MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

Abstract: Modular construction system for a spatial structure, comprising a number of node elements (1, 1', 31, 41, 51), structure elements to be held in position by and between these node elements, and coupling elements (3, 3', 3'', 33, 43) connectable to a node element and a structure element for coupling a node element to a structure element to be held in position by this node element, wherein at least three structure elements at a time can be held in position from one node element and the coupling elements extend radially from a central node element axis, and wherein each coupling element in the position coupled to a node element is individually locked against translation in a direction parallel to the node element axis.

Description: MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM The invention relates to a modular construction system for a spatial structure, comprising a number of node elements, structure elements to be held in position by and between these node elements, and coupling elements connectable to a node element and a structure element for coupling a node element to a structure element to be held in position by this node element, wherein at least three structure elements at a time can be held in position from one node element and the coupling elements extend radially from a central node element axis. Such a construction system is known for instance from the American patent no. 4,567,707 as a frame structure for a greenhouse. The known construction system comprises a number of flat triangular node elements with an elongate slot in each side surface, in which slot an end of a coupling element corresponding therewith can be received to form a mortise and tenon joint. Elongate structure elements can likewise be coupled to the coupling element with a mortise and tenon joint. The coupling elements in the known construction system are pushed from an open top side into the known node element in the longitudinal direction of the mutually parallel slots until they butt against a closed underside, whereafter the coupling elements are simultaneously locked by arranging a cover on the top side of the coupling element, whereby the slots open at the top are closed. With the known construction system it is not possible to lock a coupling element coupled to a node element in the node element before all other coupling elements for coupling to this node element are also arranged. Nor is it possible with the known construction system to disconnect a coupling element which is coupled to a node element and locked therein without releasing the locking of the other coupling elements coupled in this node element, which may result in particular applications of the construction system in undesired or even dangerous situations. Inter alia for these reasons the known construction system is for instance less suitable for use in a building structure in which it must be possible within the life-cycle of this building structure to make modifications therein in simple manner . It is an object of the invention to provide a modular construction system with a rigid structure, which system can be used for self-supporting floors and walls and can be assembled simply and rapidly, for instance as an easily assembled floor structure for a plurality of stands at an exhibition or a fair. It is also an object to provide a modular construction system with which, when it is used in a building structure, it is possible within the life-cycle of this building structure to make modifications therein in simple manner. It is a further object to provide a construction system having components which, after use thereof in a building structure and after the demolition of this building structure, can be re-used as components of this construction system in a subsequent building structure, thereby achieving a considerable reduction in the quantity of waste resulting from the demolition of building structures . These objectives are achieved, and mentioned and other advantages obtained, with a modular construction system of the type stated in the preamble, wherein according to the invention each coupling element in the position coupled to a node element is individually locked against translation in a direction parallel to the node element axis. In an embodiment the coupling elements are each provided on an edge zone with a hook-like part and the node elements each comprise a bush which is provided with at least three slots distributed regularly over the periphery and extending substantially radially and in a direction parallel to the node element axis for receiving a coupling element on said edge zone, which slots are each bridged in transverse direction by a fixing element for fixing thereon by means of said hook-like part a coupling element received on its edge zone in a slot. A hook- like part of a coupling element fixed to a fixing element in a node element deprives this coupling element of its degree of translation freedom in longitudinal direction of the slot of this node element . In an advantageous embodiment of a construction system with a bush according to the invention, the bush comprises an upper disc-shaped part and a lower disc-shaped part, which parts are provided with grooves extending substantially radially inward from the edges, wherein a groove in the upper part in combination with a corresponding groove in the lower part forms a said slot extending substantially