Power transmission mechanism and car washing toy

Abstract

The power transmission mechanism of the utility model, its power transmission part (50) transmits the rotating force between two shafts (44) of one rotating central axis (Ax) along the other rotating central axis (Ax). The power transmission part (50) is provided with a long strip connecting rod member (52) arranged between the two shafts (44), two connecting members (53) arranged at both ends of the connecting rod member (52) and connecting the connecting rod member (52) with the two shafts (44). Each of the two connecting members (53) has a supporting part (53d) rotatably supporting the connecting rod member (52) around the central position eccentric from the center of the shaft (44) in the plane perpendicular to the central axis (Ax). The connecting rod member (52) has a ring-shaped part (52a) rotatably embedded in the supporting part (53d) in the horizontal plane at both ends. The utility model provides a power transmission mechanism and a car washing toy which can be more compactly constituted compared with the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a power transmission mechanism and a car wash toy. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, power transmission mechanisms that transmit rotational force between two rotating parts with parallel rotational axes were known. For example, in the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1, a long second arm connects the other ends of a short first arm connected to one end of each rotating part, and restricts the movement of the central portion of the second arm in the width direction. Through such a linkage mechanism, the transmission of power (rotational force) from one of the two rotating parts to the other is achieved.

[0003] However, in the aforementioned prior art, the two components connecting the two ends of the first arm (one of which is the second arm) are positioned at different heights to avoid contact with each other. Therefore, three components overlap in the height (thickness) direction, forming a structure with considerable thickness. The purpose of this invention is to provide a power transmission mechanism and car wash toy that can be constructed more compactly than existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention is a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational force between two rotating parts whose rotational axis extends along the rotational axis of another party. The mechanism comprises: an elongated connecting rod member disposed between the two rotating parts; two connecting members disposed at both ends of the connecting rod member, connecting the connecting rod member to the two rotating parts; each of the two connecting members having a support portion that rotatably supports the connecting rod member about a center eccentric to the center of the rotating part in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis; and the connecting rod member having fitting portions at both ends that are rotatably fitted into the support portion in the plane.

[0005] According to this utility model, a power transmission mechanism and a car wash toy that can be constructed more compactly than the prior art can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the car wash toy involved in the implementation method; Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the car wash toy involved in the implementation method; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the track slab involved in the implementation method; Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the track slab involved in the implementation method; Figure 5This is an exploded perspective view of the two brush units involved in the implementation method; Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the power transmission unit involved in the implementation method, viewed from an oblique top. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the power transmission unit involved in the implementation method, viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the power transmission unit involved in the implementation method; Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the power transmission unit involved in the implementation method; Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the power transmission unit involved in the implementation method; Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the power transmission unit involved in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0007] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] (1. The overall composition of car wash toys) Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are perspective views and exploded perspective views of the car wash toy 1 according to this embodiment. like Figure 1 As shown, the car wash toy 1 is a toy that simulates washing the body of the driving toy 70. In this embodiment, the toy car 70 is a toy vehicle simulating a railway vehicle. The toy car 70 moves independently by driving the wheels 71 via a motor (not shown). It should be noted that the motor-driven wheels 71, as described later, include the wheels that contact the rotating body 33 when the toy car stops passing the stop 22. Furthermore, in this specification, "stopping" of the toy car 70 refers to the state in which the toy car 70 is stopped by the stop 22, including the state in which the wheels 71 are still in motion.

[0009] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the car wash toy 1 includes a track 20 serving as a parking section, two brush units 40 erected on the track 20, and a power transmission unit 50 installed between the two brush units 40. It should be noted that in the following description, the directions of front, back, left, right, up, and down of the car wash toy 1 refer to the directions shown in the figures, that is, the directions observed from the moving toy 70 parked on the car wash toy 1.

[0010] (2. Composition of the track slab) Figure 3 This is a 3D view of track slab 20. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the track slab 20. like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the track plate 20 is rectangular in top view, with dovetail-shaped protrusions 20a and dovetail-shaped recesses 20b at both the front and rear ends. These protrusions 20a and recesses 20b are used to connect other track pieces (not shown).

