Patent Publication Number: US-7722427-B2

Title: Moving toy utilizing magnetic force

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a moving toy that uses a magnetic force as a motion power source. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In the past, there have been moving toys comprising vehicle wheels that have permanent magnets and that use the attraction of the permanent magnets to move over roads, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces composed of magnetic bodies, as disclosed in Japanese Domestic Republication No. 2003-527154. With this type of moving toy, the wheels are driven by an electric motor or another such drive source, and the toy moves in a movement direction sequentially over points of attraction between the permanent magnets and magnetic bodies on the movement surfaces, and moves using the attraction as a motive force. Toys are also known wherein the repulsion between magnets is used to create levitation, and the toy is moved by the action of gravity, as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-311030. This type of moving toy can be played with by moving the toy, which is levitated in an inclined gutter-shaped body, downward along the gutter-shaped body with the aid of gravity; or by pushing or striking with the fingertips the head of the toy levitated in an open box to move the toy vertically. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     However, a problem with the automobile toy disclosed in Japanese Domestic Republication No. 2003-527154 is that the toy moves while the wheels comprising the permanent magnets are constantly in contact with and attracted to the movement surfaces, and the motive force caused by the driving of the wheels is clearly apparent, which makes the toy less fascinating and less enjoyable. 
     Also, a problem with the moving toy disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2003-311030 is that although the noncontact action can be fascinating, the toy is not very enjoyable for adults. 
     The present invention is intended to resolve these problems, and an object thereof is to provide a moving toy utilizing magnetic force, wherein the toy uses interaction force caused by magnetic force instead of naturally falling to move in an unassisted manner, without revealing the existence of the motive force, whereby the fascination and continuation of the movement can provide greater enjoyment. 
     The present invention for achieving the aforementioned objectives provides a moving toy composed of a moving toy main body and a movement roadway over which the moving toy main body moves using interaction force caused by magnetic force, wherein the moving toy main body comprises magnetic poles (A), a drive belt on which the magnetic poles (A) are disposed at specific intervals, and drive means for rotating the drive belt; the movement roadway comprises magnetic poles (B) for inducing motive force in the moving toy main body by an interaction force based on a magnetic force between the magnetic poles (A); and the magnetic poles (A) that move within the moving toy main body are disposed to be capable of facing the magnetic poles (B) in the movement roadway, and the moving toy main body is moved over the movement roadway by the interaction force between the magnetic poles (A) and (B) that is brought about by the movement of the magnetic poles (A) of the moving toy main body in conjunction with the rotation of the drive belt. 
     The moving toy main body can further comprise magnetic poles (C) for levitating the moving toy main body above the movement roadway, the movement roadway can further comprise magnetic poles (D) for inducing levitation force in the moving toy main body, and the magnetic poles (C) and the magnetic poles (D) can have the same polarity and repel each other in a facing arrangement, whereby the moving toy main body is constantly levitated at a specific distance from the movement roadway and is capable of moving relative to the movement roadway. 
     The magnetic poles (C) and the magnetic poles (D) can be configured from either permanent magnets or electromagnetic coils that electrically form magnetic poles. 
     The magnetic poles (A) and the magnetic poles (B) can be configured from permanent magnets, electromagnetic coils that electrically form magnetic poles, or a magnetizing material. 
     The present invention also provides a moving toy composed of a moving toy main body and a movement roadway over which the moving toy main body moves using interaction force caused by magnetic force, wherein the moving toy main body comprises magnetic poles (E); the movement roadway comprises magnetic poles (F) for inducing motive force in the moving toy main body by an interaction force based on a magnetic force with the magnetic poles (E); and the magnetic poles (E) are electromagnetically formed by the positions of the magnetic poles (F) relative to the moving toy main body, and the interaction force between the magnetic poles (E) and (F) causes the moving toy main body to move over the movement roadway. 
     The moving toy main body can further comprise magnetic poles (C) for levitating the moving toy main body above the movement roadway; and the magnetic poles (C) and the magnetic poles (F) have the same polarity and repel each other in a facing arrangement, whereby the moving toy main body is constantly levitated at a specific distance from the movement roadway and is capable of moving relative to the movement roadway. 
     The magnetic poles (C) and the magnetic poles (F) can be configured from either permanent magnets or electromagnetic coils that electrically form magnetic poles. 
     According to the present invention, since the moving toy main body is moved by the interaction force brought about by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles (A) on the drive belt of the moving toy main body and the magnetic poles (B) in the movement roadway, it is difficult to visually discern the existence of the motive force when the moving toy main body is moving. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. 
