Spinning top toy

Abstract

To change the height of a spinning top toy in both high and low directions with a simple structure.SOLUTION: The toy top 100 includes a body part 10 and a shaft 20, and an insertion hole 15b which is a shaft hole is formed at the rotation center of the toy top 100 in the body part 10. The shaft 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 15b in an assembled state, and has a toothed wheel 24a which is a first engagement portion and a toothed wheel 24a which is a second engagement portion whose position in a height direction is lower than that of the toothed wheel 24b on an outer periphery, and a claw 15b which protrudes into the insertion hole 15b and is selectively locked to the toothed wheel 24a or the toothed wheel 24b by a predetermined biasing force is provided in the insertion hole 14d. When the claw 14d is engaged with either the cog 24a that is the first engaging part of the shaft 20 or the cog 24b that is the second engaging part, the body part 10 and the shaft 20 are engaged with each other, and the height of the toy top 100 can be changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spinning top toy.

Background Art

[0002] In a spinning top toy, when the axial height changes, its rotational characteristics change. In this regard, conventionally, there is known a spinning top toy including a shaft and an accessory part that is attached to the shaft and movable in the axial direction, and configured such that the grounding state or the height of the shaft can be changed by changing the axial position where the accessory part is attached (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above spinning top toy, a user can change the axial position where the accessory part is attached by himself / herself, and it has a biasing member such as a coil spring inside. When the spinning top toy receives an impact, the coil spring is released, and the axial height of the spinning top toy changes in the direction of increasing. However, the change in the height of the spinning top toy in the direction of decreasing the height can only be manually performed by the user, and the height cannot be freely changed. An object of the present invention is to provide a spinning top toy that can change the height of the spinning top toy in both the higher direction and the lower direction with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first means is a spinning top toy including a body part and a shaft, a shaft hole is formed at the center of rotation of the spinning top toy in the body part, The shaft, in its assembled state, is inserted into the shaft hole and has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion located lower in the height direction than the first engaging portion on its outer circumference. The shaft hole is provided with a claw that protrudes into the shaft hole and is selectively engaged with the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion by a predetermined biasing force. The spinning top toy is characterized in that the claw engages with either the first or second engaging portion of the shaft, thereby engaging the body and the shaft, and allowing the height of the spinning top to be changed.

[0006] The second method is, in the first method, The aforementioned body includes an upper body and a lower body, and in a spinning top battle in which the spinning top toys collide with each other, When a relative displacement occurs in the direction of rotation The upper body, the lower body, and the shaft are configured to be detachable. along , The aforementioned shaft hole is formed in the lower body portion. Furthermore, when a relative axial displacement occurs between the body and the shaft, the claw switches to the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion and locks in place, thereby allowing the height to be changed. It is characterized by being present.

[0007] The third method is, in the first method, The aforementioned claws are provided at two locations opposite each other, straddling the center line within the shaft hole. The first engaging portion is provided in at least one pair at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center, and the second engaging portion is provided in at least one pair at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center. The position where the first engaging portion is provided and the position where the second engaging portion is provided are offset by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction.

[0008] The fourth method is, in the first method, On the outer circumference of the shaft, below the position where the first and second engaging portions are provided, a flange portion is provided that protrudes radially outward, and the upper surface of the flange portion has irregularities formed in the circumferential direction. The outer surface of the lower end of the body portion has irregularities that correspond to the irregularities on the shaft side. The claw is engaged with the first engagement portion when the shaft-side protrusion abuts against the body-side protrusion, and when the shaft-side grooves and the body-side grooves are fitted together, the claw is engaged with the second engagement portion.

[0009] The fifth means is, in the fourth means, The aforementioned irregularities on the shaft side and the aforementioned irregularities on the body side are characterized by being point-symmetrical with respect to the rotation center of the spinning top toy.

[0010] The sixth means is, in the fourth means, At least the irregularities on the axial side are characterized by being formed in a wave-like shape along the circumferential direction.

[0011] The seventh means is, in the first means, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are characterized in that at least a portion of them are in communication over the circumferential direction of the shaft.

[0012] The eighth means is, in the first means, The first and second engaging portions are characterized by being formed in a plurality of continuous arrangements in the circumferential direction.

[0013] The ninth method is, in the fourth method, The shaft is characterized by having a gear on its outer circumference, below the flange portion, that can mesh with an external rack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 1, the locking state between the claw supporting the shaft and the first and second engaging parts can be switched by utilizing the rotation of the shaft, and the height of the spinning top toy can be changed in either the direction of increasing or decreasing with a simple configuration. This changes the center of gravity and rotational characteristics of the spinning top, allowing for a variety of movements and battles.

[0015] Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to enjoy various movements and effects of the spinning top toy.

[0016] In addition, in the invention described in claim 3, the claws face each other with the axis center in between, and there is also a pair of first engaging portions and second engaging portions at point-symmetrical positions with the axis center in between. Therefore, when one of the pair of claws engages with the first engaging portion and the other engages with the second engaging portion, no torsion or incomplete state occurs. In this way, by ensuring that both of the pair of claws engage with either one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, even when the axis rotates due to an external impact or the like, the height of the spinning top toy can be stably maintained in either a raised state or a lowered state.

