Modular toy construction system with worm drive element

Abstract

A modular toy construction system (1) comprising modular toy construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205), the construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205) having first connectors (101) or second connectors (102) connectable to the first connectors (101), or both, where the first connectors (101) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, equidistantly spaced at a fixed modular distance (M), where the first connectors (101) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, and where the second connectors (102) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, equidistantly spaced at a fixed modular distance (M). A construction element (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205) of a modular construction system (1) comprises a worm drive element (20) and a guide element (50) wherein the worm drive element (20) comprises-an elongate body (30) having a longitudinal axis (A1) and a length (L1) of discrete multiples of a fixed modular distance (M); and-a helical track (40) formed in a longitudinal direction of the elongate body (30), in which the guide element (50) comprises-a body (60) having a length (L2) and a width (W1) and a longitudinal direction; -a worm bearing (90) formed in the body (60) of the guide element (50); and-a track guide member (80) formed in the concave surface of the worm bearing (90), the track guide member (80) being configured for cooperating with a helical track (40) of the worm drive element (20), where a single-turn pitch of the helical track (40) corresponds to every four fixed modular distances (M) of a length (L1) of the worm drive element (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular toy construction system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular toy construction system that includes modular toy construction elements, which at least have a first connecting member arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern and spaced equidistantly at a fixed modular distance. More specifically, the present invention relates to such a modular toy construction system that includes a worm drive element configured to cause a guiding element to translate relative to a worm drive member when the worm drive member rotates relative to the guiding element. Background Art

[0002] Worm drive elements (sometimes referred to as worm wheel elements) for modular toy construction systems are known in the art. One or more spiral tracks are provided in such worm drive elements. To drive the construction elements connected thereto, gears can typically be provided to interact with the worm drive element. To drive the construction elements interacting with the worm drive element with low friction, the single-turn length of the spiral track is made as short as possible. Therefore, the worm drive elements of the prior art often need to rotate multiple turns to introduce even a small movement in the construction elements interacting with the worm drive element. This is usually not a problem because small electric motors can form part of such modular toy construction systems, which can cause a large number of rotations. However, manually performing multiple rotations can be a tedious task. Therefore, there is a need for a worm drive element and a modular toy construction system including a worm drive element that can reduce the number of rotation turns.

[0003] When increasing the single-turn length of the spiral track of the worm drive element, the friction usually increases. This poses a rather large problem in modular toy construction systems, where the construction elements are typically formed of plastic to allow the construction elements to be injection molded. The resulting plastic elements can have high friction. The high friction makes it more difficult for a person (such as a child playing) to manipulate the worm wheel element relative to another construction element. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a connection between the worm wheel element and another construction element where the friction is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve one or more problems of the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, this can be achieved by a modular toy construction system including modular toy construction elements having a first connecting member or a second connecting member connectable to the first connecting member, or both.

[0006] Wherein, the first connecting member is arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern and spaced equidistantly at a fixed modular distance.

[0007] Among them, the construction elements of the modular construction system include worm drive elements and guiding elements,

[0008] Among them, the worm drive elements include

[0009] - A slender body having a longitudinal axis and a length that is a discrete multiple of a fixed modular distance; and

[0010] - A helical track formed along the longitudinal direction of the slender body (30),

[0011] Among them, the guiding elements include

[0012] - A body having a length, a width, and a longitudinal direction;

[0013] - A worm bearing formed in the body of the guiding element, and

[0014] - A track guiding member formed on the concave surface of the worm bearing, which is configured to cooperate with the helical track of the worm drive element,

[0015] Among them, the pitch of a single turn of the helical track corresponds to every four fixed modular distances of the length of the worm drive element.

[0016] The worm bearing is configured to cooperate with the worm drive element. Therefore, the shape and size of the worm bearing are designed to match at least a part of the outer contour of the worm drive element. Such a contour of the worm drive element can be a cylindrical shape defined by the outer edge or the top of the track ridge formed on the body of the worm drive element. The cylindrical shape has a diameter, and the worm bearing has a corresponding concave surface that forms a cylindrical section having substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the cylindrical shape of the worm drive element, or more precisely, a radius corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical shape of the worm drive element.

[0017] Thus, the guiding element with the worm drive element inserted therein can be translated by rotating the worm drive element relative to the guiding element, wherein a complete rotation of the worm drive element translates the guiding element by four times the fixed modular distance.

[0018] This further corresponds to translating the guiding member by one fixed modular distance by rotating the worm drive element by a quarter of a complete rotation (90°). Obviously, this makes it easy for a user (such as a playing child) to intuitively rotate the worm drive element to a discrete position in the two-dimensional lattice of the modular toy construction system without even visually inspecting the process.

[0019] In one embodiment, the length of the worm drive element is greater than the length of the body of the guiding element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the length of the worm gear element is greater than the length of the block-like body of the guide element.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the length of the worm gear element is at least three times the length of the block-like body of the guide element.

[0022] In any of the above embodiments, the length of the worm drive element is a multiple of the fixed modular distance.

[0023] In one embodiment, the length of the worm drive element is at least six times the fixed modular distance.

[0024] In one embodiment, the length of the block-like body of the guiding element is one time the fixed modular distance.

[0025] In one embodiment, the length of the block-like body of the guiding element is twice the fixed modular distance.

[0026] In one embodiment, the helical track of the worm drive element has helical track ridges formed on each side thereof.

[0027] In yet another embodiment thereof, each spiral track ridge has a side surface forming a spiral track.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the angles between the two side surfaces of the spiral track ridge and the adjacent spiral track ridges (forming the spiral track therebetween) are obtuse angles.

[0029] The angle between the two side surfaces is measured in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spiral track and the spiral track ridges.

[0030] The angle is taken from any cross section of the worm drive element which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worm drive element.

[0031] By making the helical track a flat structure (seen in cross section), the friction between the helical track of the worm drive element and the track guide member of the guide element is reduced, thereby allowing a larger translation of the guide element relative to the worm drive element without excessive force when the worm drive element is rotated relative to the guide element. For example, a larger relative translation with a smaller number of turns allows the rotation of the worm drive element relative to the guide element to be operated manually rather than by a motor (e.g., by an electric motor).

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the angle is in the range of 110° to 170°, more preferably in the range of 120° to 160°, more preferably in the range of 130° to 150°, more preferably in the range of 135° to 145°.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the track guiding member formed on the concave surface of the worm bearing has an elongated shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing formed in the body of the guiding member. This feature further reduces the friction between the worm drive element and the guiding member.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the track guiding member includes a circular transition surface between the top surface and the side surface formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing. This feature further reduces the friction between the worm drive element and the guiding member.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, the track guiding member and the spiral track are formed such that the circular transition surface of the guiding member makes contact with the side surface of the spiral track ridge forming the spiral track. This feature further reduces the friction between the worm drive element and the guiding member.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the track guiding member includes a side surface formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing, and the side surface includes a curved leading edge.

