Mating device for modular construction of structures or objects

Abstract

Abstract\nA coupling device for modular construction of structures or objects, comprising a main body (1) having at least one opening (2) or at least one recess and adapted to be coupled to at least one component (3) of a structure or object, wherein the at least one opening (2) or at least one recess is designed to interact with a coupling device for connecting the at least one component (3) to the main body (1), is designed and further provided with regard to simple and safe assembly of structures or objects with simple structural means such that the main body (1) acts as a corner element or edge element. A module (16) is created from the structure or object.

Description

Coupling device for modular construction of structures or objects

[0001] This invention relates to a coupling device for modular construction of structures or objects, comprising a main body having at least one opening or at least one recess and capable of being coupled to at least one component of a structure or object, wherein the at least one opening or at least one recess is designed to interact with a coupling means for coupling the at least one component to the main body.

[0002] From DE 196 36 294 C1 a coupling device is already known which is used for coupling two components in the form of containers 6. The known coupling device has a main body designed in the form of a spacer 20, 40 which has an opening 28 for a coupling means in the form of a threaded rod 16. The threaded rod 16 has two screw-type hammer parts 18, 42 which can be inserted into elongated holes 14 of the containers 6 and engaged there with the containers 6. In this way, a rigid connection of the containers 6 to one another is possible.

[0003] However, in the known coupling device, it is problematic that the combined coupling device requires a considerable amount of space, with its spacer 20, 40 designed for the insertion of the threaded rod 16, such that the containers 6 that are coupled to each other are located in the coupled state at a relatively large distance from each other, i.e. with respect to the dimensions of the spacer 20, 40. Such a large distance between the containers 6 is not desirable, especially in the case of several containers 6 that are coupled together, since the high static requirements of the overall structure consisting of several containers 6 or components are often due to the large distances between the containers 6 that are coupled together. Furthermore, due to the large distances between the containers 6, expensive space in warehouses or transport vehicles such as ships is ultimately wasted.

[0004] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of configuring and developing a coupling device of the type mentioned at the beginning so as to enable simple and safe construction of structures or objects with simple structural means.

[0005] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by using a coupling device with the features of claim 1. The coupling device according to the invention is then designed and developed in such a way that the main body is designed in the form of a corner element or edge element of a module of a structure or object.

[0006] In a manner according to the invention, it was first found that the above object is achieved by an intelligent design and arrangement of the main body in a surprisingly simple manner. In this case, the main body is specifically designed as a corner element or edge element of a module of a structure or object to be manufactured; in other words, the main body forms part of this module in a corner or edge region of the module and, as in the prior art, does not have an additional spacer or intermediate piece for being arranged between two components or modules with the consequence of a relatively large distance between the components or modules to be coupled. As a result, the components or modules to be coupled can be arranged very closely together with the coupling device according to the invention in the coupled state. This allows for considerable savings in valuable space. Furthermore, the arrangement close to the components or modules to be coupled is advantageous from a static point of view. In this case, even massive structural structures or objects built in a modular manner meet high static requirements and can withstand heavy loads.Due to the interaction of the suitable openings or recesses with the corresponding coupling means, the coupling device according to the invention is suitable for coupling by screwing, so that the production of welded joints between components or structural elements with a long coupling time, as is usually the case in the prior art, can be dispensed with. Dismantling or separation of components or objects manufactured by the coupling device according to the invention is likewise possible when screw connections are used.

[0007] Consequently, the coupling device according to the invention provides a coupling device with which simple and safe installation of structures or objects is possible with simple structural means.

[0008] Depending on the stable structure of the structures or objects, the coupling device can have a main body made of metal, in particular steel. Of course, other materials such as plastic or wood can also be used to produce the main body, depending on the application.

[0009] With regard to the particularly safe construction of a structure or object, at least one primary connecting element which acts essentially between the main body and at least one component can be assigned to the main body. This first connecting element can be adapted to the connection of the main body and the structural element in the case of bodies and main components of different designs, thereby creating a secure connection between the main body and the component.

[0010] With regard to the stable and reliable connection between main bodies which are arranged next to each other during the construction or in the final state of a structure or object, at least one second, preferably planar, connecting element which couples two or more main bodies can be assigned to the main body. This second connecting element can cover several main bodies, for example two, three or four main bodies, in the connection position applied to the main bodies.

