Model body and its manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for the joints of runners in a model body. [Solution] This model body comprises multiple runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, and multiple parts connected to the multiple runners. The multiple parts include multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a model base and a method for manufacturing the same. [[Background Art]]

[0002] A model toy uses a plurality of types of parts each made of different synthetic resins. This enables, for example, realizing a model toy that combines a plurality of parts of different colors. These parts are formed as a model base formed by connecting a plurality of parts to a runner, and each part is detached from the runner for use during assembly.

[0003] The above model base is manufactured by pouring synthetic resin into a mold and molding the same. Such model bases include those that mold one model base using one type of synthetic resin, and those that mold one model base using a plurality of different synthetic resins. When one model base is molded using a plurality of different synthetic resins, one model base including parts of different colors can be formed. Patent Document 1 proposes a model base having a plurality of runners in which synthetic resin model components are grouped by the same synthetic resin. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 06-7745 [[Patent Document 2]] Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-102590 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] The conventional technology described above allows for the formation of multi-colored model bodies, enabling the molding of parts of different colors into a single model body. However, combining small parts of different colors is difficult, and there is a demand for parts containing different colored sections to be provided as a single part. Furthermore, in such model bodies containing multi-colored synthetic resins, joints are formed where runners made of different synthetic resins are joined.

[0006] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for the joints of runners in a model body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to, for example, a model body comprising a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors, and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners, wherein the plurality of parts include multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a model body, for example, comprising a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners, comprising a primary molding step of injecting a synthetic resin of a first color into a mold and molding it, and a secondary molding step of injecting a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color into the mold and molding it, wherein the plurality of parts include multi-color parts molded at the joints of two runners formed of the synthetic resin of the first color and the synthetic resin of the second color. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism can be provided for the joint portion of the runner of a model body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the front view of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing a multi-color part according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the manufacturing procedure for multi-color parts according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a stopper for fixing a part of a mold according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a cross-section of a multi-colored part according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a cross-section of a movable spindle according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] <Appearance of the model toy> Referring 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.

[0013] The model toy 100 comprises a head 101, a chest 102 (shown by the dotted line area), arms 103a and 103b, a waist 104, and legs 105a and 105b, which constitute the main body. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used 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.

[0014] The head 101 is rotatably connected to the chest 102. A right arm 103b and a left arm 103a are further connected to the chest 102 at side portions via shoulder joints, and a waist 104 is connected to the chest 102 at a lower portion. The waist 104 includes a hip joint, and a right leg 105b and a left leg 105a are each rotatably connected thereto.

[0015] The parts constituting each of these components are provided as a plurality of parts connected to a model blank, which will be described later. The model toy 100 can be assembled by detaching each part from the model blank and assembling them. In the model blank according to the present embodiment, a part of the face of the head 101 is provided as a single multicolored part. Since this part is a part of the face, it is smaller than other parts. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a single part including synthetic resins of a plurality of colors is provided by using joint portions of runners to which synthetic resins of different colors are connected. This makes it possible to increase the usage rate of synthetic resin for parts in the model blank, and use the synthetic resin more efficiently.

[0016] <Exploded Configuration of Head> Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded configuration of the head 101 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2(a) shows a perspective view of the head 101, and FIG. 2(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the head 101.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the head 101 is configured including parts 201 to 205. The part 202 is fitted into the part 201 from the front, and the part 204 is fitted into the part 201 from above. The part 202 is further fitted with the part 203 so as to cover it. Accordingly, the part 202 is assembled so as to be sandwiched between the part 201 and the part 203. This can prevent the part 202 and a part thereof from falling off. Furthermore, the part 205 is assembled from above onto the assembled parts 201 to 204, whereby the head 101 of the model toy 100 is completed.

[0018] The part 202 is molded as a multicolored part including a first-color synthetic resin and a second-color synthetic resin, as described later. Compared with a case where respective parts molded as a plurality of parts are fitted via a fitting mechanism, such a multicolored part has a higher possibility that the contact surfaces between the synthetic resins of different colors separate. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in order to prevent such a multicolored part from disassembling, as described above, the assembly configuration is configured such that the multicolored part is assembled so as to be covered with other parts or assembled so as to be sandwiched between a plurality of other parts, thereby preventing separation between different synthetic resins.

