GB Patent 1124162 - Building kits or systems for assembling mechanical structures

Description

li1, IiA - J,

PATENT SPECIFICATION

Is, DRAWINGS ATTACHED i A = F',- /7 2 I 1, L:

1.124.162 Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: 31 August, 1965. No. 37250

Application made in Sweden (No. 10442) on 31 August, 1964.

Application made in Sweden (No. 7680) on 11 June, 1965.

Complete Specification Published: 21 August, 1968.

Crown Copyright, 1968.

1/65 Index at Acceptance:-B3 A64; B6 C18H; F2 X5.

lIt. Cl.:-F 16 s 1114.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Building Kits or Systems for Assembling Mechanical Structures I, MARK CHRISTOPHER SYLWAN, of 7, Domargrand, Hagersten, Sweden, a Swedish citizen, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which. it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:-

This invention relates to a building kits - or systems for assembling mechanical structures.

Building kits or systems for assembling mechanical structures have been known as toys for a very long 'time. However, only in recent years have such systems been used for professional work within industry. Such professional systems are highly specialised, however, particularly when it comes to the frame members which are frequently provided for building structures of "Bread Board" type, and the structures assembled by the system are, as a rule, subjected only to small mechanical forces, this being regarded as adequate for experimental purposes.

The use of prefabricated parts in a building kit or system for mechanical structures that may be assembled without or with little machining or finishing work obviously affords great advantages, chiefly because the parts may be manufactured in large numbers to reduce their cost, and because the parts may be readily delivered from stock so as to reduce delivery and waiting times to a minimum. However, these advantages tend to be offset by the fact that a building kit or system always suffers from limitations when compared with the freedom which ordinary workshop machining work will permit with respect to the shape and dimensioning of a structure. Moreover, a standardised system of ready-made parts is generally restricted by constructional rules valid only for the system, but not elsewhere, and sometimes differing greatly from common machining methods and conventional 45 workshop practice. This fact may become frustrating, if a first model is built with a standardised building system and is reproduced at a later stage by ordinary workshop techniques thus receiving a design much 50 different from the prototype.

To be of practical value, a building kit or system must meet the following fundamental requirements:1. The design pattern characteristic for 55 the system will correspond as closely as 'possible to conventional machine design.

2. Within a given scale the system should be able to withstand relatively great mechanical forces. 60 3. The basic components of the system should be as few as possible, and their use easily understood.

4. The structural components of the system must have such a geometry as to 65 permit an accuracy of such an order that the system may be used for instrumentation where the precision requirements are high.

5. The design pattern of the supporting rigid structures assembled with the system 70 should permit 'a maximum of variation in machinery design and size.

To copy mechanical design directly by means of a building system would require a practically unlimited number of components. A primary measure is to try to define and restrict the problem. For that purpose there is needed as great a generalisation as possible of the typical features of most mechanical structures. Such a generalisation 80 is based upon the fact that most mechanical structures are mounted in a plate-like framework, with the plate either cast or cut out of sheet metal, that they are provided as walls of a closed housing or as opposite end 85 walls connected by spacing elements, and mS es 1,124,162 that bearings, brackets or apertures for movable. components are freely disposed where appropriate.

The problems of providing frame-work 5elements which may be joined together to form plate-like frame.qworks of vaying size and shape, in which bearings may be mounted for a number of shafts disposed as desired and of finding attachment points for bearing frames, brackets, etc. forming an angle with the frame plate, are thought to be sovIed by the system according to the invention.

