Structural member and assembly kit

Abstract

To provide a structural member that can easily construct a structure, and to provide an assembly kit.SOLUTION: A structural member used by being connected while at least partially overlapping thereon includes a body part extending long and linearly in a first direction. The body part includes a plurality of connection parts disposed while being arrayed in the first direction and penetrating the body part. The plurality of connection parts each include: a first end connection part and a second end connection part respectively provided in both ends of the body part in the first direction; and a first connection part provided between the first end connection part and the second end connection part. The first connection part has an inter-central distance from the first end connection part set to L×(-1+√3) or the like when L represents the inter-central distance between the first end connection part and the second end connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural member capable of connecting a plurality of structural members to construct a structure, and an assembly kit capable of constructing a structure by combining the structural members.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a pseudo three-dimensional structure freely assembling kit has been known for the purpose of freely connecting rectangular plates to assemble various and versatile near-life-size three-dimensional structures (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned pseudo three-dimensional structure freely assembling kit is composed of "a free connecting plate 1 provided with connecting small holes 2 whose positions correspond to each other at the peripheral edge portion or the peripheral edge portion and appropriate positions inside of a rectangular plate having a length-width ratio of 2:1, and a connecting belt for penetrating and connecting the free connecting plates 1 to each other through the peripheral edge portions or appropriate connecting small holes 2 inside, and assembling a desired structure by freely connecting the free connecting plates 1 with the connecting belt".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The pseudo three-dimensional structure freely assembling kit disclosed in Patent Document 1 can construct a structure by connecting a rectangular plate serving as a structural member through a connecting belt penetrating through a connecting small hole. However, it is not for constructing a structure including a structure such as a truss structure or a rectangular frame structure by combining structural members.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a structural member and an assembly kit capable of easily constructing a structure.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] (1) The structural member according to the present invention is a structural member that is used with at least a part thereof overlapped and connected to each other, and includes a main body portion that linearly extends long in a first direction. The main body portion is arranged side by side in the first direction and includes a plurality of connecting portions that penetrate the main body portion. The plurality of connecting portions include a first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and a first connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion. When the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion is L, the center-to-center distance from the first end connecting portion is set to L×(-1 + √3).

[0008] (2) The structural member according to the present invention is a structural member that is used with at least a part thereof overlapped and connected to each other, and includes a main body portion that linearly extends long in a first direction. The main body portion is arranged side by side in the first direction and includes a plurality of connecting portions that penetrate the main body portion. The plurality of connecting portions include a first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and a third connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion. When the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion is L, the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(-1 + √2).

[0009] (3) The structural member according to the present invention is a structural member that is used with at least a part thereof overlapped and connected to each other, and includes a main body portion that linearly extends long in a first direction. The main body portion is arranged side by side in the first direction and includes a plurality of connecting portions that penetrate the main body portion. The plurality of connecting portions include a first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and a fourth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion. The center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion of the fourth connecting portion is set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2).

[0010] (4) The assembly kit of the present invention includes the structural member according to any one of (1) to (3) above, and a connecting member that is inserted into the plurality of connecting portions and connects a plurality of the structural members.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, various structures can be easily constructed using an assembly kit composed of a plurality of structural members and connecting members having the same shape.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the structural member and the assembly kit of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferred limitations are imposed. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these aspects unless otherwise specifically stated in the following description to limit the present invention.

[0014] Embodiment 1. (Configuration of the Assembly Kit) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure 90 constructed using the assembly kit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the structure 90 of FIG. 1. The structures 90 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are all composed by combining the same structural members 10. The structural members 10 are each connected at their ends by a connecting member 20, and form a truss structure 50 in which five equilateral triangles are combined when viewed from the front. In the following description, those with subscripts such as structural member 10A and structure 90A may be generically referred to by the symbols with only numbers without subscripts such as structural member 10 and structure 90.

[0015] The structure 90 is assembled by arranging five truss structures 50 formed by combining equilateral triangles in parallel and passing the structural member 10A between them. The structural member 10A has the same structure as the structural member 10 that constitutes the truss structure 50. The structural member 10A is arranged with its longitudinal direction orthogonal to that of the structural member 10 that constitutes the truss structure 50, and the plate surface 15 (see FIG. 3) is oriented in the z direction. Further, the structural member 10A is inserted into the slit 110 (see FIG. 3) of the structural member 10 that constitutes the truss structure 50.

[0016] The assembly kit includes the structural member 10 and the connecting member 20, and by combining a plurality of these, structures 90 and truss structures 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be constructed. The assembly kit can be used for various applications such as, for example, toys, kits for handicrafts, prefabricated furniture, robots, and prototype kits for building structures.

