Pronouncing toy

Abstract

The invention provides a sound-producing toy which is simple in structure and can be easily produced by any person. The present invention is provided with a housing part (1) and a sound module part (2), and the housing part (1) is provided with: a hollow housing part main body (11) having flexibility and shape recovery properties; and a housing section (12) that houses the sound module section (2), the sound module section (2) having: an air pressure sensor (21) that detects a change in the internal pressure of the housing section main body (11) caused by deformation of the housing section main body (11); a processing means (22) for converting the detection value of the barometric pressure sensor (21) into sound information; and an output unit (23) that outputs the sound information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pronunciation toy. Background Art

[0002] Various pronunciation toys have been proposed and sold for the purpose of improving intelligence, performing musical performances, etc.

[0003] Such sound-generating toys include various toys such as keyboard instruments and percussion instruments that produce sound by striking a predetermined part, rattles that produce sound by shaking, and toys that produce sound by pressing a predetermined button based on a built-in electronic substrate.

[0004] As such a sound-generating toy, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to a sound-generating toy utilizing air pressure.

[0005] The sound-producing toy comprises: a main body which is hollow inside and has flexibility and shape recovery properties; and a sound-generating body which is installed on an opening provided in the main body in a state of being connected to the opening, and produces sounds of different pitches or sound qualities by utilizing the air pressure when the main body is compressed from the outside when the opening is open.

[0006] In addition, the sound-generating toy also includes: a valve mechanism, which opens and closes the opening while making the sound generator produce sound and mute the sound; and an operating part, which is connected to the valve mechanism and is arranged in a part exposed to the outside of the main body, and controls the sound generator to produce sound or mute the sound by moving the finger.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3472924 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] Here, the sound producing toy described in Patent Document 1 produces sound by operating any one of a plurality of operating parts provided corresponding to a plurality of sound generating bodies provided in a main body.

[0012] In addition, the above-mentioned sound generating body is assigned a single pitch.

[0013] As described above, the sound making toy described in Patent Document 1 has a complicated structure, so there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to operate the sound making toy when making it make sounds.

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sound producing toy which can easily produce sound by anyone due to its simple structure.

[0015] Solutions for solving problems

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention comprises a housing portion and a sound module portion.

[0017] The housing portion includes: a hollow housing portion body having flexibility and shape recovery; and a storage portion for storing the sound module portion.

[0018] The sound module part includes: an air pressure sensor that detects changes in the internal pressure of the shell body caused by deformation of the shell body; a processing unit that converts the detection value of the air pressure sensor into sound information; and an output unit that outputs the sound information.

[0019] According to the present invention, the user can output sound information from the output unit via the air pressure sensor and the processing unit simply by pressing and deforming the housing body.

[0020] That is, the user can output sound information at any timing simply by performing an extremely simple action such as pressing and deforming the casing body, so anyone can easily produce sound and perform due to the simple structure.

[0021] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to be able to convert the magnitude of the detection value corresponding to the degree of deformation of the casing body into a pitch in the sound information.

[0022] With such a configuration, the user can control the pitch in the sound information by the strength of pressing the housing body (that is, the degree of deformation), so the user can play any melody using the sound generating toy.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sound module unit includes a storage unit, the storage unit stores melody information, and the melody information is composed of a combination of a plurality of the sound information to which one interval is assigned.

[0024] The processing unit causes the output unit to output the melody information based on the internal pressure change detected by the air pressure sensor.

[0025] With such a configuration, melody information is output regardless of the strength of the pressing on the housing body, so the user can easily play a predetermined melody using the sound generating toy.

[0026] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, each time the air pressure sensor detects a change in internal pressure, the processing unit causes the sound information in the melody information to be sequentially output from the output unit in a time series of the melody information.

[0027] With such a configuration, the user can sequentially output sound information at arbitrary timings (rhythms), thereby expanding the range of expression when playing a predetermined melody.

[0028] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to be able to convert the magnitude of the detection value corresponding to the degree of deformation of the casing body into a volume in the sound information.

[0029] With such a structure, the user can control the volume of the sound information by the strength of pressing the casing body (ie, the degree of deformation), so that the expression methods of the sound generating toy increase and the functionality as a sound generating toy is improved.

