STRUCTURAL BODY UNIT

Abstract

A unit of structures includes two or more structures each having a top wall, a bottom wall, and peripheral walls and configured in a transportable manner. The structures have respective spaces provided therein. The unit of structures further includes a joint case element configured to be disposed between two of the structures to couple the two of the structures. The joint case element includes a case element body having peripheral walls. The case element body has the shape of a square with dimensions matching a short side of such a structure when viewed in a plan view. The joint case element also includes an opening formed in one of the peripheral walls of the case element body and having a predetermined size. The unit of structures is configured to allow a person to move between the spaces of adjacent ones of the structures through the opening.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. §111(a) of international patent application No. PCT/JP2024/036377, filed October 11, 2024, which claims priority to a Japanese patent application No. 2023-180249, filed October 19, 2023, the entire disclosures of all of which are herein incorporated by reference as a part of this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a unit of structures that can be easily transported and installed to serve as a power supply source in non-electrified areas or affected areas from a disaster or other event and can be joined to each other in a way that accommodates a given purpose and application to thereby allow for flexible layout creation.

Description of Related Art

An independent power supply device has been known that can be easily transferred and readily installed to serve as a power supply source in non-electrified areas or affected areas from a disaster or other event, and the independent power supply device comprises, in particular, a photovoltaic generator and a wind turbine generator (for example, Patent Document 1). An apparatus in Patent Document 1 takes the form of a shipping container in which a solar panel, a wind turbine, a generator, and a rechargeable battery, among others, are accommodated, and is designed to deploy, at a desired location, the solar panel, the wind turbine, etc. on the container itself. In the conventional art, however, a container constituting a shippable case element carries the transportable independent power supply device and is therefore subject to size restrictions.

Meanwhile, A unit of structures has been known that can be built by connecting two or more containers (for example, Patent Document 2). A unit of structures in Patent Document 2 ensures transportability by keeping the size of containers small and provides improved convenience by allowing more than one container to be connected to build a larger unit of structures.

Related Document

Patent Document

[Patent Document 1] JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2020-169637

[Patent Document 2] JP Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2023-010287

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, Patent Document 2 requires pre-planning for the final form of the unit of structures, does not impart scalability to existing containers, and suffers from the difficulty to relocate the unit of structures.

An object of the present invention is to provide a unit of structures that has scalability and is easy to transfer and relocate.

A unit of structures according to the present invention includes two or more structures each having a top wall, a bottom wall, and peripheral walls, being configured in a transportable manner, and having respective spaces provided therein. The unit of structures further includes a joint case element which is disposed between two of the structures to couple the two of the structures. The joint case element includes: a case element body having peripheral walls and being connected to one of the peripheral walls of one of the structures; an opening formed in one of the peripheral walls of the case element body and having a predetermined size; and a hood member which provides cover for a connection of the joint case element. The unit of structures is configured to allow a person to move between the spaces of adjacent ones of the structures through the opening. At least one of the structures has power generation equipment which is equipped thereto and generates power for electrical devices provided for the unit of structures. The power generation equipment comprises at least one of a wind turbine generator, a photovoltaic generator, or a hydroelectric generator. The predetermined size in this context corresponds to the size of a sash, for example. Moreover, a “sash” refers to a building material used as a frame of a door, or a sashed door that is a joinery with a frame of a door.

In accordance with this configuration, the use of the joint case element allows for flexible layout of the two or more structures and enhances the scalability of the unit of structures formed of the two or more structures. Further, the use of the joint case element for a connection can keep the size of the structures small and thereby makes the transfer and relocation of the unit of structures easier.

In the present invention, the hood member may comprise a heat-insulating material or a heat-shielding material. According to this configuration, there can be little or no drop in heat insulating performance while in use even in an open state of the opening.

In the present invention, the hood member may comprise a flexible material. According to this configuration, even when, for example, the one of the structures and the joint case element go out of alignment due to an earthquake or other cause, such a hood member, when provided in a flexed form at the connection part, can conform thereto flexibly and allow for continued use.

In the present invention, the one of the structures and the joint case element may be connected with a fastener lock. In this case, a seal member may be provided that hermetically seals a gap between the fastener lock and the one of the structures. According to these configurations, the one of the structures and the joint case element can be connected with the use of a fastener lock (or a so-called draw latch) that, thus, allows for easy connection and disconnection without any tools.

