TW201742656A - Modular construction system, coupling element, object and tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular construction system comprising at least one object and a coupling element releasably connectable to the object, wherein: the object comprises at least one surface with at least one opening, which opening comprises a number of inward extending lips arranged distributed over the periphery of the opening; the coupling element comprises a body with an axial axis arrangeable in the opening, which body is provided along its outer periphery with at least one outward extending locking cam; wherein the coupling element is arrangeable in at least one arranging orientation in the opening of the object, and is rotatable in the opening relative to the object to at least one locking orientation, in which locking orientation the coupling element is locked in an axial direction and a rotational direction. The invention also relates to a coupling element, object and tool intended and configured to form part of such a modular construction system.

Description

Module construction system, coupling components, objects and tools

The present invention relates to a module construction system comprising at least one article and a coupling element releasably connectable to the article, wherein: the article comprises at least one surface having at least one opening, the opening An inwardly extending lip portion disposed on a periphery of the opening; the coupling member includes a body having an axial axis configurable in the opening, the body having at least one outwardly extending lock along an outer periphery thereof a cam; wherein the coupling element can be disposed in the opening of the article in at least one configuration, wherein the at least one locking cam extends between the lips of the article, and wherein the coupling element is opposite Rotating the article in the opening to at least one locking orientation in which the at least one locking cam engages the lip of the article such that the coupling element is substantially parallel to the axis of the coupling element The axial direction is locked in the opening of the object.

This construction system is known from the international patent application No. WO-A1-2007/035081. WO-A1-2007/035081 shows the coupling between two objects by means of a coupling element. The coupling element comprises a locking cam for locking the coupling element in the axial direction and for locking in the direction of rotation The elastic strip of the coupling element. A problem with the construction system of WO-A1-2007/035081 is that the elastic strip can be broken relatively quickly.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction system of WO-A1-2007/035081. A particular object of the invention may be to at least partially avoid the problems of the system of WO-A1-2007/035081.

This object is achieved with a modular construction system of the type described in the introduction, wherein the body of the coupling element has at least one elastically movable tongue extending from the body on its outer periphery, the locking cam being connected to the tongue, and the object The opening has a number of inwardly extending projections disposed over the periphery of the opening between the lips such that during rotation of the coupling element between the configured orientation of the coupling element and the locked orientation of the coupling element, The at least one tongue is moved inwardly by the projection, and in the locking orientation, the coupling element is locked in the direction of rotation.

By providing the resiliently movable tongue with a locking cam that is coupled to the resiliently movable tongues, the locking function in both the axial direction and the rotational direction is integrated into a single element that provides locking. The coupling element according to the invention is thereby easier to manufacture and reduces the possibility of breaking the element providing the locking compared to the system of WO-A1-2007/035081.

It should be noted that the coupling element rotates relative to the object for the purpose of rotating the coupling element between its configuration orientation and its locking orientation. It is therefore also possible to rotate the object relative to the coupling element, but in practice the rotational coupling element is relatively simple.

It should be noted that for the purpose of symmetry and/or balance and/or stability of the coupling elements, the coupling elements preferably comprise more than one, for example two or four tongues, each having a locking cam, wherein the tongue is more The ground is dispersedly disposed on the outer periphery of the body at an equal angular distance.

It should be further noted that the coupling element can especially use the tongue and lock mentioned above. The cam is releasably coupled to the article.

It should be further noted that the tongue can be resiliently moved inwardly by a force applied to the tongue, the force being applied, in particular by the projection of the article, wherein the tongue is resiliently elastic once the force on the tongue has been removed Move back to its normal, not shifted inward position. The tongue can thus move between its unpressed (not moving inwardly) position and its pressed (inwardly moved) position.

It should be noted that at least one item and/or at least one coupling element may be made of any suitable material such as plastic.

The at least one article and/or the at least one coupling element can have any shape and/or size and/or color depending on the type of structure made with the modular construction system. The dimensions of the article and/or coupling element may thus be of the order of several centimeters for educational and/or toy systems or of the order of several (inches) of larger structures.

It should be further noted that by virtue of the opening comprising a number of inwardly extending lips, it is especially meant that the article, such as at least one surface thereof or a circumferential wall defining the opening, includes the lips extending inwardly relative to the opening.