[0030] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the processing unit is configured to be able to convert the magnitude of the detection value corresponding to the degree of deformation of the casing body into a timbre in the sound information.

[0031] With such a structure, the user can control the timbre of the sound information by the strength of pressing the casing body (ie, the degree of deformation), so that the expression methods of the sound generating toy increase and the functionality as a sound generating toy is improved.

[0032] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the sound module portion is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the storage portion.

[0033] With such a structure, repair and replacement of parts when a failure occurs in the sound module unit become easy, and the convenience of the sound generating toy is improved.

[0034] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the storage portion is included in the interior of the case body.

[0035] By adopting such a structure, the entirety of the sound making toy can be made to have a simple appearance, and a plurality of sound making toys can be stored well.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pair of eyeball portions are provided on the surface of the shell body.

[0037] One end of the storage portion is open to the outside,

[0038] The opening of the storage portion is arranged at a position where a line connecting the center of the opening and the center of each eyeball portion forms an inverted triangle when viewed from the front.

[0039] At the end of the sound module portion, there is a lip portion exposed from the opening of the storage portion.

[0040] By adopting such a structure, the present pronunciation toy can have an expression and an appearance of pronouncing from the mouth, so that the present pronunciation toy can have a character property (Japanese: キャラクター性), and can strongly arouse the purchasing desire of the demanders.

[0041] Effects of the Invention

[0042] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pronunciation toy that can be simply pronounced by anyone due to its simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 It is a view showing the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, (a) is a bottom view, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line PP'.

[0045] Figure 3 It is an explanatory view of the loading and unloading unit in the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 It is a view showing the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, (a) is a sectional view taken along the line PP' of the exploded perspective view, and (b) is a rear view of only the sound module portion.

[0048] Figure 6 It is an explanatory view of the usage method of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 It is an explanatory view of the usage method of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 It is an explanatory view of the usage method of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 9 It is an explanatory view of the usage method of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.10 It is an explanatory view of the usage method of the pronunciation toy according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] Fig.11It is a perspective view of a sound producing toy according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.12 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a sound producing toy according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a bottom view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ′. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] <Implementation Method 1>

[0056] Next, use Figures 1 to 12 The sound producing toy according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0057] In addition, in these drawings, the reference symbol X represents the sound producing toy according to the present embodiment.

[0058] <Structure>

[0059] Next, use Figure 1 to Figure 5 The structure of the pronunciation toy X will be described below.

[0060] In addition, for the sake of convenience, Figure 1 (or Fig.11 ) is set to the forward direction by the arrow x, and to the left direction by the arrow y.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sound producing toy X includes a housing portion 1 and a sound module portion 2 .

[0062] <<Casing 1>>

[0063] The housing 1 includes a hollow housing body 11 having flexibility and shape recovery properties, and a housing portion 12 that houses the sound module 2 .

[0064] The casing body 11 is entirely formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber, and has a substantially spherical shape except for the bottom portion.

[0065] In addition, especially Figure 2 As shown, the bottom of the case body 11 is formed as a flat surface so that the sound producing toy X can be stably placed on a predetermined placement surface such as a table.

[0066] The housing portion 12 is contained inside the case body 11 and is a substantially cylindrical body with one end thereof opened to the outside.

[0067] That is, the case body 11 is provided with a substantially circular through hole, and the outer periphery of the opening end of the storage portion 12 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole, thereby constituting the case 1 .

[0068] In addition, the side of the housing portion 1 where the opening end of the storage portion 12 is formed is hereinafter referred to as the front side.

[0069] A through hole k is provided at the other end (bottom) of the housing portion 12 to allow the housing body 11 and the housing portion 12 to communicate with each other so that a pressure sensor 21 described later can detect changes in internal pressure.

[0070] Furthermore, the storage portion 12 is provided inside the case body 11 so as to be gradually inclined upward as going from the rear to the front.

[0071] In addition, the storage section 12 is preferably entirely formed of a hard material such as plastic in order to form a detachable unit D described later.