[0017] In addition, in the invention described in claim 4, it is easy to maintain the locked state between the claw set by the user or the like and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0018] In addition, in the invention described in claim 5, the set state between the body portion and the axis can be stabilized.

[0019] In addition, in the invention described in claim 6, when the spinning top toy is impacted, it can slide and move easily, and the fitting condition between the concavities and convexities on the axis side and the concavities and convexities on the body portion side can change easily. As a result, when the spinning top toy is impacted, the locked state between the claw and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can also be smoothly switched, and the height of the spinning top toy can be accidentally changed in either the raising direction or the lowering direction. Therefore, the center of gravity position and rotation characteristics of the spinning top toy change, and various movements and battles can be enjoyed.

[0020] In addition, in the invention described in claim 7, when the spinning top toy is impacted or the like, the engaging position of the claw can be easily changed from the engaging portion with which it was initially engaged to a different engaging portion.

[0021] Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 8, since the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed in a gear shape, the shaft can easily rotate integrally with the body (upper body) by engaging the pawl with the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion.

[0022] Furthermore, if teeth (racks) are formed on an external structure, such as the inner surface of a battle stadium that serves as the battleground for spinning top toys, the invention described in claim 9 allows the gear formed on the outer circumference of the shaft to mesh with these teeth (racks), causing changes in motion such as acceleration of the spinning top toy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the spinning top toy according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing how a spinning top toy disassembles during a spinning top battle. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the spinning top toy according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the upper torso from below. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the lower torso assembly. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the lower torso assembly, seen from below. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the top panel. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the spinning top toy with the upper body and top plate removed. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the spinning top toy with the upper body and ring-shaped part removed, showing the toy in its taller state. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of Figure 9 with the bottom plate removed. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the spinning top toy with the upper body and ring-shaped part removed, showing the toy in its lower height. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of Figure 11 with the bottom plate removed. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of the spinning top toy with the upper body removed. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of the spinning top toy with the upper body removed. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the spinning top launcher. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the Battle Stadium. [Figure 17] This is a plan view showing the degree of engagement between the protrusion of the movable member and the recess of the ring-shaped body. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing the degree of engagement between the protrusion of the movable member and the recess of the ring-shaped body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] An embodiment of the spinning top toy according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 18. The spinning top toy 100 shown in the embodiment is used, for example, in a spinning top battle where the spinning top toys 100 are made to collide and fight each other. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the spinning top toy 100 of the embodiment, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the disassembled state of the spinning top toy 100 during a spinning top battle. As shown in Figure 1, this spinning top toy 100 comprises a body 10 which includes an upper body 11 and a lower body assembly 12, and a rod-shaped shaft (rod-shaped shaft) 20. This spinning top toy 100 can be disassembled into multiple parts as a result of a spinning top battle. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, as a result of a spinning top battle, the spinning top toy 100 is disassembled into two parts: the upper body 11 and the lower body assembly 12 and shaft 20. Note that the method of disassembling the spinning top toy 100 is not limited to the illustrated example, and it may be disassembled into even smaller parts, for example, by disassembling the lower body assembly 12 and shaft 20 as well. Furthermore, by replacing the shaft 20, the degree to which the spinning top toy 100 is difficult to disassemble during a spinning top battle (rotational resistance) can be changed.

[0025] 《100 Spinning Top Toys》 Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the spinning top toy 100. The spinning top toy 100 comprises a body 10 and a shaft 20, and is generally made of plastic. A shaft hole is formed in the body 10 at the center of rotation of the spinning top toy 100, and the shaft 20 is inserted into the shaft hole in the assembled state. The shaft hole includes a through hole 15b, which will be described later. <Upper torso section 11> Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper torso 11 from below. The upper fuselage 11 is a composite structure made up of multiple parts, although it is not particularly limited. The upper fuselage 11 includes, for example, a metal flywheel. The upper surface of the upper body portion 11 is flat, although this is not a limitation. Two arc-shaped grooves 11a are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner outer circumference of this upper surface, extending concentrically with the shaft 20. However, the number is not limited to two. These arc-shaped grooves 11a are used to bias the spinning top toy 100 into rotation, as will be described later. A fitting hole 11b for fitting the shaft head 21 of the shaft 20 is formed in the lower center of the upper body portion 11. The fitting hole 11b is, for example, a substantially circular hole, and its inner surface has irregularities formed at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Note that the shape of the fitting hole 11b is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the fitting hole 11b may be a polygonal hole. The portion forming this fitting hole 11b (cylindrical portion) is rotatable around the shaft 20 relative to the upper body portion 11. Furthermore, a butterfly-shaped fitting wall 11d is erected on the lower side of the upper body portion 11 so as to surround the fitting hole 11b. At least a part of the upper plate 14 (see Figure 5) is fitted into the fitting wall 11d. A connecting piece 11e used when joining the upper body portion 11 to the lower body assembly 12 is formed on the outside of this fitting wall 11d. This upper section 11 is designed for clockwise rotation, but by changing the formation position of the connecting piece 11e, it can be made to rotate counterclockwise.

