EP1214960A2 - Construction kit system - Google Patents

Abstract

The building block system (10) consists of dimensionally stable, especially interlocking bodies (11,12). The second body is detachably fixed to the first body along different directions by means of a separate connecting element (13) cooperating with the two bodies by means of gripper-attachments (18a,b,c,d) on it each fitting through a cavity (16a,b,c,d) in one of the bodies.

Description

The invention relates essentially to a modular system dimensionally stable, interconnectable, in particular pluggable bodies. In particular, the invention relates to a modular system as a modular toy system.

A known modular system according to the preamble of the claim 1 is the famous LEGO modular system. This modular system includes plate-like or cuboid bodies, each on nub-like projections on one side and on the other side have corresponding recesses.

The disadvantage here is that two building blocks only along one Can be connected to each other.

The object of the invention is seen in the modular system according to the preamble of claim 1 to develop such that additional variants of the connection between the bodies are possible.

The invention solves the problem with the features of claim 1, especially those of the label part, and is accordingly characterized in that a second body along a first body different directions is releasably attachable to this one separate connecting element is provided, which with gripper-like Approaches to the first body and the second body, and that the connecting element in the connected state of the two bodies in is essentially arranged within the envelopes of the two bodies.

The invention thus enables the first to be connected and the second body relative to each other along different directions, where the number of different directions depending on the shape of the first or second body can be selected. It is two bodies around cubes with six sides, so is preferably second body on each of the six sides of the first cube-shaped body mountable. This results in comparison to the well-known LEGO modular system a greatly expanded number of plug options.

The first and second body are in particular modules of the modular system, for example blocks.

In addition, the LEGO modular system results in the Advantage that now nothing on the bodies themselves, from the envelope of the respective body protruding fasteners provided are. In the case of the LEGO building block, knob-shaped approaches basically protrude into the Insertion direction from the cuboid block, for example. The modular system according to the invention enables the construction of bodies, where there are no such fastening projections, what many advantages with regard to the design and construction of the body to be connected.

Further advantages with regard to the freedom from protruding fastening projections result from the handling of the building blocks of the Modular system as well as during transport and storage of such Building blocks, which can now be done to save space.

The LEGO blocks only use a press fit. The cylindrical knobs are not elastic and not undercut. It this is not a gripper-like approach. These point in In contrast, at least slight undercut areas and one certain elasticity.

The provision of gripper-like approaches enables particularly simple way the provision of undercuts such that the connection between the first and the second body is self-retaining, is formed in particular by positive locking.

The term envelope of a body in the sense of the invention is understood the smallest geometrical figure within which the body even finds space without protrusions or edges of the body protrude from its envelope. In particular, the term Envelope of a body with the smallest or closest geometric figure essentially smooth, but in particular also flat understood spherical surfaces within which the body, i.e. the building block itself, there is room without fasteners or fastening projections protrude from the envelope. The envelope, for example of a LEGO building block is therefore the same for a cuboid building block Cuboid itself, where the fastening knobs of the LEGO brick from there protrude from the envelope of this cuboid.

The separate connecting element according to the invention can in Compartments or compartments of the body by the Outside of the envelope of the body, especially towards the center of the body Body, jump back, be at least partially absorbed.

The central plane of the connecting element is thus in connected state of the two bodies relatively close to the outer surface of the Envelopes of the individual bodies.

In addition, the modular system according to the invention enables Use of hollow bodies, which is one compared to the LEGO system can save some material. But there is also more the possibility of using hollow bodies for such a modular system, which consist of individual construction elements, in particular of identical ones Construction elements are composed. such Construction elements and hollow bodies composed of them are in the applicant's parallel patent application on the same day (official File number 100 62 739.0). The content of this patent application is included in the present patent application.

The solution according to the invention enables a particularly simple one Manufacture of a modular system according to the invention with a few Individual parts, all of which are designed as injection molded parts made of plastic.

The invention also offers the possibility of the connecting element and interpret the bodies so that the two bodies are relative can be moved towards each other directly to connect to accomplish that, however, a relative movement of the two bodies apart opposite the direction along which they connected were, without further ado, without exceeding a certain Force threshold, is not possible. The modular system according to the invention can be designed to be self-retaining in this way.

The modular system according to the invention can also be a Modular system for building exhibition stand construction systems or Act model building system.

DE 29 05 638 A1 is already a non-generic one Coupling strut known for multi-surface connecting elements. It is about here a coupling element for connecting two connecting elements, but not two components of a modular system. How results in particular from FIG. 7 of this published specification the coupling strut described in the connected state of the two Fasteners between the two fasteners, not however within the envelope of the two connectors.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention gripper-like approaches arranged on the connecting element. This enables a particularly simple design of the connecting element and a simple construction of the gripper-like approach and the body. Even the connecting element can with a clever arrangement gripper-like approaches are produced with a slide-free tool, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs. In the event that the first and second body, which is designed, for example, as a hollow body individual, essentially flat construction elements is assembled, all parts can be used with a slide-free Tool can be manufactured as injection molded parts.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, this is Connecting element is essentially frame-shaped. This offers the possibility of a particularly simple design of the Connecting element, the frame having the necessary stability can provide and as a basis, for example for the arrangement of the gripper-like Approaches, as well as possible tool contact surfaces, for Available.

The frame-shaped design of the connecting element offers still significant advantages in terms of preventing rotation of the two Body relative to each other. Especially with a square one Each corner area of the connecting element can be in corresponding frame Engage areas of compartments on the first and second bodies, so that a positive connection comes about.

In addition, the frame-shaped design of the connecting element offers the advantage that such a frame as a spacer between the two bodies, especially between the two envelopes the body can serve. Such a distance must be used for tolerance reasons very small, but in any case larger than zero.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the connecting element has a substantially circumferential frame having.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the gripper-like approaches are arranged on the frame.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the gripper-like approaches a holding surface for reaching behind Material range of a body. In contrast to one only a clamped or frictional arrangement of the gripper-like Approaches to the first or second body a safe, permanent stable Attachment of the connecting element to one of the two or both Bodies. In addition, by adjusting the inclination of the holding surface for example, relative to a straight line along which the two bodies at Connecting to be moved towards each other, the threshold force that is necessary to separate the two interconnected bodies, exactly can be set. In addition, there is also the possibility, if provided a holding surface on the gripper-like approach a tool for manufacturing to form the connecting element without a slide.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention Holding area slightly relative to a material area of the frame elastic adjustable. This offers the possibility to use the connecting element as a kind of clipable element releasably on one of the two bodies or on both Bodies. The elastic adjustability of the holding surface can for example grown from the gripper-like approaches themselves, for example, but also ready from the frame of the connecting element be put. It can be provided here, at least this frame to form partially twistable, by providing weakening zones is favored.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the frame contact surfaces for a release tool for releasing the Connection element provided by a body. This training enables a particularly simple arrangement of attack surfaces, with the release tool can be attacked directly on the frame to the Disconnect connector from one of the bodies. This also has advantages in terms of the effort required and in terms of accessibility of the release tool to the connecting element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provided that the attack surfaces in the area of the weakened zones are arranged.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the gripper-like approaches each penetrate a recess in one of the Body. This offers the possibility of a particularly simple design of the body, in particular if the body is designed as a hollow body is a particularly material-saving construction is possible. simultaneously this training provides a high level of security.

