Model toys and model parts

Abstract

The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for connecting parts in model toys. [Solution] This toy model comprises a part 201 (first part) having a spherical connecting part 312 (first connecting part) and a shaft that supports the connecting part 312 (first connecting part), a part 202 (second part) having a recess that rotatably accommodates the connecting part 312 (first connecting part), and a part 203 (third part) that is attached to the part 202 (second part). The part 203 (third part) has an insertion part 331 that reaches near the opening of the recess 321 when attached to the part 202 (second part). The insertion part 331 enters to a position close to the shaft 313 of the part 201 (first part) that is housed in the recess 321.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In humanoid toys (model toys), it is required to realize natural movements and various postures. Therefore, in order to realize movements and postures similar to those of humans and animals, humanoid toys include a plurality of joints and movable parts. Patent Document 1 proposes a quadruped humanoid having a joint structure that enables realistic movements similar to those of real animals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, various joints are included to realize various movements, and each joint is composed of a spherical connecting portion. Specifically, these connecting portions are realized by detachably fitting a spherical joint shaft formed by molding a soft synthetic resin into a fitting recess. In such a configuration, there is a possibility that the fitting portion comes off and detaches when the joint portion is operated, and countermeasures against them are desired.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to, for example, a model toy, comprising: a first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion supporting the first connecting portion; a second part having a recess for rotatably housing the first connecting portion; and a third part that is attached to the second part, wherein the third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part, and the insertion portion enters to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess. Furthermore, the present invention relates to, for example, a model toy comprising a first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion supporting the first connecting portion, a second part having a recess for rotatably housing the first connecting portion, and a third part that is attached to the second part, wherein the third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part, and the insertion portion enters to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess, thereby limiting the opening diameter of the recess to be smaller than the maximum diameter of the first connecting portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to, for example, a model part comprising a first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion supporting the first connecting portion, a second part having a recess for rotatably housing the first connecting portion, and a third part mounted on the second part, wherein the third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when mounted on the second part, and the insertion portion enters to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a model part, for example, comprising a first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion supporting the first connecting portion, a second part having a recess for rotatably housing the first connecting portion, and a third part mounted on the second part, wherein the third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when mounted on the second part, the insertion portion enters to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess, and limits the opening diameter of the recess to be smaller than the maximum diameter of the first connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the front view of a model toy according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an exploded perspective view of the arm according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the detailed configuration of a shoulder joint part according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the assembly configuration of shoulder joint parts according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a shoulder joint according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a plan view of a shoulder joint according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] <Appearance of the model toy> First, with reference to Figure 1, an example of the external configuration of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows the front view of the model toy 100. The x, y, and z arrows indicate the left, up, and front directions of the model toy, respectively, and the same applies to the other drawings.

[0012] The model toy 100 comprises a head 101, chest 102, arms 103a, 103b, waist 104, and legs 105a, 105b, which constitute the main body. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is described as an example of a model toy, but there is no intention to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, ornaments, etc.

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

[0014] <Arm structure> Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the left arm 103b of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2(a) shows the front view of the left arm 103b. Figure 2(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the left arm 103b. Note that the right arm 103a has a similar configuration that is symmetrical to the left arm 103b, so its description will be omitted.

[0015] Figure 2(b) shows the parts group of the shoulder including the shoulder joint in the left arm part 103b, and shows the parts group 300 that constitutes the main body of the arm without disassembling it. That is, the parts group 300 shows the arm excluding the shoulder, and hereinafter it will be simply referred to as the arm part 300. The left arm part 103b has parts 201 to 205 and the arm part 300. The arm part 300 is composed of a plurality of parts and constitutes the main body of the arm including the upper arm, the forearm, and the hand excluding the shoulder of the arm part 103b. The parts 201 to 205 are the parts that constitute the shoulder joint. The part 201 is the first part, is rotatably connected to the arm part 300, and is the part that constitutes the base of the shoulder joint. The parts 202, 203, 204a, and 204b constitute the shoulder and are rotatably connected to the part 201. The detailed structure and assembly structure of the parts 201 to 204b will be described later.

