Model toy and movable structure body

Abstract

To provide, for example, a mechanism that realizes a novel structure for extending the range of motion of a model toy.SOLUTION: This model toy comprises: a first member that has at least a first connection portion and a second connection portion; a first part that is movably connected to the first connection portion; a second part that is movably connected to the second connection portion; and a third part that covers the first member and that is movable with respect to the first member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to model toys and movable structures.

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize movements and postures similar to those of humans and animals, humanoid toys (model toys) include various joints and movable parts. Various postures can be realized by these mechanisms. However, providing the same number of joints as in humans, etc. in a humanoid toy requires a large number of members, and even in a sophisticated humanoid toy, there is a limit to the number and it is difficult to realize. Therefore, in order to realize the above-described movements and postures, it is important to expand the movable range of joints and the parts connected thereto while being composed of fewer joints and members. By expanding the movable range, it is possible to perform more highly free movements and various postures. Patent Document 1 proposes a quadruped humanoid having a joint structure that enables realistic movements similar to those of real animals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to realize natural movements like those of the four limbs of a human, it is desirable to be rotatable in various directions. On the other hand, the neck joint, shoulder joint, hip joint, waist joint, etc. are provided inside the body in the same way as in humans, so that natural movements of the parts connected to those joints can be realized, but their movable range is restricted by the adjacent parts. Therefore, in order to expand the movable range, it is important to secure a space between the adjacent parts in addition to the mechanism for expanding the movable range.

[0005] The present invention provides a mechanism for realizing a novel structure for expanding the range of motion, for example, in model toys.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is, for example, a model toy, comprising: a first member having at least a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion; a first part movably connected to the first connecting portion; a second part movably connected to the second connecting portion; and a third part covering the first member and being movable with respect to the first member.

[0007] Further, the present invention is, for example, a movable structure, comprising: a first connecting portion to which a first part of a model toy is movably connected; and a second connecting portion to which a second part of the model toy is movably connected, wherein the movable structure is covered by the third part of the model toy that is movable with respect to the movable structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel structure for expanding the range of motion can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <Appearance of the Model Toy> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an example of the external configuration of a model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1(a) shows the front view of the appearance of the model toy 100. FIG. 1(b) shows the side view of the appearance of the model toy 100. Note that the arrows indicating up and down, left and right, and front and back indicate the orientation of the model toy in the figure, and the same applies to other drawings.

[0012] The model toy (humanoid) 100 includes a head 101, an upper body 102, arm parts 103a and 103b, a waist part 104, and leg parts 105a and 105b. The model toy 100 is a movable model toy such as a movable figure, and each part can be moved within the range of the restricted area generated in relation to other members. The head 101 is connected to the upper body 102 by a spherical connecting member (hereinafter also referred to as a ball joint). To the upper body 102, an arm part 103 including a right arm part 103a and a left arm part 103b is connected by a spherical connecting member. A waist part 104 is movably connected to the lower part of the upper body 102, and further, a leg part 105 including a right leg part 105a and a left leg part 105b is connected to the waist part 104. When described as "movable" in this embodiment, it includes the ability to rotate or move such as sliding up, down, left, and right. Specifically, the configuration will be described later.

[0013] Hereinafter, as the movable structure (movable structure body) according to the present embodiment, the structure of the waist including the hip joint and the femoral joint will be described. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and the movable structure described below is not limited to the hip joint and the femoral joint, and can also be applied to other joint parts, for example, the neck joint, the shoulder joint, and the joint parts such as the thoracic joint.

[0014] <Configuration of the waist> Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the detailed configuration of the waist 104 including the hip joint and the femoral joint of the model toy 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2(a) shows a front view of the model toy 100. FIG. 2(b) shows an exploded perspective view of a group of parts including a plurality of parts constituting the waist 104. Since FIG. 2(a) is the same as FIG. 1(b), the description thereof will be omitted.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the waist 104 is configured to include parts 201 to 206, and is movably connected to the upper body part 102 and movably connected to the leg parts 105a and 105b. The part 201 forms a movable frame (first member) that serves as the base of the hip joint and the femoral joint. The part 201 includes a first connection part, a second connection part, and a third connection part, and each connection part is movably connected to a part 301, which will be described later, and is a base member. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0016] The parts 202 to 204 form the exterior of the waist 104 and are respectively inserted into the connection parts of the part 201. The part 205a is a gap part that is inserted into the connection part of the part 201 that forms a part of the femoral joint. A part 206a, which is a part of the leg part 105a, is movably connected to the connection part of the part 201 exposed through the gap part 205a. At the other end of the part 206a opposite to the connection with the part 201, another part of the leg part 105a is connected.