[0011] The track slab 20 is equipped with a switch 21 that can move in the forward and backward direction and has three positions. Furthermore, the position of the switch 21 allows the track slab 20 to be in three modes.

[0012] The first mode is the automatic mode when the switch 21 is in the forward position. In automatic mode, the stop 22 protrudes from the top of the track plate 20. When the toy 70 enters the track plate 20, the stop 22 stops the toy 70. The toy 70 can enter from either the front or rear. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the toy 70 entered, the stop 22 automatically lowers, and the toy 70 starts moving again. Afterward, the stop 22 rises, and the above action is repeated every time the toy 70 enters.

[0013] The second mode is the stop mode when the switch 21 is in the center position. In the stop mode, the stop 22 protrudes from the top of the track plate 20, and stops the toy 70 when it enters the track plate 20. The toy 70 can enter from either the front or rear. In this case, to start the stopped toy 70, the switch 21 needs to be switched to the pass mode position described later.

[0014] The third mode is the passage mode when the switch 21 is in the rear position. In the passage mode, the stop 22 is recessed into the track plate 20, and when the toy 70 enters the track plate 20, the toy 70 passes directly through. The toy 70 can enter from either the left or right.

[0015] The following details the composition of the track plate 20.

[0016] <Stop> The stopper 22 stops the toy 70 by locking the locked part located under the chassis of the toy 70. The stop 22 is vertically movable. Specifically, the stop 22 is guided to rise and fall by a set of sliding members 23 arranged on the left and right. The sliding members 23 are supported to move back and forth, and the stop 22 rises and falls with the back and forth movement. In addition, the sliding members 23 are subjected to a rearward force by a tension spring 23f between the housing 20e of the track plate 20 and the sliding member 23. Furthermore, when the slider 23 moves forward under the force of the tension spring 23f, the stop 22 rises. Conversely, when the slider 23 moves backward against the force of the tension spring 23f, the stop 22 falls.

[0017] <Rotational Body> The track plate 20 is equipped with rotating bodies 32 and 33 that draw power from the wheels 71 (drive wheels) of the driving toy 70. Rotating bodies 32 and 33 are disposed on the left and right sides of the stop 22. Each of the rotating bodies 32 and 33 is capable of rotating about an axis in the vertical direction. Each of the rotating bodies 32 and 33 has a portion of its eccentric part exposed in the wheel grooves 20c and 20d of the corresponding track plate 20.

[0018] <Stop lowering mechanism (departure mechanism)> A stop lowering mechanism 35 is provided on the left-side rotating body 32, which is associated with lowering the stop 22 at a predetermined time point in automatic mode. Through the action of the stop lowering mechanism 35, after the stop 22 stops the toy 70, the toy 70 is restarted after a predetermined time. The stop lowering mechanism 35 has a gear train containing multiple gears. In the stop lowering mechanism 35, the lifting and lowering action of the stop 22 corresponding to the automatic mode is realized by changing the meshing state of the gears in accordance with the position of the switch 21.

[0019] <Power Supply Organization> A power supply mechanism 37 associated with supplying power to externally moving parts is provided on the rotating body 33 on the right side. The power supply mechanism 37 has a gear train containing multiple gears. Among them, gear 37a is the gear that outputs power to the outside, and its tooth surface protrudes to the right from the housing 20e.

[0020] (3. Composition of the brush unit) Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of two brush units, 40. like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, two brush units 40 are disposed on the top of the track plate 20, located on the left and right sides of the rotating bodies 32 and 33 exposed within the wheel grooves 20c and 20d. Hereinafter, in the two brush units 40, "R" will be added to the end of the reference numeral for the brush unit on the right, and "L" will be added to the end of the reference numeral for the brush unit on the left to identify them. Furthermore, since the basic structure of the two brush units 40, including the support structure of the brush member 43, is substantially the same, therefore... Figure 5 Only the disassembled state of the brush unit 40R on the right side is shown in the image.