[0026] <Lower body assembly 12> Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the lower fuselage assembly 12, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lower fuselage assembly 12 viewed from below. The lower body assembly 12 comprises a ring-shaped body 13 that constitutes the lower body, and an upper plate 14 and a lower plate 15 that sandwich the ring-shaped body 13 from above and below. The upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15 constitute the support for the ring-shaped body 13 and rotatably support the ring-shaped body 13 around the axis 20. In addition, the upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15 rotate integrally with the upper body 11 under normal conditions while rotatably supporting the ring-shaped body 13. As shown in Figure 6, the rotation center of the spinning top toy 100 in the lower body assembly 12 has an axle hole (including the insertion hole 14a in the upper plate 14 and the insertion hole 15b in the lower plate 15) through which the axis 20 is inserted.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the ring-shaped body 13 is hexagonal in plan view. However, the shape of the ring-shaped body 13 is not limited to this; any shape that can withstand external impacts during a spinning top battle is sufficient, and it is preferable that the outer circumference is provided with ridges. On the upper surface of the ring-shaped body 13, two upright walls 13a are provided at opposite locations on either side of the center line, extending in an arc shape along the circumferential direction. Each upright wall 13a has connecting pieces 13bL and 13bR that project inward in an overhang-like manner. An upright partition 13c is formed between the connecting pieces 13bL and 13bR. These connecting pieces 13bL and 13bR selectively engage with the connecting piece 11e of the upper body 11. That is, connecting piece 13bL is used when the spinning top toy 100 is rotated counterclockwise, and connecting piece 13bR is used when the spinning top toy 100 is rotated clockwise. In this embodiment, the lower body assembly 12 is designed for both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. That is, by replacing the upper body 11, the spinning top toy 100 can be changed to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, on the inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 13, there are adjacent crescent-shaped recesses (first engagement parts) 13d and 13e into which the crescent-shaped protrusion (second engagement part) 16b of the movable member 16 (described later) fits in a plan view. A protrusion 13f is formed between the recesses 13d and 13e (see Figures 17 and 18). Here, the recess 13d is fitted into the protrusion 16b (described later) when the spinning top toy 100 for clockwise rotation is assembled, and the recess 13e is fitted into the protrusion 16b (described later) when the spinning top toy 100 for counterclockwise rotation is assembled.

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the top plate 14. The upper plate 14 has a core body 14b that is circular in plan view and has an insertion hole 14a through which the shaft 20 is inserted, and fan-shaped protrusions 14c, 14c that extend outwards from the core body 14b in directions away from each other. On the underside of the core body 14b, elastic pieces 14e are provided at two locations opposite each other across the center line, each projecting downwards and having an inwardly facing claw 14d at its tip. The two elastic pieces 14e, 14e constrict or expand radially around the core body 14b due to their elasticity. The claws 14d project into the shaft holes (through holes 14a, 15b) and are selectively engaged with either the gear 24a (first engaging part) or the gear 24b (second engaging part), described later, by a predetermined biasing force. In this embodiment, the "predetermined biasing force" is the biasing force provided by the elasticity of the elastic pieces 14e. On the other hand, a counterbore hole 14f is formed in the protruding portion 14c. Each protruding portion 14c is positioned between the two upright walls 13a, 13a of the ring-shaped body 13. Each protruding portion 14c can move between the two upright walls 13a, 13a about the axis 20.

[0029] A guide wall 15a is erected on the upper surface of the lower plate 15, which fits inside the ring-shaped body 13 and slides to guide the rotation of the ring-shaped body 13. An insertion hole 15b for inserting the shaft 20 is formed inside the guide wall 15a. The insertion hole 15b constitutes the shaft hole formed in the body portion 10. Two elastic pieces 14e, 14e of the upper plate 14 are inserted into the insertion hole 15b, with their claws 14d facing the axial center. As a result, the claws 14d protrude into the insertion hole 15b, which is the shaft hole (see Figure 6). The claws 14d are positioned at two locations opposite each other on the center line of the insertion hole 15b, which is the shaft hole. In addition, female threaded bosses 15c, 15d are erected on the upper surface of the lower plate 15 at two locations opposite each other on the center line. An uneven surface is formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the body portion 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6, 9, and 11, an uneven surface 151 is formed on the lower surface of the lower plate 15, surrounding the insertion hole 15b, with repeated convex portions 151a and concave portions 151b. As will be described later, an uneven surface is also formed on the shaft 20 of this embodiment, and the uneven surface 151 on the body portion 10 corresponds to the uneven surface on the shaft 20. In the uneven surface 151 of this embodiment, a pair of convex portions 151a and concave portions 151b are provided at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center, and are repeated alternately.

[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view of the spinning top toy 100 with the upper body 11 and top plate 14 removed. One of the bosses 15c is a rectangular projection in plan view, and a hollow movable member 16, which is rectangular in shape in plan view, is fitted onto this boss 15c. The movable member 16 is not particularly limited, but is made of, for example, POM (Poly Oxy Methylene). The radial length of the hollow portion is greater than the radial length of the boss 15c, and the movable member 16 is able to move within a predetermined range in the radial direction. An arc-shaped portion 16a is formed on the inside of the movable member 16, which can contact the outer circumference of the shaft 20. On the other hand, a crescent-shaped protrusion 16b is formed on the outside of the movable member 16 in plan view. Depending on the rotational position of the ring-shaped body 13 relative to the lower plate 15, the protrusion 16b fits into either one of the recesses 13d or 13e on the inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 13. The depth dimensions of the recesses 13d and 13e are set so that the protrusion 16b does not come out of the recesses 13d or 13e even when the movable member 16 moves radially inward. However, when an external force of a predetermined magnitude is applied between the ring-shaped body 13 and the support, the ring-shaped body 13 elastically deforms due to mutual sliding contact, causing the convex portion 16b to disengage from the concave portion 13d and 13e (overcoming the convex portion 13f), and the ring-shaped body 13 and the support rotate relative to each other. Furthermore, with the ring-shaped body 13 sandwiched between the upper plate 14 and the lower plate 15, a male screw 14g is screwed into the female threaded bosses 15c and 15d, passing through the counterbore hole 14f in the upper plate 14.

