Timber frame

Abstract

truss (2), with a first plurality of first truss elements (3), with a first plurality of second truss elements (4), and with a first plurality of third truss elements (5), - wherein the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) have substantially similar cross-sectional profiles, wherein the respective truss elements (3,4,5) are formed with the same cross-sectional profile over their entire length, optionally with the exception of a different cross-sectional profile in an end section of a truss element (3,4,5), - wherein one of the first, the second and the third truss elements (3,4,5) are connected to each other to form a common first truss node (6), - wherein in each of these first truss nodes (6) the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) always lie on top of each other in a first direction of rotation (7), and - wherein at least three first truss nodes (6) are arranged adjacent in at least two spatial directions such that a surface running between these first truss nodes (6) is filled by the first, second and / or third truss elements (3,4,5) of these three first truss nodes (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a truss, in particular a surface structure.

[0002] Surface structures are used to create planar structures, preferably self-supporting (also called self-supporting). Such surface structures are typically spatial trusses (for example, known from DE 103 27 159 A1). In particular, these trusses have spans that exceed the length of their individual elements—usually beams, also referred to as "members" in the context of trusses—many times over. This means that even for large spans, no additional support elements (pillars or the like) are required for such trusses.

[0003] Such truss structures are also known by names like "self-interlocking" trusses, mandala roofs, and similar terms. They are used, for example, in bridge construction, for roofing (sports) halls, and other structures where the largest possible spans are required. Another truss structure, for example, for children's playground equipment, is known from DE 80 30 582 U1.

[0004] A geodesic dome (also known as a geodesic cupola) is known from GB 926,229 A. These are usually constructed from triangles that were originally formed from a truss framework. GB 926,229 A shows a construction with diamond-shaped (rhomboid) panels.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved truss structure.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a truss structure with the features of claim 1. Advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] The truss comprises a first plurality of first truss elements, a first plurality of second truss elements, and a first plurality of third truss elements. These multiple first, second, and third truss elements form a first group of truss elements. Furthermore, the first, second, and third truss elements have essentially similar, preferably identical, cross-sectional profiles. "Essentially" in this context means that the respective truss elements have the same cross-sectional profile over their entire length, with the possible exception of a differing cross-sectional profile in an end section of a truss element (e.g., in the form of a scarf joint or the like), i.e., in an end region with relatively short dimensions compared to the overall length, which has only negligible or no influence on the mechanical properties of the truss.Furthermore, one of each of the first, second, and third truss elements is connected to form a common first truss node, which is hereinafter also referred to as a primary node. At each of these primary nodes, the first, second, and third truss elements, preferably viewed from a reference position, always lie consecutively in a first direction of rotation (i.e., in particular clockwise or counterclockwise) (i.e., the respective three truss elements preferably do not meet at a common point with their longitudinal axes). The truss also comprises at least two of these primary nodes, which are arranged adjacently such that a surface running between these two primary nodes is filled with first, second, and / or third truss elements of both primary nodes.

[0008] The truss comprises at least three of these primary nodes, wherein these three primary nodes are adjacent in at least two spatial directions – i.e., arranged with the smallest possible distance between them. In this case, the surface running between the three primary nodes is filled with truss elements of these three primary nodes.

[0009] The truss elements and the respective primary nodes are therefore arranged in such a way that the truss has a closed surface.

[0010] In figurative terms, each primary node represents a kind of tripod, composed of one of the first, one of the second, and one of the third truss elements. Several of these tripods are interlocked and interlocked within the truss, filling the space with the nearest adjacent tripod. "Interlocking" in this context means that at least one of the truss elements of a tripod projects into the space spanned by the adjacent tripod (which approximates a tetrahedron).

[0011] However, it is not fundamentally necessary for the truss to always have a total number of truss elements in the first group that is an integer multiple of three; that is, not all truss elements need to be assigned to a primary node. In particular, and without departing from the invention, individual truss elements can preferably be arranged in the peripheral regions of the truss (without forming a primary node) to be available, for example, for connecting the truss to supporting structures (e.g., foundations, beams) and the like.

[0012] The term "reference position" refers in particular to a theoretical (observation) point, preferably arranged at a distance from the truss, which serves to describe the geometric properties of the truss from always one and the same viewing direction.

