Assembly toys

Abstract

To provide an assembly toy in which blocks are naturally arranged correctly in terms of their orientation and positional relationship by connecting the blocks with connecting rods. [Solution] This building toy comprises a rhombic cuboctahedron-shaped block (10) and a connecting rod (20) whose both ends are inserted into holes provided on each face of the block (10), wherein the block (10) has a first hole (11a) having a first shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 90 degrees around the center of gravity, a second hole (12a) having a second shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity, and a third hole (13a) having a third shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 120 degrees around the center of gravity and inverts an upward and downward shape that do not overlap each other every time it is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity, and the shapes of both ends of the connecting rod (20) have the same shape as the corresponding hole and have the orientation when the two connected hole parts face each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction toy in which three-dimensional blocks are connected by long connecting rods. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a construction toy in which multiple blocks, each having a three-dimensional shape such as a polyhedron, are connected by connecting rods. The shape of the blocks can be, for example, a rhombic octahedron. In this case, the block has six square first faces facing three mutually perpendicular axial directions, twelve square second faces adjacent to two of the first faces at 45° angles to each other, and eight triangular third faces surrounded by the three second faces.

[0003] Each face of the block is configured so that the end of a connecting rod can be fixed thereto. For example, holes can be provided on the face of the block so that the end of the connecting rod can be inserted into the hole, thereby fixing the end of the connecting rod to the face of the block. By connecting the blocks with the connecting rods, various three-dimensional shapes can be created and played with. An example of an assembly toy having such blocks and connecting rods is given in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-019763 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Since a rhombic cuboctahedron is an icosahedron, and each block has a hole on each face, it is necessary to consider which connecting rod should be inserted into which hole, and it is somewhat difficult to properly connect multiple blocks to create a three-dimensional shape. For this reason, Patent Document 1 makes the first to third faces different in appearance, making them easier to identify and facilitating assembly. However, even in this case, trial and error is required to determine the proper orientation of each block when connecting them, making it somewhat difficult.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an assembly toy in which the orientation and positional relationships between the blocks are naturally arranged correctly by connecting the blocks with connecting rods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a construction toy having blocks in the shape of oblique cuboctahedrons and connecting rods, both ends of which are inserted into holes provided in each face of the blocks, wherein the blocks have six square first faces facing three mutually perpendicular axial directions, twelve square second faces adjacent to two of the first faces at 45° angles each, and eight triangular third faces adjacent to three of the second faces, and the first faces are arranged so as to rotate 90° around the center of gravity. the second surface has a second hole portion having a second shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the block is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity; the third surface has a third hole portion having a third shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the block is rotated 120 degrees around the center of gravity and inverts an upward-facing shape and a downward-facing shape that do not overlap with each other every time the block is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity; and the first shape in the first hole portion is one of the The first shapes in the adjacent first hole portions are arranged so as to form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first shapes in the adjacent first hole portions across the second surface, and the second shapes in the second hole portions are arranged so that, in a developed view of the block, the second shapes in the four second hole portions surrounding one of the first surfaces form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the second shapes in the adjacent second hole portions in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first shapes in the first hole portion, and the third shapes in the third hole portions are arranged so that, in a developed view of the block, the second shapes in the four second hole portions surrounding one of the first surfaces form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the second shapes in the adjacent second hole portions in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first shapes in the first hole portion, The connecting rods are arranged so that the orientation of the third shape in the adjacent third hole portion through one of the second surfaces forms an angle of 180 degrees, and the connecting rods include a first connecting rod whose both ends are shaped as the first shape and the orientations of the first shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees, a second connecting rod whose both ends are shaped as the second shape and the orientations of the second shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees, and a third connecting rod whose both ends are shaped as the third shape and the orientations of the third shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by 180 degrees.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a construction toy having blocks with a three-dimensional shape and connecting rods, both ends of which are inserted into holes formed in the blocks, wherein the blocks have first directions defined as six directions that are normal to first faces of 26 faces constituting a rhombic cuboctahedron and that face three mutually orthogonal axial directions, and second directions defined as twelve directions that are normal to second faces adjacent to two of the 26 faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron and sandwiched between the first faces at an angle of 45° from each other, and three of the 26 faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron. The eight directions that are normal directions of a third surface surrounded by the second surface are defined as third directions, and a first hole portion having a first shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the first hole portion rotates 90 degrees around the center of gravity toward the first direction, a second hole portion having a second shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the first hole portion rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity toward the second direction, and a third hole portion having a second shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the first hole portion rotates 120 degrees around the center of gravity toward the third direction, and an upward shape and a downward shape that do not overlap with each other are reversed every time the first hole portion rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity toward the third direction. In a virtual development of the faces of a rhombic cuboctahedron in which six of the first directions, twelve of the second directions, and eight of the third directions correspond to each other, the first shapes in the first hole parts are arranged so that their orientations form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first shapes in the first hole parts adjacent to each other across one of the second faces, and the second shapes in the second hole parts are arranged so that the second shapes in four of the second hole parts surrounding one of the first faces are arranged so that their orientations form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first shapes in the first hole parts adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first shapes in the first hole parts. The connecting rods are arranged so that the orientation of the second shape in the second hole portion forms an angle of 90 degrees with the second shape in the third hole portion, and the third shape in the third hole portion is arranged so that the orientation of the third shape in the adjacent third hole portion across one of the second surfaces forms an angle of 180 degrees with the third shape in the third hole portion, and the connecting rods are comprised of a first connecting rod having both ends shaped as the first shape and the orientations of the first shapes at one end and the other end differing from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees, a second connecting rod having both ends shaped as the second shape and the orientations of the second shapes at one end and the other end differing from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees, and a second connecting rod having both ends shaped as the third shape,and a third connecting rod, the orientations of the third shapes at one end and the other end of which are 180 degrees different from each other.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a construction toy comprising blocks having a three-dimensional shape and connecting rods having holes at both ends connected to protrusions provided on the blocks, wherein the blocks have first directions defined as six directions that are normal to first faces of 26 faces that form a rhombic cuboctahedron and that face three axial directions that are orthogonal to each other, and second directions defined as twelve directions that are normal to adjacent faces that are sandwiched between two of the first faces at an angle of 45° from each other, of the 26 faces that form the rhombic cuboctahedron. Eight directions that are normal directions of the faces surrounded by three of the second faces among the 26 faces are defined as third directions, and the first projection has a first shape at its tip that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it rotates 90 degrees around the center of gravity toward the first direction, and the second projection has a second shape at its tip that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity toward the second direction, and the second projection has a second shape at its tip that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it rotates 120 degrees around the center of gravity toward the third direction, and the second projection has a second shape at its tip that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity toward the third direction. and a third protrusion having a third shape at its tip, in which an upward shape and a downward shape are inverted, and in a virtual development of the faces of a rhombic cuboctahedron in which six of the first directions, twelve of the second directions, and eight of the third directions correspond to each other, the first shape of the first protrusion is arranged so that its orientation forms an angle of 90 degrees with the first shape of the first protrusion adjacent to one of the first faces via one of the second faces, and the second shape of the second protrusion is arranged so that the second shapes of four of the second protrusions surrounding one of the first faces are inverted with respect to each other. the first projection is disposed so that the orientation of the first shape of the first projection is at a center of gravity and the orientation of the second shape of the second projection adjacent in the circumferential direction forms an angle of 90 degrees, the third shape of the third projection is disposed so that the orientation of the third shape of the third projection adjacent across one of the second faces forms an angle of 180 degrees, the connecting rod has first hole portions of the first shape at both ends, and the orientations of the first shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees, and the connecting rod has second hole portions of the second shape at both ends,The connecting rod has a second connecting rod in which the orientations of the second shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees, and a third connecting rod having third hole portions of the third shape at both ends and in which the orientations of the third shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by 180 degrees. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the construction toy of the present invention, when the two blocks to be connected are correctly positioned, the shape and orientation of the opposing holes correspond to the shape and orientation of the two ends of each connecting rod. Therefore, by connecting the blocks with each connecting rod, the blocks will naturally be oriented and positioned correctly, allowing the user to concentrate on creating a three-dimensional shape.

