Model toys and movable structures

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel mechanism that moves in accordance with the transformed form, for example, in a transformable model toy. [Solution] This model toy comprises a first part, a second part rotatably connected to the first part via a connecting part and having a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, and a third part assembled to the first and second parts, with its outer surface assembled at a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and its outer surface assembled at a second angle when the second part is in the second state.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize movements and postures similar to those of humans and animals, humanoid toys (model toys) include various joints and movable parts. Also, some model toys can be deformed into multiple forms, and in this case, in addition to the movable mechanisms such as joints, they also have mechanisms related to deformation. Patent Document 1 proposes a deformation toy that can be deformed so as to be combined with a model toy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a model toy that can be deformed as in the above prior art, in addition to various movable mechanisms such as joints, a mechanism related to deformation is also required. In such a deformation toy, parts are reused before and after deformation, and there is a risk that the parts necessary in one form will have a shape that gives a sense of incongruity in the other form.

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism that moves in accordance with the form to be deformed in a deformable model toy. Further, the present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism that regulates the moving direction in a model toy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is characterized by comprising, for example, a model toy, a first part, a second part rotatably connected to the first part via a connecting portion and having a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, and a third part assembled to the first part and the second part, the outer surface of which is assembled with a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and the outer surface of which is assembled with a second inclination when the second part is in the second state.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by comprising, for example, a movable structure for a model toy, a first part having a connecting portion, a second part rotatably connected to the connecting portion and having a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, and a third part assembled to the first part and the second part, the outer surface of which is assembled with a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and the outer surface of which is assembled with a second inclination when the second part is in the second state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a novel mechanism that moves in accordance with the transformed form in a deformable model toy. Furthermore, according to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a novel mechanism that restricts the direction of movement in a model toy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective views showing the appearance of (a), (b) a second form, (c), (d) a first form, and (e) a third form of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) External view of the first embodiment of a model toy, and (b) exploded view of the waist section. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the main parts constituting the waist of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a side cross-section of the waist portion of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the back of the waist portion of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]A diagram showing the state of a model toy before and after deformation according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the configuration of a connecting part according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] <Appearance of the model toy> Referring to Figure 1, a model toy that can be transformed into multiple forms according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 1(a) and (b) show the external side view of the second form model toy 110 and 120, Figures 1(c) and (d) show the first form model toy 130 and 140, and Figure 1(e) shows the third form model toy 100. The x, y, and z arrows indicate the upward, left, and forward directions of the model toy, respectively, and the same applies to the other drawings.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(d), the second form of model toys 110 and 120, which are vehicle forms, can be transformed into the first form of model toys 130 and 140, which are robot forms, respectively. As shown in Figure 1(e), the two model toys 110 (130) and 120 (140) can be transformed into a single combined robot form, the third form of model toy 100. Thus, according to this embodiment, the model toy 100 according to this embodiment can be transformed from the first form, which is a robot form, to the second form, which is a vehicle form, and to the third form, which is a combined robot form. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention to each of these forms, and any form is acceptable.

[0013] The model toy 130 of the first embodiment includes a head 101, a chest 102, arm parts 103a and 103b, a waist 104, leg parts 105a and 105b, and a decorative item 106 that constitute the main body. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot will be described as an example of the model toy, but the intention is not to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and decorative items.

[0014] The head 101 is connected to the chest 102. On the chest 102, the right arm part 103b and the left arm part 103a are connected by a connecting member on the side, and the waist 104 is connected at the lower part. The right leg part 105b and the left leg part 105a are connected to the waist 104. Further, a decorative item 106 which is a weapon is connected to the back of the model toy 100.