radially and in a direction parallel to the node element axis, and the fixing elements are received between the disc-shaped parts. The fixing elements are for instance provided by a ring closed in peripheral direction of the bush. In order to limit the number of components of a bush and correspondingly reduce assembly costs, the disc-shaped parts and the fixing elements are preferably provided by an integrated casting of for instance cast iron or aluminium. In yet another embodiment a bush embodied as integrated casting comprises an axial through-feed channel for feeding through cables or other lines when this bush is used in a construction system. If in this latter bush the axial through-feed channel is cylindrical and provided on at least one end with a screw thread, the bush can be coupled in axial direction in simple manner to a corresponding bush using a rod-like or tubular element which is provided with a screw thread co- acting with said screw thread. In this embodiment the bush has in cross-section for instance the shape of a regular polygon, for instance a triangle or hexagon, or a square or octagon, but can in principle take the cross-sectional form of any random polygon, or is for instance cylindrical. In a bush the number of slots distributed regularly over the periphery amounts to 8 in one embodiment , so that the bush can be applied in construction systems in which adjacent structure elements enclose an angle in this bush of 45°, as well as in construction systems in which adjacent structure elements enclose a right angle in this bush. In a bush the number of slots distributed regularly over the periphery amounts in another embodiment to 12, so that the bush can be used in construction systems in which adjacent structure elements in this bush enclose an angle of 60°, as well as in construction systems in which adjacent structure elements enclose a right angle in this bush. Using such a bush a structure is obtained with a triangular bracing and thereby an exceptionally rigid construction. A bush in which the number of slots distributed regularly over the periphery amounts to 10 is particularly suitable for use in geodesic domes. The bushes are for instance manufactured from metal such as stainless steel, galvanized steel or aluminium, or from plastic. The fixing elements are for instance manufactured from metal such as stainless steel or galvanized steel. In yet another embodiment of a construction system according to the invention the structure elements substantially comprise plate-like parts, each connectable on at least two edge zones to respective coupling elements. When plate-like structure elements are used the connection to the coupling elements can be effected in very simple and therefore cost-saving manner. In an advantageous embodiment the plate-like parts are formed by substantially quadrangular plates, each connectable on their edge zones extending from their four corners to respective coupling elements. The plate-like parts are for instance manufactured from metal such as stainless steel, galvanized steel or aluminium, from (fibre-reinforced) plastic, from laminates of metal and plastic or from solid or laminated wood. In an advantageous embodiment of a construction system according to the invention recesses are formed in the quadrangular plates on opposite sides thereof to be directed toward the node elements, on either side of which recesses extends an edge zone connectable to a coupling element . Recesses in the quadrangular plates provide the inherent advantage of material-saving and thus of weight and cost-saving, but in a modular construction system assembled according to a regularly repeating pattern moreover provide the option of feeding through cable ducts and conduits, for instance for mains services, in openings formed by the recesses. The recesses have the further advantage that edge zones which can be received in a node element are easily accessible, which facilitates assembly, i.e. clamping of the plates in the node elements. In a very advantageous embodiment the structure elements substantially comprise two parallel, mutually coupled strips which are each connectable on at least two edge zones to respective coupling elements. Because the distance between the parallel strips is determined by the manner in which they are mutually coupled, this embodiment can be adapted in simple and therefore cost-saving manner to the requirements made thereof by a particular application. For strengthening thereof the plates can each be provided with a strengthening profile or a folded edge profile, which in turn can form a guide duct for guidably receiving therein a fixing element, for instance a square nut . A particularly sturdy structure is obtained with plates which are each coupled in mirror-symmetrical manner to a mirror-symmetrically formed second plate. Yet another embodiment of a construction system according to the invention comprises coupling elements for coupling structure elements of a first structure extending along a first plane to node elements of a second structure extending along a second plane transversely of the first plane . In a subsequent embodiment the construction system comprises coupling pieces for coupling node elements of a first structure extending along a first plane to node elements of a second structure extending along a second plane transversely of the first plane. In these latter two embodiments it is possible in simple manner according