Running toy

Abstract

To provide a running toy having high entertainment property, by including a running unit that consists of a running body which runs on its own on a travel surface and a movable body which is movably installed and supported on the running body.SOLUTION: This is a running toy in which a running unit runs on its own on a travel surface. The toy includes: a running unit having a running body that runs on its own on a travel surface by a power from a power source provided in the toy and having a movable body that is movably installed and supported on a part opposite from the travel surface in the running body; and a holding part that holds the running body on the travel surface side so that the running unit can run on the steep-sloped travel surface or the inverted travel surface. In the movable body, there is installed a changeover mechanism which changes over the posture of the movable body. The changeover mechanism is structured so that the movable body is actuated for posture changeover in accordance with the inclination of the travel surface on which the running unit runs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a traveling toy in which a traveling unit travels on a traveling surface by itself. [Background technology]

[0002] A running toy equipped with a running unit having a running body that runs on a running surface using power from a power source installed inside the running body, and a movable body that is movably attached and supported on the part of the running body opposite the running surface is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the traveling toy described in the above document, the movable body rotates while the traveling body travels along the traveling surface, which can entertain the player, but the movement of the movable body is monotonous, as it only rotates, and therefore lacks entertainment value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-019932 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a highly entertaining running toy that includes a running unit including a running body that runs on a running surface and a movable body that is movably attached and supported to the running body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a running toy is provided in which a running unit is self-propelled on a running surface, and the running unit has a running body that self-propels on the running surface using power from a power source provided inside the running unit, and a movable body that is movably attached and supported on the part of the running body opposite the running surface, and a holding part that holds the running body on the running surface side so that the running unit can run on an inclined or upside-down running surface, and the movable body is provided with a switching mechanism that switches the posture of the movable body, and the switching mechanism is configured to switch the posture of the movable body depending on the inclination of the running surface on which the running unit runs.

[0007] The switching mechanism may be configured to switch the position of the movable body by its own weight.

[0008] The movable body may have a transformation unit formed in the shape of a character, and the switching mechanism may be configured to switch the transformation unit to a posture corresponding to the inclination of a running surface on which the running unit runs.

[0009] The actuator may further include a restricting / releasing member for switching between a restricting state in which the attitude switching operation of the movable body is restricted and a releasing state in which the restricting state is released.

[0010] The running body may have a detection unit that detects whether the running body is in contact with the running surface and can move independently, and the running unit may be configured to be driven to run under at least one condition that the detection unit detects that the running body has touched the running surface.

[0011] The propulsion unit may have a drive switch that can be turned on and off, and the propulsion unit may be configured to be driven to travel under at least one condition that the drive switch is turned on.

[0012] The device may be provided with a forming member having a running surface in the shape of an arc with a gradually changing inclination.

[0013] The forming member may be formed in a cylindrical shape that is capable of rolling.

[0014] The forming member may include a material capable of attracting a magnet, and the holding portion may include a magnet provided on the traveling body side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The running unit can run on an inclined or upside-down running surface, and the movable body switches its posture according to the inclination of the running surface on which the running unit runs, so that it is possible to enjoy the operation of the movable body while running, and it is highly entertaining. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a running toy to which the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a side view of the traveling unit with the transformation unit switched to a second position. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the main configuration of the running body. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a base member and a partition member. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main internal structure of the running body. [Figure 10] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 1 is a perspective view of a traveling toy to which the present invention is applied. The traveling toy shown in the figure includes a path unit 1 and one or more (two in the illustrated example) traveling units 2 that travel along the path unit 1 by themselves.

[0018] The path unit 1 has a forming member 5 having an arc-shaped running surface M1 whose inclination gradually changes along its entire length, and a base 3 that supports the forming member 5.

[0019] The forming member 5 includes a material capable of attracting a magnet (for example, a metal material such as iron), and is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. A running surface M is formed around the entire inner periphery of the forming member 5. In other words, the ends of the above-mentioned multiple arc-shaped running surfaces M are connected smoothly and integrally in sequence to form a single running surface M formed in an annular shape.

[0020] Guide walls 4, 4 that protrude slightly radially inward are integrally formed along the entire circumference of the forming member 5 on both widthwise ends thereof. The guide walls 4, 4 that protrude along the entire widthwise ends of the running surface M restrict the running unit 2 running on the running surface M from jumping outward in the widthwise direction of the running surface M, and guide the running unit 2 to run along the entire length.

