CN110072601B - Building block and building block combination - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a detachably connected building block combination, comprising a first building block (300'), a second building block (300") and a third building block (100c). The first building block (300') includes a main body and a The connecting parts formed on the connecting parts each have a first central axis, and the first central axis defines a first coupling axis. The second building block (300") includes a second main body and a second central axis formed on the main body with a second central axis. , this second central axis defines the second coupling axis. The third building block (100c') is a third body having a longitudinal axis adapted to couple interconnecting blocks connecting the first building block and the second building block.

Description

Building block and building block combination

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to building blocks and building block assemblies.

Background

Modular interconnectable blocks for use in constructing toys, such as toy figures, toy vehicles, toy houses, toy farms, toy machines, toy models and other toy blocks, toy products and toy structures, are well known and have been recognized for their educational value, such as to promote and encourage creativity, patience and willingness. Educational modular interconnectable toy blocks, such as many different types of toy blocks, toy products and toy structures, may be used with a small number of carefully designed blocks of basic configuration, which may be reused for the manufacture of other toy blocks, toy products and toy structures, etc. Modular interconnectable blocks are also used in the construction industry, such as modular components for buildings and structures, and it is known that modular interconnectable blocks can be used to facilitate flexible, quick and standardized construction, reduce the need for manual work and increase productivity. In addition to applications in the toy and construction industries, modular interconnectable toy bricks may also be used for modular construction of tools, equipment, appliances and many other types of products.

Disclosure of Invention

The disclosure includes modular interconnectable blocks and block combinations.

The block according to the disclosure comprises a plurality of connecting portions, each having a central axis defining a coupling axis and a coupling direction, the connecting portions being connected in series and distributed along a distribution axis formed by coupling the central axes or coupling axes of the plurality of connecting portions in series, thereby defining a distribution direction. Each link c portion comprises a mating portion comprising mechanical snap engagement features defining engagement surfaces in the form of snap mating surfaces for snap engagement with mating connectors of a corresponding building block along a coupling direction. A mating portion is defined between first and second planes, the first plane extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the central axis, the second plane being parallel to the first plane and being axially displaced in the coupling direction.

In some embodiments, adjacent connecting portions abut each other and the snap-fit surfaces of adjacent mating portions abut each other, together forming a corrugated portion that extends in a peripheral direction around the coupling axis, the peripheral direction being perpendicular to the coupling direction, thereby forming a peripherally extending recess or protrusion, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the coupling direction. The peripheral recess is concave, and has a corrugated or wavy profile and/or a tapered profile in the connecting direction, the profile of the peripheral recess gradually tapers and narrows towards the coupling axis, and the peripheral protrusion is a conical tooth and narrows towards the coupling axis.

In some embodiments, the first mating portion of the first connecting portion and the second mating portion of the second connecting portion mate with each other to define a recess or protrusion extending along the periphery, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion forming a pair of adjacent connecting portions.

In some embodiments, the corrugated portion or a portion thereof includes a concave curve along a concave or convex curvature.

In some embodiments, the mating portions of the plurality of connectors collectively define a corrugated surface comprising a plurality of tear-off portions, each tear-off portion being conically shaped with a corrugation or undulating profile, the profile in the connecting direction and/or the conical profile tapering toward the coupling axis, each corrugation extending in a plane perpendicular to the coupling direction, thereby forming a peripherally extending notch.

In some embodiments, the snap-fit surfaces surround the periphery of the block along a coupling direction between the first and second planes, thereby defining an engagement plane perpendicular to the coupling direction. The snap-engagement properties of the plurality of connection portions are connected in series, thereby forming a series of corrugations, including a plurality of corrugations or series of corrugations.

In some embodiments, adjacent corrugated portions form a corrugated series portion and/or the same corrugated portion that are joined or adjoined to each other.

In some embodiments, the central axes of a plurality of connecting portions with their immediately adjacent connecting portions are aligned along a common central axis or intersect each other within the block.

In some embodiments, the toy bricks include a main or main body and an internal bore defining a surface formed within the main or main body. The plurality of connection portions include a plurality of internal connection portions formed within the body or main housing, the mating portions of the plurality of internal connection portions being positioned in series with one another within the body or main housing, thereby defining the internal bore or a portion thereof. The inner bore has a bore axis that is coaxially aligned with the distribution axis of the plurality of internal connection portions.

In some embodiments, the internal bores are through-bores extending through the main housing opposite each other.

In some embodiments, the plurality of connection portions further comprises a plurality of external connection portions surrounding the internal bore.

In some embodiments, the bore axis and the distribution axis of the plurality of external connection portions are coaxially aligned with each other.

In some embodiments, the distribution axis is perpendicular to the coupling axis.

In some embodiments, the blocks comprise elongate elements having a longitudinal axis, the connecting portions being distributed along the longitudinal axis, the coupling axis and the longitudinal axis being perpendicular to each other or defining an acute angle.

In some embodiments, the thickness and/or width of the elongated member is comparable to or slightly greater than the thickness of the connecting portion, which thickness may be measured in the connecting direction, and the width measured in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction and the distribution axis.

The disclosed building block comprises a plurality of snap-engaged building blocks, the plurality of building blocks comprising a first building block and a second building block, said first building block and said second building block snap-engaged thereby forming a snap-fit joint, said snap-fit joint being a pivot joint defining a pivot axis, the first building block comprising a single first coupling portion or a plurality of first coupling portions (male) distributed along a first distribution axis, the second building block comprising a single second coupling portion or a plurality of second coupling portions (female). The first connecting portion has a first mating portion with a first connecting axis and the second connecting portion has a second mating portion with a second connecting axis. The first and second cooperating portions are a pair of snap-engageable cooperating portions, the first and second bricks being pivotally connected to allow rotation of the first and second bricks about first and second coupling axes which are coaxial with one another. According to the present disclosure, the first and second building blocks are so-called building blocks.

In some embodiments, the first block comprises a body.

In some embodiments, the building block assembly is a linked building block assembly or a rotor blade assembly, comprising a rotor blade mounted on a rotor shaft.

In some embodiments, the first and second mating portions are matingly compatible connectors having a mateable size and an opposing or complementary mating profile.

In some embodiments, the shape, contour and size of the mating portion are designed to define a snap engagement plane that is perpendicular to the coupling axis or defines an angular range of between 75 degrees and 105 degrees from the central axis.

In some embodiments, the plurality of connection portions includes a plurality of outer connection portions, each connection portion including a projection extending radially away from the body and extending around the central axis, thereby encircling the body. The radial extent tapers as the projections extend toward the first and/or second plane, leaving a pair of adjoining connecting portions to form a recess with one another.

The bricks herein comprise one or more connectors for releasable or releasable mechanical engagement between adjacent modular bricks, typically by press-and snap-fit engagement. The toy building set comprises one or more joints on at least one connecting surface, the toy building set being stackable with each connecting surface adjoining each other, the joints on each connecting surface being mechanically engageable in a detachable manner.

The blocks herein may be toy blocks, which are typically made of thermoplastic, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate) or other plastic materials, with high strength and rigidity and slight elasticity, the deformation characteristics of which facilitate the snap or snap engagement.

The building blocks herein may be made of clay, ceramic, porcelain, concrete or other moldable materials that have high rigidity and very low or virtually no elasticity.

The blocks herein may also be made of wood, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum alloys, or other formable materials).

When the bricks are made of a material with high stiffness but very low or no elasticity, the bricks can be engaged with bricks with sufficient elasticity, by elastic deformation of their joints, to cause mechanical engagement.

Generally, the building blocks may be rigid and have a slight or no elasticity, or suitable rigidity and elasticity may be selected by selecting suitable materials or by suitably mixing the materials.

The blocks herein may be ceramic or porcelain blocks, which may be ceramic bricks or blocks, ceramic tiles or tiles, ceramic plates or slabs or other forms of ceramic parts without loss of generality. Ceramic or ceramic blocks may be interconnected to form modules, to assemble blocks or to assemble sub-blocks or to interconnect articles of rigid and slightly elastic material using adhesives such as glue, cement or mortar.

The toy bricks herein generally comprise a body, a first surface on a first side of the body, a second surface on a second side of the body, a peripheral portion extending between the first and second surfaces, and a plurality of tabs formed on the body. The body is typically of a rigid or semi-rigid material and the connector has a peripheral wall which is rigid or semi-rigid and slightly resilient to facilitate snap-fit engagement with a corresponding connector by resilient deformation of the connector, typically forming a connector in a panel portion of the body. In some embodiments, a male connector is defined in one panel portion and a female connector is defined in the other panel portion, the two panel portions being separable from each other. In some embodiments, the male and female connectors are formed in a common panel portion.

Unless the context requires otherwise, a joint is herein referred to as a toy joint, which toy joint comprises a connecting portion having a coupling axis defining a coupling direction. The connecting portion includes a mating portion for mating engagement of the mating connectors, thereby defining a pair of connectors engaged with each other.

The mating portions include mechanical mating features for mating engagement of corresponding mating portions of the joint, thereby defining a pair of mating portions that engage one another, which may be male or female mating portions.

The connectors can be generally classified as either male or female, but in addition to the inherent male mating portion, the male connector also contains a female mating portion; in addition to the inherent female mating portion, the female connector also includes a male mating portion.

The male mating portion includes a male mating feature, which typically includes a protrusion shaped and dimensioned to mate with a corresponding female mating portion. Projections adapted to mate with concave mating portions are convex mating portions corresponding to such concave mating portions, and unless the context requires otherwise, projections are also referred to herein as "projecting portions", "projecting members", "projections", "protrusions" and "protrusions", and are used interchangeably herein.

The female mating portion includes female mating features and the female mating portion typically includes a coupling sleeve shaped and dimensioned to mate with a corresponding male mating portion. The coupling sleeve for tightly matching with the corresponding convex matching part is the concave matching part matched with the convex matching part. Unless the context requires otherwise, a sleeve herein means a coupling sleeve of a female toy building set joint, also referred to as a male-mating-portion sleeve or a male-joint sleeve.

When the separate bricks are releasably defined to releasably engage mechanically, a pair of connectors can be used to mate with corresponding mating portions. When the pair of connectors have mating snap fit portions, the connectors can be snap fit to define snap fit mating connectors.

When the male mating portions and the corresponding female mating portions have mating and matching functional features, the mating and matching can be achieved by aligning and approaching or moving the respective connecting shafts to each other, the mating or matching can be achieved by means of insertion or snap-fit engagement, when the mating connectors are approached or moved to each other, the respective coupling shafts are aligned and then pressed together, and the mating connectors are engaged into a matching state.

The joint features a radial profile having the radial extent of the mating portion or the mating portion between the joint and its axial end, and the snap joint features a non-uniform radial extent in the axial direction, in particular features an outwardly projecting radial profile.

The male connection portion includes a tab portion that enters a corresponding female connection portion and its sleeve, thereby defining a releasable mechanical engagement, the tab portion may be a tab object, a tab member, or a tab member.

The projection portion of the male connecting portion projects from the base surface and extends in an axial direction away from the base surface, the axial direction being the opposite direction of the coupling axis of the projection portion, the male connecting portion including a tab defining an axial end thereof, the axial extent of the projection portion being measured along the coupling axis of the male connecting portion between the base surface from which the projection is initiated and the axial end thereof, thereby defining the height of the projection. The protrusion has an outer peripheral wall defining mating functional features of the tab portion, the contents of which include shape, configuration, radial profile and size, etc.

The projection portion of the male snap fitting has a radial profile defined by an outer peripheral wall, the radial profile of the snap fitting being characterized by a non-uniform radial extent in the axial direction, the male snap fitting generally comprising a male portion having an outwardly projecting radial profile and a female portion having a female radial profile.

The protuberance portion herein is an annular protuberance comprising a first protuberance portion and a second protuberance portion, the first protuberance portion and the second protuberance portion being in series with each other and aligned with each other on the coupling axis, the first protuberance portion being contiguous with the base surface, the second protuberance portion comprising an axial end, the axial end being generally a free moving axial end, the first protuberance portion being located in an axial position, i.e. in a range between the second protuberance portion and the base surface.