[0016] The part 205 is a part that constitutes a part of the chest joint having a spherical connecting part and a ring-shaped connecting part. The spherical connecting part is rotatably connected to the part 201. The ring-shaped connecting part is rotatably connected to the chest 102 of the model toy 100.

[0017] <Configuration of the main parts of the shoulder joint> Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the main parts of the shoulder joint of the left arm part 103b according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) show perspective views of the parts 201, 202, and 203, respectively.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the part 201 is the base part of the shoulder joint and includes a base 311, connecting parts 312, 314a, 314b, 315, and a shaft part 313. The connecting part 312 is a first connecting part formed in a spherical shape and is supported by a shaft part 313 extending upward from the base 311. The connecting part 312 is rotatably connected to the part 202 that constitutes a part of the shoulder. The maximum diameter of the connecting part 312 is formed larger than the diameter of the shaft part 313. Thereby, when the insertion part 331 described later approaches the shaft part 313, the spherical connecting part 312 physically interferes, and the retaining against coming off from the concave part 321 is made.

[0019] The connecting parts 314a and 314b are second connecting parts in the shape of cylindrical rods extending in the front-rear direction from the base 311. In Figure 3(a), the connecting part 314b is not shown, but it is located behind the base 311. The connecting parts 314a and 314b are rotatably connected to the upper arm. The connecting part 315 is a third connecting part formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, to which a part of the chest 102 (the sixth part) is rotatably connected.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3(b), part 202 is a shoulder part (second part) that receives part 201, and comprises a recess 321, an insertion part 322, and fitting parts 323a to 323c. The recess 321 rotatably accommodates the spherical connecting part 312. The recess 321 can also receive at least a portion of the shaft part 313. Here, the recess 321 has a certain depth along the longitudinal direction of the shaft part 313, and the connecting part 312 can slide (pull out) along the axial direction of the shaft part 313 within the recess 321. The insertion part 322 is a hole formed to the side of the opening in the recess 321 that receives the connecting part 312. The fitting parts 323a to 323c are rod-shaped connecting parts for fitting with part 203.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3(c), part 203 is a shoulder part (third part) that is attached to part 202, and comprises an insertion part 331, holes 332a to 332c, and holes 333a and 333b. The insertion part 331 has at least a plate-like portion and is inserted into the insertion part 322 of part 202. The plate-like portion of the insertion part 331 is inserted into the insertion part 322 from the side of the recess 321 and further enters to a position close to the shaft portion 313 that connects with the spherical connecting part 312. This reduces the diameter of the opening of the recess 321 by the insertion part 331, preventing the connecting part 312 from detaching from the recess 321. In addition, rod-shaped fitting parts 323a to 323c are inserted into the holes 332a to 332c, so that parts 202 and 203 are fitted and attached. Parts 204a and 204b are inserted into holes 333a and 333b.

[0022] <Assembly Configuration> Referring to Figure 4, the assembly configuration of the shoulder joint will be explained. Figures 4(a) to 4(d) are perspective views showing the assembly configuration of the shoulder portion of the left arm, respectively.

[0023] Figure 4(a) shows a perspective view of the shoulder section in an exploded state. As indicated by the dotted arrow, the connecting portion 312 of part 201, which is connected to the upper part of the arm, is rotatably connected to the recess 321 of part 202 from the direction of the dotted arrow d1. The inner diameter of the recess 321 is adjusted to accommodate the connecting portion 312, which is molded from an elastic material (e.g., polyacetal or soft polystyrene), and to allow it to rotate with a predetermined holding force (tightness). This temporarily holds parts 201 and 202 together.