[0037] The latter feature simplifies the connection of the worm drive element to the worm bearing by guiding one or more track ridges forming the side surface of at least one spiral track, particularly when the worm bearing is a cylindrical hole passing through the block-shaped body of the guiding member (see the following embodiments).

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the worm drive element includes four spiral tracks.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, a third connecting member is provided on the end face of the worm drive element.

[0040] Thus, two worm drive elements can be connected using complementary fourth connecting members, or the worm drive element can be connected to a complementary fourth connecting member on a separate structural element.

[0041] In one embodiment, the third connecting member is formed as a notch in the end face of the worm drive element. The notch preferably extends from the end face into the elongated body of the worm drive element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the worm drive element.

[0042] In yet another of its embodiments, the third connecting member has a cross-sectional shape of a cross, which is taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worm drive element.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the third connecting member is provided on each end face, the first end face and the second end face of the worm drive element.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the body of the guide element is a block-shaped body; and the worm bearing is formed as a cylindrical hole passing through the block-shaped body of the guide element.

[0045] In yet another embodiment thereof, the concave surface of the worm bearing is an inwardly facing surface of a cylindrical bore through the block-like body.

[0046] In yet another embodiment thereof, the top surface of the block-like body is provided with one or more complementary modular connectors.

[0047] In yet another embodiment thereof, the bottom surface of the block-like body is provided with one or more complementary modular connectors.

[0048] In an embodiment, as an alternative to the embodiment in which the body of the guiding element is a block-like body, the body of the guiding element may be a plate-like body.

[0049] In an embodiment thereof, the concave surface of the worm bearing is formed as a recess in the surface of the plate-like body.

[0050] In one embodiment thereof, the concave surface of the worm bearing is formed as a cylindrical segment, wherein the axis of the cylindrical segment is formed in the longitudinal direction of the guide element.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, in which the body of the guide element is a plate-like body, the worm bearing is formed as a recess in a bottom surface of the plate-like body of the guide element.

[0052] In yet another embodiment, wherein the body of the guiding element is a plate-like body, the top surface is provided with one or more complementary modular connectors.

[0053] In one embodiment thereof, the one or more complementary modular connectors are first connectors (101), such as coupling protrusions.

[0054] In yet another embodiment, in which the body of the guide element is a plate-like body, the worm bearing is formed as a recess in the top surface of the plate-like body of the guide element.

[0055] In one embodiment thereof, the bottom surface is provided with one or more complementary modular connectors.

[0056] In one embodiment thereof, the one or more complementary modular connectors are a second connector, such as a boss receiving hole.

[0057] In a further embodiment of any of the preceding embodiments, the worm bearing comprises one and only one track guide member formed in a concave surface of the worm bearing. This embodiment is particularly useful when the body of the guide element is a plate-like body as described above.

[0058] In yet another embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the worm bearing includes the same number of track guiding members in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing as the number of helical tracks formed in and along the elongated body of the worm drive element. This embodiment is particularly useful when the body of the guiding element is a block-shaped body as described above.

[0059] In yet another embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the worm bearing includes two or more track guiding members that are formed in a straight line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guiding element.

[0060] In one of its embodiments, the worm bearing includes two sets of two or more track guiding members, wherein the first set of two or more track guiding members are formed in a straight line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guiding element, the second set of two or more track guiding members are formed in a straight line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guiding element, and the first set of two or more track guiding members are formed in a straight line parallel to the second set of two or more track guiding members.

[0061] In a second aspect, the object of the present invention is achieved by a modular toy construction system including modular toy construction elements having a first connecting member or a second connecting member connectable to the first connecting member, or both.

[0062] Wherein the first connecting members are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern and are equally spaced at a fixed modular distance.

[0063] Wherein the modular construction system further includes a worm drive element and a guiding element.

[0064] Wherein the worm drive element includes

[0065] - an elongated body having a longitudinal axis and a length that is a discrete multiple of a fixed modular distance; and

[0066] - a helical track formed along the longitudinal direction of the elongated body.

[0067] Wherein the guiding element includes

[0068] - a block-shaped body having a length, a width, and a longitudinal direction;

[0069] - a cylindrical hole formed through the block-shaped body of the guiding element; and

[0070] - a track guiding member formed in the inward-facing surface of the cylindrical hole and configured to cooperate with the helical track of the worm drive element.

[0071] Therein, the pitch of a single turn of the helical track corresponds to every four fixed modular distances of the length of the worm gear element.

[0072] Thereby, the guide element with the worm drive element inserted therein can be translated by rotating the worm drive element relative to the guide element, wherein a complete rotation of the worm drive element translates the guide element four times the fixed modular distance.

[0073] This further corresponds to translating the guide member a fixed modular distance by making a quarter of a full rotation (90°) of the worm drive element. Obviously, this makes it easy for a user (e.g. a child at play) to intuitively rotate the worm drive element to a discrete position in the two-dimensional lattice of the modular toy construction system without even visually checking the process.

[0074] In one embodiment, the length of the block-like body of the guide element is a discrete multiple of a fixed modular distance.Thereby, full modularity is obtained, as the edges of the guide element can be translated to align with the edges of other construction elements of the modular toy construction system.

[0075] In one embodiment, the length of the worm gear element is greater than the length of the block-like body of the guide element.

[0076] Preferably, the length of the worm gear element is at least twice the length of the block-like body of the guide element.

[0077] In a further preferred embodiment, the length of the worm gear element is at least three times the length of the block-like body of the guide element.

[0078] In any of the above embodiments, the length of the worm drive element is a multiple of the fixed modular distance.

[0079] In one embodiment, the length of the block-like body of the guiding element is twice the fixed modular distance.

[0080] In one embodiment thereof, the length of the worm gear element is at least six times the fixed modular distance.

[0081] In one embodiment, the helical track of the worm drive element has helical track ridges formed on each side thereof.

[0082] In yet another embodiment thereof, each spiral track ridge has a side surface forming a spiral track.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the angles between the two side surfaces of the spiral track ridge and the adjacent spiral track ridges (forming the spiral track therebetween) are obtuse angles.

[0084] The angle between the two side surfaces is measured in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spiral track and the spiral track ridges.

[0085] The angle is taken from any cross section of the worm drive element which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worm drive element.

[0086] By making the helical track a flat structure (seen in cross section), the friction between the helical track of the worm drive element and the track guide member of the guide element is reduced, thereby allowing a larger translation of the guide element relative to the worm drive element without excessive force when the worm drive element is rotated relative to the guide element. For example, a larger relative translation with a smaller number of turns allows the rotation of the worm drive element relative to the guide element to be operated manually rather than by a motor (e.g., by an electric motor).

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the angle is in the range of 110° to 170°, more preferably in the range of 120° to 160°, more preferably in the range of 130° to 150°, more preferably in the range of 135° to 145°.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, the track guide member formed on the inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical bore has an elongated shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore through the block body of the guide member.This feature further reduces friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the track guide member comprises a rounded transition surface between the top surface and a side surface formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing.This feature further reduces the friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

[0090] In yet another embodiment, the track guide member and the spiral track are formed such that a rounded transition surface of the guide member comes into contact with a side surface of a spiral track ridge forming the spiral track.