The present invention consists in a building kit or system for assembling mechanical structures which includes first components, each comprising a relatively wide strip member formed with edge portions having a locking Configuration adapted to engage a portion having a complementary configuration on shaft bearing units which may be rigidly clamped onto the edge por, -fns of said strip members in such a manner that, before clamping, the position of the bearing unit may be freely adjusted longitudinally with respect to the edge portions, a bearing unit determining a relatively wide space between the strip members to which it is secured, the first components and bearing units being of such dimensions that when a composite framework is assembled from them the framework is in the form of a square for a rectangle formed by conmbining squares, and second components, each comprising a relatively narrow strip member formed with edge portions corresponding to those of said first components for similar clamping and relative longitudinal adjustment with further shaft bearing units, a 401 furtlier bearing unit determining a relatively narrow space between strip members to g which it is secured, the second components and further bearing units being of such X dimensions that when a composite frame- 4 work is assembled from them the frame- t work has the same dimensions as a -first 1 component and is therefore capable of s replacing it. a In the accompanying drawings:- f Figures 1 to 16 illustrate plan, side and a end views, of various components for a e system according to the present invention; ii Figures 17 to 26 illustrate different struc- m tuArzs assembled with the use of the components shown in Figures 1 to 16, Fi-ure5 27 to 39 illustrate hearing nails en whiph may bhe used in the structures shown B in Figures l7 to f6; c Figures 40 to 42 illustrate in different bi views g more camplex structure built with st comnpanents shown in Figures 1 to 16, Figure being on a larger scale than Figures 41 w an42; in Figures 43 to 71 show further components for a system according to the present in invention and substructures built therefrom:

and Figures 72 to 75 illustrate further complex structures assembled from components of a system according to the present invention. 70 In the annexed drawings there is shown as complete and convincing an illustration of the system as possible, although it cannot be avoided that the drawings also. show constructional details which form no part 75 of the invention, but which assist in offering a picture of the system in its final constructional form.

In carrying the invention into effect according to one convenient mode by way of 80y.

example, Figures 1 to 13 illustrate the components which form integral or composite plate structures. The components shown in Figures 1 to 9 are shaped as plates or strips which all have a common 85 feature in that their peripheral edges are T-shaped in cross-section, this configuration 7 being formed by a groove spaced from the edges and extending parallel to- them over both faces of the plates or strips. The glements are composed of meal or other sui. able material and are relatively thick so as to provide frame-work structures having sufficient strength to withstand mechanical forces corresponding to the thickest shaft 95 which may be journalled in the framework structures, Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 illustrate plates 1 and 1' which diffr in that -plate 1' is formed with a lit.97 and a hole -96 for receiving beaying units,- whereas the loo plate 1 has an integral,.unboken face.

Along opposed edges of the slit 97, (Figures 2 and 5). there are formed T,-shape1 portions 7, as described or the edges of the plate, by grooves extending parallel to the 105 edges of the slit 97. The plates I and 1', (Ficusres 1, 2, 4 and 5), have the samne rectangular shape as is {oannsd When two spaure plates 2, (Figure 3), are joined ogether by clamp members, showo in 110 Figures 10 to 13, corresponding tp the T-lhaped portions. 1y such interconnection, i space D (Figure 9) is formed betwPen the ilate.s If the square plate 2, Figure J. has side of length B. the plates I and 1', 115 ar a composite plate assembled from two irterconnected plates 2, me-asijr-s A x 3, where A=(2xB)3+D.

In Figures j6 and 7 are shown groups YrmWd by strips 4 and 3, said groups having 120 Kteraaf lengths of B and A respectively. - C oth strips 3 and strips 4 have a width of which equals B/3, whereby the spacing etween the strips is equal the width of the trips. 125 This.dimension ratio might be different ithout sacrificing the advantages.of the nv. ntiow Figures -8 and 9 illustrate groups of strips dicated as 6 and 5, and so arranged that 130the clamp member in Figure 10. The inside face of the clamp' member does not have the stepped shape of "the corresponding portion of the clamp member of Figure' 10, that is to say portions at different levels, but is 710 provided with grooves 8 forming a profile -cmplemefitary to the T-shaped portions so that the inside face lies in one single plane, this being important 'when the clamp member is clamped to base plates, as in'Figures 75 41 and 42, or' against the walls of an ap- ' paratus casing wherein it forms bracket means. For these uses, the largest possible interengaging surfaces are -ieeded. For example, Figure 40 illustrates the employ- 8Q ment of the clamp member combined'&with the clamp -member of Figure 1Q, when transverse structures are built to extend therefrom, either as angularly disposed bearing frames, Figure 42,' or for the formation 85 of lbox-like structures.

