Main toy body, performance output toy and auxiliary toy body

Abstract

The invention relates to a main toy body, a performance output toy and an auxiliary toy body. For example, a novel structure used for being connected with an electrical connecting pin in the performance output toy is provided. The performance output toy is provided with a main toy body and an auxiliary toy body installed on the main toy body. The main toy body is provided with a mounting part for receiving the auxiliary toy body; a connection pin having an electrical connection part at one end, and a predetermined portion including the connection part being stretchable in the longitudinal direction; and a protection member that exposes a part of the predetermined portion to the inside of the mounting portion in a state in which the predetermined portion is extended, and that covers the connection pin. The auxiliary toy body comprises a connecting terminal which is electrically connected with a connecting pin arranged on the mounting part and a contact part of which the outer surface in the insertion direction is formed by a curved surface when the auxiliary toy body is mounted on the mounting part. The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted on the mounting part by colliding with a part, exposed to the interior of the mounting part from the protection component, of the connecting pin from the direction different from the length direction and in the direction in which the specified part is shrunk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a main toy body, a performance output toy, and a secondary toy body. Background Technology

[0002] There are known performance output toys that utilize light, sound, etc., to perform various acts by attaching auxiliary toy bodies to a main toy body. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an action toy that outputs light and sound from the toy body depending on the type of loading and unloading items attached to the toy body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-11564 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In performance-oriented toys, a structure that allows for diverse performances is desired. Therefore, it is necessary to identify various auxiliary toy bodies. However, in the aforementioned conventional technology, when an auxiliary toy body is installed onto the main toy body, the installed toy body is identified based on the pattern formed by pressing multiple raised and recessed portions created by a mechanical switch. However, such a mechanical switch results in a complex structure and increases the cost of manufacturing this component.

[0008] On the other hand, an electrical connection can be established by pressing the connecting pin on the main toy when installing the auxiliary toy, and the type of auxiliary toy can be determined based on the voltage and electrical signal. However, it is recommended that this type of connecting pin be pressed in a specified direction, such as along its length; pressing from other directions can cause damage. Thus, if the pressing direction is limited, the installation direction of the auxiliary toy is also limited, significantly reducing design freedom.

[0009] The object of the present invention is, for example, to provide a novel structure for connecting to electrical connector pins in performance output toys.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The present invention, for example, is a main toy body comprising: a mounting portion for receiving a secondary toy body; a connecting pin having an electrical connection portion at one end, wherein a predetermined portion including the connecting portion is extendable in a length direction; and a protective member that, in the extended state of the predetermined portion, exposes a portion of the predetermined portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin, wherein the secondary toy body enters the mounting portion and is mounted to the mounting portion by colliding with the portion of the connecting pin exposed from the protective member to the interior of the mounting portion from a direction different from the length direction and a direction that causes the predetermined portion to shrink.

[0012] Additionally, the present invention provides, for example, a performance output toy having a main toy body and a secondary toy body mounted on the main toy body. The main toy body includes: a mounting portion for receiving the secondary toy body; a connecting pin having an electrically connected portion at one end, a predetermined portion including the connecting portion being extendable in the length direction; and a protective member that, in the extended state, exposes a portion of the predetermined portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin. The secondary toy body includes: a connecting terminal electrically connected to the connecting pin provided on the mounting portion; and a contact portion whose outer surface in the insertion direction when mounted on the mounting portion is curved. The secondary toy body enters the mounting portion and is mounted on the mounting portion by colliding with the portion of the connecting pin exposed from the protective member to the interior of the mounting portion from a direction different from the length direction and a direction that causes the predetermined portion to shrink.

[0013] Additionally, the present invention provides, for example, a secondary toy body that is detachable from a mounting portion of a main toy body. The main toy body includes: the mounting portion for receiving the secondary toy body; a connecting pin having an electrically connected portion at one end, a predetermined portion including the connecting portion being extendable in the longitudinal direction; and a protective member that, in the extended state, exposes a portion of the predetermined portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin. The secondary toy body includes: a connecting terminal electrically connected to the connecting pin provided in the mounting portion; and a contact portion whose outer surface in the insertion direction when mounted in the mounting portion is curved. The secondary toy body enters the mounting portion and is mounted to the mounting portion such that the contact portion, from a direction different from the longitudinal direction and in a direction that causes the predetermined portion to shrink, partially collides with the connecting pin, which is exposed from the protective member to the interior of the mounting portion.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, a new structure for connecting to electrical connector pins in performance output toys can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the three-dimensional (a) and side (b) views of a performance output toy according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the back of a portion of a performance output toy in one embodiment, showing the part on which a secondary toy is attached to the main toy body.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the protective block and connecting pin of a performance output toy according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4A This diagram illustrates the steps involved in attaching a secondary toy body to a main toy body according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4B This diagram illustrates the steps involved in attaching a secondary toy body to a main toy body in one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4C This diagram illustrates the illumination situation when a secondary toy body is attached to the main toy body in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a circuit formed by a main toy body and a secondary toy body according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the control structure of a performance output toy according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of a performance output toy according to one embodiment.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] 100. Performance output toy; 101. Main toy body; 102. Secondary toy body; 103. Switch; 201. Mounting part; 202a-202c. Connecting pin; 203. Protective block (protective component); 204. Anti-detachment part; 205; 206. Spring; 301. Light-emitting part; 302. Connecting part; 303. Contact part; 304. Recess; 305. LED. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as claimed, and that not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessary for the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0028] <Appearance and Structure of Performance Output Toys>

