Model element and its manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for joining runners of a model element. The model element includes multiple runners made of synthetic resins of different colors and multiple parts connected to the multiple runners, including a multicolored part molded at the joint between two runners made of synthetic resins of different colors.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Model toys use multiple types of parts, each made from a different synthetic resin. This allows for the creation of a model toy that combines multiple parts of different colors, for example. These parts are formed as a model element by connecting multiple parts to a runner, and each part is removed from the runner when assembling.

[0003] The above-mentioned model element is manufactured by pouring synthetic resin into a mold and molding it. Such model elements include those molded using a single synthetic resin and those molded using a plurality of different synthetic resins. When molding a single model element using a plurality of different synthetic resins, it is possible to form a single model element that includes parts of different colors. Patent Document 1 proposes a model element having a plurality of runners that group together synthetic resin model components of the same synthetic resin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 06-7745 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 07-102590 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned conventional technology allows for the creation of multicolored model elements, and allows parts of different colors to be molded into a single model element. However, it is difficult to combine small parts of different colors, and there is a demand for parts that include different colored portions to be provided as a single part. Furthermore, in such model elements containing multicolored synthetic resins, joints are formed to join runners made of different synthetic resins.

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

[0007] The present invention relates to, for example, a model element 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 includes a multi-colored part molded at the joint between two runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors. The present invention also provides, for example, a model element comprising a first main runner formed from a synthetic resin of a first color and forming the outer frame of the model element; a second main runner formed from a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color and forming the outer frame of the model element; a first part connected to a gate extending from a secondary runner formed inside the first main runner; and a second part molded at the joint between the first main runner and the second main runner.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a model element that includes, for example, a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners, the method including a primary molding process in which synthetic resin of a first color is injected into a mold to form a mold, and a secondary molding process in which synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color is injected into the mold to form a mold, and the plurality of parts includes a multi-colored part molded at the joint between two runners formed of synthetic resin of the first color and synthetic resin of the second color. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a pattern element that includes, for example, a first main runner that is formed from a synthetic resin of a first color and that forms the outer frame of the pattern element, and a second main runner that is formed from a synthetic resin of a second color that is different from the first color and that forms the outer frame of the pattern element, the method including a primary molding process in which the synthetic resin of the first color is injected into a mold to form a mold, and a secondary molding process in which the synthetic resin of the second color that is different from the first color is injected into the mold to form a mold, and the pattern element includes a first part that is connected to a gate that extends from a secondary runner that is formed inside the first main runner, and a second part that is molded at the joint between the first main runner and the second main runner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism can be provided for the joining portion of the runner of the model element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a front appearance of a model toy according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multicolor part according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing procedure for a multicolor part according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stopper for fixing a part of a mold according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a multicolor part according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a movable piece according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0012] <Appearance of the model toy> An example of the external configuration of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows the external front view of the model toy 100. Note that the x, y, and z arrows indicate the upward, left, and forward directions of the model toy, respectively, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0013] The model toy 100 includes a head 101 that constitutes a main body, a chest 102 indicated by a dotted line area, arms 103a and 103b, a waist 104, and legs 105a and 105b. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used as an example of a model toy, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and ornaments.

[0014] The head 101 is rotatably connected to a chest 102. A right arm 103b and a left arm 103a are further connected to the sides of the chest 102 by shoulder joints, and a waist 104 is connected to the lower part of the chest 102. The waist 104 includes hip joints, and a right leg 105b and a left leg 105a are each rotatably connected to the waist 104.

[0015] The parts that make up each of these sections are provided as multiple parts connected to a model element, which will be described later. The model toy 100 can be assembled by removing each part from the model element and assembling them together. In the model element of this embodiment, a portion of the face of the head 101 is provided as a single multi-colored part. Because this part is only a portion of the face, it is smaller than the other parts. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a single part containing synthetic resins of multiple colors is provided by utilizing the joints of the runners where synthetic resins of different colors are connected. This increases the utilization rate of synthetic resin in parts in the model element, allowing for more efficient use of synthetic resin.

