Model toy and movable structure

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention provides a mechanism that realizes a novel structure for expanding the range of motion of, for example, a model toy. [Solution] A model toy according to the present invention comprises: a first part that has a movable shaft; a second part that has a first connection portion which is connected to the movable shaft; and a third part that has a second connection portion which is connected to the movable shaft. The first part, the second part, and the third part can separately rotate about the movable shaft serving as a rotation axis.

Description

Model toys and movable structures

[0001] The present invention relates to a model toy and a movable structure.

[0002] To realize movements and poses similar to those of humans and animals, toy dolls (toy models) include various joints and movable parts. These mechanisms enable a variety of poses. However, providing a toy doll with the same number of joints as a human requires a large number of parts, which is difficult to achieve even with an elaborate toy doll due to the limited number of parts. Therefore, in order to realize the movements and poses described above, it is important to increase the range of motion of the joints and the parts connected to them while using fewer joints and parts. Increasing the range of motion allows for greater freedom of movement and a variety of poses. Patent Document 1 proposes a quadruped animal doll with a joint structure that enables realistic movements similar to those of a real animal.

[0003] JP 2010-17264 A

[0004] To achieve natural movements like those of human limbs, it is desirable for them to be able to rotate in various directions. However, by providing joints such as the neck, shoulder, hip, and waist inside the body, just like in humans, it is possible to achieve natural movements of the parts connected to those joints, but the range of motion is limited by the adjacent parts. Therefore, in order to expand the range of motion, it is important to ensure space between adjacent parts.

[0005] The present invention provides a mechanism for realizing a novel structure for expanding the range of motion in, for example, a model toy.

[0006] The present invention is, for example, a model toy comprising a first part having a movable axis, a second part having a first connecting portion connected to the movable axis, and a third part having a second connecting portion connected to the movable axis, wherein each of the first part, the second part, and the third part can rotate individually with the movable axis as a rotation axis.

[0007] The present invention is also characterized in that, for example, a movable structure includes a first part having a movable axis, a second part having a first connecting portion connected to the movable axis, and a third part having a second connecting portion connected to the movable axis, and each of the first part, the second part, and the third part is individually rotatable with the movable axis as a rotation axis.

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel structure for expanding the range of motion can be realized.

[0009] A diagram showing an example of the exterior side of a model toy according to one embodiment. An exploded view of the head of a model toy according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of an assembly process for the head of a model toy according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of an assembly process for the head of a model toy according to one embodiment. A diagram showing a cross section of the head of a model toy according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of an opening operation of the head of a model toy according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a looking-up operation of the head of a model toy according to one embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] <Appearance of the Model Toy> First, an example of the appearance of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows the exterior side of the model toy 100. Note that the up / down, left / right, and front / back arrows indicate the orientation of the model toy in the drawing, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0012] The model toy (also referred to as a doll-type toy or model) 100 includes a head 101, a neck 102, a body 103, front legs 104, rear legs 105, and a tail 106. The model toy 100 is a movable model toy such as a movable figure, and each part can be moved within a limited range created by its relationship with other members. The head 101 is connected to the neck 102. The body 103 is connected to the neck 102. Front legs 104 (left and right front legs) are connected to the front of the body 103, and rear legs 105 (left and right hind legs) are connected to the rear, and the tail 106 is connected to the rear.

[0013] <Configuration of Head> Next, the configuration of the head 101 of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the head 101.

[0014] The head 101 is composed of parts 201 to 203. Part 203 corresponds to the first part, part 201 corresponds to the second part, and part 202 corresponds to the third part. Part 201 is a part that forms the upper jaw of the head 101. Part 202 is a part that forms the lower jaw of the head 101. Part 203 is a part that forms the back of the head 101. Each of parts 201 to 203 is composed of multiple parts.

[0015] <Assembly Configuration> Next, the assembly configuration of the head 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows how the lower jaw and the back of the head are assembled. Figure 4 shows how the upper jaw part 201 is further assembled to the assembly parts shown in Figure 3(b).