[0029] Reference Figure 1 Here is an example illustrating the appearance and structure of the performance output toy 100 of this embodiment. Figure 1 (a) indicates the three-dimensional appearance of the performance output toy 100. Figure 1 (b) indicates the exterior side view of the performance output toy 100. Additionally, the arrows for x, y, and z indicate the upward, left, and front orientations of the performance output toy, respectively, as do the other attached figures.

[0030] The performance output toy 100 is configured to include a main toy body 101 and a secondary toy body 102. The main toy body 101 has a grip portion, and an operating member 103 is provided inside the grip portion. By operating the operating member 103, the performance output toy 100 outputs any one of light, sound, vibration, or a combination thereof. The performance output toy 100 of this embodiment is described as a toy with a grip portion, but it is not intended to limit the invention; any toy that allows the secondary toy body 102 to be mounted on the main toy body 101 is acceptable.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), the auxiliary toy body 102 can be attached to and detached from the rear of the mounting portion, which is an opening provided on the main toy body 101. When the auxiliary toy body 102 is installed in a predetermined position on the mounting portion, it is electrically connected to the main toy body 101, and the performance mode is determined by determining the type of auxiliary toy body 102. When performance output is performed through operation of the operating member 103, etc., the performance output is performed in a performance mode corresponding to the determined type of auxiliary toy body 102.

[0032] Furthermore, this embodiment describes an example with one connecting part, but it is not intended to limit the invention; a structure with multiple connecting parts is also possible. In this case, different types of auxiliary toy bodies 102 can be connected to each connecting part. Additionally, the performance output can be changed depending on the combination of the types of auxiliary toy bodies 102 connected.

[0033] <Specific installation details for secondary devices>

[0034] Reference Figure 2 This describes the specific installation of the secondary components in this implementation method. Figure 2 This indicates the case where the secondary toy body 102 is installed from the rear direction of the main toy body 101. Figure 2 In the diagram, only the area around the mounting section is shown for the main toy body 101. Figure 1 (b) is the dashed area.

[0035] The main toy body 101 is configured to include a mounting portion 201, connecting pins 202a to 202c, a protective block (protective member) 203, and an anti-detachment portion 204. The mounting portion 201 is an opening for mounting the auxiliary toy body 102 and is formed to match the shape of the auxiliary toy body 102. At the bottom of the mounting portion 201, the connecting pins 202a to 202c, protected by the protective block 203, protrude inwards. For detailed structures of the connecting pins 202a to 202c and the protective block 203, please refer to... Figure 3This will be described later. Furthermore, when viewed from the back of the mounting portion 201, an anti-detachment portion 204 is provided near the front. The anti-detachment portion 204 is designed to be inserted into a recess at the bottom of the auxiliary toy body 102 in a manner that prevents the auxiliary toy body 102 from detaching from the mounting portion 201 when it is mounted on the mounting portion 201. These connecting pins 202a-202c, the protective block 203, and the anti-detachment portion 204 are each spring-loaded in an upward direction as they partially protrude into the mounting portion 201, and can be moved downward by pressing the auxiliary toy body 102.

[0036] A connecting pin is a pin with an electrical connection at one end, which is energized by pressing its top end (the designated portion) along the length direction (downward or vertical direction in the figure) of a spring pin (a registered trademark). This designated portion has the aforementioned connection at its top end, and a spring housed inside applies force upward, allowing it to extend and retract along its long side. On the other hand, when force is applied from the horizontal direction, it can cause malfunctions such as the designated portion peeling off or the connecting pin itself bending, resulting in poor contact. Therefore, pressing along the length direction is recommended for such a connecting pin. However, if the mounting direction of the auxiliary toy body 102 is limited to the recommended length direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the connecting pin, the design freedom of the main toy is significantly reduced.

