Model component and model toy

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel mechanism for a model component including a plurality of members that are rotatably connected to each other. [Solution] This model component includes: a member that has a first groove on a side surface; and a first part that has a first projection engaged in the first groove on a side surface and is rotatably connected to the member using the first projection as a rotary axis. In a state in which the member and the first part are in a predetermined first relative attitude, the first part is moved along the first groove to the member to engage the first projection in the first groove, and then the first part is rotated with respect to the member around the first projection to connect the first part to the member. In a state where the relative attitude between the member and the first part connected to each other is different from the first relative attitude, the movement of the first part along the first groove is inhibited.

Description

Model parts and model toys

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

[0002] In order to realize movements and poses similar to those of humans and animals, model toys (e.g., doll-type toys) are provided with various joints and movable parts. These mechanisms enable various movements and poses to be realized. Patent Document 1 proposes a model toy in which joints are formed by a plurality of members that are rotatably connected to each other.

[0003] JP 2023-85165 A

[0004] A plurality of members (parts) that are rotatably connected to one another are required to be easy to assemble and difficult to come off after assembly.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism for a model component having a plurality of members that are rotatably connected to one another.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a model component comprising: a member having a first groove on a side surface; and a first part having a first protrusion on the side surface that engages with the first groove and that is rotatably connected to the member with the first protrusion as a rotation axis; when the member and the first part are in a predetermined first relative posture, the first part is moved along the first groove relative to the member to engage the first protrusion with the first groove, and then the first part is rotated relative to the member around the first protrusion, thereby connecting the first part to the member; and when the relative posture of the connected member and the first part is different from the first relative posture, movement of the first part along the first groove is inhibited.

[0007] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism can be provided for a model component having a plurality of members that are pivotally connected to one another.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows an example of the external front view (a) and external side view (b) of a model toy according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the elbow foundation member and the first elbow part in the elbow joint section of one embodiment (before assembly). FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the elbow foundation member and the first elbow part in the elbow joint section of one embodiment (after assembly). FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the elbow foundation member and the second elbow part in the elbow joint section of one embodiment (before assembly). FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the elbow foundation member and the second elbow part in the elbow joint section of one embodiment (after assembly). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for attaching an exterior part to the elbow joint section of one embodiment. A diagram for explaining the connection between the member and the first knee part (before assembly) A diagram for explaining the connection between the knee foundation member and the first knee part in an elbow joint of one embodiment (after assembly) A diagram for explaining the connection between the knee foundation member and the second knee part in an elbow joint of one embodiment (before assembly) A diagram for explaining the connection between the knee foundation member and the second knee part in an elbow joint of one embodiment (after assembly) A diagram for explaining the connection between the first knee part and the third knee part in an elbow joint of one embodiment (before assembly) A diagram for explaining the connection between the first knee part and the third knee part in an elbow joint of one embodiment (after assembly)

[0009] 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.

[0010] <Appearance of Model Toy> An example of the configuration of a model toy 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance configuration of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1(a) shows the front appearance of the model toy 100, and Fig. 1(b) shows the side appearance of the model toy 100. Note that the x, y, and z arrows indicate the upward, left, and forward directions of the model toy 100, respectively, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0011] The model toy 100 includes a head 101, a chest 102, arms 103a-103b, legs 104a-104b, and a waist 105, which constitute a main body. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used as an example of the model toy 100, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to various models such as humans, animals, robots, insects, dinosaurs, weapons, and ornaments.

[0012] The head 101 is connected to a chest 102. A right arm 103b and a left arm 103a are further connected to the chest 102 at the sides, and a waist 105 is connected at the bottom. The waist 105 includes hip joints, and a right leg 104b and a left leg 104a are rotatably connected to the hip joints. Furthermore, as shown in the dotted rectangular areas, a right hand part 106b and a left hand part 106a are included at the tips of the right arm 103b and the left arm 103a, respectively.