In 'Figujres 14 to 26 the frame-work components illustrated in preceding figures are shown when used in association with bearing units and clamp.memibers which -all 90 are formed with a configuration complemenary to the T-shaped portions of the compwonents add being of twe differ-ent 'widths, oPrrespandmigto'the spacings C and D of the components having T-shaped portions. 9.5 The plates 1 an4 2 in Figurgs 14 to 1, may be employed -for assembling frame-work structures or pssembly units'of increasing complexity, but with -the same external dimensions uas the one-piece plates. -Such 100 structures and assembly units ai-tillustrated A} Fi-tures, 17 to, 26. These composite units fnay obviously -be of other pi3SpiSrtions than those' illustrated, 'the square or rectangular shape 'having been chosen fgrthct 'to stress 105 the basic importance of those shapes for ' the design' and mutual eorrelation of the elements. In all instances the T-shaped edge -las been left unobstructed (save in Figures 24 and 25), and thus the- character of the 11O substructures as interchangeable assembly ' units has 2been emphasiied. They consequently mpay be intended for niounting into larger -frame-work structures. By the use of components having T-shaped' edge 115 portions, the position of a square unit as;:

in Figure 24 Or 25, or the upper part of the unit in Figure 23 may be changed relative to the -frame-work 'structure jas a whole without modifying the fastenings or 120 the space intended for receiving -the unit. -Bearings which may be displaced hori7iontally in one position of tlhe Unit may thus readily be readjusted for- -vertical displacement, and siniliar adjustments may 125 be made without rebuilding the relspective frame-work unit. This factor is the basis for the choice of:the square as a fundamental shape.

Figures: 17- to 1-9 illustrate 'frame-work J30 five strips 6, (Figurp 8), form a square with sides of length B And a spacing between the strips equal to the width of the latter. It follows therefore that a group of two strips of equal length with a spacing equal to the strip width D forms a structure with the same external dimensions as the strips 3 or 4., Figures 7 and 6, respectively, i.e. with a width of C. C therefore equals 3 X D. In l() this instance also it is not essential that the spacing between the strips should equal the sftrip width.

A structure with the same external dimensions as any of strips 3 or 4 might have IS a different spacing of the strips 5 or 6 than one equal to the width of each of said strips.

T1 is essential to note that plates such as shoawn in Figures I to 5 may be replaced by composite plates assembled from strips 3 or 4, and that the strips 3 and 4 themselves may be replaced by composite strips assembled from the strips 5 or 6.

Figures 10 to 13 show clamping members having a shape which is complementary to tthe T-shaped portions of the plates and strnps.

The clamp member shown in Figure ID is used for -iteronnecting plates and strips to patterns of desired shape and size, and in 303 0thle spaces beetween those assembled elements may be mounted bearing units for shafts, as well as clamps with the same width and profile. Figure 10 shows that 'the clamp { member is formed with screw holes 10, I' and 1 1, 1 1', altoernately smooth and threaded, to permit identical clapmp members to be used At opposite sides of a connection, with clamping screws inserted from both sides, - or only one side (see Figure 40). All forces -40 in the plane of a composi'te plate are absorbed by the rx(ht-angled (shoulder) porlions.

As in Figure 10, the clamp in Figures 11 and 12 has a shape which is complementary so the T-shaped portions. It has a square shape and comprises two elements 57 and 58, one having a clearance bore 10 for a screw and the other having a threaded bore 11 and serving as a nut. This clamp may be frequently'employed in such joints betwpen strips or plates from which extend fdistance rods connecting the frame-work plates, such as in Figure 42, only the element 57 being Employed for a. screw passing through the clamp and secured in a threaded blinsd bore in the extreme end of 'the distance rod. Such a clamp' may also be employed in other instances where a similar screw - action is desired.

