Spinning top toy

Abstract

To change the height of a spinning top toy in both high and low directions with a simple structure.SOLUTION: The toy top 100 includes a body part 10 and a shaft 20, and an insertion hole 15b which is a shaft hole is formed at the rotation center of the toy top 100 in the body part 10. The shaft 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 15b in an assembled state, and has a toothed wheel 24a which is a first engagement portion and a toothed wheel 24a which is a second engagement portion whose position in a height direction is lower than that of the toothed wheel 24b on an outer periphery, and a claw 15b which protrudes into the insertion hole 15b and is selectively locked to the toothed wheel 24a or the toothed wheel 24b by a predetermined biasing force is provided in the insertion hole 14d. When the claw 14d is engaged with either the cog 24a that is the first engaging part of the shaft 20 or the cog 24b that is the second engaging part, the body part 10 and the shaft 20 are engaged with each other, and the height of the toy top 100 can be changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy top. [Background technology]

[0002] The rotation characteristics of a toy top change when the height in the axial direction changes. In this regard, a toy top has been known that includes an axle and an accessory attached to the axle that is movable in the axial direction, and that is configured so that the contact state of the axle or the height of the axle can be changed by changing the axial position at which the accessory is attached (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6618970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned top toy, the user can change the axial position at which the accessories are attached, and it also has a spring member such as a coil spring inside, so that when the top toy receives an impact, the coil spring is released, causing the top to change in its axial height upward. However, the height of the toy top can only be lowered manually by the user, and the height cannot be freely changed. An object of the present invention is to provide a toy top that can be changed in height either in a higher or lower direction with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first method is A toy top having a body and a shaft, a shaft hole is formed at the rotation center of the toy top in the body portion, The shaft is inserted into the shaft hole in an assembled state, and has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion on an outer periphery, the second engagement portion being lower in height than the first engagement portion, a pawl is provided in the shaft hole, protruding into the shaft hole and selectively engaged with the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion by a predetermined biasing force; This is a top toy characterized in that the claw engages with either the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion of the shaft, thereby engaging the body with the shaft and making it possible to change the height of the top toy.

[0006] The second means is the first means, The torso includes an upper torso and a lower torso, and the upper torso, the lower torso, and the shaft are configured to be separable by a top battle in which the toy tops collide with each other and fight, The shaft hole is formed in the lower body portion.

[0007] The third means is the first means, The claws are provided at two locations facing each other across the center line of the shaft hole, At least one pair of the first engaging portions are provided at point-symmetric positions with respect to the axial center, and at least one pair of the second engaging portions are provided at point-symmetric positions with respect to the axial center, The position where the first engaging portion is provided and the position where the second engaging portion is provided are offset from each other by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction.

[0008] The fourth means is the first means, a flange portion that protrudes radially outward is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft below a position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided, and an upper surface of the flange portion is formed with irregularities in the circumferential direction; The outer surface of the lower end of the body is formed with irregularities corresponding to the irregularities on the shaft side, When the convex portion on the shaft side is in contact with the convex portion on the barrel side, the claw is locked into the first engagement portion, and when the concave and convex portions on the shaft side and the concave and convex portions on the barrel side are fitted together, the claw is locked into the second engagement portion.

[0009] The fifth means is the fourth means, The concaves and convexes on the shaft side and the concaves and convexes on the body side are each point-symmetrical with respect to the center of rotation of the toy top.

[0010] The sixth means is the fourth means, At least the concaves and convexes on the shaft side are formed in a wavy shape along the circumferential direction.

[0011] The seventh means is the first means, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are at least partially in communication with each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

[0012] The eighth means is the first means, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed in plurality and continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0013] The ninth means is the fourth means, The shaft is characterized by having a gear that can mesh with an external rack on the outer periphery thereof below the flange portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 1, the rotation of the shaft can be used to switch the engagement state between the claw supporting the shaft and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, making it possible to change the height of the toy top in either a higher or lower direction with a simple configuration. This changes the center of gravity and rotation characteristics of the toy top, allowing for a variety of movements and battles to be enjoyed.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to enjoy the varied movements and effects of the toy top.

[0016] In the invention described in claim 3, the claws face each other across the axial center, and the first and second engaging portions are also paired at point-symmetric positions across the axial center, so there is no risk of twisting or an incomplete state where one of the pair of claws engages with the first engaging portion and the other engages with the second engaging portion. In this way, both pairs of claws securely engage with either the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion, so that the height of the toy top can stably be in either a high or low state even when the axis rotates due to an external impact, for example.

[0017] Furthermore, in the invention as set forth in claim 4, the engagement state between the claw set by the user and the first and second engagement portions can be easily maintained.

[0018] Furthermore, in the invention as set forth in claim 5, the setting state of the body and the shaft can be stabilized.

[0019] Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 6, when the toy top receives an impact, it moves smoothly and easily, and the fit between the concave and convex parts on the shaft side and the concave and convex parts on the body side easily changes. As a result, when the toy top receives an impact, the engagement state between the pawl and the first engagement part and the second engagement part also smoothly switches, and the height of the toy top can be accidentally changed in either the higher or lower direction. This changes the center of gravity and rotation characteristics of the toy top, allowing for a variety of movements and the enjoyment of battles.

