Model toy

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel structure related to a change in form in a model toy. The model toy is capable of changing from a first form to a second form, the model toy having a first portion; and a second portion, the second portion being connected to the first portion in the first form, the second portion being capable of allowing at least a portion of the first portion to slide when changing to the second form, the second portion having a rotating mechanism capable of rotating in the first form.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to model toys. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve movements and postures similar to those of humans and animals, humanoid toys (model toys) include various joints and movable parts. Furthermore, some model toys can transform into multiple forms; in this case, in addition to movable mechanisms such as joints, they also have mechanisms related to transformation. Patent Document 1 proposes a transforming robot toy that includes a deployment locking component that prevents it from unfolding from a certain form into a robot form, and this deployment locking component is formed in the robot's structural components.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Statutory Publication No. 63-85292 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the aforementioned prior art, only methods to prevent transformation into other forms were studied, but structures like the one described below were not investigated. For example, there are cases where, although mobility is desired in the pre-transformation form, the mobility is fixed in the post-transformation form. Specifically, for a movable mechanism that allows for more natural movements and postures in the pre-transformation form, allowing free movement in the post-transformation form sometimes results in unnatural movements and postures. Thus, in model toys, mechanisms related to form transformation are required to perform various functions, and novel structures corresponding to these functions are desired.

[0008] This invention provides, for example, a novel structure related to shape deformation in model toys.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The present invention is, for example, a model toy capable of transforming from a first form to a second form, characterized in that the model toy comprises: a first part; and a second part, wherein in the first form, the second part is connected to the first part, and when transforming to the second form, the second part is capable of at least partially sliding the first part, and the second part has a rotation mechanism capable of rotating in the first form.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a novel structure related to shape deformation can be provided in model toys. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A This is an example of (a) the front view and (b) the side view of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 1B This is a diagram showing an example of the (a) upper surface and (b) side surface of a model toy in one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 2 The figures show an example of the front (a), (b) and side (c) views of the upper body of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the upper body of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the rotating mechanism of the upper body of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a stop for the upper body of a model toy in one embodiment, for its transformation form.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a locking mechanism for the upper body of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the movable and stable structure of the upper body of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 100. Model toy; 101. Head; 102. Torso; 103a, 103b. Arms; 104a, 104b. Legs; 105. Wings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention protected by the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessary for the invention. Any combination of two or more features described in the embodiments may be used. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or identical structures, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0024] <Appearance of model toys>

[0025] First, refer to Figure 1A An example of the appearance structure of the model toy 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1A(a) shows the front view of the model toy 100. Figure 1A (b) shows the exterior side of the model toy 100. Additionally, the arrows pointing up / down, left / right, and forward / backward indicate the orientation of the model toy in the accompanying drawing, and the same applies to the other drawings.

[0026] The model toy 100 includes a head 101, a torso 102, arms 103a and 103b, legs 104a and 104b, and wings 105 constituting the main body. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used as an example of a model toy, but this is not intended to limit the invention; the invention can be applied to various models such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and decorative items. Furthermore, the model toy 100 of this embodiment can be adapted from a robot form as described in the first form to… Figure 1B The image shown is a flight mode transformation as the second form.

[0027] The head 101 is connected to the torso 102. On the torso 102, a right arm 103b and a left arm 103a are connected to the sides via connecting members, and a right leg 104b and a left leg 104a are connected to the lower part. Furthermore, a wing 105 is connected to the back of the torso 102, serving as wings when transformed into the flight mode as a second form. Hereinafter, the portion including the head 101 and the torso 102 will be referred to as the upper body.

[0028] <Transformation>

[0029] Next, refer to Figure 1B This describes the transformation forms of the model toy 100 in this embodiment. Figure 1B (a) shows the exterior upper surface of the model toy 100. Figure 1B (b) shows the side view of the transformed model toy. Additionally, Figure 1B The arrow indicating the direction of the model toy 100 is the arrow indicating the direction when in flight mode.