[0091] The latter feature further reduces friction.

[0092] In yet another embodiment, the track guide member includes a side surface formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole, and wherein the side surface includes a curved leading edge.

[0093] The latter feature facilitates insertion of the worm drive element through the block-like body of the guide member into the cylindrical bore by guiding the one or more track ridges forming the sides of at least one helical track.

[0094] In yet another embodiment, the worm drive element includes four helical tracks.

[0095] In such an embodiment, preferably, the guide element comprises four track guide members formed in the inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical bore, each of the four track guide members being configured to cooperate with one of the four helical tracks of the worm drive element. Generally, preferably, for each helical track formed in the worm drive element, the corresponding guide element should comprise one track guide member formed in the inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical bore of the block-like body.

[0096] In yet another embodiment, the end face of the worm gear element is provided with a third connecting piece.

[0097] Thus, two worm drive elements may be connected using a complementary fourth connection piece, or a worm drive element may be connected to a complementary fourth connection piece on a separate construction element.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, each end face, the first end face and the second end face of the worm gear element is provided with a third connecting member.

[0099] It should be emphasized that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises / comprising / consisting of" are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0101] FIG. 1A shows in perspective a set of prior art modular construction elements of a modular construction system having a cylindrical connection piece and complementary coupling means in the form of a recess;

[0102] FIG. 1B shows the construction element of FIG. 1A in an end view;

[0103] FIG. 1C shows a prior art construction element having a recess for receiving and coupling to a cylindrical connector in bottom view;

[0104] FIG. 1D shows a section AA through a set of construction elements of FIG. 1C ;

[0105] Figure 2A A worm drive element for a modular construction system is shown in perspective view;

[0106] Figure 2B The worm drive element of FIG. 1A is shown in front view;

[0107] Figure 2CThe worm drive element of FIG. 1B is shown in a left side view;

[0108] Figure 2D The worm drive element of FIG. 1B is shown in a right side view;

[0109] Figure 3A The guide element of the modular construction system is shown in a perspective view, which is configured to cooperate with Figures 2A to 2D the worm drive element;

[0110] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A various orthographic views of the guide element;

[0111] Figure 4A The worm drive elements of FIGS. 1A to 1D inserted into the guide element are shown in a perspective view; Figures 2A to 2B the guide element;

[0112] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4B the worm drive element and the guide element, including a bottom view, a side view, a top view, and a sectional view;

[0113] Figure 5A Two worm drive elements of Figures 2A to 2D are shown in a perspective view, assembled linearly with each other and inserted into Figures 3A to 3B four guide elements, which are arranged at different positions along the assembled worm drive elements;

[0114] Figure 5B Shows Figure 4B the worm drive element and the guide element, including a sectional view, a side view, and a top view;

[0115] Figure 5C A fourth type of connecting element in the form of a shaft with a cross-shaped cross-section is shown in a perspective view;

[0116] Figures 6A to 6E A structure of the modular construction system according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view, which includes Figures 2A to 2D the worm drive element and Figures 3A to 3B the guide element slidably arranged thereon, which are at different positions along the track of the modularly defined length;

[0117] Figures 7A to 7E The structures of the modular construction system shown in Figures 6A to 6E are shown in side views respectively; and

[0118] Figures 8A to 8E The structures of the modular construction system shown in Figures 6A to 6E are shown in top views respectively;

[0119] Figure 9A The guiding element according to another embodiment different from the guiding element shown in FIGS. 2 to Figure 8E is shown in a perspective view as seen from above;

[0120] Figure 9B The guiding element as seen from below is shown in a perspective view as seen from below Figure 9A of the guiding element;

[0121] Figure 9C shows Figures 9A to 9B a top view of the guiding element shown in

[0122] Figure 9D shows Figures 9A to 9C a front view of the guiding element shown in

[0123] Figure 9E shows Figures 9A to 9D a side view of the guiding element shown in

[0124] Figure 9F shows Figures 9A to 9E a bottom view of the guiding element shown in

[0125] Figure 10 Two guiding elements according to two further embodiments are shown in perspective views, which are different from the embodiments of the guiding element shown in FIGS. 2 to Figure 8E and different from the guiding element shown in Figures 9A to 9F which is attached to the building body of a modular toy construction element;

[0126] Figure 11 Another guiding element according to an embodiment different from the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to Figure 8E and different from the guiding element shown in Figures 9A to 9F and different from the guiding element shown in Figure 10 is shown in a perspective view;

[0127] Figure 12 Another guiding element according to an embodiment different from the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to Figure 8E and different from the guiding element shown in Figures 9A to 9F and different from the guiding element shown in Figure 10 and different from the guiding element shown in Figure 11 is shown in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0128] Figures 1A through 1D illustrate examples of prior art construction elements 10A, 10B in the form of building blocks of a modular construction system 1. Such construction elements 10A, 10B of the modular construction system 1 are typically formed of plastic in an injection molding process. The plastic material for such construction elements of the modular construction system 1 typically has a certain strength and elasticity, which depends on the material thickness and shape as well as other parameters.

[0129] Figure 1D shows two substantially identical construction elements 10A, 10B in the shape of building blocks, where the building blocks are connected / coupled to illustrate the modularity of the modular construction system 1.

[0130] Each of these construction elements 10A, 10B includes a body portion 11 having a top surface 12, on which eight first connectors 101 in the form of cylindrical connectors are constructed. The first connectors 101 can also be referred to as coupling studs or coupling protrusions.

[0131] The first connectors 101 are formed on the construction elements 10A, 10B in a regular orthogonal two-dimensional lattice or grid. The first connectors 101 are equally spaced a fixed distance D apart in both dimensions of the two-dimensional lattice.

[0132] The first connector 101 includes a body 105 having an outer cylindrical surface 110.

[0133] The body portion 11 of the construction elements 10A, 10B includes side walls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, and these side walls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D have a lowermost edge 14, which forms a resting surface for the construction elements 10A, 10B.

[0134] Figure 1C shows the construction elements 10A, 10B as viewed from below. As can be seen in Figure 1C, the internal space 15 of each construction element 10A, 10B can be provided with a cylindrical spacer member 16, which divides the internal space 15 of the construction elements 10A, 10B into second connectors 102 in the form of raised receiving holes.

[0135] The second connectors 102 are formed on the construction elements 10A, 10B in a regular orthogonal two-dimensional lattice or grid, similar to the first connectors 101, as they are also equally spaced the same fixed distance D apart in both dimensions of the two-dimensional lattice.

[0136] Each of the raised receiving holes 102 is configured to receive the first connector 101 in a press-fit connection.

