Prize acquisition device and prize acquisition game device

Abstract

The present invention provides a prize acquisition device and a prize acquisition game device that enable miniaturization of the device for gripping prizes. [Solution] The gripping arm 203 grips the prize. The arm mounting base 203b pivotally supports the gripping arm 203 so that it can swing up and down. The first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e are provided at the base of the gripping arm 203. The actuated plate 226e acts on the first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e. The motor 221 acts on the actuated plate 226e. The first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e are arranged spaced apart vertically. The actuated plate 226e is interposed between the first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e and is displaceable vertically by the drive of the motor 221. By moving the actuated plate 226e upward and acting on the first actuated part 203d, it is possible to apply a gripping force to the gripping arm 203.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition device and a prize acquisition game device.

Background Art

[0002] A prize acquisition game device typified by a crane game machine is used with a large number of prizes placed in a playfield formed inside a housing. A player can move a prize acquisition device having a gripping arm within the playfield using operating means such as a lever or buttons. Then, after moving the prize acquisition device to a position where a desired prize is placed, the player grips the prize with the gripping arm and, in that state, transports it to a prize discharge port to obtain the prize.

[0003] In a prize acquisition device used in such a prize acquisition game device, it is configured to grip a prize by opening and closing a gripping arm using a drive source such as a motor or an electromagnetic coil (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, the miniaturization of prize acquisition game devices has been progressing, and therefore, the miniaturization of the device for gripping a prize is also required. In order to meet such a requirement, operating the gripping arm more compactly has been considered.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a prize acquisition device and a prize acquisition game device capable of miniaturizing the device for gripping a prize. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is a prize acquisition device for acquiring prizes used in a prize acquisition game machine, An arm for gripping the prize, A pivot support that pivotally supports the aforementioned arm so that it can swing up and down, The actuated part provided at the base of the arm, An operating part for acting on the actuated part, The system includes a drive means for operating the aforementioned operating part, The actuated part has a first actuated part and a second actuated part, which are arranged spaced apart vertically. The actuating part is interposed between the first actuated part and the second actuated part, and is displaceable in the vertical direction by the drive means. By moving the operating part downward and acting on the second actuated part, it is possible to swing the tip of the arm upward and open the arm. A key feature is that by moving the operating part upward and acting on the first actuated part, a gripping force can be applied to the arm.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is a prize acquisition device described in claim 1, The aforementioned driving means is configured to include a rotary motor, A rotating cam that rotates by the drive of the aforementioned rotating motor, A support portion is provided at an eccentric position relative to the rotation axis of the aforementioned rotating cam and displaces together with the rotating cam, A guide portion that extends in the vertical direction and guides the operating portion in the vertical direction, A swinging part that is displaced together with the operating part and swings with the extending direction of the guide part as a pivot axis, The system includes an engaging means that engages the support portion and the swinging portion, The rotating cam rotates due to the drive of the rotating motor, causing the support portion to be displaced. This is characterized in that the oscillating portion, which engages with the support portion by the engaging means, oscillates, and the operating portion is displaced along the extending direction of the guide portion.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a prize acquisition device described in claim 2, The system includes a biasing means for applying a biasing force to the rotating cam in proportion to the amount of rotation of the rotating motor, A key feature is that the gripping force of the arm can be changed by changing the biasing force of the biasing means.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a prize acquisition device described in claim 3, The biasing means is characterized by being configured to include a wound spring.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a prize acquisition game device, The present invention is characterized by being equipped with a prize acquisition device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize acquisition device and a prize acquisition game device that can miniaturize the device for gripping prizes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the crane game machine in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the external appearance of the gripping device. [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view of the gripping device seen from above, and (b) is a perspective view of the gripping device seen from below. [Figure 4] (a) is a right side view of the gripping device with the upper and lower covers omitted, and (b) is a perspective view of the gripping device from above with the upper and lower covers omitted. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the gripping device. [Figure 6] (a) is an exploded perspective view of the slide device seen from the back side, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the slide device seen from the front side. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the gripping device when the gripping arm is in the open state. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the gripping device when the gripping arm is in the closed state and no gripping force is applied. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the gripping device when the gripping arm is in the closed state and a weak gripping force is applied. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the gripping device when the gripping arm is in the closed state and a strong gripping force is applied.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a prize acquisition game device (for example, a crane game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description, those having the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0015] First, using FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a crane game machine 100 as an example of a prize acquisition game device to which the present invention can be applied will be described. In the description of FIG. 1, left and right, front and back, and up and down mean left and right, front and back, and up and down with reference to the state seen from the front side by a player of the crane game machine 100.