[0030] like Figure 1B As shown in (a), the model toy 100 of this embodiment can transform from robot mode (first mode) by pressing the head 101 toward the torso 102 and rotating the arms 103, legs 104, etc., to flight mode (second mode). Furthermore, in flight mode, as... Figure 1B As shown in (b), in robot mode, the wing 105 located on the back is positioned at the upper part, and the torso 102 and arm 103 are located below it. In addition, at least a portion of the head 101 is pressed against the torso 102 and accommodated in the torso 102.

[0031] Thus, according to the model toy 100 of this embodiment, the head 101 is pressed against the torso 102, thereby at least partially accommodating the head 101 within the torso 102, reducing the upper body size, and creating a state covered by the wings 105, thereby transforming from robot mode to flight mode. Here, the sliding mechanism for pressing the head 101 against the torso 102 is intended to restrict movement in robot mode to achieve natural motion. Furthermore, in robot mode, it is desirable to maximize the movable area of ​​the torso 102 to achieve more natural motion, and this embodiment includes a rotation mechanism described later. On the other hand, it is desirable to prevent rotation of the torso 102, which could cause unnatural motion, in flight mode. In this embodiment, these functions are best achieved using as few accessories as possible, which will be explained in detail below.

[0032] <Structure of the upper body>

[0033] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the upper body of the model toy 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 (a) shows the front view of the upper body. Figure 2 (b) shows from Figure 2 The front view of the upper body shown in (a) shows the removed front components. Figure 2 (c) shows Figure 2 (b) is a side view. Figure 3 The detailed structure of the internal structure 201 is shown.

[0034] When transforming from robot form to flight form, from Figure 2 The state shown in (a) pushes the front component upwards toward the head 101. Then, as... Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 As shown in (c), the internal structure 201 of the torso 102 is exposed. Within the internal structure 201, space is ensured to press down and accommodate at least partially the head 101. Additionally, in Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 In (c), the portion that was pushed up is not shown.

[0035] exist Figure 3 The left side shows that Figure 2(b) shows the structural breakdown of the upper body. The upper body includes a head 101 and accessory assemblies 300 and 310. Accessory assembly 300 corresponds to the first part and includes accessories 301 to 305. Accessory assembly 310 corresponds to the second part and includes accessories 311 to 315. The head 101 is connected to accessory 305 of accessory assembly 300. Accessory 305 has a spherical connecting part at the top and a C-shaped gripping part at the bottom that is rotatably connected to the rod-shaped connecting part of accessory 301. The head 101 is rotatably connected to the spherical connecting part. Therefore, the head 101 can be connected to the spherical connecting part relative to the torso 102 in all directions within the limitations of other accessories, and also rotates up and down as accessory 305 rotates. In addition, accessories 302 and 303 are assembled on both sides of accessory 301. Furthermore, accessory 304 is assembled in front of accessory 301 in a manner that allows it to rotate in the up and down direction. Alternatively, it can be configured such that the first part corresponds to a portion of the chest of the model toy 100, and the second part corresponds to a portion of the abdomen (waist).

[0036] The accessory assembly (part 1) 300 functions as a sliding part for moving the head 101 up and down when transforming from robot mode to flight mode. As a sliding part, the accessory assembly 300 allows a rod portion located at the lower part of accessory 303 to be inserted into the accessory assembly (part 2) 310, thereby enabling the accessory assembly 300 and the head 101 to slide downwards. This rod portion is inserted into a cylindrical receiving portion formed by accessory 311 in the accessory assembly 310. Furthermore, accessory 304 is connected to accessory 301 in a manner that allows it to rotate up and down relative to accessory 301. In robot mode, accessory 304 partially abuts against accessory 311, functioning as a stop (restricting member) for the aforementioned sliding action. On the other hand, when transforming to flight mode, rotating the stop upwards releases the stop, allowing the head 101 and accessory assembly 300 to slide downwards.