In the present invention, the two or more structures may be electrically connectable to each other via the joint case element. According to this configuration, the power generation equipment equipped to a given one of the structures can cover the electrical power for another one of the structures.

In the present invention, the one of the structures and the joint case element may be connected using a waterproof zipper. According to this configuration, a connection structure can be more easily implemented at a lower cost.

Any combinations of at least two features disclosed in the claims and/or the specification and/or the drawings should also be construed as encompassed by the present invention. Especially, any combinations of two or more of the claims should also be construed as encompassed by the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of preferred embodiments made in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments and the drawings are given merely for the purpose of illustration and explanation, and should not be used to delimit the scope of the present invention, which scope is to be delimited by the appended claims. In the accompanying drawings, alike numerals are assigned to and indicate alike and corresponding parts throughout the different figures:

FIG. 1 shows an elevation of a unit of structures in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an elevation of a different example of a joint case element of the unit of structures;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a variant of the unit of structures;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of another variant of the unit of structures;

FIG. 5 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connection part of the unit of structures;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the part indicated with the symbol VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the part indicated with the symbol VII in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative variant to FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following discussions, the terms “upper side” and “lower side” respectively refer to the “upper side” and “lower side” in the context of a structure in an installed state on the ground.

FIG. 1 shows an elevation of a unit UN of structures in an installed state in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. A unit UN of structures according to the present invention carries a transportable, independent power supply device that can be easily transported and installed to serve as a power supply source in, for example, non-electrified areas or affected areas from a disaster.

The unit UN of structures includes two or more box-shaped structures 2 having a top wall 2a, a bottom wall 2b, and four peripheral walls 2c and configured in a transportable manner. The structures 2 have respective spaces SP provided therein. The interior spaces SP can have electrical devices or equipment of that sort disposed therein, and allow a person to engage in activities therein.

In the example of FIG. 1, the unit UN of structures includes two structures 2. Further, in a variant of FIG. 3, the unit UN of structures includes four structures 2, and in another variant of FIG. 4, the unit UN of structures includes five or more structures 2 – more precisely, ten structures 2. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 3 and 4 depict plan views of the unit UN of structures with the top walls 2a being omitted.

The structures 2 in the instant embodiment are in the form of rectangular boxes. Among the four peripheral walls 2c of each of the structures 2, two have a generally square shape, and the other two have a rectangular shape that extends elongated in the horizontal direction. By way of example, the structures 2 can be in the form of shipping containers with standardized dimensions. Alternatively, the structures 2 can be in the form of containers with narrower dimensions than standardized dimensions so that they can be conveyed on a regular 4t truck.

In the following discussions, among the four peripheral walls 2c of each of the structures 2, the two with a generally square shape are called first peripheral walls 2c1, and the other two with a rectangular shape are called second peripheral walls 2c2. Further, among the sides of each of the second peripheral walls 2c2 with a rectangular shape, two longitudinal sides in a plan view of FIG. 3 are called long sides s1, and the other two sides perpendicular thereto are called short sides s2.

The structures 2 have power generation equipment 4 that is equipped thereto and configured to generate power for electrical devices provided for the unit UN of structures. For example, the power generation equipment 4 comprises a wind turbine generator 6, a photovoltaic generator 8, a hydroelectric generator (not shown), and/or another type of generator.

Referring to FIG. 1, the wind turbine generator 6 includes a wind turbine 6a and a generator (not shown) that generates power from rotations of the wind turbine 6a, and the wind turbine 6a is secured to one of the peripheral walls 2c of one of the structures 2 together with the generator. In the instant embodiment, the wind turbine 6a is secured to one of the first peripheral walls 2c1. The wind turbine 2 in the instant embodiment is a vertical-axis wind turbine having an axis of revolution that runs in the vertical direction. Note, however, this represents only one of non-limiting examples of the configuration of the wind turbine 2. The wind turbine generator 6 further includes a rechargeable battery 6b and a control panel 6c, which are accommodated in one of the interior spaces SP of the structures 2 shown in FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the photovoltaic generator 8 includes a solar panel 8a and a generator (not shown) that uses solar energy from the solar panel 8a to generate power, and the solar panel 8a is secured to the top wall 2a of one of the structures 2 together with the generator. Further, the photovoltaic generator 8 includes a rechargeable battery 8b and a control panel 8c, which are accommodated in one of the interior spaces SP of the structures 2 shown in FIG. 2.

