JP2002000966A - Character body-driving device and alarm clock using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character body-driving device and an alarm clock using it for preventing increase in size and achieving an interesting operation easily with simple structure. SOLUTION: This alarm clock is provided with a clock device 4, a toothed wheel 33 that is rotated according to the rotation of a rotary shaft 361, a support 31 where the rotary shaft 361 of the toothed wheel 33 is supported, a character body 2 that is supported rotatably by the support 31 and accommodates the clock device 4 so that a display part 42 of the clock device 4 is arranged at a surface part, an inner gear tooth rack 32 that is regulated to specific length, and is disposed at a part of a front drum 22 of the character body 2 so that it mates with the toothed wheel 33 while being formed with a specific curvature, and a drive motor 36 for rotating the rotary shaft 361 of the toothed wheel 33 to one end part of the inner gear tooth rack 32 until the mating relationship at least between the toothed wheel 33 and the inner gear tooth rack 32 is cancelled according to the drive signal of the clock device 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character body driving device for causing a character body used in a clock or the like to perform a predetermined movement, and to an alarm clock using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an alarm clock which employs a driving device which causes a character body such as a human or an animal to perform a predetermined movement, for example, rocking or vertical movement, in accordance with an alarm sound such as a melody at an alarm set time. Etc. are known.

[0003] For example, a character driving device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 4-25792 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 2-66209) rotatably receives a character's head behind and above the center of gravity of the character. , A support shaft protruding from the torso of the character, a protrusion provided on one of the head and the torso, and a through hole provided on the other side, the protrusion being inserted to regulate each rotation of the head. A supporting means for swingably supporting the character, an eccentric cam rotatably driven by a drive motor, and a bifurcated portion provided on the character for holding the eccentric cam and swinging the character by rotation of the eccentric cam. And as main components.

[0004] An alarm clock disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 1-180694 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 1-252710) includes a clock unit for displaying time and a support unit for supporting the clock unit. The supporting portion is fixedly provided on the clock portion and supports the clock portion, and an operating member which is provided on the upper side of the supporting portion so as to be vertically movable and which is moved up and down at an alarm time to hit the supporting portion. And as main components. The operating member reciprocates up and down by a conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor rotating at the alarm set time into a reciprocating motion.

More specifically, the conversion mechanism comprises a cam attached to a rotating shaft rotated by a motor, and a driven arm which reciprocates up and down linearly by the cam. The operating member is attached to the shaft so as to move up and down with the movement of the driven arm. Then, the periphery of the operating member is covered with an elastic bellows so as not to be seen from the outside.

[0006]

The former character driving device is capable of swinging the character and, at the same time, realizing a complicated movement by rotating the head. This movement is realized. Therefore, it is necessary to use many parts, and the mechanism tends to be complicated. In addition, it is possible to house a drive device in the main body of the clock device, but the character itself needs to be individually configured, for example, by arranging it on the top of the clock device. Has the disadvantage of lack of interest because there is no movement.

[0007] In the latter alarm clock, there is a movement in the clock device itself. However, since the clock device needs to be arranged above the supporting portion, there is a disadvantage that the entire device becomes large in size. In addition, the drive device requires the use of many parts, and the mechanism tends to be complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a character body drive device capable of preventing an increase in size, easily realizing an interesting operation with a simple structure, and a use thereof. To provide an alarm clock.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a character body driving device according to the present invention comprises a gear rotating in accordance with the rotation of a rotating shaft, and a support member on which the rotating shaft of the gear is supported. And a character body rotatably supported by the support, and provided on a part of the character body so as to be restricted to a predetermined length and formed with a predetermined curvature to mesh with the gear. An internal gear rack; and drive means for rotating a rotation shaft of the gear to at least one end of the internal gear rack in which a meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released in accordance with a drive signal.

In the present invention, when the rotating shaft of the gear is rotated by the driving means and the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, the internal gear rack meshes with the gear. There is an urging means for urging with a force that does not cause meshing in a possible direction.

Further, the present invention has a slip mechanism for suppressing transmission of external force between the gear and the rotating shaft.

In the present invention, when the drive means receives a drive signal while the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, the drive means rotates the rotation shaft of the gear in reverse to rotate the gear and the internal gear. Engage with the tooth rack.

According to the present invention, there is further provided detecting means for detecting that the rotating shaft of the gear has rotated in the reverse direction and the swinging character body has reached a substantially normal posture position, and outputs a detection signal to the driving means. The driving means stops the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear when receiving the detection signal of the detecting means.

In the present invention, at least a part of the tip of the tooth at least at the end of the internal tooth rack is formed in a tapered shape capable of guiding the gear teeth so as to be deeper in meshing. ing.

Further, the alarm clock of the present invention has a display unit for displaying time, an alarm function unit for issuing an alarm at an alarm set time, and a control unit for outputting a drive signal in response to operation of an alarm switch. A timepiece device, a gear that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft, a support on which the rotating shaft of the gear is supported, and a display of the timepiece device that is rotatably supported on the support and that is on a surface portion. The character body in which the timepiece device is accommodated so that the portion is disposed, and is provided on a part of the character body so as to be restricted to a predetermined length and formed with a predetermined curvature and mesh with the gear. In response to the drive signal of the internal gear rack and the timepiece device, the rotating shaft of the gear is rotated to at least one end of the internal gear rack where the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released. And a character body driving device and means.