According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the Invention are compartments on the bodies for receiving areas of the Connection element provided. This training favors the Arrangement of the connecting element in the connected state of the two Bodies within the envelope of the two bodies. Especially with one as a hollow body, the subjects can in addition to Hollow interior of the hollow body can be provided, thereby creating another Material saving is possible, on the other hand enough space for a stable and secure arrangement of the connecting element with a variety of Investment space is provided. The arrangement of Fan the provision of a variety of positioning surfaces.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the gripper-like approaches include a guide surface. Such Guide surface can serve, for example, to clip the Connecting element on one of the two bodies or a clip To simplify the help of a release tool in such a way that the guide surface an elastic adjustment of the gripper-like approaches favors. About that In addition, such a guide surface can also be used as a contact surface for one Release tool can be used.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the connecting element to the first and the second body can be clipped on.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one is the two bodies are designed as hollow bodies. This offers the opportunity such a hollow body from a variety of in particular identical Assemble construction elements, which is the possibility of a All parts can be manufactured in slide-free tools.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention at least one of the two bodies is essentially cubic. This geometric figure offers a variety of basic shapes Plug options, with the particular advantage that a cube from six identical, essentially plate-shaped construction elements can be put together.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the two bodies for making the connection are relative to each other are movable along a connecting line.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the two bodies releasing along the connection relative to each other the straight connecting line are movable.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the release movement only by overcoming a force threshold he follows.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first, the second and a third body with two connecting elements a substantially angular arrangement connectable. This training offers the possibility of two mutually perpendicular Plug-in directions.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the two connecting elements are identical.

According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the Invention is between the two outer bodies of the assembly Insert element can be clipped on. This training offers the possibility of further to provide additional plug-in directions, in particular in such a way that now a 45 degree insertion direction based on the angular arrangement is possible. Starting from a first, essentially cube-shaped body, the already six different ones due to its six different surfaces Offers plug-in directions, so with an arrangement of seven cube-shaped bodies and twelve insert elements in total 18 different plug directions can be realized. This further increased greatly Variations can be done by a very simple and thus easy to manufacture insert element can be achieved without special additional measures are necessary.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the insert element comprises contact surfaces for support on the two outer bodies and holding surfaces for reaching behind material areas of the outer bodies.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the contact surfaces are aligned such that in the assembled state of the insert element and arrangement a surface normal of the insert element runs essentially at a 45 ° angle to a surface normal of an adjacent body.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the insert element contact surfaces for contact with material areas of a third connecting element.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention the insert element holding surfaces by a third connecting element are reachable. This training offers in particular the Possibility of another identical connecting element on the insert element to attack, so that the number of parts of the Modular system according to the invention with an enormous range of variation is kept very low.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the insert element has a receiving compartment for receiving Has material areas of the connecting element.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention the insert element essentially corresponds to the design of a construction element, from which the bodies are assembled. In particular in the case of essentially cube-shaped hollow bodies which consist of identical, are constructed essentially plate-shaped construction elements it is particularly advantageous if the insert element has the same dimensions, Dimensions and contact surfaces or holding surfaces and recesses has, like the construction element. Except for additional necessary Projections that attach the insert element to the two serve outer bodies of an angled arrangement, the insert element thus the outer design of a construction element is very strong be replicated.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first body with a third body by means of a stiffening element connectable, which in the connected state of the two bodies in the is essentially arranged within the envelopes of the two bodies and has a thread for bracing the two bodies against each other. This training offers the possibility, in particular, of very long in particular to build arrays of bodies, the Row arrangement of bodies can be made very stable. On If necessary, threads allow the body to be clamped manually against each other, but can also be provided To provide tool engagement surfaces for a screwdriver, for example.

The advantageous embodiment also enables an arrangement of the stiffening element only within the envelope of the Body, that is, in their interior, so that the body basically also with the connecting element can be connected to each other and that Stiffening element only in addition, mainly in the area of Central recess of the substantially cubic body, arranged can be.

The training according to the invention also offers the possibility of elements of particularly simple design as stiffening elements, for example, threaded rods, each end with Screw nuts can be applied.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the stiffening element is a threaded rod, at its two ends one screw nut each is arranged.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the stiffening element is formed in two parts and a first part with comprises an external thread and a second part with an internal thread.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the stiffening element in the connected state of the two bodies in aligned essentially along the connecting axis of the two bodies is.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the stiffening element is essentially elongated and that its longitudinal central axis with the connecting axis of the two bodies coincides.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the stiffening element connects the first and second bodies together connects and reaches through the connecting element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is on an inner element for arrangement at one end of the stiffening element arranged within the first body, which at least one Has threaded bore. This embodiment offers in particular the Advantage that the inner element with its dimensions so hollow Interior of the first body can be tuned that the Interior element at the same time a variety of contact surfaces for the inside of the first body and thus a secure fit within the first Body finds. At the same time, the inner element provides a threaded hole Attack of the stiffening element available, so that building on a first body with an inner element inserted therein, in particular linear arrangement of a large number of further bodies can be clipped on and is then stiffened by screwing. There is also the Possibility that an inner element for additional threaded holes further stiffening elements can be provided so that along stiffening in different directions are possible.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the inner element for at least one additional threaded hole Has connection with a further stiffening element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention a mass element is arranged within the first body. This Mass element can otherwise be completely hollow, i.e. skeletal Construction, advantageously at certain points in the bring assembled system masses so that certain Priority choices are possible. Especially with each other rotatable parts of the modular system can by this Focus formation or shift a variety of other Variations can be achieved.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention a spacer is arranged between the first and the third body. This training offers the particular advantage of covering such distances enable that is not a multiple of the edge length otherwise identical Amount to dice. Such a spacer offers more Variations and keeps the number of for the modular system Items available continue to be low.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the spacer is screwed to the first and third bodies.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that to attach the spacer to the first and third Body on the spacer gripper-like approaches are arranged.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first body with a third body by means of a bolt element connectable, which in the connected state of the two bodies in the is essentially arranged within the envelopes of the two bodies and has at least two axial sections for attacking installation elements. Such a bolt element now engages - in contrast to the Fasteners - essentially within the body and can contact different installation elements. For example, a simple, clasp-like clip can be provided, which is a rotatable Allows connection between two adjacent bodies. But it can also be provided to design the built-in element as a rotary locking element, which is the bolt element relative to a body within which it is arranged, rotatably coupled.

At the same time, there is the possibility that the bolt element is also a Connection element passes through, because, for example, a central recess in the respective construction element for the penetration of the bolt element is used. This way two adjacent bodies can be connected both be coupled with one another in a rotationally fixed manner and at the same time are pushed through together by a bolt element, which, for example, further, external body rotatable on this Body couples.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the built-in element a clip-like bracket for accomplishment a rotatable connection between two adjacent bodies.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the rotary locking element has a wing, a receptacle for grasping the Axial section of the bolt element and a locking lug for Has interaction with the first body.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the bolt member connects the first and second bodies together connects and reaches through the connecting element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is on a wheel element attached to the first body, which a wheel and a Bolt part includes. This configuration offers the possibility of a special simple arrangement of a wheel, the bolt part in particular can be arranged within the envelope of the first body and that Wheel - rotatable relative to the first body - a rolling transport one Arrangement of bodies allows.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the bolt part is essentially within the envelope of the first body is arranged and the wheel is essentially outside the envelope of the first body is arranged.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the wheel is integrally connected to the bolt part and relative to that first body is rotatably arranged.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that on the bolt part a bracket element for rotatably mounting a Wheel element can be arranged on the first body.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the bolt part on two spaced axial sections Storage areas for interaction with corresponding counter bearing areas on the first body.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the bolt part engages at least partially in a connecting element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that a tire element can be arranged on the outer surface of the wheel.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the outer surface of the wheel is trough-shaped in cross section is trained.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first body with a third body over a pair of locking elements coupled, which are detachable from the first and from the third body and in coupled state within the envelopes of the first and third Body are arranged. The pair of locking elements offers a special one simple possibility to use two otherwise not coupled neighboring and only indirectly connected bodies like this to couple to each other that a relative movement of the two bodies to each other along a direction that is at an angle to the Connection axis stands, is prevented. The pair of locking elements thus enables a particularly stable and simple construction Arrays of a variety of bodies.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the pair of locking elements a male locking insert and one female rest insert includes.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that each latching element comprises gripper-like approaches that are connected to the first or interact with the third body.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the gripper-like approaches the gripper-like approaches of Connection element are simulated.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first body connectable with a circular arc element which has at least one Provides circular arc section. This training offers the Advantage, a body itself in a particularly simple way and under Inclusion of only one other component of the modular system rotatable, i.e. as a wheel or as a role. In particular, this offers Training the possibility of gripper-like itself on the circular arc element Arrange approaches that the gripper-like approaches of Connecting element are similar, so that the existing ones Holding and contact surfaces on the structural elements of the body can be used.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the first body with a plurality of circular arc elements, is connectable in particular with four circular arc elements, with several Circular arc sections are arranged along a common circular line.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the circular arc element comprises gripper-like approaches.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the gripper-like approaches with the gripper-like approaches of Connection element are identical.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the circular arc element with the gripper-like approaches in one piece is integrally formed.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, that the circular arc element in the area of its outer surface in Cross section of at least one receiving channel for receiving a Has ring element.