     At this time, the moving toy main body levitates at a specific distance from the movement roadway, whereby it is difficult to discern the existence of the motive force when the moving toy main body is moving. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is more enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. 
     Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the moving toy main body is moved by the interaction force brought about by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles (F) in the movement roadway and the magnetic poles (E) formed by the electromagnetic coils in the moving toy main body, it is difficult to visually discern the source of the motive force when the moving toy main body is moving. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. 
     At this time, the moving toy main body levitates at a specific distance from the movement roadway, whereby it is more difficult to discern the existence of the motive force when the moving toy main body is moving. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is more enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the moving toy main body of the same moving toy, and  FIG. 2B  is a view of the same moving toy as seen from the front in the movement direction; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view for describing the action of the same moving toy,  FIG. 3B  is a view showing the toy after a specific time has passed in  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3C  is a view showing the toy after a specific time has passed in  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 3D  is a view showing the toy after a specific time has passed in  FIG. 3C , and  FIG. 3E  is a view showing the toy after a specific time has passed in  FIG. 3D ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view for describing the action of the same moving toy,  FIG. 5B  is a view showing the toy after a specific time has passed in  FIG. 5A , and  FIG. 5C  is a view showing the toy after a specific time has passed in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to a modification of the same embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a moving toy utilizing magnetic force and using a mechanical switch according to another modification of the same embodiment; and 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a moving toy utilizing magnetic force and using a rotary switch according to another modification of the same embodiment. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the diagrams.  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A, and  2 B show a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This moving toy utilizing magnetic force is composed of a moving toy main body  11  and a movement roadway  16  that uses interaction force caused by magnetic force to move the moving toy main body  11  in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 1 . The moving toy main body  11  comprises magnetic poles  12  (corresponding to magnetic poles (A)), a drive belt  13  on which the magnetic poles  12  are disposed at specific intervals, drive means  14  for rotating the drive belt  13 , and magnetic poles  15  (corresponding to magnetic poles (C)). The magnetic poles  15  are provided to both outer surfaces on the left and right sides in relation to the movement direction of the moving toy main body  11 . The movement roadway  16  is a gutter-shaped body that has a U shape in cross section. The movement roadway  16  comprises magnetic poles  17  (corresponding to magnetic poles (B)) provided at specific intervals on the inner bottom surface of the gutter-shaped body, and magnetic poles  18  (corresponding to magnetic poles (D)) provided at specific intervals to the movement roadway sides  161 . In the present embodiment, three magnetic poles  12  ( 12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ) are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this option alone. 
     The drive belt  13  of the moving toy main body  11  is rotatably mounted taut on three rollers  131  that are rotatably provided to the moving toy main body  11 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . The drive means  14  has a drive power source  141 , an electric motor  142  rotated by the drive power source  141 , and a pulley  143  to which the rotation of the electric motor  142  is transmitted. The pulley  143  is connected to one of the three rollers  131 . The electric motor  142  rotatably drives the roller  131  to which the pulley  143  is connected, thereby rotating the drive belt  13 . 
     In the present embodiment, all the four sets of magnetic poles  12 ,  15 ,  17 , and  18  are made of permanent magnets. The magnetic poles  12 ,  15 ,  17 , and  18  are arranged so that the poles in one set have the same polarity. The magnetic poles  12  and  17  are oriented so that they repel each other when facing each other, as do the magnetic poles  15  and  18 . 
     The moving toy main body  11  is arranged to fit into the gutter-shape of the movement roadway  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2B . At this time, the magnetic poles  15  and  18  face each other as previously mentioned, and repel each other as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 2B . Therefore, a levitation force created is in a direction that lifts the moving toy main body  11  up from the movement roadway  16 . The strength of the magnetic poles  15  and  18  is set so as to generate a levitation force sufficient to bring about a noncontact state in which the moving toy main body  11  is kept at a specific distance from the movement roadway  16 . The magnetic poles  18  are positioned so as to be in closer proximity to the bottom surface of the gutter-shaped part than the positions of the magnetic poles  15  of the moving toy main body  11  even when a positional relationship is established such as one in which the moving toy main body  11  is pushed down into the gutter-shaped part of the movement roadway  16  and brought into contact with the bottom surface of the gutter-shaped part. The magnetic poles  15  and  18  are thereby designed to constantly generate repulsive force in a direction that lifts the moving toy main body  11  up from the movement roadway  16 . These magnetic poles  18  are provided at specific intervals along the movement roadway  16 . Therefore, the moving toy main body  11  is always in a levitated state while moving over the movement roadway  16 . 
