this improves secure mounting of the panel element, in particular with regard to lateral locking of the panel element to the support (relative to the direction of extension of the pin). According to at least one embodiment, the pin is conical, tapered, pyramid-shaped, for example octagonal pyramid-shaped, or configured in any other desired shape.In particular, tapered shapes, such as conical, pyramidal, or phased designs, have the advantage that sliding the panel element onto the mandrel is made easier, as the mandrel engages more easily into the opening of the frame element. According to at least one design, a diameter of the at least one mandrel substantially corresponds to a diameter of the at least one opening of the frame element of the panel element. One advantage here is that a substantially play-free connection between the panel element and the connecting element is achieved. The fact that the diameters of the P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 8 -at least one mandrel and the at least one opening substantially correspond includes the existence of certain manufacturing tolerances or minor deviations to facilitate insertion of the mandrel into the opening. This applies accordingly to all points of this disclosure where comparable wording, in particular the wording "substantially," is used. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device is arranged such that the at least one mandrel is perpendicular to the at least one securing element provided for the at least one receiving device. One advantage here is that improved force transmission between the panel element and the support is achieved via the connecting element.The fastening direction of the securing element to the support is perpendicular to an insertion direction of the panel element, so that forces occurring, particularly during assembly, can be appropriately absorbed by the securing element and transferred to the support. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element has precisely two mandrels extending in opposite directions on opposite sides of the connecting element. One advantage here is that a panel element can be attached to each of the opposite sides of the connecting element, allowing for uncomplicated arranging of panel elements on the support. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 9 -According to at least one embodiment, the two mandrels described here are two opposite ends of a one-piece element, for example, a continuous pin. Alternatively, these two mandrels can also be separate elements, each attached to the connecting element, for example, to the first stop element. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one receiving device comprises at least one tube configured to receive the at least one securing element. An advantage here is that simple and quick assembly, in particular tool-free assembly, is enabled. The tube can, for example, have a cylindrical or any angular shape. The securing element can be adapted to the shape of the tube; for example, in the case of a cylindrical tube, the securing element can be a cylindrical bolt, etc.According to at least one embodiment, a length of the tube substantially corresponds to an internal distance between a double wall of the support or a distance between mutually facing surfaces of two adjacent supports. An advantage here is that this embodiment provides a secure and essentially play-free attachment of the connecting element to the support. In the second embodiment above, in which the length of the tube substantially corresponds to a distance between mutually facing surfaces of two adjacent supports, this can be achieved. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 10 -Connecting element can be arranged on both of these adjacent supports by means of the securing element. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element has a cover plate at an end facing away from the at least one receiving device, wherein a main extension surface of the cover plate runs perpendicular to a main extension direction of the at least one first stop element. One advantage here is that in a region in which the connecting element is arranged, the cover plate improves protection against the ingress of dirt or other influences (for example, getting caught). In particular, since panel elements meet in the region of the connecting element and gaps can arise between adjacent panel elements due to the fastening to the connecting element, such protection against the ingress of dirt or other influences in this region is advantageous.The cover plate described here can be straight, curved, or partially curved / angled. According to at least one embodiment, the cover plate has at least one clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device designed to act on the at least one panel element to be fastened. One advantage of this is that it enables a simple and quick, for example, tool-free, clamping, tensioning, and / or locking fastening of the panel element to the connecting element and thus to the support. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 11 -Depending on whether a clamping fastening, a tensioning fastening, or a locking fastening is provided, appropriate provisions can be made on the panel element to interact with the respective fastening device on the cover plate. Any combination of clamping, tensioning, and locking devices can also be provided on the cover plate. For example, the cover plate has at least one angled edge region as a clamping device, wherein the at least one angled edge region is arranged on a side of the cover plate facing the at least one panel element to be fastened and is angled in the direction of the at least one receiving device. The angled edge region thus forms a tab facing the panel element, which engages behind the panel element with its frame element and can thus be clamped to the connecting element.The angle at which the angled edge region is angled relative to a main extension plane of the cover plate can be between 1° and 180°. In particular, this angle can be substantially 90°. According to a second aspect, a scaffolding system comprises a support, at least one panel element, and at least one connecting element according to at least one of the embodiments according to the first aspect. The at least one connecting element is fastened to the support by means of at least one securing element inserted into the at least one receiving device. The at least one panel element has at least one frame element comprising at least one third stop element. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 12 -At least one panel element rests against the at least one first stop element of the connecting element by means of the at least one third stop element. The scaffolding system described here enables, in particular, simple and rapid assembly of such a scaffolding system. Advantages and possible configurations of the scaffolding system correspond to the advantages and possible configurations of the connecting element described in detail above. The advantages, possible configurations, and other details described above are not repeated here, but apply accordingly. According to at least one configuration, the scaffolding system comprises a connecting element and two panel elements. For example, both of these panel elements are attached to the one connecting element. According to at least one configuration, the support is a climbing rail of a climbing system.The advantage here is that the panel elements can be attached to a climbing system, and the enclosure climbs along with the climbing system. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one securing element has an insertion hole for at least one spring pin. The advantage here is that the securing element itself can be secured in the receiving device. According to at least one embodiment, the support is double-walled, and the at least one receiving device of the at least one connecting elementP2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 13 -arranged between two walls of the support. The advantage here is that the security of the attachment of the connecting element to the support is further improved. For example, this prevents the connecting element from tipping over between the two walls of the support. According to at least one embodiment, the connecting element comprises at least one pin extending in the direction of the at least one panel element to be attached. The at least one frame element further has at least one opening. The at least one panel element is slipped onto the at least one pin of the connecting element by means of the at least one opening in the at least one frame element. One advantage here is that it enables uncomplicated and quick assembly of the scaffolding system.Furthermore, this improves secure mounting of the panel element, particularly with regard to lateral locking (relative to the extension direction of the mandrel) of the panel element to the support. According to at least one embodiment, a main extension direction of the at least one mandrel of the at least one connecting element runs parallel to a main extension direction of the support. One advantage here is that panel elements can be pushed onto the connecting element in the direction of the main extension of the support. This further facilitates assembly of the panel elements. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 14 -According to at least one embodiment, the at least one panel element on the at least one frame element has an edge profile which has a projection extending perpendicular to the at least one first stop element of the at least one connecting element. One advantage here is that the projection described here can prevent or reduce the ingress of dirt. Such protection against the ingress of dirt is particularly advantageous in the region of the connecting element in which gaps can arise between panel elements in the enclosure. The at least one projection extends in particular in a region of the frame element which lies outside a region in which the connecting element itself extends. Alternatively, corresponding recesses for the connecting element can also be provided in the projection.If the connecting element is configured with at least one mandrel, the projection extends in particular parallel to a main extension direction of the at least one mandrel. If the connecting element is symmetrically configured, which is suitable for receiving panel elements on opposite sides of the connecting element, the projection extends, for example, essentially to a central axis of the connecting element. Thus, a possible gap between the panel elements in the region of the connecting element is largely or completely covered by two projections of two panel elements arranged on the connecting element. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 15 -According to at least one embodiment, the projection of the edge profile of the at least one frame element of the at least one panel element has an edge region angled in the direction of the at least one receiving device. This is advantageous in that this allows additional stability of the frame element, in particular its edge profile, to be achieved. The angled edge region is, for example, angled essentially at a 90° angle to a main extension plane of the projection. In this way, the angled edge regions of panel elements lying opposite one another on a connecting element lie parallel to one another and can thus form a homogeneous transition in the surface of the panel elements. According to at least one embodiment, the at least one connecting element has the cover plate with at least one clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device.The at least one panel element has an edge profile on the at least one frame element, wherein the edge profile has a projection on a side of the edge profile facing the cover plate of the connecting element, which projection is designed to act on the clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device of the cover plate. One advantage here is that a particularly secure fastening of the panel element to the connecting element is possible. In particular, clamping, tensioning, and / or locking devices are provided that can be connected and released without tools. According to at least one embodiment, the edge profile of the at least one frame element has a projection on a side facing the support. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 16 -facing side of the edge profile has a support surface which is intended to rest on the support or on the at least one connecting element. One advantage here is that a stable attachment of the panel element to the connecting element or the support is further improved. In this way, the panel elements can also withstand greater loads (for example due to wind interfering with the panel elements). In the case of a combination with the clamping, tensioning and / or locking device described above, such a support can also further increase the security of the fastening by means of such a clamping, tensioning and / or locking device. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the attached figures and the following description. Elements with essentially the same function are given the same reference numerals in the figures, but do not have to be identical in all details.Elements that appear repeatedly in the figures are named and provided with reference symbols and described in detail only upon their first appearance to ensure clarity of the figures and their description. However, the explanations refer to all corresponding elements appearing in the other figures. The figures show, in particular, two different design examples of connecting elements. However, the different components of these connecting elements can be combined with one another in any desired manner. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 17 -The figures show: Figure 1 shows a connecting element with a securing element according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows a section of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a section of a side view of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a panel element according to one embodiment; Figure 5 shows a further section of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a connecting element with a securing element according to a second embodiment; Figure 7 shows a section of a side view of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows a further section of a scaffolding system with the connecting element according to Figure 6. Figure 1 shows a connecting element 1 with a securing element 2 according to a first embodiment. The connecting element shown here serves for fastening P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025 - 18 -of a panel element (not shown here) to a support (also not shown here). In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the connecting element 1 has two receiving devices 3, which are intended to receive the securing element 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the receiving devices 3 each consist of a first plate 4, each of which has a first opening 5. The first plates 4 of the two receiving devices 3 are parallel to one another. In all exemplary embodiments shown here, the securing element 2 is a bolt 6, which can be inserted into the first openings 5 ​​of the first plates 4. In a first end region 7, the bolt 6 has a conical shape. This first end region 7, due to its conical design, enables easy insertion into the first openings 5. In a second end region 8, the bolt 6 has a head 9, with which the bolt 6 abuts one of the first plates 4 when inserted.In the first end region 7, the bolt 6 further has a hole 10 into which a spring pin 11 can be inserted. In this way, the bolt 6, when inserted into the receiving device 3 of the connecting element 1, can be locked with the spring pin 11. Two stop elements 12 are attached to the first plates 4, each of which is designed here as a second plate 13. The second plates 13 are perpendicular to P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 19 -the plates 4 and extend on opposite sides of the connecting element 1, offset at right angles to the first plates 4, and are arranged mainly, in the view shown here, in a horizontal plane above the first plates 4. Only lower edge regions of the second plates 13, with which the second plates 13 are