Connecting System, Hole Carrier, Method for the Assembly of a Module and Use

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting system 1, comprising at least one hole carrier 2 with a row of side openings 4 made therein in a longitudinal direction, the openings being aligned in a first orientation and in a second orientation orthogonal thereto and being made transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein the side openings 4 of the first and the second orientation are shifted by one half the distance between two side openings 4. According to the invention, the distance between two side openings 4 is smaller than the clear width of the side openings 4, the side opening 4 of the second orientation being made within this distance and the side openings 4 of the first and the second orientation partially penetrating one another. The invention further relates to a method for building an assembly from a connecting system 1 and to a use of a connecting system 1 having the associated securing and connection elements and the installation sequence.

Claims

1. A connecting system (1), comprising at least one hole carrier (2) with a row of side openings (4) made therein in a longitudinal direction, the openings being aligned in a first orientation and in a second orientation orthogonal thereto and being made transverse to the longitudinal direction, wherein the side openings (4) of the first and the second orientation are shifted by one half the distance between the center axes of two side openings (4), the connecting system (1) further comprising at least one round connection element (12) or at least one cruciform connection element (8), characterized in that the distances between two side openings (4) in the first orientation are less than the clear width of the side openings (4), the side openings (4) of the second orientation being made within said distance, and the side openings (4) of the first and the second orientation partially penetrating one another.

2. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein the side openings (4) have a cross section in which a circular cross section is overlapped by a cruciform cross section in such a way that the contour of the circle is broken up at four places evenly distributed along the periphery.

3. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein at least one end face at a first and/or a second end of the at least one hole carrier (2) has end openings (6) with the same cross section as the side openings (4) or circular cross section alone.

4. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one hole carrier (2) has a square cross section with edge length B and rounded edges transverse to the longitudinal direction.

5. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cruciform connection element (8) has a cross section which corresponds to that of the side openings (4) and/or wherein the at least one round connection element (12) has a cross section that corresponds to the circular portion of the cross section of the side openings (4).

6. The connecting system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cruciform connection element (8) has at least one dual groove (10) on at least one side surface which extends in the longitudinal direction, a longitudinal side, the dual groove (10) running transverse relative to the longitudinal direction and the profile of the dual groove (10) corresponding to the external contour of the longitudinal side of the at least one cruciform connection element (8), and the dual groove (10) having a depth which corresponds to the penetration of the side openings (4) of the first and the second orientation.

7. The connecting system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one round connecting element (12) has at least one dual annular groove (14) which runs along the outside surface in a circular fashion, and the profile of which corresponds to the outer contour of the longitudinal side of the at least one cruciform connection element (8), the dual annular groove (14) having a depth which corresponds to the penetration of the side openings (4) of the first and the second orientation.

8. The connecting system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one cruciform connection element (8) has two dual grooves (10) and the at least one round connection element (12) has two dual annular grooves (14) and a length which is equal to twice the edge length B, the contour of the dual grooves (10) and the dual annular grooves (14) corresponding to the surface contour of the cruciform connection element (8), and the distance between the two dual grooves (10) or the two dual annular grooves (14) being equal to the edge length B.

9. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein at least one securing connector (34) is provided which has a securing pin (31) at each of its two ends, at least one of which is designed round pin (27), a cruciform pin (29), provided for insertion into a side opening (4), or as a securing pin (31) for insertion into the end opening (6).

10. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein a blocking element (16) and/or a securing blocking element (18) is included whose cross sectional shape corresponds to that of the side openings (4) and whose length is equal to edge length B.

11. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein a pull-out preventer (22) is included for the cruciform connection element (8) and/or for the round connection element (12), the cruciform connection element (8) and/or the round connection element (12) having a securing receptacle (20).

12. The connecting system according to claim 1, wherein an angle piece (26, 28, 30) is provided which has at least two pins (27, 29, 31) which are aligned perpendicular with respect to one another.