[0011] In the construction toy of the present invention, the second connecting rod may have a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the second faces of the blocks are connected together is the square root of two times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first faces of the blocks, and the third connecting rod may have a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the third faces of the blocks are connected together is the square root of three or half the square root of three times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first faces of the blocks. In addition, in the construction toy, the second connecting rod may have a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the second hole portions of the blocks are connected together is the square root of 2 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects together the first hole portions of the blocks, and the third connecting rod may have a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the third hole portions of the blocks are connected together is the square root of 3 or half the square root of 3 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects together the first hole portions of the blocks. Furthermore, in the construction toy, the second connecting rod may have a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the second protrusions of the blocks are connected to each other is the square root of 2 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first protrusions of the blocks, and the third connecting rod may have a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the third protrusions of the blocks are connected to each other is the square root of 3 or half the square root of 3 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first protrusions of the blocks. This allows the construction toy to connect blocks in the direction of the sides of a cube, in the face center direction, and in the body center direction, and more complex three-dimensional shapes can be created based on this.

[0012] In the constructional toy according to the present invention, the first shape may be a square, which allows the shapes of both ends of the connecting rod to be simple and clearly distinguishable from one another.

[0013] In the constructional toy according to the present invention, the second shape may be an oval shape, thereby allowing the shapes of both ends of the connecting rod to be simple and clearly distinguishable from one another.

[0014] In the constructional toy according to the present invention, the third shape may be an equilateral triangle, which allows the shapes of both ends of the connecting rod to be simple and clearly distinguishable from one another.

