Prize acquisition game machine

Abstract

To construct a layout suitable for a game machine in which games can be played on a plurality of game parts simultaneously.SOLUTION: In a prize acquisition game machine 11 including game parts 16, two in upper right and left sides, and two in lower right and left sides, where games can be played independently of each other, which includes a coin selector 24 used in common in the right and left game parts 16, and two credit units 22 provided vertically having select switches 25 for selecting one of the right and left game parts 16, the credit units 22 are provided at an intermediate position in a right-left direction on a front face. A coin storage part 27 for receiving coins passing through the coin selector 24 is provided in the credit unit 22 in correspondence with the credit unit 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game machine in which prizes housed inside are dropped into a prize payout outlet by a game. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a prize winning game machine is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 4, this game machine has a structure in which two identical game units 101 are arranged in a grid, one above the other, one below the other, and one to the left and one to the right, so that a game can be played at four locations at the same time. Each game unit 101 has an operation unit 102 for performing operations for the game, a credit unit 104 having a coin selector 103, and a prize payout outlet 105 for paying out prizes. The credit unit 104 is provided below the operation unit 102, and the prize payout outlet 105 is provided on one side of the credit unit 104 in the left-right direction, specifically on the left side. Since the prize payout outlet 105 is located on the left side, the drop hole 106 for dropping the prizes is also located on the left side. In this way, the four game units 101 are identical in all respects, and the structure is like four smaller game machines combined together.

[0003] In such gaming machines, each game unit has its own coin selector and coin storage unit, so when the arcade wants to collect the value media in the coin storage units, it has to carry out the collection process for all four coin storage units.

[0004] For this reason, as in the following Patent Document 2, a gaming machine (see FIG. 5) has been proposed in which the coin selector 103 is shared by the left and right game units 101 and a select switch 107 is provided for selecting the game unit 101 to play a game. In this gaming machine, a credit control device 108 provided with the coin selector 103, the select switch 107, etc. is formed in a narrow, vertically elongated box shape, and the credit control device 108 is provided from the front to the back in the middle of the left and right direction of the gaming machine, that is, over the entire depth direction. The credit control device 108 has one coin collection box 109 at the bottom end, and above that, an upper credit unit 104a and a lower credit unit 104b are arranged spaced apart from each other vertically. Both the upper credit unit 104a and the lower credit unit 104b have a coin selector 103 shared by the left and right game units 101. The upper and lower coin selectors 103 and the coin collection boxes 109 are connected by a coin shooter.

[0005] A game machine with this configuration has only one coin collection case, which certainly saves the effort of collecting coins.

[0006] However, because the coin selector, coin collection case, select switch, etc. are all assembled in a narrow, vertically long box shape as the credit control device as described above, the game machine is completely separated into left and right halves by the credit control device. Therefore, although games can be played simultaneously on four game sections, the left and right game sections are completely independent, and the benefits of being able to play games simultaneously, such as enjoying the game with friends and increasing motivation to play, are diminished.

[0007] Moreover, because the credit control device is arranged in a narrow box shape, the select switch for selecting the left game section and the select switch for selecting the right game section must be placed close to each other. This can lead to pressing the wrong switch, which can make a game that should be fun a disappointment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-29568 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6916539 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The main object of this invention is to enable the configuration of a layout suitable for a game machine that allows multiple game units to be used simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To this end, the present invention provides the following prize winning game machine.

[0011] The prize winning game machine is provided with two game sections, one above, one below, two below, two below, and each of which can be played independently, and two credit units, each of which has a coin selector shared by the left and right game sections and a select switch for selecting one of the left and right game sections. The credit units are provided at the center of the front in the left-right direction, and a coin storage section for storing coins that have passed through the coin selector is provided in the credit units in correspondence with the credit units. The "front" mentioned above refers to a portion that is wide in the front-rear direction centered on the front of the prize winning game machine, and includes the portion outside the front as well as the portion inside (the back side).

