joint

Abstract

To provide a joint in which a connection structure for an arbitrary number of pillar members is easily obtainable by combining a small number of types of joint elements.SOLUTION: A joint is provided with a plurality of connection recesses for connection of a plurality of pillar materials, and is constructed by combining a plurality of joint elements. The joint element is composed of a joint part and a connection recess element, and the connection recess is formed by joining the joint parts of the joint elements and combining the connection recess elements. The number of connectable pillars materials is determined by selecting the type and number of the joint elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint for connecting a plurality of column members, and particularly relates to an invention devised so that a connection structure of any number of column members can be easily obtained by combining a small number of types of joint elements.

Background Art

[0002] When fixing hollow column members so as to be directed in four directions orthogonal to each other in the same plane, for example, the following connection structure is adopted. First, one column member is installed, and on the other hand, connecting fittings are attached to the ends of two other column members. The two column members are fixed in a state where they are opposed to and arranged with the one column member interposed therebetween via the connecting fittings. Next, reinforcing fittings are attached to four crossing corners of each column member. Thereby, a state where the column members are crossed and fixed in four directions orthogonal to each other can be obtained.

[0003] In the above configuration, further, another column member is prepared, and a connecting fitting is attached to the end of the column member. By fixing the one column member to the one column member, five column members can be fixed in a state where they are directed in five directions orthogonal to each other.

[0004] In addition, although different from the above configuration, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a joint configuration for connecting a plurality of column members.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The above conventional configuration had the following problems. In other words, in order to obtain a state in which the column members are fixed together in four orthogonal directions within the same plane, it is necessary to attach connecting fittings to the ends of two column members, and to attach a total of four reinforcing fittings between the intersections of each column member. This presented the problem of requiring a large number of fittings to obtain the desired connection structure. Furthermore, the coupling process for that purpose was complicated. Furthermore, this is not limited to cases where the column members are fixed in four perpendicular directions, but also applies to cases with three, five or more directions.