The two structures 2 in the example of FIG. 1 are each equipped with both the wind turbine generator 6 and the photovoltaic generator 8. Among the four structures 2 in the example of FIG. 3, two structures 2 are each equipped with both the wind turbine generator 6 and the photovoltaic generator 8, and the other two structures 2 are each equipped with only the photovoltaic generator 8. Among the ten structures 2 in the example of FIG. 4, two structures 2 are each equipped with both the wind turbine generator 6 and the photovoltaic generator 8, and the other eight structures 2 are each equipped with only the photovoltaic generator 8.

FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 represent only some of the non-limiting examples of the combinations of power generation equipment 4 equipped to the structures 2. More specifically, at least one of the two or more structures 2 forming the unit UN of structures may be equipped with the power generation equipment 4. The power generation equipment 4 in this scenario may comprise at least one of the wind turbine generator 6, the photovoltaic generator 8, or the hydroelectric generator. The power generation equipment 4 constitutes the aforementioned independent power supply device.

The structure 2 is provided with an access opening 10 in one of the peripheral walls 2c to allow a person to enter or leave its own interior space SP from/for the outside of that structure 2. The access opening 10 can be provided at least in one of the two first peripheral walls 2c1. The access opening 10 may be provided in both of the first peripheral walls 2c1, and may even be provided in one of the second peripheral walls 2c2 if needed. Also, the access opening 10 may be provided with a door 12. Examples of the door 12 can include a sliding door, a slide door, and a hinged door. In the following discussions, the door 12 will be referred to as a “sashed door 12.”

In the example of FIG. 1, each of the structures 2 is provided with the access opening 10 in one of the two first peripheral walls 2c1 to which the wind turbine 6a is not secured. Further, each of the structures 2 is also provided with the access opening 10 in one of the second peripheral walls 2c2 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a hinged door fitted to that access opening 10.

In the example of FIG. 3, each of the structures 2 is provided with the access opening 10 in one of the two first peripheral walls 2c1 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a double-leaf sliding door fitted to that access opening 10. Further, each of the structures 2 is also provided with the access opening 10 in one of the two second peripheral walls 2c2 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a double-leaf sliding door fitted to that access opening 10.

In the example of FIG. 4, two of the ten structures 2 to which the wind turbine generator 6 is equipped are each provided with the access opening 10 in one of the two first peripheral walls 2c1 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a double-leaf sliding door fitted to that access opening 10. Further, each of these two structures 2 is also provided with the access opening 10 in one of the second peripheral walls 2c2 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a double-leaf sliding door fitted to that access opening 10.

The other eight structures 2 in FIG. 4 are each provided with the access opening 10 in both of the two first peripheral walls 2c1 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a double-leaf sliding door fitted to that access openings 10. Further, each of these eight structures 2 is also provided with the access opening 10 in one of the two second peripheral walls 2c2 with the sashed door 12 in the form of a hinged door fitted to that access opening 10.

FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 represent only some of the non-limiting examples of the combinations of the access opening 10 and sashed door 12 with which the structures 2 can be provided. For example, those sashed doors 12 on the second peripheral walls 2c2 in FIGS. 1 and 4 may alternatively be in the form of a sliding door or slide door, and those access openings 10 in the second peripheral walls 2c2 in FIGS. 1 and 4 may alternatively be omitted.

The unit UN of structures further includes a joint case element 20 which is configured to be disposed between adjacent two of the structures 2 to couple these two structures 2. The joint case element 20 includes a box-shaped case element body 22 with a top wall 22a, a bottom wall 22b, and four peripheral walls 22c. The case element body 22 in the instant embodiment has the shape of a square with dimensions matching short sides s2 of the structures 2 when viewed in the plan view of FIG. 3. The case element body 22 is internally provided with a space SP1 through which a person can move. In the instant embodiment, the joint case element 20 likewise has the solar panel 8a installed on the top wall 22a. Note, however, the solar panel 8a may be omitted.

An opening 24 is formed in one of the peripheral walls 22c of the case element body 22 and has a predetermined size. The predetermined size in this context denotes a size with dimensions that enable a person to freely move therethrough and, for example, corresponds to the size of a sash. A “sash” refers to a building material used as a frame of a door, or a sashed door 12 that is a joinery with a frame of a door.