[0016] The crane game machine 100 is formed, for example, in a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an appropriate number of casters C are attached to the bottom surface. Therefore, a staff member at a game place such as a game center can easily transport the crane game machine 100 by pushing it.

[0017] The crane game machine 100 is composed of a box-shaped base 1, a play field 2 formed above the base 1, and a ceiling 3 that covers the top of the play field 2.

[0018] The base 1 houses, for example, a control board having a control unit that performs overall control of the crane game machine 100, and the interior can be accessed by opening the opening / closing door 1a located on the right side of the front of the base 1. In addition, a coin collection door 1b for collecting coins and tokens received by the coin selectors 84a and 84b, which will be described later, is provided at the lower center of the front of the base 1 and is openable and closable.

[0019] Playfield 2 has a bottom 2a on which numerous prizes P are placed, and an internal space is formed by a front panel 2b, a left side panel 2c, a right side panel 2d, a back panel 2e, and the aforementioned ceiling 3. The front panel 2b, left side panel 2c, and right side panel 2d are made of plate-like members formed of transparent glass or resin, allowing the internal space to be seen. The front panel 2b is, for example, made of a sliding door, and by opening the sliding door, it is possible to access the inside of Playfield 2.

[0020] A rectangular prize discharge opening 4 is provided at the front left corner of the bottom 2a of playfield 2, allowing prizes P to be discharged downwards. Prizes P discharged from the prize discharge opening 4 fall into the prize retrieval chamber 6, and by opening the door 7 provided on the left side of the front of the base 1, prizes P in the prize retrieval chamber 6 can be retrieved. The door 7 is made of a plate-like member formed of transparent glass or resin, allowing the interior to be seen through the door 7. In addition, partition plates 5 are erected on the bottom 2a so as to surround the right and rear ends of the prize discharge opening 4, preventing prizes P placed on or stacked on the bottom 2a from falling out of the prize discharge opening 4.

[0021] Above playfield 2, a gripping device 200, which functions as a prize acquisition device, is provided and suspended by a fixed rod 200a and a telescopic rod 200b. The gripping device 200 may also be suspended by a wire or the like. In the ceiling section 3, although not shown, two vertical rails are provided parallel to each other, extending in the front-to-back direction near both ends on the left and right sides, and one horizontal rail is mounted on the two vertical rails. The horizontal rail is configured to be movable along the extension direction of the vertical rail by a vertical motor. On this horizontal rail, a telescopic device is provided that allows the telescopic rod 200b to extend and retract relative to the fixed rod 200a, and is movable left and right along the extension direction of the horizontal rail by a horizontal motor. Furthermore, by extending and retracting the telescopic rod 200b, the gripping device 200 attached to the end of the telescopic rod 200b can be displaced vertically.

[0022] The gripping device 200 comprises a main body 200A to which a telescopic rod 200b is attached, and one or more gripping arms 203 supported by the main body 200A. The gripping arms 203 are attached to the main body 200A so as to be able to open and close by the drive of an actuator such as a motor, thereby enabling the gripping of prizes P. The specific configuration of the gripping device 200 will be described later.

[0023] On the other hand, an operating unit 8 is provided in the center of the front of the base 1, and it has a box shape. An operating lever 81, an operating button 82, and a display unit 83 are arranged on the top surface of the operating unit 8. The operating lever 81 and operating button 82 can be operated by the player, and the display unit 83 displays, for example, the number of remaining plays or the remaining play time. By operating the operating lever 81, the player can move the gripping device 200 to any position in the playfield 2, and by operating the operating button 82, the player can lower the gripping device 200 and perform a gripping action. When the gripping action is completed, the gripping device 200 rises and moves above the prize dispensing opening 4 while maintaining the gripping arm 203 in a closed state, and changes the gripping arm 203 to an open state. At this time, if the prize P is being held by the gripping device 200, the prize P will fall towards the prize discharge port 4 and be guided to the prize retrieval chamber 6, and as a result the player will be able to retrieve the prize P from the prize retrieval chamber 6.

