Decorative toys and decorative objects equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a toy for a decorative body, the toy enabling realistic sweet bite experience and offering improved convenience.SOLUTION: A toy body 1 is provided with: a sweet bite part that is included in a mouth part; a drive part that actuates the sweet bite part by electric power. and a housing part for housing the drive part. The sweet bite part is composed of an upper sweet bite part that is included in an upper jaw part X1a in the mouth part and a lower sweet bite part that is included in a lower jaw part X1b in the mouth part. The drive part is composed of a drive part body which makes the mouth part perform a closing operation and an opening operation by operating at least either one of the upper sweet bite part and the lower sweet bite part, and composed of a switch part which outputs a driving signal for the purpose of making the drive part body carry out the closing operation and the opening operation. The switch part is installed in at least either one of the upper sweet bite part and the lower sweet bite part, and is thereby structured to be able to output the driving signal by means of a finger inserted in the mouth part. The closing operation is an operation for holding with a prescribed pressure the finger inserted in the mouth part by using the upper jaw part and the lower jaw part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy for a decorative body provided on a decorative body having a mouth portion imitating an animal or the like, and a decorative body provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] Animals such as dogs and infants may perform an act called "gentle biting".

[0003] This gentle biting is not aimed at biting or chewing, but is gently biting an object, and is an act performed as a kind of expression of affection. Therefore, gentle biting reduces the stress of the owner or parent and brings a soothing effect.

[0004] And Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to a decorative body toy that is a toy imitating an animal and simulates gentle biting by closing a mouth portion with a predetermined force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a sensor (operating switch portion) that triggers a gentle biting operation is built in a position corresponding to the front of the head (near the nose) of the decorative body, and the user performs a gentle biting operation by stroking the head of the decorative body.

[0007] Recently, it has become common for real cats and other animals, as well as infants, to sense objects in or near their mouths and perform gentle biting. Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 1, in which the gentle biting action is performed in the manner described above, has the problem of lacking realism.

[0008] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a decorative toy that enables a more realistic biting experience and improves convenience, as well as a decorative object equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a decorative toy to be provided on a decorative body having an opening through which a user's finger can be inserted, and a head connected to the opening, The toy comprises a toy body and a power supply unit that supplies power to the toy body. The toy body comprises a biting part enclosed in the mouth, a drive unit that operates the biting part based on the power, and a housing that houses the drive unit. The aforementioned biting portion includes an upper biting portion enclosed within the upper jaw portion of the mouth and a lower biting portion enclosed within the lower jaw portion of the mouth. The drive unit includes a drive unit body that operates at least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion to perform closing and opening operations on the mouth portion, and a switch unit that outputs a drive signal to the drive unit body to perform the closing and opening operations. The switch portion is provided in at least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion, and is configured to output the drive signal with the finger inserted through the opening. The closing operation is an action by which the drive unit body grips the finger inserted into the mouth with a predetermined pressure between the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion.

[0010] According to the present invention, the ornament is configured to output a drive signal when a finger is inserted into the mouth, so that the behavior of the ornament is similar to that of actual cats and other animals or infants that sense objects in their mouths and perform gentle biting, making a realistic biting experience possible.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit body is provided with a transmission unit that transmits rotational torque to at least one of the upper gripping portion and the lower gripping portion, and the closing operation and the opening operation are performed by the drive unit body rotating at least one of the upper gripping portion and the lower gripping portion.

[0012] This configuration allows the closing and opening movements to more closely resemble the behavior (jaw movements) of actual cats and other animals, as well as infants, enabling a more realistic gentle biting experience.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission section is provided with a belt pulley mechanism. The drive unit body rotates at least one of the upper loose-fitting portion and the lower loose-fitting portion via the belt pulley mechanism.

[0014] With this configuration, if unnecessary external force is applied to the upper or lower loose gripping portion, and a resistance force greater than the frictional force required for the pulley's rotation is generated between the belt and the pulley, the belt will slip on the pulley. This prevents excessive load from being placed on the transmission section, thereby reducing the risk of the toy itself malfunctioning.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission unit is provided with a torque limiter mechanism capable of interrupting the transmission of the rotational torque.