[0015] <Configuration of the waist> Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the waist 104 of the model toy 130 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2(a) shows the model toy 130 of the first embodiment, similar to FIG. 1(c). FIG. 2(b) shows the disassembled configuration of the waist 104.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the waist 104 is configured to include parts 201 to 207b. The part 201 is a part that forms the hip joint and corresponds to the first part. In the part 201, a cylindrical insertion part is formed in the center, and a part 208 that constitutes a part of the chest 102 is rotatably connected to the insertion part. A connecting part of the part 202 described later is rotatably connected to the part 201.

[0017] The part 202 is a part that forms the hip joint and is rotatably connected to the parts 201 and 204 via a connecting part. The part 202 corresponds to the second part. The part 203 is a part that forms the back of the waist 104 and is fitted and connected to the parts 201 and 202. The part 203 corresponds to the third part. The part 204 is a part that forms the front of the waist 104, and a concave part into which the spherical connecting part of the part 202 is inserted is formed on the back side.

[0018] Parts 205a and 205b are parts that form the hip joint and are respectively connected to the cylindrical connecting part of part 202. Leg parts 105a and 105b are rotatably connected to the left and right formed hip joints respectively. Parts 206a, 206b, 207a, and 207b are parts that form a part of the skirt which is a decorative part and are respectively rotatably connected to part 201.

[0019] <Configuration of Main Parts> Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the main parts that constitute a part of the waist 104 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3(a) shows a front perspective view of parts 201 to 204 as the main parts. FIG. 3(b) shows a rear perspective view of parts 201 to 204.

[0020] Part 201 includes a through hole 311, a cylindrical insertion part 312, and spherical connecting parts 313a and 313b. The connecting part 321 of part 202 described later is inserted into the through hole 311. A part 208 that constitutes a part of the chest 102 is rotatably connected to the insertion part 312. Part 206a is rotatably connected to the connecting part 313a, and part 206b is rotatably connected to the connecting part 313b. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(b), recesses (first recess) 314 and recesses (second recess) 315 are formed on the back surface of part 201.

[0021] Part 202 includes a spherical connecting part 321, cylindrical connecting parts 322a and 322b, and an opening 323. The connecting part 321 penetrates the through hole 311 of part 201 and is rotatably connected to the hole part 341 of part 204 described later. Therefore, part 202 will be rotatably connected to parts 201 and 204.

[0022] Referring now to Figure 7, the detailed fitting configuration of the connecting portion 321 and the hole portion 341 will be described. Figure 7 shows parts 203 and 204, respectively. The connecting portion 321 has a spherical ball portion and a plate-shaped restricting portion 701 formed along the outer circumference of the upper half of the ball portion. The restricting portion 701 is formed on the ball portion as a crown-shaped projection, similar to the comb seen in birds of the pheasant family. On the other hand, the hole portion 341 into which the connecting portion 321 is rotatably fitted has a notch 702 formed at the top that corresponds to the restricting portion 701. Therefore, when the connecting portion 321 is inserted into the hole portion 341, the restricting portion 701 is inserted into the notch 702.

[0023] With the above configuration, the rotation direction of the connecting portion 321 can be restricted to only a predetermined direction of the model toy 130. This is important for defining the position of part 203 in the first and second states described later. Thus, the model toy according to this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for restricting the direction of movement. It should be noted that if the movable structure is configured with an axial movable part having a cylindrical rod instead of the spherical connecting portion 321, it is possible to restrict the direction of rotation. However, in the case of axial movable, it is necessary to form a bearing part for the axial movable part, which leads to an increase in size. On the other hand, in the case of the connecting portion 321 having the restricting portion 701 according to this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the direction of rotation while avoiding an increase in the size of the part. Details of the rotation operation of the connecting portion 321 will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0024] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, part 205a is connected to connecting part 322a, and part 205b is connected to connecting part 322b to form the hip joint of the model toy 130. The projection 332 of part 203, which will be described later, is fitted into the opening 323. Also, as shown in Figure 3(b), recesses 324a and 324b are formed on the back of part 202.