[0037] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the characteristic is that the connecting pins 202a to 202c are covered and protected by the protective block 203, and the auxiliary toy body 102 collides with the connecting pin from a direction different from the length direction of the connecting pin and in a direction that reduces the size of the top end (a predetermined portion) and is then installed on the mounting part 201. This prevents malfunctions of the connecting pins and increases the design freedom of the main toy.

[0038] <Structure of Protective Block and Connecting Pin>

[0039] Reference Figure 3 The detailed structure of the protective block 203 and connecting pins 202a to 202c of the main toy body 101 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the protective block 203, which houses the connecting pins 202a to 202c of the main toy body 101, viewed from the rear. The protective block 203 is one example of a protective component and does not limit the invention to... Figure 3 The shape shown.

[0040] The protective block 203 has three connecting pins 202a to 202c built in. With a defined portion of these connecting pins 202a to 202c extended, the protective block 203 protects the connecting pins 202a to 202c in a manner that exposes only their tip portions to the outside. In other words, the portion of the connecting pins 202a to 202c other than their tip portions is protected by the protective block 203 and is covered so as not to contact the auxiliary toy body 102 when it is installed. Here, "defined portion" refers to the portion that is pressed in by a spring located inside each connecting pin in the upward direction. Furthermore, the exposed tip portion of each connecting pin is spherical, making it easier to deflect pressure from the horizontal direction. Additionally, when the auxiliary toy body 102 is installed on the mounting part 201, the tip portion of each connecting pin functions as a connection portion that is electrically connected to the bottom surface of the auxiliary toy body 102.

[0041] When the secondary toy body 102 is attached to the main toy body 101, the connecting pins 202a to 202c provided on the main toy body 101 are pressed in by pressing the contact portion of the secondary toy body 102. When the connecting pins are pressed in, they are electrically connected to the circuit inside the main toy body 101, and further electrically connected to the circuit of the secondary toy body 102 that is in contact with the connecting pins. Therefore, the connecting portion provided at the bottom of the secondary toy body 102 is also formed using a conductive material. When the main toy body 101 and the secondary toy body 102 form a circuit, the type of the secondary toy body 102 can be determined by measuring the voltage of a specified portion of the circuit. The method for determining the type of the secondary toy body 102 will be described later. In addition, the number of connecting pins can be varied depending on the structure of the circuit formed together with the secondary toy body 102. The circuit structure of the main toy body 101 and the secondary toy body 102 will be described later.

[0042] Additionally, a through-hole 210 is provided near the center of the protective block 203 to receive light emitted from an LED, a light-emitting device disposed at the bottom of the protective block 203. Regarding the light emission utilizing the through-hole 210, using... Figure 4C To be described later.

[0043] <Installation Steps>

[0044] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The steps for mounting the secondary toy body 102 of this embodiment onto the main toy body 101 will be explained. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The figures show side sectional views of the mounting section 201 of the main toy body 101 and the auxiliary toy body 102.

[0045] like Figure 4AAs shown in (a), a protective block 203, connecting pins 202a to 202c (connecting pins 202a and 202b are located at the rear of connecting pin 202c in the figure), and an anti-detachment part 204 are provided at the bottom of the mounting part 201 of the main toy body 101. The protective block 203 and the anti-detachment part 204 are respectively exerted upward force by springs 205 and 206, and in the state where the auxiliary toy body 102 is not installed, they are partially protruding into the interior of the mounting part 201.

[0046] The top portions of connecting pins 202a to 202c are covered by protective blocks 203, thus embedding them into the protective blocks 203. Connecting pins 202a to 202c have internal springs, and their upper cylindrical portions are subjected to upward force and pressed downwards. Connecting pins 202a to 202c are energized when these portions are pressed in, forming a circuit with the auxiliary toy body 102 in this embodiment.

[0047] The auxiliary toy body 102 includes a light-emitting part 301, a connecting part 302, a contact part 303, a recess 304, and an LED 305. The light-emitting part 301 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent component on the front surface of the auxiliary toy body 102, allowing light emitted from the LED 305 to pass through. Additionally, a light-guiding part 306 is formed on the back side of the light-emitting part 301. The light-guiding part 306 is formed to guide light from the LED 211 located on the main toy body 101 to the light-emitting part 301 when the auxiliary toy body 102 is mounted on the main toy body 101. (Detailed usage...) Figure 4C As will be described later. The connecting portion 302 includes connecting terminals that are electrically connected to the connecting pins 202a-202c. The contact portion 303 is a portion of the outer surface of the light-emitting portion 301 in the insertion direction into the mounting portion 201, and is the portion that contacts the connecting pins 202a-202c and the protective block 203; it is formed by a curved surface shape. The recess 304 is formed in the area where the anti-detachment portion 204 is embedded when the auxiliary toy body 102 is mounted on the mounting portion 201. The LED 305 is a light-emitting device that irradiates light towards the light-emitting portion 301 according to the performance output mode.

