Track toy

Abstract

The present application relates to a track toy which enables a running toy to run while effectively shaking on a curved track. The track toy has a curved track having left and right guide grooves which accommodate left and right wheels of an automatically running running toy, and a bottom surface of the guide groove on the inside of the curve among the left and right guide grooves is formed with a plurality of vibration protrusions for vibrating the running toy by the rolling up and down of the wheel on the inside of the curve when the running toy approaches in the running direction of the running toy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a track toy. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, track toys that apply vibrations to moving toys were known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The track toy features gently curved raised sections on both sides of the track, with the two sides staggered from each other, and a flange extending along the entire length of the track's outer edge, giving it an appearance as if it were traveling on a rough road.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Statute No. 54-124697 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The track toy described in Patent Document 1 is effective for making a toy move while swaying significantly on a straight track on flat ground.

[0009] However, on curved tracks, it is unsuitable to have gently curved ridges on both sides of the track that are staggered in phase. On turning tracks, the outer wheels need to maintain a firm grip on the ground, but if there are gently curved ridges on both sides that are staggered in phase, the toy will alternately tilt outwards and inwards. Furthermore, when the toy tilts inwards, the inner wheels grip the ground firmly, but the outer wheels grip less tightly. Therefore, the toy, because it moves in a straight line, has a problem of being difficult to bend.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a track toy that enables a toy to move while effectively rocking on a curved track.

[0011] means for solving problems

[0012] The first technical solution is a track toy having a curved track when viewed from above, the track having left and right guide grooves for accommodating the left and right wheels of an automatically moving toy, characterized in that, on the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the curved inner side of the left and right guide grooves, vibration protrusions for causing the toy to vibrate by the rolling up and down of the wheels are sporadically formed in the direction of travel of the toy.

[0013] The second technical solution, based on the first technical solution, is characterized in that...

[0014] In the width direction of the track, the height of the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the outside of the curve is set to be lower than the height of the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the inside of the curve.

[0015] The third technical solution, in the first or second technical solution, is characterized by the following:

[0016] On the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the outside of the curve, there are serrated grooves along the traveling direction of the toy.

[0017] The fourth technical solution is based on any one of the first to third technical solutions, characterized in that the track is a ramp track.

[0018] The fifth technical solution, based on the fourth technical solution, is characterized in that:

[0019] The track is an incline track and includes: left and right guide sections forming left and right guide grooves; and a plurality of sleeper-shaped flat sections arranged at predetermined intervals between the left and right guide sections in the direction of travel of the toy, wherein a portion of the flat sections connects the left and right guide sections to each other, and a portion of the remaining flat sections is missing at the connection points between the left and right guide sections.

[0020] The sixth technical solution is characterized by, based on any one of the first to fifth technical solutions, that

[0021] The wheels of the self-driving toy are arranged at intervals with protrusions so that they roll on different vibrations at different times.

[0022] The seventh technical solution is based on any one of the first to sixth technical solutions, characterized in that,

[0023] The toy in question is a railway vehicle toy.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] According to the first technical solution, a toy can be made to move while effectively swaying on a curved track.

[0026] In other words, when a toy is traveling on a curved track, due to the inner wheel difference, the outer wheel of the toy grips the road surface and rotates, while the inner wheel rotates while slipping. Thus, the inner wheel only plays a supporting role in turning. In this situation, if a vibration protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove on the outer side for the outer wheel to rotate, the grip of the outer wheel may be weakened. On the other hand, even if a vibration protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove on the inner side for the inner wheel to rotate, although the grip of the inner wheel also weakens, the impact on the toy's movement is minimal because the inner wheel only serves as an aid in turning.

[0027] According to the second technical solution, the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the outside of the curve is lower than the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the inside of the curve, so the vehicle tilts outward, which can enhance the grip of the outer wheels.

[0028] According to the third technical solution, since the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the outside of the curve is provided with serrated grooves, when climbing, the serrated grooves engage with the serrated grooves of the toy, increasing the grip and improving the climbing ability.

[0029] According to the fourth technical solution, particularly significant results can be achieved.

[0030] In other words, when a toy is traveling on a curved ramp, due to the inner wheel difference, the outer wheel rotates to ascend the ramp, while the inner wheel rotates while slipping. In this case, the inner wheel only plays an auxiliary role on the ramp. If a vibration protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove for the outer wheel's rotation, the outer wheel may lack sufficient force to overcome the vibration protrusion on an incline, potentially causing it to slip and hindering its ascent. Furthermore, on a downhill ramp, the outer wheel, which must rotate reliably, may lift off, making the ride unstable. On the other hand, even if a vibration protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove for the inner wheel's rotation, although the inner wheel's grip will be weakened, its impact on ascending the ramp is minimal since it only provides auxiliary support.

