FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of tops, and more particularly
to a suction cup module of a launcher, a launcher, and a toy suite.
BACKGROUND
[0002] At present, launchers of popular tops accelerate the tops mainly by manually pulling
racks or using ropes, and then launch the tops. However, since high-speed launchers
require a relatively large pulling force to start, it is difficult for children to
pull; moreover, one launcher cannot be compatible with multiple launching speeds,
and cannot launch the tops in a reverse direction.
[0003] In the related art, launchers of tops include launchers for tops with racks, launchers
with one-time energy storage, and launchers having racks. Tops are accelerated directly
by the racks, but it is laborious to pull the high-speed launchers; or tops are accelerated
by the force of torsion springs alone or using launchers with repeated energy storage,
but the tops are not fast and competitive enough; or tops are accelerated by continuously
pulling the ropes, but the tops cannot freely fall vertically, and landing points
are uncontrollable. After tops are installed, no external force can be used to turn
the tops, making the toys less interesting.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the problems existing in the
related art.
[0005] To this end, the present disclosure provides a suction cup module of a launcher,
and the collision launcher is more interesting to play.
[0006] The present disclosure further provides a launcher having the above suction cup module.
[0007] The present disclosure further provides a toy suite having the above launcher.
[0008] A suction cup module of a launcher according to embodiment of a first aspect of the
present disclosure includes: a suction cup housing; a magnetic assembly arranged on
the suction cup housing; and a fastener movably arranged on the suction cup housing,
and provided with a fastener foot that is movable between a locking position and an
unlocking position, wherein when in the locking position, the fastener foot is configured
to be fastened on an object to be launched; when in the unlocking position, the fastener
foot is configured to be separated from the object to be launched.
[0009] With the suction cup module according to the embodiments of the present disclosure,
by providing the suction cup housing with the movable fastener, and further defining
that the fastener foot is movable between the locking position and the unlocking position,
the fastener can fasten and release the object to be launched. That is, when the suction
cup module magnetically attracts the object to be launched, the object to be launched
is fastened by the fastener foot. When the fastener is triggered, the fastener will
release the object to be launched and make it fall freely, which brings a surprising
experience to players.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction cup housing includes
a suction cup outer cover and an inner liner, and the inner liner is arranged inside
the suction cup outer cover.
[0011] According to an optional example of the present disclosure, the fastener is rotatably
arranged between the suction cup outer cover and the inner liner and has a fastener
shaft, the fastener foot is located at an end of the fastener shaft, and the fastener
foot is retractable when the fastener rotates around the fastener shaft; and the suction
cup module further includes a snap-lock elastic member connected between the fastener
and the suction cup housing and configured to drive the fastener foot to rotate toward
the locking position.
[0012] According to another optional example of the present disclosure, the snap-lock elastic
member is fitted on the fastener; the snap-lock elastic member and the fastener foot
are located at both ends of the fastener shaft; the fastener is provided with a fastener
groove configured to cooperate with the snap-lock elastic member.
[0013] According to still another optional example of the present disclosure, the fastener
is provided with a snap-lock protrusion; the suction cup outer cover or the inner
liner is provided with a snap-lock groove corresponding to the snap-lock protrusion;
when the fastener is in the locking position, the snap-lock protrusion is fitted in
the snap-lock groove.
[0014] According to still another optional example of the present disclosure, an inner liner
opening is provided in a peripheral wall of the inner liner; the fastener foot extends
into or exits from the inner liner through the inner liner opening when rotating;
an end of the inner liner is provided with an inner liner flange, and an end of the
fastener shaft cooperates with the inner liner flange.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fastener is provided
with an extension foot provided with an extension surface; when a force is exerted
on the extension surface, the fastener foot moves toward the unlocking position.
[0016] According to yet another optional example of the present disclosure, the suction
cup outer cover includes two detachable half covers that enclose an outside of the
inner liner.
[0017] According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction cup
housing has a mating opening for the object to be launched to extend in; the magnetic
assembly is arranged inside the suction cup housing, and includes a suction cup magnetically
attracting member and a magnetically insulated sleeve; the magnetically insulated
sleeve is open on a side facing the mating opening.
[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction cup housing
is formed into a cylindrical shape with two open ends; the magnetic assembly and the
fastener are both arranged inside the suction cup housing; a plurality of fasteners
are provided and spaced apart along a circumferential wall of the suction cup housing.