[0048] As indicated by the arrow, the secondary toy body 102 is inserted from the front surface of the light-emitting part 301 into the mounting part 201 of the main toy body 101. Figure 4AAs shown in (b), when the installation of the auxiliary toy body 102 begins, the anti-detachment part 204 is pressed and moves downward, receiving the auxiliary toy body 102 into the interior of the mounting part 201. As shown in the dotted area 401, firstly, the contact portion 303 of the auxiliary toy body 102 partially collides with the protective block 203. Through the collision of the contact portion 303, the protective block 203 is pressed downward, and the connecting pins 202a to 202c move downward together with the protective block 203. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of the protective block 203 and the connecting pins 202a to 202c moving downward in the mounting part has been described, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. As long as it is the external direction of the mounting part, it can be designed to move in any direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the contact portion 303 extends further inward, contacting the spherical surface of the tip of the connecting pins 202a-202c. Through this contact, a predetermined portion of the upper part of the connecting pins 202a-202c is pressed and moves downward, as... Figure 4B As shown in (a), the auxiliary toy body 102 can be further received inside the mounting portion 201. Furthermore, the contact portion 303, formed by a curved surface, is pressed against the spherical surface of the tips of the connecting pins 202a-202c in a sliding manner. Thus, the contact portion 303 wipes the tips of the connecting pins 202a-202c, removing fine dirt and preventing poor contact between the connecting pins 202a-202c and the connecting portion 302. Additionally, after the auxiliary toy body 102 enters further inside the mounting portion 201 and the contact portion 303 passes the tips of the connecting pins 202a-202c, the bottom surface of the auxiliary toy body 102, adjacent to the contact portion 303, wipes the tips of the connecting pins 202a-202c, similarly removing fine dirt and the like.

[0050] After that, as Figure 4B As shown in (b), the auxiliary toy body 102 enters further inside the mounting portion 201, and the contact portion 303, as shown in the dotted area 402, collides with the component of the main toy body 101 and stops. In this state, the light-emitting portion 301 of the auxiliary toy body 102 protrudes towards the front side of the main toy body 101 through the mounting portion 201, which serves as a through hole. Furthermore, the connecting pins 202a to 202c contact the connecting portion 302, energize the auxiliary toy body 102, and form a circuit across the main toy body 101 and the auxiliary toy body 102. In addition, the anti-detachment portion 204 is embedded in the recess 304 of the auxiliary toy body 102, and the auxiliary toy body 102 is fixed in a way that makes it difficult to fall off. Furthermore, by pulling the auxiliary toy body 102 with a force greater than a specified amount, the anti-detachment portion 204 moves downward, and the auxiliary toy body 102 can be detached from the main toy body 101.

[0051] Thus, according to this embodiment, by covering the connecting pins 202a to 202c with the protective block 203, only the top of the spherical portion is exposed. Therefore, when the auxiliary toy body 102 is installed onto the main toy body 101, even if the auxiliary toy body 102 collides with the connecting pin from a direction different from the length direction of the connecting pin and in a direction that reduces the length of a predetermined portion, the connecting pin can be protected from damage. Therefore, pressing the connecting pins 202a to 202c is not limited to the length direction, increasing the design freedom of the mounting portion 201 of the main toy body 101 and allowing for various shapes. Furthermore, wiping the top of the connecting pins 202a to 202c with the contact portion 303 (and the bottom surface of the contact portion 303 of the auxiliary toy body 102) removes dirt and prevents poor contact.

[0052] <Specific glowing effects of secondary toys>

[0053] Reference Figure 4C The light emission of the auxiliary toy body is explained when it is mounted on the main toy body in one embodiment. Figure 4C and Figure 4B (b) similarly represents the side section when the auxiliary toy body 102 is installed on the main toy body 101.

