Coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects

Abstract

A coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects, comprising a main body (1) having at least one through-opening (2) or at least one recess and being adapted to be coupled to at least one component (3) of a structure or object, wherein the at least one through-opening (2) or the 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), is designed and further formed with regard to a simple and safe assembly of structures or objects with structurally simple means in such a manner that the main body (1) is formed as a corner element or edge element of a module (16) of the structure or object.

Description

[0001] COUPLING DEVICE FOR THE MODULAR CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR OBJECTS

[0002] The invention relates to a coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects, comprising a base body having at least one passage or at least one recess and capable of being coupled to at least one building element of a structure or object, wherein the at least one passage or at least one recess is designed to cooperate with a coupling means for coupling the at least one building element to the base body.

[0003] A coupling device for connecting two components in the form of containers 6 is already known from DE 196 36 294 C1. The known coupling device has a base body designed as a spacer 20, 40, which has a passage 28 for a coupling element in the form of a threaded rod 16. The threaded rod 16 has two screw-on flame pieces 18, 42, which can be inserted into elongated holes 14 of the containers 6 and engage with the containers 6 there. This enables a rigid connection of the containers 6 to one another.

[0004] However, a problem with the known coupling device is that the entire coupling device, with its spacer 20, 40 designed for the insertion of the threaded rod 16, requires considerable space. This means that the coupled containers 6 are relatively far apart when coupled, with a distance corresponding to the dimensions of the spacer 20, 40. Such a large distance between the containers 6 is particularly undesirable in the case of several coupled containers 6, as the large distances between them often prevent the high static requirements of the overall structure or components from being met. Furthermore, the large distances between the containers 6 typically result in costly wasted space in storage facilities or transport systems, such as on ships.The present invention is therefore based on the objective of designing and further developing a coupling device of the type mentioned above in such a way that simple and safe construction of buildings or objects is made possible using structurally simple means.

[0005] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a coupling device with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the coupling device according to the invention is designed and further developed such that the base body is configured as a corner element or edge element of a module of the structure or object.

[0006] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that the aforementioned problem is solved in a surprisingly simple manner through the clever design and arrangement of the base body. Specifically, the base body is designed as a corner element or edge element of a module of the structure or object to be erected. In other words, the base body forms a component of such a module in a corner or edge region of the module and does not—as in the prior art—have an additional spacer or intermediate piece for arrangement between two components or modules, resulting in a correspondingly large distance between the components or modules to be coupled. Consequently, the components or modules to be coupled can be arranged very close to one another in the coupled state using the coupling device according to the invention. This allows for a considerable saving of costly space.Furthermore, a closely spaced arrangement of components or modules to be coupled is particularly advantageous from a static point of view. Even bulky structures or objects built on a modular basis meet high static requirements and can withstand high weight loads. Due to the interaction of suitable passages or recesses with corresponding coupling elements, the coupling device according to the invention is suitable for coupling by means of screw connections, thus eliminating the need for the time-consuming creation of welded connections between components or elements to be coupled, as is common in the prior art. Dismantling or disassembling structures or objects built using the coupling device according to the invention is therefore also possible when screw connections are used.

[0007] Consequently, the coupling device according to the invention provides a coupling device that enables the simple and safe assembly of structures or objects using structurally simple means.

[0008] For the sake of a particularly stable construction of buildings or objects, the coupling device may have a base body made of metal, especially steel. However, depending on the application, other materials such as plastic or wood may also be used for the manufacture of the base body.

[0009] With a view to ensuring particularly safe construction of a structure or object, the base body can be assigned at least one first connecting element that essentially acts between the base body and the at least one component. Such a first connecting element can provide an adaptation for coupling the base body and component in the case of differently designed base bodies and components, and thus a secure connection between the base body and the component.

[0010] For a particularly stable and secure connection between base bodies arranged side by side during the construction or in a final state of a structure or object, at least one second connecting element, preferably planar, can be assigned to the base body, coupling two or more base bodies. Such a second connecting element can cover several base bodies, for example two, three, or four, in a connection position applied to the base bodies.