[0017] (Structural member 10) FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the structure of the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3(a) is a front view, and FIG. 3(b) is a bottom view. The structural member 10 is composed of a main body portion 13 that is long in one direction and a plurality of connecting portions 100 provided on the main body portion 13. The main body portion 13 shown in FIG. 3 is a plate-like member with a uniform thickness. Also, the main body portion 13 shown in the subsequent drawings is similarly a plate-like member with a uniform thickness. The plurality of connecting portions 100 are arranged side by side on the same straight line. Except for the two end connecting portions 11 and 12 arranged at both ends in particular, their respective positions are individually set with reference to the end connecting portions 11 and 12. The structural member 10 is configured to be able to construct various truss structures. That is, the structural member 10 can constitute elements 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) corresponding to the lengths of the sides of a basic right triangle when used alone or in combination of a plurality, and the elements can be connected to each other using the end connecting portions 11 or 12. Specifically, the structural member 10 has a plurality of connecting portions 100 arranged so that the ratio of the lengths of the sides of a right triangle such as 1:1:√2, 1:2:√3 can be reproduced when used alone or in combination of a plurality.

[0018] (Main body portion 13) The structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a plate-like main body portion 13 that is long in one direction. In some cases, the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 13 may be referred to as the first direction. The first direction is a direction parallel to the straight line connecting the centers of the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12 provided at both ends of the main body portion 13. Note that the main body portion 13 is not limited to a plate-like member as shown in Embodiment 1. For example, the main body portion 13 may be a rod-like member or a tubular member.

[0019] Further, it is desirable that the shape of the main body portion 13 has no directionality in the first direction. That is, it is desirable that the shapes of both ends of the main body portion 13 are symmetrical. In this case, it is also desirable that the positions of the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12 arranged at both ends are symmetrical positions in the first direction. However, the shape of the main body portion 13 is not necessarily limited to a shape without directionality. For example, the shape of one end may be different from the other so that the directionality is easy to understand. Also, considering the shape of the structural member 10 including the connecting portion arranged between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12, even if the shape of the main body portion 13 has no directionality in the first direction, the structural member 10 may have directionality in the first direction.

[0020] (Connecting portion 100) A plurality of connecting portions 100 are provided on the plate surface 15 of the main body portion 13. The plurality of connecting portions 100 are provided so as to penetrate the structural member 10. The plurality of connecting portions 100 are, for example, circular holes of the same size, but may be holes with different sizes and shapes partially. Also, the plurality of connecting portions 100 include slits 110 through which the main body portion 13 can be inserted. Also, when the connecting portion 100 is a hole penetrating the structural member 10, it is also called a connecting hole.

[0021] (End connecting portions 11 and 12) The first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12 are provided at both ends of the structural member 10. The center-to-center distance L between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12 is appropriately set according to the use of the assembly kit. For example, when the assembly kit is used for a toy or a machining kit, it is set to about 100 mm.

[0022] The assembly kit is configured such that various structures 90 can be constructed by combining a plurality of at least one type of structural member 10. Therefore, at least one connecting portion 100 is also provided between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12 provided at both ends of the structural member 10.

[0023] (First connecting part 101) The plurality of connecting parts 100 includes a first connecting part 101 provided between the first end connecting part 11 and the second end connecting part 12. The first connecting part 101 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the first end connecting part 11 is L×(-1 + √3).

[0024] (Second connecting part 102) The plurality of connecting parts 100 includes a second connecting part 102 provided between the first end connecting part 11 and the second end connecting part 12. The second connecting part 102 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting part 12 is L×(1 - (√3) / 2). Also, the second connecting part 102 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the first connecting part 101 is L×(1 - (√3) / 2). That is, the second connecting part 102 is provided at the center between the first connecting part 101 and the second end connecting part 12.

[0025] Also, the second connecting part 102 may be provided at a position where the center-to-center distance from the first end connecting part 11 is L×(1 - (√3) / 2). In the structural member 10 shown in FIG. 3, the second connecting part 102 is also provided on the side closer to the first end connecting part 11.

[0026] (Slit 110) Also, a slit 110 may be provided at the same position as the second connecting part 102. In the case of Embodiment 1, a through hole in which the second connecting part 102 and the slit 110 are combined is formed in the main body part 13. The slit 110 is formed to a size such that the main body part 13 can be inserted, and is configured such that another main body part 13 can be inserted through the slit 110 and combined. In Embodiment 1, the slit 110 is a rectangular through hole adapted to the width and thickness of the main body part 13. However, for example, when the main body part 13 is a bar-shaped material with a circular cross-sectional shape, it is configured to fit with a certain gap with respect to the shape.

[0027] Note that the slit 110 can also be set to be larger than the width of the main body 13. For example, the slit 110 may be configured such that it can be inserted not only by inserting one main body 13 orthogonally to the other main body 13, but also obliquely. Further, in the first embodiment, the slit 110 is provided in accordance with the second connecting portion 102, but it may be provided at other positions.

