Toy

Abstract

To provide a novel mechanism in a toy that transports and ejects parts housed therein, which mechanism can favorably solve jamming of parts.SOLUTION: A toy includes a first part having a housing part which can house parts, and a second part which transports a part supplied from the first part and guides the part to a thread member connected to an eject port. The first part and the second part can be detached from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to toys. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known toys in which multiple beads (components) are threaded onto a string to create accessories. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a bead threading toy in which stored beads are discharged through an outlet, and the beads discharged from the outlet are guided onto a string and threaded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3164961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The beads have insertion holes formed as through holes, and accessories are made by threading a string through the insertion holes. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the orientation of the beads along the path that transports them from the part of the toy that stores the beads to the outlet, and transport the beads so that the insertion holes are inserted onto the string at the outlet. The path along which the beads are transported is formed to a size and shape that matches the size and shape of the beads and prevents the beads from moving diagonally during transport. In the above-mentioned conventional technology, if parts such as beads get stuck in the transport path, it is necessary to shake the entire toy or disassemble the toy to clear the jam, which is time-consuming.

[0005] The present invention provides a novel mechanism that can suitably eliminate clogging of parts, for example, in a toy that conveys and discharges stored parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is, for example, a toy comprising a first part having a storage section capable of storing parts, and a second part that transports parts supplied from the first part and guides the parts to a string member connected to an outlet, wherein the first part and the second part are detachable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, for example, in a toy that conveys and discharges stored parts, a novel mechanism can be provided that can suitably eliminate clogging of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a front appearance of a toy according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B are an exploded front view and a perspective view, respectively, of a toy according to an embodiment; [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toy according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a toy according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a detailed internal structure of a first section and a second section according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a detailed internal structure of a processing unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a plan view, and FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of a first portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a view showing a part of a housing portion of a first portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a fastener according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of a fastener according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] <Toy appearance> First, an example of the external configuration of a toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows the external front view of the toy 100. Note that the x, y, and z arrows indicate the upward, left, and forward directions of the toy, respectively, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0011] Toy 100 is a toy that can store components such as beads, eject the stored components, and thread them onto a string member to create accessories. Toy 100 is formed in a shape that resembles a drink container, and is composed of a first section 101, a second section 102, and an operating unit 103. Toy 100 also has a first operating member 106 and a second operating member 104 that are operated by a player of toy 100. The first operating member is provided on operating unit 103, and second operating member 104 is provided on first section 101.

[0012] The first portion 101 has a plurality of storage compartments for storing components such as beads. The components stored in the plurality of storage compartments are supplied from a storage compartment located near the second operating member 104 by operating the second operating member 104. The second operating member 104 is a member that can be operated by pushing it into the interior of the toy 100. The plurality of storage compartments are rotatably attached, and the player can rotate the storage compartment containing the required components to the vicinity of the top of the second operating member 104, and then operate the second operating member 104 to supply the desired components and create an accessory. Note that, although an example having a plurality of storage compartments will be described in this embodiment, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and a configuration having a single storage compartment may also be used. In this configuration, the storage compartment rotation mechanism described below will not be necessary.

[0013] The second section 102 is a processing section that processes the parts supplied from the first section 101. The second section 102 has a part outlet 105, and is a section that guides the parts supplied from the first section 101 to a string member (line) connected to the outlet. By gripping the first operating member 106 and rotating it in the direction of the arrow, the player can rotate a part of the second section (the part shown shaded in FIG. 1) connected to the operating section 103 and guide the supplied parts to the outlet 105. Detailed operations will be described later.

[0014] <Separate configuration> The disassembled structure of the toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A(a) shows an exploded front view of the toy 100, and FIG. 2A(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the toy 100. FIG. 2B shows an exploded perspective view of the toy 100 from the bottom side. As shown in the figures, the toy 100 according to this embodiment can be disassembled into a plurality of parts. In particular, the toy 100 can be separated into a first part 101, a second part 102, and an operating part 103.

[0015] First, the configuration of each part after separation will be described. First part 101 is configured to include a storage part 201, a supply part 202, and a guide part 203. An opening 204 is formed inside first part 101, penetrating it in the vertical direction in the figure. A connecting part 205 of second part 102 is inserted into opening 204. Connecting part 205 passes through opening 204 and is connected to a recess 211 of operation part 103 shown in FIG. 2B.

