Game device, operation control method of game device, and game program

Abstract

To provide a grip device used for a game device capable of giving new excitement to a player by miniaturizing the game device.SOLUTION: Provided is a grip device that has a body having a first drive section and a rotor provided below the body, and grips a prize. The body has a rotating shaft passing through the center. The rotor has an arm unit for gripping a prize, and is configured so as to be rotated with the rotating shaft as a center by drive of the first drive section. Accordingly, the grip device used for a game device capable of giving excitement to a player can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device for acquiring prizes, a method for controlling the operation of the game device, and a game program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a game device for acquiring prizes, a crane game device installed in an amusement facility is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a crane game device, a crane arm grips a prize placed in a prize storage section and horizontally moves within the game space above the opening. Therefore, the crane game device requires a space for the horizontal movement of the crane arm. Thus, the crane game device inevitably becomes large-sized, and the amusement facility requires space for installing it.

[0003] On the other hand, in the field of game devices in recent years, miniaturization of game devices has been demanded so that many game devices can be arranged in a limited space. In such a situation, it has been structurally difficult for conventional crane game devices to meet the demand for miniaturization. Therefore, there has been a demand for a game device that can miniaturize the game device and give players an unprecedented sense of excitement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a moving mechanism used in a game device that can miniaturize the game device and give players a sense of excitement. Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize gripping device used in such a moving mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] Furthermore, the above object can be achieved by the present invention described in the following (1) to (12).

[0007] (1) A gripping device having a main body with a first driving unit and a rotating body provided below the main body, for gripping a prize, wherein the main body has a slip ring portion connected to the rotating body, the rotating body has an arm unit for gripping the prize, and the rotating body is configured to rotate about the central axis of the slip ring portion by the drive of the first driving unit. The gripping device is characterized by this.

[0008] (2) The gripping device according to (1) above, wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate 360° about the central axis of the slip ring portion.

[0009] (3) The arm unit includes a plurality of arm units, and the plurality of arm units are arranged around the central axis. The gripping device according to (1) above.

[0010] (4) The arm unit includes a movable unit having a second driving unit different from the first driving unit, and an arm portion connected to the movable unit. The gripping device according to (1) above.

[0011] (5) The arm portion has an illuminating device arranged along the arm portion from its proximal end to its distal end. The gripping device according to (4) above.

[0012] (6) The arm unit includes a plurality of arm units, and each of the arm portions of the plurality of arm units is configured to rotate independently about its proximal end by the drive of the second driving unit. The gripping device according to (4) above.

[0013] (7) A moving mechanism used in a game device for transferring a prize in a game space to a prize collection space through an opening, comprising: a driving part, a support part connected to the driving part, a first movable part connected to the support part and movable along the support part, and a prize gripping part provided on the first movable part. The support part is provided along a first direction orthogonal to the opening. The moving mechanism is characterized by this.

[0014] (8) The moving mechanism according to (7) above, which is provided in the vicinity of the opening.

[0015] (9) The first movable part according to (7) above extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction from the support part. The moving mechanism is characterized by this.

[0016] (10) The first movable part has a receiving part for receiving the prize gripping part. The receiving part is located directly above the opening. The moving mechanism according to (7) above is characterized by this.

[0017] (11) Further comprising a second movable part connected to the support part and movable along the support part. The second movable part extends in the second direction in a direction opposite to that of the first movable part. The moving mechanism according to (9) above is characterized by this.

[0018] (12) The prize gripping part is the gripping device according to any one of (1) to (6). The moving mechanism according to claim 7 is characterized by this. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a moving mechanism used in a game device that can miniaturize the device and give excitement to the player. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize gripping device used in such a moving mechanism. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0020]

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[0021] Hereinafter, the game apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in the drawing will be referred to as "upper", the lower side as "lower", the left side as "left", the right side as "right", the front side of the paper as "front", and the back side of the paper as "rear".

[0022] <<First Embodiment>> 1. Game device FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 1 of the present invention is a two-player type game apparatus in which two players can execute simultaneous play. However, the game apparatus 1 may be a one-player type game apparatus in which one player plays.

[0023] The game device 1 of the present invention includes a prize acquisition game device 1A and a prize acquisition game device 1B that are provided adjacent to each other. The number of the prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B is not particularly limited, and may be a plurality of three or more. Such prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B are game devices that transfer prizes from the game space 215 to the prize extraction space 223. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B will be described. Since the prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B have the same configuration, each part of the prize acquisition game device 1A will be described as a representative.

[0024] The prize acquisition game device 1A (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "game device 1") includes a housing 2, an operation unit 3, a moving mechanism 4, a game field 5, a prize replenishing device 6, an input unit 7, a storage unit 8, and a control unit 9. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part will be described.

[0025] <Housing> The housing 2 is formed in a box shape and has a function of installing or storing each member of the game device 1. The shape of the housing 2 is not particularly limited and can be changed to a triangular prism shape, an elliptical prism shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like. The housing 2 is composed of an upper housing 21 and a lower housing 22.

[0026] (Upper housing) The upper housing 21 is formed in a substantially prismatic shape. Since the front surface and the side surfaces of the upper housing 21 are appropriately composed of transparent members, the inside of the game device 1 can be visually recognized from the outside. And the space defined by the upper housing 21 is the game space 215.

[0027] (Lower housing) The lower housing 22 is connected to the upper housing 21 at its upper part. The lower housing 22 is used to house the storage unit 8 and the control unit 9. Further, the lower housing 22 has a prize extraction port 221, a prize extraction plate 222, and a prize extraction space 223. And the space defined by the lower housing 22 is the prize extraction space 223.

[0028] The prize outlet 221 is provided on the front surface of the lower part 22 of the housing. The prize outlet 221 has a function of taking out prizes from the prize taking-out space 223 and is formed in a rectangular shape. The prize taking-out plate 222 is provided above the prize outlet 221 so as to close the prize outlet 221. The prize taking-out plate 222 is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the prize outlet 221. The prize taking-out space 223 has a function of holding the fallen prizes and communicates with the game space 215 through the game field 5.

[0029] <Operation unit> The operation unit 3 has a function of receiving input information from the player. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 3 includes a columnar push button and a joystick. These are provided at the upper part of the front surface of the lower part 22 of the housing. When the push button is pressed, the moving mechanism 4 is driven and the prize gripping part 46 moves vertically downward. When the joystick is operated, the prize gripping part 46 rotates around the vertical axis (Z axis).

[0030] The number of push buttons is not particularly limited and may be two or more. The joystick may not exist. In this case, in the standby state before the game starts, the prize gripping part 46 is always rotating. And when the push button is pressed, the rotation of the prize gripping part 46 is configured to stop. Further, the operation unit 3 may also be a rotation button, a dial, or a display screen configured by a touch panel according to the configuration of the game device 1.

[0031] <Moving mechanism> FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the moving mechanism of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the moving mechanism of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Unlike a conventional crane game device, the moving mechanism 4 is connected to the side of the prize gripping part 46 and has the function of moving the prize gripping part 46 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the moving mechanism 4 stands upright from the upper part of the lower housing 22 and is formed in a long shape. The position where the moving mechanism 4 is installed is not particularly limited, and it may be provided on the back side or the side surface of the upper housing 21. From the viewpoint of not interfering with the progress of the game, the moving mechanism 4 is preferably provided outside the game field 5. In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 4 is provided adjacent to the game field 5 near the center of the game device 1, specifically, between the prize acquisition game device 1A and the prize acquisition game device 1B.

[0033] Since the game device 1 has two prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B, the moving mechanism 4 has a first set for the prize acquisition game device 1A and a second set for the prize acquisition game device 1B. Thereby, since two prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B can be executed by one moving mechanism 4, the overall size of the game device 1 can be made compact. Since the first set and the second set of the moving mechanism 4 have the same configuration, hereinafter, the first set for the prize acquisition game device 1A will be described. The first set includes a drive unit 41, a shaft 42, a stop mechanism 43, a guide rail 44, a movable part 45, a prize gripping part 46, a detection device 47, and a wiring 48. Note that the shaft 42 alone, or the shaft 42 and the guide rail 44 together are also referred to as a support part.

[0034] (Drive Unit) The drive unit 41 functions as a power source for moving the movable part 45. The drive unit 41 is provided on the upper part of the lower housing 22 between the prize acquisition game device 1A and the prize acquisition game device 1B. The drive unit 41 is not particularly limited as long as it can rotate the shaft 42 or move the movable part 45. In the present embodiment, the drive unit 41 includes a motor 411 and a main body 412 that houses the motor 411.

[0035] (Shaft) The shaft 42 is connected to the drive unit 41. The shaft 42 stands upright from the rotating shaft of the motor 411 and extends vertically upward. The shape of the shaft 42 is not particularly limited and may be rod-shaped, prism-shaped, long-shaped, plate-shaped, etc. Further, the shaft 42 has screw-like grooves or spiral ridges on its surface. These are angled at a predetermined angle with respect to the Z-axis. Therefore, by rotating the shaft 42, the movable part 45 can be moved up and down in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the shaft 42 has the function of moving the movable part 45.

[0036] (Stop mechanism) The stop mechanism 43 functions as a braking device for stopping the movement of the movable part 45. The stop mechanism 43 is provided at the tip of the shaft 42. Therefore, the stop mechanism 43 is provided above the housing 2 between the prize acquisition game device 1A and the prize acquisition game device 1B. The configuration of the stop mechanism 43 is not particularly limited as long as it can stop the rotation of the shaft 42 or the movement of the movable part 45. In the present embodiment, the stop mechanism 43 includes a braking device 431 and a plate 432 for attaching the braking device 431. The plate 432 of the stop mechanism 43 faces the main body 412 of the drive unit 41.

[0037] (Guide rail) The guide rail 44 has the function of guiding the movement of the movable part 45. The guide rail 44 stands upright from the main body 412 of the drive unit 41 and extends along the Z-axis direction to the plate 432 of the stop mechanism 43. The guide rail 44 is provided parallel to the shaft 42 and on the back side of the game space 215 from the shaft 42 (spaced in the Y-axis direction). The shape of the guide rail 44 is not particularly limited and may be prism-shaped, rod-shaped, long-shaped, or cylindrical. In the present embodiment, the guide rail 44 is formed in a prism shape. Thereby, in order to surely fit with the movable part 45, the movable part 45 can be surely guided in the vertical direction.

[0038] (Movable part) The movable part 45 has a function of moving the prize gripping part 46. The movable part 45 is provided on the shaft 42 so as to project in the horizontal (X-axis) direction of the game apparatus 1 from the shaft 42. And the movable part 45 extends in the X-axis direction up to directly above the game field 5. Such a movable part 45 has a base part 451, a receiving part 452, and a connecting part 453 that connects the base part 451 and the receiving part 452.

[0039] The base part 451 is connected to the shaft 42. The base part 451 has a through-hole that fits onto the shaft 42 and a notch that fits onto the guide rail 44. The through-hole and the notch are provided adjacent to each other along the horizontal (Y-axis) direction. Thereby, the base part 451 can be surely fitted to the shaft 42 and the guide rail 44, and the movable part 45 can be stably moved.

[0040] The receiving part 452 has a function of receiving the prize gripping part 46. The shape of the receiving part 452 is not particularly limited, and it may be box-shaped, plate-shaped, or substantially U-shaped in a longitudinal cross-section. In the present embodiment, the receiving part 452 is formed in a box shape without a bottom surface. And the receiving part 452 arranges a predetermined member of the prize gripping part 46 on its upper surface. The receiving part 452 is provided at the tip of the connecting part 453 and faces the game field 5. Thereby, since the prize gripping part 46 can be opposed to the game field 5, the prize gripping part 46 can surely grip the prize on the game field 5. Note that the receiving part 452 is connected to the prize gripping part 46.