[0025] Part 203 is composed of protrusions 331, 332, 333a, and 333b. Protrusion 331 is fitted into either of the recesses 314 or 315 formed on the back surface of part 201. Protrusion 333a is fitted into recess 324a, and protrusion 333b is fitted into recess 324b. Protrusion 332 is fitted into the opening 323 of part 202 as described above.

[0026] Part 204 is the front outer part of the waist section 104 and has a hole 341 on its back side. As described above, the connecting portion 321 of part 202, which has passed through the through hole 311 of part 201, is rotatably connected to the hole 341. Therefore, part 202 rotates relative to parts 201 and 204 around the connecting portion 321 inserted into the hole 341.

[0027] <Deformation of the lumbar region> Referring to Figure 4, the deformation configuration of the waist portion 104 in the model toy 130 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 shows a side cross-section of the waist portion 104 and illustrates how the model toy 130 transforms from a first form, which is a robot form, to a second form, which is a vehicle form.

[0028] Figure 4(a) shows a side cross-section of the waist 104 and the abdomen connected to the waist 104 of the model toy 130 in its first robot form. In the first form, part 202 is in a first state where it is not rotated relative to parts 201 and 204. In the first state, the projection 331 of part 203 is fitted into recess 314, which is the upper of the two recesses 314 and 315 formed on the back of part 201. On the other hand, in the first state, the projection 331 cannot be fitted into recess 315, which is the second recess, because other parts of part 203 interfere with it. For example, the lower part of the projection 331 collides with the wall surface of part 203, preventing the projection 331 from entering recess 315 and limiting the connection.

[0029] In Figure 4(a), the solid line shown at 401 indicates the inclination of the outer surface of part 203. Here, the inclination of the outer surface 401 is represented by the inclination angle (first inclination) 411. This inclination angle is a parameter used for comparison with the inclination of the outer surface of part 203 in the second form, which is the vehicle form, and is represented here as the inclination with respect to the horizontal plane (dotted line) in the z-axis direction in the figure.

[0030] Figure 4(b) shows the transformation from the robot form (first form) shown in Figure 4(a) to the vehicle form (second form). First, part 203 is removed. Then, part 202 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (downward) with the connecting part 321 as the axis of rotation. At this point, part 202 transitions from the first state to the second state. As mentioned above, the rotation of part 202 is restricted to the direction of the arrow by the configuration of the restricting part 701 of the connecting part 321, and for example, rotation in the left and right directions is restricted. This prevents the position of part 203 from shifting.

[0031] After rotating part 202 to the second state, reattaching part 203 transitions to the second form, which is the vehicle configuration shown in Figure 4(c). In the second form, the projection 331 of part 203 is fitted into the recess 315 formed on the back of part 201. This is possible because the rotation of part 202 prevents interference with other parts when fitting the projection 331 into the recess 315. On the other hand, when part 202 is in the second state, the projection 331 cannot be fitted into the recess 314 due to interference with other parts.

[0032] In Figure 4(c), the solid line shown at 402 indicates the inclination of the outer surface of part 203. Here, the inclination of the outer surface 402 is represented by the inclination angle (second inclination) 412. It can be seen that the inclination angle 412 is larger than the inclination angle 411 in the first form, which is the robot form. It can also be seen that the inclination (solid line) 402 representing the outer surface of part 202 extends in the vertical direction (y direction in the figure) of the model toy 130. Thus, according to this embodiment, the inclination of a part of the outer surface of the model toy can be changed between the first and second forms.

[0033] <Back structure of the lumbar region> Referring to Figure 5, the rear configuration of the waist 104 in the model toy 130 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5(a) shows the front view of the rear part 203 of the waist 104. Figure 5(b) shows the rear view of the waist 104 in the first embodiment. Figure 5(c) shows the rear view of the waist 104 in the second embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5(a), part 203 has multiple protrusions 331, 332, 333a, and 333b. These multiple protrusions are formed by pouring resin into a mold, and their relative positions are fixed and do not change. Therefore, in order to fit part 203, it is necessary to have recesses that correspond to these relative positions.

