Joint for connecting multiple columns, structure using the joint, and method

Abstract

To quickly, easily and exactly assemble a structure having an angle of 60° between a column and a column.SOLUTION: A center joint 10 is arranged in a center O of a structure 1, upper joints 20 are arranged in position of upper apexes A, B and C of the structure 1, lower joints 30 are arranged in positions of lower apexes J, K and L of the structure 1, and first and second equator joints 40, 50 are alternately arranged in positions of apexes D, E, F, G, H and I of an equator portion of the structure 1. In the structure 1, a polygonal body having eight equilateral triangles and six squares on a surface is formed of columns 2 which connect the joints. The joints 10 to 50 have center parts and recesses for making end parts of the columns fit therein, and have a plurality of fit-in parts extending in different directions from the center parts, opening parts are formed at the recesses, the end parts of the columns can be fit into the recesses through the opening parts, and the opening parts have tip openings which are formed at tips of the fit-in parts, and side face openings formed at side faces of the fit-in parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint for connecting a plurality of columns, a structure assembled by connecting columns using the joint, and a method for assembling a structure using the joint. In particular, the structure includes a building.

Background Art

[0002] Existing buildings mainly have a structure (box type) in which columns are erected at 90 degrees vertically and horizontally for ease of assembly to form a horizontal line. Special processing, welding techniques, etc. are required to form a horizontal line at other than 90 degrees, so they have not generally been used.

[0003] Also, existing building joints are mainly based on 90 degrees. When connecting columns at an angle other than 90 degrees, precise processing of the column materials, welding techniques, etc. are required, so they have not generally been used.

[0004] Therefore, a structure as shown in FIG. 25 that connects columns at an angle based on 60 degrees instead of 90 degrees can be considered. As shown in FIG. 25, the structure 200 has a polyhedral structure formed by connecting columns using a joint 201 into which columns 202 can be inserted in different directions. This polyhedral structure has eight equilateral triangles and six squares on its surface and eight regular tetrahedrons inside. Such a structure that supports columns at an angle of 60 degrees is considered to be the most efficient in terms of strength, light efficiency, and aerodynamics when applied to buildings, etc.

[0005] However, in the structure 200 shown in FIG. 25, it is difficult to confirm whether the end of the column 202 is securely fitted into the joint 201 during assembly, and it is also difficult to provide means for firmly fixing the column 202 to the joint 201. As technologies that disclose technologies of the type shown in FIG. 25, there are the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. However, neither discloses means for solving the above problems.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,443,233 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Application Publication No. Hei 2-22487 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and aims to provide a joint that enables the rapid, easy, and reliable assembly of a structure having a 60-degree angle between columns, and a structure and method assembled using the joint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problem, the joint for connecting multiple columns of the present invention comprises a central portion and a plurality of fitting portions extending from the central portion in different directions, Each of the plurality of fitting portions has a recess for fitting the end of the column, and an opening is formed in the recess, allowing the end of the column to be fitted into the recess through the opening, the opening having a tip opening formed at the tip of the fitting portion and a side opening formed on the side of the fitting portion, the plurality of fitting portions includes at least two horizontal fitting portions that are in the same horizontal plane in the longitudinal direction and at least one oblique fitting portion that extends in at least one direction obliquely upward and obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane, the at least two horizontal fitting portions are arranged at 60-degree intervals in the horizontal direction and the at least one oblique fitting portion is at a 60-degree angle with at least one of the horizontal fitting portions.

[0009] Each of the preferred plurality of fitting portions comprises two side portions extending from the central portion and a bottom portion connecting the two side portions, wherein the recess is formed by the inner surfaces of the two side portions and the inner surface of the bottom portion, the front opening is formed by the front edges of the two side portions and the front edge of the bottom portion, and the side opening is formed by the edge of the side portion opposite to the bottom portion.

[0010] A preferred end of the column has at least two parallel column sides, When the column is fitted between the two sides of the fitting portion, the inner surfaces of the two sides face and contact the two column sides. For example, the end of the column is a rectangular prism having the two parallel column sides, and each of the plurality of fitting portions is formed in a U-shape with a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. The two sides may have mounting holes through which screwing means for fixing the column when it is fitted into the fitting portion passes. Preferably, the end of the column has a through hole that passes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the mounting hole is formed at a position that aligns with the through hole when the column is fitted into the fitting portion, and the column is fixed to the fitting portion by fastening the screwing means through the mounting hole and the through hole. The central region where the plurality of fitting portions extend can form a contact surface against which the end of the column abuts. The side opening may extend from the contact surface to the tip opening.