[0017] The gap part 205a functions as a masking part that conceals the gap with other parts that occurs when the part 206a rotates. By the masking function of the gap part 205a, it is possible to eliminate the discomfort caused by the gap that occurs when the leg part 105a rotates. Since the parts 205b and 206b have the same configuration as the parts 205a and 206a, the description thereof is omitted.

[0018] <Detailed Configuration of the Movable Frame> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the detailed configuration of the movable frame that forms the waist joint and the hip joint of the model toy 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3(a) shows an exploded view of the parts that make up the movable frame. FIG. 3(b) shows a perspective view of the part 201 that is the movable frame.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the part 201 is configured to include parts 301 to 304. The part 301 serves as the base part (base member) of the waist joint and the hip joint. The part 301 includes three connection parts 311, 312, and 313. The part 302 includes a spherical connection part 321 for connecting to a part of the upper body part 102 and a cylindrical connection part 322 for connecting to the part 301. The part 303 includes a spherical connection part 331 for connecting to a part of the leg part 105b and a ring-shaped connection part 332 for connecting to the part 301. The part 304 includes a ring-shaped connection part 341 for connecting to the part 301 and a spherical connection part 342 for connecting to a part of the leg part 105a.

[0020] The connection part 311 is formed in a ring shape, and the connection part 322 of the part 302, which is the second connecting part, is rotatably connected. The connection part 312 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the connection part 341 of the part 304, which is the first connecting part, is rotatably connected. The connection part 313 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the connection part 332 of the part 303, which is the third connecting part, is rotatably connected. Therefore, the parts 302 to 304 that form the first connecting part to the second connecting part are each rotatably connected to the part 301.

[0021] Fig. 3(b) shows a perspective view of the movable frame to which parts 301 to 304 are connected. By assembling parts 302 to 304 to the base part 301, first to second connecting parts extending in different directions are formed. As described above, each connecting part is formed in a spherical shape. The leg part 105a is movably connected to the first connecting part. The leg part 105b is movably connected to the third connecting part. The upper body part 102 is movably connected to the second connecting part. In the present embodiment, each part is movably connected because it is rotatably connected to each spherical connecting part and the part 201 (movable frame) including the connecting part is slidably covered by the exterior part of the waist part 104. Note that at least a part of the part 201 (movable frame) may be covered by the exterior part of the waist part 104.

[0022] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the movable frame forming the hip joint and the knee joint, the first to third connecting parts are each rotatable, and the movable range of the parts connected to the spherical connecting parts can be expanded. That is, the parts connected to each connecting part are movably connected to the spherical connecting part and further rotate following the rotation of the connecting part itself, so that the movable range can be expanded.

[0023] <Operation of the movable frame> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the movable frame (hip joint and knee joint) according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4(a) shows the operation of parts 301 and 302, and FIG. 4(b) shows the operation of parts 303 and 304.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4(a), in the movable frame of part 201, the portion connecting the connecting part 311 of part 301 and the connecting part 322 of part 302 serves as a rotation axis, and part 302 and part 301 can rotate relative to each other. As part 301 rotates, parts 303 and 304 connected to part 301 also rotate. Therefore, the second connecting part (part 302) forming the hip joint according to the present embodiment can rotate in the front-rear direction of the model toy 100.

[0025] Further, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the portion where the connecting portion 312 of the part 301 and the connecting portion 341 of the part 304 are connected serves as a rotation axis, and the part 304 can rotate with respect to the part 301. Similarly, although not shown, the portion where the connecting portion 313 of the part 301 and the connecting portion 332 of the part 303 are connected serves as a rotation axis, and the part 303 can rotate with respect to the part 301.

[0026] Thus, in the model toy 100 according to the present embodiment, the first connecting portion (part 304) and the third connecting portion (part 303) forming the hip joint can each rotate in the vertical direction of the model toy 100. That is, the rotation axes of the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion are the same. On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 4(a), the second connecting portion can rotate in the front-rear direction of the model toy 100, and is different from the rotation axes of the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion.

[0027] <Configuration of the exterior> With reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the exterior parts according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view including a part of the waist portion 104 and the leg portions 105a, 105b. As described with reference to FIG. 2(b), the parts 202 to 204 form the exterior parts near the waist portion 104 of the model toy 100.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 5, the part 201, which is a movable frame, is inserted into the part 202, and the part 304 (first connecting portion) and the part 303 (third connecting portion) of the part 201 are exposed from the left and right openings of the part 202, respectively. Further, with respect to the part 302 (second connecting portion) of the part 201, the parts 203 and 204 constituting the exterior parts are inserted in an overlapping manner. Also, the parts 203 and 204 are assembled to the part 202 by an engaging portion (not shown).

