Component for installation in a construction building system

Abstract

A component for building a model, in which connection points in a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a height direction being mutually transverse, have a predefined grid distance from one another, including a fastening element for connection with other components in a connection direction perpendicular to the height direction, and a plate is held in the height direction above the fastening element and is at least in some regions bounded by a foot edge oriented perpendicular to the height direction and an edge opposite the foot edge. The plate is inclined at the foot edge toward the height direction by a foot-edge angle and at the edge toward the height direction by an edge angle smaller than the foot-edge angle. An inclination angle of the plate toward the height direction between the foot-edge angle and the edge angle is monotonically increasing and free from inflection points.

Description

SUMMARY

[0001] The invention relates to a component for installation in a construction building system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The company Lego A / S has published, under part number 5742, a component for installation in a model of a construction building system with a grid measure, in which connection points in a longitudinal direction, in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and in a height direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the transverse direction have a predefined grid distance from one another. This component comprises a fastening element for connection with other components of the construction building system in a connection direction perpendicular to the height direction, and a plate which, as seen in the height direction, is held above the fastening element and is at least in some regions bounded by a foot edge oriented perpendicular to the height direction and an edge opposite the foot edge.

[0003] It is the object of the invention to improve the known component.

[0004] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a component for covering a model of a construction building system with a grid measure, in which connection points in a longitudinal direction, in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and in a height direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the transverse direction have a predefined grid distance from one another, comprises a fastening element for connection with other components of the construction building system in a connection direction perpendicular to the height direction and a plate which, as seen in the height direction, is held above the fastening element and is at least in some regions bounded by a foot edge oriented perpendicular to the height direction and an edge opposite the foot edge. According to the invention, the plate is inclined at the foot edge toward the height direction by a foot-edge angle and at the opposite edge toward the height direction by an edge angle which is smaller than the foot-edge angle, wherein an inclination angle of the plate between the foot-edge angle and the edge angle is monotonically increasing and free from inflection points.

[0006] The stated component is based on the consideration that the inclination angle of the plate of the initially mentioned component increases in sections between the foot-edge angle and the edge angle and then decreases again, which leads to a change in the curvature of the surface of the plate. This change in curvature results in undesirable optical effects, such as discolorations or uneven light reflections, which can impair the appearance of the component. Moreover, such a change in curvature can also generate mechanical stresses in the material surface, which negatively influence the precision and stability of the connection between components.

[0007] To solve these problems, the stated component proposes designing the inclination angle of the plate between the foot edge and the opposite edge to be monotonically increasing and free from inflection points. As a result, a uniform curvature of the surface is achieved, which effectively avoids optical discolorations and shadow formation. In particular, the surface reflects light uniformly, leading to a more homogeneous appearance with high colour fidelity.

[0008] Furthermore, the monotonic increase of the inclination angle helps to minimize mechanical stresses in the surface. This improves the fitting accuracy and stability of the component in the construction building system. The uniform inclination also prevents material weaknesses or uneven loads from occurring at transition regions, which increases the durability of the stated component.

[0009] Another advantage of the proposed design lies in the improved manufacturing quality. Since the surface of the plate is free from abrupt changes in curvature, the production process can be controlled more precisely. This reduces possible manufacturing errors and ensures that every component meets high quality requirements.

[0010] In this way, a visually colour-accurate component is created that fits precisely into the construction building system.

[0011] In one development of the stated component, the foot-edge angle has a value of less than 5°. In this way, an especially gentle inclination of the plate toward the height direction is provided, whereby the transition zone between the foot edge and the remaining surface of the plate is designed to be extremely uniform both optically and mechanically. This further reduces the risk of undesirable light reflections or shadow formation at the foot edge and thus contributes to an aesthetically homogeneous-appearing surface. Moreover, the small foot-edge angle enables a more precise adaptation of the plate to the geometry of the construction building system. This increases the compatibility of the component with other elements and ensures better integration into the overall system, without visible transitions or inaccuracies occurring. At the same time, the reduced inclination at the foot edge minimizes the risk of mechanical stresses that could occur at more steeply inclined transitions. A further advantage lies in the improved production quality. The low inclination at the foot edge simplifies the manufacturing process, since tools and molds for producing the component must be designed less complexly. This increases repeatability and minimizes potential tolerance deviations, thereby ensuring the high quality of the end product.