A person can move through the opening 24 between the interior space SP1 of the joint case element 20 and one of the spaces SP that is present in one of the structures 2 that is coupled thereto. That is, a person can move between the spaces SP of adjacent ones of the structures 2 via the joint case element 20.

At least two of the four peripheral walls 22c of the case element body 22 may be formed with the opening 24. By having two such openings 24, a single joint case element 20 can be used to connect two structures 2 to build the unit UN of structures, as in the example of FIG. 1.

Note, however, the opening 24 may be formed in three of the peripheral walls 22c or may even be formed in all of the four peripheral walls 22c. By having four such openings 24, a single joint case element 20 can be used to connect four structures 2 to build the unit UN of structures, as in the example of FIG. 3.

Furthermore, more than four structures 2 can be connected to build the unit UN of structures by providing the access opening 10 in both of the first two peripheral walls 2c1 of these structures 2 and using them in combination with two or more joint case elements 20, as in the example of FIG. 4.

The joint case element 20 may further include a cover 26 which is removably attached to the case element body 22 to close the opening 24. The cover 26 can be attached to the case element body 22 to close the opening 24 when the opening 24 is not in use.

In this connection, the phrase “when the opening 24 is in use” refers to a situation in which a person has access to (or can pass through) the opening 24 to move between the interior space SP1 of the joint case element 20 and one of the spaces SP that is present in one of the structures 2 that is coupled thereto. That is, the phrase “when the opening 24 is not in use” refers to a situation in which a person cannot pass through the opening 24 to move between the interior space SP1 of the joint case element 20 and one of the spaces SP that is present in one of the structures 2 that is coupled thereto.

Thanks to the provision of the cover 26 that can be attached to the case element body 22 when the opening 24 is not in use, any joint case elements 20 can be formed with four openings 24. That is, common joint case elements 20 can be used, keeping the variety of components smaller. Also, the cover 26 can even be in the form of a sliding door, a slide door, a hinged door, or other sashed door.

FIG. 1 depicts an example in which a double-leaf sliding door 26 is fitted to such an opening 24 not in use. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, a double-leaf sliding door 26 constitutes the cover 26, closing an opening 24 not in use.

Further, the variant of FIG. 2 depicts an example in which a blind plate 26 is removably attached to the case element body 22 to close an opening 24 not in use. That is, in the example of FIG. 2, the blind plate 26 constitutes the cover 26, closing an opening 24 not in use.

Thanks to these configurations, even after having been installed, the structures 2 can be up-scaled according to a given purpose and application with no pre-planning necessary at all. In addition, the joint case element 20 and the structures 2 can be easily separated and therefore can be readily relocated or transferred to areas affected by a disaster.

A structure 2 with the independent power supply device 4 and a structure 2 intended for space expansion and with no power supply device 4 can even be connected to provide the unit UN of structures. Also, by using the joint case element 20 to form a connection between structures 2 each having the independent power supply device 4, an electrical connection can also be formed therebetween in doing so. The phrase “electrically connected” means that connected structures 2 can feed power to each other.

When electrically connected, the structures 2 can exchange power stored therein among one another. Therefore, even when one of the structures 2 has greater power consumption than the other structure 2 or other structures 2, power utilization with good balance and no discrepancy of the amount of stored power thereamong can be realized.

It should be appreciated that a sliding door, a slide door, a hinged door, and other such doors can be adopted as the sashed door 12 provided for the access opening 10 at a connection part of a structure 2 with the joint case element 20. The sashed door 12 in the form of a double-leaf sliding door is more convenient because the double-leaf sliding door provides better accessibility whether in an open state or in a closed state, even with the joint case element 20 connected. Also, the sashed door 12 may even be removed to increase the size of the access opening 10 when easier entry and exit are wished to be prioritized.

A connection structure between a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 will be described in detail with the aid of FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connection part between a structure 2 and the joint case element 20. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the parts indicated with the symbols VI and VII in FIG. 5, respectively, on an enlarged scale.

The joint case element 20 has the shape of a square with a length identical to the short sides s2 of a structure 2 when viewed in a plan view (FIG. 3), and may be positioned in close proximity to one of the first peripheral walls 2c1 of a structure 2. A first frame element 31 which forms a part of a passage is mounted to that structure 2. Similarly, a second frame element 32 which forms a part of the same passage is mounted to the joint case element 20.