[0031] Axis 20 Figures 9 and 11 are perspective views showing the shaft 20 and its surroundings. Note that the ring-shaped body 13 is omitted in these figures. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lower plate 15 is further omitted from the state shown in Figure 9, and Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lower plate 15 is further omitted from the state shown in Figure 11. The shaft 20 is configured in a rod shape. The shaft head 21 of the shaft 20 (see Figure 3) has a shape complementary to the fitting hole 11b of the upper body 11. In this embodiment, as described above, irregularities are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 11b at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and a pair of protruding ridges 21a that fit into these irregularities are provided on the shaft head 21 of the shaft 20 at point-symmetrical positions on either side of the shaft center. The shaft head 21 fits into the fitting hole 11b of the upper body 11, thereby allowing the shaft 20 to rotate integrally with the formed portion (fitting portion) of the fitting hole 11b. If the fitting hole 11b of the upper body 11 is polygonal, the shaft head 21 of the shaft 20 is also formed as a polygon to fit into it. Furthermore, below the shaft head 21 is a contact portion 22 to which the arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 can abut. When the arc-shaped portion 16a abuts against the contact portion 22, rotational resistance is formed between the ring-shaped body 13 and the shaft 20.

[0032] Furthermore, a constricted portion 23 is formed below the contact portion 22, and the claw 14d of the upper plate 14 engages with this constricted portion 23. As a result, the shaft 20 is gripped and held by the claw 14d. In this embodiment, gears 24a and 24b are formed on the outer circumference of the constricted portion 23, and the claw 14d is selectively locked and meshed with either of these gears 24a or 24b. Gear 24a is the first engaging portion, and gear 24b is the second engaging portion, which is lower in the height direction (height position in the axial direction) than the first engaging portion, gear 24a. The first engaging part, gear 24a, is provided in at least one pair at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center. In this embodiment, multiple first and second engaging parts are formed continuously in the circumferential direction, forming a gear shape. The second engaging part, gear 24b, is also provided in at least one pair at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center. The positions where gear 24a is provided and the positions where gear 24b is provided are offset by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle is 90 degrees. Figures 9 and 10 show the state in which the pawl 14d is engaged with the first engaging part, gear 24a, and Figures 11 and 12 show the state in which the pawl 14d is engaged with the second engaging part, gear 24b. In this embodiment, the body 10 and the shaft 20 are engaged by the pawl 14d being locked onto either gear 24a or 24b, and the height of the spinning top 100 can be changed, as will be described later. The first engaging gear 24a and the second engaging gear 24b are connected, at least in part, along the circumferential direction of the shaft 20. In the example shown in Figure 3, the lower side of the first engaging gear 24a and the upper side of the second engaging gear 24b are connected along the circumferential direction of the shaft 20. Therefore, as will be described later, when the spinning top toy 100 is subjected to an impact, the claw 14d can change its engagement position from the engaging gear it was initially engaged with to a different engaging gear.

[0033] Furthermore, a flange portion 25 is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft 20, below the constricted portion 23 (below the position where the first engaging portion, gear 24a, and the second engaging portion, gear 24b, are provided), extending radially outward along its entire circumference. The flange portion 25 is a flange portion that extends outward from the shaft 20. The upper surface of the flange portion 25 has circumferential irregularities. In this embodiment, the shaft 20 is provided with a pair of protrusions 26 that project in the height direction of the spinning top toy 100, at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation center of the spinning top toy 100. When the shaft 20 is inserted from below into the insertion holes 15b and 14a of the lower body assembly 12, the protrusions 26 contact the lower surface of the lower plate 15. As described above, the body portion 10 also has circumferential irregularities 151. In this embodiment, on the lower surface of the lower plate 15, a pair of protrusions 151a and a pair of recesses 151b are alternately provided at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center. When the protrusions 26 on the shaft 20 side abut against the protrusions 151a on the body portion 10 side, the claws 14d are locked into the gear 24a, which is the first engaging portion. Furthermore, when the protrusion 26 on the shaft 20 side is received in the recess 151b on the body 10 side, that is, when the protrusions on the shaft 20 side and the protrusions on the body 10 side are fitted together, the claw 14d is locked to the gear 24b, which is the second engaging part. In this embodiment, the protrusions on the shaft 20 side are formed in a wave shape along the circumferential direction. That is, the upper end of the protrusion 26 facing the protrusion 151 on the body 10 side is a smooth curve without corners. In addition, a tapered portion that narrows upward may be provided on this flange portion 25 so that the shaft 20 is securely held in the center when the shaft 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 15b of the lower plate 15. Furthermore, it is preferable that a gear capable of meshing with an external rack is provided on the outer circumference of the shaft 20 below the flange portion 25, which is the flange portion. In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a gear 27 that meshes with the teeth 93a of the battle stadium 90 (described later) is formed below the flange portion 25. In the embodiment, gears 24a and 24b are formed in the constricted portion 23 of the shaft 20, and one of these gears 24a or 24b meshes with the pawl 14d. As a result, the shaft 20 rotates more easily as an integral part of the upper body 11. Consequently, when the gear 27 meshes with the teeth 93a of the guide portion 93, the rotational force of the upper body 11 is easily transmitted to the guide portion 93, and the teeth 93a are strongly kicked, making it easier for the movement to accelerate.