[0012] In an additional development of the stated component, the edge angle has a value greater than 20°. In this way, a comparatively steep inclination of the plate at the edge toward the height direction is achieved, whereby light reflection at the edge is further reduced, since the steeper inclination directs the light in a targeted manner and thus effectively minimizes optical discolorations or shadow formation at the edge. Moreover, an edge angle of more than 20° improves the stability of the edge. The increased inclination gives the plate in this region a more robust geometry that better withstands mechanical loads and enables a more precise connection with adjacent components. This contributes to the overall solidity of the construction system and minimizes the risk of deformations or chipping at the edge. A further advantage lies in the clearly defined optical delineation of the edge. Through the larger angle, a distinct transition arises between the edge and the remaining plate, which improves the aesthetic perception of the surface. These clear contours are advantageous in complex models, as they create a more precise visual structure. Additionally, the design has a positive effect on the manufacturing process. An edge angle of more than 20° facilitates the demolding of the plate from the casting mold, since the steeper geometry places lower demands on manufacturing tolerances. This improves reproducibility and reduces potential production errors, further increasing production quality.

[0013] In another development of the stated component, an increase of the inclination angle of the plate per unit length of the plate in the height direction does not exceed a range of 0.5% to 3.5%. Expressed alternatively, this means that the increase of the inclination angle per unit length in the height direction lies in a range of 0.5° to 2° per millimeter. This limitation ensures that the curvature of the plate remains particularly uniform and free from abrupt changes. As a result, light reflection is further optimized, mechanical stresses are reduced, and production quality is improved.

[0014] In yet another development of the stated component, a ratio w between a height h of the plate considered in the height direction and a slope of the plate at the edge corresponds to the formulaw≤htan⁡(edge⁢ angle)wherein the ratio ω is selected from a range between 14 and 24 mm, preferably between 18 and 20 mm. In this way, the optical as well as mechanical integrability of the stated component into the grid measure of the construction building system is further improved. At the same time, the limitation ensures that the mechanical requirements for the component are met, because the ratio ω guarantees a width in relation to the height at which the plate remains stable without undesired lever effects occurring that could lead to material failure. Finally, the stated ratio ω also offers advantages in production, since standardized dimensions facilitate manufacturing and quality control.In a further development, the fastening element is configured as a sleeve with a through-opening extending in the connection direction, preferably in the form of a cross-receiving opening. In this way, a defined guidance during the alignment of the component is ensured, which enables an exact positioning of the component relative to adjacent components. This is particularly important in connection with the optical alignment of the component, since even slight rotations or deviations could significantly impair the harmonious appearance of a model. The preferred configuration of the through-opening as a cross-receiving opening increases this advantage further, since it not only provides defined guidance but also enables the rotational position of the component to be set reproducibly. A cross-receiving opening, due to its symmetrical shape, ensures that the component can only be aligned in predefined angular steps, which prevents undesired rotational movements or misalignments. As a result, the optical coherence of the entire model is maintained, and the component integrates visually precisely into the overall appearance.

[0016] In an additional development of the stated component, the edge and the foot edge have, in the transverse direction, a maximum distance from one another and approach each other with an edge curvature and a foot-edge curvature that is smaller than the edge curvature. In this way, light reflections are further equalized, thereby further minimizing optical irregularities such as shadow formation or discolorations. The higher inclination of the plate in the region of the edge requires, in combination with the stronger curvature of the edge, less material, since in this region the material can be reduced in the longitudinal direction. This targeted material saving leads to a lighter plate. This is particularly advantageous in larger models, since the overall weight of the construction is reduced, which has a positive effect on handling and stability. As less material is required for manufacturing the component, production costs can be lowered. This is an economic advantage that is particularly relevant in mass production. Furthermore, energy consumption during the manufacturing process is also reduced due to the decreased material volume. Despite the material savings, mechanical stability is maintained, since forces are evenly distributed along the plate. The curved foot edge contributes to ensuring structural strength in the region of the base, while the straight edge with a higher inclination enables efficient use of the material.

[0017] In a preferred development of the stated component, the foot-edge curvature is selected to be equal to zero, that is, the foot edge is formed straight. This simplifies manufacturing considerably, since it can be produced using less complex tools and molds. This leads to lower production costs and higher precision in manufacturing, since simple geometries exhibit fewer tolerance deviations. Moreover, a straight foot edge provides a more stable base for fastening the plate to the remaining construction building system. The larger contact surface ensures a more uniform transfer of forces and increases the mechanical stability of the entire component, particularly in larger models where stability and load-bearing capacity are essential. Another advantage lies in optimized material use. Due to the straight form of the foot edge, the material is used more efficiently, since no additional reinforcements or accumulations of material are required to ensure stability. This reduces material consumption and contributes to resource-efficient production. At the same time, the straight foot edge provides a clear visual demarcation between the base of the component and the inclined plate. This reduces gap dimensions, as the transitions between components appear cleaner and more precise. Finally, the straight foot edge increases the compatibility of the component with other elements of the construction building system, since it adapts better to straight or flat surfaces and thereby increases assembly flexibility.