[0019] <Configuration of Model Base (Runner)> With reference to Figures 3 and 4, a configuration example of the model base according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, the term "runner" refers to a rod-shaped plastic portion to which a plurality of unassembled parts are connected and which is arranged so as to surround them in a model toy such as a plastic model. In some cases, the whole including the connected plurality of parts is referred to as a runner. Herein, when referring to the entire runner including a plurality of parts, it is called a "model base".

[0020] The model base 300 shown in Figure 3 is a multicolored molded model base. Here, a description will be given taking as an example a model base that is multicolored molded using two colors of synthetic resin. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and multicolor molding may be performed using more synthetic resin materials of different colors. The model base 300 includes a runner 301 molded from a first-color synthetic resin and a runner 310 molded from a second-color synthetic resin. Further, the runner includes a main runner and a secondary runner. Like runners 301 and 310, a runner arranged as an outer frame so as to surround each part corresponds to the main runner. Further, like the runner 302, a runner extending to each part connected inside the main runner is the secondary runner. A gate 303 is provided between the secondary runner and the part. Each gate connects the part and the secondary runner so that each part can be easily removed.

[0021] Parts 304, 305, and 202 are further connected to the model body 300. Parts 304 and 305 are molded from a first-color (single-color) synthetic resin. On the other hand, part 202 is molded containing both first-color and second-color synthetic resins. In Figure 3, the parts molded from the second-color synthetic resin are shown with shading, while the parts molded from the first-color synthetic resin are not. Thus, according to this embodiment, in addition to parts formed from single-color synthetic resin material, multi-color parts made by combining multiple-color synthetic resins are molded in a single model body.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the model body 300 has joints 311a and 312a formed between the main runner 301 and runner 310. Normally, when molding multi-colored runners using different synthetic resins, the joints are formed in a shape like joints 311a and 312a so that they do not separate. Utilizing such joints, the multi-colored part 202 according to this embodiment is formed between the main runner 301 and runner 310, including a first part 322 made of a first-colored synthetic resin and a second part 323 made of a second-colored synthetic resin. Thus, according to this embodiment, a multi-colored part is molded at the joint between main runners made of different synthetic resins. It should be noted that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and multi-colored parts may be formed at any other arbitrary position.

[0023] Figure 4 shows an example in which part 202 is molded using the joint between trailing runners. Components similar to those in Figure 3 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In Figure 4, the usual joints 311b and 312b are formed at the location of the main runner where part 202 was molded in Figure 3. In Figure 4, part 202 is molded between a trailing runner 320 made of a first-color synthetic resin and a trailing runner 321 made of a second-color synthetic resin. Thus, the multi-color parts according to this embodiment can be molded at any joint between runners made of different synthetic resins.

[0024] The model body 300 is manufactured by first molding by injecting a first-color synthetic resin (first synthetic resin) from an injection device (not shown) into a mold, and then, after the injected resin has solidified, by second molding by injecting a second-color synthetic resin (second synthetic resin) from the injection device. Here, the multi-color part 202 is composed of a first part 322 and a second part 323, as described above. A movable pin is provided in the part to prevent the synthetic resin injected the first time from flowing into the second part. After the first-color synthetic resin has solidified, the movable pin moves due to the pressure of the synthetic resin flowing in so that the synthetic resin injected the second time flows in. As a result, according to this embodiment, the mold can be used for both primary and secondary molding without switching molds, and multi-color parts can be efficiently molded. Details of the manufacturing process will be described later.

[0025] In this embodiment, an example using a first-color synthetic resin and a second-color synthetic resin is described, but this does not limit the present invention. For example, synthetic resins with different flexes may be used, and it is also possible to mold a single part into parts with different hardnesses.

[0026] <Joint part> The joint according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figures 5(a) to (c) show a plan view, side view, and perspective view of a normal joint that does not form a part, respectively. Figure 5(d) shows a perspective view of a joint that forms a part.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5(a) to (c), joints 311a and 312a are formed between runners 301 and 310, which are made of different synthetic resins, to connect them. This relies on the structure of a movable pin that blocks the flow from the flow channel on the mold in primary molding, where the first color synthetic resin is injected, to the flow channel on the mold in secondary molding, where the second color synthetic resin is injected. The structure of the movable pin will be described later. Furthermore, simply connecting the flow channel on the mold in primary molding and the flow channel on the mold in secondary molding does not provide sufficient adhesive strength, so the end (312a) is molded to cover one end (311a) to increase the adhesive strength. Accordingly, the mold is formed in an inverted shape to form the joints 311a and 312a.