[0019] A launcher according to embodiment of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a launcher body and the suction cup module in the above embodiments, in which the
suction cup module is arranged on the launcher body.
[0020] For the launcher according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing
the suction cup housing with the movable fastener, and further defining that the fastener
foot is movable between the locking position and the unlocking position, the fastener
can fasten and release the object to be launched. That is, when the suction cup module
magnetically attracts the object to be launched, the object to be launched is fastened
by the fastener foot. When the fastener is triggered, the fastener will release the
object to be launched and make it fall freely, which brings a surprising experience
to players.
[0021] In some embodiments, the launcher further includes a drive assembly that is arranged
on the launcher body and is configured to cooperate with the suction cup module and
drive the suction cup module to rotate when triggered and be separated from the suction
cup module when released.
[0022] Further, the drive assembly includes a rope winding portion and a rope body; the
rope winding portion is connected to the suction cup module; the rope body is wound
on the rope winding portion and has an inner end connected to the rope winding portion.
[0023] A toy suite according to embodiment of a third aspect of the present disclosure includes:
the launcher in the above embodiments; and a top having a magnetic top tip that is
attractable onto the suction cup module.
[0024] For the toy suite according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing
the launcher having the suction cup module, the top can be attracted onto the launcher
and launched by the launcher, which brings a surprising experience to players.
[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be
given in part in the following descriptions, become apparent in part from the following
descriptions, or be learned from the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments
with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a state diagram of a launcher and an object to be launched according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a launcher and an object to be launched according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a launcher and an object to be launched according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG 4 is a partial structural diagram of a launcher and an object to be launched according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a suction cup module of a launcher according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a suction cup module of a launcher according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a partial structural diagram of a launcher according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a unidirectional driver of a launcher according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a partial structural diagram of a launching driver of a launcher according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Reference numerals:
launcher 1000;
hand-held portion 100, thumb gripping side 110, four-finger gripping side 120;
launcher body 200;
unidirectional transmission 510, drive end gear 511, passive end gear 512, cycloidal
gear 513, rotating shaft 5131, rope winding portion 520, rope body 530, energy accumulator
540;
suction cup module 700, suction cup housing 710, snap-lock groove 710a, mating opening
710b, suction cup outer cover 711, half cover 7111, inner liner 712, inner liner opening
712a, inner liner flange 7121, magnetic assembly 720, suction cup magnetically attracting
member 721, magnetically insulated sleeve 722, fastener 730, fastener groove 730a,
fastener foot 731, fastener shaft 732, snap-lock elastic member 733, snap-lock protrusion
734, extension foot 735, extension surface 7351;
object 800 to be launched.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below, and the
examples of the embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings. The same or similar
elements and the elements having same or similar functions are denoted by like reference
numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described herein with reference
to the drawings are illustrative and used to generally understand the present disclosure.
The embodiments shall not be construed to limit the present disclosure.
[0029] A suction cup module 700 of a launcher 1000 according to embodiment of a first aspect
of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the suction cup module 700 of the launcher 1000 according to
the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a suction cup housing 710, a magnetic
assembly 720, and a fastener 730.
[0031] Specifically, the magnetic assembly 720 is arranged on the suction cup housing 710
and used to magnetically attract an object 800 to be launched. The fastener 730 is
movably arranged on the suction cup housing 710, and for example, the fastener 730
can rotate on the suction cup housing 710. The fastener 730 is provided with a fastener
foot 731, and the fastener foot 731 is movable between a locking position and an unlocking
position. When the fastener foot 731 is in the locking position, the fastener foot
731 is suitable to be fastened on the object 800 to be launched. When the fastener
foot 731 is in the unlocking position, the fastener foot 731 is suitable to separate
from the object 800 to be launched.
[0032] In a normal state, the fastener foot 731 is in the locking position, and the fastener
foot 731 locks the object 800 to be launched. When the fastener 730 is triggered,
the fastener foot 731 switches from the locking position to the unlocking position
and releases the object 800 to be launched. At this time, the object 800 to be launched
is disengaged from the fastener foot 731 and falls freely. Therefore, through the
movement of the fastener foot 731 between the locking position and the unlocking position,
the object 800 to be launched can be locked or released.