[0034] Furthermore, the shaft 20 may be provided in multiple interchangeable types, each with a different shaft diameter and shape at a predetermined location. For example, if the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is large, when the inner arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 is in contact with the contact portion 22 of the shaft 20, the convex portion 16b and the concave portion 13d fit deeply together, as shown in Figure 17, and the rotational resistance increases. Therefore, the ring-shaped body 13 becomes difficult to rotate relative to the upper body 11 or the support. As a result, the spinning top toy 100 is difficult to disassemble. If the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is medium, when the inner arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 is in contact with the contact portion 22 of the shaft 20, the convex portion 16b and the concave portion 13d fit moderately together, as shown in Figure 18. Therefore, compared to the case where the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is large, the ring-shaped body 13 has less rotational resistance relative to the upper body 11 or the support, and rotates a little more easily. Furthermore, when the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is small, when the inner arc-shaped portion 16a of the movable member 16 is in contact with the contact portion 22 of the shaft 20, the convex portion 16b and the concave portion 13d will fit together even more shallowly than when the shaft diameter of the contact portion 22 is medium. Therefore, the ring-shaped body 13 rotates even more easily relative to the upper body 11 and the support. As a result, the spinning top toy 100 becomes relatively easy to disassemble. Furthermore, if the tip of the shaft 20 is flat, for example, the spinning top toy 100 can move around easily. If the diameter of the tip of the shaft 20 is slightly smaller and a taper is formed, making it semi-flat, the spinning top toy 100 can still move around easily, though not as much as when the tip of the shaft 20 is flat. Also, if a small protrusion is made on the tip of the shaft 20, the spinning top toy 100 will spin longer compared to one without the protrusion. Additionally, if the surface on which the small protrusion is formed on the shaft 20 is flat, the spinning top toy 100 can be made less likely to fall over even if it is tilted. The tip of the shaft 20 may also be hemispherical. In this case, the spinning top toy 100 can move around relatively well, though not as much as when the tip of the shaft 20 is flat.

[0035] 《Assembly Instructions》 Figures 13 and 14 are plan views of the spinning top toy 100 with the upper body portion 11 removed. First, since the upper body 11 is for clockwise rotation, the upper plate 14 and the ring-shaped body 13 are rotated relative to each other so that the triangular mark RM on the "R" side of the upper plate 14 aligns with the triangular mark M on the ring-shaped body 13 (Figure 13). At this time, the convex portion 16b of the movable member 16 fits into the recess 13e on the inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 13 (see Figure 8).

[0036] In this state, the upper plate 14 is aligned with the fitting wall 11d of the upper body 11, and the upper body 11 and the lower body assembly 12 are butted together. As a result, a portion of the upper plate 14 fits into the fitting wall 11d. In this state, the ring-shaped body 13 is rotated clockwise relative to the upper body 11. At this time, the upper plate 14 rotates counterclockwise relative to the ring-shaped body 13 together with the upper body 11, and the triangular mark LM on the upper plate 14 aligns with the triangular mark M on the ring-shaped body 13 (Figure 14). As a result, the lower surface of the connecting piece 13bR of the ring-shaped body 13 comes into contact with the upper surface of the connecting piece 11e of the upper body 11, and the lower body assembly 12 and the upper body 11 are joined together. Also, the convex portion 16b of the movable member 16 passes over the convex portion 13f and fits into the recess 13d (see Figure 8).

[0037] Subsequently, the shaft 20 is inserted into the body 10 from below, and the shaft head 21 is fitted into the fitting hole 11b. This causes the shaft 20 to be grasped by the claws 14d, and the claws 14d to mesh with either gear 24a or 24b. However, the shaft 20 can be easily removed from the lower body assembly 12 by pulling it downwards. The spinning top toy 100 is then assembled. If the spinning top toy 100 is to rotate counterclockwise, first align the triangular mark LM on the "L" side of the upper plate 14 with the triangular mark M on the ring-shaped body 13 and connect the lower body assembly 12 to the upper body 11. In this case, the relative direction of rotation during assembly will be the opposite of the case described above.

[0038] 《100 Disassemblies of Spinning Top Toys》 In a spinning top battle, when the opponent's spinning top hits the ring-shaped body 13 and an external force acts on the ring-shaped body 13 in the opposite direction to the rotation of the spinning top toy 100, the rotation of the ring-shaped body 13 stops, while the upper body 11 and support continue to rotate due to inertia. As a result, the ring-shaped body 13 rotates counterclockwise relative to the support, and the convex portion 16b disengages from the recess 13d on the inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 13 (overcoming the convex portion 13f) and fits into the recess 13e due to sliding contact. At this position, the connecting piece 13bR of the ring-shaped body 13 detaches from the connecting piece 11e of the upper body 11, and the upper body 11 and the lower body assembly 12 and shaft 20 are separated into two parts. Furthermore, if the spinning top toy 100 is designed for counterclockwise rotation, the relative rotation direction during disassembly will be the opposite of the case described above.