It should be further noted that by virtue of the opening comprising a number of inwardly extending projections, it is especially meant that the article, such as at least one surface thereof or a circumferential wall defining the opening, includes the projections extending inwardly relative to the opening.

In the case where the projections are disposed between the lips, it means that the projections are disposed between the lips in the direction in which the coupling member moves relative to the object in the circumferential direction of the opening. However, the protrusions and lips may not necessarily be in the same plane.

In an embodiment of the modular construction system according to the present invention, the at least one tongue includes an engagement surface, wherein at least one of the number of protrusions of the object is at the coupling The mating element engages the engagement surface of the tongue during rotation between the configuration orientation of the coupling element and the locking orientation of the coupling element.

In another embodiment of the modular construction system according to the present invention, at least one tongue is coupled to one of the two axial ends of the body, the one axial end being viewed in the axial direction The axial end is located at a maximum distance relative to the engagement surface.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the distance between the engagement surface of the tongue and the (pivot) connection of the tongue to the body of the coupling element is as long as possible, whereby the force on the pivotal connection remains relatively low and The possibility of tongue rupture is relatively small.

In another embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the coupling element comprises at least one rotation limiting element cooperating with the object.

The rotation limiting element can, for example, be configured such that the rotation limiting element constrains the coupling element to the locking orientation of the coupling element to prevent further rotation in the same direction as the direction in which the coupling element is rotated from the configuration orientation to the locking orientation .

The rotation limiting element may for example be a protruding rotation limiting element connected to and extending from the at least one tongue and the protruding rotation limiting element abutting the object in the event that it limits the rotation of the coupling element A portion, for example, lies flat against the lip of the article, such that further rotation of the coupling element is prevented. The rotation limiting element can extend in particular in a substantially axial direction.

When the coupling element comprises more than one tongue, each tongue may in particular comprise such a rotation limiting element.

In a further embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the coupling element comprises at least one engagement element, for example for engagement by a tool for rotating the coupling element.

The coupling element can be easily rotated relative to the object using a tool that can engage the engagement element of the coupling element. The coupling element can alternatively be rotated without a tool, wherein the user grips on the engagement element, in particular with one or more of his/her fingers.

The engagement element can be embodied in any suitable manner.

In an embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the engagement element can thus be a protruding engagement element extending from the tongue. This protruding engagement element can extend beyond the outer periphery of the opening, in particular on one of the two flat outer sides of the surface, and can thus be easily accessed by the tool for the purpose of rotating the coupling element. The tool can, for example, be used here to press against the protruding engagement element and thus the coupling element. The engagement element can extend from the tongue, in particular in a radially outward direction.

The opening may optionally be disposed in the protruding engagement member for receiving the engagement portion of the tool such that the engagement member can be rotated using the tool after the engagement portion of the tool has been disposed in the opening of the protruding engagement member.

In another embodiment of the modular construction system in accordance with the present invention, the engagement element can include an opening in the body or any other portion of the coupling element in which the engagement portion of the tool can be disposed. The opening may, for example, be a continuous opening as desired, the continuous opening extending centrally in the axial direction through the body over the entire length of the portion or body. The opening may extend, in particular, at two axial ends of the body, wherein the opening may be a continuous opening extending between the two axial ends or wherein the body comprises two openings at each axial end of the body One.

It should be noted that this opening, which may require continuous opening or extending through the body in the axial direction, may also be used to receive components other than the engaging portion of the tool. It may thus be a condition in which, for example, an article is disposed in the opening such that the opening acts as a coupling opening.

In a further embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the surface of the article comprises elements projecting from the surface for the two objects lying flat against each other and optionally coupled to the coupling element The purpose of opening an intermediate space is provided, the open intermediate space being configured to allow passage of the engagement element and/or the tool.

The protruding elements are created, or the protruding elements of each article create a distance between adjacent surfaces of the articles that are placed against each other, and thereby an open intermediate space between the surfaces. By virtue of this intermediate space, the engagement element can be accessible, for example because the engagement element extends at least partially in the open intermediate space or completely through the open intermediate space and/or because the tool can be arranged in the intermediate space to engage Engaged on the component.

The resulting intermediate space can be, for example, a slotted shape.

The protruding elements can be formed, for example, by (a) thickened portions that are proximate to the corner zone or to the surface of the perimeter zone of the article or each surface.