to the invention to couple a wall structure formed from node elements and plates to a similarly formed floor structure. The modular construction system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in planar structures such as floors and walls, both bearing and non- bearing, as well as for use in curved structures such as geodesic domes. For all these applications the invention provides elements which are inexpensive to manufacture, light in weight and therefore easy and cheap to transport and which can be assembled by one person in simple and rapid manner and herein require no welding operations. The elements can be produced with exceptional dimensional stability, whereby aligning, measuring, adjusting, tightening and the like are unnecessary during assembly. Because the elements are suitable for reuse, they have a high residual value. A building structure assembled with the modular construction system according to the invention is very accessible in respect of installation work, such a building structure is extremely strong owing to the matrix structure thereof and its own low weight and in addition is extremely earthquake-resistant . The invention will now be elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of embodiments and with reference to the drawings . In the drawings Fig. 1 shows in longitudinal section a bush provided with slots (in exploded view) as first embodiment of a node element as well as an edge zone of a structure element to be held in position by this bush and a coupling element for a construction system according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows the bush in top view and (in exploded view) the edge zone of the structure element of fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows the bush of fig. 1 in longitudinal section in a situation where a structure element respectively a coupling element are coupled, Fig. 4 shows a top view of the bush and the edge zone of the structure element of fig. 3 in coupled situation, Fig. 5 is a top view of a bush provided with slots as second embodiment of a node element for a construction system according to the invention and the edge zone of two structure elements in coupled situation, Fig. 6 is a top view of a bush provided with slots as third embodiment of a node element for a construction system according to the invention and the edge zone of a structure element in coupled situation, Fig. 7A shows a bottom view of a bush provided with slots as fourth embodiment of a node element for a construction system according to the invention and the edge zone of a structure element in coupled situation, Fig. 7B shows the node element and the structure element of fig. 7A in cross-section, Fig. 7C shows the structure element of fig. 7B in side view, Fig. 8A shows a longitudinal section of a structure element with four connectable edge zones, coupled to a twofold node element according to the invention, Fig. 8B shows the structure element of fig. 8A in cross-section, Fig. 9A is a longitudinal section of a structure element with two connectable edge zones, Fig. 9B shows the structure element of fig. 9A in cross-section, Fig. 10 shows a longitudinal section of a structure element with four connectable edge zones for a curved structure, coupled to a two-fold node element according to the invention, Fig. 11 shows a structure element in longitudinal section with two connectable edge zones for a curved structure, coupled between two single node elements according to the invention, Fig. 12A shows in longitudinal section a structure element of extruded plastic with two connectable edge zones which can be coupled to a single node element according to the invention, Fig. 12B shows the structure element of fig. 12A in cross-section, Fig. 13A is a longitudinal section of a structure element of extruded aluminium with four connectable edge zones which can be coupled to two-fold node elements according to the invention, Fig. 13B shows the structure element of fig. 13A in cross-section, Fig. 14A is a longitudinal section of a structure element of aluminium with four connectable edge zones assembled from extrusion profiles with two connectable edge zones which can be coupled to two-fold node elements according to the invention, Fig. 14B shows the structure element of fig. 14A in cross-section, Fig. 15 and 16 show in longitudinal section a subsequent metal structure element with four connectable edge zones assembled from plates with two connectable edge zones, which can be coupled to two-fold node elements according to the invention, Fig. 17 shows in longitudinal section a structure element with two connectable edge zones for a diagonal connection in a spatial structure, diagonally coupled between two single node elements according to the invention, Fig. 18 shows a detail of a floor of structure elements with in longitudinal section two mutually coupled structure elements between two-fold node elements according to the invention, Fig. 19 is a longitudinal section of two two-fold node elements in a vertically extending structure coupled to a two-fold node element in a horizontally extending structure, Fig. 20A shows a longitudinal section of a horizontally extending structure coupled to a second node element in a vertically extending structure, Fig. 20B is a longitudinal section of the first node element of fig. 20A and the second node element in rotated position, Fig. 21A shows in front view a particular horizontal structure