EP1105199B1 - Building block system, especially a toy building block system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a modular system, in particular Game building block system, with a plurality of each other connectable blocks, each block at least an undercut gutter-shaped on one side Has groove in which a connecting strip with a cylindrical Part can be used.

There are building blocks for the construction of static objects simply placed on top of each other without any connection option or be strung together. The one with these building blocks built static objects, however, are missing Cohesion, so that they collapse when shaken can.

Building block systems are known in many embodiments. The building blocks of such building block systems are different geometric shape and are usually characterized by molded coupling elements connected and closed Assembled units. In addition, there are also game building blocks known, usually in large numbers too Play building block systems or play building block boxes put together so that a user can add the game building blocks to any Form and combine shapes. The building blocks usually consist of plastic or often made of metal, wood, stone or the like. In particular if the building blocks are made of plastic, they are can be brought into almost any shape.

In particular, plug-in blocks made of plastic were used for playing previously connected to each other in that the connecting elements for connecting and connecting the blocks are molded onto them themselves. For example from EP-0 492 067 B1 a plug-in module as part of a Game kit known in which on the side surfaces of the Molded spring-elastic terminal strips arranged are. On at least one other side surface of the Plug-in modules are not connected spring leaves directed away, the one with the terminal blocks of another plug-in module can be brought into resilient engagement.

AU-B 12329/76 discloses a modular system in which everyone Building block on its surface with a variety of protruding knobs is provided. On the back of each There are a number of building blocks in which the protruding knobs of another module can be inserted are. Many other similar plug-in module systems are known.

DE-AS-14 78 380 is a rectangular game module known with a square cross-section on all sides one in the longitudinal direction and one on each End face undercut connecting groove and on the other end face with an undercut connecting strip is provided. The undercut grooves are formed as tubular slits into which the connecting bar of another game module inserted can be. Here, the connecting bar of one Playing block with high effort in the connecting groove of the other game component are pressed in there the undercut edges on the connecting groove slightly need to be widened as the distance between the undercut Edges of the connecting groove is less than the width of the connection bar. In particular in the case of plastic building blocks, the connecting bar or the Undercut edges of the connecting groove pressed together and deformed. This means that the connecting elements are used several times limited. Will the distance of the opposite Undercut edges of the connecting groove enlarged, the connection becomes unstable overall. About that In addition, the connecting bar of a game module from the open end of the undercut groove of the other Game modules are inserted into them. Indeed requires the connection strip to be inserted into the groove a certain dexterity.

So far, most of the developments have focused on different shapes of building blocks using the same molded Couplings to connect the building blocks together. So they will be different depending on the purpose shaped blocks for walls, roofs, vehicles etc. always through the same molded connection elements linked together to create a versatile combination to reach.

It is an object of the invention to provide a building block system mentioned type to create that versatile and is easy to use and a variety of form-fitting Possibility of connecting two or more Modules of different geometrical shapes are also permitted.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the Connection bar on at least one end of the cylindrical Partly with a hammer head-like limiting body is formed, which in a corresponding bulge at the end of the groove in the module when the connecting strip snaps into place form-fitting in the groove of the block can be used. So you can uniformly shaped building blocks, for example cuboids, through differently shaped separate connecting elements the majority are connected. Furthermore can also use blocks of different geometric shapes Shape, for example cuboids, cubes, half cubes, equilateral triangles or cylindrical or wheel-shaped Blocks are interconnected. Thereby can create almost any figures, such as model vehicles, -Houses etc. are put together. The invention Building block system is preferably for game building blocks, especially suitable for children. Furthermore can the modular system also in furniture construction, trade fair construction, shopfitting and Steel construction, as well as in interior construction and for windows, doors, Switch housing, etc. can be used without this list is restrictive. In principle, all possible static objects formed by this block system become. The hammerhead-like limiting bodies on the Ensure ends of the cylindrical part of the connecting bar when connecting the blocks when inserting the connection bar into the building blocks to be connected for a form-fitting smooth surface of the connected building blocks because the hammer head-like limiting bodies in the corresponding Bulges at the ends of the grooves in the building blocks when the connecting bar snaps into the grooves the blocks come into engagement without the hammerhead-like Limiting body in any way protrude the side faces of the blocks.

Depending on the intended use of the block system The connection bar can be used for the static object to be formed at least one cylindrical part or two parallel cylindrical parts or at least two cylindrical ones arranged at right angles to each other Have parts. This allows modules to be different geometric shape to different. static Objects.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the undercut groove-shaped groove from two opposite bracket-like gripping walls for receiving the cylindrical part of the connecting bar, the one in form an essential tulip shape and designed to be resilient are. Under tulip shape in the sense of the invention of Cross section of the undercut groove-shaped groove understood be of substantially circular shape is, with the two opposite bracket-like Gripping walls up to the nominal diameter of the circular cross-section Extend and leave an opening upwards. Since the nominal diameter of the groove-shaped groove not completely enclosed by the two gripping walls is, so to speak, a tulip-shaped cross section Groove. As a result, the gripping walls are also resilient. The cylindrical part of the connecting bar lies with the resilient surface of the cylinder Contact surfaces of the bracket-like gripping walls of the trough-shaped Use when putting together two building blocks. This results in a certain surface pressure between the gripping walls the groove and the connecting bar and a small one Wear when plugging in and loosening the connection. Due to the large contact surfaces between the bracket-like Gripping walls of the groove-shaped groove and the corresponding one result in cylindrical connecting strip sufficiently large despite the low surface pressure Holding forces between the assembled building blocks. On Another advantage is that the invention Block system an easy assembly of blocks both in the radial direction between the groove and the connecting bar allowed. Due to the closed cylindrical shape of the Connecting strips and the side surfaces of the blocks the connection is also very stable.