[0033] The magnetic assembly 720 can retain the object 800 to be launched on the suction
cup housing 710, that is, the magnetic assembly 720 can keep connected to the object
800 to be launched by magnetic attraction. During rotation, the suction cup housing
710 will drive the object 800 to be launched to rotate, so as to accelerate the object
800 to be launched. For example, the object 800 to be launched is elaborated by taking
a top as an example. After being separated from the launcher 1000, the top rotates
freely, and a rotation speed of the top will gradually decrease or even the top will
stop. At this time, the suction cup module 700 is aligned with the top, and the magnetic
assembly 720 magnetically attracts the top onto the suction cup module 700. Meanwhile,
since the suction cup housing 710 rotates at a high speed under the drive of a launching
driver of the launcher 1000, the top can be driven to rotate at a high speed.
[0034] When the top is retained on the suction cup module 700, and the fastener 730 is connected
to the top by clamping, the soundness of connection between the top and the suction
cup module 700 can be further enhanced, ensuring that the top will not easily separate
from the suction cup module 700 when rotating at a high speed under the drive of the
launching driver. At the same time, if the launcher 1000 has a flip function, the
top can flip along with the flip of a launcher body 200 of the launcher 1000, and
for example, can flip downwards from a state of the launcher body 200 of the launcher
facing upwards. That is, the top flips from being located above the launcher body
200 to being located below the launcher body 200. During the flip of the launcher
body 200, the top has a large inertia force and is easily thrown out, but by providing
the fastener 730, the connection with the top becomes more reliable, which can avoid
that the launcher body 200 results in throwing out the object to be launched due to
the inertia during the flip, and ensure the safety and reliability when the child
is playing.
[0035] For the suction cup module 700 of the launcher 1000 according to the embodiments
of the present disclosure, by providing the suction cup housing 710 with the movable
fastener 730, and further defining that the fastener foot 731 is movable between the
locking position and the unlocking position, the fastener 730 can fasten and release
the top. That is, when the suction cup module 700 magnetically attracts the top, the
top is fastened by the fastener foot 731. When the fastener 730 is triggered, the
fastener 730 will release the top and make it fall freely, which brings a surprising
experience to players. The soundness of connection between the top and the suction
cup module 700 can be further enhanced, and the top can be prevented from being separated
from the suction cup module 700 when rotating at a high speed under the drive of the
launching driver.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction
cup housing 710 includes a suction cup outer cover 711 and an inner liner 712. The
magnetic assembly 720 and the fastener 730 are arranged outside the suction cup housing
710, while the inner liner 712 is arranged inside the suction cup outer cover 711.
The suction cup outer cover 711 has a protective effect on inner liner 712. The suction
cup outer cover 711 is located on the outermost side of the suction cup module 700,
which can have a protective function for the internal components on the one hand,
and can make the suction cup module 700 form a whole on the other hand.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, according to an optional example of the present disclosure, the
suction cup outer cover 711 and the inner liner 712 are spaced apart, and the fastener
730 is rotatably arranged between the suction cup outer cover 711 and the inner liner
712. The fastener 730 has a fastener shaft 732 connected to the inner liner 712. The
fastener foot 731 is located at an end of the fastener shaft 732. The fastener foot
731 is retractable when the fastener 730 rotates around the fastener shaft 732. For
example, three fasteners 730 are provided between the inner liner 712 and the suction
cup outer cover 711 and arranged at intervals around the inner liner 712. The fastener
feet 731 are located at an upstream end of the fasteners 730 in a clockwise direction
around the inner liner 712. When the fasteners 730 rotate around respective fastener
shafts 732 (for example, when the fasteners 730 rotate clockwise around the fastener
shafts 732), the fastener feet 731 retract into the inner liner 712. When the fastener
feet 731 rotate counterclockwise around the fastener shafts 732, the fastener feet
731 extend out of the inner liner 712.
[0038] Specifically, in a normal state, the fastener foot 731 retracts into the inner liner
712 to lock the top. When the fastener 730 is triggered, the fastener foot 731 rotates
counterclockwise around the fastener shaft 732, that is, the fastener foot 731 rotates
outward of the inner liner 712, thereby releasing the top.
