Conductive toy building block

Abstract

A conductive toy building block comprises a main body with a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of connecting columns protruding uniformly from the top surface at intervals, and an inner cavity is open relative to the bottom surface and can accommodate the top surface of another building block and is in friction engagement with the connecting columns of another building block to achieve friction fit between the top surface and the connecting columns. Therefore, a plurality of building blocks are connected together. The connecting columns comprise non-conductive connecting columns and conductive connecting columns. The conductive connecting column comprises a top end part of which the external size is matched with that of the non-conductive connecting column and a telescopic part which extends downwards from the top end part and enters the inner cavity. The telescopic member has an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted within the barrel, the plunger including a stop to prevent full withdrawal of the plunger from the barrel, the plunger biased to extend outward from the barrel. The length of the telescopic part is designed in the mode that when the plunger completely stretches out of the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located in the inner cavity close to the bottom surface, and when the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the connecting column on the other building block makes contact with the bottom of the plunger and pushes the plunger inwards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to children's building block toys, and more particularly to teachable electronic building block toys and systems. Background Art

[0002] Toy building blocks or sets of building blocks, including a variety of such blocks, such as Lego TM The products sold by the Group are well known. Other examples of toy building blocks of the type relevant to the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,005,282 and 6,645,033, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. These toy building blocks generally consist of a hollow square block, flat on the top, with cylindrical protruding connectors called "pegs" protruding from the top. The connectors are evenly spaced above the block in regular rows and columns. A downwardly facing hollow interior forms the bottom of the block and contains connectors designed to fall between the pegs of the underlying block, thereby forming a friction connection with the pegs and the sides of the block.

[0003] Toy building blocks are extremely popular toys for children of all ages. The appeal of these toys comes not only from the simplicity of construction and the large number of different shapes, but more importantly from the infinite possibilities of these building blocks. In recent years, the variety of building block components on the market has continued to increase, as the basic Lego TM As patents on the bricks expired, inventors created more and more systems that expanded on the original design. New systems included gears, lights, motors, and an ever-increasing number of shapes.

[0004] Although attempts have been made to create a system of building blocks that can effectively conduct electricity through the system, there is still a need for a simple and easy method. Most prior art devices focus on creating a safe building block that can conduct electricity, avoid short circuits, and can be used by children without the need to understand how electronics work. In contrast, the present invention provides an educational device and system that allows the user to fully control the circuit, thereby creating more flexibility and potential uses for electronically conductive building blocks. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention provides a simplified modular contact-type conductive toy building block. The toy building block is of a type that can be interconnected with similarly configured building blocks, and has a hollow box-shaped structure with a cylindrical connecting column on the top, and the side and the top together define a cavity open downward, and the cylindrical connecting column of the similarly configured building block can be inserted into the cavity to achieve friction connection.

[0006] The toy building block of the present invention includes at least one pressure-loaded conductive connection post extending from the top of the building block into the open cavity to form a pressure connection with a connection post inserted therein. Multiple conductive connection posts arranged regularly on a single building block can be connected by a conductive connector. The conductive connector between the connection posts can be formed in plastic or snapped into place. The connector can be a simple wire, a metal sheet or a circuit board, which may or may not contain embedded components.

[0007] The present invention provides a completely unique system of electronic connections for building blocks, achieved by utilizing pressure connections. The system is designed to allow only one electrical connection per conductive connection post, thereby relying on the person connecting the blocks to create a functional circuit. The purpose is not only to use these blocks to create complex circuits as parts of robots or smart machines in the Internet of Things (IoT), but also to teach the working principles of electronic circuits.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a conductive toy building block, comprising: a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of evenly spaced connecting posts protruding from the top surface; an inner cavity defined by the main body, the inner cavity being open relative to the bottom surface and sized to accommodate the top surface of another building block and frictionally engaging with the connecting posts of the other building block to achieve frictional fit therebetween, so that a plurality of building blocks are connected together, and each connecting post frictionally engages in the inner cavity of an adjacent building block; wherein the connecting posts include at least one non-conductive connecting post and at least one conductive connecting post; wherein the conductive connecting posts include: an outer dimension similar to that of the building block; a top portion matching the non-conductive connecting column; a telescopic component extending downward from the top portion into the inner cavity, the telescopic component having an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, the plunger including a stopper to prevent the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the barrel, the plunger being biased to extend outward from the barrel; and a length of the telescopic component designed so that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located in the inner cavity close to the bottom surface, and when the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the connecting column on the other building block contacts the bottom of the plunger and pushes the plunger inward.