[0016] The storage unit 201 is configured to include multiple storage sections (hereinafter also referred to as storage spaces), and each of the multiple storage sections can store different parts. Here, the different parts are accessory parts for making accessories such as beads. The different parts have insertion holes formed as through holes, and thread members are inserted into the insertion holes. The different parts also include parts that differ in at least one aspect, such as color, shape, and size. By selecting desired parts from these multiple types of parts in an order, the player can make an accessory that includes the desired parts in succession. The storage unit 201 is connected to the supply unit 202 so as to be rotatable horizontally.

[0017] Supply unit 202 includes second operating member 104, and when second operating member 104 is operated, components are supplied from a storage unit located near second operating member 104. A hole for passing the component is formed in the bottom surface of each storage unit, and normally, the hole is blocked by a plate member extending from second operating member 104. However, when second operating member 104 is pressed in, the blocking of the hole in the storage unit located near (near the top of) second operating member 104 becomes conductive, and the component passes through the hole and is supplied to guiding unit 203 below. Guiding unit 203 adjusts the orientation of the component supplied from supply unit 202 and transports it to second section 102. A detailed configuration will be described later using FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0018] The second section 102 includes a connecting section 205 and a processing section 206. As described above, the connecting section 205 passes through the opening 204 of the first section 101 and is connected to the recess 211 of the operation section 103. The connecting section 205 is connected to the operation section 103, and is rotatably connected to the processing section 206 by rotating the first operation member 106. A component whose orientation has been adjusted is supplied from the guide section 203 to the processing section 206, which transports the component to the discharge outlet 105 and guides the component to be inserted into a string member connected to the discharge outlet 105. The detailed configuration of the processing section 206 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0019] Next, a detailed separation configuration will be described. The upper surface of the processing unit 206 and the rear surface of the first portion 101 are formed with connecting portions 207 and 212, respectively, for connecting to the other. According to this embodiment, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 are connected by inserting a protrusion (connecting portion 212) formed on the rear surface of the first portion 101 into a recess (connecting portion 207) on the upper surface of the second portion 102. Meanwhile, the first portion 101 and the second portion 102 can be easily separated by pulling the connected first portion 101 upward and the second portion 102 downward. These connecting mechanisms are not intended to limit the present invention, and any connecting mechanism may be used as long as they are easily connected and further easily separable. For example, a groove may be formed on one side and a protrusion may be formed on the other side. The protrusion may be inserted into the groove and rotated horizontally, causing the protrusion to move along the groove and engage.

[0020] In this way, the toy 100 according to this embodiment is composed of at least the first part and the second part, and each part can be easily separated from the other. As a result, for example, if a part gets stuck inside the toy 100, the toy 100 can be separated into the first part and the second part, and the clogged part can be easily cleared by shaking the part where the clog has occurred up and down.

[0021] <Internal structure> The internal structure of the entire toy according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the state in which the housing section 201 of the first section 101 and the outer shell parts of the second section 102 of the toy 100 have been removed, exposing their internal structures.

[0022] 3 shows supply unit 202 and guide unit 203 in first section 101. Supply unit 202 has opening 301 and connecting units 311a and 311b, and is connected to second operating member 104. Connecting units 311a and 311b rotatably connect storage units 201. This allows a storage unit that stores a desired component 310 among the multiple storage units 201 to be moved to near the top of second operating member 104.

[0023] Opening 301 is formed continuously to conveying path 302 provided in guiding section 203. FIG. 3 shows the state in which second operating member 104 is pushed in, and plate member 312 extending from second operating member 104 advances into toy 100, and the hole formed in plate member 312 moves above opening 301, establishing electrical continuity. When electrical continuity is established, parts 310 such as beads contained in a container (not shown) located above it fall into opening 301, supplying the parts 310 to guiding section 203. On the other hand, before second operating member 104 is pushed in (not shown), the hole formed in plate member 312 is positioned in front of opening 301, preventing electrical continuity. In this state, parts cannot fall from the container, and therefore no parts are supplied. The player rotates one of the multiple containers containing the desired part relative to supply section 202 to move it above opening 301. The container 201 can be operated by grasping its outer shell part and rotating it horizontally. Then, by pushing in the second operating member 104, the hole formed in the bottom of the container, the hole in the plate member 312, and the opening 301 become electrically connected, and the part 310 falls into the supply unit 202 and is supplied.