[0020] Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 7, when the toy top receives an impact, the engagement position of the claw can be easily changed from the engagement portion with which it was initially engaged to a different engagement portion.

[0021] In addition, in the invention described in claim 8, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are formed in a gear shape, so that the claws mesh with the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion, making it easier for the shaft to rotate integrally with the body portion (upper body portion).

[0022] Furthermore, if teeth (racks) are formed on an external structure, such as the inner surface of a battle stadium where toy tops battle, the invention described in claim 9 allows the gear formed on the outer periphery of the shaft to mesh with the teeth (racks), causing a change in the movement of the toy top, such as accelerating. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a toy top according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the disassembly of the toy top during a top battle. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toy top according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper body portion seen from below. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lower body assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower body assembly as seen from below. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the toy top with the upper body and top plate removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy top with the upper body and the ring-shaped body removed, showing the toy top in a high height state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the state in which the lower plate is removed from FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy top with the upper body and the ring-shaped body removed, showing the toy top in a low height state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the state in which the lower plate is removed from FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a toy top with the upper body removed. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a toy top with the upper body removed. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the battle stadium. [Figure 17] 10 is a plan view showing the degree of engagement between the convex portion of the movable member and the concave portion of the ring-shaped body. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a plan view showing the degree of engagement between the convex portion of the movable member and the concave portion of the ring-shaped body. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An embodiment of a toy top according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18. FIG. The toy top 100 shown in the embodiment is used, for example, in a top battle in which the toy tops 100 are collided with each other to fight. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy top 100 of the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the disassembly of the toy top 100 during a top battle. As shown in FIG. 1, the toy top 100 includes a body 10 including an upper body 11 and a lower body assembly 12, and a rod-shaped axis (rod-shaped axis) 20. The toy top 100 can be disassembled into multiple pieces as a result of the top battle. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the toy top 100 is disassembled into two pieces, the upper body 11, and the lower body assembly 12 and axis 20, as a result of the top battle. Note that the manner in which the toy top 100 is disassembled is not limited to the illustrated example, and it may be disassembled into more pieces, for example, by disassembling the lower body assembly 12 and axis 20 as well. Furthermore, by replacing the shaft 20, it is possible to change the degree of difficulty in disassembling the toy top 100 during the top battle (rotation resistance).

[0025] 100 Top Toys FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the toy top 100. FIG. The toy top 100 includes a body 10 and an axle 20, and is generally made of plastic. An axle hole is formed in the body 10 at the center of rotation of the toy top 100, and the axle 20 is inserted into the axle hole when assembled. The axle hole includes an insertion hole 15b, which will be described later. <Upper body 11> FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper body portion 11 as seen from below. The upper body 11 is a composite body formed by assembling a plurality of parts, although it is not particularly limited thereto. The upper body 11 includes, for example, a metal flywheel. The top surface of the upper body 11 is flat, although not limited thereto. Two arc-shaped grooves 11a are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner periphery of this top surface, extending concentrically with the axis 20. However, the number of arc-shaped grooves 11a is not limited to two. As will be described later, these arc-shaped grooves 11a are used to rotate the toy top 100. A fitting hole 11b for fitting the shaft head 21 of the shaft 20 is formed in the center of the lower side of the upper body 11. The fitting hole 11b is, for example, a substantially circular hole, and the inner circumferential surface has irregularities formed at substantially equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The shape of the fitting hole 11b is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the fitting hole 11b may be a polygonal hole. The portion (cylindrical portion) where the fitting hole 11b is formed is rotatable around the shaft 20 relative to the upper body 11. Furthermore, a butterfly-shaped fitting wall 11d is erected on the lower side of the upper body 11 so as to surround the fitting hole 11b. At least a portion of the upper plate 14 (see FIG. 5) is fitted into the fitting wall 11d. A connecting piece 11e is formed on the outer side of the fitting wall 11d and is used to connect the upper body 11 to the lower body assembly 12. This upper body portion 11 is designed to rotate clockwise, but by changing the position where the connecting piece 11e is formed, it can be made to rotate counterclockwise.