[0009] In some embodiments, the toy building block further comprises a spring connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the toy building block further comprises a coil spring located within the telescopic member and connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outward from the barrel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the toy building block includes at least two conductive connecting posts.

[0012] In some embodiments, the toy building block further comprises a conductive element for connecting at least two conductive connecting posts.

[0013] In some embodiments, the conductive connection column includes an annular portion, which extends along the vicinity of the top of the telescopic component of the conductive connection column to form an annular channel, which is located between the annular portion and the top, and the annular channel is located in the inner cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the conductive element is disposed in an annular channel of at least two conductive connecting pillars.

[0015] In some embodiments, the conductive element includes an integrated circuit board having a circuit for connecting at least two conductive connection posts.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention provides a conductive toy building block, comprising: an outer body having a top wall and side walls, wherein the top wall defines a top surface, the side walls define a bottom edge, and the top wall and the side walls enclose an inner cavity; a plurality of non-conductive connecting posts protruding from the top surface and evenly distributed thereon, the top wall having a plurality of holes evenly distributed between adjacent non-conductive connecting posts of the plurality of non-conductive connecting posts; a plurality of conductive connecting posts in the inner cavity, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts having a top portion, the top portion protruding from one of the plurality of holes, the outer dimensions of the top portion matching those of the non-conductive connecting post, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts also having a telescopic component extending downward from the top portion in the inner cavity, the telescopic component having an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, the plunger including a stopper to prevent the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the barrel , the plunger is biased to extend outward from the barrel; and the length of the telescopic member is designed so that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located in the inner cavity close to the bottom surface; a conductive element near the top wall in the inner cavity, the conductive element providing a circuit between at least two conductive connecting posts of the plurality of conductive connecting posts; an internal component near the conductive element in the inner cavity, the internal component having evenly spaced protrusions, the protrusions extending into the inner cavity, the evenly spaced protrusions defining at least a portion of a plurality of engaging portions in the inner cavity, the engaging portions frictionally engaging with the connecting posts of another building block, so that a plurality of building blocks are connected together, and each connecting post is frictionally engaged in the inner cavity of an adjacent building block; when the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the bottom of the plunger is pushed inward due to contact with the conductive connecting post on the other building block.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conductive toy building block further includes a spring connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend out of the barrel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the conductive toy building block further includes a coil spring located within the telescopic member and connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outward from the barrel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electrically conductive toy building block further comprises a clamp mechanism cooperating with the outer body and the inner member to secure the inner member to the outer body within the inner cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping portion on a side wall within the first inner cavity, and the clamping portion clamps the inner component when the inner component is pressed into the first inner cavity.

[0021] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a conductive toy building block, comprising: a top portion, having a top wall and a first side wall, the top wall defining a top surface, the first side wall defining a first bottom edge, the top wall and the first side wall forming a first inner cavity for accommodating electronic components; a bottom portion, having a second side wall defining a top edge and a second bottom edge, the second side wall forming a second inner cavity; the bottom portion is connected to the top portion so that the top edge contacts the first bottom edge, and the first side wall is aligned with the second side wall to form a unified building block; a plurality of non-conductive connecting posts protruding outward from the top surface and evenly distributed thereon, the top wall having a plurality of holes evenly spaced from adjacent non-conductive connecting posts among the plurality of non-conductive connecting posts; a plurality of conductive connecting posts in the inner cavity, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts having a top portion, the top portion protruding from one of the plurality of holes, the outer dimensions of the top portion matching the non-conductive connecting post, the plurality of Each of the conductive connecting posts also has a telescopic component extending downward from the top portion in the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, the telescopic component having an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, the plunger including a stopper to prevent the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the barrel, the plunger being biased to extend outward from the barrel; and the length of the telescopic component is designed so that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located within the bottom surface of the second inner cavity defined by the second bottom edge; the second inner cavity has evenly spaced protrusions extending within the inner cavity, the evenly spaced protrusions defining at least a portion of a plurality of engaging portions in the inner cavity, the engaging portions frictionally engaging with the connecting post of another building block, so that a plurality of building blocks are connected together, and each connecting post is frictionally engaged in the inner cavity of an adjacent building block; when the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the bottom of the plunger is pushed inward by contacting the conductive connecting post on the other building block.