[0011] For example, the joint is (1) The plurality of fitting parts Six horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced at 60-degree intervals horizontally, Three diagonally upward fitting portions extend diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Three diagonally downward fitting portions extend diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, Each of the three aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portions is at a 60-degree angle to one of the aforementioned horizontal fitting portions and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Each of the three aforementioned diagonal downward fitting portions is at a 60-degree angle to one of the aforementioned horizontal fitting portions and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Each of the three diagonally upward fitting portions and each of the three diagonally downward fitting portions are arranged at a 60-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Central joint, (2) The plurality of fitting parts Two horizontal interlocking parts are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, Three diagonally downward fitting portions extend diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, One of the diagonally downward fitting portions forms a 60-degree angle with respect to each of the two horizontal fitting portions, and a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction, upper joint, (3) The plurality of fitting parts Two horizontal interlocking parts are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, Three diagonally upward fitting portions extend diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, One of the aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portions forms a 60-degree angle with respect to each of the two aforementioned horizontal fitting portions, and a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction, lower joint, (4) The plurality of fitting parts Three horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, A single diagonally upward fitting portion extending diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane, A single diagonally downward fitting portion extending diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane, Composed of, The upper diagonal recessed portion forms an angle of 60 degrees with the central horizontal recessed portion among the three horizontal recessed portions and the left horizontal recessed portion when viewed from the insertion side, and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction. The lower diagonal recessed portion forms an angle of 60 degrees with the central horizontal recessed portion among the three horizontal recessed portions and the right horizontal recessed portion when viewed from the insertion side, and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction, which is the first equatorial joint. (5) The plurality of recessed portions comprises three horizontal recessed portions whose longitudinal directions are in the same horizontal plane and are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees in the horizontal direction, one upper diagonal recessed portion extending obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal plane, and one lower diagonal recessed portion extending obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The upper diagonal recessed portion forms an angle of 60 degrees with the central horizontal recessed portion among the three horizontal recessed portions and the right horizontal recessed portion when viewed from the insertion side, and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction. The lower diagonal recessed portion forms an angle of 60 degrees with the central horizontal recessed portion among the three horizontal recessed portions and the left horizontal recessed portion when viewed from the insertion side, and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction, which is the second equatorial joint. The lower diagonal recessed portion forms an angle of 60 degrees with the central horizontal recessed portion among the three horizontal recessed portions and the left horizontal recessed portion when viewed from the insertion side, and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction, which is the second equatorial joint. (6) The plurality of recessed portions comprises six horizontal recessed portions whose longitudinal directions are in the same horizontal plane and are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees in the horizontal direction, and three diagonal recessed portions extending obliquely upward or obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane and arranged at intervals of 120 degrees in the horizontal direction. The three diagonal recessed portions are each a semi - central joint that forms an angle of 60 degrees with one of the horizontal recessed portions and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction. The three diagonal recessed portions are each a semi - central joint that forms an angle of 60 degrees with one of the horizontal recessed portions and forms an angle of 30 degrees in the horizontal direction. (7) The plurality of recessed portions comprises three horizontal recessed portions whose longitudinal directions are in the same horizontal plane and are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees in the horizontal direction, Composed of either one upwardly inclined engaging portion extending obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal plane, or one downwardly inclined engaging portion extending obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The upwardly inclined engaging portion forms an angle of 60 degrees and a horizontal angle of 30 degrees with respect to the central horizontal engaging portion among the three horizontal engaging portions and the left horizontal engaging portion when viewed from the engaging side. The downwardly inclined engaging portion forms an angle of 60 degrees and a horizontal angle of 30 degrees with respect to the central horizontal engaging portion among the three horizontal engaging portions and the right horizontal engaging portion when viewed from the engaging side, which is the first semi-equatorial joint. (8) The plurality of engaging portions Composed of three horizontal engaging portions whose longitudinal directions are in the same horizontal plane and are arranged at 60-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of either one upwardly inclined engaging portion extending obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal plane, or one downwardly inclined engaging portion extending obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The upwardly inclined engaging portion forms an angle of 60 degrees and a horizontal angle of 30 degrees with respect to the central horizontal engaging portion among the three horizontal engaging portions and the right horizontal engaging portion when viewed from the engaging side. The downwardly inclined engaging portion forms an angle of 60 degrees and a horizontal angle of 30 degrees with respect to the central horizontal engaging portion among the three horizontal engaging portions and the left horizontal engaging portion when viewed from the engaging side, which is the second semi-equatorial joint. Is any one of the above aspects.

[0012] In the joint of any one of the above aspects, An extended aspect in which at least one engaging portion extending from each of the central portions is further added to the upper joint, the lower joint, the first equatorial joint, the second equatorial joint, and the semi-equatorial joint may be further included as an option.

[0013] In a preferred example, in any of the embodiments of the joint, the length direction of the plurality of fitting portions passes through the center of the central portion, and the distance from the center to the recess is the same. In any one of the embodiments of the joint, when the horizontal fitting portion is positioned horizontally and the diagonal upper fitting portion is positioned above the horizontal fitting portion, and / or when the horizontal fitting portion is positioned horizontally and the diagonal lower fitting portion is positioned below the horizontal fitting portion, the side openings of the plurality of fitting portions are formed such that they open upward.

[0014] A structure according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a central joint located at the center of the structure, upper joints located at three vertices at the top of the structure, a first equatorial joint and a second equatorial joint alternately located at six vertices at the equator of the structure, lower joints located at three vertices at the bottom of the structure, and a plurality of columns of the same length, each of which is fitted into the fitting portion to connect the joints, forming the sides and beams of the structure. In this case, the plurality of columns total 36 columns, and these columns are fitted into all of the fitting portions of the joints.

[0015] A structure according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises the semi-central joint located at the center of the structure, the upper joints located at three vertices at the top of the structure, or the lower joints located at three vertices at the bottom of the structure, the first semi-equal joint and the second semi-equal joint alternately located at six vertices at the equator of the structure, and a plurality of columns of the same length, the columns being fitted into the fitting portions to connect the joints and form the sides and beams of the structure. In this case, the plurality of columns total 24 columns, and the columns are fitted into all of the fitting portions of the joints.

[0016] A structure according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises: a central joint located at the center of the structure; upper joints located at three vertices at the top of the structure; a first equatorial joint and a second equatorial joint, alternately located at six vertices at the equator of the structure; a plurality of columns of the same length, the columns being fitted into the fitting portions to connect the joints and form the sides and beams of the structure, wherein at least one of the upper joints, the first equatorial joints, the second equatorial joints, and the lower joints is the extended configuration.

