SPRING ARMING/DISARMING MECHANISM AND JUMPING TOY INCLUDING THE LATTER

Abstract

The mechanism comprises a part (116) sliding with respect to a base (102), locking means (144, 154) and control means adapted i) to store energy in elastic means (122) by contraction of the sliding part and ii) to release the energy by extending the sliding part by releasing of the locking means. The control means comprise an arm (130) articulated on the sliding part (116), a part (140) driven by a motor, with a cam surface (144) stressing a finger (134) integral with the arm, and a lock (150). In a first mode, the sliding part (116) is contracted via the arm (130) through the finger (134), then released after the reaching of a release area (C) of the cam surface, in the same rotation of the rotary part, whereas in a second mode, the sliding part (116) is contracted, then locked by the lock (150), then released after the reaching of a release are (D) formed by the cam surface, causing the unlocking by a reverse rotation of the rotary part.

Description

The invention relates to a mechanism for arming/disarming a sliding part, in particular for a rolling and jumping toy including a pair of wheels arranged on either side of a body of the toy, of the type described for example in the JP 2011/41696 A (Barse), and also relates to such a toy including such a mechanism.

The above-mentioned document describes a remote-controlled rolling and jumping object mounted on two independent wheels each driven by an individual motor, which allows the toy to move forward, to move rearward, to take a jumping position, etc. The toy body includes a frame connected to the wheels and a sliding element guided on slides, with a spring interposed between the frame and the sliding element. A motor displaces the sliding element closer to the frame, which as for effect to progressively compress the spring and hence accumulate therein an elastic potential energy. The unit is kept in this position by a locking system, which may be liberated to abruptly release the spring and to throw the toy above the ground by transformation of the potential energy of the spring into kinetic energy, the impact of the sliding part against the ground producing, by reaction, the desired leaping effect. The jumping height may be adjusted by a variable compression of the spring, allowing to deliver a more or less significant energy at the time of the jump.

An object of the invention is generally to propose a particularly simple and reliable arming/disarming mechanism to vary the energy provided to a sliding part by a spring.

Applied to a toy of the above-mentioned type, the invention further aims, without having to modify the base structure, to allow varying the energy provided by this mechanism and hence the energy, and as the case may be the direction, of a leap, by choosing for example between a high jump (for example to make the toy jump onto a table from the ground), or a long jump (for example to pass an obstacle, the toy ending its travel on the ground).

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

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 jumping and/or shooting toy, comprising, in a manner known per se from the above-mentioned JP 2011/41696 A:

• • a sliding part mobile in translation with respect to a base between extended and contracted positions;
  • releasable means for locking the sliding part with respect to the base;
  • elastic means stressed between the base and the sliding part; and
  • control means adapted i) to progressively store potential energy in the elastic means by displacement of the sliding part towards a contracted position under the action of motor means, and ii) to release the thus-stored energy, hence driving the sliding part towards the extended position under the effect of a releasing of the locking means, said control means comprising:
  • an arm articulated on the sliding part; and
  • a rotary part rotationally mounted on the base, controlled by said motor means and having an inner cam surface adapted to stress a finger integral with the arm during the rotation of said part.

The control means are adapted to control the motor means:

• • i) in a first mode where the sliding part is contracted via the cam surface acting on the arm through the finger, then abruptly released after the finger has reached a release area formed by the cam surface, during the same rotational movement of the rotary part.

Characteristically of the invention, this mechanism further comprises:

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

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

• • i) to said first mode, or
  • ii) to a second mode where the sliding part is contracted via the cam surface acting on the arm through the finger, then locked by the lock acting on the arm locking arrangement, then abruptly released after the finger has reached a release area formed by the cam surface, causing the disengagement of the locking arrangement with respect to the lock during a reverse rotation of the rotary part.

It will be noted that the term “elastic means” has to be understood within a wide meaning, and not limited to spring means (as in the example of the description detailed hereinafter), where the elastic function is obtained by deformation of a flexible material. This term must be understood as also covering means adapted, in other forms, to store energy and to release the latter, for example in a magnetic form by bringing together two magnets having the same pole until they meet each other, to release the energy at the unlocking according to the same principle as in the case of a spring.

