EP2952236A1 - Spring-mounted arming/disarming mechanism and popper toy including same - Google Patents

Abstract

This mechanism comprises a piece (116) sliding relative to a base (102), locking means (144, 154) and control means adapted to i) storing energy in elastic means (122) by contraction of the slider and ii) release the energy by unfolding the slider by releasing the locking means. The control means comprise an arm (130) articulated on the slide (116), a part (140) driven by a motor, with a cam surface (144) urging a finger (134) integral with the arm, and a latch (150). In a first mode, the sliding part (116) is contracted via the arm (130) via the finger (134), then released after reaching a release zone (C) of the cam surface, in the same rotation. of the rotating part, while in a second mode the sliding part (116) is contracted, then locked by the latch (150), then released after reaching, a release zone (D) formed by the cam surface, causing the unlocking by a reverse rotation of the rotating part.

Description

The invention relates to a mechanism for arming / disarming a sliding part, in particular for a toy wheel and jumper having a pair of wheels disposed on either side of a toy body, of the type for example described in FIG. JP 2011/41696 A (Barse ), and also relates to such a toy incorporating such a mechanism.

The aforementioned document describes a remote controlled rolling object and jumper mounted on two independent wheels each driven by a motor of their own, which allows the toy to move forward, back, to position in order to jump, etc. The body of the toy comprises a chassis connected to the wheels and a sliding element guided on slides, with a spring interposed between frame and sliding element. A motor moves the sliding element closer to the frame, which has the effect of gradually compressing the spring and thus accumulating elastic potential energy. The assembly is held in this position by a locking system, which can be released to suddenly release the spring and project the toy above the ground by transforming the potential energy of the spring into kinetic energy, the percussion of the piece sliding against the ground producing, by reaction, the desired bouncing effect. The height of the jump can be adjusted by a variable compression of the spring, to deliver more or less energy at the time of the jump.

An object of the invention is, in general, to provide a particularly simple and reliable arming / disarming mechanism for varying the energy returned to a sliding part by a spring. Applied to a toy of the above-mentioned type, the invention also aims, without having to modify its basic structure, to make it possible to vary the energy delivered by this mechanism and therefore the energy, and if necessary the direction, of the energy. a leap, choosing for example between a jump in height (for example to raise the toy on a table from the ground), or a jump in length (for example to cross an obstacle, the toy finishing its course at the level of the ground).

Another object of the invention is to allow such a toy to shoot with different powers.

• une pièce coulissante mobile en translation par rapport à une embase entre des positions déployée et contractée ;
• des moyens libérables de verrouillage de la pièce coulissante par rapport à l'embase ;
• des moyens élastiques sollicités entre l'embase et la pièce coulissante ; et
• des moyens de commande aptes à i) stocker progressivement de l'énergie potentielle dans les moyens élastiques par déplacement de la pièce coulissante vers une position contractée sous l'action de moyens moteurs, et ii) libérer l'énergie ainsi stockée en entrainant la pièce coulissante vers la position déployée sous l'effet d'une libération des moyens de verrouillage,
  lesdits moyens de commande comprenant :
• un bras articulé sur la pièce coulissante ; et
• une pièce tournante montée à rotation sur l'embase, commandée par lesdits moyens moteurs et possédant une surface de came intérieure apte à solliciter un doigt solidaire du bras lors de la rotation de ladite pièce.

According to a first aspect, these objects are achieved, according to the invention, by a mechanism for arming and disarming a sliding part, in particular for a toy jumper and / or shooter, comprising, in a manner known in itself from the JP 2011/41696 A aforementioned:

• a sliding member movable in translation relative to a base between deployed and contracted positions;
• releasable means for locking the sliding part relative to the base;
• resilient means biased between the base and the slider; and
• control means adapted to i) gradually storing potential energy in the elastic means by moving the sliding piece to a position contracted under the action of motor means, and ii) releasing the energy thus stored by driving the piece sliding towards the deployed position under the effect of a release of the locking means,
  said control means comprising:
• an articulated arm on the sliding piece; and
• a rotating part rotatably mounted on the base, controlled by said motor means and having an inner cam surface adapted to urge a finger integral with the arm during the rotation of said part.

• i) dans un premier mode où la pièce coulissante est contractée via la surface de came agissant sur le bras par l'intermédiaire du doigt, puis brusquement libérée après atteinte, par le doigt, d'une zone de libération formée par la surface de came, au cours du même mouvement de rotation de la pièce tournante,

The control means are able to control the motor means:

• i) in a first mode where the sliding part is contracted via the cam surface acting on the arm via the finger, then suddenly released after reaching, by the finger, a release zone formed by the cam surface during the same rotational movement of the rotating part,

• un verrou apte à coopérer avec un aménagement de verrouillage formé sur le bras.

In a characteristic manner of the invention, this mechanism also comprises:

• a lock adapted to cooperate with a locking arrangement formed on the arm.

1. i) dans ledit premier mode, ou
2. ii) dans un second mode où la pièce coulissante est contractée via la surface de came agissant sur le bras par l'intermédiaire du doigt, puis verrouillée par le verrou agissant sur l'aménagement de verrouillage du bras, puis brusquement libérée après atteinte, par le doigt, d'une zone de libération formée par la surface de came, provoquant le dégagement de l'aménagement de verrouillage par rapport au verrou au cours d'une rotation inverse de la pièce tournante.

