EP0911070A2 - Toy building kit and connecting element thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The toy construction kit has a number of blocks (1,2) with drillings (4.1-4.3;5.1-5.3) to be joined together by dowel pins (6) which hold them in place in a force fit which can be broken. The dowel pins (6) are slitted solid cylinders, at least in part, with slits which extend radially into the cylinder over its center. The dowel pins are made from a hard plastics material.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a construction kit with several components and with connecting elements for releasably connecting the components, the components Include structures with holes in which on the connecting elements trained dowel parts can be used non-positively. Further refers the invention on a connecting element and a tool for such Play kit.

State of the art

Play kit systems promote creativity and are therefore very popular. With In principle, a few components and suitable connecting elements can almost any structures can be built.

For younger children, care should be taken to ensure that the construction and connecting elements are not are too small and can easily be put together. Plug connections are preferred over screw connections because they are a less highly trained Require fine coordination. Leave larger and easily manageable components best made out of wood.

Practical experience with the well-known wooden building block systems shows that plug connections are problematic. Often the connection is either too loose or too rigid. The explanation for this is simple: wood is a material that interacts with the Moisture content expands and its surface structure through use is changed.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a modular game system of the type mentioned to indicate that there are smooth, yet resilient connections distinguishes, whereby the properties of the connection do not change over time should worsen.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the Invention, a dowel element is provided, which is at least partially in the manner of a slotted Solid cylinder is formed, the slot in the radial direction up to penetrates the center of the dowel element.

Because of the deep slot, the dowel according to the invention is good in the radial direction compressible. Training as a full cylinder ensures that Element can develop a relatively strong spring force. Viewed in cross section, the Dowels essentially U-shaped (and not C-shaped).

The dowel element preferably consists essentially of a hard (incompressible) Material, e.g. an injection moldable plastic. A is also conceivable Metal element. A hardwood dowel element would be less advantageous.

If the surface (especially the outer surface) of the dowel is smooth, then you can the dowel serves as a rotatable connection between two structures. I.e. the static friction The dowel in the holes in the structure is sufficiently large in the axial direction to holding them together under average load, however, allows one mutual twisting of the structure around the axis of the dowel.

The slot basically has two parallel side walls and a narrow bottom. The width of the slot is preferably in the range of 1/3 to 1/2 of the outside diameter of the dowel. If the slot is too narrow, the spring action and contact pressure are too high low or irregularly distributed. The same applies if the slot is too wide, but from other reasons. (The minimum wall thickness and its position in relation to the Cross-section, namely the mutual distance and the distance to the lateral surface, determine how the dowel deforms in cross-section when it is in a hole in a Is inserted.)

The play kit also contains a sleeve (or a sleeve part). This is of the type a hollow cylinder with several, radially inwardly projecting ribs flattened back. It will be rod-shaped at the end Placed component, then the ribs lie with the flattened back on the Shell surface of the component. It is important that the surface contacts are neither punctiform or linear nor over the entire surface. In the former case, the Surface pressure too large, which is particularly undesirable for wooden components permanent deformation. In the second case, liability is between the touching surfaces are too large, which makes handling difficult (in Extreme case even impossible).

The ribs extend in the axial direction. (However, other courses are not excluded.) At least four ribs should be evenly distributed over the circumference be.

The sleeve is preferably also molded from a hard plastic. One radial Flexibility is not required. Accordingly, the jacket of the sleeve is free of longitudinal slots.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the sleeve has at least a graded radial taper at one end. The rejuvenation can, but must not be rotationally symmetrical. You can use a tool (which Part of the play kit is) to be engaged to the sleeve in axial Direction e.g. to push out of a building. With certain constructions rejuvenation can thus disassemble them into their original components (Building structure, connecting elements) facilitate.

In addition to pure dowels (for connecting two structures with holes) and pure sleeves (for locking rods or axles) Play kit according to the invention with advantage over combined dowel-socket elements. This is e.g. around a plastic injection molded part, which on one side as Dowel and on the other side is designed as a sleeve. The dowel part can be essentially identical to a pure dowel. However, it is preferably partial hollow, so the transition between the slot-free (and therefore not radial compressible) sleeve part and the slotted dowel part becomes softer. (Of the The dowel part should be pushed into a hole in a building as far as it will go can.)