In the present invention, the control unit of the timepiece device outputs a drive signal for instructing reverse rotation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive signal was output in response to the operation of the alarm switch. The drive means reversely rotates the rotating shaft of the gear when receiving the drive signal instructing the reverse rotation when the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, and moves the gear and the internal gear rack together. Make them mesh.

Further, according to the present invention, the detection unit outputs a detection signal to the control unit of the timepiece device by detecting that the rotating character of the gear rotates in the reverse direction and the swinging character body reaches a substantially normal posture position. The control unit further includes a driving signal to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear when receiving the detection signal from the detecting unit, to the driving unit.

According to the character body driving apparatus of the present invention, for example, the character body is normally held in a normal posture. At this time, the internal gear rack provided on the character body and the gear are meshed at a predetermined position. In such a state, when a driving signal is supplied to the driving means, the rotating shaft of the gear is rotated in a predetermined direction. The gear rotates with the rotation of the rotation shaft, and the internal gear rack formed with a predetermined curvature is gradually sent out from the meshing position in the normal posture in a predetermined direction. Since the character body is rotatably supported at a predetermined position of the support portion, the character body rotates in the feeding direction of the internal tooth rack with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, and takes an inclined posture from a normal posture. Then, as the feed amount of the internal gear rack increases, the inclination angle increases.
When the feeding of the internal gear rack is performed for a predetermined time due to the rotation of the gear, the length of the internal gear rack is limited to a predetermined length in advance, so that the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released. (Off). As a result, the character body stops at a position rotated by a predetermined angle, for example, ten and several degrees, and assumes an inclined posture. At this time, due to the weight of the character body, a state where the teeth of the gear and the end of the internal gear rack are in contact with each other near the position where the gear and the internal gear rack are disengaged from each other is formed. Since the is rotating, the character body behaves as if it is oscillating at that position while so-called idling while the character body takes an inclined posture. That is, the character body gradually transitions from the normal posture position to the inclined posture at a predetermined angle while rotating, and then vibrates at that position, for example, moves up and down. In this case, the internal gear rack is urged by the urging means with a force that does not lead to meshing with the gear in a direction that can mesh with the gear, so that the contact state between the gear and the internal gear rack is reliably maintained, A stable vibration motion is realized. Further, the vibration is adjusted by the strength of the urging force. Also, the greater the urging force, the greater the vibration.

When the oscillating motion is performed for a predetermined time, a drive signal for instructing the drive means to rotate in the reverse direction is supplied, for example. As a result, the gear rotates in the reverse direction to retract the teeth at the ends of the internal gear rack, and the gear and the internal gear rack come into mesh with each other. At this time, the tip of the tooth at the end of the internal gear rack is formed in, for example, a tapered shape, so that re-engagement with the gear is smoothly performed.
The internal tooth rack having a meshing relationship with the gear is sent out toward an initial state position (normal posture position). In this case, the inclination angle decreases as the retracted amount of the internal tooth rack increases. Then, for example, when the swinging character body reaches the substantially normal posture position due to the reverse rotation of the gear, the detection means detects that fact and the detection signal is output to the drive means. When the drive means receives the detection signal, the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear is stopped. As a result, the character body returns to the initial normal posture. In addition, when a large external force that prevents the rotation of the character body is applied, the transmission of the external force to the rotation axis is suppressed by the slip mechanism. As a result, damage to the drive system is prevented. Similarly, when the gear teeth and the end of the internal gear rack are reversed from the state where the gear teeth and the end of the internal gear rack come into contact with each other near the position where the meshing relation between the gear and the internal gear rack is disengaged, an overload may be momentarily caused by squeezing or the like. Even if it does, slip will occur, preventing breakage and stoppage.

According to the alarm clock of the present invention, for example, the character body is normally held in a normal posture. At this time, the internal gear rack provided on the character body and the gear are meshed at a predetermined position. In the normal posture, for example, the display unit of the timepiece device arranged on the front surface of the character body is vertically positioned at 12 o'clock, and vertically at 6 o'clock. In this state, for example, when the alarm time comes or the alarm time is set, the control unit outputs a drive signal corresponding to the operation of the alarm switch to the drive means of the character body drive device. When the drive signal is supplied to the drive means, the rotation shaft of the gear is rotated in a predetermined direction. The gear rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft,
The internal tooth rack formed with a predetermined curvature is gradually sent out from the meshing position in the normal posture in a predetermined direction. Since the character body is rotatably supported at a predetermined position of the support portion, the character body rotates in the feeding direction of the internal tooth rack with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, and takes an inclined posture from a normal posture.
Then, as the feed amount of the internal gear rack increases, the inclination angle increases. When the feeding of the internal gear rack is performed for a predetermined time due to the rotation of the gear, the length of the internal gear rack is limited to a predetermined length in advance, so that the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released. (Off). As a result, the character body stops at a position rotated by a predetermined angle, for example, ten and several degrees, and assumes an inclined posture. At this time, due to the weight of the character body, a state where the teeth of the gear and the end of the internal gear rack are in contact with each other near the position where the gear and the internal gear rack are disengaged from each other is formed. Is rotated, the character body behaves as if vibrating in conjunction with, for example, an alarm sound or a blinking operation of a display or the like while the character body takes an inclined posture in a so-called idling state. That is, the character body gradually transitions from the normal posture position to the inclined posture at a predetermined angle while rotating, and then vibrates at that position, for example, moves up and down. In this case, the internal gear rack is urged by the urging means with a force that does not lead to meshing with the gear in a direction that can mesh with the gear, so that the contact state between the gear and the internal gear rack is reliably maintained,
A stable vibration motion is realized.