[0039] Further, the suction cup module 700 further includes a snap-lock elastic member 733
connected between the fastener 730 and the suction cup housing 710. The snap-lock
elastic member 733 is in a normally compressed state. The snap-lock elastic member
733 and the fastener foot 731 are located on both sides of the fastener shaft 732,
respectively. The snap-lock elastic member 733 is used to drive the fastener foot
731 to rotate toward the locking position. In a normal state, due to an elastic restoring
force of the snap-lock elastic member 733, the fastener 730 tends to rotate clockwise
around the fastener shaft 732. An end of the fastener shaft 732 provided with the
snap-lock elastic member 733 rotates outwards, and in turn the fastener foot 731 rotates
to the locking position. In this way, the fastener foot 731 can be kept in the locking
position by the snap-lock elastic member 733, thereby further enhancing the soundness
of connection between the top and the suction cup module 700.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, according to another optional example of the present disclosure,
the snap-lock elastic member 733 is fitted on the fastener 730. The snap-lock elastic
member 733 and the fastener foot 731 are located at both ends of the fastener shaft
732. The fastener 730 is provided with a fastener groove 730a configured to cooperate
with the snap-lock elastic member 733. That is, a first end of the snap-lock elastic
member 733 is connected to an outer wall of the inner liner 712, and a second end
of the snap-lock elastic member 733 is connected in the fastener groove 730a. Thus,
the snap-lock elastic member 733 can be fixed in the fastener groove 730a, the connection
between the inner liner 712 and the fastener 730 can be reliable, and the fastener
foot 731 can be normally kept in the locking position to prevent the top from being
separated from the suction cup module 700 when rotating at a high speed under the
drive of the launching driver.
[0041] According to another optional example of the present disclosure, the fastener 730
is provided with a snap-lock protrusion 734. The suction cup outer cover 711 or the
inner liner 712 is provided with a snap-lock groove 710a corresponding to the snap-lock
protrusion 734. Specifically, when the fastener 730 is in the locking position, the
snap-lock protrusion 734 is fitted in the snap-lock groove 710a. A snap-lock bump
and the fastener foot 731 are located at both ends of the fastener shaft 732, so that
the snap-lock protrusion 734 is fitted in the snap-lock groove 710a, that is, the
snap-lock protrusion 734 at a first end of the fastener shaft 732 is snapped in the
snap-lock groove 710a, and hence the fastener foot 731 at a second end of the fastener
shaft 732 can fasten the top to prevent the top from falling off. Thus, the soundness
of connection between the top and the suction cup module 700 can be further enhanced,
to ensure that the top will not be easily separated from the suction cup module 700
even when rotating at a high speed under the drive of the launching driver.
[0042] Specifically, when the suction cup module 700 rotates at a high speed, due to a centrifugal
force, the snap-lock bump on the fastener 730 is snapped in the snap-lock groove 710a,
so as to prevent the first end of the locking shaft 732 from continuing to rotate
outward, and then the fastener foot 731 at the second end of the fastener shaft 732
can fasten the top firmly.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, according to yet another optional example of the present disclosure,
an inner liner opening 712a is provided in a peripheral wall of the inner liner 712.
The fastener foot 731 can extend into or exit from the inner liner 712 through the
inner liner opening 712a when rotating. An end of the inner liner 712 (an upper end
of the inner liner 712 as shown in FIG. 6) is provided with an inner liner flange
7121. An end of the fastener shaft 732 (e.g., an upper end of the fastener shaft 732)
cooperates with the inner liner flange 7121 to increase a surface area of the upper
end of the inner liner 712, and can be used to connect with an inner wall of the suction
cup outer cover 711 at the same time.
[0044] Normally, the fastener foot 731 extends into the inner liner 712 through the inner
liner opening 712a. At this time, the fastener foot 731 is in the locking position
and is used to fasten the top. When the fastener 730 is triggered, the fastener foot
731 exits from the inner liner 712 through the inner liner opening 712a. The fastener
foot 731 rotates outward relative to the inner liner 712 to release the top, and the
top separates from the suction cup module 700 and falls freely.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
fastener 730 is provided with an extension foot 735. The extension foot 735 and the
fastener foot 731 are located at the same end of the fastener shaft 732. An end of
the extension foot 735 is provided with an inclined extension surface 7351. When a
force is exerted on the extension surface 7351, the fastener foot 731 moves toward
the unlocking position. In a normal state, the fastener 730 on the inner liner 712
extends into the inner liner 712 through the inner liner opening 712a, and the end
of the extension foot 735 of the fastener 730 is located at the center of the inner
liner 712. When a downward force is exerted on the extension surface 7351, the extension
foot 735 is pushed to rotate from the inner liner opening 712a to the outside of the
inner liner 712, and meanwhile the fastener foot 731 also exits from the inner liner
712 through the inner liner opening 712a and moves toward the unlocking position,
thereby releasing the top. In this way, by exerting action on the extension surface
7351 of the extension foot 735, the release of the top by the fastener foot 731 can
be realized.