According to various subsidiary advantageous characteristics:

• • the cam surface comprises a traction area adapted to progressively stress the arm finger towards the centre of rotation of the rotary part, a first protruding release area adjacent to the traction area, and a low profile area adjacent to the first release area;
  • the lock comprises a catch and the locking arrangement comprises a snug integral with the arm between its point of articulation to the sliding part and the finger, the cooperation between the snug and the catch depending of the angular position of the arm, and wherein the second release area formed by the cam surface is adapted to make the arm pivot so as to disengage the snug from the crank;
  • the first release area of the cam surface is adapted to make the arm pivot so as, during the extension, to allow the snug to go round the catch;
  • the mechanism further comprises a switch operated by a movement of the lock caused by the locking arrangement in a contraction phase, and wherein the inversion of the direction of rotation of the rotary part in the second mode is performed in response to the operation of the switch;
  • the sliding part is mounted on the carriage through two parallel rods received in respective cylinders, and wherein the rotation axis of the rotary part and the pivot axis of the arm are perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods;
  • the lock is mobile in rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods and is stressed by a spring acting against the force exerted by the locking arrangement in a contraction phase;
  • the release areas are two distinct areas adjacent to each other on the cam surface; and
  • the motor means comprise a single brush electrical motor operating in direct current.

According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a rolling and jumping toy resting on the ground, of the general type disclosed by the above-mentioned JP 2011/41696 A, including:

• • a wheeled-carriage, comprising a carriage and a pair of wheels arranged on either side of the carriage, the wheels being mounted with respect to the carriage so as to rotate about a common axis perpendicular to the main direction of the carriage;
  • a sliding part, mobile in guided translation along the carriage, between extended and contracted positions;
  • releasable means for locking the sliding part with respect to the carriage;
  • first motor means, adapted to exert on the wheels a rotation torque with respect to the carriage;
  • second motor means, adapted to displace the sliding part with respect to the carriage;
  • elastic means stressed between the carriage and the sliding part; and
  • elastic-means control means, adapted i) to progressively store potential energy in the spring member by displacement of the sliding part towards a contracted position under the action of the second motor means, and ii) to release the thus-stored energy, hence driving the sliding part towards the extended position under the effect of a releasing of the locking means.

Characteristically of the invention, the control means comprise a mechanism has defined hereinabove, the base of said mechanism being integral with the carriage.

According to various advantageous subsidiary characteristics of this toy:

• • the sliding part comprises a pad for the bearing of the toy on the ground in at least one stable position;
  • in said stable position, the control means are adapted to release the energy stored in the elastic means so as to cause a leap of the toy above the ground under the effect of the sliding part expansion, transmitted by the pad;
  • the toy is capable of taking a shooting position, where it rests in another stable position, the control means being adapted to release the energy stored in the elastic means so as to throw away from the toy an object in contact with a shooting part integral with the sliding part;
  • the control means are further adapted to selectively control the motor means in a third mode where the sliding part is progressively contracted via the cam surface, without reaching a position of locking by the lock or a release area of the cam surface, then progressively extended by reverse rotation, so as hence to progressively displace the pad closer to or further from the points of contact of the wheels with the ground and hence to vary the angle of inclination of the carriage with respect to the surface of the ground.

An exemplary embodiment of the device of the invention will now be described, with reference to the appended drawings in which the same references denote identical or functionally similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy according to the invention, showing the various elements that, combined together, constitute the structure thereof.

FIGS. 2 a and 2b are side views illustrating the toy of the invention, in its default position, but according to two different inclinations, respectively.

FIGS. 3 a to 3d are side views illustrating the toy in the default position, in the inverted pendulum position, in the shooting position and in the object grasping position, respectively.

FIGS. 4 a to 4d are similar to FIGS. 3a to 3d, in perspective views.

FIG. 5 illustrates in a profile view a mechanism for arming/disarming a sliding part allowing in particular to propel the toy with different forces.

FIG. 6 is a face view of the mechanism of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7 a to 7e are side views of the toy, illustrating different attitudes of the latter during the contraction then the force releasing by the mechanism according to two different force settings.

FIGS. 8 a to 8h are face views of the mechanism, illustrating the different phases thereof during an arming/disarming with a first setting.