[0011] To ensure particularly simple and rapid assembly of a structure or object, the at least one first connecting element and / or the at least one second connecting element can each have at least one positioning element for interaction – preferably force-fit and / or form-fit – with at least one corresponding counter-element of the base body, preferably designed to be complementary to the at least one positioning element. For example, by means of such a positioning element and counter-element, a person assembling the structure or object can position the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element relative to the base body particularly quickly and securely, thereby achieving rapid assembly progress.

[0012] For this purpose, the at least one positioning element can be advantageously designed as an engagement element projecting from the at least one first or second connecting element, and the at least one counter element as a recess in the base body. Alternatively, the at least one positioning element can be designed as a recess in the at least one first or second connecting element, and the at least one counter element as an engagement element projecting from the base body. A particularly simple positioning process can be achieved by inserting the engagement element into the recess or by attaching the recess to the engagement element.

[0013] With a view to a particularly secure connection between the base body and the first or second connecting element, the at least one positioning element and / or the at least one counter element can be formed – preferably centrally or centrally – on or within a planar area of ​​the base body or the at least one first or second connecting element. In a further particularly secure manner, the planar areas of the base body and the at least one first or second connecting element can lie against each other when the base body and the first or second connecting element are connected. Preferably, the positioning element and / or the counter element can be formed centrally or centrally on the respective planar areas to provide an arrangement of the positioning element and counter element that is protected from external influences.

[0014] In order to enable not only positioning security with regard to a displacement of the positioning element and the counter element in a displacement plane that is essentially perpendicular to a coupling direction relative to each other, but also with regard to a rotation about an axis that is essentially parallel to the coupling direction, the at least one positioning element and / or the at least one counter element can have an essentially rectangular or square shape with preferably chamfered side areas or side surfaces.The rectangular or square shape contributes to positioning reliability with regard to rotation, and beveled side areas or surfaces of the positioning element or the counter element allow for easy insertion of the positioning element and counter element while the beveled side areas or surfaces of the positioning element and counter element slide against each other.

[0015] Furthermore, to ensure particularly simple and rapid assembly of a structure or object, the at least one first connecting element can have at least one positioning element for interaction – preferably force-fit and / or form-fit – with at least one corresponding counter-element of the at least one structural element, preferably designed to be complementary to the at least one positioning element. For example, by means of such a positioning element and counter-element, a person assembling the structure or object can position the first connecting element relative to the structural element particularly quickly and securely, thereby achieving rapid assembly progress.

[0016] For this purpose, the at least one positioning element can be advantageously designed as an insertion or engagement element projecting from the at least one first connecting element, and the at least one counter element can be designed as a recess or passage in the at least one component. Alternatively, the at least one positioning element can be designed as a recess or passage in the at least one first connecting element, and the at least one counter element can be designed as an insertion or engagement element projecting from the at least one component. A particularly simple positioning process can be achieved by inserting the insertion or engagement element into the recess or passage, or by placing the recess or passage onto the insertion or engagement element.

[0017] With a view to a particularly secure connection between the first connecting element and the component, the at least one positioning element and / or the at least one counter element can be formed – preferably centrally or centrally – on or within a planar area of ​​the at least one first connecting element or the at least one component. In a further particularly secure manner, the planar areas of the first connecting element and the component can lie against each other when connected. Preferably, the positioning element and / or the counter element can be formed centrally or centrally on the respective planar areas to provide an arrangement of the positioning element and counter element that is protected from external influences.

[0018] In order to enable not only positioning reliability with regard to a displacement of the positioning element and the counter element in a displacement plane that is essentially perpendicular to a coupling direction relative to each other, but also with regard to a rotation about an axis that is essentially parallel to the coupling direction, the at least one positioning element and / or the at least one counter element can have an essentially rectangular or square shape or cross-sectional shape with preferably chamfered side areas or side surfaces.The rectangular or square shape or cross-sectional shape contributes to positioning security with regard to rotation, and beveled side areas or side surfaces of the positioning element or the counter element offer a simple insertion of the positioning element and counter element during a sliding of the beveled side areas or side surfaces of the respective positioning element and counter element against each other.