[0021] Since the outer peripheral surface of the forming member 5 is circular when viewed in the axial direction of the forming member 5, when the forming member 5 is placed on a horizontal surface with its outer peripheral surface in an upright position with its axial direction facing horizontally, the forming member 5 becomes capable of rolling.

[0022] The base 3 has a horizontal base plate 6 formed in a rectangular shape, and a plurality of support rollers 7, 7, 7, 7 supported in a freely rotating state at each of the four corners of the upper surface of the base plate 6. Each support roller 7 is supported by a support bracket 8 that protrudes upward integrally from the base plate 6 via a rotation shaft 9 so as to be rotatable about that axis.

[0023] A pair of support rollers 7, 7 are coaxial and form a support set. The support sets are provided at each end of the base plate 6 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, a total of two support sets are provided on the upper surface side of the base plate 6. The axial directions of one support roller 7, 7 and the other support roller 7, 7 of the two support sets are oriented in parallel to each other.

[0024] A pair of support rollers 7, 7 constituting one support set are respectively arranged at symmetrical positions in the width direction of the base plate 6. Flange-shaped restricting portions 12, 12 are integrally provided and extend from the ends of the pair of support rollers 7, 7 constituting one support set that are farther from each other.

[0025] The forming member 5 is supported by four support rollers 7, 7, 7, 7 with their axes parallel to one another and is set removably on the base 3 in a state in which it can rotate on the spot. In other words, depending on whether the base 3 is present or not, the forming member 5 can be switched between two states: a state in which it rolls on a horizontal plane, and a state in which it is supported on the base 3 so that it can rotate or turn.

[0026] While the running unit 2 is running on the running surface M, the player can manually rotate or turn the forming member 5 on the spot, or manually roll it, but it is also possible to roll or rotate the forming member 5 by the force acting from the running unit 2 running on the running surface M.

[0027] 2 is a side view of the propulsion unit 2. The propulsion unit 2 has a propulsion body 13 that propels on a traveling surface M, and a movable body 14 that is movably and detachably attached to and supported by the propulsion body 13. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of travel of the propulsion unit 2 traveling on a horizontal surface is defined as the forward direction, and front / rear, left / right, and up / down are defined based on this.

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 are upper and lower perspective views of the movable body, Figure 5 is a side view of the traveling unit with the transformation unit switched to the second position, and Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the traveling body. Traveling body 13 has a disk-shaped traveling body 16, a bumper member 17 attached and fixed to the front side of traveling body 16, and a traveling movable frame 18 that is disposed on the flat upper surface of traveling body 16 and rotates. Meanwhile, movable body 14 has a disk-shaped movable base 19 that is detachably attached to traveling movable frame 18, and a transformation unit 22 that is supported on movable base 19 via a support frame 21.

[0029] The traveling-side movable frame 18 is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and its center portion is rotatably attached and supported on the disk-shaped upper surface of the traveling-side main body 16. Meanwhile, a fitting hole 19a is formed on one surface (specifically, the lower surface) of the movable base 19. The fitting hole 19a is shaped to have an inner peripheral surface corresponding to the outer peripheral edge of the traveling-side movable frame 18. Then, by fitting and fixing the traveling-side movable frame 18 into the fitting hole 19a, the movable body 14 is attached and fixed to the surface of the traveling-side movable frame 18 opposite the traveling-side main body 16 (specifically, the upper surface).

[0030] The support frame 21 has a support column 24 that protrudes linearly from the movable base 19 on the side opposite to the traveling body 13 (specifically, upward), and a support section 26 that extends upward from the end (tip) of the support column 24 on the side protruding from the movable base 19. The support frame 21 is attached and fixed to the movable base 19 by fixing the lower part of the support column 24 to the upper surface of the movable base 19 (specifically, by fitting and inserting the lower end of the support column 24 into the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical section 19b that is integrally formed on the upper surface of the movable base 19 and protrudes upward from a position offset from the center). The support section 26 is curved or bent toward the center of the disk-shaped movable base 19 when viewed in the axial direction of the support column 24.