[0011] To ensure a very simple and fast assembly of a structure or object, at least one first connecting element and / or at least one second connecting element can each have at least one positioning element for - preferably frictional and / or positive interaction with at least one corresponding element - preferably designed to be complementary to the at least one positioning element - the coupling element of the main body. For example, by means of this positioning element and the coupling element, the person constructing the structure or object can particularly quickly and reliably position the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element relative to the main body, respectively, to achieve rapid construction progress.

[0012] For this purpose, in a particularly advantageous manner, at least one positioning element can be designed as an engagement element protruding from at least one first or second connecting element and at least one coupling element can be designed as a recess in the main body, or alternatively, at least one positioning element can be designed as a recess in at least one first or second connecting element and at least one coupling element can be designed as an engagement element protruding from the main body. A very simple positioning operation can be provided by inserting the engagement element into the recess or placing the recess on the engagement element.

[0013] With regard to the specific secure connection between the main body and the first or second connecting element, at least one positioning element and / or at least one coupling element can be formed - preferably centrally or in the center - on or in a corresponding flat area of ​​the main body or at least one first or second connecting element. In this case, the flat areas of the main body and the at least one first or second connecting element can be positioned in a specific manner, especially opposite each other, in the connected state of the main body and the first or second connecting element. Preferably, the positioning element and / or the coupling element can be formed centrally or in the center of the corresponding flat areas, so that an arrangement of the positioning element and the coupling element is protected from external influences.

[0014] In order to enable positioning security not only with respect to displacement of the positioning element and the coupling element relative to each other in a displacement plane extending substantially perpendicular to a coupling direction, but also with respect to rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the coupling direction, the at least one positioning element and / or the at least one coupling element can have a rectangular or square shape with preferably beveled side areas or side surfaces. In this regard, the rectangular or square shape contributes to positioning security with respect to rotation, and the beveled side areas or side surfaces of the positioning element or coupling element provide easy nesting of the positioning element and the coupling element when the beveled side areas or side surfaces of the positioning element or coupling element slide against each other.

[0015] In addition, to ensure a very simple and fast assembly of a structure or object, at least one first connecting element can have at least one positioning element for - preferably frictional and / or positive interaction with at least one corresponding element - preferably complementary to the at least one positioning element - the coupling element of the main body. For example, by using this positioning element and the coupling element, the person constructing the structure or object can particularly quickly and reliably position the first connecting element relative to the main body to achieve rapid construction progress.

[0016] For this purpose, in a particularly advantageous manner, at least one positioning element can be designed as an engagement element protruding from at least one first connection element and at least one coupling element can be designed as a recess or opening in at least one component, or at least one positioning element can be designed as a recess or opening in at least one first connection element and at least one coupling element can be designed as an insertion or engagement element protruding from at least one component. A very simple positioning process can be provided by inserting the insertion or engagement element into the recess or opening or by placing the recess or opening on the insertion or engagement element.

[0017] With regard to the specific secure connection between the first connecting element and the component, at least one positioning element and / or at least one coupling element can preferably be formed centrally or centrally on or in a respective flat area of ​​the at least one first connecting element or at least one component. In this case, the flat areas of the at least one first connecting element or at least one component in the connected state of the first connecting element and the component can be positioned in a specific secure manner against each other. Preferably, the positioning element and / or the coupling element can be formed centrally or centrally in the respective flat areas to provide an arrangement of the positioning element and the coupling element protected from external influences.

[0018] In order to enable positioning security not only with respect to displacement of the positioning element and the coupling element relative to each other in a displacement plane extending substantially perpendicular to a coupling direction, but also with respect to rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the coupling direction, the at least one positioning element and / or the at least one coupling element can have a rectangular or square shape or a cross-sectional shape with preferably beveled side regions or side surfaces. In this regard, the rectangular or square cross-sectional shape contributes to positioning security with respect to rotation, and the beveled side regions or side surfaces of the positioning element or coupling element provide easy nesting of the positioning element and the coupling element when the beveled side regions or side surfaces of the positioning element or coupling element slide against each other.