Fig. 1

in schematischer, perspektivischer Ansicht einen ersten und einen zweiten Körper, die mittels eines schematisch dargestellten Verbindungselementes miteinander verbunden sind,

Fig. 2

schematisch einen Ausschnitt aus dem Verbindungsbereich zwischen den beiden Körpern gemäß Ansichtspfeil II in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung der beiden Körper gemäß Fig. 1 mit zusätzlich dargestelltem Lösewerkzeug,

Fig. 4

in schematischer Ansicht ein isoliertes Konstruktionselement, aus dem ein als Hohlkörper ausgebildeter Körper gemäß Fig. 1 zusammengesetzt ist, etwa gemäß Ansichtspfeil IV in Fig. 1,

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht des Konstruktionselementes gemäß Ansichtspfeil V in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

das Konstruktionselement gemäß Schnittlinie VI-VI in Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

eine Rückansicht des isolierten Konstruktionselementes gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 8

in Ansicht das Konstruktionselement gemäß Ansichtspfeil VIII in Fig. 7

Fig. 9

das Konstruktionselement in Schnittdarstellung gemäß Schnittlinie IX-IX,

Fig. 10

ein rahmenartig ausgebildetes Verbindungselement in Ansicht zur Verbindung zweier Konstruktionselemente gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht des Verbindungselementes gemäß Ansichtspfeil XI in Fig. 10,

Fig. 12

eine Schnittdarstellung des Verbindungselementes gemäß Schnittlinie XII-XII in Fig. 10,

Fig. 13

in Ansicht ein Bolzenelement mit Klammer in isolierter Darstellung,

Fig. 14

ein Kappenelement zum Einsetzen in ein Konstruktionselement gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 15

eine teilgeschnittene Ansicht des Kappenelementes gemäß Schnittlinie XV-XV in Fig. 14,

Fig. 16

eine teilgeschnittene Ansicht des Kappenelementes gemäß Schnittlinie XVI-XVI in Fig. 14,

Fig. 17

in Unteransicht ein Lösewerkzeug,

Fig. 18

eine Ansicht des Lösewerkzeugs gemäß Ansichtspfeil XVIII in Fig. 17,

Fig.19

eine Ansicht des Lösewerkzeugs gemäß Ansichtspfeil XIX in Fig. 18,

Fig. 20

in teilgeschnittener, schematischer Ansicht ein Einsatzelement zum Einsetzen zwischen eine winklige Anordnung von Körpern zur Ermöglichung einer 45°-Steckrichtung,

Fig. 21

das Einsatzelement gemäß Ansichtspfeil XXI in Fig. 20,

Fig. 22

schematisch, in teilgeschnittener Ansicht eine Anordnung von fünf miteinander verbundenen würfelförmigen Körpern sowie einen sechsten Körper vor seiner Befestigung an der Anordnung,

Fig. 23

einen massiven Innenwürfel mit Gewindebohrungen zum Einsatz in einen würfelförmigen Hohlkörper gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 24

ein Paar von Rastelementen in schematischer, teilgeschnittener Ansicht in einer Anordnung zwischen zwei Hohlwürfeln,

Fig. 25

in teilgeschnittener schematischer Ansicht eine lineare Anordnung von drei würfelförmigen Körpern, die von einem Versteifungselement durchgriffen sind,

Fig. 26

einen hohlen würfelförmigen Körper in teilgeschnittener Ansicht, der von einem Bolzenelement durchgriffen wird, auf dem ein Drehsperrelement angeordnet ist,

Fig. 27

in teilgeschnittener, schematischer Ansicht das Drehsperrelement und den Würfel etwa gemäß Schnittlinie XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26,

Fig. 28

in teilgeschnittener, schematischer Ansicht ein Würfelelement mit einem Radelement,

Fig. 29

ausschnittsweise, schematisch, in teilgeschnittener Ansicht etwa entlang der Schnittlinie a-a in Fig. 28 das dem Radelement zugeordnete Bolzenelement sowie eine dazugehörige Klammer,

Fig. 30

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kreisbogenelementes zur Verbindung mit einem Körper, in teilgeschnittener, schematischer Ansicht,

Fig. 31

in teilgeschnittener, schematischer Ansicht das Kreisbogenelement gemäß Fig. 30 etwa entlang Schnittlinie b-b in Fig. 30,

Fig. 32

in schematischer, teilgeschnittener Ansicht das Kreisbogenlement etwa gemäß Schnittlinie c-c in Fig. 30,

Fig. 33

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kreisbogenelementes in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 30,

Fig. 34

das Kreisbogenelement gemäß Fig. 33 in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 31,

Fig. 35

das Kreisbogenelement gemäß Fig. 30 in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 32,

Fig. 36

ein Distanzstück in teilgeschnittener, schematischer Darstellung, welches zwischen zwei Konstruktionselementen verschraubt ist, und

Fig. 37

in perspektivischer, schematischer Ansicht ein aus einem würfelförmigen Körper, vier Kreisbogenelementen und einem Ringelement gebildetes Rad.

Further advantages of the invention result from the subclaims which are not cited and from the following description of an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. In it show:

Fig. 1

a schematic, perspective view of a first and a second body, which are connected to one another by means of a schematically illustrated connecting element,

Fig. 2

schematically a section of the connection area between the two bodies according to view arrow II in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

2 shows a representation of the two bodies according to FIG. 1 with an additionally shown release tool,

Fig. 4

1 is a schematic view of an insulated construction element from which a body designed as a hollow body according to FIG. 1 is composed, for example according to view arrow IV in FIG. 1,

Fig. 5

4 shows a view of the construction element according to view arrow V in FIG. 4,

Fig. 6

the construction element according to section line VI-VI in Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

3 shows a rear view of the isolated construction element according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 8

in view the construction element according to view arrow VIII in FIG. 7

Fig. 9

the construction element in a sectional view according to section line IX-IX,

Fig. 10

4 shows a frame-like connecting element in view for connecting two construction elements according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 11

10 shows a view of the connecting element according to view arrow XI in FIG. 10,

Fig. 12

10 shows a sectional illustration of the connecting element according to section line XII-XII in FIG. 10,

Fig. 13

in view a bolt element with clamp in an isolated representation,

Fig. 14

a cap element for insertion into a construction element according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 15

FIG. 14 shows a partially sectioned view of the cap element according to section line XV-XV in FIG. 14,

Fig. 16

FIG. 14 shows a partially sectioned view of the cap element according to section line XVI-XVI in FIG. 14,

Fig. 17

a bottom view of a release tool,

Fig. 18

a view of the release tool according to view arrow XVIII in Fig. 17,

Figure 19

a view of the release tool according to view arrow XIX in Fig. 18,

Fig. 20

a partially sectioned, schematic view of an insert element for insertion between an angled arrangement of bodies to enable a 45 ° plug direction,

Fig. 21

the insert element according to view arrow XXI in Fig. 20,

Fig. 22

schematically, in a partially sectioned view, an arrangement of five interconnected cube-shaped bodies and a sixth body before it is attached to the arrangement,

