Model toys and model parts

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for connecting parts in model toys. [Solution] This toy model comprises a first part and a second part having a spherical connecting portion and being rotatably connected to the first part. The spherical connecting portion has a projection at its tip.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In order to realize movements and postures similar to those of humans and animals, model toys (human figures) include various joints and movable parts. Various postures can be realized by these mechanisms. In addition to the main body that realizes the above movements, weapons, armor, etc. (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as decorative parts) are attached to the human figure. Patent Document 1 proposes a human figure that complicates the movement of armor according to the movement of the limbs and gives a realistic feel to the movement of the armor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, armor is connected along the limb and arm parts. When decorative parts such as weapons and armor are attached to the limb and arm parts, it is necessary to consider their weight. Limbs and arms are generally connected to the main body at a single point such as the hip joint and shoulder joint, and there is a limit to the weight supported at that single point. Connecting decorative parts with a weight exceeding the limit will cause these limbs to fall off or, even if they do not fall off, hang down unnaturally, giving an unnatural impression. Therefore, by realizing a connection structure that can withstand a heavier weight, it becomes possible to connect various decorative parts.

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for a connecting part in a model toy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to, for example, a model toy comprising a first part and a second part having a spherical connecting portion and being rotatably connected to the first part, wherein the spherical connecting portion has a projection at its tip.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to, for example, a model part comprising a first part and a second part having a spherical connecting portion and being rotatably connected to the first part, wherein the spherical connecting portion has a projection at its tip. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism for connecting parts in model toys can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the front view of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an exploded perspective view of the shoulder joint area according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the assembly configuration of shoulder joint parts according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the detailed configuration of a shoulder joint part according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a cross-section of the upper body according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a plan view of the upper body portion 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> First, with reference to Figure 1, an example of the external configuration of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows the front view of the 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] The model toy 100 comprises a head 101 that constitutes the main body, a chest 102 shown in the dotted line area, arms 103a and 103b, waist 104, legs 105a and 105b, connecting parts 106, and decorative parts 107. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is described as an example of a model toy, but there is no intention to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, ornaments, etc.

[0013] The head 101 is rotatably connected to the chest 102. The chest 102 is further connected to the right arm 103b and the left arm 103a at the sides by shoulder joints, and to the waist 104 at the bottom. The waist 104 includes a hip joint, to which the right leg 105b and the left leg 105a are rotatably connected.

[0014] Furthermore, a connecting part 106 is attached to the upper part of the arm 103b, and a decorative part 107, which is a weapon, is attached to the connecting part 106. The decorative part 107 in this embodiment is a relatively large part and has weight that creates a downward pulling force on the arm 103b. Therefore, the shoulder joint connecting the arm 103b and the chest 102 needs to support the weight of the decorative part 107. It should be noted that there is no intention to limit the present invention, and the decorative part 107 may also be attached to other limbs.

[0015] <Structure around the shoulder joint> Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the left shoulder joint portion 200 of the model toy 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2(a) shows the front appearance of the model toy 100. FIG. 2(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the shoulder joint portion 200. Since FIG. 2(a) is the same drawing as FIG. 1, the description thereof will be omitted. Here, the shoulder joint portion 200 includes a shoulder joint and some parts around the shoulder joint.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the shoulder joint portion 200 is composed of parts 201 to 208. It forms the base part of the chest joint of the model toy 100. Part 203 corresponds to the first part and forms the base part of the shoulder joint. A spherical part 202 is inserted into part 203, and a part 204 corresponding to the second part is rotatably inserted into the concave portion. Further, parts 202 to 204 are rotatably inserted into the concave portion of part 201.

[0017] In addition, part 203 has a gripping portion that sandwiches the front and back of part 201. When part 203 is connected to part 201 via part 202, the gripping portion can sandwich part 201 and enhance the holding force (fitting force). Thereby, even when a heavy decorative portion 107 is connected to the arm portion 103b connected to the shoulder joint portion 200, the anti-drop function for preventing the arm portion 103b from falling off the main body can be enhanced. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the anti-drop function is provided separately and will be described later using FIG. 3.

[0018] For part 204, part 205 is rotatably inserted into a ring-shaped connecting portion, and parts 206a and 206b are attached from the front and back directions of the model toy 100 so as to sandwich parts 204 and 205. Parts 206a and 206b each have a concave portion and are connected to a cylindrical connecting portion extending in the front and back directions of part 205. Therefore, part 205 is rotatably connected to parts 206a and 206b. Further, part 205 has a cylindrical connecting portion at the lower part, and parts 207 and 208 constituting the upper arm portion are connected.

[0019] The connecting part 106 is connected to parts 206a and 206b. A decorative part 107 is connected to the connecting part 106. In the present embodiment, the decorative part 107 is a large weapon and has a weight equal to or greater than that of the arm part 103b. Therefore, due to the weight of the decorative part 107, there is a risk that the arm part 103b may fall off or hang down. According to the present embodiment, in order to avoid such falling off and unnatural states, the shoulder joint has a function of preventing falling off. The detailed configuration of the function of preventing falling off will be described later.

