U.S. patent application number 13/695513 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-08 for robot toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tomy Company, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Teruo Kitamura, Tomohito Nagai, Ryoichi Sato. Invention is credited to Teruo Kitamura, Tomohito Nagai, Ryoichi Sato.
Application Number | 20130203317 13/695513 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48696825 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130203317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagai; Tomohito ; et
al. |
August 8, 2013 |
ROBOT TOY
Abstract
A robot toy includes a body and a controller. The body includes
right and left arms, legs, arm-actuating mechanisms, thrust
mechanisms, and a driving unit. The arms can be extended forward
and back, and are pulled back by a predetermined biasing force in a
normal condition. The arm-actuating mechanisms provided at the
respective arms allow the corresponding arms to be extended in
front of the body against the biasing force. The thrust mechanisms
provided at the respective legs allow the corresponding legs to
move forward. The driving unit drives one of a pair of the left
arm-actuating mechanism and the left thrust mechanism and a pair of
the right arm-actuating mechanism and the right thrust mechanism.
The driving unit simultaneously drives the arm-actuating mechanism
and the thrust mechanism in the same pair.
Inventors: |
Nagai; Tomohito;
(Shinjuku-ku, JP) ; Sato; Ryoichi; (Matsudo-City,
JP) ; Kitamura; Teruo; (Kokubunji-City, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nagai; Tomohito
Sato; Ryoichi
Kitamura; Teruo |
Shinjuku-ku
Matsudo-City
Kokubunji-City |
|
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tomy Company, Ltd.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
48696825 |
Appl. No.: |
13/695513 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
January 31, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2012/052146 |
371 Date: |
October 31, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/335 ;
446/358 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 30/04 20130101;
A63H 29/22 20130101; A63H 11/00 20130101; A63H 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/335 ;
446/358 |
International
Class: |
A63H 30/04 20060101
A63H030/04; A63H 29/22 20060101 A63H029/22; A63H 13/06 20060101
A63H013/06 |
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A robot toy comprising: a robot-toy body including a control
unit; and a controller which remotely controls the robot body via
the control unit, wherein the robot-toy body includes: right and
left arms each connected to a torso, wherein states of each of the
right and left arms include a state of being extended forward and
being pulled back, and wherein each of the right and left arms is
pulled back by a predetermined biasing force in a normal condition;
right and left legs each connected to a hip; right and left
arm-actuating mechanisms provided at the right and left arms,
respectively, wherein each of the arm-actuating mechanisms allows
the corresponding arm to be extended in front of the robot-toy body
against the biasing force; right and left thrust mechanisms
provided at the right and left legs, respectively, wherein each of
the thrust mechanisms allows the corresponding leg to push against
a support so that the leg moves forward; and a driving unit which
selectively and simultaneously drives a pair of the left
arm-actuating mechanism and the left thrust mechanism and a pair of
the right arm-actuating mechanism and the right thrust
mechanism.
8. The robot toy according to claim 7, wherein each of the right
and left arms includes an upper arm and a lower arm which are bent
and stretched with respect to each other; when the right and left
arms are pulled back, the upper arm and the lower arm of each of
the right and left arms are bent with respect to each other, so
that the robot-toy body assumes a ready position; and when one of
the right and left arms is extended forward, the upper arm and the
lower arm of the extended arm are stretched with respect to each
other, so that the robot-toy body assumes a punching position.
9. The robot toy according to claim 8, wherein each of the thrust
mechanisms comprises: a lever extending vertically in an interior
of the corresponding leg, the lever being supported rotatably with
a shaft in the middle of the lever such that a bottom end portion
of the lever moves back and forth; a wheel provided at the bottom
end portion of the lever; and a clutch mechanism which locks the
wheel when the bottom end portion of the lever moves backward, and
which releases the wheel when the bottom end portion of the lever
moves forward, and wherein a movement of the lever allows the
corresponding leg to move forward.
10. The robot toy according to claim 9, wherein the driving unit
comprises a rotary board which is rotatable about a shaft
vertically extending just below the torso, the rotary board
including right and left lever-operation touching units
corresponding to the right and left levers, respectively; and when
one of the right and left levers is touched by the corresponding
lever-operation touching unit, the touched lever moves.