connected to the first plates 4, lie in the plane in which the first plates 4 are arranged. Surfaces of the second plates 13 facing away from each other form stops for panel elements not shown here. In the stop elements 12 there are first recesses 14, which improve load distribution in the connecting element 1. The first recesses 14 have a round shape here, but can also have any other shape. Between the second plates 13 there are third plates 15, which also have second recesses 16, for improved load distribution.In the illustration according to Figure 1, primarily only one of these third plates 15 is visible. A corresponding plate is located on the opposite side of the connecting element 1. The third plates 15 between the second plates 13 are perpendicular to the second plates 13 of the stop elements 12 and are angled approximately at a 120° angle to the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3. The third plates 15 particularly reinforce the stability of the connecting element 1. A pin 17 is arranged at one end of the second plates 13 of the stop elements 12 facing away from the receiving device 3. The pin 17 extends over both second plates 13 and protrudes beyond each of them. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 20 -At opposite ends of the pin 17, it has two conically shaped pins 18. The pins 18 are intended to engage in corresponding openings of panel elements not shown here that are adjacent to the connecting element 1. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. On the sides of the second plates 13 of the stop elements 12 facing the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3, these second plates 13 have notches 19. In the embodiment shown here, the notches 19 are rectangular and intended to form a stop for supporting the connecting element 1 on a support not shown here. Figure 2 shows a section of a scaffolding system 20 comprising the connecting element 1 according to Figure 1. Details that have already been explained with reference to Figure 1 are not repeated here and apply accordingly.The section according to Figure 2 shows a double-walled beam 21 of the scaffolding system 20. The double-walled beam 21 shown here has two parallel walls 22, which are connected to each other by means of screws 23. Alternatively, the walls 22 can of course also be connected to each other in another way, or two separate, for example single-walled, beams can be used instead of a double-walled beam. The beam 21 has second openings 24 at equal intervals in both walls 22. The second openings 24P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 21 -are designed and arranged such that two second openings 24, one per wall 22, can accommodate the bolt 6 described with reference to Figure 1. In other words, two second openings 24, one per wall 22, are always arranged concentrically to one another. The second openings 24 are also arranged in both edge regions of the support 21 running along the walls 22, so that the connecting element can be arranged either on an upper side of the support 21, as shown here in Figure 2, or alternatively on an underside of the support 21 opposite the upper side. This increases the flexibility of the structure of the scaffolding system 20. The connecting element 1, as described with reference to Figure 1, is placed onto the support 21 from above in the section shown in Figure 2.The connecting element 1 is placed on the support 21 such that the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3 rest with opposite surfaces against mutually facing inner surfaces of the walls 22 of the support 21. The walls 22 each have two side parts 25 that extend outward at right angles from the walls 22. In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the connecting element 1 rests on the notches 19 of the second plates 13 on the upper side parts 25 of the support 21. The connecting element 1 is further arranged on the support 21 such that the first openings 5 ​​in the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3 are substantially concentric with openings 24 in the walls 22 of the support 21. The conical end shape of the bolt 6 enables an alignment of the connecting element 1 with respect to the second openings 24 onP2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO 4 February 2025. - 22 -the support 21 is adjusted when the bolt is inserted if the first and second openings 5, 24 are not already concentric. This simplifies fastening the connecting element 1 to the support 21. The arrangement of the connecting element 1 shown here also ensures play-free mounting of the connecting element 1 on the support 21. The uniform distribution of the second openings 24 on the walls 22 allows the connecting element 1 to be fastened in numerous different positions, alternatively also on the side of the support 21 that is located at the bottom in this figure. This allows different sizes and types of panel elements to be used. Alternative designs regarding the arrangement of the second openings 24 are of course also possible. The section of the scaffolding system 20 according to Figure 2 also shows part of a panel element 26.The panel element 26 has a frame element 27 and a so-called screen 28, i.e., a surface. The frame element 27 forms a circumferential holder for the screen 28. On a side of the frame element 27 facing the connecting element 1, an opening (not shown here) is arranged in the frame element 27 for receiving the mandrel 18 pointing in the direction of the panel element 26. This is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 3 shows a section of a side view of the scaffolding system 20 according to Figure 2 with the connecting element 1 according to Figure 1. The section according to Figure 3 shows a view P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 23 -laterally onto the support 21, in an area where the connecting element 1 is fastened to the support 21. In the view shown here, the bolt 6 is inserted into the second openings 24 in the walls 22 and into the first openings 5 ​​in the first plates 4 of the receiving device 3. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows the fixation of the bolt 6 with the spring pin 11. Since the spring pin 11 is attached to a side of the support 21 facing away from the visible plane, the spring pin 11 is only indicated by dashed lines. The first plates 4 of the receiving device 3 are also not in the visible plane, but behind the shown wall 22 of the support 21 and are therefore also indicated by dashed lines. The illustration according to Figure 3 shows, in particular, an embodiment of the frame element 27. In the embodiment shown here, the frame element 27 comprises a horizontal S-shaped edge profile 29.The S-shaped edge profile 29 is reinforced with a reinforcing element 30 on a side of the panel element 26 facing away from the support 21. The S-shaped edge profile 29 is fastened to this reinforcing element 30 by means of a rivet 31. The reinforcing element 30 and a part of the edge profile 29 facing away from the support 21 and running parallel to the support 21 form a projection 32 that projects from the frame element 27 toward the connecting element 1. In the embodiment shown here, the connecting element 1 is symmetrical with respect to a central axis MP2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 24 -The projection 32 extends to this central axis M. At an end of the projection 32 facing away from the panel element 26, an angled edge region 33 is arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the edge region 33 is arranged at a right angle to the projection 32. The edge profile 29 further has a central wall 34, in which the opening is located, into which the pin 18 of the connecting element 1 engages. A left-side panel element 26 is shown here in a state already pushed onto the left-side pin 18. In this state, the central wall 34 rests against the stop element 12 of the connecting element 1. By means of this stop and the pin 18 inserted into the opening of the edge profile 29, the panel element 26 is fixed to the connecting element 1. A right-side panel element 26 is shown here during an assembly process.The right-side panel element 26 is designed axially symmetrically to the left-side panel element 26 and is pushed onto the right-side pin 18 of the connecting element 1 in the direction of arrow 35. Figure 4 shows a complete panel element 26 according to one exemplary embodiment. The panel element 26 can be used, for example, with the connecting element 1 according to Figure 1 or for the scaffolding system 20 according to Figures 2 and 3. The panel element 26 shown here corresponds to the above P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 25 -described and shown in sections in Figures 2 and 3. The panel element 26 shown here shows the surrounding frame element 27, which serves as a holder for the screen 28. In the embodiment shown here, a metal grid is used as the screen 28, but any other screen types, such as Plexiglas or other materials, can also be used. The edge profiles 29 described above are located on opposite transverse sides of the panel element 26. The edge profiles 29 each have the reinforcing element 30, the rivets 31, the overhang 32, the angled edge region 33, and the center wall 34. Details regarding these elements have already been described in detail above and will not be repeated here. The edge profiles 29 are designed to be axially mirrored at both ends of the panel element 26, so that the panel element 26 can be attached with both edge profiles 29 to separate connecting elements1.With such a bilateral fixation of the panel element 26 between two connecting elements 1, the panel element 26 can be completely fastened to the support 21 without any additional aids. For example, first, a first connecting element 1 is fastened to the support 21, then the panel element 26 is pushed onto the first connecting element 1, and then a second connecting element 1 is pushed into the corresponding opening of the edge profile on a side of the panel element 26 facing away from the first connecting element 1 and fastened to the support 21. In this way, several panel elements P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 26 -26 are attached in series to the support. This state can be seen in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a further section of a scaffolding system 20 with connecting elements 1 according to the embodiments described above. Figure 5 shows two parallel supports 21, to each of which panel elements 26 are attached using corresponding connecting elements 1. In the illustration shown here in Figure 5, two connecting elements 1 can be seen. Further such connecting elements 1 are located in areas on the supports 21 where panel elements 26 meet with their edge profiles 29. Between the panel elements 26 attached to the supports 21, further panel elements 26* are arranged, which are attached to the panel elements 26 attached to the supports 21.In the embodiment shown here, the additional panel elements 26* are not themselves directly attached to the supports 21 by means of connecting elements, but are fixed via the attachment to the remaining panel elements 26. Figure 6 shows a connecting element 1' with a securing element 2' according to a second embodiment. Regarding the connecting element 1' and securing element 2' shown here, the differences from the above-described embodiment of the connecting element 1 and the securing element 2 will be discussed. Other, otherwise essentially identical features or functions are not repeated here and apply according to the above explanations. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 27 -The securing element 2' is also designed as a bolt 6' and differs from the above securing element 2 mainly in that the securing element 2' does not have a head at one end of the bolt 6', but has holes 10' in both edge regions 7' and 8' for receiving spring pins 11'. Thus, in the embodiment shown here, the securing element 2' can be locked on both sides to a support (not shown) using spring pins 11'. The connecting element 1' shown here also has a receiving device 3' for the bolt 6'. However, the receiving device 3' is designed here as a cylindrical tube 36 into which the bolt 6' can be inserted. The function of the receiving device 3' shown here otherwise corresponds to the receiving device 3 described above.Regarding the receiving devices 3, 3', it should also be noted that, although the figures shown here show bolts as securing elements 2, 2' and correspondingly round receiving devices 3, 3', the receiving devices and securing elements can also be designed in any other shape. For example, a square, a hexagon, a pin, screws, hooks, or any other securing elements and correspondingly designed receiving devices can be used. The connecting element 1 shown here also has a stop element 12'. The stop element 12' here comprises a second plate 13', which, with surfaces facing away from one another, serves as a stop for panel elements not shown here. The second plate 13' has a P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 28 -Main extension surface which lies parallel to a main extension direction of the bolt 6' when it is inserted into the receiving device 3'. A mandrel 18' is shown on the second plate 13'. The mandrel 18' extends perpendicularly from the second plate 13'. A corresponding mandrel extending in the opposite direction is arranged on the side of the second plate 13' not shown here. The mandrel 18' is also designed to engage in a corresponding opening in a frame element of a panel element. Furthermore, a fourth plate 37 is arranged between the stop element 12' and the receiving device 3', the main extension plane of which extends perpendicular to a main extension plane of the second plate 13'.The fourth plate 37 forms, with a surface facing the receiving device 3', a stop for the connecting element 1' on a surface of a support, and, with a surface facing away from the receiving device 3', a support surface for an edge profile of a panel element. This is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Furthermore, a connecting piece 38 is arranged between the fourth plate 37 and the cylindrical tube 36, which is intended to ensure a distance between the fourth plate 37 and the tube 36 corresponding to a distance between a surface of a support and openings in a support. The connecting piece 38 can be designed as one piece with the second plate 13', in that the fourth plate 37 surrounds this one-piece element, or it can be separate elements, each of which is attached to the fourth plate. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 29 -37 are attached. Alternative designs are of course possible here, for example by a wider wall thickness of the tube 36 or a different distance of the openings of the support from the surface of the support. At an end of the connecting element 1' facing away from the receiving device 3', the latter has a cover plate 39. A main extension surface of the cover plate 39 extends perpendicular to a main extension surface of the second plate 13'. Opposite edge regions 40 of the cover plate 39 are angled with respect to a main extension plane of the cover plate 39. In particular, the edge regions 30 are angled which lie on the sides of the cover plate 39 in the direction of which the mandrels 18' also extend, i.e. which lie on the sides of the cover plate 39 facing the panel elements to be attached.In the embodiment shown here, these angled edge regions 40 form a clamping device to which the panel elements can be clamped, which will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 7 shows a section of a side view of a scaffolding system 20' with the connecting element 1' according to Figure 6. The section according to Figure 7 shows a lateral view of a support 21', in an area in which the connecting element 1' is attached to the support 21'. The support 21' is configured identically to the support 21 described above. In particular, the support 21' is also double-walled, with a length of the tube 36 corresponding to an internal distance between the walls of the support 21'. P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 30 -In the view shown here, the bolt 6' is inserted into the second openings 24' in the walls 22' and into the tube 36 of the receiving device 3'. Figure 7 also shows the fixation of the bolt 6' with the spring pin 11'; the second spring pin 11' is located on a