[0016] By adopting such a configuration, even when an unnecessary external force is applied to the upper biting part or the lower biting part, causing them to be in a non-rotatable state or a forcibly rotated state, it is possible to prevent a load exceeding a certain level from being applied to the transmission part, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the toy body.

[0017] In a preferred form of the present invention, at least one of the upper biting part and the lower biting part is provided with tooth-shaped protrusions configured to be able to contact the finger via the upper jaw part or the lower jaw part.

[0018] By adopting such a configuration, the user can more strongly feel the sensation of being bitten by the decorative body, enabling a more realistic biting experience.

[0019] In a preferred form of the present invention, the switch part is a capacitance sensor.

[0020] By adopting such a configuration, without any special operation, the user can perform the closing and opening operations only by inserting their own finger into the mouth part, thus enabling a more realistic biting experience.

[0021] In a preferred form of the present invention, the housing part is provided with a stopper part for preventing the upper biting part and the lower biting part from being separated by a predetermined distance or more.

[0022] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the mouth part from opening too wide when an unnecessary external force is applied to the upper biting part or the lower biting part, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the toy body.

[0023] In a preferred form of the present invention, the toy body is configured to be detachable from the decorative body.

[0024] By adopting such a configuration, when the toy body fails, the repair work becomes easy, and it is possible to replace it with another decorative body having a mouth part and a head part.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion is configured to be detachably attached to the drive unit.

[0026] This configuration allows the user to replace the upper or lower biting part with one of a different size to match the size of the mouth of the decorative object to which the decorative toy is attached.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a decorative object comprising the above-described decorative toy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a decorative toy that enables a more realistic biting experience and improves convenience, as well as a decorative object equipped with the same. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the toy body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a toy body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a toy body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the toy body according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) a perspective view showing the lower biting part removed, and (b) a longitudinal cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the rotating shaft. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the gear section in the toy body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the torque limiter mechanism in a toy body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a power supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a decorative object equipped with a decorative toy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]This is an enlarged perspective view showing the inside of a decorative object equipped with a decorative toy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a decorative toy according to an embodiment of the present invention, removed from the decorative object. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a decorative object equipped with a decorative toy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a decorative object equipped with a decorative toy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a decorative object equipped with a decorative toy according to an embodiment of the present invention, in use. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention, including a decorative toy and a decorative object equipped therewith, will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention to these embodiments. In these figures, reference numeral A indicates a decorative toy according to this embodiment, and reference numeral X indicates a decorative object according to this embodiment.

[0031] <Toy body 1> As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the decorative toy A comprises a toy body 1. For the sake of explanation, the x-axis direction in each figure will be referred to as the front-back direction, the y-axis direction as the left-right direction, and the z-axis direction as the up-down direction. The arrow in the x-axis direction will be referred to as the front, the arrow in the y-axis direction as the left, and the arrow in the z-axis direction as the up. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows the toy body with the first housing H1 (described later) removed from the state shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows the toy body with the second housing H2 (described later) removed from the state shown in Figure 1.

[0032] The toy body 1 includes a biting part S enclosed in a mouth part X1 (described later), a drive unit D that operates the biting part based on electricity, and a housing part H in which the drive unit D is housed.

[0033] The gentle biting portion S includes an upper gentle biting portion S1 contained within the maxillary portion X1a of the oral portion X1, and a lower gentle biting portion S2 contained within the mandibular portion X1b of the oral portion X1.

[0034] The drive unit D includes a drive unit body W that operates the lower biting part S2 to cause the mouth part X1 to perform closing and opening operations, and a switch unit D1 that outputs a drive signal to cause the drive unit body W to perform closing and opening operations.

[0035] The housing section H is composed of a pair of left and right first housings H1 and second housings H2, which are configured to be separable from each other and have their upper and lower parts curved in a mountain-like shape.