[0024] Figure 4(b) shows how part 201 and part 202 are connected, with the connecting portion 312 of part 201 housed in the recess 321. In this state, part 203 is attached to part 202 from the direction of the dotted arrow d2. Specifically, the fitting portions 323a to 323c of part 202 are inserted into the holes 332a to 332c of part 203 and fitted together. At this time, the insertion portion 331 (see Figure 3) provided on part 203 is inserted from the direction d2, which intersects with the direction d1, reaching near the opening of the recess 321 and entering a position close to the shaft portion 313 of the connecting portion 312.

[0025] Figure 4(c) shows part 203 attached to part 202. In this state, parts 204a and 204b, which correspond to the fourth part, are connected. Specifically, parts 204a and 204b pass through holes 333a and 333b formed on the front and back of part 203 and are inserted into and fitted into part 202, which is located on the inside. This fixes part 203 to part 202 and prevents unintended detachment.

[0026] Figure 4(d) shows parts 204a and 204b connected. From this state, part 205, which is a part of the chest joint, is rotatably connected to the connecting part 315 of part 201. Through the above steps, a shoulder unit equipped with a joint retention structure is constructed.

[0027] <Cross-section of the shoulder joint> Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the cross-sectional configuration of the shoulder joint of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 shows a frontal cross-sectional view of the shoulder joint of the model toy 100. Figure 6 shows a top cross-sectional view of the shoulder joint of the model toy 100.

[0028] Figure 5(a) shows the arm portion 300 and the shoulder portion 500, which includes at least parts 202 and 203, in their normal positions relative to the shoulder joint part 201. In this state, the spherical connecting portion 312 of part 201 is inserted to the back of the recess 321 of part 202. Furthermore, at least a portion of the shaft portion 313 of part 201 enters the recess 321. Also, the insertion portion 331 of part 203 enters to a position where it is in close proximity to the shaft portion 313 but not in contact with it.

[0029] Figure 5(b) shows the "pull-out state" where the arm portion 300 and part 201 are slid in the direction of the arrow (downward). This sliding motion expands the range of motion of the arm relative to the shoulder portion 500 (parts 202 and 203). At this time, the connecting portion 312 comes into contact with the insertion portion 331, restricting further movement. More specifically, as the insertion portion 331 enters near the opening of the recess 321, the diameter between the inner wall of the recess 321 and the insertion portion 331 becomes smaller than the diameter of the opening between the inner walls of the recess 321. Therefore, the diameter of the opening is restricted to be smaller than the maximum diameter of the spherical connecting portion 312, preventing the connecting portion 312 from passing through the opening. In other words, the insertion portion 331 functions as a "retaining member" that substantially restricts the opening diameter of the recess 321 to be smaller than the maximum diameter of the connecting portion 312.

[0030] Figure 5(c) shows the shoulder portion 500 rotated in the direction of the arrow. This rotation is achieved by the shoulder portion 500 rotating around the spherical connecting portion 312 as an axis, utilizing the gap in the recess 321. Here again, it can be seen that the spherical connecting portion 312 is in contact with the insertion portion 331 of part 203. This prevents the shoulder portion 500 from falling off part 201.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a plan view of the shoulder portion 500 from above. The insertion portion 331 does not surround the entire circumference of the shaft portion 313, but is positioned on a part of it (to the side in this embodiment). This allows the shaft portion 313 to swing in the forward and backward directions, as indicated by the arrows in the figure, and in multiple directions combining these, as long as it does not interfere with the insertion portion 331. In other words, the insertion portion 331 is positioned in such a way that it allows movement in a specific direction while restricting only axial disengagement.

[0032] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment comprises a first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion supporting the first connecting portion, a second part having a recess that rotatably accommodates the first connecting portion, and a third part that is attached to the second part. The third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part. The insertion portion enters to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess. Thus, this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for the connecting portion in a model toy. More specifically, according to the present invention, by the simple process of attaching the third part to the second part, it is possible to secure a wide range of motion while reliably preventing the first connecting portion from falling off. Specifically, since the insertion portion of the third part later functions as a joint retainer, it is possible to achieve both ease of assembly and holding power, and furthermore, advanced posing such as pull-out movement using the space in the recess can be realized.

