Model toy and movable structure

The model toy mechanism with dual-directional joint rotation addresses the challenge of limited joint motion, enabling more realistic movements by allowing two-stage rotational movements, thereby improving the posing and flexibility of model toys.

JP2025115185AActive Publication Date: 2025-08-06BANDAI CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024009581
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-25
Publication Date
2025-08-06
Estimated Expiration
2044-01-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing model toys face difficulty in replicating natural human and animal movements due to limited joint range of motion and number of joints, making it challenging to achieve bending and twisting motions.

Method used

A model toy mechanism featuring a base part with first and second connecting portions and a rotation axis, allowing a first part to rotate in a first direction and a second part to rotate in a second direction different from the first around the axis, enabling two-stage rotational movements.

Benefits of technology

This mechanism expands the range of motion, enabling more natural posing and movement, such as high kicks and twisting, by allowing joints to rotate in two directions, enhancing the realism of the toy's movements.

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Abstract

To provide a new setup of a movable mechanism, for example, in a model toy.SOLUTION: A model toy includes: a base section part having a first connection section and a second connection section, and a rotating shaft; a first part connected to the base section part so as to be rotatable in a first direction via the first connection section; and a second part that is connected to the base section part via the second connection section, and can be rotated in a second direction different from the first direction with the rotating shaft of the base section part as a center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a model toy and a movable structure. [Background technology]

[0002] To realize movements and poses similar to those of humans and animals, toy dolls (toy models) include various joints and movable parts. These mechanisms enable a variety of poses. However, providing a toy doll with the same number of joints as a human requires a large number of parts, and even in sophisticated toy dolls, the number is limited, making this difficult to achieve. Therefore, in order to realize the movements and poses described above, it is important to construct a toy doll with fewer joints and parts while expanding the range of motion of the joints and the parts connected to them. Expanding the range of motion allows for greater freedom of movement and a variety of poses. Patent Document 1 proposes a quadruped animal doll with a joint structure that enables realistic movements similar to those of real animals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-17264 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To realize natural movements like those of human limbs, it is desirable for them to be able to rotate in various directions. However, in model toys, elbow joints, knee joints, etc. generally rotate only in a predetermined direction. In such model toys, it is difficult to realize the bending and twisting movements that occur in human limbs.

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for a movable mechanism in a model toy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a model toy comprising: a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis; a first part rotatably connected to the base part in a first direction via the first connecting portion; and a second part connected to the base part via the second connecting portion and rotatable in a second direction different from the first direction around the rotation axis of the base part.

[0007] The present invention is also characterized in that it is a movable structure for a model toy, for example, comprising a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis, a first part rotatably connected to the base part in a first direction via the first connecting portion, and a second part connected to the base part via the second connecting portion and rotatable in a second direction different from the first direction around the rotation axis of the base part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, a novel mechanism for a movable mechanism in a model toy can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a front view and a side view of a left leg of a model toy according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1A is an exploded side view of a left leg of a model toy according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of a part of a left arm. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a joint portion of the left leg of the model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a rotational movement of a joint portion of a left leg of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the left leg of the model toy according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] <Appearance of the left leg of the model toy> First, the left leg incorporated in the model toy according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1(a) shows the front exterior of the left leg 100 of the model toy, and Fig. 1(b) shows the side exterior of the left leg 100 of the model toy. Note that the x, y, and z arrows indicate the upward, left, and forward directions of the model toy, respectively, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0012] The left leg 100 includes an upper thigh 101, a knee joint 102, a lower leg 103, and a foot 104. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used as an example of a model toy, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and ornaments. The right leg is not shown, but is formed symmetrically to the left leg and has a similar configuration, so its description will be omitted.

[0013] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the legs of a model toy will be described, but a similar configuration can also be applied to the arms, neck, waist, etc. of a model toy. In particular, in the arms, the upper arm, elbow joint, forearm, and hand can be realized as a configuration corresponding to the upper thigh, knee joint, lower leg, and foot of the legs, respectively.

[0014] The upper leg portion 101 is rotatably connected to the knee joint portion 102. The lower leg portion 103 is further rotatably connected to the knee joint portion 102. Furthermore, the foot portion 104 is connected to the lower part of the lower leg portion 103 by a spherical connecting portion. The knee joint portion 102 according to this embodiment rotatably connects the upper leg portion 101, which is a first part, to the lower leg portion 103, which is a second part, in a first direction, which is the vertical direction of the model toy. Furthermore, the knee joint portion 102 connects the upper leg portion 101 and the lower leg portion 103 in a second direction, which is different from the first direction, in a horizontal direction of the model toy. Details of these rotation mechanisms will be described later.

[0015] <Structure around the knee joint> Next, the configuration around the knee joint of the left leg 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2(a) shows a side view of the left leg 100 disassembled into three parts. Figure 2(b) shows the exploded configuration of a portion of the left leg 100. Here, the configuration of the left leg 100 will be described, but the configuration of the right leg (not shown) will not be described because it has the same configuration as the left leg.

