ES1219864U - MODULAR STRUCTURE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular structure, for obtaining open three-dimensional polyhedral structures (E), characterized in that it comprises: - a plurality of curved flat strips (1) having anchors (4) at their ends, in which the anchors (4) have an overhanging, flat and rotating head (5); - a plurality of discs (2) which act as knots of the structure, which have a plurality of radial perforations (20) through which the heads (5) are inserted and the slats (1) are fixed; - a plurality of enclosures (3) anchored by fastening systems to the slats (1); in such a way that the union of the different slats (1) in the discs (2) generate modular spaces of curved triangular configuration that are covered by the enclosures (3). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Modular structure Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a typology of modular structure that allows the generation of open three-dimensional polyhedral structures, being able to be spherical, longitudinal or multiform structures, which are easily assembled by not requiring for their assembly of screws or tools, and which are reusable as many times as required by the user.

The invention falls within the area of structural engineering and in the architectural sector, and more specifically in the field of different structural systems that are modular, although they can also have other constructive uses in furniture, lighting stands, structures for games or Similar.

The object of the present invention is the development of a modular structural system that allows to be assembled without the need for tools or screws, and which allows to create enclosures with polyhedral shape and organic geometry, in a versatile way, and whose use is preferably oriented to the generation of temporary tents for events, campsites and for the generation of ephemeral architectures in refugee camps, in reaction to catastrophes or any other temporary use.

Background of the invention

Modular construction is a known process within the architectural sector, and is based on the use of the same set of elements and / or modules with which it is possible to obtain a result that can be similar to that of traditional constructions.

Within this type of systems, permanent modular structures or constructions are known, which allow to obtain efficient results that improve the respective costs and terms of traditional on-site constructions; and the reusable modular structures are also known, which is a totally or partially assembled construction that,

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complying with all the norms and codes, they allow to design structures that can be reusable and can be easily located in other locations.

The present invention is comprised within the type of reusable structures, although this geometry can also be used to leave it fixed, and even complete it with wood or other construction materials to leave it fixed. Therefore, one of the advantages it provides compared to traditional structures is that it is easy to assemble, and is easy to transport for later reuse. However, within this industrial sector various types of reusable modular structures or systems are known.

In general, the types of structures that are constituted from the assembly of tubular profiles that are joined by means of knots are known, which can be articulated as is the case of EP1493886, or can be fixed in fixed nodes, as can be be the case of patent EP 3071766. In any case, these tubular structures generate structures with straight shapes, and require tools that allow not only the assembly between the different elements, but also require fasteners or other fasteners that secure the unions.

In order to make structures with other types of configurations, modular structures are known, preferably for the construction of tents that are generated from a cylindrical or polygonal base, crowned either by a circular dome or by a conical closure; or as for example in document ES1073309U where the base is made with rectangular segments that generate a polygon with which a circle is simulated.

In summary, reusable modular structures are known in the state of the art with which it is possible to obtain shapes predetermined by the constitution of the pieces or elements that form the structure, generating parallelepiped, cylindrical or conical, and geodetic structures. However, in these known systems for the generation of geodesic domes complex geometric combinations are required where in addition to lamas of different sizes are needed, assembly tools are needed, the parts are different, detailed process knowledge is required and also enough time is required to be able to assemble these types of structures.

Taking into account the known background, it can be concluded that there is no known system that allows generating polyhedral structures with a single type of

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slats or stringers, and with all the knots equal to each other, and that simulate curved shapes, and without the need for it to use neither tools nor loose thymes for their consolidation.

By means of the present invention, the technical problem of being able to make modular structures that can be reusable, assembled in a very simple way and without the need of tools, and that being curved can generate shapes that adapt to icosahedra and other platonic solids, is solved or longitudinal and / or organic configurations, something that is not possible with the known systems. In fact, since the mid-twentieth century structure domes have been done in the same way and an attempt has been made to find a solution that facilitates and reduces construction. Therefore, the fact that all the slats are equal to each other and all the knots too (all of them of five unions), makes it something new and remarkable, and provides a solution with which it is possible to develop a structural system that It has tried to obtain during all this time, and therefore, this invention provides a new way to achieve structures.