     As described above, when the moving toy main body  11  is placed in a levitated state over the movement roadway  16 , the magnetic poles  12  provided to the drive belt  13  of the moving toy main body  11  and the magnetic poles  17  provided to the movement roadway  16  repel each other. The moving toy main body  11  moves over the movement roadway  16  in either of the directions shown by the arrows in  FIG. 1  by using the repulsive force, which is interaction force created by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles  12  and  17 . The movement direction changes depending on the drive direction of the drive belt  13 . The movement action of the moving toy main body  11  is described in detail hereinbelow. 
       FIGS. 3A through 3E  schematically depict the moving toy main body  11  that is moving over the movement roadway  16 , with the movement direction to the right of the diagrams as seen from the side. These diagrams are arranged in a time sequence, in order from  FIG. 3A  to  FIG. 3E . In these diagrams, the magnetic poles  17  provided to the movement roadway  16  include magnetic poles  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c , and  17   d . In the present embodiment, the drive belt  13  rotates clockwise as shown by the black arrows in the diagrams, and the positions of the three magnetic poles  12   a ,  12   b , and  12   c  in relation to the moving toy main body  11  move with the rotation of the drive belt  13 . The magnetic poles  12  and  17  are arranged at equal intervals, and in the present embodiment, the intervals between the magnetic poles  17  are approximately two times the intervals between the magnetic poles  12 . The intervals between the magnetic poles  17  and the intervals between the magnetic poles  12  are not limited to this arrangement alone, and may, for example, be set to appropriate experimentally determined intervals to allow the moving toy main body  11  to operate. The intervals are set according to the arrangement of the drive belt  13 , the strength of the magnetic poles, the mass of the moving toy main body  11 , and other such factors. 
     In the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3A , repulsive force is created as shown by the arrow A in the diagram in a state in which the positional relationship between the moving toy main body  11  and the movement roadway  16  is such that the magnetic pole  12   a  is in front of the magnetic pole  17   a  in the movement direction. Since this repulsive force is created and the drive belt  13  is rotating, a moving force is induced to move the moving toy main body  11  in the direction of the arrow B in the diagram. At this time, the movement speed of the moving toy main body  11  is kept greater than the rotational speed of the drive belt  13  by the repulsive force between the magnetic pole  12   a  and  17   a . The moving toy main body  11  begins to move, and the drive belt  13  rotates while the moving toy main body  11  is moving. The moving toy main body  11  and the movement roadway  16  then have a positional relationship in which the magnetic pole  12   a  is mostly no longer affected by the magnetic pole  17   a  in the movement roadway  16 , and the magnetic pole  12   a  and magnetic pole  17   b  come into proximity with each other to create repulsive force, as shown in  FIG. 3B . As the magnetic pole  12   a  and  17   b  come into proximity with each other, the repulsive force between the magnetic pole  12   a  and  17   b  acts in a direction that reduces the movement speed of the moving toy main body  11 , but this force is not strong enough to stop the moving toy main body  11 . The magnetic pole  12   a  then moves past the magnetic pole  17   b , and repulsive force is created in the movement direction of the moving toy main body  11  as shown by the arrow A, whereby the moving toy main body  11  continues to move, as shown in  FIG. 3C . 
     The moving toy main body  11  moves while the drive belt  13  rotates, and the moving toy main body  11  and the movement roadway  16  come into a positional relationship in which the magnetic pole  12   b  is in front of the magnetic pole  17   c  in the movement direction, as shown in  FIG. 3D . This positional relationship is similar to the positional relationship between the magnetic pole  12   a  and  17   a  shown in  FIG. 3A . At this time, moving force is induced in the same manner as in the above description, and the moving toy main body  11  moves into the state shown in  FIG. 3E . The drive belt  13  hereinafter continues to rotate in the same manner as in the operation described above, and the magnetic poles  12   a ,  12   b , and  12   c  repeatedly create repulsive force in relation to the magnetic poles  17  in the movement roadway  16 , whereby the moving toy main body  11  continues to move without assistance over the movement roadway  16 . 
     As described above, since the moving toy main body  11  is moved by the repulsive force between the magnetic poles  12  on the drive belt  13  of the moving toy main body  11  and the magnetic poles  17  in the movement roadway  16 , it is difficult to visually discern the moving force when the moving toy main body  11  is moving. At this time, the moving toy main body  11  levitates at a specific distance from the movement roadway  16 , making the existence of the motive force even more difficult to discern. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. 