[0016] <Disassembly of head> The exploded structure of the head 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. 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 composed of parts 201 to 205. Part 202 is fitted onto part 201 from the front, and part 204 is fitted onto part 201 from above. Part 203 is further fitted onto part 202 so as to cover it. Therefore, part 202 is assembled so as to be sandwiched between parts 201 and 203. This makes it possible to prevent part 202 or any part thereof from falling off. Furthermore, part 205 is assembled onto the assembled parts 201 to 204 from above, and the head 101 of the model toy 100 is completed.

[0018] As will be described later, part 202 is molded as a multi-colored part containing a synthetic resin of a first color and a synthetic resin of a second color. Such multi-colored parts are more likely to separate at the contact surfaces between the synthetic resins of different colors than when multiple molded parts are fitted together using a fitting mechanism. Therefore, according to this embodiment, to prevent disassembly of such multi-colored parts, the part is assembled so that it is covered by another part or sandwiched between multiple other parts, as described above, resulting in an assembly configuration that prevents separation between the different synthetic resins.

[0019] <Model base (runner) configuration> An example of the configuration of a model element according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Here, a runner refers to a rod-shaped plastic section to which multiple parts are connected and arranged to surround the toy model before assembly, such as a plastic model. The runner may also refer to the entirety, including the multiple connected parts. Here, when referring to the entire runner including the multiple parts, it is referred to as a "model element."

[0020] The model element 300 shown in FIG. 3 is a multi-color molded model element. Here, a model element molded in two colors using synthetic resin will be described as an example. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention, and multi-color molding may be performed using synthetic resin materials of many different colors. The model element 300 is configured to include a runner 301 molded from a synthetic resin of a first color and a runner 310 molded from a synthetic resin of a second color. The runners include a main runner and a secondary runner. Runners arranged as an outer frame surrounding each part, such as runners 301 and 310, correspond to the main runner. Runners extending to each part connected to the inside of the main runner, such as runner 302, are secondary runners. Gates 303 are provided between the secondary runners and the parts. Each gate connects the part to the secondary runner so that each part can be easily removed.

[0021] Parts 304, 305, and 202 are further connected to the model element 300. Parts 304 and 305 are molded from a first color (single color) synthetic resin. On the other hand, part 202 is molded containing synthetic resins of the first and second colors. In FIG. 3, the portion molded from the second color synthetic resin is shown shaded, and the portion molded from the first color synthetic resin is not shown shaded. Thus, according to this embodiment, in one model element, in addition to parts made from single color synthetic resin material, multi-color parts made by combining multiple color synthetic resins are molded.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , model base 300 has joints 311a and 312a formed between main runners 301 and 310. Typically, when molding multicolored runners using different synthetic resins, the joints are formed in shapes like joints 311a and 312a to prevent separation. Using these joints, part 202, a multicolored part according to this embodiment, is formed between main runners 301 and 310, including a first portion 322 made of a synthetic resin of a first color and a second portion 323 made of a synthetic resin of a second color. Thus, according to this embodiment, a multicolored part is molded at the joint between main runners made of different synthetic resins. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 , and multicolored parts may be formed at any other position.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an example in which part 202 is molded using a joint between secondary runners. The same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in FIG. 3, and their description will be omitted. In FIG. 4, normal joints 311b and 312b are formed in the position of the main runner where part 202 was molded in FIG. 3. Part 202 in FIG. 4 is molded between secondary runner 320 made of a synthetic resin of a first color and secondary runner 321 made of a synthetic resin of a second color. In this way, the multicolor part according to this embodiment can be molded at any joint between runners made of different synthetic resins.

[0024] The model base 300 is manufactured by injecting a first color synthetic resin (first synthetic resin) into a mold from an injection device (not shown) to perform primary molding. After the poured resin solidifies, the injection device then injects a second color synthetic resin (second synthetic resin) to perform secondary molding. Here, the multicolor part 202 includes a first portion 322 and a second portion 323, as described above. This part portion is provided with a movable pin that prevents the synthetic resin poured the first time from flowing into the second portion. The movable pin moves due to the pressure of the synthetic resin pouring in, allowing the synthetic resin poured the second time to flow in after the first color synthetic resin solidifies. This allows the present embodiment to efficiently mold multicolor parts without switching molds between primary and secondary molding. Details of the manufacturing process will be described later.