[0016] 3(a) shows an exploded perspective view of the lower jaw part 202 and the back of the head part 203. Part 202 includes ring-shaped connecting parts 321a and 321b. Each of connecting parts 321a and 321b has a rod-shaped connecting part, and is connected to part 202 via said connecting parts. Part 203 includes connecting part 331, which serves as a movable axis. The movable axis is formed in a rod shape, and serves as the rotation axis of each of parts 201 to 203.

[0017] Ring-shaped connecting portions 321a and 321b are rotatably connected to connecting portion 331, which is a movable shaft, from both ends of the movable shaft. In an actual assembly process, connecting portions 321a and 321b are connected to connecting portion 331, and then connecting portions 321a and 321b to part 202.

[0018] 3(b) shows the assembled state of parts 202 and 203. Ring-shaped connecting parts 321a and 321b are shown assembled to rod-shaped connecting part 331. By assembling parts 202 and 203 in this manner, parts 202 and 203 are rotatably connected to each other with connecting part 331 as the axis of rotation. Also shown is the state where both ends of connecting part 331 protrude from the ring portions of connecting parts 321a and 321b (protruding parts).

[0019] Figure 4 shows how parts in which connecting portions 321a and 321b are assembled to connecting portion 331 are rotatably assembled to part 201. For the purpose of simplification, parts other than parts 202 and 203 are omitted from the illustration in Figure 4. Part 201 includes cylindrical connecting portions 311a and 311b each having a hollow portion. Connecting portions 311a and 311b each have a hollow interior (hollow portion) into which the protruding portion of connecting portion 331 can be inserted.

[0020] The part having coupling portions 321a and 321b assembled to coupling portion 331 is rotatably coupled to part 201 by inserting the protruding portions of coupling portion 331 into coupling portions 311a and 311b, respectively, as indicated by the dotted arrows. As a result, part 201 is individually rotatably coupled to the parts having coupling portions 321a and 321b assembled to coupling portion 331, i.e., parts 202 and 203, with coupling portion 331 as the axis of rotation.

[0021] Note that Figure 4 shows the process of assembling part 201, which is made up of multiple parts, and then assembling connecting parts 331, 321a, and 321b, but in the actual assembly process, assembly is performed by inserting each part having connecting parts 311a and 311b into the above-mentioned protruding portions, and then assembling the other parts included in part 201.

[0022] <Cross-section of head> Next, a cross-section of the head 101 according to this embodiment is shown with reference to Fig. 5. The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 5 is taken along the dotted line AA' in Fig. 1 and viewed from the front.

[0023] 5 shows how two ring-shaped connecting portions 321a and 321b of part 202 are connected to rod-shaped connecting portion 331 of part 203. Furthermore, it shows how the protruding portions of connecting portion 331 protruding from connecting portions 321a and 321b are inserted into cylindrical connecting portions 311a and 311b of part 201, respectively.

[0024] In this way, parts 201 to 203 are connected via connecting portion 331, each of which is formed in a rod shape. Connecting portion 331 functions as a rotation axis, and each part is connected so that it can rotate individually. Part 201 has protruding portions on both ends of connecting portion 331 rotatably inserted into cylindrical connecting portions 311a and 311b, respectively. As a result, part 201 is connected to part 203 so that it can rotate in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0025] Furthermore, part 202 has ring-shaped connecting portions 321a and 321b rotatably inserted into rod-shaped connecting portion 331. This allows part 202 to be rotatably connected to part 203 in the direction indicated by the solid arrow. On the other hand, part 203 is rotatably connected to parts 201 and 202 in the direction indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow.

[0026] <Example of Head Movement> Next, the movable configuration of the head 101 in the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows the opening movement of the head. Figure 7 shows the looking up movement of the head 101.