On the other hand, the control means are able to selectively control the motor means:

1. i) in said first mode, or
2. ii) in a second mode where the sliding part is contracted via the cam surface acting on the arm via the finger, then locked by the latch acting on the locking arrangement of the arm, then suddenly released after reaching, by the finger, a release zone formed by the cam surface, causing clearance of the locking arrangement relative to the latch during a reverse rotation of the rotating part.

Note that the term "elastic means" should be understood in the broad sense, and not limited to spring means (as in the example of the detailed description below) where the elastic function is obtained by deformation of a material flexible. This term must be understood as also covering means capable, in other forms, of storing energy and of delivering it, for example in magnetic form by bringing together two magnets having the same pole until they meet, to release the energy when unlocking following the same principle as in the case of a spring.

• la surface de came comprend une zone de traction apte à solliciter progressivement le doigt du bras vers le centre de rotation de la pièce tournante, une première zone de libération saillante adjacente à la zone de traction, et une zone d'effacement adjacente à la première zone de libération ;
• le verrou comprend un cran d'arrêt et l'aménagement de verrouillage comprend un ergot solidaire du bras entre son point d'articulation sur la pièce coulissante et le doigt, la coopération entre l'ergot et le cran d'arrêt dépendant de la position angulaire du bras, et dans lequel la seconde zone de libération formée par la surface de came est apte à faire pivoter le bras pour dégager l'ergot du cran d'arrêt ;
• la première zone de libération de la surface de came est apte à impulser le bras en pivotement de manière, au cours du déploiement, à permettre à l'ergot de contourner le cran d'arrêt ;
• le mécanisme comprend en outre un interrupteur actionné par un mouvement du verrou provoqué par l'aménagement de verrouillage dans une phase de contraction, et dans lequel l'inversion du sens de rotation de la pièce tournante dans le second mode est effectuée en réponse à l'actionnement de l'interrupteur ;
• la pièce coulissante est montée sur l'affût par l'intermédiaire de deux tiges parallèles reçues dans des cylindres respectifs, et dans lequel l'axe de rotation de la pièce tournante et l'axe de pivotement du bras sont perpendiculaires au plan contenant les axes des deux tiges ;
• le verrou est mobile en rotation autour d'un axe perpendiculaire au plan contenant les axes des deux tiges et est sollicité par un ressort s'opposant à la force exercée par l'aménagement de verrouillage dans une phase de contraction ;
• les zones de libération sont deux zones distinctes voisines l'une de l'autre sur la surface de came ; et
• les moyens moteurs comprennent un unique moteur électrique à balais fonctionnant en courant continu.

According to various advantageous subsidiary features:

• the cam surface comprises a traction zone capable of progressively biasing the finger of the arm toward the center of rotation of the rotating part, a first projecting release zone adjacent to the traction zone, and an erasure zone adjacent to the first liberation zone;
• the latch comprises a detent and the locking arrangement comprises a lug secured to the arm between its pivot point on the sliding part and the finger, the cooperation between the lug and the detent depending on the position angular of the arm, and wherein the second release zone formed by the cam surface is adapted to rotate the arm to disengage the latch lug;
• the first zone of release of the cam surface is adapted to impulse the arm pivotally so during deployment, allow the pin to bypass the detent;
• the mechanism further comprises a switch actuated by a movement of the latch caused by the locking arrangement in a contraction phase, and wherein the inversion of the direction of rotation of the rotating part in the second mode is performed in response to the actuation of the switch;
• the sliding part is mounted on the carriage by means of two parallel rods received in respective cylinders, and in which the axis of rotation of the rotating part and the axis of pivoting of the arm are perpendicular to the plane containing the axes. both stems;
• the latch is movable in rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods and is biased by a spring opposing the force exerted by the locking arrangement in a contraction phase;
• the release zones are two distinct zones adjacent to each other on the cam surface; and
• the motor means comprise a single brushed electric motor operating in direct current.

• un affût à roues, comprenant un affût et une paire de roues disposées de part et d'autre de l'affût, les roues étant montées par rapport à l'affût à rotation autour d'un axe commun perpendiculaire à la direction principale de l'affût ;
• une pièce coulissante, mobile en translation et guidée le long de l'affût entre des positions déployée et contractée ;
• des moyens libérables de verrouillage de la pièce coulissante par rapport à l'affût ;
• des premiers moyens moteurs, aptes à exercer sur les roues un couple de rotation par rapport à l'affût ;
• des seconds moyens moteurs, aptes à déplacer la pièce coulissante par rapport à l'affût ;
• des moyens élastiques sollicités entre l'affût et la pièce coulissante ; et
• des moyens de commande des moyens élastiques, aptes à i) stocker progressivement de l'énergie potentielle dans l'organe ressort par déplacement de la pièce coulissante vers une position contractée sous l'action des seconds moyens moteurs, et ii) libérer l'énergie ainsi stockée en entrainant la pièce coulissante vers la position déployée sous l'effet d'une libération des moyens de verrouillage.

