JP7842985B2 - Lattice and buildings - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to grids and buildings.

Buildings with lattices are known (see Patent Document 1). A lattice comprises multiple poles and crossbars connecting the multiple poles arranged in the width direction. The lattice is installed on the exterior wall of a building.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-166270

To improve the exterior design of buildings, lattices are sometimes installed over large areas of the building's exterior walls. Lattice work is also sometimes incorporated as part of the building's landscaping. However, as the size of the lattice increases, it becomes more difficult to handle, reducing the ease of installation.

(1) The lattice that solves the above problem is a lattice installed in a building, comprising a first lattice unit having a first pole, and a second lattice unit having a second pole and connected to the first lattice unit, wherein the second lattice unit is connected to the first lattice unit such that the first pole of the first lattice unit and the second pole of the second lattice unit are connected in the longitudinal direction of the first pole. With this configuration, the lattice is composed of multiple lattice units. Since each individual lattice unit is smaller than the lattice and easier to handle, the ease of installation of the lattice is improved.

(2) In the grid described in (1) above, a joint is further provided, the joint connecting the second pole of the second grid unit and the first pole of the first grid unit. This configuration allows for easier connection of the second pole of the second grid unit to the first pole of the first grid unit compared to welding.

(3) In the lattice described in (2) above, the joint comprises a first member attached to the end of the first pole of the first lattice unit and a second member attached to the end of the second pole of the second lattice unit, wherein the first member has a first engaging portion, and the second member has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion.

In this configuration, the joint is composed of multiple members that engage with each other. One of these members, the first member, is provided on the first pole of the first lattice unit. The other, the second member, is provided on the second pole of the second lattice unit. This structure allows for the relief of stress at the connection point between the first pole of the first lattice unit and the second pole of the second lattice unit when one of them shifts relative to the other.

(4) In the grid described in (3) above, the first member has a first flange surrounding the first engagement portion, and the second member has a second flange surrounding the second engagement portion, and the second flange is configured to contact the first flange when the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged with each other.

In this configuration, the second flange of the second member contacts the first flange of the first member, thereby preventing water from entering the gap between the first joint and the second engaging portion. In this way, less water enters the pole.

(5) In the grid described in (3) or (4) above, the first engaging portion of the first member has a first hole for water to pass through, and the second engaging portion of the second member has a second hole for water to pass through. With this configuration, when water enters the gap between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the water is discharged through the first or second hole, thus preventing water from accumulating in the first and second engaging portions.

(6) In the grid described in any one of items (3) to (5) above, one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is configured as a convex portion that narrows towards the end, and the other of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is configured as a recess that fits into the convex portion.

This configuration allows for the connection of the first pole of the first lattice unit to the second pole of the second lattice unit without precisely positioning the second pole relative to the first pole of the first lattice unit. Therefore, the efficiency of connecting the first and second lattice units is improved.

(7) In the grid described in (2) above, the joint has a base portion and an insertion portion provided on the base portion. The base portion is attached to one end of the first pole of the first grid unit and one end of the second pole of the second grid unit, and the insertion portion is configured to be inserted into the other end of the first pole of the first grid unit and the second pole of the second grid unit. This configuration simplifies the joint's structure compared to a joint composed of two members.

(8) A building that solves the above problems comprises one of the grids described in (1) to (7) above, and the building body. This configuration improves the constructability of the grid, thereby improving the overall constructability of the building.

(9) In the building described in (8) above, the grid is provided on the building body such that the first pole of the grid is aligned with the vertical direction or with the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.
This configuration allows the lattice to serve as a design accent for the building, thereby improving its aesthetic appeal.

(10) In the building described in (9) above, the building comprises a sloping roof and a side surface perpendicular to the uppermost edge of the roof, and the lattice is provided on the side surface, with the upper ends of multiple poles of the lattice configured to follow the gable of the roof. This configuration eliminates a design gap between the lattice and the gable of the roof, thereby improving the design aesthetics of the building.

(11) In the building described in (10) above, the building further comprises a lean-to roof projecting from the side, and the lattice is configured such that the lower ends of multiple poles of the lattice are aligned with the upper end of the lean-to roof. This configuration eliminates any design gap between the lattice and the lean-to roof, thereby improving the design aesthetics of the building.

(12) In the building described in (11) above, the roof has a ridge as the uppermost edge, and the grid is provided on the side surface over a predetermined range in the horizontal direction, including a boundary line that intersects the ridge and extends vertically, and is configured in a shape asymmetrical with respect to the boundary line in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the grid is configured in an asymmetrical shape with points near the ridge as its vertices. This distinctive grid design can improve the aesthetic appeal of the building.