[0137] By pressing the side walls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D of the uppermost structural element 2A outward when the side walls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are pressed downward onto the coupling studs (not shown in FIG. 1) of the lowermost structural element 10B, the structural elements 10A, 10B of the type shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D are interconnected. Subsequently, the side walls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D bear against the outer cylindrical surface 110 of the body 105 of the first connector 101, which defines the coupling protrusions of the first connector 101 on the lowermost structural element 10B.

[0138] The raised receiving holes that form the second connector 102, separated by, for example, a cylindrical spacer member 15, only permit the connection of the first structural element 10A and the second structural element 10B at discrete positions in a two-dimensional lattice.

[0139] The structural elements include a first connector 101 in the form of a cylindrical connector 101 and a second connector 102 in the form of raised receiving holes, which are formed in the structural elements 10A, 10B in a regular two-dimensional lattice, for example as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, forming the basis of a number of modular construction systems known in the art.

[0140] Over time, such modular construction systems have diversified by increasing the number of different types / shapes of structural elements, which vary in height, width, length, the number of first connectors 101, the number of second connectors, etc. In addition, the structural elements of such modular construction systems can have one or more first connectors 101 or one or more second connectors. In addition, the structural elements of such modular construction systems can also include other types of connectors in addition to the first and second connectors. In addition, the structural elements of such modular construction systems can exclude the first and second connectors and instead include some other type of connector (not shown). In all cases, the structural elements must be connected / coupled to other structural elements such that the two-dimensional lattice structure is maintained or assembled thereto.

[0141] The present invention relates to a new modular toy construction system 1. The new modular construction system is compatible / connectable with known modular toy construction elements 10, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206 and further includes a new worm drive element 20 and a new guide element 50. Being compatible means that the new worm drive element 20 and the new guide element 50 can be connected to one or more known modular toy construction elements 10, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, which have a first connecting member 101 or a second connecting member 102 connectable to the first connecting member 101, or both, wherein the first connecting member 101 and the second connecting member 102 are similar to those described above.

[0142] Also as described above, at least this first connecting member 101 is arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern and is equally spaced at a fixed modular distance M. Obviously, the second connecting member is also arranged in this way. Also as explained above, other connecting members / connecting member types can also form part of the modular toy construction system 1.

[0143] It should be understood that the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50 according to the present invention can themselves be considered as construction elements.

[0144] The guide element 50 is configured to interact with the worm drive element 20 according to the present invention to form the modular toy construction system 1 according to the present invention or form a part thereof. Then the interaction between the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4, 6 to 8.

[0145] Figures 2A to 2D The worm drive element 20 according to the present invention is shown.

[0146] Figures 3A to 3B The guide element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figures 4A to 8E the same guide element 50 as in Figures 3A to 3B is used, which has a box-shaped or block-shaped body 60' - hereinafter referred to as the block-shaped body 60' - to describe the interaction between the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50.

[0147] Figures 9A to 12 An exemplary alternative embodiment of the guide element 50 according to the present invention is shown.

[0148] Figures 2A to 8E What the embodiments of the guide element 50 shown in have in common is that they include a worm bearing 70, which is closed in the sense of being formed as a cylindrical hole or bore 73, and the cylindrical bore is formed to extend through the block-shaped body 60' of the guide element 50.

[0149] Figures 9A to 12 The embodiments of the guide element 50 shown have in common that the guide element 50 has a plate-shaped body 60", which has an open worm bearing 70 formed in the outer surface of the guide element 50.

[0150] Turning now Figures 2A to 2D , these figures show the worm drive element 20. The worm drive element 20 is elongate, i.e., has an elongate body 30, and extends between a first end 21 and a second end 22. At the first end 21, the elongate body 30 includes a first end face 31 shown in the Figure 2C end view. At the second end 22, the elongate body 30 includes a second end face 32 shown in the Figure 2D end view.

[0151] As Figure 2B is shown in the perspective view, the worm drive element 20 has a longitudinal axis A1 extending through the end faces 31, 32 of the elongate body 30 of the worm drive element 20.

[0152] As Figure 2B is shown in the side view, the worm drive element 20 has a length L1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis A1. Preferably, the length L1 is a discrete multiple of a fixed modular distance M.

[0153] At least one helical track 40 is formed in and along the elongate body 30 of the worm drive element 20. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 4 to 8, the worm drive element 20 includes four helical tracks 40.

[0154] Track ridges 33 are formed between the helical tracks 40. The track ridges extend radially away from the longitudinal axis A1 of the worm drive element 20. At the farthest point from the longitudinal axis A1 on each track ridge 33, a top 34 or a top surface is formed. The top 34 or the top surface of the track ridge 33 defines the maximum diameter of the worm drive element 20, as Figure 2B and Figure 2C are shown.

[0155] Between the track ridges 33, a bottom 43 of the helical track 40 is defined. The diameter of the elongate body 30 at the bottom 43 of the helical track is designated as D2 and is shown in Figure 2C .

[0156] As shown in the figure, the helical track 40 extends over the entire length L1 of the worm drive element 20 and is open at a first end 41 of the helical track 40 and at a second end 42 of the helical track 40, i.e., the helical track 40 leads to the first end face 21 and the second end face 22. This allows for easy insertion into the cylindrical bore 73 of the guide element 50, wherein the cylindrical bore 73 is provided with a track guide member 80 protruding from the inward-facing surface 74 of the cylindrical bore 73, as will be explained in connection with Figures 3A to 3B as follows.

[0157] As described above, on both sides of each helical track 40 formed in and along the elongate body 30 of the worm drive element 20 are helical track ridges 33. Each track ridge 33 has two side surfaces 35 which extend from the top / top surface 34 of the track ridge 33 to the bottom 43 of two adjacent helical tracks 40. Thus, on both sides of each helical track 40 are the two side surfaces 35 of two adjacent track ridges 33.

[0158] These two side surfaces 35 around the helical track 40 form an angle with respect to the radial direction. Thereby, the two side surfaces 35 around the helical track 40 also form an angle V with respect to each other, as Figure 2D shown. Preferably, this angle is an obtuse angle.

[0159] Now turning to Figures 3A to 3B . Figure 3A The guide element 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view. The guide element 50 is configured to receive the above-described worm drive element 20. Thus, the guide element 50 can also be referred to as a receiving element.

[0160] In general, the guide element 50 includes a body 60 and one or more track guide members 80. The body 60 has a worm bearing formed therein. As described above, the worm bearing is configured to support the worm drive element 20 and is translatable relative thereto.

[0161] In the Figures 3A to 8E embodiment shown, the guide element 50 includes a block-shaped body 60', a worm bearing 70 in the form of a cylindrical bore 73 passing through the block-shaped body 60', and one or more track guide members 80.

[0162] The block-shaped body 60 is box-shaped. It includes six surfaces.

[0163] These surfaces include a first end face / front surface 61 and a relatively disposed second end face / rear surface 62. The length L2 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62.