[0007] The present invention is based on these points and aims to provide a joint that makes it possible to easily obtain a connecting structure that can connect any number of column members by combining a small number of types of joint elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problem, the joint according to claim 1 of the present invention is a joint provided with a plurality of connecting recesses for connecting a plurality of column members, and is constructed by combining a plurality of joint elements, the joint element being composed of a joint portion and a connecting recess element, the connecting recess is constructed by joining the joint portions of the joint elements and combining the connecting recess elements, and the number of connectable column members is determined by selecting the type and number of the joint elements. The above-mentioned joint element includes a first joint element comprising three connecting recess elements oriented in three mutually orthogonal directions, and three connecting portions provided between the three connecting recess elements. The first joint elements can be joined to each other via any of the three connecting portions of one first joint element and any of the three connecting portions of another first joint element, and each first joint element can also be joined to other joint elements via the three connecting portions. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the joint according to claim 2 of the present invention is, in the joint described in claim 1, the above 1 The joint element is characterized by having engaging protrusions and recesses at the aforementioned joint portion. Furthermore, the joint according to claim 3 of the present invention is the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the joint element to teeth, A second joint element is composed of two connecting recess elements provided in two mutually orthogonal directions within the same plane, and one joint provided between the two connecting recess elements, and the second joint element and the first joint element can be joined via any one of the one joint of the second joint element and any of the three joints of the first joint element. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the joint according to claim 4 of the present invention is the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the joint element to within the same plane Opposite Two directions One direction perpendicular to it Designed with this in mind 3 The number of connecting recess elements and the above Both sides of the connecting recess element in one orthogonal direction It consists of two connecting parts provided therein. There is a third joint element, and the third joint element and the first joint element can be joined via any of the two joints of the third joint element and any of the three joints of the first joint element. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the joint according to claim 5 of the present invention is the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the joint element to within the same plane Four oriented in four orthogonal directions The above-mentioned connecting recess elements, There is a fourth joint element, which consists of four connecting parts provided between the four connecting recess elements described above, and the fourth joint element and the first joint element can be joined via any of the four connecting parts of the fourth joint element and any of the three connecting parts of the first joint element. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the joint according to claim 6 of the present invention is, 3 In the joint described above, 2nd Joint element Each of the two connecting recess elements is provided with an engaging protrusion at its end, and when three of the second joint elements are combined with one of the first joint elements, the engaging protrusions at the ends of the two connecting recess elements of the second joint element engage with the engaging protrusions at the ends of the two connecting recess elements of the other second joint elements. It is characterized by having the following features. Furthermore, the joint according to claim 7 of the present invention is the joint described in claim 4, and the above The two opposing directions of the third joint element At the end of the connecting recess element each Engaging protrusions are provided. When the two first joint elements and the two third joint elements are combined, the engaging protrusions and recesses at the ends of the opposing two-directional connecting recess elements of the third joint elements engage with the engaging protrusions and recesses at the ends of the opposing two-directional connecting recess elements of the other third joint elements. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the joint according to claim 8 of the present invention is, 6 In the joint described, By combining one of the first joint elements and three of the second joint elements, it becomes possible to connect three column members. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the joint according to claim 9 of the present invention is, 7 In the joint described, By combining the two first joint elements and the two third joint elements, 4 This invention is characterized by its ability to connect the columnar members of the book. Furthermore, the joint according to claim 10 of the present invention is, 5 In the joint described, By combining the four first joint elements and the one fourth joint element, 5 This invention is characterized by its ability to connect the columnar members of the book. Furthermore, the joint according to claim 11 of the present invention is, in the joint described in claim 1, By combining the eight first joint elements described above, 6 This invention is characterized by its ability to connect the columnar members of the book. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, the joint according to claim 1 of the present invention is a joint provided with multiple connecting recesses for connecting multiple column members, and is constructed by combining multiple joint elements, the joint element being composed of a joint portion and a connecting recess element, the connecting recess is constructed by joining the joint portions of the joint elements and combining the connecting recess elements, and the number of connectable column members is determined by selecting the type and number of the joint elements, so that a connection structure for any number of column members can be easily obtained by combining a small number of types of joint elements. Furthermore, according to the joint of claim 2 of the present invention, in the joint described in claim 1, the joint element is provided with engaging protrusions and recesses, so that the joint element can be easily positioned. Furthermore, according to the joint of claim 3 of the present invention, in the joint described in claim 1 or claim 2, the joint element is composed of three connecting recess elements oriented in three mutually orthogonal directions and three connecting portions provided between the three connecting recess elements. Therefore, a connection structure for any number of column members can be easily obtained by combining a small number of types of joint elements. Furthermore, according to the joint of claim 4 of the present invention, in the joint described in claim 1 or claim 2, the joint element is composed of two connecting recess elements oriented in two mutually orthogonal directions within the same plane, and two connecting portions provided between the two connecting recess elements. Therefore, a connection structure for any number of column members can be easily obtained by combining a small number of types of joint elements. According to the joint according to claim 5 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, the joint element is composed of three connecting recess elements provided so as to be directed in one direction orthogonal to two directions facing each other in the same plane, and two joining parts provided on both sides of the connecting recess elements in the two orthogonal directions. Therefore, by combining a small number of types of joint elements, a connecting structure for any number of column members can be easily obtained. According to the joint according to claim 6 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, the joint element is composed of four of the connecting recess elements provided so as to be directed in four directions orthogonal to each other in the same plane, and four joining parts provided between the four connecting recess elements. Therefore, by combining a small number of types of joint elements, a connecting structure for any number of column members can be easily obtained. According to the joint according to claim 7 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 4, an engaging concave-convex portion is provided at the end of the connecting recess element, so that the joint element can be easily positioned. According to the joint according to claim 8 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 5, an engaging concave-convex portion is provided at the end of the connecting recess elements in the two facing directions, so that the joint element can be easily positioned. According to the joint according to claim 9 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 1, by combining one joint element according to claim 3 and three joint elements according to claim 4, three column members can be connected. Therefore, by combining a small number of types of joint elements, a connecting structure for three column members can be easily obtained. According to the joint according to claim 10 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 1, by combining two joint elements according to claim 3 and two joint elements according to claim 5, four column members can be connected. Therefore, by combining a small number of types of joint elements, a connecting structure for four column members can be easily obtained. Also, according to the joint according to claim 11 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 1, by combining four joint elements according to claim 1 and one joint element according to claim 6, five column members can be connected. Therefore, a connection structure of five column members can be easily obtained by combining a small number of types of joint elements. Also, according to the joint according to claim 12 of the present invention, in the joint according to claim 1, by combining eight joint elements according to claim 1, six column members can be connected. Therefore, a connection structure of six column members can be easily obtained by combining a small number of types of joint elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a joint viewed from the front upper side, showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a joint viewed from the rear lower side, showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of a joint viewed from the front upper side, showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of a joint viewed from the rear lower side, showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a first joint element, showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6(a) is a view taken along the line VIa-VIa of Fig. 5, Fig. 6(b) is a view taken along the line VIb-VIb of Fig. 5, Fig. 6(c) is a view taken along the line VIc-VIc of Fig. 5, Fig. 6(d) is a view taken along the line VId-VId of Fig. 5, Fig. 6(e) is a view taken along the line VIe-VIe of Fig. 5, and Fig. 6(f) is a view taken along the line VIf-VIf of Fig. 5. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(a) is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of Fig. 1, and Fig. 7(b) is an enlarged view of the VIIb portion of Fig. 7(a). [Figure 8]This figure shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the joint as seen from the front and above. [Figure 9] This figure shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the joint as seen from the rear and lower side. [Figure 10] This figure shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of the joint as seen from the front and above. [Figure 11] This figure shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of the joint as seen from the rear and lower side. [Figure 12] This figure shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a front view of the third joint element. [Figure 13] This figure shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the joint as seen from the front and above. [Figure 14] This figure shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the joint as seen from the rear and lower side. [Figure 15] This figure shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of the joint as seen from the front and above. [Figure 16] This figure shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the joint as seen from the front and above. [Figure 17] This figure shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of the joint as seen from the front and above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The joint 1 according to this first embodiment has three connecting recesses 3, 3, 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The column members 5 are inserted into and connected to each of the connecting recesses 3, 3, 3. The connecting recesses 3, 3, 3 are provided facing in a total of three directions (down-right direction, down-left direction, and downward direction in Figure 1): two directions that are mutually orthogonal within the same plane and one direction perpendicular to the plane.