(13) In the building described in (9) to (12) above, the grid comprises the first grid unit and the second grid unit, and the second grid unit is connected to the first grid unit such that the second pole of the second grid unit is connected to the first pole of the first grid unit without any gaps.

In this configuration, there is no gap between the first pole of the first lattice unit and the second pole of the second lattice unit, so from a distance, the poles appear as seamless components. In buildings, the lattice forms a unified pattern. Therefore, the design of the building is improved.

(14) In the building described in (13) above, at least one of the first lattice unit and the second lattice unit is movably attached to the building body. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the bending of one or both of the first and second lattice units, or the accumulation of stress at the mounting portions of the first and second lattice units, when at least one of the first and second lattice units expands due to solar heat.

(15 ) The reference joint is a joint that connects lattice units having poles, and connects the lattice units in the longitudinal direction of the poles. With this configuration, a lattice larger than the lattice unit can be formed by connecting multiple lattice units.

(16) In the joint described in (15) above, one of a plurality of grid units connected to each other is defined as a first grid unit, and the grid unit connected to the first grid unit is defined as a second grid unit. The joint comprises a first member attached to the end of the pole of the first grid unit and a second member attached to the end of the pole of the second grid unit. The first member has a first engaging portion, and the second member has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion.

In this configuration, the joint is composed of multiple members that engage with each other. One of these members, the first member, is provided on the pole of the first lattice unit. The other, the second member, is provided on the pole of the second lattice unit. This structure allows for the relief of stress at the connection point between the poles of the first and second lattice units when one pole shifts relative to the other while the two poles are connected.

(17) In the joint described in (15) above, one of the plurality of grid units connected to each other is defined as a first grid unit, and the grid unit connected to the first grid unit is defined as a second grid unit. The joint has a base portion and an insertion portion provided on the base portion. The base portion is attached to one of the ends of the pole of the first grid unit and the end of the pole of the second grid unit, and the insertion portion is configured to be inserted into the other end of the pole of the first grid unit and the end of the pole of the second grid unit. This configuration simplifies the joint's structure compared to a joint composed of two members.

The joints, grids, and buildings of this disclosure can improve constructability with respect to the grids.

This is a front view of the grid. This is a front view of the first grid unit. This is a front view of the second grid unit. This is a front view of the fixing bracket, showing the engagement relationship between the mounting portion of the first lattice unit and the fixing bracket of the building. This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing bracket along line 5-5 in Figure 4. This diagram shows the state of the lattice when it is stretched by heat. This is a perspective view of the first member of the joint. This is a plan view of the first member of the joint. This is a side view of the first member of the joint. This is a rear view of the first member of the joint. This is a perspective view of the second member of the joint. This is a plan view of the second member of the joint. This is a side view of the second member of the joint. This is a rear view of the second member of the joint. This is a cross-sectional view of the connection portion between the first pole on which the first member is provided and the second pole on which the second member is provided. This diagram shows the state immediately before the second grid unit is connected to the first grid unit. This is a front view of the first example of a building. This is a front view of the second example of a building. This is a front view of the third example of a building. This diagram shows a modified version of the grid, specifically the state immediately before the second grid unit is connected to the first grid unit.

Referring to Figures 1 to 19, the building 1, the grid 10, and the joint 40 will be described. The directions described later are defined with the joint 40 and grid 10 attached to the building 1. The vertical direction DV indicates the direction along the vertical axis. The horizontal direction DH is perpendicular to the vertical direction DV.

The lattice 10 is installed on the building 1 (see Figures 17-19). For example, the lattice 10 is installed on the outer wall 3 of the building 1. The lattice 10 may also be installed in front of a window. The lattice 10 may also be installed on the fence of the building 1. The lattice 10 may be configured as part of the exterior structure of the building 1. The lattice 10 is installed on the building 1 for decorative, sunshade, or privacy purposes. The lattice 10 has a front 10A and a back 10B opposite to the front 10A (see Figure 5). When the lattice 10 is attached to the building 1, it is installed so that the back 10B faces the building 1. Examples of the lattice 10 include vertical lattices and horizontal lattices.

<Lattice>
As shown in Figure 1, the grid 10 comprises a first grid unit 21 and a second grid unit 22. The first grid unit 21 comprises at least one first pole 23 arranged in the width direction DW of the first pole 23. The second grid unit 22 comprises at least one second pole 24 arranged in the width direction DW of the second pole 24. In one example, the first grid unit 21 comprises a plurality of first poles 23. The second grid unit 22 comprises a plurality of second poles 24. In the following description, when the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 are not distinguished, the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 will be collectively referred to as poles 23 and 24.