[0024] Furthermore, two coin selectors 84a and 84b are arranged side by side on the front of the operation unit 8, each accepting different types of coins and tokens. In this embodiment, for example, coin selector 84a is configured to accept only 100 yen coins, and coin selector 84b is configured to accept only 500 yen coins, but this is not limited to this. Coins and tokens accepted by coin selectors 84a and 84b are collected, for example, in a collection box at the bottom of the base 1, and can be collected by the amusement park manager by unlocking the collection door 1b. In addition, the front of the operation unit 8 is configured to be openable and closable, so for example, the amusement park manager can unlock the front of the operation unit 8 to open it and perform maintenance on the operation unit 8. Alternatively, instead of coin selectors 84a and 84b, or in addition to coin selectors 84a and 84b, a reader / writer device capable of reading payment information from an IC card or a two-dimensional code may be provided, and the system may be configured to accept credit payments based on the payment information read by the reader / writer device.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the gripping device 200 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 10.

[0026] First, the external configuration of the gripping device 200 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Here, Figure 2 is a front view showing the external appearance of the gripping device 200, Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the gripping device 200 seen from above, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view of the gripping device 200 seen from below.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the gripping device 200 comprises a main body 200A, a substantially frustoconical upper cover 200c that covers the upper part of the internal structure of the main body 200A, and a substantially cylindrical lower cover 200d that covers the lower part of the internal structure of the main body 200A. An opening is formed in the center of the upper surface of the upper cover 200c so that the upper surface of the upper base plate 211 (see Figure 4), which will be described later, is exposed, and an extendable rod 200b is attached to the upper base plate 211. Multiple (for example, three) notches are formed on the side surface of the lower cover 200d at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and gripping arms 203 are projected from each of these notches. The gripping arms 203 are mounted on arm mounting members 203a that can swing in the vertical direction, as will be described in detail later.

[0028] Next, the internal configuration of the gripping device 200 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Here, Figure 4(a) is a right side view of the gripping device 200 with the upper cover 200c and lower cover 200d omitted, and (b) is a perspective view of the gripping device 200 viewed from above with the upper cover 200c and lower cover 200d omitted. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the gripping device 200, Figure 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the slide device 226 viewed from the rear, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the slide device 226 viewed from the front.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the main body 200A comprises a roughly thin, disc-shaped upper base plate 211, a plurality (e.g., three) of upper spacers 212 provided at appropriate positions on the lower surface of the upper base plate 211 and extending downward, a roughly thin, disc-shaped lower base plate 231 to which the lower ends of the upper spacers 212 are attached to the upper surface, and a plurality (e.g., three) of lower spacers 232 provided at appropriate positions on the lower surface of the lower base plate 231 and extending downward. The lower spacers 232 are screwed to the bottom surface of the lower cover 200d, while the upper base plate 211 is screwed to the upper cover, thereby covering the main body 200A with the upper cover 200c and the lower cover 200d.

[0030] A rod mounting section for attaching the telescopic rod 200b is provided approximately in the center of the upper surface of the upper base plate 211, although it is not shown in the figure.

[0031] A motor support plate 221b is erected on the upper surface of the lower base plate 231, and the motor 221 is fixed to the lower base plate 231 by this motor support plate 221b. A motor shaft 221a protrudes from the tip of the motor 221, and the motor shaft 221a is capable of rotating in forward and reverse directions when the motor 221 is driven. The motor 221 is connected to a slide device 226 for opening and closing the gripping arm 203 via a predetermined link mechanism, and the slide device 226 is configured to operate when the motor 221 operates. In addition, an insertion hole is formed approximately in the center of the lower base plate 231, through which at least the guide rail 226b and slider 226c of the slide device 226 can be inserted. An L-shaped bent mounting plate 226a is provided on the back of the guide rail 226b, and the slide device 226 is attached to the lower base plate 231 by fixing the mounting plate 226a to the upper surface of the lower base plate 231. The detailed configuration of the slide device 226 and the link mechanism will be described later with reference to Figure 6. In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the slider 226c and a photosensor for detecting the rotational position of the encoder 222a (described later) are provided, and the operation of the motor 221 can be controlled based on these detection results.