13. The connecting system according to claim 12, wherein the angle piece is designed as a round connector angle piece (26) and has at least one round pin (27) as a pin, or wherein the angle piece is designed as a cross connector angle piece (28) and at least one cruciform pin (29) as a pin, or wherein the angle piece is designed as a securing connector angle piece (30) and at least one securing pin (31) as a pin.

14. A hole carrier for a connection system (1) according to claim 1, in which flank apertures (4) aligned in series in a longitudinal direction and oriented in a first orientation and orthogonally thereto in a second orientation are introduced transversely to the longitudinal direction, wherein the flank openings (4) of the first and the second orientation are offset by half the distance between the centers of two flank openings (4), characterized in that the edge distance between two flank openings (4) in the first orientation is smaller than the clear width of the flank openings (4), in which the edge distance between two flank apertures (4) in the first orientation is smaller than the clear width of the flank apertures (4), in which the flank apertures (4) of the second orientation are introduced in each case in the edge distance between two flank apertures (4) in the first orientation, and in which the flank apertures (4) of the first and second orientation partially penetrate one another, the flank apertures (4) having a cross section in which a circular cross-section is superimposed by a cruciform cross-section in such a way that the circular contour is broken up at four points evenly distributed around the circumference, at least one end face at a first and/or a second end of the hole carrier (2) having end face apertures (6) of the same cross-section as the flank apertures (4) or the circular cross-section alone.

15. A method for building an assembly (40) from a connecting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a rotationally fixed connection of at least two hole carriers (2) is accomplished using a cruciform connection element (8) which is inserted into one side opening (4) each of each hole carrier (2), that the rotatable connection of two hole carriers (2) is accomplished using a round connection element (12) which is inserted into one side opening (4) or one end opening (6) each of each hole carrier (2), wherein the securing against pull-out of the cruciform connection element (8) or of the round connection element (12) is accomplished using a cruciform connection element (8) or a blocking element (16) or a securing blocking element (18) which is perpendicular to the cruciform connection element (8) or the round connection element (12) in the adjacent side opening (4).

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein a corner connection is accomplished using an angle piece (26, 28, 30), the protruding pins (27, 29, 31) of which being inserted into the side opening (4) or the end opening (6) of the hole carrier (2), and wherein an end connection is accomplished using a securing connector (34) whose protruding securing pins (31) are inserted into the end openings (6) of the hole carriers (2) to be connected.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the blocking element is designed as a securing blocking element (18) and comprises a securing receptacle (20) into which a pull-out preventer (22) is inserted which prevents removal of the securing blocking element (18), the pull-out preventer only able to be removed using a tool.

18. Use of a connecting system (1) according to claim 1 as a toy (40), furniture system, module system or construction kit system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of the description of exemplary embodiments and their illustration in the associated drawings. Shown are:

[0060] FIG. 1: a schematic perspective of an embodiment of a connecting system according to the invention;

[0061] FIG. 2: a schematic view from three sides; a perspective view and a sectional representation of an embodiment of a hole carrier;

[0062] FIG. 3: schematic views from three sides and in a perspective of an embodiment of a cruciform connection element according to the invention;

[0063] FIG. 4: schematic views from three sides and in a perspective of an embodiment of a round connection element according to the invention;

[0064] FIG. 5: schematic views from three sides and in a perspective of an embodiment of a blocking element according to the invention;

[0065] FIG. 6: schematic views from three sides and in a perspective of an embodiment of a securing blocking element according to the invention;

[0066] FIG. 7: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a pull-out preventer according to the invention;

[0067] FIG. 8: a schematic view from three sides of an embodiment of a connecting system with section of a hole carrier according to the invention;

[0068] FIG. 9: schematic views from two sides with a sectional representation; wherein a blocking function of a connecting system according to the invention is illustrated using a securing blocking element;

[0069] FIG. 10: schematic views from three sides with a sectional representation; wherein a blocking function of a connecting system according to the invention is illustrated using a securing blocking element;

[0070] FIG. 11: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a connecting system according to the invention with a cruciform connection element and a round connection element;

[0071] FIG. 12: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a connecting system according to the invention with two cruciform connection elements;

[0072] FIG. 13: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a round connector angle piece according to the invention;