Poles 23 and 24 are constructed in a tubular shape. The cross-section of poles 23 and 24 is, for example, rectangular. Poles 23 and 24 are made of metal or resin. In one example, poles 23 and 24 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The surfaces of poles 23 and 24 are covered with a decorative seal or paint film. In one example, a wood-grain seal is applied to poles 23 and 24.

Multiple poles 23 and 24 are connected by a crossbar 12. The crossbar 12 is attached to the backs of the multiple poles 23 and 24. Furthermore, the multiple poles 23 and 24 are connected by a rod member 13. The rod member 13 passes through the multiple poles 23 and 24. The rod member 13 may be omitted.

As shown in Figure 2, in one example, the lengths of the first poles 23 of the first lattice unit 21 are all equal. The multiple first poles 23 of the first lattice unit 21 are arranged so that their upper ends 23A and lower ends 23B are aligned in the vertical direction DV. Both ends of the multiple first poles 23 are connected by crossbars 12.

As shown in Figure 3, the second lattice unit 22 has second poles 24 of different lengths. The multiple second poles 24 of the second lattice unit 22 are arranged so that their lower ends 24B are aligned in the vertical direction DV, and their upper ends 24A are aligned along the gable 6 of the roof 4. Both ends of the multiple second poles 24 are connected by crossbars 12.

The second lattice unit 22 is connected to the first lattice unit 21. The second lattice unit 22 is connected to the first lattice unit 21 such that the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 are connected in the longitudinal direction DL of poles 23 and 24.

The first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22 are connected via a joint 40. The joint 40 will be described later.
In the connection between the first pole 23 and the second pole 24, the upper and lower ends may be covered by a cover member. The cover member prevents water from entering the first pole 23 and the second pole 24. The cover member is made of resin, metal, or wood.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 are fixed to the building body 2, respectively. For example, the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 are fixed to the exterior wall 3 of the building 1. Fixing brackets 26 are pre-attached to the exterior wall 3. The fixing bracket 26 has a fixing portion 27 fixed to the beam 3A of the exterior wall 3, a protruding portion 28 protruding from the fixing portion 27, and a support portion 29 provided on the protruding portion 28. The support portion 29 is configured parallel to the fixing portion 27. The support portion 29 is provided with a screw hole 29A into which a fastening bolt 30 is inserted.

The first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 each have a plurality of fastening parts 32. The fastening parts 32 are configured to be fastened to the fixing brackets 26. The fastening parts 32 of the second lattice unit 22 have the same structure as the fastening parts 32 of the first lattice unit 21. The fastening parts 32 of the first lattice unit 21 will be described below.

The first lattice unit 21 has four fastening parts 32. These four fastening parts 32 are provided, for example, at two locations on the upper part and two locations on the lower part of the first lattice unit 21. The fastening parts 32 are provided on the back surface 10B of the first lattice unit 21. The fastening parts 32 are provided so as to span across two first poles 23. The fastening parts 32 have notches 33. When viewing the first lattice unit 21 from the front, the notches 33 are positioned between the two first poles 23.

The notch 33 has an elongated hole 34 through which the fastening bolt 30 is inserted, and a bolt passage 35 connected to the elongated hole 34. The elongated hole 34 extends in the lateral direction DH. The width of the elongated hole 34 in the vertical direction DV is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion of the fastening bolt 30. The bolt passage 35 extends from the lower end of the fastening portion 32 toward the elongated hole 34. The bolt passage 35 is configured so that the shaft portion of the fastening bolt 30 is inserted through it.

The first grid unit 21 is installed as follows:
A fastening bolt 30 is installed in the screw hole 29A of the fixing bracket 26. The fastening bolt 30 is installed in the screw hole 29A of the fixing bracket 26 such that there is a gap between the head of the fastening bolt 30 and the support part 29 that allows the fastening part 32 to fit in. The first lattice unit 21 is positioned on the outer wall 3 such that the fastening part 32 is located near the fixing bracket 26. The fastening part 32 is positioned near the fastening bolt 30. In this state, by moving the first lattice unit 21, the shaft of the fastening bolt 30 is passed through the bolt passage 35 of the fastening part 32 and positioned in the elongated hole 34. Then, by tightening the fastening bolt 30, the first lattice unit 21 is fixed to the outer wall 3.

