SCAFFOLD CROSSBAR AND SCAFFOLD SECTION

FIELD

[0001]The invention relates to a scaffold crossbar, in particular for being installed in a horizontal orientation in a scaffold section, comprising at least one crossbar beam which is of a rod-like form and which extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis, wherein the crossbar beam has two opposite ends in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and, on each of these two ends, a connection interface is arranged that is provided for connection to a scaffold element. The scaffold crossbar further comprises at least two brackets which each extend along a bracket axis, wherein the brackets each have two opposite ends in the direction of the bracket axis thereof, wherein one of said ends of each bracket is connected to the crossbar beam, and at least two fasteners respectively one of which is arranged on the end of a bracket which is situated opposite of the connection of said bracket to the crossbar beam. The two connection interfaces of the at least one crossbar beam and the two fasteners together provide for at least four connection points for connecting the scaffold crossbar to further scaffold elements, and the connection interfaces differ from the fasteners in terms of the shape and size. The invention further relates to a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar and to a method for constructing such a scaffold section.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Scaffolds are used for various purposes in the building sector. Facade scaffolds serve to shape, for example, to paint the outer surfaces of buildings. Facade scaffolds are generally erected with facade scaffold frames as the main components; in recent times, they are also assembled from modular scaffolds. In civil engineering, support scaffolds are used to position various building parts and to hold them in place. Such building parts may be, for example, precast concrete elements, steel beams, or steel structures. Moreover, elements required for erecting buildings such as temporary constructions or formwork can be positioned with the aid of support scaffolds. Finally, scaffolds are also used in the service or revisions sector, for example, to safely get workers to the plant sections to be revised in large process plants such as refineries. Generally, the basic requirements on scaffolds are that they are readily transportable and easy to erect.

[0003]A wide variety of scaffolds has a modular design; this means that scaffolds of various shapes and sizes can be assembled from standard components according to the modular concept. Usually, there are standard components which, during the assembly of a scaffold, are mainly used in a vertical orientation, and other standard components which are mainly used in a horizontal orientation. Vertically oriented standard components are usually referred to as vertical poles or scaffold poles. The horizontally oriented components connectable thereto are often referred to as horizontal crossbars or scaffold crossbars. During the assembly of a scaffold or scaffold section, a plurality of scaffold poles is oriented parallel to each other and then connected to a plurality of horizontal crossbars oriented perpendicular thereto. The connection of the scaffold elements is established through interfaces. In this way, scaffolds or scaffold sections having a plurality of levels can be assembled in a simple manner.

[0004]There are applications in which a scaffold section or a scaffold level is strained more heavily than usual. This may be the case, for example, in a scaffold section disposed down below in a scaffold above which a plurality of further levels is disposed. A higher load may also occur when the scaffold or the scaffold section is to support and position building parts or other components having a high weight. In case of such a higher load, the scaffold sections are, in particular, subjected to higher bending loads. In known modular scaffolds, there is the option to integrate additional standard components as bracings in such cases to compensate higher bending loads. This is commonly achieved by mounting a plurality of parallelly extending scaffold crossbars in the horizontal direction between vertically oriented scaffold elements. The problem with this solution is that the number of connection interfaces for mounting additional bracings on the scaffold elements oriented in the vertical direction is limited. Therefore, it is not always possible to increase the load capacity of a scaffold section by additionally installing additional horizontally oriented scaffold elements since, in some cases, no free connection interfaces are provided for mounting additional scaffold elements. In such a case, an increased load capacity can only be obtained by using another scaffold system having a higher load capacity which involves increased effort and higher costs.

SUMMARY

[0005]Therefore, the object of the invention is to propose solutions by means of which the load capacity, particularly the bending strength, of a scaffold section having a modular design can be increased while the number of the required scaffold elements is to remain unchanged.

[0010]A scaffold crossbar according to the invention comprises altogether four connection points with the aid of which it can be connected to other scaffold elements. These four connection points are arranged at a distance to each other. In this way, the scaffold crossbar according to the invention is capable of absorbing larger forces and momentums acting in a scaffold section than known horizontal crossbars. These four connection points are formed by two connection interfaces arranged on a crossbar beam and two fasteners arranged on respectively one bracket. Here, the two connection interfaces preferably have the same design and differ from the fasteners preferably also having an identical design.

[0011]The scaffold crossbar according to the invention comprises a preferably horizontally mounted crossbar beam which has a rod-shaped design. This is to be understood to mean that the length of the crossbar beam is considerably larger than its width and thickness. The crossbar beam extends along a longitudinal axis and has respectively one connection interface on opposite ends. The crossbar beam including the two connection interfaces substantially corresponds to a known horizontal crossbar. The connection interfaces are provided for the connection to a scaffold element, preferably a vertical pole, and formed and dimensioned so that they can be positively and non-positively connected to corresponding interfaces on the scaffold element. The connection interfaces are designed so that they are compatible with connection interfaces of known horizontal crossbars. In this way, the scaffold crossbar according to the invention can be integrated in an existing scaffold system in a simple manner. For increasing the load capacity, particularly in the dissipation of forces and momentums, at least two brackets on which respectively one fastener is arranged are attached 20) to the crossbar beam. The two fasteners also serve as a connection point to a scaffold element and differ from the connection interfaces on the crossbar beam in terms of the shape, the size, and the operating principle. Each of the brackets extends along a bracket axis, each bracket axis being oriented at an angle of 1° to 89° to the longitudinal axis of the crossbar beam. This means that the two brackets extend at an acute angle relative to the crossbar beam. The brackets may either be rigidly connected to the crossbar beam, or the angle between a bracket axis and the longitudinal axis may be realised so that it is adjustable or changeable. The two bracket axes may be arranged in a plane on the same side of the crossbar beam. Alternatively, it is also possible that the two bracket axes are arranged in the same plane but on different, opposite sides of the crossbar beam or the longitudinal axis. Each bracket has two opposite ends one of which is connected to the crossbar beam and the other one of which is connected to a fastener. With the aid of the bracket, the two fasteners are positioned at a distance to the crossbar beam and its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the crossbar beam is fastened to a scaffold element by means of a connection interface and a fastener.

[0012]Due to the fact that the connection interface and the fastener are positioned at a distance from each other, this connection can transfer forces and momentums in a safe manner via two connection points. The connection interfaces and the fasteners respectively differ from each other in terms of the shape and size. Both the connection interfaces and the fasteners may be based on different operating principles which is comprehensively illustrated in the embodiments.

[0013]Each fastener comprises a support element connected, preferably fixedly connected, to the respective bracket. During the connection to a scaffold element, this support element is brought into contact with this scaffold element and will then, at least in sections, abut on the scaffold element at a support surface. Here, the support surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each fastener further comprises a gripping element which is supported so that it is movable relative to the support element, and which, during a connection to a scaffold element, also abuts on this scaffold element via a gripping surface. The gripping surface, at least in sections, is also oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Between the gripping surface and the support surface, there is a distance in the direction of the longitudinal axis which is implemented so that it is changeable by way of the movability of the gripping element. This distance between the two surfaces defines a gripping space which is provided for accommodating a scaffold element. The gripping space therefore extends between the gripping surface and the support surface and is, due to the movability of the gripping element, also adjustable in terms of its size. Each fastener further comprises at least one clamping element which is movably connected to both the support element and the gripping element. The clamping element serves to move the gripping element relative to the support element and to clamp it during a connection of the fastener to a scaffold element. When the clamping element is operated the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space is changed. The clamping element may be based on various concepts which are described in detail in the following embodiments. In the scaffold crossbar according to the invention, the support element fixedly connected to the bracket is preferably disposed on the inner side, and the gripping element arranged so that it is movable relative to the bracket is disposed on the outer side. Here, on the inner side is to be understood to refer to an arrangement in which the support element is located closer to the centre of the crossbar beam in the direction of the longitudinal axis than the gripping element located on the outer side. However, it is of course also possible that the support element fixedly connected to the bracket is arranged on the outer side, and the gripping element arranged so that it is movable is arranged on the inner side. The embodiments described in the following are respectively described for the first case in which the fixed support element is arranged on the inner side. The functional reversal in which the gripping element arranged so that it is movable is disposed on the inner side is also deemed disclosed in an analogous manner.