[0032] On the lower surface of the lower base plate 231, arm mounting bases 203b for attaching a plurality of gripping arms 203 are provided at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each arm mounting base 203b comprises a mounting portion for attachment to the lower base plate 231 and a plate-shaped main body portion formed by bending downward from the mounting portion. The main body portion is provided with an arm pivot shaft 203c that pivotably supports the arm mounting member 203a. In other words, in this embodiment, the arm mounting base 203b functions as a pivot support portion.

[0033] The base end of the arm mounting member 203a is provided with a first actuated portion 203d and a second actuated portion 204e separated by a predetermined distance. The first actuated portion 203d is a flat tongue-shaped piece positioned above the base end of the arm mounting member 203a and is pressed against the upper surface of the actuated plate 226e of the slide device 226, which will be described later. The second actuated portion 203e is formed as a roughly pentagonal flat plate positioned below the base end of the arm mounting member 203a and is pressed against the lower surface of the actuated plate 226e of the slide device 226. In other words, the actuation plate 226e is interposed between the first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e, and by driving the slide device 226, the actuation plate 226e is moved up and down, causing the actuation plate 226e to press against the first actuated part 203d or the second actuated part 203e, thereby allowing the arm mounting member 203a to swing up and down with the arm pivot axis 203c as the pivot axis. The shapes of the first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e are not limited to those described above, and any shape can be adopted as long as it can be pressed by the actuation plate 226e. Similarly, the shape of the actuation plate 226e is not limited to those described above, and any shape can be adopted as long as it performs the functions described above.

[0034] An arm mounting member 203a is integrally attached to the base end of the gripping arm 203, and the gripping arm 203a is capable of swinging vertically together with the arm mounting member 203a. Since the gripping arm 203 is attached to the main body 200A in this manner, it is supported such that the tip end is heavier than the base end, and as a result, the gripping arm 203 swings in the direction of closing due to its own weight. A biasing member such as a spring may be provided to bias the gripping arm 203 in the direction of closing.

[0035] Here, with reference to Figure 6, the specific configuration of the slide device 226 and the link mechanism connecting the motor 221 and the slide device 226 will be described.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the slide device 226 is connected to the motor 221 via a predetermined link mechanism, and the slide device 226 is configured to operate when the motor 221 is driven.

[0037] The link mechanism connecting the motor 221 and the sliding device 226 includes a bearing 222 in which a bearing hole 222b is formed into which the motor shaft 221a of the motor 221 is fitted; a spring support plate 223 that engages with an engaging portion 222d formed on the head of the bearing 222 and is configured to rotate together with the bearing 222; a rotating cam 225 that is rotatably mounted on a rotating portion 222e formed at the rear of the bearing 222; and a spring 224 that connects the spring support plate 223 and the rotating cam 225.

[0038] The bearing 222 has an encoder 222a attached to its tip and rotates together with the bearing 222. The encoder 222a can detect its rotational position using a photosensor (not shown), and the drive of the motor 221 can be controlled based on this.

[0039] The spring support plate 223 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape and is provided with an engagement hole 223b that engages with an engagement portion 222d formed on the back side of the encoder 222a, which is the head of the bearing 222, and which serves as the axis of rotation, and a support plate side boss 223a that protrudes toward the rear at a position eccentric from the engagement hole 223b. Therefore, the spring support plate 223 rotates together with the bearing 222.

[0040] A rotating cam 225 is positioned behind the spring support plate 223. The rotating cam 225 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape and is rotatably mounted on a rotating part 222e formed at the rear of the bearing 222. It is provided with a through hole 225a which serves as the axis of rotation, an engagement hole 225b which is opened at a position eccentric to the through hole 225a, and a cam-side boss 225c which is provided between the through hole 225a and the engagement hole 225b and protrudes forward. The rotating cam 225 is not engaged with the bearing 222 and is therefore able to rotate independently of the bearing 222. In addition, the engagement shaft 226i of the rocking member 226g, which will be described later, is inserted through the engagement hole 225b. In other words, the engagement hole 225b functions as a support part.

[0041] A spring 224, composed of a wound spring, is positioned between the spring support plate 223 and the rotating cam 225, with both ends formed in annular shape. Of these annular ends, one end is a support-side engaging portion 224a that is inserted into the support plate-side boss 223a of the spring support plate 223, and the other end is a cam-side engaging portion 224b that is inserted into the cam-side boss 225c of the rotating cam 225. The spring 224, configured as described above, is inserted into the bearing 222 and positioned around the axis of the bearing 222. The spring 224 configured in this way can impart a biasing force to the rotating cam 225 depending on the amount of rotation of the motor 221. It is preferable that the biasing force of the spring 224 be appropriately set according to the configuration of the gripping device 200. Thus, in this embodiment, the spring 224 functions as a biasing means.