[0026] <Lower body assembly 12> FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lower body assembly 12, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower body assembly 12 as seen from below. The lower body assembly 12 includes a ring-shaped body 13 that constitutes the lower body, and an upper plate 14 and a lower plate 15 that sandwich the ring-shaped body 13 from above and below. The upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15 form a support for the ring-shaped body 13 and support the ring-shaped body 13 rotatably around an axle 20. The upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15 rotatably support the ring-shaped body 13 and rotate integrally with the upper body 11 in a normal state. As shown in FIG. 6, a shaft hole (including an insertion hole 14a in the upper plate 14 and an insertion hole 15b in the lower plate 15) through which the axle 20 is inserted is formed at the rotation center of the toy top 100 in the lower body assembly 12.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the ring-shaped body 13 is hexagonal in plan view. However, the shape of the ring-shaped body 13 is not limited to this, and any shape that can withstand external impacts during a top battle will suffice, and it is preferable that the outer periphery has undulations. On the upper surface of the ring-shaped body 13, two upright walls 13a are provided on opposite sides of the center line, extending in an arc along the circumferential direction, and each upright wall 13a is formed with connecting pieces 13bL, 13bR that protrude inward like eaves. An upright partition 13c is formed between the connecting pieces 13bL and 13bR. These connecting pieces 13bL and 13bR selectively engage with connecting piece 11e of the upper body 11. That is, connecting piece 13bL is a connecting piece used when rotating the toy top 100 counterclockwise, and connecting piece 13bR is a connecting piece used when rotating the toy top 100 clockwise. The lower body assembly 12 of this embodiment is for both rotation (clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation). That is, by replacing the upper body 11, the toy top 100 can be changed to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Further, on the inner periphery of the ring-shaped body 13, there are provided adjacent half-moon shaped recesses (first engagement portions) 13d and 13e, into which a half-moon shaped protrusion (second engagement portion) 16b of the movable member 16, which will be described later, fits. A protrusion 13f is formed between the recesses 13d and 13e (see FIGS. 17 and 18). Here, the recess 13d fits into the protrusion 16b, which will be described later, when the toy top 100 for clockwise rotation is assembled, and the recess 13e fits into the protrusion 16b, which will be described later, when the toy top 100 for counterclockwise rotation is assembled.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper plate 14. The upper plate 14 has a core body 14b that is circular in plan view and has an insertion hole 14a through which the shaft 20 is inserted, and protruding portions 14c, 14c that are fan-shaped in plan view and protrude in directions away from the core body 14b. On the underside of the core body 14b, elastic pieces 14e are provided at two locations facing each other across the center line, each protruding downward and having inward-facing claws 14d at its tip. The two elastic pieces 14e, 14e contract or expand in the radial direction of the core body 14b due to their elasticity. The claws 14d protrude into the shaft holes (insertion holes 14a and 15b) and are selectively engaged with either a gear 24a (first engagement portion) or a gear 24b (second engagement portion) described below by a predetermined biasing force. In the embodiment, the "predetermined biasing force" is the biasing force applied by the elasticity of the elastic pieces 14e. On the other hand, a counterbore 14f is formed in the protruding portion 14c. Each protruding portion 14c is disposed between two upright walls 13a, 13a of the annular body 13. Each protruding portion 14c can move about an axis 20 between the two upright walls 13a, 13a.

[0029] A guide wall 15a is erected on the upper surface of the lower plate 15, fitting inside the ring-shaped body 13 and guiding the rotation of the ring-shaped body 13 in sliding contact. An insertion hole 15b is formed inside the guide wall 15a, through which the shaft 20 is inserted. The insertion hole 15b constitutes an axial hole formed in the body 10. Two elastic pieces 14e, 14e of the upper plate 14 are inserted into the insertion hole 15b, with the claws 14d facing the axial center. As a result, the claws 14d protrude into the insertion hole 15b, which is the axial hole (see Figure 6). The claws 14d are arranged at two locations facing each other across the center line of the insertion hole 15b, which is the axial hole. Furthermore, female-threaded bosses 15c, 15d are erected on the upper surface of the lower plate 15, at two locations facing each other across the center line. An uneven portion is formed on the outer surface of the lower end of body 10. In the embodiment, as shown in Figures 6, 9, and 11, uneven portion 151, in which convex portions 151a and concave portions 151b are alternately formed, is formed on the lower surface of lower plate 15 so as to surround the periphery of insertion hole 15b. As will be described later, uneven portions are also formed on shaft 20 of the embodiment, and uneven portion 151 on the body 10 side corresponds to the uneven portion on shaft 20 side. In uneven portion 151 of the embodiment, convex portions 151a and concave portions 151b are provided in pairs at point-symmetric positions on either side of the axis center, and are alternately repeated.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the toy top 100 with the upper body 11 and the top plate 14 removed. One of the bosses, 15c, is a rectangular protrusion in plan view, and a hollow movable member 16, which is rectangular in plan view and fitted onto the boss 15c. The movable member 16 is made of, but is not limited to, POM (Poly Oxy Methylene), for example. The radial length of the hollow portion is greater than the radial length of the boss 15c, allowing the movable member 16 to move within a predetermined range in the radial direction. An arc-shaped portion 16a is formed on the inside of the movable member 16, which can abut against the outer periphery of the shaft 20. Meanwhile, a convex portion 16b, which is crescent-shaped in plan view, is formed on the outside of the movable member 16. Depending on the rotational position of the annular body 13 relative to the lower plate 15, the convex portion 16b fits into one of the recesses 13d and 13e on the inner periphery of the annular body 13. The depth of the recesses 13d and 13e is set so that the convex portion 16b does not come out of the recesses 13d and 13e even when the movable member 16 moves radially inward. However, when an external force of a predetermined magnitude acts between the ring-shaped body 13 and the support, the ring-shaped body 13 elastically deforms due to the sliding contact between them, causing the convex portion 16b to escape from the concave portions 13d and 13e (overcoming the convex portion 13f), causing the ring-shaped body 13 and the support to rotate relative to each other. In addition, with the annular body 13 sandwiched between the upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15, a male screw 14g passing through a countersunk hole 14f of the upper plate 14 is screwed into the female-threaded bosses 15c and 15d.