[0019] With a view to ensuring a particularly secure connection between the component and the base body, and also between a first and / or a second connecting element and the base body, the at least one passage or recess in the base body can have an internal thread for interaction with the coupling element. This allows for simple coupling of the respective components by means of a screw connection. Time-consuming and very difficult-to-reverse welding connections can be avoided. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the base body, several or even all passages or recesses in the base body can have a suitable internal thread for interaction with a coupling element, for example, a screw or a bolt.

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

[0021] To ensure that the individual components are arranged as close together as possible, without creating unwanted gaps between the components or disruptive protrusions of coupling elements, such as screws, the at least one passage for the coupling element in the at least one first connecting element and / or in the at least one second connecting element can have a preferably inclined or conical recess or countersink for the coupling element. This allows for a countersunk arrangement of a coupling element, for example a screw, in a respective component, either when the components are coupled or when the structure or object is assembled.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention, a passage for the coupling means can be formed in at least one of the positioning elements or counter elements of the base body, the at least one first connecting element, and / or the at least one second connecting element. This allows a positioning element or counter element to fulfill not only its positioning function but also a coupling function in a space-saving manner. In a particularly simple embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention, the base body can be designed as a cuboid or cube, and / or the component can be designed as a square or round tube. The specific design can be tailored to the respective application.

[0023] The coupling device according to the invention, together with the base body and the first and / or second connecting element, can provide a simple, safe, and versatile system for the modular construction of structures or objects. Structures in the form of any type of house, for example, residential buildings, or objects in the form of, for example, furniture, can be constructed using this system.

[0024] There are now various ways to advantageously develop and further refine the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the dependent claims and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows

[0025] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention in perspective views, once in an assembled state and once in an exploded view.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows the first connecting element of the coupling device from Fig. 1 in two perspective views.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the second connecting element of the coupling device from Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 4 in a perspective view, partly as an exploded view, shows a module of a building to be constructed with a coupling device according to the invention,

[0029] Fig. 5 in a perspective view, partly as an exploded view, shows an extended module of a building to be constructed with a coupling device according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 6 in a perspective view, partly as an exploded view, shows the joining of several modules of a structure using the coupling device according to the invention and

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the modules from Fig. 6 in their assembled state.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows, in perspective views, an embodiment of the coupling device according to the invention. The upper part of Fig. 1 shows an assembled state of a part of a structure or object to be erected, while the lower part of Fig. 1 shows the corresponding components from the upper part in an exploded view. The coupling device shown is for the modular construction of structures or objects and comprises a base body 1 with several passages 2, which can be coupled to a component 3 of the structure. The passages 2 are designed to interact with a coupling element, for example, a screw, for coupling the component 3 to the base body 1. The base body 1 and the component 3 are coupled to each other via a first connecting element 4 made of metal, preferably steel. Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows...1 A second flat connecting element 5 made of metal, preferably steel, is shown, which serves to couple two or more base bodies 1 together.

[0033] The basic body 1 is designed as a corner element or edge element of a module to enable particularly simple and secure coupling of several building elements 3 or modules of a structure or object. The first connecting element 4 is shown in two enlarged perspective views from different sides in Fig. 2. The second connecting element 5 is shown in an enlarged perspective view in Fig. 3.

[0034] Both the first connecting element 4 and the second connecting element 5 have passages 6 for inserting or pushing through a coupling means, which have a recess 7 for countersinking or lowering the coupling means, which may be inclined or conical.

[0035] Furthermore, the first connecting element 4 has a positioning element 8 for positive-locking interaction with a counter-element 9 of the base body 1, which is designed complementarily to the positioning element 8. The positioning element 8 is formed as a gripping element projecting from the first connecting element 4, and the counter-element 9 is formed as a recess in the base body 1. Both the positioning element 8 and the counter-element 9 are formed centrally in a planar area of ​​the first connecting element 4 and the base body 1, respectively. A passage 6, 2 for a coupling means is formed in both the positioning element 8 and the counter-element 9.