     In the present embodiment, all the magnetic poles  12 ,  15 ,  17 , and  18  are made of permanent magnets, but this option is not limiting. Any or all of these magnetic poles may be configured from electromagnetic coils that electrically generate magnetic poles. Furthermore, either set of the magnetic poles  12  or magnetic poles  17  may be configured from, e.g., iron or another such magnetizable material. This material is then magnetized into magnetic poles by the other set of magnetic poles, and the moving toy main body  11  is moved by the attractive force between the magnetic poles  12  and  17 . Another option is, for example, to use electromagnetic coils for either set of magnetic poles, and to configure the moving toy so that the electromagnetic coils can be turned on or off or the strength of the magnetic poles can be adjusted according to the circumstances. It is possible to obtain a moving toy utilizing magnetic force wherein more diverse enjoyment is provided by watching the changes in the behavior of the moving toy main body  11  that accompany the action of the electromagnetic coils. Thus, the magnetic poles  12 ,  15 ,  17 , and  18  can be given an appropriate configuration in accordance with the various objectives of the toy. 
     In the present embodiment, various configurations are possible in terms of the orientation and number of magnetic poles, the number of drive belts  13 , the shape of the movement roadway  16 , and other such factors of the moving toy utilizing magnetic force. By configuring these factors to allow the moving toy main body  11  to move without assistance, a moving toy that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement, similar to the above description. For example, the moving toy main body  11  and the movement roadway  16  may be configured in a manner in which the magnetic poles  12  and  17  are oriented so as to create mutual attractive force. At this time, the drive belt  13  rotates and the magnetic poles  12  and  17  attract each other, making it possible to obtain a moving toy whose moving toy main body  11  moves without assistance. The moving toy may also be configured so that, for example, the moving toy main body  11  has two drive belts  13  in which the magnetic poles  12  provided to each belt are oriented to the left and right sides of the advancing direction, and that the movement roadway  16 , which is the gutter-shaped body as described above, has magnetic poles  17  in the movement roadway sides  161 . With this type of configuration as well, it is possible to obtain a moving toy that moves without assistance due to the rotation of the drive belts  13  and the generation of interaction force by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles  12  and  17 . Furthermore, the magnetic poles  17  in the movement roadway  16  for moving the moving toy main body  11  can be used together with the magnetic poles  18  for levitating the moving toy main body  11 . At this time, the positions of the drive belts  13  are set so that interaction force is created by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles  18  and the magnetic poles  12  provided to the rotating drive belts  13 , causing the moving toy main body  11  to move, and thereby making it possible to obtain a moving toy. 
     For example, the moving toy may have a configuration wherein the movement roadway  16  has a single rail-shaped rib provided with magnetic poles  18  above the moving toy main body  11 , and the moving toy main body  11  is suspended on the rib of the movement roadway  16  by the levitation force created by the repulsive force between the magnetic poles  15  and magnetic poles  18 . The magnetic poles  18  are provided facing towards the sides of the rib. Hanging supports extend into the space above the moving toy main body  11  so as to encircle the magnetic poles  18 , and are provided with magnetic poles  15  higher up than the magnetic poles  18  so as to repel the magnetic poles  18 . At this time, a drive belt  13  having magnetic poles  12  is provided to the underside of the moving toy main body  11 , for example, and interaction force is created by the magnetic force with the magnetic poles  17  of the movement roadway  16  located underneath, whereby the moving toy main body  11  moves without assistance. This type of moving toy utilizing magnetic force may be configured so that the movement roadway  16  does not use magnetic force to suspend the moving toy main body  11 , but the hanging supports of the moving toy main body  11  slidably grasp the rail-shaped rib of the movement roadway  16  in the direction of the rail, thereby suspending the moving toy main body  11 . At this time, the moving toy main body  11  slides along the rib, making it possible to obtain a moving toy utilizing magnetic force that moves without assistance. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the moving toy may be configured without the magnetic poles  15  on the moving toy main body  11  or the magnetic poles  18  in the movement roadway  16 . At this time, for example, the moving toy can be configured so that the moving toy main body  11  has wheels for traversing the movement roadway  16  while interaction force is created by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles  12  and  17 . It is possible to obtain a fascinating moving toy whose wheels are not driven but which nonetheless moves without assistance over the movement roadway  16 . The moving toy may also be configured so that the moving toy main body  11  is made buoyant and is floated in a liquid provided over the movement roadway  16  having magnetic poles  17 . At this time, it is possible to obtain a fascinating moving toy that is not propelled through the liquid by a screw or the like, but moves without assistance over the liquid in the movement roadway  16 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5A  through  5 C show a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This moving toy utilizing magnetic force is composed of a moving toy main body  21  and a movement roadway  26  in which interaction force created by magnetic force is used to move the moving toy main body  21  in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 4 . The moving toy main body  21  comprises an electromagnetic coil  22  that is provided to one side in the movement direction of the moving toy main body  21  and that electromagnetically generates a magnetic pole (equivalent to the magnetic pole (E)), a magnetic response switch  23  for turning the electric conduction of the electromagnetic coil  22  on and off, a charging unit  241  that serves as a power source for the electromagnetic coil  22 , a solar battery  242  that is placed on the top surface of the moving toy main body  21  and that supplies electricity to the charging unit  241 , and a plurality of magnetic poles  25  (equivalent to the magnetic poles (C)) provided facing the same poles on the left and right sides in the movement direction of the moving toy main body  21 . The movement roadway  26  is a gutter-shaped body having a U shape in cross section, and comprises magnetic poles  27  provided at specific intervals on the inner bottom surface of the gutter-shaped body, and magnetic poles  28  (equivalent to the magnetic poles (F)) provided at specific intervals to the movement roadway sides  261 . 