[0031] Transformation unit 22 has the shape of a character such as a real or imaginary animal, monster, or person. Transformation unit 22 is attached to and supported by support 26, and switching mechanism 27 allows the character's posture to be switched.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the transformation unit 22 comprises a trunk part 28 in the vertical direction, a head part 29 attached to one end (upper end) of the trunk part 28 in the overall length direction, a pair of upper leg parts 31, 31 attached at symmetrical positions in the width direction at the other end, lower leg parts 32, 32 attached to the end (lower end) of each upper leg part 31, 31 on the side farther from the trunk part 28, and foot parts 32, 32 attached to the end (lower end) of each lower leg part 32, 32 on the side farther from the upper leg parts 31, 31. The torso part 28 has arms 33, 33, a pair of upper arm parts 34, 34 attached to both ends of the width of the part (upper part) closer to the head part 29, forearm parts 36, 36 attached to the end of each upper arm part 34, 34 on the side farther from the torso part 28, hand parts 37, 37 attached to the end of each forearm part 36, 36 on the side farther from the upper arm parts 34, 34, and a weapon part 35 detachably held by at least one of the pair of hand parts 37, 37.

[0033] Incidentally, for the transformation unit 22 only, the front, back, left, right, top and bottom are defined based on the character, and the following explanation will be given based on this premise.

[0034] The transformation unit 22, made up of the above-mentioned constituent parts, forms a human character as a whole. Its back is attached to and supported by the support frame 21. Specifically, the tip of the support section 26, which is the end that protrudes from the support column 24, is inserted into an insertion hole 28a drilled on the back side of the trunk part 28. The transformation unit 22 is attached to and supported by the above-mentioned switching mechanism 27 on the support frame 21 so that it can swing around a switching axis (not shown), which is an imaginary axis that passes through the tip of the support section 26 and extends in the width direction of the trunk part 28.

[0035] As described above, the inclination of the travel surface M gradually changes toward one side in the overall length direction. Specifically, at its bottom end position (reference point), the travel surface M is horizontal with its normal pointing straight up, and the inclination angle is 0°. Every time the travel surface M moves counterclockwise from that position by a quarter of a circle, the inclination angle increases to 90°, and when the travel surface M moves one circle (returns to the reference position), the inclination angle becomes 360° (returns to 0°).

[0036] On the other hand, the degree of inclination of the running surface M (hereinafter simply referred to as "inclination") gradually increases as the inclination angle changes from 0° to 180°, but gradually decreases as the inclination angle changes from 180° to 360°. That is, at the upper end position (maximum position) where the inclination angle is 180°, the normal line is pointing straight down and upside down, and the inclination is at its maximum.

[0037] The inclination of the support pillars 24 of the traveling unit 2 also changes in the same manner as the inclination of the traveling surface M as the traveling unit 2 travels in one direction along the entire length of the traveling surface M. Specifically, when the traveling unit 2 is located at the reference position, the movable body 14 is located directly above the traveling body 13, and the support pillars 24 protrude directly upward from the traveling body 13. When the traveling unit 2 has traveled a quarter of a revolution from the reference position, the movable body 14 is located directly to the side of the traveling body 13, and the support pillars 24 protrude directly to the side from the traveling body 13. Furthermore, when the traveling unit 2 has traveled a half revolution from the reference position, the support pillars 24 of the traveling unit 2 protrude directly downward from the traveling body 13.

[0038] That is, as the traveling unit 2 moves by itself from the reference position to one side in the overall length direction of the traveling surface M, its inclination gradually increases, and when it reaches the maximum position, its inclination becomes maximum. On the other hand, as the traveling unit 2 moves by itself from the maximum position to one side in the overall length direction of the traveling surface M, its inclination gradually decreases, and when it returns to the reference position, its inclination becomes minimum.

[0039] However, if the inclination of the running unit 2 increases, without a means for holding the running unit 2 on the running surface M, the running unit 2 will fall off the running surface M. To prevent this, in the present invention, the running toy is provided with a holding means for holding the running unit 2 on the running surface M even when the running surface M is in a steep incline or upside down. This holding means will be described later.

[0040] The above-described switching mechanism 27 is configured to switch the transformation unit 22 by its own weight to a posture that corresponds to the inclination of the traveling unit 2 (traveling surface M).

[0041] Specifically, when the inclination of the running unit 2 (in other words, the inclination of the part of the running surface M on which the running unit 2 is running) falls below a predetermined value (switching point) and the inclination becomes gentler, the switching mechanism 27 switches the transformation unit 22 to a posture (first posture) that expresses the character standing on the running body 13 along the support part 24, or maintains it in that posture (see Figures 2, 3 and 4).