According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a rolling toy and jumper resting on the ground, of the general type disclosed by the JP 2011/41696 A aforementioned, comprising:

• a wheeled carriage, comprising a carriage and a pair of wheels arranged on either side of the carriage, the wheels being mounted relative to the carriage with rotation about a common axis perpendicular to the main direction of the carriage; lookout;
• a sliding part, movable in translation and guided along the carriage between deployed and contracted positions;
• releasable means for locking the slider relative to the carriage;
• first motor means, adapted to exert on the wheels a rotation torque relative to the carriage;
• second motor means, adapted to move the slide relative to the carriage;
• resilient means biased between the carriage and the slider; and
• means for controlling the elastic means, adapted to i) storing progressively potential energy in the spring member by displacement of the sliding member to a contracted position under the action of the second motor means, and ii) releasing the energy thus stored by driving the sliding piece towards the deployed position under the effect of a release of the locking means.

In a characteristic manner of the invention, the control means comprise a mechanism as defined above, the base of said mechanism being integral with the carriage.

• la pièce coulissante comprend un patin pour l'appui au sol du jouet dans au moins une position stable ;
• dans ladite position stable, les moyens de commande sont aptes à libérer l'énergie stockée dans les moyens élastiques de manière à provoquer un bondissement du jouet au-dessus du sol sous l'effet de la détente de la pièce coulissante, transmise par le patin ;
• le jouet est capable d'adopter une position de tir où il repose dans une autre position stable, les moyens de commande étant aptes à libérer l'énergie stockée dans les moyens élastiques de manière à projeter en éloignement du jouet un objet en contact avec une pièce de tir solidaire de la pièce coulissante ;
• les moyens de commande sont en outre aptes à sélectivement commander les moyens moteurs dans un troisième mode où la pièce coulissante est progressivement contractée via la surface de came sans atteindre une position de verrouillage par le verrou ou une zone de libération de la surface de came, puis progressivement déployée par rotation inverse, pour ainsi déplacer progressivement le patin en rapprochement ou en éloignement des points de contact des roues avec le sol et ainsi faire varier l'angle d'inclinaison de l'affut par rapport à la surface du sol.

According to various advantageous subsidiary features of this toy:

• the slider comprises a pad for the ground support of the toy in at least one stable position;
• in said stable position, the control means are able to release the energy stored in the elastic means so as to cause a jump of the toy above the ground under the effect of the relaxation of the sliding part, transmitted by the pad ;
• the toy is able to adopt a firing position where it rests in another stable position, the control means being able to release the energy stored in the elastic means so as to project away from the toy an object in contact with a firing piece integral with the sliding piece;
• the control means are furthermore capable of selectively controlling the motor means in a third mode in which the sliding piece is progressively contracted via the cam surface without reaching a locking position by the lock or a release zone of the cam surface, then progressively deployed by inverse rotation, to thus progressively move the pad closer to or away from the points of contact of the wheels with the ground and thus vary the angle of inclination of the plate relative to the ground surface.

• La Figure 1 est une vue en perspective du jouet selon l'invention, montrant les différents éléments qui, combinés ensemble, constituent sa structure.
• Les Figures 2a et 2b sont des vues de côté illustrant le jouet de l'invention dans la position qu'il prend par défaut, mais selon deux inclinaisons différentes respectives.
• Les Figures 3a à 3d sont des vues de côté illustrant le jouet respectivement en position par défaut, en position en pendule inversé, en position de tir et en position de prise d'objet.
• Les Figures 4a à 4d sont homologues des Figures 3a à 3d, dans des représentations en vue perspective.
• La Figure 5 illustre par une vue de profil un mécanisme d'armement/désarmement d'une pièce coulissante permettant notamment d'impulser le jouet avec différentes forces.
• La Figure 6 est une vue de face du mécanisme de la Figure 5.
• Les Figures 7a à 7e sont des vues de côté du jouet, illustrant différentes attitudes de celui-ci lors de la contraction puis de la libération de force du mécanisme selon deux réglages de force différents.
• Les Figures 8a à 8h sont des vues de face du mécanisme, illustrant ses différentes phases lors d'un armement/désarmement avec un premier réglage.
• Les Figures 9a à 9k sont des vues de face du mécanisme, illustrant ses différentes phases lors d'un armement/désarmement avec un second réglage.

An embodiment of the device of the invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings in which the same references designate identical or functionally similar elements from one figure to another.

• The Figure 1 is a perspective view of the toy according to the invention, showing the different elements which, combined together, constitute its structure.
• The Figures 2a and 2b are side views illustrating the toy of the invention in the position it takes by default, but in two different respective inclinations.
• The Figures 3a to 3d are side views illustrating the toy respectively in default position, in inverted pendulum position, in firing position and in the position of taking object.
• The Figures 4a to 4d are counterparts Figures 3a to 3d , in perspective view representations.
• The Figure 5 illustrated by a side view a mechanism for arming / disarming a sliding part allowing in particular to drive the toy with different forces.
• The Figure 6 is a front view of the mechanism of the Figure 5 .
• The Figures 7a to 7e are side views of the toy, illustrating different attitudes of the toy during the contraction and then the release of force of the mechanism according to two different force settings.
• The Figures 8a to 8h are front views of the mechanism, illustrating its different phases when arming / disarming with a first setting.
• The Figures 9a to 9k are front views of the mechanism, illustrating its different phases when arming / disarming with a second setting.

