EP1150753B1 - Mechanical animal reproduction - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanical dog has a head and a tongue having at least one channel which opens into a first opening in the tip of the tongue and a second opening at an end of the tongue facing away from the tip of the tongue. The dog has a tank and a suction pump connected to the channel via the first opening. A drive moves the tongue toward or away from the head.

Description

The invention relates to a mechanical animal replica, in particular a mechanical one Dog, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Mechanical animal reproduction is already known (DE-GM 297 02 068.4), in which at least one rear leg is supported at a second pivot point, wherein the axes of rotation from the first and second pivot point of this hind leg by one predetermined angles are tilted to each other and a second drive mechanism is provided, which optionally the hind leg around the second pivot point emotional. This allows behavior with mechanical animal replication of real animals. Dogs, imitated or re-enacted, it is particularly advantageous that by two mutually tilted axes of rotation on a hind leg a "leg lift" with corresponding loosening of the Animal, for example to mark the smell of its territory can.

A toy goat is known from DE-PS 13951, which has a joint replica between head and neck, whereby by lifting and lowering the Head suction of liquid can take place, causing the drinking of Animals can be imitated. A tube extends through the neck and head, through which liquid is sucked. The playful imitation of drinking is, however, only very cumbersome and unrealistic to carry out, since different Parts of the goat, such as the head, neck and legs, must be operated manually. the today's desire for a natural imitation of animal drinking this construction doesn't do it justice.

The invention has for its object a mechanical animal replica above-mentioned Kind in such a way that their play value through further, automatable Additional functions is increased.

This object is achieved by those listed in claim 1 Features solved. Advantageous refinements of this are in the further claims described.

The invention provides the advantage that those carried out by real animals or dogs Actions with mechanical animal replication realistically imitated or can be replayed. Here, the mechanical according to the invention Modeling an additional function such that it is a liquid, Ex. Water, from an external container, ex. a bowl can, so that there is an additional possibility of play and thus an increased play value results. Here, a user can fill one with, for example, water Approach containers of mechanical animal reproduction in this way or instead approach the mechanical replica of the water-filled container in such a way that the tip of the tongue dips into the water with the first opening. By activating the suction device then the water from the container on the first opening, the channel and the second opening in the liquid container of the mechanical animal replica sucked in, giving the impression that mechanical animal replica sips or slurps water to quench thirst breastfeeding.

The automatic immersion of the tip of the tongue with the first opening is achieved in that the tongue is movably mounted on the head and with an actuating device is connected so that the actuator selectively the tongue moving away from your head.

In a preferred embodiment are for driving the actuating device as well as an electrically driven one to drive the suction device mechanical drive device provided. The two drive devices can be designed as a common mechanical drive device.

It is expedient to selectively activate the suction device and the Actuating device each provided a manually operable switch. It is particularly useful here that the two switches as a common Switches are formed. This is the suction function for a liquid and the actuation of the tongue to extend in the direction of an intake Liquid can be activated together. For simple and convenient operation and for a fun game with the animal replica according to the invention is an operating device with one by an operator actuatable selection means provided that a request for an operation the suction device and / or the actuating device to the animal replica passes.

To further increase the game value through the greatest possible realism of the following the process of water absorption, a noise device is provided, which, when activated simultaneously with the suction device, emits a noise, which is a slurping or sipping drinking sound of an animal imitated while drinking.

Characterized in that a line connected to the liquid container is provided is in an opening at a rear part of the torso of the animal replica opens, further comprising a pump device for selectively conveying in the Liquid container containing liquid provided via the line to the outside so-called solving the animal replica can be mimicked or re-enacted, the liquid container did not have to be filled manually beforehand, but by the function of water absorption according to the invention via the Tongue is filled. This is how the game works with mechanical animal replication particularly realistic or realistic and therefore with regard to the Play values high quality executable.

In an alternative embodiment, the tongue has a second channel, and a ventilation and venting device is arranged on the liquid container, wherein a hose connection is provided which the second channel the tongue with the ventilation and venting device of the liquid container combines.

A particularly simple and stable structure can be achieved in that a self-supporting frame is provided in which a first and second gear unit as well as their respective drive motors, the suction device and the liquid tank are arranged. The pump device is also expedient arranged in the self-supporting frame.