[0042] On the other hand, when the inclination of the running unit 2 exceeds the switching point and becomes steeper, the switching mechanism 27 switches the transformation unit 22 to a posture (second posture) that expresses the character hanging from the support 24 and flying (see Figure 5).

[0043] That is, the transformation unit 22 swings relative to the support frame 21 by its own weight and the switching mechanism 27, and is switched from one to the other and from the other to the other between the first posture in which the foot parts 33, 33 side are positioned on the movable side base 19 side and their entire length direction is along the support frame 21, and the second posture in which the foot parts 33, 33 side are away from the movable side base 19 and their entire length direction is facing in a direction intersecting the support frame 21.

[0044] The first attitude is not limited to an attitude showing an upright state, and the second attitude is similarly not limited to an attitude showing a flying state. Furthermore, the transformation unit 22 may have three or more attitudes depending on the inclination described above, rather than just two. Furthermore, the switching point changes depending on the state of the traveling direction of the traveling unit 2 and the attitude of the transformation unit 22 before the attitude change, and there is a certain range for this value. It is also possible to intentionally give the switching point a certain range.

[0045] To explain the structure of the switching mechanism 27 in further detail, the switching mechanism 27 has a support portion 26, the transformation unit 22 itself supported on the support portion 26 so as to be swingable around the above-mentioned switching shaft as a fulcrum, a disk-shaped main driving gear 38 that is accommodated in the insertion hole 28a of the transformation unit 22 and rotatably supported on the tip side of the support portion 26 around the above-mentioned switching shaft as a fulcrum, and that rotates integrally with the transformation unit 22, and a pair of fan-shaped driven gears 39, 41 that are constantly meshed with the main driving gear 38.

[0046] The pair of driven gears 39, 41 are both supported inside the trunk part 28 in a freely rotating state relative to the trunk part 28, one of which is an arm-side gear 39 located closer to the head part 29, and the other is a leg-side gear 41 located farther from the head part 29. The arm-side gear 39 is mechanically linked to one of the pair of upper arm parts 34, 34 (in the illustrated example, the right upper arm part 34 on the weapon part 35 side), and the leg-side gear 41 is mechanically linked to one of the pair of upper thigh parts 31, 31 (in the illustrated example, the left upper thigh part 31 opposite the weapon part 35).

[0047] Incidentally, it is possible to have multiple types of weapon parts 35 held by one hand part 37. In other words, it is possible to have fun by appropriately changing the type of weapon part 35 held by the hand part 37.

[0048] When the deformation unit 22 is switched from the first posture to the second posture, if the deformation unit 22 swings relative to the support frame 21, the main drive gear 38 rotates integrally with the deformation unit 22 to one side (the second posture side).

[0049] As the drive gear 38 rotates, the arm gear 39 rotates, and the upper arm part 34 mechanically connected to the arm gear 39 is switched to a swung-up posture together with the forearm part 36 and hand part 37 on the upper arm part 34 side, and the leg gear 41 also rotates, and the upper leg part 31 mechanically connected to the leg gear 41 is switched to a raised posture together with the lower leg part 32 and foot part 33 on the upper leg part 31 side. These posture transformations make it possible to more realistically express the appearance of the character flying.

[0050] Incidentally, when the transformation unit 22 is switched from the second posture to the first posture, the drive gear 38 rotates in the opposite direction (first posture) from the second posture, and the raised upper arm part 34, forearm part 36, and hand part 37, as well as the raised upper thigh part 31, lower leg part 32, and foot part 33, are returned to the posture and positions of the first posture.

[0051] The movable body 14 is also provided with a restricting / releasing member 40 that switches between a restricting state that restricts the position switching operation in response to the tilt of the deformation unit 22 and a released state that releases the restricting state and allows the position switching operation in response to the tilt of the deformation unit 22. The restricting / releasing member 40 has a mounting portion 40a that is formed in a circular ring shape and is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the movable base 19 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction, and a restricting portion 40b that protrudes upward integrally from the mounting portion 40a.

[0052] The restricting / releasing member 40 is configured to be rotatable between a restricting position where the restricting portion 40b is close to or in contact with the toe of the foot part 33 on one side (the right side) of the transformation unit 22, and a released position where it is located on the outer side of the foot part 33. When the restricting / releasing member 40 is rotated to the restricting position, the swinging of the transformation unit 22 about the switching shaft as a fulcrum is restricted, and the transformation unit 22 is switched to the above-mentioned restricted state. On the other hand, when the restricting / releasing member 40 is rotated to the released position, the swinging of the transformation unit 22 about the switching shaft as a fulcrum is not restricted, and the transformation unit 22 is switched to the above-mentioned released state.

