A rail block that is easy to assemble and disassemble.
The rail block design with magnetic strips and rotary guide blocks allows for easy assembly and disassembly by rotating the units, addressing the challenge of high separation force in existing toys, ensuring stability and user-friendly operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025107898
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-10-29
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing railway toys require high force to separate connected rail blocks, making them difficult for children and users with limited hand strength to assemble and disassemble, leading to potential component damage and user discomfort.
A rail block design featuring a groove with a magnetic strip, first and second connecting units with rotary guide blocks and chamfers, and elastic detent projections that allow for easy assembly and disassembly by rotating the units relative to each other, ensuring a stable connection without strong pulling.
The design enables easy separation of rail blocks with limited hand strength, maintaining stability and preventing component damage or strain, combining ease of use with structural integrity.
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Abstract
Description
Technical field
[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of toys and specifically to a track block that is easy to assemble and disassemble. State of the art
[0002] Railway toys are known as intellectual toys appreciated by children. Their central play principle involves building diverse track layouts by connecting and combining multiple track blocks. Accessories such as balls or vehicles then glide along these tracks, promoting children's spatial reasoning and manual dexterity. Currently available railway toys predominantly use snap-fit connections or magnetic attraction to join and secure two components. Snap-fit connections create a locking mechanism through the interlocking of a protruding part (latch) and a recessed part (latch groove), while magnetic attraction relies on magnetic force to hold the two components together.Since the central design objective of these connection structures is to ensure stability after the connection is established, practical applications often require a high connection strength to prevent unintentional loosening of the components. This manifests itself specifically in a high engagement resistance between the protruding part and the locking groove after the snap connection has engaged, or in a strong magnet attraction. Consequently, a large external force must be applied to separate two connected rail blocks to overcome the connection force and allow them to be released, thus placing high demands on the force required during operation.For users with low hand strength, especially children, excessive separation resistance makes it difficult to separate the components independently, which not only impairs the ease of use of the product but can also lead to component damage or hand discomfort for the user due to forceful handling.
[0003] Against this background, the present utility model is proposed. Content of the utility model
[0004] To solve one of the aforementioned technical problems, the present utility model provides a rail block that is easy to assemble and disassemble. The technical solution is as follows:
[0005] An easily assembled and disassembled rail block, comprising: a rail housing, wherein a groove is arranged on the outer surface of the rail housing, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail housing, and a magnetic strip is arranged in the groove; a first connecting unit, wherein the first connecting unit is arranged longitudinally at one end of the rail housing, the first connecting unit protrudes from the rail housing, and a locking groove and several first rotary guide blocks are arranged on the circumferential side wall of the first connecting unit, wherein the first rotary guide blocks are arranged successively at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the first connecting unit, a separation area is formed between each two adjacent first rotary guide blocks, and a first guide chamfer is arranged on both sides of the first rotary guide blocks in the circumferential direction of the first connecting unit; a second connecting unit, wherein the second connecting unit is arranged longitudinally at the other end of the rail housing, the second connecting unit has a recess, an elastic detent projection and several second rotary guide blocks are arranged on the inner wall of the recess, the second rotary guide blocks are arranged successively at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the recess, and a second guide chamfer is arranged on both sides of the second rotary guide blocks in the circumferential direction of the second connecting unit; When the first connecting unit of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess of the other, the second rotary guide blocks are each located in the corresponding separation areas, and the first guide chamfer of the first rotary guide blocks rests against the corresponding second guide chamfer of the second rotary guide blocks, with the elastic detent projections each engaging in the corresponding detent grooves; When the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are rotated relative to each other, the first guide chamfer and the second guide chamfer slide relative to each other, so that the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit separate from each other and the elastic detent projections are released from the detent grooves. Optionally, the recess has an inner annular groove wall and an outer annular groove wall; wherein the inner diameter of the outer annular groove wall is larger than that of the inner annular groove wall; wherein the inner annular groove wall and the outer annular groove wall are arranged one after the other along the extension direction of the rail housing and are connected to each other; and wherein the