[0031] According to the fifth technical solution, a portion of the multiple flat sections in the sleeper shape connects the left and right guide sections to each other, while the remaining flat sections have a portion missing at the connection point between the left and right guide sections. This creates instability and fragility in the track, thereby achieving a highly entertaining track toy.

[0032] According to the sixth technical solution, the vibration protrusions are spaced apart so that the wheels in the front and rear directions do not roll onto different vibration protrusions at the same time, thus enabling the vehicle to sway for each vibration protrusion.

[0033] According to the seventh technical solution, due to the larger overall length and the swaying of multiple vehicles, a more effective track toy is formed. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a track toy illustrating an implementation method.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing an example of a toy railway vehicle.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a side view of the first vehicle in the toy railway vehicle series.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a straight track piece that forms part of a flat track.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the ramp track.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the track pieces that make up part of the ramp track.

[0040] Figure 7 It means the vehicle is in Figure 6 A diagram showing the state of travel on the track.

[0041] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the vibration protrusion and the wheel.

[0042] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the movable bridge and its surroundings.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the open and closed states of a movable bridge.

[0044] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the function of the movable plate.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 10: Toy trains;

[0047] 10a: Vehicles;

[0048] 11-13: Wheels;

[0049] 11a: Engraving;

[0050] 50: Track;

[0051] 51: Flat ground track;

[0052] 52: Ramp track;

[0053] 53: Track plate;

[0054] 55L, 55R: Guide groove;

[0055] 56: Connecting part;

[0056] 56a: Flat plate section;

[0057] 57, 58: Connecting parts;

[0058] 59: Ramp track support platform;

[0059] 59L, 59R: Engraved patterns;

[0060] 60: Vibration protrusion;

[0061] 62: Sleeve portion;

[0062] 63: Skip to the next section;

[0063] 65: Door;

[0064] 66: Movable plate;

[0065] 100: Track toys;

[0066] 531-538: Track plates;

[0067] 537: Movable bridge. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a track toy 100. The track toy 100 constitutes a track 50 for an automatically moving railway vehicle toy 10, which is an example of a moving toy. The track 50 includes a flat track 51 and a ramp track 52, and is in a circular shape.

[0070] (Railway Vehicle Toy 10)

[0071] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing an example of a toy railway vehicle 10. Figure 3 This is a side view of the first vehicle in the toy railway vehicle 10. Furthermore, in the description of the toy railway vehicle 10, "front," "back," and "left" refer to the directions viewed from the direction of travel of the toy railway vehicle 10.

[0072] The toy railway vehicle 10 is a three-car train. The first car 10a is the power car, and the second car 10b and the third car 10c are both tractor cars.

[0073] The vehicle 10a, which is a power vehicle, has wheels (drive wheels) 11 on the left and right rear sides, and wheels (driven wheels) 12 on the left and right front sides. Among them, the outer circumference of the wheels 11 is provided with fine serrated grooves 11a all around.

[0074] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the vehicle 10a contains a battery that serves as a power source, a motor that operates through the battery and becomes a power source, and a gear mechanism that transmits the motor's power to the left and right wheels 11. Moreover, by setting the railway vehicle toy 10 and the switch SW to "on" to activate the motor, the railway vehicle toy 10 moves automatically.

[0075] On the other hand, wheels (driven wheels) 13 are provided on the left and right sides of the front and rear of the vehicles 10b and 10c, which are towed vehicles. However, no battery, motor, or gear mechanism is installed inside the vehicles 10b and 10c.

[0076] (Track piece 53)

[0077] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of a straight track piece 53 (referred to as "track piece 53" in the general sense) that forms part of the flat track 51.

[0078] 10-way railway vehicle toy of the implementation method Figure 1 The track 50 travels in the direction indicated by arrow A. This track 50 is constructed by connecting multiple different types of track pieces 53, but these different types of track pieces 53 have a generally common structure. For this, we will use a straight track piece 53 used in the flat track 51 as an example. Furthermore, in the description of track 50, front and back, and left and right refer to the directions observed in the direction of travel of the toy railway vehicle 10.