[0028] (Third connecting portion 103) The plurality of connecting portions 100 includes a third connecting portion 103 provided between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12. The third connecting portion 103 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion 12 is L×(-1 + √2).

[0029] (Fourth connecting portion 104) The plurality of connecting portions 100 includes a fourth connecting portion 104 provided between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12. The fourth connecting portion 104 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion 12 is L×(√2) / 2.

[0030] (Fifth connecting portion 105) The plurality of connecting portions 100 includes a fifth connecting portion 105 provided between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12. The fifth connecting portion 105 is disposed at the center between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12. That is, the fifth connecting portion 105 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the first end connecting portion 11 or the second end connecting portion 12 is L×1 / 2.

[0031] (Function of the plurality of connecting portions 100) FIG. 4 is a front view of a unit structure 30B of a truss structure formed using the structural member 10 according to the first embodiment. When the structural member 10 is used, in addition to the equilateral triangle unit structure 30A of the truss structure 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a right triangle unit structure 30B can be configured.

[0032] (Unit structure 30B of the truss structure) The unit structure 30B in FIG. 4 is a 30°-60°-90° right triangle. In FIG. 4, the connecting members 20 that connect the structural members 10 to each other are not shown.

[0033] Since the unit structure 30B in FIG. 4 is a 30°-60°-90° right triangle, the ratio of the sides is 1:2:√3.

[0034] The opposite side (the shortest side) of the unit structure 30B is composed of one structural member 10D. That is, the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting portion 11 and the second end connecting portion 12 at both ends of the element 60A that constitutes the unit structure 30B is L. In the following description, those with alphabetic subscripts attached to numbers such as the element 60A may be collectively referred to as the element 60.

[0035] The hypotenuse (the longest side) of the unit structure 30B is formed by connecting two structural members 10A and 10C with the second end connecting portions 12 overlapping each other at the center of the hypotenuse. That is, the center-to-center distance between the end connecting portions 11 at both ends of the element 60B is 2L. Note that the two structural members 10A and 10C may be oriented in either longitudinal direction. That is, the connecting portion at the center of the hypotenuse may be composed of either the first end connecting portion 11 or the second end connecting portion 12.

[0036] If the hypotenuse of the unit structure 30B remains in a state where the two structural members 10A and 10C are connected, it will bend at the connecting portion. Therefore, the hypotenuse is further configured by overlapping and connecting the structural member 10B at the central portion of the hypotenuse so as not to bend. Specifically, the first end connecting portion 11 of the structural member 10B is overlapped and connected to the fifth connecting portion 105 of the structural member 10C, and the second end connecting portion 12 of the structural member 10B is overlapped and connected to the fifth connecting portion 105 of the structural member 10A, respectively. Note that the structural member 10B may be connected with its longitudinal direction reversed. Also, since the central fifth connecting portion 105 of the structural member 10B overlaps the connecting portion of the two structural members 10A and 10C, the connecting member 20 that connects the two structural members 10A and 10C may be inserted and connected.

[0037] The adjacent side (the side with medium length) of the unit structure 30B is formed by overlapping and connecting two structural members 10E and 10F, with their respective second end connecting parts 12 and the first connecting part 101. By passing the connecting members 20 through the overlaps of the two second end connecting parts 12 and the first connecting part 101, which are two in number in the element 60C, the element 60C functions as a straight member. That is, a member formed by linearly connecting the structural members 10 like the element 60C is configured to be able to resist a certain degree of axial force and bending force in the constructed structure 90. However, the connecting member 20 and the connecting part 100 may have a certain gap and may deform slightly with respect to the axial force and the bending force. The first connecting part 101 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the first end connecting part 11 is L×(-1 + √3). Therefore, for the element 60C formed by combining two structural members 10E and 10F, the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting parts 11 at both ends is L + L×(-1 + √3) = L×√3.

[0038] As described above, the structural member 10 can be made of one type of member for each side of the triangular unit structure 30B where the ratio of each side is 1:2:√3. By connecting a plurality of the elements 60A, 60B, and 60C shown in FIG. 4, a larger right triangle can be constructed.

[0039] Also, the structural member 10 is provided with the first connecting part 101 between the first end connecting part 11 and the second end connecting part 12. Therefore, the adjacent side of the unit structure 30B, which is a 30°-60°-90° right triangle, can be formed. Further, the structural member 10 is provided with the fifth connecting part 105 at the center of the first end connecting part 11 and the second end connecting part 12. Therefore, a structure connected like the two structural members 10A and 10C forming the hypotenuse can be reinforced like the structural member 10B, and the element 60B can be held as a straight member.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a front view of structures 90A, 90B, and 90C formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 5, the display of the connecting portion 100 of the structural member 10 is partially omitted. The structures 90A, 90B, and 90C are configured by using the unit structure 30B described above and the unit structure 30Ba obtained by recombining a part of the unit structure 30B.

