Model toy and model component

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention provides a novel mechanism with which it is possible to easily assemble portions, including, for example, a rotation mechanism. [Solution] This model toy (100) comprises a first part (201) having a first connection portion (320) that interconnects portions inside the part, and a second part (202) that is combined with the first part and that has a second connection portion (329) that interconnects portions inside the part. When the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism (401) and first and second portions (402, 403) that can rotate relative to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed. After the first part and the second part are combined, the rotation mechanism becomes operable by disconnecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

Description

Model toys and model parts

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

[0002] Model toys that can be easily assembled even by beginners or children are known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a model toy in which two adjacent main parts are connected without runners and are almost completed only by folding. Since there is no need to separate and assemble from the runners, there is no need to grasp which part of the separated parts corresponds to, and it can be easily assembled.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 2 proposes an assembly toy in which a plurality of components that can be arranged in a straight line are stacked, and a rod-shaped support member is inserted into each through hole for assembly. In this assembly toy, each component can be locked by inserting the support member and rotating it around the axis center. Therefore, an assembly toy that can be easily assembled by children, is safe, fun, and also serves as an educational play is provided.

[0004] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 8-7915, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-148172

[0005] In the above prior art, if the number of parts is small, it can be easily assembled. However, as the number of parts increases, the assembly process becomes more complicated, and it is difficult for children to judge from the instruction manual or the like which part of the whole the assembly parts correspond to at the assembly order or during the assembly process. For example, it is difficult to judge whether the assembly process so far has been carried out without problems. If the assembly proceeds while making a mistake, it may get stuck later, and the assembly user will feel annoyance in the assembly process. On the other hand, if the number of parts is reduced, it becomes difficult to realize a complicated rotation mechanism or the like.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel mechanism that can easily assemble a portion including a rotation mechanism, for example.

[0007] The present invention relates to, for example, a model toy, comprising a first part having a first connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, and a second part that is combined with the first part and has a second connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, wherein when the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism and a first part and a second part that are rotatable relative to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed, and the rotation mechanism becomes operational by cutting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion after the first part and the second part are combined.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a model part incorporated into, for example, a model toy, comprising a first part having a first connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, and a second part that is combined with the first part and has a second connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, wherein when the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism and a first part and a second part that are rotatable with respect to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed, and the rotation mechanism becomes operational by cutting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion after the first part and the second part are combined.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel mechanism that allows for easy assembly of parts including, for example, a rotating mechanism.

[0010] A diagram showing an example of the front view of a model toy according to one embodiment. A diagram showing the disassembled structure of the arm according to one embodiment. A diagram showing the detailed structure of the arm parts according to one embodiment. A diagram showing the cut structure of the connection part of the arm parts according to one embodiment. A diagram showing the operation structure of the arm according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the connection part according to one embodiment. A diagram showing the state in which the arm parts according to one embodiment are connected to the runner.

[0011] 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.

[0012] <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 upward, left, and forward directions of the model toy, respectively, and the same applies to the other drawings.

[0013] The model toy 100 comprises a head 101, chest 102, arms 103a, 103b, waist 104, and legs 105a, 105b that 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.

[0014] The head 101 is rotatably connected to the chest 102. The right arm 103a and the left arm 103b are further connected to the chest 102 at the sides by connecting members, and the waist 104 is connected at the bottom. The waist 104 includes a hip joint, to which the right leg 105a and the left leg 105b are rotatably connected.

[0015] <Arm Configuration> 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 model toy 100. Figure 2(b) shows an exploded perspective view of the arm 200. Here, the configuration of the left arm 103b will be described, but the right arm 103a has the same configuration as the left arm 103b, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Also, since Figure 2(a) is the same drawing as Figure 1, the explanation will be omitted.

[0016] The arm 200 refers to the part of the left arm 103b excluding the left hand. As shown in Figure 2(b), the arm 200 is composed of parts 201 and 202. Part 201 corresponds to the first part and constitutes the right half of the arm 200. Part 202 corresponds to the second part and constitutes the left half of the arm. Parts 201 and 202 are assembled by fitting their respective parts together, as shown by the dotted lines. A detailed description of the configuration will be given later.