The first projection portion is referred to as the neck portion and is supported by the base surface, and the second projection portion is referred to as the head portion supported by the neck portion.

The head has a greater radial profile, also called enlarged portion, compared to the radial profile of the neck, and when the profile exhibits a radial enlargement, this head is also called widened portion.

Generally, the head is an enlarged portion having a radial profile of the head, i.e., a convex radial profile or an outwardly convex profile.

The head has an outer periphery, which is typically a peripherally extending rib design, where the peripherally extending ribs are annular ribs having a head radial profile extending in a peripheral direction, the peripheral wall of the annular rib projection portion defining the annular ribs, which may be a continuous or discontinuous annular design, the peripheral direction being perpendicular to the coupling axis and tangential to the circle defining the annular ribs, the annular ribs surrounding a core portion of the head, which may be of a solid or hollow design. When the core is hollow in design, the head is in the shape of a hollow shell having an internal compartment. The head radial profile and the annular rib have the radial profile of the radial projection and thereby define a mating portion, more specifically a male snap mating portion of the male connection portion. For ease of reference, the male connecting portion has a first or snap fit portion of its head, referred to as the projection or male connecting portion. The terms "rib" and "ridge" are synonymous and are used interchangeably herein.

The outwardly projecting head has a maximum radial extent defining a maximum radial plane in an axial horizontal plane relative to the base surface, the maximum radial plane being a maximum transverse plane, the axial horizontal plane of the maximum radial plane being the horizontal plane of the maximum radial extent.

The outwardly projecting portion has a lower surface extending between a maximum radial plane and the base surface, the lower surface being a tapered surface aligned opposite the base surface, whereby as the axial level approaches the base level of the base surface, thereby defining a lower tapered surface, the axial extent of the lower surface decreases at the outwardly projecting head portion at the axial level. Conversely, the radially extent of the lower surface of the axially horizontal outwardly projecting head portion increases as the axial extent of the lower surface becomes increasingly further from the base surface. The radial extent of the lower surface of the outer protruding head reaches a local minimum in an axial horizontal plane when the outer protruding head is engaged with its neck.

The head tapers as it extends axially from the plane of maximum radial extent towards the base surface. Conversely, the head expands wider as it extends axially from the base surface toward the plane of greatest radial extent.

The axially free end of the head may be flat or rounded, in which case the male connector has a flat head shape. When the shaft end is round, the male connector is round-head-shaped. The rounded head may be a dome, spherical cap or rounded boss or other suitably shaped design.

The head radial profile extends in a peripheral direction thereby defining an annular outer periphery of the head, and the neck radial profile extends in a peripheral direction thereby defining an annular outer periphery of the neck.

The neck portion has a smaller radial profile, also referred to as a concave portion, than the head portion radial profile. When the profile is radially concave, the neck is also referred to as a narrowing.

Generally, the neck is concave with an enlarged portion having a radial profile of the neck, which is a tapered radial profile or simply a tapered profile.

The neck has an outer periphery in the form of a peripheral channel extension, the peripheral channel extension being an annular channel having a radial profile in the peripheral direction of the extent of the neck radial profile. The annular channel is defined by the peripheral wall of the tab portion and may be continuous or discontinuous. The peripheral direction is orthogonal to the coupling axis and is tangential to the circle defining the annular passage. The annular channel is a peripherally extending channel that surrounds the core of the neck, which may be solid or hollow. When the core is hollow, the neck has the form of a hollow shell with an internal compartment. The neck radial profile and the annular channel are radial profiles with radial notches, thereby defining a fitting, more specifically a female snap fitting of the male connecting portion. For ease of reference, the neck-engaging portion of the male connection portion is referred to as the second engaging portion or the second catch portion of the male connection portion. This second mating portion is a retaining portion that is accessible to a neck sleeve for retaining the female connector. The terms "channel" and "groove" are used interchangeably herein.

The neck has a local maximum radial extent at an axial level at which the neck is connected or adjacent to the head. The local maximum radial extent defines a local maximum radial plane, which is also a local maximum transverse plane.

The neck has an outer peripheral surface extending between the local maximum radial plane and the base surface, the outer peripheral surface being a conical surface and the base surface being arranged opposite each other. The radial extent of the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion of the axial extent decreases as the axial level approaches the base level of the base surface, thereby defining an outer tapered peripheral surface. Conversely, the narrowing neck portion in axial horizontal plane increases in its outer peripheral surface radial extent as its axial horizontal plane becomes farther from the base surface. The neck portion engages the head portion when the radial extent of its outer peripheral surface reaches a local minimum at an axial level. The outer peripheral surface may take the form of a continuous smooth continuation of the head undersurface, and the outer peripheral surface radial profile may also move along the curved continuation of the tapered curved profile as the head undersurface tapers along the curved profile. In some embodiments, the curved profile moves along a radius of curvature that is half of its maximum radial extent.

Thus, the neck portion narrows as it extends axially from the plane of local maximum radial extent towards the base surface. Conversely, the neck expands wider as it extends axially from the base surface towards the plane of local maximum radial extent.

When the peripheral channel is defined primarily by the neck portion with its outer peripheral surface and the base surface together, the entire channel can be considered to be defined collectively by the lower axial end of the enlarged portion, the narrowed neck portion, and the base surface.

The channel may have a constant radial extent in the axial direction, or may have a tapered radial profile, which may decrease the radial extent of the neck portion along the axial horizontal plane towards the extent of the base surface.

Tapering may be along a curved profile, such as a convex curve, a straight slope, or other desired profile without loss of generality.

Generally, the axial extent of the protrusions of the connecting portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusions, and this fraction may be selected to have a value between 20% and 80%, and may be expressed, for example, as a percentage value of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80%, or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges. Typically, the protrusions have a rounded end or partial ball end shape at higher values of the axial extent, i.e. between 50% and 80%, and flat head or shaft ends at lower values in the range of 15% and 60%. For the annular protrusion, the maximum radial extent E has a circular diameter D, which circle defines the plane of the maximum radial extent, which is also the diameter-related location.

The axial extent between the level of the maximum radial extent and the axially free end of the portion of the protuberance is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protuberance, which may optionally be a value between 5% and 50% of the maximum radial extent, and may be expressed, for example, as a percentage value of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50% or a range formed by any combination of the foregoing values or a limitation of the range. The axial extent of the upper portion of the protuberance is of a lower value between 5% and 30%, the higher value between 25% and 50% being taken when the protuberance has a flat head or axial end, the protuberance having a rounded end or part-spherical end shape. When the axial extent of the upper protrusion is 50%, the upper portion is a hemisphere.

The axial extent between the base surface and the maximum radial extent of the protrusion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, which may optionally be a value between 6% and 30% of the maximum radial extent, and may for example be expressed as a percentage value of 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30% or a range formed by any combination of the aforementioned values or a limit of the range.

The axial extent of the outwardly projecting portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the projection, which fraction may optionally be a value between 5% and 25% of the maximum radial extent E, and may for example be expressed as a percentage value of 10, 15, 20, 25% or a range formed by a combination of any of the foregoing values or a limit of the range thereof.

The axial extent of the neck is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protuberance, which may optionally be a value between 5% and 25% of the maximum radial extent E, and may for example be expressed as a percentage value of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25% or a range formed by any combination of the aforementioned values or a limit of the range.

The neck radial extent is a portion of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, which portion may optionally have a value between 90% and 99% of the maximum radial extent, and may be expressed, for example, as a percentage value of 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or a range formed by a combination of any of the foregoing values or a limit of the range.

The radial extent of the radial recess defining the neck passage is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, which fraction may optionally be a value between 1% and 6%, for example expressed as a percentage value of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6% or higher, or a range formed by a combination of any of the foregoing values or a limit of the range.

The projection portion or a part thereof is a convex annular portion which moves along a convex curve when extending toward the base surface in the coupling axis direction. The convex annular portion may be spherical, the spherical portion having a radius of curvature R, which is half the maximum radial extent, axial extent or height h of the maximum radial plane. The maximum radial plane is generally defined between two smaller radial planes, such that the radial extent of the convex curvature increases from a first radial extent defined by the first smaller radial plane to a maximum radial extent, and then decreases as the curvature extends along the coupling axis to a second radial extent defined by the second radial extent, the radial planes extending laterally or laterally orthogonal to the coupling axis.

The portion of the projection between the base surface and the maximum radial plane may be spherical or frustoconical, such as frustoconical. The axial horizontal plane between the base plane and the maximum radial plane may optionally have a value of R between 20% and 85%, R being the radius of the sphere defining the sphere portion, and may for example be expressed as a percentage value of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or a range formed by any combination of the aforementioned values or a limitation of the range.

Where the neck where the protrusion portion abuts the base surface is spherical, the neck has the shape of the lower spherical portion and has a convex curved profile in the radial direction. When the neck has such a shape, the neck has a smaller radial extent at the base surface and a local maximum radial extent at the axial spacing of the base surface.

The radial extent of the neck portion at the base surface is a fraction of the maximum radial extent, which may optionally be a value between 90% and 98.8%, for example, as a percentage value of 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 98.8% or a range formed by any combination of the foregoing values or a limit of the range.

The local maximum radial plane is elevated at the base surface and has a smaller radial extent, adjoining the radial plane and the base surface.

The neck may be tapered to connect the base surfaces at an engagement angle, the taper may follow a convex curved profile, may have a constant slope, or other desired taper. This engagement angle is an acute angle, optionally a number between 50 degrees and 88 degrees, for example, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 70, 80, 85, 88 degrees in degrees or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges are employed.

The protruding portion, such as the protruding portion or the recessed portion, may comprise a cylinder or prism, which protrudes away from the base surface, defining at the periphery a tapered portion abutting or close to the base surface.

The snap joint or the mating portion of the snap joint herein is axially symmetrical, the axially symmetrical mating portion having a profile that is characteristic of an axially symmetrical mating function. Axially symmetric mating portions or joints typically have a circular cross-section in the axial direction defined by the mating portion coupling axis or joint, and in some embodiments, the mating portions are not necessarily of axially symmetric design, having a square cross-section or a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sides. Unless otherwise required herein, the snap fit joint herein includes types of axial symmetry and non-axial symmetry, among others.

On the other hand, the radial extent of the snap tab portion or no snap function is in fact a uniform cloth distribution design in the axial direction.

The female connecting portion includes a coupling sleeve for engaging a protrusion portion of its corresponding male connector, and more particularly, the female connecting portion includes a coupling sleeve or simply sleeve for mating with a protrusion portion of its corresponding male connecting portion to facilitate snap-fit engagement. The male mating portion is engaged by the sleeve when the male mating portion is mated with the female mating portion, the male mating portion having at least a portion that extends into and engages the sleeve compartment.

The female connector sleeve includes a sleeve compartment and a sleeve inlet whereby the axial ends of the projections of the corresponding male connecting portions are insertable into the sleeve compartment. The sleeve includes an inner peripheral wall defining a sleeve compartment, a sleeve inlet, and a sleeve inlet plane and an inlet aperture at the sleeve inlet. The inlet opening is typically located at the axial end of the sleeve, also referred to as the inlet opening, the plane of the sleeve inlet being perpendicular to the coupling axis, the inlet opening defining a minimum radial clearance of the sleeve, which in turn defines a maximum radial extent or outward projection of the projection, without allowing radial deformation of the sleeve inlet or male connector projection, by which insertion into the sleeve can take place. The coupling sleeve extends axially away from the sleeve inlet, thereby defining an axial extent of the sleeve compartment. The axial extent of the sleeve defines the height of the sleeve along the axis of coupling of the sleeve between the axial ends of the inner peripheral wall defining the compartment of the sleeve, and the inner peripheral wall of the sleeve defines the shape, configuration and dimensions of the compartment of the sleeve. The sleeve may be in the form of a sleeve portion, a sleeve body or a sleeve member. In some embodiments, the female connector includes a peripheral wall defining a sleeve. The peripheral wall may comprise an inner peripheral wall defining the radial profile of the sleeve and the sleeve compartment and an outer peripheral wall surrounding the inner peripheral wall and defining the outer periphery of the sleeve, which may be a continuous or discontinuous wall. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the sleeve abuts the panel portion and has a portion of axial extent that is spaced from or independent of the panel. For example, the peripheral wall may take the following percentage values, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 95, 100%, or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges, over the axial extent or maximum radial extent of the cartridge compartment, the radially spaced space between the peripheral wall and the panel portion being the footprint of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the smaller axial extent portion of the sleeve is separated or independent from the faceplate portion, and the percentage value of this smaller portion (axial extent or percentage of maximum radial extent of the sleeve compartment) may be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10%, or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges.