[0164] The surface of the block-shaped body 60' also includes a first side surface 63 and a second side surface 64 that is oppositely arranged. The width W1 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 is defined by the distance between the first side surface 63 and the second side surface 64.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, the length L2 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 is equal to the width W1. It should be understood that other relationships between the length L2 and the width W1 are also possible.

[0166] The surface of the block-shaped body 60' also includes a top surface 65 and a bottom surface 66 that is oppositely arranged. The height H1 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 is defined by the distance between the top surface 65 and the bottom surface 66.

[0167] The height H1 of the block-shaped body 60' is preferably greater than the length and the width.

[0168] As shown, for example, Figure 3A the top surface 65 may be provided with a first connecting member 101 that allows connection to other structural elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding element 50 includes four first connecting members 101 arranged in a 2x2 lattice.

[0169] As shown, for example, in the uppermost depiction showing the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 viewed from below Figure 3B the guiding element 50 may be provided with a second connecting member 102 arranged in the bottom surface 66. The second connecting member 102 is defined between the lower extension of the front surface 61, the rear surface 61, the side surfaces 63, 63 and the center setting.

[0170] In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding element 50 includes four second connecting members 102 arranged in a 2x2 lattice.

[0171] A cylindrical hole 73 is provided through the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 from the front surface 61 to the rear surface 62.

[0172] The cylindrical hole 73 includes a longitudinal axis A2 defined by passing through the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of the block-shaped body 60'.

[0173] The cylindrical hole 73 formed through the block-shaped body 60 has a first end 71 and a second end 72. The first end 71 of the cylindrical hole 73 leads to the front surface 61 of the block-shaped body 60', and the second end 72 of the cylindrical hole 73 leads to the rear end 72 of the block-shaped body 60'. The length of the cylindrical hole 73 is the same as the length L2 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 55.

[0174] As shown, for example, in a sectional view and a front view respectively showing the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 Figure 3BAs shown in the middle and leftmost depictions, the cylindrical hole 73 has an inward-facing surface 74. They further show that the above-described track guiding member 80 is formed as a protrusion protruding from the inward-facing surface 74 of the cylindrical hole 73.

[0175] The track guiding member 80 extends from the inward-facing surface 74 toward the longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical hole 73.

[0176] In addition, as shown in the leftmost depiction of the block-shaped body 60' shown in the front view Figure 3B The track guiding member 80 includes a side surface 82 and a top surface 81. A circular transition surface 85 is also provided between the top surface 81 and the side surface 82 formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical hole 73.

[0177] As shown in the middle depiction of the block-shaped body 60' shown in the front view Figure 3B The width W2 of the track guiding member 80 is smaller than the width of the above-described spiral track 40, which is defined as the distance between the tops / top surfaces 34 of the track ridges 33. This width W2 is preferably less than 1 / 2 of the width of the spiral track 40.

[0178] In addition, as shown in the leftmost depiction of the block-shaped body 60' shown in the front view Figure 3B The side surface 82 of the track guiding member 80 includes curved leading edges 86, 87.

[0179] As shown in the middle depiction of the block-shaped body 60' shown in the front view Figure 3B The track guiding member 80 has a height from the inward-facing surface 74 of the cylindrical hole 73 to the top surface 81 of the track guiding member 80. This height is preferably less than the difference between the maximum diameter D1 of the worm drive element 20 and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element at the bottom 43 of the spiral track 40, so as to provide a clearance for the track guiding member 80. Preferably, the height is 1 / 2 of the difference between the maximum diameter D1 of the worm drive element 20 and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element 20 at the bottom 43 of the spiral track 40.

[0180] Figures 4A to 4B It shows how the above-described worm drive element 20 and guiding element 50 cooperate. The worm drive element 20 can be inserted into the cylindrical hole 73 of the guiding element 50. When the worm drive element 20 is inserted into the guiding element 50, the longitudinal axis A1 of the worm drive element 20 coincides with the longitudinal axis A2 of the guiding element 50.

[0181] As shown in the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the worm drive element 20 and the longitudinal axis A1 of the guiding element 50 Figure 4BAs shown in the rightmost depiction of , the maximum diameter D1 of the worm drive element is equal to the diameter D3 of the cylindrical hole 73 formed through the block body 60' of the guide element 50, so that a minimum clearance is provided between the inwardly facing surface 74 of the cylindrical hole 73 and the top 34 of the track ridge 33. Thus, the worm drive element 20 can be guided in the cylindrical hole 73 of the guide element 50.

[0182] according to Figure 4B It can also be understood from the rightmost description that when the worm drive element 20 is received in the cylindrical hole 73 of the guide element 50, the number and position of the track guide members 80 are adapted to cooperate with the helical track 40 formed in and along the elongated body 30 of the worm drive element 20. Therefore, if the worm drive element 20 rotates relative to the guide element 50, the track guide members 80 will slide along the helical track 40 of the worm drive element 20 and cause the track guide members 80 to translate relative to the worm drive element 20.

[0183] In addition, from Figure 4B As can be seen in the rightmost depiction of , the track guide member 80 and the spiral track 40 are formed such that the rounded transition surface 85 of the guide member 80 comes into contact with the side surface 35 of the spiral track ridge 33 forming the spiral track 40 .

[0184] Preferably, the pitch of a single turn of the helical track 40 corresponds to every four fixed modular distances of the length of the worm drive element 20 .

[0185] Thus, the guide element 50 can be translated by rotating the worm drive element 20 inserted into the guide element 50 relative thereto, wherein a full rotation of the worm drive element translates the guide element four times the fixed modular distance. This further corresponds to translating the guide member by a fixed modular distance by a quarter of a full rotation (90°) of the worm drive element. This is useful, for example, Figures 6A to 6E Shown in.

[0186] Figures 6A to 6E , shows in perspective a building block 200 of various prior art construction elements and a worm drive element 20 and a guide element 50 according to the invention and as described above. In the building block 200 forming an example of a modular toy construction system according to the invention, a worm drive element 20 having a length L1 corresponding to six fixed modular distances M is rotatably connected and held between two walls 210, 220, so that the worm drive element 20 cannot translate relative to the building block 200.

[0187] The guiding element 50 has the worm drive element 20 inserted therein as described above. By being slidably held by the worm drive element 20, the worm drive element 20 is prevented from rotating relative to the building structure 200, where the flat bottom surface 66 abuts against the floor made of 1x1 tiles fixed to the 4x8 plate-like structural element 203. The worm drive member is locked to the structural element forming the handle 205 to prevent rotation. Thus, if the handle is rotated, the worm drive element 20 will rotate accordingly. Since the guiding element 50 is prevented from rotating, rotating the worm drive element 20 will cause the guiding element 50 to translate along the building structure 200.

[0188] In this case, as Figure 6A shown, the guiding element 50 is shown located beside the wall 210. The handle 205 points upward.

[0189] In Figure 6B the case shown, the handle has been rotated 90° clockwise, and the handle 205 points to the right, causing the guiding element 50 to translate a fixed modular distance along the building structure 200.