[0072] <<Sound Module 2>>

[0073] The sound module 2 has a substantially cylindrical module box H, and also has an air pressure sensor 21, a processing unit 22, an output unit 23, a power supply unit 24, and an operation unit 25 housed in the module box H. The air pressure sensor 21 is also a known small electronic component, a component that uses a pressure-sensitive sensor to detect the internal pressure of a housing inside a product.

[0074] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The above-mentioned components inside the module box H shown in (b) and the like, the dry battery 24b described later is not shown in a cross-sectional view, and other components are shown in a simplified cross-sectional view without showing the internal structure.

[0075] The front surface of the module box H is provided with a user Z (see Figure 6 The present invention also includes a pair of grip grooves h1 for inserting fingers of the user (such as the user's fingers) of the output unit 23, a sound hole h2 for passing the sound emitted from the output unit 23, and an operation hole h3 for exposing the operation unit 25 to the outside.

[0076] In addition, a detection hole h4 is provided on the rear surface of the module box H, and an end portion (a cylindrical portion into which air flows) of the air pressure sensor 21 is inserted into the detection hole h4.

[0077] In addition, regarding Figure 1 Among the gripping grooves h1 shown, only the left gripping groove h1 is shown, and the right gripping groove h1 is hidden by the lip R described later.

[0078] The air pressure sensor 21 is a well-known small electronic component connected to the processing unit 22 , and is used to detect changes in the internal pressure of the housing body 11 caused by deformation of the housing body 11 .

[0079] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the air pressure sensor 21 is entirely in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the detection hole h4 , so that the air inside the case body 11 can reliably flow into the air pressure sensor 21 .

[0080] The processing unit 22 is a known electronic substrate provided at the front and rear of the module box H, and converts the detection value of the air pressure sensor 21 into predetermined sound information, and outputs the sound information from the output unit 23 .

[0081] The output unit 23 is a small speaker unit provided on the front side of the module box H.

[0082] The power supply unit 24 includes a battery box 24 a formed integrally with the module box H and a plurality of dry cells 24 b.

[0083] Furthermore, the battery case 24a is provided with a cover t that is attachable to and detachable from the module case H so that the dry cell 24b can be replaced.

[0084] The power supply unit 24 is not limited to the above-described structure, and may be a rechargeable battery, for example, and a structure in which a charging terminal is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the module box H.

[0085] The operating unit 25 is composed of a power switch 25a as a sliding switch and a mode switching switch 25b as a push switch. The power switch 25a is used to control the power supply from the power supply unit 24 to the processing unit 22, that is, to control the on / off of the power supply, and the mode switching switch 25b is used to switch the various modes described later.

[0086] The storage unit 26 is mounted on, for example, one of the processing units 22 and is a memory storing information such as a range of tones that can be output in a pitch operation mode described later and a melody that can be played in a melody playing mode described later.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, a detachable unit D is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the module box H and the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion 12 to detachably connect them to each other.

[0088] Here, Figure 3 (a) is a right side view of the sound module 2 and a PP' line cross-sectional view of the storage portion 12. In addition, Figure 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sound module 2 along the line aa' and a cross-sectional view of the storage portion 12 along the line bb'. Figure 3 (c) is a right side view of the state where the module box H is stored in the storage section 12. In addition, Figure 3 (d) is a cc′ cross-sectional view showing a process of installing the module box H in the storage portion 12 .

[0089] also, Figure 3The cross-sectional view of the storage portion 12 in (b) is a cross-sectional view of the entire storage portion 12 (that is, a cross-sectional view of the right half is also drawn). Figure 3 The storage portion 12 in (c) is arranged so that the interior thereof can be visually confirmed. Figure 3 The same cross-sectional view as (a) is shown.

[0090] In addition, for the sake of convenience, Figure 3 (b) Figure 3 In the cross-sectional view of the sound module 2 in (d), the internal components, the battery box 24a, etc. are omitted.

[0091] The detachable unit D will be described in detail. The detachable unit D is formed of a pair of fitting claws D1 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the module case H and a pair of fitting grooves D2 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion 12 .

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown in (b) , the engaging claw portions D1 are provided at intervals of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0093] Each of the fitting claw portions D1 is composed of a support portion D1a extending in the front-rear direction and an extension portion D1b extending upward or downward from the support portion D1a.