with two-fold axis of symmetry with a transition to a particular vertical structure with two-fold axis of symmetry, assembled from node elements and structure elements according to the invention, Fig. 21B shows the structures of fig. 21A in side view, Fig. 21C shows the structures of fig. 21A in top view, Fig. 22A shows in front view a horizontal structure with six-fold axis of symmetry with a transition to a particular vertical structure with six-fold axis of symmetry, assembled from node elements and structure elements according to the invention, Fig. 22B shows the structures of fig. 22A in side view, Fig. 22C shows the structures of fig. 22A in top view, Fig. 23 is a front view of an embodiment of a spatial structure assembled from the modular construction system according to the invention, Fig. 24A shows in front view a horizontal structure with four-fold axis of symmetry, assembled partly from structure elements according to fig. 17, Fig. 24B shows the structure of fig. 24A in top view, Fig. 25A shows a front view of a particular horizontal structure with three-fold axis of symmetry, assembled partly from structure elements according to fig. 17, Fig. 25B shows the structure of fig. 25A in top view, Fig. 26A-26D show a top view of a detail KLMN of structures with a two-fold axis of symmetry assembled from node elements and structure elements according to the invention, Fig. 27A-27D show a top view of details PQR of structures with a three-fold axis of symmetry assembled from node elements and structure elements according to the invention, Fig. 28 shows a cross-section of a structure element according to the invention between a ceiling and a floor, Fig. 29A-29B show in longitudinal section different stages of a coupling element being coupled to a node element, Fig. 30 shows a longitudinal section of a bush provided with slots (in exploded view) as fifth embodiment of a node element in addition to an edge zone of a structure element to be held in position by this bush and a coupling element for a construction system according to the invention, Fig. 31 shows a top view of the bush and (in exploded view) the edge zone of the structure element of fig. 30, Fig. 32 is a longitudinal section of the bush of fig. 30 in a situation where a structure element is coupled, Fig. 33 shows a longitudinal section of the bush and the edge zone of the structure element of fig. 32 in coupled situation, Fig. 34A shows in longitudinal section a subsequent metal structure element with four connectable edge zones, assembled from plates and coupling elements, connectable to two-fold node element according to the invention, and Fig. 34B shows the structure element of fig. 34A in cross-section. Corresponding components are designated in the figures with the same reference numerals . Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section in exploded view of a bush 1 which consists of an upper disc-shaped part 8 and a lower disc-shaped part 9, which parts 8, 9 are provided with grooves which extend radially inward from the edges and which in combination form slots 6 extending radially and in longitudinal direction of bush 1. Between parts 8, 9 is arranged a ring which bridges each of the formed slots in transverse direction and thus provides a fixing element 7 for fixing thereon of hook-like part 5 of a coupling element 3, also shown. Parts 8, 9 are mutually coupled using a screw 10 and a threaded bush 11, the axis 4 of which forms the central node element axis 4. Figure 1 further shows a longitudinal section through a part of a structure element 2, with a plate part 12 on which a keylike insert 15 is fixed using a dowel pin 17. Insert 15 fits precisely into an opening provided by coupling element 3 when this coupling element 3 is hooked using hook 5 to the ring 7 of bush 1, wherein openings 20, 21 in respectively coupling element 3 and plate parts 12, 13 lie mutually in line in a manner such that a locking pin 18 can be driven through these openings . Fig. 2 shows bush 1 of fig. 1 in top view and, in exploded view, the part of structure element 2 of fig. 1 in top view. In addition to the components already discussed in fig. 1, the figure shows openings 21 in plate parts 12, 13 and a dowel pin 17. Bush 1 is provided with eight radial slots 6, so that a maximum of eight structure elements 2 can be coupled to bush 1 by means of coupling elements 3. Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section along line I-I. Fig. 3 shows in longitudinal section the bush 1 of fig. 1 in a situation in which a structure plate 2 is coupled in the direction of the vertical arrow onto a coupling element 3 (on the left in the figure) which has already been coupled onto bush 1. It can further be seen how a coupling element 3 (on the right in the figure) is coupled onto bush 1 by hooking this element 3 with its hook 5 from the bottom of bush 1 round the ring 7 and subsequently rotating element 3 90° in clockwise direction as according to the curved arrow, whereafter coupling element 3 is locked in the direction parallel to the node element axis 4. Fig. 4 shows in top view the bush 1 and the edge zone of structure plate 2 of fig. 3 in coupled situation. Fig. 3 corresponds with a longitudinal section through line III- III in fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows in top view a square bush 31 which is provided with six slots 6 and to one side of which two structure elements are coupled using coupling elements 3. Fixing