11. The robot toy according to claim 10, wherein each of the
arm-actuating mechanisms includes a linkage mechanism having a
supporting unit which supports the upper arm; the upper arm; the
lower arm; and a link disposed between the supporting unit and the
lower arm, and wherein one of the upper arm and the link serves as
an input link; the rotary board includes right and left
input-link-operation touching units corresponding to the right and
left input links, respectively; and when one of the right and left
input links is touched by the corresponding input-link-operation
touching unit, the touched input link moves.
12. The robot toy according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined
biasing force is the arm's own weight; and in the normal condition,
the robot-toy body assumes a ready position where each of the right
and left arms is bent due to its own weight.
13. The robot toy according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined
biasing force is the arm's own weight; and in the normal condition,
the robot-toy body assumes a ready position where each of the right
and left arms is bent due to its own weight.
14. The robot toy according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined
biasing force is the arm's own weight; and in the normal condition,
the robot-toy body assumes a ready position where each of the right
and left arms is bent due to its own weight.
15. The robot toy according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined
biasing force is the arm's own weight; and in the normal condition,
the robot-toy body assumes a ready position where each of the right
and left arms is bent due to its own weight.
16. The robot toy according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined
biasing force is the arm's own weight; and in the normal condition,
the robot-toy body assumes a ready position where each of the right
and left arms is bent due to its own weight.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a robot toy.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, robot toys have been known that are
configured so that the robot-toy body moves forward in association
with the movement in play fighting (For example, Patent Literature
1).
[0003] In such a robot, when the torso of the body is rotated, its
arms are rotated in conjunction with it. When the rotation of the
torso is stopped, impact force produced by the stopping is
transmitted to the hip, from which legs extend. Guidance wheels
disposed at the toes of the legs, in turn, move the lower body
along its inertial force, enabling the body to move forward. [0004]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 2701121
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The robot toy disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured
so that a robot-toy body moves forward by the impact force produced
in stopping the rotation of the torso. This configuration makes it
difficult to control the direction in which the body moves. Thus,
when two toy robots are to fight in a match, it is difficult to
make the two bodies face each other.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a robot
toy which enables easy control of the moving direction of the
robot-toy body.
Means for Solving Problems
[0007] The first means is a robot toy including: a robot-toy body
including a control unit; and a controller which remotely controls
the robot body via the control unit, the robot-toy body including:
right and left arms each connected to a torso, wherein states of
each of the right and left arms include a state of being extended
forward and being pulled back, and wherein each of the right and
left arms is pulled back by a predetermined biasing force in a
normal condition; right and left legs each connected to a hip;
right and left arm-actuating mechanisms provided at the right and
left arms, respectively, wherein each of the arm-actuating
mechanisms allows the corresponding arm to be extended in front of
the robot-toy body against the biasing force; right and left thrust
mechanisms provided at the right and left legs, respectively,
wherein each of the thrust mechanisms allows the corresponding leg
to push a floor so that the leg moves forward; and a driving unit
which selectively and simultaneously drives a pair of the left
arm-actuating mechanism and the left thrust mechanism and a pair of
the right arm-actuating mechanism and the right thrust
mechanism.
[0008] The second means is the robot toy of the first means,
wherein each of the right and left arms includes an upper arm and a
lower arm which are bent and stretched with respect to each other;
when the right and left arms are pulled back, the upper arm and the
lower arm of each of the right and left arms are bent with respect
to each other, so that the robot-toy body assumes a ready position;
and when one of the right and left arms is extended forward, the
upper arm and the lower arm of the extended arm are stretched with
respect to each other, so that the robot-toy body assumes a
punching position.
[0009] The third means is the robot toy of the second means,
wherein each of the thrust mechanisms includes: a lever extending
vertically in an interior of the corresponding leg, the lever being
supported rotatably with a shaft in the middle of the lever such
that a bottom end portion of the lever moves back and forth; a
wheel provided at the bottom end portion of the lever; and a clutch
mechanism which locks the wheel when the bottom end portion of the
lever moves backward, and which releases the wheel when the bottom
end portion of the lever moves forward, and wherein a movement of
the lever allows the corresponding leg to move forward.
[0010] The fourth means is the robot toy of the third means,
wherein the driving unit includes a rotary board which is rotatable
about a shaft vertically extending just below the torso, the rotary
board including right and left lever-operation touching units
corresponding to the right and left levers, respectively; and when
one of the right and left levers is touched by the corresponding
lever-operation touching unit, the touched lever moves.