[0036] The positioning element 8 and the counter element 9 each have an essentially square shape with chamfered side surfaces 10, the square shape acting as a safeguard against relative rotation of the first connecting element 4 and the base body 1 in the assembled state. This ensures positioning stability with respect to rotation. The chamfered side surfaces 10 facilitate the insertion of the positioning element 8 into the counter element 9 and thus the positioning of the first connecting element 4 relative to the base body 1 during assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, the first connecting element 4 has a positioning element 11 for positive-locking interaction with a counter element 12 of the component 3, which is designed complementarily to the positioning element 11. The positioning element 11 is designed as an insertion or engagement element projecting from the first connecting element 4, and the counter element 12 is designed as a passage in the component 3. Both the positioning element 11 and the counter element 12 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape to ensure that, when the insertion or engagement element is inserted into the passage, the first connecting element 4 is secured against unwanted rotation relative to the component 3. Both the positioning element 11 and the counter element 12 are located centrally in a planar area of ​​the first connecting element 4 and the component 3, respectively.

[0038] The second connecting element 5 has a rectangular shape to cover two square outer surfaces of two base bodies 1, thus providing a connection between the two base bodies 1. The base body 1 is therefore designed as a "two-element". To cover and connect three or four base bodies 1, the second connecting element 5 can alternatively be designed as a "three-element" or "four-element". A "four-element" could have an essentially square shape.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the base body 1 is formed as a cube. The planar area of ​​the first connecting element 4 has a square base shape. The component 3 is designed as a square tube with a rectangular inner opening. However, other configurations of the base body 1, the connecting elements 4 and 5, and the component 3 are also possible.

[0040] 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 back side (not shown in Fig. 3), or only on this back side. Positioning elements 8 are formed on both the front side 13 and the back side in a particularly versatile and advantageous way. This particularly advantageous embodiment is implicitly evident from Fig. 1, since the back side of the second connecting element 5 is in contact with the base body 1 there.

[0041] Figures 4 and 5 show the assembly of a module 16 of a structure using the coupling device according to the invention. As shown in Figure 4, a component 3 is coupled to each of three outer surfaces of the base body 1 by means of a first connecting element 4. To fix the first connecting elements 4 to the base body 1, coupling means in the form of screws 14 are used, wherein suitable internal threads for screwing in the screws 14 are formed in corresponding passages 2 of the base body 1. The screws 14 have heads that, in the assembled state of the module 16, are countersunk in recesses 7 of the passages 6 of the first connecting elements 4.

[0042] Figure 5 shows coupling elements designed as rods 15, which can be inserted into passages 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 secure coupling of the components. The rods 15 or coupling elements can have external threads for engagement with internal threads in passages 2 of the base body 1. In the embodiment shown here, the assembled state of the components results in a substantially cuboid module 16, with the base elements 1 forming corner elements of the module 16 and thus forming an integral part of the module 16.

[0043] Figures 6 and 7 show the construction of an object composed of four modules 16, each corresponding to the module 16 shown in Figure 5. For the assembly of the modules 16, reference is made to the description accompanying Figures 4 and 5. According to Figures 6 and 7, the four modules 16 are joined to form a cuboid, using second connecting elements 5 to couple adjacent base bodies 1. A second connecting element 5, designed as a "four-element," is located in the center of an upper outer surface of the cuboid to connect and overlap four adjacent base bodies 1. The four base bodies 1 are arranged next to each other in a suitable manner to form a square shape.To ensure particularly high stability of the cuboid formed from the four modules 16, a second connecting element 5 can be attached at any point where two or more base bodies 1 are arranged side by side. In the embodiment shown here, this could additionally be done on the side faces and / or on the underside of the cuboid.

[0044] To further increase the stability and improve the statics of the resulting cuboid, object, or structure, a second connecting element 5 can also be arranged in the spaces 17 between adjacent base bodies 1. For example, a second connecting element 5 designed as a "two-element" can be arranged in the space 17 below the "four-element". "Half" two-elements can also be arranged in spaces 17, as shown in the space 17 marked in the lower part of Fig. 7.