When the oscillating motion is performed for a predetermined time, a drive signal for instructing the drive means to rotate in the reverse direction is supplied, for example. As a result, the gear rotates in the reverse direction to retract the teeth at the ends of the internal gear rack, and the gear and the internal gear rack come into mesh with each other. At this time, the tip of the tooth at the end of the internal gear rack is formed in, for example, a tapered shape, so that re-engagement with the gear is smoothly performed.
The internal tooth rack having a meshing relationship with the gear is sent out toward an initial state position (normal posture position). In this case, the inclination angle decreases as the retracted amount of the internal tooth rack increases. Then, for example, when the swinging character body reaches the substantially normal posture position due to the reverse rotation of the gear, the detection means detects that fact and the detection signal is output to the drive means. When the drive means receives the detection signal, the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear is stopped. As a result, the character body returns to the initial normal posture. As a result, the display unit of the timepiece device is also positioned in a normal posture, that is, at 12:00 vertically above and at 6:00 below.

[0022]

1 to 6 are diagrams showing an outline of an embodiment of an alarm clock employing a character body driving device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a side view, FIG. 4 is a plan view, FIG. 5 is a bottom view,
FIG. 6 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

The alarm clock 1 according to the present embodiment has a character body 2, a driving device 3, and a clock device 4 as main components.

The character body 2 according to the present embodiment is formed so as to have a robot-like shape as a whole.
1, front torso 22, rear torso 23, right arm 24, left arm 2
5, a right leg 26, and a left leg 27.

The head 21 has a bowl-like shape, and a neck 211 is attached to an upper overlapping area of the front trunk 22 and the rear trunk 23. Also, the head 21
The eyes 212 and 213 are formed in the area corresponding to the eyes on the entire surface side of the face, that is, in the area where the face is formed. For example, green and red LEDs 212 a and 213 a
Is arranged. These LEDs 212a, 213a
Is controlled so as to blink for a predetermined time by a control unit of the clock device 4 described later. On the top of the head 21, a so-called alarm ON / OFF switch 41 as an alarm switch constituting a part of the timepiece device 4 is provided so as to be freely retractable.

The front body part 22 has a cylindrical shape, and has a display part 42 constituting the timepiece device 4 on its front part, specifically, a disk-shaped dial 421, an hour hand 422, a minute hand 423, and a second hand 42.
4, and a display unit 42 having an alarm hand 425 are arranged so as to be protected by a transparent protective glass (or plastic) 221. On the back side of the dial 421, a movement 426 including a circuit board on which a control unit and an alarm function unit are mounted is arranged. That is, the main part of the timepiece device 4 is integrally accommodated in the front body part 22 constituting the character body 2.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of the front body portion 22 integrated with the support portion according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the front body 22 includes a dial 421.
Of the shaft 311 provided on the support portion 31 of the driving device 3 described later in detail.
A receiving part 222 rotatably supported by the shaft 11a is formed. On the lower inner wall located below the movement 426 on the peripheral portion 223 of the front trunk portion 22, an internal gear rack 32 constituting the drive device 3 is integrally formed. The internal gear rack 32 also includes a gear 3
3 mesh.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the configuration of an internal gear rack integrally formed on the front trunk portion according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the internal tooth rack 32 is restricted to a predetermined length, and has a predetermined curvature, and has a peripheral portion 22 of the front trunk portion 22.
3 is formed on the lower inner wall. And internal tooth rack 3
The distal ends of the teeth 321 and 322 located at both ends of the gear 2 are formed in a tapered shape so that the teeth of the gear 33 can be guided so as to deepen the engagement. In the example of FIG. 8, the taper is formed so as to be inclined outward from the rack center portion side.