[0031] Axis 20 9 and 11 are perspective views showing the shaft 20 and its surroundings. Note that the annular body 13 is omitted in these figures. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower plate 15 is further omitted from the state shown in Fig. 9, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lower plate 15 is further omitted from the state shown in Fig. 11. Shaft 20 is configured in a rod shape. A shaft head 21 (see FIG. 3) of shaft 20 has a shape complementary to fitting hole 11b of upper body 11. In the embodiment, as described above, the inner peripheral surface of fitting hole 11b is formed with concave and convex portions at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and shaft head 21 of shaft 20 is provided with a pair of convex ridge portions 21a that fit into these concave and convex portions, positioned point-symmetrically about the shaft center. Shaft head 21 fits into fitting hole 11b of upper body 11, thereby enabling shaft 20 to rotate integrally with the portion (fitting portion) where fitting hole 11b is formed. Note that if fitting hole 11b of upper body 11 is polygonal, shaft head 21 of shaft 20 is also formed in a polygonal shape to fit therein. In addition, below the shaft head 21 is a contact portion 22 against which the arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 can come into contact. When the arc-shaped portion 16a comes into contact with the contact portion 22, a rotational resistance is generated between the annular body 13 and the shaft 20.

[0032] Furthermore, a constricted portion 23 is formed below the abutted portion 22, and a claw 14d of the upper plate 14 engages with this constricted portion 23. As a result, the shaft 20 is pinched and held by the claw 14d. In this embodiment, gears 24a and 24b are formed on the outer periphery of the constricted portion 23, and the claw 14d is selectively locked and meshed with either of the gears 24a and 24b. The gear 24a is a first engaging portion, and the gear 24b is a second engaging portion that is lower in height (height position in the axial direction) than the gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion. At least one pair of gears 24a, which are the first engaging portion, are provided at point-symmetric positions across the axial center. In the embodiment, a plurality of first engaging portions and second engaging portions are formed continuously in the circumferential direction, forming a gear shape. At least one pair of gears 24b, which are the second engaging portion, are also provided at point-symmetric positions across the axial center. The position where gears 24a and 24b are provided is offset from each other by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. In the embodiment, the predetermined angle is 90 degrees. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a state where pawl 14d is engaged with gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion, and FIGS. 11 and 12 show a state where pawl 14d is engaged with gear 24b, which is the second engaging portion. In the toy top 100 of the embodiment, when pawl 14d is engaged with either gear 24a or 24b, the body 10 and the shaft 20 are engaged, and the height of the toy top 100 can be changed, as described below. Gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion, and gear 24b, which is the second engaging portion, are at least partially in communication with each other in the circumferential direction of shaft 20. In the example shown in Fig. 3 etc., the lower side of gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion, and the upper side of gear 24b, which is the second engaging portion, are connected in the circumferential direction of shaft 20. Therefore, as will be described later, when top toy 100 receives an impact, the engagement position of pawl 14d can be changed from the engagement portion (gear) with which it was initially engaged to a different engagement portion (gear).

[0033] Furthermore, a flange 25 is formed on the outer periphery of shaft 20 below constricted portion 23 (below the position where gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion, and gear 24b, which is the second engaging portion, are provided). An uneven portion is formed in the circumferential direction on the upper surface of this flange portion 25. In the embodiment, a pair of protrusions 26 that protrude in the height direction of the toy top 100 is provided on the shaft 20 at point-symmetric positions about the center of rotation of the toy top 100. When the shaft 20 is inserted from below into the insertion holes 15b, 14a of the lower body assembly 12, the protrusions 26 come into contact with the underside of the lower plate 15. As described above, an uneven portion 151 is also formed on the body 10 side. In the embodiment, pairs of protrusions 151a and recesses 151b are provided alternately on the underside of the lower plate 15 at point-symmetric positions about the center of the shaft. When the protrusion 26 on the shaft 20 abuts against the protrusion 151a on the body 10 side, the pawl 14d engages with the gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion. Furthermore, when convex portion 26 on shaft 20 is received in concave portion 151b on barrel 10, i.e., when the concave and convex portions on shaft 20 and barrel 10 are fitted together, pawl 14d is engaged with gear 24b, which is the second engaging portion. In this embodiment, the concave and convex portions on shaft 20 are formed in a wavy shape along the circumferential direction. That is, the upper end of convex portion 26 facing concave and convex portion 151 on barrel 10 has a smooth curved shape without any corners. Note that a tapered portion narrowing toward the top may be provided on flange 25, so that shaft 20 is reliably held centered when inserted into insertion hole 15b of lower plate 15. Additionally, a gear that can mesh with an external rack is preferably provided on the outer periphery of the shaft 20 below the flange portion 25. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, a gear 27 that meshes with teeth 93a of a battle stadium 90 (described later) is formed below the flange portion 25. In this embodiment, gears 24a and 24b are formed within the constricted portion 23 of the shaft 20, and one of these gears 24a and 24b meshes with the claw 14d. This facilitates the shaft 20 to rotate integrally with the upper body 11. As a result, when the gear 27 meshes with the teeth 93a of the guide portion 93, the rotational force of the upper body 11 is easily transmitted to the guide portion 93, and the gear 27 strongly kicks the teeth 93a, accelerating the movement.