[0016] Reference numeral 200 denotes the area surrounding the knee joint of the left leg 100. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the area surrounding the knee joint 200 is made up of parts 201 to 211. Part 201 is a base part of the knee joint, and parts 202a and 202b, which form part of the upper leg, are connected to sandwich part 201 from both sides. Furthermore, parts 203a and 203b, which form part of the lower leg, are connected to sandwich part 201 from both sides.

[0017] Part 211, which forms part of upper thigh 101, is rotatably connected to the top of parts 202a and 202b. Part 211 is further connected to other parts of upper thigh 101. Part 210 is rotatably connected to the bottom of parts 203a and 203b, forming the ankle. Foot 104 is further rotatably connected to part 210. Parts 206 to 209 are exterior parts for the legs.

[0018] <Components> Next, each part constituting the rotation mechanism in the knee joint of the left leg 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of each part.

[0019] Part 201, which is the base part, is configured to include a rod-shaped rotating shaft 311, a ring-shaped connecting part 312, and a protrusion 313 formed on the outer periphery of rotating shaft 311. Protrusion 313 is fitted into a recess 331a formed in part 203a. Recess 331a is formed to be larger than protrusion 313, and does not restrict the rotation of part 201.

[0020] Note that part 203b also has a similar recess (not shown), and when part 201 is sandwiched between parts 203a and 203b, protrusion 313 of part 201 is rotatably fitted into these recesses. Part 201 rotates around rotation axis 311 in the horizontal direction (second direction) of the model toy.

[0021] Cylindrical connecting portion 321a of part 202a is inserted into connecting portion 312 of part 201. The inserted connecting portion 321a then passes through ring-shaped connecting portion 312 and is connected to part 202b on the opposite side. In this way, parts 202a and 202b are rotatably connected so as to sandwich part 201 therebetween.

[0022] Similar to connecting portion 321a, cylindrical connecting portion 322a is formed on part 202a. Connecting portion 322a is inserted into and passes through ring-shaped connecting portion 341 provided on part 211, and is connected to part 202b on the opposite side. In other words, parts 202a and 202b are rotatably connected so as to sandwich part 211 in addition to part 201.

[0023] The rotation mechanisms with the connecting parts 321a, 322a as the rotation axes can rotate the parts 201, 211 connected to the connecting parts 321a, 322a in the vertical direction (first direction) of the model toy. In other words, these rotation mechanisms realize the rotational movement of the leg at a normal knee joint by a two-stage rotational movement, thereby expanding the range of motion.

[0024] As part 201 rotates around rotation axis 311, parts 202a, 202b, and 211 connected to connecting portion 312 also rotate. Therefore, the knee joint according to this embodiment can realize rotational movements in two directions: a first direction (vertical direction) of the model toy, and a second direction (horizontal direction) different from the first direction. The second direction is, for example, a direction that differs by approximately 90 degrees from the first direction. This makes it possible to express the "flexibility" of the legs, for example, and to express the "flexibility of the legs" with a flair in movements such as high kicks. Details will be described later using FIG. 5.

[0025] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above rotation direction, and the rotation direction can be determined in any direction depending on the position the rotation mechanism is employed in. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second direction is defined as a direction that is approximately 90 degrees different from the first direction in order to realize the "bending" and "twisting" movements in the model toy, but the present invention does not limit these angles, and the angle can be any angle depending on the movement to be realized.

[0026] <Rotational movement> Next, various rotational movements of the left leg 100 of the model toy according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show rotational movements of the leg in a first direction (vertical direction). Figure 4(c) shows rotational movements of the leg in a second direction (horizontal direction). Figure 5 explains posing using multiple rotational movements of the left leg. Note that although parts 202 and 203 are each made up of two parts in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), only parts 202a and 203a on the right side are shown here for ease of explanation.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4(a), part 211 can rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow (first direction) around rotation axis 401. Rotation axis 401 is formed by inserting cylindrical connecting portion 322a of part 202a into ring-shaped connecting portion 341 of part 211. In response to this rotation, the parts of upper leg 101 connected to part 201 can rotate in the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the model toy.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4(b), part 202a can rotate around rotation axis 402 in the direction indicated by the arrow (first direction). Rotation axis 402 is formed by inserting cylindrical connecting portion 321a of part 202a into ring-shaped connecting portion 312 of part 201. In response to this rotation, the upper leg 101 parts connected to part 201 can rotate in the vertical direction (up and down) of the model toy. Therefore, the rotation occurs in the same direction as the rotation shown in FIG. 4(a), and the range of motion of the knee joint of the model toy can be expanded. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the knee joint can be rotated to a position where the leg is folded.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4(c), part 201 can rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow (second direction) around rod-shaped rotation axis 311. This rotation can be performed within the range sandwiched between parts 203a and 203b. This rotation also causes the parts of upper leg 101 connected to part 201 to rotate in conjunction with it.