Fig. 23

a solid inner cube with threaded holes for use in a cube-shaped hollow body according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 24

a pair of locking elements in a schematic, partially sectioned view in an arrangement between two hollow cubes,

Fig. 25

in a partially sectioned schematic view, a linear arrangement of three cube-shaped bodies which are penetrated by a stiffening element,

Fig. 26

a hollow cube-shaped body in a partially sectioned view, which is penetrated by a bolt element on which a rotary locking element is arranged,

Fig. 27

in a partially sectioned, schematic view of the anti-rotation element and the cube approximately according to section line XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26,

Fig. 28

in a partially sectioned, schematic view, a cube element with a wheel element,

Fig. 29

a section, schematically, in a partially sectioned view approximately along the section line aa in FIG. 28, the bolt element assigned to the wheel element and an associated clamp,

Fig. 30

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a circular arc element for connection to a body, in a partially sectioned, schematic view,

Fig. 31

in a partially sectioned, schematic view the circular arc element according to FIG. 30 approximately along section line bb in FIG. 30,

Fig. 32

in a schematic, partially sectioned view the circular arc element approximately according to section line cc in FIG. 30,

Fig. 33

FIG. 30 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a circular arc element in a representation according to FIG. 30,

Fig. 34

33 in an illustration according to FIG. 31,

Fig. 35

30 in a representation according to FIG. 32,

Fig. 36

a spacer in a partially sectioned, schematic representation, which is screwed between two construction elements, and

Fig. 37

a perspective, schematic view of a wheel formed from a cube-shaped body, four circular arc elements and a ring element.

The same or comparable elements or parts are in the now following description with the same reference numerals, to which Partial letters have been added to the reference numerals.

The modular system according to the invention is included in its entirety Designated 10. 1 is a first body 11 designed as a cube via a connecting element 13 with a second, also as a cube trained body 12 connected. It should already be pointed out that in particular Figures 1 to 3 are not to scale, but only represent sketches.

The first body 11 and the second body 12 are according to the exemplary embodiment formed as a hollow body. In particular, there is the possibility such a cube-shaped hollow body 11, 12 out of six identical, essentially plate-like construction elements 14 reassemble. In this context, the parallel registration of the applicant on the same day (official Case number 100 62 739.0), the contents of which are hereby included in the present Patent application is included.

4 shows such a construction element 14 in individual representation. It is particularly noticeable that the construction element 14 four in substantially identical recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are assigned. These recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are essentially located within a square frame 15 substantially circular central recess 16e is provided.

With regard to the special training is on the parallel Patent application referenced, it being merely noted here that six identical construction elements 14 into a hollow cube-shaped Bodies 11, 12 can be clipped together.

As can be seen in particular from Fig. 1, the connecting element 13 also has a substantially square frame 17. Of Two gripper-like projections 18a, 18b protrude from this frame 17 with respect to FIG. 1 to the right towards the second body 12 and two more gripper-like Lugs 18c, 18b to the left towards the first body 11.

As in Fig. 1 only in the area of the left, rear side surface of the is indicated in the first body 11, each side of the cube already has the recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d described.

The detailed interaction of the gripper-like approaches 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d with the recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d will be detailed later described.

First of all, reference is made to FIG. 2, which already makes clear in a schematic, partially sectional view that the connecting element 13 is arranged between the two bodies 11, 12 in such a way that it essentially lies within the envelope curves H ₁ , H _{2 of} the first body 11 and the second body 12 is arranged. For this purpose, compartments 19, 20 are arranged in the first body 11 and the second body 12, which largely accommodate the connecting element 13. The distance d shown in FIG. 2 between the two envelopes H ₁ and H ₂ , that is to say between the two opposite side faces of the cube, is shown exaggeratedly for the sake of clarity. In a real model, the first body 11 and the second body 12 in the connected state with the connecting element 13 inserted are so close to one another that the mutually facing outer sides of the first body 11 and the second body 12, that is to say the two according to FIG. 2 Envelopes H ₁ , H ₂ almost touch except for a necessary and intended slight play.

Fig. 3 also shows very schematically one possibility, the first Solve body 11 and the second body 12 from each other. in principle can the connecting element 13 designed as a clip element such be designed such that when a force is exerted approximately along the direction x on the second body 12 with the first body 11 held in place Bodies can be detached from each other manually, i.e. without a tool, if one certain threshold force is overcome. More details will be given later received in detail.

However, it can also be considered to be one shown in FIG To use release tool 21, which has an actuating section 22 and can have an engagement section 23 and with its engagement section 23 through a recess 16d in a side wall of the first body 11 can be put through.

At its right end 24 with respect to FIG. 3, the release tool has 21 a functional surface 25, the meaning of which will be explained later becomes. This functional surface 25 serves, as will be described in detail later, with corresponding counter surfaces 31 on the gripper-like projections 18 cooperate on the connecting element 13 in order to slightly adjust.

Fig. 10 shows the connecting element 13 in view. How to get out of this results, the connecting element 13 has a circumferential, substantially square frame 17 on. The connecting element is in the interior I hollow.

Gripper-like projections 18c, 18d each extend from the frame and 18a, 18b away from one side of the frame 17, respectively. 10 extend the gripper-like lugs 18a, 18b to the viewer from the Paper plane out and the gripper-like lugs 18c, 18d out of the Paper plane out away from the viewer.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 10 to 12, the gripper-like Approaches 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d integrally to the Frame 17 molded.

Each gripper-like attachment 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d is a channel-like one Recess 26 associated with the insertion of another, not shown release tool can serve. The gripper-like approach 18a, e.g. is arranged essentially vertically with respect to FIG Section 27 tied to the frame 17. In the area of section 27 a projection 28 is directed toward the interior I of the frame 17 arranged (Fig. 10), which is formed by the channel-like recess 26 Weakened zone compensated.

The channel-like recess 26 is laterally by two claws 29, 30th encompassed (Fig. 10), the essential part of the gripper-like approach 18a are. Each claw 29, 30 is a guide surface 31 and one Assigned holding surface 32, the functions of which will be described later.

On the frame 17 are the gripper-like lugs 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d provided frame recesses 33, their function also to be described later.

The following is to explain how the connecting element 13 with one side of the first body 11 or of the second body 12 or with one 4, which is an outer side of a first or second body 11 or 12 provides, cooperates.

Clip the connecting element 13 onto a side surface for example, the first body 11 is accomplished such that the in 12 shows the connecting element 13 with its reference to FIG. 12 lower side 34 first to the construction element 14 shown in FIG. 6 is moved along the arrow y. It should already be pointed out that the parts shown in Fig. 6 and in Fig. 12 are not exactly to scale to each other.

In a real embodiment, the clipping together of Connecting element 13 and structural element 14 such that the respective gripper-like approaches 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d into the respective Recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d used in the construction element 14 become. In the composite connection element 13 described 12 and construction element 14 according to FIG. 6 would thus be the gripper-like extension 18a, for example, in the corresponding recess 16a in the construction element 14 and the gripper-like extension 18b in the corresponding recess 16c inserted on the construction element 14. During the insertion process, the guide surface 31 hits the gripper-like Approach 18a or 18b on a corner region 35 on the construction element 14. The corner region 35 now slides with a continuous relative movement of Connecting element 13 and structural element 14 towards each other, on the Guide surface 31.

To pass the guide surface 31 at the corner region 35 of the Enabling structural element 14 is the gripper-like approach 18a, and in particular its guide surface 31 relative to the opposite gripper element 18b slightly elastically adjustable. This elasticity is provided in the embodiment in that the gripper-like approach 18a frame recesses 33a and 33b assigned. The frame 17 is thus in this area except for one central web 36 greatly weakened, so that an at least slight The gripper-like extension 18a can be rotated or twisted by approximately one in Fig. 12 with z designated geometric axis is possible.