[0190] In Figure 6C the case shown, the handle 205 is rotated 90° clockwise again, for a total rotation of 180°, and the handle now points downward. This rotation causes the guiding element 50 to further translate a fixed modular distance M along the building structure 200, reaching a total of two fixed modular distances M.

[0191] In Figure 6D the case shown, the handle 205 is rotated 90° clockwise again, for a total rotation of 270°, and the handle now points to the left. This rotation causes the guiding element 50 to further translate a fixed modular distance M along the building structure 200, reaching a total of three fixed modular distances M.

[0192] In Figure 6E the case shown, the handle 205 is rotated 90° clockwise again, for a total rotation of 360°, and the handle now points upward again. This rotation causes the guiding element 50 to further translate a fixed modular distance M along the building structure 200, reaching a total of three fixed modular distances M.

[0193] Figures 7A to 7E Shows the same content as Figures 6A to 6E but viewed from a side view.

[0194] Figures 8A to 8E Shows the same content as Figures 6A to 6E but viewed from a top view.

[0195] In one embodiment, the length of the massive body 60' of the guiding element 50 is a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance M. Thereby, complete modularity is obtained since the edges of the guiding element 50 can be translated to align with the edges of other construction elements of the modular toy construction system 1.

[0196] Figures 5A to 5C Illustrates how two worm drive elements 20 are assembled into a longer worm drive element. As can be seen in Figure 5B section A-A, the two ends 21 and 22 of the worm drive element 20 can be provided with a third connecting member 103. As shown, the third connecting member 103 can be provided as a hole or opening along the longitudinal axis A1 direction of the worm drive element 20, and the hole has a cross-shaped cross-section.

[0197] The third connecting member 103 is configured to cooperate with a fourth connecting member 104 having a cross-shaped cross-section and is formed as a shaft or bolt. The fourth connecting member is as Figure 5C shown.

[0198] In some embodiments, the fourth connecting member 104 can have a length of two fixed modular distances. Thereby, it can be connected in the third connecting member 103 in one worm drive element 20 and another third connecting member 103 in another worm drive element 20, as shown in the top depiction of Figure 5B .

[0199] It should be understood that any number of worm drive elements 20 can be connected in this way.

[0200] Figures 5A to 5B Further illustrates how an elongated worm drive device composed of worm drive elements 20 carries a plurality of guiding elements 50. In the example shown, there are four guiding elements 50.

[0201] Now turning to Figures 9A to 12 , an alternative embodiment of the guiding element 50 will be described. As mentioned above, Figures 9A to 12 the common feature of the embodiments of the guiding element 50 shown is that the guiding element 50 has a plate-like body 60", and an open worm bearing 70 is formed in the outer surface of the guiding element 50.

[0202] First, referring to Figures 9A to 9F , the general aspects of these embodiments will be described.

[0203] Figures 9A to 12 The guiding element 50 shown in

[0204] has a body 60 that is plate-like. Thus, the body 60 of the guiding element 50 will be referred to as the plate-like body 60".Similar to the case of the above-mentioned block-shaped body 60', the plate-shaped body 60" includes six surfaces.

[0205] These surfaces include a first end face / front surface 61 and a relatively arranged second end face / rear surface 62. The length L2 of the plate-shaped body 60" of the guiding element 50 is defined by the distance between the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62.

[0206] The surfaces of the plate-shaped body 60" also include a first side surface 63 and a relatively arranged second side surface 64. The width W1 of the plate-shaped body 60" of the guiding element 50 is defined by the distance between the first side surface 63 and the second side surface 64.

[0207] In Figures 9A to 9F the illustrated embodiment, the length L2 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 is equal to half of the width W1. It should be understood that other relationships between the length L2 and the width W1 are also possible. Figures 10 to 12 Examples in this regard are shown in

[0208] The surfaces of the plate-shaped body 60" also include a top surface 65 and a relatively arranged bottom surface 66. The height H1 of the block-shaped body 60' of the guiding element 50 is defined by the distance between the top surface 65 and the bottom surface 66.

[0209] As for example Figure 9A 、 Figures 9C to 9E shown, the top surface 65 may be provided with a first connecting member 101, which allows connection to other structural elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding element 50 includes two first connecting members 101 arranged in a 1x2 lattice. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the plate-shaped body 60" of the guiding element may be longer or wider, thus leaving room for other configurations of the first connecting members 101 on the upper surface 65.

[0210] As shown in Figure 9B illustrating the plate-shaped body 60" of the guiding element 50 as viewed from below, the bottom surface 66 of the guiding element 50 opposite to the top surface 65 having the first connecting member 101 is provided with a worm bearing 70. The worm bearing 70 is formed as a notch in the bottom surface 66. The worm bearing 70 is a concave surface 75.

[0211] The worm bearing 70 formed in the plate-shaped body 60" is configured to cooperate with the worm drive element 20. Accordingly, the shape and dimensions of the worm bearing 70 are designed to match at least a portion of the outer contour of the worm drive element 20. The outer contour of the worm drive element is defined as cylindrical, the diameter of which is defined by the outer edge 34 or the top 34 of the track ridge 33 formed on the body 30 of the worm drive element 20. The worm bearing 70 has a corresponding concave surface 75, which forms a cylindrical section having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the cylindrical shape of the worm drive element, or more precisely, a corresponding radius.

[0212] The notch defining the concave surface 75 passes through the plate-shaped body 60" of the guide element 50 from the front surface 61 to the rear surface 62.

[0213] The concave surface 75 includes a longitudinal axis A2 defined through the front surface 61 and the rear surface 62 of the plate-shaped body 60".

[0214] The length of the concave surface 75 is the same as the length L2 of the plate-shaped body 60" of the guide element 55.

[0215] As shown, for example, respectively from below, in a front view and in a bottom view of the plate-shaped body 60' of the guide element 50 Figure 9B , Figure 9D and Figure 9E show, the concave surface 75 is further provided with a track guiding member 80, which is formed as a protrusion from the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70.

[0216] The track guiding member 80 extends from the concave surface 75 towards the longitudinal axis A2 of the worm bearing 70.

[0217] Furthermore, and as shown in a bottom view of the plate-shaped body 60" Figure 9F show, the track guiding member 80 includes a side surface 82 and a top surface 81. A circular transition is also provided between the surfaces, as is the case for the track guiding member 80 described in connection with the Figures 2A to 8E illustrated embodiment.

[0218] As shown in a front view of the block-shaped body 60' Figures 9A to 9F show, the track guiding member 80 has a width W2, which is less than the width of the above-described spiral track 40, which is defined as the distance between the tops / top surfaces 34 of the track ridges 33. This width W2 is preferably less than 1 / 2 of the width of the spiral track 40.