Fig. 1

die erfindungsgemäße mechanische Tiernachbildung in Form eines Hundes im Längsschnitt und

Fig. 2

in teilweise geschnittener Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

die Zunge des Hundes in Draufsicht,

Fig. 4

im Längsschnitt entlang Linie A - A von Fig. 3 und

Fig. 5

im Querschnitt entlang Linie C - C von Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

eine alternative Ausführungsform der Tiernachbildung in Seitenansicht von links,

Fig. 7

in Draufsicht,

Fig. 8

in Seitenansicht von rechts und

Fig. 9

in der Ansicht von unten.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. These show in:

Fig. 1

the mechanical animal replica according to the invention in the form of a dog in longitudinal section and

Fig. 2

in a partially sectioned top view,

Fig. 3

the dog's tongue in top view,

Fig. 4

in longitudinal section along line A - A of Fig. 3 and

Fig. 5

in cross section along line C - C of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

an alternative embodiment of the animal replica in side view from the left,

Fig. 7

in top view,

Fig. 8

in side view from the right and

Fig. 9

in the bottom view.

The mechanical dog shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises in and on a housing or torso 32 a first drive mechanism 18, a second drive mechanism 30, front legs 10 and 11, rear legs 12 and 13, a head part 62 and a water system with liquid container 88, liquid hose 90, Liquid pump 94 with piston 102 and an outlet opening 134.

The first drive mechanism 18 has an electric motor 24 which drives it via a transmission, not shown, either front legs 11 or an actuating means 54 drives. The front legs 11 are on a first drive shaft 22 (Fig. 2) and an eccentric pivot 78 and are still rotatable at a third pivot point 76 and along the axis of the front leg 11 slidably mounted. When driving the front leg 11 by the Motor 24 via the first drive unit 18 is therefore due to the eccentric Pivot 78 of the front leg 11 alternately raised and lowered again. The corresponding opposite front leg 10 (FIG. 2) becomes corresponding raised and lowered in opposite directions. Through the simultaneous storage and Guiding in the third pivot point 76 results in a forward and backward movement of the forelegs 10 and 11. In this way the mechanical dog receives a gait-like mechanical propulsion.

The actuating means 54 is also driven by the drive mechanism 18. Here, the motor 24 via the first drive mechanism 18 either the actuating means 54 or the forelegs 11, 10 are driven. The actuator 54 is a bump with ridges in the illustrated embodiment 64 which, when the disk 54 rotates about the second drive axis 52 cooperate with one end 66 of a head lever 56 in succession. This Head lever 56 is rotated about a pivot point and simultaneously actuates one mechanical tongue 58 and a bellows 60. The bellows 60 is first squeezed and then suddenly released when an elevation 64 out of engagement with the end 66 of the head lever 56 by rotating the Disc 54 is coming. Here, air is generated by a noise body 108 and a noise medium 110 sucked, so that the mechanical dog simultaneously with the tongue movement a corresponding noise or one from the noise body 108 makes a predetermined sound. The noise body 108 preferably simulates a Dogs bark.

The first drive mechanism 18 further includes a gear unit 20 Shafts 106, the transmission unit 20 later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 will be explained in more detail.

The front legs 10 and 11 are with the corresponding rear legs 12 and 13 connected via a lever 80. One side of the lever 80 engages in the eccentric pivot point 78 of a front leg 11, and accordingly the other end 82 of the lever 80 acts via a pivot point 112 with a second one Lever 84 together, which about the pivot point 14 of the corresponding Hind 13 articulates this. When moving the front legs 11, 10 through the eccentric drive 78 are thus the corresponding lever 80 Hind legs 12, 13 simultaneously with the front legs 10, 11, but opposite to these, rotated about the pivot point 14.

Furthermore, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the mechanical dog has in its rear part a second drive mechanism 30. This second drive mechanism 30 either drives the liquid pump 94 or over a disc 38 with the cam curve not visible in FIGS. 1 and 2 the rear leg 13 on. The rear leg 13 is in addition to the pivot point 14 at a pivot point 26 rotatably supported about an axis of rotation 28. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 2 results, the axes of rotation 16 and 28 of the pivot points 14 and 26 of the rear leg 13 substantially perpendicular to each other. This means that in normal Walking operation of the mechanical dog of the hind leg 13 through the articulation is pivoted back and forth via the lever 80 around the pivot point 14. In addition, however, the rear leg 13 may be from the second drive mechanism 30 over the disk 38 laterally away from the mechanical dog about the axis of rotation 28 can be pivoted. This pivoting movement preferably takes place if the remaining runs 10, 11 and 12 are not moved, i.e. if no forward walking operation of the mechanical dog. This "leg lifting" simulates the action of a real dog, in which, for example, it Tree trunk releases. This typical behavior of dogs, for example, for odor marking their territory is thus over this function with the invention mechanical dog replayable or imitable. Is the hind leg 13 raised correspondingly about the axis of rotation 28, the second drive mechanism is actuated 30 the piston 102 of the liquid pump 94 and promotes Liquid from the container 88 through the liquid hose 90 to an outlet or outlet 134 of the hose 90 at the rear 92 of the mechanical dog. The liquid exits at outlet 134 and the mechanical dog shows true to nature the action of a dog coming loose.