elements 7 bridging slots 6 are provided by four cylindrical pens extending along the side of bush 31. Fig. 6 shows in top view an octagonal bush 51 which is provided with eight slots 6 and to which a structure element is coupled using a coupling element 3. The fixing elements bridging slots 6 are formed by individual cylindrical pins 7. Fig. 7A and 7B show in bottom view respectively cross - section along line B-B a casting in the form of a round bush 41 which is provided with twelve slots 6 and to which a structure element is coupled using a coupling element 3. Fixing elements 7 bridging slots 6 are formed by elements integrated with bush 41. The node element axis 4 forms an n-fold axis of symmetry for (in this embodiment) the values n = 3, 4, 6 and 12, i.e. in the case of rotation of bush 41 on axis 4 through an angle of 360 °/n (in this example respectively 120°, 90°, 60° or 30°) the bush 41 is carried over into itself. Node element 41, which comprises an axial bore 44 for passage of cables or other conduits, is coupled with a coupling element 3 to a structure element 82 assembled from two mirror symmetrical strips 12, 13, the edge profiles of which together form a guide channel 83 for slidably receiving a square nut 84, as shown in cross- section in fig. 7C. Node element 41 further comprises holes 54 in radially uniform distribution for receiving dowel pins of for instance floor panels (not shown) which are to be arranged on the structure and which can subsequently be fixed with screws. Fig. 8A and 8B show in longitudinal respectively cross-section a structure plate 22 with four connectable edge zones, which is coupled on the right-hand side to a two-fold node element consisting of two bushes 1 as according to fig. 1 coupled by means of a threaded bush 11. Structure element 22 consists of a plate 12 which is coupled in mirror-symmetrical manner using bushes 25 to a mirror-symmetrically formed second plate 13, wherein plates 12, 13 are each provided with a strengthening profile 23 and a folded edge profile 24. In the two opposite sides of the essentially quadrangular plate 22 to be directed toward node elements 1 are formed recesses 26, on either side of which extends the edge zone connectable to a coupling element 3. Fig. 9A and 9B show respectively in longitudinal and cross-section a simple structure element 2 with two connectable edge zones . Fig. 10 shows in longitudinal section a structure element 42 with four connectable edge zones for a curved structure, coupled to a two-fold node element. Fig. 11 shows a longitudinal section of a structure element 32 with two connectable edge zones for a curved structure, coupled between two single node elements 1 according to the invention. Figures 12A and 12B show in longitudinal respectively cross-section a structure element 52 assembled from two mirror-symmetrically formed extrusion profiles 12, 13 with two connectable edge zones for coupling to a single node element 1 according to fig. 1. Plates 12, 13 can be manufactured from plastic or (in the case of heavier loads) aluminium. Figures 13A and 13B show a longitudinal respectively cross-section of structure element 62 of extruded aluminium with four connectable edge zones for coupling to two-fold elements for instance as shown in fig. 8A. Structure element 62 is assembled from mirror-symmetrically formed aluminium profiles 12, 13 mutually connected by a plate 27. Figures 14A and 14B show in longitudinal respectively cross-section a structure element 72 of extruded aluminium with four connectable edge zones assembled from mirror- symmetrically formed profiles 12, 13, which are mutually connected by crosswise coupled connecting strips 28, 29. Figures 15 and 16 show a longitudinal section of a structure element 86 of sheet-metal with four connectable edge zones assembled from structure elements 82, 82' as according to fig. 7C mutually connected by crosswise coupled connecting strips 28', 29', which are provided on their ends with an open eye 87 which falls round a pin 88 in the respective structure element 82, 82'. The constituent structure elements 82, 82' are coupled using coupling elements 3 to node elements 41, 41' according to fig. 7A, B which are mutually coupled with tube pieces 89 respectively 89'. The position of pins 88 and the height of tube pieces 89 respectively 89' determine the mutual distance between structure elements 82, 82', between which can be arranged for instance an installation channel 81 or an air duct 85 (fig. 16) . Fig. 17 shows in longitudinal section a structure element 92 with two connectable edge zones for a diagonal connection in a spatial structure diagonally coupled between two single node elements 1. Structure elements 92 differ from for instance elements 2 of fig. 9A in that the surface of the constituent plates is a parallelogram instead of a rectangle. In the shown diagonal connection coupling elements 93 extend radially upward (left-hand element) respectively radially downward (right-hand element) . Fig. 18 shows a detail of a floor of structure elements, with two structure elements 22 in longitudinal section which are mutually coupled using two single node elements 1 and which are thus coupled between two-fold node elements according to the invention. A cover plate 35 rests on the coupled structure elements 22. The floor is supported by height-adjustable columns 29, the foot 30 of which rests on a ground 34. Fig. 19 shows in longitudinal section two two-fold