[0041] The connecting part 453 has a function of connecting the base part 451 and the receiving part 452. The shape of the connecting part 453 is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand the weight of the prize gripping part 46. The connecting part 453 may be formed in a rod shape, a box shape, a square shape, or the like. The length of the connecting part 453 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably such a length that the receiving part 452 faces the game field 5 directly. In other words, the length of the connecting part 453 is preferably set so that an imaginary line connecting the vicinity of the center of the prize gripping part 46 and the vicinity of the center of the game field 5 is parallel to the Z-axis. Thereby, the prize gripping part 46 can surely grip the prize on the game field 5.

[0042] (Prize holding part) The prize holding part 46 has a function of holding a prize. The prize holding part 46 is connected to the receiving part 452 and is provided at the tip of the movable part 45. The shape of the prize holding part 46 is not particularly limited, such as spherical, prismatic, or bag-shaped. Details of the prize holding part 46 will be described later.

[0043] (Detection device) The detection device 47 has a function of defining the movement range of the prize holding part 46. The detection device 47 has a first detection device group 471 and a second detection device group 472 that are spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The first detection device group 471 is located below the moving mechanism 4. The second detection device group 472 is located above the moving mechanism 4.

[0044] The first detection device group 471 has a lower limit sensor 471a for the small arm, a lower limit sensor 471b for the large arm, and a first installation part 471c for installing them. The first installation part 471c stands vertically upward from the main body 412 of the drive part 41 between the first set of shafts 42 and the second set of shafts 42. The two lower limit sensors 471a and 471b are provided on the first installation part 471c at a predetermined distance along the Z-axis. And the two lower limit sensors 471a and 471b are provided so as to protrude in the X-axis direction from the first installation part 471c and face each shaft 42. Thereby, since the movable part 45 connected to the shaft 42 can be detected, it is possible to prevent the arm part 405 of the prize holding part 46 from colliding with the game field 5.

[0045] The lower limit sensor 471a for the small arm detects the lower limit at which a prize holding part 46 having a small arm can move. The lower limit sensor 471b for the large arm detects the lower limit at which a prize holding part 46 having a large arm can move. Since the arm part of the lower limit sensor 471a for the small arm is small, it is provided below the lower limit sensor 471b for the large arm. The predetermined interval varies depending on the size of the prize holding part 46, but is preferably about 5 to 10 cm.

[0046] On the other hand, the second detection device group 472 includes a home position sensor 472a, an upper limit sensor 472b, and a second installation part 472c for installing them. The second installation part 472c stands vertically downward from the plate 432 of the stop mechanism 43 between the first set of shafts 42 and the second set of shafts 42. The home position sensor 472a and the upper limit sensor 472b are provided on the second installation part 472c at a predetermined distance along the Z-axis direction. And the home position sensor 472a and the upper limit sensor 472b are provided so as to protrude in the X-axis direction from the second installation part 472c and face the respective shafts 42. Thereby, since the movable part 45 connected to the shaft 42 can be detected, it is possible to prevent the arm part 405 of the prize gripping part 46 from colliding with the ceiling of the upper part 21 of the housing or the input part 7. Also, the prize gripping part 46 can be surely arranged at the home position.

[0047] The home position sensor 472a detects the position (home position) where the prize gripping part 46 should be when starting the game. The upper limit sensor 472b detects the upper limit that the prize gripping part 46 can move. The home position sensor 472a is provided below the upper limit sensor 472b. The predetermined interval varies depending on the size of the prize gripping part 46, but is preferably about 5 to 10 cm.

[0048] Note that the detection device 47 has the four sensors described above, but is not limited thereto. The number of the lower limit sensors 471a and b may be one, and the number of the lower limit sensors 471a and b and the upper limit sensor 472b may be three or more. Also, the detection device 47 may not exist. Also, the number of the detection device groups is not limited and may be only one. In this case, a long sensor may be arranged across the shaft 42. Thereby, since the movement of the movable part 45 can always be grasped, the movement of the prize gripping part 46 can be detected in real time.

[0049] As described above, the moving mechanism 4 is provided between the prize acquisition game device 1A and the prize acquisition game device 1B. The first set and the second set of the moving mechanism 4 are arranged adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction of the game device 1. Therefore, the movable part 45 of the first set extends in the X-axis direction toward the prize acquisition game device 1A. On the other hand, the movable part 45 of the second set extends in the X-axis direction toward the prize acquisition game device 1B. That is, the movable part 45 of the first set and the movable part 45 of the second set protrude in opposite directions from each other. Thereby, with one moving mechanism 4, the prize gripping part 46 used in the two game devices 1 of the prize acquisition game device 1A and the prize acquisition game device 1B can be moved up and down.

[0050] (Wiring) The wiring 48 functions to transmit the power for rotating the prize gripping part 46 and the power for opening and closing the arm part 405 of the prize gripping part 46. The base end of the wiring 48 is connected to a power source (not shown). On the other hand, the tip of the wiring 48 is connected to the connection part 453 of the movable part 45. Then, power is supplied to the mechanism of the prize gripping part 46 via the inside of the movable part 45. Therefore, as will be described later, the prize gripping part 46 can be electrically rotated, driven, and illuminated. Note that the position of the wiring 48 is not particularly limited as long as power can be supplied to the prize gripping part 46. The wiring 48 may be housed in the lower part 22 of the housing.

[0051] As described above, unlike the conventional crane game device, the game device 1 of the present invention has no structure above the game space 215, so the prize gripping part 46 can be moved up and down to the vicinity of the ceiling of the housing 2. Therefore, the player's line of sight can be widely moved from top to bottom, and the playing motivation can be enhanced. Further, since the moving mechanism 4 does not move the prize gripping part 46 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, the game device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0052] <Prize Gripping Part> Next, the prize gripping unit 46 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the prize gripping unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the prize gripping unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a front view schematically showing the internal configuration of the prize gripping unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the connection state of the prize gripping unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the internal configuration of the prize gripping unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 5 shows the state where the arm portion is open (open state), and FIG. 7 shows the state where one arm portion is closed (closed state).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the prize gripping unit 46 includes a main body 49 and a rotating body 40 attached to the lower end of the main body 49. Further, although not shown in FIG. 5, the prize gripping unit 46 has a sensor device as will be described later. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

[0054] [Main body] The main body 49 is connected to the movable part 45 of the moving mechanism 4 at the side. That is, the receiving part 452 of the movable part 45 is inserted from the side part of the main body 49 and connected to the main body 49. Therefore, when the movable part 45 moves in the Z-axis direction, the prize gripping unit 46 also moves in the Z-axis direction. Different from the conventional crane game device, the main body 49 does not have a structure on its upper part. Therefore, in terms of appearance, the prize gripping unit 46 is emphasized, and a visual effect can be given to the player. Also, the upper side of the game space 215 can be effectively utilized. Such a main body 49 has a slip ring part 491, a motor 492, and a cover member 493 that covers them.

[0055] (Slip ring part) The slip ring unit 491 includes a pulley 4911, a slip ring 4912, and a shaft 4913. The slip ring 4912 has an inner cylinder portion (not shown) fixed to the shaft 4913 and an outer cylinder portion (not shown) fixed to the receiving portion 452 of the movable portion 45. When the pulley 4911 rotates, the shaft 4913 and the inner cylinder portion of the slip ring 4912 also rotate. The rotating inner cylinder portion of the slip ring 4912 slides on the outer cylinder portion. Thereby, power and electrical signals can be transmitted to the rotating body 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the shaft 4913 serves as the rotation axis R of the rotating body 40.

[0056] Since the shaft 4913 serves as the rotation axis R of the rotating body 40, the slip ring 4912 is disposed at the center within the main body 49. The slip ring 4912 is provided on the upper surface of the receiving portion 452 at the tip side. By using the slip ring 4912, the rotating body 40 can be rotated smoothly without entanglement of wirings or the like. The slip ring 4912 is not particularly limited, and a commercially available one can be used.

[0057] (Motor) The motor (drive unit) 492 has a function of rotating the rotating body 40. Specifically, the motor 492 rotates the rotating body 40 by a belt (not shown) that connects the pulley at its tip and the pulley 4911. The configuration of the motor 492 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is configured by a rotary motor. The motor 492 is provided on the upper surface of the receiving portion 452 at the base end side. That is, the motor 492 and the slip ring unit 491 are arranged on the receiving portion 452 in that order from the base end to the tip of the receiving portion 452. However, the arrangement relationship between the motor 492 and the slip ring 4912 is not limited to this, and the slip ring 4912 and the motor 492 may be arranged on the receiving portion 452 in that order from the base end to the tip of the receiving portion 452.

[0058] (Cover member) The cover member 493 is not particularly limited as long as it can cover the slip ring 4912 and the motor 492. In the present embodiment, the cover member 493 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The cover member 493 may be integrally formed with the cover member 403 of the rotating body 40 described later.

[0059] [Rotating body] The rotating body 40 is provided vertically below the main body 49. The rotating body 40 is configured to rotate by the drive of the motor 492. That is, the rotating body 40 is configured to rotate 360° in the horizontal direction about the rotation axis R as the central axis. Thereby, no matter what posture the prize is arranged on the game field 5, the arm portion 405 can be arranged at an appropriate angle with respect to the prize. Note that the rotation direction of the rotating body 40 is not particularly limited and may be clockwise or counterclockwise. This can be arbitrarily set by the control unit 9. Such a rotating body 40 includes a flange 401, an arm unit 402 provided on the flange 401, and a cover member 403 that houses these.

[0060] (Flange) The flange 401 is formed in a disk shape and is located at the upper part of the rotating body 40. Therefore, the flange 401 has a function of partitioning the rotating body 40 and the main body 49. The flange 401 is connected to the shaft 4913 of the slip ring 4912 at its center. Thereby, the rotating body 40 is configured to rotate by the rotation of the shaft 4913.

[0061] (Arm unit) The arm unit 402 is provided around the rotation axis R with the rotation axis R as the center. The number of the arm units 402 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, two arm units 402 are provided. The two arm units 402 are provided opposite to the rotation axis R. Thereby, since the arm portions 405 described later are aligned in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis R, the arm portions 405 can effectively grip the prize. In addition, if a plurality of arm units 402 are provided, the rotating body 40 will have a plurality of arm portions 405, so that the prize can be gripped more reliably. Such an arm unit 402 has a movable unit 404 and an arm portion 405 connected to the movable unit 404.

[0062] The movable unit 404 is provided directly below the flange 401 and rotates together with the flange 401. The movable unit 404 has a function of moving the arm portion 405. The movable unit 404 has a drive motor (drive unit) 4041, a rotating means 4042, a cam 4043, a fixed shaft 4044, a connecting means 4045, and a biasing means 4046.

[0063] The drive motor 4041 drives so as to apply a rotational force to the rotating means 4042. Therefore, the shaft of the drive motor 4041 is connected to the rotating means 4042. When the drive motor 4041 drives, its shaft rotates, and thereby the rotating means 4042 also rotates. The rotating means 4042 is in contact with the cam 4043. The cam 4043 is connected to the connecting means 4045 by the fixed shaft 4044. And the cam 4043 is formed in a fan shape. Therefore, the arc or the central angle constituting the arc of the cam 4043 corresponds to the rotation angle of the arm portion 405. Therefore, when the rotating means 4042 rotates, the cam 4043 also rotates around the fixed shaft 4044 within the angular range corresponding to the distance of the arc.