On the Figure 1 the reference 10 designates generally the toy according to the invention, which comprises a carriage 12 supported by two wheels 14. The wheels 14 are mounted on the carriage 12 to pivot about a common axis D, and they are driven independently by clean electric motors (not shown), controlled by appropriate circuits allowing the toy, according to the direction and the speed of rotation of the wheels, to progress in a straight line, to back off, to turn on itself or by making a turning, etc., these different evolutions being advantageously controlled by the player by means of a suitable remote control.

The carriage 12 extends along a main direction Δ, perpendicular to the axis D of pivoting wheels, and it supports a sliding member 16 displaceable in translation parallel to the axis Δ under the effect of an engine appropriate, controlled by the control circuits of the toy. This sliding part comprises for example two parallel rods 18 guided by respective cylinders 20 integral with the carriage 12, with interposition between the rods 18 and the cylinders 20 of one or more springs (not visible in the figures) serving as a means of energy storage, with compression of the spring when the sliding piece 16 is moved closer to the carriage 12, and conversely restitution to the sliding piece 16 of the energy stored by these springs when the sliding piece 16 is released to a position deployed from the carriage / slide assembly. Note further that in the fully extended position of the slider, the end thereof protrudes beyond the circumference of the wheels 14, and can come into contact with the ground.

The carriage 12 is integral with the body 22 of the toy, which itself is provided with a protrusion 24 projecting beyond the diameter of the wheels 22. The distal end 26 of this protrusion 24 comprises, typically invention, a rearward facing surface 28 of the toy (i.e. to the left with the convention of the Figures 1 and 2 ), on the same side as the extension of the sliding part 16. This surface 28 constitutes a first jaw or jaw of a clamping device which will be described later, in particular with reference to the Figure 3d . The protuberance 24 also carries at its distal end 26 a support element such as an edge 30 which can form a first ground contact pad in a configuration to be explained below, especially with regard to Figures 3c and 3d .

Furthermore, the distal end 32 of the sliding piece 16, which protrudes beyond the diameter of the wheels 22, is provided with a second jaw member 34 disposed substantially opposite the surface 28 forming first bit. In the figure, this element 34 has been illustrated in the form of a removable arch, but this particular form is given only by way of non-limiting example.

The distal end 32 of the slider 16 also includes an element 36 such as a surface or ridge turned towards the ground in the configuration of the slats. Figures 1 and 2 , and which forms a second contact pad, capable of forming a ground support point for the toy, in the illustrated position Figures 1 and 2 .

The toy may also be provided with one or more optical devices 38 ( Figure 4a ) such as a camera or lighting, whose optical axis δ forms a fixed angle with respect to the main direction Δ of the carriage and the toy body integral with this carriage. This device allows for example, when the toy moves while driving, to illuminate the front of the toy and / or to capture a video image of the maneuvering ground, seen from the toy.

The Figures 2a and 2b (as well as Figure 3a , similar to Figure 2a ) illustrate a position called "default" among several positions that the toy is likely to take, the other positions being described below with reference to the Figures 3b to 3d .

In this position, the toy rests on the ground 42 by three points of support: the two contact points 44 of the wheels 14, and the second contact pad 36 at the distal end of the sliding piece 16.

As indicated above, the sliding part 16 forms a telescopic assembly with the carriage 12, and it can therefore move in translation between an extended position 40 ( Figure 2a ) and a folded position 40 '( Figure 2b ) under the action of a motor driven specifically to ensure this translation.

The displacement of the sliding part 16 produces a displacement of the bearing point on the ground by the second shoe 36 and, correspondingly, a modification of the inclination of the axis Δ of the carriage, and therefore the inclination of the toy and various elements related thereto: it is possible in this way to adjust the orientation of the axis δ of the camera 38 in this way, the orientation in azimuth resulting from the rotation of the toy on itself when the two wheels 14 are driven in opposite directions.

On the other hand, the default position 40 or 40 'is that in which the toy is ready to jump ( jumper position), by sudden expansion of the springs mounted between the sliding part and the carriage and which have been previously compressed.

It is possible to favor a long jump or a high jump by positioning the toy with a greater or lesser inclination of the axis Δ: for example, the position 40 of the Figure 2a with a slightly inclined Δ axis will favor the length of the jump, while the position 40 'of Figure 2b with a much more upwardly inclined Δ axis will favor the height of the jump.

The Figures 3a to 3d , as well as Figures 4a to 4d which are similar but seen in perspective, illustrate the different positions that can take the toy of the invention.

The Figures 3a and 4a correspond to the "default" position that has just been described with reference to Figures 2a and 2b .