[0012] The column member 5 has four engaging protrusions 7, 7, 7, 7 extending axially from its side surface, and each of the connecting recesses 3, 3, 3 is provided with engaging recesses 9, 9, 9, 9 into which the engaging protrusions 7, 7, 7, 7 engage.

[0013] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the joint 1 consists of one first joint element 11 and three second joint elements 13, 13, 13. The first joint element 11 is provided with connecting recess elements 15, 15, 15, which constitute part of the connecting recesses 3, 3, 3, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, and approximately triangular joints 17, 17, 17 are provided between the connecting recess elements 15, 15, 15. The connecting recess elements 15, 15, 15 are provided facing in a total of three directions (down-right direction, down-left direction, and downward direction in Figure 4): two directions that are orthogonal to each other within the same plane and one direction perpendicular to the plane.

[0014] Furthermore, the joint surfaces of the above-mentioned joints 17, 17, 17 are provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 19 and engaging recesses 21 that engage when combined with the second joint element 13. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the engaging protrusions 19 are provided on the left side of the upper joint 17 in Figure 5, and the engaging recesses 21 are provided on the right side in Figure 5.

[0015] Furthermore, a fixing bolt through-hole 18 is provided in the center of the joint 17. The outer portion of the fixing bolt through-hole 18 (the lower side in Figure 5 for the fixing bolt through-hole 18 of the upper joint 17, the lower right side in Figure 5 for the fixing bolt through-hole 18 of the left joint 17, and the lower left side in Figure 5 for the fixing bolt through-hole 18 of the right joint 17) is enlarged in diameter and serves as a bolt head housing portion 20 for accommodating the head of a fixing bolt (not shown). Furthermore, the connecting recess element 15 is provided with a female screw portion 23 for fixing a column (not shown) into which a column fixing screw for fixing the columnar member 5 is screwed. Note that the above-mentioned joints 17, 17, and 17 are all the same.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second joint element 13 is provided with connecting recess elements 25, 25 that are oriented in two orthogonal directions within the same plane. A roughly triangular joint portion 27 is provided between the connecting recess elements 25, 25. The joint portion 27 is provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 29 and engaging recesses 31 into which the joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11 engages.

[0017] Furthermore, a fixing bolt through-hole 33 is provided in the center of the joint 27. The outer portion of the fixing bolt through-hole 33 (the lower side in Figure 5 for the fixing bolt through-hole 33 of the upper joint 27, the lower right side in Figure 5 for the fixing bolt through-hole 33 of the left joint 27, and the lower left side in Figure 5 for the fixing bolt through-hole 33 of the right joint 27) is enlarged in diameter and serves as a housing portion 35 for accommodating the head of a fixing bolt (not shown) and a nut (not shown).

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, for example, a joint portion 36 is provided at the location of the connecting recess element 25 of the second joint element 13 that abuts against the other second joint element 13 on the opposite side of the location where the joint portion 27 is provided (for the upper second joint element 13 in Figure 4, the upper left side in Figure 4), and an engaging projection 37 is provided at this joint portion 36. Furthermore, a joint portion 38 is provided at the location of the connecting recess element 25 of the second joint element 13 that abuts against the other second joint element 13 on the opposite side of the location where the joint portion 27 is provided (for the upper second joint element 13 in Figure 4, the upper right side in Figure 4), and an engaging recess 39 is provided in this joint portion 38.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front surfaces of the connecting recess elements 25, 25 of the second joint element 13 are flat portions 41. Note that the second joint elements 13, 13, and 13 mentioned above are all the same.

[0020] The second joint elements 13, 13, 13 can be engaged with the first joint element 11 via the joint portion 17 and the joint portion 27. At the same time, the second joint elements 13, 13 that are in contact with each other are also engaged via the joint portion 36 and the joint portion 38. The joint 1 is formed by engaging and combining the first joint element 11 and the second joint elements 13, 13, 13. The first joint element 11 and the second joint elements 13, 13, 13 are fastened and fixed together by fixing bolts (not shown) and nuts (not shown) which are arranged to pass through the fixing bolt penetration portion 18 and the fixing bolt penetration portion 33.

[0021] Furthermore, the joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11 and the joint portion 27 of the second joint element 13 are engaged as shown in Figure 7.

[0022] Next, the operation according to the first embodiment will be described. The assembly of joint 1 is performed by attaching the second joint elements 13, 13, 13 to the first joint element 11, and fastening and fixing them by passing fixing bolts (not shown) through the fixing bolt penetration portion 18 and the fixing bolt penetration portion 33 and screwing them into bolts (not shown). At this time, the joint portion 27 of the upper second joint element 13 in Figure 3 engages with the upper joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11 in Figure 3, the joint portion 27 of the right second joint element 13 in Figure 3 engages with the right joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11 in Figure 3, and the joint portion 27 of the left second joint element 13 in Figure 3 engages with the left joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11 in Figure 3. Furthermore, the engaging recess 39 of the right second joint element 13 in Figure 3 engages with the engaging projection 37 of the left second joint element 13 in Figure 3, the engaging recess 39 of the upper second joint element 13 in Figure 3 engages with the engaging projection 37 of the right second joint element 13 in Figure 3, and the engaging projection 37 of the upper second joint element 13 in Figure 3 engages with the engaging recess 39 of the left second joint element 13 in Figure 3.

[0023] In this first embodiment, the joint 1 is constructed by combining the first joint element 11 with three second joint elements 13, thereby providing three connecting recesses 3. The second joint elements 13 are provided with flat portions 41, and these flat portions 41 are positioned on the side where the connecting recesses 3 are not provided, thereby improving the appearance of the joint 1.