     All the magnetic poles  25 ,  27 , and  28  are made of permanent magnets. Of these poles, the set of magnetic poles  25  and the set of magnetic poles  28  ( 28   a ,  28   b , . . . ) are arranged so that the poles in one set have the same polarity. The magnetic poles  25  and  28  are the same poles and are disposed so as to repel each other in a facing arrangement. 
     The moving toy main body  21  is arranged to fit into the gutter-shaped part of the movement roadway  26 , as shown in the diagram. At this time, since the magnetic poles  25  and  28  face and repel each other, levitation force is created to lift the moving toy main body  21  up from the movement roadway  26 , similar to Embodiment 1 described above. The strength of the magnetic poles  25  and  28  is set so as to generate a levitation force sufficient to bring about a noncontact state in which the moving toy main body  21  is kept at a specific distance from the movement roadway  26 . The magnetic poles  28  are positioned so as to be in closer proximity to the bottom surface of the gutter-shaped part than the positions of the magnetic poles  25  of the moving toy main body  21  even when a positional relationship is established such as one in which the moving toy main body  21  is pushed down into the gutter-shaped part of the movement roadway  26  and brought into contact with the bottom surface of the gutter-shaped part. Therefore, the magnetic poles  25  and  28  are constantly generating repulsive force in a direction that lifts the moving toy main body  21  up from the movement roadway  26 . A plurality of magnetic poles  28  is provided at specific intervals along the movement roadway  26 . The moving toy main body  21  is thereby always kept in a levitated state at a specific distance from the movement roadway  16  while moving over the movement roadway. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic coil  22  does not have a core, and is configured so as not to be attracted to the magnetic poles  28  in the movement roadway  26  while nonconductive. 
     The magnetic response switch  23  is disposed on the bottom side (the side in proximity to the movement roadway  26 ) of the moving toy main body  11  so as to securely receive the action of the magnetic force from the magnetic poles  27  in the movement roadway  26  when the moving toy main body  21  is levitating over the movement roadway  26  as described above. The electromagnetic coil  22  and magnetic response switch  23  of the moving toy main body  21  are provided in mutually related positions, as are the magnetic poles  27  and  28  of the movement roadway  26 . Specifically, the magnetic response switch  23  energizes the electromagnetic coil  22  in response to the magnetic force of the magnetic poles  27  in the movement roadway  26 , and the magnetic poles formed by the electromagnetic coil  22  repel the magnetic poles  28  in the movement roadway  26 , whereby the moving toy main body  21  moves over the movement roadway  26  in the direction of either arrow in  FIG. 4 . The direction in which the moving toy main body  21  moves changes according to the polarity of the magnetic poles formed by the electromagnetic coil  22 . The details of the movement of the moving toy main body  21  are described hereinbelow. 
       FIGS. 5A through 5C  schematically depict the moving toy main body  21  moving over the movement roadway  26 , with the movement direction to the right of the diagram as seen from above. These diagrams are arranged in a time sequence from  FIG. 5A  to  FIG. 5C . The magnetic poles  27  provided to the movement roadway  26  are provided according to the alignment of the magnetic poles  28 . The magnetic poles  27  and  28  include the magnetic poles  27   a ,  27   b ,  27   c ,  27   z , and the magnetic poles  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c , . . . ,  28   f ,  28   z , respectively. In the present embodiment, the magnetic pole  27   a  is provided in alignment with the magnetic poles  28   b , the magnetic pole  27   b  is provided in alignment with the magnetic poles  28   d , and the magnetic pole  27   c  is provided in alignment with the magnetic poles  28   f.    