[0013] <Configuration of Elbow Joint> As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the left arm 103a and the right arm 103b in the model toy 100 of this embodiment is provided with an elbow joint 107 configured to be bendable and extendable. The elbow joint 107 is a model component (movable part) configured from multiple parts (members) that are rotatably connected to one another. In addition to providing a wide range of motion for bending and extending, the elbow joint 107 is required to be easy to assemble and for the multiple parts to be difficult to come off after assembly. Below, the elbow joint 107 of the left arm 103a is illustrated, and an example configuration will be shown while explaining the assembly of the elbow joint 107 step by step.

[0014] The elbow joint 107 includes an elbow base member 10 (member) and a first elbow part 20 (first part) that are connected to each other. The connection between the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A shows the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 in a separated state. Figure 2B shows the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 in a connected state.

[0015] The first elbow part 20 has a clamping portion 20a that clamps the upper part 10a, which is one end of the elbow base member 10, and has a protrusion 22 (first protrusion) on the inner surface 21 of the clamping portion 20a. The protrusion 22 engages with a groove 12 (first groove) provided on the outer surface 11 of the upper part 10a of the elbow base member 10, and serves as a rotation axis when the first elbow part 20 rotates relative to the elbow base member 10. In this embodiment, a protrusion 22 is provided on each of the two inner surfaces 21 facing each other in the clamping portion 20a of the first elbow part 20.

[0016] The grooves 12 of the elbow base member 10 are provided on the outer surface 11 of the upper part 10a that is clamped by the clamping parts 20a of the first elbow part 20, and extend in one direction from the rotation axis when the first elbow part 20 rotates. In other words, the outer surface 11 of the elbow base member 10 is configured in a C-shape with the grooves 12 that are open in one direction. In this embodiment, grooves 12 are provided on each of the two outer surfaces 11 that are opposite each other in the upper part 10a of the elbow base member 10.

[0017] The elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 are connected when the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 are in a predetermined relative position (first relative position). As shown in Figure 2A, the predetermined relative position between the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 is the relative position between the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 when the angle α between the imaginary line La extending in the longitudinal direction of the elbow base member 10 and the imaginary line Lb extending in the longitudinal direction of the first elbow part 20 is a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is less than 90 degrees (preferably less than 60 degrees, and more preferably less than 45 degrees). With the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 in the predetermined relative position, the first elbow part 20 is moved along the groove 12 of the elbow base member 10 relative to the elbow base member 10, and the protrusion 22 of the first elbow part 20 is engaged with the groove 12.

[0018] Once the protrusion 22 of the first elbow part 20 is engaged with the groove 12 of the elbow base member 10, as shown in Figure 2B, the first elbow part 20 is rotated relative to the elbow base member 10 around the protrusion 22 as a rotation axis A1 (center). This connects the first elbow part 20 to the elbow base member 10. The first elbow part 20 is provided with a restraining portion 23 (restricting portion) that prevents (limits) movement of the first elbow part 20 along the groove 12 of the elbow base member 10 when the connected elbow base member 10 and first elbow part 20 are in a state different from a predetermined relative position (first relative position). The restraining portion 23 abuts against the elbow base member 10 when the connected elbow base member 10 and first elbow part 20 are in a state different from the predetermined relative position (first relative position), thereby preventing movement of the first elbow part 20 along the groove 12 relative to the elbow base member 10. This makes it difficult for the first elbow part 20 to come off the elbow base member 10.

[0019] The elbow joint 107 also includes a second elbow part 30 (second part) that is connected to the elbow base member 10. The connection between the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 will be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A shows the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 in a separated state. Figure 3B shows the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 in a connected state.

[0020] The second elbow part 30 has a clamping portion 30a that clamps the lower part 10b, which is the other end of the elbow base member 10, and has a protrusion 32 (second protrusion) on the inner surface 31 of the clamping portion 30a. The protrusion 32 engages with a groove 14 (second groove) provided on the outer surface 13 of the lower part 10b of the elbow base member 10, and serves as a rotation axis when the second elbow part 30 rotates relative to the elbow base member 10. In this embodiment, a protrusion 32 is provided on each of the two inner surfaces 31 of the clamping portion 30a of the second elbow part 30 that face each other.