[0034] It should be noted that a plurality of types of shafts 20 having different shaft diameters or shapes at predetermined portions may be prepared interchangeably. For example, if the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is large, when the inner arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 contacts the contact portion 22 of the shaft 20, the convex portion 16b and the concave portion 13d fit deeply together, as shown in FIG. 17, resulting in increased rotational resistance. Therefore, the ring-shaped body 13 is less likely to rotate relative to the upper body 11 or the support body. As a result, the toy top 100 is less likely to be disassembled. If the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is medium, when the inner arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 contacts the contact portion 22 of the shaft 20, the convex portion 16b and the concave portion 13d fit moderately together, as shown in FIG. 18. Therefore, compared to when the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is large, the ring-shaped body 13 faces less rotational resistance relative to the upper body 11 or the support body, making it slightly easier to rotate. Furthermore, when the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is small, when the inner arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 contacts the contact portion 22 of the shaft 20, the projection 16b and the recess 13d fit together more shallowly than when the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is medium. This makes it easier for the ring-shaped body 13 to rotate relative to the upper body 11 and the support. As a result, the toy top 100 is relatively easy to disassemble. Furthermore, for example, if the tip of the axle 20 is flat, the toy top 100 moves around more easily. If the diameter of the tip of the axle 20 is slightly smaller and is tapered and semi-flat, the toy top 100 moves around more easily, although not as easily as when the tip of the axle 20 is flat. Furthermore, if a small protrusion is formed on the tip of the axle 20, the toy top 100 will spin further compared to when there is no small protrusion. Furthermore, if the surface of the axle 20 on which the small protrusion is formed is flat, the toy top 100 can be given the characteristic of being less likely to tip over even if tilted. Furthermore, the tip of the axle 20 may be hemispherical. In this case, the toy top 100 can move around relatively easily, although not as easily as when the tip of the axle 20 is flat.

[0035] 《Assembly method》 13 and 14 are plan views of the toy top 100 with the upper body 11 removed. First, because upper body 11 is designed for clockwise rotation, upper plate 14 and ring-shaped body 13 are rotated relative to each other to align triangular mark RM on the letter "R" side of upper plate 14 with triangular mark M on ring-shaped body 13 (Fig. 13). At this time, convex portion 16b of movable member 16 fits into concave portion 13e on the inner periphery of ring-shaped body 13 (see Fig. 8).

[0036] In this state, the upper plate 14 is aligned with the fitting wall 11d of the upper body 11, and the upper body 11 and the lower body assembly 12 are butted together. As a result, a portion of the upper plate 14 fits into the fitting wall 11d. In this state, the ring-shaped body 13 is rotated clockwise relative to the upper body section 11. At this time, the upper plate 14 rotates counterclockwise together with the upper body section 11 relative to the ring-shaped body 13, and the triangular mark LM on the upper plate 14 aligns with the triangular mark M on the ring-shaped body 13 (FIG. 14). As a result, the lower surface of the connecting piece 13bR of the ring-shaped body 13 abuts against the upper surface of the connecting piece 11e of the upper body section 11, connecting the lower body section assembly 12 and the upper body section 11. In addition, the convex portion 16b of the movable member 16 moves over the convex portion 13f and fits into the concave portion 13d (see FIG. 8).

[0037] Then, the shaft 20 is inserted into the body 10 from below, and the shaft head 21 is fitted into the fitting hole 11b. As a result, the shaft 20 is pinched and held by the claws 14d, and the claws 14d mesh with either the gear 24a or 24b. However, the shaft 20 can be easily removed from the lower body assembly 12 by pulling it downward. In this manner, the toy top 100 is assembled. If the toy top 100 is designed to rotate counterclockwise, first align the triangular mark LM on the "L" side of the top plate 14 with the triangular mark M on the ring-shaped body 13, and then connect the lower body assembly 12 to the upper body 11. In this case, the relative rotation direction during assembly is opposite to that described above.

[0038] "Disassembling 100 spinning tops" In a top battle, when an opponent's toy top hits ring-shaped body 13 and an external force acts on ring-shaped body 13 in the direction opposite to the rotation of toy top 100, ring-shaped body 13 stops rotating, while upper body 11 and support body continue to rotate due to inertial force. This causes ring-shaped body 13 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the support body, and protrusion 16b slides out of recess 13d on the inner periphery of ring-shaped body 13 (overcoming protrusion 13f) and fits into recess 13e. At this position, the connecting piece 13bR of the ring-shaped body 13 is detached from the connecting piece 11e of the upper body 11, and the upper body 11 is disassembled into two parts: the lower body assembly 12 and the shaft 20. If the toy top 100 is designed to rotate counterclockwise, the relative rotation direction when disassembled will be opposite to that described above.