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , when the moving toy main body  21  is disposed over the movement roadway  26 , and the moving toy main body  21  and movement roadway  26  have a positional relationship in which the magnetic pole  27   a  (shown by the single-dashed line in the diagram) in the movement roadway  26  and the magnetic response switch  23  overlap as seen from above, the magnetic response switch  23  is on in response to the magnetic force of the magnetic pole  27   a . When the magnetic response switch  23  is on, an electric current from the charging unit  241  is fed to the electromagnetic coil  22 , and the magnetic poles formed by the electromagnetic coil  22  repel the magnetic poles  28   a  of the movement roadway  26 , as shown by the black arrows in the diagrams. The moving toy main body  21  uses this repulsive force as motive force to move over the movement roadway  26  in the direction of the arrow in the diagrams. Next, as shown in  FIG. 5B , when the moving toy main body  21  moves into a range where the magnetic response switch  23  is outside of the effect of the magnetic force of the magnetic pole  27   a , the magnetic response switch  23  turns off and the electromagnetic coil  22  stops conducting electricity. When the electromagnetic coil  22  stops conducting electricity and the magnetic poles are lost, the moving toy main body  21  continues to move by inertia in the direction of the arrows in the diagrams due to the absence of an external force related to the movement of the moving toy main body  21 . When the magnetic response switch  23  of the moving toy main body  21  reaches a position that is subject to the action of the magnetic force of the magnetic pole  27   b  (shown by the single-dashed line in the diagram), the electromagnetic coil  22  again forms magnetic poles as described above, as shown in  FIG. 5C . When the electromagnetic coil  22  creates magnetic poles, repulsive force between the magnetic poles of the electromagnetic coil  22  and the magnetic poles  28   c  acts as motive force in the manner shown by the black arrow in the diagram, urging the moving toy main body  21 . 
     In the moving toy main body  21 , when the electromagnetic coil  22  and the magnetic response switch  23  are positioned so that the electromagnetic coil  22  shown by the single-dashed line C in the diagram is located in the first (interval L 1  in the diagram) of two equal intervals (intervals L 1  and L 2  in the diagram) between the magnetic poles  28   a  and the magnetic poles  28   b , the magnetic response switch  23  is disposed in a position in which the electromagnetic coil  22  is energized in response to the magnetic force of the magnetic poles  27 . 
     During the series of actions described above, the electromagnetic coil  2  thereby forms magnetic poles when located in the interval L 1  between the magnetic poles  28   a  and  28   b  and in the interval L 3  between the magnetic poles  28   c  and  28   d . Repulsive force that acts as motive force is created between the magnetic poles  28   a  and also between the magnetic poles  28   c . The moving toy main body  21  is configured so that the electromagnetic coil  2  does not form magnetic poles in the interval L 2  or L 4  in the diagram, and force acting against the movement direction is not created. The time period during which repulsive force is created is not limited, but the electromagnetic coil  22  should be energized for a specific time period while in the intervals described above. Thus, the magnetic poles  28  and the electric poles of the electromagnetic coil  22  repeatedly create repulsive force in accordance with the movement of the moving toy main body  21 , whereby the moving toy main body  21  moves without assistance over the movement roadway  26 . 
     In the present embodiment, the magnetic poles formed by the electromagnetic coil  22  may have a polarity that creates attractive force relative to the magnetic poles  28 . This is possible if the positions of the electromagnetic coil  22  and magnetic response switch  23  within the moving toy main body  21  are set so that the interval in which the electromagnetic coil  22  is energized is also the interval in which the attractive force between the magnetic poles of the electromagnetic coil  22  and the magnetic poles  28  constantly acts as a motive force that sustains the movement of the moving toy main body  21 . At this time, during the series of actions described above, the electromagnetic coil  22  forms magnetic poles in the intervals L 2  and L 4  in the diagram, attractive force that acts as motive force is created between the magnetic poles  28   b  and also between the magnetic poles  28   d , and the moving toy main body  21  moves without assistance over the movement roadway  26 . 