[0039] 《Spinning Top Launcher 80》 Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the spinning top launcher 80. The spinning top launcher 80 includes a spinning top holder 81 that holds a spinning top toy 100 that is biased to rotate. The spinning top holder 81 is provided with the same number of insertion pieces 81a as the arc-shaped grooves 11a of the spinning top toy 100. The insertion pieces 81a have locking portions 81b that protrude in the direction of rotation biasing. After inserting the insertion pieces 81a into the arc-shaped grooves 11a of the spinning top toy 100, the spinning top toy 100 is rotated relative to the spinning top holder 81 in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation biasing of the spinning top toy 100, and the locking portion 81b is tucked under the edge wall of one end of the arc-shaped groove 11a, thereby attaching the spinning top toy 100 to the spinning top holder 81.

[0040] The spinning top launcher 80 is equipped with a handle 82 to which one end of a string (not shown) is attached. The string is wound around an input rotating body (not shown) by the restoring force of a spring, and rotational force is input to the input rotating body by pulling out the string by operating the handle 82. The input rotating body is connected to a spinning top holder 81 and is rotated by the rotation of the input rotating body.

[0041] According to this spinning top launcher 80, the spinning top toy 100 attached to the spinning top holder 81 is biased to rotate by rotating the spinning top holder 81 through the operation of the handle 82. When the operation of the handle 82 is stopped, the rotation of the spinning top holder 81 stops, but the spinning top toy 100 continues to rotate due to inertia, causing the locking part 81b to disengage from below the edge wall at one end of the arc-shaped groove 11a, and the spinning top toy 100 is pushed out by sliding contact with the inclined surface on the back of the insertion piece 81a, and is launched.

[0042] In this example, the input rotating body connected to the spindle holder 81 is rotated by a string. However, the input rotating body connected to the spindle holder 81 may be a gear, and the gear may be rotated by a rack belt having a belt section on which a rack is formed.

[0043] Battle Stadium 90 Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the exterior of Battle Stadium 90. The bottom surface of the field 91 of the Battle Stadium 90 is a concave curved surface, and the field 91 is covered by a transparent cover 92 that has an opening in the center. Guide sections 93 are provided on the field 91, which have teeth 93a formed on them that mesh with the gear 27 of the shaft 20 of the spinning top toy 100 that moves around inside the field 91. According to this Battle Stadium 90, by engaging the gear 27 and teeth 93a of the shaft 20 of the spinning top toy 100, the spinning top toy 100 can be made to roll against the guide 93, thereby increasing the speed at which the spinning top toy 100 moves.

[0044] <effect> Next, the operation of the spinning top toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. When playing with the spinning top toy 100, after assembling the body 10, the shaft 20 is inserted into the shaft hole (insertion hole 15b in the lower plate 15) of the body 10. At this time, the user engages the claws 14d provided on the two elastic pieces 14e, 14e of the upper plate 14 with either of the gears 24a, 24b of the shaft 20. For example, when the user engages the claw 14d with gear 24a, the protrusion 26 on the shaft 20 side abuts against the protrusion 151a on the body 10 side (see Figures 9 and 10). In this state, the spinning top toy 100 is tall. In contrast, when the user engages the claw 14d with gear 24b, the protrusion 26 on the shaft 20 side is received by the recess 151b on the body 10 side, and the protrusions and recesses on the shaft 20 side and the protrusions and recesses on the body 10 side fit together (see Figures 11 and 12). In this state, the height of the spinning top toy 100 is low. When the height of the spinning top toy 100 changes, the rotational characteristics of the spinning top toy 100 change, but in this embodiment, not only does the claw 14d mesh with the gears 24a and 24b, but the protrusions on the shaft 20 side and the protrusions on the body 10 side come into contact, making it easier to maintain the initial setting by the user. Also, as mentioned above, the upper end of the protrusion 26 of the shaft 20 that faces the protrusion 151 on the body 10 side has a smooth curve without corners. For this reason, even if the claw 14d is set in an intermediate position due to the way the user sets it, the protrusion 151 on the body 10 side shifts along the curve of the protrusion 26, making fine adjustments. As a result, the claw 14d is pulled into a position where it meshes with either the gear 24a or the gear 24b, and becomes stable.

[0045] To change the rotational characteristics of the spinning top toy 100, the user switches between the gears 24a and 24b that the claw 14d engages with. In this embodiment, when the spinning top toy 100 is subjected to impact, such as during a spinning top battle, the protrusions and indentations 151 on the body 10 side shift along the curve of the protrusion 26. As a result, the claw 14d also shifts from the gears 24a and 24b it was initially engaged with to a different gear 24a and 24b, switching from the state initially set by the user to a different state. In other words, the claw 14d is locked to the gear 24a (first engaging part) or gear 24b (second engaging part) by the biasing force provided by the elasticity of the elastic piece 14e. Therefore, when the spinning top toy 100 is subjected to impact and the elastic pieces 14e expand radially, the engagement state between the claw 14d and the gears 24a and 24b may change. For example, if the pawl 14d was initially meshed with gear 24a but transitions to meshing with gear 24b due to an impact, the height of the spinning top toy 100 will decrease. Conversely, if the pawl 14d was initially meshed with gear 24b but transitions to meshing with gear 24a due to an impact, the height of the spinning top toy 100 will increase. In this way, the spinning top toy 100 of this embodiment can randomly switch in either the direction of increasing or decreasing in height, thereby changing the rotational characteristics of the spinning top toy 100.