[0011] The fifth means is the robot toy of the fourth means,
wherein each of the arm-actuating mechanisms includes a four-bar
linkage mechanism, wherein the four-bar linkage mechanism includes
a supporting unit which supports the upper arm; the upper arm; the
lower arm; and a link disposed between the supporting unit and the
lower arm, and wherein one of the upper arm and the link serves as
an input link; the rotary board includes right and left
input-link-operation touching units corresponding to the right and
left input links, respectively; and when one of the right and left
input links is touched by the corresponding input-link-operation
touching unit, the touched input link moves.
[0012] The sixth means is the robot toy of any one of the first to
fifth means, wherein the predetermined biasing force is the arm's
own weight; and, in the normal condition, the robot-toy body
assumes a ready position where each of the right and left arms is
bent due to its own weight.
Effects of the Invention
[0013] According to the first and second means, the thrust
mechanism pushes the floor, and the leg on the same side as the arm
that has thrown a punch moves forward. As a result, the moving
direction of the robot-toy body can be controlled easily.
[0014] According to the third means, when the bottom end portion of
the lever moves from the front to the back, the wheel is locked. As
a result, the robot-toy body can effectively move forward by
pushing the floor. On the other hand, when the bottom end portion
of the lever moves from the front to the back, the wheel is
released and rolls, which halts the robot-toy body. Thus, the
advance movement of the robot-toy body is ensured.
[0015] According to the fourth means, the rotary board rotates
about the shaft which extends vertically just below the torso.
Thereby, the lever moves by being touched by the lever-operation
touching unit formed on the periphery of the rotary board. As a
result, one push of the lever allows the robot-toy body to move
forward by a long distance.
[0016] According to the fifth means, the rotary board actuates not
only the thrust mechanism but also the arm actuating mechanism,
which allows the structure of the driving unit to be simple.
[0017] According to the sixth means, the body assumes a ready
position where the left and right arms are bent due to their own
weights in a normal condition. This eliminates the need for a
biasing means, such as a spring, to make the ready position, which
allows the structure of the robot-toy body to be simple.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a robot toy
according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the body of the
robot toy shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of right and left arms of the
robot-toy body shown in FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an arm-actuating mechanism of
the robot-toy body shown in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state of a leg
of the robot-toy body shown in FIG. 2 which starts moving;
[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates a state of the leg of the robot-toy body
shown in FIG. 2 which stops moving;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a driving unit, an
arm-actuating mechanism, and a thrust mechanism of the robot-toy
body shown in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing a state of a rotary
board, obliquely viewed from above, in the robot-toy body shown in
FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing a state of the rotary
board, obliquely viewed from below, in the robot-toy body shown in
FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a motor and a gear
array in the driving unit of the robot-toy body shown in FIG.
2;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the head of the
robot-toy body shown in FIG. 2;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration
of the robot-toy body shown in FIG. 2; and
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration
of a controller of the robot toy shown in FIG. 2.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0031] A robot toy of the present invention will now be described
based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.
1. Overall Configuration of the Robot Toy
[0032] The robot toy includes a robot-toy body 100 and a controller
200. The robot-toy body 100 assumes a ready position in a normal
condition.
[0033] With this robot toy, the robot-toy body 100 is moved by
shaking a left operating unit 210 and a right operating unit 220 of
the controller 200.
[0034] The actual operation of the robot toy will now be described.
With the robot-toy body 100, when the left operating unit 210 of
the controller 200 is shaken, the robot-toy body 100 actively moves
forward its left leg 41a alone, and at the same time, throws an
uppercut with a left arm 21a. Subsequently, the left arm 21a
returns to its original position due to its own weight.
[0035] On the other hand, when the right operating unit 220 of the
controller 200 is shaken, the robot-toy body 100 actively moves
forward its right leg 41b alone, and at the same time, throws a
hook with a right arm 21b. Subsequently, the right arm 21b returns
to its original position due to its own weight.
[0036] In order to play fighting, a plurality of such robot toys
are used.
[0037] If the robot-toy body 100 gets a punch in the face, a jaw of
a head 50 drops, and the color of the head 50 changes in accordance
with the number of punches that the body gets. If the robot toy
gets a predetermined number of punches, the robot-toy body 100
automatically halts. In this case, after a user keeps the jaw of
the head 50 held down for a predetermined time, the robot-toy body
100 is reactivated.