[0013] Preferably, the truss is a self-bracing, planar structure. This means that the individual truss elements are arranged and connected to one another in such a way that they mutually support each other. This allows the truss to span comparatively large distances without intermediate supports. The advantage of the truss according to the invention lies in the fact that, on the one hand, the truss, and in particular the first group of truss elements, forms a solid surface. This eliminates, for example, the assembly effort required to cover gaps between the individual truss elements.On the other hand, the fact that the individual truss elements not only abut each other at the primary nodes, but also additionally at other truss elements (without forming a connecting node), especially those of neighboring primary nodes, enables a particularly high mutual restraint, so that the truss exhibits high stability.

[0014] In a practical design, the first truss elements are arranged along a first spatial direction. Similarly, the second and third truss elements are arranged along their respective second and third spatial directions. These first, second, and third spatial directions are distinct from one another. Thus, all primary nodes are preferably identical in their basic structure and oriented in the same way. This results in a particularly simple truss construction.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the truss has at least three primary nodes arranged adjacent to each other in two spatial directions. These three primary nodes are preferably arranged with the smallest possible distance between them (and in particular interlocking). The first, second, and third truss elements of each of these three primary nodes are connected, in particular, to form a second truss node (hereinafter referred to as a "secondary node"). This means that three adjacent primary nodes are always connected to each other by means of a secondary node. Specifically, three different truss elements of each of the three primary nodes converge at this secondary node.

[0016] In a practical embodiment, the primary nodes are arranged in a first node plane (hereinafter: "primary plane"). The secondary nodes are arranged—particularly when viewed from the reference position—in a second node plane (hereinafter: "secondary plane") that is set back from the primary plane. Because the secondary nodes are set back "behind" the primary nodes, a nested surface structure of the truss results, especially with a large number of primary nodes, particularly since the primary plane and the secondary plane are connected to each other in a "zigzag" pattern by means of the respective truss elements.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the first, second, and third truss elements, each forming one of the secondary nodes, are positioned one after the other in the first direction of rotation when viewed from the reference position (just like the truss elements of the primary nodes). That is, each truss element rests on the corresponding preceding truss element in the same manner as the primary node. When considering the secondary node in isolation, particularly when viewing the "back" of the primary node(s), the secondary node therefore exhibits the same direction of rotation (especially clockwise or counterclockwise) as the primary nodes.

[0018] In a suitable design, viewed from the reference position, the respective first, second and third truss elements converge convexly at each primary node, i.e., they form a “pointed” node pointing away from the secondary plane, also known as a positive (in the sense of protruding) or “male” node.

[0019] In another practical embodiment, viewed from the reference position, the respective first, second, and third truss elements converge concavely at each secondary node. The truss elements of the secondary nodes thus form a kind of trough or depression, which can also be described as a negative (in the sense of sunken or sunken) or "female" node. In particular, the primary nodes point sharply towards a "top" or "front" of the truss, whereas the secondary nodes point sharply in the opposite direction, i.e., towards the underside or back of the truss.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the cross-sectional profile of the first, second, and third truss elements is each formed by a (preferably convex) quadrilateral, in particular a parallelogram. Particularly preferably, the cross-sectional profile is formed by a rectangle or a parallelogram with two parallel but oblique pairs of sides. This allows the use of particularly simple and therefore cost-effective profiles as truss elements. Especially in the case of the parallelogram with oblique sides, the overall thickness (or "height") of the truss can advantageously be reduced, since the truss elements are aligned at an angle greater than 90 degrees to each other.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first, second, and third truss elements are identical, at least in a main part, particularly with regard to cross-sectional profile and length. However, it is especially preferred that the truss elements are completely identical. "At least in a main part" is understood here and in the following to mean that individual truss elements, which are used for connection to support structures separate from the truss (e.g., foundations, beams, etc.), may optionally differ from the other truss elements, particularly with regard to their length. However, especially compared to the total number of first, second, and third truss elements in a large-scale truss design, the number of such "non-identical" truss elements is small.

[0022] For connection to one another, in a suitable design, the first, second, and third truss elements are bonded at the primary and / or secondary nodes using a material bond, i.e., by means of an adhesive or, in the case of metallic truss elements, by welding or soldering. Alternatively, or—especially in the case of adhesive bonding—additionally, the truss elements are connected by means of separate fasteners using a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection. Such fasteners include, in particular, bolts, (wooden) dowels, pins, nails, screws, or the like.