[0015] In the construction toy according to the present invention, the connecting rod may have a twisted long portion between the two end portions, which makes the connecting rod easy to hold and less likely to slip, making it easier to connect the blocks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a block used in the assembly toy of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of three types of connecting rods. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first connecting rod. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the end face shapes of a first connecting rod, where (a) shows the shape of one end and (b) shows the shape of the other end. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the end face of the first connecting rod. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second connecting rod. [Figure 8] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the end face shapes of a second connecting rod, where (a) shows the shape of one end and (b) shows the shape of the other end. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the end face of the second connecting rod. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third connecting rod. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the end face shapes of a third connecting rod, where (a) shows the shape of one end and (b) shows the shape of the other end. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the end face of the third connecting rod. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view of two blocks connected by a first connecting rod. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view of two blocks connected by a second connecting rod. [Figure 15] This is a front view of two blocks connected by a third connecting rod. [Figure 16] 10 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the shapes of the first surfaces and first holes of two blocks connected by a first connecting rod and the shapes of both ends of the first connecting rod. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the shapes of the second surfaces and second holes of two blocks connected by a second connecting rod and the shapes of both ends of the second connecting rod. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the shapes of the third surfaces and third holes of two blocks connected by a third connecting rod and the shapes of both ends of the third connecting rod. FIG. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of blocks connected in the orthogonal direction, face center direction, and body center direction. [Figure 20] These are cross-sectional views when a protrusion is provided on a block, where (a) shows an exploded view of the first surface and the first connecting rod, and (b) shows a view of the first surface and the first connecting rod connected together. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a lattice diagram that serves as a guide when forming a three-dimensional shape. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing points adjacent to a reference point of a lattice diagram in the three axial directions, the face-center direction, and the body-center direction, and the distances between each point. [Figure 23] This is a lattice diagram of the silver rhombic dodecahedron. [Figure 24] This is a lattice diagram of a regular hexahedron. [Figure 25] This is a lattice diagram of a regular octahedron. [Figure 26] This is a lattice diagram of a cuboctahedron. [Figure 27] This is a lattice diagram of a regular tetrahedron. [Figure 28]This is a lattice diagram of a regular hexahedron formed by truncating a silver rhombic dodecahedron at four obtuse points. [Figure 29] This is a lattice diagram of a regular tetrahedron formed by truncating a regular hexahedron at three diagonal vertices. [Figure 30] This is a lattice diagram of a regular octahedron formed by truncating a regular tetrahedron at its midpoint. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the relationship between the polyhedrons described in FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The construction toy of this embodiment is composed of a large number of blocks 10 and connecting rods 20. By connecting the multiple blocks 10 with the connecting rods 20, a three-dimensional shape can be formed with the blocks 10 as lattice points.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of block 10. Block 10 has the shape of an icosahedron, which is a rhombic cuboctahedron. Of the faces of block 10, those facing three mutually perpendicular axial directions are referred to as first faces 11. Since the first faces 11 face both the positive and negative sides of the three axial directions, one block 10 has six first faces 11. Of the faces of block 10, those adjacent to two first faces 11 at 45° angles to each other are referred to as second faces 12. One block 10 has 12 second faces 12. Of the faces of block 10, eight triangular faces surrounded by three second faces 12 are referred to as third faces 13. When a block 10 is placed at a lattice point of a cubic lattice, the first face 11 faces in the direction in which the lattice lines extend, the second face 12 faces in the direction of the face center of the cubic lattice, and the third face 13 faces in the direction of the body center of the cubic lattice.

[0019] The first surface 11 of the block 10 has a first hole 11a of a first shape. The second surface 12 of the block 10 has a second hole 12a of a second shape. The third surface 13 of the block 10 has a third hole 13a of a third shape.

[0020] The first shape of the first hole 11a is a shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 90 degrees around the center of gravity, and is a square in this embodiment. The second shape of the second hole 12a is a shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity, and is an ellipse in this embodiment. The third shape of the third hole 13a is a shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every 120 degrees around the center of gravity, and is a shape in which an upward-facing shape and a downward-facing shape that do not overlap each other are inverted every 180 degrees around the center of gravity, and is an equilateral triangle in this embodiment.

[0021] The blocks 10 can be made of any material such as resin, wood, metal, etc. As a toy, resin or wood is suitable because it is light and safe.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a development of block 10. First surface 11 is adjacent to second surfaces 12 on four sides. Second surface 12 is adjacent to first surfaces 11 on two sides and to third surfaces 13 on two sides. In the development of block 10, first holes 11a of first surfaces 11 are arranged so that they form a 90-degree angle with adjacent first holes 11a across one second surface 12. Since first holes 11a are in a first shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the block is rotated 90 degrees around the center of gravity, all first holes 11a appear to face the same direction.

[0023] In a developed view of the block 10, the four second holes 12a surrounding one first surface 11 are arranged at 90-degree angles with the second holes 12a adjacent in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first hole 11a. The second holes 12a are each elliptical in shape, elongated in the tangent direction of a circle whose center is the center of gravity of the first hole 11a of the adjacent first surface 11.

[0024] The third hole portions 13a of the third surface 13 are arranged so that their orientations form an angle of 180 degrees with the adjacent third hole portions 13a across one second surface 12 in the developed view of the block 10. Therefore, the two third hole portions 13a that face each other across one second surface 12 have shapes that are upside down relative to each other in the developed view of the block 10.

[0025] 3 shows a front view of the connecting rod 20. As the connecting rods 20, a first connecting rod 21, a second connecting rod 24, and a third connecting rod 27, each having a different length, are prepared.