At least one of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 is movably attached to the building body 2. The first lattice unit 21 or the second lattice unit 22 is fixed so as to be movable in the vertical direction DV or the horizontal direction DH. Specifically, a gap is provided in the vertical direction DV and the horizontal direction DH between the elongated hole 34 of the fastening portion 32 and the shaft portion of the fastening bolt 30 inserted through the elongated hole 34. Therefore, if a strong force is applied to the fastening portion 32 of the first lattice unit 21 or the fastening portion 32 of the second lattice unit 22 in the vertical or horizontal direction DH, the first lattice unit 21 or the second lattice unit 22 will shift from its original position.

The first function of the grid 10 in this embodiment will be described.
The grid 10 is composed of multiple grid units 21 and 22 that are connected to each other. The grid units 21 and 22 are smaller than the grid 10. Therefore, the grid units 21 and 22 are easy for workers to handle. For example, a worker stands on scaffolding of building 1 and attaches the grid 10 to the exterior wall 3. If the grid 10 is too large, the scaffolding framework will get in the way, making it difficult to carry the grid 10. In this respect, since the grid units 21 and 22 are smaller than the grid 10, the grid units 21 and 22 can be smoothly carried from the ground to their designated positions.

The second function of the grid 10 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6.
At least one of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 is movably attached to the building body 2. When a strong force acts on the fastening portion 32 of the first lattice unit 21 or the fastening portion 32 of the second lattice unit 22 in the vertical or horizontal direction DH, the first lattice unit 21 or the second lattice unit 22 is fixed in such a way that it is displaced from its original position. One of the factors causing the strong force acting on the fastening portion 32 is the thermal expansion of the first pole 23 and the second pole 24. Due to strong sunlight in summer, the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 expand in the longitudinal direction DL. If there is no gap between the elongated hole 34 of the fastening portion 32 and the fastening bolt 30, and the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 are fixed in an immovable manner, there is a risk that the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 will bend or deform. In this embodiment, at least one of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 is fixed so as to be movable in the vertical direction DV or the horizontal direction DH, thereby suppressing bending or deformation of the first pole 23 and the second pole 24. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 extends in the longitudinal direction DL, the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 is pushed and moves upward. In Figure 6, line LA1 indicates the initial position of the upper end 23A of the pole of the first lattice unit 21. Line LA2 indicates the position of the upper end 24A of the pole of the first lattice unit 21 after the first pole 23 has been extended. Line LB1 indicates the initial center position of the elongated hole 34 of the fastening portion 32 of the second lattice unit 22. Line LB2 indicates the center position of the elongated hole 34 of the fastening portion 32 after the first pole 23 has been extended.

<Joint>
The joint 40 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 16.
The grid 10 is equipped with a joint 40. The joint 40 connects the grid units 21 and 22 in the longitudinal direction DL of the poles 23 and 24. The joint 40 connects the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22.

The joint 40 comprises a first member 41 and a second member 51. The first member 41 and the second member 51 are made of resin, metal, or wood. In one example, the first member 41 and the second member 51 are made of resin. The first member 41 is attached to the end of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. The second member 51 is attached to the end of the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22.

As shown in Figure 7, the first member 41 has a first base portion 42 and a first engaging portion 43.
As shown in Figure 15, the first base portion 42 is configured to fit onto the end of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. The first engaging portion 43 is configured as a recess 44 that is recessed from the end face of the first base portion 42. The recess 44 is configured to fit onto the protrusion 54 of the second engaging portion 53. The recess 44 has an inner circumferential surface 45.

As shown in Figure 8, the first engaging portion 43 has a first hole 46 through which water passes. For example, the first hole 46 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 44.
As shown in Figure 9, the first member 41 further has a first flange 47. The first flange 47 is configured to surround the first engagement portion 43.

As shown in Figure 10, the first member 41 is further provided with a first screw hole 48. The first screw hole 48 extends from the back surface of the first base portion 42 toward the recess 44. The first member 41 is attached to the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 by a screw 49 passing through the first screw hole 48.

As shown in Figure 11, the second member 51 has a second base portion 52 and a second engaging portion 53.
As shown in Figure 15, the second base portion 52 is configured to fit onto the end of the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. The second engaging portion 53 protrudes from the end face of the second base portion 52 and is configured to engage with the first engaging portion 43. For example, the second engaging portion 53 is configured as a convex portion 54 that tapers towards the end. The convex portion 54 is configured to fit into the recess 44 of the first engaging portion 43. The convex portion 54 has an outer peripheral surface 55 and an inclined surface 56. The inclined surface 56 is provided closer to the tip of the convex portion 54 than the outer peripheral surface 55. The inclined surface 56 constitutes the tapering shape of the second engaging portion 53. The outer peripheral surface 55 is configured to contact the inner peripheral surface 45 of the recess 44 when the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53 are engaged with each other. The convex portion 54 is provided with a screw recess 57. The screw recess 57 is provided to prevent interference between the screw 49 and the protrusion 54 when the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53 are engaged with each other.