[0017] The preferred plurality of columns are rectangular prisms. The method of assembling a structure using the above-described joint of the present invention involves inserting the column into each of the fitting portions of the joint and fixing the column to the joint. The process comprises the steps described above. Preferably, the process further includes the step of fitting a ring around the outer circumference of the recess in the fitting portion, and then fitting the column into the recess while the ring is fitted in the fitting portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed by connecting columns using a joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the basic interlocking structure of the joint shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure in Figure 2 with columns fitted into it and secured with bolts. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a central joint according to one embodiment of the joint of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows the central joint of Figure 4 viewed from various directions, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a left side view. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the angles or cross-sectional views of the interlocking parts of the central joint in Figure 4, where (a) is a front view showing lines AA and CC for the cross-section, (b) is a top view showing line BB for the cross-section and indicating that the three diagonal upper interlocking parts are spaced 120 degrees apart from each other, (c) is a bottom view indicating that the three diagonal lower interlocking parts are spaced 120 degrees apart from each other, (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal plane including line AA in Figure 6(a) indicating that the six horizontal interlocking parts are spaced 60 degrees apart, (e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line BB in Figure 6(b), and (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line CC in Figure 6(a). [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an upper joint according to one embodiment of the joint of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the upper joint of Figure 7 viewed from various directions, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a left side view. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the angles or cross-sectional views of the interlocking parts of the upper joint in Figure 7, where (a) is a top view showing line AA from which the cross-section is taken, (b) is a bottom view showing line BB from which the cross-section is taken and showing that the three diagonal lower interlocking parts are arranged at 120-degree intervals from each other, (c) is a front view, (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane containing line AA in Figure 9(a), and (e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane containing line BB in Figure 9(b). [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lower joint according to one embodiment of the joint of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the lower joint of Figure 10 viewed from various directions, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a left side view. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the angles or cross-sectional views of the interlocking parts of the lower joint of Figure 10, where (a) is a front view showing line AA from which the cross section is taken, (b) is a top view showing lines BB and CC from which the cross section is taken and showing that the three diagonal upper interlocking parts are arranged at 120-degree intervals from each other, (c) is a right side view, (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal plane including line AA in Figure 12(a) showing that the two horizontal interlocking parts are arranged at 60-degree intervals, (e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line BB in Figure 12(b), and (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line CC in Figure 12(b). [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first equatorial joint according to one embodiment of the joint of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the first equatorial joint of Figure 13 viewed from various directions, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a left side view. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the angles or cross-sectional views of the interlocking parts of the first equatorial joint in Figure 13, where (a) is a front view showing line AA from which the cross-section is taken, (b) is a top view showing lines BB and CC from which the cross-section is taken and showing that the diagonal upper interlocking part and the horizontal interlocking part form a 30-degree angle, (c) is a bottom view showing line DD from which the cross-section is taken and showing that the diagonal lower interlocking part and the horizontal interlocking part form a 30-degree angle, (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal plane including line AA in Figure 15(a) showing that the three horizontal interlocking parts are arranged at 60-degree intervals, (e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line BB in Figure 15(b), (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line CC in Figure 15(b), and (g) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line DD in Figure 15(c). [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second equatorial joint according to one embodiment of the joint of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]Figure 17 shows the second equatorial joint of Figure 16 viewed from various directions, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a left side view. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the angles or cross-sectional views of the interlocking parts of the second equatorial joint in Figure 16, where (a) is a front view showing line AA from which the cross-section is taken, (b) is a top view showing lines BB and CC from which the cross-section is taken and showing that the diagonal upper interlocking part and the horizontal interlocking part form a 30-degree angle, (c) is a bottom view showing line DD from which the cross-section is taken and showing that the diagonal lower interlocking part and the horizontal interlocking part form a 30-degree angle, (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal plane including line AA in Figure 18(a) showing that the three horizontal interlocking parts are arranged at 60-degree intervals, (e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line BB in Figure 18(b), (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line CC in Figure 18(b), and (g) is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical plane including line DD in Figure 18(c). [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing the columns connected using the upper joint shown in Figure 7. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a front view of a structure showing the horizontal line effect using a joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a front view of a structure showing the quadrilateral horizontal line effect using a joint according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the step of fitting a ring around the outer circumference of a fitting portion in a method for assembling a structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a prior art structure according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> (structure) Figure 1 shows a structure 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Structure 1 is constructed by connecting columns 2 using joints 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 according to the first embodiment. All columns 2 have the same length l.

[0020] A central joint 10 is located at the center O of structure 1, upper joints 20 are located at the upper vertices A, B, and C of structure 1, lower joints 30 are located at the lower vertices J, K, and L of structure 1, and first equatorial joints 40 and second equatorial joints 50 are located alternately at the equatorial vertices D, E, F, G, H, and I of structure 1. The columns 2 connect each joint, forming the beams and sides of structure 1. In other words, structure 1 consists of one central joint, three upper joints 20, three lower joints 30, three first equatorial joints 40, three second equatorial joints 50, and a total of 36 columns 2.

[0021] As shown in the figure, in structure 1, the side lengths and beam lengths are the same, and structure 1 forms a polyhedron on its surface that has a total of 8 equilateral triangles ABC, ADI, BEF, CGH, JKL, JDE, KFG, LHI and a total of 6 squares ABED, ACHI, BCGF, JDIL, JEFK, KLHG. In addition, including its interior, structure 1 has a total of 8 regular tetrahedra ABCO, ADIO, BEFO, CGHO, JKLO, JDEO, KFGO, LHIO.

[0022] Joints 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 each have multiple interlocking sections for fitting multiple columns 2 in different directions. Figure 2 shows an interlocking structure 3 common to the multiple interlocking sections formed in joints 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, and an example of the shape of a column 2 that fits into this interlocking structure 3.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the interlocking structure 3 comprises two side portions 70, 71 extending from the central part of the joint (not shown in Figure 2; details will be described later), a bottom portion 72 connecting the two side portions 70, 71, a side opening 75 formed by the edges of the side portions 70, 71 on the opposite side of the bottom portion 72, and a front opening 76 formed by the front edges of the two side portions 70, 71 and the front edge of the bottom portion 72. The column 2 has at least two parallel column sides 60, 61, and in its simplest form, for example, it is a quadrilateral prism with a cross section perpendicular to its length being square or rectangular. In this case, the interlocking structure 3 that accommodates the column 2 is formed in a U-shape with a cross section perpendicular to its length.

[0024] The inner surfaces of the two side portions 70 and 71 and the inner surface of the bottom portion 72 form recesses 73 into which the end of the column 2 is fitted. The side opening 75 and the front opening 76 together form an opening 77, through which the end of the column 2 can be fitted into the recesses 73. The recess 73 is separated from the front opening 76 by a contact surface 74, which is the central region of the joint where the two side portions 70 and 71 extend, and the front end 63 of the column 2 fitted into the recess 73 abuts against the contact surface 74.

[0025] Mounting holes 78 and 79 are formed in the two side portions 70 and 71 of the interlocking structure 3, respectively, and a through hole 62 is formed in the column 2 that penetrates perpendicular to the length direction. Figure 3 shows a view from the side of the side opening 75 of the column 2 with its end fitted into the recess 73 of the fitting structure 3. In the state shown in Figure 3, the tip 63 of the column 2 abuts against the contact surface 74, and the inner surfaces of the two side portions 70 and 71 face and contact the two column sides 60 and 61 of the column 2. As shown in the figure, since the side opening 75 extends from the contact surface 74 to the tip opening 76, it is easy to visually confirm that the column 2 is completely fitted into the recess 73.

[0026] In the state shown in Figure 3, where column 2 is fully fitted into the recess 73, the through-hole 62 of the column is aligned with the mounting holes 78 and 79 of the side portions 70 and 71. Therefore, a bolt 80 can be passed through the aligned holes 78, 62, and 79, and by tightening a nut 81 onto the threaded portion of the bolt 80 protruding from the mounting hole 78, column 2 can be fixed to the fitting structure 3.

[0027] The following provides a detailed explanation of each of the joints from 10 to 50. Please note that the terms "(diagonal) up," "(diagonal) down," and "horizontal" used in the following explanation refer to "up," "down," and "horizontal (direction or plane)" in relation to other components, and are relative. For example, even if structure 1 shown in Figure 1 is transposed or tilted, the joints and structural components themselves do not change, and "(diagonal) up," "(diagonal) down," and "horizontal" refer to the state when it is returned to its normal usage as shown in Figure 1. (Central joint) Figures 4 and 5 show a central joint 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figures, the central joint 10 comprises a central portion 11, six horizontal fitting portions 12 extending from the central portion 11 along a horizontal plane, three diagonal upward fitting portions 13 extending diagonally upward from the central portion 11, and three diagonal downward fitting portions 14 extending diagonally downward from the central portion 11.