[0014]Altogether, the scaffold crossbar according to the invention therefore comprises four connection points two of which are constituted by known connection interfaces, and two additional ones of which are formed by respectively one fastener which is arranged so that it is spaced apart from the connection interfaces. With these four connection points by means of which the scaffold crossbar according to the invention can be connected in a scaffold section, the transferability of forces and momentums by way of the scaffold crossbar is significantly improved as compared to a known horizontal crossbar. Particularly the spaced-apart arrangement of the connection points renders a considerably improved transfer of momentums possible. In this way, a single scaffold crossbar according to the invention can transfer considerably more forces and momentums without requiring additional interfaces for connecting the known connection interfaces. By using a scaffold crossbar according to the invention in a scaffold section, therefore, its load capacity can be improved without increasing the number of the elements in the scaffold section. Another advantage of a scaffold crossbar according to the invention is that existing and known interfaces on other scaffold elements can still be used. The scaffold crossbar according to the invention is therefore easily integrable into existing scaffold systems. Particularly favourable in the scaffold crossbar according to the invention is that the fasteners including their gripping space located between a support surface and a gripping surface, respectively, can be connected to the outer shell of a scaffold element implemented as a vertical pole in a simple manner. Therefore, no additional or specifically designed interfaces for the connection to the scaffold crossbar are required on this vertical pole. The scaffold crossbar according to the invention can therefore very easily be connected to already existing scaffold elements by means of its fasteners. Here, such a connection can be established in various positions on the scaffold element or the vertical pole precisely because, for the connection to the fastener, no specially designed counterpart needs to be provided on the scaffold element. In this way it is, for example, also possible to arrange the brackets so that they are disposed on opposite sides of the crossbar beam. In this case, one of the fasteners is fastened above the connection of the connection interfaces to the scaffold element, and the other one of the fasteners is fastened below the connection of the connection interfaces to the scaffold element. This embodiment can also be mounted on an already existing scaffold element which comprises no specific interfaces for the connection to the scaffold crossbar without further measures. Moreover, the scaffold crossbar has a simple and compact design, and the fasteners provided for according to the invention can be easily and ergonomically operated. The design of the scaffold crossbar including its crossbar beam and the two brackets connected at an angle relative thereto requires considerably less space in a scaffold section than the parallel arrangement of two known horizontal crossbars which may also be used for increasing the load capacity of a scaffold section. With a scaffold crossbar according to the invention, workers and work on the scaffold section are therefore impeded considerably less than in case of increasing the load capacity of a scaffold section by means of two horizontal crossbars arranged parallel to each other.

[0015]In one embodiment, it is contemplated that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a distance exists between the gripping surface of each fastener and the face side of the adjacent connection interface of the crossbar beam. In this embodiment, the two gripping surfaces of the fasteners are disposed further toward the outer side in the direction of the longitudinal axis than the face sides of the connection interfaces. In this way, it is possible that the face sides of the connection interfaces abut on the scaffold element on a first side, but the gripping surfaces abut on a second side of the scaffold element disposed opposite of the first side.

[0016]In another embodiment it is contemplated that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the distance between the gripping surfaces of the fasteners arranged opposite of each other is larger than the overall length of the crossbar beam including its two connection interfaces. In this way, the crossbar beam including the connection interfaces can be mounted between two scaffold elements arranged so that they are parallel to each other, the fasteners, particularly their gripping elements including the gripping surfaces, engaging around and fixing the two scaffold elements from the outside.

[0017]Furthermore, it is contemplated that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the distance between the support surfaces of the fasteners arranged opposite of each other is equal to the overall length of the crossbar beam including its two connection interfaces. The support surfaces which are disposed on the support elements rigidly connected to the brackets are arranged at a distance to each other which is equal to the overall length of the crossbar beam. In the direction of the longitudinal axis, the support surfaces are therefore flush with the face sides of the connection interfaces.

[0018]In an advantageous implementation, it is contemplated that the gripping surface and/or the support surface, in sections, are designed so that they are curved, the axis of curvature of this curvature being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located in a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes. Here, the gripping surface and/or the support surface are concavely curved. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the surfaces is equal to the radius of the scaffold element to be connected to the fastener here. In this way, a large-area abutment is obtained between the fastener and the scaffold element which results in a stable connection between the two components.

[0019]In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the gripping space extends along a gripper axis which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located in a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes, the distance of the support surface to gripper axis being constant, and the distance between the gripping surface and the gripper axis being changeable by a movement of the gripping element, the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface being smaller in a retaining position of the fastener than in a mounting position of the fastener. The gripping space between the support surface and the gripping surface extends along an imaginary gripper axis. When the scaffold crossbar is connected to a scaffold element to form a scaffold section the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element is oriented parallel or preferably coaxial to the gripper axis. The distance of the support surface to the gripper axis is constant while the distance of the gripping surface to gripper axis is adjustable by a movement of the gripping element.

[0020]Advantageously, it is contemplated that, at least in the retaining position, respectively one gripping surface and one support surface together enclose the gripping space by at least 180° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis. Here, an enclosure in the circumferential direction by at least 180° means that the support surface and the gripping surface together engage around the scaffold element by at least half of its circumference in the retaining position. Preferably, these two surfaces engage around the scaffold element by more than one half, i.e., by more than 180° in the circumferential direction with respect to the gripper axis. In this way, a secure positive connection between the fastener and a scaffold element connected thereto will be obtained.

[0021]Skillfully, it is contemplated that the two brackets are located on the same side of the crossbar beam with respect to a plane which extends through the longitudinal axis and is oriented perpendicular to the gripper axis. In this embodiment, the two brackets are located on the same side of the crossbar beam. Here, the two brackets are arranged so that they are axially symmetric to an axis which extends through the centre of the length of the crossbar beam, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0022]In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that, with respect to a plane which extends through the longitudinal axis and is oriented perpendicular to the gripper axis, the two brackets are located on opposite sides of the crossbar beam, the two bracket axes, in particular, being located in a common plane. In this alternative embodiment, the two brackets are disposed opposite of each other on the crossbar beam. The two brackets may be arranged, for example, so that they are point-symmetric with respect to a point which is located on the longitudinal axis at half of the overall length of the crossbar beam.

[0023]In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the fastener comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element, the direction of this linear movability being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface being identical in the retaining position and in the mounting position. In this embodiment, each fastener comprises a bearing which renders a shift of the gripping element linear to the support element possible. In case of a change of position of the gripping surface relative to the support surface, the orientation of these two surfaces relative to each other remains the same. In an alternative embodiment which will be described later, the gripping element may also be supported so that it is rotatable relative to the support element.

[0024]Furthermore, it is contemplated that, in a plane perpendicular to the gripper axis, the clamping element, at least in sections, has a wedge-shaped design, a first lateral contour having a linear design and being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second lateral contour having a linear design and being oriented at an acute angle to the first lateral contour, the first lateral contour abutting on a portion of the support element which is oriented so that it is inclined with respect to a plane which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second lateral contour abutting on a portion of the gripping element which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the clamping element being operable by a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to change the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space. In this embodiment, the clamping element, in sections, has a wedge-shaped design. This wedge shape renders the translation of a linear movement into a likewise linear movement into another direction possible. The clamping element is operated by being pushed into the fastener in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Owing to the wedge shape, this movement is translated into a movement of the gripping element parallel to the longitudinal axis. The insertion of the wedge-shaped section into the fastener results in a reduction of the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore clamps the scaffold element in the gripping space during the connection of the scaffold crossbar to a scaffold element. In this embodiment, the clamping element has an extremely simple and robust design and can be operated by a simple linear movement. Supplementary or in support, the clamping element may be operated by hammer blows onto one of its face ends to establish or a disconnect a particularly firm connection between the fastener and the scaffold element.