As shown in Figure 12, the second engaging portion 53 has a second hole 58 through which water passes. For example, the second hole 58 is provided at the tip of the protrusion 54. The second hole 58 is configured to overlap the first hole 46 when the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53 are engaged with each other (see Figure 15).

As shown in Figure 13, the second member 51 further has a second flange 59. The second flange 59 is configured to surround the second engaging portion 53. The second flange 59 is configured to contact the first flange 47 when the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53 are engaged with each other.

As shown in Figure 14, the second member 51 is further provided with a second screw hole 60. The second screw hole 60 is located on the back surface of the second base portion 52. The second member 51 is attached to the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 by a screw 61 passing through the second screw hole 60.

As shown in Figure 15, the first member 41 is attached to the first pole 23 such that the first flange 47 contacts the end face of the first pole 23. The recess 44 of the first member 41 is positioned inside the first pole 23. The second member 51 is attached to the second pole 24 such that the second flange 59 contacts the end face of the second pole 24. The second member 51 is attached to the second pole 24 such that the protrusion 54 protrudes from the end face of the second pole 24.

The second member 51 engages with the first member 41, thereby connecting the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. In this embodiment, the second member 51 and the first member 41 engage when the protrusion 54 of the second member 51 fits into the recess 44 of the first member 41. Specifically, when the protrusion 54 of the second member 51 fits into the recess 44 of the first member 41, the outer circumferential surface 55 of the protrusion 54 of the second member 51 contacts the inner circumferential surface 45 of the recess 44 of the first member 41, and the second flange 59 contacts the first flange 47. In this way, the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 is positioned relative to the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. When the protrusion 54 of the second member 51 is fitted into the recess 44 of the first member 41, the second hole 58 overlaps with the first hole 46, forming a single, interconnected hole. The first member 41 and the second member 51 are not bonded together. Therefore, the first member 41 and the second member 51 are allowed to separate from each other due to thermal contraction of one or both of the first pole 23 and the second pole 24.

The operation of the joint 40 in this embodiment will now be explained.
As shown in Figure 16, when the second lattice unit 22 is connected to the first lattice unit 21, the multiple second poles 24 of the second lattice unit 22 are simultaneously connected to the multiple first poles 23 of the first lattice unit 21. In this embodiment, the pitch of the second poles 24 is fixed by connecting the ends of the multiple second poles 24 of the second lattice unit 22 with the crossbars 12. The pitch of the first poles 23 is fixed by connecting the ends of the multiple first poles 23 of the first lattice unit 21 with the crossbars 12. Furthermore, a protrusion 54 of the second member 51 of the joint 40 is provided at the end of each second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. The protrusion 54 has a shape that tapers towards the end. A recess 44 of the first member 41 of the joint 40 is provided at the end of each first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. As the tip of the protrusion 54 of the second member 51 enters the recess 44 of the first member 41, and the protrusion 54 is inserted into the back of the recess 44, the contact between the outer circumferential surface 55 of the protrusion 54 and the inner circumferential surface 45 of the recess 44 causes the central axis of the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 to move towards the central axis of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. In this way, each second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 is guided to a predetermined position relative to the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and connected to the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. In this manner, when connecting the second lattice unit 22 to the first lattice unit 21, the two lattice units 21 and 22 can be connected smoothly without having to precisely align them.

<Buildings>
The building 1 of this embodiment will now be described. The building 1 comprises a lattice 10 and a building body 2. In one example, the building 1 comprises a sloping roof 4 and a side surface 5 perpendicular to the uppermost edge 4A of the roof 4. The side surface 5 is also called the "gable end".

The roof 4 may have two intersecting sloping surfaces. This roof 4 is called a "gable roof." In this case, the uppermost edge 4A of the roof 4 is the ridge 8. The roof 4 may have one sloping surface. This roof 4 is also called a "shed roof." In this case, the uppermost edge 4A of the roof 4 is the upper edge of the sloping surface.

The grid 10 comprises a first grid unit 21 and a second grid unit 22. The second grid unit 22 is connected to the first grid unit 21. The first grid unit 21 and the second grid unit 22 may be connected to each other such that the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 extend in the vertical direction DV. Alternatively, the first grid unit 21 and the second grid unit 22 may be connected to each other such that the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 extend in the horizontal direction DH. The second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22 is connected to the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 without any gaps. The absence of gaps between the first grid unit 21 and the second grid unit 22 improves the appearance and prevents water from accumulating in gaps.