Connecting element 13 and construction element 14 are also so far towards each other until a snap connection is accomplished so that the holding surface 32 of the gripper-like extension 18a abuts the corresponding counter surface 37 on the construction element 14.

In the embodiment are on each side of the connecting element 13 each two gripper-like lugs 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d arranged so that in each case a pair of gripper-like approaches with one of the two bodies 11, 12 a snap connection is received. Of course it can also be done be thought of a changed number of gripper-like approaches provide for what the number of recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d on the construction element 14 must be changed accordingly.

As soon as the connecting element 13 to one of the two bodies 11 or 12 is clipped on, the other body 12, 11 with the connecting element 13 are connected so that the two bodies 11, 12 indirectly via the Connecting element 13 are coupled together.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 6 and 9, the Construction element 14 arranged a separate compartment 38 which in is essentially chamber-shaped and is shown schematically in FIG. 2 indicated subjects 19, 20 corresponds. It is a additional compartment 38, which in the assembled state of the as a cube trained hollow body 11, 12 according to FIG. 1 on each side of the cube is arranged so that a total of six compartments 38 are available. The Compartments 38 are separate, i.e. they are in addition to the hollow interior of the first or second body 11, 12 is provided.

Each compartment 38 is assigned contact surfaces 39 which are connected State of connecting element 13 and structural element 14 on the corresponding side 34 or 40 of the connecting element 13. The Distance e between the holding surface 32 and the lower one with respect to FIG. 12 Page 34 (FIG. 12) thus corresponds to the distance s between the counter surface 37 on the construction element 14 and the corresponding contact surface 39 of the Compartment 38 (Fig. 9).

In the connected state of first body 11 and second body 12 is the connecting element 13 essentially in the corresponding Compartments 38 of the mutually facing sides of the first body 11 and second body 12 added. 2 shows an exaggerated distance d between the two bodies 11, 12. In fact, there must be a very small distance d.

Fig. 13 shows in a single representation a bolt element 41, which the rotatable connection between two bodies 11, 12 is used. It is in essentially axially elongated and has an essentially circular cross section. A median longitudinal plane E divides this Bolt element 41 in two axial sections 43a, 43b different Diameter.

The one arranged above the longitudinal center plane E with respect to FIG. 13 Section 43a has a small diameter m, whereas the 13 arranged below the longitudinal center plane E with respect to FIG 43b has a significantly enlarged diameter p. It is about thereby around a bale-like section 42 bale-like section 42 is integral with the Bolt element 41 arranged.

A plate-like section adjoins a section 43a, 43b on both sides Section 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d with an enlarged diameter n. The bale-like Section 42 has a diameter p that is clear is larger than the diameter m of the plate-like sections 44.

The diameter n of the plate-like sections 44 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the central recess 16e in the construction element 14. The diameter p of the bale-like section 42 is significantly larger than the diameter of the central recess 16e in the construction element 14.

In the event that two bodies 11, 12 are not connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner 1, as shown in FIG. 1, but rotatable are to be connected to one another, the bolt element 41 according to FIG. 13 with its upper section 43a into the central recess 16e Body 11, 12 inserted. Especially when the body 11, 12 is hollow trained, this is particularly easy.

The following description now refers to a hollow body 11, 12, which consists of a plurality of construction elements 14 can be put together. But it can also be considered to use other bodies 11, 12, with only one access possibility to the interior of the body 11, 12 should be ensured.

A construction element 14 can be attached to the bolt element 41 according to FIG. 13 from the top so far that it with his Inside comes to rest on the upper side 45 of the section 42. Then, based on this, not shown Construction element 14, for example, a cube-shaped hollow body 11 um the section 42 are assembled around so that a not illustrated further construction element 14 with its interior this hollow body facing side on a lower with respect to FIG. 13 Page 46 of Section 42 is of concern.

A further structural element 14 can now be used with reference to FIG. 13 be pushed onto section 43a from above such that its Is directed downwards. Then a not shown clip-shaped bracket, which is designed in the manner of a slotted sleeve 13 with respect to FIG. 13 are set in such a way that this with its corresponding subpage the now added Construction element 14 holds captive on the arrangement.

In a corresponding, just described manner, the a hollow body 12, not shown, around a clip be attached to the individual construction element 14. In finished assembled state, the bolt element 41 is completely within the Envelope curve of the two hollow bodies now rotatably connected to one another 11, 12 added. The two bodies 11, 12 are thus rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis I.

14 to 16 show a cap member 47 which of the cover the fan 38 on the first body 11 or second body 12 is used. The Cap element 47 is substantially plate-shaped and has two opposing claw-like projections 48a, 48b. These approaches are designed similarly to the gripper-like approaches 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the connecting element 13, so that a detailed Description can be omitted here. Here too it goes without saying a guide surface 49 and a corresponding holding surface 50 for Reaching behind the corresponding counter surfaces 37 on the body 11, 12 intended.

When considering in particular Fig. 14, it is noticeable that the cap element 47 a flange-like frame 51 is assigned, which in the area is laterally interrupted by the respective claw-shaped lugs 48a, 48b.

The claw-like lugs 48a, 48b is similar to the channel-like Recess 26 is assigned a channel-like recess 52. This too is used to hold a release tool.

For releasing a cap element 47 or a connecting element 13 of a body 11, 12 to which this element is attached, can be used a release element, not shown, which only has a thin actuating pin with a diameter that is smaller is than the diameter of the recess 26, 52. The actuating pin is inserted into the channel-like recess 26, 25 and is by Swiveling a particularly elongated handle part slightly pivoted like a lever. There may be sections of the release tool on the first body 11 or second body 12 support. By lever-like pivoting of the corresponding gripper-like approach 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d or the claw-like approach 48a, 48b about the respective pivot axis z can be the corresponding one Holding surface 32, 50 with the corresponding counter surface 37 out of engagement are brought and the connecting element 13 and the cap element 47 can be detached from the corresponding body 11, 12.

17 to 19 show a further release tool, which also serves a connecting element 13 fastened to a body 11, 12 detach from the body 11, 12. This release tool has one elongated portion 53 and one substantially vertical thereof protruding further section 54. At section 54 there are two Plug ends 55 arranged, which when placed on a body 11, 12 Connecting element 13 in corresponding frame recesses 33 of the Frame 17 can be used. The distance between the two Plug approaches 55 from each other thus corresponds to the distance between two Frame recesses 33 on one side of the frame 17th

By operating the lever-like, elongated section 53 after The connecting element can be pivoted around the axis b 13 from the corresponding compartment 38 of the body 11, 12 be levered out.

The connecting element 13 can be designed such that two interconnected bodies 11, 12 in a simple manner by hand without any release tool can be separated. For example a threshold force that has to be overcome can be so low be set that a user, especially a child, these Can apply swelling force without effort. But it can also be thought of be to design the connecting element 13 such that a separation two interconnected bodies 11, 12 without the connecting element 13 to destroy is only possible with the help of a release tool.

The threshold force overcome to separate the two bodies 11, 12 must be set in a simple manner that the Inclination of the holding surface 32 relative to the counter surface 37 (when viewed in the connected state of connecting element 13 and structural element 14) can be changed. Fig. 12 already shows a slight inclination of the Holding surface 32. If this inclination is increased, the swelling force becomes Solution of connecting the body 11, 12 reduced.

In the event that a release tool for separating the two bodies 11, 12 should be desired, such a release tool can, for example, as in Fig. 3 may be indicated schematically. The release tool can with its functional surface 25 on the corresponding guide surface 31 of the connecting element 13 slide, and for the desired Relative adjustment of the respective gripper-like approach 18 worry.

It can also be considered to use the release tool according to FIG. 17-19 at its left end with respect to FIG. 18 to be wedge-shaped. With such a wedge-shaped end, not shown in FIG Insert this end between two connected bodies 11, 12, approximately along the arrow K in Fig. 2 due to the wedge effect a separation of the both bodies 11, 12 can be reached in a simple manner.