The protruding elements can also be designated here as spacers, since the mutually parallel adjacent surfaces of the objects lying flat against each other can still be kept apart from one another by the protruding elements or spacers, although the objects can rest flat against each other. At a distance.

In still another embodiment of the modular construction system according to the present invention, the article comprises at least two surfaces each having an opening disposed adjacent to each other in the same plane, wherein the open intermediate space is provided between the surfaces.

The intermediate space can be, for example, a slot extending between the surfaces.

The intermediate space may take the same form as the intermediate space created by the protruding elements or spacers described. Thereby there is substantially no visible difference between the mutually coupled objects and the articles having a plurality of surfaces disposed adjacent to each other or adjacent to each other, which can be artistically produced A pleasant impression.

The condition may be that at least one tongue having a locking cam is disposed on the axial end of the body, wherein on one side, the coupling element may be coupled to the article using the at least one tongue, and wherein on the other side, the coupling element may Any coupling to another object in a random manner, or on the other side, the coupling element may remain free and may not be coupled to the article. The coupling opening described above can be used, for example, to couple the coupling element to another item on the other side. The condition may also be that the coupling element is permanently coupled to another item on the other side and releasably connectable to an item via the at least one tongue to provide a releasable coupling between one item and another item.

In a further embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the coupling element comprises at least two of the tongues, each of which is in a different axial direction from a different one of the two axial ends of the body Extending to the end to provide coupling between two of the items.

By providing a tongue extending in opposite directions, one tongue can be used to couple to the surface of the first item and the other tongue can be used to couple to the surface of another item such that two of the items can be coupled to the coupling element .

For balance and/or stability purposes, the condition is preferably that a plurality of tongues are attached to one axial end of the body and a plurality of tongues are coupled to the other axial end of the body, the tongues being in the relative Extend in the direction.

It should be noted that the distance between the two axial ends, that is, the length of the substantially body, can be selected as desired. The distance can thus be selected such that after coupling between the two items, the two items are generally flat against each other. Or it may be possible to choose a larger distance or length so that the objects are kept at a distance from each other.

In a further embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the coupling element It is flexible to be flexible between its two axial ends.

Flexible flexible coupling elements are used, wherein in particular the body is flexible and bendable, an angle can be easily set between the two axial ends of the body such that the objects are coupled to one another at an angle.

It should be noted that when the body is disposed at an angle, whether in the case of a flexible bendable body or a body that is permanently bent at an angle, the axial axis and direction are defined along the length of the body, and thus may also Bend at an angle.

In a further embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention, the system comprises means for rotating the coupling element.

This tool can be embodied in any suitable way.

In a practical manner, the engagement element of the coupling element may comprise an engagement opening for receiving the engagement portion of the tool.

The engagement portion of the tool is here selected such that the engagement portion is engageable in the engagement opening of the coupling element. The engagement opening and the engagement portion of the tool may in particular have a shape adapted to each other.

The shape is preferably non-circular such that the engagement portion can engage in the engagement opening and cause the coupling element to rotate by rotating the tool.

The use of the object and the coupling element, in particular by means of the coupling element, is coupled to each other in a selected shape and thereby the connection object constructs any desired three-dimensional structure or configuration. Thus the constructed structure can be a generally open structure in which the mutually coupled objects form a framework or frame.

The open structure formed by the article and the coupling element can be covered, if desired, and thus given a particular appearance. The article may comprise a skin panel for this purpose. Use coupling element The skin panel can be configured on an open structure formed by the modular construction system in accordance with the present invention and thus imparts any desired appearance to the structure.

The modular construction system in accordance with the present invention can be used, for example, for educational or play purposes. Any desired structure can thus be made with a modular construction system, wherein after the structure has been fabricated, the structure can be at least partially disassembled to create a new, different structure. Or the construction system can be used professionally for any desired purpose. The (commercial) shelf frame can thus be made, for example, using a modular construction system in which a skin panel can be used to give the shelf a determined appearance. In this case, the skin panel can be printed with company information or other desired information.

The skin sheet may especially be in the form of a sheet. The skin panels can be flexible and rigid. The skin panels can be preformed.