[0054] like Figure 4C As shown, a through hole 210 is formed in the protective block of the main toy body 101, and an LED 211 is provided at its lower part. As indicated by the shaded arrow, the LED 211 emits light upwards in the figure. The emitted light passes through the through hole 210 and reaches the light guide portion 306 of the secondary toy body 102, where it is reflected and guided towards the front surface of the light-emitting portion 301. Additionally, light emitted from the LED 305 of the secondary toy body 102 also illuminates the front surface of the light-emitting portion 301 as indicated by the shaded arrow. This light passes through the light-emitting portion 301 and illuminates the front surface of the performance output toy 100, causing the secondary toy body 102 to emit light. Furthermore, while this embodiment illustrates an example using two LEDs, it is not intended to limit the invention; any single LED may be used.

[0055] <Circuit Structure>

[0056] Reference Figure 5 Here is an example illustrating the circuit structure of the performance output toy according to this embodiment. Figure 5 This shows the circuit structure of the main toy body 101 and the auxiliary toy body 102.

[0057] The main toy body 101 includes a first resistor 501, a second resistor 502, a power supply 505, and voltmeters 507 and 508 as a circuit structure. Reference numerals 202a to 202c indicate connecting pins. Voltmeters 507 and 508 are included in IC 506. IC 506 is an example of an identification component that identifies the type of the secondary toy body 102 by measuring the voltage at a specified location in the circuit. On the other hand, the secondary toy body 102 includes a third resistor 503 and a fourth resistor 504 as a circuit structure. Reference numerals 521, 522, and 523 indicate connecting terminals of the connecting part 302.

[0058] When the auxiliary toy body 102 is installed on the main toy body 101, the corresponding connecting pins 202a to 202c are electrically connected to the connecting terminals 521 to 523. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first resistor 501 and the second resistor 502 of the main toy body 101 are connected in parallel with respect to the power supply 505. When the main toy body 101 and the auxiliary toy body 102 are electrically connected, a series connection is formed between the first resistor 501 of the main toy body 101 and the third resistor of the auxiliary toy body 102, which are connected in series with respect to the power supply 505. Furthermore, a series connection is formed between the second resistor 502 of the main toy body 101 and the fourth resistor of the auxiliary toy body 102, which are connected in series with respect to the power supply 505.

[0059] IC506 can detect the electrical connection between the auxiliary toy body 102 and the main toy body 101 by allowing current to flow through the connecting pins 202a-202c. When the connection of the auxiliary toy body 102 is detected, IC506 uses voltmeter 507 to measure the voltage at measurement point 531, where the first resistor 501 and the third resistor 503 connected in series are divided. Furthermore, IC506 uses voltmeter 508 to measure the voltage at measurement point 532, where the second resistor 502 and the fourth resistor 504 connected in series are divided. The voltages at measurement points 531 and 532 can be expressed by the following Equation 1.

[0060] Vx = (VxB) / (A+B)...(Equation 1)

[0061] Here, Vx represents the voltage at the measurement point. V represents the voltage of power supply 505. A represents the resistance value of the first resistor 501 or the second resistor 502. B represents the resistance value of the third resistor 503 or the fourth resistor 504.

[0062] For example, if V is set to 3V, resistor A to 1Ω, and resistor B to 1Ω, the voltage Vx at the measurement point is 1.5V. On the other hand, if V is set to 3V, resistor A to 1Ω, and resistor B to 2Ω, the voltage Vx at the measurement point is 2V. Thus, according to this embodiment, by changing the resistance values ​​of the third resistor 503 and the fourth resistor 504 of the auxiliary toy body 102, the voltage value at the measurement point can be changed, and the type of the connected auxiliary toy body 102 can be identified based on the measured voltage (measured value). In other words, according to this embodiment, different types of auxiliary toy bodies can be represented by the combination of the resistance values ​​of the two resistors provided on the auxiliary toy body 102, and the performance output mode can be changed according to their type. Furthermore, the resistance values ​​of the first resistor 501 and the second resistor 502 provided on the main toy body 101 are fixed.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a structure is provided in which two resistors are respectively provided in the main toy body 101 and the auxiliary toy body 102. This is because the number of resistance values ​​that IC506 can recognize is limited, and if only one resistor is used, the types of auxiliary toy bodies 102 will depend on the number of resistors. Therefore, by using two resistors, the number of types of auxiliary toy bodies 102 that can be recognized can be further increased according to the combination pattern of these resistance values. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example of resistors including two types is shown, but it is desirable to change the number of resistors provided depending on the number of specific types of auxiliary toys that are to be recognized. Of course, it is also possible to use only one resistor.

[0064] <Control Structure>

[0065] Reference Figure 6 The control structure for controlling the performance output of the main toy body 101 and the auxiliary toy body 102 in this embodiment will be described. Here, a structure with an IC is shown as the control structure for the auxiliary toy body 102. However, in this invention, the structure of the auxiliary toy body 102 can also include a structure without an IC. The auxiliary toy body 102 without an IC does not have the control structure described later, and only has a substrate including a third resistor 503 and a fourth resistor 504.