[0046] Advantageously, the center of gravity of the fastener 730 deviates from the fastener
shaft 732 and is located on a side where the snap-lock protrusion 734 is located.
It can be understood that since the center of gravity of the fastener 730 is not on
the fastener shaft 732, when the fastener 730 rotates along with the inner liner 712,
the snap-lock protrusion 734 rotates in a direction away from the inner liner 712
under the centrifugal action, thereby allowing the fastener foot 731 to be better
fastened on the top. Moreover, the faster the inner liner 712 rotates, the tighter
the fastener foot 731 is fastened on the top, which can improve the firmness of connection
between the top and the suction cup module 700 and ensure that the top will not be
easily separated from the suction cup module 700 when rotating at a high speed.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, according to another optional example of the present disclosure,
the suction cup outer cover 711 includes two detachable half covers 7111. The two
half covers 7111 enclose the outside of the inner liner 712. By configuring the suction
cup outer cover 711 as a structure consisting of two half covers 7111, the disassembly
is easy, which brings convenience to maintenance and replacement of the suction cup
module 700 in future. That is, when maintenance and replacement are needed, the two
half covers 7111 can be directly disassembled. After completion, the two half covers
7111 can be directly assembled and closed.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
suction cup housing 710 has a mating opening 710b suitable for the top to extend in.
The magnetic assembly 720 is arranged inside the suction cup housing 710. The magnetic
assembly 720 in FIG. 6 is located inside the inner liner 712. The magnetic assembly
720 includes a suction cup magnetically attracting member 721 and a magnetically insulated
sleeve 722. The magnetically insulated sleeve 722 is wrapped around the suction cup
magnetically attracting member 721. The magnetically insulated sleeve 722 is open
on a side facing the mating opening 710b.
[0049] Further, the suction cup magnetically attracting member 721 includes a first magnetically
attracting member and a second magnetically attracting member. The first magnetically
attracting member is located above the second magnetically attracting member. The
first magnetically attracting member and the magnetically insulated sleeve 722 can
cooperate to generate an effect of magnetic insulation, to avoid magnetizing a bearing
disposed above the suction cup module 700. The second magnetically attracting member
can magnetically attract the top.
[0050] Specifically, when the rotation speed of the top decreases or the top stops, the
suction cup module 700 of the launcher 1000 approaches the top, and the top can be
magnetically attracted and connected to the suction cup module 700 through the second
magnetically attracting member. Hence, in the process of playing, when the top needs
to be installed on the suction cup module 700, no manual operation is required, and
it is only necessary to make the suction cup module 700 of the launcher 1000 approach
and aligne with the top, which greatly boosts the fun of playing.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure,
the suction cup housing 710 is formed into a cylindrical shape with two open ends.
The magnetic assembly 720 and the fastener 730 are both arranged inside the suction
cup housing 710. A plurality of fasteners 730 are provided and spaced apart along
a circumferential wall of the suction cup housing 710. For example, three fasteners
730 are provided in a circumferential direction of the suction cup housing 710, and
extension feet 735 of the three fasteners 730 are arranged facing each other (e.g.,
all concentrated at the center of the inner liner 712). At this time, the three fastener
feet 731 fasten the top, which can further enhance the firmness of connection between
the top and the suction cup module 700 and ensure that the top will not be easily
separated from the suction cup module 700 when rotating at a high speed under the
drive of the launching driver. When the downward force is applied to three extension
surfaces 7351 simultaneously, the three extension feet 735 rotate toward the outside
of the inner liner 712 simultaneously, and the three fastener feet 731 also rotate
outward of the inner liner 712, thereby releasing and launching the top.
[0052] In the description of the present disclosure, the term "a plurality of' means two
or more.
[0053] When the suction cup module 700 rotates at a high speed, the fastener 730 rotates
under the action of a centrifugal force and a pressure spring, to make the snap-lock
bump extend out of the mating opening 710b of the suction cup outer cover 711, so
that the fastener foot 731 at the other end of the fastener 730 fastens the top. The
magnetic assembly 720 can be used to magnetically attract the top. The top is retained
on the suction cup housing 710 under the action of magnetic attraction. It is possible
to ensure the firm connection between the top and the suction cup module 700 under
the magnetic attraction force and the fastening action of the fastener 730, to avoid
danger that the top is thrown out when the launcher head is flipped.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7-9, a launcher 1000 according to embodiments of a second
aspect of the present disclosure includes the launcher body 200 and the suction cup
module 700 described in the above embodiments, in which the suction cup module 700
is arranged on the launcher body 200.