The present invention is also directed to a coupling element that is intended and configured to form part of a modular construction system in accordance with one or more of the above-described embodiments, the coupling element comprising configurable in an opening of the object a body having an axial axis, the body having at least one outwardly extending locking cam along an outer periphery thereof, wherein the body is provided with at least one resiliently movable tongue extending from the body, the locking cam being coupled to the tongue, wherein the locking cam is coupled to the tongue The at least one tongue is moveable inwardly by a force applied to the at least one tongue.

As explained above, the tongue can be resiliently moved inwardly by a force applied to the tongue, the force being applied in particular by the projection of the article, wherein once the force on the tongue has been removed, The tongue elastically moves back to its normal, non-inwardly displaced position. The tongue can thus move between its unpressed (not moving inwardly) position and its pressed (inwardly moved) position.

The coupling element can have any of the features as further explained above in any desired combination. The features of items 1 to 13 of the patent application relate to coupling elements or groups thereof To the extent that the coupling element may include, in particular, but not exclusively, any of the features of one or more of claims 1 to 13.

The invention is also directed to an article that is intended and configured to form part of a modular construction system in accordance with one or more of the above-described embodiments, the article comprising at least one surface having at least one opening, The opening includes a number of inwardly extending lips disposed discretely about the periphery of the opening, wherein the opening of the article has a number of inward extensions disposed between the lips on a periphery of the opening Highlights.

As further explained above, the projections are used to apply a force to the resiliently movable tongue of the coupling element.

The article may have any of the features further as described above in any desired combination. To the extent that the features of claims 1 to 13 relate to articles or components thereof, the articles may include, in particular, but not exclusively, any of the features of one or more of claims 1 to 13.

The present invention is also directed to a tool that is intended and configured to form part of a modular construction system in accordance with one or more of the above-described embodiments, the tool being configured to rotate the modular construction system Coupling element.

The tool can have any of the features as further explained above in any desired combination. To the extent that the features of claims 1 to 13 relate to tools or components thereof, the tool may include, in particular, but not exclusively, any of the features of one or more of claims 1 to 13.

The invention will be further described with reference to the figures shown in the drawings, in which: 1A and 1B are respectively a perspective view and a front view of an article according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 2A to 2C respectively show perspective views of two coupling members and two according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 3A to 3G show the arrangement and locking of the coupling elements of FIGS. 2A to 2C in the articles from FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the coupling element and the object in the decoupled case. 3B is a perspective view of the coupling element in the object in the non-locking situation, FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the case of FIG. 3B, FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the partially rotated coupling element in the object, and FIG. 3E is shown in detail in FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the coupling element in the object in the locked condition and FIG. 3G is a bottom view of the situation of FIG. 3F; FIG. 4 is generated by the module construction system according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of another structure produced by the modular construction system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another configuration produced by the modular construction system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7A Figure 7C shows the use according to the present invention A perspective view of yet another structure produced by the modular construction system; FIGS. 8A-8C show perspective views of yet another configuration produced by the modular construction system in accordance with the present invention; FIGS. 9A-9C show a rotary coupling element Tool, wherein Figure 9A is a perspective view of the tool, Figure 9B shows the configuration of the tool in the opening of the coupling element and Figure 9C shows the rotation of the coupling element using the tool; Figures 10A to 10C show the coupling element to the object in different ways Coupling; and Figures 11A to 11C respectively show coupling elements according to a second embodiment of the present invention Perspective view and two different side views.

1A, 1B, and 2A-2C show an article and a coupling element in accordance with a first embodiment of a modular construction system in accordance with the present invention.

In this embodiment, article 1 is a generally beam-like member having a total of fourteen surfaces 2 and openings 3 in each surface 2. Each opening 3 comprises four lips 4 which extend substantially radially inwardly and which are distributed over the periphery of the opening 3 at equal angular distances from each other. In addition, each opening 3 is provided with a total of eight projections 5 extending substantially radially inwardly, wherein the two projections 5 extend between the two lips 4 in each case.

As further shown in Figures 1B and 1C, the cross member 1 comprises a protruding element, here in the form of a thickened portion 12 that is adjacent to all of the corner zones of all surfaces 2. The article 1 thus has a thickened portion 12 between each two abutment surfaces 2 and close to the corner zone of the article 1 itself. These thickened portions 12 create a distance between adjacent surfaces of the articles 1 that are optionally coupled against each other, and thereby create an open intermediate space 15 between the surfaces 2. This intermediate space 15 is used for the passage of the engaging element 13 described further below with reference to Figures 2A through 2C and/or for the passage of the engaging portion of the tool as further described below with reference to Figures 9A through 9C. This will be further explained with reference to FIG.