[0038] Details of the robot toy will now be described
hereinafter.
2. Configuration of Body 100
(1) Overall Configuration
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the robot-toy body 100 includes a torso
10, arms 20, a hip 30, legs 40 and the head 50. The torso 10, the
hip 30, and the legs 40 are connected to each other. A back board
60 of the torso 10 includes a battery and a circuit board with
various circuit components. The head 50 is connected to the torso
10.
(2) Arms 20 and Arm-actuating Mechanism A
[0040] The left arm 21a and the right arm 21b are connected to the
torso 10. The left arm 21a and the right arm 21b substantially have
the same configurations; therefore, they are described in reference
to the same reference numerals hereinafter unless otherwise
noted.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the left arm 21a and the right arm 21b
each include an arm base (supporting unit) 22, an upper arm 23, a
lower arm 24, and a first 25. The first 25 is attached to the end
of the lower arm 24.
[0042] The arm base 22 is fixed to the side of the torso 10.
[0043] A base end portion of the upper arm 23 is fixed to the arm
base 22 through a shaft 26a, whereby the upper arm 23 can rotate
about the shaft 26a.
[0044] A base end portion of the lower arm 24 is connected to
another end of the upper arm 23 through a shaft 26b, whereby the
lower arm 24 can rotate about the shaft 26b.
[0045] A base end portion of a link 27 is connected to the arm base
22 through a shaft 26c so that the base end portion of the link 27
is disposed away from the shaft 26b. Another end of the link 27 is
connected to a part of the lower arm 24 through a shaft 26d so that
the end of the link 27 is disposed away from the shaft 26b.
[0046] Preferably, a variety of interchangeable fists 25 with
various weights may be prepared. In this case, a user may choose
its style according to his/her preference. For example, a heavier
first 25 makes a strong punch but makes it hard to pound. On the
other hand, a lighter first 25 compromises the power of the punch
but makes it easy to pound.
[0047] Alternatively, the length of the arms 20 may be varied. For
example, the arms 20 may be detachably attached to the torso 10,
and a variety of interchangeable arms 20 with various lengths may
be prepared. In this case, a user may choose its style according to
his/her preference. For example, long arms 20 keep a long distance
from the other body 100 but make it hard to pound. On the other
hand, short arms 20 keep only a short distance to the other body
100 but make it easy to pound.
[0048] The arm base 22, the upper arm 23, the lower arm 24, and the
link 27 constitute an arm-actuating mechanism A that is a four-bar
linkage mechanism. The link 27 serves as an input unit of the
arm-actuating mechanism A.
[0049] FIG. 4 schematically shows the arm-actuating mechanism
A.
[0050] In the arm-actuating mechanism A, when a force F is applied
to the link 27, the link 27 rotates about the shaft 26c, which
actuates the upper arm 23 and the lower arm 24, thereby throwing a
punch, as indicated by the two-dot chain line.
[0051] With the robot-toy body 100, a punch thrown by the left arm
21a and a punch thrown the right arm 21b are different from each
other. After the robot-toy body 100 throws a punch, the left arm
21a and the right arm 21b return to their original position by
their own weights.
[0052] Namely, the orientation of the arm base 22 and the initial
positional relationship between the upper arm 23 and the lower arm
24 are determined such that the left arm 21a moves so as to throw
an uppercut in boxing, and then returns to its original position by
its own weight.
[0053] On the other hand, the orientation of the arm base 22 and
the initial positional relationship between the upper arm 23 and
the lower arm 24 are determined such that the right arm 21b moves
so as to throw a hook in boxing, and then returns to its original
position by its own weight.
[0054] With the present embodiment, the left arm 21a and the right
arm 21b return to their original positions by their own weights.
Alternatively, a spring may be used to bring the arms back.