[0053] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view showing the main configuration of the running body, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the base member and partition member, Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the main internal structure of the running body, and Figure 10 is a rear view showing the configuration of the transmission mechanism. 6 to 10, the running side body 16 has a main body case 42 that forms the outer shape of the running side body 16 and is hollow inside, a horizontal plate-like partition member 43 that divides the storage space, which is the space inside the main body case 42, into one side and the other side in the thickness direction, an electric motor (power source) 44 arranged in the storage space, a power supply 46 that is arranged in the storage space and supplies power to the motor 44, a drive roller (running part) 47 that is rotatably supported on the main body case 42 in a state that allows it to be brought into contact with the running surface M, a transmission mechanism 48 that is arranged in the storage space and transmits the power of the motor 44 to the drive roller 47, a detection roller 49 that is supported on the main body case 42 side in an idling state and is brought into contact with the running surface M, and a drive switch 51 that can be turned on and off.

[0054] The main body case 42 is composed of a pair of divided pieces 52, 53 split into upper and lower parts. The pair of divided pieces 52, 53 are detachably fastened to each other with fasteners such as bolts. The lower divided piece 52 is a base member formed in a concave shape, and the upper divided piece 53 is an inverted concave cover member that covers the upper part of the base member 52. The peripheral edge of the partition member 43 is detachably fitted and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base member 52. In addition, exposure holes 52a, 52b are drilled in the front and rear portions of the underside of the base member 52, respectively.

[0055] The drive roller 47 is disposed between the base member 52 and the cover member 53 in an orientation facing the left-right direction. The drive roller 47 is supported relative to the main body case 42 by a support shaft 54 that is coaxial with the drive roller 47 and is attached and supported on the main body case 42 side so as to be rotatable about its own axis as a fulcrum. The drive roller 47 protrudes downward from the main body case 42 through a rear exposure hole 52b so that its lower portion can be brought into contact with the running surface M. The drive roller 47 is rotated in the forward direction by the motor 44, thereby driving the traveling unit 2 to travel forward.

[0056] The drive roller 47 has a case 47a formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and a cylindrical magnet (holding portion) 47b fitted and housed inside the case 47a, with the support shaft 54 inserted through the axis of the magnet 47b, and is attached and fixed to the support shaft 54. The magnet 47b constitutes the above-mentioned holding means that holds the traveling body 13 (traveling unit 2) on the traveling surface M by its magnetic force. The magnet 47b enables the traveling unit 2 to travel on steeply inclined or upside-down portions of the traveling surface M.

[0057] A spur gear 56 is also attached and fixed to the support shaft 54 together with the drive roller 47. In other words, the gear 56 rotates integrally with the drive roller 47 around the support shaft 54 as a fulcrum.

[0058] The detection roller 49 is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape extending in the left-right direction and having an axis parallel to that of the drive roller 47, and is supported on the main body case 42 side by a support shaft 57 that passes through the axis so as to be rotatable around the axis as a fulcrum. The detection roller 49 protrudes downward from the main body case 42 through an exposure hole 52a on the front side so that its lower portion can be placed in contact with the running surface M.

[0059] The support shaft 57 is supported by a detection-side frame 58. The detection-side frame 58 is supported between the partition member 43 and the base member 52 in the accommodation space, and is formed in a U-shape with an open bottom when viewed from the front. An elongated insertion hole 58a is drilled in at least the left and right sides of the detection-side frame 58.

[0060] The support shaft 57 is supported by the detection-side frame 58 by inserting both ends thereof into left and right insertion holes 58 a , 58 a of the detection-side frame 58 , respectively.

[0061] A momentary detection switch (detection unit) 59 is disposed directly above the detection roller 49 and is turned on and off by the elevation of the detection roller 49. The detection switch 59 is accommodated and positioned in a recessed positioning portion 43a formed on the upper surface side of the front part of the partition member 43.

[0062] When the traveling unit 2 (traveling body 13) is in contact with a surface such as the traveling surface M, the detection roller 49 is pushed into the main body case 42 and moves up, and the detection switch 59 is switched to the ON state. On the other hand, when the traveling unit 2 (traveling body 13) is not in contact with a surface such as the traveling surface M, the detection roller 49 protrudes downward from the main body case 42 due to its own weight and moves down, and the detection switch 59 is switched to the OFF state.