60,The stepped clamp member in Figure 13 is in.the form of a somewhat thicker cl3amp member than that -of Figure 10, with an outer longitudinally extending T-shaped portion 7 and with threaded blind bodres 56 with the saame sparing as the holes in 1,124,]162 1,124,162 units assembled from the strips 3 and 3' 4 and 4', bearing units 12 and 12 for shafts and clamps 45 and 45' being used for unit ing the strips. The uniting elements (bearinm units and clamps) that are employed here will all require the same spacing C of the strips, so that the structures formed wil have the width B. They may consequently when needed, replace for instance the plates 1 and 2 in a larger frame-work structure assembly.

Figures 20 to 22 illustrate composite strips assembled from strips 5 and 5' 6 and 6' respectively, and having the width C. The connecting elements comprise the bearink units 30, 30' and 30" and the clamp 50, Figure 20. These connecting elements determine the spacing D of the strips, and the composite strips thus formed may replace (Figures 24 and 25) and reotangular (Figures 4 to 6 and will accommodate a substantially greater number of freely adjustable shafts with corresponding bearing units.

Figures 23 to 26 illustrate units of square (Figure 24 and 25) and rectangular WFigures 23 and 26) shape with a relatively large number of bearing units, disposed asymmetrically within the units. In the unit in Figure 23 the bearing units 30, 30' and 30" have been disposed along an arc of a circle co-axial with the bearing 30"'. Such a unit may, as an example, be intended for use with a printing cylinder and inking rollers engaging the cylinder.

The square unit illustrated in Figures 24 and 25 comprises three asymmetrically disposed bearing units. The clamps 50' and 50" overlap the T-shaped edge portions of the components, so that the arrangement must be such that the obstructed edge faces outward and forms part of the periphery of a larger frame-work assembly in which the said unit is secured by its three unobstructed edges. One bearing 30 is mounted in the same space as is the larger bearing 12, and it is shown how a bearing unit space of width C will accommodate three parallel centre lines for shafts. The short strip 70 has opposite edges with T-shaped portions and connects the bearing 30 and the clamp 50'. This strip 70 falls outside the type of components previously described, as one opposed pair of sides do not have T-shaped portions, but the system is presupported to include -also components having the Tshaped portions but of other lengths than A and B and without T-shaped portions at each end. These components, however fall - within a different group of components from those described above.

In Figure 26 a square unit is formed from strips 4, 6"' and 6"", bearings 12 and 30, and a clamp 52'. By turning this unit through 90', the bearings may have their direction of adjustment changed from vertical to horizontal, with the unit unaltered in other respects. The clamps 52 and 52' only have two screw holes each of the same kind and thus these clamps comprise, like the clamps in Figures 11 and 12, two elements having 70 clearance holes and threaded holes, resp1ectively.

When a frame-work assembly has been assembled to the desired shape and size in the manner described above, the designer 75 has obtained a counterpart to any integral structure specifically built for the same purpose. Subsequent assembly of the plates to opposed frame portions between which the moving parts are disposed, with the aid 80 of distance elements of different kinds, such as rods, does not differ from the design methods usually employed for ordinary machine design.

With the system described above the 85 requirement of Item 1 originally mentioned thus has been met As far as possible. The number of interacting elements which is included in the system is reduced to a minimum so that the requirement in Item-3 90 has also been met. The width of the bearing slots, C, permits the mounting of shafts which are heavy compared with the size of the frame structures, and if a suitable material is chosen for the frame-work structures with a strength proportional to the forces which may be absorbed by the thickest shafts, this means that the system may absorb large mechanical forces in proportion to its scale, and thus the requirement in Item 2 has been met. The design of the components and the building method further' permit assembly with great accuracy, so that also the requirement in Item 4 has be-en 105 fulfilled. With regard to the last requirement (Item 5.) the following description will demonstrate that the system allows such a large- variety of structures to be built, that it can compete successfully with machinery 110 specially made to specification. Merely the freedom in arranging the bearing units in frame-work plates, and The ability to accommodate a number of closely spaced bearings go a long way towards achieving 115 this end.