(3) Legs 40 and Thrust Mechanism B
[0055] The left leg 41a and the right leg 41b are fixed to the hip
30. The left leg 41a and the right leg 41b substantially have the
same configurations; therefore, they are described in reference to
the same reference numerals hereinafter unless otherwise noted.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 5A, a lever 42 is provided in each interior
of the left leg 41a and the right leg 41b. The lever 42 extends
from the vicinity of the sole of the left leg 41a/right leg 41b to
just above the hip 30. The bottom half of the lever 42 is bent to
form a depression which faces front direction. The bottom half of
the lever 42 has elasticity. The lever 42 can rotate about a
horizontal shaft 43 disposed in the middle. The bottom half portion
of the lever 42 is biased forwardly by a spring 44 disposed between
the bottom part of the left leg 41a/right leg 41b and a fixing unit
44a of the left leg 41a/right leg 41b. The "bottom half" refers to
the portion below the shaft 43 herein.
[0057] A front wheel 45 is fixed to the bottom half of the lever 42
such that the front wheel 45 partially protrudes from the sole of
the left leg 41a/right leg 41b. A toothed wheel 46 is integrated
with the front wheel 45 on the inner surface of the front wheel 45,
and shares a shaft with the front wheel 45. A shaft 45a for the
front wheel 45 and the toothed wheel 46 lies through an oblong
opening 45b disposed at the bottom of the lever 42. The shaft 45a
can shift and rotate within the oblong opening 45b.
[0058] A catch 47 is disposed at the bottom half of the lever 42. A
click 47a of the catch 47 is disposed so as to face the toothed
wheel 46.
[0059] Each of the left leg 41a and the right leg 41b is formed
such that the heel portion extends backward. A rear wheel 48 is
provided at the rear end of the extending heel portion. The rear
wheel 48 is grounded. The rear wheel 48 helps to prevent the
robot-toy body 100 from turning due to the impact from a punch, and
helps the robot-toy body 100 to proceed straight forward to some
extent. Preferably, a variety of interchangeable rear wheels with
various weights may be prepared. In this case, a user can choose
its style according to his/her preference. For example, a heavy
rear wheel 48 makes a strong punch but the body moves slowly. On
the other hand, a light rear wheel 48 makes a weakened punch, but
the body moves quickly.
[0060] A thrust mechanism B is composed of the lever 42, the front
wheel 45, the toothed wheel 46, and the catch 47. The top end of
the lever 42 serves as an input unit of the thrust mechanism B.
[0061] The operation of the thrust mechanism B will now be
described.
[0062] The initial position of the top end of the lever 42 is a
rear position due to the biasing force of the spring 44 in the
thrust mechanism B (See FIG. 5A). When a force F is applied to the
top end of the lever 42 from the rear, the lever 42 rotates
counterclockwise in the drawing about the shaft 43 against the
biasing force of the spring 44. At this time, the front wheel 45 is
strongly pushed against the floor, which shifts the shaft 45a of
the front wheel 45 in a direction toward the click 47a of the catch
47 within the oblong opening 45b. Then, the click 47a of the catch
47 is engaged with a tooth of the toothed wheel 46, thereby locking
the front wheel 45. As a result, the front wheel 45 pushes the
floor by the movement of the lever 42, whereby the leg
corresponding to the lever 42 moves forward (See FIG. 5B).
[0063] Subsequently, when the force F applied to the top end of the
lever 42 is eliminated, the lever 42 rotates clockwise in the
drawing about the shaft 43 due to the biasing force of the spring
44. In this case, the oblong opening 45b allows the shaft 45a of
the front wheel 45 to shift more slowly than the click 47a of the
catch 47 does, whereby the click 47a of the catch 47 is disengaged
from the tooth of the toothed wheel 46, and then the front wheel 45
is released. Consequently, the front wheel 45 rolls so that the leg
corresponding to the lever 42 remains in the halting state.
[0064] Thus, the shaft within the oblong opening 45b supports the
front wheel 45 and the toothed wheel 46, and the teeth of the
toothed wheel 46 face the click 47a of the catch 47, which enables
a one-way clutch mechanism, and the robot-toy body 100 can move
effectively. The one-way clutch mechanism is not limited to the one
illustrated in the drawing.
(4) Driving System C
[0065] FIG. 6 is an elevation view showing the configuration of a
driving unit C, the arm-actuating mechanism A, and the thrust
mechanism B.
[0066] The driving unit C includes a motor 70 which can forwardly
and reversely rotate. The motor 70 actuates the arm-actuating
mechanism A and the thrust mechanism B via a gear array 71 and a
rotary board 72.
[0067] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the rotary board 72 viewed
obliquely from above, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the
rotary board 72 viewed obliquely from below.