FIG. 9 shows the internal tooth rack 32 when the character body 2 according to the present embodiment holds a normal posture.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an engagement relationship between the gear and a gear 33. In this case, the internal gear rack 32 meshes with the gear 33 over substantially the entire length, and the overall posture assumes a normal posture as shown in FIG.
That is, the posture is such that 12:00 is located vertically above and 6:00 is located below.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a state where the meshing relationship between the internal gear rack 32 and the gear 33 according to the present embodiment is released. As will be described later, when the rotation shaft is rotated by the drive motor and the gear 33 rotates, the length of the internal gear rack 32 is regulated to a predetermined length. And the gear 33 is released from the meshing relationship. In the example in this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the entire posture takes a tilted posture inclined to the left by more than ten degrees when viewed from the front. At this time, for example, the teeth of the gear 33 near the position where the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 are disengaged by their own weight including the head 21, the front body 22, the rear body 23, etc. of the character body 2, A state in which the end of the internal tooth rack 32 abuts is formed. At this time, if the gear 33 continues to rotate, the character body 2 rotates in a so-called idling state.
While taking a tilted posture, it behaves as if vibrating in conjunction with, for example, an alarm sound or blinking of the LEDs 212a and 213a constituting eyes.

In FIGS. 8 to 10, the internal rack 32
The example of the case where the shape of the tooth tip of the end portion is tapered so as to incline outward from the center of the rack,
The invention is not limited to this. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, a shape inclined from the outside toward the rack center portion side, or a shape inclined from the tooth tip center portion to the rack center side and outside from the tooth tip center portion as shown in FIG.
Various embodiments are possible.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the rear body 23 has a cylindrical shape, and a time setting knob 427 having the support portion 31 inserted from the movement 426 of the timepiece device 4 on the rear surface thereof; A concave portion 231 for accommodating the alarm time setting knob 428 is formed.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific configuration of the rear trunk portion 23 integrated with the support portion according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, the front body 22 is also integrated with the support 31. FIG. 14 is a front view of the rear trunk portion 23 in a normal posture, and FIG. 15 is a front view of the rear trunk portion 23 in an inclined posture.

As shown in FIG. 13, the rear body portion 23 has a hollow inside facing the support portion 31, and a shaft provided on an upper portion of the support portion 31 of the driving device 3 described later in detail. 31
1 receiving part 232 rotatably supported by one end 311b
Are formed. In addition, an actuator 341 of a micro switch 34 as a detection unit constituting the driving device 3 attached to the back side of the support unit 31 is pressed on the inner wall on the back side of the rear body 23 according to the rotation of the character body 2. A pressure-sensitive detector 233 having a predetermined length is provided. As will be described later, the detector 233 holds the actuator 341 of the microswitch 34 in an output state (switch off) when in the normal posture, and holds a submerged state (switch on) when the character body 2 rotates. Are located.

The micro switch 34 serving as a detecting means detects that the swinging character body 2 has reached a substantially normal posture position due to the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear 33 being reversed, and outputs a detection signal S34 to the timepiece device 4. Is output to the control unit that constitutes. In the present embodiment, in order to improve the stop positioning accuracy of the character body 2, when the character body 2 rotates in one direction and then returns in the reverse direction, the detection is performed. The micro switch 34 outputs a detection signal S34 to the control unit when it is turned on when rotating and turned off when returning and returning.

Further, an end of a leaf spring 35 as an urging means attached to the rear side of the support portion 31 is slightly lower than the center of the rear inner wall of the rear trunk portion 23, and the gear 33 and the internal teeth are formed. Bosses 234 and 235 are provided which come into contact when the meshing relationship with the rack 32 is released. The leaf spring 35 as the urging means contacts the boss 234 or 235 from below, and when in this contact state,
When the meshing relationship between the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 is released, the internal gear rack 32 is urged with a force that does not result in meshing with the gear in a direction in which it can mesh. As described above, in the present embodiment, the internal gear rack 32 is urged by the leaf spring 35 as urging means with a force that does not lead to meshing with the gear 33 in a direction in which the gear 33 can mesh with the gear 33, so that the gear 33 is securely connected to the gear 33. The contact state with the internal tooth rack 32 is maintained, and a stable vibration motion is realized. Instead of attaching a leaf spring as a biasing means to the back side of the support portion 31, it is also possible to attach a front surface of the support portion 31 and provide a boss on the front body portion 22 side. Can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 13, the front body 22 and the rear body 23 having the above-described structure are arranged so as to sandwich and cover the support 31 constituting the driving device 3 from the front side and the back side. 31 is supported by the upper part, and the lower side part is cut out in an arch shape.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the right arm 24 and the left arm 25 have a front trunk 22 and a rear trunk 23, respectively.
Are attached to the portions corresponding to the right shoulder and the left shoulder.

As shown in FIG. 3, the right leg portion 26 and the left leg portion 27 are formed so as to have a large so-called shoe portion, and the legs are disposed inside the overlapping region of the front trunk portion 22 and the rear trunk portion 23. . The right leg 26 and the left leg 27
A support portion 31 that is sandwiched therebetween and constitutes the drive device 3 in a fixed manner is disposed. In the present embodiment, only the right leg 26 and the left leg 27 of the character body 2 are fixed in the normal posture state, and are configured not to assume the inclined posture. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the inside of the right leg 26 is used as a battery box.