[0021] The grooves 14 of the elbow base member 10 are provided on the outer surface 13 of the lower part 10b that is clamped by the clamping parts 30a of the second elbow part 30, and extend in one direction from the rotation axis when the second elbow part 30 rotates. In other words, the outer surface 13 of the elbow base member 10 is configured in a C-shape with the grooves 14 that are open in one direction. In this embodiment, grooves 14 are provided on each of the two outer surfaces 13 that are opposite each other in the lower part 10b of the elbow base member 10.

[0022] The elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 are connected when the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 are in a predetermined relative position (second relative position). As shown in Figure 3A, the predetermined relative position between the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 is the relative position between the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 when the angle β between the virtual line La extending in the longitudinal direction of the elbow base member 10 and the virtual line Lc extending in the longitudinal direction of the second elbow part 30 is a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is less than 90 degrees (preferably less than 60 degrees, and more preferably less than 45 degrees). With the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 in the predetermined relative position, the second elbow part 30 is moved along the groove 14 of the elbow base member 10 relative to the elbow base member 10, and the protrusion 32 of the second elbow part 30 engages with the groove 14.

[0023] Once the projection 32 of the second elbow part 30 is engaged with the groove 14 of the elbow base member 10, as shown in Figure 3B, the second elbow part 30 is rotated relative to the elbow base member 10 around the projection 32 as a rotation axis A2 (center). This connects the second elbow part 30 to the elbow base member 10. The second elbow part 30 is provided with a stopper portion 33 (limiting portion) for preventing (limiting) movement of the second elbow part 30 along the groove 14 of the elbow base member 10 when the connected elbow base member 10 and second elbow part 30 are in a state that differs from a predetermined relative position (second relative position). The stopper portion 33 abuts against the elbow base member 10 when the connected elbow base member 10 and second elbow part 30 are in a state that differs from the predetermined relative position (second relative position), thereby preventing movement of the second elbow part 30 along the groove 14 relative to the elbow base member 10. This makes it difficult for the second elbow part 30 to come off the elbow base member 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2A, the groove 12 in the upper portion 10a and the groove 14 in the lower portion 10b of the elbow base member 10 can be formed so as to open toward the same side surface 15 (the surface facing the +Z direction). The extension direction of the groove 12 in the upper portion 10a and the extension direction of the groove 14 in the lower portion 10b can be parallel. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, various exterior components 41-57 are attached to the elbow joint 107 assembled as described above. This prevents the parts of the elbow joint 107 from coming apart, and allows the arm 103 (left arm 103b) of the model toy 100 to be constructed.

[0025] As explained above, in the elbow joint 107 of this embodiment, the elbow base member 10 and the first elbow part 20 are connected to each other by engaging the protrusion 22 of the first elbow part 20 with the groove 12 of the elbow base member 10 in a predetermined relative posture (first relative posture), and then rotating them relative to each other around the protrusion 22 as a rotation axis. The restricting portion 23 of the first elbow part 20 then restricts movement of the first elbow part 20 along the groove 12 of the elbow base member 10 when the first elbow part 20 is in a posture other than the predetermined relative posture.

[0026] Similarly, the elbow base member 10 and the second elbow part 30 are connected to each other by engaging the protrusion 32 of the second elbow part 30 with the groove 14 of the elbow base member 10 in a predetermined relative posture (second relative posture), and then rotating them relative to each other around the protrusion 32. The restraining portion 33 of the second elbow part 30 then prevents the second elbow part 30 from moving along the groove 14 of the elbow base member 10 in a posture different from the second relative posture.

[0027] With this configuration, the elbow joint 107 of this embodiment not only widens the range of motion for bending and stretching, but also makes it easier to assemble the multiple parts that make up the elbow joint 107 (elbow base member 10, first elbow part 20, second elbow part 30), and makes it less likely that the multiple parts will come off after assembly.