The first and second frame elements 31 and 32 are in the form of annular members made from metal and respectively mounted to a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 by welding, bolted connection, or some other fixing technique. The hollow cavities of the annularly shaped, first and second frame elements 31 and 32 communicate with an access opening 10 in that structure 2 and an opening 24 in the joint case element 20, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first frame element 31 has a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape that opens to the outside of the passage. More specifically, the first frame element 31 has two upright wall sections 31a that extend outwards (or towards the upper side in FIG. 6) and an inner wall section 31b connecting the proximal ends of the upright wall sections 31a. One of the two upright wall sections 31a (on the right side in FIG. 6) can be secured to one of the first peripheral walls 2c1 of a structure 2.

Similarly, the second frame element 32 has a U-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape that opens to the outside of the passage, and has two upright wall sections 32a that extend outwards (or towards the upper side in FIG. 6) and an inner wall section 32b connecting the proximal ends of the upright wall sections 32a. One of the two upright wall sections 32a (on the left side in FIG. 6) can be secured to the joint case element 20.

As such, the access opening 10 of a structure 2, the hollow cavity of the first frame element 31, the hollow cavity of the second frame element 32, and an opening 24 of the joint case element 20 form the passage through which a person passes. In the following discussions, the direction (or the left and right directions in FIG. 6) in which a person moves (or passes) through the passage is called a passage direction D1. Moreover, one of the directions perpendicular to the passage and oriented towards the inside of the passage (or downwards or a downward direction in FIG. 6) is called inwards or an inward direction, and the other of the directions perpendicular to the passage and oriented away from the passage (or upwards or an upward direction in FIG. 6) is called outwards or an outward direction.

That is, the two upright wall sections 31a of the first frame element 31 are formed on the opposite ends of the inner wall section 31b in the passage direction D1, and the two upright wall sections 32a of the second frame element 32 are formed on the opposite ends of the inner wall section 32b in the passage direction D1. Moreover, the upright wall sections 31a of the first frame element 31 extend outwards of the passage from the inner wall section 31b, and the upright wall sections 32a of the second frame element 32 extend outwards of the passage from the inner wall section 32b.

A structure 2 and the joint case element 20 can be connected by means of a connection mechanism 30. The first frame element 31 for a structure 2 and the second frame element 32 for the joint case element 20 can be connected by means of the connection mechanism 30. What follows is a detailed description of the connection mechanism 30.

First latching bars 34 can be attached to the inner surface of the inner wall section 31b (or the bottom surface of the inner wall section 31b in FIG. 6) of the first frame element 31 for a structure 2. More than one first latching bar 34 is circumferentially provided side by side. Such a first latching bar 34 extends along the inner surface of the inner wall section 31b, and is bent inwards (or downwards in FIG. 6) on the opposite side from the first peripheral walls 2c1 to thereby form a latching section 34a. The first latching bars 34 are in the form of bar members made from metal and, for example, can be fixedly bonded to the inner surface of the inner wall section 31b by welding. Note, however, this is only one of the non-limiting examples of how the first latching bars 34 can be attached.

Similarly, second latching bars 36 can be attached to the inner surface of the inner wall section 32b (or the bottom surface of the inner wall section 32b in FIG. 6) of the second frame element 32 for the joint case element 20. There are two or more second latching bars 36, which are circumferentially provided side by side. Each second latching bar 36 extends along the bottom surface of the inner wall section 32b, and is bent inwards (or downwards in FIG. 6) on the opposite side from the joint case element 20 to thereby form a latching section 36a. The second latching bars 36 are in the form of bar members made from metal and, for example, can be fixedly bonded to the inner surface of the inner wall section 32b by welding. Note, however, this is only one of the non-limiting examples of how the second latching bars 36 can be attached.

The first and second latching bars 34 and 36 constitute a part of the connection mechanism 30. The first and second latching bars 34 and 36 can be connected with a connection unit 38. That is, the first latching bars 34, the second latching bars 36, and the connection unit 38 constitute the connection mechanism 30.

The connection unit 38 includes a pair of third frame elements 40 which form a part of the passage. The third frame elements 40 and 40 are in the form of annular members made from metal, and the two third frame elements 40 and 40 are arranged in the passage direction D1 with a first gap G1 therebetween.