Referring to Figure 17, a first example of Building 1 will be explained.
Building 1 has a gable roof. The lattice 10 is installed on a side 5 (e.g., gable end) of building 1 that is perpendicular to the ridge 8. The lattice 10 extends from the bottom of the first floor of building 1 through the second floor to the roof 4. The lattice 10 is installed on the building body 2 such that the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 are aligned in the vertical direction DV. The upper ends 24A of the multiple poles of the lattice 10 are aligned with the gable 6 of the roof 4. The side ends of the lattice 10 are aligned with the outer corners of building 1. The lattice 10 comprises a first lattice unit 21 and a second lattice unit 22. The second lattice unit 22 is connected on top of the first lattice unit 21.

Referring to Figure 18, a second example of Building 1 will be explained.
Building 1 has a gable roof. Building 1 includes a lean-to 7 projecting from a side 5 (e.g., gable end) perpendicular to the ridge 8. The grid 10 is provided on the side 5 (e.g., gable end). The grid 10 is provided on the building body 2 such that the first poles 23 and the second poles 24 are aligned in the vertical direction DV. The upper ends 24A of the multiple poles of the grid 10 are aligned with the gable 6 of the roof 4. The lower ends 23B of the multiple poles of the grid 10 are aligned with the upper end of the lean-to 7. The grid 10 is provided over a predetermined range in the horizontal direction DH so as to include the boundary line BL, and is configured in a shape asymmetrical with respect to the boundary line BL in the horizontal direction DH. The boundary line BL is a line that intersects the ridge 8 and extends in the vertical direction DV.

The grid 10 comprises a first grid unit 21, a second grid unit 22, and a third grid unit 65. The second grid unit 22 is connected on top of the first grid unit 21. The third grid unit 65 is positioned next to the first and second grid units 21 and 22. The third grid unit 65 has a structure similar to the second grid unit 22, and its upper and lower pole ends are covered with cover members.

Referring to Figure 19, a third example of building 1 will be described. Building 1 includes a lean-to roof 7 projecting from the exterior wall 3. The grid 10 is provided on the exterior wall surface of building 1. The grid 10 is provided on the building body 2 such that the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 are aligned along the horizontal direction DH. In a front view, the grid 10 is rectangular. The grid 10 comprises a first grid unit 21 and a second grid unit 22. The second grid unit 22 is connected laterally to the first grid unit 21.

The effects of this embodiment will now be explained.
(1) The grid 10 comprises a first grid unit 21 and a second grid unit 22 connected to the first grid unit 21. The second grid unit 22 is connected to the first grid unit 21 such that the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22 are connected in the longitudinal direction DL of the poles 23 and 24. In this way, the grid 10 is composed of a plurality of grid units 21 and 22. Since each individual grid unit 21 and 22 is smaller than the grid 10 and easier to handle, the workability of the grid 10 is improved.

(2) The grid 10 is equipped with a joint 40. The joint 40 connects the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22 to the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21. With this configuration, the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22 can be easily connected to the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 compared to a connection by welding.

(3) The joint 40 comprises a first member 41 attached to the end of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21, and a second member 51 attached to the end of the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. The first member 41 has a first engaging portion 43. The second member 51 has a second engaging portion 53 that engages with the first engaging portion 43.

In this configuration, the joint 40 is composed of multiple members that engage with each other. One of the multiple members, the first member 41, is provided on the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. The other, the second member 51, is provided on the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. When the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 are connected to each other, one of the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 may be slightly misaligned relative to the other. In this case, the first member 41 and the second member 51 deform, or the first member 41 may shift position relative to the first pole 23, causing the second member 51 to shift position relative to the second pole 24, thereby relieving the stress at the connection point between the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22.

(4) The first member 41 has a first flange 47 surrounding the first engaging portion 43. The second member 51 has a second flange 59 surrounding the second engaging portion 53. When the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53 are engaged with each other, the second flange 59 is configured to contact the first flange 47. With this configuration, the contact between the second flange 59 of the second member 51 and the first flange 47 of the first member 41 prevents water from entering the gap between the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53. In this way, less water enters the first pole 23 and the second pole 24.

(5) The first engaging portion 43 of the first member 41 has a first hole 46 through which water passes. The second engaging portion 53 of the second member 51 has a second hole 58 through which water passes. With this configuration, when water enters the gap between the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53, the water is discharged through the first hole 46 or the second hole 58, thus preventing water from accumulating in the first engaging portion 43 and the second engaging portion 53.