node elements, each assembled from single node elements 1', 1' ' joined together by a threaded bush 11' in a vertically extending structure, coupled to a two-fold node element assembled from two single node elements 1 joined together by a threaded bush 11 in a horizontally extending structure. Node elements 1' and 1' ' are coupled to node elements 1 using right-angled coupling elements 43, 43' respectively 33, 33', which are each provided on one side with a hook-like part 5 which is hooked round a fixing element 7 and with a groove 55 into which a fixing element 7 can be pushed. Fig. 20A shows in longitudinal section a first node element 41 in a horizontally extending structure 3, 82, coupled using a rotatable coupling piece 73, 74, 75 to a second node element 41' in a vertically extending structure 3 ' . The rotatable coupling piece consists of a lower part 73 fixed in bore 44 of first node element 41 and an upper part 74 which is rotatable using an adjusting bolt 75 and which can be coupled to a coupling element 3 ' to which can be coupled a second node element 41', the node element axis of which is perpendicular to the node element axis of first node element 41. Fig. 20B shows the construction of fig. 20A after rotation of second node element 41' on a vertical axis through an angle of 90°. Fig. 21A shows a front view of a horizontal structure 37 with a transition to a vertical structure 38, both assembled according to the invention from structure elements (22, 22') and node elements 1 and both with a twofold axis of symmetry. Fig. 21B shows the structures of fig. 21A in side view, in which structure elements and coupling elements similar to the structure elements and coupling elements shown in figure 19 enable a transition from the horizontal structure 37 of fig. 21A to the vertical structure 38. Fig. 21C shows the structures of fig. 21A in top view. Fig. 22A shows a front view of a horizontal structure 47 with a transition to a vertical structure 48, both assembled according to the invention from structure elements 22 and node elements 41 and both with a six-fold axis of symmetry. By making use of node elements 41, which have a twelve-fold axis of symmetry, it is possible to transpose from a structure with a six-fold or three-fold axis of symmetry to a structure with a four-fold or twofold axis of symmetry, i.e. a structure with mutually perpendicular structure elements . Using the coupling elements 33, 43 shown in fig. 19 a horizontal structure 47 is obtained onto which vertical structure 48 can be connected, as is shown in the side view of fig. 22B. Fig. 22C shows the structures of fig. 22A in top view. Fig. 23 shows a part of a spatial structure with bearing columns 94, outside wall parts 95, roof parts 96, ceiling parts 97, floor parts 98 and inside wall parts 99, which are all assembled from structure elements, node elements and coupling elements of the modular construction system according to the invention. Fig. 24A shows a front view of a horizontal structure 45 with a four-fold axis of symmetry assembled from strips 92 according to fig. 17, mutually identical strips 2 and 2' and node elements 1. The mutually identical strips 2 and 2' are strips with a length such that they are compatible with strips 92 for forming spatial structure 45. The very open structure 45 supports with columns 46 on a ground 49 and essentially comprises an upper layer, built up of strips 2, which is connected by strips 92 to a lower layer built up of strips 2 ' . Fig. 24B shows the structure of fig. 24A in top view. Fig. 25A shows a front view of a horizontal structure 57 with a three-fold axis of symmetry, assembled from strips 92 according to fig. 17, mutually identical strips 2 and 2' and node elements 1. The mutually identical strips 2 and 2 ' are strips with a length such that they are compatible with strips 92 for forming spatial structure 57. The very open structure 57 supports with columns 46 on a ground 49 and essentially comprises an upper layer, built up of strips 2, which is connected by strips 92 to a lower layer built up of strips 2 ' . Fig. 25B shows the structure of fig. 25A in top view. Fig. 26A-26D show in top view a detail of a surface area KLMN, which is the same for the four figures, of structures with a two-fold axis of symmetry assembled from node elements 1 and structure elements (22,36; 22 ',36'; 22", 36"; 22 I I I ,36 1 1 1 ) according to the invention, wherein the distance between node elements 1 is reduced in each case by using shorter structure elements, whereby denser structures are created which have a higher load-bearing capacity or which may be desired in particular circumstances, for instance for reasons of an aesthetic nature . Fig. 27A-27D show in top view a detail of a surface area PQR, which is the same for the four figures, of structures with a three-fold axis of symmetry assembled from node elements 41 and structure elements (22; 22'; 22"; 22 ' ' ' ) according to the invention, wherein the distance between node elements 41 is reduced in each case by using shorter structure elements . Fig. 28 shows in cross-section a part of a division between two storeys assembled from structure elements 22 according to the invention, wherein cable ducts 69 are incorporated in edge profiles 24 on the top and bottom for through-feed of cables 70, which cable ducts are closed by a thermally and acoustically insulating rubber profile 64. Falling into rubber profiles 64 are the bent edges