[0073] FIG. 14: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a cruciform connector angle piece according to the invention;

[0074] FIG. 15: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of a securing connector angle piece according to the invention;

[0075] FIG. 16: schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a connecting system according to the invention with a securing connector angle piece and a securing blocking axis;

[0076] FIG. 17: a schematic perspective view and from three sides of a securing connector 34 according to the invention;

[0077] FIG. 18: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spacing element 38 as a further component in the connecting system according to the invention, and

[0078] FIG. 19: a schematic perspective view of a motorcycle, assembled from the connecting system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting system 1 according to the invention, the structure of hole carriers 2 of various lengths and thus of varying numbers of side openings 4. What is shown is the option of a free angular position, different connection options rotational locking, rotatability and securing of the axial position by way of the components used.

[0080] A first hole carrier 2 has 4 and 3 side openings 4, respectively, a total of 7 openings, oriented at 90° angles relative to one another, the beam hereinafter being referred to as a 4-3 hole carrier 2. The identifier 4-3 refers to the hole distribution and thus to the length of the scalable hole carrier 2. The end of the 3-2 hole carrier 2 is fastened to the side of the 4-3 hole carrier 2. The side of the 5-4 hole carrier 2 is located horizontally at the end of the 4-3 hole carrier 2 opposite to the 3-2 hole carrier and forms an end connection at a 90° angle. The side opening 4 pattern is repeated in all hole carriers 2 used, with regard to design and function, regardless of length, and thus represents the typical design of the connecting system 1 according to the invention.

[0081] To connect different hole carriers 2 in a positionally-secured, parallel manner, cruciform connection elements 8 are used (see also FIG. 3). These elements allow the connection of two building blocks (m-n) in freely selectable adjacent side openings 4 in a positionally fixed manner relative to one another. Removal and insertion are achieved solely by manual force unless a locking element 16 (see also FIG. 5) is used. In addition to vertical and free positioning, the cruciform connection elements 8 also allow a parallel arrangement of two hole carriers 2 relative to one another as well.

[0082] In addition, round connection elements 12 (see also FIG. 4) are used for purposes of rotatable connection of parallel hole carriers 2, or for connection to the ends of the beams. The round connection elements 12 secure two hole carriers 2 in freely selectable adjacent side openings 4 relative to one another in a freely selectable angular position. Here, as well, removal and insertion are achieved solely by manual force unless a locking element 16 is used, the cruciform design of which [is used?] to secure the axial position of adjacent connection elements (cruciform connection elements 8 and/or round connection elements 12). Also provided is a locking element 16 (see FIG. 5) for connection elements 8 and 12, the locking element taking effect by engagement in its dual groove 10 or dual annular groove 14. For safety reasons, the pull-out preventer requires force and a tool to be removed and is countersunk flush with the surface. Also, it cannot be pushed through using the tool and may only be removed in the direction of insertion, accessed from the outside.

[0083] FIG. 2 shows schematic views from three sides, a perspective view, and a sectional representation of an embodiment of a hole carrier 2 according to the invention, here a 4-3 hole carrier 2. According to the preferred exemplary embodiment of a connecting system according to the invention, the number of side openings 4, 4 and 3, totaling 7, defines the hole distribution and thereby the length of the scalable hole carrier 2, beginning with a 2-1 hole distribution and ending with a 15-14 hole distribution. 4-3 (in general m-n) indicates that there are four side openings 4 on one side and three side openings 4 on the respective adjacent side which is offset by an angle of 90°. Since the width B of all sides is the same, the result is a square cross section.

[0084] This two-sided, unequal m-n grid pattern allows the densest possible connection structure to be created, and the adjacent side openings 4, which are offset by 90°, can even mutually obstruct and secure one another. This makes a very detailed connection between the different basic building blocks possible. By way of incrementalization of m-n, the computable scalability can be defined as theoretically infinite.