[0079] On the track piece 53, a guide portion 54L with a guide groove 55L is formed on the left side, and a guide portion 54R with a guide groove 55R is formed on the right side. The guide grooves 55L and 55R accommodate the corresponding left and right wheels 11 to 13 of the railway vehicle toy 10. The wheels 11 to 13 of the railway vehicle toy 10 rotate on the bottom surface of the guide grooves 55L and 55R, and the wheels 11 to 13 are guided in a predetermined direction by the side walls of the guide grooves 55L and 55R. A connecting portion 56 is provided between the left and right guide portions 54L and 54R to connect them.

[0080] Furthermore, engaging portions 57 and 58 are formed at both ends of the track piece 53 along its length for connecting the track piece 53 to adjacent track pieces 53. The shape and structure of the engaging portions 57 and 58 vary appropriately depending on the type of track piece 53. In addition, the presence or absence of engaging portions 57 and 58 varies depending on the type of track piece 53.

[0081] (Types of track plates 53)

[0082] In the implementation method, the track plates 53 are classified as those for flat ground and those for ramps.

[0083] Furthermore, the track plates 53 used on flat ground are classified into straight track plates and curved track plates, while the track plates 53 used on ramps are also classified into straight track plates and curved track plates.

[0084] By connecting these different types of track pieces 53, a circular track 50 is formed, including the ramp track 52. Figure 1 At this time, a ramp track support platform 70, which serves as a mountain peak, is used, on which track pieces 53 constituting the ramp track 52 are assembled.

[0085] (Ramp track piece 53)

[0086] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing ramp track 52.

[0087] The track piece 53 used for the ramp is composed of track pieces 531 to 538.

[0088] The track plates 531 to 536 are curved and connected sequentially to form a spiral-shaped climbing track. On the bottom surface of the guide groove 55R on the side away from the spiral center (hereinafter referred to as the "outer side") of these track plates 531 to 536, fine serrated grooves 59R are formed. On the other hand, the bottom surface of the guide groove 55L of the track plates 531 to 536 does not have the same grooves 59R as described above, and the bottom surface is flat.

[0089] Thus, when the railway vehicle toy 10 climbs the spiral climbing track, the groove 11a of the outer (right) wheel 11 engages with the groove 59R of the track pieces 531-536, while the inner (left) wheel 11 slides, thereby enabling the railway vehicle toy 10 to climb effectively.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing two track pieces 533 and 534 that make up part of the climbing track. Figure 7 This is a diagram representing the railway vehicle toy 10 with climbing track pieces 533 and 534.

[0091] The track pieces 533 and 534 are configured such that the bottom surface of the outer guide groove 55R is lower than the bottom surface of the inner guide groove 55L. For example, the guide groove 55R is deeper than the guide groove 55L, with the bottom surface of the outer guide groove 55R being lower than the bottom surface of the inner guide groove 55L. As a result, the railway vehicle toy 10 tilts outward and its center of gravity moves to the outside of the track pieces 533 and 534, thus increasing the grip of the outer (right) wheels 11 to 13, which allows the railway vehicle toy 10 to climb effectively.

[0092] In addition, the remaining track pieces 531, 532, 535, and 536 that constitute the climbing track can also be set such that the bottom surface of the guide groove 55R is lower than the bottom surface of the guide groove 55L (inner side).

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, vibration protrusions 60 are provided at predetermined intervals on the bottom surface of the guide grooves 55L inside the track plates 533 and 534, for the inner (left) wheels 11-13 of the toy railway vehicles 10 to roll up and down, causing the vehicles 10a, 10b, and 10c to vibrate. These vibration protrusions 60 are arranged in a horizontal, log-like manner along the width of the guide grooves 55L, and are elongated in the width direction. Their height and length in the travel direction are approximately half or less of the sidewall of the guide groove 55L. The cross-sectional shape is a trapezoid with an inclined surface on the front side and a vertical surface on the rear side. Alternatively, the inclined surface can be absent, and the cross-section can be square or rectangular. Furthermore, the vibration protrusions 60 are arranged at intervals such that the front and rear wheels of each vehicle do not roll onto the vibration protrusions 60 simultaneously. Thus, by causing the wheels 11-13 to roll up and down relative to the vibration protrusions 60, the vehicles 10a, 10b, and 10c can be made to sway. In this case, since the front and rear wheels of the vehicle are arranged at intervals with different degrees of rolling onto the vibration protrusions 60 at the same time, the vehicle 10a, 10b, and 10c can be shaken for each vibration protrusion 60.