The inside diameter of the socket part can e.g. essentially that Correspond to the outer diameter of the dowel part. The dowel socket element serves as Connection between a rod or axis and a structure with a bore. in the in general, however, there is no limitation in determining the ratio "Outside diameter of plug part" to "Inside diameter of socket part". The dowel part must simply with the holes in the structure, the socket part with the rods or bars correspond.

The sleeve can serve as a connecting element between two (cylindrical) rods. In this case, it is designed as a continuous hollow cylinder.

A shoulder is preferably formed at the transition between the socket and dowel part, its dimension in the axis cross section considered larger than that Outside diameter of the dowel part and smaller than that of the sleeve part. In In relation to the socket part, the heel is a step-like taper.

The transition described can be the removal of the connecting element from a Ease drilling of a building structure by making it suitable for an attack trained game tool is created.

The connecting elements can be chamfered at the ends be equipped. This will e.g. inserting the dowel into a hole or the attachment of the sleeve at the end of a rod or axis easier.

The play kit advantageously includes a special tool that is designed for the on the sleeve trained paragraph or adapted to the taper that the Sleeve must be pushed out of a hole in a building structure (pried out) can. The tool can be multifunctional. In this sense it can e.g. additionally have a kind of pliers, which can be attached to the dowel or sleeve, to exert a tensile force in the axial direction. The pliers mentioned can e.g. by a hole may be formed in a sheet, the inside diameter of the hole is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the anchor (or sleeve). Will the Insert the dowel (or sleeve) into the hole in the tool and then the Tool tilted, then the dowel (or sleeve) can come out of the hole be pulled out.

The play kit can contain other tools such as a hammer, a Spindle (whose diameter is smaller than the cross section of the bores of the Structure) or an anvil with a bore whose cross section is larger than that Outside diameter of a sleeve.

Cubic and cuboid wooden parts are suitable as structures. With a cube can e.g. 6 face-centered holes can be provided. Are preferred all holes continuous. One on one side of the cube in the hole Inserted pin can help remove the dowel.

From the following detailed description and the entirety of the claims there are further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the Invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung von zwei erfindungsgemässen Verbindungen;

Fig. 2a, b

ein erfindungsgemässes Dübelelement in der längsseitigen und stirnseitigen Draufsicht;

Fig. 3a, b, c

ein erfindungsgemässes Dübel-Muffenelement im Längsschnitt und in der Axialansicht;

Fig. 4a, b

eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines Werkzeugs.

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

Fig. 1

A schematic perspective view of two connections according to the invention;

2a, b

a dowel element according to the invention in the longitudinal and front plan view;

3a, b, c

an inventive dowel sleeve element in longitudinal section and in the axial view;

4a, b

a preferred embodiment of a tool.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

The toy construction kit according to the invention comprises various construction and Fasteners. Components are all those parts that are used to define the physical structure of a construction (e.g. a vehicle, a building, a Figure) can be used. Fasteners become part of the play kit needed to connect the components in the desired construction.

In Fig. 1, two structures 1, 2 and a rod 3 are shown as an example. The Structures 1, 2 are e.g. Wooden cubes with an edge length of e.g. 3 cm. Each of the 6 faces of the cube have a centered hole 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. The holes 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are all identical and have a diameter that is preferably less than 1/3 of the edge length of the cube. In the present example, the diameter mentioned is approximately 8 mm.

Especially with regard to the dismantling of built structures, it can be done by Be an advantage if all holes 4.1 etc. of the cube are continuous. A dowel can then from the opposite side of the cube with a pen be driven out. With larger structures, it may individual holes give, which are designed as blind holes.

Various other structures can also be provided. It is recommended if their dimensions are related to the edge length of the cube stand. For example, cuboid structures can be made available, which result from the fact that one of the edges of the cuboid has a length that corresponds to an integer multiple of the edge length of the cube. Can continue plate-shaped structures are also available. Geometrically speaking these structures are also cuboids. However, one of the Dimensions a fraction of the edge length of the cube. Preferably has one Plate a thickness that corresponds to a third of the edge length of the cube. The two other dimensions correspond e.g. one or more times the edge length of the cube.