[0094] Each extension portion D1b has flexibility to bend with its base end as a fulcrum, and a claw-like protrusion n is provided at its tip.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), the fitting groove portions D2 are provided at intervals of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0096] Furthermore, a groove portion g is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing portion 12 . The groove portion g is formed counterclockwise from each fitting groove portion D2 to have a predetermined circumference and is slightly recessed outward.

[0097] Furthermore, the groove portion g is formed across the opening end of the housing portion 12 .

[0098] When the sound module unit 2 is mounted in the storage unit 12 , the mounting is performed in the following manner using the mounting and detaching unit D configured as described above.

[0099] That is, the user inserts the sound module unit 2 into the storage unit 12 so that each engaging claw portion D1 passes through the groove portion g, thereby Figure 3 The state shown in (c).

[0100] Then, the user inserts his fingers into each gripping groove h1 and Figure 3As shown in (d) of FIG. 8 , the sound module 2 is rotated clockwise, whereby each extension portion D1 b is slightly bent and each claw-like protrusion n moves on the groove portion g, and each claw-like protrusion n is fitted into each fitting groove portion D2 .

[0101] Furthermore, a rubber ring r that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion 12 is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the rear end side of the module box H.

[0102] Thus, in addition to the fitting of the detachable unit D, the abutment of the rubber ring r can improve the stability of the state in which the sound module portion 2 is mounted in the storage portion 12 .

[0103] When removing the sound module unit 2 from the storage unit 12 , the above-described operation may be performed in reverse.

[0104] That is, the user inserts his / her fingers into each gripping groove h1 and rotates the sound module unit 2 counterclockwise, thereby releasing the engagement state of each claw-shaped protrusion n with each engagement groove D2 and pulling out the sound module unit 2 forward.

[0105] As a result, the pronunciation toy X becomes Figure 4 (or Figure 5 The state shown in (a)).

[0106] Here, if Figure 4 (or Figure 1 ) as shown, a pair of eyeball portions E are provided on the surface of the housing body 11, and the opening of the storage portion 12 is as shown Figure 4 As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 , the opening is arranged at a position where a line connecting the center of the opening and the center of each eyeball E forms an inverted triangle when viewed from the front. Furthermore, a lip R exposed from the opening of the storage portion 12 is provided at the front end of the sound module portion 2 .

[0107] Therefore, especially Figure 1 As shown, when the sound module unit 2 is mounted in the storage unit 12, the eyeballs E and lips R can give the entire sound producing toy X character attributes.

[0108] <How to use>

[0109] Next, use Figure 6 to Figure 10 Here is how to use Pronunciation Toy X.

[0110] Here, the sound toy X is mainly equipped with two modes: pitch operation mode and melody playing mode. Figure 6 Describes the pitch operation mode, using Figure 7 Describes the melody playing mode.

[0111] In addition, the user can change the power switch 25a to three positions by sliding operation, and can control the processing unit 22 in the following manner: if it is in the left end position, the power is turned off; if it is in the center position, the power is turned on and the sound output becomes a low volume; if it is in the right end position, the power is turned on and the sound output becomes a high volume.

[0112] In addition, the user can switch between the above-mentioned modes by long pressing the mode switching switch 25b.

[0113] <<Pitch Operation Mode>>

[0114] The user moves the power switch 25a to the center position or the right end position to set the sound producing toy X to the pitch operation mode.

[0115] That is, in the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, the pitch operation mode is automatically entered.

[0116] The pitch operation mode is a mode in which the processing unit 22 converts the magnitude of the detection value obtained by the air pressure sensor 21 according to the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 into a musical interval in the sound information.

[0117] In addition, Figure 6 In the graph shown, the x-axis represents the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 (ie, the magnitude of the detection value obtained by the air pressure sensor 21), and the y-axis represents the height of the pitch within the range of the sound range stored in the storage unit.

[0118] That is, Figure 6 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the user presses the housing body 11 to such an extent that the detection value x1 is detected, the sound information is output from the output unit 23 at the pitch y1.

[0119] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the user presses the housing body 11 to such an extent that a value greater than the detection value x1, that is, a detection value x2, is detected, that is, Figure 6 In the case shown in (a), when the housing body 11 is pressed more strongly, the sound information is output from the output unit 23 at a pitch y2 higher than the pitch y1.