The forward motion action generated by the first drive mechanism 18 and the function of the driven by the second drive mechanism 30 solving dog is optionally carried out, i.e. it's either drive mechanism 18 or drive mechanism 30 in action.

An operator can accordingly on a control element, not shown by actuating a selection means the desired function, going forward or release the dog. Is the mechanical Dog in the walking forward function and would the function "detaching dog" triggered immediately by the operator when the actuator is switched, it could happen that the front legs 10, 11 and the rear leg 12 are such have unfavorable position that when lifting the rear leg 13 of the mechanical Dog would fall over. To prevent this, the function of the releasing dog only triggered at a certain position of runs 10, 11 and 12. The optimal position of the barrels is such that the lifting rear barrel 13 diagonally opposite front barrel 10 a horizontally has a smaller distance between the drive axle 22 and the floor than the rest Runs 11 and 12. In this condition, the mechanical dog is in one stable tripod.

The triggering of the function of the detaching dog in the stable tripod is realized in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in that a Switch 74 is provided, which is actuated by an actuating means 86 on lever 80 between the front leg 10 and the rear leg 12 is operated. The switch 74 is, as can be seen from FIG. 2, only then actuated by the actuating means 86, when the lever 80 and thus the front leg 10 are in their foremost position are located, while the barrels 11 and 12 are pivoted into a rear position are. The latter thus have a larger drive axle 22 vertical distance to the ground as the front leg 10, so that the mechanical Dog leans on this.

When the function of the detaching dog is requested during the forward walking operation So the dog runs a little further until the corresponding one Position of the barrels 10, 11 and 12 is set and the actuating means 86 operated the switch 74. This then releases the second drive mechanism 30 off and stops the first drive mechanism 18. Here are the operating device and the selection means on the operating device with the drive mechanisms 18 and 30 and the switch 74 connected that a Switchover takes place only when this has been done by the operator was requested on the operating device via the selection means. As long as this is not the case, do this while walking forward Actuator 86 constantly switches 74, but it occurs due to a corresponding electrical circuit does not trigger the second drive mechanism 30th

If, conversely, an operator during the function of the detaching Dog with raised hind leg 13 again the function forward requests, is also not abruptly from the drive mechanism 30 to the Drive mechanism 18 changed, but rather in a certain position the disk 38 actuated a further switch, not shown. This The position of the disk 38 is preferably selected such that the rear leg 13 is completely on the ground, so that without the risk of falling over mechanical dog the forward walking function can be performed. The Delay in switching from drive mechanism 30 to drive mechanism 18 here again takes place by means of appropriate electrical wiring of the control element with the drive mechanisms 18, 30 and corresponding switches.

1 and 2, the fastenings of the differ Hind legs 12 and 13 corresponding to the additional function of the hind leg 13 fundamentally different from each other. While, as seen in FIG. 2, the hind leg 12 um the axis 16 is rotatably screwed by means of a screw 114, the Hind leg 13 two axes of rotation 16 and 28. Around the hind leg 13 a rotatable To grant degrees of freedom both about axis 16 and about axis 28, the second lever 84 must be designed accordingly. This reaches out as if Fig. 1 can be seen, hoof-shaped around the pivot point 14 and forms at the open End of the horseshoe the additional axis of rotation 28.

The two drive mechanisms 18 and 30 are rigid in the housing 32 and arranged immovable relative to each other. The second drive mechanism 30 is, for example, with a screw 104 on a shell part of the torso 32 screwed down.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3 to 5, the tongue 58 has a tongue part 210, which is movably arranged on the head part 62 in the direction of arrow 212 is. The tongue part 210 is via an opening 214 and into the opening 214 gripping linkage 216 connected to an actuating device 218, which optionally the tongue part 210 in the direction of arrow 212 away from the head extending or withdrawing. This is done for example by a piston-like Movement of the linkage 216.

The tongue part 210 has a channel 220, which at a tongue tip 222 opens into a first opening 224. On one of the tongue tips 222 opposite At the end, the channel 220 opens into a second opening 226.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the second opening 226 is provided with a liquid hose 228 and a suction device 230. The liquid hose 228 opens into the liquid container 88. The suction device 230 is from one Drive mechanism, not shown, for drawing liquid over the Tongue part 210 can be driven.