Incidentally, for example, using the support portion 31 as a base,
The right leg 26 and the left leg 27 are attached to the front torso 22 and / or the rear torso 23 so that the entire character body 2 including the legs is rotated to take an inclined posture. It is possible.

The driving device 3, the support portion 31 as described above,
It comprises an internal tooth rack 32, a gear 33, a microswitch 34 as detecting means, a leaf spring 35 as urging means, a driving motor as driving means, and a slip mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the supporting portion according to the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a front view of the supporting portion sandwiched and fixed between the right leg portion and the left leg portion.

The support portion 31 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, the shape is substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the upper part has a shape protruding in an arch shape in which the shaft 311 is arranged. As described above, the side part below the center of the support part 31 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the right leg part 26 and the left leg part 27 of the character body 2. Front end 311 of shaft 311 of support 31
“a” protrudes toward the front side and is pivotally supported on the receiving portion 222 of the front trunk portion 22 of the character body 2. Similarly, the shaft 311
The rear end 311b protrudes rearward, and is pivotally supported on the receiving portion 232 of the rear trunk 23 of the character body 2.

Above the center of the support portion 31, a time adjustment knob 427 and an alarm time setting knob 428 provided to extend rearward from the movement 426 of the timepiece device 4 are provided with the rear body portion 23. The insertion hole 31 formed so that the part in the middle of reaching the concave part 231 does not contact any part of the support part 31 when the character 2 rotates.
2 are formed. A drive motor 36 is disposed below the center of the support unit 31 as drive means for rotating the rotation shaft 361 in a specified direction (left or right) in accordance with a drive signal from a control unit of the timepiece device 4. I have. The axis of the gear 33 is fixed to the rotation shaft 361.

A slip mechanism 37 composed of a coil spring for suppressing transmission of external force between the gear 33 and the rotating shaft 361 is disposed between the rotating shaft 361 and one surface of the gear 33. For example, when a large external force that prevents the rotation of the character body 2 is applied by the slip mechanism 37 while the character body 2 is rotating, the rotation shaft 361 of the external force is applied.
To prevent the drive system from being damaged. Similarly, when the slip mechanism 37 reverses the state where the teeth of the gear 33 and the end of the internal gear rack 32 come into contact with each other near the position where the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 are out of meshing relation, squeezing or the like occurs. Thus, even if an overload is momentarily applied, slippage occurs, preventing breakage and stoppage.

At the substantially central portion on the back side of the support portion 31, the microswitch 34 as the detection means is attached with the actuator 341 facing downward as described above.

Further, as described above, the clock device 4 controls the alarm ON / OFF provided on the head 21 of the character body 2.
A display unit 42 having an OFF switch 41, a dial 421, an hour hand 422, a minute hand 423, a second hand 424, and an alarm hand 425, and a control unit 4 on the back side of the dial 421.
3 and a movement 426 including a circuit board on which an alarm function unit is mounted. Further, although not shown, for example, a noise prevention switch provided on the left leg 27 of the character body 2 and a volume switch for adjusting the volume of the sound are provided.

As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 43 performs timekeeping control by controlling the motor drive of the movement 426, and operates the alarm switches including the alarm ON / OFF switch 41 and the silence stop switch, as shown in FIG. A predetermined alarm sound (or melody) is output from the sounding body 44 as an alarm function unit based on a reference signal from a reference contact (not shown) disposed on the movement 426 not to be driven, and the LEDs 212a and 213a are turned on and off. A drive signal DR is output to the drive motor 36 of the device 3 to rotate the rotation shaft 361 in a predetermined direction for a predetermined time, for example.
The drive motor 36 is rotated in the reverse direction, and in this state, when the detection signal S34 is received by the microswitch 34 as the detection means, the drive motor 36 is stopped.

In the present embodiment, the microswitch 34 outputs a detection signal S34 to the control unit 43 at the stage when the microswitch 34 is turned on when rotating, and turned off when returning and returning, and the control unit 43 Although the drive motor 36 is configured to be stopped at the stage, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the detection signal is received, and the detection signal is input again after one reciprocation. Drive motor 43
It is needless to say that various modes such as stopping the operation are possible.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the clock body (character body) alignment mode. FIG. 21 is a front view of a state of each main part in a normal posture, FIG. 22 is a view of a state of each main part in a normal posture from a back side, and FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram of the state of the main part as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 24 is a view of the state of the main part at the time of the inclined posture as viewed from the back side.

In the alarm clock 1 of the present embodiment, the character body 2 is normally held in a normal posture as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. At this time, character body 2
And the gear 33 attached to the support portion 31 side are meshed at a predetermined position as shown in FIG. In the normal posture, for example, the display unit of the timepiece device arranged on the front surface of the character body is vertically positioned at 12 o'clock, and vertically at 6 o'clock. In the normal posture, as shown in FIG. 22, the actuator 341 of the microswitch 34 is in an off state without being in contact with the detector 233.