[0012] In this configuration, while there are two game units on each of the top, bottom, left and right sides, the two credit units on the top and bottom are located in the middle of the left and right direction on the front side, so that the game units lined up on the left and right can be unified in appearance without being divided. Similarly, the coin storage unit provided for each credit unit also ensures space for each game unit without dividing the game units lined up on the left and right sides. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to this invention, since the credit unit is provided on the front side, even if it is provided at the middle position in the left-right direction, the left and right game parts can be configured to have at least an integrated appearance without being separated. The coin storage part, which is indispensable in relation to the coin selector of the credit unit, is provided in the credit unit corresponding to the credit unit, so that although the coin collection work needs to be performed separately, there is no need to separate the left and right game parts in this respect either. Therefore, for example, when playing a game with friends at the same time, it is possible for each other to see the other person's game, and a fun game can be played by multiple people. Moreover, since the insides of all the game parts can be configured to be visible from the outside, it is possible to stimulate the desire to play the game and to further arouse interest by ingenious selection and arrangement of prizes to be stored in the game parts.

[0014] Moreover, since the credit unit is provided on the front, there is more room in the left-right direction compared to when it is provided between the left and right game units. Therefore, the select switch for selecting which of the left and right game units to play a game on can be provided separately to the left and right to prevent erroneous operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the center of the front view of the prize-winning game machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional prize-winning game machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional prize-winning game machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1 shows a perspective view of a prize-winning game machine 11 (hereinafter, referred to as the "game machine"). The game machine 11 is structured so that prizes (not shown) stored inside are dropped into a prize payout outlet 12 by playing a game, and the game machine 11 shown in the figure is configured so that the prize can be won by grabbing the prize with a crane 13, moving it to a drop outlet 14, and releasing it.

[0018] The housing 15 of the game machine 11 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the inside is divided into four game units 16, two each on the top, bottom, left and right. The approximate division of the game units 16 is shown in the front view of FIG. 2, surrounded by solid two-dot chain lines. The game units 16 can be divided into a game space 16f where prizes are stored and games are played, and a lower space 16g below it. The upper left and right game units 16a and 16b and the lower left and right game units 16c and 16d are both the same size. Each game unit 16 can be played independently, and the upper and lower game units (16a, 16b and 16c, 16d) are completely separated, but the upper spaces of the game units lined up on the left and right (16a and 16b and 16c and 16d) are connected to each other. That is, the left and right game units 16 are separated by a partition board 17 made of a transparent board, and the height of the partition board 17 is lower than the height of the ceiling.

[0019] Each of the four game units 16 is provided with the aforementioned crane 13 that can move back and forth and left and right and can be raised and lowered within the game space 16f, and a drop opening 14 is formed below the initial position of the crane 13. The part of the inner bottom surface of the game space 16f other than the drop opening 14 is a space for storing prizes, and the prizes are displayed on the back surface of the game space 16f. See-through sections 18 that allow the interior to be seen through are formed on both the left and right sides of the cabinet 15, and a sliding door 19 made of a transparent plate that can be opened and closed is provided at the part of the front surface that corresponds to the game space 16f, so that the interior can be seen through from the front as well.

[0020] In the area on the front side corresponding to the lower space 16g of the game unit 16, there are formed an operation unit 21 for operating the game, a credit unit 22 for accepting credits, and the prize payout opening 12. The operation unit 21 is arranged side by side on a long table 23 that protrudes from the front side of the cabinet 15 and extends approximately from end to end in the left-right direction, corresponding to the two game units 16 arranged side by side on the left and right.

[0021] Note that the front surface refers to the surface on the front side (front face) of the housing 15, and being provided on the front surface not only means that it is provided protruding forward, but also means that it is provided in a portion extending toward the rear.

[0022] The components of the operation unit 21 are an operation lever 21a that moves the crane 13 forward, backward, left and right, a display 21b that displays necessary information, and an operation button 21c that lowers the crane 13 to perform a gripping operation. In all operation units 21, these are arranged from the left in the following order: operation lever 21a, display 21b, operation button 21c.