[0018] In a special development of the stated component, the edge is configured, as seen in the longitudinal direction, to fall monotonically, preferably strictly monotonically, toward the foot edge. This prevents irregularities in the reflection of light on the surface. The uniform decrease in the longitudinal direction ensures that light is distributed homogeneously, which minimizes discolorations or disturbing shadow formation. The falling edge additionally allows for targeted material distribution along the plate. Since the profile decreases uniformly, the weight of the component is reduced without impairing stability. This leads to more efficient use of material and increases mechanical load-bearing capacity, since no weak points arise due to abruptly changing geometries. The falling edge also facilitates integration of the component into models, since it provides a natural transition shape. Particularly in complex structures or sloped surfaces, the monotonic decrease has a positive effect on fit and appearance. The plate integrates cleanly into the construction system and creates a uniform surface. A monotonic or strictly monotonic decrease of the edge is furthermore easier to manufacture than more complex or varying geometries. The uniform form reduces the demands on tools and minimizes manufacturing tolerances. As a result, components can be produced more consistently and production costs can be reduced. In certain scenarios, for example in models intended to simulate aerodynamic properties, a strictly monotonically falling edge is advantageous, since the flowing form reduces air resistance and improves the behavior of the model in dynamic applications.

[0019] In a particularly preferred development, the stated component comprises a stabilizing element which, in a cross-section seen in the longitudinal direction, is formed in an angular shape and supports the plate from a underside seen in the height direction, originating from the fastening element. Due to the angular configuration, the load acting on the plate is effectively transferred to the fastening element. This prevents possible bending or deformation of the plate, even under higher loads, and ensures uniform distribution of forces. Moreover, the stabilizing element increases the overall stiffness of the component, which is particularly advantageous in larger models or in areas with high stress. Supporting the plate from the underside minimizes material stresses and ensures that the component retains its shape even under repeated stress. At the same time, the optical appearance of the component is preserved, since the stabilizing element is integrated into the underside and therefore does not affect the visible surfaces of the plate. Additionally, the angular configuration of the stabilizing element contributes to efficient material use. The shape allows for high stability with minimal material input, which reduces both production costs and the weight of the component. Overall, this element significantly improves the functionality and durability of the component without impairing aesthetic or technical integration into the construction building system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0020] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which these are achieved, become more comprehensible in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawing. Shown are:

[0021] FIG. 1 a view of a component according to a first exemplary embodiment from a first perspective,

[0022] FIG. 2 a view of the component of FIG. 1 from a second perspective, and

[0023] FIG. 3 a perspective view of a component according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0024] In the figures, identical technical elements are provided with identical reference signs and are described only once. The figures are purely schematic and do not represent the actual geometric proportions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which show a view of a component 2 according to a first exemplary embodiment from two different perspectives. The component 2 is considered in the following in a space spanned by a longitudinal direction 4, a transverse direction 6 transverse to the longitudinal direction 4, and a height direction 8 transverse to the longitudinal direction 4 and transverse to the transverse direction 6.

[0026] The component 2 has, as seen in the height direction 8, on its underside 12 five fastening elements of different types, of which four fastening elements are arranged in a stud element grid. A stud element grid is a systematic measuring scheme that standardizes the arrangement and distances of fastening elements such as studs, tubes, or other connection elements on a stud element. Through standardization, stud elements can be connected precisely, modular structures can be created, and systems can be scaled arbitrarily. There exist various stud element grids, known on the market for example under the names Standard, Diamond, and Mini. The best-known stud element grid with the name Standard was defined by the company Lego A / S and has a grid measure in which the individual fastening elements have a maximum width of 4.8 mm and a distance of 8 mm from one another, although the following explanations are not intended to be restricted to this.

[0027] Two of the four fastening elements in the stud element grid are configured as shaft-receiving openings 14, while the other two of the four fastening elements in the stud element grid are configured as axle-receiving openings 16. The shaft-receiving openings 14 are characterized in that they can receive a shaft or also a stud of another stud element, that is, a mechanical element which, depending on whether the shaft-receiving opening 14 receives the shaft as a press fit or clearance fit, can rotate within the shaft-receiving opening 14. In contrast, the axle-receiving openings 16 are characterized in that they can receive axles, that is, mechanical elements that cannot rotate in the axle-receiving opening 16 regardless of the form of fit. In the present embodiment, the axle-receiving openings 16 are exemplarily configured as cross-receiving openings. The four fastening elements 14, 16 receive their respective connection partners—i.e., the stud, the shaft, or the axle—in a specific connection direction (in FIGS. 1 and 2 either in the longitudinal direction 4 or in the transverse direction 6) and are further characterized in the stud element grid by having a uniform grid distance 18 from one another in all four spatial directions 4 to 8, which is referenced in FIGS. 1 and 2 at one location only.