The modular system according to the invention is used in addition to its use as a modular game system also used in the area of Exhibition stands or model buildings. Here too, a simple connection, especially of hollow bodies, be guaranteed. In particular, this system can be expanded as required, not only bodies of the same spatial shape but also bodies different forms of space can be connected. ever depending on the application, for example, the page length of a page Body 11, 12 can be selected differently. In the event that A modular system can be used as a children's toy typical side length of a cube-shaped hollow body 11, for example in Range of 1 inch. In the event that exhibition structures are put together the edge length can be orders of magnitude higher.

The modular system according to the invention comes with a total very small number of parts and enables countless variants of combinations of the individual components with each other. In addition to the bodies 11, 12, which all consist of an identical construction element 14 can be put together is one universal and conceivable simply designed connecting element 13 is provided, which a Connection of the two bodies relative to each other in any insertion direction allows. With another component in the form of the bolt element 41 and the associated bracket 42 is now also a rotatable Arrangement of two bodies 11, 12 together possible. With the help of any designable cap elements 47 offers the inventive Modular system 10 also has a wide range of design options, e.g. by Application of colors, characters, letters, numbers.

To additional, especially in the case of cube-shaped bodies 11, 12 To enable plug-in directions includes the modular system according to the invention moreover an insert element 56. FIGS. 20 to 21 clearly show that the insert element 56 is substantially plate-shaped is formed and has a central middle section 87 which in the essentially corresponds to the construction element 14 according to FIG. 4. Here too a substantially square frame 15 is provided which in its Dimensions with the exception of nonexistent marginal recesses in the essentially corresponds to that of the construction element 14. Are also here the recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e with the same dimensions as provided for the construction element 14.

In particular, in the area of these recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d also holding surfaces 61 are provided which the counter surfaces 37 of the Construction element 14 (Fig. 9) correspond.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 20, the Middle section 87 of the insert element 56 to the outside two projections 57, which are integrally connected in one piece to the central section 87.

The projections 57 are each substantially along a straight line g aligned to the surface normal f of the insert element 56 in is essentially at an angle of 45 degrees.

The importance of the different contact surfaces 58, 58a and 60 and the holding surfaces 59 and 61 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 22 : There is already an arrangement 88 of a first body 11, one second body 12 and a third body 89 are shown, which are essentially is angular, that is L-shaped. A fourth body 90 and a fifth Bodies are also connected to assembly 88. A sixth body 92 is shown separately, but can also be arranged 88 can be connected via an insert element 56.

Between two bodies there is one described above Connecting element 13, which is not shown in FIG. 22.

The insert element 56 is with its projections 57 and in Area of the projections 57 arranged contact surfaces 58 and 58a to the Arrangement 88 moves until the insert element 56 between two Bodies, for example between the second body 12 and the third Body 89, is clipped. The contact surfaces are in the clipped state 58 and 58a on corresponding material areas of the relevant Construction element 14 of the body 12, 89. The contact surface 58a supports in particular on surfaces of the frame 15 of the Construction element 14 and the contact surface 58 essentially corresponding surfaces 39 of the compartment 38 of the construction element 14 from.

Holding surfaces 59, which are also arranged on the projections 57, come with corresponding inner surfaces 93 of the compartment 38 of the Construction element 14 (for example of the third body 89) in contact, so that the holding surfaces 59 corresponding inner surfaces 93 of the body 12, 89th reach behind and a captive connection between the insert element 56 and the arrangement 88 is reached.

22 already shows a fifth body 21, which is made possible a new insertion direction along the surface normal f 'with the Insert element 56 is connected. The connection between the Insert element and the fifth body 91 can in turn have a Connecting element 13 take place, with the additional advantage that an identical connecting element 13 can be used.

The insert element 56 has a receiving compartment 38 that the Receiving compartment 38 of the construction element 14 corresponds. In this respect, at a connection between the insert element 56 and a fifth body 91 the connecting element 13 again within the envelope of the two Body (insert element and fifth body) may be arranged.

Here, too, there is also a manual connection between insert element 56 and fifth body 91 and a manual one Can be solved.

An arrangement, not shown, of seven cube-shaped bodies can now use a total of 18 using twelve insert elements allow different plug directions.

25 shows a linear arrangement of three bodies 11, 12, 89 along a connecting axis v. It is again cube-shaped Hollow bodies that are assembled from the construction elements 14. Two bodies each with a connecting element described above 13 clipped, which, however, for the sake of clarity in FIG. 25 has been omitted.

The three bodies are, according to FIG. 25, with a stiffening element 69 coupled with each other. This is in the embodiment as Threaded rod formed, which has an external thread 70. To the A screw cap engages both ends of the stiffening element 69 71 with an internal thread. The screw cap can Have outside diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of Central recess 16e of the construction element 14. In the embodiment 25 is provided, the screw cap 71 via a to couple additional washer 72 to the respective body. This must but not necessarily be provided.

Especially with very long linear rows of bodies, which are connected to one another by means of the connecting elements 13 is the Elasticity of the arrangement clearly due to a stiffening element 69 reducible. Such a row arrangement can be very strong in this way be trained resilient.

The screw caps 71 can actuation approaches for manual Have operation by a user. However, areas can also be used for attacking a tool, for example a screwdriver, be provided.

A particularly simple embodiment results when each body 11, 12, 89 is constructed from construction elements 14 and thus also can be dismantled. In this case, a body 11, 12, 89 µm Screw cap element can be built around.

As an alternative to the illustration according to FIG. 25, for example be considered to form the stiffening element 69 in two parts with a first part, which has an internal thread and a second part, which carries an external thread. Such an arrangement is for example 36, which will be described later and additionally here Spacer 84 has.

Instead of a thread, a bayonet lock can of course also be used or the like can be used.

The peculiarity of the stiffening element 69 shown is, inter alia, in that it is the connection between two neighboring bodies through the Connecting element 13 practically not affected and the rest Attack surfaces on the bodies, for example for the one shown above Cap element 47 or for other connecting elements 13 is not affected or impaired.

The longitudinal central axis w of the stiffening element 69 falls, as shown in FIG. 25 shows together with the connecting axis v of the row arrangement.

As the connection axis v in the sense of this patent application, that is Just understood that the longitudinal central axis one of at least two Bodies existing row arrangement corresponds.

23 essentially shows an inner element 62 in the form of a massive cube. This inner element 62 can be inside a hollow cube 11 are arranged, wherein the first body 11 usually Construction elements 14 is built around the inner element 62.

62 shows one on each surface of the cube Threaded bore 63, which is used for connection to the stiffening element. In this way, a large number of stiffening elements 69 can be comfortably attached to the first body 11 along six different directions become, without a special, structural effort is necessary.

In addition, the inner element 62 provides six large areas Contact surfaces for the respective inner surface of the body 11 are available enable a secure fit within the body 11. Of course are aligned when the first body 11 and 11 are assembled Inner element 62, the threaded bores 63 with the central recesses 16e of the respective construction elements 14.

An inner element 62, as shown in FIG. 23, can also be used be designed as a mass element, in which case also the Threaded holes 63 can be omitted.

In the event that larger arrangements of a variety of bodies of the The modular system according to the invention are provided and a special one A choice of focus should be made or becomes important cube-shaped inner element 62, for example made of metal, a desired Provide mass by means of which the focus of the system is chosen can be set without the attack and contact surfaces of the Construction element for a connecting element 13 are impaired.

Fig. 36 shows a spacer 84, which by means of a reinforcing element 69 'between the construction elements 14 and 14' of two adjacent body, not shown, is attached. The stiffening element 69 functions here in particular as a connecting element, additional connecting elements need not be provided. The Stiffening element 69 'is formed here in two parts and comprises one part 98 with internal thread and part 99 with external thread.