[0017] When parts 201 and 202 are combined, they form the arm 200, which consists of an elbow joint (rotation mechanism), an upper arm (first part), a forearm (second part), and a shoulder (third part). Thus, according to this embodiment, in addition to the elbow joint which is a rotation mechanism, multiple parts such as the upper arm and forearm connected via the elbow joint can be completed by assembling a small number of parts (in this case, two parts).

[0018] In typical assembly toys, multiple parts are required just for the joints, and furthermore, parts such as the upper arm and forearm, which are connected via the joints, are generally composed of multiple individual parts to allow rotation relative to the joints. This is because if the joint and the parts that connect to the joints were formed as a single unit, they would be fixed in place and rotation would not be possible. On the other hand, an increase in the number of parts leads to a complicated and difficult assembly process, which is an obstacle for beginners and young children. Therefore, in this embodiment, we will describe a mechanism that allows for easy assembly of the arm, which is part of the model toy 100, by assembling two parts 201 and 202, while also incorporating a rotation mechanism.

[0019] <Detailed Configuration of Arm Parts> Referring to Figure 3, the detailed configuration of each part of the arm 200 of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3(a) shows a perspective view of part 201. Figure 3(b) shows a perspective view of part 202.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3(a), part 201 corresponds to the first part and constitutes the left half of the arm 200, which is the part of the left arm 103b other than the left hand, when viewed from the front, as a single part. Part 201 consists of a shoulder portion 311, an upper arm portion 313, a rotating portion 315, and a forearm portion 317. The shoulder portion 311 is provided with a circular opening 312 that is formed inside the chest portion 102 to receive the shoulder joint.

[0021] The upper arm portion 313 has a fitting portion 314 that matches the shape of the part 202 to be combined. The forearm portion 317 also has a fitting portion 318 that matches the shape of the part 202 to be combined. Thus, according to this embodiment, the parts are fitted together using only a frame that conforms to the shape of the corresponding part, without the need for a protruding fitting portion. This makes the assembly process easier compared to fitting using multiple protruding fitting portions. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and a configuration in which parts 201 and 202 are fitted together using multiple protruding fitting portions is also possible.

[0022] The rotating portion 315 has a cylindrical rotating shaft 316 that is inserted into the assembled part 202. The rotating shaft 316 is rotatably connected to the part 202. It also has the function of preventing the parts from falling off after the connection part, which will be described later, is cut.

[0023] Furthermore, connecting portions 319 and 320 are formed on part 201. The connecting portions 319 and 320 are formed so that a part of the arm portion 200 can be easily cut, for example, by rotating it. Note that the connecting portions in this embodiment may also be called breakable portions that break when force is applied, or breakable portions that shatter when force is applied. In other words, the connecting portions in this embodiment can take any form as long as they can be easily cut by applying force. In part 201, connecting portion 319 corresponds to the third connecting portion and connects the shoulder portion 311 and the upper arm portion 313. Connecting portion 320 corresponds to the first connecting portion and connects the upper arm portion 313 and the rotating portion 315. In this way, each connecting portion connects parts within a single part. Therefore, in the runner (base body) that connects the parts for assembling this model toy 100, part 201 is molded as a single integrated part. Similarly, part 202, which will be described later, is also molded as a single integrated part on the runner. In this embodiment, an example of a connection that can be easily cut by hand without the use of tools is described, but it is not limited to this, and a connection that can be cut with a tool may also be used. It is preferable not to use tools as it improves user convenience.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3(b), part 202 corresponds to the second part and is a single part that forms the right half of the arm 200 when viewed from the front, and is combined with part 201. Part 202 consists of a shoulder portion 321, an upper arm portion 323, a rotating portion 325, and a forearm portion 327. The shoulder portion 321 is provided with a receiving portion 322 that rotatably receives a spherical connecting portion of a shoulder joint (not shown).

[0025] The upper arm portion 323 has a recess 324 that matches the shape of the fitting portion 314 of the part 201 to be combined with it. The forearm portion 327 also has a recess 328 that matches the shape of the fitting portion 318 of the part 201 to be combined with it. The rotating portion 325 has a cylindrical hole 326 that rotatably receives the pivot shaft 316 of the part 201 to be combined with it.