[0039] Top Launcher 80 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a top launcher 80. The top launching device 80 includes a top holder 81 that holds a toy top 100 that is urged to rotate. The top holder 81 is provided with the same number of insertion pieces 81a that correspond to the arc-shaped grooves 11a of the toy top 100. The insertion pieces 81a are formed with locking portions 81b that protrude in the direction of rotation. After the insertion pieces 81a are inserted into the arc-shaped grooves 11a of the toy top 100, the toy top 100 is rotated relative to the top holder 81 in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the toy top 100, and the locking portions 81b are inserted under the edge wall of one end of the arc-shaped grooves 11a, whereby the toy top 100 is attached to the top holder 81.

[0040] The top launching device 80 is provided with a handle 82, to which one end of a string (not shown) is attached. The string is wound around an input rotor (not shown) by the restoring force of a spring, and by operating the handle 82 and pulling out the string, a rotational force is input to the input rotor. The input rotor is connected to a top holder 81, and is rotated by the rotation of the input rotor.

[0041] According to this top launching device 80, the toy top 100 attached to the top holder 81 is urged to rotate by rotating the top holder 81 through operation of the handle 82. When the operation of the handle 82 is stopped, the rotation of the top holder 81 stops, but the toy top 100 continues to rotate due to inertial force, so that the locking portion 81b comes off from under the edge wall at one end of the arc-shaped groove 11a, and the toy top 100 is pushed out by sliding contact with the inclined surface on the back of the insertion piece 81a, and the toy top 100 is launched.

[0042] Here, the input rotor connected to the top holder 81 is rotated by a string, but the input rotor connected to the top holder 81 may be a gear, and the gear may be rotated by a rack belt having a belt portion on which a rack is formed.

[0043] Battle Stadium 90 FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the battle stadium 90. The bottom surface of the field 91 of the battle stadium 90 is a concave curved surface, and the field 91 is covered with a transparent cover 92 that is open in the center. The field 91 is provided with a guide portion 93 having teeth 93a formed thereon that mesh with the gear 27 of the shaft 20 of the toy top 100 that moves around within the field 91. According to this battle stadium 90, by meshing the gear 27 on the shaft 20 of the toy top 100 with the teeth 93a, the toy top 100 can be caused to roll relative to the guide portion 93, thereby increasing the speed at which the toy top 100 moves around.

[0044] <effect> Next, the operation of the toy top 100 according to this embodiment will be described. When playing with the toy top 100, after assembling the body 10, the user inserts the axle 20 into the axle hole (the insertion hole 15b of the lower plate 15) of the body 10. At this time, the user meshes the pawl 14d provided on the two elastic pieces 14e of the upper plate 14 with one of the gears 24a, 24b of the axle 20. For example, when the user meshes the pawl 14d with the gear 24a, the convex portion 26 on the axle 20 abuts against the convex portion 151a on the body 10 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In this state, the height of the toy top 100 is high. On the other hand, when the user meshes the pawl 14d with the gear 24b, the convex portion 26 on the axle 20 is received in the concave portion 151b on the body 10, and the concave and convex portions on the axle 20 and the concave and convex portions on the body 10 fit together (see FIGS. 11 and 12). In this state, the height of the toy top 100 is low. Changing the height of the toy top 100 changes the rotational characteristics of the toy top 100. However, in this embodiment, the initial setting by the user is more likely to be maintained by the meshing of the pawl 14d with the gears 24a and 24b, as well as the matching of the concave and convex portions on the shaft 20 with the concave and convex portions on the body 10. As described above, the upper end of the convex portion 26 of the shaft 20, which faces the concave and convex portion 151 on the body 10, has a smooth curved shape without any corners. Therefore, even if the pawl 14d is set in an incomplete position due to the way the user sets it, the concave and convex portion 151 on the body 10 moves along the curve of the convex portion 26, allowing for fine adjustment. This allows the pawl 14d to be pulled into a position where it meshes with either the gear 24a or the gear 24b, resulting in stability.

[0045] When the rotation characteristics of the toy top 100 are to be changed, the user switches the gears 24a, 24b with which the pawl 14d engages. In the embodiment, when the toy top 100 is subjected to an impact, such as when playing a top battle, the uneven portion 151 on the body 10 shifts along the curve of the convex portion 26. This causes the pawl 14d to shift from the gears 24a, 24b with which it was initially engaged to a different gear 24a, 24b, switching the state from the state initially set by the user to a different state. That is, the pawl 14d is engaged with the gear 24a (first engagement portion) or the gear 24b (second engagement portion) by a biasing force applied by the elasticity of the elastic piece 14e. Therefore, when the toy top 100 receives an impact and the elastic pieces 14e, 14e expand in the radial direction, the state of engagement between the pawl 14d and the gears 24a, 24b may change. For example, if the pawl 14d is initially engaged with the gear 24a but receives an impact and transitions to a state in which it engages with the gear 24b, the height of the toy top 100 will decrease. Also, if the pawl 14d is initially engaged with the gear 24b but receives an impact and transitions to a state in which it engages with the gear 24a, the height of the toy top 100 will increase. In this way, the toy top 100 of the embodiment can accidentally switch between a direction in which the height increases and a direction in which the height decreases, thereby changing the rotation characteristics of the toy top 100.