[0029] The part 201 into which the exterior part is inserted has a space region shown as 502 secured at the lower part between it and the part 202 as shown in FIG. 5. By using this space region 502, the part 201 can slide in the direction of the arrow. In other words, the exterior parts including the parts 202 to 204 are slidably connected to the second connecting part formed in a rod shape of the part 201 in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 5 (the longitudinal direction of the second connecting part). Thereby, the said exterior part slides in the direction of the arrow by the pressing from other parts. Therefore, conventionally, the exterior of the waist part 104 was restricted and the movable range of the leg part 105 was restricted, but by applying the configuration according to the present embodiment, the exterior part can slide in the direction of the arrow following the movement of the leg part 105, and the movable range can be expanded.

[0030] Also, as shown as 501 in FIG. 5, the connecting part 311 of the part 301 and the connecting part 322 of the part 302 are connected to form one spherical connecting part. Therefore, the said exterior part can rotate in all directions around the said connecting part as an axis. Thereby, in addition to the said sliding direction, it is also possible to rotate according to the movement direction of the leg part 105.

[0031] <Operation of the Exterior> Referring to FIG. 6, the sliding operation of the exterior part according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show perspective views of the waist part 104.

[0032] FIG. 6(a) shows the state of the waist part 104 in the normal state. In the normal state, there is a space region between the part 201 and the part 202. By using this space region, the exterior part can slide with respect to the part 201. FIG. 6(b) shows a state where the part 201 slides downward and the exterior part slides upward relative to the part 201. In this state, when the exterior part moves upward, a predetermined space expands, and the upward movable range of the leg part 105 connected to the hip joint can be expanded.

[0033] <Connection of the Leg to the Hip Joint> Referring to Fig. 7, the connection structure of the leg part 105 to the hip joint according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7(a) shows an exploded perspective view of the connection parts between the movable frame and a part of the leg part 105b. Fig. 7(b) shows the state where the leg part 105b is rotated at the hip joint part. Here, the connection structure of the leg part 105b to the hip joint will be described, but the connection structure of the leg part 105a is the same.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 7(a), gap parts 205b and 206b, which are parts of the leg part 105b, are connected to the movable frame. As an assembly structure, the gap part 205b is rotatably connected to two hole parts of the part 206b. Then, the part 303, which is the third connection part of the part 201, is inserted into the opening of the gap part 205b connected to the part 206b. Note that other parts of the leg part 105b are connected to the part 206b.

[0035] Here, since the third connection part is spherical, the leg part 105b (gap part 205b) is rotatably connected to the third connection part. Further, the part 206b is rotatably connected to the gap part 205b.

[0036] Fig. 7(b) shows the state where the part 206b is rotated in the arrow direction. When the part 206b is rotated, a gap is generated between the part 201 forming the hip joint and an exterior part (not shown). However, in the model toy 100 according to this embodiment, as shown in the dotted line area of Fig. 7(b), it can be seen that the gap part 205b is positioned so as to hide the gap generated by the rotation of the part 206b. Thereby, the gap generated according to the operation of the model toy 100 can be suitably hidden, and the impression of being unnatural can be avoided.

[0037] <Operation example> Referring to Fig. 8, the operation example of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) show the state when the leg part 105 is operated in the model toy 100.

[0038] FIG. 8(a) shows the kicking motion of the model toy 100. In the kicking motion, it shows the state where the left leg part 105a is swung upward. At this time, following the motion of the left leg part 105a, the exterior parts move upward. Thereby, the movable range of the left leg part 105a is expanded, enabling the left leg part 105a to be swung upward greatly, and a more dynamic kicking motion can be realized.

[0039] FIG. 8(b) shows the standing knee posture of the model toy 100. In the standing knee posture, the thigh part of the left leg part 105a is bent greatly upward, and following this motion, the exterior parts move upward. Thereby, the movable range of the left leg part 105a is expanded, enabling the thigh part of the left leg part 105a to be bent greatly, and a natural standing knee pose can be realized.

[0040] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment includes a first member having at least a first connecting part and a second connecting part, a first part movably connected to the first connecting part, a second part movably connected to the second connecting part, and a third part that covers the first member and is movable relative to the first member. Further, the first member further has a third connecting part, and the model toy further includes a fourth part movably connected to the third connecting part. According to this embodiment, in the model toy, a mechanism for realizing a novel structure for expanding the movable range can be provided.

[0041] <Modification Example> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. In the above embodiment, an example of applying the movable structure to the hip joint including the hip joint has been described, but it is not intended to limit the present invention, and it may be used for other parts. For example, it can also be used for joint parts such as the neck joint and the shoulder joint.