The female snap fitting includes a snap engaging sleeve shaped and dimensioned to mate with the male snap engaging portion. When the female snap-fit connector and the male snap-fit connector are mated, the male mating portion is subjected to a small radially compressive force exerted inwardly by the sleeve of the female mating portion and the sleeve is subjected to a small radially expansive force exerted outwardly by the male mating portion.

The sleeve compartment of the female connector has a radial profile defined by the inner sleeve peripheral wall, and the radial profile of the female snap connector sleeve compartment has a non-uniform radial extent in the axial direction, typically comprising the axially outwardly projecting sleeve portion and the inwardly recessed radial profile of the inwardly recessed sleeve portion. Unless the context requires otherwise, terms such as sleeve, coupling sleeve, snap-fit sleeve, sleeve portion, sleeve body and sleeve member, etc., may be used interchangeably herein.

The inlet opening is at or above the axial end of the sleeve and is shaped as an annular bore with a male engagement portion providing a passage for insertion of the male engagement portion into the compartment of the sleeve, whereby the axial end and inlet opening are inserted and the sleeve is then inserted into tight engagement. The sleeve is formed with an inlet opening in each of its two axial ends to allow entry and exit of the male connector lug portion from a selected one of the two axial ends.

The inlet bore has or may have a radial clearance that is less than or slightly less than the maximum radial extent of the male mating portion, which is typically located at the outward projecting portion of the male connector protrusion. The radial clearance at the inlet aperture is less than the maximum radial extent of the outwardly projecting portion, which is generally indicative of radial constriction at the axial end of the sleeve. The male connection means has an outer projecting portion which overcomes the resistance to radial contraction to allow access to the cartridge compartment from outside the cartridge compartment or to define a minimum radial clearance extent of the cartridge at the inlet aperture if it is already within the cartridge compartment, i.e. left within the cartridge compartment.

The sleeve may comprise a first sleeve portion having a first sleeve compartment and a second sleeve portion having a second sleeve compartment, the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion being in series and aligned with each other on the coupling axis, the first sleeve portion having an axial end comprising the sleeve inlet end, the second sleeve portion extending axially away from the first sleeve portion and the sleeve inlet. In snap engagement, the first sleeve portion surrounds and snap engages a neck portion of the corresponding male mating portion, referred to as the sleeve neck, also referred to as the engagement neck, which contains a sleeve neck compartment. In snap engagement, the second sleeve portion surrounds and snap engages a head portion of a corresponding male mating portion, referred to as the sleeve head, also referred to as the engagement head, containing a sleeve head compartment.

The two sleeve parts, namely the sleeve head and the sleeve neck, can be of separate or integrated design.

The engagement portion of the sleeve portion is an annular sleeve portion defined by an inner circumferential wall defining the sleeve portion, and the engagement portion may be an annular bracket portion, an annular bracket member, a collar portion or a collar member. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion has an entry hole at each axial end to facilitate entry and/or exit into and/or out of the mating male mating portion at either axial end.

In some embodiments, the sleeve may have only one sleeve portion, e.g., only the sleeve head or the sleeve neck.

The sleeve head includes a sleeve head compartment for receiving the snap-fit engagement of the head of a single male connector and has a radial gripping profile that may be complementarily shaped and sized for mating with the radial profile of the male protrusion of a corresponding male connector.

The sleeve head is an enlarged sleeve portion, also called widened sleeve portion or simply enlarged portion. The sleeve head has a sleeve head radial profile that is enlarged compared to the radial profile of the sleeve neck. The radial profile of the sleeve head extends in the peripheral direction, thereby defining an annular inner periphery of the sleeve head. The radial profile of the sleeve head and the inner periphery of the sleeve head are defined by an inner peripheral wall defining the sleeve head, the mating portion of the sleeve head being generally in the form of an annular button or clip, which in the case of an annular bracket embodiment may be an annular bracket member, a collar portion or a collar member, generally defining the maximum radial clearance extent of the sleeve at the sleeve head.

The inner peripheral wall portion of the sleeve defining the sleeve head and the compartment of the sleeve head has a concave or concave radial profile, the concave or concave portion facing the coupling axis. The recess has a radial profile which defines the radial profile of the sleeve head, which may be of angular or curved design, extending in the peripheral direction, i.e. annularly, thereby defining the sleeve head compartment and its boundaries. The peripheral direction is perpendicular to the coupling axis and is tangential to a circle defining an annular button or clip in the form of an annular channel surrounding the core of the sleeve head. The sleeve head defines the female snap-fit portions of the female connection portion, so that for ease of reference, referred to as the first snap-fit portion or first snap-fit portion of the sleeve, the so-called "channels" and "grooves" are used interchangeably herein.

The sleeve head has a maximum radial extent defined at an axial level referred to as the maximum radial extent level, which is also the maximum transverse level. The radial extent of the sleeve head decreases as its axial distance from the maximum radial extent horizontal plane increases. Specifically, the radial extent of the sleeve head decreases as the sleeve head extends away from the maximum radial extent level and toward the sleeve inlet, and the radial extent of the sleeve head decreases as the sleeve head extends away from the maximum radial extent level and the sleeve inlet. Thus, the sleeve head tapers as it is axially away from the plane of maximum radial extent or the plane of maximum radial extent. Conversely, the sleeve head widens as the axial extension approaches the plane of maximum radial extent or the level of maximum radial extent.

The end of the sleeve head remote from the sleeve inlet may be flat or curved in shape, for example, may be a ball cap or other desired shaped design.

The neck of the sleeve includes a neck compartment for snap-fitting engagement with the neck of a corresponding male connector, and the radial gripping profile of the neck compartment is of complementary shape to the radial profile of the neck of the corresponding male connector.

The neck of the sleeve is an inwardly concave sleeve portion compared to the radial profile of the sleeve head. The sleeve neck is an inwardly concave sleeve portion, which is also referred to as a narrowed sleeve portion or simply an inwardly concave portion, since this region has a radial profile of the sleeve neck which is smaller than the radial profile of the sleeve head. The inner peripheral wall portion of the sleeve defines the radial profile of the neck of the sleeve, i.e. the inner peripheral wall portion of the sleeve defines the neck of the sleeve and the inner periphery of the neck of the sleeve. The radially outer extending contour of the sleeve neck defines an annular inner periphery of the sleeve neck, the inner circumferential wall portion of the sleeve defines the sleeve neck, and the sleeve neck compartment has a notch-like or inner-like radial contour, the notch or channel facing inwardly towards the coupling axis of the sleeve head and the maximum radial plane center point. The recess has a radial profile which is or defines the radial profile of the neck of the sleeve. The radial profile may be of angular or curved design, extending in the peripheral direction, i.e. annularly, thereby defining the neck of the sleeve compartment and its boundaries.

The engagement portion in the example of a neck of the sleeve is in the form of a ring buckle or ring clamp around which the neck of the sleeve is defined, possibly with a radial profile of the gripping bracket or gripping collar, i.e. in the embodiment of the neck of the sleeve the design of the ring bracket portion, ring bracket piece, collar portion or collar member. Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "carrier" and "collar" are used interchangeably herein. The clamping bracket in this context is a tilting bracket having a concave portion or recess facing the head of the sleeve with its coupling axis and the centre point of the largest radial plane, which bracket extends in this peripheral direction defining the neck compartment of the sleeve and its boundary. The peripheral direction is perpendicular to the coupling axis and is tangential to the circle defining the ring-shaped clasp or clip, the neck of the sleeve defining a female snap-fit portion of the female coupling portion, which may be called the second snap-fit portion or the second snap-fit female portion of the sleeve or female coupling portion, as the case may be. This so-called second engagement means is similar to the first engagement means, i.e. defines the retaining portion of the female retaining means, typically defining the minimum radial clearance extent of the sleeve at the neck of the sleeve.

The concave sleeve portion has a local maximum radial extent at its axial extent referred to as the local maximum radial extent horizontal plane, i.e., the local maximum transverse plane. The radial extent of the neck compartment of the sleeve increases as one moves axially away from the level of the local maximum radial extent and towards the inlet of the sleeve. In particular, the radial extent of the sleeve neck compartment decreases as the sleeve neck compartment moves away from the maximum radial extent level and is inserted into the sleeve inlet. The sleeve neck compartment is a tapered sleeve neck that tapers as the axial extension approaches the sleeve inlet. Conversely, when the sleeve neck projects axially away from the sleeve inlet, the sleeve neck compartment widens.

The tapered inlet end of the neck of the sleeve is dimensioned in accordance with the engagement portion or, more specifically, in accordance with its male engagement portion, for narrowing the neck thereof in engagement or snap-fit, e.g. wedging engagement, with the corresponding male engagement portion. Thus, this tapered inlet end can be considered the third snap-fit portion of the sleeve.

The taper may be moved along a curve, such as a concave curve, a straight sloped line, or other desired profile without loss of generality.

The sleeves of the female connecting parts can be sleeved with the protrusions of the male connecting parts, when two building blocks are provided with matched connecting devices, stacking connection can be realized, the corresponding connecting devices adopt a releasable connection mode, and the corresponding connecting surfaces of the building blocks can adopt an abutting or even splicing design. To meet the engagement requirements, the axial end or tip of the sleeve remote from the inlet end is located at an axial level sufficient to engage the projection.

The sleeve inlet end is located at the axial level of the engagement surface and unless the top end is open to allow insertion of the projection, the sleeve top end is typically located at the level of the axial extent of the projection corresponding to the engagement surface. Generally, the axial extent of a compartment of the sleeve is the maximum radial extent, projection or a portion of the sleeve, which may optionally be a value between 15% and 80%, for example, as a percentage value of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80% or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges. Typically, the protrusions have a rounded end or partial ball end shape at higher values of the axial extent, i.e. between 50% and 80%, and flat head or shaft ends at lower values in the range of 15% and 60%.

The sleeve head snap-engaging at the outwardly projecting portion has a radial clamping profile with a complementary profile design for mating with the outwardly projecting radial profile of the sleeve head.

In order to be able to provide an effective snap engagement at the outwardly projecting portion, the radial extent of the radial gripping profile of the sleeve head can be compared with the axial extent of its outwardly projecting portion of the corresponding male engagement portion, as determined by the radial profile of the annular bracket. Generally, the radial extent of the sleeve head is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the outwardly projecting portion, which may optionally be a value between 10% and 40%, and may be expressed, for example, as a percentage value of 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40%, or a range formed by any combination of the foregoing values, or a limit of the range.

The sleeve head may be symmetrical to the radial extent, corresponding to a plane of maximum radial extent of the outwardly projecting sleeve head or to an outwardly projecting portion of a snap-engagement projection, the plane of symmetry dividing the sleeve head into two halves symmetrical about the radial plane, the sleeve head tapering as it extends axially away from the plane of maximum radial extent, the sleeve head being movable along a concave conical profile or defining a concave radial profile as it extends axially conically. In addition, the concave profile may follow or match the convex profile of its corresponding outwardly projecting portion. In some embodiments, the tapering may be along a slope or other desired profile without loss of generality, the radius of curvature of the concave curve being half the value of the maximum radial extent E.

The radial extent of the sleeve head is at the end of the plane of symmetry, and its axial extent is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the outwardly projecting sleeve head, which fraction may optionally be between 95% and 99%, and may for example be expressed as a percentage value of 95, 96, 97, 98, 99% or a range formed by a combination of any of the aforementioned values or a limit of the range thereof.

The axial extent of the sleeve neck, which can provide a snap-on clamping force at the male connector neck, is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the outwardly projecting portion, which can optionally be a value between 2% and 10%, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10%, or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges.