[0085] With their appearance, functionality and arrangement, the side openings 4 essentially define the design of the hole carrier 2. The side openings 4 are arranged at equal distances to one another on each respective side of the hole carrier 2. The distances of the side openings 4 from one another on respective adjacent surfaces, i.e. the sides which are offset by 90° to one another, are identical, but are shifted by one half the distance; this creates a specific whole-numbered grid dimension per side, resulting in the m-n relationship.

[0086] The typical pattern of a side opening 4 repeats itself at regular intervals. The shift between the two sides that are offset by 90° by one half the width of one of the side openings is indicated using two dashed lines connecting the two views. The side openings so shaped can hold both round connection elements 12, which must be actively obstructed, as well as cruciform connection elements 8 in which self-locking is possible; combinations of these are also possible. On the one hand, this provides a variety of connection possibilities in a single side opening 4. Also, the connection possibilities are not only achieved for static and moving elements using the connection elements 8, 12 themselves, but also from the building block design. The combination of both facilitates the working principle according to the invention.

[0087] The areas between the side openings 4 indicated depressions which generate both an optimum of material savings (notches) and component stability (rib structure). In the preferred embodiment, significant rounding of all external edges and contours contribute to a child-proof, safer toy, and a smooth, playful design.

[0088] The contour of the side openings 4 and the end openings 6 disclose the possibilities for introducing a variety of connection elements, in particular: [0089] introducing circular connection and securing elements (rotatability) into the building block, [0090] introducing specially shaped cruciform connection and securing elements (for positional securing), [0091] clarifying the 90° offset and tight adjacent positioning of two cruciform hole cross sections (multi-axis connections with mutual penetration for positional securing with the densest possible arrangement).

[0092] FIG. 3 shows schematic views of three sides, and in a perspective, of an embodiment of a cruciform connection element 8 according to the invention, the length of which, in order to connect two hole carriers 2, is equal to twice the edge length B at the cross section of the hole carrier 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown. Due to the shape of the cruciform geometry, the cross section of the cruciform connection element 8 with its cross ribs 9 and the contour of the side opening 4, the cruciform connection element 8 itself cannot be rotated when inside the hole carrier 2.

[0093] The frictional pairing between the cruciform connection element 8 and the hole carrier 2 leads to self-locking. The length of the cruciform connection element 8, and of the round connection element 12 as well, described thereafter in FIG. 4, is also scalable similar to the hole carriers 2, and depends on the number of adjacent parallel hole carriers 2 to be connected together. By adapting the angular positions of the cruciform connection element 8 according to the respective edge length, i.e. width B, of the hole carrier 2 (which is equal to the penetration depth of the cruciform connection element 8), fixed angles beyond 0° and 90° can be established as relative positions of the hole carrier 2 using a cruciform connection element 8 so designed.

[0094] The sides of the cruciform connection element 8 have a specially-shaped profile with cruciform ribs 9 on the cylindrical outer surface in order to establish non-rotating connections. For adjusting the angular positions, the cruciform ribs 9 do not extend all the way through along the entire surface of the cruciform connection element 8 but are interrupted after a length equal to width B and continue shifted by the desired angle.

[0095] The cruciform connection element 8 also comprises at least one dual groove 10—two dual grooves in the exemplary embodiment shown—for mutual penetration of the connection elements 8, 12 (see also FIGS. 8 to 12) with adjacent securing elements and connection elements 8, 12. These dual grooves 10 make it possible for the adjacent connection elements 8, 12 to form a secure axial position and pull-out prevention of the connection elements 8, 12 relative to one another and with one another. Additional securing elements are thus unnecessary. The geometry of the dual grooves 10 in this case matches the (negative) outer geometry of the cruciform connection element 8, primarily the geometry of the cruciform ribs 9.

[0096] FIG. 4 shows schematic views of three sides, and in a perspective, of an embodiment of a round connection element 12 according to the invention, the length of which in the exemplary embodiment shown is also equal to twice the edge length B at the cross section of the hole carrier 2 for connecting two m-n base building blocks. Due to the cylindrical geometry, rotation of the round connection element 12 itself in the hole carrier 2 is possible and desired. The length of the round connection elements 12 is also scalable similar to those of the hole carrier 2 itself and depends on the number of adjacent parallel hole carriers 2 which are to be put together using the round connection element 12. The sides of the round connection element 12, its cylindrical exterior, [has] a simple cylindrical profile for establishing rotatable connections, in particular connections to hole carriers 2.