[0035] Figure 5(b) shows the first embodiment, illustrating how part 202 is positioned in the first state before rotation. In the first embodiment, the recess 314 of part 201 corresponds to the positional relationship of the multiple protrusions in Figure 5(a), as indicated by the shading, with respect to the opening 323 and recesses 324a and 324b of part 202. Note that in the first embodiment, if recess 315 of part 202 is selected, the positional relationship with the multiple protrusions of part 203 does not correspond, and it cannot be fitted.

[0036] Figure 5(c) shows the second embodiment, illustrating the position of part 202 after it has rotated in the direction of the arrow. In the second embodiment, the recess 315 of part 201 corresponds to the opening 323 and recesses 324a and 324b of part 202, as indicated by the shading, in relation to the positional relationship of the multiple protrusions in Figure 5(a). Note that in the second embodiment, if recess 314 of part 202 is selected, the positional relationship with the multiple protrusions of part 203 does not correspond, and it cannot be fitted.

[0037] <State before and after deformation> Referring to Figure 6, the state of the model toy 130 before and after deformation according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6(a) shows a side view of the upper body of the model toy 130 in the first embodiment. Figure 6(b) shows a side view of the upper body of the model toy 130 in the second embodiment.

[0038] In Figure 6(a), 600 indicates the inclination of the outer surface of the part on the back side of the chest 102. It can be seen that the inclination 600 and the inclination 401 of the outer surface of the part 203 of the waist 104 in the first form are different. This represents the shape of the buttocks in a humanoid robot.

[0039] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6(b), in the second form, which is a vehicle, the inclination 600 of the outer surface of the part on the back side of the chest 102 remains the same as in the first form, which is a robot. In contrast, the inclination 402 of the outer surface of the part 203 of the waist 104 is approximately the same as the inclination 600, and they are in a parallel positional relationship. In the second form, these surfaces form the top surface (ceiling surface) of the vehicle. Therefore, if the inclinations of each surface are different, it will give the shape of the vehicle an unnatural appearance. In this embodiment, the inclination of the outer surface of the part 203 on the back side of the waist 104 is changed by rotating the part 202, thereby eliminating the unnatural appearance described above.

[0040] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment comprises a first part, a second part rotatably connected to the first part via a connecting part and having a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, and a third part assembled to the first and second parts, with its outer surface assembled at a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and its outer surface assembled at a second angle when the second part is in the second state. The model toy according to this embodiment is transformable from a first form, which is a robot form, to a second form, which is a vehicle form, and the inclination (angle of inclination) of the outer surface of some parts can be changed in each form. This reduces the sense of incongruity caused by the shape of one form remaining in the other form. Thus, the present invention can provide a novel mechanism for a transformable model toy that moves in accordance with the transformed form. Furthermore, the present invention can provide a novel mechanism for restricting the direction of movement in a model toy.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. For example, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited and includes various shapes such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, etc.