In order to provide sufficient or effective snap-on grip on the neck of the protrusion, the radial extent of the radial gripping profile of the neck of the sleeve, i.e. of the annular carrier, should be comparable to the extent of the neck of the corresponding male engagement portion. Generally, the radial extent of the neck portion of the sleeve is a portion of the radial extent of the neck portion of the base surface, which portion may optionally be a value between 10% and 35%, and may be expressed, for example, as a percentage value of 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 35%, or a range formed by any combination of the foregoing values, or a limit of the range.

The maximum radial extent of the neck portion of the sleeve may be considered to be a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the sleeve, which may optionally be a value between 1.9% and 5%, and may be expressed, for example, as a percentage value of 1.9, 2, 2.0, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.0, 4.5, 5% or a range formed by any combination of the foregoing values or a limit of the range.

The snap engagement is facilitated by the sleeve neck extending axially proximate the access hole, which is tapered to define a narrowed access hole.

As a result of the tapering, the passage hole at the tapered axial end of the neck of the sleeve has a radial extent which is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the clearance in the internal compartment of the sleeve, which fraction may optionally be a value between 85% and 96%, for example expressed as a percentage value of 85, 90, 95, 96% or a range formed by any combination of the aforementioned values or a limit value of the range thereof.

As a result of the tapering, the inner circumferential wall of the neck of the sleeve is at an angle of inclination to the radial plane at the end of the through-opening shaft of the neck of the sleeve. The angle of inclination may optionally be between 50 and 88 degrees, for example, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 88 degrees or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges. The angle of inclination preferably corresponds to the angle of engagement, facilitating a tight engagement between the neck of the sleeve and the neck.

The sleeve comprises a sleeve neck and a sleeve head, which may be defined by a sleeve peripheral wall, the axial extent of which may optionally be an R-value between 30% and 85%, for example, expressed as a percentage value of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85% or any single or multiple ranges limited by any combination of the foregoing values and/or ranges.

Drawings

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1a1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 100 according to the present disclosure,

figure 1a2 is a plan view of the block 100 of figure 1a1,

FIG. 1A3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the example block 100 of FIG. 1A1 taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1A2,

figure 1a4 is a front view of the example block 100 of figure 1a1,

figure 1B1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block 100B',

figure 1B2 is a plan view of an example of a block 100B',

FIG. 1B3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the building block 100B along section line AB-AB' of FIG. 1B2,

figure 1B4 is a front view of an example of a block 100B',

figure 1C1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 100C,

figure 1C2 is a plan view of an example of a block 100C,

FIG. 1C3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the building block 100C taken along section line AC-AC' of FIG. 1C2,

figure 1C4 is a front view of an example of a block 100C,

figure 1D1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 100D,

figure 1D2 is a plan view of an example of a block 100D,

FIG. 1D3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the building block 100D taken along section line AD-AD' of FIG. 1D2,

figure 1D4 is a front view of an example of a block 100D,

figure 1E1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 100E,

figure 1E2 is a plan view of an example of a block 100E,

FIG. 1E3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the building block 100E taken along section line AE-AE' of FIG. 1E2,

figure 1E4 is a front view of an example of a block 100E,

figure 2a1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 200 according to the present disclosure,

figure 2a2 is a plan view of an example of a building block 200,

figure 2A3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of figure 2a21 with respect to an example of the building block 200,

figure 2a4 is a front view of an example of a building block 200,

figure 2B1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block 200B',

FIG. 2B2 is a front view of an example of a block 200B

FIG. 2B3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the building block 200B taken along section line BB-BB' of FIG. 2B2,

figure 2B4 is a front view of an example of a block 200B',

figure 2BA1 is a perspective view of an example of building block 200BA,

figure 2BA2 is a plan view of an example of block 200BA,

figure 2BA3 is an elevation view of block 200BA along section line BBA-BBA',

figure 2BA4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the example block 200BA taken along line BBA-BBA of figure 2BA3,

figure 2C1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 200C,

figure 2C2 is a plan view of an example of a block 200C,

figure 2C3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the building block 200C taken along line 2C2,

figure 2C4 is a front view of an example of a block 200C,

figure 3a1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block 300,

figure 3a2 is a plan view of an example of a block 300,

figure 3A3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the example block 300 taken along line C-C of figure 3a2,

figure 3B1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block 300B',

figure 3B2 is a plan view of an example of a block 300B',

figure 3B3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the building block 300B along line CB-CB of figure 3B2,

figure 3C1 is a perspective view of an example of a block 300,

figure 3C2 is a plan view of an example of a block 300C,

FIG. 3C3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of the building block 300C taken along line CC-CC' of FIG. 3C2,

figure 4a1 is a perspective view of an example block assembly 400,

figure 4a2 is a plan view of an example block assembly 400,

figure 4A3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the building block 400 taken along the section line of figure 4a2,

figure 4B1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block assembly 400B',

figure 4B2 is a plan view of an example of a building block assembly 400B',

figure 4B3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cross-section line of figure 4B2 in relation to the building block subassembly 400B,

figure 5a1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block sub-assembly 500,

figure 5a2 is a plan view of an example of a building block sub-assembly 500,

figure 5A3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rosewood subassembly 500 taken along section line AD-AD' of figure 5a2,

figure 5B1 is a perspective view of a building block assembly 500B',

figure 5B2 is a plan view of an example of a building block assembly 500B',

figure 5B3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rosewood subassembly 500B along section line AE-AE' in figure 5B2,

figure 5C1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block assembly 500C,

figure 5C2 is a plan view of an example of a building block assembly 500C,

figure 5D1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block assembly 500D,

figure 5D2 is a plan view of an example of a building block assembly 500D,

figure 5E1 is a perspective view of an example of a building block assembly 500E,

figure 5E2 is a front view of an example of a building block assembly 500E,

figure 5E3 is a plan view of a building block sub-assembly 500E,

FIG. 5E4 is an enlarged view of the circled area of FIG. 5E 3.

Detailed Description

The example building block 100 includes a plurality of examples of connecting portions, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A1, 1A2, 1A3A, and 1A 4. Examples of the plurality of connection portions form a complete connection portion including a first connection portion 142, a second connection portion 144, and a third connection portion 146 connected in series. In this example, the second connecting portion 144, the first connecting portion 142, and the third connecting portion 146 all abut each other.

The connecting portion is defined by first and second planes, the second plane being parallel to the first plane and having a central axis X-X', the first plane being perpendicular to the central axis and being located at a first respective axial level, the second plane being located at a second axial level, the second axial level being spaced from the first axial level in the axial direction, the axial direction being in the direction of the central axis, the axial thickness of the connecting portion being defined by the axial distance between the first and second planes.

The connecting portions 142, 144, 146 have characteristic central axes and comprise a core portion 120 and a mating portion, the instance of the mating portion being formed at the outer periphery of the core portion and extending along a circular path, thereby forming a distributed engagement means of the example annular engagement means, the distributed engagement means having distributed engagement surfaces for facilitating distributed engagement, the circular path being perpendicular to the central axis X-X', the mating portion being perpendicular to the central axis and defining engagement planes perpendicular to the central axis to each other.

An example of the core portion is a hollow design having an inner bore formed with an inner bore defining surface, the inner bore having a bore axis, the inner bore surface being of a cylindrical design, the inner bore in the example being a through bore extending through the connecting portion and extending axially between the first and second planes, the cylindrical surface of the inner bore having a cylindrical axis, the cylindrical axis and the central axis X-X' of the connecting portion being aligned with one another. In some embodiments, the connecting portion is not of hollow design or has no through-going or inner bore at all. In some embodiments, the bore has a non-circular cross-section, which may be a square or regular polygon cross-section. In some embodiments, the bore axis and the central axis of the connecting portion are not aligned with each other. For example, the bore axis and the central axis may be parallel, offset, or at a particular angle to each other.

The mating portion has a central axis which is coaxial with the central axis X-X' of the connecting portion and defines a coupling axis and a coupling direction. The engaging portions in the examples comprise functional features of mechanical snap fit for snap engagement with mating connectors of corresponding building blocks along the engaging portions, the mechanical snap engagement features defining engagement surfaces in the form of snap fit surfaces, the engaging portions in the examples comprise peripheral protrusions extending around the outer periphery of the core portion, protruding radially away from the outer periphery of the core portion, around the central axis thereby defining a radial direction. In this example, the exposed or outwardly facing surface of the peripheral projection defines a snap-fit or engagement surface, and the peripheral projection defines an engagement plane perpendicular to the central axis.

The radial protrusion of the fit part at the axial level defines the radial range of the fit part at the axial level, the radial range also defines the transverse range of the fit part, and the transverse range of the fit part changes along with the extension of the fit part, so that the snap fit is facilitated.

The peripheral projection extends axially between the first and second planes and defines an axial extent or thickness of the mating portion, with an axial direction being taken to mean the direction of the central axis.

The radial extent of the mating portion varies as the mating portion extends axially from the first plane to the second plane and vice versa.

The connection portion having the peripheral projection is typically a male or male connector, as the peripheral projection typically serves as a functional feature of a male mechanical mating.

Referring to fig. 1a1 and 1a4, the radial extent of the exemplary mating portions 142', 144', 146' of the connecting portions 142, 144, 146' increases progressively with increasing axial distance away from the first plane, with the radial extent reaching a maximum at a radial plane M-M ' that is approximately half the distance between the first and second planes. The radial extent of the mating portion 144 'in the example of the connecting portion 144 gradually decreases as the axial distance from the first plane and the spacing between the planes M-M' increases. In this example, the first plane is the plane shared by the mating portions 142' and 144' and the second plane is the plane shared by the mating portions 144' and 146. The mating portions 144' are symmetrically arranged about the plane of the intermediate layer, plane M-M ', with the radial extent of the two axial ends being the same and smallest, and the mating portions 142 and 146 of each end portion are asymmetrically arranged about the largest plane M-M '.

The mating portion in the example is a corrugated portion having a corrugated surface in the coupling direction, the corrugated surface having a corrugated profile, as shown in fig. 1A and 1A, the corrugated surface being offset from the coupling axis and defining a snap-fit surface of the mating portion.

The corrugated surface in the example is an outwardly facing surface presenting a convexly curved profile, the corrugated surface defining an outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion and defining a circularly symmetric arrangement around a central axis X-X ', the outer peripheral surface being formed by a circular path with the central axis X-X' being convexly curved around the outer surface for 360 degrees.

The integral connecting portion comprises a stack of 3 connecting portions 142, 144, 146 in the example, with their central axes aligned with each other, the stack comprising, in an axial direction parallel to the central axis X-X ', a first mating portion 142', a second mating portion 144' and a third mating portion 146. The second engagement portion 144 is located intermediate the first and third connecting portions and abuts each other, the central axes of the series of connecting portions forming the distribution shaft. In this example, the distribution axis is coaxially aligned with the central axis. In some embodiments, the distribution axis may be a curved design, with the central axes of some or all of the series-connected segments aligned with each other along a curve.

The example block 100 has mating sections that are connected in series such that a first flat surface of a first mating section is adjacent to a first flat surface or a second flat surface of another mating section.

The tapered axial ends of adjacent mating portions mate or intersect with each other when two mating portions having the same or similar tapered characteristics abut each other, thereby forming a recess having a tapered profile, the recess extending around the periphery of the building block and forming a tapered female ring, the recess tapering towards the central axis or distribution axis.

The tapered axial ends of the mating portions adjacent to each other merge to define a corner to form a tapered recess, the merged tapered end having a corrugated profile forming a corrugated portion or corrugated portion at the peripheral portion of the building block 100, the tapered axial ends of the adjacent mating portions merging or intersecting each other at a merging plane which is parallel to the joining plane and which may be an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the merge angle is between 30 and 60 degrees or between 120 and 150 degrees.

In this example, the first mating portion 142 has an axial end (non-contiguous end) and the third mating portion 146, which is not contiguous with the second mating portion, has a lateral extent that is slightly greater than the lateral extent of the second mating portion 142, and thus the non-contiguous end is slightly greater than the contiguous end. In some embodiments, the non-abutting end is smaller than the abutting end, facilitating easier access to the stack block.