[0068] The rotary board 72 includes a small-radius section 73 in
the front, a large-radius section 74 in the rear, and a stepped
section 75 in the middle, the radius of the stepped section 75
being gradually increased to connect the small-radius section 73
with the large-radius section 74.
[0069] A circular opening 76 is provided in the front part of the
rotary board 72, and the body of the motor 70 lies through the
circular opening 76. The rotary board 72 can rotate around the body
of the motor 70 serving as a shaft.
[0070] A left-end wall of the large-radius section 74 composes a
left-lever operation touching unit 75a, and a right-end wall
composes a right-lever operation touching unit 75b. When the rotary
board 72 rotates clockwise in a planer view, the left-lever
operation touching unit 75a touches the left lever 42 from behind
to operate the left lever 42. On the other hand, when the rotary
board 72 rotates counterclockwise in a planer view, the right-lever
operation touching unit 75b touches the right lever 42 from behind
to operate the right lever 42.
[0071] With the rotary board 72, a left input-link-operation
touching unit 76a and a right input-link-operation touching unit
76b are formed on the left and right sides of the stepped section
75, respectively, such that the left input-link-operation touching
unit 76a and the right input-link-operation touching unit 76b
protrude outward. When the rotary board 72 rotates clockwise in a
planer view, the left input-link-operation touching unit 76a
touches the left link 27 from the rear to operate the left arm 21a.
On the other hand, when the rotary board 72 rotates
counterclockwise in a planer view, the right input-link-operation
touching unit 76b touches the right link 27 from the rear to
operate the right arm 21b.
[0072] An internal gear 77 having a semicircular arc shape is
arranged below the rotary board 72 across the stepped section 75
and the large-radius section 74.
[0073] The gear array 71 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 8,
the gear 71 includes a gear 71a provided on the motor shaft; a
large-radius gear 71b engageable with the gear 71a; a small-radius
gear 71c integrally formed with the large-radius gear 71b; a
large-radius gear 71d engageable with the small-radius gear 71c; a
small-radius gear 71e engageable with the internal gear 77, which
small-radius gear 71e is integrally formed with the large-radius
gear 71d. Having this configuration, the rotary board 72 rotates
clockwise or counterclockwise in a planer view in accordance with
the direction in which the motor 70 rotates.
(5) Head 50
[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, the head 50 is attached to a bracket 11,
which is provided on the upper face of the torso 10, through a
shaft 12. The head 50 can swing backward and frontward about the
shaft 12.
[0075] The shaft 12 supports the upper part of the head 50, and the
head 50 stands upright due to its own weight. When the head 50 gets
a punch in the face, the head 50 tilts forward. As shown in FIG. 9,
when the head 50 tilts forward, an touching unit 51 in the head 50
hits a push switch 52, and thereby, it is determined that there is
a punch in the face. Alternatively, a leaf switch may be used
instead of the push switch 52.
[0076] An LED (light-emitting diode) 53 is provided inside the face
on the head 50 (See FIG. 10). The LED 53 has modes of "on",
"flashing", and "off". The LED 53 displays the degree of damage in
accordance with the number of punches, for example. The installing
location of the LED 53 is not limited to the head 50. The LED 53
may be provided in the torso 10, the arms 20, or the legs 40 to
indicate the degree of fatigue or damage of the robot-toy body 100
or each body part. In a case where the robot toy is provided with a
weapon or tool, the LED 53 may be provided on the weapon or
tool.
(6) Circuit Configuration
[0077] FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration of the robot-toy body
100. The robot-toy body 100 includes a control unit 81, a
transmitting/receiving unit 82, the motor 70, the push switch 52,
and the LED 53. The control unit 81 receives an operation-control
signal from the controller 200 via the transmitting/receiving unit
82. In response to the operation-control signal, the motor 70
controls the movement of the robot-toy body 100. The control unit
81 receives a signal from the push switch 52, and controls lighting
of the LED 53 and controls operation of the motor 70 in accordance
with the number of punches the body has received. The control unit
81 transmits a signal indicating that the body gets punched to the
controller 200 via the transmitting/receiving unit 82 every time
the robot-toy body 100 receives a punch.