[0028] When the horizontal fitting portion 12 is positioned horizontally, the diagonal upper fitting portion 13 is positioned above the horizontal fitting portion 12, and the diagonal lower fitting portion 14 is positioned below the horizontal fitting portion 12, the side openings (75 in Figure 2) of the fitting portions 12, 13, and 14 of the central joint 10 are formed to open upwards.

[0029] Next, the positional relationship of the multiple fitting parts of the central joint 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal plane 15 containing line AA in Figure 6(a). As shown in the figure, the length of each of the six horizontal interlocking sections 12, represented by the dashed-dotted lines, extends radially outward from the center O1 of the central section 11, and the length of any two adjacent horizontal interlocking sections 12 forms a 60-degree angle. That is, the six horizontal interlocking sections 12 are located in the same horizontal plane in their length directions and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally. When the central joint 10 is located in the center of the structure 1 shown in Figure 1, the center O1 of the central joint 11 coincides with the center O of the structure 1 in Figure 1.

[0030] The diagonal upper fitting portion 13 extends diagonally upward relative to the horizontal plane 15, as shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6(a) and 6(f), which correspond to the front view of Figure 5(c). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), which corresponds to the top view of Figure 5(a), the length direction of each of the three diagonal upper fitting portions 13, represented by the dashed-dotted lines, extends diagonally upward from the center O1 of the central portion 11, and the length directions of any two adjacent diagonal upper fitting portions 13 form a 120-degree angle in the horizontal direction. In other words, the three diagonal upper fitting portions 13 are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), the length of each of the three diagonal upper fitting sections 13 passes midway between two adjacent horizontal fitting sections 12 that are spaced at 60-degree intervals. In other words, each of the three diagonal upper fitting sections 13 forms a 60° / 2=30° angle horizontally with respect to one of the horizontal fitting sections.

[0032] Returning to Figure 1, the columns fitted into each of the diagonal upper fitting sections and the columns fitted into the horizontal fitting sections adjacent to these diagonal upper fitting sections form two sides of the equilateral triangles (e.g., equilateral triangles AOD, AOI) that constitute the regular tetrahedron. That is, each of the three diagonal upper fitting sections 13 makes a 60-degree angle with one of the horizontal fitting sections 12. Therefore, the angle θ that each of the three diagonal upper fitting sections 13 (edges of the regular tetrahedron) makes with the horizontal plane 15 (faces of the regular tetrahedron) is as shown in Figure 6(f), θ = tan-1 √2~54.74° This is the result.

[0033] Similarly, with respect to the three diagonal downward fitting sections 14, as shown in Figures 6(c), 6(d), and 1, the three diagonal downward fitting sections 14 extend diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane 15 and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction. Each of the three diagonal downward fitting sections 14 forms a 60-degree angle with respect to one of the horizontal fitting sections 12 and a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Here, "forming a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction" means that when the diagonal downward fitting section 14 is projected onto the horizontal plane, the projected diagonal downward fitting section 14 forms a 30-degree angle with respect to one of the horizontal fitting sections 12 (see Figures 6(b) and (c)).

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(c) to 5(f), 6(a), 6(c), and 6(e), each of the three diagonally upward fitting parts 13 and each of the three diagonally downward fitting parts 14 are positioned at a 60-degree angle in the horizontal direction.

[0035] Furthermore, in the central joint 10, the distance from the center O1 to the contact surface 74 of all the fitting parts is the same, and therefore, when columns 2 of the same length are fitted into the fitting part, the distance from the center O1 to the tip of the column is also the same. (Upper joint) Figures 7 and 8 show the upper joint 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figures, the upper joint 20 comprises a central portion 21, two horizontal fitting portions 22 extending from the central portion 21 along a horizontal plane, and three diagonal downward fitting portions 23 extending from the central portion 21 diagonally downward.

[0036] When the horizontal fitting portion 22 is positioned horizontally and the diagonally downward fitting portion 23 is positioned below the horizontal fitting portion 22, the side openings (75 in Figure 2) of the fitting portions 22 and 23 of the upper joint 20 are formed to open upward.

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the positional relationship of the multiple fitting parts of the upper joint 20 will be explained. As shown in Figure 9(a), which corresponds to the top view in Figure 8(a), the longitudinal direction of each of the two horizontal inset sections 22, represented by the dashed-dotted line, extends radially outward from the center O2 of the central section 21, and the longitudinal directions of the two horizontal inset sections 22 are at a 60-degree angle to each other. Furthermore, as shown in the AA cross-sectional view in Figure 9(d), the longitudinal directions of the two horizontal inset sections 22 lie on the horizontal plane 24 passing through the center O2. In other words, the two horizontal inset sections 22 lie on the same horizontal plane in their longitudinal directions and are arranged at a 60-degree interval in the horizontal direction.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9(d) to (e), the three diagonal downward fitting portions 23 extend diagonally downward relative to the horizontal plane 24. As shown in Figure 9(b), which corresponds to the bottom view of Figure 8(b), the length direction of each of the three diagonal downward fitting portions 23, represented by the dashed-dotted lines, extends radially outward from the center O2 of the central portion 21, and they are at 120 degrees from each other in the horizontal direction. That is, the three diagonal downward fitting portions 23 extend diagonally downward relative to the horizontal plane 24 and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(b), one of the three diagonally downward fitting portions 23 is at a 30-degree angle horizontally to each of the two horizontal fitting portions 22. Returning to Figure 1, the column fitted into the diagonally downward fitting section and the columns fitted into the two horizontal fitting sections that form a 30-degree angle horizontally to this diagonally downward fitting section each form two sides of the two equilateral triangles (for example, equilateral triangles ABO and ACO) that constitute the regular tetrahedron. That is, one of the diagonally downward fitting sections 23 forms a 60-degree angle with each of the two horizontal fitting sections 22. Therefore, the angle θ that one of the diagonally downward fitting sections 23 (an edge of the regular tetrahedron) makes with the horizontal plane 24 (a face of the regular tetrahedron) is, as shown in Figure 9(e),

[0040]

number

[0041] In summary, one of the diagonally downward fitting sections 23 forms a 60-degree angle with respect to each of the two horizontal fitting sections 22, and also forms a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction.