second rotary guide blocks are arranged on the outer annular groove wall. Optionally, an annular shoulder surface is formed between the inner annular groove wall and the outer annular groove wall; the second rotary guide blocks are connected to the annular shoulder surface. Optionally, the first rotary guide blocks are arranged on the base section of the first connecting unit and connected to the rail housing. Optionally, the first connecting unit and the rail housing are designed as a single-piece component manufactured using injection molding. Optionally, the elastic locking projections are arranged on the inner ring-shaped groove wall; wherein the locking groove on the first connecting unit is arranged in a position between each pair of adjacent first rotary guide blocks. Optionally, the inner ring-shaped groove wall has several opening areas; wherein the elastic locking projections are arranged in the corresponding breakthrough areas and are connected to the inner annular groove wall. Optionally, an inclined surface is arranged on the side of the locking groove facing away from the rail housing side; during the relative twisting of the nested first connecting unit and the second connecting unit, the elastic locking projections can slide out of the locking groove along the inclined surface. Optionally, one end of the elastic locking projection, which lies close to the bottom wall of the recess, is designed as a cantilever end, with a projection rib arranged on the side of the cantilever end facing the interior of the recess; wherein a grooved strip is arranged on the inclined surface; and wherein, when the first connecting unit of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess of the other, the projecting rib engages in the groove. Optionally, several pipe press-fit areas are arranged at intervals around the first connecting unit in the circumferential direction on the rail housing; wherein several pipe fitting parts are arranged at the end section of the second connecting unit, which are arranged one after the other at a distance in the circumferential direction of the second connecting unit; and wherein, when the first connecting unit of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess of the other, the pipe press fitting areas and the pipe fitting parts interact positionally. By applying the above technical solution, the present application has the following advantageous effects:
[0006] In the easily assembled and disassembled rail block of the present application, a stable connection is ensured during assembly by the snap-fit interaction of the elastic locking projection with the locking groove, without any loosening. Separation requires no strong pulling, but merely a relative twisting of the two connected rail blocks. The relative sliding of the first and second guide chamfers releases the locking projection from the locking groove, allowing for easy separation. This makes the rail block easy to use, even for children or other users with limited hand strength. The separation operation is simple and comfortable, causing neither component damage nor hand strain, thus combining stability and user-friendliness. Description of the drawings
[0007] The drawings form part of this application and serve to further clarify the present utility model; the schematic embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions serve to explain the utility model and do not constitute an impermissible limitation of the utility model. Obviously, the drawings mentioned in the following description represent only some embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can derive further drawings from these drawings without any inventive effort. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic structural representation of a rail block provided within the scope of the present utility model; Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of area A in Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 shows a representation of the rail block provided within the scope of the present utility model from a further perspective; Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of area B in Fig. 3.
[0008] In the drawings, the following abbreviations apply: rail housing 1, strip groove 11, pipe press fit area 12, first connecting unit 2, locking groove 21, inclined surface 211, groove strip 2111, first rotary guide block 22, first guide chamfer 221, separating area 23, second connecting unit 3, recess 31, inner annular groove wall 311, elastic locking projection 3111, projection rib 3111a, opening area 3112, outer annular groove wall 312, annular shoulder surface 313, second rotary guide block 32, second guide chamfer 321, pipe fitting part 33, magnetic strip 4. Designs
[0009] In order to clarify the objectives, the technical solution and the advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments are described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model, whereby the following embodiments serve to explain the present utility model and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0010] The description of this utility model must state that the directions or positional relationships designated by terms such as "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings and serve only to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the designated device or component must have a specific orientation or be designed and operated in a specific orientation, so that these terms are not to be interpreted as a limitation of this utility model.
[0011] The description of this utility model further clarifies that, unless otherwise expressly stated or limited, the terms "assembly" and "connection" are to be understood in a broader sense. For example, they may mean a permanent connection, a detachable connection, or a one-piece connection, as well as a mechanical or electrical connection, and a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the aforementioned terms in this utility model depending on the circumstances.