The hollow cavity of one of the third frame elements 40 communicates with the hollow cavity of the first frame element 31 with a second gap G2 therebetween, and the hollow cavity of the other of the third frame elements 40 communicates with the hollow cavity of the second frame element 32 with a second gap G2 therebetween. That is, the hollow cavities of the third frame elements 40 and 40 also form a part of the “passage through which a person passes.”

More specifically, with respect to the passage direction D1 going from a structure 2 to the joint case element 20, the first frame element 31, one of the second gaps G2, one of the third frame elements 40, the first gap G1, the other of the third frame elements 40, the other of the second gaps G2, and the second frame element 32 are arranged in this order. If desired, a bridging plate 28 adapted to the size of the first and second gaps G1 and G2 may be fitted to close the gaps G1 and G2 as shown in FIG. 7.

Still referring to FIG. 6, each of the third frame elements 40 has a generally L-shaped transverse cross-sectional shape. More specifically, each of the third frame elements 40 has an annular wall section 40a which extends in the passage direction D1, and a flange section 40b which extends outwards of the passage from the annular wall section 40a. The flange section 40b extends outwards from one of the ends of the annular wall section 40a on the opposite side from the first gap G1 in the passage direction D1.

The flange section 40b has a free end side, which is bent in the passage direction D1 – more precisely, towards the opposite side from the first gap G1 in the passage direction D1 – and which is additionally bent towards the inside of the passage. More specifically, the flange section 40b includes a first bent portion 40ba and a second bent portion 40bb, with the first bent portion 40ba being formed by bending the free end side of the flange section 40b towards the opposite side from the first gap G1 in the passage direction D1 and the second bent portion 40bb being formed by being bent towards the inside of the passage from the terminating end of the first bent portion 40ba.

Accordingly, the flange section 40b has a free end segment, which is formed with an annular seal accommodation part 42, which opens inwards. An annular seal member 44 is fitted to the seal accommodation part 42. By way of example, the seal member 44 is in the form of an elastic packing made from rubber. Examples of material of the seal member 44 include ethylene propylene (or EPDM) rubber, natural rubber, silicone rubber, and fluorine rubber. Note, however, these represent only some of the non-limiting examples of material of the seal member 44.

The connection unit 38 includes a hood member 46 which is configured to cover the first gap G1 from the outside of the passage. The hood member 46 can be secured to the outer surface of the annular wall sections 40a of the pair of third frame elements 40 relative to the passage. The hood member 46 is in the form of a waterproof fabric that provides cover for the first gap G1 to prevent winds and rain, dust and dirt, or other such matters from entering the same, and has one end that can be secured to the outer surface of one of the annular wall sections 40a and the other end that can be secured to the outer surface of the other of the annular wall sections 40a. That is, the hood member 46 is provided so as to close the first gap G1 along the pair of third frame elements 40. In the instant embodiment, the hood member 46 covers the outer side of the first gap G1 along its entire circumference.

In the instant embodiment, the hood member 46 can be secured to the third frame elements 40 by adhesive bonding or a band, for example. Note, however, these represent only some of the non-limiting examples of a securing method for the hood member 46. The hood member 46 may comprise a heat-insulating material or a heat-shielding material. Also, the hood member 46 may comprise a flexible material. In this case, the hood member 46 may be flexed so as to form convexity towards the outside of the passage as shown in FIG. 6. The hood member 46 may be made from a resin-impregnated sheet or a rubber sheet, for example. Note, however, these represent only some of material of the hood member 46.

The connection unit 38 further includes a fastener lock 48 for connection to a structure 2 or the joint case element 20. More specifically, one of the third frame elements 40 has a fastener lock 48 for connection to a structure 2, and the other of the third frame elements 40 has a fastener lock 48 for connection to the joint case element 20. That is, in the instant embodiment, these structure 2 and joint case element 20 can be connected with those fastener locks 48.

For example, such a fastener lock 48 is in the form of a so-called “draw latch” and has a pivotable lever 48a which can be pushed down while one end of the lever 48a is hooked on a protrusion or other such feature, thus, providing for a mechanism that can form a connection without requiring any tools. Further, such a fastener lock 48 may be loaded with a spring element to create a strong fastening force.