[0036] The configurations of the biting section S, drive section D, and housing section H described above will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] <<Gentle Biting Club S>> The upper biting section S1 is composed of a pair of left and right first upper sections S1a and second upper section S1b.

[0038] More specifically, the first upper part S1a and the second upper part S1b are integrally formed with the housing H and protrude forward from the front surface of the housing H.

[0039] Furthermore, the upper biting portion S1 is provided with through holes p1 and p2 that penetrate in the left-right direction at its tip and base. Connecting threads m (see Figure 9) for attaching the toy body 1 to the decorative body X are inserted through the through holes p1 and p2, respectively.

[0040] The lower biting section S2 is composed of a pair of left and right first lower sections S2a and second lower sections S2b.

[0041] More specifically, the first lower section S2a and the second lower section S2b are each composed of an arm section k1 connected to a pivot shaft section W21 (second shaft C2), which will be described later, and a protruding section k2 connected to the tip of the arm section k1.

[0042] Each arm portion k1 extends along the side and front of either the first housing H1 or the second housing H2, and is configured to exhibit a roughly L-shape in plan view. Furthermore, each arm portion k1 is provided with a fitting hole h at its base end, which fits into each end of the pivot shaft portion W21.

[0043] Each protruding portion k2 is provided to protrude forward from the front end of each arm portion k1, so that substantially the entire upper surface of each portion faces the lower surface of the first upper portion S1a or the second upper portion S1b. Furthermore, each protruding portion k2 is provided with a dentate projection T that protrudes toward the upper biting portion S1, allowing it to contact the user's finger F (see Figure 11) via the mandibular portion X1b. The tusk-like projection T may also be provided in the upper gentle biting area S1.

[0044] Furthermore, the lower biting portion S2 (each protruding portion k2) is provided with a through hole p3 that penetrates in the left-right direction at its tip. A connecting thread m for attaching the toy body 1 to the decorative body X is inserted through each of the through holes p3.

[0045] As described above, the upper biting section S1 and the lower biting section S2 are composed of a pair of left and right components, and are configured to be separable together with the first housing H1 side and the second housing H2 side, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] Furthermore, the protruding portions k2 of the first housing H1, the first upper part S1a, and the first lower part S2a are provided with substantially cylindrical boss portions j1, and the protruding portions k2 of the second housing H2, the second upper part S1b, and the second lower part S2b have screw holes that communicate with the screw holes of each boss portion j1, and are provided with fitting grooves j2 that fit into each boss portion j1. Since the hole in the fitting groove j2 penetrates the second housing H2, the first housing H1 and the second housing H2 are butted together, and a screw (not shown) is inserted from the second housing H2, causing the screw to engage with each boss portion j1 ​​and each fitting groove j2. This ensures that the aforementioned pair of left and right components are stably connected.

[0047] Here, the first lower part S2a and the second lower part S2b (lower loosely gripping part S2) are fitted to each end of the pivot shaft W21 by the fitting hole h as described above, and can therefore be removed from the pivot shaft W21 as shown in Figure 4(a).

[0048] <<Drive Unit D>> The drive unit body W includes a motor mount W1 in which the motor M (see Figure 5) is housed, a transmission unit W2 that transmits the rotational torque of the motor M to the lower loose-grip part S2 and rotates the lower loose-grip part S2, and a control unit W3 that receives a drive signal output from the switch unit D1 and transmits this drive signal to the motor M.

[0049] The motor mount W1 is located on the upper part of the housing H, and the motor M has only its motor shaft protruding from the right side of the motor mount W1, with the rest of the motor being fixedly supported inside the motor mount W1. This configuration contributes to reducing noise by damping the vibration of the motor M.