[0033] <Variation> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. For example, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited and includes various shapes such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, etc. Furthermore, the above embodiments describe an application of the present invention to the shoulder joint. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and these mechanisms may be used in other parts. For example, they may be applied to the hip joint or neck joint.

[0034] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys and model parts. (1) It is a model toy, A first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion that supports the first connecting portion, A second part having a recess that rotatably accommodates the first connecting portion, The third part is attached to the second part mentioned above. Equipped with, The third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part, The insertion portion extends to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess, in a model toy. (2) The model toy according to (1), wherein the inner wall of the recess and the insertion portion prevent the first connecting portion housed in the recess from coming out of the recess. (3) The model toy according to (1) or (2), wherein the maximum diameter of the first connecting portion is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion. (4) The recess accommodates at least a portion of the shaft portion, The model toy according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first part can be pulled out in the axial direction of the shaft portion using the gap in the recess relative to the second part. (5) The first connecting portion is rotatably inserted into the recess from the first direction, The insertion portion enters the vicinity of the opening of the recess from a second direction intersecting the first direction, the model toy according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The third part has a hole formed in it. The model toy according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a fourth part that penetrates the hole and is attached to the second part. (7) The first part further comprises a second connecting portion and a third connecting portion, The second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the fifth part, The third connecting part is rotatably connected to the sixth part, the model toy described in any one of (1) to (6). (8) The first part forms the shoulder joint of the model toy. The model toy described in (7), wherein the second and third parts form the shoulder. (9) The fifth part forms a part of the chest of the model toy. The sixth part forms part of the arm of the model toy, as described in (8). (10) Model parts, A first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion that supports the first connecting portion, A second part having a recess that rotatably accommodates the first connecting portion, The third part is attached to the second part mentioned above. Equipped with, The third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part, The insertion portion is a model part that enters to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Chest, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104: Waist, 105a, 105b: Legs, 201-205: Parts, 300: Arm section, 500: Shoulder section

Claims

1. It is a model toy, A first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion that supports the first connecting portion, A second part having a recess that rotatably accommodates the first connecting portion, The third part is attached to the second part mentioned above. Equipped with, The third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part, The insertion portion extends to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess, thereby limiting the opening diameter of the recess to be smaller than the maximum diameter of the first connecting portion, in a model toy.

2. The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the recess and the insertion portion prevent the first connecting portion housed in the recess from coming out of the recess.

3. The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the maximum diameter of the first connecting portion is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion.

4. The recess accommodates at least a portion of the shaft portion, The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the first part can be pulled out in the axial direction of the shaft portion using the gap in the recess relative to the second part.

5. The first connecting portion is rotatably inserted into the recess from the first direction, The model toy according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion enters the vicinity of the opening of the recess from a second direction intersecting the first direction.

6. The third part has a hole formed in it. The model toy according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth part that penetrates the hole and is attached to the second part.

7. The first part further comprises a second connecting portion and a third connecting portion, The second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the fifth part, The model toy according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third connecting portion is rotatably connected to the sixth part.

8. The first part forms the shoulder joint of the model toy. The model toy according to claim 7, wherein the second and third parts form a shoulder portion.

9. The fifth part forms a part of the chest of the model toy. The model toy according to claim 8, wherein the sixth part forms part of the arm of the model toy.

10. Model parts, A first part having a spherical first connecting portion and a shaft portion that supports the first connecting portion, A second part having a recess that rotatably accommodates the first connecting portion, The third part is attached to the second part mentioned above. Equipped with, The third part has an insertion portion that reaches near the opening of the recess when attached to the second part, The insertion portion extends to a position close to the shaft portion of the first part housed in the recess, thereby limiting the opening diameter of the recess to be smaller than the maximum diameter of the first connecting portion, in this model part.

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