[0025] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a first color synthetic resin and a second color synthetic resin are used, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, synthetic resins with different softness may be used, or parts with different hardness may be molded into a single part.

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

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), joints 311a and 312a are formed between the runners 301 and 310, which are made of different synthetic resins, to connect them. This is due to the structure of a movable pin that blocks the flow from the flow path on the mold during primary molding, in which a first color synthetic resin is injected, to the flow path on the mold during secondary molding, in which a second color synthetic resin is injected. The structure of the movable pin will be described later. Furthermore, simply connecting the flow path on the mold during primary molding with the flow path on the mold during secondary molding does not provide sufficient adhesive strength, so the mold is shaped so that one end (311a) is covered by the other end (312a), thereby increasing the adhesive strength. Therefore, the mold is formed in an inverted shape to form the joints 311a and 312a.

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

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

[0030] <Manufacturing process for multi-colored parts (joints)> The manufacturing process for the multicolor part 202 (joint portion) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figures 6(a) to 6(c) show perspective views of the core-side mold for molding the multicolor part 202 during the manufacturing process. For ease of explanation, only the mold at the position of the joint portion for molding the multicolor part 202, out of the molds for forming the model base bodies 300 and 400, will be described here.

[0031] Figure 6(a) shows the mold before synthetic resin is injected. Mold 600, which corresponds to the joint, is composed of a first portion 601, a second portion 602, and a movable pin 603. First portion 601 is a portion used to mold first portion 322 of part 202, and is machined to have a shape that is the inverse of first portion 322. Second portion 602 is a portion used to mold second portion 323 of part 202, and is machined to have a shape that is the inverse of second portion 323. Movable pin 603 is movable in the vertical direction and is provided to prevent the first color synthetic resin from flowing into second portion 602 during primary molding.

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

[0033] 6(c) shows the state in which a second color synthetic resin is injected from an injection device (not shown) during secondary molding. The second color synthetic resin flows from the direction of the arrow (runner 310) into second portion 602, forming second portion 323 of part 202. At this time, the flow path forming runner 310 and the position where second portion 323 is molded are higher (stepped) than the flow path forming runner 301 and first portion 322 where the first portion is molded. Therefore, the pressure of the second color synthetic resin pushes down movable pin 603, causing the second color synthetic resin to flow into the hollow portion and form the joint with the first color synthetic resin (part of second portion 323).

[0034] As described above, according to this embodiment, the multicolor part 202 can be easily molded at the joint using the same manufacturing process as for a normal joint when no parts are formed, thereby improving the efficiency of use of the injected synthetic resin.

[0035] As described above, the model element according to this embodiment includes a plurality of runners made of synthetic resins of different colors and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners. The plurality of parts includes a multicolored part molded at the joint between two runners made of synthetic resins of different colors. In this way, this embodiment can provide, for example, a novel mechanism at the joint between the runners of the model element.

[0036] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which multicolored parts were molded using synthetic resins of different colors as different synthetic resins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any synthetic resins of different materials may be used. For example, materials with different softness (hardness) or textures may be used.