[0022] In some embodiments, the conductive toy building block further includes a spring connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend out of the barrel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the conductive toy building block further includes a coil spring located within the telescopic member and connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outward from the barrel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electrically conductive toy building block further comprises a clamp mechanism cooperating with the top portion and the bottom portion to secure the top portion to the bottom portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the clamp mechanism includes a clamping portion extending from the first bottom edge, and a correspondingly aligned cavity on the second side wall that clamps the clamping portion when the bottom portion is pressed into contact with the top portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to better understand the present invention and more clearly show its implementation mode, the following is illustrated by way of examples:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conductive building block according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a conductive pressure column according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a conductive building block according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electrical connector between two pressure posts of one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The longitudinal cross-section of the building block along the AA plane includes Figure 4 Electrical connector;

[0032] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an electrical connector between two pressure posts of another embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a building block in FIG. 1 along the AA plane, wherein the building block has Figure 6 Electrical connector;

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conductive building block, the building block consisting of two parts, which can be closely matched with a pressure column and an electrical connector when assembled;

[0035] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 The longitudinal cross-section of the building block along the BB plane;

[0036] Fig.10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a conductive building block having four conductive pressure posts electrically connected to each other;

[0037] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A perspective view of an electrical connector between four pressure posts of a building block in FIG.

[0038] Fig.12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a conductive building block having two conductive pressure posts electrically connected to each other;

[0039] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A perspective view of an electrical connector between two pressure posts of a building block;

[0040] Fig.14 is a perspective view of the top of a building block of the present invention, which contains a motor;

[0041] Fig.15 is a perspective view of the bottom of the building block of the present invention, which contains a motor;

[0042] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a physically and electrically connected conductive building block of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.17 is a perspective view of two conductive building blocks of the present invention electrically connected via an external electrical connector;

[0044] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A perspective view of one embodiment of an external electrical connector shown in;

[0045] Fig.19 is a perspective view of several conductive building blocks of the present invention, wherein the conductive building blocks are physically and electrically connected to form a circuit connected to a battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] See also Figure 1 , an embodiment of a conductive toy building block 102 is shown in the present invention. The building block 102 is the simplest embodiment of a conductive toy building block, defining a single electrical connector consisting of a conductive connecting post or pressure post 101. The pressure post 101 includes a top portion, such as a cylindrical top 104, extending above the top surface 126 of the building block 102. The building block body 120 defines a lower inner cavity 122 open to the bottom surface 124, and the size of the cavity is capable of accommodating the top 104 of the pressure post 101 on another building block 102 so that a friction fit is formed between the two building blocks, so that multiple building blocks 102 can be connected together, and the top 104 of each pressure post 101 is frictionally engaged with the inner cavity 122 of the adjacent building block 120 above it.

[0047] Each pressure column 101 may be made of a conductive material such as copper, or may be optionally coated with a conductive material such as gold-plated nickel to make the pressure column 101 conductive along its length. Figure 2 Each pressure column 101 includes a cylindrical top 104 designed to fit into a standard building block, such as the so-called LEGO TM of building blocks and is held in place by friction. This allows the conductive building blocks of the present invention to be used and connected with such standard building blocks to provide electrical connections in structures constructed primarily of standard building blocks. The pressure column 101 includes an elongated telescopic member or pressure needle 128 extending downwardly from a central axis on the bottom surface of the top 104. The pressure needle includes a lower inner plunger 109 that is slidably mounted within the outer barrel 108 and includes a stop 132 that limits the length of the pressure needle 128 and prevents the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the outer barrel. The coil spring 107 within the pressure needle 128 provides a spring bias to push the plunger 109 to extend outward from the outer barrel 108 until it contacts the stop 132, thereby maintaining the pressure needle 128 in its longest configuration. The spring 107 allows the plunger 109 to be pressed into the outer barrel 108 to shorten the length of the pressure needle.

[0048] In the case where a pressure column 101 is installed in a building block 102, the pressure needle 128 is located in the inner cavity 122 and preferably extends to a plane slightly below the bottom surface 124. Therefore, the length of the pressure column 101 is designed so that when two conductive building blocks 102 of the present invention are connected to each other, the top 104 of the lower building block presses on the plunger 109 of the upper building block, thereby electrically connecting the two pressure columns 101. In some embodiments, the pressure column may include an annular flange 105 located near the bottom of the top 104, and the flange extends beyond the edge of the top. The flange 105 can fix the pressure column 101 in the building block 102, and a channel 134 with a ring portion 106 can be defined at a distance below the flange 105.

[0049] Although a spring is shown, liquids and gases (under pressure) as well as naturally compressible substances may also be used to create the bias that urges the plunger 109 outward.