[0219] Similar to that shown in Figure 3B , if it is Figures 9A to 9FIn the embodiment of the guide member 50 shown, the track guide member 80 has a height from the concave surface 77 of the worm bearing 70 to the top surface 81 of the track guide member 80. This height is preferably less than the difference between the maximum diameter D1 of the worm drive element 20 and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element at the bottom 43 of the spiral track 40, so as to provide a clearance for the track guide member 80. Preferably, the height is 1 / 2 of the difference between the maximum diameter D1 of the worm drive element 20 and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element 20 at the bottom 43 of the spiral track 40.

[0220] As combined with Figures 9A to 9F the cooperation between the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50 generally cooperates in the same manner as the cooperation between the block-shaped body 60' type shown for Figures 2A to 8E except that the worm drive element 20 cannot be inserted into the plate-shaped body 60" of the guide element 50. Instead, the worm bearing 70 of the plate-shaped body 60" allows Figures 9A to 9F the guide element 50 in

[0221] to be located above the worm drive element 20; and is easier to disassemble from it. Figures 9A to 9F It should be understood that although in the embodiment shown in Figures 9A to 9F the worm bearing 70 is provided as a notch in the bottom surface 66 of the plate-shaped body 60" of the guide element 50, the worm bearing 70 can be provided in the top surface 65 of the guide element 50. This embodiment of the guide element can have a second connecting member 102 formed in the bottom surface 66 (as described above), rather than forming a first connecting member 101 on the top surface 65 as shown in Figures 9A to 9F In addition, the guide element 50 can be formed substantially as described for the guide element 50 in

[0222] Thus, the worm drive element 20 can be placed on the guide element 50 (and can be rotated relative to the guide element 50).

[0223] In the latter embodiment and in the embodiment combined with Figures 9A to 9F the worm bearing 70 can include one and only one track guide member 80, which is formed in the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70 of the guide element 50.

[0224] Figures 10 to 12 shows various embodiments of the guide element 50 of the type combined with Figures 9A to 9F wherein the body 60 of the guide element 50 is a plate-shaped body 60" with an open worm bearing 70. The open worm bearing 70 can be provided in the top surface 65 or the bottom surface 66. In either case, one or more track guide members 80 are formed in the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70 of the guide element 50.

[0225] Figures 10 to 12 All of the guide elements 50 shown are of an elongated shape and have a plurality of track guide members 80 formed in the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70 of the guide element 50.

[0226] As can be understood in accordance with Figures 10 to 12 the arrangement of the track guide members 80 on the worm bearing 70 and the shape of the track guide members 80 can vary.

[0227] For example, Figure 10 two embodiments of the guide element 50 shown and Figure 12 the embodiment shown have a series of track guide members 80 that are formed in rows or in a straight line along the length of the guide element 50. Generally, in such an embodiment, the worm bearing 70 can include two or more track guide members 80 that are formed in a straight line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50. In all of the embodiments shown ( Figure 10 and Figure 12 ), the worm bearing 70, which is formed as a notch in the plate-like body 60” of the guide element 50, has six track guide members 80 formed in a straight line. Particularly in accordance with Figure 10 it can be understood that the length of the guide element 50 is six modular distances M. In general, one track guide member 80 is provided in a straight line at each modular distance M.

[0228] Figure 11 shows a different embodiment, in which the guide element 50 includes an open worm bearing 70 that includes two sets of track guide members 80, where each set of track guide members 80 is formed in rows or in a straight line, the straight line being parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50, and where the track guide members 80 of the two lines are formed parallel to each other.

[0229] Generally, in such an embodiment of the guide element 50, the worm bearing 70 can include two sets of two or more track guide members 80, where the first set of two or more track guide members 80 is formed in a straight line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50, and where the second set of two or more track guide members 80 is formed in a straight line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50, and where the first set of two or more track guide members 80 is formed parallel to the second set of two or more track guide members 80 in a straight line.

[0230] In Figure 11In the exemplary embodiment shown, the guide element 50 is six modular distances M. There are three track guide members 80 in each row or line. Therefore, there is one track guide member 80 for every two modular distances M.

[0231] It should be noted that the drawings and the above description have shown the exemplary embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown because those skilled in the art should be familiar with these details, and they would only unnecessarily complicate this description.

[0232] Component List

[0233] 1 Modular toy construction system

[0234] 10 Construction element / Modular toy construction element

[0235] 10A Construction element (building block), prior art

[0236] 10B Construction element (building block), prior art

[0237] 11 Main body part 11 of the construction element (building block)

[0238] 12 Top surface of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0239] 13A Side wall of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0240] 13B Side wall of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0241] 13C Side wall of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0242] 13D Side wall of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0243] 14 Lowermost edge of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0244] 15 Internal space of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0245] 16 Cylindrical spacer of the main body part of the construction element (building block)

[0246] 20 Worm drive element, which can also be referred to as a worm wheel element

[0247] 21 First end face of the worm drive element

[0248] 22 Second end face of the worm drive element

[0249] 30 Elongated body of the worm drive element

[0250] 31 First end of the elongated body of the worm drive element

[0251] The second end of the slender body of the worm drive element

[0252] 33 Track ridge

[0253] 34 Edge / top of the track ridge

[0254] 35 Side surface of the track ridge

[0255] 40 Spiral track formed in and along the slender body of the worm drive element

[0256] 41 First end of the spiral track

[0257] 42 Second end of the spiral track

[0258] 43 Bottom of the spiral track

[0259] 50 Guide element

[0260] 60 Body of the guide element

[0261] 60 Block-shaped body

[0262] 60 Plate-shaped body

[0263] 61 First end face / front surface of the body / block-shaped body / plate-shaped body of the guide element

[0264] 62 Second end face / back surface of the body / block-shaped body / plate-shaped body of the guide element opposite to the first end face,

[0265] 63 First side surface of the body / block-shaped body / plate-shaped body of the guide element

[0266] 64 Second side surface of the body / block-shaped body / plate-shaped body of the guide element opposite to the first side surface,

[0267] 65 Top surface of the body / block-shaped body / plate-shaped body of the guide element

[0268] 66 Bottom surface of the body / block-shaped body / plate-shaped body of the guide element opposite to the top surface,

[0269] 70 Worm bearing

[0270] 71 First end of the worm bearing

[0271] 72 Second end of the worm bearing

[0272] 73 Cylindrical hole or aperture, cylindrical hole formed through the block-shaped body

[0273] 74 Inward-facing surface of the cylindrical hole through the block-shaped body

[0274] 75 Concave surface of worm bearing

[0275] 80 Track guide member

[0276] 81 Top surface of the rail guide member

[0277] 82 A side surface of the track guide member extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole formed through the block body of the track guide member

[0278] 85 Rounded transition surface between the side surface and the top surface of the track guide member

[0279] 86 Rounded leading edge of track guide member

[0280] 87 Rounded trailing edge of track guide member

[0281] 90 Worm bearing

[0282] 91 First end of worm bearing

[0283] 92 Second worm bearing

[0284] 93 Inward facing surface of worm bearing

[0285] 100 complementary modular connectors

[0286] 101 A first connecting member, for example, in the form of a cylindrical connecting member / column / coupling column / protrusion / coupling protrusion