[0042] Furthermore, in the upper joint 20, the distance from the center O2 to the contact surface 74 of all the fitting parts is the same, and is set to be the same as the distance in the central joint 10. Therefore, when columns 2 of the same length are fitted into the fitting part, the distance from the center O2 to the tip of the column will also be the same.

[0043] The upper joint 20 has its central part 20 center O2 positioned at the vertex positions A, B, and C in the structure 1 shown in Figure 1. (Lower joint) Figures 10 and 11 show a lower joint 30 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figures, the lower joint 30 comprises a central portion 31, two horizontal fitting portions 32 extending from the central portion 31 along a horizontal plane, and three diagonal upward fitting portions 33 extending from the central portion 31 diagonally upward.

[0044] When the horizontal fitting portion 32 is positioned horizontally and the diagonally upward fitting portion 33 is positioned above the horizontal fitting portion 32, the side openings (75 in Figure 2) of the fitting portions 32 and 33 of the lower joint 30 are formed to open upward.

[0045] Next, the positional relationship of the multiple fitting parts of the lower joint 30 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. As shown in the AA cross-sectional view of Figure 12(d), the longitudinal direction of each of the two horizontal interlocking sections 32, represented by the dashed-dotted line, extends radially outward from the center O3 of the central section 31, and the longitudinal directions of the two horizontal interlocking sections 32 are at a 60-degree angle to each other. Also, as shown in Figure 12(a), the longitudinal directions of the two horizontal interlocking sections 32 lie on the horizontal plane 34 passing through the center O3. In other words, the two horizontal interlocking sections 32 lie on the same horizontal plane in their longitudinal directions and are arranged at a 60-degree interval in the horizontal direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the three diagonal upward fitting portions 33 extend diagonally upward relative to the horizontal plane 34. As shown in Figure 12(b), the length of each of the three diagonal upward fitting portions 33, represented by the dashed-dotted lines, extends radially outward from the center O3 of the central portion 31, and they are at 120 degrees from each other in the horizontal direction. In other words, the three diagonal upward fitting portions 33 extend diagonally upward relative to the horizontal plane 34 and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), one of the three diagonally upward fitting portions 33 is at a 30-degree angle horizontally to each of the two horizontal fitting portions 32. Returning to Figure 1, the column fitted into the diagonal upper fitting section and the columns fitted into the two horizontal fitting sections that form a 30-degree angle horizontally to this diagonal upper fitting section each form two sides of the two equilateral triangles (for example, equilateral triangles JKO and JLO) that constitute the regular tetrahedron. That is, one of the diagonal lower fitting sections 33 forms a 60-degree angle with each of the two horizontal fitting sections 32. Therefore, the angle θ that one of the diagonal upper fitting sections 33 (an edge of the regular tetrahedron) makes with the horizontal plane 34 (a face of the regular tetrahedron) is, as shown in Figure 12(f),

[0048]

number

[0049] In summary, one of the diagonally upward fitting sections 33 forms a 60-degree angle with each of the two horizontal fitting sections 32, and also forms a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction.

[0050] Furthermore, in the lower joint 30, the distance from the center O3 to the contact surface 74 of all the fitting parts is the same, and is set to be the same as the distance in the central joint 10. Therefore, when columns 2 of the same length are fitted into the fitting part, the distance from the center O3 to the tip of the column will also be the same.

[0051] The lower joint 30 has its central part 30 center O3 positioned at the vertex positions J, K, and L in the structure 1 shown in Figure 1. (First equatorial joint) Figures 13 and 14 show a first equatorial joint 40 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figures, the first equatorial joint 40 comprises a central portion 41, three horizontal fitting portions 42 extending from the central portion 41 along a horizontal plane, one diagonal upward fitting portion 43 extending diagonally upward from the central portion 41, and one diagonal downward fitting portion 44 extending diagonally downward from the central portion 41.

[0052] When the horizontal fitting portion 42 is positioned horizontally, the diagonal upper fitting portion 43 is positioned above the horizontal fitting portion 42, and the diagonal lower fitting portion 44 is positioned below the horizontal fitting portion 42, the side openings (75 in Figure 2) of the fitting portions 42, 43, and 44 of the first equatorial joint 40 are formed to open upwards.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 15, the positional relationships of the multiple fitting parts of the first equatorial joint 40 will be explained. As shown in the AA cross-section of Figure 15(d), the longitudinal direction of each of the two horizontal inset sections 42, represented by the dashed lines, extends radially outward from the center O4 of the central section 41, and the longitudinal directions of two adjacent horizontal inset sections 42 are at a 60-degree angle to each other. Also, as shown in Figure 15(a), the longitudinal directions of the three horizontal inset sections 42 lie on the horizontal plane 45 passing through the center O4. In other words, the three horizontal inset sections 42 lie on the same horizontal plane in their longitudinal directions and are arranged at 60-degree intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0054] As shown in Figures 15(a) and (f), one of the diagonal upward fitting sections 43 extends diagonally upward relative to the horizontal plane 45. Also, as shown in Figure 15(b), the length of the diagonal upward fitting section 43, represented by the dashed line, passes midway between the central horizontal fitting section 42 and the left horizontal fitting section 42 (when viewed from the side where the column is fitted), and forms a 30-degree angle horizontally with respect to the length of the central horizontal fitting section 42 (and the left horizontal fitting section 42).

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 15(a) and (g), one of the diagonally downward fitting sections 44 extends diagonally downward relative to the horizontal plane 45. Also, as shown in Figure 15(c), the length of the diagonally upward fitting section 44, represented by the dashed line, passes midway between the central horizontal fitting section 42 and the right-hand horizontal fitting section 42 (when viewed from the side where the column is fitted), and forms a 30-degree angle horizontally with respect to the length of the central horizontal fitting section 42 (and the right-hand horizontal fitting section 42).

[0056] Returning to Figure 1, the column fitted into the diagonal upper or diagonal lower fitting portion of the first equatorial joint 40, and the columns fitted into the two horizontal fitting portions that form a 30-degree angle horizontally to this diagonal upper or diagonal lower fitting portion, each form two sides of two equilateral triangles that constitute a regular tetrahedron (for example, equilateral triangles FBE and FBO for the diagonal upper fitting portion, and equilateral triangles FKG and FKO for the diagonal lower fitting portion). That is, the diagonal upper fitting portion 43 or diagonal lower fitting portion 44 forms a 60-degree angle with each of the two adjacent horizontal fitting portions 42. Therefore, the angle θ that the diagonal upper fitting portion 43 or diagonal lower fitting portion 44 (edges of the regular tetrahedron) makes with the horizontal plane 45 (faces of the regular tetrahedron) is as shown in Figure 15(f) or Figure 15(g).