[0050] See also Figure 3 , shows another embodiment of the conductive building block of the present invention. In this embodiment, the building block 102 is rectangular, and a row of four cylindrical connecting posts protrude from the top surface, wherein the connecting posts at each end are provided by the top 104 of the pressure post 101, and the middle connecting post 121 is non-conductive, which is included in the prior art known as LEGO TM Therefore, in the embodiment shown, the two outer connecting posts (pressure posts 101) are conductive, while the two connecting posts between them are non-conductive.

[0051] The total number of protrusions can vary in the number of rows and columns. For example, a block can be two rows wide and three protrusions long, or just a block with only one protrusion. At least one protrusion must be conductive, e.g. Figure 1 shown.

[0052] Figure 3 Also shown is a conductive element that creates an electrical connection between two conductive pressure posts 101 inside the building block. Multiple pressure posts 101 can be connected by electrical conductors 103. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical conductors 103 can be placed in the channel 134 defined by the annular portion 106 and the flange 105 (if these structures exist), such as Figure 3-5 In other embodiments, the pressure column can be simply inserted into a hole provided in the electrical conductor 103. In some embodiments, the pressure column 101 can be connected via a PCB board 113 with circuits, such as Figure 6 As shown, the PCB may or may not include additional electronic components 114. For example, Figure 7 A longitudinal section of a four-pin building block is shown, showing that the pressure column 101 is connected via a PCB board 113 within an injection molded building block body.

[0053] The pressure column 101 can be formed during the injection molding process of the thermoplastic material of the building block body, or can be inserted during the assembly process of each individual building block, which building block is composed of two parts and then snapped together, such as Figure 8 This structure is shown in Figure 8 , the pressure pin 101 is slid into an inner member, such as a preformed thermoplastic block 110, having a conductive connector insert 111, and then inserted into an outer body 117 defining the top of the building block and snapped into place by a small clip 112 provided on the wall of the outer body 117. The top portion of the pressure pin 101 passes through a hole 123 in a top wall 125 of the outer body 117. The outer body 117 has side walls 127 defining a bottom edge 129 and surrounding the cavity. Fig. 9 Shows a cross section of the two blocks that will eventually snap together. Fig.14 and 15 , another embodiment of a clamp mechanism is shown, comprising a clamping portion 112a that cooperates with a complementary groove 112b and is fixed.

[0054] The number of pressure posts 101 may be variable, depending on the purpose of the building block, including but not limited to a building block with only one post (see Figure 1 ), two-column blocks (see Figure 3 ) and four-column blocks (see Fig.10 Inside the injection molded building block, any number of pressure columns can be connected via conductor 103 (see Fig.11 ), or they are not connected at all within the pressure-formed blocks (see Fig.12 ), in which case the connection between the posts can be through a PCB board 113 that can be snapped into place (see Fig.13 ) will contain the circuitry, which may or may not contain electronic components 114. In this case, the PCB will be connected to the body of the column by a circular conductive connector 116. The purpose of a single column block or a block without connecting columns is to continue the current between the top and bottom of the block without directing it through the block to another column. The blocks with conductive connectors inside allow current to be transmitted from the top to the bottom of the block (and back) and laterally along the block. This allows any combination of three-dimensional circuits to be created from a set of blocks.

[0055] As mentioned above, the method and structure of the electrical connection column 101 may vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, it may be connected to each end of the PCB board (see Figure 6 ), connected to multiple conductive posts (see Fig.11 ) or through a snap-in PCB connection (see Fig.13 ), in which case no electrical connectors are molded into the brick. Figure 2 A key element of the ) is the spring loaded or biased plunger 109 which is electrically connected to the post of which it is a part. This provides an additional electrical connection to the brick, from the top to the bottom of the brick. This may or may not be connected to another post connected below. The preferred embodiment will carry current from one post to the other, and from the top to the bottom of each post, allowing the circuits formed by these bricks to have a variety of configurations, or simply pass current between two bricks like plastic toy bricks (see Fig.16 ).