[0028] <Configuration of Knee Joint> As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the left leg 104a and the right leg 104b of the model toy 100 of this embodiment is provided with a knee joint 108 configured to be bendable and extendable. The knee joint 108 is a model component (movable part) configured with multiple parts (members) rotatably connected to each other. Like the elbow joint 107, the knee joint 108 is required to have a wide range of motion for bending and extending, as well as to be easy to assemble and to prevent the multiple parts from coming off after assembly. Below, the knee joint 108 of the left leg 104a is illustrated as an example, and an example configuration is shown while explaining the assembly of the knee joint 108 step by step. Note that the configuration of the knee joint 108 is basically the same as that of the elbow joint 107 described above, although the number of components differs. Therefore, below, description and illustration of components similar to those of the elbow joint 107 described above may be omitted.

[0029] The knee joint 108 includes a knee foundation member 50 (member) and a first knee part 60 (first part) that are connected to each other. The connection between the knee foundation member 50 and the first knee part 60 will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 5A shows the knee foundation member 50 and the first knee part 60 in a separated state. Figure 5B shows the knee foundation member 50 and the first knee part 60 in a connected state. The knee foundation member 50 and the first knee part 60 in the knee joint 108 correspond to the elbow foundation member 10 and the first elbow part 20 in the elbow joint 107, respectively.

[0030] The first knee part 60 has a clamping part 60a that clamps the upper part 50a, which is one end of the knee foundation member 50, and has a protrusion 62 (first protrusion) on the inner surface 61 of the clamping part 60a. The protrusion 62 engages with a groove 52 (first groove) provided on the outer surface 51 of the upper part 50a of the knee foundation member 50, and serves as a rotation axis when the first knee part 60 rotates relative to the knee foundation member 50. In this embodiment, a protrusion 62 is provided on each of the two inner surfaces 61 of the clamping part 60a of the first knee part 60 that face each other.

[0031] The grooves 52 of the knee foundation 50 are provided on the outer surface 51 of the upper part 50a that is clamped by the clamping parts 60a of the first knee part 60, and extend in one direction from the rotation axis when the first knee part 60 rotates. In other words, the outer surface 51 of the knee foundation 50 is configured in a C-shape by the grooves 52 that are open in one direction. In this embodiment, the grooves 52 are provided on each of the two outer surfaces 51 that are opposite each other in the upper part 50a of the knee foundation 50.

[0032] The knee foundation 50 and the first knee part 60 are connected when the knee foundation 50 and the first knee part 60 are in a predetermined relative position (first relative position). As shown in FIG. 5A , the predetermined relative position between the knee foundation 50 and the first knee part 60 is the relative position between the knee foundation 50 and the first knee part 60 when the angle γ between the virtual line Ld extending in the longitudinal direction of the knee foundation 50 and the virtual line Le extending in the longitudinal direction of the first knee part 60 is a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is less than 90 degrees (preferably less than 60 degrees, and more preferably less than 45 degrees). With the knee foundation 50 and the first knee part 60 in the predetermined relative position, the first knee part 60 is moved along the groove 52 of the knee foundation 50 relative to the knee foundation 50, and the protrusion 62 of the first knee part 60 is engaged with the groove 52.

[0033] Once the protrusion 62 of the first knee part 60 is engaged with the groove 52 of the knee foundation 50, as shown in FIG. 5B , the first knee part 60 is rotated relative to the knee foundation 50 around the protrusion 62 as a rotation axis A3 (center). This connects the first knee part 60 to the knee foundation 50. The first knee part 60 is provided with a restraining portion 63 (limiting portion) that prevents (limits) movement of the first knee part 60 along the groove 52 of the knee foundation 50 when the connected knee foundation 50 and first knee part 60 are in a state different from a predetermined relative position (first relative position). The restraining portion 63 abuts against the knee foundation 50 when the connected knee foundation 50 and first knee part 60 are in a state different from the predetermined relative position (first relative position), thereby preventing movement of the first knee part 60 along the groove 52 relative to the knee foundation 50. This makes it difficult for the first knee part 60 to come off the knee foundation 50.

[0034] The knee joint 108 also includes a second knee part 70 (second part) that is connected to the knee foundation 50. The connection between the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 in a separated state. Figure 6B shows the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 in a connected state. The second knee part 70 in the knee joint 108 corresponds to the second elbow part 30 in the elbow joint 107.