[0066] The main toy unit 101 includes a control unit 601, a storage unit 602, a power supply unit 603, an identification unit 604, an LED group 606, a switch group 607, and a speaker 608 as a control structure. The control unit 601, which controls the performance output, is configured to include an IC 506. The storage unit 602 stores performance output data in association with the specific identification information of the secondary toy unit. When the secondary toy unit 102 is connected to the main toy unit 101, the identification unit 604 uses voltmeters 507 and 508 to measure the voltage at predetermined measurement points 531 and 532, and identifies the type of the secondary toy unit 102 based on the measurement results. When performing performance output, the control unit 601 reads and uses the performance output data corresponding to the identified secondary toy unit from the storage unit 602. Furthermore, the control unit 601, storage unit 602, and identification unit 604 can be configured to be contained on the same substrate as the IC 506, or they can be contained on other substrates.

[0067] The power supply unit 603 supplies power to each part from a power source 505, such as a battery, connected to the main toy body 101. The switch assembly 607 is an operating element that triggers the performance output, including buttons, levers, and switches such as the operating element 103. The LED assembly 606 is a light-emitting device for performance output, containing one or more LED elements. The speaker 608 is a sound output device for performance output. When the control unit 601 detects operation of any operating element included in the switch assembly 607, it uses at least one of the devices in the LED assembly 606 and the speaker 608 to perform performance output.

[0068] On the other hand, the secondary toy body 102 can be used as... Figure 5 The configuration shown includes a resistor but not a device that serves as another control structure, or it can be configured to include a device that serves as another control structure (such as an IC). Figure 6 The auxiliary toy body 102 shown represents an example of incorporating devices as other control structures. In this case, the auxiliary toy body 102 includes a control unit 611 and an LED group 612. The control unit 611 controls the LED group 612 according to instructions from the control unit 601. Alternatively, the control unit 611 may not be provided, in which case the control unit 601 of the main toy body 101 controls the LED group 612 on its behalf. Furthermore, a storage unit (not shown) may be provided in the auxiliary toy body 102 to store performance output data for controlling the LED group 612. In this case, the control unit 611 reads the performance output data from the storage unit provided in the auxiliary toy body 102 according to instructions from the control unit 601 and controls the LED group 612.

[0069] <Performance Output Control>

[0070] Reference Figure 7The processing steps for performance output control in this embodiment are explained. The processing described below is implemented, for example, by the control unit 601 reading and executing data and programs stored in the storage unit 602. The numbers after S indicate the step numbers in this flowchart.

[0071] In step S101, the control unit 601 determines whether the auxiliary toy body 102 is connected (installed) to the main toy body 101. For example, the control unit 601 can detect the installation of the auxiliary toy body 102 by detecting the current generated due to the electrical connection between the connecting pins 202a to 202c and the connecting terminals 521 to 523 of the auxiliary toy body 102. When the installation of the auxiliary toy body 102 is detected, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the determination in step S101 is repeated.

[0072] In S102, the control unit 601 uses voltmeters 507 and 508 of IC 506 to measure the voltage at measurement points 531 and 532. Next, in S103, the control unit 601 identifies the type of the installed auxiliary toy body 102 based on the measured voltage results. Specifically, the control unit 601 uses the measured voltage values ​​at the two locations as search keywords to retrieve the identification of the auxiliary toy body 102 associated with patterns of measured voltage values ​​pre-stored in the storage unit 602. When the auxiliary toy body 102 is identified, in S104, the control unit 601 obtains the performance output data registered in association with the retrieved table item.

[0073] In S105, the control unit 601 determines whether the operation of the operating element 103, which triggers the performance output, has been detected. If the trigger for performance output is detected, the process proceeds to S106; otherwise, it proceeds to S107. Here, the operation of the operating element 103 is used as an example to describe the trigger for performance output, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. The trigger can be the operation of other operating elements, or the auxiliary toy body 102 can be installed on the main toy body 101 as a trigger. In S106, the control unit 601 controls the LED group 606 and the speaker 608 of the main toy body 101 according to the performance output data obtained in S104, to perform performance output including at least one of sound output and light output. Here, if the auxiliary toy body 102 includes the LED group 612, they can also be controlled to perform performance output.

[0074] Next, in S107, the control unit 601 determines whether the auxiliary toy body 102 has been detached from the main toy body 101. Specifically, if the control unit 601 cannot detect the current detected in S101, it determines that the auxiliary toy body 102 has been detached from the main toy body 101. If it has been detached, the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it has not been detached, the process returns to S105. Afterwards, when a new operation is performed, a performance output corresponding to the operation and the type of auxiliary toy body 102 is performed.