[0024] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. First, by combining just two types of joint elements, the first joint element 11 and the second joint element 13, a joint 1 with 3 openings that can connect three column members 5 can be easily constructed. Furthermore, by joining the joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11 and the joint portion 27 of the second joint element 13, the engaging protrusions 19, 29 and engaging recesses 21, 31 of each joint engage with each other, thereby positioning the two and achieving a strong connection. Furthermore, the engagement projection 37 and engagement recess 39 of the joint portions 36 and 38 of the second joint elements 13, 13 engage with each other, thereby positioning the two and achieving a strong connection. Since the front side of the connecting recess element 25 of the second joint element 13 is a flat portion 41, the appearance can be easily improved.

[0025] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 12. As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the joint 101 according to this second embodiment is constructed using two first joint elements 11 from the first embodiment described above, along with two third joint elements 103, 103, and is provided with connecting recesses 3, 3, 3, 3 that are oriented in a total of four directions (up, down, lower left, and lower right in Figure 8): three directions that are mutually orthogonal within the same plane and one direction perpendicular to the plane.

[0026] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the third joint element 103 is provided with connecting recess elements 105, 105, 105 arranged in three mutually orthogonal directions within the same plane. Furthermore, joint portions 107, 107 are provided between adjacent connecting recess elements 105, 105. Each joint portion 107 is provided with an engaging projection 109 and an engaging recess 111 so as to engage with the joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the third joint elements 103 are engaged with each other via an engaging projection 113 formed on the upper right joint 112 in Figure 12 and an engaging recess 115 formed on the lower right joint 114 in Figure 12.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, a fixing bolt through-hole 117 is provided in the center of the joint 107. The outer portion of the fixing bolt through-hole 117 (the right side in Figure 11 for the fixing bolt through-hole 117 of the third joint element 103 on the right side in Figure 11, and the left side in Figure 11 for the fixing bolt through-hole 117 of the third joint element 103 on the left side in Figure 11) is enlarged in diameter and serves as a bolt head housing portion 119 for accommodating the head of a fixing bolt (not shown).

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, a flat portion 121 is provided on the side of the third joint element 103 where the connecting recess 3 is not provided (the right side in Figure 11 for the third joint element 103 on the right in Figure 11, and the left side in Figure 11 for the third joint element 103 on the left in Figure 11).

[0029] Next, the operation according to the second embodiment will be described. The assembly of joint 101 involves engaging the lower joint portion 17 of the upper first joint element 11 in Figure 10 with the upper joint portion 17 of the lower first joint element 11 in Figure 10, and engaging the upper joint portion 107 of the right third joint element 103 in Figure 10 with the right joint portion 17 of the upper first joint element 11 in Figure 10, as well as engaging the lower joint portion 107 of the right third joint element 103 in Figure 10 with the lower first joint element 11 in Figure 10. The third joint element 103 on the right side of Figure 10 is assembled by engaging the joint portion 17 on the right side of Figure 10, and the third joint element 103 on the left side of Figure 10 is assembled by engaging the upper joint portion 107 of the third joint element 103 on the left side of Figure 10 with the joint portion 17 of the upper first joint element 11 in Figure 10, and by engaging the lower joint portion 107 of the third joint element 103 on the left side of Figure 10 with the joint portion 17 of the lower first joint element 11 in Figure 10.

[0030] In this second embodiment, the joint 103 is constructed by combining two first joint elements 11 with two third joint elements 103, thereby providing four connecting recesses 3. The third joint elements 103 are provided with flat portions 121, and these flat portions 121 are positioned on the side where the connecting recesses 3 are not provided, thereby improving the appearance of the joint 101.

[0031] In this second embodiment as well, by combining just two types of joint elements, the first joint element 11 and the third joint element 103, a joint 101 with four openings that can connect four column members 5 can be easily constructed. Furthermore, the third joint element 103 is provided with a flat portion 121, and since the flat portion 121 is positioned on the side where the connecting recess 3 is not provided, the appearance of the area where the connecting recess 3 is not provided can be easily improved.