[0097] The dual annular grooves 14 ensure the mutual penetration of connection elements 8, 12 with adjacent securing elements and connection elements 8, 12. These dual annular grooves 14 make it possible for the adjacent cruciform connection elements 8 to form a secure axial position and pull-out preventer of the round connection elements 12. Additional securing elements are thus unnecessary. The geometry of the dual annular grooves 14 in this case matches the negative contour of the cruciform connection element 8, primarily the contour of the cruciform ribs 9 thereof.

[0098] FIG. 5 shows schematic views of three sides, and in a perspective, of an embodiment of a blocking element 16 according to the invention in cruciform cross section, in the manner of a short cruciform connection element 8 with a length which is only as long as the width B of the hole carrier 2. The geometry is the negative contour of a fully shaped side opening 4, having a corresponding clearance fit in order to facilitate assembly.

[0099] In addition, a pull-out hole 17 can be present in the core of the blocking element 16 as shown in the example, it being possible to introduce into the hole a tool for pulling out the blocking element 16. The tool grasps the blocking element 16 in the pull-out hole 17 using frictional locking, using threads, a bayonet, penetration followed by opening, or similar. The length of this securing element is always as long as the simple cross section of a simple hole carrier. As such, this shortest securing element only has a purely retaining function and reaches into the grooves 10, 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of other connection elements 8, 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) in order to secure them in position.

[0100] The blocking element 16 itself has no double groove 10 since it performs the blocking function of the double groove 10 or double annular groove 14 of the connection elements 8, 12 from FIGS. 3 and 4. The axial position of the blocking element 16 is always 90° offset relative to the previously inserted connection element 8, 12. The axes of the connection element 8, 12 and the blocking element 16 are thus perpendicular relative to one another, and have the appropriate half-shift of side openings 4. Skillful insertion of one of these blocking elements 16 results in the securing of two laterally adjacent connection elements 8, 12, which are offset by 90° for this purpose, in their respective positions. The respective inserted connection elements 8, 12 touch one another due to this design and due to the specific arrangement of the side openings 4 due to their penetration, thereby preventing unintended pulling out of the connection elements 8, 12 in the sequence of their installation. Die clearance tolerances (precision) must be specified to be finer in this case in order to ensure the highest possible pull-out security. Die security against unintended removal increases as a result. As such, a tool must be inserted in order to remove it by overcoming the incident friction.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows schematic views of three sides, and in perspective, of an embodiment of a securing blocking element 18 according to the invention, the blocking element being designed as a radially drilled securing element, achieved by drilling a round hole in the side perpendicular to the longitudinal axis on one side. In this way, a defined installation position is specified. In the installation position provided, the side hole of the securing blocking element 18, the hole forming a pin receptacle 24, is arranged coaxial to the end opening 6 of the hole carrier 2. This is the only way to achieve the required connection stability when the elements are installed. The hole carrier 2 itself lies in the last cruciform hole of the building blocks, then receiving end pins 27, 29, 31 there, in particular securing pins 31 (see FIGS. 13 to 17).

[0102] The pin 27, 29, 31 of an angle piece 26, 28, 30 (see FIGS. 13 to 16) is now introduced into the pin receptacle of securing blocking element 18. This pin can still be pulled out in the direction of the end of the hole carrier 2 and is secured using a pull-out preventer 22 in a securing receptacle 20 (see FIGS. 7 and 16).