[0120] The above behavior is reversible. Figure 6 The state shown in (b) weakens the pressing force and becomes Figure 6 In the state shown in (a), the pitch of the output sound information changes from the pitch y2 to the pitch y1.

[0121] Furthermore, when the air pressure sensor 21 detects changes in the internal pressure, it continuously transmits the detection value to the processing unit, so that while the user is pressing the housing body 11, sound information is always output at a pitch corresponding to the detection value.

[0122] In this mode, the detection value of the air pressure sensor 21 when the power is turned on is used as a reference value, and when a value exceeding the reference value is detected, sound information is output. That is, the air pressure sensor 21 is calibrated by turning on the power.

[0123] Here, the interval in the pitch operation mode depends on the resolution of the air pressure sensor 21 (the amplitude of the detection value). For example, when the amplitude of the detection value is assumed to be 0 to 121 and the range stored in the storage unit 26 is an octave of C3 to C4, the frequencies of C3 to C4 are equally divided according to the amplitude of the detection value.

[0124] That is, for example, when the user gently presses the shell body 11 and the detection value is 1, C3 is output as the lowest note. When the user gradually increases the pressing force, the frequency rises smoothly as the detection value rises. When the detection value is 11, C#3 ​​is output.

[0125] When the detected value changes from 11 to 21, the frequency rises smoothly and D3 is outputted. The same behavior is performed for intervals higher than D3, and such behavior is reversible as described above.

[0126] Therefore, differential sounds can also be output according to the degree of deformation of the casing body 11 .

[0127] For example, when the user strongly presses the housing body 11 and the detection value reaches 121, C4 is outputted after passing through C3 to B3 in an instant.

[0128] In addition, when the user completely releases the pressing force, the shell body 11 becomes Figure 1 When the status shown is reached, the detection value becomes 0 and the output of the sound information stops.

[0129] As described above, in the pitch operation mode, the user can play an arbitrary melody using the sound producing toy X by arbitrarily changing the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 to continuously output sound information of different pitches.

[0130] If the behavior of the pitch operation mode is described in more detail, in this mode, when the user strongly presses the housing body 11 to output sound information at the highest pitch, vibrato is added to the sound information.

[0131] In addition, the user can turn on the vibrato mode by clicking the mode switching switch 25b in the pitch operation mode.

[0132] When the vibrato mode is turned on, vibrato can be added to all the sound information to be output regardless of the pitch.

[0133] In this way, the expressiveness of the performance of the sound generating toy X can be improved.

[0134] The outputtable musical range is preferably about two octaves or three octaves, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0135] Furthermore, in the pitch operation mode, the sound information is output in a fade-in manner regardless of the pitch, and the volume is changed so as to reach a volume corresponding to the position of the power switch 25a thereafter.

[0136] <<Melody Playing Mode>>

[0137] The user can set the sound producing toy X to the melody playing mode by moving the power switch 25a to the center position or the right end position and then long pressing the mode switching switch 25b.

[0138] The melody playing mode is a mode in which the sound information in the melody information is sequentially output from the output unit 23 in the time series of the melody information every time the air pressure sensor 21 detects a change in the internal pressure.

[0139] in addition, Figure 7 The musical score shown is an example of melody information stored in the storage unit 26 as a score surface, and the musical score is composed of a plurality of sound information m1 to mx arranged in time series.

[0140] In addition, Figure 7 In the example, the beginning of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is shown as part of the melody information.

[0141] That is, Figure 7 As shown, when the user deforms the housing body 11 with a predetermined pressing force and a change in internal pressure is detected, sound information m1 is output.

[0142] Furthermore, when the user completely releases the pressing force and the detection value becomes 0, and then presses and deforms the housing body 11 again to detect a change in the internal pressure, the sound information m2 is output.

[0143] Here, in Figure 7 In the present invention, for convenience of explanation, melody information is expressed as a general musical score including the rhythm of the entire music piece by using quarter notes and half notes, but the actual rhythm depends on the timing when the user presses and deforms the housing body 11.