[0021] Each brush unit 40 includes a base component 41, a support component 42, a brush component 43, and a shaft 44. The base member 41 is formed in a generally flat shape and is fixed on the track plate 20 in a position further to the side (left or right) than the wheel grooves 20c and 20d. When viewed from the side, the support member 42 is shaped like a gate spanning the brush member 43 and is erected on top of the base member 41. A support hole 42a for a support shaft 44 is formed in the upper part of the support member 42.

[0022] The brush component 43 is a soft body that simulates a brush that washes a vehicle by contacting the side of the toy car 70. The brush component 43 is formed into a star-shaped column when viewed from above, and is positioned at the front and rear center of the gate-shaped support component 42. It should be noted that the brush component 43 in this embodiment is not particularly limited, but it is divided into 3 parts in the vertical direction.

[0023] Shaft 44 is a shaft member that rotatably supports brush member 43, and is an example of the rotating part involved in this utility model. With its vertical extension, shaft 44 is inserted from below into a through hole 43a formed centrally in plan view of brush member 43. Its upper and lower protruding ends are rotatably supported on support holes 42a of support member 42 and base member 41. Thus, shaft 44 can rotate integrally with brush member 43 about its vertical central axis Ax. The upper end portion 44a of the shaft 44 protrudes upward through the support hole 42a of the support member 42. This upper end portion 44a is formed as a square prism when viewed from above, and engages with the connecting member 53 of the power transmission section 50 (described later). Figure 7 , Figure 8 wait), It should be noted that the central axes Ax of the two brush units 40 only need to be substantially parallel to each other. In other words, the two axes 44 can be inclined to each other as long as the central axis Ax of one extends along the central axis Ax of the other, within the range that power can be transmitted through the power transmission unit 50.

[0024] In the brush unit 40R on the right, the lower end 44b of the shaft 44 engages with the gear 46 within the base member 41, and these shafts 44 and gears 46 rotate integrally. When the brush unit 40R is mounted on the track plate 20, the gear 46 engages via a gear (not shown) with the gear 37a exposed on the right side of the track plate 20 in the power supply mechanism 37 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 4 (etc.) meshing. Thus, in the brush unit 40R on the right, the shaft 44 rotates together with the brush component 43 under the action of the rotational force transmitted from the rotating body 33 on the right side of the track plate 20.

[0025] The brush unit 40L on the left side is equipped with an operating element 48 that can move in the forward and backward direction and has three positions. When the brush unit 40L is fixed on the track plate 20, the operating element 48 engages with the switch 21. Therefore, the forward and backward movement (position) of the operating element 48 corresponds to the movement (position) of the switch 21. That is, by switching the position of the operating element 48, the three modes of the track plate 20 can be switched.

[0026] (4. Composition of the power transmission section) Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the power transmission unit 50 viewed from an oblique top and oblique bottom. like Figure 2 As shown, the power transmission unit 50 is mounted on top of the two brush units 40, transmitting power (rotational force) between the two brush units 40 (shaft 44). Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the power transmission unit 50 includes a housing 51, a connecting rod member 52, and two connecting members 53.

[0027] The housing 51 is formed into a rectangular box shape with elongated sides, and its left and right ends are mounted on the support members 42 of the two brush units 40. The bottom of the housing 51 is open, and it internally houses the connecting rod member 52 and two connecting members 53. A cylindrical support shaft 51a and two bosses 51b are erected vertically on the top surface inside the housing 51. The support shaft 51a is positioned at the left and right center of the housing 51 and is fitted into the elongated hole 52b of the connecting rod member 52 (described later). The two bosses 51b are positioned at the left and right ends of the housing 51 and are inserted into the through holes 53a of the connecting member 53 (described later).

[0028] The connecting rod member 52 is formed into a long, flat plate extending to the left and right, and is configured to connect the two brush units 40 between the shafts 44. The connecting rod member 52 has annular portions 52a at both its left and right ends. Each annular portion 52a has a circular hole along its central axis in the vertical direction, and is rotatably fitted onto the support portion 53d of the connecting member 53, which will be described later. The connecting rod member 52 has elongated holes 52b at its left and right center portions. The support shaft 51a of the housing 51 is fitted into the elongated holes 52b from above. The support shaft 51a allows the connecting rod member 52 to move left and right within its left and right length range, while restricting the position of the left and right center portions of the connecting rod member 52 in the front-back direction.