[0042] In addition, examples of model toys have been described as model toys. However, the shape of the model toy (humanoid form) is not particularly limited and includes various shapes such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, virtual life forms, etc. Also, as long as it has a movable part, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited.

[0043] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toy and movable structure. (1) A model toy, having at least a first member having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, a first part movably connected to the first connecting portion, a second part movably connected to the second connecting portion, and a third part covering the first member and movable with respect to the first member. A model toy characterized by comprising the above. (2) The first member further has a third connecting portion, The model toy according to (1), further comprising a fourth part movably connected to the third connecting portion. (3) The first member further has a base member to which the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are connected, The model toy according to (2), wherein the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are each rotatable with respect to the base member. (4) The rotation axes of the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion are the same, The model toy according to (3), wherein the rotation axis of the second connecting portion is different from the rotation axes of the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion. (5) The first connecting portion and the third connecting portion are rotatable in the vertical direction of the model toy, The model toy according to (3) or (4), wherein the second connecting portion is rotatable in the front-rear direction of the model toy. (6) The second connecting part is formed in a rod shape, The model toy according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the third part is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped second connecting part. (7) When at least one of the first part and the fourth part rotates in a predetermined direction and abuts against the third part, the third part slides in the predetermined direction in response to the pressing by at least one of the first part and the fourth part. The model toy according to any one of (2) to (6). (8) The model toy according to any one of (2) to (6), further comprising a gap part for filling a gap with another part generated when the first part and the fourth part rotate, for each of the first part and the fourth part. (9) The model toy according to (8), wherein the gap part is rotatably inserted between the first part and the first connecting part or between the fourth part and the third connecting part. (10) The first member forms the waist joint and hip joint of the model toy, The first part forms the left leg of the model toy, The fourth part forms the right leg of the model toy, The second part forms the upper body of the model toy, The model toy according to any one of (2) to (9), wherein the third part forms the exterior of the waist of the model toy. (11) A movable structure, A first connecting part to which the first part of the model toy is movably connected, A second connecting part to which the second part of the model toy is movably connected, and comprising, The movable structure is characterized in that it is covered by the third part of the model toy movable with respect to the movable structure. (12) A third connecting part connected to the fourth part of the model toy, further comprising a base member to which the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are connected; The movable structure according to (11), wherein the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are each rotatable with respect to the base member.

Explanation of Signs

[0044] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Upper body, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104: Waist, 105a, 105b: Legs

Claims

1. A model toy, A first member having at least a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion; A first part movably connected to the first connecting portion; A second part movably connected to the second connecting portion; and a third part covering the first member and movable relative to the first member; A model toy comprising:

2. The first member further includes a third connecting portion, The model toy according to claim 1 , further comprising a fourth part movably connected to the third connecting portion.

3. The first member further includes a base member to which the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are connected, 3. The model toy according to claim 2, wherein the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are each rotatable relative to the base member.

4. The first connecting portion and the third connecting portion have the same rotation axis, 4. The model toy according to claim 3, wherein the second connecting portion has a rotation axis different from the rotation axes of the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion.

5. The first connecting portion and the third connecting portion are rotatable in the up-down direction of the model toy, The model toy according to claim 4, wherein the second connecting portion is rotatable in a front-rear direction of the model toy.

6. The second connecting portion is formed in a rod shape, 6. The model toy according to claim 2, wherein the third part is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped second connecting portion.

7. The model toy according to claim 6, characterized in that when at least one of the first part and the fourth part rotates in a predetermined direction and comes into contact with the third part, the third part slides in the predetermined direction in response to pressure from at least one of the first part and the fourth part.

8. 7. The model toy according to claim 6, further comprising gap parts for filling gaps between the first part and the fourth part and other parts that are generated when the first part and the fourth part are rotated.

9. The model toy according to claim 8, characterized in that the gap part is rotatably inserted between the first part and the first connecting part, or between the fourth part and the third connecting part.

10. the first member forms a waist joint and a hip joint of the model toy; the first part forms a left leg of the model toy; the fourth part forms the right leg of the model toy; a second part forming an upper body portion of the model toy; 7. The model toy according to claim 6, wherein the third part forms an exterior of a waist portion of the model toy.

11. A movable structure, a first connecting portion to which a first part of the model toy is movably connected; a second connecting portion to which a second part of the model toy is movably connected; A movable structure, characterized in that the movable structure is covered by a third part of the model toy that is movable relative to the movable structure.

12. a third connecting portion connected to a fourth part of the model toy; a base member to which the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are connected, The movable structure according to claim 11, wherein the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion are each rotatable with respect to the base member.

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