[0025]In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the gripping element has a portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis on which a male thread is arranged on its side facing away from the support surface, and that the clamping element has a female thread which is connected to the male thread of the gripping element, the clamping element being, in particular, implemented as a cam nut, a portion of the clamping element disposed perpendicular to the direction of extension of the female thread abutting on an outer surface of the support element oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a portion of the gripping element disposed between the male thread and the gripping surface being supported in a recess in the support element so that it is linearly movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the clamping element being operable by a rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis to change the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space. In this embodiment, the fastener comprises a linear bearing between the gripping element and the support element. However, the clamping element does not have a wedge-shaped design in this embodiment but comprises a female thread which is screwed onto a male thread disposed on the gripping element. Here, the clamping element is preferably implemented as a cam nut which, on its outer circumference, has a plurality of protruding cams which a facilitate a rotation of the clamping element. In support, hammer blows may also be applied to these cams to clamp the clamping element so that it is particularly tight. With a rotation of the clamping element relative to the gripping element and the support element, the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface is changed. In this embodiment, the clamping element is therefore operable by a rotational movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0026]Alternatively, it is contemplated that the fastener comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element so that it is rotatable relative to the support element, the axis of rotation of the bearing being oriented parallel to the gripper axis, and/or the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface being different from the mounting position in the retaining position. In this embodiment, each fastener comprises a bearing which guides and enables a rotational movement of the gripping element relative to the support element. Therefore, the gripping element can be folded towards or away from the support element. The axis of rotation of this bearing is oriented parallel to the gripper axis. When the scaffold crossbar the longitudinal axis of which is horizontally oriented is mounted, such a bearing renders a rotational movement of the gripping element in a horizontal plane possible. Such a rotatable bearing results in that the orientation of the gripping surface relative to the support surface is different from the mounting position in the retaining position. In the retaining position, here, these two surfaces are oriented so that they enclose a scaffold element introduced into the gripping space, at least in sections, around its circumference.

[0027]Skillfully, it is contemplated that, in the retaining position, the gripping surface surrounds the gripping space in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis at an angle of at least 90°, preferably at an angle of at least 180°, and that, in the retaining position, the support surface surrounds the gripping space in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis at an angle not exceeding 90°. In this embodiment, the support surface and the gripping surface encompass the gripping space to different extents in the circumferential direction. Here, the support surface rigidly arranged with respect to the bracket encompasses the gripping space to a lesser extent than the gripping surface. This renders a collision-free installation of the scaffold crossbar between two already mounted scaffold elements arranged parallel to each other possible. The movable gripping surface, on the other hand, is implemented so that, in the retaining position, it encompasses the scaffold element in a larger area of its circumference to ensure a secure positive connection between the fastener and the scaffold element in the retaining position.

[0028]Skillfully, it is contemplated that the support element comprises a guide surface which adjoins the support surface, the guide surface being oriented so that it is inclined at an acute angle with respect to a plane which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and inclined in the direction towards the bracket, the guide surface, at least in sections, being set back relative to the support surface in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the support surface surrounding the gripping space in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis at an angle not exceeding 100° in the retaining position. In this embodiment, the guide surface facilitates the installation of a scaffold crossbar between two already mounted scaffold elements arranged parallel to each other. Here, the guide surface acts like an insertion slope which facilitates the insertion of the scaffold elements into the gripping space. In order to render mountability of the scaffold crossbar between two scaffold elements possible, the support surface is implemented so that it surrounds the gripping space at an angle not exceeding 100°, preferably at an angle of less than 90° in the circumferential direction. In this way, there is only an extremely small undercut of the support surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this way, the two support surfaces of the fasteners arranged opposite of each other can be inserted between the two scaffold elements oriented parallel to each other. Here, it is possible that the scaffold crossbar, particularly the crossbar beam and/or the brackets, are elastically deformed to a minor extent. In order to ensure a stable positive connection between the fastener and the scaffold element in the retaining position, the gripping surface is, in this embodiment, preferably designed so that it encloses the gripping space at an angle of more than 100° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis.

[0029]Furthermore, it is contemplated that the clamping element comprises an insertion element which is arranged on the side of the gripping element located opposite of the bearing of the support element and the gripping element so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the gripper axis, the insertion element including an insertion cavity which extends through the insertion element in a direction parallel to the gripper axis, and the clamping element comprising a wedge element having at least two planar surfaces arranged at an acute angle with respect to each other, and the insertion element, in the retaining position, being passed through a groove in the support element, the wedge element being introduced into the insertion cavity, and a first side of the wedge element abutting on the support element, and a second side of the wedge element opposite of the first side abutting on the inside of the insertion cavity, the clamping element being operable by a linear movement of the wedge element in the direction of the gripper axis to change the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space. In this embodiment, the clamping element is implemented in multiple parts and comprises an insertion element having an insertion cavity, and a wedge element which is movably introduced into the insertion cavity. The insertion element is rotatably connected to the gripping element, and, in the support element, a groove oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis is provided through which the insertion element can be passed. In the retaining position, the insertion element is passed through this groove in the support element, and the wedge element, on the one hand, abuts on the interior of the insertion cavity and, on the other hand, on a surface of the support element facing the bracket. During a movement of the wedge element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, this movement is translated into a movement of the insertion element parallel to the longitudinal axis by the wedge shape. In this way, the gripping element, guided by the bearing, is rotated relative to the support element, and the size of the gripping space is changed thereby. Alternatively, the insertion element may also be rotatably connected to the support element and passed through a groove in the gripping element. In this alternative case, the wedge element will then, on the one hand, abut on the interior of the insertion cavity and, on the other hand, on a surface of the gripping element facing away from the bracket.

[0030]In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the brackets are supported so that they are rotatable relative to the crossbar beam, the rotational axes of this bearing being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the gripper axis so that the angles between the bracket axes and the longitudinal axis are variable. In this embodiment, the brackets are supported so that they are movable relative to the crossbar beam. In this way, the angle between the bracket axes and the longitudinal axis can be changed. This movable bearing serves a facilitated mountability of the scaffold crossbar in a scaffold section. Particularly in the case in which fasteners are used in which the support surface and the gripping surface are curved and include an undercut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the movable bearing of the bracket renders an ergonomic installation of the scaffold crossbar possible. Prior to or during the installation, the two brackets are first brought in a position in which the bracket axes are oriented, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this state, the connection interfaces will then first be connected to two spaced-apart scaffold elements. The two fasteners will then be folded towards the scaffold element by a rotation of the bracket around the movable bearing, and then the gripping space is reduced by operating the clamping element so that the fasteners are positively and/or non-positively connected to the scaffold elements.

[0031]Skillfully, it is contemplated that each bracket is connected to the crossbar beam by means of a hinge. A hinge is a simple solution for providing for a rotatable bearing between the bracket and the crossbar beam.

[0032]Furthermore, it is contemplated that, in the retaining position, the gripping surface encloses the gripping space at an angle of at least 90°, preferably at an angle of at least 180° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis, and that, in the retaining position, the support surface encloses the gripping space at an angle of at least 90° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis, the clamping element comprising a bolt which is connected to the support element so that it is pivotable around an axis parallel to the gripper axis and which comprises a male thread at least on its end located opposite of this connection, and the clamping element further comprising a clamping nut, the bolt being passed through a groove in the gripping element, and the clamping nut abutting on the side of the gripping element disposed opposite of the support element and being screwed onto the male thread of the bolt in the retaining position, the clamping element being operable by a rotation of the clamping nut around the bolt to change the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface and therefore the size of the gripping space. In embodiments in which the bracket is supported so that it is rotatable relative to the crossbar beam, even fasteners having a larger undercut in the support surface and the gripping surface can be mounted without problems. For this reason, these surfaces are preferably implemented so that they respectively enclose the gripping space at an angle of at least 90° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis in this embodiment. Preferably, these surfaces enclose the gripping space at an angle of more than 130°. In this embodiment, the clamping element is also implemented in multiple parts and comprises a bolt having a male thread as well as a clamping nut. In the retaining position, the bolt is passed through a groove in either the gripping element or the support element and, correspondingly, rotatably connected to the other element. In this embodiment, a known scaffold coupling comprising two half shells which is placed around a scaffold element and non-positively fixed by the combination of the clamping nut and the bolt can be used as the fastener. Here, a rotation of the clamping nut around the longitudinal axis of the bolt results in the distance between the support surface and the gripping surface being changed. This embodiment is particularly suitable for expanding existing, known horizontal crossbars by two additional connection points in form of fasteners in a simple and cost-effective way and therefore for creating a scaffold crossbar according to the invention from an existing component.