[0037] In accessory group 310, accessory 314 corresponds to the accessory on the back side of torso 102. Accessory 314 has a connecting portion that connects to arm 103 and wing 105. Furthermore, a cylindrical insertion portion for accessory 311 is formed in the center of accessory 314. Accessory 311 corresponds to the accessory at the lower part of torso 102, and accessories 312 and 313, corresponding to the waist, are connected from both sides. Legs 104b and 104a are connected to accessories 312 and 313, respectively. Therefore, in response to the rotation of accessory 311 relative to accessory 314, in addition to the lower part of torso 102 rotating in conjunction, the legs 104 also rotate in conjunction. Furthermore, the connecting portion that allows accessory 311 to rotatably connect to accessory 314 is cylindrical and has an internal cavity. In this cavity, as shown by the dashed arrow, accessory 315 is connected from the outside and inserted into accessory 314 as a rotation axis. Thus, accessory 311 is rotatably assembled to accessory 314. Furthermore, accessory 315 has an insertion portion for inserting the rod portion of accessory 303. When the rod portion of accessory 303 passes through this insertion portion, rotation of accessory 311 relative to accessory 314 is prevented. Details will be described later.

[0038] <Rotating Mechanism>

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 4 The rotation mechanism of the torso 102 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 (c) shows the detailed assembly steps for accessory group (part 1) 300 and accessory group (part 2) 310.

[0040] Assemble separately Figure 3 The accessory groups 300 and 310 shown are as follows: Figure 4 As shown in (a), the rod portion 402 of the fitting 315 is inserted into the cylindrical cavity portion 403 formed by the fitting 311 in the fitting assembly 310. Thus, as... Figure 4 As shown by the solid arrow in (b), a portion of the fitting assembly 310 is assembled to the unshown fitting 314 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the unshown fitting 314. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown by the dashed arrow in (b), a portion of the rod portion 401 formed at the lower part of the accessory 303 of the accessory assembly 300 is inserted from above into the insertion portion 404 of the accessory 315.

[0041] Figure 4(c) shows the state in which accessory assembly 300 is assembled to accessory assembly 310. This state is the normal state of the robot form of the model toy 100. As shown by the solid arrow, the part of accessory assembly 310 and the leg 104 assembled to its lower part are connected to accessory 314 (not shown) in a manner that allows rotation relative to accessory 314 (not shown). This is because the rod 401 does not penetrate the insertion portion 404 of accessory 315 and is not inserted into the receiving portion 405 formed inside accessory 311. That is to say, in robot form, the locking mechanism of the aforementioned rotation mechanism is not functional, and in robot form, the rotation mechanism for achieving a variety of poses and natural movements can function effectively.

[0042] <Stop Structure>

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 5 An example of a stop structure for the deformable form of the model toy 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 (a) is a side view showing the internal structure of the upper body of the robot form (first form). Figure 5 (b) and Figure 5 (c) shows from Figure 5 (a) The step of transforming into flight mode (second mode). Additionally, the head 101 is shown by a dashed line. The head 101 is actually connected to the spherical connector of the accessory 305.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), in robot mode, the accessory 304, which serves as a stop member, abuts against the accessory 311 of the accessory assembly 310, which is the second part. Therefore, in this state, even if a force is applied by pressing the accessory assembly 300 and the head 101 downwards, the accessory 304 can support and prevent the accessory assembly 300 and the head 101 from sliding. Thus, in robot mode, unnatural movements such as the head 101 falling downwards can be prevented.

[0045] On the other hand, in model toy 100, when transforming from robot mode (first mode) to flight mode (second mode), such as Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (b), the fitting 304, which acts as a stop member, is rotated upwards and pushed up. Consequently, the fitting 304, which partially abuts against the fitting 311, separates from the fitting 311. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As indicated by arrow (c), slide the head 101 and accessory assembly 300 downwards. Figure 5 In state (b), only a portion of the rod 401 is inserted into the insertion portion 404 of the fitting 315. However, by utilizing the aforementioned sliding action, as Figure 5As shown in (c), the rod portion 401 passes through the insertion portion 404 and is inserted into the receiving portion 405. Thus, at least a portion of the head 101 and the accessory assembly 300 are accommodated in the accessory assembly 310, allowing the upper body to be reduced in size. Furthermore, the rotated accessory 304 can also function as a connector for linking other accessories in flight mode.