[0055] For the launcher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, by
providing the suction cup housing 710 with the movable fastener 730, and further defining
that the fastener foot 731 is movable between the locking position and the unlocking
position, the fastener 730 can fasten and release the top. That is, when the suction
cup module 700 magnetically attracts the top, the top is fastened by the fastener
foot 731. When the fastener 730 is triggered, the fastener 730 will release the top
and make it fall freely. In addition, since the suction cup module 700 can magnetically
attract the top, the players can enjoy a surprising experience. The soundness of connection
between the top and the suction cup module 700 can be further enhanced, and the top
can be prevented from being separated from the suction cup module 700 when rotating
at a high speed under the drive of the launching driver.
[0056] It should be noted that an end of the launcher 1000 is connected with a hand-held
portion 100. When playing, a child holds the hand-held portion 100. Moreover, the
hand-held portion 100 is provided with a thumb gripping side 110 and a four-finger
gripping side 120, which makes the player's operation more comfortable.
[0057] Specifically, the launcher body 200 is provided with a drive assembly. The drive
assembly is configured to cooperate with the suction cup module 700 and drive the
suction cup module 700 to rotate when triggered and is configured to be separated
from the suction cup module 700 when released. After the user adopts the drive assembly
to drive the suction cup module 700 to make the suction cup module 700 and the top
rotate, the top can be released (i.e., the top is separated from the launcher 1000)
under certain conditions. Based on the above description, the user can choose a landing
position of the top according to needs, thus improving the player's satisfaction with
the use of the launcher 1000.
[0058] Since the drive assembly is configured to cooperate with the suction cup module 700
and drive the suction cup module 700 to rotate when triggered and is configured to
be separated from the suction cup module 700 when released, the suction cup module
700 will rotate only when the user triggers the drive assembly. If the drive assembly
is not triggered and the player rotates the suction cup module 700 manually, the suction
cup module 700 can only be rotated and will not drive the drive assembly to move.
Thus, it is possible to avoid wear or damage to the drive assembly and getting the
top stuck when an external force acts on the suction cup module 700 and drives it
to rotate, reduce the damage rate of the drive assembly, and improve the reliability
of the entire launcher 1000.
[0059] It should be noted that the top is installed on the suction cup module 700, and the
drive assembly directly drives the suction cup module 700. That is to say, if the
suction cup module 700 is compatible with different tops, the launcher 1000 can launch
a variety of different tops. Compared with the top launcher in the related art, the
launcher 1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be compatible
with various tops, which broaden the application range of the launcher 1000 according
to the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0060] In some optional embodiments, the drive assembly includes a unidirectional transmission
510. The unidirectional transmission 510 includes a drive end gear 511, a passive
end gear 512, and a cycloidal gear 513. The drive end gear 511 is spaced apart from
the passive end gear 512 and arranged on the launcher body 200. The passive end gear
512 is connected to the suction cup module 700. The drive end gear 511 always meshes
with the cycloidal gear 513. A rotating shaft 5131 of the cycloidal gear 513 can swing
along a set track. The cycloidal gear 513 meshes with and drives the passive end gear
512 when in one end of the set track; and the cycloidal gear 513 disengages from the
passive end gear 512 when in the other end of the set track.
[0061] It should be noted that for the convenience of description, a rotation direction
in which the drive end gear 511 rotates to allow the rotating shaft 5131 of the cycloidal
gear 513 to move toward the passive end gear 512 is regarded as a forward direction,
and a rotation direction in which the drive end gear 511 rotates to allow the rotating
shaft 5131 of the cycloidal gear 513 to move away from the passive end gear 512 is
regarded as a reverse direction.
[0062] It can be understood that the function of the unidirectional transmission 510 is
that when the drive end gear 511 rotates forward, the cycloidal gear 513 is driven
by the drive end gear 511 to rotate in a direction approaching the passive end gear
512 and hence meshes with the passive end gear 512, so that the drive end gear 511
can drive the passive end gear 512 to rotate. In other words, when the drive end gear
511 rotates forward, the suction cup module 700 can rotate relative to the launcher
body 200. When the drive end gear 511 rotates reversely, the cycloidal gear 513 is
driven by the drive end gear 511 to rotate in a direction away from the passive end
gear 512, so that the cycloidal gear 513 and the passive end gear 512 are separated,
and the drive end gear 511 cannot bring the passive end gear 512 into rotation. That
is, when the drive end gear 511 rotates reversely, the suction cup module 700 will
not rotate reversely. Due to the function of the unidirectional transmission 510,
the player can realize repeated acceleration of the suction cup module 700. For example,
in some embodiments, the drive end gear 511 is driven by a rack; based on the above
analysis, the player can pull the rack repeatedly to make the launcher head accelerate
continuously, and the rotation of the suction cup module 700 will not affected when
the rack is pulled back. As a result, the player can use a normal pulling force to
make the top on the suction cup module 700 obtain a higher initial rotation speed,
and improve the winning rate of the top.