[0035] The second knee part 70 has a clamping part 70a that clamps the lower part 50b, which is the other end of the knee foundation member 50, and has a protrusion 72 (second protrusion) on the inner surface 71 of the clamping part 70a. The protrusion 72 engages with a groove 54 (second groove) provided on the outer surface 53 of the lower part 50b of the knee foundation member 50, and serves as a rotation axis when the second knee part 70 rotates relative to the knee foundation member 50. In this embodiment, a protrusion 72 is provided on each of the two inner surfaces 71 of the clamping part 70a of the second knee part 70 that face each other.

[0036] The grooves 54 of the knee foundation 50 are provided on the outer surface 53 of the lower part 50b that is clamped by the clamping parts 70a of the second knee part 70, and extend in one direction from the rotation axis when the second knee part 70 rotates. In other words, the outer surface 53 of the knee foundation 50 is configured in a C-shape with the grooves 54 that are open in one direction. In this embodiment, the grooves 54 are provided on each of the two outer surfaces 53 that are opposite each other in the lower part 50b of the knee foundation 50.

[0037] The knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 are connected when the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 are in a predetermined relative position (second relative position). As shown in FIG. 6A , the predetermined relative position between the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 is the relative position between the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 when the angle δ between the virtual line Ld extending in the longitudinal direction of the knee foundation 50 and the virtual line Lf extending in the longitudinal direction of the second knee part 70 is a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is less than 90 degrees (preferably less than 60 degrees, and more preferably less than 45 degrees). With the knee foundation 50 and the second knee part 70 in the predetermined relative position, the second knee part 70 is moved along the groove 54 of the knee foundation 50 relative to the knee foundation 50, and the protrusion 72 of the second knee part 70 is engaged with the groove 54.

[0038] Once the protrusion 72 of the second knee part 70 is engaged with the groove 54 of the knee foundation 50, as shown in FIG. 6B , the second knee part 70 is rotated relative to the knee foundation 50 around the protrusion 72 as a rotation axis A4 (center). This connects the second knee part 70 to the knee foundation 50. The second knee part 70 is provided with a restraining portion 73 (limiting portion) that prevents (limits) movement of the second knee part 70 along the groove 54 of the knee foundation 50 when the connected knee foundation 50 and second knee part 70 are in a state different from a predetermined relative position (second relative position). The restraining portion 73 abuts against the knee foundation 50 when the connected knee foundation 50 and second knee part 70 are in a state different from the predetermined relative position (second relative position), thereby preventing movement of the second knee part 70 along the groove 54 relative to the knee foundation 50. This makes it difficult for the second knee part 70 to come off the knee foundation 50.

[0039] 5A, in the knee foundation 50, the groove 52 in the upper portion 50a and the groove 54 in the lower portion 50b can be provided so as to open toward the same side surface 55 (the surface on the +Z direction side). The extension direction of the groove 12 in the upper portion 10a and the extension direction of the groove 14 in the lower portion 10b may be parallel to each other.

[0040] The knee joint 108 also includes a third knee part 80 (third part) that is connected to the first knee part 60. The connection between the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Figure 7A shows the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 in a separated state. Figure 7B shows the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 in a connected state.

[0041] The first knee part 60 has a clamping part 60b that clamps a portion 80a of the third knee part 80, and has a protrusion 65 (third protrusion) on the inner surface 64 of the clamping part 60b. The protrusion 65 engages with a groove 82 (third groove) provided on the outer surface 81 of the portion 80a of the third knee part 80, and serves as a rotation axis when the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, a protrusion 65 is provided on each of the two inner surfaces 64 of the clamping part 60b of the first knee part 60 that face each other.

[0042] The groove 82 of the third knee part 80 is provided on the outer surface 81 of the portion 80a that is clamped by the clamping parts 60b of the first knee part 60, and extends in one direction from the rotation axis when the first knee part 60 rotates. In other words, the outer surface 81 of the third knee part 80 is configured in a C-shape with the groove 82 that is open in one direction. In this embodiment, the groove 82 is provided on each of the two outer surfaces 81 that are opposite each other in the portion 80a of the third knee part 80.