[0045] Furthermore, in Fig. 7, rods 15 are shown as coupling elements on some of the base bodies 1 by way of example, in order to couple, for instance, further modules 16 or further cuboids composed of, for example, four modules 16 to different sides of the cuboid. For example, two cuboids of the type shown in Fig. 7 can be arranged one above the other and coupled by means of the rods 15 to ensure a secure connection. Rods 15 can, of course, be arranged in several or in all of the base bodies 1 that are required or useful for the secure coupling of, for example, further modules 16 or cuboids. Based on the modules 16 shown here, a wide variety of structures – such as log houses – or objects can be realized.

[0046] With the coupling device according to the invention, virtually any size structure, such as buildings or houses, can be erected in a simple, safe and quick manner using modular construction.

[0047] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims to avoid repetition. Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described above serve only to illustrate the claimed teaching and do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments.

[0048] Reference symbol list

[0049] 1 Basic body

[0050] 2nd round

[0051] 3 Component

[0052] 4 first connecting element

[0053] 5 second connecting element

[0054] 6 rounds

[0055] 7. Further Study

[0056] 8 Positioning element

[0057] 9 Counter-element

[0058] 0 side surface

[0059] 1 positioning element

[0060] 2 Counter element

[0061] 3 Front

[0062] 4 screws

[0063] 5 rods

[0064] Module 6

[0065] 7 space

Claims

1.         Coupling device for the modular construction of structures or objects, having a main body (1) which has at least one through-opening (2) or at least one recess and which can be coupled to at least one component (3) of a structure or object, wherein the at least one through-opening (2) or the at least one recess is designed for interacting with a coupling means for coupling the at least one component (3) to the main body (1) and wherein the main body (1) is designed as a corner element or edge element of a module of the structure or object, characterized in that at least one first connecting element (4) acting between the main body (1) and the at least one component (3) is assigned to the main body (1) or that at least one second connecting element (5) coupling two or more main bodies (1) is assigned to the main body (1), that the at least one first connecting element (4) or the at least one second connecting element (5) each have at least one positioning element (8) for frictional or positive interacting with at least one corresponding mating element (9) of the main body (1) and that the at least one positioning element (8) or the at least one mating element (9) have a rectangular or square shape with beveled side regions or side surfaces (10). 2.         Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one positioning element (8) is designed as an engagement element projecting from the at least one first or second connecting element (4, 5) and the at least one mating element (9) is designed as a recess in the main body (1), or in that the at least one positioning element (8) is designed as a recess in the at least one first or second connecting element (4, 5) and the at least one mating element (9) is designed as an engagement element projecting from the main body (1). 3.         Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one positioning element (8) or the at least one mating element (9) are or is formed on or in a respective planar region of the main body (1) or of the at least one first or second connecting element (4, 5). 4.         Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first connecting element (4) has at least one positioning element (11) for frictional interacting with at least one corresponding mating element (12) of the at least one component (3). 5.         Coupling device according to claim 4, characterized in, that the at least one positioning element (11) is formed as an insertion or engagement element projecting from the at least one first connecting element (4) and the at least one mating element (12) is formed as a recess or through-hole in the at least one component (3), or that the at least one positioning element (11) is formed as a recess or through-hole in the at least one first connecting element (4) and the at least one mating element (12) is formed as an insertion or engagement element projecting from the at least one component (3). 6.         Coupling device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one positioning element (11) or the at least one mating element (12) are or is formed on or in a respective planar region of the at least one first connecting element (4) or of the at least one structural element (3). 7.         Coupling device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one positioning element (11) or the at least one mating element (12) has or have a rectangular or square shape or a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. 8.         Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one through-opening (2) or the at least one recess in the main body (1) has an internal thread for interacting with the coupling means. 9.         Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first connecting element (4) or the at least one second connecting element (5) have or has at least one through-opening (6) for the coupling means. 10.       Coupling device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one through-opening (6) for the coupling means in the at least one first connecting element (4) or in the at least one second connecting element (5) have or has a depression (7) or indentation for the coupling means. 11.       Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that in at least one of: (a) the positioning elements (8, 11) or mating elements (9, 12) of the main body (1), (b) the at least one first connecting element (4), or (c) the at least one second connecting element (5), a through-opening (2, 6) for the coupling means is formed.

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