[0050] The transmission unit W2 includes the motor M described above, a pivot shaft W21 that pivotably supports each arm k1 of the lower loose-grip unit S2, an auxiliary pivot shaft W22 provided adjacent to the pivot shaft W21, a gear unit W23 that transmits the rotational movement of the auxiliary pivot shaft W22 to the pivot shaft W21, a main pulley W24 provided at the end of the auxiliary pivot shaft W22, a sub-pulley W25 provided on the motor shaft, a belt W26 that transmits the rotational movement of the sub-pulley W25 to the main pulley W24, and a gear storage unit W27 in which the gear unit W23 is housed.

[0051] The pivot shaft portion W21 has its axial direction extending along the left-right direction. Furthermore, a projection W21a is provided at the left end of the pivot shaft portion W21, adjacent to the engagement claw portion C2, which will be described later. Furthermore, the right end of the pivot shaft portion W21 penetrates the gear storage portion W27.

[0052] Here, the left end of the pivot shaft W21 is housed in a fitted state within the shaft storage section H14 provided in the first housing H1, as shown in Figures 4(b) and (c). Figures 4(b) and 4(c) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the left side of the housing H and the pivot shaft W21, cut along the cross-sectional line that includes the projection W21a.

[0053] With this configuration, when the pivot shaft W21 rotates clockwise in a left side view (i.e., when the opening operation described later is performed), the projection W21a comes into contact with the inner wall of the shaft storage section H14, as shown in Figure 4(c). As a result, the shaft storage section H14 and the projection W21a function as physical limiters that restrict the rotational movement of the lower loose-fitting section S2 by the drive unit D to a certain range. Furthermore, the shaft storage section H14 and the projection W21a also function as positioning means when assembling the rotating shaft section W21 and the first housing H1, contributing to easier assembly.

[0054] The auxiliary pivot shaft W22 is located below the pivot shaft W21, and its axial direction is configured to be substantially parallel to the axial direction of the pivot shaft W21. Furthermore, the right end of the auxiliary pivot shaft section W22 passes through the gear storage section W27.

[0055] The configuration of the gear section W23 will be described later using Figure 5.

[0056] The main pulley W24 is a typical V-pulley located at the right end of the auxiliary pivot shaft section W22.

[0057] The secondary pulley W25 is mounted on the motor shaft and is a typical V-pulley, slightly smaller in diameter than the main pulley W24.

[0058] Belt W26 is a belt made of an elastic material that is wrapped around the main pulley W24 and the sub-pulley W25.

[0059] As described above, the main pulley W24, the sub-pulley W25, and the belt W26 constitute the belt pulley mechanism V, and the transmission unit W2 transmits the rotational torque of the motor to the lower loose-fitting unit S2 via this belt pulley mechanism V.

[0060] The gear storage compartment W27 is located below the motor mount W1, and as shown in Figure 3, its left side is open.

[0061] The control unit W3 is a thin circuit board electrically connected to the motor and is housed in a control unit storage space R located at the rear of the housing H. The control unit housing space R is provided with fitting grooves R1 (see Figures 4(b) and (c)) above and below it, into which the upper and lower parts of the control unit W3 are fitted, respectively, and through holes R2 through which the conductor u extending from the control unit W3 is inserted.

[0062] The switch unit D1 is a thin capacitive sensor located inside the upper biting unit S1, and is wirelessly connected to the control unit W3. As a result, the switch unit D1 is configured to detect the finger F inserted into the mouth X1 without contact and output a drive signal to the control unit W3. The switch section D1 may be located inside the lower biting section S2, or it may be configured as a push button or the like located outside the upper biting section S1 or the lower biting section S2.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the gear section W23 is composed of a first gear W23a extending from the main pulley W24, a second gear W23b meshing with the first gear W23a and forming part of the pivot shaft section W21, a third gear W23c provided adjacent to the first gear W23a and forming part of the auxiliary pivot shaft section W22, and a fourth gear W23d meshing with the third gear W23c and forming part of the pivot shaft section W21. The second gear W23b and the third gear W23c are configured as a two-stage gear. Furthermore, the fourth gear W23d meshes with the smaller diameter gear in the third gear W23c. Figure 5 is an enlarged front view showing the transmission section W2 excluding the gear storage section W27.