Description of the invention

The invention consists of a modular structure that in a preferred embodiment is designed to be reusable, although it can also be finally fixed, with which open three-dimensional polyhedral structures can be generated, which depending on the arrangement of their constituent elements can form structures spherical, hemispherical, longitudinal and its other combinations, and which are easily assembled since it is not necessary to use tools or screws.

The present structural system is an unprecedented way of intersecting the sphere with the icosahedron and its primary subdivisions, and for this the structure comprises a plurality of identical pieces for easy, intuitive and unequivocal assembly and without the need for tools, with which any The user can place the pieces in the joints, all being equal and with which the desired structure is assembled in a simple way. A geodesic geode or dome is a geometry known since the mid-twentieth century and developed by Richard Buckminster Fuller, where this geometry is based on a truncated icosahedron, which converts its vertices into pentagonal planes leaving its triangular planes with 6 sides, being able to subdivide multiple times the resulting geometry from the same methods. Against this, the present invention manages to subdivide the sphere into another type of

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parts, also based on the icosahedron, but adapting it to the sphere through the projection of the edges on the sphere and also subdividing the faces. Starting from this base, the structural system object of the present description emerges.

In this sense, the structure is based on the use of three types of parts:

- a plurality of curved flat slats, like slats or arcs, equal to each other;

- a plurality of discs that make knots of the structure and where the slats are fixed, equal to each other for the simple mode; Y

- a plurality of enclosures, which can be fabrics or other materials, anchored by means of fastening systems to the slats and that allow closing or covering the structural, although the enclosure can also be made with other materials to leave them more stable over time.

This structure allows the generation of multiple equal curved triangles, and the enclosure of the generated independent spaces allows to give continuity to its surface and generate curved surfaces.

Going into detail of each of the pieces, the curved flat slats are pieces that have two anchors located one at each end of the slat. These slats can be folded in half, for which a system is used that is also used without tools and that when stretched serves as reinforcement, and this is intended to facilitate the transport of all the elements of the structure, for example , in a car of normal dimensions.

On the other hand, the nodes are discs with a plurality of radial perforations that allow the previously described rotating head to be introduced through the hole of said perforation. Once introduced, by a simple turn of said head, the bar is fixed to the knot, and so you can add successive slats to the structure. This is one of the advantages of the invention, since by simply introducing a head through the disc gap and by simply turning said head, the need to use tools and / or fasteners fasteners is eliminated. to strengthen the assembly of the structural assembly.

Depending on the number and type of slats that are fixed in each node, open polyhedral structures can be generated that generate from a sphere to curved structures

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longitudinal, it is therefore that the present invention develops a versatile structural typology, and that allows structures to be made beyond the conventional parallelepiped, conical or like Richard Buckminster Fuller's geode; and even within the versatility of the set, it is possible, for example, to develop rib-shaped slat structures.

As already mentioned, the enclosure is achieved by means of different materials, preferably of fabrics that are fixed to the body of the curved slats by means of quick fastening systems such as velcro, square brackets, double-sided adhesive tapes, zipper or any other type of fastening system that allows the reuse of fabrics. If the enclosure is fixed, another type of material other than the fabric can be used, such as bolted wood, polymers or others. Since each modular element is independent, fabric can be freely located in some triangles and not in others, which allows to have ventilated spaces. In the same way, the fact that it can be put on or removed in a simple way and without the need for tools, makes this configuration can vary depending on the user's time or tastes, something that something that with conventional structures is not always possible to achieve .

This type of structure allows the material of the slats and enclosures to be variable, and although in order to improve versatility in both assembly and disassembly, and in transport, the preferred materials are plastic materials or treated wood, It can also be developed by slats and knots of metallic, ceramic material or even prefabricated pieces based on cement and / or concrete.

The uses of the present invention are those of the rapid construction of modular structures that can be reusable, for example, tents for events or tents, can be used to build protected enclosed spaces that serve as dwellings, but can also have other uses such as construction games, or any other element likely to use these types of structures.