[0042] The sliding device 226 is comprised of a mounting plate 226a, a guide rail 226b, a slider 226c, a base plate 226d, an operating plate 226e, a flange 226f, a swinging member 226g, a swinging shaft 226h, an engagement shaft 226i, and a support base 226j.

[0043] The mounting plate 226a extends vertically and fixes the sliding device 226 to the lower base plate 231. The guide rail 226b extends vertically and its back surface is fixed to the mounting plate 226a, and it guides the vertical movement of the slider 226c. The slider 226c extends vertically and is mounted on the guide rail 226b, and is movable vertically along the guide rail 226b. Thus, in this embodiment, the guide rail 226b functions as a guide.

[0044] The base plate 226d is attached to the front side of the slider 226c, and its lower end is bent forward to form the substantially rectangular operating plate 226e described above, while its upper end is bent forward to form the flange 226f. The flange 226f supports the upper end of the pivot shaft 226h. The support base 226j is fixed to the base plate 226d on the front side of the base plate 226d, below the flange 226f at a predetermined distance, and protrudes forward, supporting the lower end of the pivot shaft 226h.

[0045] The oscillating member 226g is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the side, and through holes (not shown) are provided on the top and bottom surfaces through which the oscillating shaft 226h can be inserted. The oscillating shaft 226h is inserted through the through holes and supported, allowing it to oscillate in the left-right direction. A cylindrical engaging shaft 226i is provided projecting forward from the front side of the oscillating member 226g and is inserted into the engaging hole 225b of the rotating cam 225 as described above. Thus, in this embodiment, the oscillating member 226g functions as an oscillating part, and the engaging shaft 226i functions as an engaging means.

[0046] In this embodiment, the gripping device 200 is configured as described above. When the motor 221 is driven and the motor shaft 221a rotates clockwise, the bearing 222 that supports the motor shaft 221a rotates together with the motor shaft 221a. Since the encoder 222a is integrally mounted to the bearing 222, the encoder 222a also rotates together with the bearing 222. By detecting the amount of rotation of the encoder 222a with a photosensor, the amount of rotation of the motor 221 can be detected.

[0047] Furthermore, the spring support plate 223 is mounted so as to engage with the bearing 222, and is configured to rotate together with the motor shaft 221a.

[0048] The spring 224 has one end (support-side engaging portion 224a) attached to the support plate-side boss 223a on the spring support plate 223, and the other end (cam-side engaging portion 224b) attached to the cam-side boss 225c on the rotating cam 225. Therefore, when the motor shaft 221a rotates clockwise due to the drive of the motor 221, the spring support plate 223 rotates clockwise, and the spring 224 applies a clockwise biasing force to the rotating cam 225. Since the cam-side boss 225c to which the cam-side engaging portion 224b is attached is located eccentrically from the insertion hole 225a which serves as the axis of rotation, the rotating cam 225 rotates clockwise around the insertion hole 225a as the axis of rotation due to the biasing force of the spring 224.

[0049] When the rotating cam 225 rotates clockwise, the engagement hole 225b, which is positioned eccentrically from the insertion hole 225a, is displaced in an arc-shaped trajectory with the insertion hole 225a as its axis. In other words, the rotating cam 225 is displaced in a circular motion.

[0050] Here, since the base plate 226d, which is integrally provided with the slider 226c, is displaced by the linear motion in the vertical direction, it is necessary to convert the circular motion of the rotating cam 225 into the linear motion of the base plate 226d. For this reason, in this embodiment, the oscillating member 226g attached to the base plate 226d is made capable of swinging freely in the left-right direction with the oscillating shaft 226h as its pivot axis. The engaging shaft 226i provided on this oscillating member 226g is inserted into the engaging hole 225b of the rotating cam 225, and the oscillating member 226g engages with the rotating cam 225. This makes it possible to extract only the linear motion in the vertical direction from the rotational motion of the rotating cam 225 through the action of the oscillating member 226g and transmit it to the base plate 226d.