[0037] <Summary of the embodiment> The above embodiment discloses at least the following model element and its manufacturing method. (1) A model element, Multiple runners made of synthetic resin of different colors, a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners; Equipped with The model element includes a multicolored part molded at the joint of two runners made of synthetic resins of different colors. (2) The model element according to (1), wherein the multicolored part is one part that constitutes a model toy, and is assembled with a part of it covered by another part. (3) The model element according to (1) or (2), wherein the multicolored part is one part that constitutes a model toy, and a part of the part is sandwiched between a plurality of other parts to be assembled. (4) The model element according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the multicolored part includes the joint as a part of the part. (5) The plurality of runners include a main runner forming an outer frame of the model element and a subsidiary runner formed inside the main runner, each formed of a synthetic resin of a different color; A model element according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the multicolored part is molded at the joint of two main runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors, or at the joint of two subsidiary runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors. (6) The multicolored parts are a first portion molded by injecting a synthetic resin of a first color into a mold; a second portion that is molded by injecting a synthetic resin of a second color into a mold after molding the first portion, A model element according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, when molding the first part, a movable pin is positioned in the mold at a portion where the second part is molded to prevent the synthetic resin of the first color from flowing in, and when molding the second part, the movable pin moves in the mold to form a cavity, into which the synthetic resin of the second color flows to mold a portion of the second part. (7) The model element according to (5), wherein the plurality of parts includes a part formed of a single-color synthetic resin. (8) A method for manufacturing a model element including a plurality of runners formed of synthetic resins of different colors and a plurality of parts connected to the plurality of runners, a primary molding process in which a synthetic resin of a first color is injected into a mold; a secondary molding step of injecting a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color into the mold; Including, The manufacturing method, wherein the plurality of parts includes a multicolored part molded at the joint between two runners formed of the synthetic resin of the first color and the synthetic resin of the second color. (9) The multicolored parts are a first portion formed in the primary molding step; a second portion that is formed in the secondary forming step after the first portion is formed, The manufacturing method described in (8), wherein in the primary molding process, a movable pin is positioned in the part of the mold where the second part is molded to prevent the synthetic resin of the first color from flowing in, and in the secondary molding process, the movable pin moves in the mold to form a cavity, and the synthetic resin of the second color flows into the cavity to mold a part of the second part. [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: secondary runner, 303: gate, 304, 305: parts, 311a, 311b, 312a, 312b: joints, 320, 321: secondary runner, 322: first part, 323: second part

Claims

1. A model element, a first main runner formed of a synthetic resin of a first color and forming an outer frame of the model element; a second main runner formed of a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color and forming an outer frame of the model element; a first part connected to a gate extending from a secondary runner formed inside the first main runner; a second part molded at a joint between the first main runner and the second main runner; A model body equipped with the above.

2. 2. The model element according to claim 1, wherein the second part is one part constituting a model toy, and is assembled with a part of the second part covered by another part.

3. 2. The model element according to claim 1, wherein the second part is one part constituting a model toy, and a part of the second part is sandwiched between a plurality of other parts when assembled.

4. The model element according to claim 1 , wherein the second part includes the joint as a part thereof.

5. The second part is a first portion molded by injecting a synthetic resin of a first color into a mold; a second portion that is molded by injecting a synthetic resin of a second color into a mold after molding the first portion, 2. The model element according to claim 1, wherein, when molding the first portion, a movable pin is positioned in a portion of the mold where the second portion is to be molded to prevent the synthetic resin of the first color from flowing in, and when molding the second portion, the movable pin is moved in the mold to form a cavity, and the synthetic resin of the second color flows into the cavity to mold a part of the second portion.

6. 2. The model element according to claim 1, wherein the first part includes a part made of a single-color synthetic resin.

7. a first main runner formed of a synthetic resin of a first color and forming an outer frame of a model element; a second main runner formed of a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color and forming an outer frame of the model element; A method for manufacturing a model element, comprising: a primary molding step of injecting a synthetic resin of a first color into a mold; a secondary molding step of injecting a synthetic resin of a second color different from the first color into the mold; Including, The model element includes: a first part connected to a gate extending from a secondary runner formed inside the first main runner; and a second part molded at the junction of the first main runner and the second main runner.

8. The second part is a first portion molded in the primary molding step; a second portion that is formed in the secondary forming step after the first portion is formed, 8. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein in the primary molding step, a movable pin is positioned in the part of the mold where the second part is molded to prevent the synthetic resin of the first color from flowing in, and in the secondary molding step, the movable pin is moved in the mold to form a cavity, and the synthetic resin of the second color flows into the cavity to mold a part of the second part.

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