This is a naturally stable position, where the toy rests on the ground by three points of support (the contact points 44 of the wheels and the second shoe 36). This position allows, in particular, taxiing, rotations, obstacle clearance, etc., and also constitutes the preparatory position for the jump, as described above, by sudden release of the energy of the springs (shown by arrow 46). ) via the second shoe 36, this energy being transmitted, by inertia and reaction of the ground, to the body of the toy to cause the jump of the latter.

The Figures 3b and 4b illustrate another position 48, called "inverted pendulum", where the protrusion 24 of the body of the toy is turned upward, as well as the distal end 32 of the slider 16.

In this position 48 there is no third fulcrum, and the toy rests solely on the two contact points 44 of the wheels 14 with the ground. Furthermore, the relative position of the sliding part 16 relative to the carriage 12 is not of particular importance in this inverted pendulum position, where the jaws 28 and 34 have no functional destination, nor do they the contact pads 30 and 36, no release of energy being further provided in this position.

The position 48 inverted pendulum can be reached from the position 40 by rotation of the toy body (arrow 50), this rotation resulting from a sudden acceleration control backwards: by inertia, the wheels do not move almost not and so it is the body 22 which pivots around the axis D.

In this position 48, the center of gravity of the toy is located above the axis D, so that the position is naturally unstable and can only be maintained by servocontrol of the wheel drive motors on the signal delivered by example by an orientation sensor or an inertial sensor incorporated in the body of the toy.

This position 48 can be an intermediate position, waiting for selection of an action or the transition to another position (such as positions illustrated Figures 3c and 3d ), or a game position in its own right, with the possibility of rolling, rotation, etc., always with servocontrolling from the inertial sensor to maintain the body of the toy in equilibrium in the illustrated position, during these displacement sequences. The Figures 3c and 4c illustrate another position of the toy, called "shooter" or kicker. This position 52 is obtained from the default position 40 or the inverted pendulum position 48 by rotating the body (arrow 54) in the same way as to reach the position 48, i.e. abrupt acceleration control towards the rear causing, by inertia, the pivoting of the body of the toy around the axis D, the wheels hardly move.

This position is a naturally stable position, because the toy rests on the ground on three points of support, namely the two contact points 44 of the wheels 14 and the first shoe 30 of the protrusion 24 secured to the body of the toy and the a skid, which has come into contact with the ground at the end of rotation 54.

It will be noted, however, that in an alternative embodiment, it would be possible to omit the projecting portion or protuberance 24 of the body of the toy (and therefore the first contact pad 30), the third bearing point being then constituted by the distal end protruding from the slider 16, or by the stirrup forming the second jaw 34, if such a stirrup is mounted on the end of the slider.

In the position 52, the second shoe 36 and the second jaw 34 are placed frontally, which allows to orient them facing an object (symbolized by the cube 56) which can be used as a projectile when the energy of the springs will be suddenly released. after these have been compressed by translating the slide member 16 from its deployed position to its folded position. The release of the springs and the sudden return of the slider to the deployed position has the effect of transmitting the energy of the springs to the object 56 via the second shoe 36 and / or the second jaw 34 (arrows 58). Note that the compression / expansion process of the springs is the same as for the jump function, but here the energy stored by the springs is transmitted to an external object to expel it away from the toy, instead of the toy that is expelled by reaction of the ground.

The 3d figures and 4d illustrate yet another possible position of the toy, called "seizure" or grabber.

This position 60 is generally the same as that of the sniper position 52, with the only difference that the slide piece 16 is now in its extended position instead of being in its folded position, and that there will be no use of the sudden release of energy. Indeed, in the gripping position 60 is used the variable stroke of the sliding part (during the compression of the springs) to enter an object (symbolized by the cylinder 62), this action resulting from the progressive translation of the second jaw 34 to the first jaw 28 (arrow 64), here towards the sliding part 16 from its deployed position to its folded position. Note that the pinch remains moderate, the energy developed by the motor for the translation of the slider 16 is essentially absorbed by the springs. As illustrated, it is also possible to provide for the second jaw 34 a flexible arch, whose elasticity will prevent excessive compression of the object 62. The seized object can then be moved to another location ( releasing the pinch by a reverse movement of the slider 16), etc.

Note that, although the two positions just described are referred to as "shooter" or "seizure" positions, these denominations are in no way limiting and that other interactions than shooting or seizure are quite conceivable. This position (52 or 60) should simply be considered as a particular position allowing similar or different interactions at the default position, and as a position where the toy rests in stable equilibrium on both wheels with the distal end of the piece slider directed towards the ground, with the second jaw movable in a controlled manner parallel to the ground away from or approaching the first jaw.

We will now describe in detail with reference to Figures 5 and following an example according to the present invention of a mechanism for moving the sliding part with arming / disarming.

Note that in these figures elements or parts identical or similar to those of the preceding figures are designated by the same reference numbers increased by 100.

This mechanism according to the invention, generally designated by the reference 100, comprises at one end a sliding member 116 having at its free end a shoe 116a and on which are fixed rigidly two rods 118 slidably received in two cylinders 120 secured to each other. a base 102 of the mechanism, itself secured to the carriage. Two springs 122 are respectively placed around the two rods 118 and their respective cylinder 120, resting at one end on a shoulder 116b formed on the slide member 116 coaxially with the rod 118 at the root thereof. , and at the opposite end on a shoulder 104 formed at the cylinder 120 opposite its orifice through which engages the respective rod 118.