In this state, the alarm hand 425 is set to a desired wake-up time by the alarm time setting knob 428, and the alarm ON / OFF switch 41 is turned on (ST1). In addition, the noise suppression switch is turned on (ST2). The states of these switches are supplied to the control unit 43. And
When the alarm set time is approached, a reference contact provided on the movement 426 is turned on (ST3), and a reference signal is supplied to the control unit 43. Eventually, when the alarm set time comes, the control unit 43 sets the alarm scenario mode (ST4).
-1), and the following operation is performed.

That is, a predetermined alarm sound (or melody) is output from the sounding body 44 as the alarm function unit, and the LEDs 212a and 213a arranged on the head 21 of the character body 2 are controlled to blink.
The drive signal DR is output to the drive motor 36 of the drive device 3.

When a drive signal is supplied to the drive motor 36, the rotating shaft 361 on which the gear 33 is mounted is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, rightward). Rotary axis 3
As the gear 61 rotates, the gear 33 rotates, and the internal gear rack 32 formed with a predetermined curvature is gradually sent out from the meshing position in the normal posture in a predetermined direction. Character body 2
The end 311 of the shaft 311 is
Since it is rotatably supported by a and 311b, it rotates in the feeding direction of the internal tooth rack 32 with this point as a fulcrum, and takes an inclined posture from a normal posture. Then, the inclination angle increases as the feed amount of the internal gear rack 32 increases.

When the internal rack 32 is fed out for a predetermined time with the rotation of the gear 33, the length of the internal rack is limited to a predetermined length in advance. Therefore, as shown in FIG. And the internal tooth rack is disengaged (disengaged). As a result, the character body 2 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 24, the vehicle stops at a position rotated by a predetermined angle, for example, ten and several degrees, and takes an inclined posture. At this time, the actuator 341 of the microswitch 34 is pressed by the detector 233 as shown in FIG. 24 and is in the ON state.

At this time, the head 21 of the character body 2
Due to its own weight including the front body portion 22 and the rear body portion 23, the gear 3 near the position where the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 are disengaged from each other.
A state is formed in which the tooth of No. 3 and the end of the internal gear rack 32 are in contact with each other, and at this time, since the gear 33 is rotating, the character body 2 takes a so-called idling while taking an inclined posture, For example, an alarm sound or LED 212a, 2
It behaves as if it vibrates in conjunction with the blinking operation of 13a. That is, the character body 2 gradually transitions from the normal posture position to the inclined posture at a predetermined angle while rotating,
It vibrates at that position, for example, moves up and down. In this case, the leaf spring 35 as the urging means is connected to the boss 2 of the rear body 23.
34, the internal gear rack 32 is driven by the gear 33
The contact between the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 is reliably maintained by being urged by a force that does not result in engagement in the direction in which the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 can engage with each other, and a stable vibration motion is realized.

If this vibration motion is performed for a predetermined time and the alarm switch is not turned on at this time (ST
5) If the alarm switch is on and the silence switch is off (ST6), or if the alarm switch is on and the silence switch is on and the reference setting is off (ST7), 19
(ST8-1).

More specifically, it is determined whether or not the micro switch 34 is in the ON state (ST81). In this case, since the micro switch 34 is in the ON state, the control unit 43 reversely rotates the drive motor 36 (ST81). A drive signal DR for instructing to rotate left is supplied (ST82). As a result, the gear 33 rotates in the reverse direction so that the teeth at the end of the internal gear rack 32 are retracted, so that the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32 mesh with each other. At this time, since the tips of the teeth at the ends of the internal gear rack 32 are formed in, for example, a tapered shape, re-engagement with the gear 33 is smoothly performed.

The internal gear rack 3 having a meshing relationship with the gear 33
2 is sent out toward the initial state position (normal posture position). In this case, the inclination angle decreases as the retracted amount of the internal gear rack 32 increases. Then, for example, the character body 2 in which the gear 33 is rotated in the reverse direction and swings
Reaches a substantially normal posture position, the pressing state of the micro switch 34 against the actuator 341 by the detector 233 is released, the micro switch 34 is turned off (ST83), and the detection signal S34 is supplied to the control unit 43, and A drive signal for instructing the drive motor 36 to stop is supplied from the unit 43. Upon receiving the stop command drive signal, the drive motor 36 stops the rotation of the rotating shaft 361 (ST84). Thereby, character body 2
Returns to the initial normal posture. As a result, the display unit of the timepiece device is also positioned in a normal posture, that is, at 12:00 vertically above and at 6:00 below.

If the micro switch 34 is not turned on in step ST81, the rotating shaft 361 is continuously rotated clockwise (ST85). When the micro switch 34 is turned on (ST86), the rotating shaft 361 is continuously rotated clockwise for a predetermined time (ST87).
The process proceeds to step ST82, where the rotation shaft 361 is rotated in the reverse direction (left rotation).

If it is determined in step ST7 that the reference contact is ON, the operation in the clock body positioning mode is performed (ST8-2), and then the operation proceeds to step ST4-.
The operation in the alarm scenario mode 1 is performed.

If the alarm switch is in the OFF state and the monitor mode is set, the operation in the above-described alarm scenario mode (ST4) is performed on condition that the silence switch is turned on (ST9). 2) and the operation of the clock positioning mode is performed (ST8).
-3).