In those cases in which structurally it is possible (to be used in the construction of slats and knots of more resistant materials such as metal or prefabricated), the possibility that the enclosure of the structure incorporates a vegetation cover is contemplated.

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In order to complete the description and to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of figures is presented, where the following is illustrated and not limited to:

Fig. 1: It is a free perspective representation of a reusable modular structure object of the present invention.

Fig. 2: It is a representation, according to the previous figure, where the structural distribution of the different elements of the invention is seen in perspective.

Fig. 3: It is a plan view of a flat curved ribbon with an anchor at each end

Fig. 4: It is a plan view of a flat curved slat cut at a midpoint and that has an anchor at one of its ends.

Fig. 5: It is a plan view of a flat curved ribbon of those with an anchor at each end and an anchor at a central point of said ribbon.

Fig. 6: It is a perspective representation of the node where the slats are fixed and where a plurality of radial perforations enabled for this purpose can be observed.

Fig. 7: It is an exploded plane representation of a ribbon that consists of two symmetrical slats, they are joined and articulated in a central point by means of a hinge piece, and therefore generates a set of folding slat.

Fig. 8: It is a representation, according to the previous figure, of the union of the folding slat assembly at that central point.

Fig. 9: It is a representation of a front elevation of the intermediate hinge piece in a folding slat.

Fig. 10: It is a plan representation of the intermediate hinge piece of a folding slat. Fig. 11: It is a representation of a detail of the end of the ribbon that connects with the piece

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hinge that allows the slat assembly to be foldable.

Fig. 12: It is a flat representation of a stiffener that allows the joint between the folding slats and the intermediate hinge piece to be rigid.

Fig. 13: It is a detailed representation of the elements that make up each of the anchors of a ribbon.

Fig. 14: It is a perspective representation of the fixing mode between the anchor and the knot, and where you can see how the anchor head passes through the knot perforation and then can rotate to fix the joint.

Fig. 15: It is a perspective representation of how the rotated head fixes the binding of a ribbon to a knot.

Fig. 16: it is a perspective representation, and according to the previous figure, where it is observed how the ribbon is fixed to the knot and how it is not possible to turn the head from the outside, therefore, the mechanism is protected.

Fig. 17: It is a perspective representation of how a plurality of slats are fixed in a knot, and how a user from within the structure only needs to manually turn said heads to disassemble the structure, or to secure it.

Fig. 18: It is a perspective representation, and according to the previous figure, where a knot is observed that fixes a plurality of slats.

Fig. 19: It is a perspective representation showing how the structure of the present invention can adapt an icosahedral shape to the configuration of a sphere.

Fig. 20: It is a perspective representation, and according to the previous figure, where you can see how the structure adapts to the subdivision of the triangles that are in turn subdivided by their bisectors, generating lines that cross a sphere of a regular way

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Detailed description of the drawings

In Figures 1 and 2 a preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen, in which a reusable modular structure obtained from the elements that make up the invention is detailed, with which a three-dimensional polyhedral structure (E) is obtained, with a semi-spherical configuration, and that is very easy to assemble since it does not require the use of tools or screws.

As can be seen in said figure, the structure (E) comprises:

- a plurality of slats (1) curved planes;

- a plurality of discs (2) that make knots of the structure and where the slats (1) are fixed; Y

- a plurality of enclosures (3) anchored to the slats (1) and which allow the structure to be closed. These enclosures can be, for example, as can be seen in said figures, a fabric that is anchored to the slats by means of a quick fastening system, although they can be of other materials.