FIGS. 9 a to 9k are face views of the mechanism, illustrating the different phases thereof during an arming/disarming with a second setting.

In FIG. 1, the reference 10 generally denotes 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 so as to pivot about a common axis D, and they are driven independently by individual electric motors (not shown), piloted by suitable circuits allowing the toy, according to the direction and speed of rotation of the wheels, to progress along a straight line, to move rearward, to turn about itself or to turn along a curve, etc., such different moves being advantageously controlled by the toy by means of a suitable remote-control.

The carriage 12 extends following a main direction Δ, perpendicular to the pivot axis D of the wheels, and it supports a sliding part 16 movable in translation parallel to the axis A under the effect of a suitable motor, piloted by the toy control circuits. 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 several springs (not visible in the figures) serving as energy storage means, with compression of the spring when the sliding part 16 is moved closer to the carriage 12, and conversely returning to the sliding part 16 of the energy stored by these springs when the sliding part 16 is released towards an extend position of the carriage/sliding part unit. Moreover, it will be noted that, in the fully extended position of the sliding part, the end of the latter protrudes beyond the circumference of the wheels 14 and can hence come into contact with the ground.

The carriage 12 is integral with the body 22 of the toy, which is itself provided with a protuberance 24 protruding beyond the diameter of the wheels 22. The distal end 26 of this protuberance 24 has, according to a characteristic of the invention, a surface 28 directed towards the rear of the toy (i.e. towards the left with the convention of FIGS. 1 and 2), on the same side as the extension of the sliding part 16. This surface 28 constitutes a first jaw or cheek of a clamping device that will be described hereinafter, in particular with reference to FIG. 3d.

The protuberance 24 also carries at its distal end 26 a bearing element such as a ridge 30 that may form a first pad of contact with the ground in a configuration that will be explained hereinafter, in particular with reference to FIGS. 3c and 3d.

Besides, the distal end 32 of the sliding part 16, which protrudes beyond the diameter of the wheels 22, is provided with an element 34 forming the second jaw, arranged substantially opposite the surface 28 forming the first jaw. In the figure, this element 34 has been illustrated as a removable bow, but this particular form is given only by way of non-limitative example.

The distal end 32 of the sliding part 16 also comprises an element 36 such as a surface or a ridge directed towards the ground in the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, and which forms a second contact pad, liable to form a ground-bearing point for the toy, in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The toy may also be provided with one or several optical devices 38 (FIG. 4a), such as a camera or a light, whose optical axis δ forms a fixed angle with respect to the main direction Δ of the carriage and of the toy body integral with this carriage. This device allows, for example, when the toy rolls, to light the front of the toy and/or to pick-up a video image of the site of operation, viewed from the toy.

FIGS. 2 a and 2b (as well as FIG. 3a, similar to FIG. 2a) illustrate a so-called “default” position among several positions that the toy is liable to take, the other positions being described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 3b to 3d.

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

As mentioned hereinabove, the sliding part 16 forms a telescopic unit with the carriage 12, and it can hence move in translation between an extended position 40 (FIG. 2a) and a retracted position 40′ (FIG. 2b) under the action of a motor specifically piloted to ensure this translation. The displacement of the sliding part 16 produces a displacement of the ground-bearing point of the second pad 36, and correlatively a modification of the inclination of the carriage axis A, and thus the inclination of the toy and of the different elements that are linked thereto: it is in particular possible to adjust that way the orientation on site of the axis δ of the camera 38, the azimuth orientation resulting from the rotation of the toy about 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 abrupt spring-back of the springs mounted between the sliding part and the carriage and that will have been previously compressed.

It is possible to favour a long jump or a high jump by positioning the toy with a more or less great inclination of the axis Δ: for example, the position 40 of FIG. 2a with an axis A slightly inclined will favour the length of the jump, whereas the position 40′ of FIG. 2b with a axis Δ far more inclined upward will favour the height of the jump.