[0024] Thereafter, the dropped component 310 passes through a cylindrical conveying path 302 provided in the guiding unit 203 and reaches a connecting unit 303 to the second section 102. One end of a linear member 305 included in the second section 102 is inserted into the connecting unit 303 from below. Here, the component 310 that has reached the connecting unit 303 has its insertion hole inserted into one end of the linear member 305. Note that depending on the orientation of the insertion hole, the component 310 may not be properly inserted into one end of the linear member 305. However, as the guiding unit 203 vibrates up and down, the orientation of the component 310 located within the connecting unit 303 changes, and the insertion hole will eventually be inserted into one end of the linear member 305. The mechanism by which the guiding unit 203 vibrates up and down will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0025] The second portion 102 is internally configured to include a drive mechanism 304, a linear member 305, and a cylindrical member 307. The linear member 305 is wound spirally around the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 307 and is disposed toward the discharge port 105 located below the second portion 102. A connection part 306 to which a thread member is connected is formed at the other end of the linear member 305. When the component 310 is inserted into one end of the linear member 305 at the connection part 303 of the guide part 203, the component 310 moves downward along the linear member 305 due to vibrations caused by the drive mechanism 304, and is transported to the connection part 306 at the other end.

[0026] <Detailed internal structure> The detailed internal configurations of the first section 101 and the second section 102 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a front view showing the internal structure of part of the first section 101 and the second section 102. Figure 5 is a side view showing the internal structure of the processing section 206 in the second section 102.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , components 310 dropped into opening 301 are transported along conveyance path 302 in the order of 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d until they reach connecting portion 303. Conveyance path 302 is formed with a predetermined incline, and vibration causes components 310 to roll downward. One end 401 of linear member 305 protrudes upward from connecting portion 303. Once end 401 is inserted into the insertion hole of component 310d, component 310 is then transported along linear member 305. However, depending on the orientation of component 310d that rolled down, the insertion hole may not properly insert into end 401. Therefore, in this embodiment, drive mechanism 304 swings connecting portion 303 up and down to assist in inserting the insertion hole into end 401.

[0028] Here, the drive mechanism 304 will be described. The drive mechanism 304 includes multiple gears 402 and 403. When the first operating member 106 of the operating unit 103 is rotated, the connecting portion 205, which extends from the second portion 102 and is connected to the coupling portion 211, rotates. Accordingly, the gear 402 rotates. The gear 402 is engaged with the gear 403, which has a rotation axis that is 90 degrees different from the rotation axis of the gear 402. This allows the horizontal rotational motion generated by operating the first operating member 106 to be converted into vertical rotational motion. This vertical rotational motion is transmitted to the connecting portion 303 and the conveying path 302, allowing these parts to swing up and down. When the insertion hole of the part 310d is inserted into one end 401, the parts 310e and 310f are conveyed downward along the linear member 305 in this order.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the linear member 305 is arranged so as to spirally wrap around the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 307 from the top to the bottom. As a result, the component 310 is transported downward along the linear member 305 by vibrations generated by the drive mechanism 304, which is driven by operating the first operating member 106. More specifically, the components 310 are transported in the order of 310g, 310h, 310i, and 310j. Finally, the components are transported to the connecting portion 306 of the linear member 305. The connecting portion 306 has a notch through which the thread member 501 is passed so as to be hooked and connected. The component 310j passes through the connecting portion 306 and is guided to the thread member 501 beyond.

[0030] FIG. 5(b) shows parts 502 to 506 being threaded through string member 501. As shown in FIG. 5(b), parts 502, 503, 505, and 506 are spherical parts, and parts 502 and 506 are different in size from parts 503 and 505. Part 504 is a tetrahedral part. In this way, toy 100 according to this embodiment can use parts that differ in at least one of size and shape, allowing a variety of accessories to be produced. In this embodiment, for example, a conveying path is formed so that the largest size part 502 can be conveyed. This reduces the occurrence of clogging.