[0033]Moreover, it is favourably contemplated that the connection interfaces protrude beyond the crossbar beam in the direction of the gripper axis and in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a portion of each connection interface, starting from the crossbar beam, extending in the direction of a fastener, and this portion being arranged so that it is centred with respect to a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes. In this embodiment, the connection interface is implemented in the same way as in known horizontal crossbars. Each connection interface protrudes in the direction of the gripper axis, downwards in the mounting position. This protruding portion is provided to be inserted into a recess or opening in a crossbar support interface. In addition, such a connection interface also protrudes beyond the face side of the crossbar beam in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Here, the protruding sections are centred or arranged centrally with respect to the crossbar beam. This embodiment of a connection interface can be combined with all of the previously described embodiments.

[0034]In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the connection interfaces protrude beyond the crossbar beam in the direction of the gripper axis and are flush with or set back relative to the crossbar beam in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the connection interface has a design which differs from known horizontal crossbars. Here as well, the connection interfaces protrude in the direction of the gripper axis, downwards in the mounting position. This portion is provided to be connected to one or two openings in a crossbar support interface. However, the connection interface is flush with the face side of the crossbar beam or is even set back relative to this face side in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This embodiment of a connection interface has a simpler design and comprises a smaller number of components. By providing such a connection interface, the weight of the scaffold crossbar can be reduced. Owing to the fact that the scaffold crossbar including its two fasteners comprises altogether four connection points for the connection to scaffold elements, even the connection interface having a simplified design has a sufficient load capacity to transfer large forces and momentums between the scaffold crossbar and the adjacent scaffold elements.

[0039]This type of scaffold crossbar also comprises four connection points which can be used for the connection to scaffold elements. Here, the four connection points are spaced apart from each other so that larger momentums can be transferred. However, in contrast to the previously described scaffold crossbar, this type of scaffold crossbar does not comprise fasteners which form connection points. Instead, the scaffold crossbar comprises two insertion elements which serve as a connection point for the connection to scaffold elements. Each insertion element has a protrusion which is provided to be introduced into a cavity which is arranged on a scaffold element. The insertion element is introduced into such a cavity in a simple linear movement. Adjacent to the protrusion, an abutment surface is disposed which, after the connection of the protrusion to the cavity, abuts on a portion of the scaffold element as an abutment. For this type of scaffold crossbar, components which render the arrangement of a cavity for accommodating the protrusion possible have to be provided on scaffold element. Advantageous in this type of scaffold crossbar is that it has a particularly simple design and can be ergonomically connected to a scaffold element.

[0040]The object the invention is further solved by a scaffold section comprising at least one scaffold crossbar according to one of the previously described embodiments, further comprising:

at least one scaffold element having a pole which comprises at least one crossbar support interface which is attached to the pole,
the connection interface of the scaffold crossbar being positively connected to the crossbar support interface of the scaffold element, and the fastener of the scaffold crossbar being positively and/or non-positively connected to an outer shell of the pole of the scaffold element in the retaining position, these two connection points being disposed at a distance to each other, particularly at a distance to each other in the longitudinal direction of the pole.

[0041]Apart from a scaffold crossbar according to the invention, the scaffold section according to the invention comprises at least one scaffold element. The scaffold element is preferably implemented as a vertical pole. The scaffold element comprises a pole which, preferably, is perpendicularly oriented in the mounting position and on which at least one crossbar support interface is provided. The crossbar support interface is an interface which is provided for the positive connection to a horizontal crossbar. The crossbar support interface may be implemented, for example, as a connecting disc which has a plurality of openings or recesses. It is further possible that the scaffold element comprises a plurality of crossbar support interfaces in the longitudinal direction. The scaffold section according to the invention may also comprise a plurality of scaffold elements. In the scaffold section, at least one connection interface is connected to a crossbar support interface. In addition, at least one fastener of the scaffold crossbar is connected to the pole of the scaffold element, the fastener encompassing the pole in sections and clamping it on its outer shell in the retaining position. It is advantageous that, for the connection of the fastener to the pole, no special interfaces have to be provided on the pole for this connection. The fastener of the scaffold crossbar is designed so that it can be fixed in any position on a smooth outer surface of the pole. In this way, already existing scaffold elements such as vertical poles can be used for forming a scaffold section according to the invention. Owing to the distance between the connection of the scaffold crossbar via the connection interface and via the connection by means of the fastener, the load capacity of this connection is increased as compared to a known horizontal crossbar. The scaffold section according to the invention therefore exhibits an increased load capacity, the number of parts in the scaffold section remaining the same as compared to a scaffold section including a known horizontal crossbar.

[0042]In one embodiment of the scaffold section, it is contemplated that the pole extends through the gripping space in the direction of the gripper axis, and that the clamping element clamps the pole between the support surface of the support element and the gripping surface of the gripping element. In the scaffold section, the longitudinal axis of the pole or the scaffold element is oriented parallel or coaxial to the gripper axis. The pole is therefore enclosed by the gripping space and clamped therein between the support element and the gripping element. The clamping force required for this clamping is generated and maintained by the clamping element.

[0043]In another embodiment, it is contemplated that, in the retaining position, the gripping surface and the support surface, at least in sections, extensively abut on the outer shell of the pole. In order to render such an extensive abutment possible, the gripping surface and the support surface are preferably formed so that they are negative with respect to the surface of the pole. Commonly, the pole has a cylindrical cross section. In this case, gripping surface and support surface are preferably curved with the same radius. In this way, the pole is gripped by the fastener across a large part of its circumference in the connected state in the retaining position, the fastener extensively abutting on the pole. In this way, a stable connection for transferring large forces and momentums is obtained.

[0048]The method according to the invention serves the assembly of a scaffold section according to the invention. The method is preferably carried out in the order of the process steps A) to C). For deinstalling a scaffold section according to the invention, the method according to the invention can be carried out in the reverse order of the process steps, starting with process step C) to the last process step A) during the deinstallation.

[0049]In a first process step A), at least one fastener of the scaffold crossbar is transferred into the mounting position, the gripping space being enlarged. During this transition, the gripping element is moved away from the support element so that the pole of the scaffold element can be introduced into an opening between the gripping surface and the support surface.

[0050]In a second process step B), first, the connection between the connection interfaces on the crossbar beam and a crossbar beam interface on the scaffold element is established. To this end, a portion of the connection interfaces is introduced into an opening of the crossbar support interface. Then or simultaneously, the pole of the scaffold element is introduced into the gripping space. In the end of process step B), both the connection interface and the crossbar support interface and the fastener and the pole are connected to each other with a still existing tolerance.

[0051]In a third process step C), the fastener is now transferred into the retaining position, the gripping element being moved towards the support element by operating the clamping element. During this movement, the gripping surface and the support surface abut on the outer shell of the pole. In the process of the further operation of the clamping element, the scaffold element is clamped in the gripping space. In the retaining position, the fastener is then positively and non-positively connected to the pole of the scaffold element. Depending on the embodiment of the connection interface, it can then also be fixed in process step C), for example by applying hammer blows to a portion of the connection interface to also provide for a non-positive connection between the connection interfaces and the crossbar beam interface.

[0052]The method according to the invention can be carried out in a simple manner and results in a load-bearing scaffold section. Here, the number of components in this scaffold section is equal to a known scaffold section in which a known horizontal crossbar is connected to a scaffold element.

[0053]Features, effects and advantages disclosed in connection with the scaffold crossbar and the scaffold section are also deemed disclosed in connection with the method. The same applies in the reverse direction; features, effects and advantages disclosed in connection with the method are also deemed disclosed in connection with the scaffold crossbar and the scaffold section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054]In the Figures, embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated. Here,

[0055]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section in a first embodiment according to the invention,

[0056]FIG. 2 shows a front view of a scaffold crossbar in a first embodiment according to the invention,

[0057]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0058]FIG. 4 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section of FIG. 3,

[0059]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0060]FIG. 6 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section of FIG. 5,

[0061]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0062]FIG. 8 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 7,

[0063]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

[0064]FIG. 10 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 9,

[0065]FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

[0066]FIG. 12 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 11,

[0067]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including a scaffold crossbar according to a sixth embodiment of the invention,

[0068]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a scaffold crossbar involving an alternative connecting technique,

[0069]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a scaffold element having an additional cavity,

[0070]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section including the scaffold crossbar of FIG. 14 and the scaffold element of FIG. 15.