[0057]

number

[0058] In summary, the diagonal upper fitting section 43 forms a 60-degree angle with the central horizontal fitting section 42 and the left horizontal fitting section (when viewed from the fitting side) of the three horizontal fitting sections 42, as well as a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Similarly, the diagonal lower fitting section 44 forms a 60-degree angle with the central horizontal fitting section 42 and the right horizontal fitting section (when viewed from the fitting side) of the three horizontal fitting sections 42, as well as a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Thus, the diagonal upper fitting section 43 and the diagonal lower fitting section 44 are positioned at a 60-degree angle in the horizontal direction.

[0059] Furthermore, in the first equatorial joint 40, the distance from the center O4 to the contact surface 74 of all the fitting parts is the same, and is set to be the same as the distance in the central joint 10. Therefore, when columns 2 of the same length are fitted into the fitting part, the distance from the center O4 to the tip of the column will also be the same.

[0060] The first equatorial joint 40 has its center O4 of the central part 40 positioned at the vertex positions D, F, and H in the structure 1 of Figure 1. (Second equatorial joint) Figures 16, 17, and 18 show a second equatorial joint 50 according to the first embodiment. In these figures, for components similar to those of the first equatorial joint 40, the reference numbers for the components of the second equatorial joint are obtained by adding 10 to the reference numbers of the components of the first equatorial joint, and the center of the central portion 51 is designated as O5, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0061] The second equatorial joint 50 is a mirror image of the first equatorial joint 40. That is, as shown in Figure 18, the diagonal upper fitting portion 53 forms a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion 52 and the right-hand horizontal fitting portion 52 when viewed from the fitting side, and also forms a 30-degree angle horizontally. The diagonal lower fitting portion 54 forms a 60-degree angle with respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect to respect

[0062] Furthermore, in the second equatorial joint 50, the distance from the center O5 to the contact surface 74 of all the fitting parts is the same, and is set to be the same as the distance in the central joint 10. Therefore, when columns 2 of the same length are fitted into the fitting part, the distance from the center O4 to the tip of the column is also the same. Also, it is the same as the first equatorial joint 40 in that the side opening of the fitting part opens upwards.

[0063] The second equatorial joint 50 is arranged alternately with the first equatorial joint 40 such that the center O5 of the central part 50 is located at the vertex positions E, G, and I in the structure 1 of Figure 1. It goes without saying that in the present invention, the angles of 60 degrees, 30 degrees, 120 degrees, etc., mentioned above are not limited to exact values, but include a range of acceptable errors in assembling the structure of the present invention, as well as a range of errors that can absorb dimensional errors of other members. (Effects of the present invention) The effects and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be explained below, primarily using Figures 19 to 21.

[0064] Figure 19 shows an example of how two columns 2 are connected using the upper joint 20. As shown in the figure, it can be seen that the placement of the columns 2 is uniquely determined simply by fitting the ends of the columns into the recesses of the fitting parts 22 and 23. As best shown in the red circle, the worker can easily determine from the side opening of the fitting part whether the end of the column 2 is securely in contact with the contact surface of the fitting part. Even if the end of the column is not in contact with the contact surface, it is possible to easily and securely fit the column into the fitting part simply by moving the column. In addition, since pre-fabricated timber can be used as the columns 2, there is no need to process the columns, and material waste can be eliminated.

[0065] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 19, the mounting holes 78 and 79 on the side of the fitting part automatically align with the through-holes in the column. As shown in Figure 3, the column 2 can be easily fixed to the fitting part simply by inserting bolts into the aligned holes and fastening them with nuts.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the structure 1 of the present invention makes it possible to "create horizontal lines," which are of paramount importance in architecture. In other words, by simply using the joint according to this embodiment, it is possible to create horizontal lines for the floor, ceiling, and equator simply by fitting the column into the recess of the fitting part, without requiring any special techniques or welding.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, even the square surfaces of wall and window frames, where the columns would normally be slanted, can be made horizontal by using the joint of the present invention (the faces of the columns, which are prisms, align with the square surfaces). This allows the installation of walls and window frames to be completed simply by fitting the panels together.

[0068] As described above, the present invention has a simple mechanism that only requires fitting and fixing the pillars, so it can be applied to buildings, tents, greenhouses, models, etc., and anyone can easily assemble it in any field, making it useful in daily life. <Second Embodiment> Figure 22 shows a structure 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In structure 1a, the joints 10 to 50 according to the first embodiment are also used. However, structure 1a according to the second embodiment differs from structure 1 in that it lacks the three columns connecting the three diagonally upper fitting portions of the central joint 10 to the diagonally lower fitting portion of the upper joint 20, and the three columns connecting the three diagonally lower fitting portions of the central joint 10 to the diagonally upper fitting portion of the lower joint 30.

[0069] Thus, in the second embodiment, instead of fitting all connectable columns as in the first embodiment, columns are omitted as needed. The columns to be removed in the second embodiment are not limited to the example in Figure 22. For example, one or two of the three columns connecting the three diagonally upper fitting parts of the central joint 10 to the diagonally lower fitting part of the upper joint 20 may be removed, one or two of the three columns connecting the three diagonally lower fitting parts of the central joint 10 to the diagonally upper fitting part of the lower joint 30 may be removed, and combinations thereof are also possible. Furthermore, some of the six columns connecting the horizontal fitting part 12 of the central joint 10 to the horizontal fitting parts 42 and 52 of the first and second equatorial joints 40 and 50 may be removed. In any case, the second embodiment includes any configuration in which columns that can be removed from the structure 1 are removed.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the interlocking section for connecting the removed column is not used, so joints without such interlocking sections, as well as structures using such joints, are also included in the second embodiment. <Third Embodiment> Figure 23 shows a structure 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The structure 1b of the third embodiment is constructed by connecting columns using three upper joints 20 similar to those of the first embodiment, one semi-central joint 10b obtained by removing three diagonal downward fitting portions 14 from a central joint 10, three first semi-equal joints 40b obtained by removing one diagonal downward fitting portion 44 from a first equatorial joint 40, and three second semi-equal joints 50b obtained by removing one diagonal downward fitting portion 54 from a second equatorial joint 50.

[0071] As a variation of the third embodiment, in contrast to the form shown in Figure 23, which extends from the ceiling portion composed of upper joints to the equator portion below, a form can also be considered in which the structure extends from the floor portion composed of lower joints to the equator portion above. This variation is constructed by connecting columns using three lower joints 30, one semi-central joint (not shown) obtained by removing three diagonal upper fitting portions 13 from the central joint 10, three first semi-equal joints (not shown) obtained by removing one diagonal upper fitting portion 43 from the first equatorial joint 40, and three second semi-equal joints (not shown) obtained by removing one diagonal upper fitting portion 53 from the second equatorial joint 50.