of ceiling boards 65 against which an insulating layer of for instance mineral wool is arranged, respectively floor slabs 67 on which an insulating profile is arranged of for instance polystyrene . Fig. 29A shows in longitudinal section an embodiment of a coupling element 3 in a situation coupled to a node element 1, in a situation before a structure element 2 has been coupled onto this coupling element 3. In order to prevent deformation of coupling element 3 under load after mounting of a structure element 2, wherein both a tensile stress and a positive bending moment occur in the lower part of coupling element 3, this latter is constructed such that in the mounted situation it deforms elastically so that a negative bending moment results. In loaded situation the resulting bending moment will therefore be reduced. The figure shows the situation in which structure element 2 lies with key-like insert 15 in the opening provided by coupling part 3 , but the coupling pin has not yet been arranged in hole 21. Fig. 29B shows the components of fig. 29A after coupling pin 18 has been arranged in hole 21. In this situation a negative bending moment has been created, whereby the resulting bending moment M in the loaded state is reduced relative to a bending moment in a structure element which does not deform elastically during assembly. Fig. 30 and 31 show an embodiment of the invention wherein the fixing elements are provided by edge zones of a third disc-shaped part, in which part openings are provided which are bounded by said edge zones . Fig. 30 shows a longitudinal section in exploded view of a bush 1' consisting of an upper disc-shaped part 8 and a lower disc-shaped part 9, which parts 8, 9 are provided with grooves extending radially inward from the edges, which grooves in combination form slots 6 extending radially and in longitudinal direction of bush 1 ' . Arranged between parts 8, 9 is a third disc-shaped part 108 in which openings 6 ' are arranged which correspond with slots 6 in parts 8, 9 and which are bounded by edge zones 7, wherein edge zones 7 ' each bridge the formed slots 6 in transverse direction and thus provide a fixing element for fixing thereto of hook-like part 5 of a likewise shown coupling element 3 respectively 3". Parts 8, 9 are mutually coupled using three screws 10 and corresponding threaded bushes 11 at positions distributed regularly in peripheral direction, wherein shear as a result of occurring pressure load is absorbed by clamping bushes 110. Parts 8, 9 and 108 are each provided with a corresponding axial bore 44 ' . Figure 30 further shows a longitudinal section through a part of a structure element 2 ' with plate parts 12 and (not shown) 13, between which a key-like insert 15' is fixed using two dowel pins 17, 17 ' . The use of two dowel pins will of course prevent rotation of insert 15 ' , which fits precisely into a receiving zone provided by coupling element 3' or 3 " and having a shape corresponding with insert 15 ' , when this coupling element 3' respectively 3" is hooked on a fitting piece 109 round the edge zone 7' of bush 1' using hook 5, wherein openings 20, 21 in respective coupling element 3' or 3" and plate parts 12, 13 lie mutually in line in a manner such that a locking pin 18 can be driven through these openings . Fig. 31 shows in top view bush 1' of fig. 30 and in exploded view the part of structure element 2' of fig. 30 in top view. Bush 1' is provided with six radial slots 6' so that a maximum of six structure elements 2 ' can be coupled with bush 1 ' by means of coupling elements 3 ' or 3". Fig. 30 is a longitudinal section along line XXX-XXX in fig. 31. Fig. 32 shows an axial cross-section through bush 1' of fig. 30 along line XXXII-XXXII in a situation where a structure plate 2 ' is coupled in the direction of the vertical arrow onto a coupling element 3 ' . Coupling element 3 ' is already coupled onto bush 1 ' by means of its hook 5 ' which is hooked from the underside of bush 1 ' round the edge zone 7' provided with a fitting piece 109. Insert 15' of structure plate 2 ' is pushed with two opposite convex inner edges over two corresponding concave outer edges of coupling element 3' until holes 20, 21 lie in register and a locking pin can be arranged through these holes 20, 21. Fig. 33 shows bush 1' and structure plate 2' of fig. 32 in coupled situation and locked by conical pin 18. Fig. 34A and 34B show in longitudinal respectively cross-section a structure element 86' of sheet-metal with four connectable edge zones, assembled from structure elements 2' according to fig. 30 which are mutually connected by four coupling elements 3" according to fig. 30 coupled at a pivot point 115. The thus assembled structure element 86' is coupled using coupling elements 3" to node elements 1' as according to fig. 30 which are mutually connected with three threaded bushes 11. The pivotable coupling 115 of the four coupling elements 3" enables a very rapid and simple coupling to a node element 1 ' , and thereby a rapid and therefore cost-saving construction of a building structure, which on the one hand is exceptionally stable and strong and on the other is very open. Cables and conduits can be introduced in simple and rapid manner both in horizontal direction (via routes bounded by the coupling elements 3" coupled in X-shaped manner) and in vertical direction (via routes bounded by the vertical threaded bushes 11 and axial bores 44 ' in coupling elements 1 ' ) .