[0023] Particularly when the respective truss elements are connected by means of the fasteners described above, a first connection point of each truss element, which is assigned to the respective primary node, is arranged in relation to a second connection point, assigned to the respective secondary node, such that the distance between the first and the second connection point corresponds to the width of the truss elements (oriented transversely to their longitudinal extent), in particular plus an overlap. This overlap is preferably selected such that a mechanically sufficiently stable connection with each of the connected truss elements is enabled. For example, in the case of screws as fasteners, the overlap is selected such that the screws (in particular transversely to the screw axis) do not pull out of the truss element being screwed to it.In this case, the respective connection point preferably forms a bore into which a screw can be screwed. The resulting overhang advantageously ensures that the screw is positioned with sufficient distance from the edge of the truss element being screwed to it. In a particularly suitable embodiment, the overhang is selected to correspond to the thickness of a truss element. This results, especially in truss elements with a rectangular cross-sectional profile, in the primary and secondary nodes where the truss elements resting on the adjacent truss element with their narrow side (i.e., the side running in the direction of thickness) are held centrally at their narrow side by the respective screw.

[0024] Particularly preferably, each truss element has connection points, in particular bores, offset from each other on two side faces as described above. These connection points arranged on the respective sides are offset from each other by at least the thickness of each truss element. This means that the orientation, in particular the trailing bearing of each truss element on the adjacent truss elements, as well as the distances between the primary and secondary nodes, are predetermined by the positioning of the connecting elements.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the truss comprises a second plurality of the first, second, and third truss elements. In other words, the truss has a second group of the truss elements described above. Of these first, second, and third truss elements, one each is connected to the other at a common third truss node—also referred to as the second primary node. However, at this second primary node (especially when viewed from the reference position), the first, second, and third truss elements lie one after the other in a second direction of rotation opposite to that of the first primary node (i.e., with a reversed direction of rotation).The second primary nodes are arranged, viewed from the reference position, in an orientation mirrored to the first primary nodes, in a third node plane (hereinafter referred to as the tertiary plane) upstream of the primary plane or downstream of the secondary plane. In other words, the truss is formed by two mirror-image groups of primary nodes, with the two groups resting on each other in reverse orientation – i.e., the first primary nodes abutting the second primary node abutting the second secondary node, or analogously, the first secondary nodes abutting the second secondary node. This results in a thickening (i.e., an increase in the structural height) of the entire truss. Between the two groups, cuboid or cube-shaped cavities are formed (specifically in the case of truss elements with a rectangular cross-section). Preferably, the corresponding (primary or secondary) nodes rest on each other.

[0026] In an alternative variant, the first and second groups of truss elements, which are identically designed, lie on top of each other in the same orientation, such that the primary nodes of one of the two groups (especially when viewed from the reference position) lie below the primary nodes of the other group from one underside. This also results in a thickening of the truss, but with a significantly reduced overall thickness (structural height) compared to the above design.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, particularly to the planar distribution of primary nodes in the primary plane, which also constitutes an independent invention, several primary nodes, arranged in opposite directions of rotation, are alternately stacked on top of one another, with the respective first and second primary nodes being aligned with their "tips" in the same spatial orientation. This allows a kind of mast or column to be formed. To enable an approximately point-like support, in an optional additional or alternative variant, two counter-rotating primary nodes are placed tip to tip.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a top view of a top surface, a partial element of a truss, Fig. 2 in view according to Fig. 1 the timber frame with a plurality of sub-elements, Fig. 3. In perspective view, a truss element of the truss with predefined holes, Fig. 4 in view according to Fig. 2 the truss with the truss elements according to Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in view according to Fig. 1 or 2 the sub-element and the truss according to a further embodiment.

[0029] Corresponding parts in all figures are always marked with the same reference symbols.