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

FIGS. 3 a and 4a correspond to the “default” position that has just been described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

It is a naturally stable position, where the toy rests on the ground through three bearing points (the contact points 44 of the wheels and the second pad 36). This position allows in particular rolling on the ground, rotations, passage of obstacles, etc., and also constitutes the preparatory position for jumping, as described hereinabove, by abrupt release of the spring energy (schematised by arrow 46) via the second pad 36, this energy being transmitted, by inertia and reaction of the ground, to the toy body to cause the latter to leap.

FIGS. 3 b and 4b illustrate another, so-called “inverted pendulum” position 48, where the protuberance 24 of the toy body is directed upward, as the distal end 32 of the sliding part 16.

In this position 48, there is no third bearing point, and the toy rests only on the two points 44 of contact of the wheels 14 with the ground. Besides, the relative position of the sliding part 16 with respect to the carriage 12 has no particular importance in this inverted pendulum position, where the jaws 28 and 34 have no operating purpose, neither have the contact pads 30 and 36, no energy release being further provided in this position.

The inverted pendulum position 48 may be reached from the position 40 by rotation of the toy body (arrow 50), this rotation resulting from a command of abrupt rearward acceleration: by inertia, the wheels almost not move and this is hence the body 22 that pivots about the axis D.

In this position 48, the centre of gravity of the toy is located above the axis D, so that the position is naturally instable and can be maintained only by a control of the wheel-piloting motors by feedback of the signal delivered for example by an orientation sensor or an inertial sensor incorporated in the toy body.

This position 48 may be an intermediate position, waiting for the selection of an action or the switching to another position (such as the positions illustrated in FIGS. 3c and 3d), or a full-fledged playing position, with possibility of rolling, rotation, etc., still with a feedback-control from the inertial sensor to maintain the toy body in equilibrium in the illustrated position, during these sequences of displacement.

FIGS. 3 c and 4c illustrate another, so-called “shooting” or “kicker”, position of the toy. This position 52 is obtained from the default position 40 or the inverted pendulum position 48 by pivoting the body (arrow 54) in the same way as to reach the position 48, i.e. by an abrupt command of rear acceleration causing, by inertia, the toy body to pivot about the axis D, the wheels almost not moving.

This position is a naturally stable position, because the toy rests on the ground through three bearing points, i.e. the two contact points 44 of the wheels 14 and the first pad 30 of the protuberance 24 integral with the toy body and the carriage, which pad has come into contact with the ground at the end of the rotation 54.

It will however be noted that, in an alternative embodiment, the protruding portion or protuberance 24 of the toy body (and hence the first contact pad 30) could be omitted, the third bearing point being then consisted by the protruding distal end of the sliding part 16, or by the stirrup forming the second jaw 34, if such a stirrup is mounted at the end of the sliding part.

In the position 52, the second pad 36 and the second jaw 34 are placed opposite to each other, which allows to orient them towards an object (symbolized by the cube 56) which may serve as a projectile when the energy of the springs is abruptly released after these latter have been compressed by translation of the sliding part 16 from its extended position to its retracted position. The release of the springs and the abrupt return of the sliding part to the extended position have for effect to transmit the energy of the springs to the object 56 via the second pad 36 and/or the second jaws 34 (arrows 58). It will be noted that the process of compression/spring-back of the springs is the same as for the jumping function, but herein the energy stored by the springs is transmitted to an external object to propel it remote from the toy, instead of the toy being propelled by reaction of the ground.

FIGS. 3 d and 4d still illustrate another possible, so-called “grasping” or “grabber'”, position of the toy.

This position 60 is generally the same as the shooting position 52, to the only difference that the sliding part 16 is now in its extended position instead of being in its retracted position, and that there will be no use of the abrupt release of energy. Indeed, in the grasping position 60, the variable stroke of the sliding part (during the compression of the springs) is used to grasp an object (symbolized by the cylinder 62), this action resulting from the progressive translation of the second jaw 34 towards the first jaw 28 (arrow 64), here to move the sliding part 16 from its extended position towards its retracted position. It will be noted that the clamping remains moderated, the energy developed by the motor for the translation of the sliding part 16 being essentially absorbed by the springs. As illustrated, it is also possible to provide as the second jaw 34 a flexible bow, whose elasticity will allow to avoid any excessive compression of the object 62. The gasped object will then be able to be displaced, put at another place (by releasing the clamping by a reverse move of the sliding part 16), etc.