[0144] In addition, since the air pressure sensor 21 continuously transmits its detection value to the processing unit 22 as described above, the pitch of each of the sound information m1 to mx depends on the length of time that the user presses and deforms the housing body 11 .

[0145] As described above, in the melody playing mode, the user can play a predetermined melody regardless of the degree of deformation of the case body 11 by repeating the pressing deformation and shape restoration of the case body 11 .

[0146] If the behavior of the melody playing mode is described in more detail, in this mode, when the user strongly presses the housing body 11 at an arbitrary timing and the air pressure sensor 21 detects the highest detection value, vibrato is added to the sound information output at this time.

[0147] Furthermore, the user can change the melody information to be output, that is, select a song, by clicking the mode switching switch 25b in the melody playing mode.

[0148] Furthermore, in the melody playing mode, after outputting the sound information mx (the last sound information in one melody information) by repeating the pressing deformation and shape restoration of the shell body 11, the shell body 11 is pressed and deformed, and then the sound information m1 is outputted back to the beginning. That is, the user can repeat and output one melody information.

[0149] In the melody playing mode, the sound information is output in a gradually increasing manner similarly to the pitch operating mode, and the volume changes so as to reach a volume corresponding to the position of the power switch 25 a thereafter.

[0150] <<Other Modes>>

[0151] In addition to the above modes, the pronunciation toy X can also have Figure 8 The volume change mode shown, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The pitch change modes shown, which may include a pitch operation mode and a melody performance mode, are configured to be switchable by operating the mode switching switch 25b.

[0152] The volume change pattern is a pattern in which the processing unit 22 converts the magnitude of the detection value obtained by the air pressure sensor 21 according to the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 into the volume in the sound information.

[0153] In addition, Figure 8 In the graph shown, the x-axis represents the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 (that is, the magnitude of the detection value obtained by the air pressure sensor 21), and the y-axis represents the magnitude of the volume.

[0154] That is, Figure 8 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the user presses the housing body 11 to such an extent that the detection value x1 is detected, the sound information is output from the output unit 23 at a volume y1.

[0155] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown in (b), when the user presses the housing body 11 to such an extent that a value greater than the detection value x1, that is, a detection value x2, is detected, that is, Figure 8 In the case shown in (a), when the housing body 11 is pressed more strongly, the sound information is output from the output unit 23 at a volume y2 that is louder than the volume y1.

[0156] The above behavior is reversible. Figure 6 The state shown in (b) weakens the pressing force and becomes Figure 6 In the state shown in (a), the volume of the output sound information changes from volume y2 to volume y1.

[0157] The sound information output in the volume change mode may be any continuous sound or melody information, and a continuous sound or melody information may be continuously output while the pressure sensor 21 detects the internal pressure change of the housing body 11 .

[0158] Furthermore, a structure can be adopted in which the volume of the continuous sound or the melody information changes according to the degree of deformation of the casing body 11 .

[0159] The pitch change pattern is a pattern in which the processing unit 22 converts the magnitude of the detection value obtained by the air pressure sensor 21 according to the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 into the timbre in the sound information.

[0160] In addition, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the graph shown, the x-axis represents the degree of deformation of the housing body 11 (ie, the magnitude of the detection value obtained by the air pressure sensor 21), and the boundary where the output tone changes according to the degree of deformation is virtually represented by a vertical dotted line.

[0161] That is, Fig. 9 (a) Fig.10 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the user presses the case body 11 with a deformation degree in a range indicated by an arrow p1, the sound information is output from the output unit 23 with a tone set in the range.

[0162] In addition, if Fig. 9 (b) Fig.10As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , when the casing body 11 is pressed with a deformation degree in a range indicated by an arrow p2 , sound information is output from the output unit 23 with a tone set in the range.

[0163] Thereafter, similarly, the tone color of the output changes as the degree of deformation of the casing body 11 increases.

[0164] about Fig. 9 The pitch change pattern shown in the present embodiment is a pattern for outputting a prescribed character string. As an example of the prescribed character string, "a, i, u, e, o" is set, and these characters are assigned to ranges such as arrow p1 divided according to the degree of deformation.

[0165] Thus, when the user gradually increases the pressing force on the housing body 11, the sound producing toy X outputs the sound information in the form of smoothly speaking "a, i, u, e, o".