[0026] The first connecting rod 21 has first fixing portions 22 at both ends and a first elongated portion 23 extending between the first fixing portions 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the first fixing portion 22 has a first shape, i.e., a rectangular shape, such that its end faces can be inserted into the first hole 11a provided in the first surface 11 of the block 10. The first fixing portion 22 has a shape that prevents it from being inserted into the second hole 12a and the third hole 13a of the block 10. The first elongated portion 23 has a twisted shape, which is a shape obtained by twisting a flat plate having an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction. When the first fixing portions 22 at both ends of the first connecting rod 21 are inserted into the first hole 11a of the blocks 10, a portion A in the center shown in FIG. 3 is exposed between the blocks 10. In other words, the range of portion A shown in FIG. 3 is the first elongated portion 23. The long portion 23 has a twisted shape of about 1.5 periods over its entire length.

[0027] 5(a) and 5(b), the first connecting rod 21 has a square shape with both ends having a first shape, and the orientations of the first shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees. Because the first shape overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 90 degrees around the center of gravity, the shapes at both ends of the first connecting rod 21 are arranged so that they appear to be oriented in the same direction.

[0028] The first shape may be any shape other than a square as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), as long as it overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 90 degrees around the center of gravity.

[0029] The second connecting rod 24 has second fixing portions 25 at both ends and a second elongated portion 26 extending between the second fixing portions 25. As shown in FIG. 7, the second fixing portion 25 has a second shape, i.e., an elliptical shape, such that its end face can be inserted into the second hole 12a provided in the second surface 12 of the block 10. The second fixing portion 25 has a shape that prevents it from being inserted into the first hole 11a and the third hole 13a of the block 10. The second elongated portion 26 has a twisted shape, which is a shape obtained by twisting a flat plate having an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction. The second elongated portion 26 has a twisted shape with approximately 2.5 periods over its entire length, spanning the range of portion B shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] 8(a) and 8(b), the second connecting rod 24 has an elliptical shape with both ends having the second shape, and the orientations of the second shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees. Because the second shape overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity, the shapes at both ends of the second connecting rod 24 are arranged so that they appear to be oriented in the same direction.

[0031] The second shape may be any shape other than an ellipse as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), as long as it overlaps with the shape before rotation every time it is rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity.

[0032] The third connecting rod 27 has third fixing portions 28 at both ends and a third long portion 29 extending between the third fixing portions 28. As shown in FIG. 10 , the third fixing portion 28 has a third shape, i.e., a triangular shape, such that its end face can be inserted into the third hole 13a provided in the third surface 13 of the block 10. The third fixing portion 28 has a shape that prevents it from being inserted into the first hole 11a or the second hole 12a of the block 10. The third long portion 29 has a twisted shape obtained by twisting a flat plate having an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction. The third long portion 29 extends over the range of portion C shown in FIG. 3 and has a twisted shape with 4.5 periods over its entire length. Note that the twisted shape of each long portion of the connecting rod 20 is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10 periods, taking into account finger grip and flexibility of the long portion. In the twisted shape of the flat plate, by setting one period of the twisted shape to be 1 cm to 2 cm, fingers can easily fit into the twisted shape, and slippage can be effectively suppressed.

[0033] 11(a) and 11(b), the third connecting rod 27 has an equilateral triangular shape with the third shape at both ends, and the orientations of the third shapes at one end and the other end are 180 degrees different from each other. Therefore, the shapes at both ends of the third connecting rod 27 are arranged so that they are upside down.

[0034] The third shape may be any shape other than an equilateral triangle as shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), as long as it overlaps with the shape before rotation every 120 degrees around the center of gravity, and is a shape in which an upward shape and a downward shape that do not overlap each other are inverted every 180 degrees around the center of gravity.

[0035] The first connecting rod 21, the second connecting rod 24, and the third connecting rod 27 can be formed from an elastic material. Specifically, the first connecting rod 21, the second connecting rod 24, and the third connecting rod 27 can be formed from a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or ABS resin. The first long portion 23, the second long portion 26, and the third long portion 29 each have a twisted shape, which makes it easy for the user's fingers to catch and prevents slipping when connecting the blocks 10. Furthermore, the first long portion 23, the second long portion 26, and the third long portion 29 are twisted flat plates that are long in the longitudinal direction, so they can bend in any direction, and their spiral shape allows them to expand and contract somewhat in the longitudinal direction. This allows for a high degree of freedom when connecting the blocks 10, making connection easy.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 13 , a first connecting rod 21 can connect the first surfaces 11 of the blocks 10 together. In this case, the distance between the centers of the blocks 10 is L. As shown in FIG. 14 , a second connecting rod 24 can connect the second surfaces 12 of the blocks 10 together. In this case, the distance between the centers of the blocks 10 is the square root of L times 2. As shown in FIG. 15 , a third connecting rod 27 can connect the third surfaces 13 of the blocks 10 together. In this case, the distance between the centers of the blocks 10 is the square root of L times 3. The third connecting rods 27 may be configured so that the distance between the centers of the connected blocks 10 is half the square root of L times 3. In this case, by connecting three blocks 10 with two third connecting rods 27, the distance between the centers of the blocks 10 at both ends becomes the square root of L times 3, which can be treated as equivalent to the connection shown in FIG. 15 .