[0043] The first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 are connected when the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 are in a predetermined relative position (third relative position). As shown in FIG. 7A , the predetermined relative position between the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 is the relative position between the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 when the angle ε between the imaginary line Le extending in the longitudinal direction of the first knee part 60 and the imaginary line Lg extending in the longitudinal direction of the third knee part 80 is a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is less than 90 degrees (preferably less than 60 degrees, and more preferably less than 45 degrees). With the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 in the predetermined relative position, the first knee part 60 is moved relative to the third knee part 80 along the groove 82 of the third knee part 80, and the protrusion 65 of the first knee part 60 is engaged with the groove 82.

[0044] Once the protrusion 65 of the first knee part 60 is engaged with the groove 82 of the third knee part 80, as shown in FIG. 7B , the third knee part 80 is rotated relative to the first knee part 60 around the protrusion 65 as a rotation axis A5 (center). This connects the third knee part 80 to the first knee part 60. The first knee part 60 is provided with a restraining part 66 (restricting part) that prevents (limits) movement of the first knee part 60 along the groove 82 of the third knee part 80 when the connected first knee part 60 and third knee part 80 are in a state different from a predetermined relative position (third relative position). The restraining part 66 abuts against the third knee part 70 when the connected first knee part 60 and third knee part 70 are in a state different from the predetermined relative position (third relative position), thereby preventing movement of the first knee part 60 along the groove 82 relative to the third knee part 80. This makes it difficult for the first knee part 60 and the third knee part 80 to come off from each other.

[0045] Various exterior components are attached to the knee joint 108 assembled as described above. This prevents the parts of the knee joint 108 from coming apart, and allows the leg 104 (left leg 104b) of the model toy 100 to be constructed.

[0046] In the knee joint 108 of this embodiment, the above-described configuration not only increases the range of motion for bending and stretching, as with the elbow joint 107, but also makes it easier to assemble the multiple parts that make up the knee joint 108 (knee base member 50, first knee part 60, second knee part 70, third knee part 80), and makes it difficult for the multiple parts to come off after assembly.

[0047] Summary of Embodiments The above embodiments disclose at least the following model component and model toy: (1) A model component comprising: a member having a first groove on a side surface; and a first part having a first protrusion on the side surface that engages with the first groove and is connected to the member so as to be rotatable around the first protrusion as a rotation axis, wherein, when the member and the first part are in a predetermined first relative orientation, the first part is moved along the first groove relative to the member to engage the first protrusion with the first groove, and then the first part is rotated relative to the member about the first protrusion, thereby connecting the first part to the member; and when the relative orientation of the connected member and the first part is different from the first relative orientation, movement of the first part along the first groove is inhibited. (2) The model component described in (1), characterized in that the first part has a restraining portion that restrains movement of the first part along the first groove when the relative posture between the connected member and the first part is different from the first relative posture. (3) The model component described in (2), characterized in that the restraining portion restrains movement of the first part along the first groove by abutting against the member. (4) The model component described in any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the first groove extends from the rotation axis as a starting point. (5) The model component described in any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the first part has a clamping portion that clamps a portion of the member in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the first groove is provided on an outer surface of the portion of the member, and the first protrusion is provided on an inner surface of the clamping portion of the first part. (6) The model component according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first relative orientation is a relative orientation between the member and the first part when an angle between a virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction of the member and a virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction of the first part is a predetermined angle less than 90 degrees.(7) The model component according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a second part, wherein the member has the first groove on a side surface at one end and a second groove on a side surface at the other end, the second part has a second protrusion on its side surface that engages with the second groove, and is coupled to the member so as to be rotatable around the second protrusion as a rotation axis. (8) The model component according to (7), characterized in that, when the member and the second part are in a predetermined second relative posture, the second part is moved along the second groove relative to the member to engage the second protrusion with the second groove, and then the second part is rotated relative to the member about the second protrusion, thereby coupling the second part to the member, and when the relative posture of the coupled member and the second part is different from the second relative posture, movement of the second part along the second groove is inhibited. (9) The model component according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising a third part having a third groove on a side surface, wherein the first part has the first protrusion on a side surface of one end and a third protrusion on a side surface of the other end that engages with the third groove, and is connected to the third part rotatably around the third protrusion as a rotation axis. (10) The model component according to (9), characterized in that, when the third part and the first part are in a predetermined third relative posture, the first part is moved along the third groove relative to the third part to engage the third protrusion with the third groove, and then the first part is rotated relative to the third part about the third protrusion, thereby connecting the first part to the third part, and when the relative posture of the connected third part and the first part is different from the third relative posture, movement of the first part along the third groove is prevented. (11) The model toy comprising the model component according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The model toy according to (11), wherein the model parts constitute joints of the model toy.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. For example, although the above-described embodiments have been described as examples of elbow joints and knee joints, the present invention is not limited to these and can be applied to other parts.

