EP3272403B1 - Connecting element for connecting two route guidance elements, route guidance element and route guidance set - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connecting element for connecting two route guidance elements, a routing element for limiting a route for model vehicles and a route guidance kit with a connecting element according to the invention and a route guide element according to the invention.

It is known, routing elements, d. H. Set road boundaries for the formation of racetracks for remote-controlled vehicles. For model cars in the scale 1:24 route guidance elements are commercially available, for example, which are strip-shaped and at their ends by puzzle-shaped coupling points are connected to each other. Two interconnected routing elements are rigidly interconnected. To form a curve, therefore, a curved routing element must be used. In contrast, a straight track section can be formed exclusively with a straight track guide. The possibilities for producing a racetrack are therefore very limited.

From the DE 10 2011 108 719 A1 is a routing element known, with the curves can be easily formed. However, it is not easily possible to form longer straight lines with such a routing element or represent branches or intersections.

The DE 31 03 505 A1 discloses a rail connection for electric play and model trains with a junction of two abutting rails bridging connection brackets in the form of substantially U-shaped bent sheet metal parts whose legs engage over the rail foot clamping, wherein the rails under cross base leg of the connection brackets with a downwardly directed spring arms for the leg forming bend is provided.

The US 5,421,762 discloses a substructure for a toy train constructed of struts and connecting elements. The connecting elements are star-shaped or half-star-shaped.

The US 3,958,361 discloses a connecting element for two route guiding elements, which has slots on a curved side.

The US 5,203,733 discloses a connector which has slot-like recesses on a catheter side into which respective tabs of elements of a toy raceway can be inserted.

The CH 443 095 discloses a kit for a toy train.

The object of the present invention is to show a possibility of how different routing elements can be connected to one another in a particularly simple manner,

This object is achieved according to the invention by a connecting element for connecting two route guidance elements with the features of claim 1. With such a connecting element two route guide elements can be particularly easily connected to each other. In particular, by the connecting element for a connection can be made, however, be dissolved by loosening the connecting element also again. Thus, a race track can be built very easily and dismantled again. With the connecting element according to the invention, it is possible to connect two route guide elements substantially without play with each other. In particular, in the recess respectively come to lie a bridge of two route guidance elements, wherein the webs can abut each other. In particular, the connection point of two routing elements can be virtually encompassed by the connecting element.

An even more reliable connection of two route guidance elements can be realized in that both catheter sides have a recess for receiving a web or projection of a route guidance element. Preferably, two webs or projections, each of a guide element, are received in the further recess.

Particular advantages arise when a latching element is arranged in the region of a recess. As a result, the connecting element can be locked with one or both route guiding elements and can thereby be arranged captive on the route guiding elements. By providing a latching connection no additional means are provided to secure the connection of the two route guide elements.

The recess is groove-like and preferably extends over the entire length of the catheter side. In particular, a recess can extend over the entire length of both sides of the catheter. This results in a symmetrical configuration of the connecting element and on the other hand results in a large area connection of the two route guidance elements.

In this case, the latching element may be formed on a groove bottom of the groove-like recess. In particular, a detent recess may be provided on a groove base into which a latching lug of a routing element, preferably of two Routing elements, engages. The latching element can be arranged in the region of the base, so that the connecting element is latched against the end of insertion into a routing element.

It is particularly advantageous if a web extends parallel to the groove-like recess on both sides of the recess. In each case one of the webs can come to rest in a corresponding recess or groove of a route guide element to be connected. The width of the web can be matched to the region of the groove of the route guide element, so that a precisely fitting positive connection is formed.

The connecting element may have an anti-twist device at its end opposite the base. Thereby, it can be prevented that the connecting member is rotated relative to a route guiding member, and the orientation of the connecting member is determined.

The connecting element may have a slot-like recess, preferably with insertion bevels, at its end opposite the base. As a result of this configuration of the upper end of the connecting element, two route guiding elements can be pulled towards one another, wherein in each case one wall of the route guiding elements is introduced into the slot-like depression. The connecting element may taper towards its upper end. In particular, the webs of the connecting element to the top, d. H. away from the base, rejuvenate.

The handling of the connecting element is facilitated if a recessed grip is provided. As a result, the connection element can be easily replaced by a user Remove route guide element. In this case, the recessed grip can also be substantially triangular. The recessed grip can be spaced by gaps from the catheter sides of the connecting element.