[0046] <Locking Mechanism>

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 6 This describes a locking mechanism that prevents at least one movable element from moving in the flight mode of this embodiment. Figure 6 (a) shows the front of the upper body of the robot form (first form) with the locking mechanism released. Figure 6 (b) shows the front view of the upper body of the flight mode (second mode) that enables the locking mechanism to function effectively. Additionally, in Figure 6 For simplicity, accessory 304, which serves as a stop component, is not shown in the diagram.

[0048] exist Figure 6 In the robot configuration shown in (a), accessory assembly 310 can rotate in the direction of the arrow as indicated by the dashed line. For this rotation, accessory 315 serves as the axis of rotation. Although not shown, the leg 104 connected to accessory assembly 310 also rotates in tandem with this rotation.

[0049] Figure 6 (b) shows the case where the accessory assembly 300 slides downwards and the rod 401 passes through the insertion portion 404 of the accessory 315 and is inserted into the receiving portion 405 formed in the accessory 311. Here, a portion of the rod 401 is surrounded by the inner wall of the receiving portion 405, and even if a force is applied, for example, in a manner that would cause the aforementioned rotational movement, the rod 401 abuts against the inner wall of the receiving portion 405 to prevent rotation. Thus, as an example, the locking mechanism of this embodiment uses a latch-like mechanism, but other locking mechanisms may also be used.

[0050] <Stability of rotation>

[0051] Next, refer to Figure 7 The other functions of the stop member in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 The left side shows the front view of some of the accessories in accessory groups 300 and 310. Additionally, an enlarged view of each accessory within the dashed area 700 is shown in the dashed area 710.

[0052] In robot mode, the accessory 304, acting as a stop member, partially abuts against the accessory 311 to prevent sliding during transformation into flight mode. Here, as shown in the enlarged dashed area 710 of the dashed area 700, it can be seen that the accessory 311, which the accessory 304 abuts against, is partially formed into a concave shape.

[0053] Furthermore, the dashed areas 720 and 730 show the state in which the accessory assembly 310 is rotated left and right relative to the accessory 314. As described above, the part of the accessory 311 that the accessory 304 abuts against is formed into a concave shape, so that the abutment of the accessory 304 can be maintained even when the above-mentioned rotation is performed. Thus, rotation can be performed in a stable state. For example, if the part formed into a concave shape is formed into a flat shape, the accessory 304 will separate from the part of the accessory 311 when the accessory assembly 310 is rotated left and right. If such a state occurs, the stop function that prevents the accessory assembly 300 from sliding downward becomes ineffective, for example, the head 101 and the like slide unstablely up and down in response to the above-mentioned rotation. In order to prevent such unstable operation, in this embodiment, the part of the accessory 311 that the accessory 304 abuts against, which is a stop member, is formed into a concave shape.

[0054] As explained above, the model toy of this embodiment can transform from a first form to a second form. The model toy includes a first part and a second part. In the first form, the second part is connected to the first part. When transforming to the second form, the second part allows at least partial sliding of the first part. The second part has a rotation mechanism that allows rotation in the first form. According to this embodiment, in the first form, the rotation mechanism for achieving natural movements and a variety of poses functions effectively. Furthermore, when transforming to the second form, the second part allows at least partial sliding of the first part, thereby preventing rotation of the rotation mechanism of the second part. According to this embodiment, in the second form, such rotation would appear unnatural, therefore, this movement can be prevented. Thus, by utilizing the sliding motion of a predetermined part from the first form to the second form, the predetermined part (upper body) can be reduced in size (deformed), and the aforementioned rotation mechanism can be prevented. According to this embodiment, a novel structure related to the transformation form can be provided.