It will be noted that, although the two just-described positions are referred to as “shooting” or “grasping” positions, such designations are not in any way limitative, and that other interactions than shooting or grasping are also conceivable. This position (52 or 62) must be considered simply as a particular position allowing interactions that are similar to or different from the default position, and as a position in which the toy rests in stable equilibrium on the two wheels with the distal end of the sliding part directed towards the ground, with the second jaw movable in a controlled manner parallel to the ground, further from or closer to the first jaw.

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

It will be noted that, on these figures, elements or portions that are identical or similar to those of the previous figures are denoted by the same reference numbers, increased by 100.

This mechanism according to the invention, wholly denoted by the reference 100, comprises at one end a sliding part 116 having at its free end a pad 116a and on which are rigidly secured two rods 118 slidingly received in two cylinders 120 integral with a base 102 of the mechanism, itself integral with the carriage.

Two springs 122 are placed about the two rods 118 and their respective cylinders 120, respectively, by bearing at one end on a shoulder 116b formed on the sliding part 116 coaxially to the rod 118, at the root of the latter, and at the opposite end, on a shoulder 104 formed at the cylinder 120, at the opposite of the orifice thereof through which the respective rod 118 is engaged.

These springs have for object to store energy, with compression of the springs when the sliding part 116 is displaced closer to the base 102 of the carriage, and reversely returning to the sliding part 116 the energy stored by theses springs when said sliding part 116 is released toward an extended position.

Besides, an arm 130 is articulated about an axis 132 on the sliding part 116 in the region of one of its ends, and includes a finger 134 in the region of its opposite end and a snug 136 in an intermediate region, for purposes that will be explained hereinafter.

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

A generally disk-shaped rotary part 140 is pivotally mounted on the base 102, about an axis 142 parallel to the pivot axis 132 of the arm 130. This rotary part defines a lower cam surface 144 adapted to cooperate with the finger 134, which is applied against said cam surface under the effect produced by the springs 122, while keeping captive the sliding part 116.

The part 140 is driven by suitable motor means, preferably a stepping motor (not shown). The motor is driven in one direction or in the other in response to a control unit piloting this motor.

In particular, as will be understood from the reading of the following description, the invention may be implemented with a simple “brush” electrical motor operating in direct current, hence with a very simple piloting logic, this single and simple motor being however sufficient to perform all the operations required for the charging, locking and releasing of the stored energy.

The cam surface 144 comprises several areas, as will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 and referring to the angular position of the rotary part 140 and to the distance of the finger 134, pressing on the cam surface, with respect to the centre of rotation O of the part 140, defined by its axis 142.

A first area 144a is an area whose distance to the axis 142 reduces progressively, when the rotary part 140 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6, between a point A of maximum distance with respect to the centre O and a point B. It hence forms a traction area for the sliding part, against the force of the springs 122, when the part rotates in this direction.

Beyond this point B and up to the point C forming a ridge, the cam surface forms a generally semi-circular notch 144b, into which the finger 134 is adapted to come, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

Beyond the point C, between the points C and D, the cam surface 144 forms a second generally semi-circular notch 144c, generally centred on the point O, to receive the screw 142.

The following area 144d is a slightly bulged area, generally oriented radially going further from the point O, up to a point E forming another ridge. Between the points E and F is defined a segment 144e that progressively goes further from the point O as the rotation goes by, the point F forming a bent and a convexity with the following area 144f where the proximity with the periphery of the rotary 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 area 144h is hence a circular sector centred on the point O.

The shape of the cam surface 144 as shown precisely on FIG. 6 is to be considered as belonging to the present invention.

The mechanism 100 further comprises a ratchet 150 mounted on the base 102 so as to pivot about an axis 152 parallel to the axis 132 and to the axis 142, this tappet comprising a catch 154 adapted to cooperate with the snug 136 integral with the arm 130, and being stressed in rotation in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6 by a spring, for example an helical or spiral spring, whose point of catching on the ratchet is denoted by the reference 156.