[0012] As in the Fig. 1 to Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the embodiment of the present application provides a rail block that is easy to assemble and disassemble, comprising a rail housing 1, a first connecting unit 2, and a second connecting unit 3. A groove 11 is arranged on the outer surface of the rail housing 1, the groove 11 extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail housing 1, and a magnetic strip 4 is arranged in the groove 11.The first connecting unit 2 is arranged longitudinally at one end of the rail housing 1, the first connecting unit 2 protruding from the rail housing 1, and a locking groove 21 and several first rotary guide blocks 22 are arranged on the circumferential side wall of the first connecting unit 2, the first rotary guide blocks 22 being arranged successively at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the first connecting unit 2, a separating area 23 being formed between each pair of adjacent first rotary guide blocks 22, and a first guide chamfer 221 being arranged on both sides of the first rotary guide blocks 22 in the circumferential direction of the first connecting unit 2.The second connecting unit 3 is arranged longitudinally at the other end of the rail housing 1, the second connecting unit 3 having a recess 31, wherein an elastic detent projection 3111 and several second rotary guide blocks 32 are arranged on the inner wall of the recess 31, wherein the second rotary guide blocks 32 are arranged successively at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the recess 31, and a second guide chamfer 321 is arranged on both sides of the second rotary guide blocks 32 in the circumferential direction of the second connecting unit 3.When the first connecting unit 2 of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess 31 of the other, the second rotary guide blocks 32 are each located in the corresponding separation areas 23, and the first guide chamfer 221 of the first rotary guide blocks 22 rests against the corresponding second guide chamfer 321 of the second rotary guide blocks 32, with the elastic detent projections 3111 engaging in the corresponding detent grooves 21. When the first connecting unit 2 and the second connecting unit 3 are rotated relative to each other, the first guide chamfer 221 and the second guide chamfer 321 slide relative to each other, so that the first connecting unit 2 and the second connecting unit 3 separate from each other and the elastic detent projections 3111 are released from the detent grooves 21.In the easily assembled and disassembled rail block of the present application, the interlocking action of the elastic locking projection 3111 with the locking groove 21 ensures a stable and secure connection. Separation requires no strong pulling, but merely a relative twisting of the two connected rail blocks. The relative sliding of the first guide chamfer 221 and the second guide chamfer 321 releases the locking projection from the locking groove 21, allowing for easy separation. This makes the rail block easy to use, even for children or other users with limited hand strength. The separation operation is simple and comfortable, causing neither component damage nor hand strain, thus combining stability and ease of use.
[0013] The recess 31 has an inner annular groove wall 311 and an outer annular groove wall 312, wherein the inner diameter of the outer annular groove wall 312 is larger than that of the inner annular groove wall 311, wherein the inner annular groove wall 311 and the outer annular groove wall 312 are arranged successively along the extension direction of the rail housing 1 and the inner annular groove wall 311 is in contact with the outer annular groove wall 312, and wherein the second rotary guide blocks 32 are arranged on the outer annular groove wall 312 and together with the inner annular groove wall 311 form a stepped arrangement, so that the second rotary guide blocks 32, when cooperating with the rotary guide blocks to realize the rotary separation, do not engage with the detent structure of elastic detent projection 3111 and detent groove 21.This ensures, on the one hand, the connection stability of the locking connection between the elastic locking projection 3111 and the locking groove 21, and on the other hand, the sliding capability of the relative sliding of the first guide chamfer 221 and the second guide chamfer 321 during rotary separation, thereby further improving the reliability and interaction of the overall structure.
[0014] An annular shoulder 313 is formed between the inner annular groove wall 311 and the outer annular groove wall 312, with the second rotary guide blocks 32 being connected to the annular shoulder 313. This gives the second rotary guide blocks 32 high structural strength and good stability. The thickness of the second rotary guide blocks 32 is less than the thickness of the annular shoulder 313, and the edge regions of the second rotary guide blocks 32 are spaced away from the inner surface of the inner annular groove wall 311, so that the second rotary guide blocks 32 do not interfere with the outer wall of the first connecting unit 2 and any impairment of the locking structure consisting of the elastic locking projection 3111 and the locking groove 21 is avoided.