[0037] The first fixing portion 22, the second fixing portion 25, and the third fixing portion 28 have shapes that allow them to be inserted only into the corresponding holes of the block 10, so it is easy to determine which side of the block 10 each connecting rod 20 should be inserted into. Note that the shapes of the holes of the block 10 and the fixing portions of the connecting rods 20 are merely examples, and other shapes or combinations may be used. Furthermore, the shapes of the holes and fixing portions may all be the same.

[0038] In the construction toy of this embodiment, the blocks 10 are all the same shape, arranged to face the same direction, and connected by connecting rods 20 to form various polyhedrons. Two connected blocks 10 have different positional relationships when connected by a first connecting rod 21, a second connecting rod 24, or a third connecting rod 27. However, due to the relationship between the first to third shapes of each hole and both ends of the connecting rod 20 and the orientation of the shapes of both ends of each connecting rod 20, simply inserting each connecting rod 20 into the hole of the block 10 allows the blocks 10 to be connected so that they face a fixed direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 16, the first connecting rod 21 has fixing portions 22 at both ends that can be inserted only into the first holes 11a in the first faces 11 of the blocks 10. In FIGS. 16 to 18, the long portions of the connecting rods are omitted and shown by dashed lines, and only the end surface shapes of the fixing portions are shown. In the two blocks 10 connected by the first connecting rod 21, the opposing first holes 11a each have a first shape, and the orientations of the first shapes on one side and the other side differ from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees. Since the shapes of both ends of the first connecting rod 21 also correspond to this, by connecting the two blocks 10 with the first connecting rod 21, the two blocks 10 are naturally arranged in the correct orientation and position so that they face the same direction and face each other in one of three axial directions that are perpendicular to each other.

[0040] As shown in Figure 17, the second connecting rod 24 has fixing portions 25 at both ends that can only be inserted into the second holes 12a in the second faces 12 of the blocks 10. In the two blocks 10 connected by the second connecting rod 24, the opposing second holes 12a each have a second shape, and the orientations of the second shapes on one side and the other side differ by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees. Since the shapes of both ends of the second connecting rod 24 also correspond to this, by connecting the two blocks 10 with the second connecting rod 24, the two blocks 10 are naturally arranged in the correct orientation and position so that they face the same direction and are positioned facing each other in the direction of the face centers of the cube.

[0041] As shown in Figure 18, the third connecting rod 27 has fixing portions 28 at both ends that can only be inserted into the third holes 13a in the third faces 13 of the blocks 10. In the two blocks 10 connected by the third connecting rod 27, the opposing third holes 13a each have a third shape, and the orientations of the third shapes on one side and the other side are 180 degrees different from each other. Since the shapes of both ends of the third connecting rod 27 also correspond to this, by connecting the two blocks 10 with the third connecting rod 27, the two blocks 10 are naturally arranged in the correct orientation and position so that they face the same direction and are facing each other toward the body center of the cube.

[0042] Figure 19 shows an example in which blocks 10 are connected to each other using a first connecting rod 21, a second connecting rod 24, and a third connecting rod 27. In Figure 19, the long portions of the connecting rods are shown simplified as round bars. As shown in this figure, when blocks 10 are connected in each direction using a first connecting rod 21, a second connecting rod 24, and a third connecting rod 27, all of the blocks 10 face in the same direction and are connected in one of three mutually perpendicular axial directions, or in the face-center direction of the cube, or in the body-center direction of the cube.

[0043] The shape of the block is not limited to an icosahedron and may be another solid, such as a sphere. In this case, the holes are arranged so that they face the same direction at the same position as the holes in the icosahedral block 10, and the shapes of the holes also face the same direction. That is, six directions that are normal to the first faces of the 26 faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron, which face three mutually perpendicular axial directions, are defined as first directions; 12 directions that are normal to the second faces adjacent to two of the 26 faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron and sandwiched at 45° angles between the first faces are defined as second directions; and eight directions that are normal to the third faces surrounded by three of the 26 faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron are defined as third directions. The first holes are arranged so that they face the first direction at the position of the first faces, the second holes are arranged so that they face the second direction at the position of the second faces, and the third holes are arranged so that they face the third direction at the position of the third faces. In addition, in a virtual unfolded view of the faces of a rhombic cuboctahedron in which six first directions, twelve second directions, and eight third directions correspond, the first shape in a first hole portion is arranged so that it faces at a 90-degree angle with the first shape in an adjacent first hole portion across one second face, the second shape in a second hole portion is arranged so that the second shapes in four second hole portions surrounding one first face face are arranged so that they face at a 90-degree angle with the second shape in an adjacent second hole portion in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first shape in the first hole portion, and the third shape in a third hole portion is arranged so that it faces at a 180-degree angle with the third shape in an adjacent third hole portion across one second face.