[0028] The manufacturing process is now described. First, a first-color synthetic resin is injected into the mold from an injection device (not shown) and flows into the joint 312a via a channel that forms the runner 301. At this time, the movable pin 603 shown in Figures 5(b) and (c) is positioned to block the flow of the first-color synthetic resin so that it does not flow into the channel that forms the joint 311a and runner 310. For example, in the figure, it is raised to the height of the joint 311a. Subsequently, a second-color synthetic resin is injected into the mold from an injection device (not shown) and flows into the joint 311a via a channel that forms the runner 310, and the pressure at this time pushes down the movable pin 603. As a result, the joints 311a and 311b are molded as shown. Note that a cavity is formed where the movable pin 603 is pushed down, and the second-color synthetic resin flows into it to form at least a part of the joint 311a.

[0029] Figure 5(d) shows an example of molding part 202 at the joint. As described above, even in the case of normal joints 311a and 312a, the joints are processed in an inverted shape. On the other hand, in Figure 5(d), the mold is processed in an inverted shape of part 202 at the joint. This makes it possible to mold part 202 at the joint, which includes a first part 322 molded from a first color synthetic resin and a second part 323 molded from a second color synthetic resin. Details of the mold and manufacturing process will be described later with reference to Figure 6.

[0030] <Manufacturing process for multi-colored parts (joints)> Referring to Figure 6, the manufacturing process of the multi-color part 202 (joint) according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 6(a) to 6(c) show perspective views of the core-side mold for molding the multi-color part 202 in the manufacturing process. Here, for the sake of clarity, the mold for the joint where the multi-color part 202 is molded will be described among the molds for forming the model bodies 300 and 400.

[0031] Figure 6(a) shows the mold before injection of synthetic resin. The mold 600 corresponding to the joint consists of a first part 601, a second part 602, and a movable pin 603. The first part 601 is for molding the first part 322 of part 202 and is processed to have a shape that is the inverse of the shape of the first part 322. The second part 602 is for molding the second part 323 of part 202 and is processed to have a shape that is the inverse of the shape of the second part 323. The movable pin 603 is movable in the vertical direction and is provided to prevent the synthetic resin of the first color from flowing into the second part 602 side during primary molding.

[0032] Figure 6(b) shows the injection of the first color synthetic resin from an injection device (not shown) during primary molding. The first color synthetic resin flows into the first part 601 from the direction of the arrow (runner 301), and the first part 322 of part 202 is formed. At this time, the upper part of the movable pin 603 is located at the level of the shaded area in the figure, blocking the flow of the first color synthetic resin. After the first color synthetic resin solidifies, secondary molding is performed.

[0033] Figure 6(c) shows the injection of the second color synthetic resin from an injection device (not shown) during secondary molding. The second color synthetic resin flows into the second part 602 from the direction of the arrow (runner 310), and the second part 323 of part 202 is formed. At this time, the flow path that forms the runner 310 and the position where the second part 323 is formed are at a higher position (step) than the flow path that forms the first part 322 and the runner 301. Therefore, the movable pin 603 is pushed down by the pressure of the second color synthetic resin, and the second color synthetic resin flows into its cavity, forming the joint portion with the first color synthetic resin (part of the second part 323).

[0034] Thus, according to this embodiment, multi-colored parts 202 can be easily molded into the joint in the same manufacturing process as a normal joint when no parts are formed. Furthermore, this improves the efficiency of using the injected synthetic resin.

[0035] As described above, the model body according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors, and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners. The plurality of parts include multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors. Thus, according to this embodiment, for example, a novel mechanism can be provided at the joints of the runners of the model body.

[0036] <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 above embodiments described an example in which multi-colored parts are molded using synthetic resins of different colors as different synthetic resins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any synthetic resin made of different materials is acceptable. For example, materials with different flexibility (hardness) or different textures may be used.