[0094] Furthermore, the remaining track pieces 531, 532, 535, and 536 constituting the climbing track can also have vibration protrusions 60 at predetermined intervals on the bottom surface of the guide groove 55R. These protrusions allow the wheels 11-13 of the toy railway vehicle 10 to roll up and down during operation, causing the vehicles 10a, 10b, and 10c to vibrate. In addition, if slippage becomes a problem due to the vibration protrusions 60, grooves identical to the aforementioned grooves 59R but with larger intervals can be provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove 55L inside the track pieces 533 and 534. Furthermore, because the grooves are fine, the vehicles 10a-10c will hardly wobble.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, at least a portion of the connecting portion 56, which connects the left and right guide portions 54L and 54R of track pieces 533 and 534, is composed of multiple flat sections 56a that mimic sleepers. These flat sections 56a are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction of travel. Furthermore, some of the flat sections 56a connect the left and right guide portions 54L and 54R to each other, while the remaining flat sections 56a have a portion missing where the left and right guide portions 54L and 54R should be connected. This creates a gap in the connecting portion 56, generating instability in the track pieces 533 and 534, thus creating a sense of trepidation. In particular, the flat section 56a with a portion missing where the left and right guide portions 54L and 54R should be connected further reinforces the feeling of a rotten sleeper.

[0096] Alternatively, the remaining track pieces 531, 532, 535, and 536 may also be such that at least a portion of the connecting part 56 is composed of a flat plate part 56a that imitates a sleeper, and multiple flat plate parts 56a are provided at predetermined intervals along the direction of travel.

[0097] Track pieces 537 and 538 are connected sequentially to form a straight downhill track when viewed from above. Track piece 537 is a movable bridge that can jump. Track piece 537 will be described below as movable bridge 537.

[0098] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view showing the movable bridge 537 and its surroundings.

[0099] On the movable bridge 537 and the track piece 538, fine serrated grooves 59L are formed on the bottom surface of the guide groove 55L, and the same grooves 59R are formed on the bottom surface of the guide groove 55R. Since the left and right grooves 59L and 59R engage with the left and right wheels 11 of the railway vehicle toy 10, the railway vehicle toy 10 can descend along the downhill track without slipping.

[0100] like Figure 10 As shown, the movable bridge 537 is a single-leaf jump-opening bridge, comprising a sleeve portion 62 and a jump-opening portion 63. The sleeve portion 62 serves as a fixed part and is connected to the track piece 536. The sleeve portion 62 has almost no slope. Figure 9 As shown, the base end of the jump-off portion 63 is rotatably mounted to the end of the sleeve portion 62 via a shaft (not shown), and a torsion spring (not shown) wound around the shaft applies force in the jumping direction. The jump-off portion 63 is formed into an upwardly curved bow shape.

[0101] Furthermore, when the jump-opening part 63 is in the popped-up state, track piece 536 and track piece 538 are disconnected; when the jump-opening part 63 is in the descended state, track piece 536 and track piece 538 are connected via movable bridge 537. The jump-opening part 63 is in the descended state when the railway vehicle toy 10 is mounted on the jump-opening part 63.

[0102] Near the base end of the pop-out portion 63, there is an inverted U-shaped door 65 resembling a castle. At the upper end of the side edge of the opening of this door 65, a spring-loaded movable plate 66 is axially supported. The movable plate 66 is configured as a flat plate and is located above the base end side of the movable bridge 537.

[0103] On the left side of the free end of the movable plate 66, the upper end of the connecting rod 67L is supported by a shaft, and on the right side of the free end of the movable plate 66, the upper end of the connecting rod 67R is supported by a shaft. Furthermore, the lower end of the connecting rod 67L is supported by a shaft on the left side of the middle portion of the jump-open portion 63, and similarly, the lower end of the connecting rod 67R is supported by a shaft on the right side of the middle portion of the jump-open portion 63.

[0104] Furthermore, they constitute a two-lever mechanism with the jump-off portion 63 and the movable plate 66 as levers. If the jump-off portion 63 jumps up, the movable plate 66 also moves upward; if the jump-off portion 63 descends, the movable plate 66 also moves downward. The two-lever mechanism can also be a parallel motion mechanism.

[0105] The following effects can be achieved through these two lever mechanisms.