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Modular construction system for a spatial structure, comprising a number of node elements, structure elements to be held in position by and between these node elements, and coupling elements connectable to a node element and a structure element for coupling a node element to a structure element to be held in position by this node element, wherein at least three structure elements at a time can be held in position from one node element and the coupling elements extend substantially radially from a central node element axis, characterized in that each coupling element (3, 3', 3", 33, 43) in the position coupled to a node element (1, 1', 31, 41, 51) is individually locked against translation in a direction parallel to the node element axis (4) . 2. Construction system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the coupling elements (3, 3', 3", 33, 43) are each provided on an edge zone with a hook-like part (5) and the node elements (1, 1', 31, 41, 51) each comprise a bush which is provided with at least three slots (6, 6') distributed regularly over the periphery and extending substantially radially and in a direction parallel to the node element axis (4) for receiving a coupling element (3, 3', 3", 33, 43) on said edge zone, which slots (6, 6') are each bridged in transverse direction by a fixing element (7, 7') for fixing thereon by means of said hook-like part (5) a coupling element (3, 3', 3", 33, 43) received on its edge zone in a slot (6, 6') . 3. Construction system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the bush (1, 1', 31, 41, 51) comprises an upper disc-shaped part (8) and a lower discshaped part (9), which parts (8, 9) are provided with grooves extending substantially radially inward from the edges, wherein a groove in the upper part (8) in combination with a corresponding groove in the lower part (9) forms a said slot (6) extending substantially radially and in a direction parallel to the node element axis (4) , and the fixing elements (7, 7') are received between the disc-shaped parts (8, 9) . 4. Construction system as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the fixing elements (7) are provided by a ring closed in peripheral direction of the bush. 5. Construction system as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the disc-shaped parts (8, 9) and the fixing elements (7) are provided by an integrated casting (41) . 6. Construction system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the node element (41) comprises an axial through-feed channel. 7. Construction system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the through-feed channel is cylindrical (44) and provided on at least one end with a screw thread. 8. Construction system as claimed in any of the claims 2-7, characterized in that the bush (31, 51) has in cross- section the shape of a regular polygon. 9. Construction system as claimed in any of the claims 2-7, characterized in that the bush (1, 1', 41) is cylindrical . 10. Construction system as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, characterized in that the number of slots distributed regularly over the periphery amounts to 8. 11. Construction system as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, characterized in that the number of slots distributed regularly over the periphery amounts to 12. 12. Construction system as claimed in any of the claims 2-9, characterized in that the number of slots distributed regularly over the periphery amounts to 10. 13. Construction system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the structure elements substantially comprise plate-like parts (2, 22, 32, 42), each of which are connectable on at least two edge zones to respective coupling elements (3) . 14. Construction system as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the plate-like parts are formed by substantially quadrangular plates (22, 32), each of which are connectable on their edge zones extending from their four angles to respective coupling elements (3) . 15. Construction system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that recesses (26) are formed in the quadrangular plates (22, 32) on opposite sides thereof to be directed toward the node elements (3) , on either side of which recesses extends an edge zone connectable to a coupling element (3) . 16. Construction system as claimed in any of the claims 1-12, characterized in that the structure elements (86) substantially comprise two parallel, mutually coupled strips (82, 82') which are each connectable on at least two edge zones to respective coupling elements (41) . 17. Construction system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the structure elements comprise plates (12) which are each coupled in mirror-symmetrical manner to a mirror-symmetrically formed second plate (13) . 18. Construction system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that this comprises coupling elements (33, 33', 43, 43') for coupling structure elements of a first structure (37, 47) extending along a first plane to node elements (1, 31, 41, 51) of a second structure (38, 48) extending along a second plane transversely of the first plane. 19. Construction system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that this comprises coupling pieces (73, 74, 75) for coupling node elements (41) of a first structure extending along a first plane to node elements (41') of a second structure extending along a second plane transversely of the first plane. 20. Construction system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the structure elements comprise plates (2, 2', 22) which are each provided with a strengthening profile (23) . 21. Construction system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the structure elements comprise plates (2, 2', 22) which each comprise a folded edge profile (24, 83) . 22. Construction system as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the edge profile (83) provides a guide duct for guidably receiving therein a fixing element (84) .

Inventors: VAN LEEUWEN ALEX CORNELIS, VAN LEEUWEN, ALEX, CORNELIS
Applicants: A C VAN LEEUWEN CONSULTANCY B, LEEUWEN ALEX CORNELIS VAN, A.C. VAN LEEUWEN CONSULTANCY B.V., VAN LEEUWEN, ALEX, CORNELIS
Application year: 1999
Main classification: E04B1
IPC codes: E04B1