[0046] <Effects> As described above, the toy top 100 of this embodiment includes the body 10 and the axle 20. An axle hole (insertion hole 15b in the lower plate 15) is formed in the body 10 at the center of rotation of the toy top 100, and the axle 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 15b when assembled. The axle 20 has, on its outer periphery, a gear 24a serving as a first engagement part and a gear 24b serving as a second engagement part that is lower in the height direction than the gear 24a. A pawl 14d that protrudes inward is provided within the axle hole (insertion hole 15b in the lower plate 15). The pawl 14d engages with either the gear 24a or the gear 24b of the axle 20, thereby engaging the body 10 with the axle 20 and making it possible to change the height of the toy top 100. This allows the user to easily change the height of the toy top 100, and when the toy top receives an impact during a top battle or the like, the meshing state between the claw 14d and the gears 24a, 24b switches, so that the height of the toy top 100 can be changed either higher or lower. This changes the center of gravity and rotation characteristics of the toy top 100, allowing for a variety of movements and battles to be enjoyed.

[0047] In the embodiment, the body 10 includes an upper body 11 and a lower body (lower body assembly 12) in which an insertion hole 15b serving as an axis hole is formed, and the upper body 11 (lower body assembly 12) and the axis 20 are configured to be disassembled in a top battle in which toy tops 100 are collided and fought against each other. This allows the enjoyment of a top battle performance.

[0048] In addition, in the embodiment, the claws 14d are provided at two locations facing each other across the center line of the shaft hole (insertion hole 15b of the lower plate 15), and at least one pair of gears 24a, which are the first engaging portion, are provided at point-symmetric positions on either side of the shaft center, and at least one pair of gears 24b, which are the second engaging portion, are also provided at point-symmetric positions on either side of the shaft center, and the position where the first engaging portion is provided and the position where the second engaging portion is provided are offset by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. As a result, both of the pair of claws engage with either the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion, and there is no halfway state where one of the pair of claws engages with the first engagement portion and the other with the second engagement portion. Therefore, even when the shaft rotates due to an external impact, the height of the toy top can stably be either high or low.

[0049] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a flange portion 25, which is a flange portion that protrudes radially outward, is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft 20 below the position where the meshing gears 24a, 24b are provided, and the upper surface of the flange portion 25 is formed with unevenness in the circumferential direction (protrusion portion 26), and an uneven portion 151 corresponding to the unevenness on the shaft 20 side is formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the body portion 10, and when the protrusion portion 26 on the shaft 20 side is abutted against the protrusion portion 151a on the body portion 10 side, the claw 14d is engaged with the gear 24a, and when the unevenness (protrusion portion 26) on the shaft 20 side and the uneven portion 151 on the body portion 10 side are fitted together, the claw 14d is engaged with the gear 24b. In this way, by changing not only the meshing between the claw 14d and the gears 24a, 24b but also the degree of fit between the uneven portion 151 on the body 10 side and the convex portion 26 on the shaft 20 side, it is easy to maintain the meshing state between the claw 14d and the gears 24a, 24b set by the user, etc.

[0050] In addition, in the embodiment, the unevenness (protrusion 26) on the shaft 20 side and the unevenness 151 on the body 10 side are point-symmetrical with respect to the center of rotation of the toy top 100. By providing at least one pair of protrusions 26 on the shaft 20 side and unevenness 151 on the body 10 side at point-symmetrical positions, the setting state of the body 10 and shaft 20 can be made more stable than when they are provided in only one location or are provided offset.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, at least the unevenness on the shaft 20 side is formed in a wavy pattern along the circumferential direction. This allows the toy top 100 to move smoothly when it receives an impact, and the fit between the convex portion 26 on the shaft 20 and the uneven portion 151 on the body 10 side can easily change, thereby enabling the meshing state between the pawl 14d and the gears 24a, 24b to be smoothly and reliably switched. This makes it easier for the height of the toy top 100 to accidentally change in either the higher or lower direction, allowing for a wide variety of movements to be enjoyed.

[0052] Furthermore, as in the embodiment, when the first engaging portion, gear 24a, and the second engaging portion, gear 24b, are connected in part in the circumferential direction of shaft 20, the engagement position of claw 14d can be easily changed from the engaging portion (gear) with which it was initially engaged to a different engaging portion (gear).

[0053] In addition, in the embodiment, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are formed in a gear shape, so that the shaft 20 can easily rotate integrally with the body portion (upper body portion) when the claw 14d meshes with the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion.

[0054] In addition, in the embodiment, teeth (racks) 93a are formed on the inner surface of the battle stadium 90, which is the battle site for the top toy 100.Therefore, when the gear 27 formed on the outer periphery of the shaft 20 engages with the teeth (racks) 93a, it is possible to cause a change in the movement of the top toy 100, such as accelerating.