[0064] The connecting means 4045 has the function of receiving the arm part 405, that is, the function as a socket. Therefore, the connecting means 4045 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the base end of the arm part 405. Thereby, the arm part 405 can be easily attached and detached. Since the connecting means 4045 is fixed by the fixed shaft 4044 together with the cam 4043, when the cam 4043 rotates, the connecting means 4045 also rotates, and as a result, the arm part 405 rotates around the fixed shaft 4044. Note that the base end of the arm part 405 may be directly fixed to the fixed shaft 4044 without providing the connecting means 4045.

[0065] The connecting means 4045 is configured to be detachable from the arm part 405. Therefore, the connecting means 4045 may be provided with a switch for discriminating whether the arm part 405 has been attached or detached and what kind of arm part 405 (type of the arm part 405) has been attached or detached. The switch is configured to be in the ON state when the arm part 405 is attached to the connecting means 4045. Conversely, the switch is configured to be in the OFF state when the arm part 405 is removed from the connecting means 4045. Therefore, the switch is provided inside the connecting means 4045. Thereby, the control unit 9 or the drive control unit described later can identify the presence or absence of the arm part 405, and thus can individually control the arm unit 402.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the biasing means 4046 is provided on the outer surface of the movable unit 404 and the connecting means 4045. Thereby, the biasing means 4046 biases the connecting means 4045 with respect to the movable unit 404, and as a result, biases the arm part 405 to the open state.

[0067] The arm part 405 is connected to the connecting means 4045 of the movable unit 404. Thereby, the arm part 405 is detachably attached to the connecting means 4045. The shape of the arm part 405 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, L-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, J-shaped, or the like. Among these, the shape of the arm part 405 is preferably L-shaped. Thereby, the tip side of the arm part 405 can enter below the prize so as to hold the prize, and the possibility of gripping the prize can be increased.

[0068] The arm portion 405 may have a light-emitting device (not shown) on its outer side and inside. However, the position of the light-emitting device is not particularly limited, and it may be provided inside and within the arm portion 405 or on the surface of the arm portion 405. The number of light-emitting devices is also not limited, and it may be one or a plurality of two or more. When a plurality of light-emitting devices are used, it is preferable that the plurality of light-emitting devices are continuously arranged from the proximal end to the distal end of the arm portion 405. Thereby, in addition to the lighting effect and the advertising effect by the housing 2, the lighting effect and the advertising effect by the prize gripping portion 46 can be exhibited.

[0069] The plurality of light-emitting devices may be intermittently provided with each other inside the arm portion 405, or may be provided so as to be coupled in a long shape to form one light-emitting device. Further, the plurality of light-emitting devices may include light-emitting devices having different emission colors, or light-emitting devices having different emission colors may be alternately arranged. Furthermore, each emission color may be grouped as one group, and each group of each emission color may be alternately provided. Such a light-emitting device is composed of an LED or the like. Thereby, during the game play or during the game standby, the light-emitting device can be turned on and blinked, and the lighting effect and the advertising effect by the arm portion 405 can be provided.

[0070] As described above, the main body 49 and the rotating body 40 are configured by connecting the shaft 4913 and the flange 401. The wiring from the slip ring 4912 is connected to the movable unit 404 via the flange 401. Thereby, power is supplied to the movable unit 404, enabling the movement of the movable unit 404 and the emission of the light-emitting device.

[0071] Further, when the motor 492 is driven, the rotating body 40 rotates. At this time, since the wiring is connected to the movable unit 404 through the through hole (not shown) of the flange 401, there is no risk of the wiring being wound. In this way, the rotating body 40 continues to rotate as long as the motor 492 is driven. Thereby, even without the moving mechanism that moves in the X-Y axis mounted on the conventional crane game device, the arm portion 405 can be arranged at an appropriate angle with respect to the Z axis according to the arrangement state of the prizes.

[0072] In addition, since the prize gripping portion 46 has the slip ring portion 491, power can be supplied to the rotating body 40, and complex mechanical parts such as those of the conventional prize gripping portion are not required. Therefore, since the light emitting device of the arm portion 405 lights up, the arm portion 405 exhibits a decorative effect. Also, since the arm portion 405 can be rotated by the movable unit 404, the number of mechanical parts can be reduced, and a prize gripping portion 46 with a simple configuration can be provided.

[0073] Furthermore, since the slip ring portion 491 and the control unit 9 are connected, the control unit 9 can collectively manage the light emitting state of the light emitting device, the gripping force of each arm portion 405, the driving state of each movable unit 404, and the like. Thereby, without requiring a complex mechanical configuration, changes in the gripping force, light emitting state, driving state, etc. can be easily set.

[0074] Instead of the control of the control unit 9, the main body 49 and / or the rotating body 40 may have a drive control unit. The drive control unit is provided on the upper surface of the receiving portion 452 and / or in the vicinity of the arm unit 402. The drive control unit controls the driving of the slip ring portion 491 and the motor 492. Also, the drive control unit can manage the light emitting state of the light emitting device, the rotation of each arm portion 405, the gripping force of each arm portion 405, the driving state of each movable unit 404, and the like. Thereby, various data can be acquired, managed, and set from the arm portion 405, the slip ring portion 491, the motor 492, etc. independently of the control unit 9.

[0075] (Cover member) The cover member 403 has a function of housing the flange 401 and the arm unit 402. The shape of the cover member 403 is not particularly limited as long as it can house them. For example, the shape of the cover member 403 may be cylindrical, prismatic, frustum-shaped, etc. The cover member 403 may be integrally formed with the cover member 493 of the main body 49.

[0076] [Sensor device] The prize gripping part 46 has a first sensor device (not shown) and a second sensor device different from the first sensor device. The first sensor device is provided at the lower part of the rotating body 40 (the abdomen of the prize gripping part 46) shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. The first sensor device detects whether the arm part 405 is gripping a prize. Therefore, the first sensor device is composed of various sensors such as a pressure sensor, a constant pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, and a photoelectric sensor.

[0077] The second sensor device is located between the shaft 4913 and the flange 401. The second sensor device detects whether the arm part 405 has contacted a prize. When the arm part 405 contacts a prize, the flange 401 is configured to tilt with respect to the rotation axis R. Therefore, the second sensor device recognizes the contact by a pressure sensor, a pressing sensor, etc. When the second sensor device detects the contact between the arm part 405 and the prize, the lowering of the prize gripping part 46 is stopped.

[0078] Unlike the prize gripping part of a conventional crane game device, the prize gripping part 46 as described above is supplied with power. Therefore, the prize gripping part 46 includes not only a mechanical configuration but also an electrical configuration. Accordingly, compared with the conventional prize gripping part, the structure of the prize gripping part 46 can be simplified. In addition, the control unit 9 can manage various functions of the prize gripping part 46, and the prize gripping part 46 itself can have a lighting effect. Also, the rotating body 40 may always rotate before the game starts or may rotate by an input from the player to the operation unit 3. In this way, the playability can also be enhanced by the rotation of the rotating body 40.

[0079] <Game field> FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a game field of a game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the game field of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the game field of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing an auxiliary field of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 11 shows the state where the game field is closed (closed state), and FIG. 12 shows the state where the game field is open (open state).

[0080] The game field 5 has a function of placing prizes used in the game. The game field 5 is provided between the game space 215 in the housing 2 and the prize extraction space 223. Thereby, the game space 215 communicates with the prize extraction space 223 via the game field 5. The game field 5 is configured to communicate the game space 215 and the prize extraction space 223 and form an opening 216 when a predetermined trigger is activated. Such a game field 5 has a shutter mechanism 51, an auxiliary field 52, and a sensor device 53 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13.

[0081] [Shutter mechanism] The shutter mechanism 51 is provided on the upper surface or the upper part of the lower housing 22. For example, two arrangement regions 225 are formed in the upper part of the lower housing 22 along both side surfaces of the lower housing 22 and protruding in the X-axis direction. The shutter mechanism 51 can be arranged in this arrangement region 225. The shutter mechanism 51 can support or drop the prize by opening and closing. That is, when the shutter mechanism 51 opens, an opening 216 is formed on the game field 5 (FIG. 12). The size of this opening 216 corresponds to the size of the cross section of the housing 2. Further, the shape of the opening 216 is a shape corresponding to the shape of the shutter mechanism 51. Such a shutter mechanism 51 has a drive part 511, a movable part 512, and a shutter part (mounting part) 513 as shown in FIG. 11. Note that the drive part 511 and the movable part 512 are also collectively referred to as a drive mechanism.

[0082] (Drive part) The drive part 511 has a function of moving the movable part 512 and is composed of a motor. The installation position of the drive part 511 is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the operation of each part of the shutter mechanism 51. In the present embodiment, the drive part 511 is provided in front of the side part of the shutter mechanism 51. The drive part 511 is driven according to the instruction of the control part 9 when the prize gripping part 46 that grips the prize reaches the home position. However, it is not limited to this, and the drive part 511 may be driven when the player operates the operation part 3.

[0083] (Movable part) The movable part 512 has a function of opening and closing the shutter part 513. Therefore, the movable part 512 is formed in a long shape along the side part of the shutter part 513. Further, since the movable part 512 moves by the drive part 511, it is provided adjacent to the drive part 511. When the movable part 512 moves, the shutter part 513 moves and the opening 216 is formed. Such a movable part 512 has a pair of pulleys 5121, an annular belt 5122, a moving part 5123, and a guide rail 5124.

[0084] One of the pair of pulleys 5121, pulley 5121a, is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor and is configured to rotate. The other pulley 5121b is provided at a predetermined distance from pulley 5121a. The predetermined distance is set to be longer than the length of the shutter unit 513. The belt 5122 is suspended from the pair of pulleys 5121. As a result, it rotates around the pair of pulleys 5121.

[0085] The moving part 5123 has a function of moving the shutter part 513. The moving part 5123 is attached to the upper part of the belt 5122 on one side surface. Therefore, due to the rotation of the belt 5122, the moving part 5123 linearly moves between the pair of pulleys 5121. Also, the moving part 5123 is attached to the shutter part 513 on the other side surface. Therefore, due to the linear movement of the moving part 5123, the shutter part 513 moves within the movement range of the moving part 5123.

[0086] The shape of the moving part 5123 is not particularly limited as long as it moves along the belt 5122, such as cylindrical or prismatic. Also, the length of the moving part 5123 is not particularly limited. In order to open and close the shutter part 513 stably and reliably, the length of the moving part 5123 is preferably about 5 to 15 cm. Note that the moving part 5123 has a through hole for receiving the guide rail 5124.

[0087] The guide rail 5124 has a function of guiding the movement of the moving part 5123. Therefore, the guide rail 5124 is formed in a long bar shape. The guide rail 5124 is provided between the belt 5122 and the shutter part 513 along the movement direction (Y-axis direction) of the moving part 5123. And the guide rail 5124 is in through-fitting with the moving part 5123. Thereby, the movement of the moving part 5123 can be reliably guided.

[0088] (Shutter part) The shutter unit 513 functions as a support for placing prizes. The shutter unit 513 is formed in a size corresponding to the cross-section of the housing 2 and is arranged in the arrangement area 225. Also, one end of the side portion of the shutter unit 513 is connected to the moving unit 5123. As a result, as the moving unit 5123 moves, the shutter unit 513 moves. At this time, there is no arrangement area 225 on the back side of the lower part 22 of the housing. That is, the arrangement area 225 is formed along the Y-axis direction from the front surface to the middle of the back surface of the lower part 22 of the housing. Therefore, when the shutter unit 513 moves in the Y-axis direction, this arrangement area 225 disappears, so the shutter unit 513 comes to move in the Z-axis direction (FIG. 12). As a result, a part of the shutter unit 513 hangs down along the Z-axis, so the space can be effectively utilized and the housing 2 can be downsized.