[0029] Two connecting members 53 are disposed at both ends of the connecting rod member 52, connecting the connecting rod member 52 to the two shafts 44. Specifically, each connecting member 53 is formed in a generally circular plate shape and is fixed to the upper end of each shaft 44. Each connecting member 53 has a through hole 53a in the vertical direction. A boss 51b of the housing 51 is rotatably inserted into the upper half of the through hole 53a. Four locking protrusions 53b are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the lower half of the through hole 53a. The upper end portion 44a of the shaft 44 is inserted into the lower half of the through hole 53a. At this time, the upper end portion 44a of the shaft 44 is inserted into the through hole 53a in such a way that each vertex of the shaft 44 is located between two adjacent locking protrusions 53b when viewed from above. Thus, the upper end portion 44a is locked by the locking protrusions 53b in the rotational direction about the central axis Ax, and the rotation of the shaft 44 is transmitted to the connecting member 53, and the connecting member 53 and the shaft 44 rotate integrally about the central axis Ax.

[0030] Each connecting member 53 has a support portion 53d that rotatably (slidably) supports the connecting rod member 52 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Ax (hereinafter referred to as the "horizontal plane"). The support portion 53d is formed in a ring shape when viewed from above, and the ring-shaped portion 52a of the connecting rod member 52 is rotatably fitted onto the support portion 53d. The center position C of the support 53d in the top view is eccentric relative to the center (central axis Ax) of the through hole 53a (see reference). Figure 8 (etc.). Therefore, as the connecting member 53 rotates, the support 53d rotates circumferentially around the central axis Ax at its center position C in top view.

[0031] (5. Operation of the power transmission unit) Figures 8 to 11 This diagram illustrates the operation of the power transmission unit 50. In the car wash toy 1, when the driving toy 70 is stopped on the track plate 20 by the stop 22, the wheel 71 on the right rotating body 33 causes the rotating body 33 to rotate. This power (rotational force) is transmitted to the connected right brush unit 40R through the power supply mechanism 37. As a result, the shaft 44 of the right brush unit 40R rotates together with the brush component 43 about the central axis Ax1.

[0032] When the right-side shaft 44 rotates around the central axis Ax1, the right-side connecting member 53, which is fitted with the shaft 44, rotates as a unit. For example... Figures 8 to 11 As shown, when the right-side connecting member 53 rotates around the central axis Ax1, the support portion 53d, which is eccentric to its rotation center (central axis Ax1), rotates circumferentially around the central axis Ax1. Therefore, the right annular portion 52a of the connecting rod member 52, which is rotatably (slidably) embedded in the right support portion 53d, performs circumferential movement with the eccentricity from the central axis Ax1 to the center position C as the radius of rotation. At this time, the left and right central portions of the connecting rod member 52 are restricted from moving forward and backward by the support shaft 51a, which is fitted into the elongated hole 52b. Therefore, the left annular portion 52a of the connecting rod member 52 moves circumferentially around the central axis Ax2 in the opposite direction to the right. Consequently, the left connecting member 53 rotates around the central axis Ax2, and the left shaft 44, which is fitted with the connecting member 53, also rotates in the same direction. That is, the power input to the rotating body 33 causes the right shaft 44 to rotate, and the left shaft 44, from which power is transmitted via the power transmission unit 50, rotates in the opposite direction to the right. Thus, the brush component 43 mounted on the right shaft 44 rotates counterclockwise in plan view. Figure 8 (Viewed from below, the rotation is clockwise). The brush components 43 mounted on the left axle 44 rotate clockwise when viewed from above. These brush components 43 rub the body of the toy 70 from front to back to wash the vehicle.