In addition to the structures 1, 2, the toy building blocks can 3 different Amounts included. The bars 3 are e.g. like the wooden structures and have a diameter that corresponds approximately to the diameter of a bore 4.1 etc. Around to prevent wood / wood connectors from being accidentally created the holes 4.1 etc. and rods 3 slightly different diameters. Is the Bar 3 larger than the hole by a safety margin (e.g. 1/10 - 5/10 mm) 4.1 etc., then it is not at all possible to insert the rod 3 into the bore 4.1 etc. (The rod has a full cross section and is therefore not radial compressible.) Conversely, the rod 3 is a safety margin smaller in Diameter than the bore 4.1 etc., then the rod 3 can indeed in the bore be introduced, a frictional connection (as is desired for a plug connection) does not come about, however.

1 shows two different connecting elements: a dowel element 6 and a dowel-socket element 7. These embody the essence of the invention. You should in are described in detail below.

2a, b shows the dowel element 6. It has a length of e.g. 2/3 of the edge length of the cube (i.e. in this case a length of 20 mm). It consists of one (hard) plastic and has the shape of a slotted full cylinder. The diameter of the dowel element 6 is slightly larger than that in the unloaded state Internal cross section of the bores 4.1 etc. of the structures 1, 2. Over the entire length extends a slot 8, which the dowel element a slight radial Elasticity there.

The shape of the slot 8 shown results from the fact that in one Full cylinder is formed a coaxial bore, the diameter of which corresponds to the desired width of the slot, and that this coaxial bore in radial direction is broken up (or opened) by a channel, its width corresponds to the diameter of the coaxial bore. The slot 8 thus defines one U-shaped recess in cross section.

The width of the slot 8 is preferably in the range from 0.3 to 0.5 (ie approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the diameter of the dowel element 6. In the example according to FIGS. 2a, b the Slot 8 dimensioned to 2.8 mm (with a diameter of just over 8 mm).

According to an advantageous embodiment, the dowel element 6 is attached to the end edges 9.1, 9.2 bevelled. The bevel extends over a (axial) length of e.g. 1.5 mm and forms a conical surface with a Inclination angle (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dowel element) of e.g. 20 °.

3a-c show an advantageous embodiment of a dowel sleeve element 7. It points a sleeve part 7.1, a transition 7.2 and a dowel part 7.3. The sleeve part 7.1 is designed as a hollow cylinder with no longitudinal slots. Its inside diameter is something larger than the outside diameter of the rod 3 (see FIG. 1). Next are inside e.g. four ribs 10.1 to 10.4 are provided. They run in the axial direction and have according to the invention a flattened back 11 (see. Fig. 3c). The ribs 10.1 to 10.4 protrude e.g. about 1 mm inwards and have a width of e.g. 1-2 mm.

On the open side, the sleeve part 7.1 has a bevelled inner edge 12 for facilitated insertion of the rod 3. Furthermore, there can be an outside at this end Gradation 13 may be formed. This corresponds to a gradation 14 in Transition 7.2. Both gradations 13, 14 are intended to disassemble To facilitate constructions. E.g. the dowel sleeve element 7 in the bore of a structure as shown in Fig. 1, then the gradation 14 Slit formed between the sleeve part and the surface of the building 1. In this slot can be a flat sheet or a specially designed tool are introduced to the dowel sleeve element 7 with leverage from the hole 4.3 push out.

The gradations 13, 14 are preferably (but not necessarily) rotationally symmetrical and define a cylindrical surface, which e.g. by 1 mm compared to the Shell surface of the sleeve part 7.1 is offset inwards. The width of the gradations can be 1 mm or smaller according to the tools available.