The ratchet also comprises a working surface 158 adapted to act on the fugitive switch 160, the two terminals of which are connected, in a manner that is not shown, to the control unit. Advantageously, the arm is provided with two generally flat and spaced-apart portions 130a, 130b (see FIG. 5), and the snug 136 extends transversally between these two portions, whereas the ratchet 150 is made as a part whose thickness is lower than the distance between the two portions 130a, 130b so as to be able to partially enter into the space defined between said two portions and to cooperate therein with the snug 136.

FIGS. 7 a to 7e show the different attitudes of the toy when the sliding part 116 is in an extended state, then in a contracted state, then abruptly released under the action of the springs 122 to the jumping position.

Hence, FIG. 7a illustrates the situation in which the sliding part 116 is extended at the maximum, the toy resting stably on the ground by means of its two wheels 22 and of the pad 116a of the sliding part, with an angle between the sliding axis A and the ground of the order of 25 to 40°.

The sliding part 116 being progressively contracted as will be seen hereinafter, the equilibrium position of the toy is progressively modified to pass to an intermediate position illustrated in FIG. 7b, or to a position as illustrated in FIG. 7c, where the angle between the axis A and the ground is maximum and for example of the order of 80 to 85°.

FIGS. 7 d and 7e illustrate the initial phase of a jump of the toy in a direction that it is generally that of the axis A, this jump being caused by the abrupt releasing, as will be seen hereinafter, of the energy accumulated by the springs 122 of the moving mechanism 100. Hence, FIG. 7d illustrates an almost vertical jump from the position illustrated in FIG. 7c, whereas FIG. 7e illustrates a longer jump, performed from the position illustrated in FIG. 7d.

We will now explain the way the moving mechanism 100 whose structure has been described hereinabove can arm selectively the sliding part 116 up to a maximum contraction position (allowing to reach the attitude of FIG. 7c) and release it, to perform a jump as illustrated in FIG. 7d, or arm the sliding part 116 up to an intermediate contraction position (allowing to reach the attitude of FIG. 7b), then also release it, to perform a jump as illustrated in FIG. 7e.

The first case is illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8h, whereas the second case is illustrated in FIGS. 9a to 9k. It will be noted that on these figures, many reference signs, as seen in FIG. 6, have been omitted so as not to over-load these figures, whose scale is smaller than that of FIG. 6.

It will be further noted that, on the views of FIGS. 8c, 8d and 9c to 9k, the arm 130 has been shown as a partially cut-away view, so as to well show the ratchet 150 and the different positions thereof.

In FIG. 8a, the position of the rotary part 140 corresponds to that of FIG. 6, the finger 134 of the arm 130 being located at the level of point A of the cam surface 144.

The rotary part 140 being driven in the clockwise direction in the figures, the finger is progressively attracted by the area 144a of the cam surface towards the centre O (FIG. 8b), up to reach the notch 144b located between the points B and C (FIG. 8c). During this move, potential energy is accumulated in the springs 122.

It will be noted that, in the vicinity of this orientation, the snug 136 stresses the ratchet 150 at its catch 154 to make it rotate in the counter clockwise direction, against the force exerted by its own spring, the working area 158 pressing on the operating portion of the switch 160.

As the rotation by the electric motor goes by, the notch 144b progressively moves towards the right in the figures, to progressively make the arm 130 rotate, also in the clockwise direction (FIGS. 8e and 8f).

From a certain intermediate angular position between those of FIGS. 8f and 8g, the notch 144b is not able to hold the finger 134 of the arm 130, and under the effect of the traction exerted by the springs 120, the finger is ejected from the notch 144b, released by passing the C constituting a release area, by abruptly stressing the arm towards the right (FIG. 8g).

The finger 134 being released, the energy accumulated by the springs 122 during the previous phases is also released to violently propel the sliding part 116 towards its extended position, hence causing the jump illustrated in FIG. 7d.

It will be noted that the areas 144c, 144d, 144e and 144f of the came surface constitute a low profile area allowing not to obstruct the above-mentioned releasing.

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

It will be noted herein that, thanks to the rotation of the arm 130, so that it takes the inclination illustrated in FIG. 8g, or a more marked inclination, the snug 136 can go round the catch 154 of the ratchet 150 during the extension, so as hence not to hinder the extension in question.

