Model toy and model component

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention provides, for example, a novel structure in a model component that can be attached to and detached from a model toy (100). [Solution] This model toy (100) comprises a first section that is a part of the model toy (100) and can rotate in a prescribed direction, and a second section that can be attached to and detached from the first section. The second section has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first section while the second section is in a condition of being attached to the model toy (100).

Description

Model toys and model parts

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

[0002] Model toys (doll bodies) of people and animals are required to be able to move in natural ways and with a wide variety of poses. Therefore, in order to achieve movements and poses similar to those of humans and animals, doll bodies are made up of multiple parts with various joints and rotating parts with a wider range of motion. For example, to achieve forward bending, dividing the abdomen into multiple parts and combining them allows the movement of each part to achieve a more natural forward bending movement with a wider range of motion. Patent Document 1 proposes an abdominal joint structure for a doll in which a belly member, a chest member, and a waist member are configured to be slidable relative to one another around a support axis of a connecting member.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 1-138492

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the chest member and waist member are connected to a connecting member located inside a spherically shaped abdominal member, and the chest member is configured to be slidable around the abdominal member. By forming the abdominal member into a spherical shape, it is possible to prevent the lower part of the chest member from coming into contact with the abdominal member when the chest member is slid, thereby preventing its range of motion from being narrowed.

[0005] On the other hand, there is also known a configuration in which a detachable model part is incorporated into a part of the model toy, such as the abdomen, etc. In such a configuration in which a model part is incorporated, when the part including the model part is rotated, the model part may limit the range of motion of the model toy.

[0006] The present invention provides, for example, a novel mechanism for detachable model parts on a model toy.

[0007] The present invention is characterized in that, for example, a model toy includes a first part that is a part of the model toy and is rotatable in a predetermined direction, and a second part that is detachable from the first part, and the second part has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first part when attached to the model toy.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, for example, a model component is detachable from a part of a model toy, and has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the part of the model toy rotating in a predetermined direction when attached to the model toy, and a second rotation mechanism different from the first rotation mechanism that causes the model component to deform when detached from the model toy.

[0009] According to the present invention, a novel mechanism for detachable model parts can be provided for a model toy.

[0010] A diagram showing an example of the exterior front of a model toy according to one embodiment. (a) An exploded front view and (b) an exploded side view of an upper body part 102 according to one embodiment. A diagram showing a configuration for detaching a second part from a first part of an upper body part 102 according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an exploded configuration of the second part according to one embodiment. A diagram showing a deformed configuration of the second part according to one embodiment. A diagram showing a first rotation mechanism of the second part according to one embodiment. A diagram showing how the second part rotates according to one embodiment.

[0011] 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.

[0012] <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 front 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, respectively, and this also applies to the other drawings.

[0013] The model toy 100 includes a head 101 constituting a main body, an upper body 102 indicated by a dotted line area, arms 103a and 103b, legs 104a and 104b, and a waist 105. In this embodiment, a humanoid robot is used as an example of a model toy, 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.

[0014] The head 101 is connected to an upper body 102. A right arm 103b and a left arm 103a are further connected to the sides of the upper body 102 by connecting members, and a waist 105 is connected to the lower part of the upper body 102. The waist 105 includes hip joints, and a right leg 104b and a left leg 104a are each rotatably connected to the waist 105.

[0015] 2A and 2B, the configuration of the upper body 102 of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2A(a) shows an exploded front view of the upper body 102. Fig. 2A(b) shows an exploded side view of the upper body 102.

[0016] 2A(a) and 2A(b), the upper body 102 is configured to include parts 201, 202, and 203. The parts 201 and 203 correspond to a first portion and are rotatably connected to each other via a hollow portion therein. More specifically, the parts 201 and 203 are rotatably connected to a member in the back portion. The part 202 corresponds to a second portion and is configured to be detachable from the hollow portion formed by the parts 201 and 203.

[0017] 2B(a) shows the assembly configuration of part groups 201 to 203. Part groups 201 and 203 are connected by rotatably connecting the members shown in dotted line areas 221 and 222. Part groups 201 and 203 can be connected regardless of the presence or absence of part group 202. This is because the rotation mechanism for part groups 201 and 203 is formed on the back side rather than inside, and by making the inside a hollow space, a storage area for part group 202, which is the second part, is secured.