[0071]In the Figures, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals. In general, the described properties of an element described in connection with one Figure also apply to other Figures. Directional information such as top or bottom relate to the described Figure and are to be applied to the other Figures according to their meaning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 in a first embodiment according to the invention. The illustrated scaffold section 100 comprises a scaffold crossbar 1 which is mounted with its longitudinal axis LA oriented horizontally here. The scaffold crossbar 1 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2 and described accordingly. Respectively one end of the scaffold crossbar 1 is connected to a scaffold element 20 which is embodied by a vertical pole here. On each of its ends, the scaffold crossbar 1 has two connection points to a scaffold element 20. Higher up on the scaffold element 20, respectively one crossbar support interface 202 is disposed which is implemented as a connecting disc here. On each of its ends, the scaffold crossbar 1 is positively connected to a crossbar support interface 202 of the scaffold element 20 at one of its connection interfaces 21. Below the crossbar support interface 202, the scaffold crossbar 1 is positively and non-positively attached to the outer circumferential surface of a scaffold element 20 by means of a fastener 41, 42, respectively. Between the crossbar support interfaces 202, the scaffold element 20 is formed by a cylindrical pole 201. In the illustrated embodiment, this pole 201 has a cylinder-shaped outer shell. The fasteners 41, 42 engage around this smoothly implemented, cylindrical surface of the scaffold elements 20 and clamp them in the gripping space GR. No special interfaces for the connection to the fasteners 41, 10) 42 are provided on the scaffold elements 20. Rather, the fasteners 41, 42 can be fixed in any position of the rod-shaped portions of the scaffold elements 20 between the crossbar support interfaces 202. There are respectively two connection points between the scaffold crossbar 1 and a scaffold element 20. Owing to this connection via two connection points between the scaffold crossbar 1 and a scaffold element 20, considerably higher forces and momentums can be transferred between the scaffold crossbar 1 and the scaffold element 20. Therefore, the illustrated scaffold section 100 has a considerably higher load-capacity and can absorb higher bending loads than a scaffold section in which, instead of the scaffold crossbar 1, a known horizontal crossbar is mounted which is connected to a scaffold element 20 at respectively one connection point.

[0073]FIG. 2 shows a front view of a scaffold crossbar 1 in a first embodiment according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 1. The scaffold crossbar 1 comprises a crossbar beam 2 oriented from the left to the right in the illustration. This crossbar beam 2 has a rod-shaped design and is formed by a pipe having a rectangular cross section here. The crossbar beam 2 extends along a longitudinal axis LA. On the two opposite ends of the crossbar beam 2, a connection interface 21 is disposed, respectively. Each of these connection interfaces 21 comprises two elements which are movable relative to each other. The connection interface 21 is provided for a positive connection to a scaffold element 20, for example, a vertical pole. However, the connection interface 21 may also have a rigid design such as, for example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In addition, the scaffold crossbar 1 comprises two additional connection points which are formed by the two fasteners 41 and 42. The crossbar beam 2 is fixedly connected to a first fastener 41 via a first bracket 31. Furthermore, the crossbar beam 2 is fixedly connected to a second fastener 42 via a second bracket 32. The first bracket 31 extends along a first bracket axis AA1, the second bracket 32 extends along a second bracket axis AA2. In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 31 and 32 are made of massive, plate-shaped elements made of an iron-based material. Alternatively, the two brackets 31 and 32 may also be formed by pipes. The brackets 31 and 32 are dimensioned so that a sufficient transfer of forces and momentums from the fasteners 41 and 42 to the crossbar beam 2 is possible. The two bracket axes AA1 and AA2 are respectively oriented at an identical angle W to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle W is about 60°. However, the angle W may also assume other values which are from 1° to 89°. The smaller the angle W is selected, the longer the brackets 31 and 32 have to be. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the two brackets 31, 32 are rigidly connected to the crossbar beam 2, respectively, so that the angle W is always constant. Alternatively, it is also possible that the brackets 31, 32 are movably connected to the crossbar beam 2. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each bracket 31, 32 has two opposite ends. One of these ends is connected to the crossbar beam 2, for example, by means of a weld connection or a joint. It is also possible to design this connection in another way, for example as a plug-in connection or screw connection. On the second end of a bracket 31, 32, a fastener 41, 42 is fastened, respectively. The fastener 41, 42 serves as an interface or connection point for connecting the scaffold crossbar 1 to a scaffold element 20. Each fastener 41, 42 comprises a support element 5 which is fixedly connected to the bracket 31, 32. Each support element 5 has a support surface 51 which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and faces outwards in the illustration, respectively. Below the support element 5, a gripping element 6 is disposed, respectively, which is also part of the fastener 41, 42 and is supported so that it is movable relative to the support element 5. The gripping element 6 protrudes beyond the support element 5 towards the outside in the direction of the longitudinal axis, respectively. On each gripping element 6, a gripping surface 61 is disposed which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and faces inwards in the direction the centre of the crossbar beam 2 in the illustration, respectively. Between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 of each fastener 41, 42, a gripping space GR is defined, respectively. Here, gripping space GR is to be understood to be the space which, in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, is defined by a support surface 51 and a gripping surface 61. Each gripping space GR extends along a gripper axis GA which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and located in a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes AA1, AA2. During the connection of a fastener 41, 42 to a scaffold element 20, the gripper axis GA is oriented so that it is at least parallel, preferably coaxial to the longitudinal axis or the central axis of the scaffold element 20. Each fastener 41, 42 further comprises a clamping element 7 which is movably connected to the support element 5 and the gripping element 6. During an operation of the clamping element 7, the gripping element 6 moves relative to the support element 5 so that the size of the gripping space GR also changes. The support element 5, the gripping element 6, and the clamping element 7 may have different designs. Details of the embodiment of these elements illustrated in FIG. 2 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described accordingly. Details relating to the design and the function of other embodiments of the fastener 41, 42 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 12 and described accordingly. In the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, a distance is present between each gripping surface 61 and the face side of the connection interfaces 21 located adjacent thereto in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Therefore, the gripping element 6 protrudes beyond the adjacent connection interface 21 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA on each side of the scaffold crossbar 1. This enables the connection interface 21 to be brought in abutment on a scaffold element 20 on one side and to engage around the gripping surface 61 of this scaffold element 20 on the opposite side during the connection to a scaffold element 20. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, the distance between the gripping surfaces 61 of the fasteners 41, 42 arranged opposite of each other is larger than the overall length of the crossbar beam 2 including its two connection interfaces 21. In the illustrated embodiment, this overall length of the crossbar beam 2 including its two connection interfaces 21 is equal to the distance between the two support surfaces 51. During a connection of the scaffold crossbar 1 to a scaffold element 20, the face side of a connection interface 21 is brought in abutment in the same position on the scaffold element 20 in the circumferential direction as the support surface 51. In all embodiments, the gripping surface 61 and/or the support surface 51, at least in sections, have a curved design, the axis of curvature being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA, parallel to the gripper axis GA. Preferably, the radius of curvature of this curvature is implemented so that it is similar or identical to the radius of the cross section of the scaffold element 20. In this way, an extensive abutment of the fastener 41, 42 on the scaffold element 20 is achieved. In the state illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastener 41, 42 is in the mounting position in which the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 is larger than the diameter of the scaffold element 20. In the mounting position, therefore, the scaffold element 20 can be introduced into the gripping space GR between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61. Starting from the illustrated mounting position, the clamping element 7 is then operated which results in a reduction of the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61. Consequently, the size of the gripping space GR is also reduced. A retaining position of the fastener 41, 42 is reached when the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 is equal to the diameter of the scaffold element 20. In the connected state, the scaffold element 20 is clamped in the gripping space GR by the fastener 41, 42 in the retaining position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the two brackets 31, 32 are located on the same side of the crossbar beam 2, and both face downwards in the illustration. Alternatively, the brackets 31, 32 may also be arranged on opposite sides of the crossbar beam 2. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0074]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, a scaffold crossbar 1 according to the first embodiment can be seen which is connected to a scaffold element 20 implemented as a vertical pole to form a scaffold section 100. Here, the visible connection interface 21 comprises a plurality of parts at least one part of which is implemented so that it is movable relative to the remaining scaffold crossbar 1. This connection interface 21 is introduced into a recess in the crossbar support interface 202. The crossbar support interface 202 is implemented as a connecting disc which can also be used to connect known horizontal crossbars to the scaffold element 20. The connection interface 21 is positively and non-positively connected to the crossbar support interface 202. A second connection point is formed by the connection between the illustrated fastener 42 and the scaffold element 20. Here, the fastener 42 engages around an outer shell of the scaffold element 20. No special interface for the connection to the fastener 42 is provided on the scaffold element 20. The fastener 42 comprises the support element 5 fixedly connected to the bracket 32 which is implemented as a plate here. This plate is oriented perpendicular to the bracket 32. The support surface 51 is oriented towards the right rear in the illustration and has a curved design. The radius of curvature of the support surface 51 is equal to the radius of the vertical pole which forms the scaffold element 20. Below the support element 5, the gripping element 6 supported so that it is movable relative to the support element 5 can be seen which, in sections, engages around the scaffold element 20. The gripping surface 61 also has a curved design and faces the front left in the illustration. The fastener 42 comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element 6 so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element 5, the direction of this linear movability being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated first embodiment, the clamping element 7, in sections, has a wedge-shaped design. The clamping element 7 is operated by a movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. During the insertion of the clamping element 7 into the fastener 41 from the rear left to the front right, the gripping element 6 is linearly moved relative to the support element 5. In the process, the gripping surface 61 moves towards the support surface 51. The interaction of the clamping element 7, the support element 5, and the gripping element 6 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. In the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the orientation of the gripping surface 61 relative to the support surface 51 is identical in the retaining position and in the mounting position. The clamping element 7 has a protrusion protruding in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA on the side facing rearwards. On the side facing the front right, a pin which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and protrudes beyond the clamping element 7 on both sides in this direction is introduced into the clamping element 7. These two protruding portions cause the clamping element 7 to be movably but positively connected to the remaining portion of the fastener 42. In this way, the clamping element 7 cannot get lost when the scaffold crossbar 1 is in use.