(6) The second engaging portion 53 is configured as a convex portion 54 that tapers towards the end. The first engaging portion 43 is configured as a recess 44 that fits into the convex portion 54. The first engaging portion 43 may also be configured as a convex portion that tapers towards the end. The second engaging portion 53 may also be configured as a recess that fits into the convex portion.

With this configuration, when connecting the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 to the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22, it is possible to connect the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 to the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 without precisely positioning the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 relative to the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21. Therefore, the workability of connecting the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 is improved.

(7) The building 1 comprises a grid 10 and the building body 2. This configuration improves the constructability of the grid 10, thereby improving the overall constructability of the building 1.

(8) In the building 1, the grid 10 is installed on the building body 2 such that the first poles 23 and second poles 24 of the grid 10 are aligned with the vertical direction DV or the horizontal direction DH. This configuration allows the grid 10 to serve as a design accent for the building 1, thereby improving the design aesthetics of the building 1.

(9) The building 1 comprises a sloping roof 4 and a side surface 5 (e.g., a gable end) perpendicular to the uppermost edge 4A of the roof 4. The lattice 10 is provided on the side surface 5, and the upper ends 24A of the multiple poles of the lattice 10 are configured to follow the gable end 6 of the roof 4. For example, if the upper ends 24A of the multiple poles of the lattice 10 are aligned horizontally, a design gap is created between the lattice 10 and the gable end 6 of the roof 4. In this respect, the above configuration eliminates the creation of a design gap between the lattice 10 and the gable end 6 of the roof 4, thereby improving the design of the building 1.

(10) In building 1, the lattice 10 is configured such that the upper ends 24A of the multiple poles of the lattice 10 are aligned with the gable 6 of the roof 4, and the lower ends 23B of the multiple poles of the lattice 10 are aligned with the upper end of the lean-to 7. This configuration eliminates design gaps between the lattice 10 and the gable 6 of the roof 4, and between the lattice 10 and the lean-to 7, thereby improving the design aesthetics of building 1.

(11) On the side 5 of the building 1 (for example, the gable end), the grid 10 is provided over a predetermined range in the lateral direction DH, including the boundary line BL that intersects the ridge 8 and extends in the vertical direction DV, and is configured in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the boundary line BL in the lateral direction DH. With this configuration, the grid 10 is configured in an asymmetrical shape with points near the ridge 8 as its vertices. This distinctive design of the grid 10 can improve the design aesthetics of the building 1.

(12) In building 1, the grid 10 comprises a first grid unit 21 and a second grid unit 22. The second grid unit 22 is connected to the first grid unit 21 such that the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22 is connected to the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 without any gaps. With this configuration, since there is no gap between the first pole 23 of the first grid unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second grid unit 22, from a distance, the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 appear as seamless members. In building 1, the grid 10 forms a unified pattern. Therefore, the design of building 1 is improved.

(13) In the building 1, at least one of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 is attached to the building body 2 so as to be movable in the vertical direction DV or the horizontal direction DH. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the bending of one or both of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22, or the accumulation of stress at the mounting portions of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22, when at least one of the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 expands due to solar heat.

(14) The joint 40 connects the grid units 21 and 22 to the longitudinal direction DL of the poles 23 and 24. With this configuration, a grid 10 larger than the grid units 21 and 22 can be formed by connecting multiple grid units 21 and 22.

(15) The joint 40 comprises a first member 41 attached to the end of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21, and a second member 51 attached to the end of the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. The first member 41 has a first engaging portion 43, and the second member 51 has a second engaging portion 53 that engages with the first engaging portion 43.

When the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 are connected to each other, one of the poles may be slightly misaligned relative to the other. In this case, the first member 41 and the second member 51 deform, or the first member 41 shifts position relative to the first pole 23, causing the second member 51 to shift position relative to the second pole 24. Therefore, the stress at the connection point between the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 is relieved.

<Different example>
The above embodiment is an example of possible forms for the joint 40, the grid 10, and the building 1, and is not intended to limit their forms. The joint 40, the grid 10, and the building 1 may take forms different from those exemplified in the above embodiment. Examples of such forms include forms in which some of the configurations of the embodiment are replaced, modified, or omitted, or forms in which new configurations are added to the embodiment. Modifications of the embodiment are shown below.