The spacer 84 itself is essentially cuboid and has a square cross section, not shown. It includes an axial, central bore 100, within which the two parts 98 and 99 are arranged are. The spacer 84 thus creates between the outer surfaces a distance as between two neighboring bodies, which is particularly important for angular ones Arranging many bodies brings certain advantages and at the same time that Very large number of individual parts required for the modular system keeps low. A spacer 84, not shown, has instead of one Connection by means of a stiffening element 69 'gripper-like lugs 18 on the gripper-like approaches of the connecting element 13 correspond and the existing on the construction element 14 Make use of holding and contact areas.

26 and 27 show a further arrangement of a bolt element 41, as is already known from its basic shape from FIG. 13. It is provided here on an axial section 43b of the bolt element 41 Arrange anti-rotation element 73. This has a wing 75 and one in essential shell-like receptacle 74 for receiving and grasping the Axial section 43b of the bolt element 41. How to look in particular 26 reveals, the rotary locking element 73 also has a locking lug 76, which the central recess 16e of the upper shown there Construction element 14 "passes through and about in width Corresponds to the inner diameter of the central recess 16e. Because of a positive connection between the receptacle 74 of the Rotary locking element 73 and the axial section 43b of the bolt element 41 is a rotation of the pin member 41 relative to the first body 11 Due to the double positive connection (axial section 43b and receptacle 44 on the one hand and locking lug 76 and center recess 16e on the other hand) prevented. The relative movement between the axial section 43a, which with the axial section 43b is integrally connected in one piece and the first Body 11 is thus also prevented.

However, the bolt element 41 can be significantly longer in the axial direction be formed and, for example, a third axial section, not shown 43c include. In this axial section 43c can be analog Way, another rotary locking element can be arranged so that a Connection of three bodies 11, 12, 89 to one another linearly approximately according to FIG. 25 is possible in such a way that, for example, the two outer bodies 11, 89 are rotatably connected to each other, the middle located between them Body 12, however, is rotatably arranged to the other two bodies. The Rotatability can, for example, by means of one already described above Clamp element 80 are accomplished, which the axial portion 43a embraces. The bracket element 80 is also FIG. 28 in another Embodiment shown.

The described arrangement of three bodies, in which the middle Body is rotatably arranged relative to the two outer bodies, enables the production of one on one in a particularly simple manner fixed middle part bearing axis. Especially when the body 11, 89 with special circular arc elements 81 and as a wheel are particularly advantageous in this regard.

Fig. 28 shows another embodiment in which a wheel member 77, which comprises a wheel 78 and a bolt part 79, on a body 11 is attached. Wheel 78 and bolt part 79 are integrally integral connected to one another, the bolt part 79 being so long, that it is in the left central recess with respect to FIG construction element 14 arranged on the left engages and in the corresponding compartment 38 of this construction element 14 rests.

In this way, the bolt part 79 on two different Axial sections 96a and 96b each have bearing surfaces 94 of the bolt part 79 corresponding counter bearing surfaces 95 on the body 11 in contact. The Counter bearing surfaces 95 are from the respective inner peripheral surface the central central recess 16e formed.

This double bearing arrangement creates a safe, stable pivot bearing.

The bolt part 79 is in the area of the interior of the body 11 from encompassed a clamp element 80, which the bolt part 79 on the Holds body 11 captive. Here, too, is used to assemble the arrangement the right in relation to FIG. 28 construction element 14 "first of all Bolt part 79 penetrated, and then the body 11 around the bracket 80 built around.

The radius r of the wheel 78 is selected such that the wheel 78 the Envelope of the body 11 to the floor, not shown, on which the wheel 78 should roll, towers.

If necessary, provision can be made in the area of the outer peripheral surface 97 of the wheel 78, which is not shown, a special channel to provide, in which a ring element also not shown in Fig. 28 can be arranged.

24 schematically shows a first body 11 and a third Body 89, between which a pair 64 of locking elements 65, 66 are arranged is. The locking elements comprise a male locking element 65, which has a projection 67 and a female locking element 66, which has a recess 68 for receiving the projection 67. Not shown are gripper-like fastened to the respective latching element 65, 66 Approaches that the gripper-like approaches 18 of the connecting element 13th or the approaches 48a, 48b of the cap member 47 and the the existing on the construction element 14 or 14 "plant and Make use of the holding surfaces for the connecting elements 13. 24 are also not shown in the construction element 14, 14 'anyway existing recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e.

24 shows that the projection 67 and the recess 68 are essentially aligned with the central recesses 16e, which, however, is not absolutely necessary.

The purpose of the pair of locking elements is to have two adjacent bodies 11, 89, which do not have separate connecting elements 13 or Stiffeners 69 are interconnected to prevent one Movement approximately along the direction denoted by ri in FIG. 24 perform. The direction ri is essentially perpendicular to Straight line v, but can also be at an angle to the Straight lines v stand.

The pair 64 of locking elements 65, 66 offers according to the invention the possibility of coupling two adjacent bodies 11, 89 with one another, wherein the coupling is only a captive in different directions Is a solution along, for example, one direction (along the Straight connecting line v) but without using a threshold force further is possible.

30 to 35 and 37 show special circular arc elements 81, by means of which a body 11 itself becomes a rotatable wheel or a roller can be trained.

30, the circular arc element 81 has a base part 101, which is curved. 10 above the base part 101 a section of an arc of a circle 82 is arranged, with the Embodiment a plurality of arcs 82 is provided, the are aligned along a common circle center.

From Fig. 31 it is clear that the base part 101 is essentially one has groove-shaped cross section, so that grooves 83 are formed, the serve to accommodate a ring part, not shown. Fig. 31 shows in Cross section of three channels 83 arranged side by side, so that a total of 3 Ring parts can be arranged on the circular arc 81.

30 below the base part 101 are gripper-like approaches 18 arranged, the shape and dimension of the gripper-like approaches 18 of the connecting element 13 correspond. This way too here the existing on the construction element 14 and Holding surfaces are used.

In addition to the base part 101, the circular arc element 81 comprises above it In addition, a frame part 102, which abutment surfaces 103 in corresponding compartments 38 of the construction element 14.

The circular arc element 81 is also a one-piece injection molded part made of plastic.

Figures 33 to 35 show a circular arc element 81, which is of the circular arc element 81 shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 in differs essentially only in that two channels 83 are provided here are. Such an arrangement, which can be seen particularly in FIG. 34, can serve, for example, in the groove 83a on the left in FIG. 34 first rope and in the right half-groove 83b in FIG. 34 in Connection with a bike, not shown, another rope to be arranged, the ropes rotating in opposite directions. That way the circular arc element 81 can be used as a roller, as a deflecting roller or if necessary also as a cable. The inner surfaces 104 of the groove 83a can represent holding surfaces for the rope, not shown.

37 shows an arrangement in which the cube-shaped hollow body 11 has four circular arc elements 81 arranged distributed in the circumferential direction. The respective circular arc sections 82 together form an almost complete circle and alike one essentially continuous channel 83.

A ring element 86 is located inside the groove, so that a complete wheel arises.

The hollow body 11 forming the wheel can be connected to an adjacent, not shown body rotatable, for example by means of a Bolt element, be connected. In this way, a hollow body is by means of simply designed elements to form a wheel.

Looking at it as a whole, the following can be determined:

It is advantageously provided that the connecting element 13 a has essentially peripheral frame 17.

It is advantageously provided that the gripper-like projections 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d are arranged on the frame 17.

It is advantageously provided that the attack surfaces in the area of Attenuation zones 33 are arranged.

It is advantageously provided that the connecting element 13 on the first 11 and the second body 12 can be clipped on.

It is advantageously provided that at least one of the two Body 11, 12 is designed as a hollow body.

It is advantageously provided that at least one of the two Body 11, 12 is substantially cube-shaped.

It is advantageously provided that the two bodies 11, 12 for Establishing the connection relative to one another along a connecting straight line y are movable.