[0031] <Detailed structure of Part 1> The detailed configuration of the first section according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6(a) shows a front view of the first section 101, Figure 6(b) shows a plan view of the first section 101, and Figure 6(c) shows a perspective view of the first section 101 with a cover member 601 removed.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6(b), a cover member 601 is rotatably and removably attached to the top surface of the first section 101, i.e., the top surface of the housing section 201. The cover member 601 has a window 602 formed therein through which the interior can be seen, and also has an opening 603 formed therein corresponding to the opening 204. Therefore, by rotating the cover member 601, the window 602 can be rotated to a desired position. The housing section 201 located inside can be seen through the window 602. The window 602 may be formed to a size that allows a component to be placed inside.

[0033] 6(c) shows the state in which the cover member 601 has been removed from the first section 101. A partition member 605 is provided on the lower part of the cover member 601. A plurality of storage spaces 604a to 604f are formed in the storage section 201 by the partition member 605. Each of the storage spaces 604a to 604f is open at the top, and components can be inserted through that part. The storage section 201 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow, and each storage section (storage spaces 604a to 604f) can be moved near the second operating member 104.

[0034] 7 shows the state in which the cover member 601, the partition member 605, and the outer shell parts of the storage section 201 have been removed. A bottom plate 611 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage section 201. The bottom plate 611 serves as the bottom member for each storage section. Holes 610a to 610f are formed in the bottom plate 611 at positions corresponding to each storage section. The components 310 stored in each storage section are supplied through the holes 610a to 610f.

[0035] <Fastener configuration> The configuration of the fastener according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8(a) shows a plan view of a first part 801 of the fastener, and Figure 8(b) shows a plan view of a second part 802 that is paired with the first part 801 of the fastener.

[0036] 8(b), a plurality of grooves 803a to 803e and a recess 804 are formed inside the second part 802. A thread member 805 can be placed in the grooves 803a to 803e.

[0037] FIG. 8(c) shows a state in which thread member 805 of an accessory made using toy 100 has been aligned with groove 803. From this state, part 801 can be further attached to part 802 so as to cover it from above, thereby fastening the made accessory. In this way, for example, by aligning the knot of thread member 805 in a position where it is sandwiched between parts 801 and 802, the knot of thread member 805 can be hidden, improving the appearance of the accessory. It is also possible to prevent components 811 and 812 from falling off the accessory. The player can freely arrange the made accessory by aligning it with the groove of part 802.

[0038] FIG. 9 shows an example of the arrangement of accessories relative to a part 802. Note that in FIG. 9, for simplicity of explanation, the components are omitted and only the thread member 805 is shown. FIG. 9(a) shows an example in which one accessory is arranged. FIG. 9(b) shows an example in which two accessories are arranged. FIG. 9(c) shows an example in which three accessories are arranged. In this way, according to this embodiment, one or more accessories can be arranged and fastened to the fastener. Although an example of up to three accessories is shown here, any number of accessories can be fastened depending on the number of grooves formed in the fastener.

[0039] As described above, the toy according to this embodiment includes a first part having a plurality of storage compartments each capable of storing a different part, and a second part that transports the parts supplied from the first part and guides them to a string member connected to an outlet, and the first and second parts are detachable. This provides a novel mechanism for effectively clearing clogging of parts in a toy that transports and discharges a plurality of different stored parts. The different parts include parts that have insertion holes for insertion onto the string member and differ from each other in at least one of shape and size. Thus, this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for storing parts of various sizes and shapes and transporting and discharging these parts, for example.

[0040] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the shape of the toy is not limited to a drink container, but includes various other shapes.