[0044] Alternatively, the block may be provided with protrusions, holes may be formed at both ends of the connecting rod, and the connecting rod may be fixed to the block by inserting the protrusions of the block into the holes of the connecting rod. In this case, six directions that are normal to first faces of 26 faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron and that face three mutually perpendicular axial directions are defined as first directions, 12 directions that are normal to adjacent second faces that are sandwiched between two of the 26 first faces at a 45° angle from each other are defined as second directions, and eight directions that are normal to a third face that is surrounded by three of the 26 second faces constituting the rhombic cuboctahedron are defined as third directions, where the first protrusions are oriented in the first direction at the position of the first faces, the second protrusions are oriented in the second direction at the position of the second faces, and the third protrusions are oriented in the third direction at the position of the third faces. The first protrusion has a tip surface having a first shape, the second protrusion has a tip surface having a second shape, and the third protrusion has a tip surface having a third shape. The first connecting rod has first holes of a first shape at both ends, and the orientations of the first shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by a multiple of 90 degrees. The second connecting rod has second holes of a second shape at both ends, and the orientations of the second shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by a multiple of 180 degrees. The third connecting rod has third holes of a third shape at both ends, and the orientations of the third shapes at one end and the other end differ from each other by 180 degrees. In this case, the blocks may be icosahedral or have any other shape.

[0045] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a block 50 having a first protrusion 52 formed on a first surface 51 thereof. Note that FIG. 20 shows only the first surface 51 of the block 50 in a simplified manner. As shown in FIG. 20( a), a first protrusion 52 is formed on the first surface 51 of the block 50. The tip of the first protrusion 52 has a square end shape, which is a first shape. A first connecting rod 60 has a first hole 61 at each end thereof. The first hole 61 has a square shape, which is a first shape. As shown in FIG. 20( b), the first protrusions 52 of the blocks 50 to be connected are inserted into the first hole 61 of the first connecting rod 60, thereby connecting the two blocks 50, 50 together via the first connecting rod 60.

[0046] Various polyhedrons can be formed by inserting each connecting rod 20 into the blocks 10 and connecting the blocks 10 together. The three-dimensional shapes of the assembly toy of this embodiment are conveniently represented using a lattice diagram, since the blocks 10 are located at lattice points and connected by the connecting rods 20. FIG. 21 shows a lattice diagram that serves as a guide for forming three-dimensional shapes. In the lattice diagram, the lattice points are drawn to resemble a cubic lattice viewed from one direction. First connecting points, represented by squares, are located in three mutually perpendicular axial directions relative to a reference point, represented by a circle, located in the center of the lattice. A second connecting point, represented by a black circle, is located in the face-center direction of the cube relative to the reference point, represented by a circle. A third connecting point, represented by a triangle, is located in the body-center direction of the cube relative to the reference point, represented by a circle. Furthermore, the vertices of a regular octahedron concentric with the cube are located at positions protruding in the face-center direction of each face of the cube, represented by squares. As shown in Figure 22, if the distance between the reference point (circle) and the first connecting point (black square) is L, the distance between the reference point (circle) and the second connecting point (black square) is the square root of L times 2, and the distance between the reference point (circle) and the third connecting point (black triangle) is the square root of L times 3. When connecting a block 10 located at the reference point (circle) to a block 10 located at the first connecting point (black square), the blocks can be connected using a first connecting rod 21 with a first fixing portion 22 having a rectangular outer shape. When connecting a block 10 located at the reference point (circle) to a block 10 located at the second connecting point (black square), the blocks can be connected using a second connecting rod 24 with a second fixing portion 25 having an elliptical outer shape. When connecting a block 10 located at the reference point (circle) to a block 10 located at the third connecting point (black triangle), the blocks can be connected using a third connecting rod 27 with a third fixing portion 28 having a triangular outer shape.

[0047] Figure 23 shows a lattice diagram of a silver rhombic dodecahedron. As shown in this diagram, a silver rhombic dodecahedron can be drawn by connecting the eight triangle points on the cube, which form the obtuse corners of the silver rhombic dodecahedron, with the six square points protruding toward the center of each face of the cube, which form the acute corners of the silver rhombic dodecahedron. In this diagram, the lines connecting the lattice points are represented by dashed-dotted lines. In the lattice diagram, the dashed-dotted lines indicate that the third faces 13 of the blocks 10 are connected to each other by third connecting rods 27. By arranging the blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with third connecting rods 27, a three-dimensional silver rhombic dodecahedron can be formed.

[0048] Figure 24 shows a regular hexahedron drawn on a lattice diagram. A regular hexahedron can be drawn by connecting the obtuse points ▲ on the lattice diagram. The lines connecting the ▲ points are represented by solid lines. In the lattice diagram, the solid lines indicate that the first faces 11 of the blocks 10 are connected to each other by first connecting rods 21. By arranging the blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with the first connecting rods 21, a three-dimensional shape of a regular hexahedron can be formed.

[0049] Figure 25 shows a regular octahedron drawn on a lattice diagram. A regular octahedron can be drawn by connecting the square points, which are the acute corners of the lattice diagram. The lines connecting the square points are shown as dashed lines. In the lattice diagram, the dashed lines indicate that the second faces 12 of the blocks 10 are connected to each other by second connecting rods 24. By arranging the blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with the second connecting rods 24, a three-dimensional shape of a regular octahedron can be formed.