     When the magnetic poles formed by the electromagnetic coil  22  have a polarity that creates repulsive force in relation to the magnetic poles  28 , the electromagnetic coil  22  and magnetic response switch  23  in the moving toy main body  21  may be disposed at positions in which the intervals where the electromagnetic coil  22  is energized are the intervals L 2  and L 4  in the diagram. According to this configuration, the moving toy main body  21  moves without assistance over the movement roadway  26  in the opposite direction in relation to the one described above, and a moving toy can be obtained. 
     As described above, since the moving toy main body  21  moves under the influence of the interaction force generated by the magnetic force exerted between the magnetic poles  28  of the movement roadway  26  and the magnetic poles formed by the electromagnetic coil  22  of the moving toy main body  21 , it is difficult to visually discern the source of the motive force when the moving toy main body is moving. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. At this time, the moving toy main body  21  levitates at a specific interval from the movement roadway  26 , whereby the existence of the motive force when the moving toy main body  21  is moving is more difficult to discern, and it is therefore possible to obtain a more enjoyable moving toy utilizing magnetic force. 
     In the configuration described above, the magnetic poles  25  and  28  are configured from permanent magnets, but this option is not limiting. Any or all of these magnetic poles may be configured from electromagnetic coils that electrically generate magnetic poles. It is possible to obtain a more enjoyable moving toy by appropriately configuring the magnetic poles  25  and  28  in accordance with the various objectives of the toy. The magnetic response switch  23  of the moving toy main body  21  may also be provided to the side of the moving toy main body  21  so as to be capable of responding to the magnetic force of the magnetic poles  28  in the movement roadway  26 . At this time, it is possible to obtain a moving toy utilizing magnetic force in which the movement roadway  26  does not have magnetic poles  27 , and the magnetic poles  28  are used both to create levitation force for the moving toy main body  21  and to induce motive force. The number of electromagnetic coils  22  may also be increased, which makes it possible to obtain a more stable motive force. 
       FIG. 6  shows a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to a modification of Embodiment 2. Instead of a magnetic response switch  23  for turning the conduction of the electromagnetic coil  22  on and off, this moving toy utilizing magnetic force uses a photosensor  231  for sensing the positions of reflective plates  271  provided to the movement roadway  26 , and a switch  243  for turning the electric current on and off on the basis sensing performed by the photosensor  231 , and yokes  22   a ,  22   b  are provided to the electromagnetic coil  22 . In this moving toy, magnetic poles are formed at the two end portions of the yokes  22   a ,  22   b  by the electrical conduction of the electromagnetic coil  22 , and interaction force is created by the magnetic force between these magnetic poles and the magnetic poles  28  of the movement roadway  26 . The configurations of the moving toy main body  21  and movement roadway  26  are otherwise the same as in Embodiment 2 described above. In the present modification, the electromagnetic coil  22  is provided with a core and is disposed in the moving toy main body  21  so as to be provided with polarity longitudinally relative to the direction in which the moving toy main body  21  advances. The yokes  22   a ,  22   b  extend so as to be perpendicular to the advancement direction of the moving toy main body  21  as seen from above, wherein the two end portions of the yokes reach the sides of the moving toy main body  21 . The centers of the yokes  22   a ,  22   b  are connected to the respective poles of the core of the electromagnetic coil  22 . 
     The action of the moving toy utilizing magnetic force is described hereinbelow. When the photosensor  231  of the moving toy main body  21  and a reflective plate  271  in the movement roadway  26  are in the same position in relation to the advancement direction of the moving toy main body  21 , the photosensor  231  senses the reflective plate  271 . When the photosensor  231  senses the reflective plate  271 , the switch  243  is on, and the electromagnetic coil  22  is thereby energized by the charging unit  241 . When the electromagnetic coil  22  is energized, the coil is provided with polarity and excited longitudinally relative to the advancement direction of the moving toy main body  21 , forming magnetic poles in the end portions of the yokes  22   a ,  22   b . The moving toy main body  21  moves to the right of the diagram as a result of the interaction force caused by the magnetic force between the magnetic poles of the yokes  22   a ,  22   b  and the magnetic poles  28  of the movement roadway  26 . 