[0064] With this configuration, the gear section W23 functions as a reduction mechanism, and the rotational movement of the motor shaft, transmitted to the auxiliary rotating shaft section W22 via the belt pulley mechanism V, is transmitted to the rotating shaft section W21 at an appropriate rotational speed, causing the lower loose-grip section S2 to operate. Furthermore, this reduction mechanism allows even a small motor to generate high torque, providing sufficient force to grip the fingers during the closing action.

[0065] Here, the transmission section W2 is configured with a torque limiter mechanism C that can interrupt the transmission of rotational torque.

[0066] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the torque limiter mechanism C is provided on the pivot shaft portion W21 and consists of a first shaft C1 with a fourth gear W23d inserted through its end, a second shaft C2 to which an arm portion k1 is attached, meshing claw portions C3 and C4 that connect the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2 so that they can rotate relative to each other, and a compression spring C5 that biases the fourth gear W23d toward the second shaft C2. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged front view of Figure 5.

[0067] The first shaft C1 passes through approximately the center of the fourth gear W23d and is inserted into the interior of the second shaft C2. Furthermore, the first shaft C1 and the fourth gear W23d are loosely fitted together, thereby enabling the fourth gear W23d to slide on the first shaft C1.

[0068] The engaging claw portions C3 and C4 are engaged by multiple claws n, which are provided at predetermined intervals around the pivot shaft portion W21. Each claw n has two sides that are inclined along the axial direction of the pivot shaft portion W21, resulting in a shape that becomes sharper towards the tip.

[0069] The torque limiter mechanism C configured as described above operates as follows. In other words, under normal conditions, as shown in Figure 6(a), the fourth gear W23d is biased by the compression spring C5, causing the meshing pawl C3 to press against the meshing pawl C4, thereby enabling the entire pivot shaft W21 to rotate.

[0070] For example, if the second shaft C2 is fixed by an external force, as shown in Figure 6(b), when the first shaft C1 rotates, each claw n of the meshing claw portion C3 moves by sliding along the side surface of each claw n of the meshing claw portion C4 while pressing against the fourth gear W23d against the biasing force of the compression spring C5. Then, when the first shaft C1 rotates further, the meshing claw portions C3 and C4 mesh again. Through the repetition of the above operation, the first shaft C1 will rotate independently.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, if the second shaft C2 is forcibly rotated by an external force, conversely to the above, each claw n of the meshing claw portion C4 moves by sliding along the side surface of each claw n of the meshing claw portion C3 while pressing against the fourth gear W23d against the biasing force of the compression spring C5. Then, when the first shaft C2 rotates further, the meshing claw portions C3 and C4 mesh again. Through the repetition of the above operation, the second shaft C2 will rotate independently.

[0072] The above-mentioned case where the second shaft C2 is fixed by an external force is, for example, when the user grips the lower gripping part S2 during the gentle gripping operation described later. Furthermore, the above-mentioned case where the second shaft C2 is forcibly rotated by an external force is, for example, when the user pushes down on the lower loose-grip portion S2 while the mouth portion X1 is closed.

[0073] <<Enclosure Section H>> The first housing H1 and the second housing H2 are each provided with stopper parts H11 and H12 that prevent the upper biting part S1 and the lower biting part S2 from separating by more than a predetermined distance, and ring-shaped bodies H21 and H22 that protrude laterally from the top. Furthermore, a weight-reducing section H13 is provided at the top of the first housing H1 to prevent molding defects.

[0074] More specifically, the stopper portions H11 and H12 are projections provided on the lower outer surface of the housing portion H, and are configured to be able to contact each arm portion k1 of the lower loose-grip portion S2. Connecting threads m for attaching the toy body 1 to the decorative body X are inserted through the ring-shaped bodies H21 and H22. The weight-reducing section H13 is a groove designed to prevent molding defects (sink marks) caused by the thickness of the first housing H1 during injection molding.

[0075] <Power supply section 2> As shown in Figure 7, the decorative toy A is equipped with a power supply unit 2.