The bearing units for shafts have already been mentioned. These bearing units primarily consist of a pair of housing halves of complementary profile, which are clamped 120 onto T-shaped portions, either with ordinary screws or with a threaded sleeve which can accommodate a shaft and serve as a housing for ball bearings or plain bearings.

Figures 27 to 30 illustrate two housing 125 halves for a bearing unit of spacing width C, the portions 8, 8' corresponding to the T-shaped portions of the plates and strips, and the halves having large. holes 98 and 99 for- receiving a mounting sleeve 13, 130 (Figure 31). The hole 98 is smooth, whereas 1,124,162 the hole 99 is threaded, and this part thus serves 'as a nut for the sleeve 13 (Figure 31), the threaded portion 15 of which only takes up as much space as is needed for the bearing-housing member 18 (Figures 29 and 30). The remaining portion of the neck of the sleeve is a close fit in the hole 98 in the bearing-housing member 17, (Figures 27 and 28). Figure 33 shows a mounted bearing unit with a built-in ball-bearing 21 and an abutment ring 22. A similar mounting may be used for a plain bearing bush (not illustrated) which requires less space, and consequently permits the employment of this structure of heavier shafts. The bearinghousing halves 17 and 18 are formed with semi-circular grooves 20 extending across the holes through the centre line thereof and parallel to the edge portions 8, 8', said grooves 20 forming in an assembled bearing unit.a cylindrical hole 46 (Figure 33).

The housing members also have blind holes 19 drilled within the groove 20 (Figures 27 to 30), which serve to receive pins for retaining a- set screw 23 (iFigure 49) provided for accurate adjustment of the bearings in the longitudinal direction of the elongated spaces accommodating the bearing units.

A bearing housing for mounting in framework spacings of width D is illustrated in Figures 35 to 39. This bearing corresponds to bearings 30 to 30"' in Figures 23 to 26.

Figures 37 to 38 illustrate the bearing housing proper which comprises a member - -having a countersunk socket 31 for a ball bearing, which socket owing to the small width of the member has lateral apertures 34 and 34' The ball bearing is consequently exposed through these nwertures. The same applies for the transverse bore for the, shaft which has similar apertures 35. The screws securing the bearing are screwed into threaded blind holes 32 and 32'. The complezentary member 33, Figures 35 and 36 is of 'similar form but has holes 10 and 10' for screws.

The structure illustrated in Figures 40 to 42 is an application of the system shown in Figures 1 to 26 used for a frame-work - structure of a larger size. The frame-work structure is built upon a flat base plate 90 formed with screw slits. Connecting elements used between the base plate and the framework structure proper are in this case the clamp members 55, 55' and 55". The same member is employed also for the building of bearing frame-works 89 and 89' disposed at right angles to the frame-work structute 6Q face, as shown in Figure 42.

The base plate 90 has a peripheral Tshaped portion 7 of the same shape and dimensions as, the other T-shaped portions.

Due to the thickness of the plate it is arranged that when more than one base plate is used the clamp members uniting 'adjacent plates are recessed below the upper faces of the plates to avoid the possibility of any interference between the joint and ComponenRI moutnted over it. The base plate 70 is spaced from the supporting surface by short sleeves screwed to clamps 56. The clamp m'esr4brnl halve a compilementary locking configuration only along one edge, whilst the opposite edge has an abutment 75 portion, and the inner faces of the clamp elements are inclined from this abutment towards the locking configuration. In other respects this' clamplhas the same dimensions as the clamp in Figures 11 and 12. This 80 type of clamp 56', 56", 56"'. is illustrated in Figure 41 where clamps 56"' is used to support distance rod 87 connecting the frame-work walls, and thus eliminating the need for special holes for supporting the 85 rod '87. The clamp 50' also serves as a support for the distance rods 87', as showvnA in Figures 41 and 42, (Cf. Figures 11 and 12.).