[0075]FIG. 4 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section 100 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a portion of FIG. 3 from below as seen from the direction of the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. The movable gripping element 6 has a hook-shaped design. The gripping surface 61 is disposed in the interior of the hook-shaped portion facing towards the right and encompasses the scaffold element 20 at an angle of more than 90° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. The support element 5 disposed above it and partly hidden by the gripping element 6 encloses the scaffold element 20 and thus the gripping space GR at an angle of more than 45° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. Owing to the arrangement of the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 opposite of each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA, the fastener 42 encloses the gripping space GR and therefore the introduced scaffold element 20 by more than 180° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA in the illustrated retaining position. In the illustrated retaining position, the fastener 42 is therefore both non-positively and positively connected to the scaffold element 20 which results in a particularly stable, tolerance-free connection. The bearing which supports the gripping element 6 so that it is linearly movable relative to the support element 5 is formed by a portion of the support element 5. This portion is illustrated in the cross section in FIG. 4 and comprises two guides between which the portion of the gripping element 6 facing towards the left is introduced in clearance fit. The gripping element 6 is therefore slidably supported in a portion of the support element 5. In the portion of the support element 5 forming the bearing, a through hole having a rectangular cross section is produced which extends through this portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and to the gripper axis GA. In the portion of the gripping element 6 introduced into the bearing and facing towards the left in the drawing, a recess is produced which also extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. As can be seen in the illustration, the right boundary of this recess is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis LA. However, the left boundary of this recess is oriented at an acute angle to the right boundary. Into this recess, and, at the same time, into the through hole in the bearing, the clamping element 7 is introduced. The clamping element 7 has a first lateral contour 71 which has a linear design and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. On the opposite side, the clamping element 7 is defined by a second lateral contour 72 which also has a linear design but is oriented at an acute angle to the first lateral contour 71. The first lateral contour 71 and the second lateral contour 72 together form a wedge-shaped portion. The first lateral contour 71 abuts on the right boundary of the through hole in the bearing which forms a portion of the support element 5. The second lateral contour 72 abuts on a portion of the gripping element 6 which is formed by the inclined left boundary of the recess in the gripping element 6. Owing to the interaction of the inclined portions of the clamping element 7 and the gripping element 6, the gripping element 6 is moved leftwards when the clamping element 7 is inserted, in the illustration from the bottom to the top. In this way, the distance between the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 decreases, and the scaffold element 20 is clamped in the fastener 42. In this first embodiment of a scaffold crossbar 1, the clamping element is operated in a simple manner, for example, by applying hammer blows onto the portion of the clamping element 7 facing downwards in FIG. 4. When the fastener 42 is to be retransferred from the retaining position to the mounting position the clamping element 7 is moved in the reverse direction, in the illustration from the top to the bottom.

[0076]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 5, only the lower portion of the bracket 31 and a fastener 41 are illustrated in connection with a scaffold element 20 implemented as a vertical pole. With regard to the remaining portion of the scaffold crossbar 1, FIG. 2 and the associated description are made reference to. The second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 is quite similar to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The fastener 41 comprises a support element 5 implemented as a plate which is fixedly connected to the bracket 31. In sections, the movable gripping element 6 has a hook-shaped design and engages around the scaffold element 20. In the second embodiment, the clamping element 7 is formed by a cam nut which is screwed onto a male thread disposed on the gripping element 6. Here, the clamping element 7 implemented as a cam nut is supported on the support element 5 on the side facing away from the support surface 51 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. For moving the gripping element 6, the support element 7 is rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. By the interaction of the male thread disposed on the gripping element 6 and the female thread in the clamping element 7, therefore, the distance between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 is changed. The clamping element 7 implemented as a cam nut may either be rotated manually or operated by applying hammer blows onto the cams of the cam nut for clamping the scaffold element 20 between support element 5 and gripping element 6.

[0077]FIG. 6 shows a partially cross-sectional view of a portion of the scaffold section 100 of FIG. 5. In this view, the scaffold section 100 is illustrated from below as seen from the longitudinal direction of the scaffold element 20. A curved support surface 51 abuts on an outer shell of the scaffold element 20 on the, in the illustration, right side. Under the support element 5, the gripping element 6 the, in the illustration, left side of which has a hook-shaped design and engages around the scaffold element 20 with a curved gripping surface 61 is illustrated in the cross section. In the illustrated retaining position, the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 enclose the gripping space GR and thus the scaffold element 20 by more than 180° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. The section of the gripping element 6 oriented towards the right in the illustration comprises a portion having a rectangular design which adjoins the hook-shaped section. On the right side of this portion having a rectangular design, a male thread extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. Similar to the first embodiment of FIG. 4, the bearing of the gripping element 6 is formed by a portion of the support element 5. This portion of the support element 5 is illustrated in the cross section and has a rectangular cross section. The section of the gripping element 6 having a rectangular design is introduced into the bearing formed by the support element 5 in clearance fit and therefore slidable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The clamping element 7 is implemented as a cam nut and has a female thread in its interior which is screwed onto the male thread on the gripping element 6 which faces towards the right. The surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of extension of the female thread in the clamping element 7 abuts on a surface of the support element 5 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA which is disposed on its side opposite of the support surface 51. During a rotation of the clamping element 7, its surface facing towards the left is supported on the surface of the support element 5 facing towards the right. In this way, the gripping element is pulled towards the right in the illustration during a rotation of the clamping element 7 so that the scaffold element 20 is positively and non-positively clamped in the fastener 41 between the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51.