These springs are intended to store energy, with compression of the springs when the sliding part 116 is moved closer to the base 102 of the carriage, and inversely restitution to the sliding part 116 of the energy stored by these springs when said slider 116 is released to an extended position.

Furthermore, an arm 130 is articulated about an axis 132 on the sliding part 116 in the region of one of its ends, and comprises a finger 134 in the region of its opposite end and a lug 136 in an intermediate region. , for purposes explained below.

The arm 130 can pivot in a plane parallel to the sliding plane of the sliding part 116 about the axis 132.

A generally disk-shaped rotating member 140 is pivotally mounted on the base 102, about an axis 142 parallel to the pivot axis 132 of the arm 130. This rotating part defines an inner cam surface 144 able to cooperate with the finger 134, which is applied against said cam surface under the effect of the force produced by the springs 122 by retaining the slider 116 trapped.

The part 140 is driven by appropriate motor means, preferably a stepper motor (not shown). The motor is driven in one direction or the other in response to a control unit driving this engine.

In particular, as will be understood from reading the description below, the invention can be implemented with a simple electric brush motor "brush" operating in direct current, so with a logic very simple piloting, this single and simple engine nevertheless sufficient to perform all the operations necessary for loading, locking and release of the stored energy.

The cam surface 144 comprises a plurality of zones, as will now be described in detail with reference to the Figure 6 and referring to the angular position of the rotating part 140 and the distance of the finger 134, pressed against the cam surface, relative to the center of rotation O of the part 140, defined by its axis 142.

A first zone 144a is an area whose distance to the axis 142 decreases gradually, when the rotating part 140 rotates clockwise on the Figure 6 , between a point A of maximum distance from the center O and a point B. It thus forms a traction zone for the sliding part, against the force of the springs 122, when the workpiece rotates in this direction. Beyond this point B and up to point C forming an edge, the cam surface forms a notch 144b of generally semicircular shape, in which the finger 134 is adapted to be housed as will be detailed in the after.

Beyond the point C, between the points C and D, the cam surface 144 forms a second notch 144c of generally semicircular shape, generally centered on the point O, to accommodate the screw 142.

The next zone 144d is a slightly curved zone, oriented generally radially away from the point O, to a point E forming another edge.

Between the points E and F is defined a segment 144e which progressively moves away from the point O as the rotation proceeds, the point F forming a bend and a convexity with the following zone 144f where the approach with the periphery of the rotating part is more marked, up to a point G.

The points G and H define a cradle 144g for the finger 134, the point H being at the same radial distance from the point O as the point A. The zone 144h is thus a circular sector centered on the point O.

The shape of the cam surface 144 as shown precisely on the Figure 6 is to be considered as part of this description. The mechanism 100 further comprises a pawl 150 pivotally mounted on the base 102 about an axis 152 parallel to the axis 132 and the axis 142, this cleat comprising a notch 154 adapted to cooperate with the lug 136 integral of the arm 130, and being urged in rotation in the direction of clockwise on the Figure 6 by a spring, for example a helical or spiral spring, whose point of attachment on the pawl is designated by the reference 156.

The pawl also comprises a working surface 158 able to urge a fugitive switch 160, the two terminals of which are connected, not shown, to the control unit. Advantageously, the arm is made with two generally flat and spaced portions 130a, 130b (see Figure 5 ), and the lug 136 extends transversely between these two parts, while the pawl 150 is formed as a part of a thickness less than the distance between the two parts 130a, 130b to be able to partially penetrate into the body. defined space between said two parts and cooperating with the lug 136.

The Figures 7a to 7e represent the different attitudes of the toy when the sliding piece 116 is in an expanded state, then contracted, then suddenly released under the action of the springs 122 in the jump position.

So the Figure 7a illustrates the situation where the sliding member 116 is deployed to the maximum, the toy resting on the ground stably by its two wheels 22 and the pad 116a of the sliding part, with an angle between the sliding axis Δ and the ground of the order of 25 to 40 °.

The sliding piece 116 being progressively contracted as will be seen below, the equilibrium position of the toy gradually changes to an intermediate position illustrated on the Figure 7b , where to a position as illustrated on the Figure 7c , where the angle between the axis Δ and the ground is maximum and for example of the order of 80 to 85 °.

The Figures 7d and 7e illustrate the initial phase of a jump of the toy in a direction which is generally that of the axis Δ, this jump being caused by the sudden release, as we shall see in the following, the energy accumulated by the springs 122 of the movement mechanism 100. Thus, the Figure 7d illustrates an almost vertical jump from the position shown on the Figure 7c while the Figure 7e illustrates a more elongated leap, made from the position illustrated on the Figure 7b .

We will now explain how the displacement mechanism 100 whose structure has been described above can selectively arm the sliding piece 116 to a position of maximum contraction (allowing to reach the attitude of the Figure 7c ) and release it, to make a jump illustrated on the Figure 7d or arming the sliding piece 116 to an intermediate contraction position (allowing to reach the attitude of the Figure 7b ), then release it as well, to make a jump illustrated on the Figure 7e .