[0050] Figure 26 shows a cuboctahedron drawn on a lattice diagram. The cuboctahedron can be drawn by connecting the face centers (12 points) of the silver rhombic dodecahedron, which are the midpoints of the adjacent obtuse points (▲). By arranging the blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with the second connecting rods 24, the three-dimensional shape of the cuboctahedron can be formed.

[0051] Figure 27 shows a regular tetrahedron drawn on a grid diagram. A regular tetrahedron can be drawn by connecting the obtuse diagonal points (▲) on the grid diagram. By arranging the blocks 10 according to this grid diagram and connecting them with the second connecting rods 24, a three-dimensional shape of a regular tetrahedron can be formed.

[0052] By sequentially truncating the silver rhombic dodecahedron shown in Figure 23, other polyhedral shapes can be formed. Figure 28 shows a lattice diagram of a regular hexahedron formed by truncating the silver rhombic dodecahedron at four square points. By arranging the blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with the first connecting rods 21 and the third connecting rods 27, the relationship between the silver rhombic dodecahedron and the regular hexahedron formed by truncating it can be intuitively understood.

[0053] Figure 29 shows a lattice diagram of a regular tetrahedron formed by truncating a regular hexahedron at three diagonal vertices. By arranging blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with first connecting rods 21 and second connecting rods 24, the relationship between the regular hexahedron and the regular tetrahedron formed by truncating it can be intuitively understood.

[0054] Figure 30 shows a lattice diagram of a regular octahedron formed by truncating a regular tetrahedron at its midpoint. By arranging the blocks 10 according to this lattice diagram and connecting them with the second connecting rods 24, the relationship between the regular tetrahedron and the regular octahedron formed by truncating it can be intuitively understood.

[0055] The relationships between the polyhedra described in FIGS. 28 to 30 are shown in FIG. 31. In this figure, "dual" refers to the relationship between a solid composed of figures with an incenter and a solid formed by connecting the incenters. As shown in FIG. 31, by sequentially truncating the silver rhombic dodecahedron, a regular cube, a regular tetrahedron, a regular octahedron, and a cuboctahedron are formed, and by truncating the cuboctahedron at the incenter of each face, a silver rhombic dodecahedron is formed. Therefore, these polyhedra are circular in their relationships. By assembling the construction toy of this embodiment, these relationships can be intuitively understood.

[0056] To form these polyhedrons, it is necessary to accurately combine a large number of blocks 10 and connecting rods 20. As described above, the shapes of the holes in the blocks 10 and the corresponding fixing parts of the connecting rods 20 are different, making it easy to identify which connecting rods 20 to insert, so even children can assemble the polyhedrons. Therefore, this assembly toy can be used for children's education as an educational toy or teaching material.

[0057] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the present invention can be applied in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10 blocks 11 First Side 11a First hole 12 Second Side 12a Second hole 13 The Third Side 13a Third hole 20 Connecting rod 21 First connecting rod 22 First fixing part 23 First long section 24 Second connecting rod 25 Second fixed part 26 Second long section 27 Third connecting rod 28 Third fixed part 29 Third long section 30 Grid Diagram

Claims

1. An assembly toy comprising: a block having a rhombic cuboctahedron shape; and a connecting rod having both ends inserted into holes provided on each face of the block; The aforementioned block is, Six square-shaped first faces oriented in three mutually orthogonal axes, Twelve adjacent square-shaped second faces are sandwiched between two of the first faces at an angle of 45°, Eight triangular third faces adjacent to the three aforementioned second faces, and The first surface has a first hole portion having a first shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation each time it is rotated 90 degrees around the center of gravity, The second surface has a second hole portion having a second shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation each time it rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity. the third surface has a third hole portion having a third shape that overlaps with a shape before rotation every 120 degrees when rotated about the center of gravity position, and that inverts between an upward shape and a downward shape that do not overlap with each other every 180 degrees when rotated about the center of gravity position, the first shape in the first hole portion is arranged so that an angle of 90 degrees is formed between the first shape in the first hole portion adjacent to one of the first holes across one of the second surfaces in a development view of the block; The second shape in the second hole is such that, in the unfolded view of the block, the second shapes in the four second holes surrounding one of the first faces are arranged such that their orientations form a 90-degree angle with the second shapes in adjacent second holes in the circumferential direction, with respect to the centroid of the first shape in the first hole. the third shape in the third hole portion is arranged so that an angle of 180 degrees is formed between the third shape in the third hole portion adjacent to one of the second surfaces in the development view of the block, The aforementioned connecting rod is A first connecting rod having the first shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the first shape at one end and the other end differs from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees, A second connecting rod having the shape of the second shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the second shape at one end and the other end differs from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees, A third connecting rod having the shape of the third shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the third shape at one end and the other end is 180 degrees different from each other, Assembled toy.