It is advantageously provided that the two bodies 11, 12 for Releasing the connection relative to one another along the connecting line y are movable.

It is advantageously provided that the release movement only under A force threshold value is overcome.

It is advantageously provided that the two connecting elements 13 are identical.

It is advantageously provided that the insert element 56 Contact surfaces 58, 58a for support on the two outer bodies 12, 89 and holding surfaces 59 for reaching behind material areas 93 of the outer body 12, 89 includes.

It is advantageously provided that the contact surfaces 58, 58a such are aligned that in the assembled state of insert element 56th and arrangement 88 a surface normal f of the insert element 56 in essentially at a 45 ° angle to a surface normal g adjacent body 12, 89 runs.

It is advantageously provided that the insert element 56 Contact surfaces 60 for contact with material areas of a third Has connecting element 13.

It is advantageously provided that the insert element 56 Has holding surfaces 61, which from the third connecting element 13 are writable.

It is advantageously provided that the insert element 56 is a Storage compartment 38 for receiving material areas of the Has connecting element 13.

It is advantageously provided that the insert element 56 in the essentially corresponds to the design of a construction element 14 which the body 11, 12, 89 are assembled.

It is advantageously provided that the stiffening element 69 a Is a threaded rod, at the two ends of which a screw nut 71 is arranged.

It is advantageously provided that the stiffening element 69 is formed in two parts and a first part with an external thread and a second part with an internal thread.

It is advantageously provided that the stiffening element 69 in connected state of the two bodies 11, 12, 89 substantially along the connecting axis v of the two bodies 11, 12, 89 is aligned.

It is advantageously provided that the stiffening element 69 in is substantially elongated and that its longitudinal central axis w coincides with the connecting axis v of the two bodies 11, 12, 89.

It is advantageously provided that the stiffening element 69 the first 11 and the second body 12 connects together and the connecting element 13 reaches through.

It is advantageously provided that at one end of the Stiffening element 69 an inner element 62 for arrangement within the first body 11 is arranged, which has at least one threaded bore 63 has.

It is advantageously provided that the inner element 62 at least an additional threaded hole 63 for connection to another Has stiffening element 69.

It is advantageously provided that the spacer 84 with the first 11 and third body 89 is screwed.

It is advantageously provided that for fastening the Spacer 84 on the first 11 and the third body 89 on the Spacer 84 gripper-like lugs 18 are arranged.

It is advantageously provided that the installation element clip-like bracket 80 for making a rotatable connection between two adjacent bodies 11, 89.

It is advantageously provided that the rotary locking element 73 a Wing 75, a receptacle 74 for gripping the axial portion 43b of the Bolt element 41 and a locking lug 76 for cooperation with the has first body 11.

It is advantageously provided that the bolt element 41 the first 11 and the second body 12 connects together and the connecting element 13 reaches through.

It is advantageously provided that the bolt part 79 essentially is disposed within the envelope of the first body 11 and the wheel 78 arranged substantially outside the envelope of the first body 11 is.

It is advantageously provided that the wheel 78 with the pin part 79 is integrally connected and rotatable relative to the first body 11 is arranged.

It is advantageously provided that a 79 on the bolt part Clamp element 80 for rotatably fastening a wheel element 77 the first body 11 can be arranged.

It is advantageously provided that the bolt part 79 on two spaced axial sections 96a, 96b bearing surfaces 94 for Cooperation with corresponding counter bearing surfaces 95 on the first body 11 trains.

It is advantageously provided that the bolt part 79 in one Connecting element 13 engages at least partially.

It is advantageously provided that on the outer surface 97 of the Wheel 78 a tire element 85 can be arranged.

It is advantageously provided that the outer surface 97 of the Wheel 78 is formed in a groove-shaped cross section.

It is advantageously provided that the pair 64 of locking elements comprises a male locking insert 65 and a female locking insert 66.

It is advantageously provided that each latching element 65, 66 gripper-like approaches 18 includes the first 11 and the third Body 89 interact.

It is advantageously provided that the gripper-like approaches 18 the gripper-like approaches of the connecting element 13 are reproduced.

It is advantageously provided that the first body 11 with a A large number of circular arc elements 81, in particular four Circular arc elements can be connected, with several circular arc sections 82 are arranged along a common circular line.

It is advantageously provided that the circular arc element 81st gripper-like approaches 18 includes.

It is advantageously provided that the gripper-like approaches 18 with the gripper-like approaches 18 of the connecting element 13 are identical.

It is advantageously provided that the circular arc element 81 with the gripper-like lugs 18 is integrally formed.

It is advantageously provided that the circular arc element 81 in the Area of its outer surface 97 in cross section at least one receiving groove 83 for receiving a ring element 86.

Claims (23)

Modular system (10) with essentially dimensionally stable, interconnectable, in particular pluggable bodies (11, 12), characterized in that on a first body (11) a second body (12) can be detachably fastened in different directions, for this purpose a separate connecting element (13) is provided which interacts with the first body (11) and the second body (12) by means of gripper-like projections (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), and that the connecting element (13) in the connected state of the two bodies (11 , 12) is essentially arranged within the envelopes (H ₁ , H ₂ ) of the two bodies. Modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripper-like extensions (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) are arranged on the connecting element (13). Modular system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (13) is substantially frame-shaped. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripper-like extensions (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) have a holding surface (32) for engaging behind a material region (35, 37) of a body (11, 12). Modular system according to claim 4, insofar as it relates to claim 2, characterized in that the holding surface (32) is slightly elastically adjustable relative to a material region of the frame (17). Modular system according to claim 5, characterized in that the elasticity for adjusting the holding surface (32) is provided by the frame (17). Modular system according to claim 6, characterized in that the frame (17) is designed to be twistable, in particular due to weakening zones (33). Modular system according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the frame (17) has engagement surfaces for a release tool for releasing the connecting element (13) from a body (11, 12). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripper-like projections (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) each penetrate a recess (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) in one of the bodies (11, 12). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that compartments (19, 20, 38) are provided on the bodies (11, 12) for receiving regions of the connecting element (13). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripper-like extensions (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) comprise a guide surface (31). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two bodies (11, 12) are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (11) can be rotatably connected to a third body by means of a bolt element (41) and clamps (80), the bolt element (41) in the connected state of the two bodies (11 , 12) is arranged essentially within the envelopes (H ₁ , H ₂ ) of the two bodies (11, 12). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (11) can be connected to the outside of the first body (11) with a cap element (47) for closing a compartment (19, 20, 38) with essentially flush closure. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (11), the second (12) and a third body (89) can be connected to one another with two connecting elements (13) to form an essentially angular arrangement (88), and in that an essentially plate-shaped insert element (56) can be clipped between the two outer bodies (12, 89) of the arrangement (88). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (11) can be connected to a third body (12, 89) by means of a stiffening element (69) which in the connected state of the two bodies (11, 12, 89) in is essentially arranged within the envelopes of the two bodies (11, 12, 89) and has a bracing element, in particular a thread for bracing the two bodies (11, 12, 89) against one another. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mass element is arranged within the first body (11). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spacer (84) is arranged between the first (11) and a third body (89). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (11) can be connected to a third body (89) by means of a bolt element (41) which, when the two bodies (11, 89) are connected, essentially within the envelope curves the two bodies are arranged and have at least two axial sections (43a, 43b) for engaging built-in elements (80, 73). Modular system according to claim 19, characterized in that the built-in element is designed as a rotary locking element (73). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wheel element (77) which comprises a wheel (78) and a bolt part (79) is fastened to the first body (11). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (11) is coupled to a third body (89) via a pair (64) of latching elements (65, 66) which are separated from the first (11) and from the third body (89) are detachable and arranged in a coupled state within the envelopes of the first (11) and third body (89). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first body (11) can be connected to a circular arc element (81) which provides at least one circular arc section (82).

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