The fastener locks 48 may be secured to the inner surfaces (or the bottom surfaces in FIG. 6) of the third frame elements 40. By way of example, the fastener locks 48 are secured to the third frame elements 40 using bolts or other such fastening members. Note, however, that this represents only one of the non-limiting examples of the securing method for the fastener locks 48. More than one fastener lock 48 is circumferentially provided side by side. There are as many fastener locks 48 as the number of the first and second latching bars 34 and 36. The third frame elements 40, the seal members 44, the hood member 46, and the fastener locks 48 constitute the connection unit 38.

What follows is the description of a procedure to connect a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 with the connection unit 38. While one end of the lever 48a of each fastener lock 48 provided on one of the third frame elements 40 is hooked on the latching section 34a of a respective one of the first latching bars 34 provided on the first frame element 31 on a structure 2, these levers 48 are pushed down. In this way, the first frame element 31 and one of the third frame elements 40 can be connected.

In this scenario, one of the seal members 44 that is positioned outwards of one of the second gaps G2 can be compressed by being clamped between one of the upright walls 31a of the first frame element 31 and the flange wall 40b of one of the third frame elements 40 with the fastening forces of fastener locks 48. In this way, that second gap G2 can be hermetically sealed by the one of the seal members 44.

Similarly, while one end of the lever 48a of each fastener lock 48 provided on the other of the third frame elements 40 is hooked on the latching section 36a of a respective one of the second latching bars 36 provided on the second frame element 32 on the joint case element 20, these lever 48 are pushed down. In this way, the second frame element 32 and the other of the third frame elements 40 can be connected.

In this scenario, the other of the seal members 44, which is positioned outwards of the other of the second gaps G2, can be compressed by being clamped between one of the upright walls 32a of the second frame element 32 and the flange wall 40b of the other of the third frame elements 40 with the fastening forces of fastener locks 48. In this way, the other of the second gaps G2 can be hermetically sealed by that seal member 44.

Consequently, a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 can be coupled by means of the connection mechanism 30 in an airtight manner and in such a way that enables a person to go back and forth between the spaces SP and the space SP1.

A structure 2 and the joint case element 20 can thus be connected using fastener locks 48, thereby making easy connection and disconnection possible without any special tools. Further, the second gaps G2 between a structure 2 and the connection unit 38 and between the joint case element 20 and the connection unit 38 can be sealed with the seal members 44, thereby preventing water or other matters from entering the same.

Thanks to the use of a heat-insulating material, a heat-shielding material, or other such material as material of the hood member 46, there can be little or no drop in heat insulating performance while in use even when sashes are left open for use. Also, even when a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 go out of alignment due to an earthquake or other cause, the hood member 46, when flexible and installed in a flexed form, can conform thereto flexibly. As a result, continued use is possible even after a disaster hits without any problems.

FIG. 8 depicts a variant of the connection mechanism 30. In FIG. 8, a waterproof zipper 50 is used as the connection mechanism 30. That is, a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 can be connected using the waterproof zipper 50. The waterproof zipper 50 is one type of fastener lock and can be positioned between the first frame element 31 for a structure 2 and the second frame element 32 for the joint case element 20.

The waterproof zipper 50 includes a water-blocking part 52 comprising a highly airtight body and a zipper part 54 that closes a gap between a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 without requiring any tools. That is, the zipper part 54 constitutes a fastener lock for connection to a structure 2, and the water-blocking part 52 constitutes a seal member that hermetically closes a gap to a structure 2.

Referring to FIG. 8, the zipper part 54 in the instant embodiment can be disposed in such a way to form convexity towards the outside of the passage. This configuration prevents water from accumulating on the zipper part 54 and can further improve the blocking of water into the zipper part 54.

Further, the connection mechanism 30 in the variant of FIG. 8 similarly includes the hood member 46. The hood member 46 can be secured to the outer surface of the first frame element 31 for a structure 2 and the outer surface of the second frame element 32 for the joint case element 20 and can be positioned so as to cover the outer side of the waterproof zipper 50. Material and other features of the hood member 46 may be identical to those of the hood member 46 in the example of FIG. 6. The configurations can prevent winds and rain, dust and dirt, or other such matters from entering the waterproof zipper 50.

Consequently, a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 can likewise be coupled by means of the connection mechanism 30 in an airtight manner and in such a way that enables a person to go back and forth between the spaces SP and the space SP1, in the variant of FIG. 8.