[0049] 100: Model toy, 107: Elbow joint, 108: Knee joint, 10: Elbow base member, 20: First elbow part, 30: Second elbow part, 50: Knee base member, 60: First knee part, 70: Second knee part, 80: Third knee part

Claims

1. A model component comprising: a member having a first groove on its side surface; and a first part having a first protrusion on its side surface that engages with the first groove and is connected to the member so as to be rotatable around the first protrusion as a rotation axis; wherein, when the member and the first part are in a predetermined first relative orientation, the first part is moved along the first groove relative to the member to engage the first protrusion with the first groove, and then the first part is rotated relative to the member around the first protrusion, thereby connecting the first part to the member; and when the relative orientation of the connected member and the first part is different from the first relative orientation, movement of the first part along the first groove is inhibited.

2. A model component as described in claim 1, characterized in that the first part has a restraining portion that restrains movement of the first part along the first groove when the relative posture between the member and the first part connected to each other is different from the first relative posture.

3. The model component according to claim 2, wherein the restraining portion restrains movement of the first part along the first groove by abutting against the member.

4. The model part according to claim 1, wherein the first groove extends from the pivot axis.

5. The model component according to claim 1, characterized in that the first part has a clamping portion that clamps a portion of the member in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the first groove is provided on the outer surface of the portion of the member, and the first protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the clamping portion of the first part.

6. The model component according to claim 1, wherein the first relative orientation is the relative orientation between the component and the first part when an angle between an imaginary line extending in the longitudinal direction of the component and an imaginary line extending in the longitudinal direction of the first part is a predetermined angle less than 90 degrees.

7. The model component according to claim 1, further comprising a second part, wherein the member has the first groove on a side surface at one end and a second groove on a side surface at the other end, and the second part has a second protrusion on its side surface that engages with the second groove, and is connected to the member so as to be rotatable about the second protrusion as a rotation axis.

8. A model component according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the member and the second part are in a predetermined second relative posture, the second part is moved along the second groove relative to the member to engage the second protrusion with the second groove, and then the second part is rotated relative to the member about the second protrusion, thereby connecting the second part to the member, and when the relative posture of the connected member and the second part is different from the second relative posture, the movement of the second part along the second groove is prevented.

9. The model component according to claim 1, further comprising a third part having a third groove on a side surface thereof, wherein the first part has the first protrusion on a side surface at one end thereof and a third protrusion on a side surface at the other end thereof that engages with the third groove, and is connected to the third part so as to be rotatable about the third protrusion as a rotation axis.

10. A model component as described in claim 9, characterized in that, when the third part and the first part are in a predetermined third relative posture, the first part is moved along the third groove relative to the third part to engage the third protrusion with the third groove, and then the first part is rotated relative to the third part about the third protrusion, thereby connecting the first part to the third part; and when the relative posture of the connected third part and the first part is different from the third relative posture, the movement of the first part along the third groove is prevented.

11. A model toy comprising a model part according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The model toy according to claim 11, wherein the model parts form joints of the model toy.

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