[0063] The drive switch 51 is an alternate switch arranged in a storage space. To explain the specific configuration, an exposure hole 42a is drilled in the side of the main body case 42, and this exposure hole 42a is blocked by a switch cover 61 from the inside of the main body case 42. Meanwhile, the drive switch 51 is arranged on the switch cover 61 side on the inside of the main body case 42, and is housed and positioned in a box-shaped positioning portion 43b formed on the underside of the partition member 43. Each time the player presses the drive switch 51 via the switch cover 61 once, the drive switch 51 is alternately switched between an on state and an off state.

[0064] In this example, the power source 46 is a capacitor that is shaped like a cylinder extending in the left-right direction and is capable of rapid charging and discharging with little deterioration due to charging and discharging. The capacitor 46 is positioned and housed in a recessed positioning portion 43c formed on the upper surface of the partition member 43. A rechargeable battery may also be used as the power source 46. Normal or rapid charging of the capacitor 46 is performed by setting the traveling body 13, with the movable body 14 removed, in the charging unit.

[0065] When the drive switch 51 is in the ON state and the detection switch 59 is in the ON state (the running body 13 is in contact with the running surface M), the running unit 2 supplies power from the power source 46 to the motor 44, causing the drive roller 47 to rotate in the forward direction, thereby driving the running body 13 to run. On the other hand, when at least either the drive switch 51 is in the OFF state or the detection switch 59 is in the OFF state, the running unit 2 does not supply power from the power source 46 to the motor 44, causing the running body 13 to stop running.

[0066] To realize this configuration, a microcomputer may be used, with the drive switch 51 and the detection switch 59 connected to the input side of the microcomputer and the motor 44 connected to the output side, and the drive of the motor 44 may be controlled depending on the on / off states of the drive switch 51 and the detection switch 59. However, more simply, the power supply 46 may be connected to a circuit in which the drive switch 51, the detection switch 59, and the motor 44 are electrically connected in series.

[0067] The motor 44 is positioned with its output shaft 44a facing straight up, with its upper portion inserted into the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical positioning portion 43d formed in the partition member 43, and its lower end portion fitted into a positioning portion 52c formed in a recessed shape on the upper surface of the base member 52. The output shaft 44a protrudes above the partition member 43 via the positioning portion 43d.

[0068] The transmission mechanism 48 includes an output gear 62, which is a spur gear attached and fixed to the vertical output shaft 44a of the motor 44 and rotates around the output shaft 44a as a fulcrum; an upstream support shaft 63 arranged adjacent to the output shaft 44a in a position parallel to the output shaft 44a; an upstream gear unit 64 attached and supported by the upstream support shaft 63; a drive shaft 66 attached and supported by the drive shaft 66; the downstream support shaft 68 is disposed adjacent to the drive shaft 66 in a position parallel to the drive shaft 66 and on the side farther from the upstream support shaft 63; the downstream gear unit 69 is attached and supported by the downstream support shaft 68; the drive gear 71 is a spur gear attached and fixed to the drive shaft 66 and rotates around the drive shaft 66 as a fulcrum; and the traveling side transmission gear 72 is a crown gear attached and fixed to the drive shaft 66 and rotates around the drive shaft 66 as a fulcrum.

[0069] The upstream gear unit 64 integrally includes a large-diameter gear 64a, which is a spur gear that is constantly meshed with the output gear 62, and a small-diameter gear 64b, which is a spur gear with a smaller diameter and fewer teeth than the large-diameter gear 64a. The large-diameter gear 64a is located directly above the small-diameter gear 64b, and rotates integrally with the small-diameter gear 64b, with the upstream support shaft 63 as a fulcrum.

[0070] The drive shaft 66 is disposed directly above the midpoint (the center in the illustrated example) of the support shaft 54 and is oriented in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the support shaft 54 .

[0071] The intermediate gear unit 67 integrally includes a large-diameter gear 67a, which is a spur gear that is constantly meshed with the small-diameter gear 64b, and a small-diameter gear 67b, which is a spur gear with a smaller diameter and fewer teeth than the large-diameter gear 67a. The large-diameter gear 67a is disposed directly above the small-diameter gear 67b and rotates integrally with the small-diameter gear 67b, with the drive shaft 66 as a fulcrum. More specifically, the intermediate gear unit 67 (large-diameter gear 67a and small-diameter gear 67b) is supported by the drive shaft 66 in an idling state.