In some embodiments such as the present invention, the merge angles are the same or similar.

The tapered axial ends of the mating portions and the merging plane are inclined to each other to define a taper angle, thereby merging with adjacent mating portions. In some embodiments such as the present invention, the taper angles are all substantially the same, but may be an asymmetric taper angle arrangement if necessary or desired.

In some embodiments such as the present invention, the axial ends of the mating portions move along a convex curvature as they approach the plane of merger. In some embodiments, for example, when the inner bore forms the mating portion, the axial ends of the mating portion will move along the concave curvature as they approach the plane of merging.

In some embodiments such as the present invention, adjacent mating portions have their corrugation profiles intersected adjacent to one another. In other embodiments, adjacent corrugation profiles may be axially or radially spaced and not intersect. -

In some embodiments such as the present invention, the connecting portions of the elements forming the stack have the same potential extent, and in some embodiments the connecting portions of the elements have different lateral extents, thereby accommodating particular applications where the connecting portions have the same potential extent when the lateral extent of the lateral plane of maximum lateral extent (i.e., M-M') is the same.

In some embodiments, the mating portion and the core portion are of an integrally formed one-piece design.

The block 100 of the example comprises a plurality of connecting portions of the example, as shown in fig. 1a1, 1a2, 1A3A, 1a4, which form a complete connecting portion, including a first connecting portion 242B ', a second connecting portion 244B', a third connecting portion 246B, and a fourth connecting portion 248B, groups of 4 connecting portions being connected to each other in the example, i.e. stacked blocks connected in series to form a connecting portion. In this example, the second connecting portion 244B and the first connecting portion 242B abut each other, and the third connecting portion 246B' plus the third connecting portion 246B and the second connecting portion 244B plus the fourth connecting portion 248B abut each other.

Each connecting portion is defined by a first plane and a second plane, the second and first planes being parallel to each other and having a central axis YB-YB'. The first plane is perpendicular to the central axis and located at a first respective axial level, the second plane is located at a second axial level spaced from the first axial level in an axial direction, the axial direction being in the direction of the central axis, and the axial thickness of the connecting portion is defined by the axial distance between the first and second planes.

The connecting portions 242B ', 244B ', 246B ', 248B have the functional feature of a central axis and also comprise a core part 120 and a mating part, which in the example is formed inside the core part and extends along a circular path, whereby in the example annular engaging means are formed, whereby distributed engaging means are formed. The distributed bonding apparatus has distributed bonding surfaces that facilitate distributed bonding, the circular path being perpendicular to the central axis, the mating portion being perpendicular to the central axis, and also defining a bonding plane perpendicular to the central axis.

The core in the example is of hollow design and has an inner bore which is delimited by an inner bore surface which is the peripheral surface of the inner bore. The inner hole is provided with a hole shaft, the surface of the inner hole is provided with a mechanical buckling matching functional characteristic matched with the inner hole, the inner hole is provided with an exposed surface of the inner hole, and the mechanical buckling matching functional characteristic is formed on the surface of the inner hole. The physical difference between the exposed inner bore surface, which is typically a cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the inner bore, with or without this functional feature, is that the mechanical snap-fit is used. The bore in the example is a through bore extending through the connecting portion and extending axially between the first and second planes, the bore axis and the central axis of the connecting portion being aligned with one another. In some embodiments, the exposed bore has a non-circular cross-section, which may have a square or regular polygonal cross-section. -

The mating portion has a central axis which is coaxial with the central axis YB-YB' of the connecting portion and defines a coupling axis and a coupling direction. The engaging portions in the example comprise functional features for mechanical snap-fit engagement along the engaging portions with mating tabs of corresponding building blocks, the mechanical snap-engagement features defining engagement surfaces in the form of snap-fit engagement surfaces, the engaging portions in the example comprise peripheral recesses extending radially protruding around the inner periphery of the core towards the outer periphery of the core, the axial direction being defined by the central axis. In this example, the exposed or inwardly facing surface of the peripheral recess defines a snap-fit or engagement surface, and the peripheral recess defines an engagement plane perpendicular to the central axis.

The connecting portions having peripheral recesses are typically female connectors or female fasteners because the peripheral recesses typically have female mechanical mating features, such as snap-fit engagement of peripheral protrusions of the connecting portions of the building block 100.

The mating portion projects radially at an axial level, the radial extent of the mating portion is defined at the axial level, the radial extent also defines a lateral extent of the mating portion, the lateral extent of the mating portion varies with extension over the mating portion to facilitate snap-fit or snap-engagement of the mating portion.

The peripheral recess extends axially between the first and second planes, thereby defining an axial extent or thickness of the mating portion, the axial direction being in the direction of the central axis.

The radial extent of the mating portion varies as the mating portion extends in the axial direction from the first plane to the second plane and vice versa.

Referring to fig. 2B3, the radial extent of the mating portions in the example connecting portions 242B ', 244B ', 246B ', 248B increases with increasing axial distance from the first plane, the radial extent reaching a maximum at a radial plane that is approximately half the distance between the first and second planes, and the radial extent of the mating portions in the example connecting portions 242B ', 244B ', 246B ', 248B decreases with increasing axial distance from the first plane and the radial plane, the first plane being, as an example, the plane shared by the mating portions 142' and 144' and the second plane being the plane shared by the mating portions 144' and 146. The mating portions 244B' are symmetrically arranged about a radial plane, i.e., the plane of the intermediate layer, with the radial extent at both axial ends being the same and minimal, and in some embodiments, the mating portions are asymmetrically arranged about the largest radial plane.

The mating portion in the example is a corrugated portion having a corrugated surface in the coupling direction, the corrugated surface having a corrugated profile, as shown in fig. 2B3, the corrugated surface being offset from the coupling axis and defining a snap fit surface of the mating portion.

The corrugated surfaces in the example are inwardly facing surfaces in a convexly curved shape defining an inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion, arranged in circular symmetry about the central axis YB-YB ', and the inwardly facing concave surfaces are rotated 360 degrees in a circular path about the central axis YB-YB', thereby forming the inner peripheral surface.

The integral part of the connecting portion comprises the connecting portion of the 4 cases, which is aligned with the central axis. The stacking block, which is axially parallel to the central axis, includes a first engagement portion 242B ', a second engagement portion 244B ', a third engagement portion 246' and a fourth engagement portion 248B, the second engagement portion 144 being located at a middle portion of the first and third connecting portions and adjoining each other. The central shafts of the connecting parts connected in series are connected to form a distribution shaft. In this example, the distribution axis is coaxially aligned with the central axis. In some embodiments, the distribution axis may be a curved design, with the central axes of some or all of the series-connected segments aligned with each other along a curve.

The mating portions of the example block 200B are connected in series such that a first flat surface of one mating portion is adjacent to a first flat surface or a second flat surface of another mating portion.

The mating portion has a tapered axial end as the radial extent of the mating portion decreases with decreasing axial distance from the axial end of the mating portion. When two mating portions having the same or similar taper characteristics are abutted, the tapered axial ends of the abutting mating portions mate or cross to form a protrusion having a tapered profile. The protrusions extend around the inner periphery of the bore and form a tapered ring of protrusions projecting radially inwardly from the exposed bore surface, the protrusions tapering toward the central or distribution axis. In this example, the tapered protrusions resemble a saw-tooth shape.

Adjacent tapered axial ends of the mating portions merge at a specified merging angle to define a tapered recess, the merged tapered end having a corrugated profile and forming a corrugated portion or portion at the exposed internal bore surface. Adjacent tapered axial ends of the engagement portions merge or intersect with each other at a merge plane that is parallel to the engagement plane at a specified merge angle, which may be acute, right, or obtuse. In some embodiments, the merge angle is between 30 and 60 degrees or between 120 and 150 degrees.

The connecting portion of the block may comprise an outer peripheral co-operating portion having the same features as the co-operating portion of block 100 or 100B', which for simplicity of description will be referred to as the outer co-operating portion. In this example, the outer mating portions 242B ', 244B ' are concentrically aligned with the mating portions 242B ', 244B ' of block 200B ', and for simplicity of illustration, are referred to as inner mating portions. In this example, the outer mating portions are axially aligned with the mating portions of block 200B, allowing the first and second flat surfaces to be connected to each other. In some embodiments, the inner and outer mating portions are in a non-coaxial and/or non-axially aligned arrangement.

The building block 200BA in the example includes a plurality of connecting portions, as shown in fig. 2B1, 2B2, 2B3, 2B 4.

The connection portions in the 4 examples are connected in series with each other to form a building block 200BA having a curved elongated body, the connection portions in the examples being aligned with each other along a curved longitudinal distribution axis BBA-BBA'. Except for the foregoing differences, block 200BA is identical to block 200B, and the description of block 200B is incorporated herein by reference as if applicable, with the suffix of the reference numeral designated as a. The adjoining connecting portions 242BA, 244BA, 246BA, 248BA of the building blocks 200BA, the connecting portions interconnecting each other having a fan-shaped or arc-shaped profile, thereby defining a curved distribution axis BBA-BBA'. In some embodiments, some of the connecting portions 242BA, 244BA, 246BA, 248BA that abut one another may not abut one another. In some embodiments, adjacent connecting portions are separated from each other by an axial distance that is comparable to or less than the axial extent of the connecting portions.

The block 100B of the example of fig. 1B1 to 1B4 comprises a main body on which are formed 4 connecting portions 142B ', 144B ', 146B ', 148B, the complete connecting portions comprising, in the example, 4 engaging portions 142B ', 144B ', 146B ', 148B ', all 4 of which are of the same axial length, each of which is arranged symmetrically about its plane of maximum transverse dimension MB-MB. Except for the foregoing differences, the block 100B is identical to the block 100, and the description of the block 100 is incorporated herein by reference as if applicable, with the suffix of the reference numeral designated as B. As shown in fig. 1B1 and 1B3, 4 mating portions are in series with each other, adjacent mating portions are adjacent to each other, and the convex curved portions of the curved corrugations intersect each other.

The block 100C of the example of fig. 1C1, 1C2, 1C3, and 1C4 includes a body on which the connecting portions of the example are formed integrally. The integral part comprises, in the example shown, two connecting portions 142C, 144C which are connected in series adjacent to one another, the body being a hollow cylinder extending along a cylindrical axis XC-XC ', which is also the longitudinal and central axes of the body, the hollow cylinder defining a cylindrical bore extending along the cylindrical axis XC-XC', each of the two connecting portions having a central axis, i.e. an annulus arranged in circular symmetry around the central axis, the central axes of the connecting portions 142C and 144C being axially aligned or coaxially aligned.

In this example, the first connecting portion comprises a first mating portion 142C ', the second connecting portion comprises a second mating portion 144C', the first and second mating portions 142C ', 144CJ having the same transverse extent, each mating portion being formed in the cylindrical body and projecting radially away from the body and a central axis XC-XC', the mating portions in this example being corrugated portions having an axially extending corrugated profile, the axial direction being parallel to and offset from the central axis XC. The mating or adjacent connecting portions have adjacent intersecting corrugations, and the block 100C of this example may include first and second connecting portions, second and third connecting portions, or first and third connecting portions of the block 100, the description of which is specifically the relationship between the corrugations and adjacent corrugations, and is incorporated herein by reference as appropriate.

The block 100C of the example of fig. 1C1, 1C2, 1C3, 1C4 includes a body, the complete body also including the connecting portions of the example. This integral part comprises in the example 4 connection portions 142D, 144D, 146D, 148D, which are in series abutment with each other, the body being a hollow cylinder extending along a cylindrical axis XD-XD ', which is also the longitudinal and central axis of the body, the hollow cylindrical body defining a cylindrical bore extending along the cylindrical axis XD-XD'. Each of the two connecting portions is an annular member having a central axis and arranged circularly symmetrically about the central axis, and the central axes of the connecting portions 142C and 144C are axially aligned or coaxially arranged with each other.