[0076] The power supply unit 2 includes a battery box 21 in which dry cell batteries are housed, a lid 22 that can be opened and closed to close the space for housing the dry cell batteries, and an insertion part 23 that protrudes from the battery box 21 and has an insertion hole through which a conductor u extending from the control unit W3 is inserted. Furthermore, the configuration of the power supply unit 2 is not limited to the dry cell battery type described above; for example, it may be configured as a rechargeable battery. In addition to the above configuration, the power supply unit 2 is also provided with a power button (not shown) for switching the power ON / OFF.

[0077] The conductor u is inserted through the insertion part 23 into the battery box 21 and connected to a terminal (not shown) inside the battery box 21.

[0078] <Decorative Item X> The configuration and operation of the decorative object X, to which the decorative toy A is attached, will be explained below using Figures 8 to 13.

[0079] In this embodiment, the decorative object X is a stuffed animal modeled after a cat, as shown in Figure 8, and has a mouth X1 and a head X2, as well as a body X3, legs X4, and a tail X5. Furthermore, the mouth portion X1 is composed of an upper jaw portion X1a and a lower jaw portion X1b, and the user's finger F can be inserted through it. The decorative body X is not limited to this, and is not particularly limited as long as it has a mouth X1 through which the user's finger F can be inserted, a head X2 connected to the mouth X1, and is flexible enough to hold an object inside.

[0080] The toy body 1 is enclosed within the mouth X1 and head X2, as shown in Figure 9. More specifically, the upper biting part S1 is contained within the maxilla X1a, the lower biting part S2 is contained within the mandible X1b, and the housing H and drive unit D are contained within the head X2.

[0081] Furthermore, connecting sutures m are inserted through the through holes p1 and p2 of the upper biting portion S1, and these connecting sutures m are sutured to the inner surface of the maxilla X1a or the head X2. Furthermore, a connecting thread m is inserted through the through-hole p3 of the lower biting portion S2, and this connecting thread m is sutured to the inner surface of the mandible X1b or the head X2. Furthermore, connecting threads m are inserted through the ring-shaped bodies H21 and H22 of the housing H, and these connecting threads m are sutured to the inner circumferential surface of the head X2. As a result, the toy body 1 is stably enclosed within the mouth X1 and head X2.

[0082] Furthermore, the decorative body X is naturally filled with cushioning material such as cotton throughout its entire interior, and the toy body 1 and power supply unit 2 are embedded in this cushioning material. In addition to this, as described above, the toy body 1 is connected to the decorative body X by connecting thread m, which effectively suppresses positional displacement within the decorative body X.

[0083] The power supply unit 2 is enclosed within the body X3, as shown in Figure 9. More specifically, the head X2 and the torso X3 are separated by a single piece of cloth Z, and the power supply unit 2 is enclosed within the torso X3, with only the insertion portion 23 penetrating the cloth Z and exposed inside the head X2. Furthermore, the edges of cloth Z are sutured to the inner surface of the head X2 or the torso X3. As a result, the interior of the decorative object X is configured in such a way that the user cannot directly touch the conductive wire u simply by opening the back of the decorative object X.

[0084] Here, the decorative toy A is configured to be detachable from the decorative body X.

[0085] In other words, the user frees the back of the decorative item X by using the zipper if one is provided on the back of the decorative item X, or by undoing the stitching if the back of the decorative item X is sewn shut. Then, the user can remove the decorative toy A from the back of the decorative body X by cutting each connecting thread m and removing the fabric Z, as shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the power supply unit 2 may be made smaller, for example by being configured as a rechargeable battery, so that it can be enclosed within the head unit X2 together with the housing unit H.

[0086] When using the ornament X configured as described above, the user inserts their finger F into the mouth part X1, as shown in Figure 11. When the user turns on the power unit 2 using the power button, the biting part S (mouth part X1) opens up, allowing a finger F to be inserted, as shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, in Figures 11 and 12, the decorative body X is schematically shown only in terms of the external shape of the mouth X1 and head X2, and the decorative toy A is shown as a left side view of the toy body 1 with the second housing H2, second upper part S1b and second lower part S2b removed, and the connecting thread m is omitted.