The undercut groove-shaped groove is preferably in a channel molded into the side surface of the block arranged, being at the free ends of the bracket-like Gripping walls of the groove the bulges for receiving the hammer head-like Limiting body in the assembled state the connecting bar is flush with the side surface of the Complete building block, are formed. The one from the bracket-like Gripping walls formed groove-shaped groove is thus protected against external damage embedded in the block. In addition, the resilient bracket-like Gripping walls allowed themselves when inserting the cylindrical Connection strip sufficient in the radial direction in To move with respect to their longitudinal axis. It is expedient the undercut groove groove integral with the channel formed in the side surface of the module. This combination of the groove with the channel is special easy with plastic profile strips or plastic building blocks due to the good formability properties of the To realize plastic.

To forcefully overstretch or break off the clamp-like Avoid gripping walls of the channel-shaped groove the channel formed on the side of the block two opposing stops for limitation the spring travel of the clip-like gripping walls of the groove. As a result, the rebound of the gripping walls when inserted the connecting bar is limited.

The tulip shape of the undercut groove-shaped groove results in particular also in that this by means of a integrated web with the in the side surface of the The molded channel is connected. Through this The channel-shaped groove receives a measure through the web another possibility of suspension.

To ensure the stability and the clamping effect of the gripping walls increase, the gripping walls of the undercut gutter-shaped Groove partially thickened.

Fig. 1

eine Perspektivansicht eines zum erfindungsgemäßen Bausteinsystems gehörenden Bausteins,

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht eines Teilbereiches des Bausteins entlang der Schnittlinie I-I nach Fig. 1 in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 3

eine Perspektivansicht einer doppelzylinderförmigen Verbindungsleiste zum Verbinden von zwei Bausteinen,

Fig. 4

eine Perspektivansicht von zwei verbundenen Bausteinen nach den Fig. 1 und 3,

Fig. 5

eine Perspektivansicht einer anderen Verbindungsleiste zum Verbinden von zwei Bausteinen,

Fig. 6

eine Perspektivansicht von zwei verbundenen Bausteinen nach Fig. 1 und 5,

Fig. 7

eine Perspektivansicht eines Modellfahrzeuges aus einer Vielzahl von miteinander verbundenen Bausteinen,

Fig. 8

eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht eines Teilbereiches des Bausteins in einer zweiten Ausführungsform nach Fig. 2 und

Fig. 9

eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht eines Teilbereiches des Bausteins in einer dritten Ausführungsform nach Fig. 2.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. The drawings show in

Fig. 1

2 shows a perspective view of a building block belonging to the building block system according to the invention,

Fig. 2

2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area of the module along the section line II according to FIG. 1 in a first embodiment,

Fig. 3

1 shows a perspective view of a double-cylindrical connecting strip for connecting two components,

Fig. 4

2 shows a perspective view of two connected components according to FIGS. 1 and 3,

Fig. 5

1 shows a perspective view of another connecting bar for connecting two components,

Fig. 6

2 shows a perspective view of two connected components according to FIGS. 1 and 5,

Fig. 7

1 shows a perspective view of a model vehicle made up of a plurality of interconnected components,

Fig. 8

an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the block in a second embodiment of FIG. 2 and

Fig. 9

3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area of the module in a third embodiment according to FIG. 2.

The building block system is subsequently described as cuboid in particular Components also described as half cubes can be designated.

Such a module 1 is in Fig. 1 and with a partial area shown in Fig. 2. This module 1 instructs its narrow side surfaces 2 each have an undercut groove-shaped groove 3, which with a in the side surface 2 integrated channel 4 is connected in one piece and centered along the narrow surface of the side surface 2 extends.

In the groove-shaped groove 3 of the block 1 is a connecting bar 5 can be used according to FIG. 3, which consists of two in parallel interconnected cylindrical parts 6 each with a nominal diameter d, so that this one form double cylindrical cross section. At each end of the Connection bar 5 is a hammer head-like limiting body 7 in one piece with the cylindrical parts 6 formed. Under hammerhead-like limiting bodies 7 are about the cylindrical parts 6 of the connecting bar 5 protruding plate-shaped elements are understood, which are preferably rectangular.