[0166] The above-mentioned behavior is reversible, and when the user gradually reduces the pressing force from this state, the sound generating toy X outputs sound information in the form of speaking "o, e, u, i, a".

[0167] Furthermore, when the user maintains the degree of deformation within a certain range, the sound information is continuously outputted with the characters assigned within the range.

[0168] about Fig.10 The pitch change pattern shown is a pattern in which modulation is applied to sound information in the present embodiment, and sound information to which modulation is applied in different ways is allocated to each range such as the arrow p1 divided according to the degree of deformation.

[0169] Thus, when the user gradually increases the pressing force on the housing body 11 , the timbre of the sound information changes so that the degree of detuning gradually intensifies.

[0170] The above behavior is reversible, and when the user gradually reduces the pressing force, the timbre of the sound information changes in a manner such that the application of detuning gradually decreases.

[0171] Furthermore, when the user maintains the degree of deformation within a certain range, the sound information is continuously outputted with the application of the detuning assigned within the range.

[0172] As described above, the change in timbre in the pitch change pattern generally refers to the change in the waveform (frequency, amplitude) of the sound.

[0173] In addition, Fig. 9In the pitch change pattern shown, a longer text may be set as a character string, and a configuration may be adopted in which the sound information is not output until the shape of the housing body 11 is restored after the pressing force is released, rather than a reversible behavior.

[0174] In addition, similar to the volume change mode, Fig.10 The sound information in the pitch change pattern shown may also be any continuous sound or melody information.

[0175] <Effect>

[0176] According to the above contents, the sound producing toy X of the above embodiment has the following effects.

[0177] That is, according to the present embodiment, sound information can be output at any timing simply by a very simple operation such as pressing and deforming the casing body 11 , so anyone can easily produce sound and perform due to the simple structure.

[0178] In addition, according to the pitch operation mode, the user can control the pitch in the sound information by the strength of pressing the housing body 11 (ie, the degree of deformation), so the user Z can use the sound generating toy X to play any melody.

[0179] Furthermore, according to the melody playing mode, melody information is output regardless of the strength of pressing the housing body 11 , so the user Z can use the sound producing toy X to play a predetermined melody in a simple manner.

[0180] Furthermore, in the melody playing mode, sound information is outputted every time the air pressure sensor 21 detects a change in the internal pressure, so the user Z can sequentially output sound information at any tempo, thereby expanding the range of expression when playing a predetermined melody.

[0181] According to the volume change mode and the pitch change mode, the expression methods of the sound producing toy X increase, and the functionality as a sound producing toy improves.

[0182] Furthermore, the sound module unit 2 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the storage unit 12 , thereby facilitating repair and replacement of components when a failure of the sound module unit occurs, thereby improving the convenience of the sound generating toy X.

[0183] Furthermore, since the storage portion 12 is included in the interior of the case body 11 , the entire sound generating toy X can have a simple appearance, and can be stored well even when a plurality of sound generating toys are stored.

[0184] In addition, the arrangement of the eyeballs E and the opening of the storage portion 12 can give the sound-generating toy X an expression and an appearance of sounding from the mouth, thereby giving the sound-generating toy X character attributes and strongly arousing the desire of the demander to buy.

[0185] <Implementation Method 2>

[0186] Next, use Fig.11 and Fig.12 A sound producing toy according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0187] In addition, the embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0188] In addition, in these drawings, the reference symbol X' represents the sound producing toy according to the present embodiment.

[0189] In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the description thereof.

[0190] Fig.11 and Fig.12 The illustrated sound producing toy X′ includes a housing portion 1 and a sound module portion 2 .

[0191] Similar to the sound producing toy X, the housing 1 includes a hollow housing body 11 having flexibility and shape recovery properties, and a housing portion 12 that houses the sound module 2 .

[0192] Here, as a difference from the pronunciation toy X, the pronunciation toy X' is as follows Fig.11 As shown, the storage portion 12 is provided so as to extend upward from the bottom.

[0193] The lip portion R is configured separately from the sound module portion 2 and is provided between the eyeball portions E only as a decoration for giving the sound producing toy X' character attributes.