[0020] <Configuration of the main parts of the shoulder joint> Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the configuration of the main parts of the left shoulder joint part 200 of the model toy 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows the assembled configuration of parts 203 and 204. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of part 203. Since the configuration of the right shoulder joint is the same as that of the left shoulder joint described below, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] FIG. 3(a) shows an exploded perspective view of parts 203 and 204. Part 203 includes a connecting part 301, gripping parts 302a and 302b, a concave part 303, and a hole part 304. The connecting part 301 is rotatably connected to a part 201, which is the base part of the chest joint, via a spherical part 202. Further, the part 201 is gripped by the gripping parts 302a and 302b so as to sandwich it in the front-rear direction of the model toy 100. Thereby, the function of preventing falling off can be enhanced.

[0022] Part 204 has connecting parts 311 and 313. The connecting part 311 is formed in a spherical shape and has a protrusion 312 at its tip. The connecting part 311 is rotatably connected to the concave part �03 of part 203. At this time, the protrusion 312 formed at the tip of the connecting part 311 is inserted into the hole part 304 formed in the inner part of the concave part 303. Thus, according to the present embodiment, by forming a protrusion on the spherical connecting part and increasing the fitting force with the connected part, the above-mentioned function of preventing falling off is realized.

[0023] While the fitting force is increased when the projection 312 is inserted into the hole 304, the spherical rotational function is lost. However, in this embodiment, a notch 305 is formed in a part of the inner part of the recess 303. The notch 305 is formed by cutting into the wall surface of the recess 303 and is formed integrally with the hole 304. Therefore, it secures an area from which the projection 312 inserted into the hole 304 can withdraw.

[0024] The formation of the notch 305 allows part 204, with the projection 312 inserted into the hole 304, to rotate relative to part 203 in the direction of the region where the notch 305 is formed. Furthermore, part 204 can be held even when the projection 312 is not inserted into the hole 304, in which case it can rotate in multiple directions, similar to a spherical connecting part without a projection. The configuration in which the connection between part 204 and part 203 is maintained when the projection 312 of part 204 is not inserted into the hole 304 will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0025] The connecting portion 313 of part 204 is formed in a ring shape. Part 205 is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 313. The group of parts that make up the upper arm of arm 103b are connected to part 205.

[0026] Part 204 is assembled to part 203 as shown in the direction of the dotted arrow. Figure 3(b) shows part 204 assembled to part 203. In the state shown in Figure 3(b), the projection 312 is inserted into the hole 304 formed at the back of the recess 303. In this state, the above-mentioned anti-detachment function can be realized. Furthermore, from this state, part 204 can be rotated in the direction of the area where the notch 305 is formed (arrow direction). On the other hand, part 204 cannot be rotated in the direction where the notch 305 is not formed (opposite direction of the arrow). Note that the notch 305 is formed integrally with the rear side of the hole 304 and is not formed in the vertical direction of the hole 304 at least. In other words, since a wall is formed in the vertical direction of the hole 304, even when a decorative part 107 is attached, the wall receives the force that causes the projection 312 to rotate upward, and thus can support the weight of the decorative part 107.

[0027] According to this embodiment, by inserting the shoulder joint and arm portion 103b all the way in towards the chest portion 102, the decorative portion 107, which has considerable weight, can be held even when attached to the connecting part 106. Furthermore, the formation of the notch 305 enables rotation in certain directions.

[0028] Figure 4(a) shows a side view of part 204. A hole 304 is formed at the back of the recess 303. Furthermore, as shown in the shaded area, a notch 305 is formed in part of the recess 303. This area allows part 204, which is inserted into part 203, to rotate. The size of the notch area can be set to any size, but adjustment is necessary because increasing its size reduces the holding force. After the hole 304 exits the projection 312, it can rotate in multiple directions, including the vertical direction, within the range shown in the shaded area.

[0029] Figure 4(b) shows a perspective view of part 204 of the model toy 100 from the left front. The recess 303 has a crossover portion 306 formed at the end opposite the back. The crossover portion 306 is intended to prevent part 204 from coming out after it has been inserted into the recess 303. By forming this crossover portion 306, part 204 can be held without inserting its projection 312 into the hole 304 of part 203. In other words, in this state, it operates in the same way as a normal spherical connecting part. Therefore, if a part with considerable weight, such as the decorative part 107, is connected to the arm 103b, it will not be able to withstand the weight and the arm 103b will sag. On the other hand, when such a decorative part 107 is removed, the arm 103b can be rotated in multiple directions, just like a normal spherical connecting part.

[0030] Thus, according to this embodiment, by inserting the projection 312 of part 204 into the hole 304 of part 203, the range of rotation of the arm 103b is restricted, but the holding force can be increased. On the other hand, when the projection 312 is not inserted into the hole 304, the holding force cannot be increased, but the range of rotation can be expanded. This makes it possible to switch between operating with and without the decorative part 107 attached.

[0031] <Cross-section of the upper body> Referring to Figure 5, the connection configuration of the shoulder joint of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the shoulder joint of the model toy 100 from the front.