Fig. 1 shows a retracted state of the tongue part 210, wherein the Liquid hose 228 in an arc 232 away from second opening 226 runs. If the actuating device 218 extends the tongue part 210, it has thus the liquid hose 228 corresponding play, so that during the extension of the tongue part 210 of the bow 232 stretches.

In game mode, an operator operates a switch, which both the actuating device 218 and the suction device 230 are activated. thereupon the actuator 218 extends the tongue part 210, so that at corresponding arrangement of the mechanical fabric simulation relative to one external container with water, for example, the tongue part 210 with the tongue tip 222 and the first opening 224 immersed in the water in the container. To immersion of the first opening 224 by the activated suction device 230 via the first opening 224, the channel 220, the second opening 226 and the Liquid hose 228 Liquid sucked out of the external liquid container and conveyed into the internal fluid reservoir 88 of the replica, so that it gradually fills up. At the same time, it gradually empties the external liquid container, so that from the outside there is the impression that the mechanical imitation of water for the purpose of quenching thirst absorbs water or drinking. At the same time, a noise device (not shown) Generates sound, which is the sound of a water-absorbing dog (Slurping or slurping) imitated.

After in this way the liquid container 88 at least partially Liquid, such as water, can be filled by a new one Actuation of the switch deactivates the suction device 230 and the actuating device 218 are controlled such that the tongue part 210 with the Channel 220 is retracted.

After further control of the animal replica in such a way that Movement of the forelegs 10, 11 or hind legs 12, 13 can move forward the above-mentioned function of the detaching animal can be triggered as of now there is sufficient liquid in the liquid container 88 for this function is. At the same time, there is an overall game flow, which is particularly realistic designed because the animal replica exactly the liquid when dissolving releases again, which they previously recorded via the tongue part 210 and the channel 220 Has.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the tongue 210 is, for example, with two parallel, channels 220 separated from each other. This advantageously increases Manage the flow of liquid through tongue 210.

The modified embodiment according to FIGS. 6 to 9 comprises a self-supporting Frame 254 on which the front legs 10, 11 and rear legs 12, 13 are articulated are. Furthermore, the following components are in the self-supporting frame 254 arranged: a first gear unit 20, a second gear unit 34, a motor 24 for the first gear unit 20, a second motor 36 for the second Gear unit 34, a suction device 230, a liquid pump 94 and the liquid container 88. On a front area of the self-supporting Actuating device 218 is arranged in frame 254, as can be seen in FIG. 8. This includes a first lever fixedly connected to the tongue 210 244, which with its end facing away from the tongue 210 at a pivot point 248 is rotatably supported and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second lever arm 246, its end facing away from the pivot point 248 with an actuating rod 250 connected is. Here, one end facing away from the second lever arm 246 is the Actuating rod articulated eccentrically on a driven turntable 252. The driven turntable 252 is driven by the first gear unit 20 driven. The first gear unit 20 is designed such that in one Direction of rotation of the first motor 24 for the first gear unit 20, the motor power on the front legs 10, 11 and rear legs 12, 13 to produce a walking motion the animal replica is transmitted while in the opposite Direction of rotation of the motor force on the actuator 218 via the turntable 252 is transmitted. A corresponding stop switch 256 is registered the deflection of the first lever arm 244, so that this is only one certain angle for retracting and extending the tongue 210 is pivoted. As soon as the tongue 210 a predetermined distance from the front of the self-supporting Frame 254 is pushed out, the suction device automatically 230 activated, which via the tongue 210 and the liquid hose 228 conveys liquid, such as water, into the liquid container 88, provided that the tip of the tongue of the tongue 210 is immersed in a corresponding liquid. To enable easy filling of the liquid tank 88, is at the same time a ventilation and venting device 240 via a hose connection 242 connected to a second channel 240 of the tongue 210. As soon as from an operating device, not shown, which is connected via a cable 258 to the mechanical animal replica is connected, a corresponding command to exit of suction, the suction device 230 stops, and the tongue 210 by means of a corresponding rotation of the turntable 252 retracted.

The liquid tank 88 is also connected to the liquid pump via a hose 90 94 connected, which in turn via another liquid hose 90 is connected to the outlet 134. After a corresponding command from the operating device, not shown, activates the liquid pump 94, which then liquid from the container 88 through the hoses 90 to Outlet 134 promotes. The ventilation and ventilation device in turn supports this 240 emptying the liquid container 88 with the hose 242, because air passes through the second channel 240 of the tongue 210 and the hose 242 the aeration and venting device 240 into the liquid container 88 can flow in.