[0055] <Other> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] For example, in this embodiment, the toy top 100 is illustrated as having the claw 14d meshing with either gear 24a or 24b, and the height direction changing in two stages, but it may also be configured to have three or more types of gears (engagement parts) with different height positions, and the height direction changing in three or more stages.

[0057] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example is given of a case in which unevenness (protrusion 26) is provided on the shaft 20 side and unevenness 151 is provided on the trunk 10 side, but it is not essential to provide unevenness (protrusion 26) on the shaft 20 side and unevenness 151 on the trunk 10 side. Furthermore, the shapes, number, and positions of the unevenness (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and unevenness 151 on the body 10 side are not limited to those shown in the embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, in the embodiment, it is preferable that the unevenness (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the unevenness 151 on the body 10 side have shapes that allow them to easily move out of alignment, and although the example has been given in which the unevenness on the shaft 20 side is formed in a wavy pattern along the circumferential direction, the shapes of the unevenness (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the unevenness 151 on the body 10 side are not limited to this. For example, the unevenness 151 on the body 10 side may be formed in a wavy pattern along the circumferential direction. Furthermore, both the unevenness (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the unevenness 151 on the body 10 side may be formed in a wavy pattern along the circumferential direction. In this case, the unevenness (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the unevenness 151 on the body 10 side are more likely to move out of alignment, and the height of the toy top 100 is more likely to change.

[0059] In addition, in the embodiment, the case where the toy top 100 breaks apart or its height changes due to an impact during a top battle is illustrated, but the breakage or change in height of the toy top 100 is not limited to being due to an impact during a top battle. For example, the toy top 100 may break apart or its height may change due to an impact such as hitting a wall while in use, not during a battle with an opponent's toy top.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first and second engaging portions are recesses recessed radially inward of shaft 20, and pawls 14d protruding into the inside of the shaft hole (insertion hole 15b) are engaged with the recesses, thereby engaging shaft 20 with trunk 10. However, the first and second engaging portions are not limited to recesses as long as they can be engaged within the shaft hole (insertion hole 15b) of trunk 10. For example, the first and second engaging portions may be convex portions protruding radially from shaft 20, and configured to be engaged with recesses on the trunk 10 side.

[0061] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The configuration of the toy top 100 shown in the above-described embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also encompasses the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. The above-described embodiments of the invention and their modifications can be used in appropriate combinations as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10. Torso 11 Upper body 11a isolated groove 11b Mating hole 11d Interlocking Wall 11e Connecting piece 12 Lower body assembly 13 Ring-shaped body 13a Standing wall 13bL, 13bR joint piece 13d, 13e recess 14b Core body 14d nails 14e Elastic piece 15 Lower plate 15b Insertion hole 16 Movable parts 16b Convex part 20 axes 24a Gear 24b Gears 26 Convex part 100 toy tops 151 Uneven part 151a Convex part 151b recess

Claims

1. A toy top having a body and a shaft, a shaft hole is formed at the rotation center of the toy top in the body portion, The shaft is inserted into the shaft hole in an assembled state, and has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion on an outer periphery thereof, the second engaging portion being lower in height than the first engaging portion, a pawl is provided in the shaft hole, the pawl protruding into the shaft hole and selectively engaging with the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion by a predetermined biasing force; A top toy, characterized in that the claw engages with either the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion of the shaft, thereby engaging the body with the shaft and making it possible to change the height of the top toy.

2. The torso includes an upper torso and a lower torso, and the upper torso, the lower torso, and the shaft are configured to be separable by a top battle in which the toy tops collide with each other and fight, 2. The toy top according to claim 1, wherein the shaft hole is formed in the lower body portion.

3. The claws are provided at two locations facing each other across the center line of the shaft hole, At least one pair of the first engaging portions is provided at point-symmetric positions with respect to the axial center, and at least one pair of the second engaging portions is provided at point-symmetric positions with respect to the axial center, 2. The toy top according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are offset from each other in a circumferential direction by a predetermined angle.

4. a flange portion that protrudes radially outward is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft below a position where the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided, and an upper surface of the flange portion is formed with irregularities in the circumferential direction; The outer surface of the lower end of the body is formed with irregularities corresponding to the irregularities on the shaft side, When the protrusion on the shaft side is in contact with the protrusion on the barrel side, the claw is locked to the first engagement portion, and when the concave-convex on the shaft side and the concave-convex on the barrel side are fitted together, the claw is locked to the second engagement portion.

2. The toy top according to claim 1.

5. 5. The toy top according to claim 4, wherein the concave-convex portions on the shaft side and the concave-convex portions on the body side are point-symmetrical with respect to the center of rotation of the toy top.

6. 5. The toy top according to claim 4, wherein at least the concave and convex portions on the shaft side are formed in a wavy shape along the circumferential direction.

7. 2. The toy top according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion communicate with each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

8. 2. The toy top according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed in a plurality of consecutive positions in the circumferential direction.

9. 5. The toy top according to claim 4, further comprising a gear that can mesh with an external rack, located on the outer periphery of the shaft and below the flange portion.

Images