[0087] When a finger F is inserted into the mouth portion X1, the switch portion D1 detects the presence of the finger F and outputs a drive signal to the control portion W3, causing the drive unit body W to perform the closing and opening operations shown in Figure 12 (hereinafter, these operations are collectively referred to as the gentle biting operation).

[0088] Specifically, first, the control unit W3 rotates the motor shaft clockwise when viewed from the left side, and the belt pulley mechanism V rotates the auxiliary pivot shaft W22 clockwise when viewed from the left side. The rotation of the auxiliary pivot shaft W22 is then transmitted to the pivot shaft W21 via the gear section W23, causing the pivot shaft W21 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the left side. As a result, the lower loose-grip portion S2 connected to the pivot shaft portion W21 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left side, and the lower loose-grip portion S2 approaches the upper loose-grip portion S1.

[0089] The above operation is the closing operation shown in Figure 12(a), in which finger F is held between the upper jaw portion X1a and the lower jaw portion X1b with a predetermined pressure.

[0090] In the closing operation, for example, the rotation time of the lower loose-grip portion S2 (i.e., the rotation time of the motor shaft) is controlled by the control unit W3, so that the lower loose-grip portion S2 does not approach the upper loose-grip portion S1 by more than a certain distance. This allows the user to experience the sensation of being gently bitten by the ornament X with their finger F, that is, the sensation of being gently bitten.

[0091] Next, once the closing operation is complete, the control unit W3 rotates the motor shaft counterclockwise in a left-side view, and the belt pulley mechanism V and gear section W23 rotate the pivot shaft section W21 clockwise in a left-side view. As a result, the lower biting portion S2 rotates clockwise when viewed from the left side, causing the lower biting portion S2 to separate from the upper biting portion S1.

[0092] The above operation is the opening operation shown in Figure 12(b). At this time, the user may either withdraw their finger F from the opening X1 or leave it inserted in the opening X1.

[0093] If the finger remains inserted into the mouth portion X1, the switch portion D1 will continue to detect the presence of the finger F and repeatedly perform the gentle biting action described above. This allows the user to repeatedly experience the sensation of being gently bitten by the ornament X until they are satisfied, as shown in Figure 13.

[0094] Furthermore, the above-described gentle biting action may not only be performed by repeatedly executing the closing and opening actions at a constant speed, but may also be controlled so that the speed of the closing and opening actions (the span between each action) and the biting strength (the closest distance between the upper biting part S1 and the lower biting part S2) change randomly, for example by reinserting finger F. Furthermore, even when finger F remains inserted, the speed of the closing and opening movements, as well as the biting force, may be controlled to change randomly, as described above.

[0095] Based on the embodiments described above, the present invention provides the following effects.

[0096] In other words, according to the above embodiment, the device is configured to output a drive signal via a finger F inserted into the mouth portion X1, so that the behavior of the ornament X is similar to that of actual cats or other animals that sense objects in their mouths and perform gentle bites, or to infants, making a realistic gentle bite experience possible.

[0097] Furthermore, since the gentle biting motion is performed by the rotational movement of the lower biting part S2 by the transmission part W2, the gentle biting motion becomes closer to the behavior (jaw movement) of actual animals such as cats or infants, enabling a more realistic gentle biting experience.

[0098] Furthermore, the belt pulley mechanism V prevents the transmission unit W2 (motor) from being subjected to a load exceeding a certain level, thereby reducing the risk of malfunction of the toy body 1.

[0099] Furthermore, the torque limiter mechanism C prevents the transmission unit W2 (motor) from being subjected to a load exceeding a certain level, thereby reducing the risk of malfunction of the toy body 1.

[0100] Furthermore, the presence of fang-like projections T on the lower biting area S2 allows the user to feel the sensation of being bitten by the decorative body X more strongly, resulting in a more realistic biting experience.