[0075] As described above, the performance output toy of this embodiment has a main toy body and a secondary toy body mounted on the main toy body. The main toy body includes: a mounting portion that receives the secondary toy body; a connecting pin having an electrical connection portion at one end, a predetermined portion including the connecting portion being extendable in the longitudinal direction; and a protective member that, in the extended state, exposes a portion of the predetermined portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin. The secondary toy body includes a connecting terminal electrically connected to the connecting pin provided in the mounting portion and a contact portion formed by a curved surface on its outer surface in the insertion direction when mounted in the mounting portion. Furthermore, the secondary toy body enters the mounting portion and is mounted to the mounting portion by colliding with the portion of the connecting pin exposed from the protective member to the interior of the mounting portion from a direction different from the longitudinal direction and in a direction that causes the predetermined portion to shrink. According to the present invention, a novel structure for connecting with an electrical connecting pin in a performance output toy can be provided.

[0076] 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 performance output toy is not limited to... Figure 1 The shapes shown can also be achieved through various other shapes.

[0077] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0078] The above embodiments disclose at least the following main toy body, performance output toy body, and auxiliary toy body. (1)

[0080] A main toy body, wherein,

[0081] The main toy body has the following features:

[0082] The mounting section receives the auxiliary toy body;

[0083] A connecting pin having an electrical connection at one end, wherein a predetermined portion comprising the connection is extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction; and

[0084] A protective member that, in the extended state of the specified portion, exposes a portion of the specified portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin.

[0085] The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted on the mounting part by a partial collision between the connecting pin and the part exposed from the protective member into the interior of the mounting part, from a direction different from the length direction and in a direction that reduces the specified portion. (2)

[0087] According to the main toy body described in (1), wherein,

[0088] The portion of the connecting pin that is exposed from the protective member into the interior of the mounting portion is the spherical part at the tip. (3)

[0090] According to the main toy body described in (2), wherein,

[0091] The contact portion of the auxiliary playpiece that contacts the connecting part is formed by a curved surface, and when it is installed into the mounting part, the spherical part of the top of the connecting pin is pressed in a sliding manner. (4)

[0093] According to the main toy body described in (3), wherein,

[0094] The contact portion of the auxiliary play that comes into contact with the connecting part first collides with the protective member and then contacts the connecting pin. (5)

[0096] The main toy body according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0097] The protective member is spring-loaded in a manner that protrudes into the interior of the mounting portion, and can move outward from the mounting portion together with the connecting pin by the pressing of the auxiliary part. (6)

[0099] The main toy body according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0100] The main toy body also has an anti-detachment part that is stressed by a spring.

[0101] The anti-detachment part protrudes into the interior of the mounting part and engages with the recess provided on the auxiliary toy body when the auxiliary toy body is installed. (7)

[0103] The main toy body according to any one of (1) to (6) is characterized in that,

[0104] The main toy also features light-emitting components.

[0105] The light emitted from the light-emitting component is guided through the through hole provided in the protective member to the auxiliary toy body installed in the mounting part. (8)

[0107] The main toy body according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0108] The auxiliary toy body has a resistance of a specified value.

[0109] The main toy body also features:

[0110] An identification component measures the voltage at a designated location when the auxiliary toy is installed, and identifies the specific type of the auxiliary toy based on the measured value; and

[0111] The performance output component outputs the performance based on the recognition of the recognition component. (9)

[0113] According to the main toy body described in (8), wherein,

[0114] The main toy also has a storage component that stores performance output data corresponding to the specific type of the secondary toy.

[0115] The performance output component retrieves the performance output data corresponding to the recognition of the recognition component from the storage component and outputs the performance. (10)

[0117] A performance output toy has a main toy body and a secondary toy body installed on the main toy body, wherein,

[0118] The main toy body has:

[0119] The mounting section receives the auxiliary toy body;

[0120] A connecting pin having an electrical connection at one end, wherein a predetermined portion comprising the connection is extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction; and

[0121] A protective member, in its extended state, exposes a portion of the specified portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin.

[0122] The auxiliary toy body has:

[0123] The connecting terminal is electrically connected to the connecting pin disposed on the mounting portion; and

[0124] The contact portion, when installed in the mounting part, has an outer surface in the insertion direction formed by a curved surface.