[0030] In Fig. 1 is a sub-element 1 of a truss 2 (in Fig. 2 (shown in more detail). The sub-element 1 is formed from a first truss element 3, a second truss element 4, and a third truss element 5. The first, second, and third truss elements 3, 4, and 5 are connected in a - in Fig. The three truss elements 3, 4, and 5 are connected to each other at the primary node 6, which protrudes as a "point". Within the primary node 6, the three truss elements 3, 4, and 5 are positioned one after the other, respectively, resting on one of the three truss elements 3, 4, and 5. This results in a direction of rotation for the primary node 6 – in this embodiment, counterclockwise with respect to the primary node 6, and designated as the first direction of rotation 7. Each of the three truss elements 3, 4, and 5 also extends longitudinally in a corresponding first, second, and third spatial direction 8, 9, and 10, respectively, which are each distinct. The sub-element 1 thus represents a kind of tripod, the legs of which are formed by the three truss elements 3, 4, and 5.

[0031] All truss elements 3, 4, and 5 are identical and have a rectangular cross-section with a thickness D and a width B. Therefore, the angle between each truss element 3, 4, and 5 is always 90 degrees. The length of truss elements 3, 4, and 5 is denoted as length L.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the truss 2 in more detail. The truss 2 is composed of three identical sub-elements 1. Each of the three sub-elements 1 is connected to the two adjacent sub-elements 1 by means of a different truss element 3, 4, and 5. This means that of the three depicted sub-elements 1, a first, a second, and a third truss element 3, 4, and 5 are in turn connected to form a further node. This further node is referred to below as the secondary node 12. Specifically, these three truss elements 3, 4, and 5 are connected to each other at the secondary node 12 in the region of their longitudinal ends 14 opposite the primary node 6. Thus, the secondary nodes 12 (in Fig. 2 (only one secondary node 12 is present) is set back relative to a (primary) plane spanned by the primary nodes 6. In the Fig. The truss 2 shown in the diagram are specifically the third truss element 5 of the structure when viewed in the direction of rotation 7. Fig. 2. the left-hand partial element 1, the first truss element 3 of the right-hand partial element 1 and the second truss element 4 of the in Fig. The sub-element 1 shown at the top of the drawing is connected to the secondary node 12. Since the secondary node 12 is set back from the primary node 6, the secondary node is Fig. Two of the other three truss elements 3, 4, and 5 of the three primary nodes 6 are obscured. While the primary nodes 6 each represent a point that protrudes from the drawing area, the secondary node 12 forms a depression—or a point—that points in a direction opposite to that of the primary nodes 6.

[0033] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the three truss elements 3, 4, and 5 in each primary node 6 lie with their broad side (i.e., the side running in the width direction) on one narrow side (i.e., the side running in the thickness direction) of the adjacent truss element 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Viewed from the rear or underside of the truss—i.e., looking away from the drawing surface or towards the "tip" of the secondary node 12—the truss elements 3, 4, and 5 in the secondary node 12 lie "on edge," i.e., with their narrow sides on the broad sides of the adjacent truss element 3, 4, and 5, respectively. When the secondary node 12 is viewed separately from the underside of the truss 2, it has the same direction of rotation as the primary nodes 6.

[0034] The distance between the primary nodes 6 and the secondary node 12 is chosen such that it corresponds to the width B of the truss elements 3, 4, and 5. This results in a distance between the primary nodes 6 - as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the surface is filled by the truss elements 3, 4, and 5 themselves. Furthermore, this results in a particularly high degree of self-interlocking between the truss elements 3, 4, and 5, and especially between the sub-elements 1 and each other.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 3 shows one of the truss elements 3, 4, and 5 in detail. To simplify the fastening of the individual truss elements 3, 4, and 5 to one another, each of these truss elements 3, 4, and 5 has predefined bores 16, i.e., connection points or, more specifically, bore positions. Fasteners, e.g., wooden dowels, bolts, or screws, can be inserted through these bores 16 to connect the truss elements 3, 4, and 5 in the intended assembly state.

[0036] The bores 16 are always designed with the same "hole pattern", i.e., a uniform distance between them. In the present embodiment, the distance is the sum of the width B and the thickness D of the truss elements 3, 4 and 5. Thus, the connecting elements are positioned as shown. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the holes are always located centrally (relative to thickness D) on the narrow sides of the truss elements 3, 4, and 5. The holes 16 on the narrow side are offset by thickness D from those on the wide side.