Referring to Figure 20, another example of the joint 40 will be described. In the above embodiment, the joint 40 is composed of two members. In contrast, the joint 40 may be composed of one member. For example, the joint 40 has a base portion 71 and an insertion portion 72 provided on the base portion 71. The base portion 71 is attached to one end of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and one end of the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. The insertion portion 72 is configured to be inserted into the other end of the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22. The insertion portion 72 is configured to narrow towards the end. With this configuration, the structure of the joint 40 can be simplified compared to the case in which the joint 40 is composed of two members. As shown in Figure 20, when the second grid unit 22 is connected to the first grid unit 21, the multiple second poles 24 of the second grid unit 22 can be simultaneously connected to the multiple first poles 23 of the first grid unit 21.

The connecting structure between the first lattice unit 21 and the second lattice unit 22 does not necessarily include a joint 40. The first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22 are connected without the joint 40. For example, if the first pole 23 and the second pole 24 are made of wood, they are connected to each other by a mortise and tenon structure. The mortise and tenon structure includes a concave portion integrally formed on the first pole 23 of the first lattice unit 21 and a convex portion integrally provided on the second pole 24 of the second lattice unit 22.

In the grid 10 of building 1, the arrangement of the multiple upper ends 24A and multiple lower ends 23B of the poles of the grid 10 is not limited. For example, the multiple upper ends 24A of the poles of the grid 10 may be arranged along the underside of the eaves of a flat roof or the lower end of the parapet.

BL…Boundary line, DH…Horizontal direction, DL…Longitudinal direction, DV…Vertical direction, 1…Building, 2…Building body, 4…Roof, 4A…Uppermost edge, 5…Side, 6…Gable, 7…Lean-to roof, 8…Ridge, 10…Grid, 21…First grid unit, 22…Second grid unit, 23…First pole, 23A…Upper end of pole, 23B…Lower end of pole, 24…Second pole, 24A…Upper end of pole, 24B…Lower end of pole, 40…Joint, 41…First member, 43…First engagement part, 44…Recess, 46…First hole, 47…First flange, 51…Second member, 53…Second engagement part, 54…Protrusion, 58…Second hole, 59…Second flange, 71…Base part, 72…Insertion part.

Claims (9)

A grid installed in a building,
It comprises a first lattice unit having a first pole, a second lattice unit having a second pole and connected to the first lattice unit, and a joint,
The second lattice unit is connected to the first lattice unit such that the first pole of the first lattice unit and the second pole of the second lattice unit are connected in the longitudinal direction of the first pole.
The joint comprises a first member attached to the end of the first pole of the first lattice unit and a second member attached to the end of the second pole of the second lattice unit, and connects the second pole of the second lattice unit and the first pole of the first lattice unit.
The first member has a first engaging portion and a first flange configured to surround the first engaging portion .
The second member has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion , and a second flange configured to surround the second engaging portion .
The second engaging portion is configured as a convex portion that narrows towards the end,
The first engaging portion is configured as a recess that fits into the convex portion,
The recess has an inner circumferential surface configured to connect to the first flange,
The aforementioned protrusion has an outer circumferential surface configured to connect to the second flange,
In a state in which the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other, the second flange is configured to contact the first flange, and the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the concave portion.
lattice. The first engaging portion of the first member has a first hole through which water passes,
The second engaging portion of the second member has a second hole through which water passes.
The grid according to claim 1 . A building comprising the grid according to claim 1 or 2 and a building body. The aforementioned grid is provided on the building body such that the first pole of the grid is aligned in the vertical direction or in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.
The building according to claim 3 . The aforementioned building comprises a sloping roof and a side perpendicular to the uppermost edge of the roof,
The grid is provided on the side surface such that the first pole and the second pole of the grid are aligned in the vertical direction, and the first pole and the second pole are connected to form a connecting pole.
The upper ends of the poles of the multiple connecting poles of the lattice are configured to follow the eaves of the roof.
The building according to claim 3 . The aforementioned building further includes a lean-to roof projecting from the side,
The grid is provided on the side surface such that the first pole and the second pole of the grid are aligned in the vertical direction.
The grid is configured such that the lower ends of the poles of the plurality of connecting poles of the grid are aligned with the upper end of the lean-to roof.
The building according to claim 5 . The aforementioned roof has a ridge as its uppermost edge,
The grid is provided on the side surface over a predetermined range in the lateral direction, including a boundary line that intersects the ridge and extends vertically, and is configured to be asymmetrical with respect to the boundary line in the lateral direction.
The building according to claim 6 . The second lattice unit is connected to the first lattice unit such that the second pole of the second lattice unit is connected to the first pole of the first lattice unit without any gaps.
A building according to any one of claims 4 to 7 . At least one of the first lattice unit and the second lattice unit is movably attached to the building body.
The building according to claim 8 .