2. An assembly toy comprising a block having a three-dimensional shape and a connecting rod whose ends are inserted into holes provided in the block, The aforementioned block is, six directions that are normal directions of first faces that face three axial directions orthogonal to each other among 26 faces that constitute the rhombic cuboctahedron are defined as first directions; Twelve directions that are normal directions of adjacent second faces that are sandwiched between two of the first faces at an angle of 45° from each other among the 26 faces that constitute the rhombic cuboctahedron are defined as second directions; eight directions that are normal directions of third faces that are surrounded by three of the second faces among 26 faces that constitute the rhombic cuboctahedron are defined as third directions; a first hole portion having a first shape that overlaps with a shape before rotation every time the first hole portion rotates 90 degrees around a center of gravity position toward the first direction; a second hole portion having a second shape that overlaps with the shape before rotation every time the second hole portion rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity toward the second direction; a third hole portion having a third shape that overlaps with a shape before the rotation every 120 degrees around the center of gravity position toward the third direction, and that inverts between an upward shape and a downward shape that do not overlap with each other every 180 degrees around the center of gravity position, In a virtual development of a rhombic cuboctahedron, the faces of which correspond to six of the first directions, twelve of the second directions, and eight of the third directions, the first shape in the first hole portion is arranged so as to form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first shape in the adjacent first hole portion across one of the second surfaces; the second shapes in the second hole portions are arranged such that the second shapes in the four second hole portions surrounding one of the first surfaces are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to the second shapes in the second hole portions adjacent in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first shapes in the first hole portions, the third shape in the third hole portion is disposed so as to form an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the third shape in the third hole portion adjacent to the third hole portion across one of the second surfaces, The aforementioned connecting rod is A first connecting rod having the first shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the first shape at one end and the other end differs from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees, A second connecting rod having the shape of the second shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the second shape at one end and the other end differs from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees, A third connecting rod having the shape of the third shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the third shape at one end and the other end is 180 degrees different from each other, Assembled toy.

3. An assembly toy comprising a block having a three-dimensional shape and a connecting rod whose ends are connected to protrusions provided on the block, The aforementioned block is, six directions that are normal directions of first faces that face three axial directions orthogonal to each other among 26 faces that constitute the rhombic cuboctahedron are defined as first directions; Of the 26 faces that make up the rhomboctabhedra, the 12 directions that are the normal directions of adjacent faces, which are sandwiched between two of the first faces at an angle of 45°, are designated as the second directions. The eight directions that are the normal directions of the faces enclosed by the three second faces among the 26 faces that make up the rhomboctahedra are designated as the third directions. It has a first projection at its tip that, each time it rotates 90 degrees around the center of gravity in the first direction, overlaps with the shape before rotation, It has a second projection at its tip that, each time it rotates 180 degrees around the center of gravity in the second direction, overlaps with the shape before rotation, It has a third projection at its tip that, when rotated 120 degrees around the center of gravity in the third direction, overlaps with the shape before rotation, and when rotated 180 degrees around the center of gravity, the upward-facing shape and the downward-facing shape that do not overlap with each other are reversed. In a virtual development of a rhombic cuboctahedron, the faces of which correspond to six of the first directions, twelve of the second directions, and eight of the third directions, The first shape of the first projection is arranged such that its orientation forms a 90-degree angle with the first shape of an adjacent first projection via one of the second surfaces. the second shapes of the four second protrusions surrounding one of the first surfaces are arranged such that the second shapes of the four second protrusions form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the second shapes of the second protrusions adjacent in the circumferential direction around the center of gravity of the first shapes of the first protrusions, The third shape of the third projection is arranged such that its orientation is at a 180-degree angle with the third shape of an adjacent third projection via one of the second surfaces. The aforementioned connecting rod is A first connecting rod having first holes of the first shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the first shape at one end and the other end differs from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 90 degrees, A second connecting rod having second holes of the second shape at both ends, wherein the orientation of the second shape at one end and the other end differs from each other by an angle that is a multiple of 180 degrees, a third connecting rod having third hole portions of the third shape at both ends, the orientations of the third shapes at one end and the other end being 180 degrees different from each other; Assembled toy.

4. the second connecting rod has a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the second surfaces of the blocks are connected to each other is the square root of two times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first surfaces of the blocks to each other, 2. The assembly toy of claim 1, wherein the third connecting rod has a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the third faces of the blocks are connected together is the square root of 3 or half the square root of 3 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first faces of the blocks.

5. the second connecting rod has a length such that a distance between the centers of the blocks when the second hole portions of the blocks are connected to each other is a square root of two times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first hole portions of the blocks to each other, 3. The assembly toy of claim 2, wherein the third connecting rod has a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the third hole portions of the blocks are connected together is the square root of 3 or half the square root of 3 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first hole portions of the blocks.

6. the second connecting rod has a length such that a distance between centers of the blocks when the second protrusions of the blocks are connected to each other is a square root of two times the distance between centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first protrusions of the blocks to each other, 4. The assembly toy of claim 3, wherein the third connecting rod has a length such that the distance between the centers of the blocks when the third protrusions of the blocks are connected together is the square root of 3 or half the square root of 3 times the distance between the centers of the blocks when the first connecting rod connects the first protrusions of the blocks.

7. The assembly toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first shape is a square.

8. The assembly toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second shape is an ellipse.

9. The assembly toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third shape is an equilateral triangle.

10. The assembly toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting rod has a twisted long portion between the two end portions.

Images