In this example, the first connection portion comprises a first engagement portion 142D ', the second connection portion comprises a second engagement portion 144D ', the third connection portion comprises a third engagement portion 146D, and the fourth connection portion comprises a fourth engagement portion 148D, the 4 engagement portions being identical to each other and having the same transverse and axial extent, each engagement portion being formed in the cylindrical body and projecting radially away from the body and from the central axis XD-XD '. The mating portions in the example are corrugated portions having axially extending corrugated profiles that are axially parallel and offset from the central axis XC-XC'. The corrugated parts of the fitting parts or the adjacent connecting parts are in an adjacent and crossed state,

the block 100D in this example may be any of the connecting portions 142D, 144D, 146D, 148D repeated, without loss of generality, and the associated description includes the interaction of corrugated portions and adjoining corrugated portions, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as appropriate. -

The block 100C of the example of fig. 1E1, 1E2, 1E3, 1E4 includes a main body and a connecting portion on the complete main body, the integral portion including, in the example, two connecting portions, which are in series abutment with each other. The body is a hollow cylinder extending along a cylindrical axis XE-XE', which is also the longitudinal and central axes of the body. The hollow cylindrical body defines a cylindrical bore extending along a cylindrical axis XE-XE'. Each of the two connecting portions has a central axis, i.e., the connecting portions 142E and 144E are axially aligned or coaxially aligned as annular members arranged in circular symmetry about the central axis.

In this example, the first connecting portion includes a first mating portion 142E ', the second connecting portion includes a second mating portion 144E', the first mating portion 142E 'has a larger lateral extent, and the second mating portion 144E' has a smaller lateral extent.

Each of the mating portions is formed on the cylindrical body to project radially away from the body and from the central axis XE-XE ', the mating portions in the example being corrugated portions having an axially extending corrugated profile that is axially parallel and offset from the central axis XE-XE'. The corrugated portion is illustrated in block 100, and the description is incorporated herein with the necessary modifications.

In this example, the adjacent mating or connecting portions have corrugations that do not abut or intersect one another, the corrugations being radially spaced but not axially spaced, and the reference axes being radial and axial, the central axis XE-XE'.

The mating or connecting portions of the example bricks 100, 100B', 100C, 100D, 100E are male connectors, including male mating or connecting portions.

The male connector is used for carrying out snap fit or wedge fit connection with a matched and corresponding female connector on the cylindrical main body when the female connector moves around, and the connection direction is the direction of the central axis of the building block. In embodiments such as the present invention, the tapered recess is formed by mating portions adjacent one another and adjoining corrugated profiles intersecting one another, thereby defining a peripherally or peripherally extending tapered groove that tapers as the groove extends radially toward the body or central axis for wedging engagement with a mating female fitting.

The peripheral projection of the male connector extends in a peripheral direction around the central axis, defining engagement planes perpendicular to each other with respect to the connection direction.

In embodiments such as the present invention, the connection portions and their coupling planes are parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the connecting portions and their coupling planes are not parallel to each other.

The toy bricks 200 of the example include a main body 220 and connecting portions 240 formed on the main body, as shown in FIGS. 2A 1-2A 4. The body 220 in the example is generally cylindrical and has a cylindrical axis Y-Y', which is also the longitudinal and central axes of the body 220. The body in the example is hollow and has an internal bore extending axially along the cylindrical axis Y-Y'. The body 220 and bore are coaxially aligned and share a central axis Y-Y ', the body in the example being circularly symmetric about a cylindrical axis Y-Y'. The body extends axially in the direction of the cylindrical axis Y-Y' and the integral joint 240 comprises in the example two joint parts 242, 244.

Two connecting portions 242,244 are distributed along the length of the body, adjacent connecting portions abutting each other, each connecting portion 242,244 being an annular member extending in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical axis Y-Y 'and defining a plane of engagement perpendicular to the cylindrical axis Y-Y' to each other. The two connecting portions 242,244 have a common central axis and are therefore axially aligned or coaxially aligned.

Each connecting portion 242,244 has an inner boundary wall defining an inner peripheral surface that surrounds the cylindrical axis Y-Y ' thereby extending as a central axis and defining an inner bore and a mating portion 242', 244' of the connecting portion. The shape of the inner boundary may define a peripheral recess that retracts radially away from the central axis Y-Y 'and into the body 220 when the inner boundary wall extends in an axial direction parallel to the central axis Y-Y'. The inner peripheral surface faces the inner bore and the central axis Y-Y' and defines an inner boundary of the mating portion, which is also the outer boundary of the inner bore and defines a clearance profile of the mating portion or a clearance profile of the inner bore.

The inner and outer peripheral surfaces extend around the inner and outer peripheries of the body, thereby defining distributed engagement means distributed around the inner periphery of the body for engaging mating distributed engagement means with each other, the mating connector having mating functional features for mating compatibility.

The internal bore has an axial profile that defines an internal clearance profile of the building block, the internal bore having a transverse clearance profile and an axially horizontal transverse clearance dimension that vary as the internal bore extends axially, leaving the internal bore with a non-uniform transverse clearance profile in the axial direction, as shown in fig. 2a 3.

In the example of fig. 2a1, the mating portions have corrugated mating portions 242', 244' extending around and surrounded by the body, the corrugated mating portions 242', 244' having inner surfaces that extend axially with a corrugated profile that is axially parallel to and offset from the central axis Y-Y '. An inner surface having a corrugated profile extends around the body and the central axis Y-Y' thereby defining an inner peripheral surface of the mating portion.

The corrugated inner surface in the example is concavely curved, i.e. the concavely curved inner surface is concave facing inwards, facing the inner bore and the central axis B-B'. The inwardly facing surfaces of the mating portions in the illustrated embodiment are the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the body, extend around the inner body and are circularly symmetric about the central axis Y-Y'. In a perspective view, the inner peripheral surface of the body may be an inwardly concavely curved surface formed by rotating 360 degrees around the central axis Y-Y' along a circular path.

Since the inner surface of the example mating portion has a corrugated profile in the axial direction, the transverse gap dimension of the mating portion, as measured in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Y-Y', varies as the mating portion extends in the axial direction, more specifically, the transverse gap dimension varies between a maximum gap dimension providing a maximum transverse gap and a minimum gap dimension providing a minimum transverse gap.

The complete connecting portion 240 includes a first mating portion 242 'and a second mating portion 244' that are axially adjacent.

The first mating portion 242' is located at a first axially free end of the block 200 and extends between the first axially free end and a common boundary with the second mating portion 244. The first engagement portion 242 'has a first transverse gap dimension, i.e., a dimension measured between radially opposite ends of the boundary defining the internal bore, at a first axially free end thereof, the diametrically opposite ends being referenced to the central axis Y-Y'.

The transverse gap dimension of the first engagement portion 242 'extends axially away from the axially free end until the maximum transverse gap dimension is reached at a plane of maximum transverse gap dimension, in this example midway between the axial ends of the first engagement portion 242', with a progressively increasing rate of change of the concave curvature. As the transverse gap dimension of the first engagement portion 242 'extends axially along the plane of maximum transverse gap dimension and reaches a third transverse gap dimension plane having a third transverse gap dimension, which is the same as each other and defines the smallest transverse gap dimension, the transverse gap dimension of the first engagement portion 242' becomes progressively smaller with the rate of change of the concave curvature, and the third transverse gap dimension plane engages the second engagement portion 244 'and defines a common boundary of the second engagement portion 244'.

The second mating portion 244 has a first lateral gap dimension at an axial level that is joined or adjacent to the first mating portion 244, thereby defining a common boundary with the first mating portion 242. The transverse gap dimension of the second engagement portion 244 'extends axially away from the axially free end until the maximum transverse gap dimension is reached at a plane of maximum transverse gap dimension, in this example midway between the axial ends of the second engagement portion 244', with a progressively increasing rate of change of the concave curvature. The transverse gap dimension of the second engagement portion 244' decreases with the rate of change of the concave curvature, extending axially from the plane of maximum transverse gap dimension and the first axially free end to a third transverse gap dimension plane having the second transverse gap dimension plane at the second axially free end of the block 200. In this example, the first and third lateral gap sizes are all the same and define the smallest lateral gap size.

In this example, the plane of maximum transverse gap dimension of the connecting portion is located at an axial level that is midway between the two planes of minimum transverse gap dimension. The connecting portion at or near the plane of minimum transverse clearance dimension is a peripheral projection extending radially inwardly from the body, each peripheral projection of the connecting portion defining an inlet or outlet aperture of the connecting portion and each peripheral projection defining an inlet or outlet grate to the connecting portion since the plane of minimum transverse clearance dimension is located at an axial end of the connecting portion. Furthermore, adjacent connecting portions have their corrugation portions intersecting or mating with each other, thereby defining a toothed peripheral portion protruding from the body, as shown in fig. 2a3, it being understood that by two adjoining connecting portions mating with each other, a toothed peripheral portion is formed which is stronger than the toothed peripheral portion at the free axial ends of the connecting portions. The concavely curved inner profile of the connection portion bore may be used to closely mate with the convexly curved outer profile of a male connection portion, such as male connection portions 142, 142B ', 144B', 146B in the example.

In some embodiments, the body portion between the protruding or toothed shaft ends of the connecting portion may be of a non-curved or cylindrical design.

The block 200C of the example of fig. 2C 1-2C 4 comprises a main body 220C, integral main body forming connecting portions 242C, 244C, the integral connecting portions comprising, in the example, two engaging portions 242C ", 244C ', all 4 of which have the same axial length, each engaging portion being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane NC-NC' of maximum transverse dimension. The two mating portions are not contiguous and are separated by an elongated portion of the body, and the planes of engagement of the two mating portions are not parallel but are angularly aligned. Except for the foregoing differences, block 200BA is identical to block 200B, and the relevant description of block 200B is incorporated herein by reference, where applicable, and the suffix of the reference numeral is denoted by C. As shown in fig. 2C2, two mating portions are in series with each other on the body, with adjacent mating portions not abutting but spaced from the elongated portion of the body.

The toy brick 300 of the example includes a main body 320 and connecting portions 342, 344 formed on the main body, as shown in fig. 3a 1-3 A3. The body is elongate and is formed of a slightly rigid resilient mouldable material, such as a hard plastics material, having a central axis C-C', which is also a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal central axis, the body having a uniform thickness along its length and rounded ends at free longitudinal ends, the rounded ends having a uniform width therebetween. The integral connecting portion comprises in one example two connecting portions distributed at different longitudinal positions along the length of the body, the elongate bar being elongate plate-like and comprising a first surface, a second surface and a peripheral surface interconnecting the first and second surfaces to each other. In this example, the first and second surfaces are parallel to each other, and the peripheral surface is perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces and defines a thickness of the body. In the present disclosure, the first surface is also referred to as the top surface or top surface, and the second surface is also referred to as the bottom surface or bottom surface.

The connecting portions are formed on the body 320 and also include mating portions 342', 344, each having a central axis Ψ 1, Ψ 2, which is also a coupling axis, along which the mating portions and the mating portions are moved relative to each other for coupled engagement, the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2 of the connecting portions being parallel to and offset from each other, each central axis Ψ 1, Ψ 2 being perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis C-C' of the body. In some embodiments, the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2 and the central axis C-C' of the body intersect at a non-perpendicular angle.

The connecting and mating portions 342', 344' are defined by an interior boundary wall of the body having an inner peripheral surface extending around the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2 and defining an inner bore. The internal boundary wall and the internal bore are contoured to define a radial or peripheral recess that is radially displaced from the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2 and is retracted into the body as the internal boundary wall is extended or advanced parallel to the axial direction.

The inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the body, facing the surrounding internal bore and the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2, define the internal boundaries of the mating portions. The inner boundary of the mating portion is also the outer boundary of the bore and defines the clearance profile of the mating portion or the clearance profile of the bore.

The inner and outer peripheral surfaces extend around the inner and outer periphery of the body thereby defining distributed engagement means distributed around the inner side of the body engageable with mating distributed engagement means, the mating connector having mateably compatible mating functional characteristics.

The bore has an axial profile defining a mating portion internal clearance profile, the bore has a transverse clearance profile and a transverse clearance dimension at its axial level along the central axis Ψ 1, Ψ 2, the transverse clearance profile and transverse clearance dimension vary as the bore extends axially along the central axis Ψ 1, Ψ 2, the bore has a non-uniform transverse clearance profile in the axial direction of the central axis Ψ 1, Ψ 2, as illustrated in fig. 3a 3.