[0194] Also, the bottom of the housing body 11 is formed as a flat surface similar to the sound producing toy X, and four legs f are provided to protrude downward from the bottom so that the power switch 25 a does not come into contact with a predetermined placement surface.

[0195] The legs f are provided at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the bottom surface, and can be formed of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber in a substantially hemispherical shape.

[0196] In addition, since the internal structure of the sound module part 2 and the structure of the detachable unit D are the same as those in Embodiment 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0197] The sound making toy X' in the present embodiment can also produce substantially the same effects as those of the sound making toy X.

[0198] In addition, in this embodiment, the lip R is formed separately from the sound module 2, so the degree of freedom of expression design is higher than that of the sound generating toy X. For example, an expression can be formed by drawing a mouth on the surface of the housing body 11. That is, the lip R may not be formed as a structure.

[0199] Furthermore, the various shapes, dimensions, and the like of the various structural members shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various changes can be made based on design requirements and the like.

[0200] For example, in the pitch operation mode, as the degree of deformation of the casing body 11 increases, the sound information of a lower pitch may be output.

[0201] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a structure is shown in which the specified sound information is output for the first time by deforming the shell body 11, but the sound information can also be output without deforming the shell body 11 when the power is turned on or when any mode is selected.

[0202] Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the conversion process of the sound information corresponding to each mode is performed by deformation of the casing main body 11 .

[0203] In addition, Figure 6 to Figure 10 , an example of outputting sound information by pressing and deforming the shell body 11 from above with two fingers is shown, but the user can also press and deform the entire shell body 11 with each finger while holding the shell body 11 with one hand or both hands.

[0204] For example, a plurality of sound-generating toys X and a plurality of sound-generating toys X′ may be arranged in parallel, and each of the housing body main bodies 11 may be pressed and deformed by one or more users.

[0205] This allows harmony to be played in the pitch operation mode, and a so-called chorus-like performance style to be adopted in the melody performance mode, thereby further expanding the range of expression using the sound producing toy X or the sound producing toy X'.

[0206] Description of Reference Numerals

[0207] X, X': sound-generating toy; 1: shell; 11: shell body; 12: storage part; 2: sound module; H: module box; 21: air pressure sensor; 22: processing unit; 23: output part; 24: power supply part; 25: operation part; 26: storage unit; D: loading and unloading unit; Z: user.

Claims

1. A sound producing toy, comprising a housing and a sound module. The housing portion includes: a hollow housing portion body having flexibility and shape recovery; and a storage portion for storing the sound module portion. The sound module part includes: an air pressure sensor that detects changes in the internal pressure of the shell body caused by deformation of the shell body; a processing unit that converts the detection value of the air pressure sensor into sound information; and an output unit that outputs the sound information.

2. The sound producing toy according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit is configured to be capable of converting the magnitude of the detection value corresponding to the degree of deformation of the casing body into a pitch in the sound information.

3. The sound producing toy according to claim 1, wherein: The sound module part has a storage unit storing melody information. The melody information is composed of a combination of a plurality of the sound information to which one interval is assigned, The processing unit causes the output unit to output the melody information based on the internal pressure change detected by the air pressure sensor.

4. The pronunciation toy according to claim 3, wherein: The processing unit causes the sound information in the melody information to be sequentially output from the output unit in a time series of the melody information every time the air pressure sensor detects a change in the internal pressure.

5. The sound producing toy according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit is configured to convert the magnitude of the detection value corresponding to the degree of deformation of the casing body into a volume in the sound information.

6. The sound producing toy according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit is configured to convert the magnitude of the detection value corresponding to the degree of deformation of the casing body into a timbre in the sound information.

7. The sound producing toy according to claim 1, wherein: The sound module portion is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the storage portion.

8. The sound producing toy according to claim 1, wherein: The storage portion is included in the interior of the housing body.

9. The sound producing toy according to claim 8, wherein: A pair of eyeball portions are provided on the surface of the housing body, and one end of the storage portion is open to the outside. The opening of the storage portion is arranged at a position where a line connecting the center of the opening and the center of each eyeball portion forms an inverted triangle when viewed from the front. A lip portion exposed from the opening of the storage portion is provided at an end portion of the sound module portion.

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