[0019] With regard to the specific secure coupling between the component and the main body and also between a first and / or second connecting element and the main body, at least one opening or at least one recess in the main body can have an internal thread for interaction with the coupling means. As a result, a simple coupling of the respective components to each other by means of a screw connection is possible. Time-consuming welding connections that are very difficult to reverse can be dispensed with. In a very advantageous embodiment of a main body, a large number or even all of the openings or recesses in the main body can have an internal thread suitable for interaction with a coupling means, for example a screw or a bolt.

[0020] Also with regard to the secure connection between a first connecting element and / or a second connecting element and the main body, at least one first connecting element and / or at least one second connecting element can have at least one opening for the coupling means.

[0021] In order to ensure that the individual components are brought together as close as possible without creating undesirable gaps between the components or unwanted protrusions of the coupling means, e.g. screws, at least one opening for the coupling means in at least one first connecting element and / or in at least one second connecting element can preferably have a bevelled or conically shaped recess or groove for the coupling means. This allows the arrangement of a coupling means, e.g. a screw, in a respective component in the coupled state or in the assembled state of the structure or object.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention, an opening for the coupling means can be formed in at least one of the positioning or coupling elements of the main body, of at least one first connecting element and / or at least one second connecting element. As a result, a positioning element or coupling element can not only perform its positioning function in a space-saving manner, but can also have a coupling function.

[0023] In a simple embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention, the main body can be designed as a cube or a cube and / or the component can be designed as a square tube or a round tube. The concrete design can be based on the respective application.

[0024] The coupling device according to the invention can provide a simple, safe and versatile system for the modular construction of structures or objects with a main body and a first or second connecting element. Structures in the form of any house, e.g. residential buildings, or objects in the form of e.g. furniture can be constructed.

[0025] There are various options for designing and implementing the present invention in a useful manner. In this regard, with the aid of the drawings, reference is made on the one hand to the dependent claims and on the other hand to the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention. Preferred general designs and constructions of the invention are also described together with the description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. The drawing shows the following: Figure 1 shows, in perspective views, an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention, once in an assembled state and once in an open view, Figure 2 shows, in two perspective views, the first connecting element of the coupling device of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second connecting element of the coupling device of Figure 1, Figure 4 shows, in a perspective view, partly in an exploded view, a module of a structure to be constructed with a coupling device according to the invention, Figure 5 shows, in a partially exploded perspective view, an expanded module of a structure to be manufactured according to the invention with a coupling device, Figure 6 shows, in a partially open perspective view, the joining together of several modules of a structure using a coupling device according to the invention and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the modules of Figure 6 in assembled state.

[0026] Figure 1 shows, in perspective views, an exemplary embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention, in which, in the upper region of Figure 1, the assembled state of a part of a structure or object to be erected is shown, and in the lower region of Figure 1, the respective components are shown in an open state from the upper region. In this case, a coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects is shown, which has a main body 1 which has a plurality of openings 2 and which can be coupled to a component 3 of the structure. The opening 2 is designed to interact with a coupling means, for example a screw, for connecting the component 3 to the main body 1. In this case, the main body 1 and the component 3 are coupled to each other via a first connecting element 4 made of metal, preferably steel. Furthermore, in Figure 1, a second flat connecting element 5 made of metal, preferably steel, is also shown, which serves to couple two or more main bodies 1 to each other.

[0027] With a view to the simple and secure coupling of several components 3 or modules of a structure or object, the main body 1 is designed as a corner element or edge element of this module.

[0028] The first connecting element 4 is also shown in two enlarged views from different sides in FIG. 2. The second connecting element 5 is also shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3.

[0029] Both the first connecting element 4 and the second connecting element 5 have openings 6 for inserting or passing through the coupling means, which have a recess 7 for withdrawing or recessing the coupling means, which recess can be made oblique or conical.

[0030] Furthermore, the first connecting element 4 has a positioning element 8 for form-fitting interaction with a coupling element 9 of the main body 1, which is complementary to the positioning element 8. In this case, the positioning element 8 is formed as an engaging element protruding from the first connecting element 4 and the coupling element 9 as a recess in the main body 1. Both the positioning element 8 and the coupling element 9 are formed centrally in each case in a flat area of ​​the first connecting element 4 and the main body 1. An opening 6, 2 for a coupling means is formed in both the positioning element 8 and the coupling element 9.