[0056] Pressure column 101 can be used in the assembly (see Fig.14 and Fig.15) to create a conductive path to electronic components or devices such as motors 115, batteries, and servomotors. These devices such as motors, batteries, and servomotors can be placed in a customized injection molded housing specifically designed to house them and allow the pressure column 101 to extend from the top or bottom of the building block. The building block in the illustrated embodiment includes a top portion 142 having a top wall 126 and a first side wall 146, the top wall defining a top surface 126, the first side wall defining a first bottom edge 148, the top wall and the first side wall enclosing a first internal cavity 150 for accommodating electronic components. The building block also includes a bottom portion 152 having a second side wall 154 defining a top edge 156 and a second bottom edge 158, the second side wall enclosing a second internal cavity 160. The bottom portion is connected to the top portion in such a way that the first side wall 146 is aligned with the second side wall 154 to form a unified building block. The top portion and the bottom portion are preferably secured together by a clamping mechanism, such as a clamping portion 112a on the first bottom edge 148 mating with and being secured by a complementary recess or void 112b on the second side wall 154. The bottom portion includes a second inner cavity 160 having equally spaced protrusions 162 therein, which extend into the second inner cavity 160 and define a meshing portion that frictionally engages with a connecting post of another building block within the second inner cavity, thereby enabling multiple building blocks to be connected together, with each connecting post being frictionally secured within the second cavity of an adjacent building block. Therefore, the custom injection molded housing for these components may also include standard posts protruding from the top and having a cavity at the bottom that connects to other building blocks. As noted, the pressure posts will be fully conductive. In addition to being connected to the components, these posts may also be connected to, for example, Fig.18 The circular connector 116 shown is supported by a circuit board and is engaged with the connector by mechanical means (such as soldering), or they can also be connected to a circuit board such as Figure 6 The circuit board is shown and engages with the connector by engagement.

[0057] The effects of the conductive building blocks of the present invention are exemplified as follows: Fig.16 and Fig.17 The electrical connections are shown as hatched patterns, and the circuit diagram is shown using a common standard graphic below each unit. Fig.16 ), blocks 102 can snap over and under the same block, but offset so that the conductive posts at opposite ends of each block are connected. This can be repeated, passing current from one block to another. Fig.17 2 shows two bricks 102 connected by a circular connector circuit board 170. The current in this figure will flow through the bricks into the circular connector circuit board 170 and then flow to the next brick. Fig.18A potential circular connector circuit board is shown. In this case, it is a PCB circuit board, and the circuit connects from one hole to a resistor, to an LED, and finally to the remaining hole.

[0058] Fig.19 A complete circuit constructed using bricks 102 and circular connector circuit boards 170 is shown. The individual components are labeled with schematic symbols, and the circuit itself is drawn below. With six bricks 102 and two circular connector circuit boards, plus enough current, very interesting circuits can be constructed. Fig.19 In the embodiment of the present invention, one of the circular connector circuit boards 170 is connected to a battery 172, such as a 9 volt battery, to provide the current required to run the circuit. The types of circular connector circuit boards 170 are unlimited, and they include not only everything shown so far, but also include, for example, microcontrollers and their driver components, engine controllers and their driver components, switches, sensors, and potentiometers. The circular connector circuit boards 170 contain at least two circular conductive holes with the same protrusion pattern and position as the building block system, but there is no limit to the number of holes on any one circuit board.

[0059] The embodiments described and illustrated in this specification provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present invention. After reviewing this specification, a person of ordinary skill will recognize that modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conductive toy building block comprising: a. A main body having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a plurality of evenly spaced connecting posts are provided on the top surface; b. an inner cavity defined by the body, the inner cavity being open relative to the bottom surface and sized to receive the top surface of another building block and frictionally engaging with the connecting post of the other building block to achieve a friction fit therebetween, thereby connecting a plurality of building blocks together, each connecting post being frictionally engaged within the inner cavity of an adjacent building block; c. wherein the connecting column comprises at least one non-conductive connecting column and at least one conductive connecting column; d. Wherein, the conductive connecting column comprises: i. The top portion of the non-conductive connecting column having outer dimensions matching the top portion of the non-conductive connecting column; ii. a telescopic member extending downwardly from the top portion into the inner cavity, the telescopic member having an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted within the barrel, the plunger including a stopper to prevent the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the barrel, the plunger being biased to extend outwardly from the barrel; and iii. The length of the telescopic member is designed so that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located in the inner cavity close to the bottom surface, and when the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the connecting post on the other building block contacts the bottom of the plunger and pushes the plunger inward.

2. The conductive toy building block of claim 1, further comprising a spring connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

3. The conductive toy building block of claim 1, further comprising a coil spring located within the telescopic member and connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

4. The conductive toy building block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least two conductive connecting posts. 5 . The conductive toy building block according to claim 4 , further comprising a conductive element for connecting at least two conductive connecting posts.

6. The conductive toy building block according to claim 5, wherein: The conductive element includes an integrated circuit board having a circuit for connecting at least two conductive connection posts.