The slot-shaped intermediate space 15 is provided for aesthetic reasons between the two surfaces 2 arranged in the same plane in each case.

The coupling element 6 comprises a substantially foot-shaped body 7 having an axis 8 that can be disposed in the opening 3 of the article 1. The main body 7 is provided on the outer periphery with a total of four elastic movable tongues 9 extending from the outer periphery, on which the locking cams 10 are disposed. Surface 11 of each tongue 9 Acting as an engagement surface 11 for engagement by the projection 5 of the article 1, as will be further explained below. The resiliently movable tongue 9 is attached at one of its ends to one axial end of the body 7 in each condition such that the tongue 9 can be in a normal, non-depressed position as shown in Figure 2B and as will be shown below The inwardly moved position shown further in 3E is pivotally moved inwardly. In the non-depressed position of Figure 2B, the distance d between the two (diameter) relative tongues 9 is about 13.75 mm in this example. As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the two tongues 9 are connected to one axial end of the body 7 in each condition and the other two tongues 9 are connected to the other axial end of the body 7. The tongue 9 is here connected to the axial end provided at a maximum distance from the engagement surface 11.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, the body 7 of the coupling element 6 in this example includes a continuous opening 14 that extends centrally through the body. This opening 14 can be used to couple the coupling element 6 to the article, as will be further shown below in Figures 10A to 10C, or to receive the engagement portion of the tool for rotating the coupling element, as will be seen in Figure 9A-FIG. Shown in 9C. In this latter case, the opening 14 acts as an engagement element 14.

As also shown in Figures 2A-2C, the tongues 9 each comprise a protruding element 13 extending from the tongue in this example. This element 13 serves in particular as an engagement element 13 for engagement by a tool for a rotary coupling element or for engagement of one or more fingers of a user.

Figures 3A-3F show how the coupling element 6 can be configured and locked in the object 1 and then decoupled again. The coupling element 6 is oriented in the axial direction for this purpose in the opening 3 such that the locking cam 10 extends between the lips 4 when viewed in the direction of rotation, see FIGS. 3A-3C. The coupling element is then rotated to a locked orientation in a random rotational direction of the two possible rotational directions, see Figures 3F and 3G. In the locking orientation, the locking cam 10 will extend over the lip 4 as can be seen in Figure 3G, and whereby the coupling element 6 is locked in the axial direction It is set in the opening 3 of the object 1. During rotation between the configuration orientation and the locking orientation, the resilient tongue 9 will temporarily move inwardly because the projection 5 engages the engagement surface 11 of the resilient tongue and thereby applies an inward force to the engagement surface. This display is magnified in Figures 3D and 3E. In Fig. 3E, the coupling element 6 is shown in detail with the tongue in the inwardly moving position of the tongues. In this case, the distance d between the two (diameter) relative tongues 9 is about 12 mm in this example. In the locked orientation, the resilient tongue 9 automatically moves back to the non-depressed position of the resilient tongue as shown in Figure 2B because the force on the tongue 9 is removed. In its locking orientation, the coupling element 6 is thereby also locked in the direction of rotation. For decoupling purposes, the coupling element 6 can be rotated in opposite directions. The tongue will move inwardly when the force is applied to the engagement surface 11 by the projection 5, and in the unlocked position, similarly to the conditions shown in Figures 3B and 3C, resiliently move back to the same The non-depressing position of the tongue. In the locked orientation, the coupling element 6 is locked against further rotation in the same direction as the self-configuring orientation to the locking orientation. The restriction in the direction of rotation rests against the object 1 by means of one of the two side surfaces of the tongue 9, more particularly one of the two side surfaces of the surface 11, in particular in the locking orientation of the coupling element 6. This side surface of the side surface of the lip 4 occurs. This side surface extends between the locking cam 10 and the engaging element 13 when viewed in the axial longitudinal direction of the coupling element 6. The side surfaces function as a rotation limiting element that cooperates with the lip 4 of the article 1.

As further shown, for example, in Figure 3B, the engagement element 13 of the coupling element 6 projects beyond the periphery of the opening 3 of the article 1 on the outer side of the surface 2 of the article 1. The thickened portion 12 will create an intermediate space between the mutually coupled objects 1 lying against each other. The engagement element 13 extends in this intermediate space and can thus be engaged, for example, by the engagement portion of the tool. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 4.