[0287] 102 second connecting member, for example in the form of a protruding receiving hole

[0288] 103 The third connecting member has a cross-shaped cross section, forming a hole or a hole

[0289] 104 The fourth connecting member has a cross-shaped cross section and is formed as a shaft or a bolt

[0290] 105 The fifth connecting piece, in the form of a through cylindrical hole

[0291] 200 modular toy construction system modular toy construction elements of the construction body

[0292] 201 Modular toy construction element, having 1×4 first connector elements and a height of 1 / 3 of the modular height

[0293] 202 modular toy construction elements, having 1×4 first connector elements and a height of 1 / 1 of the modular height

[0294] 203 modular toy construction element, with 4×8 first connector elements and a height of 1 / 3 of the modular height

[0295] 204 modular toy construction element, having a 1×1 modular distance, a flat upper surface, and a second connecting member formed on the lower surface, and having a height of 1 / 3 of the modular height

[0296] 205 rotating handle, modular toy construction element

[0297] 210 wall, first wall, formed from modular toy construction elements

[0298] 220 wall, second wall, formed from modular toy construction elements

[0299] A1 longitudinal axis of the worm drive element

[0300] A2 longitudinal axis of the worm bearing formed on / in the body of the guiding element / longitudinal axis of the worm bearing formed on / in the plate-shaped body of the guiding element / longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole formed through the block-shaped body of the guiding element

[0301] D1 maximum diameter of the worm drive element, diameter at the top of the track ridge

[0302] D2 diameter of the worm drive element at the bottom of the spiral track

[0303] D3 diameter at the inward-facing surface of the worm bearing formed in the plate-shaped body / diameter of the cylindrical hole formed through the block-shaped body of the guiding element, diameter at the inward-facing surface of the cylindrical hole through the block-shaped body

[0304] H1 height of the body of the guiding element

[0305] L1 length of the worm drive element

[0306] L2 length of the guiding element body of the guiding element (and length of the worm bearing passing through / along the body of the guiding element)

[0307] M fixed modular distance of the equally spaced first connecting members of the modular toy construction system

[0308] V angle between the side surfaces of the track ridges on both sides of the spiral track

[0309] W1 width of the body of the guiding element

[0310] W2 width of the track guiding element

Claims

1. A modular toy construction system (1) comprising modular toy construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205), said construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205) having a first connecting member (101) or a second connecting member (102) capable of being connected to said first connecting member (101), or both. Among them, Said first connecting members (101) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, spaced equidistantly at a fixed modular distance (M). Wherein, the construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205) of said modular construction system (1) include a worm drive element (20) and a guiding element (50). Wherein, said worm drive element (20) includes - A slender body (30) having a longitudinal axis (A1) and a length (L1) that is a discrete multiple of said fixed modular distance (M); and - A spiral track (40) formed along the longitudinal direction of said slender body (30). Wherein, said guiding element (50) includes - A body (60, 60’, 60”) having a length (L2), a width (W1) and a longitudinal direction; - A worm bearing (70) formed in the body (60, 60’, 60”) of said guiding element (50); and - A track guiding member (80) formed on the concave surface (75) of said worm bearing (70), said track guiding member (80) being configured to cooperate with the spiral track (40) of said worm drive element (20). Wherein, the pitch of a single turn of said spiral track (40) corresponds to every four fixed modular distances (M) of the length (L1) of said worm drive element (20).

2. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The length (L1) of said worm drive element (20) is greater than the length (L2) of the body (60) of said guiding element (50).

3. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, Among them, The spiral track (40) of said worm drive element (20) has spiral track ridges (33) formed on both of its sides. Wherein, each spiral track ridge (33) has a side surface (35) forming said spiral track (40), and Wherein, the angle (V) between the two side surfaces (35) of the spiral track ridge (33) forming said spiral track (40) is an obtuse angle.

4. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said track guiding member (80) has an elongated shape in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A2) of said worm bearing (70), said screw bearing (70) being formed in the body (60) of said guiding member (50).

5. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Said track guiding member (80) includes a circular transition surface (85) between a top surface (81) and a side surface (82) formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A2) of said worm bearing (70).

6. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The track guiding member (80) and the spiral track (40) are formed such that a circular transition surface (85) of the track guiding member (80) contacts a side surface (35) of a spiral track ridge (33) forming the spiral track (40).

7. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The track guiding member (80) includes a side surface (82) formed in a direction of a longitudinal axis (A2) of the worm bearing (70), and wherein the side surface (82) includes curved leading edges (86, 87).

8. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The worm drive element (20) includes four spiral tracks (40).

9. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, End faces (21, 22) of the worm drive element (20) are provided with a third connecting member (103).

10. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Among them, A main body (60) of the guiding element (50) is a block-shaped main body (60'); and wherein, the worm bearing (70) is formed as a cylindrical hole (73) passing through the block-shaped main body (60) of the guiding element (50).

11. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 10, wherein, A concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70) is an inward-facing surface (74) of the cylindrical hole (73) passing through the block-shaped main body (60').

12. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, A top surface (65) of the block-shaped main body (60') is provided with one or more complementary modular connecting members (100).

13. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, A bottom surface (66) of the block-shaped main body (60') is provided with one or more complementary modular connecting members (100).

14. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, A main body (60) of the guiding element (50) is a plate-shaped main body (60").

15. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70) is formed as a notch in a surface of the plate-shaped main body (60").

16. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70) is formed as a cylindrical section, and an axis of the cylindrical section is formed in a longitudinal direction (A2) of the guiding element (50).

17. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The worm bearing (70) is formed as a notch in a bottom surface (66) of the plate-shaped main body (60") of the guiding element (50).

18. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 17, wherein, The top surface (65) is provided with one or more complementary modular connecting members (100).

19. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 18, wherein, The one or more complementary modular connecting members (100) are first connecting members (101), such as coupling protrusions.

20. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, The worm bearing (70) is formed as a notch in a top surface (65) of the plate-shaped main body (60") of the guiding element (50).

21. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 20, wherein, The bottom surface (66) is provided with one or more complementary modular connecting members (100).

22. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more complementary modular connecting members (100) are second connecting members (102), such as protrusion receiving holes.

23. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The worm bearing (70) includes one and only one track guiding member (80) formed in the concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70).

24. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, In a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A2) of the worm bearing (70), the worm bearing (70) includes the same number of track guiding members (80) as the number of spiral tracks (40) formed in and along an elongated body (30) of the worm drive element (20).

25. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The worm bearing (70) includes two or more track guiding members (80) which are linearly formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guiding element (50).

26. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 25, wherein, The worm bearing (70) includes two sets of two or more track guiding members (80), wherein the first set of two or more track guiding members (80) are linearly formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guiding element (50), wherein the second set of two or more track guiding members (80) are linearly formed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guiding element (50), and wherein the first set of two or more track guiding members (80) are linearly formed parallel to the second set of two or more track guiding members (80).

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