[0026] Furthermore, a connecting portion 329 is formed on part 202. The connecting portion 329 corresponds to the second connecting portion and connects the rotating portion 325 and the forearm portion 327. Thus, the connecting portions are not formed in the same position on part 201 and part 202, but are deliberately placed in different positions. This is to prevent the parts from being completely separated and falling off when the connecting portions are cut after the two parts 201 and 202 are combined. A detailed cutting configuration will be described later.

[0027] <Arm Section Cutting Configuration> Referring to Figure 4, the cutting configuration of the parts constituting the arm section of the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show side views of parts 201 and 202, respectively. Figure 4(c) shows a front view of the arm section 200.

[0028] Figure 4(a) shows the part 201 after the connecting parts 319 and 320 have been cut before combining it with part 202. When the connecting parts 319 and 320 are cut while part 201 is still in its original state, the parts are completely separated. Once the connecting parts 319 and 320 are cut, part 201 is separated into the shoulder portion 311, the upper arm portion 313, the rotating portion 315, and the forearm portion 317. That is, even after cutting part 201, the rotating portion 315 and the forearm portion 317 are not separated but are formed as a single unit.

[0029] Figure 4(b) shows the part 202 with the connection portion 329 cut before combining it with part 201. Cutting the connection portion 329 while part 202 is alone completely separates the parts. Once the connection portion 329 is cut, part 202 separates into the shoulder portion 321, the upper arm portion 323, the rotating portion 325, and the forearm portion 327. That is, even after cutting part 202, the shoulder portion 321, the upper arm portion 323, and the rotating portion 325 are not separated but are formed as a single unit. Note that cutting the connection portions 320 and 329 allows the rotating mechanism corresponding to the elbow joint of the arm portion 200 to operate.

[0030] Figure 4(c) shows a front view of the arm 200 after parts 201 and 202 have been combined and the connecting parts 319, 320, and 329 have been cut off, respectively. The dotted line area 401 indicates the rotating part, which is a rotation mechanism. The dotted line area 402 indicates the upper arm portion, which is the first part. The dotted line area 403 indicates the forearm portion, which is the second part. The dotted line area 404 indicates the shoulder portion, which is the third part.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4(c), after each connection is cut, the upper arm portion 402 and the shoulder portion 404 are not separated from a part of the rotating portion (the rotating portion 325 of part 202). More specifically, although the shoulder portion 311 and the upper arm portion 313 of part 201 are separated, the shoulder portion 321 and the upper arm portion 323 of the combined part 202 are formed as a single unit and therefore do not separate. Strictly speaking, the shoulder portion 311 is not directly fitted to the shoulder portion 321. However, since a part of the shoulder joint (not shown) passes through the opening 312 and is connected to the receiving portion 322, the shoulder portion 311 will not fall off.

[0032] Furthermore, a part of the rotating portion 401 (the rotating portion 315 of part 201) and the forearm portion 403 are not separated. More specifically, although the forearm portion 327 of part 202 and the rotating portion 325 are separated, the rotating portion 315 and the forearm portion 317 of part 201 are formed as a single unit and therefore cannot be separated. On the other hand, the arm portion 200 is separated at the rotating portion 401. This separation is to enable rotation, but since the rotating shaft 316 is inserted into the hole 326 and connected in the first place, the arm portion 200 does not partially separate even after the cutting of each connection part, and can maintain a state in which it can rotate.

[0033] <Rotational movement of the arm> Referring to Figure 5, the rotational movement of the arm 200 in the model toy 100 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 5(a) shows a side view of the arm 200. Figure 5(b) shows a front view of the arm 200.

[0034] Figure 5(a) shows the forearm portion 403 being rotated in the direction of the arrow via the rotating portion 401. Performing this rotational movement first severs the connection portion 320 of part 201 and the connection portion 329 of part 202. After severs, the connection portions 320 and 329 are formed to be of a size and shape that does not hinder the rotation by the rotating portion 401. In this embodiment, in order not to restrict the rotation of the rotating portion 401, most of the area of ​​the connection portions 320 and 329 remains on the upper arm portion 402 side and the forearm portion 403 side, respectively, after severs. It should be noted that there is no intention to limit the present invention, and each connection portion may remain on either part as long as it does not hinder the rotational movement.