It should be noted that the article 1 and/or the coupling element 6 can be embodied in any desired shape to enable the creation of different types of structures. The different structures are shown with reference to Figures 4 through 8 described further below to illustrate the variations of the modular construction system in accordance with the present invention.

Shown in Figure 4 by way of example is a first structure made with the article 1 and the coupling element 6 according to the invention. The structure of Figure 4 includes three items 1 and three other items 1 as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The other article 1 has two hexagonal surfaces 2 in this example, with six substantially square surfaces 2 extending between the two hexagonal surfaces. The different objects 1 are alternately connected using a total of six coupling elements 6. As described above, in particular, the slot-like intermediate space 16 is produced between the adjacent objects 1 by the thickened portion 12. This slot 16 is visible in Figure 4. Engagement element 13 extends in this slot 16 and is accessible by the engagement portion of the tool.

Figure 5 shows another structure made with the article 1 and the coupling element 6. In addition to the object 1 shown above, a substantially cubic shaped object 1 is now also used.

Figure 5 shows a further construction made with the object 1 and the element 6. The structure is a toy car in this case. The car contains a plurality of types of articles 1, and it will be clear from this that the article 1 can be embodied in any shape. The article 1 can in particular be any beam member of the desired length, wherein the number of surfaces 2 contained in the article 1 can depend on the length of the article. In addition, several items 1 are embodied as wheels 17. Figure 6 also shows that the article 1 can be a rigid preformed skin panel 19 in this condition. In addition, the skin 19 can cover the structure or open structure formed by the article 1 and thus impart a particular desired characteristic and appearance.

Figures 7A to 7C show yet another construction made with the article 1 and the coupling element 6, which is in a highly schematic manner. The structure in this example comprises an architecture formed by a simple elongated structure, see Fig. 7A, which is formed from the article 1. An article in the form of a flexible skin panel 19 is disposed around the frame and connected to the frame using coupling elements 6, see Figures 7B and 7C. The outer skin 19 can be printed in any desired image so that any desired appearance of the structure can be imparted.

8A to 8C show still another structure made by the article 1 and the coupling member 6. The structure is a toy truck in this case, and the trailer of the toy truck is covered with a skin panel 19. The skin panel 19 is coupled to the structure forming the trailer with a coupling element 6. This occurs in the same manner as explained with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3G, in which the objects 1 and 19 are connected to each other by the coupling element 6. The skin panel 19 can also be printed here in any desired image.

Figures 9A-9C show a tool 20 (for use) for rotating the coupling element 6. As shown in FIG. 9A, the tool 20 includes a handle 22 and a first engagement portion 21. In this example, the first engaging portion 21 is an elongated leg-like member having a non-circular cross section. In Figure 9B, the coupling element 6 is disposed in the opening of the article 1. The coupling element 6 is here in its configuration orientation. The first engagement portion 21 of the tool 20 can be disposed in the continuous opening 14 of the coupling element 6. The cross-sectional form of the opening 14 here has the same shape as the cross-sectional form of the engaging portion 21 and is therefore also non-circular. When the first engagement portion 21 has been disposed in the opening 14, the tool 20 can be rotated by the clamping handle 22 on one of the two possible rotational directions as described above with reference to Figures 3A-3G. The coupling element 6 will thereby rotate to its locking orientation. Due to the non-circular cross-sectional form of the opening 14 and the first engagement portion 21, the coupling element 6 will move with the tool 20 as it rotates because the first engagement portion 21 cannot rotate relative to the opening 14.

As further shown in Figure 9A, the tool further has a hook 23 with which the protruding engagement element 13 can move. The hook can be disposed in the slot 16 and thus brought into engagement with the engagement element 13. The hook 23 thus forms the second engagement portion of the tool 20. The shape of the hook 23 can be selected as needed. The thickness of the hook 23 is preferably adapted to, and in particular smaller than, the lateral dimension of the slot 16, such that the hook 23 can be disposed in and through the slot 16.