[0041] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the unit structure 30Ba of the structure 90A is a right triangle of 30°-60°-90°, but its structure is different from that of the unit structure 30B. The unit structure 30Ba is configured without using the structural member 10B that reinforces the hypotenuse of the unit structure 30B. The hypotenuse element 60Ba has an element 60K connected at the center to connect the connecting portions of the element 60A that forms the opposite side and the element 60C that forms the adjacent side, maintaining the right triangle.

[0042] Alternatively, when viewed differently, the unit structure 30Ba is composed of a unit structure 30D that is an isosceles triangle with an element 60C of length L×(√3) as the base and two equal sides each formed by one structural member 10, and a unit structure 30A (see FIG. 2) that is an equilateral triangle.

[0043] The structure 90B shown in FIG. 5(b) is configured by combining a plurality of unit structures 30A that are equilateral triangles and unit structures 30D that are isosceles triangles. On the other hand, when viewed differently, it has a structure in which two unit structures 30Ba that are right triangles are arranged with a unit structure 30A that is an equilateral triangle with its central vertex facing downward in between.

[0044] The structure 90C shown in FIG. 5(c) is configured by combining the unit structure 30B shown in FIG. 4 and a unit structure 30Aa that is an equilateral triangle with a side length of 2L.

[0045] As described above, by using the structural member 10, various structures 90 can be constructed with elements 60 having the lengths of the elements 60A, 60B, and 60C of the unit structure 30B shown in FIG. 4 as basic units.

[0046] In addition, if the structural member 10 includes at least the first end connecting portion 11, the second end connecting portion 12, the first connecting portion 101, and the fifth connecting portion 105, the structure described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 can be constructed.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a front view of a structure 90D formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 6, the display of the connecting portion 100 of the structural member 10 is partially omitted. The structure 90D is configured by combining a unit structure 30Bb, which is a right triangle having the same size as the unit structure 30B, and a unit structure 30A, which is an equilateral triangle. However, the unit structure 30Bb, which is a right triangle having the same size as the unit structure 30B, has an element 60F with a length of 1.5L connected to a second connecting portion 102 provided between the first connecting portions 101 that connect the structural members 10 constituting the element 60C. The element 60F is connected at the center of an element 60Bb that forms the hypotenuse of the unit structure 30Bb and further forms one side of the equilateral triangle unit structure 30A that constitutes the bottom of the structure 90C. Note that the unit structure 30Bb includes a unit structure 30Bs, which is a right triangle having half the size of the unit structure 30Bb.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a front view of a structure 90E formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 7, the display of the connecting portion 100 of the structural member 10 is partially omitted. The structure 90E is configured by combining a unit structure 30Bs, which is a right triangle having half the size of the unit structure 30B, and a unit structure 30A, which is an equilateral triangle. The structure 90E has a configuration in which a plurality of rectangles having an element 60C as the long side and a short side formed by one structural member 10 are combined. And each rectangle includes two equilateral triangle unit structures 30A and four unit structures 30Bs, which are small right triangles.

[0049] The unit structure 30Bs, which is a small right triangle, is configured by connecting one structural member 10 to the second connecting part 102 located at the center of the element 60C with a length of L×(√3), and connecting the fifth connecting part 105 at the center of the structural member 10 and the first end connecting part 11 at the end of the element 60 with the structural member 10.

[0050] As described above, if the structural member 10 includes at least the second connecting part 102 in addition to the first end connecting part 11, the second end connecting part 12, the first connecting part 101, and the fifth connecting part 105, the structure described in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be constructed. That is, by providing the structural member 10 with at least the first end connecting part 11, the second end connecting part 12, the first connecting part 101, the fifth connecting part 105, and the second connecting part 102, a structure 90 including a right triangle with side ratios of 1:2:√3 can be constructed.

[0051] (Unit structure 30C of the truss structure) FIG. 8 is a front view of the unit structure 30C of the truss structure formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. The unit structure 30C in FIG. 8 is a right isosceles triangle. In FIG. 8, the connecting members 20 connecting the structural members 10 to each other are not shown.

[0052] Since the unit structure 30C in FIG. 8 is a right isosceles triangle, the ratio of each side is 1:1:√2.

[0053] Two equal sides of the unit structure 30C are each constituted by one structural member 10G or 10H. That is, the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting part 11 and the second end connecting part 12 at both ends of the elements 60D and 60E constituting the unit structure 30C is L.