A particularly advantageous undercut gutter-shaped Groove 3 is an enlarged partial view of the block 1 shown in Fig. 2. The groove-shaped groove 3 is made from two springy tulip-shaped and clip-like Gripping walls 8, which largely enclose a nominal diameter d and the free ends 9 directed towards each other are and an opening for receiving a cylinder or Double-cylindrical connecting strip 5 according to FIG. 3 and form 5. At the intersection of the clamp-like gripping walls 8 these pass into a narrow web 10, which in turn is integrally connected to the channel 4. On the front Ends of the groove-shaped groove 3 are each a bulge 11 molded. These bulges 11 come in Joining two neighboring blocks 1 with the respective corresponding hammer head-like limiting body 7 of the connecting bar 5 in engagement, wherein the hammer head-like limiting body 7 flush ends with the surface of module 1, as shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore are in the channel 4 on opposite walls of the Groove 3 formed two mutually directed stops 12, an overextension or breakage of the clamp-like gripping walls 8 prevent when inserting a connecting bar 5. When expanding the gripping walls 8 when inserting the Connecting bar 5 abut the outer sides of the gripping walls 8 if necessary against the stops 12. The stops 12 can be rounded as well as square or pointed his.

5 shows another connecting bar 5, which essentially consist of two cylindrical parts 6 each a nominal diameter d that is rectangular are interconnected. The free ends of the cylindrical Parts 6 each have a hammer head-like limiting body 7, each in a corresponding one Bulge 12 of the side surface 2 of a building block 1 intervenes. At the intersection of the two cylindrical parts 6 is another limiting body 7 similar to a hammer head formed. With this connecting bar 5 can be the same or different building blocks 1 at right angles to each other can be connected as shown in Fig. 6.

By combining blocks 1 with those described above Connection strips 5 can be a variety of building blocks 1 same or different geometric shape any static objects connected and put together become. An exemplary toy vehicle is shown in FIG. 7 13 shown with four wheels 14. By simple Thru axles 15 are the wheels 15 with the associated Module 1 connected, the respective thru axles 15 in the gripping walls 8 of the grooves 3 of the module 1 are inserted are. On a plurality of building blocks 1 there is also one triangular block 1 with one shown in Fig. 5 Connection bar 5 with one of the cuboid blocks 1 put together.

Another embodiment of the undercut gutter-shaped Groove 3 in channel 4 of block 1 is in FIG. 8 shown. Here, the clamp-like gripping walls 8 immediately into channel 4, without an in between Bridge is arranged.

According to another embodiment of the undercut groove-shaped Groove 3 of the block 1 according to FIG. 9 are the clamp-like gripping walls 8 each with a thickening 16 provided to break off the clamp-like gripping walls 8 to prevent when inserting a connecting bar 5. Possibly can be used to limit the Travel of the gripping walls 8 can be dispensed with.

List of reference numbers

1

building block

2

side surface

3

undercut groove

4

channel

5

double cylindrical connecting bar

6

cylindrical part

7

hammerhead-like limiting bodies

8th

clip-like gripping wall

9

free end

10

web

11

bulge

12

attack

13

Toy vehicle

14

wheel

15

floating axle

16

thickening

Claims (8)

1. Building block system, in particular toy building block system, comprising a plurality of interconnectable building blocks (1) whereby each building block (1) comprises on at least one lateral surface (2) an undercut trough-shaped groove (3) into which a connection bar (5) with a cylindrical part (6) can be inserted, characterised in that the connection bar (5) comprises a hammer head-shaped boundary body (7) on at least one end of the cylindrical part (6), whereby said hammer head-shaped boundary body (7) can be inserted in form-lock in a corresponding recess (11) on the end of the groove (3) in the building block (1), when the connection bar (5) snaps into the groove (3) of building block (1).
2. Building block system according to claims 1, characterised in that the connection bar (5) comprises two cylindrical parts (6) arranged in parallel alongside each other.
3. Building block system according to claims 1, characterised in that the connection bar (5) comprises at least two cylindrical parts (6) arranged at right angles to each other.
4. Building block system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the undercut trough-shaped groove (3) consists of two juxtaposed clamp-like grip walls (8) for receiving the cylindrical part (6) of the connection bar (5), whereby the clamp-like grip walls (8) substantially form a tulip shape and are spring-elastic.
5. Building block system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the undercut trough-shaped groove (3) is disposed in a channel (4) formed in a lateral surface (2) of the building block (1), whereby the recesses (11) are formed on the free ends (9) of the clamp-like grip walls (8) of the groove (3) to receive the hammer head-shaped boundary bodies (7) which flush-close with the lateral surface (2) of the building block (1) in assembled state of the connection bar (5).
6. Building block system according to claim 5, characterised in that the channel (4) formed on the lateral surface (2) of the building block (1) comprises two juxtaposed stops (12) for limiting the spring path of the clamp-like grip walls (8) of the groove (3).
7. Building block system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the undercut trough-shaped groove (3) is connected with the channel (4) formed in the lateral surface (2) of the building block (1) by means of an integrated bar (10).
8. Building bock system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the clamp-like grip walls (8) of the undercut trough-shaped groove (3) are respectively partly thickened (16).

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