[0078]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated third embodiment, the connection interface 21 is identical to the first and the second embodiment. However, the operating principle of the fastener 41 is different from the first and the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the fastener 41 comprises a bearing which supports the gripping element 6 so that it is rotatable relative to the support element 5 about an axis of rotation parallel to the gripper axis GA. Due to this, in the illustration, vertically oriented axis of rotation, the orientation of the gripping surface 61 relative to the support surface 51 is different in the illustrated retaining position and in the mounting position in which a scaffold element 20 such as the illustrated vertical pole can be introduced into the gripping space GR of the fastener 41. In the third embodiment, the bracket 31 is rigidly connected to the crossbar beam 2. During the fixation of the scaffold crossbar 1 on the scaffold element 20, first, the end of the connection interface 21 facing downwards in the illustration is introduced into a recess in the crossbar support interface 202 and moved downwards. For rendering the insertion of the scaffold element 20 into the gripping space GR possible, the gripping element 6, starting from the illustrated state, is transferred backwards into the mounting position. Then, the support element 5 rigidly connected to the bracket 31 is guided past the scaffold element 20 to introduce the scaffold element 20 into the gripping space GR. For rendering this insertion or pivoting of the fastener 41 around the scaffold element 20 possible, it is important that the support element 5 exhibits no or only an extremely small undercut. This is required because the position of the scaffold crossbar 1 relative to the scaffold element 20 is already determined by the connection interface 21 introduced into the crossbar support interface 202. In order to facilitate pivoting the fastener 41, a guide surface 52 is provided which can be seen in detail in FIG. 8. After the fastener 41 has been pivoted, the gripping element 6 is then rotated around the vertically oriented axis of rotation and transferred into the retaining position illustrated in FIG. 7. In the third embodiment, the clamping element 7 comprises a plurality of parts which are illustrated in detail in FIG. 8 and described accordingly.

[0079]FIG. 8 shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the fastener 41 of FIG. 7 can be seen whereas the scaffold element 20 is not illustrated. The support element 5 is rigidly connected to the bracket 31 and comprises a support surface 51 having a curved design. Adjacent to this support surface 51, a planar guide surface 52 is disposed. This guide surface 52 guides the fastener 41 when the scaffold crossbar 1 is pivoted around a scaffold element 20. The guide surface 52 is inclined at an acute angle to a plane which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Here, the guide surface 52, starting from the adjoining support surface 51, is inclined away from gripping element 6 in the direction of the bracket 31. The curved support surface 51 is slightly set back in the direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the line in which the guide surface 52 and the support surface 51 adjoin. In this way, a slight undercut is formed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. When the scaffold crossbar 1 is pivoted around a scaffold element 20 this undercut can be attached to the scaffold element 20 due to tolerances and a slight elastic deformation of the scaffold crossbar 1. If this undercut in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA was larger a collision might occur when pivoting the scaffold crossbar 1 since the position of the scaffold crossbar 1 relative to the scaffold element 20 is predetermined by the connection between the connection interface 21 and the crossbar support interface 202. The position of the scaffold element 20 is usually not changeable either in an already partly assembled scaffold section 100. After the pivoting process in which the scaffold element slides along the guide surface 52, the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20 is oriented so that it is congruent with the gripper axis GA. In this state, the support surface 51 then encompasses the gripping space GR and therefore the scaffold element 20 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA at an angle not exceeding 90°. In the third embodiment, the gripping element 6 is connected to the support element 5 by means of a hinge, the axis of rotation of this hinge being oriented parallel to the gripper axis GA. The gripping element 6 has a gripping surface 61 also having a curved design which encompasses the gripping space GR and therefore the scaffold element 20 contained therein at an angle of more than 180° in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. In the retaining position of the fastener 41 illustrated in FIG. 8, it can be clearly seen that the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 surround the gripping space almost completely, at least at an angle of 270°, in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA. In this way, the fastener 41 renders an effective positive connection of the scaffold crossbar 1 to the scaffold element 20 possible. Here, the largest part of this positive connection is provided for by the movable gripping element 6. Alternatively, the curved support surface 51 may also be flush with the guide surface 52 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA so that there is no undercut of the support surface 51 with respect to the guide surface 52 at all in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. In the third embodiment, the clamping element 7 comprises an insertion element 73 which is arranged on the side of the gripping element 6 opposite of the bearing or the hinge so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the gripper axis GA. This insertion element 73 has an insertion cavity 731 which extends through the insertion element 73 in the direction of the gripper axis GA. In the illustrated retaining position, the insertion element 73 is passed through a groove which extends through the support element 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. However, with a rotation around its axis of rotation, the insertion element 73 can be pivoted out of this groove during a transition into the mounting position to render a rotational movement of the gripping element 6 away from support element 5 possible. The clamping element 7 further comprises a wedge element 74 which is introduced into the insertion cavity 731. The wedge element 74 comprises two planar surfaces arranged at an acute angle with respect to each other which are oriented towards the left and the right in the illustration. A first side of the wedge element 74 abuts on the surface of the support element 5 facing rightwards. A second side of the wedge element 74 opposite of the first side, on the other hand, abuts on a likewise inclined surface in the interior of the insertion cavity 731. Here, the inclination of this surface is equal to the angle of the first side relative to second side of the wedge element 74. When the wedge element 74 is moved downwards in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA this movement is translated into a movement of the insertion element 73 towards the right which results in the gripping element 6 being pulled towards the support element 5. In this way, the distance between the gripping surface 61 and the support surface 51 is reduced, and a scaffold element 20 introduced into the gripping space GR is clamped in the fastener 41.

[0080]In the first, the second, and the third embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1, the connection interfaces 21 always have an identical design. These connection interfaces 21 protrude beyond the crossbar beam 2 in the direction of the gripper axis GA and in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Here, a portion of each connection interface 21, starting from the crossbar beam 2, extends in the direction of the fastener 41, 42 arranged adjacent to or below it. This portion is positioned so that it is centred with respect to the crossbar beam and to a plane which is defined by the two bracket axes AA1, AA2. Here, each connection interface 21 has a part rigidly connected to the crossbar beam 2 and a part movable relative to this rigid part. The illustrated connection interfaces 21 are known from conventional horizontal beams and are provided for the connection to a recess in a crossbar support interface 202.

[0081]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 only differs from the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 in the implementation of the connection interface 21. The fasteners 41 and 42 of the fourth embodiment are identical in design with the fasteners 41 and 42 of the third embodiment. Therefore, the description relating to the third embodiment is made reference to with regard to the fasteners 41 and 42. The connection interfaces 21 of the fourth embodiment respectively comprise a smaller number of parts. Each connection interface 21 of the fourth embodiment protrudes beyond the side of the crossbar beam 2 oriented in the direction of the bracket 31, 32 in the direction of the gripper axis GA. However, the connection interface 21 is flush with the crossbar beam 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. In the fourth embodiment, the connection interface 21 is implemented so that it is symmetric to the longitudinal axis LA, part of the connection interface 21 respectively being located laterally adjacent to and fixed to the crossbar beam 2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. On each side of the crossbar beam 2, a plate-shaped mount 211 is attached which carries an insertion pin 212. The insertion pin 212 extends in a direction parallel to the gripper axis GA. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion pin 212 is implemented as a cylindrical pin halved in the longitudinal direction. The end of the insertion pin 212 facing downwards and protruding beyond the mount 211 is respectively introduced into a recess in the crossbar support interface 202. The two insertion pins 212 of a connection interface 21 together fix the scaffold crossbar 1 in the crossbar support interface 202 so that it is secured against a rotation around an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. In the fourth embodiment, the two insertion pins 212 are introduced into other recesses in the crossbar support interface 202 than the connection interfaces 21 of the other embodiments. The face side of the crossbar beam 2 has a curved surface which is adapted to the curvature of the scaffold element 2. In this way, the face side of the crossbar beam 2 extensively abuts on the outer shell of the scaffold element 20 in the mounted state illustrated in FIG. 9. The connection interface 21 used in the fourth embodiment has a simpler design and can be mounted faster than the connection interfaces 21 of the other embodiments. In turn, the connection interfaces 21 of the first, the second, and the third embodiment can, in addition, absorb torques around bending axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. However, in the fourth embodiment, bending momentums acting in this direction which act on the scaffold crossbar 1 or the scaffold element 20 can also be absorbed and transferred by the combination of the two connection points on one side of the scaffold crossbar, namely the connection interface 21 in combination with the fastener 41. Therefore, the load capacity and robustness of the scaffold section 100 are also considerably improved by the fourth embodiment as compared to the use of a known horizontal crossbar.