[0078] Every time the left operating unit 210 or the right
operating unit 220 of the controller 200 is shaken once, the
control unit 81 activates the motor 70 for a certain time necessary
for throwing a punch and forwarding the robot-toy body 100, and
subsequently stops the motor 70.
2. Configuration of Controller 200
[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 200 includes the left
operating unit 210 and the right operating unit 220. Each of the
left operating unit 210 and the right operating unit 220 is a size
that can be held by one hand. The left operating unit 210 and the
right operating unit 220 are electrically connected to a cable
230.
[0080] FIG. 11 shows a circuit configuration of the controller 200.
The controller 200 includes a control unit 230, a
transmitting/receiving unit 231, a left sensor 232, a right sensor
233, and a speaker 234. The control unit 230, the
transmitting/receiving unit 231, the right sensor 233, and the
speaker 234 are provided in the right operating unit 220, whereas
the left sensor 232 is provided in the left operating unit 210. It
should be noted that the transmitting/receiving unit 231 and the
speaker 234 may be provided in the left operating unit 210.
[0081] When the left sensor 232 detects shaking of the left
operating unit 210, the control unit 230 generates an
operation-control signal for the left side, and transmits the
operation-control signal for the left side to the robot-toy body
100 via the transmitting/receiving unit 231. On the other hand,
when the right sensor 233 detects shaking of the right operating
unit 220, the control unit 230 generates an operation-control
signal for the right side, and transmits the operation-control
signal for the right side to the robot-toy body 100 via the
transmitting/receiving unit 231.
[0082] When the control unit 230 receives a signal, which indicates
that the robot-toy body 100 gets a punch, from the robot-toy body
100 via the transmitting/receiving unit 231, the control unit 230
outputs a punching sound or the like through the speaker 234 in
response to the signal.
[0083] The controller 200 may include a recharger for the robot-toy
body 100.
3. Action of the Body 100
[0084] (1) In Case where Left Operating Unit 210 is Operated:
(Action of Legs 40)
[0085] The rotary board 72 rotates clockwise in a planer view, and
the left-lever operation touching unit 75a in the rotary board 72
comes into contact with the upper end portion of the left lever 42
from behind to push out the upper end portion of the left lever 42
frontward. Then, the lever 42 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 5A
against the biasing force of the spring 44. At this time, the click
47a of the catch 47 in the lever 42 is engaged with a tooth of the
toothed wheel 46 to lock the front wheel 45. Thus, the front wheel
45 pushes the floor so that the left leg 41a moves forward.
[0086] Since the right-lever operation touching unit 75b in the
rotary board 72 does not come into contact with the upper end
portion of the right lever 42, the right leg 41b does not so much
move forward; however, due to the rear wheel 48 in the right leg
41b, the right leg 41b moves forward to some extent.
[0087] The left lever 42 returns to its original position due to
the biasing force of the spring 44 after the motor 70 stops
moving.
(Action of Arms 20)
[0088] The left input-link-operation touching unit 76a in the
rotary board 72 comes into contact with the link 27 from behind,
thereby pushing the link 47 forward. Consequently, the link 47
allows the upper arm 23 and the lower arm 24 to move forward
against the biasing force of gravity, whereby the body throws a
punch with the left arm 21a.
[0089] At this time, since the right input-link-operation touching
unit 76b in the rotary board 72 does not come into contact with the
right link 47, the right arm 21b does not move due to its own
weight.
[0090] The left arm 21a returns to its original position due to its
own weight after the motor 70 stops moving.
(2) In Case where Right Operating Unit 220 is Operated:
(Action of Legs 40)
[0091] The rotary board 72 rotates counterclockwise in a planer
view, and the right-lever operation touching unit 75b in the rotary
board 72 comes into contact with the upper end portion of the right
lever 42 from behind to push forward the upper end portion of the
lever 42. Consequently, the lever 42 rotates counterclockwise in
FIG. 5A against the biasing force of the spring 57. At this time,
the click 47a of the catch 47 in the lever 42 is engaged with a
tooth of the toothed wheel 46, thereby locking the front wheel 45.
Thus, the front wheel 45 pushes the floor so that the right leg 41b
moves forward.
[0092] Since the left-lever operation touching unit 75a in the
rotary board 72 does not come into contact with the upper end
portion of the right lever 42, the left leg 41a does not so much
move forward; however, due to the rear wheel 48 in the left leg
41a, the left leg 41a moves forward to some extent.