[0072] Furthermore, the third embodiment also includes, similar to the second embodiment, a configuration in which, for example, all or part of the three columns connecting the diagonally upper fitting portion of the semi-central joint 10b and the diagonally lower fitting portion of the upper joint 20 are removed (and a configuration in which the columns are removed from the above modified example). These can also be considered as broad embodiments of the second embodiment. <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment, although not shown in the figures, relates to an extended form of joint and a structure using the joint, wherein at least one additional fitting portion of the fitting structure 3 shown in Figure 2, extending from the central part of each of the above embodiments' joints 10, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 40b, 50, 50b is added.

[0073] For example, an extension configuration can be considered in which at least one diagonally upward fitting portion and / or at least one horizontal fitting portion are added, extending from the top surface or side surface of the central portion 21 of the upper joint 20. By using the upper joint in this extension configuration, it becomes possible to add and extend other structures from the top of structures 1, 1a, and 1b.

[0074] Furthermore, an extension configuration is conceivable in which at least one horizontal fitting portion is added extending from the side of the central portion 31 of the lower joint 30. By using the lower joint in this extension configuration, it becomes possible to add and extend other structures from the lower part of structures 1, 1a, and 1b.

[0075] Furthermore, an extension configuration is conceivable in which at least one of at least one diagonally upward fitting portion, at least one horizontal fitting portion, and at least one diagonally downward fitting portion is added, extending from the top, side, or bottom surface of the central portions 41, 51 of the first and second equatorial joints 40, 50. By using the equatorial joint in this extension configuration, it becomes possible to add and extend other structures from the equatorial portions of structures 1, 1a, and 1b. <Fifth Embodiment> The fifth embodiment relates to a method for assembling a structure using the joints 10, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 40b, 50, and 50b of the above embodiments. This method involves fitting a column 2 into each of the joint's fitting portions 3 and fixing the column 2 to the joint. Each process is included.

[0076] The method according to the fifth embodiment preferably further includes the step of fitting a ring 90 around the outer circumference of the recess of the fitting portion 3, as shown in Figure 24, and then fitting the column 2 into the recess while the ring 90 is fitted to the fitting portion 3. This prevents the column from coming out or falling out of the side opening of the recess during the assembly of the structure, and allows the assembly work to be carried out efficiently.

[0077] After the column is fitted into the fitting section, the ring 90 can be cut and removed. Alternatively, the ring 90 may have an openable and closable structure to allow it to be detachably attached to the fitting section.

[0078] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be arbitrarily and suitably modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, the structure of the present invention is not limited to the polyhedra shown in Figures 1, 22, and 23, but may be other polyhedra based on 60 degrees.

[0079] Furthermore, in structures 1, 1a, and 1b shown in Figures 1, 22, and 23, the side openings of the fitting parts of each joint all open upwards. However, the orientation of the side openings of the joints can be appropriately changed to take into account the ease of assembly according to the size of the structure. For example, when checking the fitting status of the columns from inside or below the structure, the upper joint can be configured so that the side opening of the upper joint faces downwards. The same applies to the other joints. In addition, each joint may have its side openings facing not only up and down but also horizontally. Furthermore, the orientation of the side openings of each joint may differ from joint to joint.

[0080] Furthermore, although the column 2 of the structure is a rectangular prism in the example above, its cross-section may be of any other polygonal shape as long as it can be fitted into the recess to define the arrangement of the column. The same applies to the shape of the recess. Also, the shape of the column other than the end that is fitted into the recess may differ from that of the end.

[0081] Figures 2 and 3 show an example in which one through-hole 62 is provided in the column, but multiple through-holes may be provided, and naturally, multiple sets of mounting holes 78 and 79 for the fitting part can also be provided aligned with these holes. Bolts 80 and nuts 81 are given as an example of screwing means for fixing the column to the fitting part, but it is also possible to cut threads on the inner surface of the through-hole 62 and fix it by screwing the bolt directly into the column. Alternatively, the column may not have a through-hole, and wood screws inserted through mounting holes may be used as the screwing means.

[0082] In the fifth embodiment, a ring 90 for preventing the column from falling out is attached to the outer circumference of the recess. However, a narrow plate for preventing the column from falling out that crosses the side opening, or a projection that protrudes from the side portions 70 and 71 toward the side opening, may be provided, as long as it does not interfere with the installation of the column into the recess. The position of this plate should not obscure the contact surface in order to check how well the column fits. However, if a transparent plate is used, it will not interfere with checking how well the column fits, so it may partially cover the area around the contact surface. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1,1a,1b structures 2 pillars 3. Snap-in structure, snap-in part 10 Central joint 10b Semi-center joint 11 Central part 12 Horizontal insertion section 13. Diagonal upper insertion part 14. Diagonal downward insertion part 20 Upper joint 21 Central part 22 Horizontal fitting section 23. Diagonal downward insertion part 30 Lower joint 31 Central part 32 Horizontal fitting section 33 Diagonal upper fitting section 40. First equatorial joint 40b First semi-equatorial joint 41 Central part 42 Horizontal fitting section 43 Diagonal upper fitting section 44. Diagonal downward insertion part 50. Second equatorial joint 50b Second semi-equatorial joint 51 Central part 52 Horizontal fitting section 53 Diagonal upper fitting section 54 Diagonal downward fitting part 60, 61 Two parallel column sides 62 through holes 63 Top of the pillar 70, 71 Side 72 Bottom 73 recess 74 Contact surface 75 Side opening 76 Tip opening 77 Opening 78, 79 mounting holes 80 volts 81 Nut 90 Ring