In the context of the invention also includes a route guidance kit with at least one connecting element according to the invention and at least one routing element for limiting a route for model vehicles, which at least one end has a v-shaped recess for receiving a connecting element, wherein the v-shaped recess through a web is limited. The web can come to rest in the groove-like recess of the connecting element, so that thereby a positive connection can be made.

The web may define an internal groove which serves to receive a portion of a connecting element. In particular, a web of the connecting element can be positively received in the groove.

The web of the routing element may have a latching element for cooperation with a latching element of the connecting element. In particular, the latching element of the routing element may be formed as a latching nose, which can cooperate with a corresponding detent recess in the groove bottom of the connecting element.

The routing element may have different shapes, so that different driving or racing tracks can be built. In particular, the routing element may be formed as a tee, Y-shaped or rectilinear.

Further advantages are obtained if the routing element has at one end a coupling point with a first joint part, which allows a pivotable coupling with another routing element such that the set on the ground coupled route guidance elements are pivotable about a vertical pivot axis relative to each other. Thus, a routing element may be formed at one end to be coupled with a connecting element according to the invention with another routing element. At the opposite end, it may have a coupling point in order to produce a pivotable connection with another routing element, which is designed accordingly.

However, it is also conceivable route guidance elements which are formed at two or more ends for connection to a connecting element according to the invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which shows essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown there are not necessarily to scale and presented in such a way that the features of the invention can be made clearly visible. The various features may be implemented individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht von vorn auf ein Verbindungselement;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Verbindungselements;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf das Verbindungselement;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf einen ersten Verbindungsbereich eines Streckenführungselements;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht von unten auf ein Streckenführungselement;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines Streckenführungselements.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a view from the front of a connecting element;

Fig. 2

a side view of the connecting element;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the connecting element;

Fig. 4

a plan view of a first connection region of a route guidance element;

Fig. 5

a plan view from below of a route guide element;

Fig. 6

a side view of a route guidance element.

The Fig. 1 shows a front view of a connecting element 1, which has a triangular basic shape. The connecting element 1 has a base side 2 and two catheter sides 3, 4. In a central region, a grip 5 is provided, which also has a substantially triangular shape. The recessed grip 5 is spaced by gaps 6, 7 of legs 8, 9 of the connecting element. In particular, the recessed grip 5 is only connected via narrow webs 10, 11, 12 with the remaining connecting element 2. By providing gaps 6, 7 material can be saved. In a lower region, the connecting element 1 has sections 13, 14 which run essentially parallel to one another. In the upper area an anti-rotation device 15 is provided, which prevents twisting of the connecting element 1 in a routing element.

The Fig. 2 shows a side view of the connecting element 1, in particular a view of the catheter side 3. The opposite side of the catheter 4 is formed analogously.

The Fig. 2 can be seen that the catheter side 3 has a particular groove-like recess 20 which is bounded on both sides by webs 21, 22. The recess 20 is dimensioned such that corresponding projections or webs of route guide elements to be connected find their place in the recess 20 in such a way that the route guide elements abut one another with their connecting sections. In order to facilitate the insertion of the connecting element 1 or to pull two to be connected routing elements in close contact, a slot-like recess 23 is provided. It extends in extension of the groove-like recess 20. In particular, the slot-like recess 23 through the Anti-rotation 15 limited. At the upper end of the slot-like recess 23 insertion bevels 24, 25 are provided. Thus, the slot-like recess 23 widens upward. At the same time it can be seen that the webs 21, 22 taper towards the upper end of the connecting element 1. This leads on the one hand to a saving of material and on the other hand to a certain flexibility of the connecting element 1 in the upper area.

In the area of the base side 2, a latching element 26 is formed in the groove base of the groove-like recess 20 in the form of a latching recess. This makes it possible to lock the connecting element 1 with routing elements and thus to attach captive to the route guidance elements.

The width of the webs 21, 22 is dimensioned so that they can be accurately inserted into corresponding grooves of route guidance elements.

The Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the connecting element 1. The features described with respect to the catheter side 3, which are also located on the catheter side 4, are identified with the same reference numeral, but with an attached apostrophe.

From the Fig. 1 to 3 shows that the connecting element 1 is formed symmetrically with respect to a center plane parallel to the front and with respect to a central plane perpendicular to the front.