[0093] The right lever 42 returns to its original position due to
the urge of the spring 44 after the motor 70 stops moving.
(Action of Arms 20)
[0094] The right input-link-operation touching unit 76b in the
rotary board 72 comes into contact with the link 47 from behind,
thereby pushing the link 47 forward. Consequently, the link 47
allows the upper arm 23 and the lower arm 24 to move forward
against the biasing force of gravity, whereby the body throws a
punch with a right arm 21b.
[0095] At this time, since the left input-link-operation touching
unit 76a in the rotary board 72 does not come into contact with the
right link 47, the left arm 21a does not move due to its own
weight.
[0096] The left arm 21b returns to its original position due to its
own weight after the motor 70 stops moving.
4. Effects of the Embodiment
[0097] According to the robot toy, when a punch is thrown, the
lever 42 in the thrust mechanism B pushes the floor and the leg on
the same side as the arm that has thrown the punch moves forward.
As a result, the moving direction of the robot-toy body can be
controlled easily.
[0098] Furthermore, according to the robot toy, when the bottom
half portion of the lever 42 moves from the front to the back, the
front wheel 45 is locked. As a result, the robot-toy body 100 can
effectively move forward by pushing the floor. On the other hand,
when the bottom half portion of the lever 42 moves from the front
to the back, the front wheel 45 is released and rolls, which halts
the robot-toy body 100. Thus, the advance movement of the robot-toy
body 100 is ensured.
[0099] According to the robot toy, the rotary board 72 rotates
about a shaft (the body of the motor 70), which extends vertically
just below the torso 10. Thereby, the levers 42 move by being
touched by the left-lever operation touching unit 75a and the
right-lever operation touching unit 75b formed on the periphery of
the rotary board 72. As a result, one push of the levers 42 allows
the robot-toy body 100 to move forward by a long distance.
[0100] Moreover, according to the robot toy, the rotary board 72
actuates not only the thrust mechanism B but also the arm actuating
mechanism A, which allows the structure of the driving unit C to be
simple.
[0101] Furthermore, according to the robot toy, the body assumes a
ready position where the left and right arms 21a and 21b are bent
due to their own weights in a normal condition. This eliminates the
need for a biasing means, such as a spring, to make the ready
position, which allows the structure of the robot-toy body 100 to
be simple.
6. Modification of the Present Invention
[0102] The robot toy of the present invention is not limited to the
embodiment described above, and various changes may be made within
the scope of the present invention.
[0103] Although the robot toy is constructed to throw a punch in
the above embodiment, the robot toy may throw a slap in sumo
wrestling.
[0104] Further, although the LED 53 has the modes of "on",
"flashing", and "off" in the above embodiment, variations of
lighting color may be employed in place of, or in addition to these
three modes. With a variation of lighting color, a robot toy and an
opponent robot toy may easily be distinguished by the color in a
play fighting.
[0105] Moreover, the way of playing may include different
variations.
[0106] For example, three or more robot-toy bodies 100 may play
tag.
[0107] Specifically, red is assigned to a robot-toy body 100 of
"it", and blue is assigned to the other robot-toy bodies 100. When
a robot-toy body 100 with a blue light gets punched, the color of
the robot-toy body 100 which has been punched turns red. The last
robot-toy body 100 with a blue light wins. Alternatively, in the
tag, red is assigned to a robot-toy body 100 of "it", and blue is
assigned to the other robot-toy bodies 100. When the robot-toy body
100 with a blue light gets punched, the color of the robot-toy body
100 which has been punched turns red, and the color of the
robot-toy body 100 that has thrown the punch turns blue.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0108] The robot toy of the present invention can be employed in
toy manufacturing, for example.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0109] 100 robot-toy body [0110] 10 torso [0111] 20 arm [0112] 21a,
21b arm [0113] 22 arm base (supporting unit) [0114] 23 upper arm
[0115] 24 lower arm [0116] 27 link [0117] 30 hip [0118] 40 leg
[0119] 41a, 41b leg [0120] 42 lever [0121] 45 front wheel [0122] 46
toothed wheel [0123] 47 catch [0124] 50 head [0125] 70 motor [0126]
71 gear array [0127] 72 rotary board [0128] 200 controller [0129] A
arm-actuating mechanism [0130] B thrust mechanism [0131] C driving
unit
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