The plate 1' is mounted in the frame- 9Q work structure and supports two bearing units 1"' and 13. This plate is intended for use with shafts subjected to an extremely heavy load, as 'the T-shaped portions of the plate might otherwise become overstressed and give way after prolonged use.

Even if the bearing units will sustain great forces without begining to creep after clamping to the T-shaped portions, as a precaution a distance element may be 1Q0 interposed between the 'bearing housing and the end portion of the mounting space, such as a rod secured in the hole 46, Figure 33.

All frame-work units are jointed together by clamp members 51, 51', 51", 51"', 51', 105 51""' and 51""". Tnhe space between the plate l' and the unit 80 also contains the bearing housings 30, 30' and 30T mounted therein. In the unit 80 there is provide beyond the bearing housings 12' and 12" 11) the bearing housing 12, which is adjustable by means of the set screw 23. This set screw engages a nut incorporated in the clamD 45.

In the same unit, one side is taken up by an assembly Composed of the strip 4, the 115 clamp 50 and the, strips 6 and 6' with the bearing 30"The unit 80' corresponds generally to the apparatus of Figure 23, but the lower portion is made up, instead, of an assembled 12( square with bearings. Note the use of strips and 70' (without T-shaped portions as their ends) to fill the gaps.

Figure 42 is another view of the framework asembly of Figure 41, showing distance rods 87 and 87' and bearing frameworks 89 and 89' built on the members 55 and 55', and the frame-work 89' having the set screw 23.

Figures 43 to 46 and Figures 50 to 53 130 1,124,162 illustrate two rectangular clamp structure:

These structures carry the same configura tion as 'the bearing halves in Figures 27 ti but with the difference that the clam] structure in Figures 50 to 53 lacks the semi circular groove 20. Figures 43 and 44 illus trate a clamp member which differs fron the corresponding one in Figures 45 anw 46 in that the screw holes 10, 10' in the former are smooth, whereas the correspond ing holes 11, I' in the latter are threaded Both parts are formed with a semicircular groove 20 which extends in the same sense as the grooves 8 and 8'.

Figures 47 and 48 illustrate a bearing frame-work composed of strips 70 and 70' and secured to the clamp members 51 and 51' by a screw 61 engaging the nut 27 incorporated in the clamp structure.

Figure 49 illustrates a side elevational view, partly in section, of a bearing framewark with a set screw 23. The clamp member 45 incorporates a nut 27 extended by a neck portion clamped in the clamp structure. The extended portion 24 of the set screw journalled in the bearing housing is formed with an annular groove 25 which is engaged through recesses in the sleeve member 26 by pin members 28 provided in the bearing housing (cf. Figures 27 to 30). The screw extension is secured axially by the pins 28 while the threaded portion of the set screw engages the nut 27.

The clamp structure in Figures 50 to 53 has an interlocking type configuration along three edges. It is used for bearing frameworks such as illustrated 'in Figure 55, as a support for guide means for bearing frameworks as in Figure 54, and so forth, Figures 50 to 55 illustrate both the members of the clamp structure, of which the member (Figures 50 and 51), and 40' (Figures 52 and 53), dliffer only by their screw holes, the member 40 having smooth holes 10 and 10', while member 40' has threaded holes 11 and 11'. Both members have a smooth hole 41 between the holes 10 and 10' or 11 and 11', respectively, and the hole 41 may be countersunk in the member, as shown in Figures 52 and 53, to accommodate a screw head.

Figure 54 is a section showing the position of the screws. This figure shows a structure iin which a frame-work or two guide members 70 and 70' are spaced from a frame-work plate, with a sleeve 88 as a distance element. The sleeve is secured by a screw 61 to the clamp members 51 and 51'.