The first case is illustrated on the Figures 8a to 8h , while the second case is illustrated on the Figures 9a to 9k . It will be noted that in these figures, numerous reference signs as they appear on the Figure 6 have been omitted so as not to overburden these figures, whose scale is smaller than that of the Figure 6 .

It should be noted further that on the views of Figures 8c, 8d , and 9c to 9k , the arm 130 has been shown partially broken away in order to clearly see the pawl 150 and its different positions.

On the Figure 8a , the position of the rotating part 140 corresponds to that of the Figure 6 the finger 134 of the arm 130 being located at point A of the cam surface 144.

The rotating part 140 being driven clockwise in the figures, the finger is gradually attracted by the zone 144a of the cam surface toward the center O ( Figure 8b ), until reaching the notch 144b between points B and C ( Figure 8c ). During this movement, potential energy accumulates in the springs 122. Note that in the vicinity of this orientation, the pin 136 biases the pawl 150 at its notch 154 to rotate it in the direction counterclockwise against the force exerted by its own spring, the working area 158 pressing the operating portion of the switch 160.

The rotation by the electric motor continues, the notch 144b moves progressively to the right in the figures, to gradually turn the arm 130, also in the direction of clockwise ( Figures 8e and 8f ).

From a certain angular position intermediate those of FIGS. 8f and 8g, the notch 144b is no longer able to retain the finger 134 of the arm 130, and under the effect of the traction exerted by the springs 120, the finger ejects from the notch 144b, released by crossing the constituent C a zone of liberation, by suddenly urging the arm to the right ( Figure 8g ).

The finger 134 being released, the energy accumulated by the springs 122 during the previous phases is also released to violently propel the slide member 116 to its deployed position, thereby causing the jump illustrated on the Figure 7d .

It will be noted that the zones 144c, 144d, 144e and 144f of the cam surface constitute an erasure zone making it possible not to hinder the aforementioned release.

The rotation of the electric motor is continued to complete the 360 ° rotation, the position of the Figure 8h corresponding to that of Figure 8a.

It will be noted here that it is thanks to the rotation of the arm 130 so that it takes the inclination illustrated on the Figure 8g , or a more pronounced inclination, that the lug 136 can bypass the notch 154 of the pawl 150 during deployment, so as not to hinder the deployment in question.

With reference to Figures 9a to 9k , we will now explain the different phases adopted by the displacement mechanism 100 to achieve an intermediate contraction of the slider 116, and therefore a longer jump as illustrated on the Figures 7b and 7e .

The Figures 9a to 9c correspond to Figures 8a to 8c , the positions of the different elements being the same.

Between the positions of Figures 9c and 9d , the pawl 150 pivots progressively under the action of the lug 136 on the notch 154, and on the Figure 9d , the switch 160 is closed under the action of the working area 158 of the pawl.

This closure is detected by the control unit of the electric motor and, in response thereto, the rotation of the rotating part 140 is first continued over a small angular extent to the position of the Figure 9e , to ensure that the lug 136 completely cross the notch 154 as shown in this Figure.

After this phase, the direction of rotation of the rotating part by the electric motor is reversed, as illustrated by the arrow of the Figure 9f , and the finger 134 of the arm 130 is thus allowed to move away from the center of rotation O, but this movement is interrupted by the abutment of the ergot 136 against the top of the notch 154, as illustrated on this same Figure 9f . This situation corresponds to a contraction of the slider smaller than that obtained in the operating mode of the sliders. Figures 8a to 8h , the corresponding stable position of the toy being here that of the Figure 7b .

Counter-clockwise rotation continues ( Figures 9g and 9h ), the finger 134 of the arm, which can no longer follow the cam surface due to the action of the notch 154 on the pin 136, leaves this surface until the area of the cam surface 144 adjacent to the point D urges the finger 134 to the right in the figures, thereby to rotate the arm 130 about its axis of rotation 134 in the direction of clockwise.

We thus observe on the Figure 9i that the lug 136 is in the immediate vicinity of the free end of the notch 154 and on the Figure 9j , the lug 136 has been released from the detent action of the notch. With the arm thus released, the energy accumulated by the springs 122 can be released and transmitted to the sliding piece 116, and a jump according to the Figure 7e is realised.

Finally, the rotation in the opposite direction of the clockwise is continued until the situation of the Figure 9k , which corresponds to that of Figure 9a.

The choice between a control of the mechanism according to Figures 8a-8h (near vertical jump) or in accordance with Figures 9a-9k (longer jump) is performed by receiving corresponding instructions issued by a remote control device. In the first case, a complete rotation of the rotating part is performed, the rotation of the cam profile being stopped when the inertial unit detects a shock corresponding to the takeoff of the toy. In the second case, the rotating part is first driven in a clockwise direction and then, after detection of the closing of the switch 160, this rotation is extended over a short angular extent and then inverted to return to the original position.

It is understood that these two degrees of contraction of the sliding part not only make it possible to generate jumps with different jump orientations, but also to shoot with different forces.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, but the skilled person will be able to make many variations and modifications. In particular, it is understood that by providing on the arm 130 additional lugs associated with respective pawls, it becomes possible to arm the sliding piece in different degrees, to give the toy different stable attitudes and hence different orientations of jumps.