[0023] Unlike the operation unit 21, the credit unit 22 is shared by the left and right game units (16a and 16b, 16c and 16d). The credit units 22 arranged in two tiers, one above the other, are both formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and are each provided below the middle position of the table 23 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the credit unit 22 is provided at the middle position in the left-right direction on the front side. The front side of the credit unit 22 and the front end of the table 23 are flush with each other, and the left-right length of the credit unit 22 may overlap with the operation unit 21 on the table 23, and is set to a required length. The left-right length of the credit unit 22 in the illustrated example is about one-third the length of the table 23.

[0024] The components of the credit unit 22 are a coin selector 24 shared by the left and right game units 16, a select switch 25 for selecting the left or right game unit 16, a control operation unit 26 for setting and the like, and a coin storage unit 27 for receiving coins that have passed through the coin selector 24. The coin selector 24 and the select switch 25 are provided on an opening / closing door 28 that is attached so as to be able to open and close, and the control operation unit 26 and coin storage unit 27 are provided inside the opening / closing door 28.

[0025] The coin selector 24 is provided at the upper part of the left-right middle of the credit unit 22, which is rectangular when viewed from the front. The select switch 25 is configured to be operable when the credit unit 22 is in a credit acceptance state, and has a left switch 25a for selecting the left game units 16a, 16c, and a right switch 25b for selecting the right game units 16b, 16d. The left switch 25a is disposed to the left of the coin selector 24, and the right switch 25b is disposed to the right. In other words, the select switch 25 is disposed at a distance to the left and right of the coin selector 24. The distance between the select switch 25 and the coin selector 24 is set appropriately. The select switch 25 is preferably provided at the middle position in the up-down direction of the coin selector 24, which is a vertically long rectangle when viewed from the front.

[0026] The control operation unit 26, which is provided inside the opening and closing door 28, is provided on the back side of the coin selector 24, and the coin storage unit 27 is provided in an area below the coin selector 24 and the control operation unit 26. In this way, the coin storage unit 27 is provided in the credit unit 22 in correspondence with the credit unit 22.

[0027] The prize payout opening 12 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is disposed on the left and right outer sides of the credit unit 22. That is, of the game units 16 lined up on the left and right, the prize payout opening 12a in the left game units 16a, 16c is formed on the left side of the credit unit 22, and the prize payout opening 12b in the right game units 16b, 16d is formed on the right side of the credit unit 22. Each prize payout opening 12 has a pivotable opening / closing plate 12e that opens when pressed.

[0028] Since the prize payout openings 12 are arranged separately at the left and right ends, the drop openings 14 of the game space 16f are also divided into left and right ends. In other words, the drop openings 14 of the game units 16 arranged side by side are not all on the same side in the left-right direction, but the drop openings 14 of the game units 16a and 16c on the left side are formed at the left end, and the drop openings 14 of the game units 16b and 16d on the right side are formed at the right end. For this reason, the layouts of the left and right game units 16 in a plan view are mirror images of each other with the partition plate 17 as the boundary.

[0029] In the game machine 11 configured as above, when a coin is inserted into the coin selector 24 of the credit unit 22, the credit unit 22 enters a credit acceptance state, and a prize acquisition game can be played in the left or right game section 16 selected by the select switch 25.

[0030] The game units 16 arranged side by side have an upper space that communicates with each other, the partition plate 17 is transparent, and the credit unit 22 is provided on the front. Therefore, the game units 16 are not divided by the credit unit 22, the coin storage unit 27, the coin shooter for passing the coin into the coin storage 7, etc., and the unity of the two is highly recognized. The decision of which game unit 16 to play the game on is made based on the prizes inside and their storage state, etc., and when making this decision, it is easy to see not only the adjacent game unit 16 but also the game units 16 above and below, so that easy comparison is possible and motivation for playing the game is stimulated. When two people play the game at the same time, they can enjoy playing while competing with each other. Moreover, since the game machine 11 does not have the credit control device 108 in the center in the horizontal direction as seen in the conventional FIG. 5, the field space for playing the game can be made wider. In this way, a game machine 11 is obtained that can enjoy the advantage of being able to play games at multiple game units 16 at the same time.