[0046] <Effects> As described above, the spinning top toy 100 of this embodiment comprises a body 10 and a shaft 20. A shaft hole (insertion hole 15b of the lower plate 15) is formed in the body 10 at the rotation center of the spinning top toy 100, and the shaft 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 15b when assembled. The shaft 20 has a gear 24a, which is a first engaging part, and a gear 24b, which is a second engaging part, located lower in the height direction than the gear 24a, on its outer circumference. A claw 14d that protrudes inward is provided inside the shaft hole (insertion hole 15b of the lower plate 15), and the claw 14d engages with either the gear 24a or the gear 24b of the shaft 20, thereby engaging the body 10 and the shaft 20, and the height of the spinning top toy 100 can be changed. This allows users to easily change the height of the spinning top toy 100. Furthermore, when the toy receives an impact during a spinning top battle, the meshing state between the claws 14d and the gears 24a and 24b switches, allowing the height of the spinning top toy 100 to change in either the upward or downward direction. As a result, the center of gravity and rotational characteristics of the spinning top toy 100 change, allowing for a variety of movements and battles to be enjoyed.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the body portion 10 includes an upper body portion 11 and a lower body portion (lower body assembly 12) in which an insertion hole 15b, which is an axle hole, is formed. The upper body portion 11 (lower body assembly 12) and the axle 20 are configured to be detachable by a spinning top battle in which the spinning top toys 100 collide with each other. This allows for the enjoyment of the spectacle created by the spinning top battle.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the claws 14d are provided at two locations opposite each other across the center line within the shaft hole (insertion hole 15b of the lower plate 15), at least one pair of gears 24a, which are the first engaging parts, are provided at point-symmetrical positions across the shaft center, and at least one pair of gears 24b, which are the second engaging parts, are also provided at point-symmetrical positions across the shaft center, with the positions where the first engaging parts are provided and the positions where the second engaging parts are provided being offset by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. As a result, both claws of the pair engage with either the first or second engaging part, and there is no intermediate state where one claw engages with the first and the other with the second. Therefore, even when the axis rotates due to external impact, the height of the spinning top can be stably maintained in either a higher or lower position.

[0049] In this embodiment, a flange portion 25 is provided on the outer circumference of the shaft 20 below the position where the meshing gears 24a and 24b are located, and a flange portion 25 is provided that protrudes radially outward. The upper surface of the flange portion 25 has circumferential irregularities (protrusions 26), and the outer surface of the lower end of the body portion 10 has an irregularity portion 151 corresponding to the irregularities on the shaft 20 side. When the protrusion 26 on the shaft 20 side abuts against the protrusion 151a on the body portion 10 side, the pawl 14d is locked onto the gear 24a, and when the irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the irregularity portion 151 on the body portion 10 side are fitted together, the pawl 14d is locked onto the gear 24b. In this way, by changing not only the meshing between the pawl 14d and the gears 24a and 24b, but also the degree of engagement between the concave and convex portions 151 on the body portion 10 and the convex portion 26 on the shaft 20, it is easier to maintain the meshing state between the pawl 14d and the gears 24a and 24b set by the user.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusions (convex portion 26) on the shaft 20 side and the protrusions 151 on the body 10 side are point-symmetrical with respect to the rotation center of the spinning top toy 100. By providing at least one pair of protrusions 26 on the shaft 20 side and protrusions 151 on the body 10 side in point-symmetrical positions, the setting state of the body 10 and shaft 20 can be made more stable than if they were provided in only one place or unevenly.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least the irregularities on the shaft 20 side are formed in a wave-like shape along the circumferential direction. This allows the spinning top toy 100 to slide smoothly when subjected to impact, making it easier for the fit between the protrusions 26 on the shaft 20 side and the irregularities 151 on the body 10 side to change, and consequently, the meshing state between the claws 14d and the gears 24a and 24b to switch smoothly and reliably. As a result, the height of the spinning top toy 100 can easily change accidentally in either the direction of increasing or decreasing, allowing for a wide variety of movements to be enjoyed.

[0052] Furthermore, as in the embodiment, when the gear 24a, which is the first engaging part, and the gear 24b, which is the second engaging part, are connected in the circumferential direction of the shaft 20 in part, the pawl 14d can easily change its engagement position from the engaging part (gear) it was initially meshing with to a different engaging part (gear).

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed in a gear shape, the pawl 14d engages with the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion, making it easier for the shaft 20 to rotate integrally with the body (upper body).

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, teeth (racks) 93a are formed on the inner surface of the battle stadium 90, which serves as the battleground for the spinning top toy 100. As a result, the gear 27 formed on the outer circumference of the shaft 20 meshes with the teeth (racks) 93a, causing changes in the movement of the spinning top toy 100, such as acceleration.