[0042] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys and movable structures. (1) It is a model toy, Part 1 and, A second part is rotatably connected to the first part via a connecting portion and has a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, A third part is assembled to the first and second parts, with its outer surface being assembled with a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and with its outer surface being assembled with a second inclination when the second part is in the second state. A model toy characterized by having the following features. (2) The first part comprises a first recess and a second recess, The aforementioned third part is, Equipped with a protrusion, When the second part is in the first state, the projection is fitted into the first recess. The model toy according to (1), characterized in that the projection can be fitted into the second recess when the second part is in the second state. (3) When the second part is in the first state, the projection cannot be fitted into the second recess of the first part. The model toy according to (2), characterized in that when the second part is in the second state, the projection cannot be fitted into the first recess of the first part. (4) The model toy according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the inclination of the surface to which the third part is assembled changes between the first state and the second state. (5) The aforementioned model toy is transformable into a first form and a second form. The aforementioned third part is, In the first embodiment, the outer surface is assembled to the second part at a first inclination, A model toy according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that, in the case of the second embodiment, the outer surface is assembled to the second part at the second inclination. (6) The model toy according to (5), characterized in that the outer surface of the third part assembled to the second part at the second inclination is parallel to the outer surface of the other parts. (7) The model toy according to (5) or (6), characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the second part transitions from the first state to the second state by rotating downward around the connecting portion relative to the first part. (8) The connecting portion is formed having a spherical ball portion and a plate-shaped restricting portion formed along the outer circumference of the upper half of the ball portion. The model toy according to (7), characterized in that the restricting part restricts the direction of rotation of the rotational movement centered on the connecting part. (9) The first form is a robot form, The model toy according to any one of (5) to (8), characterized in that the second form is a vehicle form. (10) The model toy according to (9), characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the first part and the second part are parts that form the waist joint and hip joint of the model toy, and the third part is a part of the back of the waist of the model toy. (11) The model toy according to (9) or (10), wherein the outer surface of the third part in the second embodiment is characterized in that it forms a part of the upper surface of the vehicle form. (12) A movable structure for a model toy, A first part having a connecting portion, A second part is rotatably connected to the aforementioned connecting portion and has a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, A third part is assembled to the first and second parts, with its outer surface being assembled with a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and with its outer surface being assembled with a second inclination when the second part is in the second state. A movable structure characterized by comprising the above.

[0043] 100: Model toy (3rd form), 101: Head, 102: Chest, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104: Waist, 105a, 105b: Legs, 106: Ornaments, 110, 120: Model toy (2nd form), 130, 140: Model toy (1st form)

Claims

1. It is a model toy, Part 1 and, A second part is rotatably connected to the first part via a connecting portion, and has a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation. A third part is assembled to the first and second parts, with its outer surface being assembled with a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and its outer surface being assembled with a second inclination when the second part is in the second state. A model toy characterized by having the following features.

2. The first part comprises a first recess and a second recess, The aforementioned third part is, Equipped with a protrusion, When the second part is in the first state, the projection is fitted into the first recess. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection can be fitted into the second recess when the second part is in the second state.

3. When the second part is in the first state, the projection cannot be fitted into the second recess of the first part. The model toy according to claim 2, characterized in that when the second part is in the second state, the projection cannot be fitted into the first recess of the first part.

4. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclination of the surface to which the third part is assembled changes between the first state and the second state.

5. The aforementioned model toy is transformable into a first form and a second form. The aforementioned third part is, In the first embodiment, the outer surface is assembled to the second part at a first inclination, The model toy according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the case of the second embodiment, the outer surface is assembled to the second part at the second inclination.

6. The model toy according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer surface of the third part assembled to the second part at the second inclination is parallel to the outer surface of the other parts.

7. The model toy according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the second part transitions from the first state to the second state by rotating downward around the connecting portion relative to the first part.

8. The connecting portion is formed having a spherical ball portion and a plate-shaped restricting portion formed along the outer circumference of the upper half of the ball portion. The model toy according to claim 7, characterized in that the restricting part restricts the rotational direction of the rotational movement centered on the connecting part.

9. The first form is a robot form, The model toy according to claim 5, characterized in that the second embodiment is a vehicle.

10. The model toy according to claim 9, wherein the first part and the second part are parts that form the waist joint and hip joint of the model toy, and the third part is a part of the back of the waist of the model toy.

11. The model toy according to claim 10, characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the outer surface of the third part forms a part of the upper surface of the vehicle form.

12. A movable structure for a model toy, A first part having a connecting portion, A second part is rotatably connected to the aforementioned connecting portion and has a first state before rotation and a second state after rotation, A third part is assembled to the first and second parts, with its outer surface being assembled with a first inclination when the second part is in the first state, and its outer surface being assembled with a second inclination when the second part is in the second state. A movable structure characterized by comprising the above.

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