Both the liquid pump 94 and the rear leg 13 are from the second gear unit 34 driven by the second motor 36. Here is the second gear unit 34 formed such that when actuated by the Motor 36 first the front legs 10, 11 and the rear leg 12 in a stable Three adjustment brings and then swings the rear leg 13 sideways. Only then is the liquid pump 94 activated and delivers liquid the container 88 via hose connections 90 to the outlet 134 from which the pumped liquid finally emerges as a fine jet. Once over the not Operating device shown the command to stop pumping out Liquid comes out of the liquid container 88, the pump 94 stops, and the second gear unit 34 pivots the rear leg 13 and brings the front legs 10, 11 and the hind legs 12, 13 again in a walking position. alternative is the pivoting of the front legs 10, 11 and the rear leg 12 in one stable three-way adjustment by the first gear unit 20 under the influence of the first motor 24 carried out, after reaching the stable three-way adjustment a stop switch is actuated, which in turn the first motor 24 and so that the first gear unit 20 stops and instead the second motor 36 and thus the second gear unit 34 for pivoting the rear leg 13 and activated to convey the liquid by means of the pump 94.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 6-9, the front part of the self-supporting Frame 254 a head shell 260 placed, which a sound electronics 262 and a loudspeaker 264.

Around the self-supporting frame 254 with the corresponding attachments are arranged on both sides two torso shells, not shown, the - the frame 254 are at least partially enclosing - releasably connected to each other and which form a torso of mechanical animal reproduction. Over these torso shells, the head shell 260, the front legs 10,11 and rear legs 12,13 a fur turned over and sewn, which also has a head replica. The fur covers the forelegs 10, 11, hind legs 12, 13, the torso shells and the head shell 260 completely, so that these parts are no longer visible from the outside are. Only the tongue 210, the cable 258 and the outlet 134 protrude from the Hide out.

Claims (15)

1. A mechanical animal simulating structure, in particular a mechanical dog, comprising a head (62) and a tongue (58, 210) mounted to this head,
      characterized in that
   the tongue (210) comprises at least one duct (220) issuing Within the zone of the tongue tip (222) into at least one first orifice (224) and, at an end of the tongue (210) away from said tip (222) issuing into at least one second orifice (226) connected to a liquid tank (88) and to a selectively driven suction device (230) sucking-in liquid through the first orifice (224) and the duct (220), the tongue (210) being displaceably supported at the head (62) and being connected in such a way to a drive system (218) that this system (218) selectively displaces the tongue (210) to extend from, or retract into, the head (62).
2. Animal simulation as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a first electrically powered, mechanical drive system powers the drive device (218).
3. Animal simulation as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a second, electrically powered mechanical drive system powers the suction device (230).
4. Animal simulation as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the first and second drive systems are combined into a joint mechanical drive system.
5. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that a manually operated first switch is used to selectively activate the suction device (230).
6. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims 2 through 5, characterized in that a manually operated switch is used to selectively activate the drive system (218).
7. Animal simulation as claimed in either of claim 5 and 6, characterized in that the first and second switches are combined into a joint switch.
8. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises an operational device fitted with a selector actuated by an operator, said selector transmitting a command to apply the activated suction device to the simulated mechanical animal.
9. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises an operational device fitted with a selection actuated by an operator, said selector transmitting a command to apply the drive system to the simulated mechanical animal.
10. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises a noise generator which is activated simultaneously with the suction device (230) and emits a noise imitating a splashing/slurping noise of a drinking animal.
11. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises a tube (90) connected to the liquid tank (88) and issuing at the rear portion of the torso (32) of said simulation into an aperture (134) and in that it further comprises a pump (94) to selectively move liquid contained in the liquid tank (88) through the tube (90) to the outside.
12. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that the tongue comprises a second duct (220) and the liquid tank (88) is fitted with an aerating and venting device (240), the tongue's second duct (220) being connected to the aeration and ventilating device (240) of the liquid tank by a tube connection (242).
13. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that the drive device (218) is fitted with a first lever (244) which is firmly joined to the tongue (210) and which is rotatably supported at its end away from the said tongue on a pivot (248) and which further is irrotationally connected to a second lever arm (246) whose end away from the pivot (248) is connected to a drive bar (250), a drive-bar end that is away from the second lever arm (250) articulating in excentric manner on a driven rotary disk (252).
14. Animal simulation as claimed in one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises a self-supporting frame (254) receiving a first and a second gear unit (20 and 34 resp.) and their particular drive motors (24 and 36), further suction the device (230) and the liquid tank (88).
15. Animal simulation as claimed in either of claims 11 and 14, characterized in that the pump (94) is mounted in the self-supporting frame (254).

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