[0018] 2B(b) shows a state in which part group 202 is attached inside part groups 201 and 203. Part group 202 is indicated by a dotted line. When part group 202 is removed, a hollow portion corresponding to part group 202, indicated by the dotted line, is formed in the internal region of part groups 201 and 203.

[0019] When the rotation mechanism formed on the back side (the rotation mechanism formed by the members shown in dotted line regions 221 and 222) is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 223, the upper body 102 rotates (bends forward) in the direction indicated by arrow 224. According to this embodiment, the parts group 202 located inside also rotates in conjunction with this rotational movement. In other words, the parts group 202, which is the second portion, rotates in conjunction with the parts groups 201 and 203, which are the first portion, without restricting their rotation. As a result, according to this embodiment, even when detachable model components are attached, a range of motion is ensured without restricting the rotation of any part of the model toy, allowing for more natural movements. Details of the rotation mechanism of the parts group 202 will be described later.

[0020] <Configuration of Detachable Model Components> The exploded configuration of the model components according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) shows an exploded front view of the upper body 102. Fig. 3(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the group of parts 202. Fig. 3(a) is the same as Fig. 2A(a), and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0021] The parts group 202 is configured to include parts 301 to 316. Parts 311 to 316 are formed symmetrically, with the left-hand parts having the letter "a" added to the end of their reference numbers, and the right-hand parts having the letter "b" added to the end of their reference numbers. Note that when the same explanation is given for both the left and right sides, the letter at the end will be omitted.

[0022] The part group 202 can be transformed from an attached form (first form) attached to the model toy 100 to a flying form (second form) by detaching it from the model toy 100 and transforming it. In this way, the model components according to this embodiment can be transformed between two forms. Parts 301, 303 to 305 form the base of the body portion in the flying form. Parts 311a to 316a form the left portion of the body portion in the flying form. Parts 311b to 316b form the right portion of the body portion in the flying form. Part 310 is attached to the part group forming the body portion from the bottom, and secures the connections between the parts.

[0023] Furthermore, parts 311, 312, and 314 form a first rotation mechanism in the attached mode. The first rotation mechanism is formed in two symmetrical locations. Details of the first rotation mechanism will be described later. Part 315 is a wing part in the flight mode, and is rotatably connected to part 314. In the attached mode, part 315 is positioned in a closed state with its wings closed, and in the flight mode, part 315 rotates relative to part 314 to be positioned in an open state with its wings spread out.

[0024] Parts 302, 306 to 309 form the nose portion in the flight configuration. The nose portion is rotatably connected to the body portion. In the mounted configuration, the nose portion is folded into a recess formed in the body portion and is in a closed state. In the flight configuration, on the other hand, the nose portion is rotated outward from the body portion and is in an open state.

[0025] <Transformation Configuration of Second Section (Second Rotation Mechanism)> The transformation configuration of the second section according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4(a) shows the mounted configuration of the group of parts 202, and Fig. 4(b) shows the flying configuration of the group of parts 202. Here, the rotation mechanism (second rotation mechanism) for transitioning the group of parts 202, which is the second section (model component), from the mounted configuration to the flying configuration will be described. Details of the first rotation mechanism will be described later.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4A , in the mounted configuration of the second portion, group of parts 202, parts 315a and 315b, which correspond to the wing portion in the flight configuration, and parts 302, 306-308, which correspond to the nose portion, are closed and formed into a block shape. In this state, group of parts 202 is mounted in the cavity formed by groups of parts 201 and 203. From this mounted configuration, parts 315a and 315b rotate relative to parts 314a and 314b in the directions of arrows 412 and 413, respectively, and further, the nose portion of parts 302, 306-309 rotates relative to parts 312a and 312b in the direction of arrow 411. These rotation mechanisms correspond to a second rotation mechanism that is different from the first rotation mechanism for rotating in conjunction with the rotation of groups of parts 201 and 203.