The dowel part 7.3 corresponds functionally to the dowel element 6. Like a comparison of the Figures 2b and 3a shows, the dowel part 7.3 from a constructional point of view Dowel element deviate. In principle, slot 15 is the same. It also has one Width of e.g. 2.8 mm. The dowel part 7.3 is only in the end region 16 in the manner of a Full cylinder trained. The dowel part 7.3 is especially in the area of the transition 7.2 more hollowed out. I.e. in cross section there is a slotted hollow cylinder. The A stronger hollowing out results in a greater "softness" of the anchor. With in other words: the dowel is easier to compress. This for yourself considered increased "softness" is now compensated for at transition 7.2, that the radial elasticity because of the missing slot in the sleeve part is negligibly small. The construction of the dowel part 7.3 described thus results a more or less uniform radial elasticity along the axis of the Dowel part 7.3.

Finally, it should also be mentioned that in the end region 16 of the dowel part 7.3 is advantageous a bevelled lead-in edge is provided, similar to that shown in FIG Dowel element 6 explained (see. Fig. 2a).

Various tools can be used to make working with the play kit easier or aids are made available. These include e.g. a hammer for Drive the dowels into the holes or the rods into the sleeves. Can continue long pins (e.g. made of plastic) are included to attach dowels from the back of the To drive out the structure (through the through holes). The mentioned pins have a diameter that is slightly smaller than that Is the inside diameter of the holes. They can be introduced smoothly but still big enough to get good guidance through the hole.

Anvils may also be suitable as aids. It is a simple block with a hole that is larger than the hole in the building. If a dowel has to be driven out of a hole with a pin, then the Structure simply placed on the anvil with the hole from which the Dowels will come in line with the hole in the anvil. So the dowel can follow be driven out into the recess of the anvil below.

A particularly preferred tool 17 is shown in FIGS. 4a, b. It has the shape a bent and recessed sheet metal strip with three Sections 17.1, 17.2, 17.3. Section 17.2 forms the handle. He points to both

End an angled section 17.1 and 17.3. The relatively short section 17.1 is at an angle of e.g. 120 ° to 135 ° to the middle section 17.2. He points a hole 18 and a recess 19 on the edge. Hole 18 has one Diameter which (e.g. by 1-2 mm) is larger than that of the dowel element 6. If the end of a dowel element 6 stuck in a building body in the Hole 18 inserted, then said element can be used like a nail with pliers be pulled out.

The indentation 19 is intended in a between the sleeve part and the building (formed by the step 14) slot to engage, so that the dowel sleeve element (as with a crowbar) are levered out of the hole can.

Section 17.3 forms with section 17.2, for example, a 90 ° angle. He has a slot 21 running in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tool 17 in such a way that a tooth 20 is formed. This tooth 20 can be used for this be driven out of a wooden pin or a wooden axis from the sleeve part 7.1. Of the Tooth 20 is in the axial direction in the slot 15 of the dowel part 7.3 introduced. Because of the slot 21 (in which the jacket part of the sleeve part 7.1 the tooth 20 coming from behind can travel far through the cylindrical Interior of the sleeve part 7.1 are pushed forward. The in relation to Direction of advance of the tooth perpendicular section 17.2 allows from Hand to apply the required pressure or hit with a hammer to attach. The tooth therefore pushes the rod or axle out of the sleeve part.

The invention can be carried out in many ways and is in no way limited to shown embodiments and their dimensions limited.

Not shown but quite useful is e.g. a pure sleeve element. This results the fact that in the combined dowel-socket element, the dowel part is omitted becomes. Instead of the transition 7.2 which is continuous in the axial direction, a closed wall may be provided. Such a sleeve element can e.g. as Serve wheel hub.

The radial gradations on the socket part have great advantages, but they are not imperative. The tool can e.g. also be designed with a hole in which a sleeve has space, so that the sleeves as well as with pliers in the axial direction can be pulled.

The dowel part is largely in FIG. 3a as a hollow cylinder (with a longitudinal slot) educated. It is quite possible to make the full cylinder part longer in the axial direction to train. There can also be a continuous change in the axial direction Wall thickness may be provided. The slot width can also vary in the axial direction.

The number of ribs can also be greater than three to four. Even the width of the flattened back can be varied if necessary. The axial is not mandatory Alignment of the ribs. They can also be helical or special Cases also be ring-shaped.