[0051] As described above, the base plate 226d, to which the clockwise biasing force of the spring 224 is transmitted, is displaced upward by the slider 226c mounted on the guide rail 226b. As a result, the operating plate 226e is displaced upward by the biasing force of the spring 224, and the pressing force on the first actuated part 203d pressed by the operating plate 226e generates a gripping force in the gripping arm 203.

[0052] On the other hand, when the motor 221 is driven and the motor shaft 221a rotates counterclockwise, the spring 224 rotates counterclockwise, and as a result, the rotating cam 225 also rotates counterclockwise. In addition, the weight of the base plate 226d promotes the downward movement of the base plate 226d. As a result, the pressing force of the operating plate 226e on the second actuated part 203e causes the gripping arm 203 to open. Furthermore, even if a clockwise biasing force is applied to the rotating cam 225, if, for example, a downward biasing force is applied to the base plate 226d by the weight of the prize gripped by the gripping arm 203, and this downward biasing force on the base plate 226d exceeds the clockwise biasing force on the rotating cam 225, the base plate 226d will be displaced downward against the biasing force of the spring 224, and as a result, the gripping arm 203 may open. Subsequently, when the gripping arm 203 opens and the prize falls, the clockwise biasing force on the rotating cam 225 exceeds the downward biasing force on the base plate 226d. As a result, the base plate 226d is displaced upward, and consequently, the gripping arm 203 changes to a closed state due to its own weight.

[0053] The operation of the gripping device 200 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Note that in Figures 7 to 10, the upper cover 200c and lower cover 200d are omitted for the sake of clarity. Also, some internal components of the gripping device 200 may be omitted in the figures.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the gripping arm 203 in the open position. In the state shown in Figure 7, the motor 221 is driven to a predetermined position (first position) where the gripping arm 203 is in the open position. At this time, the support plate side boss 223a and the cam side boss 225c come into contact, and the support plate side boss 223a presses downward against the cam side boss 225c. This pressing force pushes the base plate 226d of the slide device 226 downward. At this time, a counterclockwise biasing force may be applied by the spring 224. As a result, the gripping arm 203, which is attached to the lower base plate 231 and pivotably supported, is in the open position because the second actuated part 203e provided at its base is pushed down by the actuating plate 226e.

[0055] Figure 8 shows the gripping arm 203 in the closed position, where no gripping force is applied by the pressing of the operating plate 226e (i.e., a free state). In the state shown in Figure 8, the motor 221 is driven, and the spring support plate 223 is shown rotating clockwise from the first position shown in Figure 7. At this time, the spring 224 is biased clockwise, and the rotating cam 225 connected to this spring 224 also rotates clockwise due to the biasing force of the spring 224. The oscillating member 226g of the slide device 226 is displaced upward from the position shown in Figure 7, and the operating plate 226e is also displaced upward together with the base plate 226d attached to it. The gripping arm 203 is oscillating to the closed position due to its own weight, but since the operating plate 226e is not applying a pressing force to the first actuated part 203d, no gripping force is applied. Furthermore, since the engagement hole 225b of the rotating cam 225 follows an arc-shaped trajectory from the position shown in Figure 7 to the position shown in Figure 8, the oscillating member 226g swings from side to side in response to the rotational motion of the rotating cam 225, thereby converting the rotational motion into vertical linear motion. For this reason, conventional designs required large movements, such as moving a boss along a lateral hole, to convert rotational motion into linear motion. However, in this embodiment, the motion can be efficiently converted into linear motion by the left-right swinging motion of the oscillating member, thus eliminating the need for large movements and enabling a simpler configuration and space saving compared to conventional designs.

[0056] In this embodiment, adjustment screws may be provided for each of the three gripping arms 203, and by adjusting these adjustment screws, the angle of the gripping arms 203 in the closed state may be changed.

[0057] Figure 9 shows the gripping arm 203 in the closed position, with a gripping force applied by the pressing of the operating plate 226e against the first actuated portion 203d. In the state shown in Figure 9, the motor 221 is driven, causing the spring support plate 223 to rotate further clockwise from the state shown in Figure 8. At this time, the rotating cam 225 rotates further clockwise due to the biasing force of the spring 224. Alternatively, even if the rotating cam 225 does not rotate, the biasing force of the spring 224 increases the upward biasing force on the base plate 225d. In the state shown in Figure 9, the upper end of the slider 226c reaches the upper end of the guide rail 226b, thus restricting the upward movement of the base plate 226d. In this state, if the clockwise biasing force by the spring 224 increases further, the upward biasing force on the base plate 225d also increases, resulting in a greater gripping force for the gripping arm 203.