[0054] The hypotenuse (the longest side) of the unit structure 30C is formed by overlapping and connecting two structural members 10E and 10F at their respective first-end connecting parts 11 and third connecting parts 103. By passing connecting members 20 through the overlaps between the two first-end connecting parts 11 and the two third connecting parts 103, which are present in the element 60F, the element 60F functions as a straight member. The third connecting part 103 is set such that the center-to-center distance from the second-end connecting part 12 is L×(-1 + √2). Therefore, for the element 60F formed by combining the two structural members 10E and 10F, the center-to-center distance between the second-end connecting parts 12 at both ends is L + L×(-1 + √2) = L×√2.

[0055] As described above, the structural member 10 can be composed of one type of member for each side of the triangular unit structure 30C where the ratio of each side is 1:1:√2. By connecting a plurality of the elements 60D, 60E, and 60F shown in FIG. 5, a larger right triangle can be further constructed.

[0056] Also, the structural member 10 is provided with a third connecting part 103 between the first-end connecting part 11 and the second-end connecting part 12. Therefore, the hypotenuse of the unit structure 30C, which is a right isosceles triangle, can be formed.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a front view of a structure 90F formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 9, the display of the connecting part 100 of the structural member 10 is partially omitted. The structure 90F is composed of a plurality of combinations of the unit structure 30C described above. Thus, as long as the structural member 10 includes at least the first-end connecting part 11, the second-end connecting part 12, and the third connecting part 103, a truss structure as shown in FIG. 9 can be constructed.

[0058] (Other truss structures) FIG. 10 is a front view of a structure 90G formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 10, the display of the connecting portion 100 of the structural member 10 is partially omitted. The structure 90G is formed into a different structure using the equilateral triangle unit structure 30A of the truss structure 50 shown in FIG. 2. The structural member 10 can construct a structure 90G using only the equilateral triangle unit structure 30A as shown in FIG. 10 as long as it includes at least a first end connecting portion 11 and a second end connecting portion 12.

[0059] As described above, according to the assembly kit including the structural member 10 and the connecting member 20 according to Embodiment 1, a truss structure using at least any one of an equilateral triangle, a right isosceles triangle, and a 30°-60°-90° right triangle can be constructed using structural members of the same shape. In addition, a structure 90 including various truss structures can be easily constructed using an assembly kit composed of a plurality of structural members 10 and connecting members 20. However, the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1 is not necessarily used only for constructing a truss structure, and may be applied to a structure with a movable connecting portion. Also, not only a plurality of structural members 10 may be combined, but also combined with other members.

[0060] Note that, as long as the connecting member 20 included in the assembly kit can insert through a plurality of connecting portions 100 to connect the structural members 10, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, screws, and clips and clamps can be used.

[0061] Also, the connecting portion 100 is not limited to a circular hole for inserting the connecting member 20. For example, the connecting portion 100 may be composed of a hole and a shaft that fits into the hole. Alternatively, the connecting portion 100 may be composed of a surface fastener, a magnet, etc. attached to the structural member 10. In this case, the connecting portion 100 also serves as the function of the connecting member 20. As described above, the connecting portion 100 may have a structure that is easy to attach and detach and can connect a plurality of structural members 10.

[0062] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, different structures 290 constructed using the assembly kit according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In Embodiment 1, the case of mainly constructing a truss structure was mainly described. However, in Embodiment 2, the case of constructing a rectangular frame structure using the structural member 10 will be described.

[0063] (Unit structure 230A of the rectangular frame structure) FIG. 11 is a front view of a unit structure 230A of a rectangular frame structure formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 2. In FIG. 11, the connecting member 20 that connects the structural members 10 to each other is omitted from the display. Further, the slit 110 of the structural member 10 shown in Embodiment 2 is omitted from the display.

[0064] The unit structure 230A in FIG. 11 is square, and a structural member 10P that connects between the structural members 10K and 10L that form two adjacent sides thereof is connected. The structural member 10P is connected to the fourth connecting portions 104 provided on the structural members 10K and 10L.

[0065] The unit structure 230A has a so-called walking stick-shaped rectangular frame structure, and a square shape is maintained using one type of structural member 10.

[0066] (Unit structure 230B of the rectangular frame structure) FIG. 12 is a front view of a unit structure 230B of a rectangular frame structure formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 2. In FIG. 12, the connecting member 20 that connects the structural members 10 to each other is omitted from the display.

[0067] The unit structure 230B in FIG. 12 is a square of the same size as FIG. 11, and has a structure in which elements 60E having a length of √2L are arranged in an X shape on the diagonal. The element 60E corresponds to the hypotenuse of the unit structure 30C shown in FIG. 8. The two elements 60E on the diagonal may be connected to each other using the fourth connecting portion 104 at the center.