[0037] In Fig. 5 is an alternative sub-element 20 shown. In Fig. Figure 6 shows the truss 2 formed from the sub-elements 20. Within the sub-element 20, the truss elements 3, 4, and 5 – described above – are arranged relative to each other in a second direction of rotation 22, opposite to the direction of rotation 7. The truss elements 3, 4, and 5 thus form a second primary node 24 (opposite to the "first" primary node 6). A (second) secondary node 26 is formed analogously to the embodiment described above.

[0038] Such a counter-rotating primary node 24 can, among other things, be placed with its "tip" on the tip of a primary node 6 that "rotates" in the first direction 7. This allows a point support to be created. Furthermore, two truss sections, each composed of counter-rotating sub-elements 7 and 20, can be placed tip to tip against each other, as described above. The same applies to the entire truss 2, which can thus be thickened by adding a "second layer" formed by correspondingly counter-rotating nodes to truss elements 3, 4, and 5.

[0039] The length L of the individual truss elements 3, 4, and 5 plays a subordinate role. For example, the respective truss elements 3, 4, and 5 are dimensioned such that there is no overhang at the primary node 7 or 24 (as in the Fig. 1, 2 and 4 to 6 are shown).

[0040] The subject matter of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the foregoing description. In particular, the individual features of the invention and their various configurations described with reference to the different embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways.

Claims

[1] truss (2), with a first plurality of first truss elements (3), with a first plurality of second truss elements (4), and with a first plurality of third truss elements (5), - wherein the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) have substantially similar cross-sectional profiles, wherein the respective truss elements (3,4,5) are formed with the same cross-sectional profile over their entire length, optionally with the exception of a different cross-sectional profile in an end section of a truss element (3,4,5), - wherein one of the first, the second and the third truss elements (3,4,5) are connected to each other to form a common first truss node (6), - wherein in each of these first truss nodes (6) the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) always lie on top of each other in a first direction of rotation (7), and - wherein at least three first truss nodes (6) are arranged adjacent in at least two spatial directions such that a surface running between these first truss nodes (6) is filled by the first, second and / or third truss elements (3,4,5) of these three first truss nodes (6). [2] Truss (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first truss elements (3) are arranged along a first spatial direction (8), the second truss elements (4) are arranged along a second spatial direction (9) different from the first spatial direction (8), and the third truss elements (5) are arranged along a third spatial direction (10) different from the first and the second spatial direction (8,9). [3] Truss (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the three first truss nodes (6) are arranged adjacent to each other in two spatial directions, wherein the first truss element (3), the second truss element (4) and the third truss element (5) are each connected to one of these three first truss nodes (3,4,5) to form a second truss node (12). [4] Truss (2) according to claim 3, wherein the first truss nodes (6) are arranged in a first node plane, and wherein the second truss nodes (12) are arranged in a second node plane set back from the first node plane. [5] Truss (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5), each forming one of the second truss nodes (12), are considered from a reference position in the first direction of rotation (7) and lie on top of each other. [6] Truss (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, viewed from the reference position, the respective first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) converge convexly at each first truss node (6). [7] Truss (2) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, viewed from the reference position, the respective first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) converge concavely at every second truss node (12). [8] Truss (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) is formed by a quadrilateral, in particular a parallelogram, preferably a rectangle. [9] Truss (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) are identical. [10] Truss (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first, second and third truss elements (3,4,5) are connected in the first and / or the second truss nodes (6,12) by means of a material connection and / or by means of separate connecting means in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. [11] Truss (2) according to claim 10, wherein a first connection point (16) of each truss element (3,4,5) associated with the first truss node (6) is arranged to a second connection point (16) associated with the second truss node (12) such that the distance between the first and the second connection point (16) corresponds to a width (B) of the truss elements (3,4,5) plus an allowance that enables a mechanically sufficiently stable connection with each of the connected truss elements (3,4,5). [12] Truss (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a second plurality of the first, second and third truss elements (3, 4, 5), one of each of which is connected to the other in a common third truss node (24), wherein the first, second and third truss elements (3, 4, 5) are placed one after the other in this third truss node (24) in a second direction of rotation (22) opposite to the first truss node (6), and wherein the third truss nodes (22) are located in a third node plane upstream of or downstream of the first node plane when viewed from the reference position in an orientation mirrored to the first truss nodes (6).

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