[0027] First, the mouth-opening movement of the head 101 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6(a) shows a closed state (first state) in which the upper jaw part 201 and the lower jaw part 202 are in contact with each other. Figure 6(b) shows an open state (second state) in which the parts 201 and 202 are separated from each other, as opposed to the first state of Figure 6(a). Figure 6(b) shows how the part 202 moves by rotating in the direction of the arrow. In this second state, a part of the part 202 is in contact with a part of the part 203, preventing it from rotating any further.

[0028] 6(c) shows an open-mouth state (third state) in which the degree of opening is even greater than that of FIG. 6(b). In the third state, the part 203 at the back of the head is rotated in the direction of the arrow to ensure a rotation area for the part 202, and the part 202 is further rotated in the direction of the arrow within the ensured area. Comparing the second and third states, it can be seen that the distance between the part 201 and the part 202 is longer in the third state than in the second state.

[0029] In Fig. 6(d), in the second state shown in Fig. 6(b), the part 203 is displayed in the foreground by a dotted line to clearly show the positional relationship of the part 203. Similarly, in Fig. 6(e), in the third state shown in Fig. 6(c), the part 203 is displayed in the foreground by a dotted line. In the second state of Fig. 6(d), the part 203 is not rotated.

[0030] 6(e) shows a third state in which part 203 is rotated in the direction of the arrow (predetermined direction). In this third state, it can be seen that as part 203 rotates, its tip moves so as to enter the interior of part 201. In other words, a rotation area for part 203 is pre-formed inside part 201. By rotating part 203 so as to enter the interior of part 201, the rotation area for part 202 can be expanded.

[0031] Next, the upward movement of the head 101 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7(a) shows a closed state (first state) in which the upper jaw part 201 and the lower jaw part 202 are in contact with each other. Figure 7(b) shows an open state (fourth state) in which the parts 201 and 202 are separated from each other, as opposed to the first state of Figure 7(a). Figure 7(b) shows the part 201 moving by rotating in the direction of the arrow. In this fourth state, a part of the part 201 is in contact with a part of the part 203, preventing it from rotating any further.

[0032] 7C shows a state (fifth state) in which part 202 is rotated from the open state (fourth state) of FIG. 7B to the position of part 201, and the head 101 looks up. In the fifth state, part 202 is rotated in the direction of the arrow to a position where it abuts against part 201.

[0033] In Fig. 7(d), in the first state shown in Fig. 7(a), part 203 is shown in the foreground by a dotted line to clearly show the positional relationship of part 203. Similarly, in Fig. 7(e), in the fourth state shown in Fig. 7(b), part 203 is shown in the foreground by a dotted line. In the first state of Fig. 7(d), part 203 is not inserted inside part 201.

[0034] On the other hand, the fourth state in Figure 7(e) shows a state in which part 201 is being rotated in the direction of the arrow. In this fourth state, it can be seen that part 201 is moving so as to incorporate the tip of part 203 into part 201 as it rotates. By rotating in this way so as to incorporate the tip of part 203 into part 201, part 201 can rotate without being restricted by part 203. Note that even in the fifth state in Figure 7(c) in which part 202 is abutted against part 201, part 203 remains inserted into part 201.

[0035] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment includes a first part having a movable shaft, a second part having a first connector connected to the movable shaft, and a third part having a second connector connected to the movable shaft. Each of the first part, second part, and third part can rotate independently around the movable shaft. In this way, the present invention can realize a novel structure for expanding the range of motion in a model toy.

[0036] <Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the movable structure is applied to the temporomandibular joint of the head has been described, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the structure may be used in other parts. For example, the structure may be used in a joint structure with a partial opening.

[0037] Although the example of a model toy has been described, the shape of the model toy (doll body) is not particularly limited and includes various shapes such as people, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, imaginary life forms, etc. Furthermore, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited as long as it has a form that includes a movable part.

[0038] Summary of the Embodiments The above-described embodiments disclose at least the following model toy and movable structure.