[0028] The fifth fastening element 19 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is, in contrast, defined independently of the grid measure and is intended, for example according to the Poka-Yoke principle, to permit connection only with certain components in the construction building system which possess an analogous fastening element outside the grid measure. Apart from that, the fifth fastening element 19 functions in the same manner as the other four fastening elements in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0029] As seen in the height direction 8 above the fastening elements 14, 16, and 19, a plate 20 is held on these, which is bounded by several edges. A first of the edges is hereinafter designated as foot edge 22, is oriented essentially in the longitudinal direction 4, and bounds the plate 20 at the front side as seen in the transverse direction 6. Opposite the foot edge 22 in the transverse direction 6, an edge 24 is arranged. At the rear side as seen in the longitudinal direction 4, the plate 20 is bounded by another edge designated hereinafter as rear edge 26, while the plate 20 opposite thereto at the front side as seen in the longitudinal direction 4 is bounded by a tip edge 28. These edges 22 to 28 are provided only exemplarily in the embodiment and do not necessarily all have to be present. An embodiment, for example, only with a foot edge 22 and an edge 24 is likewise conceivable. Nor do the edges 22 to 28 have to fully enclose the plate. This is illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 at the location of the fastening elements 14, 16.

[0030] The plate 20 is inclined at the upper side 10 of the component 2 with a variable inclination angle 30 toward the height direction 8. For the purposes of the following, the inclination angle 30 shall be understood as the angle between the mathematical gradient—that is, the direction of steepest ascent of the plate 20 at the upper side 10 of the component 2—and the height direction 8. Since the height direction 8 is unchanging, this means that the gradient of the plate 20 at the upper side 10 of the component 2 changes, namely in the manner described below.

[0031] At the foot edge 22, the inclination angle 30 has a value which shall hereinafter be designated as the foot-edge angle 32, while the inclination angle 30 at the edge 24 is designated as the edge angle 34. These two angle values 32, 34 are selected in the embodiment such that the inclination angle 30 becomes increasingly steeper from the foot-edge angle 32 to the edge angle 34, that is, the inclination angle 30 and thus the aforesaid gradient are strictly monotonically increasing, so that the profile of the inclination angle 30 has no inflection points. This has the decisive advantage that the component 2 is significantly more colour-accurate than, for example, the comparable component of the company Lego A / S marketed under part number 5742, because the component 2 exhibits no change in the curvature of the surface of the plate 20 facing the upper side 10, which avoids colour-distorting uneven light reflections and shadow formation.

[0032] The entire component is configured such that, in a cross-section as seen in the longitudinal direction, it has a width as seen in the transverse direction 6 of three grid distances 18 and a height as seen in the height direction 8 of two grid distances 18, and thus, in this cross-section, fits into the grid of a conventional 3×2 stud element. For the smoothest possible profile of the component on the fastening elements 14, 16 in the stud element grid, a value of 0° is selected for the foot-edge angle 32. In principle, larger values may also be selected; however, it has been shown that if a value greater than 5° is selected for the foot-edge angle 32, there is not sufficient angular range available over the profile of the plate 20 in the transverse direction 6 to implement the fundamental inventive concept of colour fidelity. Various values can likewise be selected for the edge angle 34; however, the edge angle 34 should not be selected too large in order to avoid unintended shadow formation also in this region. In practice, an edge angle 34 of at least 20° has proven to be advantageous, and in the present embodiment it is selected as 40°.

[0033] As an additional dimensioning criterion, the edge angle 34 can also be selected as a function of the height:w≤htan⁡(edge⁢ angle)

[0034] Here, h corresponds to the height of the plate 20 in the height direction 8, and w corresponds to the ratio between the height h of the plate 20 and the tangent of the edge angle 34. This means that the larger the plate20 is configured in the height direction 8, the larger the edge angle 34 should be selected in order to ensure the monotonic behaviour of the inclination angle 30 in the transverse direction such that sufficient colour fidelity is maintained for the viewer. In the present exemplary embodiment, the ratio ω is approximately 18.6 mm.