[0101] Furthermore, because the switch unit D1 is a capacitive sensor, the user can perform a gentle biting action simply by inserting their finger F into the mouth unit X1 without any special operation, resulting in a more realistic gentle biting experience.

[0102] Furthermore, the stopper sections H11 and H12 prevent unnecessary external force from being applied to the lower biting section S2, thereby preventing the mouth section X1 from opening too wide and reducing the risk of damage to the toy body 1.

[0103] Furthermore, since the toy body 1 and power supply unit 2 are configured to be detachable from the decorative body X, repair work is made easier when the toy body 1 or power supply unit 2 malfunctions, and the decorative toy A can be replaced with other decorative bodies that have a mouth X1 and a head X2.

[0104] Furthermore, since the lower biting part S2 is configured to be detachable from the drive unit D, the user can replace the lower biting part S2 with one of a different size as appropriate to match the size of the mouth of the decorative object to which the decorative toy A is attached.

[0105] The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0106] For example, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the biting action is performed by the rotation of the lower biting part S2. However, the upper biting part S1 may be configured to be rotatable by the drive unit body W, and the biting action may be performed by the rotation of the upper biting part S1, or by the rotation of both the upper biting part S1 and the lower biting part S2. In this case, the upper biting portion S1 may be configured to be detachable from the drive unit body W, and the stopper portions H11 and H12 may be provided on the upper outer surface of the housing portion H. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] A Decorative toys 1. Toy body S Gentle Biting Club S1 Upper gentle biting area S2 Lower gentle biting area D Drive Unit W Drive Unit Body D1 Switch section H Enclosure H1 First Cabinet H2 Second Enclosure 2 Power supply section X Ornament X1 Mouth X2 head F finger

Claims

1. A decorative toy provided on a decorative body having an opening through which a user's finger can be inserted, and a head connected to the opening, The toy comprises a toy body and a power supply unit that supplies power to the toy body. The toy body comprises a biting part enclosed in the mouth, a drive unit that operates the biting part based on the power, and a housing that houses the drive unit. The aforementioned biting portion includes an upper biting portion enclosed within the upper jaw portion of the mouth and a lower biting portion enclosed within the lower jaw portion of the mouth. The drive unit includes a drive unit body that operates at least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion to perform closing and opening operations on the mouth portion, and a switch unit that outputs a drive signal to the drive unit body to perform the closing and opening operations. The switch unit is a capacitive sensor and is provided in at least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion, so that the drive signal can be output by the finger inserted through the opening. The closing operation is an action by which the drive unit body grips the finger inserted into the mouth with a predetermined pressure between the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion. The drive unit body causes the opening to repeatedly perform closing and opening operations by having the switch unit continuously detect the finger inserted into the opening. Decorative toys.

2. The drive unit body is provided with a transmission unit that transmits rotational torque to at least one of the upper loose-fitting portion and the lower loose-fitting portion. The closing operation and the opening operation are performed by the drive unit body rotating at least one of the upper gripping portion and the lower gripping portion. The decorative toy according to claim 1.

3. The switch portion is provided on the side of the upper and lower gripping portions that is not rotated by the drive unit body. The decorative toy according to claim 2.

4. The transmission section is provided with a belt pulley mechanism. The toy for decoration according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit body rotates at least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion via the belt pulley mechanism.

5. The transmission unit is provided with a torque limiter mechanism capable of interrupting the transmission of the rotational torque. A decorative toy according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. At least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion is provided with a dentate projection that is configured to be able to contact the finger via the upper jaw portion or the lower jaw portion. A decorative toy according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The housing portion is provided with a stopper portion to prevent the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion from separating by more than a predetermined distance. A decorative toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The toy body is configured to be detachable from the decorative body. A decorative toy according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. At least one of the upper biting portion and the lower biting portion is configured to be detachably attached to the drive unit. The decorative toy according to claim 8.

10. A decorative object provided with a decorative toy according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images