[0033] (6. Technical effects of this embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, in a plane (horizontal plane) perpendicular to the central axis Ax, the annular portion 52a (fitting portion) of the connecting rod member 52 is rotatably fitted into the support portion 53d of each connecting member 53 in the horizontal plane. This support portion 53d supports the connecting rod member 52 about a center position C eccentrically located from the center of the shaft 44 (rotating portion). Therefore, the power transmission section 50 can be compactly configured. In conventional linkage mechanisms, each rotating part is connected at one end to a short first arm, and the other end is connected via a long second arm. In this case, the two components connected to the two ends of the first arm are positioned at different heights to avoid contact. Therefore, the three components overlap in the height (thickness) direction, forming a structure with significant thickness. In this embodiment, the connecting rod member 52 and the shaft 44 can rotate without interference, and therefore can be arranged in overlapping horizontal planes. Thus, compared to the conventional connecting rod mechanism described above, the thickness in the vertical direction can be suppressed, achieving a compact structure. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to previous structures. Therefore, while achieving a compact structure, assembly time can be reduced, thereby suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a support shaft 51a along the central axis Ax is inserted into the elongated hole 52b formed at the center of the connecting rod member 52 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction). Therefore, the forward and backward movement of the left and right central portions of the connecting rod member 52 is restricted. Thus, when one end of the connecting rod member 52 rotates about the central axis Ax, the other end of the connecting rod member 52 can rotate in the opposite direction. Furthermore, compared to a structure that suppresses the left and right central portions of the connecting rod member 52 from both the front and rear sides, this design allows for a simpler and more suitable restriction of the movement of the connecting rod member 52. Furthermore, since the support shaft 51a and the elongated hole 52b can be located on the same plane as the annular portion 52a and the support portion 53d, the thickness in the vertical direction can be reduced.

[0035] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the annular portion 52a is configured such that the upper end portion 44a of the shaft 44 is located inside the annular portion 52a in the horizontal plane. Therefore, the connecting rod member 52 and the upper end 44a of the shaft 44 can rotate without interference, and thus can be arranged in an overlapping horizontal plane. Therefore, the power transmission section 50 can be constructed more compactly and reliably.

[0036] (7. Other) The embodiments of this utility model have been described above, but this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments illustrate the application of the power transmission mechanism of this invention to a car wash toy that rotates a brush. However, the application of rotational force is not limited to the rotation of a brush; it can also be used for the rotation of dolls, signs, lampstands, etc. In addition, in the above embodiment, the rotating part is set to rotate using the power taken from the wheels (drive wheels) of the driving toy, but the power source of the rotating part is not particularly limited.

[0037] Furthermore, the details shown in the above embodiments may be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0038] Attached Figure

[0039] 1. Car wash toys 20 Track slabs (parking section) 33. Rotational body 37. Power Supply Organization (Power Supply Department) 40 brush units 40L brush unit 40R brush unit 43 Brush components 44-axis (rotating part) 44a Upper end 50 Power Transmission Unit (Power Transmission Mechanism) 51. Housing 51a Support Shaft 51b Boss 52. Linkage Components 52a Annular portion (interlocking portion) 52b elongated hole 53 Connecting components 53d Support section 70. Driving Toys 71 wheels Ax Central Axis C. Central position.

Claims

1. A power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational force between two rotating parts that extend from the rotational central axis of one part along the rotational central axis of the other part, characterized in that, have: A long strip-shaped connecting rod component disposed between the two rotating parts; Two connecting members disposed at both ends of the connecting rod member, connecting the connecting rod member to the two rotating parts; Each of the two connecting members has a support portion that rotatably supports the connecting rod member about a center eccentric to the center of the rotating part in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The connecting rod member has at both ends a fitting portion that is rotatably externally fitted into the support portion in the plane therein.

2. The power transmission mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod member has an elongated hole in its central portion along the length direction. A support shaft along the rotation center axis is inserted into the elongated hole.

3. The power transmission mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fitting portion is configured such that the part of the rotating portion that connects to the connecting member is located inside the fitting portion in the plane.

4. A car wash toy, characterized in that, have: The power transmission mechanism as described in claim 1; A parking area for stopping moving toys; Two brush components are disposed on both sides of the toy that is parked at the parking section, and rotate integrally with the two rotating sections.

5. The car wash toy as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The toy has a power supply unit that powers the wheels of the toy that is parked by the parking unit to rotate one of the two rotating parts. The power transmission mechanism transmits the power of the wheel from one of the two rotating parts to the other.

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