[0103] To secure against unintended pull-out, the securing blocking element 18 itself is also perforated with an additional end hole, called the securing receptacle 20. This hole preferably has the miniature contour of the cruciform connection element 8 and receives a pull-out preventer 22 which is adequate based on its cross section as a final securing means.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a pull-out preventer according to the invention 22. As already explained in FIG. 6, this additional securing element is inserted into securing blocking element 18 after a securing pin 31 (see FIGS. 15 and 16 or FIG. 17) has been inserted into pin receptacle 24. Securing blocking element 18, hole carrier 2 and the inserted angle piece 26, 28, 30 are all penetrated by the pin. In the process, all penetrated parts are fixed in position due to shape-locking and are thereby secured against being pulled out.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows schematic views of three sides of an embodiment of a connecting system 1 according to the invention, with the hole carrier 2 cut open in the interest of better clarity, and with adjacent connection elements, here two cruciform connection elements 8, in the side openings 4. It is shown that the parts fit together with almost no play. At the same time, this arrangement effectuates a block against pull-out of the cruciform connection element 8 first inserted, the blocking being accomplished by the cruciform connection element 8 inserted last. Thus, the sequence of assembly is important to the manner of blocking and fixing of the connection elements 8, 12.

[0106] FIG. 9 shows schematic views from two sides with a sectional representation, wherein a blocking function of a connecting system 1 according to the invention is illustrated using a securing blocking element 18. When securing element 16 or securing blocking element 18 is inserted, as shown, the round connection element can only be pulled back out when the securing element 16 or securing blocking element 18 has been removed. The connection of hole carriers 2 to the round connection element 12 is designed as being rotatable on both sides of the connection, with a desired rotation.

[0107] A cruciform connection element 8 with an adjacent round connection element 12 and a securing blocking element 18 is again used here. The cruciform connection element 8 is secured due to engagement of the cruciform ribs 9 of the securing blocking element 18 in the dual groove 10. The securing blocking element 18 is identified by the securing receptacle 20 for tool access.

[0108] Skilled arrangement and combination of various elements relative to one another facilitates or hinders selective rotation and/or translation. Free and fixed angular positions can be implemented simultaneously, and a pull-out preventer can be optionally provided or excluded. Parallel and/or non-parallel oriented positions of the hole carriers 2 relative to one another are also simultaneously possible.

[0109] FIG. 10 shows schematic views from three sides with a sectional representation, wherein a blocking function of a connecting system 1 according to the invention is illustrated using a cruciform connection element 8. The function for preventing the round connection element 12 from being pulled out, but maintaining its rotatability, corresponds to the function explained in FIG. 9 in principle.

[0110] FIG. 11 shows schematic views from three sides and in two perspectives of an embodiment of a connecting system 1 according to the invention with a cruciform connection element 8 and a round connection element 12 arranged adjacent to one another in the hole carrier 2. The cruciform connection elements 8 are illustrated in a sectionally depicted hole carrier 2. It is shown that the parts fit together with almost no play. At the same time, this arrangement effectuates a block against pull-out of the cruciform connection element 8 first inserted, the blocking being accomplished by the cruciform connection element 8 inserted last. Thus, the sequence of assembly is important to the manner of blocking of the connection elements.

[0111] FIG. 12 shows schematic views from three sides, and in two perspectives, of an embodiment of a connecting system 1 according to the invention with two cruciform connection elements 8 depicting an adjacent connection element, which is a cruciform connection element 8, being illustrated in a sectionally depicted hole carrier 2. It is shown that the parts fit together with almost no play. At the same time, this arrangement effectuates a blocking against pull-out of the connection element 8 first inserted, the blocking being accomplished by the cruciform connection element 8 last inserted. Thus, the sequence of assembly is important to the manner of blocking of the components.

[0112] FIG. 13 shows schematic views of three sides, and in two perspectives, of an embodiment of a round connector angle piece 26 according to the invention, an angle piece with two round pins 27 for connection in the end openings 6 or the side openings 4. The round pins 27 positioned at the round connector angle piece 26 resemble the round connection elements 12 (see FIG. 4) described above and adapt the dual annular groove 14 explained there for securing purposes.

[0113] These round pins 27 are not drilled, and have no holes, and therefore have no pin receptacle 24 (see FIG. 6) and are also not secured by a pull-out preventer 22 (see FIG. 7) against being pulled out. A connection can be made in the side openings 4 of the hole carriers 2. The component-specific angular position of the round pins 27 relative to one another can be established in steps or continuously from 90° (as shown in the example) to −90°, thus generating a range of 180° of freely selectable connection directions.