[0089] When the shutter unit 513 moves and opens, an opening 216 is formed. As a result, the game space 215 and the prize taking-out space 223 communicate with each other. Then, the prize placed on the shutter unit 513 falls into the prize taking-out space 223. Since the shutter unit 513 is opened and closed by the movable unit 512, it is provided adjacent to the movable unit 512. Such a shutter unit 513 is composed of a plurality of long panels 5131 and wheels 5132 provided on them.

[0090] The plurality of long panels 5131 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the moving unit 5123 and are continuously arranged in the Y-axis direction along the guide rail 5124. As a result, there is no gap between the plurality of panels 5131, so the prize can be surely placed. The width (length in the Y-axis direction) of each panel 5131 is preferably about 3 to 10 cm. Also, the length (length in the X-axis direction) of each panel 5131 corresponds to the size of the opening 216 and is preferably about 30 to 100 cm. With such a size, the plurality of panels 5131 can move smoothly.

[0091] The number of the plurality of panels 5131 is not particularly limited, but about 5 to 15 sheets is preferable. Thereby, since the shutter part 513 bends flexibly, the opening and closing operation of the shutter part 513 can be performed smoothly. Further, since the shutter part 513 can be smoothly moved downward in the Z-axis direction, the space of the housing 2 can be effectively utilized, and the housing 2 can be downsized.

[0092] The plurality of panels 5131 may be arranged such that a part of them overlaps with each other or may be arranged intermittently at a predetermined interval. When the plurality of panels 5131 are arranged so as to partially overlap, the shutter part 513 can be bent more flexibly. Further, when the plurality of panels 5131 are arranged intermittently, since the opening 216 is exposed, even if the arm part 405 cannot grip the prize, by the arm part 405 contacting the prize, an impression that the prize falls into the prize extraction space 223 can be given to the player. The interval between the plurality of panels 5131 in this case may correspond to the width of one panel 5131 or the width of a plurality of sheets including two sheets.

[0093] Since the prize may be arranged on the shutter part 513, the shutter part 513 may be composed of a small number of panels 5131 such as three or four. Note that the plurality of panels 5131 may be rod-shaped members or plate-shaped members. Further, the plurality of panels 5131 may not be provided across the opening 216, may be formed to have a length shorter than the opening 216, and the opening 216 may be exposed. Furthermore, the plurality of panels 5131 may have a first group arranged so as to extend over the opening 216 from the movable part 512 side and a second group arranged so as to extend over the opening 216 from the side opposite to the movable part 512. Thereby, since the area of the opening 216 exposed from the shutter part 513 becomes large, an incentive to execute the game can be given to the player.

[0094] The wheel 5132 is provided at both ends of the plurality of panels 5131 so as to slightly protrude in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the wheel 5132 constitutes a first wheel row provided at one end of the plurality of panels 5131 and a second wheel row provided at the other end. The first wheel row is arranged in an arrangement area (first arrangement area) 225 provided on the movable part 512 side. Also, the second wheel row is arranged in an arrangement area (second arrangement area) 225 provided on the side opposite to the movable part 512. These wheels 5132 are aligned along the moving direction of the moving part 5123.

[0095] Therefore, due to the movement of the moving part 5123, the wheel 5132 can smoothly move on the arrangement area 225 and open and close the shutter part 513. The number of wheels 5132 is not particularly limited. Since the moving part 5123 is connected to one end of the shutter part 513, the number of wheels in the first wheel row may be less than the number of wheels in the second wheel row. Note that the shutter part 513 is installed in the housing 2 such that the left side in FIGS. 11 and 12 comes to the front of the game device 1.

[0096] [Auxiliary field] The auxiliary field 52 has a function of guiding the prize to the center of the game field 5. The auxiliary field 52 is formed in a frame shape and is provided on the shutter mechanism 51 along the outer periphery of the shutter mechanism 51. The position and shape where the auxiliary field 52 is installed are not limited to this. The auxiliary field 52 may be above the shutter mechanism 51 or set on the lower part 22 of the housing. Also, the auxiliary field 52 may be composed of a simple plate member or a protruding member. Such an auxiliary field 52 has a frame-shaped part 521, an inclined part 522, and an opening 523.

[0097] (Frame-shaped part) The frame-shaped part 521 is formed in a substantially square tube shape and stands in the Z-axis direction. The size of the frame-shaped part 521 substantially corresponds to the size of the shutter mechanism 51.

[0098] (Inclined part) The inclined portion 522 constitutes the inner peripheral surface of the auxiliary field 52 and guides the prize to the center of the shutter portion 513. The inclined portion 522 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the frame-shaped portion 521 (Z-axis). The predetermined angle is preferably about 10 to 60°. Thereby, the prize can be reliably guided to the shutter portion 513.

[0099] Further, the inclined portion 522 is composed of two stages, a steeply inclined portion 5221 and a gently inclined portion 5222, with different inclination angles from each other. The inclination angle of the steeply inclined portion 5221 with respect to the frame-shaped portion 521 is larger than the inclination angle of the gently inclined portion 5222 with respect to the frame-shaped portion 521. Specifically, the inclination angle of the steeply inclined portion 5221 is preferably 35 to 65°. Also, the inclination angle of the gently inclined portion 5222 is preferably about 5 to 35°. Further, the steeply inclined portion 5221 is disposed below the gently inclined portion 5222. That is, the steeply inclined portion 5221 is formed in an annular shape so as to be adjacent to the opening 523. This shape defines the opening 523.

[0100] In this way, due to the multi-stage configuration of the inclined portion 522, a large prize can be guided to the shutter portion 513 by the gently inclined portion 5222, and a small prize can be guided to the shutter portion 513 by the steeply inclined portion 5221. Also, regardless of the size of the prize, while guiding the prize to the shutter portion 513 to some extent by the gently inclined portion 5222, it can be reliably guided to the shutter portion 513 by the steeply inclined portion 5221. Thereby, the prize can be held at the center of the shutter portion 513.

[0101] Note that the angles of the steeply inclined portion 5221 and the gently inclined portion 5222 and the positional relationship between the steeply inclined portion 5221 and the gently inclined portion 5222 are not limited to the above-described configuration. The gently inclined portion 5222 may be provided adjacent to the opening 523. Also, the inclined portion 522 is not limited to a two-stage configuration and may be a multi-stage configuration. In this case, the inclination angle may be gradually increased, gradually decreased, or randomly set from the opening 523 side.

[0102] (Opening) When the shutter unit 513 is open, the opening 523 allows the game space 215 and the prize collection space 223 to communicate with each other. As a result, the opening 523 overlaps with the opening 216. Further, the opening 523 is formed at the center of the auxiliary field 52. The shape of the opening 523 is not particularly limited and may be circular, square, elliptical, triangular, or the like. Among these, the shape of the opening 523 is preferably circular. Thereby, prizes can be guided from the entire circumferential direction of the inclined portion 522 to the center of the shutter unit 513.

[0103] Note that the configuration of the game field 5 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and any configuration may be used as long as prizes can be transferred to the prize collection space 223. For example, the shutter mechanism 51 may have an auxiliary field 52. Further, the auxiliary field 52 may not exist.

[0104] [Sensor device] The sensor device 53 detects whether a prize exists on the shutter unit 513. As shown in FIG. 13, the sensor device 53 is provided in a through hole provided on the surface of the gently inclined portion 5222 of the auxiliary field 52. The sensor device 53 is not particularly limited and is composed of various sensors such as a camera, a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, a constant pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, and a photoelectric sensor. In the present embodiment, the sensor device 53 is composed of a pair of photoelectric sensors including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The pair of photoelectric sensors is provided in through holes provided at opposing positions of the gently inclined portion 5222.

[0105] As described above, the game device 1 is configured such that the game field 5 itself opens and closes to form the opening 216. That is, since the opening 216 and the game field 5 are formed integrally or overlapping in the Z-axis direction, downsizing of the housing 2 can be achieved, unlike conventional crane game devices. Further, since the auxiliary field 52 can always guide prizes to the center of the game field 5, it is possible to prevent the prizes from being scattered in the game field 5.

[0106] <Input unit> Next, returning to FIG. 2, the input unit 7 will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the input unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The input unit 7 has a function of simply receiving an input or receiving input information from the prize gripping unit 46. When the input unit 7 simply receives an input from the prize gripping unit 46, the input unit 7 only comes into contact with or is pressed by the prize gripping unit 46. Therefore, the input unit 7 functions as merely a decorative member (FIG. 14). On the other hand, when the input unit 7 receives input information, the input unit 7 has a function of receiving, as input information, information (trigger information) that can open the shutter unit 513.

[0107] The shape of the input unit 7 is not particularly limited, and it may be dome-shaped, hemispherical, cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical, prismatic, rod-shaped, or the like. In the present embodiment, the input unit 7 is formed of a dome-shaped button. The input unit 7 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 within the game space 215. More specifically, it is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 that intersects the extension line of the path along which the prize gripping unit 46 moves. Thereby, due to the upward movement of the prize gripping unit 46, the prize gripping unit 46 can surely press or contact the input unit 7. Note that the position of the input unit 7 is not particularly limited, and it may be provided on the side surface or the back surface of the housing 2 according to the configuration of the game device 1. Also, the number of the input units 7 is not particularly limited, and there may be two or more.

[0108] (Trigger information) Incidentally, when a predetermined trigger is activated, the game field 5 communicates the game space 215 and the prize extraction space 223. Specifically, when the control unit 9 receives trigger information, the control unit 9 controls the drive unit 511 to open the shutter unit 513. This trigger information is not particularly limited, and includes input information to the input unit 7, operation input information to the operation unit 3, home position information from the home position sensor 472a, upper limit information from the upper limit sensor 472b, information from the sensor device of the prize gripping unit 46, the sensor device 53 of the game field 5, predetermined time information after the prize gripping unit 46 reaches the home position, and the like.

[0109] When the trigger information is the input information to the input unit 7, the control unit 9 controls the drive unit 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. By activating this trigger, the shutter unit 513 opens, and the aperture 216 is formed. Also, when the trigger information is upper limit information or home position information, etc., the control unit 9 similarly controls the drive unit 511. In this case, since the input unit 7 functions as merely a decorative member, it may not exist.

[0110] Thus, since the shutter unit 513 is configured to open when the control unit 9 acquires predetermined trigger information, the prize does not accidentally fall into the prize extraction space 223. Also, since the control unit 9 can change the trigger information to various information, the trigger for opening the shutter unit 513 can be changed. Thereby, various ways of playing can be provided to the player.

[0111] <Prize replenishing device> FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a prize replenishing device of a game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a prize replenishing unit of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 17 to 20 are enlarged perspective views schematically showing the internal configuration of the prize replenishing unit of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The prize replenishing device 6 has a function of displaying prizes and a function of replenishing the prizes displayed to the game field 5. As shown in FIG. 15, the prize replenishing device 6 is provided on the rear side of the upper part 21 of the housing so as not to come into contact with the prize gripping part 46. That is, the prize replenishing device 6 is provided adjacent to the game field 5 within the game space 215. However, the prize replenishing device 6 may be provided on the upper surface or side surface of the upper part 21 of the housing or a part thereof may be on the game field 5 as long as it does not interfere with the operation of the prize gripping part 46. Such a prize replenishing device 6 has, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a base 60, a plurality of prize replenishing units 61, and a guide part 62.

[0113] [Base] The pedestal 60 has a function of installing the prize replenishment unit 61. The pedestal 60 is provided on the back surface of the upper part 21 of the housing. The pedestal 60 is composed of two support columns 601 erected on both sides of the back surface of the upper part 21 of the housing and a connecting member 602 connecting the two support columns 601. Thus, the pedestal 60 is formed in a substantially H shape. The support columns 601 are provided in the Z-axis direction across the game space 215, but are not limited thereto. The support columns 601 may be half the height of the upper part 21 of the housing.