In summary, the following should be noted:

The connection system according to the invention comprises a plastic dowel for mutual connection of e.g. cuboid wooden toy blocks with holes and a plastic sleeve for connecting round wooden bars to the building blocks.

The connection system plastic dowels and sleeves result in firm and yet movable (i.e. rotatable) connections. Through the plastic dowel and Plastic sleeve, or the dowel sleeve element, eliminates the problematic direct (and rigid) wood-wood connections.

Compared to conventional dowels, the dowel is not hollow, but full. In the It is cut lengthways. The slot is a little deep beyond the center. This and the property of the plastic result in a tension effect, which ensures a firm connection. Due to the smooth surface of the dowel assembly and disassembly child-friendly and easy. For the same reason flexible connections result, which nevertheless allow assembled parts to move.

The combined dowel-socket element is a combination between one according to the invention Dowels on one side and a sleeve on the opposite side. The dowel side is inserted into the block and the socket side takes the round bars on. The sleeve has four ridges inside, which hold the round rods very well guarantee. The groove on the edge of the sleeve allows using a suitable tool easy lifting of the sleeve out of the wood.

The following are known through the plastic dowel and the dowel sleeve element Problems eliminated:

Wood is a natural product and "works" among other things because of the different Humidity. This disadvantage is due to the tensioning effect of the dowels and sleeves largely balanced.

Commercially available wooden building blocks of a similar type with the known wooden dowels result rigid and often hard to solve connections. Experiments with plastic dowels have so far not brought a satisfactory solution.

In contrast to the wooden dowels, thanks to the smooth plastic dowels and sleeves Objects can be easily assembled and disassembled by children. Because the connections are flexible, for example, assembled vehicles can be steered and the limbs of animals are moved.

Claims (10)

Play kit with several components (1, 2, 3) and with Connecting elements for releasably connecting the components (1, 2, 3), wherein the structural elements (1, 2) with holes (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) comprise, in which dowel parts formed on the connecting elements can be used non-positively, characterized in that the Dowel parts (6; 7.3) at least partially in the manner of a slotted full cylinder are formed, the slots (8; 15) each extending in the radial direction up to extend a center of the dowel parts (6; 7.3) into the solid cylinder. Connecting element for a toy construction kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the dowel part (6; 7.3) at least partially in the manner of a slotted full cylinder is formed, the slot (8; 15) in a radial Direction in each case up to beyond a center of the dowel part (6; 7.3) Full cylinder extends into it, and that the dowel part (6; 7.3) from a essential incompressible material, in particular from a Plastic injection molding and preferably a smooth surface on the jacket side having. Connecting element according to claim 2, characterized in that the slot (8; 15) has a width that is in the range of 1/3 to 1/2 of the outside diameter of the dowel part. Connecting element, in particular according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by a sleeve part (7.1) formed on a connecting element, which is a hollow cylinder with a plurality of radially inwardly projecting ribs (10.1 to 10.4) with flattened back (11). Connecting element according to claim 4, characterized in that the Sleeve part (7.1) is free of longitudinal slots. Connecting element according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the Sleeve part (7.1) has a stepped taper (13 or 14). Connecting element according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the dowel part (7.3) is integrally formed on the sleeve part (7.1), the Dowel part (7.3) has a longitudinal slot (15) which is U-shaped in cross section and penetrates beyond a center of the dowel part (7.3) and that the Outside diameter of the dowel part essentially the inside diameter of the Part of the sleeve (7.1) corresponds. Connecting element according to claim 7, characterized in that on one Transition (7.2) between socket and dowel part (7.1 or 7.3) a gradation (14) is formed, which is in the transverse dimension over the outer diameter of the Dowel part (7.3) protrudes and at the same time behind the outside diameter of the Sleeve part (7.1) remains. Connecting element according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that dowel and / or socket part (6; 7.1; 7.3) to facilitate the connection with beveled edges are formed. Tool (17) for a play kit according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that it has a gradation formed on the socket part is adapted that the connecting element with the sleeve part from a hole of a building can be pushed out.

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