[0072] The downstream gear unit 69 integrally includes a large-diameter gear 69a, which is a spur gear that is constantly meshed with the small-diameter gear 67b, and a small-diameter gear 69b, which is a spur gear with a smaller diameter and fewer teeth than the large-diameter gear 69a. The large-diameter gear 69a is located directly above the small-diameter gear 69b and rotates integrally with the small-diameter gear 69b, with the downstream support shaft 68 as a fulcrum.

[0073] The small diameter gear 69b of the downstream gear unit 69 is constantly meshed with the drive gear 71, and drives the drive gear 71 to rotate together with the drive shaft 66 and the running-side transmission gear 72. The running-side transmission gear 72 is constantly meshed with the gear 56 on the drive roller 47 side, and drives the drive roller 47 to rotate.

[0074] Most of the transmission mechanism 48 configured as described above (specifically, the portion of the transmission mechanism 48 other than part of the traveling-side transmission gear 72 and the gear 56) is disposed between the partition member 43 and the cover member 53. A cylindrical portion 72a, through which the drive shaft 66 is inserted and fixed, is formed integrally with the traveling-side transmission gear 72. The outer peripheral surface of this cylindrical portion 72a is rotatably fitted and inserted into a support hole 43e formed in the partition member 43 from directly below, whereby the traveling-side transmission gear 72, together with the drive shaft 66 and the drive gear 71, is rotatably supported by the partition member 43 (main body case 42 side).

[0075] Cylindrical portions 43f and 43g are formed on the left and right sides of the support hole 43e in the partition member 43, and a cylindrical portion 43h is formed in front of the support hole 43e.

[0076] Of the left and right cylindrical portions 43f, 43g, the upstream support shaft 63 is inserted and supported from above into the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 43f, which is the side closer to the motor 44 (right side), and the downstream support shaft 68 is inserted and supported from above into the inner surface of the other cylindrical portion 43g.

[0077] A vertical support shaft 73 is inserted into and supported on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 43h from above. A gear 74, which is a spur gear that rotates around the support shaft 73 as a fulcrum, is attached and supported on the support shaft 73. Meanwhile, a movable-body-side transmission gear 76, which is a spur gear that rotates around the drive shaft 66 as a fulcrum and is constantly meshed with the gear 74, is attached and fixed to the end of the drive shaft 66 above the partition member 43. In other words, the power of the drive shaft 66 is transmitted to the gear 74 by the movable-body-side transmission gear 76, which rotates integrally with the drive shaft 66.

[0078] A cylindrical mounting portion 74a is formed integrally with the gear 74, projecting upward and coaxial with the support shaft 73 that serves as the rotation axis of the gear 74. The mounting portion 74a rotates integrally with the gear 74, with the support shaft 73 serving as a fulcrum. Meanwhile, an insertion hole 53a is formed in the center of the cover member 53, through which the mounting portion 74a is inserted.

[0079] The center of the traveling-side movable frame 18 is attached and fixed with bolts or the like to the portion of the mounting portion 74a that is inserted into the insertion hole 53a and protrudes upward from the center of the top surface of the cover member 53. With this structure, the traveling-side movable frame 18 rotates integrally with the gear 74, with the support shaft 73 as the fulcrum. In other words, the drive shaft 66, the movable-body-side transmission gear 76, the support shaft 73, and the gear 74 constitute a power take-off mechanism 77 that takes off the power of the traveling system of the transmission mechanism 48 on the transmission downstream side and transmits it to the movable body 14 side.

[0080] To explain how to play with this running toy configured as described above, the running unit 2 turns on the drive switch 51 to ground the running body 13 (specifically, the drive roller 47 and the detection roller 49) on the running surface M of the path unit 1, whereby the running body 13 is driven to run and the movable body 14 is driven to rotate, causing the running body 13 to run on the running surface M.

[0081] The traveling unit 2, which travels on the traveling surface M, is guided by a pair of guide walls 4, 4 so as to travel in the full length direction of the traveling surface M. While the traveling unit 2 travels in the full length direction of the traveling surface M, the transforming unit 22, which is rotating, is sequentially switched to a posture according to the change in inclination due to its own weight.

[0082] The player can enjoy watching the running unit 2 itself running in a circle, the movable body 14 that rotates, and the transformation unit 22 that switches its posture in response to the tilt.