This structure (E) generates multiple equal curved triangles (Fig. 2) that are modular spaces of curved triangular configuration, which can be closed with the fabrics (3) according to the needs that the user or the structure itself requires (Fig. one). Although not observed in detail in the drawings, the closing of the different curved triangles is achieved by means of a plurality of enclosures (3), for example, fabrics that are fixed to the body of the slats (1) curved by fastening systems Fast as can be Velcro, double-sided adhesive tapes, or any other type of fastening system that allows the reuse of said enclosures (3), in this case fabrics. Since each triangle is independent, it is possible to freely locate enclosures (3) in some triangles and not in others, which allows to have ventilated spaces (Fig. 1). This fact allows multiple combinations that makes the invention very versatile and that its use is preferably that of a temporary tent for events or camping tent, and allows invention to have new forms that allow the structure to be used in both open and closed mode.

Going into detail of each of the pieces, as seen in Figures 3 to 5, we can see possible embodiments of the slats (1) curved planes, which in

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In any case they are pieces that have two anchors (4) located one at each end of the slat body. In this sense, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3 where the slats (1) are complete only with anchors (4) at the ends; but there are other possible embodiments, as in Figure 4 where slats are cut with a single anchor (4) at their end, being cut at a central point (10) of the slat body; or in Figure 5 where there are slats (1) with their anchors (4) at each end and at least one central anchor (8). These differences in lengths arise from the subdivisions that are made from bisectors of the primary triangles that result in projection structures of right triangles with defined lengths. These slat options allow the versatility and stability of the invention in order to generate different three-dimensional structures.

Other types of slats are also part of the invention, as seen in Figures 7 to 11, where these slats can be folded in half, and for this a system is used that is also used without tools and when stretched It serves as reinforcement. In these figures it is observed that the strip (1) is subdivided into two symmetrical slats (1A, 1B), which can be for example laminated panel, which are joined at its inner end (80) by an intermediate hinge piece (9) , that is, it is located in a central point of the ribbon assembly. This embodiment also comprises at the ends of the slat (1) anchors (4). Within the body, each symmetrical slat is provided with through holes (81) located in a position close to the inner end (80), whose function, as described below, is to serve as a point of attachment to a stiffening element of the slat (one).

Seeing in detail the hinge piece (9), as seen in Figures 9 and 10, it is noted that it is a piece that incorporates a built-in nut (91) in its central body and has two side wings with a through hole (92 ) whose function is to allow the union with the internal ends (80) of the symmetrical slats (1A, 1B) and that this union can articulate with respect to the axis of the through hole (92) and therefore the slat (1) is foldable . Figure 11 shows a detail precisely of the inner end (80), where it is noted that there are two protruding flaps comprising a through channel (82). The through holes (92) of the wings of the hinge piece (9) face the through channels (82) of the internal ends (80) of the slats, and by means of a through element, preferably a embedded nut, the assembly is fixed of the symmetrical slats (1A, 1B) and the hinge piece (9), and precisely this union allows the elements to be articulated with each other and that the slat is foldable.

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Figure 12 shows an element added to the system that allows the union between the symmetrical slats (1A, 1B) and the hinge piece (9) to be rigid. For this, a stiffener piece (94) is designed, which can have an upper cover (94 '), which allows the joint of the folding slats to be rigid, understanding that this embodiment can be used in other types of devices where bars or folding slats can become rigid. In order to fix this stiffening piece (94), through elements are used which are embedded in the through holes (81) previously defined and which fixes the body of the slats (1A, 1B) symmetrical to the stiffening piece (94). The hinge piece (9) additionally has a through central hole (93) that allows the hinge piece body (9) to be attached to the stiffener by means of a recessed nut and a screw-like element (95). (94).

Another essential component of the invention is the joining systems of the different types of slats provided with the anchors (4, 8). Each anchor has an associated flat head (5) that is fixedly articulated in a passenger compartment (6) made for this purpose a reinforced area (60) of the anchor (4) of the slat, and where this head (5) can rotate with respect to the slat (one). In the embodiment shown in the figures, a through element (7) is provided to fix the head (5) to the passenger compartment (6) and in addition this connection is secured, as observed in Figure 13, with tacos ( 70) threaded to the through element (7). Of course, other technically equivalent elements are valid, which by entering both the head (5) and the passenger compartment (6) allow the head to rotate while fixing the head (5) to the passenger compartment (6).