The example mating portions 342', 344' have corrugated portions that extend around and are surrounded by the body, the corrugated mating portions have inner surfaces that extend axially parallel to the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2 with a corrugated profile that extends axially offset from the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2, and the inner surfaces that have a corrugated profile that extends around the body and the central axis C-C, thereby defining the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the mating portions.

The inner surfaces of the corrugations in the example are concavely curved, and the concavely curved inner surfaces face inwards, i.e. towards the inner bore and the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2. The inward facing surfaces of the mating portions in the example are the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the body, extend around the inner body and are arranged in circular symmetry with reference to the central axes Ψ 1 and Ψ 2. In a perspective view, the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the body may be inwardly concavely curved surfaces formed by rotating 360 degrees around the central axes Y Ψ 1, Ψ 2 along a circular path.

Since the inner surface of the example mating portion has a corrugated profile in the axial direction, the transverse gap dimension of the mating portion, measured in a direction perpendicular to the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2, varies as the mating portion extends in the axial direction, more specifically, the transverse gap dimension varies between a maximum gap dimension that provides a maximum transverse gap and a minimum gap dimension that provides a minimum transverse gap.

The mating portion has a first transverse gap dimension at an axial level of the top surface of the body measured at the axial level between radially opposite ends of a boundary defining the internal bore, the diametrically opposite ends being referenced to the central axes Ψ 1, Ψ 2. The transverse gap dimension of the mating portion 242 'increases progressively with the rate of change of the concave curvature as it extends axially from the axial free end until the maximum transverse gap dimension is reached at a plane of maximum transverse gap dimension, which in this example is midway between the axial ends of the first mating portion 242'. The transverse gap dimension of the mating portion decreases at a rate of change of the concave curvature as it extends axially from the plane of maximum transverse gap dimension and the top surface to a third plane of transverse gap dimension having a third transverse gap dimension. A bottom surface of the main body. In this example, the first and third lateral gap sizes are all the same and define the smallest lateral gap size.

The transverse gap dimension of the engagement portion increases progressively with the rate of change of the concave curvature as the engagement portion extends axially from the free axial end until a plane of maximum transverse gap dimension, in this case located midway between the axial ends of the engagement portion, is reached. As the transverse gap dimension of the first engagement portion 342 'extends axially along the plane of maximum transverse gap dimension and reaches a plane of third transverse gap dimension having a third transverse gap dimension, the transverse gap dimension of the first engagement portion 342' becomes progressively smaller with the rate of change of the concave curvature, the plane of third transverse gap dimension joining the second engagement portion 244 'and defining a common boundary of the second engagement portion 344', in this example the first transverse gap dimension and the third transverse gap dimension being the same as one another and defining a minimum transverse gap dimension, and in some embodiments the first and third transverse gap dimensions being different from one another.

The mating portions at or near the plane of minimum transverse gap dimension are peripheral projections extending radially inwardly from the body, each peripheral projection of the mating portions defining an inlet or outlet aperture of the mating portion and each peripheral projection defining an inlet or outlet barrier to the mating portion as the plane of minimum transverse gap dimension is at an axial end of the mating portion. The concavely curved inner profile of the mating portion bore may be used to closely mate with the convexly curved outer profile of a male connecting portion, such as male connecting portions 142, 142B, 144B, 146B in the example.

In general, the connecting and engaging portions 342', 344' have the same characteristics as those of the blocks 200, 200B ', 200C, 200D and the engaging portions 342', 344, and also have the characteristics of the engaging portions 242', 244', 246B ', except for the case where the central axis of the engaging portion 342' or 344' is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis C-C ', and the coupling direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis C-C '. Furthermore, the joining plane and the longitudinal axis C-C' of each mating portion are parallel to each other.

Except for the foregoing differences, the description of block 200 applies generally to block 300, and the relevant description is incorporated herein by reference, where the context permits.

As shown in fig. 3a1, two mating portions are in series with each other, with adjacent mating portions being spaced apart from each other.

The block 300B of the example comprises a main body 320B and connecting portions formed thereon, as shown in fig. 3B1 to 3B3, in which example 8 mating portions 341B ', 342B'. 348B are formed on the main body, the main body having square corners at its longitudinal ends, with the exception of the foregoing differences, the block 300B being identical to the block 300, the relevant description of the block 300 being incorporated herein by reference as if applicable, the suffix of the reference numeral being denoted by B. As shown in fig. 3B1, the mating portions are in series with each other, with adjacent mating portions being spaced apart from each other.

The toy brick 300C of the example includes a main body 320C and connecting portions 340C formed on the main body, as shown in fig. 3C 1-3C 3.

The example 8 mating portions 341C ', 342C are formed on the body 348. the body has a curved longitudinal axis CC-CC ' and the body has a curved longitudinal axis CC-CC '. Except for the foregoing differences, block 300C is identical to block 300, and the relevant description of block 300 is incorporated herein by reference as if applicable, with the suffix of the reference numeral designated as C. As shown in fig. 3C1, the mating portions are in series with each other, with adjacent mating portions being spaced apart from each other.

The block 400 in the example comprises a plurality of blocks of the type described above connected together, as shown in figures 4a1 to 4A3, the block in this example comprising two axially aligned blocks 200 mounted on the axial end of the block 100, the block 100 in the example acting as a male interconnection or as an interconnection block for two blocks 200. As shown in fig. 4a3, the block 200 has one of its two top female engagement means interengaged with the male engagement means on the top of the block 100 and one of its two female engagement means, the bottom block 200 interengages with the male engagement means on the bottom of the block 100.

The block 400B in the example comprises a plurality of blocks of the type described above connected together, as shown in fig. 4B1 to 4B3, the block in this example comprising two axially aligned stacked blocks 100 interconnected to one another by the block 200 in the example. As shown in fig. 4B3, the block 200 has one of its two top female engagement means interengaged with the male engagement means on the top of the block 100 and one of its two female engagement means, the bottom block 200 interengages with the male engagement means on the bottom of the block 100.

The block 500 in the example is defined by a plurality of blocks, as shown in fig. 5a1 to 5A3, the block sub-assembly 500 in the example comprising a first block 300 constructed from block 300, the block 300 being an elongate version of a second block 300', and a third block 100C' constructed from block 100C, the block 100C 'in the example serving as a male interconnecting joint or interconnecting piece of two blocks 300', 300 ". When block 100C ' is used as an interconnect, also forming a device with a movable pivot joint, blocks 300', 300 "may act as hinges around block 100C '.

As shown in fig. 5a3, one of the two top female engagement means of block 300' engages with the male engagement means on the top of block 100', and one of the two female engagement means of block 300' engages with the bottom male engagement means of block 100C.

For being able to dismantle building block sub-assembly 500, the user only needs to pull open first and third building blocks with the portion of agreeing with is the reverse, or pushes out the interconnection piece of first and third building block coupling, can dismantle.

The block 500B in the example is defined by a plurality of blocks, as shown in fig. 5B 1-5B 3, and the block sub-assembly 500B in the example comprises a plurality of blocks 300", interconnected as a stack of interconnected blocks, or variations thereof, of the plurality of blocks 100, 100B, 100C, 100D, without loss of generality.

The example block sub-assembly 500C is defined by a plurality of blocks, as shown in fig. 5C 1-5C 2, the block sub-assembly 500C including one block constructed according to the characteristics of the block 100, one block constructed according to the characteristics of the block 100C, another block constructed according to the characteristics of the block 200, and another block constructed according to the characteristics of the block 200C. The block 100 is connected to one longitudinal end of the block 200C, the block 100 is also connected to the other longitudinal end of the block 200C remote from the block 100, and the block 200C is connected to one longitudinal end of the block 100 but does not join the block 200C. In this sub-combination, the block 100 is rotatable about the block 200C about its coupling axis, and the block 200 is rotatable relative to the block 200C about its coupling axis. It can be seen that each of the elements of the blocks 100, 100C, 200, which are part of their overall structure, is not without loss of generality. For example, block 200C may be an integral part of blocks 300, 300B', 300C, etc.

The example block sub-assembly 500D is defined by a plurality of blocks, as shown in FIGS. 5D 1-5D 2, the block sub-assembly 500D including 3 blocks, each block constructed according to the characteristics of block 300C, one block constructed according to the characteristics of block 100, and another block constructed according to the characteristics of block 100C. Referring to the contents of the drawings, two blocks 300C have longitudinal ends at which blocks 100 and 100C are connected to each other, a longitudinal end of a third block 300C is connected to each other at a connecting end of the two blocks 300C, and the third block 300C pivots with respect to the two double-connected block 300C sub-combination, and the block 100C having 3 connecting portions functions as a rotational interconnecting head, thereby connecting 3 blocks.

The block 500E in the example is defined by a plurality of blocks, as shown in fig. 5E 1-5E 4, the block assembly 500E comprising 3 blocks, each block being constructed according to the characteristics of the block 300C, a plurality of blocks being constructed according to the characteristics of the blocks 100, 200. Referring to the figure, all 3 bricks 300C are connected to each other at their longitudinal ends, i.e. by the brick combination of bricks 100, 200, and all third bricks 300C are pivotally movable relative to the bricks 100, 200 forming a sub-combination of interconnecting joints.

The building blocks in the examples are made of a thermoplastic material which is rigid or semi-rigid and somewhat resilient to facilitate snap-fit engagement, and although the blocks or connector portions are intended for quick connection without the use of permanent fasteners such as screws, such fastener strengthening structures may be used in addition. Generally, the bricks or connectors may also be made of metal or other moldable materials that are rigid or semi-rigid and somewhat resilient.

The disclosed building block set may comprise a first block comprising a first body, a first engagement means formed on the first body, the first engagement means having a first central axis defining a first coupling axis, the first coupling axis being parallel to the first connecting axis and a first engagement plane, the first engagement plane being perpendicular to the first coupling axis, and a third block for removable engagement. The second building block comprises a second body, second coupling means being formed on the second body, the second coupling means having a second central axis defining a second coupling axis, the second coupling axis being parallel to the second connecting axis and a second coupling plane, the second coupling plane being perpendicular to the second coupling axis. The third connecting block is an interconnecting block comprising a third body having a longitudinal axis and interconnecting means for interconnecting the first and second bricks to each other, the interconnecting means comprising a plurality of engagement means, including a first engagement means and a second engagement means, the first engagement means having a first engagement axis, for relatively moving the first and third bricks in a first coupling direction, thereby interconnecting the first brick. The second engagement means has a second engagement axis for relatively moving the second block and the third block in a second coupling direction, thereby interconnecting the second block. The interconnecting means comprise a living hinge joint interconnecting the first and second bricks.

The present application discloses a building block comprising a main body and a plurality of connecting portions on the main body, the connecting portions being distributed along a central axis of the main body, each connecting portion comprising a mating portion, each mating portion comprising a corrugated portion having a corrugated profile extending along a coupling direction defined by a coupling axis, the coupling axis being aligned coaxially with the central axis, the corrugated profile revolving in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, thereby defining a joining plane perpendicular to the coupling direction. Each of the mating portions includes a corrugated portion having a corrugated profile extending along a coupling direction defined by a coupling axis perpendicular to the central axis, the corrugated profile being rotated about the coupling axis direction perpendicular to the central axis, thereby defining a mating plane perpendicular to the coupling direction.

The first engagement means of the interconnection block comprises a corrugated peripheral surface extending about a first engagement shaft portion having a corrugated profile extending in an axial direction parallel to the first engagement shaft, thereby defining a corrugated engagement portion. -

The second engagement means of the interconnection block comprises a corrugated peripheral surface extending around a second engagement shaft portion having a corrugated profile extending in an axial direction parallel to the second engagement shaft, thereby defining a corrugated engagement portion, the corrugated engagement portion being formed within the third body, thereby defining a concave engagement portion. -

The wave-engaging portion may be formed at an outer periphery of the third body, thereby defining a convex-shaped engaging portion.

The first engagement means of the interconnection block may comprise a first inner engagement portion having a first engagement axis as the coupling axis and a first outer engagement portion arranged coaxially with and surrounding the first inner engagement portion.