[0055] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the invention's intent. For example, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited, and includes a wide variety of shapes such as people, animals, robots, insects, and dinosaurs.

[0056] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0057] The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys and joint structures.

[0058] (1) A model toy capable of transforming from a first form to a second form, characterized in that,

[0059] This model toy features:

[0060] Part 1; and

[0061] In the second part, in the first form, the second part is connected to the first part, and when deforming into the second form, the second part is capable of at least partially sliding with respect to the first part.

[0062] The second part has a rotating mechanism that is capable of rotating in the first configuration.

[0063] (2) The model toy according to (1), characterized in that,

[0064] The rotation of the rotating mechanism is prevented by at least partial sliding of the first part.

[0065] (3) The model toy according to (1) or (2) is characterized in that,

[0066] The second part has a rotating shaft for the rotation of the rotating mechanism, and the rotating shaft includes an insertion portion.

[0067] The first part has a rod portion that is inserted into the insertion portion.

[0068] In the first configuration, the rod is partially inserted into the insertion portion; in the second configuration, the rod is further inserted and penetrates the insertion portion, thereby preventing the rotation of the rotating mechanism.

[0069] (4) The model toy according to (3) is characterized in that,

[0070] In the second configuration, a portion of the rod portion that penetrates the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving portion formed in the second part.

[0071] (5) The model toy according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that,

[0072] The first part includes a stop member that prevents at least partial sliding of the first part in the first configuration.

[0073] (6) The model toy according to (5), characterized in that,

[0074] The stop member prevents at least partial sliding of the first part by partially abutting against the second part.

[0075] The second part is partially formed into a concave shape.

[0076] The second part rotates as the rotating mechanism rotates, maintaining partial contact with the stop member.

[0077] (7) The model toy according to (6), characterized in that,

[0078] As the shape deforms into the second form, the stop member rotates, thereby partially separating from the abutting second portion.

[0079] (8) The model toy according to (6) or (7), characterized in that,

[0080] In the second configuration, the stop member becomes a connecting part for connection with other accessories.

[0081] (9) The model toy according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that,

[0082] The first part and the second part form the body of the model toy.

[0083] The head of the model toy is connected to the first part.

[0084] In the second configuration, at least a portion of the head is housed within the torso.

[0085] (11) The model toy according to (9) or (10), characterized in that,

[0086] The second part is also connected to a leg, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating mechanism.

Claims

1. A model toy capable of transforming from a first form to a second form, characterized in that, This model toy features: Part 1; and In the second part, in the first form, the second part is connected to the first part, and when deforming into the second form, the second part is capable of at least partially sliding with respect to the first part. The second part has a rotating mechanism capable of rotating in the first configuration. The second part has a rotating shaft for the rotation of the rotating mechanism, and the rotating shaft includes an insertion portion. The first part has a rod portion that is inserted into the insertion portion. In the first configuration, the rod is partially inserted into the insertion portion; in the second configuration, the rod is further inserted and penetrates the insertion portion, thereby preventing the rotation of the rotating mechanism.

2. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second configuration, a portion of the rod portion that penetrates the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving portion formed in the second part.

3. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part includes a stop member that prevents at least partial sliding of the first part in the first configuration.

4. The model toy according to claim 3, characterized in that, The stop member partially abuts against the second part, thereby preventing at least partial slippage of the first part. The second part is partially formed into a concave shape. The second part rotates as the rotating mechanism rotates, maintaining partial contact with the stop member.

5. The model toy according to claim 4, characterized in that, As the shape deforms into the second form, the stop member rotates, thereby partially separating from the abutting second portion.

6. The model toy according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the second configuration, the stop member becomes a connecting part for connection with other accessories.

7. The model toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first part and the second part form the body of the model toy. The head of the model toy is connected to the first part. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the head is housed within the torso.

8. The model toy according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second part is also connected to a leg, which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating mechanism.

Images