[0031] The positioning element 8 and the coupling element 9 each have an approximately square shape with beveled side surfaces 10, in which the square shape forms a protection against mutual rotation of the first connecting element 4 and the main body 1 in the assembled state. This ensures the security of the positioning with respect to rotation. The beveled side surfaces 10 facilitate the insertion of the positioning element 8 into the coupling element 9 and thus the positioning of the first connecting element 4 relative to the main body 1 during assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, the first connecting element 4 has a positioning element 11 for form-fitting interaction with a coupling element 12 of the main body 3, which is complementary to the positioning element 11. The positioning element 11 is designed as an insertion or engagement element protruding from the first connecting element 4 and the coupling element 12 as an opening in the component 3. Both the positioning element 11 and the coupling element 12 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape to ensure that the first connecting element 4 does not rotate undesirably relative to the component 3 when the insertion or engagement element is inserted into the opening. Both the positioning element 11 and the coupling element 12 are formed centrally in each case in a flat area of ​​the first connecting element 4 and the component 3.

[0033] The second connecting element 5 has a rectangular shape to cover the two square outer surfaces of the two main bodies 1 and thus create a coupling between the two main bodies 1; the main body 1 is therefore designed as a "two-part element". To cover and couple three or four main bodies 1, the second connecting element 5 can be designed as a "three-part element" or a "four-part element". A "four-part element" can have an approximately square shape.

[0034] In the present exemplary embodiment, the main body 1 is formed in the form of a cube. The flat area of ​​the first connecting element 4 has the shape of a square base. The component 3 has the configuration of a square tube with a rectangular inner opening. However, other configurations of the main body 1, the connecting elements 4 and 5 and the component 3 are also possible.

[0035] The second connecting element 5 can have positioning elements 8 not only on the front side 13 shown in FIG. 3 , but also on the rear side (not shown in FIG. 3 ) or only on this rear side. The positioning elements 8 are formed in a particularly versatile and advantageous manner both on the front side 13 and on the rear side. This particularly advantageous design can be implicitly inferred from FIG. 1 , since there the rear side of the second connecting element 5 is in contact with the main body 1 .

[0036] Figures 4 and 5 show the construction of a module 16 of a structure using the coupling device according to the invention. In this case, according to Figure 4, a corresponding component 3 is coupled to the three outer surfaces of the main body 1 by means of a first coupling element 4. To fix the first coupling element 4 to the main body 1, coupling means in the form of bolts 14 are used, in which suitable internal threads are formed in the internal openings 2 of the main body 1 for screwing in the bolts 14. The bolts 14 have heads which are recessed in the recesses 7 of the openings 6 of the first coupling elements 4 in the assembled state of the module 16.

[0037] In Figure 5, the coupling elements are shown as rods 15 which can be inserted into the openings 6 of the positioning elements 11 of the first connecting elements 4 and in the assembled state of the module 16 extend through the components 3 to enable the components to be securely connected. In this case the rods 15 or coupling elements can have external threads for engaging with internal threads in the openings 2 of the main body 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, in the assembled state of the components, a substantially cubic module 16 is obtained in which the main elements 1 are formed as corner elements of the module 16 and thus form an integral part of the module 16.

[0038] Figures 6 and 7 show the structure of an object consisting of four modules 16, in which the four modules 16 each correspond to the module 16 shown in Figure 5. With regard to the assembly of the modules 16, reference can therefore be made to the descriptions of Figures 4 and 5 in this regard. According to Figures 6 and 7, the four modules 16 are connected to each other to form a cube in which second connecting elements 5 are used to connect the main bodies 1 that are placed next to each other. In the middle of an upper outer surface of the cube, a second connecting element 5 designed as a "four-part element" is used to connect and cover the four main bodies 1 that are placed next to each other. The four main bodies 1 are suitably placed next to each other to form a square shape. Due to the very high stability of the cube produced from four modules 16, a second connecting element 5 can be connected at any point where two or more main bodies 1 are placed next to each other.In the example embodiment shown here, this can additionally occur on the side surfaces and / or on the bottom side of the cube.

[0039] In order to further increase the stability and improve the statics of the produced cube or object or structure, a second connecting element 5 can also be arranged in the spaces 17 between the main bodies 1. In this case, a second connecting element 5 designed as a "two-part element" can be arranged, for example, in the space 17 below the "four-part element". Also, "half" "two-part elements" can be arranged in the empty space 17, see the space 17 marked in the lower area of ​​FIG. 7.