[0114] FIG. 14 shows schematic views of three sides, and in two perspectives, of an embodiment of a cruciform connector angle piece 28 as a supplement to the connecting system 1 according to the invention, an angle piece with positioned cruciform pins 29 for rotationally fixed connecting of a plurality of hole carriers 2 in freely selectable angular positions from 90° to −90° at the side openings 4, the positions being securable using a blocking element 16 or a securing blocking element 18 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The cruciform pins 29 positioned at the cruciform connector angle piece 28 resemble the cruciform connection elements 8 (see FIG. 3) described above. These pins are notched peripherally by the dual groove 10 typical for the cruciform connection elements 8 so as to achieve the securing and rotational fixing mentioned. The component-specific angular position of the cruciform pins 29 relative to one another can be established in steps or continuously from 90° to −90°, thus generating a range of 180° of freely selectable connection directions.

[0115] FIG. 15 shows schematic views from three sides, and in two perspectives, of an embodiment of a securing connector angle piece 30 according to the invention, an angle piece with a securing pin 31 for a pull-out secured and rotationally fixed end connection (only achievable in combination with the securing blocking element 18 according to FIG. 6 and a pull-out preventer 22 according to FIG. 7) of multiple hole carriers 2 at fixed angular positions of 0/360°, 90°, 180°, and 270° at the end openings 6. The design of the securing pin 31 is based on the round connection element 12, but whose cylindrical shape is held at the base of the securing pin 31 where the pin is connected to the securing connector angle piece 30. The securing pin 31 further narrows to a diameter which allows for a clearance fit in the pin receptacle of the securing blocking element. The securing pin 31 has a securing receptacle 20 in its narrowed region, the receptacle running transverse to the pin axis. This structure facilitates installation of the securing pin 31 into the end opening 6 and the securing of the pin by way of a securing blocking element 18 inserted in an adjacent side opening 4 in combination with a pull-out preventer 22. The assembled state is shown in the following FIG. 16.

[0116] The securing connector angle piece 30 can be secured against pull-out in its final position by introducing the pull-out preventer 22, which is a securing pin, into the drilled securing blocking element 18 with the pin receptacle 24. This makes stable end-to-end connections of hole carriers 2 possible in a multitude of angular positions.

[0117] The variety of application, for example the round connector angle piece 26 (FIG. 13) and cruciform connector angle piece 28 (FIG. 14), in general increases the modularity of the overall connection and kit system according to the invention. Individual elements, such as angled hole carriers 2, can be completely eliminated from the connecting system 1. This reduces expenses for development and tools.

[0118] As a combination of round pin 27, cruciform pin 29 and securing pin 31 with an angle piece, designed as a round connector angle piece 26, cruciform connector angle piece 28 or securing connector angle piece 30, in various structures with a single or with different kinds of pins, the resulting capability being connection in end openings 6 and side openings 4 and combinations thereof. All possible variants of the angle piece 26, 28, 30 are combined to achieve this. For example, on one side of the angle piece 26, 28, 30 there is a round pin 27, and on the other side there is the cruciform pin 29 or the securing pin 31. In each case the appropriate securing elements must be used. This expands the combination options many times over. Thus, a variety of fixed or moving connections can be established by selecting the angle of the angle pieces 26, 28 and 30 in which pins 27, 29 and 31 lie relative to one another, and by selecting the connection technology, and this allows different relative positions of components, in particular of hole carriers 2, to be realized.

[0119] Through skilled selection of materials, the angle pieces 26, 28, and 30 can be designed to be optionally stiff or flexible. Thus, their advantages can be expanded, for example by virtue of targeted damping characteristics, spring characteristics or dedicated assembly stiffness.

[0120] All special components and associated angled tools can be eliminated from the connecting system by using angle piece 26, 28 and 30. Thus, it is possible to create the angular positions using very few intermediate pieces. Three preferred variations are provided at 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°, each of these variations using the same working principles equally and for all other angular positions. FIGS. 13 to 15 represent the 90° variations, respectively. The degree indicated refers to the relative position of round pin 27, cruciform pin 29 and securing pin 31 relative to one another, i.e. different angular positions can be depicted independent of the geometry or function selected.