[0032] Figure 5(a) shows the state in which the projection 312 of part 204 is inserted into the hole 304 of part 203. In this state, the projection 312 abuts against a part of part 203 that is located, for example, in the vertical direction, thereby restricting rotation in at least the vertical direction. In this way, although the range of rotation of part 204 relative to part 203 is restricted, it is possible to prevent the arm 103b from sagging downwards or falling off even when the decorative part 107 is connected to the connecting part 106. It should be noted that even in this state, it is possible to rotate the arm 103b in the front-to-back direction. This is because the projection 312 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the projection 312 can rotate within the hole 304.

[0033] Figure 5(b) shows the state in which the projection 312 of part 204 has been pulled out of the hole 304 of part 203. In this state, part 204 is held in place by the overhang portion 306 formed on the inner wall of part 203. Furthermore, in this state, it can rotate in multiple directions, similar to a normal spherical connecting part. Note that by pulling the arm portion 103b in the x direction with a force greater than a predetermined amount, part 204 will overcome the overhang portion 306 and can be removed.

[0034] <Shoulder joint movement> The movement of the shoulder joint according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show plan cross-sectional views of the model toy 100.

[0035] Figure 6(a), similar to Figure 5(a), shows the state in which the projection 312 of part 204 is inserted into the hole 304 of part 203. In this state, a space is formed on the rear side of the projection 312 by the notch 305.

[0036] Figure 6(b) shows how part 204 is rotated in the direction of the arrow using the space formed by the notch 305, starting from the state shown in Figure 6(a). Thus, according to this embodiment, part 204 can be rotated in a predetermined direction (towards the rear of the model toy 100) from the state in which the projection 312 is inserted into the hole 304. Consequently, the arm portion 103b can rotate in the forward direction of the model toy 100. Furthermore, after the projection 312 has exited the space, it can rotate in multiple directions, including the vertical direction, within the range of the space.

[0037] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment comprises a first part and a second part having a spherical connecting portion and being rotatably connected to the first part. The spherical connecting portion has a projection at its tip. Thus, according to this embodiment, a novel mechanism for a connecting portion in a model toy can be provided.

[0038] <Variation> 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. Furthermore, the above embodiments describe an application of the present invention to the shoulder joint. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and these mechanisms may be used in other parts. For example, they may be applied to the hip joint or neck joint.

[0039] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys and model parts. (1) It is a model toy, Part 1 and, A second part having a spherical connecting portion and rotatably connected to the first part and Equipped with, The aforementioned spherical connecting part is a model toy having a projection at its tip. (2) The first part has a recess for receiving the spherical connecting portion, The model toy according to (1), wherein the recess has a hole in the inner part into which the projection is inserted. (3) (2) The model toy as described above, wherein a notch is formed in a part of the inner part of the recess. (4) The aforementioned notch is formed integrally with the aforementioned hole. The model toy described in (3), wherein the second part rotates using the space created by the notch. (5) The model toy according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the recess has a portion that can be climbed over at the end opposite to the inner portion. (6) The present invention further comprises a third part connected to the second part, The model toy according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second part has a second connecting portion at the end opposite to the spherical connecting portion to which the third part is connected. (7) The model toy according to (6), further comprising a decorative part connected to the third part. (8) The first and second parts form the shoulder joint of the model toy. The third part is the arm of the model toy as described in (6) or (7). (9) The first part is a model toy according to any one of (1) to (8), having a gripping portion that grips the front and back of the upper body of the model toy from the side. (10) Model parts, Part 1 and, A second part having a spherical connecting portion and rotatably connected to the first part and Equipped with, The aforementioned spherical connecting portion is a model part having a projection at its tip. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Chest, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104: Waist, 105a, 105b: Legs, 106: Connecting parts, 107: Decorative parts, 200: Shoulder joints

Claims

1. It is a model toy, Part 1 and, A second part having a spherical connecting portion and rotatably connected to the first part and Equipped with, The aforementioned spherical connecting part is a model toy having a projection at its tip.

2. The first part has a recess for receiving the spherical connecting portion, The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a hole in the inner part into which the projection is inserted.

3. The model toy according to claim 2, wherein a notch is formed in a part of the inner part of the recess.

4. The aforementioned notch is formed integrally with the aforementioned hole. The model toy according to claim 3, wherein the second part rotates using the space created by the notch.

5. The model toy according to claim 2, wherein the recess has a portion that can be climbed over at the end opposite to the inner portion.

6. The present invention further comprises a third part connected to the second part, The model toy according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second part has a second connecting portion at the end opposite to the spherical connecting portion to which the third part is connected.

7. The model toy according to claim 6, further comprising a decorative part connected to the third part.

8. The first part and the second part form the shoulder joint of the model toy. The model toy according to claim 7, wherein the third part is the arm of the model toy.

9. The model toy according to claim 8, wherein the first part has a gripping portion that clamps the front and back of the upper body of the model toy from the side.

10. Model parts, Part 1 and, A second part having a spherical connecting portion and rotatably connected to the first part and Equipped with, The aforementioned spherical connecting portion is a model part having a projection at its tip.

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