[0031] While the field space can be made wider, the game machine 11 is equipped with the credit unit 22 under the operation unit 21, so the width (length in the left-right direction) of the game machine 11 can be reduced compared to a conventional game machine (see FIG. 5) equipped with a credit control device 108. For this reason, it is effective for use in an amusement arcade where it is desired to install as many game machines as possible in a limited space.

[0032] The credit unit 22 is provided in the middle in the left-right direction, and is provided under the table 23 having the operation unit 21, so there is no particular restriction on the length in the left-right direction, and it can be formed to be large. The coin selector 24 is provided in the middle in the left-right direction of the credit unit 22, and the select switches 25 are arranged on the left and right sides of the coin selector 24 at a distance, so that erroneous operation when selecting the game unit 16 can be prevented. In other words, for example, it is possible to prevent a user standing to the left of the game machine 11 from erroneously pressing the select switch 25 on the right side.

[0033] Moreover, since the credit unit 22 can be made relatively wide in the left-right direction, the coin collecting workability is not poor even though two coin storage sections 27 of the credit unit 22 are provided in one game machine 11 corresponding to the credit unit 22. That is, since the credit unit 22 can be formed wide, the necessary capacity can be secured while keeping the height of the coin storage section 27 low. Therefore, compared to the case where one coin storage section with the capacity required for four game sections 16 is provided in a narrow portion, the height of the coin storage section 27 can be made low to avoid an increase in size. That is, since the need to handle a heavy coin storage section can be eliminated, the coin collecting work in one game machine 11 is reduced in number of times, but the workload can be reduced.

[0034] The operation units 21 are arranged side by side on the long table 23, so the operation lever 21a and the operation button 21c can be arranged with ample space without forcing the player to play the game in a cramped environment. This also provides the advantage of allowing the player to play games on multiple game units 16 at the same time.

[0035] The above configuration is one embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to only the above configuration, and other configurations can also be adopted.

[0036] For example, the game may not involve using a crane to grab a prize, but may be something else.

[0037] Although the drop openings 14 of the game spaces 16f are positioned symmetrically in the left and right game units 16, in the above example, the operating lever 21a, the display 21b, and the operating buttons 21c, which are components of the operating unit 21, are all arranged in the same manner. In this regard, their arrangement may be changed. For example, by providing the operating lever 21a in the middle of the game unit 16 in the left-right direction, it becomes easier to play the game even when multiple people are lined up next to each other in the case where the game machines 11 are arranged side by side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 11…Prize-winning game machine 12…Prize payout outlet 16…Game Club 22...Credit units 23…Table 24…Coin Selector 25…Select switch 27…Coin storage section

Claims

1. A prize-winning game machine is provided with two game units each formed on the top, bottom, left and right, each of which can be played independently, and two credit units each having a coin selector shared by the left and right game units and a select switch for selecting one of the left and right game units, The credit unit is provided at a middle position in the left-right direction on the front surface, A coin storage section for storing coins that have passed through the coin selector is provided in the credit unit in correspondence with the credit unit. A prize-winning game machine.

2. The select switch is composed of a left switch for selecting the game unit on the left side and a right switch for selecting the game unit on the right side, The left switch is disposed on the left side of the coin selector, and the right switch is disposed on the right side of the coin selector.

2. The prize winning game machine according to claim 1.

3. The credit unit has prize payout openings formed on the left and right outer sides.

3. The prize winning game machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The upper spaces of the game units arranged side by side are connected to each other.

3. The prize winning game machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The operation units of the game units arranged side by side on the left and right are arranged side by side on a table that is long in the left-right direction and protrudes from the front, The credit unit is provided below the longitudinal center position of the table.

3. The prize winning game machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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