[0114] The connecting member 602 attaches the prize replenishment unit 61. The number of the connecting members 602 is not particularly limited and may be one or three or more. Thereby, the prize replenishment units 61 can be installed in multiple stages. The connecting member 602 is provided in the X-axis direction across the game space 215, but is not limited thereto. The connecting member 602 may be half the width of the upper part 21 of the housing. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 602 includes two connecting members 602 spaced apart in the Z-axis direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] [Prize replenishment unit] The prize replenishment unit 61 displays prizes and provides the prizes to the game field 5. The prize replenishment unit 61 is installed in two upper and lower stages on the connecting member 602 of the pedestal 60. Two prize replenishment units 61 are fitted to the upper connecting member (first support member) 602, and two prize replenishment units 61 are fitted to the lower connecting member (second support member) 602. However, the number of the prize replenishment units 61 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of the prize replenishment units 61 installed on the upper connecting member 602 may be more or less than the number of the prize replenishment units 61 installed on the lower connecting member 602. If there are many prize replenishment units 61 on the lower connecting member 602, prizes can be reliably replenished. On the other hand, if there are many prize replenishment units 61 on the upper connecting member 602, players can be advertised about what kind of prizes can be obtained.

[0116] These plurality of prize replenishment units 61 are assigned, for example, identification numbers and stored in the storage unit 8. Thereby, the control unit 9 can identify which prize replenishment unit 61 has replenished the prize in conjunction with the information on the displacement of the displacement unit 616 described later. In particular, when replenishing the prize, the prize replenishment device 6 of the present embodiment operates the prize replenishment unit 61 of the lower connecting member 602 prior to the prize replenishment unit 61 of the upper connecting member 602 so as not to adversely affect the prizes on other prize replenishment units 61. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the unintended dropping of the prizes due to the operation of other prize replenishment units 61.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 20, such a prize replenishment unit 61 includes a main body 611, a drive unit 612, a power transmission unit 613, a power application unit 614, a locking unit 615, a displacement unit 616, a manual mechanism 617, and a placement unit 618. The prize replenishment unit 61 replenishes the prize on the placement unit 618 to the game field 5 by changing the posture of the displacement unit 616.

[0118] (Main body) The main body 611 is formed in a box shape. The main body 611 has a function of accommodating each part of the prize replenishment unit 61. The main body 611 has a first space for accommodating the drive unit 612 and the power transmission unit 613, a second space for accommodating the power application unit 614 and the locking unit 615, and a third space for accommodating the displacement unit 616 and the manual mechanism 617. The first space and the second space are adjacent to each other and are also adjacent to the third space. The third space is disposed at a position that constitutes the front surface (the surface on the game field 5 side) of the prize replenishment unit 61. The first space and the second space are disposed on the rear surface side of the third space. Thereby, the main body 611 can be made compact and can be easily fitted into the connecting member 602.

[0119] (Drive unit) The drive unit 612 has a function of providing power for displacing the displacement unit 616. The drive unit 612 is constituted by, for example, a motor. The drive unit 612 is provided adjacent to the third space at the lower part of the first space. The drive unit 612 continues to be driven according to an instruction from the control unit 9.

[0120] (Power transmission unit) The power transmission unit 613 has a function of transmitting the power from the drive unit 612 to the power application unit 614. The power transmission unit 613 is provided adjacent to the drive unit 612 at the rear of the first space. Such a power transmission unit 613 has a rotor 6131, a wheel 6132, a shaft 6133, a gear 6134, and a protrusion 6135.

[0121] The rotor 6131 is connected to the shaft of the drive unit 612 by its shaft. Thereby, the rotor 6131 is configured to rotate. Grooves or ridges (not shown) are formed on the surface of the rotor 6131. The grooves or ridges are formed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation direction of the rotor 6131. That is, the grooves or ridges are formed obliquely with respect to the circumferential direction of the rotor 6131.

[0122] The wheel 6132 is provided on the rotor 6131 orthogonally to the rotation direction of the rotor 6131. Grooves or ridges (not shown) are formed on the surface of the wheel 6132. The grooves or ridges are formed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation direction of the wheel 6132. And these grooves or ridges are fitted to the grooves or ridges of the rotor 6131. Thereby, the wheel 6132 is configured to rotate by the rotation of the rotor 6131.

[0123] The shaft 6133 functions as the rotation axis of the wheel 6132. The proximal end of the shaft 6133 is connected to the center of the wheel 6132, and its distal end extends toward the second space. Thus, the shaft 6133 is configured to rotate when the wheel 6132 rotates. Further, grooves or ridges (not shown) are formed at the distal end of the shaft 6133. These grooves or ridges are formed along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6133.

[0124] The gear 6134 is provided on the distal end of the shaft 6133 so as to fit into the grooves or ridges at the distal end of the shaft 6133. Thus, the gear 6134 is configured to rotate when the shaft 6133 rotates. The gear 6134 transmits power to the power application unit 614. The gear 6134 has a protrusion 6135 provided along the circumference on its side surface. The protrusion 6135 is provided so as to contact the shaft 6133 between the gear 6134 and the wheel 6132. Such a protrusion 6135 is formed in a semi-circular shape.

[0125] Here, the prize replenishment unit 61 has a pair of sensors (not shown) in the first space of the main body 611. The pair of sensors are provided spaced apart vertically in the first space between the gear 6134 and the wheel 6132. And these sensors are constantly emitting and receiving light. The protrusion 6135 has a function of cutting off the light of this sensor when the gear 6134 rotates. When the gear 6134 rotates, the protrusion 6135 also rotates and blocks the light of the pair of sensors. Thereby, the control unit 9 determines that the power of the drive unit 612 has been transmitted to the power application unit 614, and controls the drive unit 612 to stop.

[0126] (Power application unit) The power applying unit 614 has a function of applying power to the locking unit 615. The power applying unit 614 is disposed in the second space of the main body 611 and is axially connected to the gear 6134. Thus, the power applying unit 614 is configured to rotate when the gear 6134 rotates. The power applying unit 614 has a protrusion 6141 on the outer peripheral side of its side surface. The protrusion 6141 is provided so as to contact the locking unit 615 when the power applying unit 614 rotates.

[0127] (Locking unit) The locking unit 615 has a function of locking the displacement unit 616. The locking unit 615 is provided adjacent to the power applying unit 614 and the displacement unit 616 within the second space. Such a locking unit 615 includes a power receiving portion 6151, an attitude maintaining portion 6152, and a biasing means 6153. The power receiving portion 6151 receives power from the power applying unit 614. The power receiving portion 6151 is adjacent to the power applying unit 614 and is formed in a substantially triangular shape. When the power applying unit 614 rotates, the protrusion 6141 also rotates and presses the hypotenuse of the power receiving portion 6151. Thereby, the power receiving portion 6151 rotates toward the displacement unit 616 about its proximal end.

[0128] The attitude maintaining portion 6152 locks the displacement unit 616 at its tip. Thereby, the attitude of the displacement unit 616 can be maintained. The attitude maintaining portion 6152 is connected to the proximal end of the power receiving portion 6151 at its proximal end. Thereby, the locking unit 615 forms a substantially L shape as a whole. When the power receiving portion 6151 rotates, the attitude maintaining portion 6152 also rotates about its proximal end. That is, the entire locking unit 615 rotates toward the third space side about the proximal end of the power receiving portion 6151. Thereby, the locking between the attitude maintaining portion 6152 and the displacement unit 616 is released, and the displacement unit 616 is displaced.

[0129] The biasing means 6153 biases the attitude maintaining portion 6152 toward the bottom surface of the main body 611. The biasing means 6153 connects the proximal end of the attitude maintaining portion 6152 and the bottom surface of the main body 611. Thereby, even when the displacement unit 616 is not locked by the locking unit 615, the locking unit 615 maintains the attitude when the displacement unit 616 is locked by the locking unit 615 (standard state).

[0130] (Displacement part) The displacement part 616 has a function of providing prizes to the game field 5. The displacement part 616 is provided adjacent to the locking part 615 in the third space of the main body 611. Such a displacement part 616 has a rotating part 6161, a contact part 6162, and a fitting part 6163 as shown in FIG. 20. The rotating part 6161 is provided at the upper part of the third space along the front surface of the main body 611. The rotating part 6161 is formed in a long cylindrical shape. And the rotating part 6161 is configured to rotate toward the game field 5 side around the longitudinal axis.

[0131] The contact part 6162 is provided so as to extend downward from the end of the rotating part 6161. The contact part 6162 is formed in a strip shape. And the tip of the contact part 6162 is in contact with the tip of the posture maintaining part 6152. Thereby, the contact part 6162 maintains a posture parallel to the Z axis. The fitting part 6163 has a function of fitting with the mounting part 618. The fitting part 6163 is provided on the rotating part 6161 so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the contact part 6162. When the posture of the contact part 6162 is maintained, the fitting part 6163 maintains a posture parallel to the Y axis. Thereby, the fitting part 6163 protrudes from the main body 611 in the Y-axis direction and can keep the mounting part 618 horizontal (posture maintaining state).

[0132] (Mounting part) The mounting part 618 has a function of mounting supplementary prizes. The mounting part 618 fits into the fitting part 6163 of the displacement part 616 as shown in FIG. 16. The shape of the mounting part 618 is not particularly limited, and may be any shape such as a rod shape, a triangular shape, a long shape, a rectangular shape, a flat plate shape, a plate shape, a semi-circular shape, a circular shape, etc. The size of the mounting part 618 is not particularly limited either, but it is preferably larger than the upper surface of the main body 611. Therefore, the mounting part 618 has a size that covers the upper surface of the main body 611 in the posture maintaining state (FIG. 16). Thereby, large prizes can also be mounted. Note that the mounting part 618 may be provided with an anti-slip member on its surface so that the prize is stably mounted.

[0133] (Manual mechanism) The prize replenishment unit 61 may have a manual mechanism 617 for manually releasing the locking between the locking portion 615 and the displacement portion 616. The manual mechanism 617 is used, for example, when releasing the posture maintaining state in which the displacement portion 616 is locked to the locking portion 615. The manual mechanism 617 has a guide portion 6171 and a release portion 6172. The guide portion 6171 is fixed to the tip of the posture maintaining portion 6152. Therefore, the guide portion 6171 is configured to operate together with the locking portion 615.

[0134] The release portion 6172 is formed in an L shape. The base end of the release portion 6172 is connected to the guide portion 6171. The tip of the release portion 6172 protrudes from the front surface of the main body 611. The release portion 6172 is configured to rotate about the corner of the L shape. For example, FIG. 19 shows the posture maintaining state. In this state, when the tip of the release portion 6172 is pushed upward, the release portion 6172 rotates about the corner, and its base end moves to the front surface side of the main body 611. Along with this, since the guide portion 6171 is fixed to the locking portion 615, the locking portion 615 rotates, and the guide portion 6171 moves downward. As a result, the locking between the posture maintaining portion 6152 and the contact portion 6162 is released.

[0135] When locking the displacement portion 616 to the locking portion 615, the fitting portion 6163 is manually set to the posture maintaining state. Specifically, when the fitting portion 6163 is manually lifted upward, the tip of the contact portion 6162 comes into contact with the upper surface of the posture maintaining portion 6152. Then, the contact portion 6162 moves to the tip side of the posture maintaining portion 6152 so as to slide on the upper surface of the posture maintaining portion 6152, thereby applying a force to the posture support portion 6152. At this time, the locking portion 615 rotates toward the displacement portion 616 about the base end of the posture support portion 6152. As a result, the contact portion 6162 comes into contact with the front end surface of the posture support portion 6152. Thereby, the contact portion 6162 is locked to the locking portion 615.