In accordance with these configurations described above, the use of the joint case element 20 shown in FIG. 1 for connection to a structure 2 allows for flexible layout of two or more structures 2 and enhances the scalability of the unit UN of structures formed of the two or more structures 2. Further, the use of the joint case element 20 for a connection can keep the size of the structures 2 small and thereby makes the transfer and relocation of the unit UN of structures easier.

In the instant embodiment, the hood member 46 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a heat-insulating material or a heat-shielding material. According to this configuration, there can be little or no drop in heat insulating performance while in use even in an open state of the opening 10, namely, even when sashes are left in an open state.

In the instant embodiment, the hood member 46 comprises a flexible material. According to this configuration, even when a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 go out of alignment due to an earthquake or other cause, the hood member 46, when provided in a flexed form, can conform thereto flexibly and allow for continued use without any problems when resuming the operation.

In the instant embodiment, a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 are connected with the fastener locks 48. According to this configuration, a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 can be connected with the use of a fastener lock (or a so-called draw latch), thus, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without any tools.

In the instant embodiment, at least one of the structures 20 has power generation equipment 4 equipped thereto, which generates power for electrical devices provided for the unit UN of structures as shown in FIG. 1. The power generation equipment 4 comprises at least one of a wind turbine generator 6, a photovoltaic generator 8, or a hydroelectric generator. These configurations allow an independent power supply to be employed and therefore improves energy saving performance, thus, preventing possible power shortage.

Further, the two or more structures 2 are configured to be electrically connectable to each other via the joint case element 20. According to this configuration, the power generation equipment 4 equipped to a given one of the structures 2 can cover the electrical power for another one of the structures 2.

In the instant embodiment, a structure 2 and the joint case element 20 may be connected using the waterproof zipper 50 as shown in FIG. 8. According to this configuration, a connection structure can be implemented with a simpler design and at a low cost.

While the instant embodiment represents an example in which a structure and a joint case element can be connected with a connection mechanism 30, the connection mechanism 30 in the instant embodiment can even be used to connect structures 2 and 2 themselves. In this scenario, a fastener lock 48 (or a so-called draw latch) may likewise be used, thus, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without any tools. As a result, it imparts scalability to the unit UN of structures that is formed of two or more structures 2 and makes the transfer and relocation of the same easier.

The foregoing discussions present only some of the non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, and a variety of additions, modifications, or omissions can be made therein without departing the principle of the present invention and are therefore encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Reference Symbols

2 ···· structure

2a ···· top wall

2b ···· bottom wall

2c ···· peripheral wall

4 ···· power generation equipment

6 ···· wind turbine generator

8 ···· photovoltaic generator

10 ···· access opening (opening)

20 ···· joint case element

22 ···· case element body

22c ···· peripheral wall of case element body

24 ···· opening

26 ···· cover

30 ···· connection mechanism

44, 52 ···· seal member

46 ···· hood member

48, 54 ···· fastener lock

50 ···· waterproof zipper

SP ···· interior space of structure

UN ···· unit of structures

Claims

1. A unit of structures comprising:

two or more structures each having a top wall, a bottom wall, and peripheral walls, being configured in a transportable manner, and having respective spaces provided therein; and

a joint case element which is disposed between adjacent ones of the structures to couple the adjacent ones of the structures, wherein

the joint case element includes: a case element body having peripheral walls and being connected to one of the peripheral walls of one of the structures; an opening formed in one of the peripheral walls of the case element body and having a predetermined size; and a hood member which provides cover for a connection of the joint case element with the one of the structures, the unit of structures is configured to allow a person to move between the spaces of the adjacent ones of the structures through the opening, at least one of the structures has power generation equipment which is equipped thereto and generates power for electrical devices provided for the unit of structures, and the power generation equipment comprising at least one of a wind turbine generator, a photovoltaic generator, or a hydroelectric generator.

2. The unit of structures as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hood member comprises a heat-insulating material or a heat-shielding material.

3. The unit of structures as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hood member comprises a flexible material.

4. The unit of structures as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one of the structures and the joint case element are connected with a fastener lock.

5. The unit of structures as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a seal member which hermetically seals a gap between the fastener lock and the one of the structures.

6. The unit of structures as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two or more structures are electrically connectable to each other via the joint case element.

7. The unit of structures as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one of the structures and the joint case element are connected using a waterproof zipper.