[0027] FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which the mounted configuration of FIG. 4(a) has been transitioned to the flight configuration by the above-described rotational movements (411-413). In this state, part group 202 cannot be attached to part groups 201 and 203. To attach them, it is necessary to rotate each component of the second rotation mechanism described above in the opposite direction, thereby folding the wing and nose sections and transitioning to the mounted configuration. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a flight configuration as a configuration different from the mounted configuration, this is not intended to limit the present invention. Any configuration that imitates a predetermined object may be used.

[0028] <Configuration of First Rotation Mechanism> The configuration of the first rotation mechanism of the second portion according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) shows a front view of the group of parts 202. Figs. 5(b) to 5(d) show side cross-sectional views of parts that make up the first rotation mechanism among the group of parts 202.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5A , the nose portion is folded in the attached configuration. Therefore, a region (recess) is required in the center of the group of parts 202 to allow the nose portion to fold. In other words, to locate the first rotation mechanism near the center, it must be embedded inside the nose portion. However, if the first rotation mechanism, which rotates in accordance with the rotation of the model toy 100 in the attached configuration, were located in the nose portion, the nose portion would become unstable in the flight configuration, causing wobbling between the parts. Therefore, in this embodiment, the parts constituting the first rotation mechanism are located at the positions indicated by dotted lines 501 and 502 on either side of the nose portion. Furthermore, since the rotation mechanism is located away from the center of the group of parts 202 (the nose portion), it is located symmetrically to avoid unnatural movement. The present invention is not intended to limit the location of the rotation mechanism; it may be located in any suitable position depending on the part of the model toy to which the present invention is applied. Since these two rotation mechanisms are formed symmetrically, the rotation mechanism positioned at the dotted line 501 will be described below, and a description of the rotation mechanism positioned at the dotted line 502 will be omitted.

[0030] 5(b) to 5(d) are side cross-sectional views of the group of parts 202 cut along dotted line 501 and viewed from the direction of the arrow. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the first rotation mechanism includes a first part, part 312b, a second part, part 314b, and a connecting member, part 311b. Part 311b has a first connecting portion 503 and a second connecting portion 504 for rotatably connecting to parts 312b and 314b. Part 312b has a cylindrical third connecting portion 505. Part 314b has a cylindrical fourth connecting portion 506. The first connecting portion 503 and the second connecting portion 504 are each formed in a ring shape, with the third connecting portion 505 of part 312b rotatably inserted into the first connecting portion 503 and the fourth connecting portion 506 of part 314b rotatably inserted into the second connecting portion 504.

[0031] Figure 5(c) shows part 311b rotated in the direction of the arrow via second connector 504, with fourth connector 506 as the rotation axis. As part 311b rotates, part 312b, which is connected to the other connector, also rotates. Meanwhile, Figure 5(d) shows part 311b rotated in the direction of the arrow via first connector 503, with third connector 505 as the rotation axis. This shows that part 312b rotates relative to part 311b.

[0032] As described above, the first rotation mechanism according to this embodiment has two rotation axes, ensuring a sufficient range of motion even for relatively small model components attached to the model toy 100. The first rotation mechanism according to this embodiment also has two similar rotation mechanisms symmetrically arranged on the left and right, allowing the part group 202, which is the model component, to rotate naturally in a predetermined direction.

[0033] <Movement of Upper Body> The movement of the upper body 102 according to this embodiment (forward bending movement) will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(a) to Fig. 6(c) show side views of the group of parts 202. Parts indicated by dotted lines indicate parts located inside.

[0034] FIG. 6( a) shows the normal state of the second part, the group of parts 202, before the forward bending motion. In this state, the first rotation mechanism is in the state shown in FIG. 5( b). FIG. 6( b) shows the state in which the first rotation mechanism has been rotated from the normal state of FIG. 6( a) to the state shown in FIG. 5( c). It can be seen that the nose portion in the flight configuration has moved forward. FIG. 6( c) shows the state in which the first rotation mechanism has been rotated from the state shown in FIG. 6( b) to the state shown in FIG. 5( d). As shown in FIG. 6( c), the nose portion has rotated around part 311, and the tip portion has rotated so as to enter the recess in the body portion.