7. A conductive toy building block comprising: a. An outer body having a top wall and a side wall, wherein the top wall defines a top surface, the side wall defines a bottom edge, and the top wall and the side wall enclose an inner cavity; b. a plurality of non-conductive connecting posts protruding from the top surface and evenly distributed thereon, wherein the top wall has a plurality of holes evenly distributed between adjacent non-conductive connecting posts of the plurality of non-conductive connecting posts; c. A plurality of conductive connecting posts in the inner cavity, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts having a top portion, the top portion protruding from one of the plurality of holes, the outer dimensions of the top portion matching those of the non-conductive connecting post, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts also having a telescopic component extending downward from the top portion in the inner cavity, the telescopic component having an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, the plunger including a stopper to prevent the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the barrel, the plunger being biased to extend outward from the barrel; and the length of the telescopic component is designed so that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located in the inner cavity close to the bottom surface; d. a conductive element in the inner cavity near the top wall, the conductive element providing a circuit between at least two conductive connecting posts of the plurality of conductive connecting posts; e. an internal member within the inner cavity adjacent to the conductive element, the internal member having evenly spaced protrusions extending into the inner cavity, the evenly spaced protrusions defining at least a portion of a plurality of engagement portions within the inner cavity, the engagement portions frictionally engaging with the connecting post of another building block, such that a plurality of building blocks are connected together, each connecting post frictionally engaging within the inner cavity of an adjacent building block; f. When the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the bottom of the plunger is pushed inward by contacting the conductive connection post on the other building block.

8. The conductive toy building block of claim 7, further comprising a spring connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

9. The conductive toy building block of claim 7, further comprising a coil spring located within the telescopic member and connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

10. The electrically conductive toy building block according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a clamp mechanism cooperating with the outer body and the inner member to secure the inner member to the outer body within the inner cavity.

11. The conductive toy building block according to claim 10, wherein: The clamp mechanism includes a clamping portion on a side wall within the first inner cavity, and the clamping portion clamps the inner component when the inner component is pressed into the first inner cavity.

12. A conductive toy building block comprising: a. a top portion having a top wall and a first side wall, wherein the top wall defines a top surface, the first side wall defines a first bottom edge, and the top wall and the first side wall enclose a first inner cavity for accommodating electronic components; b. a bottom portion having a second side wall defining a top edge and a second bottom edge, wherein the second side wall encloses a second inner cavity; c. The bottom portion is connected to the top portion so that the top edge contacts the first bottom edge and the first side wall is aligned with the second side wall to form a unified building block; d. a plurality of non-conductive connecting posts protruding outward from the top surface and evenly distributed thereon, the top wall having a plurality of holes uniformly spaced from adjacent non-conductive connecting posts in the plurality of non-conductive connecting posts; e. There are a plurality of conductive connecting posts in the inner cavity, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts has a top portion, the top portion protrudes from one of the plurality of holes, the outer size of the top portion matches the non-conductive connecting post, each of the plurality of conductive connecting posts also has a telescopic component extending downward from the top portion in the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, the telescopic component has an outer barrel and an inner plunger slidably mounted in the barrel, the plunger includes a stopper to prevent the plunger from being completely withdrawn from the barrel, the plunger is biased to extend outward from the barrel; and the length of the telescopic component is designed so that when the plunger is fully extended from the barrel, the bottom of the plunger is located within the bottom surface of the second inner cavity defined by the second bottom edge; f. The second inner cavity has evenly spaced protrusions extending in the inner cavity, and the evenly spaced protrusions define at least a portion of a plurality of engaging portions in the inner cavity, wherein the engaging portions frictionally engage with the connecting column of another building block, so that a plurality of building blocks are connected together, and each connecting column frictionally engages in the inner cavity of an adjacent building block; g. When the building block is connected to the top surface of another building block, the bottom of the plunger is pushed inward by contacting the conductive connection post on the other building block.

13. The conductive toy building block of claim 12, further comprising a spring connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

14. The conductive toy building block of claim 12, further comprising a coil spring located within the telescopic member and connected to the plunger to bias the plunger to extend outwardly of the barrel.

15. An electrically conductive toy building block according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a clamp mechanism cooperating with the top portion and the bottom portion to secure the top portion to the bottom portion.

16. The conductive toy building block according to claim 15, wherein: The clamp mechanism includes a clamping portion extending from the first bottom edge and a correspondingly aligned cavity on the second side wall that clamps the clamping portion when the bottom portion is pressed into contact with the top portion.

Images