Claims

1. A joint for connecting multiple columns, The aforementioned joint is, The central part, Multiple fitting portions extending in different directions from the central portion, Equipped with, Each of the plurality of fitting portions has a recess for fitting the end of the column, An opening is formed in the recess, and the end of the column can be fitted into the recess through the opening. The aforementioned opening is The tip opening formed at the tip of the aforementioned fitting portion, A side opening formed on the side of the aforementioned fitting portion, It has, The aforementioned joint is, (1) The plurality of fitting parts Six horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced at 60-degree intervals horizontally, Three diagonally upward fitting portions extend diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Three diagonally downward fitting portions extend diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, Each of the three aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portions is at a 60-degree angle to one of the horizontal fitting portions and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Each of the three diagonally downward fitting portions is at a 60-degree angle to one of the horizontal fitting portions and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Each of the three diagonally upward fitting portions and each of the three diagonally downward fitting portions are arranged at a 60-degree angle in the horizontal direction. Central joint, (2) The plurality of fitting parts Two horizontal interlocking parts are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, Three diagonally downward fitting portions extend diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, One of the diagonally downward fitting portions forms a 60-degree angle with respect to each of the two horizontal fitting portions, and a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction, upper joint, (3) The plurality of fitting parts Two horizontal interlocking parts are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, Three diagonally upward fitting portions extend diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, One of the aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portions forms a 60-degree angle with respect to each of the two aforementioned horizontal fitting portions, and a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction, lower joint, (4) The plurality of fitting parts Three horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, A single diagonally upward fitting portion extending diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane, A single diagonally downward fitting portion extending diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane, Composed of, The aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portion is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the left horizontal fitting portion (when viewed from the fitting side) among the three horizontal fitting portions, and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. The aforementioned diagonally downward fitting portion forms a first equatorial joint that is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the horizontal fitting portion on the right side when viewed from the fitting side, and also at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. (5) The plurality of fitting parts Three horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, A single diagonally upward fitting portion extending diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane, A single diagonally downward fitting portion extending diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane, Composed of, The aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portion is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the horizontal fitting portion on the right side when viewed from the fitting side, and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. The aforementioned diagonal downward fitting portion forms a second equatorial joint that is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the left horizontal fitting portion (when viewed from the fitting side) of the three horizontal fitting portions, and also at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. (6) The plurality of fitting parts Six horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced at 60-degree intervals horizontally, Three diagonal fitting portions extend diagonally upward or diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane and are arranged at 120-degree intervals in the horizontal direction, Composed of, Each of the three aforementioned angled fitting sections forms a semi-central joint that is at a 60-degree angle to one of the horizontal fitting sections and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. (7) The plurality of fitting parts Three horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, It is composed of either one of the following: one diagonal upward fitting portion extending diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane, and one diagonal downward fitting portion extending diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portion is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the left horizontal fitting portion (when viewed from the fitting side) among the three horizontal fitting portions, and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. The aforementioned diagonal downward fitting portion forms a first semi-equatorial joint that is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the horizontal fitting portion on the right side when viewed from the fitting side, and also at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. (8) The plurality of fitting parts Three horizontal interlocking sections are located on the same horizontal plane along their length and are spaced 60 degrees apart horizontally, It is composed of either one of the following: one diagonal upward fitting portion extending diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal plane, and one diagonal downward fitting portion extending diagonally downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The aforementioned diagonal upper fitting portion is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the horizontal fitting portion on the right side when viewed from the fitting side, and at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. The aforementioned diagonal downward fitting portion forms a second semi-equatorial joint that is at a 60-degree angle with respect to the central horizontal fitting portion and the left horizontal fitting portion (when viewed from the fitting side) of the three horizontal fitting portions, and also at a 30-degree angle in the horizontal direction. A joint that is one of the following forms.

2. Each of the aforementioned plurality of fitting parts is Two side portions extending from the aforementioned central portion, The bottom portion connecting the two aforementioned side portions, Equipped with, The recess is formed by the inner surfaces of the two sides and the inner surface of the bottom, The aforementioned tip opening is formed by the tip edges of the two side portions and the tip edge of the bottom portion. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the side opening is formed by the edge of the side opposite to the bottom.

3. The joint according to claim 2, wherein mounting holes are formed in the two side portions through which screwing means for fixing the column in the state in which the column is fitted into the fitting portion pass.

4. The joint in any one of the above embodiments includes: The joint according to claim 1, further comprising, as an option, an extended configuration in which at least one of the fitting portions extending from the central portion of each of the upper joint, the lower joint, the first equatorial joint, the second equatorial joint, and the semi-equatorial joint is further added.

5. The joint according to claim 4, wherein in any embodiment of the joint, the length direction of the plurality of fitting portions passes through the center of the central portion, and the distance from the center to the recess is the same.

6. In any one of the above embodiments of the joint, The joint according to claim 5, wherein when the horizontal fitting portion is positioned horizontally and the diagonal upper fitting portion is positioned above the horizontal fitting portion, and / or when the horizontal fitting portion is positioned horizontally and the diagonal lower fitting portion is positioned below the horizontal fitting portion, the side openings of the plurality of fitting portions are formed such that they open upward.

7. A structure having the joint described in claim 5, The central joint is located at the center of the aforementioned structure, The upper joints are positioned at three vertices on the upper part of the aforementioned structure, The first equatorial joint and the second equatorial joint are arranged alternately at the six vertices of the equatorial portion of the aforementioned structure. The lower joints are positioned at three vertices at the bottom of the structure, Multiple columns of the same length, A structure comprising, wherein each of the plurality of columns is fitted into the fitting portion to connect the joints, forming the sides and beams of the structure.

8. The structure according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of columns total 36 columns, and these columns are fitted into all of the fitting portions of the joint.

9. A structure having the joint described in claim 5, The semi-central joint is located at the center of the aforementioned structure, The upper joints are positioned at three vertices on the upper part of the structure, or the lower joints are positioned at three vertices on the lower part of the structure. The first semi-equatorial joint and the second semi-equatorial joint are arranged alternately at the six vertices of the equatorial portion of the structure, A plurality of columns having the same length, wherein the columns are fitted into the fitting portion to connect the joints, forming the sides and beams of the structure, A structure that is equipped with [the following features].

10. The structure according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of columns total 24 columns, and the columns are fitted into all of the fitting portions of the joint.

11. A structure having the joint described in claim 5, The central joint is located at the center of the aforementioned structure, The upper joints are positioned at three vertices on the upper part of the aforementioned structure, The first equatorial joint and the second equatorial joint are arranged alternately at the six vertices of the equatorial portion of the aforementioned structure. The lower joints are positioned at three vertices at the bottom of the structure, A plurality of columns having the same length, wherein the columns are fitted into the fitting portion to connect the joints, forming the sides and beams of the structure, Equipped with, A structure in which at least one of the upper joint, the first equatorial joint, the second equatorial joint, and the lower joint is the extended configuration.

12. The structure according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of columns are rectangular prisms.

13. A method for assembling a structure using a joint described in any one of claims 1 to 6, Insert the column into each of the fitting portions of the joint, The column is fixed to the joint. A method comprising each step.

14. The process further includes fitting a ring around the outer circumference of the recess of the fitting portion, The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of fitting the column into the recess is performed while the ring is fitted into the fitting portion.

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