[0035] Figure 5(b) shows the shoulder portion 321, which is connected to a shoulder joint (not shown) passing through the shoulder portion 311, and the upper arm portion 402, rotating portion 401, and forearm portion 403, which are connected to the shoulder portion 321, being rotated in the direction of the arrow. Performing this rotational movement first severs the connection portion 319 of part 201. According to this embodiment, in order not to restrict the rotation of the arm portion 200, most of the connection portion 319 remains on the shoulder portion 311 after severs. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and the connection portion 319 may remain on any part as long as it does not hinder the rotational movement.

[0036] Thus, according to this embodiment, the arm 200, which includes a rotational movement, can be easily completed by assembling two parts 201 and 202. Furthermore, the rotational movement of the arm 200 can be easily realized by cutting the connecting part after assembly. In other words, according to this embodiment, the part including the rotational mechanism can be easily assembled. Moreover, since the connecting part can be easily cut by the first rotational movement, complicated cutting work is not required.

[0037] <Example of Connection Part Configuration> Referring to Figure 6, an example of the configuration of the connection part according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 6(a) to (c) show enlarged views of the connection part.

[0038] Figure 6(a) shows an enlarged view of the connecting portion 319 that connects the upper arm portion 313 and the rotating portion 315 of part 201. The connecting portion 319 is formed in a downward-facing convex shape. As the connecting portion 319 rotates, the contact area between the connecting portion 319 and the rotating portion 315 is severed. On the other hand, the contact area between the connecting portion 319 and the upper arm portion 313 is not severed. This occurs because the contact area between the connecting portion 319 and the rotating portion 315 is smaller than the contact area between the connecting portion 319 and the upper arm portion 313. Thus, according to this embodiment, the configuration of the connecting portion is characterized in that the contact area with one of the two parts being connected is smaller than the contact area with the other part.

[0039] Figures 6(b) and 6(c) show modified examples of the connection portion 319, namely connection portions 601 and 602. Thus, the connection portion can be formed in various shapes, provided that the contact area with one of the two connecting portions is smaller than the contact area with the other portion.

[0040] <Runner (Body) Including Arm Parts> Referring to Figure 7, the body to which the arm parts according to this embodiment are connected will be described. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the runner to which parts 201 and 202 in this model toy are connected. In the model toy 100, multiple parts before assembly are connected to a runner. Here, a runner refers to a plastic rod-shaped part in an assembly toy such as a plastic model, to which multiple parts before assembly are connected and which is arranged to surround each part. In some cases, the entire runner, including the multiple connected parts, is also referred to as the runner. Here, the entire runner including multiple parts is referred to as the "body".

[0041] In the base body 700, parts 201 and 202, surrounded by runner 701, are provided connected to runner 701 via sub-runner 702. According to this embodiment, in the base body 700, parts 201 and 202 are molded as a single integrated part, and each connection part is also provided connected. Therefore, during assembly, the arm part 200 can be easily assembled by simply separating parts 201 and 202, which are molded with multiple parts standardized, from the base body 700 and combining them with each other. In this embodiment, the connection parts between parts 201 and 202 and sub-runner 702 may be shaped to be easily cut by the user by applying force by hand, similar to the connection parts 319, 320, 329, etc. In that case, it is preferable that the connection parts (connection parts 319, 320, 329, etc.) provided on part 201 or part 202 be formed to be cut with a stronger force than the connection parts between parts 201 and 202 and sub-runner 702. This prevents unintended cutting of the connecting parts (connecting parts 319, 320, 329, etc.) provided on part 201 or part 202, which may occur if strong force is applied to the runner (base body) during transport.

[0042] As described above, the model toy (100) according to this embodiment comprises a first part (201) having a first connecting part (320) that connects parts within the part, and a second part (202) that is combined with the first part and has a second connecting part (329) that connects parts within the part. When the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism (401) and a first part (402) and a second part (403) that are rotatable relative to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed. After the first part and the second part are combined, the rotation mechanism becomes operational by cutting the first connecting part and the second connecting part. Thus, according to this embodiment, a novel mechanism is provided that allows for easy assembly of parts including the rotation mechanism.