With reference to FIGS. 9a to 9k, the different phases taken by the moving mechanism 100 to perform an intermediate contraction of the sliding part 116, and hence a longer jump as illustrated in FIGS. 7b and 7e, will now be explained.

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

Between the positions of FIGS. 9c and 9d, the ratchet 150 pivots progressively under the action of the snug 136 on the catch 154, and in FIG. 9d, the switch 160 is closed under the action of the working area 158 of the ratchet.

This closure is detected by the control unit of the electric motor, and, in response to it, the rotation of the rotary part 140 is firstly continued over a small angular extent up to the position of FIG. 9e, to ensure that the snug 136 gets fully over the catch 154, as illustrated in this figure.

After this phase, the direction of rotation of the rotary part by the electric motor is inverted, as illustrated by the arrow of FIG. 9f, and the finger 134 of the arm 130 is hence allowed to move away from the centre of rotation O, but this move is interrupted by the snug 136 coming in abutment against the top of the catch 154, as illustrated in this same FIG. 9f. This situation corresponds to a contraction of the sliding part that is smaller than that obtained in the operating mode of FIGS. 8a to 8h, the corresponding stable position of the toy being herein that of FIG. 7b.

As the rotation in the counter clockwise direction goes by (FIGS. 9g and 9h), the finger 134 of the arm, which can no longer follow the cam surface due to the action of the catch 154 on the snug 136, leaves this surface until the area of the cam surface 144 near the point D stresses the finger 134 towards the right in the figures, to hence make the finger 130 pivot about its axis of rotation 134 in the clockwise direction.

It is hence observed in FIG. 9i that the snug 136 is very close to the free end of the catch 154 and in FIG. 9j, the snug 136 has been released from the holding action of the catch. The arm being hence released, the energy accumulated by the springs 122 may be released and transmitted to the sliding part 116, and a jump according to FIG. 7e is performed.

Finally, the rotation in the counter clockwise direction is continued up to the situation of FIG. 9k, which corresponds to that of FIG. 9a.

The choice between a control of the mechanism according to FIGS. 8a-8h (jump close to the vertical) or according to FIGS. 9a-9k (longer jump) is performed by receiving corresponding instructions emitted by a remote control device. In the first case, a full rotation of the rotary part is performed, the rotation of the cam profile being stopped when the inertial unit detects a shock corresponding to the lift-off of the toy. In the second case, the rotary part is firstly driven in the clockwise direction then, after detection of the closing of the switch 160, this rotation is continued over a short angular extent then inverted to come back to the original position.

It is understood that these two degrees of contraction of the sliding part allow not only to generate jumps with different jumping orientations, but also to perform shootings with different forces.

Of course, the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiment described and shown, but the one skilled in the art will be able to make many variants and modifications. In particular, it is understood that, by providing on the arm 130 additional snugs associated with respective ratchets, it becomes possible to arm the sliding part at different degrees, to then provide the toy with different stable attitudes, and from then on, different jumping orientations.

Claims

1. A mechanism for arming/disarming a sliding part, in particular for a jumping and/or shooting toy, comprising: a sliding part (116) mobile in translation with respect to a base (102) between extended and contracted positions;releasable means (144, 154) for locking the sliding part with respect to the base;elastic means (122) stressed between the base and the sliding part; andcontrol means adapted i) to progressively store potential energy in the elastic means (122) by displacement of the sliding part towards a contracted position under the action of motor means, and ii) to release the thus-stored energy, hence driving the sliding part towards the extended position under the effect of a releasing of the locking means said control means comprising:an arm (130) articulated on the sliding part (116); anda rotary part (140) rotationally mounted on the base (102), controlled by said motor means and having an inner cam surface (144) adapted to stress a finger (134) integral with the arm during the rotation of said part,the control means being adapted to control the motor means:i) in a first mode where the sliding part (116) is contracted via the cam surface (144) acting on the arm (130) through the finger (134), then abruptly released after the finger has reached a release area (C) formed by the cam surface, during the same rotational movement of the rotary partthis mechanism being characterized in that it further comprises:a lock (150) adapted to cooperate with a locking arrangement (136) formed on the arm, and in that the control means are adapted to selectively control the motor means:i) in said first mode, orii) to a second mode where the sliding part (116) is contracted via the cam surface (114) acting on the arm (130) through the finger (134), then locked by the lock (150) acting on the arm locking arrangement (136), then abruptly released after the finger has reached a release area (D) formed by the cam surface, causing the disengagement of the locking arrangement with respect to the lock during a reverse rotation of the rotary part.