[0068] The unit structure 230A has a rectangular frame structure with X-shaped braces, and a square shape is maintained using one type of structural member 10. In other words, when viewed differently, it can also be said that the unit structure 230A is a truss structure using the unit structure 30C shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] (Unit structure 230C of rectangular frame structure) FIG. 13 is a front view of the unit structure 230C of the rectangular frame structure formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 2. In FIG. 13, the connecting members 20 that connect the structural members 10 to each other are not shown.

[0070] The unit structure 230C in FIG. 13 is configured by doubling the length of one side of the square shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 by √2. That is, one side of the square is composed of the element 60E, and the structural member 10 is connected to the fourth connecting portion 104 at the center of each side, and is configured in a cane form. Four structural members 10T are connected to each side corresponding to the four corners of the square. However, the number of installed structural members 10T can be changed as appropriate.

[0071] Also, the unit structure 230C can be changed to include X-shaped braces. In this case, elements 60B, 60Ba, etc. with a length of 2L are arranged on the diagonal.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a front view of the structures 290A, 290B, and 290C formed using the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 2. Using the unit structures 230A, 230B, and 230C described above, a structure 290 in which the unit structure 30 is continuous can be constructed as shown in FIGS. 14(a) to (c).

[0073] As described above, if the structural member 10 includes at least the first end connecting portion 11, the second end connecting portion 12, the fourth connecting portion 104, and the fifth connecting portion 105, the structure described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14 can be constructed. That is, by including at least the first end connecting portion 11, the second end connecting portion 12, the fourth connecting portion 104, and the fifth connecting portion 105, the structural member 10 can construct a structure 290 including a rectangular frame structure in the form of a walking stick or a brace.

[0074] (Modification example of the structural member 10) FIG. 15 is a front view of a structural member 210 which is a modification example of the structural member 10. In the structural member 210A, the second connecting portion 102 closest to the first end connecting portion 11 of the structural member 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is omitted. However, the slit 110 is provided at the same position. In the structural member 310A, the second connecting portion 102 closest to the second end connecting portion 12 of the structural member 10 according to the first embodiment is provided as it is, but the slit 110 here is omitted. The structures 90A to 90G, 290A to 290C, etc., and the unit structures 30A to 30C, 230A to 230C described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can also be constructed by the structural member 210.

[0075] That is, since the structural member 210 also includes at least the first end connecting portion 11, the second end connecting portion 12, the first connecting portion 101, the second connecting portion 102, the third connecting portion 103, the fourth connecting portion 104, and the fifth connecting portion 105, the structures and unit structures described in the first and second embodiments can be constructed.

[0076] Embodiment 3. In the third embodiment, structures 390A and 390B constructed using modification examples of the structural member 10 included in the assembly kit according to the first and second embodiments and the structural members 310A and 310B according to the modification examples will be described. Note that the structural members 310A and 310B may be collectively referred to as the structural member 310. Also, the structures 390A and 390B may be collectively referred to as the structure 390.

[0077] FIG. 16 is a front view of the structural member 310A according to Embodiment 3. The structural member 310A is provided with a sixth connecting portion 106 instead of the second connecting portion 102 closest to the first end connecting portion 11 of the structural member 10 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 3. The slit 110 is omitted in the structural member 310A.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a front view of the structural member 310B according to Embodiment 3. The structural member 310B has a structure in which a slit 110 is added to the structural member 310A.

[0079] FIG. 18 is a front view of the structure 390A formed using the structural member 310A or 310B according to Embodiment 3. The structure 390A is configured by combining portions from the second connecting portion 102 to the sixth connecting portion 106 of two structural members 310A or 310B. In the center, a structural member 310B combined in an X shape is arranged, and the first end connecting portion 11 or the second end connecting portion 12 provided at the end of the structural member 310B combined in an X shape is connected to the second connecting portion 102 or the sixth connecting portion 106 of the structural members 310B arranged in parallel. The structure 390A is arranged such that two right triangles with the hypotenuse length configured to be L×((√2) / 2) face each other on the left and right of the central portion.

[0080] In addition, the two structural members 310B arranged in parallel are combined with a structural member 310B(a) in the outer portion from the portion where the structural members 310B combined in an X shape are connected. In the structural member 310B(a), the plate surface 15 is arranged perpendicular to the plate surfaces 15 of the other structural members 310, and the protruding portion 70 of the structural member 310 is inserted into the slit 110. The structure 390A may be further connected to other structural members 310B(a) to form a three-dimensional structure.

[0081] FIG. 19 is a front view of a structure 390B formed using the structural member 310A or 310B according to Embodiment 3. The structure 390B is formed by connecting two structural members 310A or 310B in pairs, and four members having a length configured to be L×(2-(√2) / 2) are arranged and connected in a cross shape. A structural member 310 is arranged on the diagonal of the inner square portion of the four members arranged in a cross shape to form a truss structure, and the cross-shaped members are fixed so as not to be distorted. The structural member 310B(a) is combined with the protruding portion 70 of the members arranged in a cross shape. The structure 390B may be further connected to other structural members 310 to the structural member 310B(a) to form a three-dimensional structure.