[0035] Now an optimal profile of the foot edge 22 and the edge 24 shall be explained. For the foot edge 22, it applies that it should be oriented as straight as possible in the longitudinal direction in order to avoid gap dimensions when assembling with other components of the construction building system. In contrast, the edge 24 should be configured to extend, starting from a maximum distance 36 in the longitudinal direction 4, toward the foot edge 22, which has the advantage that the component 2 can be manufactured with noticeably less material expenditure than the above-mentioned component 5742 of the company Lego A / S.

[0036] To stabilize the plate, the plate can be supported via a stabilizing element 37 relative to one of the fastening elements 16. This stabilizing element 37 is an angled wall extending in the longitudinal direction 4 in cross-section, which, starting in the transverse direction 6 from the fastening element 16, is angled upward toward the height direction 8 and supports the plate 20 from below in the height direction 8. This wall can be supported for further mechanical stabilization of the component 2 by a support wall 38 extending transverse to the longitudinal direction 4.

[0037] Integrated into the stabilizing element 37, for a more compact configuration, is the special fastening element 19 which deviates from the grid measure.

[0038] Reference is made to FIG. 3, which shows a perspective view of a component 2′ according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0039] The elements of component 2 of the first exemplary embodiment that are also realized in the component of the second exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference signs and, for brevity, are not explained again.

[0040] In the present exemplary embodiment, in addition to the variable inclination angle 30 of the plate 20 at the upper side 10 of the component 2′ in the transverse direction 6, a variable inclination angle 40 of the plate 20 at the upper side 10 of the component 2′ in the longitudinal direction 4 is now formed. This additional variable inclination angle 40 in the longitudinal direction 4 satisfies the same conditions as the variable inclination angle 30 in the transverse direction 6, with the sole exception that the additional variable inclination angle 40 in the longitudinal direction 4 is not configured increasing with the longitudinal direction 4 but decreasing. However, this is merely a matter of the choice of coordinate system and has no influence on the underlying idea of configuring the inclination angles monotonically and without inflection points.

[0041] The variable inclination angle 40 in the longitudinal direction 4 can easily also be implemented in the component 2 according to the first embodiment, while the component 2′ according to the second embodiment can conversely also be individually extended by all features of the first exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. Component (2, 2′) for building a model of a construction building system with a grid measure, in which connection points in a longitudinal direction (4), in a transverse direction (6) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4), and in a height direction (8) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4) and transverse to the transverse direction (6) have a predefined grid distance (18) from one another, comprisinga fastening element (14, 16) for connection with other components of the construction building system in a connection direction (4, 6) perpendicular to the height direction (8), anda plate (20) which, as seen in the height direction (8), is held above the fastening element (14, 16) and is at least in some regions bounded by a foot edge (22) oriented perpendicular to the height direction (8) and an edge (24) opposite the foot edge (22),characterized in that the plate (20) is inclined at the foot edge (22) toward the height direction (8) by a foot-edge angle (32) and at the edge (24) toward the height direction (8) by an edge angle (34) which is smaller than the foot-edge angle (32), wherein an inclination angle (30) of the plate (20) toward the height direction (8) between the foot-edge angle (32) and the edge angle (34) is monotonically increasing and free from inflection points.

2. Component (2, 2′) according to claim 1, wherein the foot-edge angle (32) has a value between 0° and 5°.

3. Component (2, 2′) according to claim 1, wherein the edge angle (34) has a value between 20° and 90°.

4. Component (2, 2′) according to claim 1, wherein an increase of the inclination angle (30) of the plate (20) per unit length of the plate (20) in the height direction (8) does not exceed 0.5% to 3.5%.

5. Component (2, 2′) according to claim 1, wherein a ratio ω between a height h of the plate (20) considered in the height direction (8) and the edge angle (34) corresponds to the following formula:w≤htan⁡(edge⁢ angle)and wherein the ratio ω is selected from a range between 14 and 24 mm, preferably between 18 and 20 mm.

6. Component (2, 2′) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element (16) is formed as a sleeve with a through-opening extending in the connection direction (4, 6), preferably in the form of a cross-receiving opening.

7. Component (2) according to claim 1, wherein the edge (24) and the foot edge (22) have, in the transverse direction (6), a maximum distance (36) from one another and approach each other with an edge curvature and a foot-edge curvature that is smaller than the edge curvature.

8. Component (2) according to claim 7, wherein the foot-edge curvature is equal to zero.

9. Component (2) according to claim 1, wherein the edge (24), as seen in the longitudinal direction (4), is configured to fall monotonically, preferably strictly monotonically, toward the foot edge (22).

10. Component (2) according to claim 1, comprising a stabilizing element (37) which, in a cross-section as seen in the longitudinal direction (4), is formed in an angular shape and supports the plate (20) from an underside (12) as seen in the height direction (8), starting from the fastening element (14, 16).

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