[0015] In one possible embodiment, the first rotary guide blocks 22 are arranged on the base section of the first connecting unit 2 and connected to the rail housing 1. This gives the first rotary guide blocks 22 a high connection strength and a stable support base, thus preventing deformation or displacement of the first rotary guide blocks 22 due to force during the rotary separation and ensuring the accuracy of the guide adjustment as well as structural stability.
[0016] The first connecting unit 2 and the rail housing 1 are designed as a single, injection-molded component. This not only eliminates the assembly processes between the two and increases production efficiency, but also removes potential gaps or loosening that could occur with a split connection, thereby improving the structural strength and connection stability of the first connecting unit 2 and ensuring that it is not prone to breakage or deformation due to force during long-term use.
[0017] In one possible embodiment, the elastic detent projection 3111 is arranged on the inner annular groove wall 311, and the detent groove 21 is arranged on the first connecting unit 2 at a position between each pair of adjacent first rotary guide blocks 22. The inner diameter of the inner annular groove wall 311 is small, so that the elastic detent projection 3111 is in contact with the outer wall of the first connecting unit 2 and can engage smoothly in the detent groove 21.
[0018] The inner annular groove wall 311 has several openings 3112, wherein the elastic detent projections 3111 are arranged in the corresponding openings and are connected to the inner annular groove wall 311. The openings 3112 provide the elastic detent projection 3111 with sufficient deformation space, thus ensuring that the engagement and release between the elastic detent projection 3111 and the detent groove 21 is flexible and smooth.In one possible embodiment, an inclined surface 211 is arranged on the side of the locking groove 21 facing away from the rail housing side of the rail housing 1, wherein, during the relative rotation of the plug-in connected first connecting unit 2 and the second connecting unit 3, the elastic locking projection 3111 can slide out of the locking groove 21 along the inclined surface 211, thereby providing the elastic locking projection 3111 with a sliding guide, so that the elastic locking projection 3111 slides out of the locking groove 21 naturally along the inclined surface 211 without the need for additional leverage, thereby further reducing the resistance during the separation operation and making the disassembly process of the rail block smoother and less strenuous.
[0019] One end of the elastic locking projection 3111, located close to the bottom wall of the recess 31, is designed as a cantilever end, with a projection rib 3111a arranged on the side of the cantilever end facing the interior of the recess 31, and a groove strip 211111 arranged on the inclined surface 211. When the first connecting unit 2 of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess 31 of the other, the projection rib 3111a engages in the groove strip 211111.The interaction of the projecting rib 3111a and the groove strip 211111 forms a secondary positioning detent when connecting the rail blocks. This provides adequate resistance in the connected state to prevent unintentional loosening due to slight vibrations or incorrect operation, while simultaneously ensuring that the smooth sliding of the projecting rib 3111a along the groove strip 211111 during the rotating separation process is not impaired. This achieves a balance between protection against accidental decoupling and ease of disassembly, further increasing reliability in use.
[0020] In one possible embodiment, several pipe press-fit areas 12 are arranged at intervals around the first connecting unit 2 in the circumferential direction on the rail housing 1, and several pipe fitting parts 33 are arranged at intervals on the end section of the second connecting unit 3, the pipe fitting parts 33 being arranged successively at intervals around the circumference of the second connecting unit 3. When the first connecting unit 2 of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess 31 of the other, the pipe press-fit areas 12 and the pipe fitting parts 33 interact positionally. The pipe press-fit areas 12 comprise two spaced-apart first stiffening ribs, and the pipe fitting parts 33 comprise a second stiffening rib, wherein, when the first connecting unit 2 of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess 31 of the other, the second stiffening rib is limited between the two first stiffening ribs.so that the circumferential position of the first connecting unit 2 and the second connecting unit 3 can be quickly positioned, precise alignment is ensured and incorrect assembly is avoided, and wherein the interaction of the pipe press-fit areas 12 and the pipe fitting parts 33 provides adequate circumferential resistance which, on the one hand, prevents unintentional twisting and loosening after connection due to slight vibrations or incorrect operation and ensures connection stability, but on the other hand, does not impede operation during normal rotary separation, so that assembly accuracy, reliability in use and ease of handling are equally taken into account.