[0032] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 15. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the joint 201 according to this third embodiment is constructed using two of the first joint elements 11 from the first embodiment and one fourth joint element 203, and is provided with connecting recesses 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 that are oriented in a total of five directions (up, down, lower left, upper right, and lower right in Figure 13) that are orthogonal to each other within the same plane and one direction perpendicular to the plane.

[0033] As shown in Figure 15, the fourth joint element 203 is provided with connecting recess elements 205, 205, 205, 205 arranged in four mutually orthogonal directions within the same plane. Furthermore, joint portions 207, 207 are provided between adjacent connecting recess elements 205, 205. Each joint portion 207 is provided with an engaging projection 209 and an engaging recess 211 so as to engage with the joint portion 17 of the first joint element 11.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, a fixing bolt through-hole 213 is provided in the center of the joint 207. The outer portion of the fixing bolt through-hole 213 (upper left side in Figure 14) is enlarged in diameter and forms a bolt head housing portion 215 for accommodating the head of a fixing bolt (not shown).

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, a flat portion 219 is provided on the side of the fourth joint element 203 where the connecting recess 3 is not provided (upper left side in Figure 14).

[0036] Next, the operation according to the third embodiment will be described. The assembly of joint 201 involves engaging the lower joint portion 17 of the upper right first joint element 11 in Figure 15 with the upper joint portion 17 of the lower right first joint element 11 in Figure 15, engaging the lower left joint portion 17 of the lower right first joint element 11 in Figure 15 with the upper right joint portion 17 of the lower left first joint element 11 in Figure 15, engaging the upper joint portion 17 of the lower left first joint element 11 in Figure 15 with the lower joint portion 17 of the upper left first joint element 11 in Figure 15, engaging the upper joint portion 17 of the upper left first joint element 11 in Figure 15 with the lower left joint portion 17 of the upper left first joint element 11 in Figure 15. This is done by engaging the joint portion 17 on the side, engaging the joint portion 17 on the upper left side of the first joint element 11 on the upper right side of Figure 15 with the joint portion 207 on the upper right side of the fourth joint element 203, engaging the joint portion 17 on the upper left side of the first joint element 11 on the lower right side of Figure 15 with the joint portion 207 on the lower right side of the fourth joint element 203, engaging the joint portion 17 on the upper left side of the first joint element 11 on the lower left side of Figure 15 with the joint portion 207 on the lower left side of the fourth joint element 203, and engaging the joint portion 17 on the upper left side of the first joint element 11 on the upper left side of Figure 15 with the joint portion 207 on the upper left side of the fourth joint element 203.

[0037] In this third embodiment, a joint 201 is constructed by combining four first joint elements 11 with a fourth joint element 203 having four connecting recess elements 205. The fourth joint element 203 is provided with a flat portion 219, which is positioned on the side where the connecting recess elements 3 are not provided, thereby improving the appearance of the joint 201.

[0038] In this third embodiment as well, by combining just two types of joint elements, the first joint element 11 and the fourth joint element 203, a joint 201 with 5 openings that can connect 5 column members 5 can be easily constructed. Furthermore, the fourth joint element 203 is provided with a flat portion 219, and since the flat portion 219 is positioned on the side where the connecting recess 3 is not provided, the appearance of the area where the connecting recess 3 is not provided can be easily improved.

[0039] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 16 and 17. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the joint 301 according to this third embodiment is constructed using only eight of the first joint elements 11 from the first embodiment described above, and is provided with connecting recesses 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, which are oriented in a total of six directions (up, down, lower left, upper right, lower right, and upper left in Figure 16) that are perpendicular to each other in the same plane and two directions perpendicular to the plane.