[0030] In response to this rotational movement, part 201 can rotate in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) of the model toy relative to connected parts 203a and 203b. In this way, in the model toy according to this embodiment, the knee joint can move in two rotational directions, a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, allowing for more natural posing and movement.

[0031] FIG. 5(a) shows the left leg 100 before rotation. FIG. 5(b) shows the state in which the lower leg 103 and foot 104 have been rotated in the direction of the arrow around the rotation axis 311 from the state in FIG. 5(a). In this way, in addition to the leg bending and stretching movements achieved by normal knee joint rotation, the model toy according to this embodiment can also perform rotation movements in directions different from the bending and stretching movements. As a result, for example, when performing a pose such as a high kick with the model toy, the bending of the leg can be reproduced by performing a twisting movement as shown in FIG. 5(b), allowing for more realistic posing.

[0032] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment includes a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis; a first portion rotatably connected to the base part via the first connecting portion in a first direction; and a second portion rotatably connected to the base part via the second connecting portion and rotatable around the rotation axis of the base part in a second direction different from the first direction. Thus, according to this embodiment, a joint mechanism that rotates in two directions can be realized in a joint structure provided in a model toy. This allows the legs, arms, and the like to perform "bending" and "twisting" movements, resulting in more dramatic movements. Thus, according to this embodiment, a novel mechanism for a movable mechanism in a model toy can be provided, for example.

[0033] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited, and includes various shapes such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, etc.

[0034] <Summary of the embodiment> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toy and movable structure. (1) A model toy, a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis; a first portion rotatably connected to the base part via the first connecting portion in a first direction; a second part connected to the base part via the second connecting part and rotatable around a rotation axis of the base part in a second direction different from the first direction; A model toy comprising: (2) the first connecting portion has a ring shape, The model toy described in (1) is characterized in that the first part includes first and second parts, which are connected to sandwich the base part between them, and a third connecting part formed on one of the first and second parts is inserted into the first connecting part. (3) The rotating shaft has a rod shape, the second connecting portion is a protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the second part includes third and fourth parts, and the third and fourth parts are connected to sandwich the base part, The model toy according to (2) is characterized in that the third and fourth parts are formed with recesses to which the protrusions are rotatably connected. (4) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (3) further comprises a third part rotatably connected to the first part in the first direction. (5) the first and third portions form upper thighs of the legs of the model toy; The model toy according to (4), wherein the second portion forms a lower leg portion of the leg of the model toy. (6) the first and third portions form an upper arm of the model toy; The model toy according to (4), wherein the second portion forms a forearm of the arm of the model toy. (7) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first direction is a vertical direction of the model toy, and the second direction is a horizontal direction of the model toy. (8) The model toy according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first direction and the second direction are different in orientation by approximately 90 degrees. (9) A movable structure of a model toy, a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis; a first portion rotatably connected to the base part via the first connecting portion in a first direction; a second part connected to the base part via the second connecting part and rotatable around a rotation axis of the base part in a second direction different from the first direction; A movable structure comprising:

[0035] 100: Left leg, 101: Upper leg, 102: Knee joint, 103: Lower leg, 104: Foot

Claims

1. A model toy, a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis; a first portion rotatably connected to the base part via the first connecting portion in a first direction; a second portion connected to the base part via the second connecting portion and rotatable around a rotation axis of the base part in a second direction different from the first direction; A model toy comprising:

2. the first connecting portion has a ring shape, The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the first portion includes first and second parts, which are connected to sandwich the base part between the first and second parts, and a third connecting portion formed on one of the first and second parts is inserted into the first connecting portion.

3. The rotating shaft has a rod shape, the second connecting portion is a protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the second portion includes third and fourth parts, the third and fourth parts being connected to sandwich the base part, 3. The model toy according to claim 2, wherein the third and fourth parts are formed with recesses to which the protrusions are rotatably coupled.

4. The model toy according to claim 3 , further comprising a third portion rotatably connected to the first portion in the first direction.

5. the first and third portions form upper thighs of the legs of the model toy; 5. The model toy according to claim 4, wherein the second portion forms a lower leg portion of the model toy.

6. the first and third portions form an upper arm of the model toy; 5. The model toy according to claim 4, wherein the second portion forms a forearm of an arm of the model toy.

7. 7. The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction of the model toy, and the second direction is a horizontal direction of the model toy.

8. 7. The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different in orientation by approximately 90 degrees.

9. A movable structure of a model toy, a base part having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a rotation axis; a first portion rotatably connected to the base part via the first connecting portion in a first direction; a second portion connected to the base part via the second connecting portion and rotatable around a rotation axis of the base part in a second direction different from the first direction; A movable structure comprising:

Citation Information

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