When a large external force is applied to prevent the rotation of the character body 2 while the character body 2 is rotating, the transmission of the external force to the rotating shaft 361 is suppressed by the slip mechanism 37. As a result, the drive motor 36 is prevented from being damaged. Similarly, the gear 33 and the internal gear rack 32
When the tooth of the gear 33 and the end of the internal tooth rack 32 are reversed from the state where the teeth of the gear 33 and the end of the internal gear rack 32 are in the vicinity of the position where the meshing relationship is disengaged, even if an overload is momentarily applied due to squeaking or the like, slip may occur. This prevents damage and stoppage.

In the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, when the alarm switch and the buzzer switch are turned on and the reference contacts are turned on, the operation in the wake-up scenario mode and the operation in the clock positioning mode are performed. Is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, when the alarm switch and the buzzer switch are turned on (ST10, ST11), the wake-up is performed. It is also possible to perform the operation in the scenario mode and the operation in the clock positioning mode (ST4-3, S
T8-4).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display section 42 for displaying the time, the alarm function section for generating an alarm at the alarm set time, and the output of the drive signal in response to the operation of the alarm switch. A timepiece device 4 having a control unit 43, a gear 33 that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft 361, a support 31 on which the rotation shaft 361 of the gear 33 is supported, and a rotatable shaft on the support 31. The character body 2 which is supported and accommodates the timepiece device 4 so that the display portion 42 of the timepiece device 4 is disposed on the surface portion thereof, and the gear 33 which is regulated to a predetermined length and formed with a predetermined curvature.
The internal gear rack 32 provided on a part of the front body portion 22 of the character body 2 so as to mesh with the rotating shaft 361 of the gear 33 in accordance with a drive signal of the timepiece device 4. Since the character body drive device 3 having the drive motor 36 that rotates to one end of the internal tooth rack 32 where the meshing relationship with the rack 32 is released is provided, it is interesting with a simple structure while preventing an increase in size. There is an advantage that a certain operation can be easily realized.

In this embodiment, the character body 2
When a large external force that prevents the rotation is applied during rotation of the motor, the slip mechanism 37 can prevent the transmission of the external force to the rotating shaft 361, so that the drive motor 36 can be prevented from being damaged. Similarly, the gear 33
When the teeth of the gear 33 and the end of the internal gear rack 32 are reversed from the state where the teeth of the gear 33 and the end of the internal gear rack 32 come into contact with each other near the position where the meshing relationship with the internal gear rack 32 is disengaged, an overload is momentarily applied due to creaking or the like. Even in the case of a slip, a slip is generated and breakage or stoppage is prevented.

Further, the internal gear rack 32 is urged by a leaf spring 35 as urging means with a force that does not lead to meshing with the gear 33 in a direction in which it can mesh with the gear 33, so that the gear 33 and the internal gear can be reliably engaged. There is an advantage that the contact state with the rack 32 can be maintained and a stable vibration movement can be realized.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an advantage that an increase in size can be prevented, and an interesting operation can be easily realized with a simple structure. In addition, when a large external force that prevents the character body from rotating is applied while the character body is rotating, the transmission of the external force to the rotating shaft can be suppressed by the slip mechanism, so that the drive system can be prevented from being damaged. Similarly, when the gear teeth and the end of the internal gear rack are reversed from the state where the gear teeth and the end of the internal gear rack come into contact with each other near the position where the meshing relation between the gear and the internal gear rack is disengaged, an overload may be momentarily caused by squeezing or the like. Even if it does, slip will occur, preventing breakage and stoppage. Also,
By the biasing means, the internal gear rack is urged with a force that does not mesh with the gear in a direction in which the gear can mesh with the gear, so that the contact state between the gear and the internal gear rack can be reliably maintained, and stable vibration can be achieved. There is an advantage that exercise can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of an embodiment of an alarm clock employing a character body driving device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view schematically showing an embodiment of an alarm clock employing the character body driving device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing an embodiment of an alarm clock employing the character body driving device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an embodiment of an alarm clock employing the character body driving device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view schematically showing an embodiment of an alarm clock employing the character body driving device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially omitted sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a specific configuration of a front body of the character body integrated with the support according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an internal tooth rack formed integrally with the front trunk portion according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an engagement relationship between the internal gear rack and the gears when the character body according to the present embodiment holds a normal posture.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a state when the meshing relationship between the internal gear rack and the gear according to the present embodiment is released.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an inclined posture of a character body of the alarm clock according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view showing another example of the shape of the tooth tip at the end of the internal tooth rack according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a specific configuration of a rear trunk unit integrated with the support unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the rear trunk portion in a normal posture.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the rear trunk portion in an inclined posture.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a support according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a support portion sandwiched and fixed between a right leg portion and a left leg portion.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a function of a control unit of the timepiece device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the alarm clock according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a clock body (character body) alignment mode.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the alarm clock according to the present invention, and is a diagram in which the state of each main part in a normal posture is viewed from the front side.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the alarm clock according to the present invention, and is a diagram in which the state of each principal part in the normal posture is viewed from the back surface side.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the alarm clock according to the present invention, and is a diagram in which the state of each principal part in the inclined posture is viewed from the front side.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the alarm clock according to the present invention, and is a diagram in which the state of each principal part in the inclined posture is viewed from the back surface side.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of the alarm clock according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Alarm clock 2 ... Character body 21 ... Head 211 ... Neck 212 ... Right eye 213 ... Left eye 212a, 213a ... LED 22 ... Front body 221 ... Protective glass 222 ... Receiving part 223 ... Peripheral part 23 ... Rear body 231 ... Recess 232, receiving part 233, detector 234, 235 boss 24, right arm 25, left arm 26, right leg 27, left leg 3, drive device 31, support 311, shaft 312, insertion hole 32, inside Tooth rack 33 ... Gear 34 ... Micro switch (detection means) 35 ... Leaf spring (biasing means) 36 ... Drive motor (drive means) 361 ... Rotating shaft 37 ... Slip mechanism 4 ... Clock device 41 ... Ring stop switch 42 ... Display Part 421: Dial 422: Hour hand 423 ... Minute hand 424 ... Second hand 425 ... Alarm hand 426 ... Movement 427 ... Time setting knob 428 ... Picked for the alarm time setting only 43 ... control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Shimomura 1-2-1 Kinshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Rhythm Watch Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C150 BA06 CA18 CA26 DD06 DD07 DD24 DD28 EB01 EC03 EC06 EC25 2F080 AA00 CC08 DD07 EE49