[0136] [Guide portion] The guide unit 62 has a function of guiding the prize to the game field 5. The guide unit 62 is provided on the base 60 adjacent to the game field 5 between the prize replenishment unit 61 and the game field 5. The guide unit 62 is composed of an inclined plate. The guide unit 62 is not limited to this, and may be composed of a grating plate or may not exist. If there is a guide unit 62, the prize that has fallen from the prize replenishment unit 61 can be surely guided to the game field 5 by the guide unit 62. In addition, the guide unit 62 and the inclined portion 522 of the auxiliary field 52 can surely guide the prize to the shutter unit 513.

[0137] Such a prize replenishing device 6 changes its state between a state of displaying a prize (display state) and a state of replenishing the game field 5 with a prize (replenishment state). As shown in FIG. 15, when the placement portion 618 of the prize replenishment unit 61 is in the posture maintaining state (display state), the prize to be replenished is displayed. Thereby, the player can play the game apparatus 1 while timing the time when the desired prize is replenished to the game field 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, when changing from the display state to the state of FIG. 24(b) (replenishment state), the prize placed on the placement portion 618 falls to the game field 5 (FIG. 24(c)). In this case, even if there is no administrator of the game apparatus 1, the game field 5 can be automatically replenished with prizes. Therefore, the labor of the game administrator can be saved, and the advertising effect by prize display can also be exhibited. In addition, with a simple device configuration, the prize can be surely replenished at the intended position of the game field 5.

[0138] <Detection unit> In addition to the above-described configuration, the game device 1 may include a detection unit. The detection unit has a function of detecting the operations of each member of the game device 1. The detection unit is not particularly limited, and is composed of various sensors such as a camera, an acceleration sensor, a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, a constant pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, and a photoelectric sensor. In the game device 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the detection unit is provided on the side surface constituting the prize extraction space 223. And the detection unit is composed of a photoelectric sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Thereby, it is possible to detect whether or not a prize exists in the prize extraction space 223 of the lower part of the housing 22.

[0139] Returning to FIG. 2, the internal configuration of the game device 1 will be described.

[0140] <Storage unit> The storage unit 8 includes a ROM that stores game programs executed by the CPU and a RAM that temporarily stores calculation results executed by the CPU. Specifically, the storage unit 8 stores data indicating the speed and distance at which the movable part 45 of the moving mechanism 4 moves up and down, the rotation speed and rotation angle of the rotating body 40, the gripping force of the arm part 405, the illuminance of the lighting device of the arm part 405, the speed and distance at which the movable part 512 of the shutter mechanism 51 moves, etc., the number of game executions, the number of times the prize has moved to the prize extraction space, the rotation information of the placement part 618 that has rotated, the identification number of the prize replenishment unit 61, and all other data.

[0141] <Control unit> The control unit 9 includes a CPU that executes a game program and controls the entire game device 1. The control unit 9 has an information acquisition unit 91, an information processing unit 92, an operation control unit 93, and an information setting unit 94. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the control unit 9 will be described.

[0142] (Information acquisition unit) The information acquisition unit 91 acquires input information from the operation unit 3, input information from the input unit 7, information detected by the detection unit (for example, prize position information), information detected by each sensor device and detection device 47, etc. The acquired information is provided to the information processing unit 92.

[0143] (Information Processing Unit) The information processing unit 92 has a function of processing the entire game. In particular, the information processing unit 92 has a function of processing the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 91 and instructing the operation control unit 93. Specifically, the information processing unit 92 provides the operation control unit 93 with the input information from the operation unit 3 so as to operate the rotating body 40, the drive unit 511, the drive unit 41, etc. Further, the information processing unit 92 provides the operation control unit 93 with the information from the sensor device 53, the sensor device, the detection unit, etc. so as to operate the drive unit 41, the arm unit 405, the prize replenishment unit 61, the drive unit 511, etc.

[0144] (Operation Control Unit) The operation control unit 93 has a function of controlling the operations of the moving mechanism 4, the game field 5, and the prize replenishment device 6. When the player operates the operation unit 3, the operation control unit 93 controls to drive the drive unit 41. Next, when the prize gripping unit 46 contacts the prize and when it reaches the home position, the operation control unit 93 operates the drive motor 4041 of the arm unit 402 of the prize gripping unit 46 and controls to open and close the arm unit 405.

[0145] Also, when the operation control unit 93 receives the information that the prize gripping unit 46 has reached the home position, it operates the drive unit 511 and controls to open the shutter unit 513. Further, when the operation control unit 93 acquires the information that the prize exists in the prize extraction space 223, it operates the drive unit 612 of the prize replenishment unit 61 and controls to rotate the placement unit 618.

[0146] Note that the operation control unit 93 may control the shutter mechanism 51 to open and close the shutter unit 513 after a certain period of time has elapsed, regardless of whether the prize gripping unit 46 has gripped the prize. In this case, the shutter unit 513 may be fully opened, half-opened, or opened and closed step by step. Also, the operation control unit 93 may control the shutter mechanism 51 to open and close the shutter unit 513 when there is a change in weight in the shutter unit 513.

[0147] (Information Setting Unit) The information setting unit 94 sets setting information such as the rotational speed and rotational angle of the rotating body 40, the gripping force of the arm unit 405, and the illuminance of the lighting device of the arm unit 405 based on the information stored in the storage unit 8. That is, the information setting unit 94 updates the above setting information based on the operation input from the operation unit 3 or randomly. The updated setting information is stored in the storage unit 8. Thereby, the operation control unit 93 can control each unit based on the updated setting information.

[0148] In addition, the control unit 9 may have an interfering means for interfering with the opening and closing of the shutter mechanism 51 and the gripping of the prize by the prize gripping unit 46. For example, the interfering means may instruct the operation control unit 93 to temporarily stop the drive unit 41 of the moving mechanism 4. Further, the interfering means may instruct the operation control unit 93 to swing the prize gripping unit 46 by a swinging mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the interfering means may instruct the operation control unit 93 to rotate the rotating body 40 during the lifting and lowering of the prize gripping unit 46 or to stop the opening and closing of the shutter unit 513 halfway. By such means, it becomes difficult to obtain the prize, and the difficulty level of the game is improved.

[0149] 2. Operation method of the game device Next, the operation method of the game device of the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] First, the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot (not shown) of the prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B that the player wants to play. Thereby, the game starts. At this time, as shown on the left side of FIG. 1, the prize gripping unit 46 is located at the home position (initial position). Also, the rotating body 40 of the prize gripping unit 46 is rotating around the Z axis. In this state, the player presses the operation unit 3 assuming the location where the arm unit 405 grips the prize. Thereby, the operation unit 3 receives the input from the player (S1). Note that the rotation of the rotating body 40 may be operated by the joystick of the operation unit 3.

[0151] When the operation unit 3 receives an input, the control unit 9 stops the motor 492 of the prize gripping unit 46. As a result, the rotation of the rotating body 40 stops (S2). Next, the control unit 9 drives the drive unit 41 of the moving mechanism 4, and the movable part 45 descends. Along with this, the prize gripping unit 46 also descends (S3). Next, the control unit 9 determines whether the arm unit 405 has contacted the prize (S4). If the control unit 9 does not acquire information (contact information) that the arm unit 405 and the prize have contacted from the sensor device of the prize gripping unit 46, it determines that the arm unit 405 has not contacted the prize. As a result, the process returns to step (S3). On the other hand, when the control unit 9 acquires the contact information from the sensor device, it stops the operation of the drive unit 41. As a result, the descent of the prize gripping unit 46 stops (S5). Note that the above operations are schematically shown in FIG. 23.

[0152] Next, the control unit 9 operates the drive motor 4041 of the arm unit 402. As a result, the arm unit 405 rotates about its base end, and the arm unit 405 closes (S6). After that, the control unit 9 drives the drive unit 41 of the moving mechanism 4 again. As a result, the movable part 45 rises, and the prize gripping unit 46 also rises (S7). The rising may be performed by continuous input to the operation unit 3 by the player. Next, the control unit 9 determines whether the prize gripping unit 46 (movable part 45) is located at the home position by the second detection device group 472 of the moving mechanism 4 (S8). If the control unit 9 does not acquire information (home position information) from the second detection device group 472, it determines that the prize gripping unit 46 has not reached the home position. As a result, the process returns to step S7, and the rising of the prize gripping unit 46 continues. Note that the above operations are schematically shown in FIG. 23.

[0153] On the one hand, in step S8, when the control unit 9 acquires the home position information from the second detection device group 472, it determines that the prize gripping unit 46 has reached the home position. As a result, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the control unit 9 determines whether the arm unit 405 is gripping the prize based on the information (gripping information) from the sensor device of the prize gripping unit 46 and the information (prize information) from the sensor device 53 of the game field 5 (S9). When the control unit 9 determines that the arm unit 405 is gripping the prize, the control unit 9 determines that the prize gripping unit 46 has reached the goal position (S10). As a result, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the drive unit 41 and stops the ascent of the prize gripping unit 46 (S11).

[0154] When the control unit 9 acquires the gripping information and / or does not acquire the prize information, it determines that the arm unit 405 is gripping the prize. Then, the control unit 9 operates the drive unit 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. As a result, the moving part 5123 moves and the shutter part 513 opens (S12). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, an opening 216 is formed, and the game space 215 and the prize extraction space 223 communicate with each other. Then, the control unit 9 operates the drive motor 4011 of the arm unit 402. As a result, the arm unit 405 rotates about the base end (S13).

[0155] Then, the prize falls from the prize gripping unit 46 through the opening 216 into the prize extraction space 223 (S14). After that, the control unit 9 operates the drive unit 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. As a result, the shutter part 513 closes due to the movement of the moving part 5123 (S15). From the above, the game ends.

[0156] On the other hand, in step S9, when the control unit 9 does not acquire the gripping information and / or when it acquires the prize information, it determines that the arm unit 405 is not gripping the prize. As a result, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the drive unit 41 and stops the ascent of the prize gripping unit 46 (S16). Then, the control unit 9 operates the drive motor 4011 of the arm unit 402. As a result, the arm unit 405 rotates about the base end (S17). Thereby, the game ends.

[0157] 3. Operation method of the prize replenishment device Next, the operation method of the prize replenishing device of the game apparatus of the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the prize replenishing device of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the prize replenishing device of the game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The prize replenishing device 6 operates after the player's play ends. That is, the prize replenishing device 6 operates after the operation of the game apparatus 1 described with reference to FIG. 21 ends.

[0158] First, the sensor device 53 of the game field 5 detects the prize on the shutter unit 513. The control unit 9 determines whether or not it has acquired the prize information from the sensor device 53 (S21). Thereby, the control unit 9 determines whether or not the prize exists on the shutter unit 513. When the control unit 9 acquires the prize information, it determines that the prize exists on the shutter unit 513 and ends the process. On the other hand, in step S21, when the control unit 9 does not acquire the prize information, it determines that the prize does not exist on the shutter unit 513. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22. Note that the control unit 9 may determine the presence of the prize including information on whether or not the detection unit at the lower part of the housing 22 has detected the prize in the prize extraction space 223 in addition to the prize information.

[0159] In step S22, the control unit 9 determines whether there is a prize in the lower prize replenishment unit 61 of the prize replenishment device 6 (S22). Since the information (rotation information) indicating that the placement unit 618 of the lower prize replenishment unit 61 has rotated is stored in the storage unit 8, the control unit 9 refers to the storage unit 8 and determines whether there is rotation information. If the control unit 9 determines that there is no rotation information, it determines that there is a prize in the lower prize replenishment unit 61. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0160] The control unit 9 operates the drive unit 612 of the lower prize replenishment unit 61 to rotate the placement unit 618 (S23). As a result, the prize drops from the placement unit 618, and the prize is replenished to the game field 5 (S24). The above operations are shown in FIGS. 24(a) to (c). Through such operations, the prize replenishment operation ends.