[0082] The structures 390A and 390B are configured by combining a plurality of the structural members 310A or 310B described above. Thus, if the structural member 310A or 310B includes at least the first end connecting portion 11, the second end connecting portion 12, the second connecting portion 102, and the sixth connecting portion 106, a truss structure and a rectangular frame structure as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 can be constructed. Further, by providing the slit 110, the structural member 310B can construct a structure in which the structural member 310B(a) shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is combined.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited only to the configurations of the above-described embodiments. For example, in the structural member 10 shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of connecting portions 100 other than the end connecting portions 11 and 12 may be partially deleted. Further, the structural members 10 and 310 are not limited to those capable of constructing the structures 90, 290, and 390 shown in Embodiments 1 to 3, and may be those capable of constructing other structures. Further, a composite structure of a truss structure and a rectangular frame structure may be constructed using the structural member 10. In that case, the structural members 10, 210, and 310 include at least the connecting portions 100 necessary for the truss structure or the rectangular frame structure. Further, although the assembly kit basically includes structural members 10 having the same structure, it may include a plurality of types of structural members 10. In short, for the sake of reminder, various changes, applications, and usage ranges made by those skilled in the art as needed are also included in the gist (technical scope) of the present invention.

[0084] Further, the structural members 10, 210, 310, and the assembly kit described above may also include combinations of the respective features shown in the following Appendices 1 to 11. The combinations are shown below.

[0085] [Appendix 1] A structural member that is used by overlapping at least a part of each other and being connected, Comprising a main body portion that linearly extends long in a first direction, The main body portion, A plurality of connecting portions that are arranged side by side in the first direction and penetrate the main body portion, The plurality of connecting portions, A first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and A first connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, and The first connecting portion, When the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion is L, The center-to-center distance from the first end connecting portion is set to L×(-1 + √3), Structural member. [Appendix 2] The structural member according to Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of connecting parts include a second connecting part provided between the first end connecting part and the second end connecting part, and the second connecting part has a center-to-center distance from the second end connecting part set to L×(1-(√3) / 2). Structural member. [Appendix 3] The structural member according to Appendix 2, wherein the plurality of connecting parts include a sixth connecting part provided between the first end connecting part and the second end connecting part, and the sixth connecting part has a center-to-center distance from the second connecting part set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2). Structural member. [Appendix 4] The structural member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of connecting parts include a third connecting part provided between the first end connecting part and the second end connecting part, and the third connecting part has a center-to-center distance from the second end connecting part set to L×(-1+√2). Structural member. [Appendix 5] A structural member that is used with at least a part of it overlapped and connected to each other, comprising a main body part that extends linearly and long in a first direction, wherein the main body part is provided with a plurality of connecting parts arranged side by side in the first direction and penetrating the main body part, and the plurality of connecting parts include a first end connecting part and a second end connecting part provided at both ends of the main body part in the first direction, respectively, and a third connecting part provided between the first end connecting part and the second end connecting part, and the third connecting part When the center - to - center distance between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion is L, the center - to - center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(-1 + √2), structural member. [Appendix 6] The structural member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of connecting portions include a fourth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, and the fourth connecting portion has a center - to - center distance from the second end connecting portion set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2), structural member. [Appendix 7] A structural member that is used with at least a part of it overlapped and connected to each other, comprises a main body portion that linearly extends long in the first direction, and the main body portion is provided with a plurality of connecting portions arranged side by side in the first direction and penetrating the main body portion, wherein the plurality of connecting portions include a first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and a fourth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, and the fourth connecting portion has a center - to - center distance from the second end connecting portion set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2), structural member. [Appendix 8] The structural member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of connecting portions include a fifth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, and the fifth connecting portion is provided at the center between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, structural member. [Appendix 9] The structural member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the main body portion A plate-like member that is long in the first direction, The plurality of connecting parts are, Holes that penetrate in the plate thickness direction of the main body part, Structural member. [Appendix 10] The structural member according to Appendix 9, The plurality of connecting parts are, Including a slit provided between the first end connecting part and the second end connecting part, The slit is, A rectangular through hole of a size through which the main body part can be inserted, and the longitudinal direction is arranged along the first direction, Structural member. [Appendix 11] The structural member according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10, and A connecting member that is inserted into the plurality of connecting parts and connects a plurality of the structural members, an assembly kit.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0086] 1: Universal connecting plate 2: Connecting small hole 10: Structural member 10A: Structural member 10B: Structural member 10C: Structural member 10D: Structural member 10E: Structural member 10G: Structural member 10K: Structural member 10P: Structural member 10T: Structural member 11: First end connecting part 12: Second end connecting part 13: Main body part 15: Plate surface 20: Connecting member 30: Unit structure 30A: Unit structure 30Aa: Unit structure 30B: Unit structure 30Ba: Unit structure 30Bb: Unit structure 30Bs: Unit structure 30C: Unit structure 30D: Unit structure 50: Truss structure 60: Element 60A: Element 60B: Element 60Ba: Element 60Bb: Element 60C: Element 60D: Element 60E: Element 60F: Element 60K: Element 90: Structure 90A: Structure 90B: Structure 90C: Structure 90D: Structure 90E: Structure 90F: Structure 100: Connection part 101: First connection part 102: Second connection part 103: Third connection part 104: Fourth connection part 105: Fifth connection part 106: Sixth connection part 110: Slit 210: Structural member 230A: Unit structure 230B: Unit structure 230C: Unit structure 290: Structure 290A: Structure 290B: Structure 310: Structural member 310A: Structural member 310B: Structural member L: Center-to-center distance.