[0043] <Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, 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. In the above embodiments, an example of applying the present invention to an elbow joint connecting the upper arm and forearm was described. However, there is no intention to limit the present invention, and these mechanisms may be used for other joints or other parts. For example, it may be applied to a knee joint connecting the upper leg and lower leg, a torso, a head, etc. In the above embodiments, an example was shown in which the arm 200 is composed of two parts, parts 201 and 202, but it may be realized with a different number of parts.

[0044] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose at least the following model toys and model parts. (1) A model toy comprising: a first part having a first connecting portion for connecting parts within the part; and a second part that is combined with the first part and has a second connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, wherein when the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism and a first part and a second part that are rotatable with respect to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed, and the rotation mechanism becomes operational by cutting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion after the first part and the second part are combined. (2) The model toy according to (1), wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are cut when attempting to rotate the first part or the second part by the rotation mechanism. (3) The model toy according to (1) or (2), wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion connect different parts. (4) The model toy according to (3), characterized in that the first connecting portion connects the rotation mechanism and the first part in the first part, and the second connecting portion connects the rotation mechanism and the second part in the second part. (5) The model toy according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that when the first part and the second part are combined, a third part is further formed, and the first part further has a third connecting portion that connects the first part and the third part. (6) The model toy according to (5), characterized in that the first part is rotatably connected to the other part via the third part, and when the first part is rotated relative to the other part, the third connecting portion is severed. (7) The model toy according to (6), characterized in that the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion have a contact area with the other part that is smaller than the contact area with one of the two parts that are connected. (8) The model toy according to (7), characterized in that the first connecting part, the second connecting part, and the third connecting part have a portion that is in contact with the other part. (9) The model toy according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that the rotating mechanism is an elbow joint, the first part is an upper arm, and the second part is a forearm.(10) The rotating mechanism is a knee joint, the first part is the thigh, and the second part is the lower leg, and the model toy according to any one of (1) to (8) is characterized in that. (11) A model part incorporated in a model toy, comprising a first part having a first connecting part for connecting parts within the part, and a second part combined with the first part and having a second connecting part for connecting parts within the part, When the first part and the second part are combined, a rotating mechanism and a first part and a second part that can rotate relative to each other via the rotating mechanism are formed, and after the first part and the second part are combined, the first connection The model part is characterized in that the rotating mechanism becomes operable by cutting the part and the second connecting part.

[0045] 100: Model toy, 101: Head, 102: Chest, 103a, 103b: Arms, 104: Waist, 105a, 105b: Legs

Claims

1. A model toy comprising: a first part having a first connecting portion for connecting parts within the part; and a second part that is combined with the first part and has a second connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, wherein when the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism and a first part and a second part that are rotatable relative to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed, and the rotation mechanism becomes operational by cutting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion after the first part and the second part are combined.

2. The model toy according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are cut when the first portion or the second portion is to be rotated by the rotating mechanism.

3. The model toy according to claim 2, characterized in that it connects a portion different from the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

4. The model toy according to claim 3, characterized in that the first connecting portion connects the rotating mechanism and the first part in the first part, and the second connecting portion connects the rotating mechanism and the second part in the second part.

5. The model toy according to claim 4, characterized in that when the first part and the second part are combined, a third part is formed, and the first part further has a third connecting part that connects the first part and the third part.

6. The model toy according to claim 5, characterized in that the first part is rotatably connected to the other part via the third part, and when the first part is rotated relative to the other part, the third connection is severed.

7. The model toy according to claim 6, characterized in that the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the third connecting portion have a contact area with the other portion that is smaller than the contact area with one of the two connecting portions.

8. The model toy according to claim 7, characterized in that the first connection part, the second connection part, and the third connection part have their contact portions with the other part severed.

9. The model toy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotation mechanism is an elbow joint, the first part is the upper arm, and the second part is the forearm.

10. The model toy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotation mechanism is a knee joint, the first part is the upper leg, and the second part is the lower leg.

11. A model part to be incorporated into a model toy, comprising: a first part having a first connecting portion for connecting parts within the part; and a second part that is combined with the first part and has a second connecting portion for connecting parts within the part, wherein when the first part and the second part are combined, a rotation mechanism and a first part and a second part that are rotatable relative to each other via the rotation mechanism are formed, and the rotation mechanism becomes operational by cutting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion after the first part and the second part are combined.

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