The frame-work or the guide members are assembled in the first place by tightening hO the screws 60 and 60', and are clamped subsequently to the sleeve 88 with the screw 61'.

-In Figures 56 to 69 there are illustrated two components for uniting at right angles two components having T-shaped portions.

One component, Figures 56 to 59, is a clamp 3. structure formed as a right-angled triangle with locking configurations 8 and 8' along o the two smaller sides. As with the clamping p devices already described, this device has -one member with a plain hole and one mem--ber with a threaded hole, namely members i75 and 75', respectively. A line drawn dthrough the centre of holes 10 and 11 at an angle of 45' to the configuration of the smaller sides intersects the latter substan1 tially at the middle, or as close as possible to the middle, the pressure thus being uniformly distributed along the configurations upon tightening of the members against each other. Figures 60 and 61 illustrate the use of 80 the clamp structures as described for a bearing frame-work, composed of the strips 70 and 70' and a bearing housing 30.

Figures 62 to 69 illustrate 'a similar clamping device which engages the edges of the 85 strips at right angles to their planes for right angle connections as shown in Figures 66 to 69. This clamp structure is distinguished from the one just described by the configuration of the edges corresponding to the 9G strips and consisting of a rectangular groove and 95', Figures 62 to 65. Due to this configuration, this clamping device is somewhat larger than that described above, but it also comprises one member with a plain 95 hole and one with a threaded'hole, with the same disposition of the holes with respect to the angle formed by the edge configurations. The use of the clamping device for uniting the narrow strips 70 and 70' is 100 illustrated in Figures 66 and 67. In such a structure the inside surface of the members of the clamping device almost touch each other at the centre lines of the strips. As before, the screw 60 is countersunk. 105 In Figures 68 and 69 there is illustrated a structure using the wider strips 71 and 71', the clamp members 76 and 76' being separated by a wide space which must be bridged by a screw. Due to the strain being distributed along the whole length of the edge configurations upon the tightening of the clamping device, the distance between the clamp members may vary without affecting the strength of the assembly. 115 Figures 70 and 71 illustrate a coupling member for pipes or rods and a typical assembly (Figures 72 and 74) constructed with the use of the coupling members, in - which frame-work structures of components 120 having T-shaped edge portions belong to an assembly in which pipes or rods support or secure the frame-work plates in a certain relation to each other. To choose rods or pipes as connecting elements in such cases is 125 appropriate by reason of the rigidity of the T-shaped edge portions in all directions, and their availability and -low price. This design pattern is also usual in machine building and thus conforms to usual design practice. With 130 b 1,124,162 the provision of the clamp structure in Figures 70, 71 the adaptability is thus substantially enhanced. The structures described previously principally consist of frameworks and supporting structures, the most important characteristic of which is the concentration of the movable systems into defined spaces formed by more or less open frame-work structures assembled from plates.

I -With the clamp structure described now, and the aid of rods or pipes, the possibilities are increased of connecting different units of an assembly which are to be spaced at any desired distance. Thereby the requirement I5 is met to be able to concentrate all the operational units on one side of a frame-work, and the ability to distribute them freely in positions dictated by a certain process on the other side.

The coupling member comprises a substantially rectangular metal body 85, Figures 70, 71, with a hole 98 through it to acconimodate a rod or pipe and two opposed ribs 7 and 7' of T-shaped cross section extending parallel to the hole axis. The dimension over the ribs is the same as for the wider strip, namely equal to C. This dimensioning enables the coupling member to be mounted i n frame-work structures of the system, and besides its most important function of forming supports for rods or pipes which support frame-work units, it may also afford, mountings for pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.