[0035] By rotating as described above, the parts group 202 can perform a rotational movement (forward bending movement) in conjunction with the rotation of the upper body 102 shown in Fig. 2B(b). Thus, according to this embodiment, a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the model toy 100 when a detachable model component is attached to the model toy 100 is provided separately from a second rotation mechanism for transforming the model component.

[0036] As described above, the model toy according to this embodiment includes a first portion that is a part of the model toy and is rotatable in a predetermined direction, and a second portion that is detachable from the first portion. The second portion has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first portion when attached to the model toy. The second portion also has a second rotation mechanism that is different from the first rotation mechanism and that transforms the second portion when detached from the model toy. In this way, this embodiment provides a novel mechanism for a rotation mechanism in a model component that is detachable from the model toy.

[0037] <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. For example, the shape of the model toy is not particularly limited, and may include various shapes such as humans, animals, robots, insects, and dinosaurs. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the model parts are described as being detachable from the upper body of the model toy, but the attachment position of the model toy is not intended to be limited. Furthermore, the flying form is described as an example of a second form different from the attachment form of the model parts, but this is not intended to limit the present invention, and any other model object may be applied.

[0038] Summary of Embodiments The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys and model components: (1) A model toy comprising: a first section that is a part of the model toy and is rotatable in a predetermined direction; and a second section that is detachable from the first section, wherein the second section has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first section when attached to the model toy. (2) The model toy described in (1), wherein the second section has a second rotation mechanism that is different from the first rotation mechanism for transforming the second section when detached from the model toy. (3) The model toy described in (1) or (2), wherein the second section comprises: a first part and a second part; and a connecting member that is rotatably connected to the first part and the second part, respectively; and the first rotation mechanism is a mechanism that rotates the first part and the second part in the predetermined direction relative to the connecting member. (4) The model toy described in (3), wherein the connecting member comprises a first connecting portion rotatably connected to the first part and a second connecting portion rotatably connected to the second part. (5) The model toy described in (3) or (4), wherein the second part includes two part groups symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides, each group including the first part, the second part, and the connecting member. (6) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second part is attached to the inside of the first part. (7) The model toy described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the first part is an upper body part of the model toy, and the second part is a part that is detachable from the inside of the upper body part. (8) The model toy described in any one of (2) to (7), wherein the second part is transformable into a flying form by the second rotation mechanism. (9) The model toy according to (8), wherein the nose and wings of the second part are folded into the body part when the second part is attached to the model toy.(10) A model component that can be attached to and detached from a part of a model toy, characterized in that it has: a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the part of the model toy in a predetermined direction when attached to the model toy; and a second rotation mechanism that is different from the first rotation mechanism and that causes the model component to deform when detached from the model toy.

[0039] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Upper body, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104a, 104b: Legs, 105: Waist

Claims

1. A model toy comprising: a first part that is a part of the model toy and that can rotate in a predetermined direction; and a second part that can be attached to and detached from the first part, wherein the second part has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first part when attached to the model toy.

2. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the second part has a second rotation mechanism different from the first rotation mechanism for transforming the second part when detached from the model toy.

3. The model toy described in claim 2, characterized in that the second part comprises a first part and a second part, and a connecting member that is rotatably connected to the first part and the second part, respectively, and the first rotation mechanism is a mechanism that rotates the first part and the second part in the predetermined direction relative to the connecting member.

4. The model toy according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting member comprises a first connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the first part, and a second connecting portion that is rotatably connected to the second part.

5. The model toy according to claim 4, wherein two groups of parts including the first part, the second part, and the connecting member are provided symmetrically in the second portion.

6. The model toy according to claim 2, wherein the second part is attached inside the first part.

7. A model toy as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first part is an upper body part of the model toy, and the second part is a part that can be attached to and detached from the inside of the upper body part.

8. The model toy according to claim 7, wherein the second part can be transformed into a flying form by the second pivoting mechanism.

9. The model toy according to claim 8, wherein the nose and wings of the second part fold into the body when attached to the model toy.

10. A model part that can be attached to and detached from a part of a model toy, characterized in that it has a first rotation mechanism that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the part of the model toy in a predetermined direction when attached to the model toy, and a second rotation mechanism different from the first rotation mechanism that transforms the model part when detached from the model toy.

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