[0161] On the other hand, in step S22, if the control unit 9 determines that there is rotation information, it determines that there is no prize in the lower prize replenishment unit 61. Then, the process proceeds to step S25. Next, the control unit 9 determines whether there is a prize in the upper prize replenishment unit 61 of the prize replenishment device 6 (S25). Since the information (rotation information) indicating that the placement unit 618 of the upper prize replenishment unit 61 has rotated is stored in the storage unit 8, the control unit 9 refers to the storage unit 8 and determines whether there is rotation information. If the control unit 9 determines that there is no rotation information, it determines that there is a prize in the upper prize replenishment unit 61. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0162] The control unit 9 operates the drive unit 612 of the upper prize replenishment unit 61 to rotate the placement unit 618 (S26). As a result, the prize drops from the placement unit 618, and the prize is replenished to the game field 5 (S24). The above operations are shown in FIGS. 24(a) to (c). Through such operations, the prize replenishment operation ends. On the other hand, in step S25, if the control unit 9 determines that there is rotation information, it determines that there is no prize in the upper prize replenishment unit 61. As a result, the process ends. The above operations are repeated until there are no more prizes in the prize replenishment device 6.

[0163] As described above, the foregoing processing method can be created by a program executed by a computer. Such a program is realized by a CPU (central processing unit), a microprocessor, a GPU (graphic processing unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0164] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0165] Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

[0166] The game device 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment except that the moving mechanism 4 rotates about the Z axis. Specifically, the game device 1 of the present embodiment has a rotating mechanism (not shown) below or around the moving mechanism 4 shown in FIG. 3. The rotating mechanism rotates the entire moving mechanism 4 around the central axis of the moving mechanism 4. The configuration of the rotating mechanism is not particularly limited as long as the moving mechanism 4 can be rotated.

[0167] The moving mechanism 4 rotates 360° clockwise or counterclockwise about the central axis. As a result, the prize gripping part 46 of the prize acquisition game device 1A can move to the game space 215 of the prize acquisition game device 1B. Thereby, the prize gripping part 46 of the prize acquisition game device 1A is used as the prize gripping part 46 of the prize acquisition game device 1B.

[0168] In this way, since the moving mechanism 4 rotates in the game device 1 of the present embodiment, the second set of the moving mechanism 4 can be omitted, and the game device 1 can be further miniaturized. In addition, even when there are no more prizes in the prize acquisition game device 1A, the prize gripping part 46 can be moved to the prize acquisition game device 1B, so that the frequency of replenishing the prizes can be reduced.

[0169] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where there are a first set and a second set of the moving mechanism 4 has been described, but either the first set or the second set may be absent. Further, since the moving mechanism 4 of the game device 1 of this embodiment rotates, the game device 1 may be composed of a plurality of prize acquisition game devices.

[0170] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a game field of the game device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0172] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the game field 5 is different. Specifically, the game field 5 of the third embodiment is configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the Z axis. Such a game field 5 has a shutter mechanism 55 and a partition wall 56.

[0173] <Shutter Mechanism> The shutter mechanism 55 has a drive unit (not shown), a movable part 552, and a shutter part 553. (Drive Unit) The drive unit has a function of rotationally moving the movable part 552, and is composed of, for example, a rotary motor. The drive unit is provided in the lower part of the housing 22 below the movable part 552.

[0174] (Movable Part) The movable part 552 has a function of rotating the shutter part 553. Therefore, the movable part 552 is formed in a columnar shape at the center of the shutter part 553. The movable part 552 is connected to a driving part provided at its lower part. Therefore, due to the rotational driving of the driving part, the movable part 552 is configured to rotate. Further, the movable part 552 has an opening (not shown) on its side surface for receiving the shutter part 553.

[0175] (Shutter part) The shutter part 553 is composed of the prize replenishment unit 61 of the prize replenishment device 6 in the first embodiment. The main body 611 of the prize replenishment unit 61 is fitted into the opening of the movable part 552, and only the placement part 618 is shown. The placement part (also referred to as a "support") 618 supports prizes and is formed in a rod shape or a long shape. The number of prize replenishment units 61 is not particularly limited and may be one or a plurality of two or more. When reducing the number of prize replenishment units 61, in order to reduce the exposed area of the opening 216, the placement part 618 can also be made flat or fan-shaped. Thereby, the area of the placement part 618 can be increased.

[0176] The placement part 618 is connected to the fitting part 6163 at its proximal end and is horizontally provided along the radial direction of the opening 216 so as to protrude from the main body 611. When the locking between the locking part 615 and the displacement part 616 of the prize replenishment unit 61 is released, the placement part 618 rotates about its proximal end and is displaced vertically downward. Thereby, the game space 215 and the prize extraction space 223 communicate with each other. Then, the prize arranged on the placement part 618 falls into the prize extraction space 223.

[0177] <Partition wall> The partition wall 56 is provided between a plurality of supports 554 across the opening 216 so as to protrude from the side surface of the movable part 552. Therefore, the partition wall 56 has a function of partitioning the opening 216 into a plurality of regions. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the partition wall 56 partitions the opening 216 into four first to fourth regions at equal intervals. As a result, a plurality of prize replenishment units 61 are divided into the first to fourth regions. Further, prizes can be arranged in the first to fourth regions according to the types and sizes of the prizes. Note that the number of the partition walls 56 is not particularly limited, and may be 0, 1, or two or more.

[0178] In the game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the prize gripping part 46 grips a prize and returns to the home position, for example, a plurality of placement parts 618a in the first region 216a are displaced. At this time, all the placement parts 618a may be displaced at once or may be displaced in sequence. Further, even if one placement part 618a is displaced for each play, or one placement part 618a may be displaced when the prize gripping part 46 returns to the home position while gripping the prize. These displacements are controlled by the control unit 9.

[0179] In the present embodiment, since the movable part 552 rotates, even if the placement part 618 is displaced, the prize that has fallen from the home position does not necessarily surely move to the prize extraction space 223. Specifically, when a plurality of placement parts 618a in the first region 216a are displaced and the position where the prize has fallen coincides with the first region 216a, the prize falls into the prize extraction space 223 through the first region 216a. However, when the position where the prize has fallen does not coincide with the first region 216a, the prize falls into the other second to fourth regions. In this case, the prize is supported by a plurality of placement parts 618 in the second to fourth regions. Further, the prize may bounce on the plurality of placement parts 618 in the second to fourth regions and fall from the first region 216a. With such a configuration, the game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can provide the difficulty of obtaining a prize and give excitement to the player.

[0180] Since the game field 5 of this embodiment rotates, the game field 5 may be used as one game field 5 for the prize-winning game devices 1A and 1B. In this case, for example, the moving mechanism 4 of FIG. 1 is installed on the movable part 552 of FIG. 25. Thereby, various types of prizes can be obtained with one game device 1. Further, since the position of the prize due to the rotation of the game field 5 and the position of the descent of the prize gripping part 46 must be matched, the difficulty of obtaining a prize can be provided to the player.

[0181] <<Fourth Embodiment>> Next, a fourth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the moving mechanism of the game device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0183] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, it is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the movable part 45 of the moving mechanism 4 is different. Specifically, the movable part 45 of the moving mechanism 4 of the fourth embodiment has a connecting part (rotating part) 454 between the receiving part 452 and the connecting part 453. The connecting part 454 has a function of rotating the prize gripping part 46 around the X axis orthogonal to the shaft 42. The connecting part 454 is rotated by a rotation motor (for example, the rotation motor of the prize gripping part 46) not shown.

[0184] As a result, the arm portion 405 of the prize-holding unit 46 can be directed toward the prize replenishing device 6. Therefore, the arm portion 405 can hold the prizes on the placing portion 618 of the prize replenishing device 6. Thereby, even if the prize replenishing device 6 does not move, the prize-holding unit 46 can drop the prizes onto the game field 5. In this way, since the game device 1 of the present embodiment can replenish the prizes onto the game field 5 with the prize-holding unit 46, a special mechanism of the prize replenishing device 6 is not required. That is, the prize replenishing device 6 can function as a mere prize shelf.

[0185] Note that after the arm portion 405 holds the prize, the connecting portion 454 moves again to return the prize-holding unit 46 to its original state. Further, according to the arrangement state of the prizes on the game field 5, the connecting portion 454 may be moved, and the prize-holding unit 46 itself may be angled with respect to the Z axis. Thereby, depending on the arrangement state of the prizes, the possibility of holding the prizes can be increased.

[0186] <<Fifth Embodiment>> Next, a fifth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a moving mechanism of the game device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the first and fourth embodiments described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0188] In the game device 1 of the present embodiment, it is the same as the game device 1 of the first and fourth embodiments except that the configuration of the movable portion 45 of the moving mechanism 4 is different. Specifically, the movable portion 45 of the present embodiment is configured such that the connecting portion (extension portion) 454 extends in the X-axis direction. For example, when receiving input information from the operation unit 3, the operation control unit 93 controls the drive unit 41 to extend the connecting portion 454 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the prize-holding unit 46 provided at the tip of the movable portion 45 moves in the X-axis direction.

[0189] Such stretching may be performed in one step or in multiple steps of two or more steps. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the stretching is performed in two steps. Specifically, the connecting portion 454 has a first stretching portion having a smaller diameter than the connecting portion 453 and a second stretching portion having a smaller diameter than the first stretching portion. The second stretching portion is accommodated in the first stretching portion, and the first stretching portion is accommodated in the connecting portion 453. Therefore, the first stretching portion can extend from the connecting portion 453, and the second stretching portion can further extend from the first stretching portion. Thereby, no matter where the prize is arranged in the game field 5, the prize gripping portion 46 can be arranged directly above the prize.

[0190] As described above, in the game apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the prize gripping portion 46 moves in the X-axis direction by the stretching of the connecting portion 454, the moving mechanism 4 can be arranged at a position away from the game field 5. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the moving mechanism 4 can be arranged on the side surface side of the upper portion 21 of the housing. Thereby, the space between the prize acquisition game apparatuses 1A and 1B can be effectively utilized for other purposes.

[0191] Further, since the prize gripping portion 46 can move in the horizontal direction, the prize can be moved from the prize acquisition game apparatus 1A to the game field 5 of the prize acquisition game apparatus 1B while the arm portion 405 holds the prize. Thereby, the prize can be transferred to the prize extraction space 223 of the prize acquisition game apparatus 1B without dropping the prize from the home position. Therefore, even a prize that is vulnerable to impact can be transferred to the prize extraction space 223 without being damaged. Further, the prize gripping portion 46 may be suspended by a suspension member to the receiving portion 452.

[0192] <<Sixth Embodiment>> Next, a sixth embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a game field of the game apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment will be described. The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0194] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment except that the configurations of the shutter mechanism 51 and the sensor device 53 are different. Specifically, the shutter portion 513 of the shutter mechanism 51 is composed of two doors and functions as an opening door. Examples of the shape of the shutter portion 513 include a mortar shape, a convex shape, a hemispherical shape, and a curved concave shape. In this embodiment, the shape of the shutter portion 513 is preferably a mortar shape or a curved concave shape. Thereby, the prize can be reliably held by the shutter portion 513. The moving portion 5123 of the shutter mechanism 51 is directly or indirectly connected to the two doors of the shutter portion 513 via a member (not shown). Thereby, the shutter portion 513 opens and closes by the movement of the moving portion 5123.