side of the support 21' facing away from the viewing plane and is not visible here. Figure 7 shows two panel elements 26' of the scaffolding system 20'. As in Figure 3, a left-side panel element 26' is shown already attached to the connecting element 1', and a right-side panel element 26' is shown during assembly. The illustration according to Figure 7 shows, in particular, an embodiment of a frame element 27' of the panel elements 26'. The frame element 27' is attached to the screen 28' and, in the embodiment shown here, comprises an edge profile 41, which is attached to each end of the panel elements 26' facing the connecting element 1'.In the exemplary embodiment of the frame element 27' shown here, the edge profile 41 has a wall 46 facing the second plate 13' of the connecting element 1', which wall 46 abuts the second plate 13' in the assembled state. Furthermore, an opening is arranged in the wall 46, which receives the respective mandrel 18'. At an end of the wall 46 of the edge profile 41 facing away from the support 21', the latter has a projection 42 designed to engage behind the angled edge region 40 of the cover plate 39. At an end facing away from the support 21', the edge profile 41 has a projection 42. - 31 -At the end of the wall 46 of the edge profile 41 facing the latter, the edge profile 41 has a support surface 43 which runs parallel to the fourth plate 37 and rests thereon when the panel element 26' is mounted on the connecting element 1'. In this way, i.e. by the projection 42 engaging behind the angled edge region 40 and the support surface 45 resting on the fourth plate 37, the panel element 26' is clamped firmly to the connecting element 1' in the mounted state. This applies to both axially symmetrical edge profiles 41, with the right-hand panel element 26' being shown in an assembled state. Here, the panel element 26' is tilted in order to implement the described engagement behind and subsequent resting of the edge profile 41. This enables simple and tool-free assembly of the panel element 26' on the connecting element 1'.Figure 8 shows a further section of a scaffolding system 20' with the connecting element 1' according to Figure 6, whereby the connecting element 1' is not visible in the illustration shown here. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, all panel elements 26' are fastened to two supports 21' by means of connecting elements 1'. For this purpose, a connecting element 1' is arranged at the same height with respect to the arrangement of the panel elements 26' on the supports 21', so that each panel element 26' is suspended from two connecting elements 1' on a first side, as described above. On a second side, two further connecting elements 1' are then mounted accordingly and fastened to the supports 21' in order to completely secure the respective panel element. Alternatively, a connecting element 1' can also be arranged on each side. - 32 -only one connecting element 1' at a time can be fastened to the supports 21', for example in alternating sequence. As can be seen in the illustration according to Figure 8, an area of ​​the edge profile 41, in which openings 45 for receiving the mandrels 18' are arranged, extends in a central area of ​​the side of the panel element 26' over more than half of the side of the panel element 26'. A plurality of openings 45 are arranged here on the edge profile 41, so that the panel elements can be fastened to differently spaced supports 21' without having to provide differently designed panel elements 26'. The exemplary embodiments described separately here can be combined with one another in any suitable manner.In addition, the elements described here as axially symmetrical, in particular the connecting elements 1, 1' and the panel elements 26, 26', can also be formed on only one side, for example for fastening a panel edge piece, or in areas in which several panel elements are not to be mounted in series.

[0002] P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025 - 33 - List of reference symbols 1, 1' connecting element 2, 2' securing element 3, 3' receiving device 4 first plate 5 first opening 6, 6' bolt 7, 7' first end region 8, 8' second end region 9 Kopf 10, 10' hole11, 11' spring pin12, 12' stop element13, 13' second plate14 first recess15 third plate16 second recess 17 Stift 18, 18' Dowel 19 Notch 20, 20' Scaffolding system 21, 21' Beam 22, 22' Wall 23 Screw 24, 24' Second opening 25, 25' Side panel 26, 26*, 26' Panel element 27, 27' Frame element 28, 28' Screen 29 Edge profile 30 Reinforcing element 31 NieteP2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025 - 34 - 32 Overhang33 Edge area34 Middle wall 35 Pfeil 36 Röhre 37 fourth plate38 connecting piece39 cover plate40 edge area41 edge profile42 projection43 support surface 44 Wand 45 OpeningM Central axis

Claims

P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO 4. Februar 2025 - 35 -Patent claims 1. Connecting element (1, 1') for fastening a panel element (26, 26') to a support (21, 21'), the connecting element (1, 1') comprising: - at least one receiving device (3, 3') for at least one securing element (2, 2'), wherein the receiving device (3, 3') is intended to fasten the connecting element (1, 1') to the support (21, 21') by means of the at least one securing element (2, 2'); and - at least one first stop element (12, 12'), wherein the at least one first stop element (12, 12') has at least one stop for at least one panel element (26, 26') to be fastened.