[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present application disclosed above serve only to illustrate the present application. These preferred embodiments do not describe all the details, nor do they limit the present application to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, numerous modifications and alterations can be made based on the content of this description. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this description to better explain the principles and practical application of the present application and to enable those skilled in the relevant technical field to understand and apply the present application well. The scope of protection of the present application is determined exclusively by the claims and their entire scope and equivalents.
Claims
[1] A rail block that is easy to assemble and disassemble, characterized by that it includes: a rail housing, wherein a groove is arranged on the outer surface of the rail housing, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail housing, and a magnetic strip is arranged in the groove; a first connecting unit, wherein the first connecting unit is arranged longitudinally at one end of the rail housing, the first connecting unit protrudes from the rail housing, and a locking groove and several first rotary guide blocks are arranged on the circumferential side wall of the first connecting unit, wherein the first rotary guide blocks are arranged successively at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the first connecting unit, a separation area is formed between each two adjacent first rotary guide blocks, and a first guide chamfer is arranged on both sides of the first rotary guide blocks in the circumferential direction of the first connecting unit; a second connecting unit, wherein the second connecting unit is arranged longitudinally at the other end of the rail housing, the second connecting unit has a recess, an elastic detent projection and several second rotary guide blocks are arranged on the inner wall of the recess, the second rotary guide blocks are arranged successively at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the recess, and a second guide chamfer is arranged on both sides of the second rotary guide blocks in the circumferential direction of the second connecting unit; When the first connecting unit of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess of the other, the second rotary guide blocks are each located in the corresponding separation areas, and the first guide chamfer of the first rotary guide blocks rests against the corresponding second guide chamfer of the second rotary guide blocks, with the elastic detent projections each engaging in the corresponding detent grooves; When the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are rotated relative to each other, the first guide chamfer and the second guide chamfer slide relative to each other, so that the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit separate from each other and the elastic detent projections are released from the detent grooves. [2] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 1, characterized by , that the recess has an inner annular groove wall and an outer annular groove wall; wherein the inner diameter of the outer annular groove wall is larger than that of the inner annular groove wall; wherein the inner annular groove wall and the outer annular groove wall are arranged one after the other along the extension direction of the rail housing and are connected to each other; and wherein the second rotary guide blocks are arranged on the outer annular groove wall. [3] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 2, characterized by , that an annular shoulder surface is formed between the inner annular groove wall and the outer annular groove wall; the second rotary guide blocks are connected to the annular shoulder surface. [4] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 3, characterized by, that the first rotary guide blocks are arranged on the base section of the first connecting unit and are connected to the rail housing. [5] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 4, characterized by that the first connecting unit and the rail housing are formed in one piece using the injection molding process. [6] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 2, characterized by , that the elastic locking protrusions are arranged on the inner annular groove wall; wherein the locking groove on the first connecting unit is arranged in a position between each pair of adjacent first rotary guide blocks. [7] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 2, characterized by , that the inner annular groove wall has several opening areas; wherein the elastic locking projections are arranged in the corresponding breakthrough areas and are connected to the inner annular groove wall. [8] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 1, characterized by , that a sloping surface is arranged on the side of the locking groove facing away from the rail housing side; during the relative twisting of the nested first connecting unit and the second connecting unit, the elastic locking projections can slide out of the locking groove along the inclined surface. [9] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to claim 8, characterized by , that one end of the elastic locking projection, which lies close to the bottom wall of the recess, is a cantilever end, wherein a projection rib is arranged on the side of the cantilever end facing the interior of the recess; wherein a grooved strip is arranged on the inclined surface; and wherein, when the first connecting unit of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess of the other, the projecting rib engages in the groove. [10] The easily assembled and disassembled rail block according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that several pipe press-fit areas are arranged at intervals around the first connecting unit in the circumferential direction on the rail housing; wherein several pipe fitting parts are arranged at intervals on the end section of the second connecting unit, which are arranged successively at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second connecting unit; and wherein, when the first connecting unit of one of the two rail blocks is inserted into the recess of the other, the pipe press-fit areas and the pipe fitting parts interact positionally.