[0082]FIG. 10 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the scaffold element 20 is not indicated so that the connection interfaces 21 can be seen more clearly. It can be clearly seen that the face side of the crossbar beam 2 has a curved surface which is adapted to the curvature of the scaffold element 20. Moreover, it can be clearly seen that, symmetric to the longitudinal axis LA, respectively one mount 211 and an insertion pin 212 held by it are disposed on two sides of the crossbar beam 2. The surfaces of the mounts 211 and the insertion pins 212 facing the front left in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA are flush with the end face of the crossbar beam 2. Alternatively, these surfaces of the mounts 211 and the insertion pins 212 may also be set back relative to the end face of the crossbar beam 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. For connecting the connection interface 21 to a crossbar support interface 202, the two insertion pins 212 are positioned congruent to openings in the crossbar support interface 202, and then the entire scaffold crossbar 1 is moved vertically downwards so that the two insertion pins 212 enter the openings. The mounted end position is reached as soon as the surface of the mounts 211 facing downwards abuts on the surface of the crossbar support interface 202 facing upwards. Prior to this connection of the connection interface 21 to the crossbar support interface 202, the gripping element 6 of the fastener 41 is transferred into the mounting position in which it is folded away from the support element 5. The embodiment of the connection interface 21 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 can also be combined with the previously described first, second, and third embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1 and the associated embodiments of the fasteners 41 and 42.

[0083]FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the previously described first, second, third, and fourth embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1, the bracket 31, 32 is supported so that it is rotatable relative to the crossbar beam 2 in the illustrated fifth embodiment. The axis of rotation of this bearing is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. Owing to the bearing, the angle W between the longitudinal axis LA and the bracket axis AA1, AA2 is variable. The movable support of the bracket 31, 32 results in that the fastener 41, 42 can be connected to the scaffold element 20 after the connection of the connection interface 21 to the crossbar support interface 202. In this way, collision problems between the scaffold crossbar 1 and the scaffold element 20 during the connection of these components are avoided. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing between the crossbar beam 2 and the bracket 31, 32 is formed by a hinge. In the illustrated fifth embodiment, the fastener 41, 42 is formed by a known scaffold coupling which is fixedly connected to the end of the bracket 31, 32 disposed opposite of the crossbar beam 2. The support element 5 and the gripping element 6 are respectively formed by a half shell, the gripping element 6 being supported so that it is rotatable relative to the support element 5 about an axis of rotation which extends parallel to the gripper axis GA. The gripping surface 61 as well as the support surface 51 have a curved design and, in the illustrated retaining position, engage around the scaffold element 20 in the circumferential direction around the gripper axis GA by respectively more than 90°. In this way, the scaffold element 20 is enclosed by the fastener 41, 42 in a large portion of its circumference in the illustrated retaining position. In this way, a particularly good positive connection between the components is given. Despite the severe undercuts in the curved portions of the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61, the installation of the fastener 41, 42 is possible by pivoting the bracket 31, 32 around the bearing towards crossbar beam 2 during the installation of the fastener 41, 42. The clamping element 7 is described in connection with FIG. 12. In the retaining position illustrated in FIG. 11, the connection interface 21 and the fastener 41 are fixedly connected to the scaffold element 20. Notwithstanding the movable support of the bracket 31, an improved transfer of forces and momentums between the crossbar beam 1 and the scaffold element 20 is possible via the two connection points. The illustrated fifth embodiment is attachable to an already existing scaffold section 100 in a particularly easy manner, particularly when the spatial conditions are limited, for example by a plurality of horizontal beams already connected to a scaffold element 20.

[0084]FIG. 12 shows a perspective detailed view of a portion of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, the fifth embodiment of the scaffold crossbar 1 is illustrated without the scaffold element 20. It can be clearly seen that both the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 have an undercut. In this embodiment, the clamping element 7 is formed by a bolt 75 and a clamping nut 76. The bolt 75 is supported on the support element 5 so that it is pivotable about an axis parallel to the gripper axis GA. The gripping element 6 has a groove which, in the illustrated retaining position, extends through the gripping element 6 parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. For connecting the fastener 41, 42, the bolt 75 is introduced into the groove in the gripping element 6, and then the clamping nut 76 is screwed onto a male thread applied to the bolt 75 and tightened. Here, the clamping nut 76 abuts on a surface of the gripping element 6 which is disposed opposite of the support element 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. By tightening the clamping nut 76, the gripping surface 61 is moved towards the support surface 51. With the operation the clamping nut 76, the scaffold element 20 is clamped between the support surface 51 and the gripping surface 61 in a simple manner. The movable bearing of the bracket 31, 32 of the fifth embodiment can also be combined with the fasteners 41, 42 of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth embodiment.

[0085]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including a scaffold crossbar 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The illustrated sixth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in terms of the orientation of the brackets 31, 32 relative to the crossbar beam 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 31, 32 are located on opposite sides of the crossbar beam 2 with respect to a plane which extends through the longitudinal axis LA and is oriented perpendicular to the gripper axis GA. Here, the two bracket axes AA1 and AA2 are disposed in a common plane. The illustrated sixth embodiment also renders a connection of the scaffold crossbar 1 to a scaffold section 100 at four connection points possible. Owing to the opposing arrangement the brackets 31, 32, collisions with other components of the scaffold section 100 can be avoided. For example, another scaffold element could be mounted on the crossbar support interface 202 of the scaffold element 20 illustrated on the right side below the already mounted scaffold crossbar 2, a collision with the bracket 32 and the fastener 42 being impossible. The illustrated sixth embodiment can also be combined with the various fasteners 41, 42 of the first, the second, the third, the fourth, and the fifth embodiment. In addition, the sixth embodiment can also be combined with a movably supported bracket 31, 32 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0086]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a scaffold crossbar 1 involving an alternative connecting technique. In FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a scaffold crossbar 1 is illustrated which, like the previously described embodiments according to the invention, comprises altogether four connection points for the connection to a scaffold element 20, particularly a vertical pole. In the illustrated alternative connecting technique, the scaffold crossbar 1 does not comprise a fastener 41, 42. Instead, an insertion element 91, 92 is disposed on each bracket 31, 32 on its end disposed opposite of the crossbar beam 2. This insertion element 91, 92 is provided for the connection to a cavity K disposed on a scaffold element 20. Each insertion element 91, 92 includes a protrusion V which protrudes into the plane defined by the two bracket axes AA1, AA2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, this protrusion V has a rectangular cross section. Adjacent to each protrusion V, an abutment surface AF oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis LA is disposed. This abutment surface AF is oriented perpendicular to the plane which is defined by the two bracket axes AA1 and AA2. The abutment surface AF is set back with respect to and disposed directly adjacent to the protrusion V.

[0087]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a scaffold element 20 having an additional cavity K. The illustration shows a scaffold element 20 implemented as a vertical pole which, in its upper section, comprises a crossbar support interface 202 in the form of a connecting disc. Below this crossbar support interface 202, a cavity K is disposed outside of the outer shell of the pole 201. This cavity K is disposed between the outer shell of the pole 201 and an inner surface of a ring 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring 203 encloses the pole 201 around its entire circumference. The ring 203 may be connected to the pole 201 by means of, for example, a weld connection. Between the ring 203 and the pole 201, the cavity K having a rectangular cross section extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scaffold element 20. The shape and size of the cavity K are implemented so that a protrusion V of the scaffold crossbar 1 according to the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 is insertable into the cavity K in clearance fit. The ring 203 may be attached as early as during the production of the scaffold element 20 or subsequently retrofit on an already existing scaffold element 20.

[0088]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a scaffold section 100 including the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 14 and the scaffold element of FIG. 15. In FIG. 16, the mounted state of the scaffold crossbar 1 of FIG. 14 and the scaffold element 20 of FIG. 15 can be seen. The protrusion V of the insertion element 92 is positively introduced into the cavity K. The connection interface 20 is connected to the crossbar support interface 202. In the illustrated mounted state, the abutment surface AF abuts on the surface of the ring 203 facing upwards adjacent to the cavity K. In the illustrated alternative embodiment, the connection point which is formed by a protrusion V and a cavity K is connectable and disconnectable in a simple manner. The alternative embodiment also renders an, as compared to a known horizontal crossbar, improved transfer of momentums in a scaffold section 100 possible.