The second engagement means of the interconnection block may comprise a second inner engagement portion having a second engagement axis as the coupling axis and a second outer engagement portion coaxially arranged with and surrounding the second inner engagement portion.

The first inner engagement portion may include a first corrugated inner peripheral surface formed within the third body and extending about the first engagement axis to define a first inner bore having a first corrugated inner profile extending along the first joint, the first corrugated inner profile being parallel to an axial direction of the first engagement axis to define a corrugated concave engagement portion. The first outer engagement portion includes a first corrugated outer peripheral surface formed at the first outer periphery of the third body and extending about the first engagement axis, the first corrugated outer peripheral surface having a first corrugated outer profile extending in an axial direction parallel to the first engagement axis, thereby defining a corrugated male engagement portion.

The second internal engagement portion may include a second corrugated internal peripheral surface formed within the third body and extending about the second engagement axis to define a second internal bore having a second corrugated internal profile extending along the second joint, the second corrugated internal profile being parallel to the axial direction of the second engagement axis to define a corrugated concave engagement portion. The second outer engagement portion includes a second corrugated outer peripheral surface formed at the second outer periphery of the third body and extending around the second engagement axis, the second corrugated outer peripheral surface having a second corrugated outer profile extending in an axial direction parallel to the second engagement axis, thereby defining a corrugated male engagement portion.

In some embodiments, the third body is elongate and has a longitudinal central axis, and the first and second engagement means are located at different longitudinal positions of the elongate third body.

In some embodiments, the interconnecting means is adapted to connect the first and second blocks with the first and second bodies abutting each other.

In some embodiments, the first body is an elongated rod extending along a longitudinal central axis, the living hinge joint has a pivot axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal central axis, the second body is an elongated rod extending along a second longitudinal central axis, the living hinge joint has a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis. The third body is an elongated rod extending along the third longitudinal center axis, thereby defining a hinge axis of the living hinge joint.

In some embodiments, the hinge axis is perpendicular to the first and second central longitudinal axes.

In some embodiments, the living hinge joint is a living pivot hinge about which the first and second bricks can pivot relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the first engagement means is a first snap-fit fastener and the second engagement means is a second snap-fit fastener matingly compatible with the first snap-fit fastener.

In some embodiments, the first and second coupling axes are coaxially aligned, and the longitudinal axis of the third body is perpendicular to either the first or second coupling axes.

In some embodiments, the first and second engagement axes are coaxially aligned or intersect at an angle.

In some embodiments, a plurality of corrugation engaging portions are formed on the third body, the corrugation engaging portions extend along the length direction of the longitudinal axis of the third body, and adjacent corrugation engaging portions are in an abutting crossing state.

In some embodiments, adjacent corrugation-engaging portions abut each other, thereby forming a peripheral tapered recess or a peripheral tapered protrusion.

In some embodiments, the mating portion comprises a projection that projects radially away from the central axis of the body or axially away from the body along the mating portion, thereby defining a corrugated protrusion, having the function of a male mating portion or male fitting. The mating portion includes a recess that retracts radially away from the central axis of the body or axially along the mating portion into the body, thereby defining a corrugated sleeve that functions as a female mating portion or female fitting.

In some embodiments, the corrugated portion moves along a circular path or a regular polygonal path with rounded corners when extending around the body.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion is formed integrally on the body.

In some embodiments, the body is made of a rigid but somewhat resilient material, such as a hard plastic.

In some embodiments, the body is in the form of an elongated rod with one or more connecting portions disposed along its length, such as along a longitudinal central axis.

In some embodiments, one or more connecting portions are formed along the coupling axis of the connecting portion.

In some embodiments, the body is in the form of an elongated rod, which may be solid, rectangular, polygonal, circular, or oval in cross-section.

In the present disclosure, the coupling joint means a joint state of tight fit or close fit, including friction fit, press-fit, insertion fit and snap fit.

The disclosure has been described with reference to examples and embodiments, which are not intended to be limiting and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

For example, the block example herein is a toy block or a toy-like application, and the block assembly may be a toy block or a toy block assembly like a toy. The blocks herein may also be non-toy blocks, such as machine blocks, blocks such as blocks or block-like constructions and/or other industrial blocks, such block combinations may be modularly constructed machines or machine parts, modular structures, modular structural parts, modular structural fasteners, fastener parts and/or fastener sub-combinations.

In applications where toy block assemblies are used, the building elements have a radial extent (or width or lateral extent) and an axial extent (or thickness) of typically between 1cm and 15cm, with micro-blocks between 0.3mm and 5 cm. For example, with regard to the micro-bricks, the radial extent may be in cm, i.e. 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5,5.5, 6,6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20cm, or higher values may be used for large-scale bricks, or ranges formed by any combination of the aforementioned values or limitations of ranges thereof. For example, for miniature blocks, the radial extent may be in cm, i.e., 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5,5.5, 6,6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9.5, 10, or higher values, or ranges formed by any combination of the foregoing values or limitations of ranges thereof, may be used for larger blocks.

For example, for industrial applications, such as modular construction of machines, buildings, structures, components

May be exaggerated in units, may have values in the range 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or any combination thereof, or limits on the range, or may be made of strong thermoplastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal, or other moldable materials, but with high rigidity and low elasticity.

As described above with respect to the combination of snap engagement, snap connection and snap connector, the blocks may be engaged and connected by other snap mechanisms or methods without loss of generality.

The examples of joints described herein are snap joints for snap engagement, and unless the context requires otherwise, the joints herein may be press-fit or friction press-fit joint designs.

Generally, a snap fitting includes a mating portion having a snap engagement feature. Unless otherwise required herein, the terms "snap," "snap engagement," and "snap engagement" are used interchangeably herein. Unless otherwise required by the context, terms such as "fastener" and "joint" may be used interchangeably herein. Unless the context requires otherwise, in the present description, referring to a joint or a mating portion with a connecting shaft, the so-called "close fit" and "coupling engagement" are used interchangeably, with respect to the axial direction of the coupling shaft, along the axial direction of the coupling shaft, and with respect to the radial and radial extent of the coupling shaft, i.e. radial.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. are used for convenience of reference only and are not intended to indicate a priority or order. If the aforementioned terms conflict with each other, the conflict between these terms can be resolved by reasonable interpretation.

With respect to singular and plural terms herein, the singular applies to the plural, and further, the plural applies where permitted or necessary in the context of the singular.

Numerical value notation table

Claims (21)

1. A building block consists of several connecting parts, wherein each connecting part has a central axis that defines the coupling axis and the coupling direction, and the connecting parts in series are distributed along the distribution axis. The central axis or coupling axis of each link part is combined, and the distribution axis defines the distribution direction; each link part contains a fit part, and the fit part has a mechanical snap joint characteristic, which defines a fit surface in the form of a snap joint surface , so that the buckle fits with the corresponding connector of the corresponding building block along the coupling direction; the fitting part is bounded by the first plane extending laterally in the direction at right angles to the central axis, and the axis parallel to the first plane and facing the coupling direction between the second planes of displacement; each of the fitting portions has the same lateral extent, the each fitting portion is a corrugated portion, and the corrugated portions of each fitting portion or adjacent connecting portions are adjoining and intersecting status. 2. The building block according to claim 1, wherein the engaging parts of the adjacent connecting parts are connected, the snap engaging surfaces of the adjacent engaging parts are connected and form a corrugated part, and the corrugated part is coupled in a direction at right angles to the coupling direction. Extends around the shaft, forming a peripherally extending depression or peripherally extending protrusion extending at right angles to the coupling direction; the peripheral depression is in the shape of a notch with a corrugated or wavy appearance towards the coupling direction and/or tapering towards the coupling axis The tapered appearance, while the peripheral protruding shape is the bevel teeth narrowing towards the coupling shaft. 3. The building block according to claim 2, the peripheral extending depression or peripheral extending protrusion is formed because the first engaging part of the first connecting part is combined with the second engaging part of the second connecting part, the first The connecting portion and the second connecting portion form a pair of adjacent connecting portions. 4. A building block according to claim 1 or 2, the corrugated portion or a portion thereof comprising a curved portion which occurs after concave or convex curvature. 5. The building block according to claim 1, the fitting parts of the plurality of connecting parts are combined to form a corrugated surface, the corrugated surface comprises a plurality of corrugated parts, and the shape of each corrugated part is a conical notch with corrugations toward the coupling direction Either a wavy appearance and/or a tapered appearance that tapers toward the coupling axis, each corrugated portion extending in a plane at right angles to the coupling direction, forming a peripherally extending depression. 6. The building block of claim 1, wherein the snap engaging surface extends around the building block and along the coupling direction between the first plane and the second plane, forming a mating plane at right angles to the coupling direction; The snap joints of several connecting portions are connected in series to form a series of corrugated portions comprising several corrugations or corrugated portions in series. 7. The building block according to claim 4, wherein the corrugated portions are formed in series, adjacent corrugated portions ie connected continuously or adjacent to each other and/or in the same manner of connection. 8. The building block of claim 1, wherein a plurality of central axes of the connecting portions immediately adjacent to each other are aligned along a common central axis or intersect each other within the building block. 9. The building block of claim 1, wherein the building block comprises a body or main shell and an inner hole formed within the body or main shell and defining a surface, wherein the plurality of connecting portions comprises a plurality of internal connecting portions, The internal connection part is formed inside the main body or the main casing, and the fitting part of the plurality of internal connection parts is located inside the main body or the main casing and is distributed in series, thereby defining the inner hole or its part; the inner hole has The hole axis is arranged coaxially with the distribution axis of the plurality of internal connection parts. 10. The building block of claim 9, wherein the inner hole extends through the through hole on the opposite side of the main housing. 11. The building block of claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of connecting portions further comprises a plurality of external connecting portions surrounding the inner hole. 12. The building block according to claim 11, wherein the hole axis and the distribution axis of the plurality of external connection parts are arranged coaxially. 13. The building block of claim 1, wherein the distribution axis is perpendicular to the coupling axis. 14. The building block of claim 1, wherein the building block comprises an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, the connecting portions are distributed along the longitudinal axis, wherein the coupling axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis intersect. 15. The building block according to claim 14, wherein the thickness and/or width of the elongated member is comparable to or slightly larger than the thickness of the connecting portion, the thickness can be measured in the coupling direction, and the width can be measured in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction and the distribution axis. direction is measured. 16. A building block combination, comprising a plurality of snap-fitted building blocks, wherein the plurality of building blocks include a first and a second building block, the first and second building blocks are snap-fitted to form a snap-fit joint, and the snap-fit joint That is, a pivot joint that defines a pivot axis, wherein the first building block includes one or more first connecting parts, the connecting parts are distributed along the first distribution axis, and the second building block includes one or more first connecting parts. two connecting parts, wherein the first connecting part has a first fitting part, the fitting part has a first coupling axis, the second connecting part has a second fitting part, and the fitting part has a second coupling axis, The first and second mating sections have a stack of mating sections that snap into each other, the first and second blocks are pivotally engaged, allowing the first and second blocks to pivot around the pivot The rotation shaft rotates relatively, and the pivot shaft and the first and second coupling shafts are arranged coaxially; wherein the first and second building blocks are the building blocks constructed according to any one of claims 1-5. 17. The building block combination of claim 16, wherein the first building block comprises a body. 18. The building block combination according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the building block combination is a chain group combination or a rotor blade combination mounted on a rotor shaft. 19. The building block combination of claim 16, wherein the first and second mating portions are mating compatible with each other, having matable dimensions and complementary shapes. 20. The building block combination according to claim 16, wherein the shape, outline and size of the fitting part can define a snap joint plane, and this joint plane is perpendicular to the coupling axis or surrounds the central axis, that is, the rotation angle is limited to 75 degrees and between 105 degrees. 21. The building block combination according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of connecting parts comprises a plurality of external connecting parts, and each connecting part comprises a protruding part, and the protruding part protrudes away from the main body of the connecting part in a radial extent around the circumference. The radial extent encircling the central axis and the body gradually decreases in diameter as the projections extend towards the first and/or second plane, allowing immediately adjacent mating connecting parts to form a recess in each other.

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