Claims (12)

[Claims] A gear that rotates in accordance with the rotation of a rotating shaft; a support on which the rotating shaft of the gear is supported; a character body rotatably supported by the support; And an internal gear rack formed on a part of the character body so as to be restricted and formed with a predetermined curvature so as to mesh with the gear, and, according to a drive signal, rotate the rotating shaft of the gear at least by a gear. And a driving means for rotating the internal tooth rack to one end of the internal tooth rack where the meshing relationship with the internal tooth rack is released. 2. When the rotating shaft of the gear is rotated by the driving means and the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, the internal gear rack is moved in a direction in which the internal gear can mesh with the gear. 2. The character body driving device according to claim 1, further comprising an urging means for urging with a force that does not cause meshing. 3. The character body driving device according to claim 1, further comprising a slip mechanism for suppressing transmission of an external force between the gear and the rotation shaft. 4. When the drive means receives a drive signal while the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, the driving means reversely rotates the rotating shaft of the gear to connect the gear and the internal gear rack. The character body drive device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, which is engaged with the character body drive device. 5. A detecting means for detecting that the rotating character body of the gear is rotated in the reverse direction and the swinging character body has reached a substantially normal posture position, and outputs a detection signal to the driving means. 5. The character body driving device according to claim 4, wherein the driving unit stops the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear when receiving the detection signal of the detecting unit. 6. At least a part of the tips of the teeth at least at the ends of the internal tooth rack is formed in a tapered shape capable of guiding the gear teeth to be deeper in meshing. The character body driving device according to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. 7. A clock device having a display unit for displaying time, an alarm function unit for issuing an alarm at an alarm set time, a control unit for outputting a drive signal in response to operation of an alarm switch, A gear that rotates in accordance with the rotation, a support on which a rotating shaft of the gear is rotatably supported, and is rotatably supported by the support, and a display unit of the timepiece device is arranged on a surface portion. A character body in which the timepiece device is housed, an internal tooth rack provided on a part of the character body so as to be regulated to a predetermined length and formed with a predetermined curvature and mesh with the gear; A drive means for rotating a rotating shaft of the gear to at least one end of the internal gear rack at which the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released in response to a drive signal of the timepiece device. Alarm clock and a driving device. 8. When the rotating shaft of the gear is rotated by the driving means and the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, the internal gear rack is moved in a direction in which the internal gear can mesh with the gear. The alarm clock according to claim 7, further comprising an urging means for urging with a force that does not cause meshing. 9. The alarm clock according to claim 7, further comprising a slip mechanism for suppressing transmission of an external force from the gear. 10. The control unit of the timepiece device outputs a drive signal for instructing reverse rotation after a lapse of a predetermined time after outputting a drive signal in response to operation of the alarm switch, When the drive signal for instructing the reverse rotation is received when the meshing relationship between the gear and the internal gear rack is released, the rotating shaft of the gear is reversely rotated to mesh the gear with the internal gear rack. The alarm clock according to 7, 8, or 9. 11. A detecting means for detecting that the rotating character body of the gear is rotated in the reverse direction and the swinging character body reaches a substantially normal posture position and outputs a detection signal to the control unit of the timepiece device. 11. The alarm clock according to claim 10, wherein the control unit outputs a drive signal to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft of the gear to the drive unit when receiving the detection signal of the detection unit. 12. At least a part of a tip of at least an end tooth of the internal tooth rack is formed in a tapered shape capable of guiding a gear tooth to a deeper engagement. The alarm clock according to 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.