2. Connecting element (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one second stop element (19) which has at least one further stop for the carrier (21) in an edge region facing the carrier (21).3.Connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one receiving device (1) comprises at least one first plate (4) with at least one first opening (5).

4. Connecting element (1, 1') according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one mandrel (18, 18') extending in the direction of the at least one panel element (26, 26') to be fastened, which is intended to engage in at least one opening (45) of a frame element (27, 27') of the at least one panel element (26, 26').

5. Connecting element (1, 1') according to claim 4, wherein a diameter of the at least one mandrel (18, 18') in the P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO 4 February 2025. - 36 -Substantially corresponds to a diameter of the at least one opening (45) of the frame element (27, 27') of the panel element (26, 26').

6. Connecting element (1, 1') according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one receiving device (3, 3') is arranged such that the at least one mandrel (18, 18') is perpendicular to the at least one securing element (2, 2') provided for the at least one receiving device (3, 3').

7. Connecting element (1, 1') according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the connecting element (1, 1') has exactly two mandrels (18, 18') which extend in opposite directions on opposite sides of the connecting element (1, 1').8.Connecting element (1') according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting element (1') has a cover plate (39) at an end facing away from the at least one receiving device (3'), wherein a main extension surface of the cover plate (39) runs perpendicular to a main extension direction of the at least one first stop element (12').

9. Connecting element (1') according to claim 8, wherein the cover plate (39) has at least one clamping, tensioning, and / or locking device configured to act on the at least one panel element (26') to be fastened.

10. Scaffolding system (20, 20') comprising a support (21, 21'), at least one panel element (26, 26*, 26'), and at least P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 37 -A connecting element (1, 1') according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: - the at least one connecting element (1, 1') is fastened to the support (21, 21') by means of at least one securing element (2, 2') introduced into the at least one receiving device (3, 3'); - the at least one panel element (26, 26') has at least one frame element (27, 27') comprising at least one third stop element (34, 44); and - the at least one panel element (26, 26') bears against the at least one first stop element (12, 12') of the connecting element (1, 1') by means of the at least one third stop element (34, 44).

11. Scaffolding system (20, 20') according to claim 10, wherein the scaffolding system (20, 20') comprises two panel elements (26, 26*, 26') and a connecting element (1, 1').12.Scaffolding system (20, 20') according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: - the connecting element (1, 1') is designed according to one of claims 4 to 7; - the at least one frame element (27, 27') further comprises at least one opening (45); and - the at least one panel element (26, 26') is plugged onto the at least one mandrel (18, 18') of the connecting element (1, 1') by means of the at least one opening (45) in the at least one frame element (27, 27').

13. Scaffolding system (20, 20') according to claim 12, wherein a main extension direction of the at least one mandrel (18, 18') of the at least one connecting element (1, 1') runs parallel to a main extension direction of the support (21, 21').P2024,0024 WO N / PA23169WO February 4, 2025. - 38 -14. Scaffolding system (20) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one panel element (26) on the at least one frame element (27') has an edge profile (29) which has a projection (32) extending perpendicular to the at least one first stop element (12) of the at least one connecting element (1).

15. Scaffolding system (20') according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: - the at least one connecting element (1') is designed according to claim 9; and- the at least one panel element (26') has an edge profile (41) on the at least one frame element (27'), wherein the edge profile (41) has a projection (42) on a side of the edge profile (41) facing the cover plate (39) of the connecting element (1'), which projection is designed to act on the clamping, tensioning and / or locking device of the cover plate.16.Scaffolding system (20') according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the edge profile (41) of the at least one frame element (27') has, on a side of the edge profile (41) facing the support (21'), a support surface (43) which is intended to rest on the support (21') or on the at least one connecting element (1').

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