[0040] Furthermore, rods 15 are shown as coupling elements on some of the main bodies 1, for example in FIG. 7, for example for coupling modules 16 or other cubes consisting of, for example, four modules 16 to different sides of the cube. For example, two cubes of the type shown in FIG. 7 can be arranged one on top of the other and can be coupled with respect to secure connection using rods 15. Of course, rods 15 can be arranged independently in as many or as many main bodies 1 as are necessary or useful for secure connection, for example, modules 16 or other cubes. Based on the modules 16 shown here, very different structures such as buildings or high-rise objects can be implemented.

[0041] With the coupling device according to the invention, almost any large structure such as buildings or houses can be erected in a simple, safe and fast manner in a modular design.

[0042] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention, reference is made to the general description and appended claims to avoid repetition.

[0043] Finally, it is expressly noted that the exemplary embodiments described above are only for the purpose of illustrating the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to exemplary embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 main body 2 openings 3 components The first 4 connecting elements 5 Second connecting element 6 openings 7 depressions 8 elements of positioning 9 Pairing Elements 10 side surfaces 11 positioning elements 12 Pairing Elements 13 front side 14 screws 15 bars 16 modules 17 Druze

Claims

Claims 1. A coupling device for modular construction of structures or objects, comprising a main body (1) having at least one opening (2) or at least one recess and capable of being coupled to at least one component (3) of a structure or object, wherein the at least one opening (2) or at least one recess is designed to interact with a coupling means for coupling the at least one component (3) to the main body (1), wherein the main body (1) is designed as a corner element or edge element of a module of the structure or object; wherein at least one first connecting element (4) acting essentially between the main body (1) and at least one component (3) is assigned to the main body (1) and / or wherein at least one second connecting element (5) coupling two or more main bodies (1) is assigned to the main body (1), wherein at least one first connecting element (4) and / or at least one second connecting element (5) each have at least one positioning element (8) for frictional and / or positive interaction with at least one corresponding coupling element (9) of the main body (1) and wherein at least one positioning element (8) and / or at least one coupling element (9) have a rectangular or square shape, characterized in thatThe rectangular or square shape of at least one positioning element (8) and / or at least one coupling element (9) has beveled side areas or side surfaces (10).

2. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one positioning element (8) is designed as an engagement element protruding from at least one first or second connection element (4, 5) and at least one coupling element (9) is designed as a recess in the main body (1), or in that at least one positioning element (8) is designed as a recess in at least one first or second connection element (4, 5) and at least one coupling element (9) is designed as an engagement element protruding from the main body (1).

3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one positioning element (8) and / or at least one coupling element (9) - preferably centrally or in the center - is or consists of or on or in a corresponding flat area of ​​the main body (1) or of at least one first or second connecting element (4, 5).

4. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one first connecting element (4) has at least one positioning element (11) for interaction - preferably frictional and / or positive - with at least one corresponding - preferably complementary to the at least one positioning element (11) - coupling element (12) of at least one component (3).

5. Coupling device according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one positioning element (11) is formed as an insertion or engagement element protruding from at least one first connection element (4) and at least one coupling element (12) is formed as a recess or hole in at least one component (3), or at least one positioning element (11) is formed as a recess or hole in at least one first connection element (4) and at least one coupling element (12) is formed as an insertion or engagement element protruding from at least one component (3).

6. Coupling device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one positioning element (11) and / or at least one coupling element (12) is or is formed - preferably centrally or in the center - on or in a corresponding flat area of ​​at least one first connecting element (4) or at least one structural element (3).

7. Coupling device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one positioning element (11) and / or at least one coupling element (12) has or have an approximately rectangular or square shape or cross-sectional shape with preferably beveled side areas or side surfaces.

8. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one opening (2) or at least one recess in the main body (1) has an internal thread for interaction with the coupling device.

9. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one first connecting element (4) and / or at least one second connecting element (5) have or have at least one opening (6) for coupling devices.

10. Coupling device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one opening (6) for the coupling means in at least one first connecting element (4) and / or in at least one second connecting element (5) has or has an inclined or conical recess (7) or groove for the coupling means.

11. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in at least one of the positioning elements (8, 11) or the coupling elements (9, 12) of the main body (1), at least one first connecting element (4) and / or at least one second connecting element (5) an opening (2, 6) for the coupling means is provided.

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