     The positional relationship between the photosensor  231  and the yokes  22   a ,  22   b  in the moving toy main body  21  is such that when the photosensor  231  senses a reflective plate  271 , the moving toy main body  21  is moved to the right of the diagram by the interaction force brought about by the magnetic force created between the magnetic poles  28  and the magnetic poles formed in the two corresponding end portions. In the present modification, when the moving toy main body  21  moves into a positional relationship in which the magnetic poles  28  are in proximity to the rear sides of the two end portions of the yoke  22   a  in the movement direction, magnetic poles are formed at the two end portions of the yoke  22   a . These magnetic poles create repulsive force in relation to the magnetic poles  28 , and this repulsive force acts as motive force for the moving toy main body  21 , as shown by the black arrows in the diagram. At this time, the two end portions of the yoke  22   b  are in proximity to the rear sides of the magnetic poles  28  in the movement direction, the magnetic poles formed at the two end portions of the yoke  22   b  create attractive force with the magnetic poles  28 , and this attractive force acts as motive force for the moving toy main body  21 , as shown by the white arrows in the diagram. In other words, magnetic poles are formed on the yokes  22   a ,  22   b  when the photosensor  231  senses a reflective plate  271 , and repulsive force and attractive force are created simultaneously, causing the moving toy main body  21  to move. When the moving toy main body  21  moves and the photosensor  231  senses another reflective plate  271 , magnetic poles are again formed on the yokes  22   a ,  22   b , and interaction force is created by the magnetic force with the magnetic poles  28  in the same manner as described above, thereby urging the moving toy main body  21 . The moving toy main body  21  thereby continues to move without assistance. The movement of the moving toy main body  21  in this manner makes it difficult to visually discern the source of the motive force. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can thereby be obtained by providing an unusual and sustainable movement. 
     In the present modification, the moving toy may be configured so that the magnetic poles formed at the two end portions of the yoke  22   a  create attractive force with the magnetic poles  28 , and the magnetic poles formed at the two end portions of the yoke  22   b  create repulsive force with the magnetic poles  28 . At this time, the two end portions of the yokes  22   a ,  22   b  are positioned in relation to the magnetic poles  28  so that the attractive force and repulsive force created when the photosensor  231  senses a reflective plate  271  act as motive force for moving the moving toy main body  21 . Configuring the moving toy main body  21  and the movement roadway  26  in this manner makes it possible to obtain an enjoyable moving toy utilizing magnetic force that interests people, similar to the above descriptions. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show a moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to another modification of Embodiment 2. In the moving toy utilizing magnetic force according to the modification described above, the switch for turning on and off the electric current through the electromagnetic coil  22  is configured separately from the photosensor  231  and the switch  243 . In the moving toy shown in  FIG. 7 , protrusions  272  are provided in the movement roadway  26  instead of the reflective plates  271 , and a mechanical switch  232  is provided to the moving toy main body  21  instead of the photosensor  231  and the switch  243 . In this moving toy, the moving toy main body  21  moves and the mechanical switch  232  comes into contact with the protrusions  272 , whereby the electric current flowing through the electromagnetic coil  22  is turned on and off. In the moving toy shown in  FIG. 8 , the movement roadway  26  is provided only with magnetic poles  28  and is devoid of reflective plates  271 , protrusions  272 , or the like, and the moving toy main body  21  is provided with a rotating switch  233  instead of the photosensor  231  and switch  243 . The rotating switch becomes electrically conductive only after having been acted on with a magnetic force and having rotated to a specific position. The rotating switch  233  is capable of responding to the magnetic force of the magnetic poles  28  in the movement roadway  26 . In this moving toy, the rotating switch  233  responds to variations in the magnetic force of the magnetic poles  28  in accordance with the movement of the moving toy main body  21 , whereby the electric current flowing through the electromagnetic coil  22  turns on and off. The configurations and actions of the moving toy main body  21  and movement roadway  26  are otherwise the same as in the modifications described above. A moving toy utilizing magnetic force that is enjoyable and interesting to the user can be obtained in the same manner as above in cases in which the moving toy main body  21  and the movement roadway  26  are configured in this manner. 
     The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be appropriately made within a range that does not change the scope of the invention. For example, the intervals between the magnetic poles, the intervals and distance over which interaction force is generated by magnetic force between the magnetic poles, the rotational speed of the drive belt  13 , the type of power source, and other such factors can be appropriately set so that the action of the moving toy is achieved as intended. For example, a single row of magnetic poles  18 ,  28  for levitating the moving toy main body  11 ,  21  was provided to each movement roadway side  161 ,  261 , but two rows may also be disposed in a staggered alignment, for example. It is thereby possible to strengthen the levitation force of the moving toy main body  11 ,  21  and to stabilize the movement in a noncontact state. 
     The present application is based on Japanese Patent No. 2005-28499, and the content thereof is therefore incorporated herein by reference to the Specification and Drawings of the aforementioned Patent Application.