[0195] One end of each of the two doors of the shutter portion 513 is, for example, hinge-connected to the arrangement region 225 of the lower part 22 of the housing. And the other ends of the two doors face each other. That is, the shutter portion 513 rotates approximately 90° between the horizontal plane and the vertical lower surface about one end (Y-axis) of the two doors. Further, the two doors of the shutter portion 513 are formed with notches so that a pair of through holes 5132 are formed when their other ends face each other. Since the shutter portion 513 is formed in a mortar shape, when the shutter portion 513 is in the closed state and viewed in the Y-axis direction, the pair of through holes 5132 overlap. Thereby, the light from the sensor device 53a described later can pass through.

[0196] The sensor device 53 has a sensor device 53a provided in the lower part 22 of the housing. The sensor device 53a is composed of a pair of photoelectric sensors provided at intervals in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the shutter part 513. The light emitted from the light emitting parts of the pair of photoelectric sensors reaches the light receiving part through the pair of through holes 5132. Thereby, the control part 9 can judge whether or not the prize exists in the shutter part 513.

[0197] <<Seventh Embodiment>> Next, a seventh embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a game field of the game device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the first and third embodiments described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. In addition, the same components as those in the first and third embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0199] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first and third embodiments except that the configuration of the game field 5 is different and the game field 5 does not rotate. Specifically, the shutter mechanism 51 is composed only of the shutter part 513. Such a shutter part 513 is composed of a prize replenishment unit 61 as in the third embodiment. The fitting part 6163 of the prize replenishment unit 61 is fitted and connected to an opening (not shown) in the lower part 22 of the housing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 29, the plurality of mounting parts 618 extend toward the center of the opening 216 so as to protrude from the side of the lower part 22 of the housing.

[0200] In the game device 1 of the present embodiment, when the prize gripping unit 46 grips the prize and returns to the home position, for example, all of the plurality of placement units 618 may be displaced, or only a part of them may be displaced. These displacements are controlled by the control unit 9. When the control unit 9 displaces a part of the plurality of placement units 618, even if the prize falls onto the placement unit 618, the prize may not move to the prize extraction space 223. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with the difficulty of obtaining a prize and to give a sense of excitement. In such a case, the prize is supported by the placement unit 618 that has not been displaced. Therefore, in the next game play, due to the displacement of the placement unit 618, the posture of the prize may change and the prize may fall into the prize extraction space 223. Thereby, an image of being able to obtain a prize can be given to the player.

[0201] Note that the game field 5 of the present embodiment may rotate, similar to the third embodiment. Thereby, the same effects as those of the game device 1 of the third embodiment can be exhibited. Further, a light emitting device may be provided on the outer periphery of the plurality of placement units 618 so as to correspond to the plurality of placement units 618. Thereby, the decorative effect of the game device 1 can be exhibited. Furthermore, by receiving the input information to the control unit 9 and the operation unit 3, it is also possible to control so as to displace only the placement unit 618 corresponding to the lit light emitting device.

[0202] <<Eighth Embodiment>> Next, an embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 30 is a perspective view schematically showing the game device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0203] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except that the configurations of the prize gripping unit 46 and the input unit 7 are different. First, the prize gripping unit 46 has a pressing part 494 on the upper part of the main body 49. The shape of the pressing part 494 is not particularly limited, but it is formed in a rod shape. The pressing part 494 is arranged at a position a predetermined distance away from the central axis of the main body 49 in the radial direction. The predetermined distance is not particularly limited, and is provided so as to overlap with the switching means 71 of the input unit 7 described later.

[0204] The input unit 7 has switching means 71 at its lower part. The switching means 71 functions as a trigger for opening the shutter part 513. The switching means 71 may be one or a plurality of two or more. The switching means 71 are arranged at a predetermined interval around the central axis (Z-axis) of the input unit 7. Further, the switching means 71 may be formed in a concave shape, a button shape, or a hole shape. The plurality of switching means 71 are arranged in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the input unit 7. Such switching means 71 rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the central axis.

[0205] When the prize gripping unit 46 rises, the pressing part 494 reaches the switching means 71. At this time, since the switching means 71 is rotating, when the positions of the pressing part 494 and the switching means 71 match, the switching means 71 is pressed by the pressing part 494. Thereby, the control unit 9 acquires input information from the input unit 7 and drives the drive unit 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. Thereby, the shutter part 513 opens, and the prize falls into the prize extraction space 223 through the opening 216.

[0206] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the shutter unit 513 does not open unless the pressing unit 494 presses the switching means 71. Therefore, further game characteristics can be imparted to the game device 1. Also, the switching means 71 can be stopped by an operation input to the operation unit 3. That is, when the information acquisition unit 91 receives the input information to the operation unit 3, the operation control unit 93 can also stop the rotation of the switching means 71. In this case, since the switching means 71 stops by the player's operation, a game with higher ingenuity can be provided to the player.

[0207] Note that the switching means 71 may be stopped. Also, similar to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, the switching means 71 does not function as a trigger and can function merely as a decoration. Further, instead of the switching means 71 rotating, the main body 49 of the prize holding unit 46 may be rotated.

[0208] <<Ninth Embodiment>> Next, a ninth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 31 is a perspective view schematically showing a moving mechanism of the game device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the ninth embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0209] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment except that the configuration of the movable part 45 of the moving mechanism 4 is different. Specifically, similar to the second embodiment, the game device 1 of this embodiment has a rotation mechanism (not shown) below or around the moving mechanism 4 shown in FIG. 31. The rotation mechanism rotates the base 451 of the movable part 45 around the shaft 42. The movable part 45 of this embodiment is configured to rotate parallel to the game field 5 with the shaft 42 as the central axis.

[0210] The base 451 rotates 360° clockwise or counterclockwise about the axis 42. As a result, the prize gripping part 46 connected to the receiving part 452 also rotates about the axis 42. Thereby, the prize gripping part 46 of the prize acquisition game device 1A can be used as the prize gripping part 46 of the prize acquisition game device 1B.

[0211] As described above, in the game device 1 of the present embodiment, since the base 451 rotates, the second set of the moving mechanism 4 can be omitted, and the game device 1 can be further miniaturized. Also, even when the prizes in the prize acquisition game device 1A are exhausted, the prize gripping part 46 can be moved to the prize acquisition game device 1B, so that the frequency of replenishing the prizes can be reduced. Furthermore, since the prize gripping part 46 rotates about the axis 42, it can be used in a game device having a plurality of game fields 5.

[0212] In the present embodiment, since there is a second set of the moving mechanism 4, the base 451 may rotate within a range of 300 to 340° so as not to contact the axis 42 of the second set. Also, a drive mechanism for rotating the base 451 may be provided inside the base 451. In this case, power is supplied to the drive mechanism by the wiring 48. Furthermore, it may be used in combination with the second embodiment.

[0213] <<Tenth Embodiment>> Next, a tenth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 32 is a perspective view schematically showing a game field of the game device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the tenth embodiment will be described, centering on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same matters will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0214] The game device 1 of this embodiment is the same as the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except that the configurations of the moving mechanism 4 and the game field 5 are different. Specifically, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, the moving mechanism 4 is composed of only the first set and has four game fields 5. In other words, the game device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the prize acquisition game devices 1A to 1D include one set of the moving mechanism 4. The plurality of game fields 5 rotate about the axis 42 as the central axis by a rotation mechanism (not shown), similar to the second and third embodiments.

[0215] As a result, the second set of the moving mechanism 4 can be omitted, and the game device 1 can be further miniaturized. Also, even if the prizes in the game field 5 of the prize acquisition game device 1A run out, since the game field 5 of the prize acquisition game device 1B rotates, prizes can be arranged directly below the prize gripping portion 46. Furthermore, since there are a plurality of game fields 5, the frequency of replenishing the prizes can be reduced, and the burden on the game administrator can be alleviated.

[0216] Note that in this embodiment, the game field 5 may be fixed, and the prize gripping portion 46 may rotate as in the ninth embodiment. Also, this embodiment may be used in combination with the second and third embodiments.

[0217] <<Other Forms>> In addition, in the first embodiment, one prize acquisition game device 1A was described as having one game field 5 and the first set of the moving mechanism 4. However, one prize acquisition game device 1A may have a plurality of game fields 5. In this case, the movable part 45 of the second set of the moving function 4 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the movable part 45 of the first set. Also, when the prize gripping portion 46 is in the home position, the game field 5 may be configured to rise.

[0218] As described above, the game device of the present invention has been described based on a preferred embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having the same function. Further, any other means or components may be added to the present invention. Further, the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) among the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the prize gripping part of the present invention may be a shovel type or a rod type.

Explanation of Signs

[0219] 1…Game devices 1A, 1B…Prize acquisition game devices 2…Housing 21…Upper part of the housing 215…Game space 216…Opening 22…Lower part of the housing 221…Prize outlet 222…Prize extraction plate 223…Prize extraction space 225…Arrangement area 3…Operation unit 4…Moving mechanism 41…Drive unit 411…Motor 412…Main body 42…Axis 43…Stop mechanism 431…Braking device 432…Plate 44…Guide rail 45…Movable part 451…Base 452…Receiving part 453…Connection part 454…Linking part 46…Prize gripping part 47…Detection device 471…First detection device group 471a, b…Lower limit sensor 471c…First installation part 472…Second detection device group 472a…Home position sensor 472b…Upper limit sensor 472c…Second installation part 48…Wiring 49…Main body 491…Slip ring part 493…Cover member 492…Motor 40…Rotating body 401…Flange 402…Arm unit 403…Cover member 404…Movable unit 405…Arm part 494…Pressing part 5…Game field 51, 55…Shutter mechanism 511…Drive unit 512, 552…Movable part 513, 553…Shutter part 52…Auxiliary field 521…Frame-shaped part 522…Inclined part 523…Opening 53…Sensor device 56…Partition wall 6…Prize replenishment device 60…Base 601…Support column 602…Connecting member 61…Prize replenishment unit 611…Main body 612…Drive unit 613…Power transmission part 614…Power application part 615…Locking part 616…Displacement part 617…Manual mechanism 618…Placement part 62…Guide part 7…Input part 71…Switching means 8…Memory part 9…Control part 91…Information acquisition part 92…Information processing part 93…Operation control part 94…Information setting part

Claims

1. A gripping device having a main body with a first drive unit and a rotating body provided below the main body, for gripping a prize, wherein the main body has a rotating shaft passing through its center, the rotating body has an arm unit for gripping the prize, and the rotating body is configured to rotate about the rotating shaft by the drive of the first drive unit. The gripping device is characterized by this.

2. The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate 360° about the rotating shaft.

3. The rotating body further has a flange where the arm unit is provided, and the flange is configured to tilt with respect to the rotating shaft when the arm unit contacts the prize. The gripping device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

4. The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein the arm unit includes a movable unit having a second drive unit different from the first drive unit and an arm portion connected to the movable unit.

5. The gripping device according to claim 4, wherein the movable unit includes a cam that rotates by the drive of the second drive unit and connection means connected to the cam for receiving the arm portion.

6. The gripping device according to claim 5, wherein the connection means has a switch for determining whether the arm portion has been detached.

7. The gripping device according to claim 4, wherein the arm portion has a lighting device arranged along the arm portion from its proximal end to its distal end.

8. The arm unit includes a plurality of arm units, and each of the arm portions of the plurality of arm units is configured to independently rotate about its proximal end by the drive of the second drive unit. The gripping device according to claim 4 is characterized by this.

9. The main body has a drive control unit for controlling the drive of the first drive unit, and / or the rotating body has the drive control unit in the vicinity of the arm unit. The gripping device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

10. The gripping device according to claim 1, further having a first sensor device provided below the rotating body.

11. The gripping device according to claim 3, further having a second sensor device provided between the flange and the rotating shaft.

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