[0037] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model body and its manufacturing method. (1) It is a model base, Multiple runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, Multiple parts connected to the aforementioned multiple runners and Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple parts include multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, forming a model body. (2) The aforementioned multi-colored part is one of the parts that make up a model toy, and a part of it is covered by other parts when assembled, as described in (1). (3) The multi-colored part is one of the parts that make up the model toy, and a part of it is sandwiched between several other parts to be assembled, as described in (1) or (2). (4) The multi-colored part includes the joint as part of the model body according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The aforementioned plurality of runners are formed of different colored synthetic resins, with the main runner forming the outer frame of the model body and the secondary runner formed inside the main runner. The multi-colored parts are molded at the joints of two main runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, or at the joints of two secondary runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The aforementioned multi-colored parts are The first part is formed by injecting a first color of synthetic resin into a mold, The first part is molded, and then a second part is formed by injecting a second color synthetic resin into a mold. A model body according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein when the first part is molded, a movable pin is positioned in the mold in the part where the second part is molded to prevent the flow of synthetic resin of the first color, and when the second part is molded, the movable pin moves in the mold to form a cavity, into which synthetic resin of the second color flows to mold a part of the second part. (7) The model body as described in (5), wherein the aforementioned plurality of parts include parts formed from a single-color synthetic resin. (8) A method for manufacturing a model body, comprising a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors, and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners, The first molding process involves injecting the first color of synthetic resin into a mold to form the shape, A secondary molding step in which a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color is injected into the mold and molded; Includes, A manufacturing method comprising the above-mentioned plurality of parts, including multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed from a first-color synthetic resin and a second-color synthetic resin. (9) The aforementioned multi-colored parts are The first part formed in the aforementioned primary molding process, Having a second part which is formed in the secondary molding step after the first part has been molded, The manufacturing method according to (8), wherein in the primary molding step, a movable pin is positioned in the mold in the portion where the second portion is to be molded to prevent the flow of the synthetic resin of the first color, and in the secondary molding step, the movable pin moves in the mold to form a cavity, into which the synthetic resin of the second color flows to form a part of the second portion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Chest, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104: Waist, 105a, 105b: Legs, 201-205: Parts, 300, 400: Model body, 301, 310: Main runner parts, 302: Sub-runner, 303: Gate, 304, 305: Parts, 311a, 311b, 312a, 312b: Joints, 320, 321: Sub-runner, 322: Part 1, 323: Part 2

Claims

1. It is a model base, Multiple runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, Multiple parts connected to the aforementioned multiple runners and Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple parts include multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, forming a model body.

2. The multi-colored part is one of the parts that make up a model toy, and a part of it is covered by other parts when assembled, as described in claim 1.

3. The multi-colored part is one of the parts that make up the model toy, and a part of it is sandwiched between multiple other parts to be assembled, as described in claim 1.

4. The model body according to claim 1, wherein the multi-colored part includes the joint as part of the part.

5. The aforementioned plurality of runners are formed of different colored synthetic resins, with the main runner forming the outer frame of the model body and the secondary runner formed inside the main runner. The multi-colored parts are molded into the joints of two main runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, or into the joints of two secondary runners formed from synthetic resins of different colors, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned multi-colored parts are The first part is formed by injecting a first color of synthetic resin into a mold, The first part is molded, and then a second part is formed by injecting a second color synthetic resin into a mold. The model body according to claim 5, wherein when the first part is molded, a movable pin is positioned in the mold in the part where the second part is molded to prevent the flow of synthetic resin of the first color, and when the second part is molded, the movable pin moves in the mold to form a cavity, into which synthetic resin of the second color flows to mold a part of the second part.

7. The model body according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of parts include parts formed from a single-color synthetic resin.

8. A method for manufacturing a model body, comprising a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors, and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners, The first molding process involves injecting the first color of synthetic resin into a mold to form the shape, A secondary molding step in which a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color is injected into the mold and molded; Includes, A manufacturing method comprising the above-mentioned plurality of parts, including multi-colored parts molded at the joints of two runners formed from a first-color synthetic resin and a second-color synthetic resin.

9. The aforementioned multi-colored parts are The first part formed in the aforementioned primary molding process, Having a second part which is formed in the secondary molding step after the first part has been molded, The manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein in the primary molding step, a movable pin is positioned in the mold in the portion where the second portion is to be molded to prevent the flow of the synthetic resin of the first color, and in the secondary molding step, the movable pin moves in the mold to form a cavity, into which the synthetic resin of the second color flows to form a part of the second portion.

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