[0106] When the first vehicle 10a and the second vehicle 10b of the toy railway vehicle 10 exceed half of the jump section 63, the slope increases. Therefore, a downward force acts on the third vehicle 10c, which is connected to the second vehicle 10b, via the connecting section. In this case, since the third vehicle 10c is lightweight and long because it does not have a drive mechanism with wheels 13, its front is pressed against the track, resulting in... Figure 11 As shown by the double-dotted line, the rear of vehicle 10c is raised significantly, suggesting that vehicle 10c may derail.

[0107] Conversely, with the movable plate 66 present, while the railway vehicle toy 10 is above the jump-off portion 63, the jump-off portion 63 descends while the movable plate 66 is below, therefore... Figure 11 As shown by the solid line, the movable plate 66 suppresses the tilting of the vehicle 10c.

[0108] Furthermore, even without the movable bridge 537, the same problems of derailment caused by the tilting of the toy train cars occur on the track when transferring to a steep slope. However, in this case, it is sufficient to set up a tunnel in the transfer section to provide fixed suppression.

[0109] (Ramp track support platform 70)

[0110] The ramp track support platform 70 has two large and thick support plates 71a and 71b and a bridge block 72.

[0111] Support plates 71a and 71b are assembled into a cross shape when viewed from above by connecting them through notches. Track pieces 531 to 536 are detachably assembled on the support plates 71a and 71b. In addition, a movable bridge 537 is pre-installed on the bridge block 72. The bridge block 72 is detachably fitted into the surface side of the support plate 70. Furthermore, a door 65 with a movable plate 66 pre-installed is fitted into the support plate 70. Moreover, the shaft holes at the lower ends of the connecting rods 67L and 67R are slit holes, which engage with the shafts 63L and 63R (shaft 63R is not shown) on the side of the jump-open portion 63 after the door 65 is installed on the support plate 71a.

[0112] The following effects can be achieved by constructing the track toy 100 as described above.

[0113] Since the vibration protrusion 60 is provided only on the bottom surface of the guide groove 55L on the inside of the curve, the railway vehicle toy 10 can be made to shake without causing obstacles to climbing.

[0114] In addition, since the bottom surface of the guide groove 55R located on the outside of the curve is lower than the bottom surface of the guide groove 55L located on the inside of the curve, the vehicle 10a tilts outward, which can enhance the grip of the outer wheel 11.

[0115] In addition, since the bottom surface of the guide groove 55R located on the outside of the curve is provided with grooves 59R, when climbing, the grooves 59R engage with the grooves 11a of the wheel 11 of the railway vehicle toy 10, increasing the grip and improving the climbing ability.

[0116] Furthermore, a portion of the multiple flat sections 56a connects the left and right guide sections 54L and 54R to each other, while a portion of the remaining flat sections 56a that should connect the left and right guide sections 54L and 54R to each other is missing. This creates instability and fragility in the track, thus achieving a highly entertaining track toy.

[0117] In addition, the multiple protrusions 60 are arranged at intervals such that the multiple wheels of each vehicle 10a do not roll onto the other vibration protrusions 60 at the same time, so that the vehicles 10a to 10c can be shaken for each vibration protrusion 60.

[0118] (Modified Example)

[0119] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without changing its spirit.

[0120] For example, in the above embodiment, the railway vehicle toy 10 was described as an example of a moving toy, but it can also be applied to toy cars and other moving toys that run on tracks. Furthermore, the vibration protrusion 60 can be provided on flat tracks even in the case of downhill tracks. Moreover, in the case of S-shaped curves, it can be provided on the inner side of each curve.

Claims

1. A track toy having a track curved in top view, the track having left and right guide grooves for receiving the left and right wheels of an autonomous driving toy, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the curved inner side in the left and right guide grooves, vibration protrusions are sporadically formed in the traveling direction of the toy for causing the toy to vibrate by the rolling up and down of the wheels.

2. The track toy according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the width direction of the track, the height of the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the outside of the curve is set to be lower than the height of the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the inside of the curve.

3. The track toy according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the guide groove located on the outside of the curve, there are serrated grooves along the traveling direction of the toy.

4. The track toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The track is a ramp track.

5. The track toy according to claim 4, characterized in that, The track is an incline track and includes: left and right guide sections forming left and right guide grooves; and a plurality of sleeper-shaped flat sections arranged at predetermined intervals between the left and right guide sections in the direction of travel of the toy, wherein a portion of the flat sections connects the left and right guide sections to each other, and a portion of the remaining flat sections is missing at the connection points between the left and right guide sections.

6. The track toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The wheels of the self-driving toy are arranged at intervals with protrusions so that they roll on different vibrations at different times.

7. The track toy according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The toy in question is a railway vehicle toy.

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