[0039] (1) A model toy comprising: a first part having a movable shaft; a second part having a first connecting portion connected to the movable shaft; and a third part having a second connecting portion connected to the movable shaft, wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part are each independently rotatable around the movable shaft as a rotation axis. (2) The model toy described in (1), wherein the second part and the third part are rotatable between a first state in which the parts abut each other and a second state in which the parts are spaced apart. (3) The model toy described in (2), wherein, when the first part is rotated in a predetermined direction in the second state, the second part and the third part are rotatable to a third state in which the distance between the second part and the third part is longer than in the second state. (4) The model toy described in (2) or (3), wherein, when the first part is rotated in the predetermined direction in the second state, the first part enters the interior of the second part, thereby expanding the rotation area of ​​the third part. (5) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the movable shaft is formed in a rod shape, the first connecting portion has two ring-shaped connecting portions, and both ends of the rod-shaped movable shaft are rotatably inserted into the two ring-shaped connecting portions. (6) The model toy described in (5), characterized in that the second connecting portion has two cylindrical connecting portions with hollow portions, and both ends of the rod-shaped movable shaft are rotatably inserted into the two cylindrical connecting portions. (7) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that the first part forms the back of the head of the model toy, the second part forms the upper jaw of the head of the model toy, and the third part forms the lower jaw of the head of the model toy. (8) The model toy described in (3), wherein the first part, the second part, and the third part form the head of the model toy, the first state is a state in which the mouth of the model toy is closed, and the second state and the third state are states in which the mouth of the model toy is open.(9) The model toy according to (8), characterized in that when the second part and the third part are rotated upward from the first state, the model toy is in a state looking up, and when the second part is rotated upward, the first part enters inside the second part. (10) A movable structure comprising: a first part having a movable shaft, a second part having a first connecting part connected to the movable shaft, and a third part having a second connecting part connected to the movable shaft, wherein each of the first part, the second part, and the third part can rotate individually with the movable shaft as a rotation axis.

[0040] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Neck, 103: Torso, 104: Front legs, 105: Rear legs, 106: Tail

Claims

1. A model toy comprising: a first part having a movable axis; a second part having a first connecting portion connected to the movable axis; and a third part having a second connecting portion connected to the movable axis, wherein each of the first part, the second part, and the third part can be individually rotated with the movable axis as a rotation axis.

2. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part and the third part are rotatable between a first state in which the parts are in contact with each other and a second state in which the parts are separated from each other.

3. The model toy described in claim 2, characterized in that when the first part is rotated in a predetermined direction in the second state, the second part and the third part can be rotated to a third state in which the distance between the second part and the third part is longer than in the second state.

4. The model toy according to claim 3, characterized in that when the first part is rotated in the specified direction in the second state, the first part enters the inside of the second part, thereby expanding the rotation area of ​​the third part.

5. A model toy as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movable shaft is formed in a rod shape, the first connecting portion has two ring-shaped connecting portions, and both ends of the rod-shaped movable shaft are rotatably inserted into the two ring-shaped connecting portions.

6. The model toy described in claim 5, characterized in that the second connecting portion has two cylindrical connecting portions with hollow portions, and both ends of the rod-shaped movable shaft are rotatably inserted into the two cylindrical connecting portions.

7. A model toy as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first part forms the back of the head of the model toy, the second part forms the upper jaw of the head of the model toy, and the third part forms the lower jaw of the head of the model toy.

8. The model toy described in claim 3, characterized in that the first part, the second part, and the third part form a head of the model toy, the first state is a state in which the mouth of the model toy is closed, and the second state and the third state are states in which the mouth of the model toy is open.

9. The model toy according to claim 8, characterized in that when the second part and the third part are rotated upward from the first state, the model toy is in a state looking upward, and when the second part is rotated upward, the first part enters inside the second part.

10. A movable structure comprising: a first part having a movable shaft; a second part having a first connecting portion connected to the movable shaft; and a third part having a second connecting portion connected to the movable shaft, wherein each of the first part, the second part, and the third part is individually rotatable with the movable shaft as a rotation axis.

Images