[0040] In this fourth embodiment, a joint 301 with 6 joints that can connect 6 column members 5 can be easily constructed by combining only one type of joint element, the first joint element 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the joint 1 according to the first embodiment, the joint 101 according to the second embodiment, the joint 201 according to the third embodiment, and the joint 301 according to the fourth embodiment all utilize a common first joint element 11 that can be combined with any of the other joint elements, allowing for the selection and assembly of any of the above joints 1, 101, 201, or 301 with a small number of parts.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The number, dimensions, and proportions of each component can vary considerably. Furthermore, the diagrammed configuration is merely an example. [Industrial applicability]

[0043] The present invention relates, for example, to a joint, and more particularly to a joint that allows for easy acquisition of a connection structure for any number of column members by combining a small number of types of joint elements, and is suitable, for example, for building joints. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1 joint 3 Connecting recesses 5 Columnar members 11. First joint element 13. Second joint element 15 Connecting recess element 17 Joint 25 Connecting recess element 27 Joint 36 Joint 38 Joint 101 Joint 103 Third joint element 105 Connecting recess element 107 Joint 112 Joint 114 Joint 201 Joint 203 Fourth joint element 205 Connecting recess element 207 Joint 301 Joint

Claims

1. A joint having multiple connecting recesses into which multiple column members are connected, It is constructed by combining multiple joint elements. The above joint element consists of a joint and a connecting recess element. The connecting recess is formed by joining the connecting portions of the above-mentioned joint elements and combining the above-mentioned connecting recess elements. The number of connectable column members is determined by selecting the type and number of the above-mentioned joint elements. The above-mentioned joint element includes a first joint element comprising three connecting recess elements oriented in three mutually orthogonal directions, and three connecting portions provided between the three connecting recess elements. The above-mentioned first joint elements can be joined together via any of the three joint portions of one first joint element and any of the three joint portions of another first joint element, The first joint element described above is characterized in that it can be joined to other joint elements via the three connecting parts described above.

2. In the joint according to claim 1, A joint characterized in that the joint portion of the first joint element described above is provided with engaging protrusions and recesses.

3. In the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, The above-mentioned joint element includes a second joint element comprising two connecting recess elements provided in two mutually orthogonal directions within the same plane, and one joint provided between the two connecting recess elements. The joint is characterized in that the second joint element and the first joint element can be joined via one of the joints of the second joint element and one of the three joints of the first joint element.

4. In the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, The above-mentioned joint element includes a third joint element comprising three connecting recess elements provided in two opposing directions and one perpendicular direction within the same plane, and two connecting portions provided on both sides of the connecting recess element in the perpendicular direction. The joint is characterized in that the third joint element and the first joint element can be joined via any of the two joints of the third joint element and any of the three joints of the first joint element.

5. In the joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, The above-mentioned joint element includes a fourth joint element comprising four connecting recess elements arranged in four orthogonal directions within the same plane, and four connecting portions provided between the four connecting recess elements. The joint is characterized in that the fourth joint element and the first joint element can be joined via any of the four joints of the fourth joint element and any of the three joints of the first joint element.

6. In the joint according to claim 3, Each end of the two connecting recess elements of the second joint element is provided with an engaging protrusion and recess, A joint characterized in that, when three second joint elements are combined with one first joint element, the engaging protrusions and recesses at the ends of the two connecting recess elements of the second joint element engage with the engaging protrusions and recesses at the ends of the two connecting recess elements of the other second joint elements.

7. In the joint according to claim 4, The ends of the two opposing connecting recess elements of the third joint element are each provided with engaging protrusions and recesses. A joint characterized in that, when two first joint elements and two third joint elements are combined, the engaging protrusions and recesses at the ends of the opposing two-directional connecting recess elements of the third joint elements engage with the engaging protrusions and recesses at the ends of the opposing two-directional connecting recess elements of the other third joint elements.

8. In the joint according to claim 6, A joint characterized by enabling the connection of three column members by combining one of the above-mentioned first joint elements and three of the above-mentioned second joint elements.

9. In the joint according to claim 7, A joint characterized by enabling the connection of four column members by combining two of the above-mentioned first joint elements and two of the above-mentioned third joint elements.

10. In the joint according to claim 5, A joint characterized by enabling the connection of five column members by combining four of the above-mentioned first joint elements and one of the above-mentioned fourth joint elements.

11. In the joint according to claim 1, A joint characterized by enabling the connection of six column members by combining eight of the above-mentioned first joint elements.

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