[0121] FIG. 16 shows schematic views from three sides, and in two perspectives, of an embodiment of a connecting system 1 according to the invention with a securing connector angle piece 30 and a securing blocking axis 18. This additionally illustrates the options of corner connection and end connection with the aid of the appropriate securing elements. A combination of securing connector angle piece 30, securing blocking axis 18 and an exemplary hole carrier 2 is shown in order to illustrate that the principle of geometric penetration is used here as well to provide positional securing and pull-out prevention.

[0122] FIG. 17 shows a schematic perspective of an embodiment of a securing connector 34 according to the invention. This connection element for end openings 6 has a securing pin 31 on both ends and is used to establish abutting end connections between hole connectors 2. The cylindrical shape is suitable for penetrating into the end openings 6. A central peripheral bead 36 prevents too deep of a penetration and represents a positional boundary. In its final position, the securing connector 34 can be secured against being pulled out by inserting a pull-out preventer 22 into a securing blocking element 18 with a pin receptacle 24, as was already described (see FIGS. 15 and 16). This makes stable end-to-end connections possible in an abutting position.

[0123] FIG. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spacing element 38 as a further component in the connecting system 1 according to the invention, representing a supplement to the other functional parts. The spacing element 38 can be installed in the same manner as the hole carrier 2 and parallel thereto since it has side openings 4 with the same contour as in the hole carrier 2. The spacing element 38 is always used where ergonomic questions are at issue, i.e. the active utility of the assemblies created from the connecting system according to the invention (set-up width of legs, reachable handles and handling units).

[0124] The spacing element 38 is also used as a reinforcing strut in trusses or for fastening and supplementation in spatial support structures (such as cranes, excavator arms), saving design space in the process. In an ergonomic sense, it is advantageous to use this part in pairs. The thickness of the spacing element 38 is 0.5 B, and therefore is equal to the overall thickness B when used in pairs, which is the base dimension of the connecting system according to the invention.

[0125] In general, all elements of the connecting system according to the invention can also be used as adapters when designed at half dimensions of B/2, as it were, or at dimension B in order to adapt special parts and special designs.

[0126] FIG. 19 shows a schematic perspective view of a motorcycle 40, assembled from hole carriers 2, cruciform connection elements 8 and other design elements of the connecting system according to the invention, supplemented by individually required elements such as wheels and the steering wheel.

[0127] The motorcycle 40 shows the possibility of constructing practical and useful objects which satisfy high safety requirements. The safety is ensured by the functionality described above, which prevents unintended loosening of connections.

[0128] To prevent undesired disassembly by unauthorized parties, casing elements are provided as securing elements, which are not shown, the casing elements preventing access to the individual parts for the most part using a safety lock system. Intended removal can never be done without access using tools. For safety reasons, an increase in cognition and increased motor skills are required to perform removal. It is helpful to make use of securing elements at neuralgic points (such as axes, joints, steering head).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0129] 1 Connecting system [0130] 2 Hole carrier [0131] 4 Side opening [0132] 6 End opening [0133] 8 Cruciform connection element, connection element [0134] 9 Cross rib [0135] 10 Dual groove, groove [0136] 12 Round connection element, connection element [0137] 14 Dual annular groove, groove [0138] 16 Blocking element [0139] 17 Pull-out hole [0140] 18 Securing blocking element [0141] 20 Securing receptacle [0142] 22 Pull-out preventer [0143] 24 Pin receptacle [0144] 26 Round connector angle piece, angle piece [0145] 27 Round pin, pin [0146] 28 Cruciform connector angle piece, angle piece [0147] 29 Cruciform pin, pin [0148] 30 Securing connector angle piece, angle piece [0149] 31 Securing pin, pin [0150] 34 Securing connector [0151] 36 Bead [0152] 38 Spacing element [0153] 40 Motorcycle, assembly, toy [0154] B Width