[0041] <Summary of the embodiment> The above embodiment discloses at least the following toys. (1) It is a toy, a first portion having a housing portion capable of housing a component; a second section that conveys the parts supplied from the first section and guides the parts to a string member connected to a discharge port; Equipped with A toy, wherein the first part and the second part are detachable. (2) The toy described in (1) is characterized in that the first part has a plurality of storage sections, each of which can store a different part. (3) The toy described in (2) is characterized in that the different parts have insertion holes formed therein for the thread member to be inserted therethrough, and include parts that differ from each other in at least one of shape and size. (4) The toy according to (3), wherein the different parts include at least one of a spherical part and a tetrahedron part. (5) The first portion is the plurality of storage sections; a supply unit to which the plurality of storage units are rotatably connected and which supplies the components stored in any of the plurality of storage units; a guide unit that transports the components supplied by the supply unit to the second section and adjusts the orientation of the components; The toy according to (3) or (4) is characterized by comprising: (6) The second portion is a linear member having one end inserted into the insertion hole of the component whose orientation has been adjusted and guided from the guide portion and the other end extending to the discharge port; a cylindrical member around which the linear member is wound; a connecting portion extending from the cylindrical member; The toy according to (5) is characterized by comprising: (7) The first portion has an opening extending therethrough; The toy described in (6) is characterized in that the connection portion of the second part passes through the opening and is connected to the first operating member. (8) The toy described in (7) is characterized in that by rotating the first operating member, the connection part rotates, and accordingly the guide part and the second part vibrate, thereby transporting the part. (9) The toy according to any one of (5) to (8), characterized in that the guide portion is formed by adjusting the size of the largest part included in the different parts to a size that can be transported. (10) the supply unit has a second operating member that can be pushed in, Each of the plurality of storage units can be rotated relative to the supply unit to be adjacent to the second operating member, A toy described in any one of (5) to (9), characterized in that by operating the second operating member, parts are supplied from a storage section among the multiple storage sections that is located near the second operating member. (11) The toy described in (10) is characterized in that the plurality of storage compartments are rotatably connected to a cover member having a single window at the top through which the different components can be seen. (12) A toy described in any one of (1) to (11), further comprising a fastener that fastens the string member through which the plurality of different members are inserted, thereby preventing the plurality of different members from coming off the string member. (13) The toy described in (12) is characterized in that the fastener has a plurality of grooves and is capable of fastening a plurality of the thread members together. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100: toy, 101: first part, 102: second part, 103: operation part, 104: second operation member, 105: discharge port, 106: first operation member, 201: storage part, 202: supply part, 203: guide part, 204: opening, 205: connection part, 206: processing part

Claims

1. It is a toy, a first portion having a housing portion capable of housing a component; a second section that conveys the parts supplied from the first section and guides the parts to a string member connected to a discharge port; Equipped with The toy, wherein the first portion and the second portion are detachable.

2. 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first portion has a plurality of storage compartments, each of the storage compartments being capable of storing a different component.

3. The toy according to claim 2, wherein the different parts include parts having insertion holes for inserting the string member therethrough, and parts that are different from each other in at least one of shape and size.

4. 4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the different parts include at least one of a spherical part and a tetrahedron part.

5. The first portion is the plurality of storage sections; a supply unit to which the plurality of storage units are rotatably connected and which supplies the components stored in any of the plurality of storage units; a guide unit that transports the component supplied by the supply unit to the second section and adjusts the orientation of the component; 4. The toy of claim 3, comprising:

6. The second portion is a linear member having one end inserted into the insertion hole of the component whose orientation has been adjusted and guided from the guide portion and the other end extending to the discharge port; a cylindrical member around which the linear member is wound; a connecting portion extending from the cylindrical member; 6. The toy of claim 5, comprising:

7. The first portion has an opening extending therethrough; 7. The toy according to claim 6, wherein the connecting portion of the second part passes through the opening and is connected to the first operating member.

8. The toy according to claim 7, characterized in that by rotating the first operating member, the connecting part rotates, and accordingly the guiding part and the second part vibrate, thereby transporting the part.

9. 9. The toy according to claim 5, wherein the guide portion is formed by adjusting the size of the guide portion to a size that allows the largest size component included in the different components to be transported.

10. the supply unit has a second operating member that can be pushed in, Each of the plurality of storage units can be rotated relative to the supply unit to be adjacent to the second operating member, 6. The toy according to claim 5, wherein, by operating the second operating member, a part is supplied from one of the plurality of storage units that is located near the second operating member.

11. The toy according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of storage compartments are rotatably connected to a cover member having a window at the top through which the different components can be seen.

12. 9. The toy according to claim 2, further comprising a fastener that fastens the string member through which the plurality of different members are inserted, thereby preventing the plurality of different members from coming off the string member.

13. 13. The toy according to claim 12, wherein the fastener has a plurality of grooves, and is capable of fastening a plurality of the string members together.

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