[0083] Furthermore, the forming member 5, which is supported by the base 3 so that it can rotate or turn freely in place, rotates or turns due to the reaction force of the running unit 2 running on the running surface M, which causes the running unit 2 to perform complex movements, thereby providing even more enjoyment to the player.

[0084] Furthermore, when the forming member 5 is in a free state, the traveling unit 2 traveling on the traveling surface M causes the forming member 5 to roll, which also makes it possible to express complex movements, making it highly entertaining.

[0085] On the other hand, to explain how to play with multiple players, multiple players (usually two) place their own traveling units 2 on the traveling surface M and make them move by themselves. The multiple traveling units 2 fall due to collisions with each other, etc., and fall off the traveling surface M and break away. The player whose traveling unit 2 remains on the traveling surface M and is still moving by itself at the end is declared the winner.

[0086] The player must consider strategies to defeat other players by determining whether or not to restrict the posture switching operation of the transformation unit 22 and by selecting the type of weapon parts 35 to be equipped by the character of the transformation unit 22, making the game highly engaging.

[0087] Since the running body 13 and the movable body 14 are separable, multiple types of running bodies 13 may be prepared that can be detachably attached to one movable body 14. The running torque and speed of each type of running body 13 are set to different values depending on the setting of the speed change ratio (gear ratio in this example) of the transmission mechanism 48, and it is possible to select a running body 13 with high torque or a running body 13 with high speed depending on the strategy, further enhancing the playability of the game. Incidentally, to ensure fairness, it is preferable to set the output of the motors 44 to be the same.

[0088] Furthermore, a single traveling body 13 may be provided with a speed change mechanism that changes the speed ratio of the transmission mechanism 48, so that the torque and speed of the traveling body can be changed as needed.

[0089] Further, a spring or the like may be used as the power source 44 instead of a motor.

[0090] Furthermore, an air suction device (holding section) (not shown) that sucks and holds the running body 13 on the running surface M by air may be provided on the path unit 1 side, and the above-mentioned holding means may be constituted by this suction device.

[0091] Furthermore, the path formed in the forming member 5 may not be circular, but may have another shape such as a C-shape. Alternatively, the path unit 1 itself may not be provided, and the surface of an implement (for example, a whiteboard) that can attract a magnet and has a flat surface or a curved surface with a variable inclination may be used as the running surface M. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 2 Traveling Unit 5 Forming members 13 Running body 14 Movable body 22 Transforming Unit 27 Switching mechanism 40 Control and release members 44 Motor (power source) 47b Holding part (magnet) 51 Drive switch 59 Detection switch (detection part) M running surface

Claims

1. A running toy in which a running unit runs on a running surface by itself, a traveling unit having a traveling body that travels on a traveling surface by power from a power source provided therein, and a movable body that is movably attached and supported on a portion of the traveling body opposite to the traveling surface side; a holding unit that holds the running body on the running surface side so that the running unit can run on an inclined running surface or an upside-down running surface; The movable body is provided with a switching mechanism that switches the posture of the movable body, The switching mechanism is configured to switch the posture of the movable body in accordance with the inclination of a running surface on which the traveling unit runs. A traveling toy characterized by:

2. The switching mechanism is configured to switch the position of the movable body by its own weight. The traveling toy according to claim 1 .

3. the movable body has a transformation unit formed in the shape of a character, The switching mechanism is configured to switch the transformation unit to a posture corresponding to the inclination of the traveling surface on which the traveling unit travels. The traveling toy according to claim 1 .

4. A restricting / releasing member is provided for switching between a restricting state in which the attitude switching operation of the movable body is restricted and a releasing state in which the restricting state is released. The traveling toy according to claim 1 .

5. the running body has a detection unit that detects whether the running body is in contact with a running surface so as to be self-propelled; The traveling unit is configured to be driven to travel under at least one condition that the detection unit detects that the traveling body has touched the traveling surface. The traveling toy according to claim 1 .

6. The traveling unit has a drive switch that can be turned on and off, The traveling unit is configured to be driven to travel under at least one condition that the driving switch is turned on. The traveling toy according to claim 5.

7. The slope of the arc-shaped running surface is gradually changed. The traveling toy according to claim 1 .

8. The forming member is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be rolled. The traveling toy according to claim 7.

9. The forming member includes a material capable of attracting a magnet, The holding portion includes a magnet provided on the traveling body side. The traveling toy according to claim 7.

Images