Claims (14)

A mechanism for arming and disarming a sliding part, in particular for a jumping toy and / or shooter, comprising: - A sliding member (116) movable in translation relative to a base (102) between deployed and contracted positions; releasable means (144, 154) for locking the sliding part with respect to the base; - Elastic means (122) biased between the base and the slider; and control means adapted to i) storing progressively potential energy in the elastic means (122) by moving the sliding piece to a position contracted under the action of motor means, and ii) releasing the energy thus stored by driving the sliding part towards the deployed position under the effect of a release of the locking means,
said control means comprising: an arm (130) articulated on the sliding piece (116); and - A rotating part (140) rotatably mounted on the base (102), controlled by said motor means and having an inner cam surface (144) adapted to urge a finger (134) integral with the arm during the rotation of said room,
the control means being able to control the motor means: i) in a first mode where the sliding piece (116) is contracted via the cam surface (144) acting on the arm (130) via the finger (134), then suddenly released after reaching, by the finger, a release zone (C) formed by the cam surface, during the same rotational movement of the rotating part, this mechanism being characterized in that it further comprises: a latch (150) adapted to cooperate with a locking arrangement (136) formed on the arm,
and in that the control means are able to selectively control the motor means: i) in said first mode, or ii) in a second mode where the slider (116) is contracted via the cam surface (144) acting on the arm (130) via the finger (134), and then locked by the latch (150) acting on the locking arrangement (136) of the arm, then suddenly released after reaching, by the finger, a release zone (D) formed by the cam surface, causing the release of the locking arrangement relative to the lock during a reverse rotation of the rotating part. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cam surface (144) comprises a traction zone (144a) adapted to gradually bias the finger (134) of the arm (130) towards the center of rotation (O) of the rotating part a first protruding release region (C) adjacent to said traction zone, and an erase zone (144c-144f) adjacent to the first release zone. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the latch (150) includes a detent (154) and the latch arrangement comprises a lug (136) integral with the arm between its hinge point (132) on the workpiece sliding and the finger (134), the cooperation between the lug and the detent depending on the angular position of the arm, and wherein the second release zone (D) formed by the cam surface (144) is suitable pivoting the arm to disengage the lug (136) from the detent (154). The mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first release zone (C) of the cam surface (144) is adapted to urge the arm (130) to pivotably during deployment to allow the pin (136) bypassing the detent (154). The mechanism of claim 1, which further comprises a switch (160) actuated by a movement of the latch (150) caused by the latching arrangement (136) in a contraction phase, and wherein the reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotating part (140) in the second mode is performed in response to the actuation of the switch. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the slider (116) is mounted on the carriage by means of two parallel rods (118) received in respective cylinders (120), and wherein the axis of rotation of the rotating part (140) and the pivot axis of the arm (130) are perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods. The mechanism of claims 5 and 6 taken in combination, wherein the latch (150) is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods and is biased by a spring opposing the force exerted by the locking arrangement (136) in a contraction phase. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the release zones (C, D) are two distinct areas adjacent to each other on the cam surface (144). The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the motor means comprises a single electric brush motor operating in direct current. A rolling toy and jumper (10) resting on the ground (42), comprising: - A wheeled carriage, comprising a carriage (12) and a pair of wheels (14) disposed on either side of the carriage, the wheels being mounted relative to the carriage rotating about a common axis (D) perpendicular to the main direction (Δ) of the carriage; - A sliding part (16) movable in translation and guided along the carriage between deployed and contracted positions; releasable means for locking the sliding part with respect to the carriage; - First motor means, able to exert on the wheels a rotation torque relative to the carriage; second motor means, able to move the sliding part with respect to the carriage; elastic means biased between the carriage and the sliding part; and means for controlling the elastic means, suitable for i) storing progressively potential energy in the spring member by displacement of the sliding piece towards a position contracted under the action of the second motor means, and ii) releasing the energy thus stored by driving the sliding part towards the deployed position under the effect of a release of the locking means,
this toy being characterized in that the control means comprise a mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 9, the base (102) of said mechanism being integral with the carriage (12). The toy of claim 10, wherein the slider comprises a pad for supporting the toy ground in at least one stable position. The toy of claim 11, wherein, in said stable position, the control means is adapted to release the energy stored in the elastic means so as to cause the toy to jump above the ground under the effect of the relaxation (46) of the sliding part, transmitted by the pad (116a). The toy of claim 10, which is capable of adopting a firing position (52, 60) where it rests in another stable position, the control means being able to release the energy stored in the elastic means (122) in order to project away from the toy an object (56) in contact with a firing piece (34) integral with the sliding piece. The toy of claim 11, wherein the control means is further operable to selectively control the motor means in a third mode where the slider (116) is progressively contracted via the cam surface (144) without reaching a position of locking by the lock or a release zone (C, D) of the cam surface, then progressively deployed by inverse rotation, thereby progressively moving the pad (116a) towards or away from the contact points (44) of the wheels with the soil and so vary the angle (Δ) of inclination of the plate (12) relative to the ground surface (42).

Images