The width perpendicular to the ribs is suffi:35 ciently great to accommodate threaded holes 11, 11' of sufficient length for set screws to secure the rod or pipes satisfactorily. The coupling member may be formed from an extruded section of metal or other, equivalent A() material, or by sintered material. Figure 72 illustrates a frame-work structure composed of the plate 1' with bearing units 12"' and 13 mounted therein, the bearing housing disposed in the slot being provided with an adjusting screw 23, and of a composite frame-work unit having the dimensions A x B, assembled from the plate 2, the strip 4, the narrow strips 6 and 6' and the bearing units 12"" and 12""'. The frame-work units -50 are interconnected at a certain distance by the pipes or rods 86 and 86' and the clamp structures 75, 75', 75", 75"', 75"", 75""' and 75""" which form connecting means between the T-shaped portions of the plates and the T-shaped portions of the clamp structures 85, 85' 85", 85"', 85"" and 85""' which are secured to the pipes or rods with set screws. When necessary, the spacing of the units may be readily adjusted, since the unit mounted between the rods or pipes is displaceable along the latter, if the set screws are untightened.

The mounting of the bearing unit 12' is illustrated in Figure 73. This figure shows the bearing unit frame-work as seen from the section line on rod 86' in Figure 72. The frame-work is composed of the strips 70 and 70', the bearing unit 12' and the clamp structures 45 and 45' corresponding to the clamp structures in Figures 43 to 48. The clamp 70 structures are screwed to the sleeves 88 and 88' which are in turn fastened to the clamp structures 75 and 75'. Such a suspension of the frame-work enables the frame-work to be turned about the screws within the sleeves 75 88 and 88', so that shafts may be disposed obliquely within the frame-work structure.

As in all other examples shafts and wheels, or other movable parts have not been illustrated. In some instances the shafts have 80 been indicated by centre lines, as in Figure 72. The system according to the invention only comprises the frame-work building components with beaning means, and for clarity no other bulky parts have been 85 shown in the drawings.

Figures 74 and 75 illustrate a base plate 9& upon which is erected a frame-work comprising the rods or pipes 86 and 86' and supporting a composite plate frame-work structure 80 above the 'base plate. Connecting elements between the base plate and the rods or pipes comprise member 55, - coupling mmbers 85"" and 85""' and the clamp structures in Figures 56 to 61 which have been 95 denoted 75, 75', 75" and 75"'. Coupling members 85, 85', 85" and 85"' unite the rods with the elevated structure 80, as shown.

On the stepped member 55 there is erected a composite bearing frame-work formed of 1oo the strips 70, 70', 70", 70"' and 70"" and the bearing units 30 and 12'. The assembly on the member 55 is constructed with the clamp structure easily identifiable in the figure as well 'as with the clamp structure 105 40. It is noted that the strip 70' is of such a width that it may be employed at the same time 'by two bearing units on different levels.

The bearing unit 12 is disposed on a horlizontally extended frame-work formed by the 110 strips 70"' and 70"" which have been connected to strips 70' 'and 70" by means. of clamp structures 7S5 and 75', corresponding to the clamp structure in Figures 62 to 69.

This bearing is assumed to journal a shaft, 115 indicated only by its centre line, which extends through the bearing unit 12", Figure 75. This bearing unit is mounted in 'a framework joined to the building unit with 'a clamp member (not shown) which has been joined 120 with the strip 51 to form an assembly which is further filled up by the strip 70""'.

On the upper T-shaped portions of the unit 80 there is built a bearing frame-work comprising, in addition to-the given structure, the strip 6, the bearing unit 30' and 30" and clamp 'structures 75""' and 75""".

Figure 75 illustrates the same structure as Figure 74 in a side elevation view. The screw slits in the base plate 90 are shown 130 1j24,162 together with its T-shaped portion along the edge, supported by clamps 56. The stepped member 55 supports the rod 86 by means of the clamp structure 85-"'. Not shown on Figure 74 is the distance rod 87 and the bearing frame-works 89 and 89' mounted on stepped members. The clamp structure and 75' is shown from the side supporting the horizontally extending bearing frameIQ work formed by strips 70"' and 70"" and the beaning unit 12.