10A-10C show that the opening 14 can also function as a coupling opening. In this example, the article 30 having the foot-like projections 31 is disposed in the opening 14 such that the article 30 is coupled to the coupling element 6. The pin-shaped projection 31 has a circular cross section whereby the object 30 is free to rotate relative to the coupling element 6. With its other axial end, the coupling element 6 can be coupled to the cube-shaped object 1 in the manner described with reference to Figures 3A to 3G, see Figure 10C.

11A-11C show a coupling element 6 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The only difference from the coupling element according to the first embodiment of Figs. 2A to 2C will be described, and for further description, reference is made to the above description relating to Figs. 2A to 2C. The coupling element 6 according to the second embodiment is different from the coupling element 6 according to the first embodiment, because the locking cam 10 is disposed at any of the tongues 9 when viewed in the longitudinal direction parallel to the axial direction 8 of the body 7. On the side. In the first embodiment, the locking cam 10 is disposed on only one side of each tongue 9, particularly close to the free end of the tongue 9 that is not connected to the body 7. In the second embodiment, the locking cam 10 is configured to be close to the free end and is close to the end of the tongue 9 that is connected to the body 7.

It is to be noted that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments discussed above, and extends to other variants within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

A module construction system comprising at least one object and a coupling element releasably connectable to the object, wherein: the object comprises at least one surface having at least one opening, the opening comprising a dispersion disposed in the opening a plurality of inwardly extending lips on the periphery; the coupling element includes a body configurable in the opening having an axial axis, the body having at least one outwardly extending locking cam along an outer periphery thereof; The coupling element can be disposed in the opening of the article in at least one configuration, wherein the at least one locking cam extends between the lip of the article, and wherein the coupling element is detachable relative to the object Rotating in the opening to at least one locking orientation in which the at least one locking cam engages a lip of the article such that the coupling element is in an axial direction generally parallel to the axis of the coupling element Upperly locked in the opening of the article; characterized in that the body of the coupling element has at least an outer periphery thereof extending from the body An elastically movable tongue attached to the tongue, and wherein the opening of the article has a number of inwardly extending projections disposed on the periphery of the opening between the lips such that During a rotation between the configuration orientation of the coupling element and the locking orientation of the coupling element, the at least one tongue is moved inwardly by the protrusion, and in the locking orientation, the coupling element is Locked in the direction of rotation. The module construction system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tongue comprises an engagement surface, wherein at least one protrusion of the number of protrusions of the object is at the coupling element Engaging on the engagement surface of the tongue during the rotation between the configuration orientation of the coupling element and the locking orientation of the coupling element. The modular construction system of claim 2, wherein the at least one tongue is coupled to one of the two axial ends of the body, the axial end being located when viewed in the axial direction The axial end at a maximum distance relative to the engagement surface. A modular construction system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one rotation limiting element cooperating with the object. A modular construction system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one engagement element, for example for engagement by a tool for rotating the coupling element. A modular construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the surfaces of the article comprises an element projecting from the surface for flattening against each other and selectively coupled to the coupling element An open intermediate space is provided between the two items, the open intermediate space being configured to permit passage of the engaging elements and/or the tool. A modular construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element comprises at least two of the tongues, each of the tongues being in an axial direction from the two axial ends of the body One of the different axial ends extends to provide a coupling between the two objects. The modular construction system of claim 7, wherein the coupling element is flexibly bendable between its two axial ends. A modular construction system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a tool for rotating the coupling element. A modular construction system of at least clauses 5 and 10, wherein the engagement element of the coupling element includes an engagement opening for receiving a portion of the tool. The modular construction system of claim 10, wherein the engagement opening and the engagement portion of the tool have a shape that is adapted to each other. A modular construction system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the article comprises a skin panel. A coupling element that is intended and configured to form part of a modular construction system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the coupling element comprising configurable in an opening of an object a body having an axial axis, the body having at least one outwardly extending locking cam along an outer periphery thereof, wherein the body is provided with at least one resiliently movable tongue extending from the body, the locking cam being coupled to the tongue And wherein the at least one tongue is movable inwardly by a force applied to the at least one tongue. An article, which is intended and configured to form part of a modular construction system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the article comprising at least one surface having at least one opening, the opening comprising a dispersion a plurality of inwardly extending lips disposed on a periphery of the opening, wherein the opening of the article has a number of inwardly extending projections disposed about the periphery of the opening between the lips . A tool that is intended and configured to form part of a modular construction system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the tool being configured to rotate a coupling element of the modular construction system .