[0055] <Other> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0056] For example, in this embodiment, the spinning top toy 100 is illustrated in which the claw 14d engages with either the gear 24a or 24b, and the height changes in two stages. However, for example, it may be equipped with three or more types of gears (engaging parts) with different positions in the height direction, so that the height changes in three or more stages.

[0057] Furthermore, although the embodiment illustrates a case where there are irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and irregularities 151 on the body 10 side, it is not essential to have irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and irregularities 151 on the body 10 side. Furthermore, the shape, number, and position of the protrusions (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the protrusions 151 on the body 10 side are not limited to those shown in the embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the irregularities 151 on the body 10 side have a shape that allows them to easily slide and move. While the example given shows that the irregularities on the shaft 20 side are formed in a wave shape along the circumferential direction, the shapes of the irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the irregularities 151 on the body 10 side are not limited to this. For example, the irregularities 151 on the body 10 side may be formed in a wave shape along the circumferential direction. Alternatively, both the irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the irregularities 151 on the body 10 side may be formed in a wave shape along the circumferential direction. In this case, the irregularities (protrusions 26) on the shaft 20 side and the irregularities 151 on the body 10 side become more prone to sliding and moving, making it easier for the height of the spinning top toy 100 to fluctuate.

[0059] Furthermore, while the embodiment illustrates cases where the spinning top toy 100 disintegrates or changes in height due to impact during a spinning top battle, the disintegration or change in height of the spinning top toy 100 is not limited to impacts during a spinning top battle. For example, the spinning top toy 100 may disintegrate or change in height due to impacts such as hitting a wall during use, not in a battle with an opponent's spinning top toy.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first and second engaging portions are recesses that are recessed radially inward of the shaft 20, and the case in which the shaft 20 is engaged with the body portion 10 by the claws 14d that protrude inward into the shaft hole (through hole 15b) engaging with the recesses is illustrated. However, the first and second engaging portions are not limited to recesses and only need to be engaged within the shaft hole (through hole 15b) of the body portion 10. For example, the first and second engaging portions may be convex portions that protrude radially from the shaft 20 and are configured to engage with the recesses on the body portion 10 side.

[0061] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The configuration of the spinning top toy 100 shown in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. In addition, the embodiments of the invention and their modifications shown above can be used in appropriate combinations as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 10 Torso 11 Upper Torso 11a isolated groove 11b Fitting hole 11d Interlocking wall 11e Connecting piece 12 Lower body assembly 13 Ring-shaped body 13a Standing wall 13bL, 13bR joint piece 13d, 13e recess 14b Core body 14d nail 14e Elastic piece 15 Lower plate 15b Through hole 16 Movable member 16b Convex part 20 axes 24a Gear 24b Gear 26 Convex part 100-piece toy 151 Uneven part 151a Convex part 151b Recess

Claims

1. A spinning top toy comprising a body and an axle, An axle hole is formed at the center of rotation of the spinning top toy in the body portion. The shaft is inserted into the shaft hole in the assembled state and has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion located lower in the height direction than the first engaging portion on its outer circumference. A claw is provided in the shaft hole that protrudes into the shaft hole and is selectively engaged with the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion by a predetermined biasing force. A spinning top toy characterized in that the claw engages with either the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion of the shaft, thereby engaging the body and the shaft, and allowing the height of the spinning top to be changed.

2. The torso includes an upper torso and a lower torso, and is configured so that the upper torso, the lower torso, and the shaft can be separated when a relative displacement in the rotational direction occurs due to a spinning top battle in which the spinning top toys collide with each other. The spinning top toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft hole is formed in the lower body, and the height can be changed when a relative axial displacement occurs between the body and the shaft, by the claw switching to the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion and locking into place.

3. The aforementioned claws are provided at two locations opposite each other, straddling the center line within the shaft hole. The first engaging portion is provided in at least one pair at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center, and the second engaging portion is provided in at least one pair at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the axis center. The spinning top toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the position where the first engaging portion is provided and the position where the second engaging portion is provided are offset by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction.

4. On the outer circumference of the shaft, below the position where the first and second engaging portions are provided, a flange portion is provided that protrudes radially outward, and the upper surface of the flange portion has irregularities formed in the circumferential direction. The outer surface of the lower end of the body portion has irregularities that correspond to the irregularities on the shaft side. When the shaft-side protrusion abuts against the body-side protrusion, the claw is engaged with the first engagement portion, and when the shaft-side grooves and the body-side grooves are fitted together, the claw is engaged with the second engagement portion. The spinning top toy according to feature 1.

5. The spinning top toy according to claim 4, characterized in that the irregularities on the shaft side and the irregularities on the body side are point-symmetric with respect to the rotation center of the spinning top toy.

6. The spinning top toy according to claim 4, characterized in that at least the irregularities on the shaft side are formed in a wave-like shape along the circumferential direction.

7. The spinning top toy according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are in communication over the circumferential direction of the shaft.

8. The spinning top toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed in a plurality in a continuous manner in the circumferential direction.

9. The spinning top toy according to claim 4, characterized in that it has a gear that can mesh with an external rack on the outer circumference of the shaft, below the flange portion.

Images