Claims

1. A structural member that is used with at least a part of it overlapped and connected to each other, comprising a main body portion that linearly extends in a first direction, wherein the main body portion, is provided with a plurality of connecting portions arranged side by side in the first direction and penetrating the main body portion, wherein the plurality of connecting portions, include a first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at each of both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and a first connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion, when the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion is L, the center-to-center distance from the first end connecting portion is set to L×(−1 + √3), structural member.

2. The structural member according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connecting portions, include a second connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, wherein the second connecting portion, the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(1 - (√3) / 2), structural member.

3. The structural member according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of connecting portions, include a sixth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, wherein the sixth connecting portion, the center-to-center distance from the second connecting portion is set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2), structural member.

4. The structural member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of connecting portions, include a third connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, wherein the third connecting portion, the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(−1 + √2), structural member.

5. A structural member that is used with at least a part of it overlapped and connected to each other, comprising a main body portion that linearly extends in a first direction, wherein the main body portion, is provided with a plurality of connecting portions arranged side by side in the first direction and penetrating the main body portion, wherein the plurality of connecting portions, include a first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at each of both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, and a third connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, wherein the third connecting portion, when the center-to-center distance between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion is L, the center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(−1 + √2), structural member.

6. The structural member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the plurality of connecting portions, Including a fourth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, The fourth connecting portion is, The center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2), Structural member.

7. The structural member according to claim 4, The plurality of connecting portions are, Including a fourth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, The fourth connecting portion is, The center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2), Structural member.

8. A structural member that is used with at least a part of it overlapped and connected to each other, Comprising a main body portion that extends linearly and long in the first direction, The main body portion is, Comprising a plurality of connecting portions arranged side by side in the first direction and penetrating the main body portion, The plurality of connecting portions are, A first end connecting portion and a second end connecting portion provided at both ends of the main body portion in the first direction, respectively, Including a fourth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, The fourth connecting portion is, The center-to-center distance from the second end connecting portion is set to L×(√2)×(1 / 2), Structural member.

9. The structural member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5, and 8, The plurality of connecting portions are, Including a fifth connecting portion provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, The fifth connecting portion is, Provided at the center between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, Structural member.

10. The structural member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5, and 8, The main body portion is, A plate-like member that is long in the first direction, The plurality of connecting portions are, Holes penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the main body portion, Structural member.

11. The structural member according to claim 9, The main body portion is, A plate-like member that is long in the first direction, The plurality of connecting portions are, Holes penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the main body portion, Structural member.

12. The structural member according to claim 10, The plurality of connecting portions are, Including a slit provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, The slit is, A rectangular through hole having a size through which the main body portion can be inserted, and the longitudinal direction is arranged along the first direction, Structural member.

13. The structural member according to claim 11, The plurality of connecting portions are, Including a slit provided between the first end connecting portion and the second end connecting portion, The slit is, A rectangular through-hole sized to allow the insertion of the main body portion, with its longitudinal direction arranged along the first direction. Structural member. **Claim 14** The structural member according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, 5, and 8, and A connecting member inserted through the plurality of connecting portions to connect a plurality of the structural members, an assembly kit comprising the same. **Claim 15** The structural member according to Claim 4, and A connecting member inserted through the plurality of connecting portions to connect a plurality of the structural members, an assembly kit comprising the same. **Claim 16** The structural member according to Claim 6, and A connecting member inserted through the plurality of connecting portions to connect a plurality of the structural members, an assembly kit comprising the same. **Claim 17** The structural member according to Claim 9, and A connecting member inserted through the plurality of connecting portions to connect a plurality of the structural members, an assembly kit comprising the same. **Claim 18** The structural member according to Claim 10, and A connecting member inserted through the plurality of connecting portions to connect a plurality of the structural members, an assembly kit comprising the same.

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