[0063] It should be supplemented that proper adjustment for the numbers of teeth of the
drive end gear 511, the passive end gear 512 and the cycloidal gear 513 can improve
the acceleration function of the launcher 1000 to a certain extent, increase the rotation
speed of the suction cup module 700, and hence raise the initial rotation speed of
the top launched from the suction cup module 700.
[0064] In some optional embodiments, the drive assembly includes a rope winding portion
520 and a rope body 530. The rope winding portion 520 is connected to the suction
cup module 700. The rope body 530 is wound on the rope winding portion 520 and has
an inner end connected to the rope winding portion 520. In this way, pulling the rope
body 530 can make the rope winding portion 520 rotate, thereby driving the suction
cup module 700 to rotate.
[0065] Specifically, the rope winding portion 520 is connected to the drive end gear 511,
so when the player pulls the rope body 530, the drive end gear 511 can be driven to
rotate, and in turn the passive end gear 512 is rotated to drive the suction cup module
700 to rotate. The method of pulling the rope body 530 to drive the suction cup module
700 to rotate can reduce a driving force of the player, so that the player can more
easily drive the suction cup module 700 to rotate and in turn drive the top arranged
in the suction cup module 700 to rotate. Certainly, in other embodiments of the present
disclosure, the launcher 1000 may also use other devices to drive the drive end gear
511 to rotate, and for example, a player may use a rack to drive the drive end gear
511 to rotate.
[0066] In some optional embodiments, the launcher 1000 further includes an energy accumulator
540 that is connected to the drive end gear 511 and the launcher body 200. The energy
accumulator 540 is configured to accumulate energy during meshing transmission of
the passive end gear 512 and the cycloidal gear 513. When the energy accumulator 540
releases the energy, the passive end gear 512 is disengaged from the cycloidal gear
513.
[0067] It can be understood that, based on the foregoing description, since the launcher
1000 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the unidirectional
transmission 510, the unidirectional transmission 510 can allow the player to repeatedly
accelerate the top mounted on the suction cup module 700. When the launcher 1000 is
provided with the rope winding portion 520 and the rope body 530, and the energy accumulator
540 is connected to the rope winding portion 520, if the player pulls the rope body
530 to make the drive end gear 511 rotate forward, the cycloidal gear 513 is driven
by the drive end gear 511 to rotate in the direction approaching the passive end gear
512 and hence meshes with the passive end gear 512, so that the drive end gear 511
can bring the passive end gear 512 into rotation and the energy accumulator 540 can
accumulate energy. If the rope body 530 is pulled to a certain distance or to the
end, the energy accumulator 540 releases the energy, and the rope body 530 is rolled
back to the rope winding portion 520 and drives the drive end gear 511 to rotate reversely;
the cycloidal gear 513 is driven by the drive end gear 511 to rotate in the direction
away from the passive end gear 512, so that the cycloidal gear 513 and the passive
end gear 512 are separated, and the drive end gear 511 cannot bring the passive end
gear 512 into rotation. That is, when the rope body 530 is rolled back automatically,
the suction cup module 700 will not slow down. As a result, the user can pull the
rope body 530 repeatedly to accelerate the suction cup module 700 repeatedly, and
hence the initial rotation speed of the top flying out of the suction cup module 700
can be increased, thereby improving the winning rate of the top.
[0068] A toy suite according to embodiments of a third aspect of the present disclosure
includes a launcher 1000 and a top. The launcher 1000 is the launcher 1000 described
in the above embodiments. The top has a magnetic top tip that can be attracted onto
the suction cup module 700. Thus, through the suction cup module 700, the top can
be attracted by suction, which brings more top launching methods.
[0069] In the specification, it is to be understood that terms such as "central," "longitudinal,"
"transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left,"
"right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise,"
"counterclockwise," "axial," "radial" and "circumferential" should be construed to
refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion.