The Fig. 4 shows a routing element 30 which is T-shaped. At a connection point 39, the routing element 30 has a V-shaped recess 29. In the area of this V-shaped recess can be in the Fig. 1 to 3 described connecting element 1 are attached. The v-shaped Recess 30 is limited by webs 31, 32. The webs 31, 32 are intended to come to rest in the groove-like recess 20 of the connecting element 1. On the webs 31, 32 locking elements 33, 34 are formed in the form of locking lugs, which cooperate with the locking elements 26, 26 'of the connecting element 1.

The connecting element 20 has a downwardly widening first region 35, which facilitates the installation of the route guide element 30 and on the other hand ensures sufficient stability. In the upper area, the route guide element 30 is narrower and web-like in a region 36.

The Fig. 5 shows a view from below of the route guide member 30. Here it can be seen that a total of three connection points 37, 38, 39 are provided. The connection point 39 is in the Fig. 4 shown in a front view. In the Fig. 5 It can be seen that the webs 31, 32 each define an inner groove 40, 41. The inner groove 40, 41 is further limited by webs 42, 43. The width of the grooves 40, 41 is dimensioned so that it corresponds to the width of the webs 21, 22, 21 ', 22'. The webs 31, 32 come to lie in the groove-like recess 20, 20 'of the connecting element 2. They are dimensioned in their width so that they correspond to about half the width of the groove-like recess 20.

The anti-rotation lock 15 engages in a recess 44 which is located in the section 36 of the route guide element 30.

The other connection points 37, 38 are formed analogously. To reinforce the route guide member 30 reinforcing ribs 45, 46 are provided.

The Fig. 6 FIG. 2 shows a side view of another route guide element 50. The route guide element 50 is formed on one side in the same way as the connection points 37, 38, 39 of the route guide element 30. Thus, the side 51 of the route guide element 50 is connected to one of the connection points 37, 38, 39 of the route guide element 30 connectable by the connecting element 1.

On the opposite side 52, the route guide element 50 has a coupling point 53 with a hinge part 54, which allows a pivotable coupling with another route guide element such that the coupled to the ground coupled route guide elements are pivotable about a vertical pivot axis relative to each other.

The routing element 50 can be used to couple different routing elements together. The route guide element coupled on the side 52 may have a coupling point with a hinge part at both ends. However, it is also conceivable to couple a routing element similar to the routing element 50, wherein this requires a complementary coupling point to be coupled to the coupling point 53 can. In particular, route guidance elements can be coupled via the coupling point 54, as described in the introduction DE 10 2011 108 719 A1 are described.

Claims (13)

1. Connecting element (1) for connecting two route guidance elements (30), wherein the connecting element (1) has a triangular basic shape with a base (2) and two legs (3, 4) and at least one leg (3, 4) has a recess (20, 20') for receiving a web (31, 32) or projection of a route guidance element (30), characterised in that the recess (20, 20') is groove-shaped with a groove bottom and preferably extends over the entire length of the leg (3, 4).
2. Connecting element according to claim 1, characterised in that both legs (3, 4) have a recess (20, 20') for receiving a web (31, 32) or projection of a route guidance element (30).
3. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a locking element (26, 26') is arranged in the region of a recess (20, 20').
4. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking element (26, 26') is formed on the bottom of the groove-shaped recess.
5. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that respective webs (21, 22, 21', 22') extend parallel to the groove-shaped recess (20, 20') on either side of the recess (20, 20').
6. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (1) is provided at its end opposite the base (2) with an anti-rotation element (15).
7. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (1) is provided at its end opposite the base (2) with a slot-shaped recess (23), preferably with lead-in chamfers (24, 25).
8. Connecting element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a gripping depression (5) is provided.
9. Route guidance set comprising at least one connecting element (1) according to one of claims 1 - 8 and at least one route guidance element (30, 50) provided at least at one end with a v-shaped recess (29) for receiving a connecting element (1), wherein the v-shaped recess (29) is delimited by a web (31, 32).
10. Route guidance set according to claim 9, characterised in that the web (31, 32) delimits an internal groove (40, 41) serving to receive a portion of the connecting element (1).
11. Route guidance set according to either of the preceding claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the web (31, 32) has a locking element (33, 34) for cooperating with a locking element (26, 26') of the connecting element (1).
12. Route guidance set according to one of the preceding claims 9 - 11, characterised in that the route guidance element is a T-piece, Y-shaped or straight.
13. Route guidance set according to one of the preceding claims 9 - 12, characterised in that the route guidance element is provided at one end with a coupling point (53) with a first hinge part (54) allowing for pivotable coupling with the further route guidance element in such a manner that the coupled route guidance elements placed on the ground are pivotable relative to one another about a vertical pivot axis.

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