On the other hand, as defined in Figure 6, the nodes are discs (2) with a plurality of radial perforations (20) that allow the previously described rotating heads (5) to be introduced through the hole of said perforation (20) . These perforations have an oblong configuration, and the width and length of the perforations (20) is greater than the width and thickness of the head (5), which allows the head to be introduced through said hole.

As can be seen in Figures 13 to 18, the process of joining between the different slats (1) and the discs (2) is that each head (5) is inserted into a perforation (20) of the disc (2), and once introduced, by a simple turn of said head (5), the lath (1) is fixed in the knot, and thus successive slats. As advanced in the

Description, one of the advantages of the invention, is that by simply introducing a head through the disc gap and by simply turning said head, the need to use tools and / or fasteners fasteners is eliminated. to strengthen the assembly of the structural assembly. In addition, as seen in 5 Figures 17 and 18, the node is designed so that from the outside of the structure (E) the rotation of the heads (5) fixed on the discs (2) cannot be manually activated, which implies a security element. In addition, the fact that they are only manipulable from within the structure facilitates the fact that a user can tighten or adjust said joint if necessary.

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Finally, Figures 19 and 20 represent the idea of the invention not previously developed in the construction and / or architectural sector, that is, in the present invention a structure (E) has been developed with which a configuration can be adapted icosahedral to the spherical configuration, and by joining the different slats (1) and

15 discs (2) are generated curved triangles, which can be closed for example with fabrics or any other type of enclosure (3), which adopt a variable icosahedral (P) or polyhedral configuration.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 1. - Modular structure, to obtain open three-dimensional polyhedral structures (E), characterized in that it comprises: - a plurality of slats (1) curved planes that have anchors (4) at their ends, in which the anchors (4) have an outstanding, flat and rotating head (5); - a plurality of discs (2) that make knots of the structure, which have a plurality of radial perforations (20) through which the heads (5) are introduced and the slats (1) are fixed; Y - a plurality of enclosures (3) anchored by means of fastening systems to the slats (1); in such a way that the union of the different slats (1) in the discs (2) generate modular spaces of a triangular curved configuration that are covered by the enclosures (3). 2. - Modular structure, according to claim 1, characterized in that the heads (5) are connected articulated with the interiors (6) made for this purpose reinforced areas (60) of the anchors (4) of the slat. 3. - Modular structure, according to claim 2, characterized in that the articulated connection between the heads (5) and the interiors (6) is made by means of one of tacos (70) threaded at the ends of an element thru (7) provided with thread, which are inserted both in the head (5) and in the passenger compartment (6). 4. - Modular structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosures (3) are fabrics that are fixed to the slats (1) by means of quick fastening systems type velcro. 5. - Modular structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved slats (1) comprise two slats (1A, 1B) that are symmetrical and are fixed together at their internal ends (80) by means of a the hinge piece (9), said hinge piece (9) being located in the center of the slat assembly (1). 6. - Modular structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the slats (1A, 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 1B) have through holes (81) located in a position close to the inner end (80) and because the hinge piece (9) has a through central hole (93) in its central body. 7. - Modular structure, according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in that a stiffening part (9) is provided at the junction between the inner ends (80) of the slats (1A, 1B) and the hinge piece (9). 94) which is fixed to both slats and the hinge piece. 8. - Modular structure according to claim 7, characterized in that the stiffener (94) is fixed to the slats (1A, 1B) by means of through elements that are embedded in the through holes (81) of the said slats, and where the stiffening piece (94) is also fixed to the hinge piece (9) by means of a through element (95) that is embedded in the through hole (93) of the hinge piece. 9. - Modular structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved slats (1) comprise at least one central anchor (8) with a head (5) located in the central part of the slat body. 10. - Modular structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the slats (1) are cut at a central point (10) of its body and comprise a single anchor (4) at its end. 11. - Modular structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the perforations (20) of the discs (2) have an oblong configuration where the width and length of the perforations (20) is greater than the width and thickness of the head (5). 12. - Modular structure, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enclosure of the structure incorporates a plant cover.