These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not indicate or imply
that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be configured
and operated in a particular orientation. Thus, these terms shall not be construed
to limitation on the present disclosure.
[0070] In the specification, a structure in which a first feature is "on" or "below" a second
feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature is in direct contact
with the second feature, and may also include an embodiment in which the first feature
and the second feature are not in direct contact with each other, but are contacted
via an additional feature formed therebetween.
[0071] In the specification, a first feature "on," "above," or "on top of' a second feature
may include an embodiment in which the first feature is right or obliquely "on," "above,"
or "on top of' the second feature, or just means that the first feature is at a height
higher than that of the second feature
[0072] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an
exemplary embodiment", "an example," "a specific example," or "some examples," means
that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection
with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of
the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the above phrases in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment
or example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments or examples.
[0073] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it
would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes, modifications, alternatives
and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from principles and
purposes of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined
by claims or equivalents thereof.
1. A suction cup module of a launcher, comprising:
a suction cup housing;
a magnetic assembly arranged on the suction cup housing; and
a fastener movably arranged on the suction cup housing, and provided with a fastener
foot that is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein
when in the locking position, the fastener foot is configured to be fastened on an
object to be launched; when in the unlocking position, the fastener foot is configured
to be separated from the object to be launched.
2. The suction cup module according to claim 1, wherein the suction cup housing comprises
a suction cup outer cover and an inner liner, and the inner liner is arranged inside
the suction cup outer cover.
3. The suction cup module according to claim 2, wherein the fastener is rotatably arranged
between the suction cup outer cover and the inner liner and has a fastener shaft,
the fastener foot is located at an end of the fastener shaft, and the fastener foot
is retractable when the fastener rotates around the fastener shaft; and
the suction cup module further comprises a snap-lock elastic member connected between
the fastener and the suction cup housing and configured to drive the fastener foot
to rotate toward the locking position.
4. The suction cup module according to claim 3, wherein the snap-lock elastic member
is fitted on the fastener; the snap-lock elastic member and the fastener foot are
located at both ends of the fastener shaft; the fastener is provided with a fastener
groove configured to cooperate with the snap-lock elastic member.
5. The suction cup module according to claim 3, wherein the fastener is provided with
a snap-lock protrusion; the suction cup outer cover or the inner liner is provided
with a snap-lock groove corresponding to the snap-lock protrusion; when the fastener
is in the locking position, the snap-lock protrusion is fitted in the snap-lock groove.
6. The suction cup module according to claim 3, wherein an inner liner opening is provided
in a peripheral wall of the inner liner; the fastener foot extends into or exits from
the inner liner through the inner liner opening when rotating; an end of the inner
liner is provided with an inner liner flange, and an end of the fastener shaft cooperates
with the inner liner flange.
7. The suction cup module according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is provided with
an extension foot provided with an extension surface; when a force is exerted on the
extension surface, the fastener foot moves toward the unlocking position.
8. The suction cup module according to claim 2, wherein the suction cup outer cover comprises
two detachable half covers that enclose an outside of the inner liner.
9. The suction cup module according to claim 1, wherein the suction cup housing has a
mating opening for the object to be launched to extend in; the magnetic assembly is
arranged inside the suction cup housing, and comprises a suction cup magnetically
attracting member and a magnetically insulated sleeve; the magnetically insulated
sleeve is open on a side facing the mating opening.
10. The suction cup module according to claim 1, wherein the suction cup housing is formed
into a cylindrical shape with two open ends; the magnetic assembly and the fastener
are both arranged inside the suction cup housing; a plurality of fasteners are provided
and spaced apart along a circumferential wall of the suction cup housing.
11. A launcher, comprising:
a launcher body; and
the suction cup module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the suction cup module
being arranged on the launcher body.
12. The launcher according to claim 11, further comprising: a drive assembly that is arranged
on the launcher body and is configured to cooperate with the suction cup module and
drive the suction cup module to rotate when triggered and be separated from the suction
cup module when released.
13. The launcher according to claim 12, wherein the drive assembly includes a rope winding
portion and a rope body; the rope winding portion is connected to the suction cup
module; the rope body is wound on the rope winding portion and has an inner end connected
to the rope winding portion.
14. A toy suite, comprising:
a launcher configured as the launcher according to any one of claims 11 to 13; and
a top having a magnetic top tip that is attractable onto the suction cup module.