[0125] The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted on the mounting part by a partial collision between the connecting pin and the part exposed from the protective member into the interior of the mounting part, from a direction different from the length direction and in a direction that reduces the specified portion. (11)

[0127] A secondary toy body is detachable from a mounting portion of a main toy body. The main toy body includes: the mounting portion for receiving the secondary toy body; a connecting pin having an electrical connection portion at one end, a predetermined portion including the connection portion being extendable and retractable in a longitudinal direction; and a protective member that, in the extended state, exposes a portion of the predetermined portion into the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin, wherein...

[0128] This toy has the following features:

[0129] The connecting terminal is electrically connected to the connecting pin disposed on the mounting portion; and

[0130] The contact portion, when installed in the mounting part, has an outer surface in the insertion direction formed by a curved surface.

[0131] The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted to the mounting part by the contact portion colliding with the connecting pin in a manner that is different from the length direction and is a direction that reduces the specified portion, thus partially colliding with the interior of the mounting part from the protective member.

Claims

1. A main toy body, wherein The main toy body has the following features: The mounting section receives the auxiliary toy body; A connecting pin having an electrical connection at one end, wherein a predetermined portion comprising the connection is extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction; and A protective member, in its extended state, exposes a portion of the specified portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin. The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted on the mounting part by a partial collision between the connecting pin and the part exposed from the protective member into the interior of the mounting part, from a direction different from the length direction and in a direction that reduces the specified portion.

2. The main toy body according to claim 1, wherein, The portion of the connecting pin that is exposed from the protective member into the interior of the mounting portion is the spherical part at the tip.

3. The main toy body according to claim 2, wherein, The contact portion of the auxiliary playpiece that contacts the connecting part is formed by a curved surface, and when it is installed into the mounting part, the spherical part of the top of the connecting pin is pressed in a sliding manner.

4. The main toy body according to claim 3, wherein, The contact portion of the auxiliary play that comes into contact with the connecting part first collides with the protective member and then contacts the connecting pin.

5. The main toy body according to claim 1, wherein, The protective member is spring-loaded in a manner that protrudes into the interior of the mounting portion, and can move outward from the mounting portion together with the connecting pin by the pressing of the auxiliary part.

6. The main toy body according to claim 1, wherein, The main toy body also has an anti-detachment part that is stressed by a spring. The anti-detachment part protrudes into the interior of the mounting part and engages with the recess provided on the auxiliary toy body when the auxiliary toy body is installed.

7. The main toy body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main toy also features light-emitting components. The light emitted from the light-emitting component is guided through the through hole provided in the protective member to the auxiliary toy body installed in the mounting part.

8. The main toy body according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The auxiliary toy body has a resistance of a specified value. The main toy body also features: An identification component measures the voltage at a designated location when the auxiliary toy is installed, and identifies the specific type of the auxiliary toy based on the measured value; and The performance output component outputs the performance based on the recognition of the recognition component.

9. The main toy body according to claim 8, wherein, The main toy also has a storage component that stores performance output data corresponding to the specific type of the secondary toy. The performance output component retrieves the performance output data corresponding to the recognition of the recognition component from the storage component and outputs the performance.

10. A performance output toy, comprising a main toy body and a secondary toy body installed on the main toy body, wherein, The main toy body has: The mounting section receives the auxiliary toy body; A connecting pin having an electrical connection at one end, wherein a predetermined portion containing the connection is extendable and retractable in the longitudinal direction; as well as A protective member, in its extended state, exposes a portion of the specified portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin. The auxiliary toy body has: The connecting terminal is electrically connected to the connecting pin disposed on the mounting portion; and The contact portion, when installed in the mounting part, has an outer surface in the insertion direction formed by a curved surface. The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted on the mounting part by a partial collision between the connecting pin and the part exposed from the protective member into the interior of the mounting part, from a direction different from the length direction and in a direction that reduces the specified portion.

11. A secondary toy body detachable from a mounting portion of a main toy body, the main toy body comprising: the mounting portion for receiving the secondary toy body; a connecting pin having an electrical connection portion at one end, a predetermined portion including the connecting portion being extendable and retractable in a longitudinal direction; and a protective member that, in the extended state, exposes a portion of the predetermined portion to the interior of the mounting portion and covers the connecting pin, wherein... This toy body has the following features: The connecting terminal is electrically connected to the connecting pin disposed on the mounting portion; and The contact portion, when installed in the mounting part, has an outer surface in the insertion direction formed by a curved surface. The auxiliary toy body enters the mounting part and is mounted to the mounting part by the contact portion colliding with the connecting pin in a manner that is different from the length direction and is a direction that reduces the specified portion, thus partially colliding with the interior of the mounting part from the protective member.

Images