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cam surface (144) comprises a traction area (144a) adapted to progressively stress the finger (134) of the arm (130) towards the centre of rotation (O) of the rotary part, a first protruding release area (C) adjacent to said traction area, and a low profile area (144c-144f) adjacent to the first release area.

3. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the lock (150) comprises a catch (154) and the lock arrangement comprises a snug (136) integral with the arm between its point of articulation (132) on the sliding part and the finger (134), the cooperation between the snug and the catch depending on the angular position of the arm, and wherein the second release area (D) formed by the cam surface (144) is adapted to make the arm pivot to disengage the snug (136) from the catch (154).

4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein the first release area (C) of the cam surface (144) is adapted to make the arm (130) pivot so as, during the extension, to allow the snug (136) to go round the catch (154).

5. The mechanism of claim 1, which further comprises a switch (160) operated by a movement of the lock (150) caused by the locking arrangement (136) in a contraction phase, and wherein the inversion of the direction of rotation of the rotary part (140) in the second mode is performed in response to the operation of the switch.

6. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the sliding part (116) is mounted on the carriage through two parallel rods (118) received in respective cylinders (120), and wherein the rotation axis of the rotary part (140) and the pivot axis of the arm (130) are perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods.

7. The mechanism of claim 1 which further comprises a switch (160) operated by a movement of the lock (150) caused by the locking arrangement (136) in a contraction phase, and wherein the inversion of the direction of rotation of the rotary part (140) in the second mode is performed in response to the operation of the switch, wherein the sliding part (116) is mounted on the carriage through two parallel rods (118) received in respective cylinders (120), and wherein the rotation axis of the rotary part (140) and the pivot axis of the arm (130) are perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods, wherein the lock (150) is mobile in rotation about an axis perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the two rods and is stressed by a spring acting against the force exerted by the locking arrangement (136) in a contraction phase.

8. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the release areas (C, D) are two distinct areas adjacent to each other on the cam surface (144).

9. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the motor means comprise a single brush electrical motor operating in direct current.

10. A rolling and jumping toy (10) resting on the ground (42), including: a wheeled-carriage, comprising a carriage (12) and a pair of wheels (14) arranged on either side of the carriage, the wheels being mounted with respect to the carriage so as to rotate about a common axis (D) perpendicular to the main direction (A) of the carriagea sliding part (16), mobile in guided translation along the carriage, between extended and contracted positions;releasable means for locking the sliding part with respect to the carriage;first motor means, adapted to exert on the wheels a rotation torque with respect to the carriage;second motor means, adapted to displace the sliding part with respect to the carriage;elastic means stressed between the carriage and the sliding part; andelastic-means control means, adapted i) to progressively store potential energy in the spring member by displacement of the sliding part towards a contracted position under the action of the second motor means, and ii) to release the thus-stored energy, hence driving the sliding part towards the extended position under the effect of a releasing of the locking means,

11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the sliding part comprises a pad for the bearing of the toy on the ground in at least one stable position.

12. The toy of claim 11, wherein, in said stable position, the control means are adapted to release the energy stored in the elastic means so as to cause a leap of the toy above the ground under the effect of the sliding part expansion (46), transmitted by the pad (116a).

13. The toy of claim 10, which is capable of taking a shooting position (52, 60), where it rests in another stable position, the control means being adapted to release the energy stored in the elastic means (122) so as to throw away from the toy an object (56) in contact with a shooting part (34) integral with the sliding part.

14. The toy of claim 11, wherein the control means are further adapted to selectively control the motor means in a third mode where the sliding part (116) is progressively contracted via the cam surface (144), without reaching a position of locking by the lock or a release area (C, D) of the cam surface, then progressively extended by reverse rotation, so as hence to progressively displace the pad (116a) closer to or further from the points (44) of contact of the wheels with the ground and hence to vary the angle of inclination (A) of the carriage (12) with respect to the surface of the ground (42).