[0058] Figure 10 shows a state where the gripping arm 203 is in the closed position, and a greater gripping force is applied than in the state shown in Figure 9. In the state shown in Figure 10, the motor 221 is driven, and the spring support plate 223 is shown to be further rotated clockwise from the state shown in Figure 9. At this time, the upward movement of the base plate 226d is restricted, so the biasing force of the spring 224 is further increased. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support plate side boss 223a of the spring support plate 223 contacts the cam side boss 225c of the rotating cam 225 from below, and the support plate side boss 223a pushes upward against the cam side boss 225c, so in addition to the biasing force of the spring 224, this pressing force pushes the base plate 226d of the slide device 226 upward. As a result, the upward biasing force of the base plate 226d is also increased. Therefore, the pressing force of the operating plate 226e on the first actuated part 203d increases, and the gripping force of the gripping arm 203 becomes greater than in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, the gripping arm 203 grips the prize P. The arm mounting base 203b pivotally supports the gripping arm 203 so that it can swing up and down. The first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e are provided at the base of the gripping arm 203. The actuated plate 226e acts on the first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e. The motor 221 acts on the actuated plate 226e. The first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e are arranged spaced apart vertically. The actuated plate 226e is interposed between the first actuated part 203d and the second actuated part 203e and is displaceable vertically by the drive of the motor 221. By moving the actuated plate 226e upward and acting on the first actuated part 203d, it is possible to apply a gripping force to the gripping arm 203. As a result, it becomes possible to provide a prize acquisition device that allows for miniaturization of the device used to grip the prizes.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the motor 221 is configured to include a rotary motor. The rotary cam 225 rotates when driven by the motor 221. The engagement hole 225b is provided at a position eccentric with respect to the rotation axis of the rotary cam 225 and is displaced together with the rotary cam 225. The guide rail 226b extends in the vertical direction and guides the operating plate 226e in the vertical direction. The oscillating member 226g is displaced together with the operating plate 226e and oscillates with the extension direction of the guide rail 226b as its pivot axis. The engagement shaft 226i engages with the engagement hole 225b and the oscillating member 226g. When the rotary cam 225 rotates when driven by the motor 221 and the engagement hole 225b is displaced, the oscillating member 226g that engages with the engagement hole 225b is oscillated by the engagement shaft 226i, and the operating plate 226e is displaced along the extension direction of the guide rail 226b. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of movement required and enable dynamic operation, while also saving energy by using a motor.

[0061] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the spring 224 applies a biasing force to the rotating cam 225 in proportion to the amount of rotation of the motor 221. By changing the biasing force of the spring 224, it is possible to change the gripping force of the gripping arm 203. As a result, it becomes possible to perform actions that take into account the weight of the prize, thereby improving the gameplay.

[0062] Since spring 224 is composed of a coiled spring, it allows for a more compact configuration.

[0063] It should be noted that the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 Crane game machines (prize acquisition game devices) 200 Gripping device (prize acquisition device) 203 Gripping arm (arm) 203b Arm mounting base (axis support) 203d 1st actuated part (actuated part) 203e 2nd actuated part (actuated part) 226e Actuator plate (actuator part) 221 Motor (driving means) 224 Spring (Biasing mechanism) 225 rotation cam 225b Engagement hole (support part) 226 Slide device 226b Guide rail 226g oscillating member (oscillating part) 226i Engagement shaft (engagement means)

Claims

1. A prize acquisition device used in prize acquisition game machines for acquiring prizes, An arm for gripping the prize, A pivot support that pivotally supports the aforementioned arm so that it can swing up and down, The actuated part provided at the base of the arm, An operating part for acting on the actuated part, The system includes a drive means for operating the aforementioned operating part, The actuated part has a first actuated part and a second actuated part, which are arranged spaced apart vertically. The actuating part is interposed between the first actuated part and the second actuated part, and is displaceable in the vertical direction by the drive means. By moving the operating part downward and acting on the second actuated part, it is possible to swing the tip of the arm upward and open the arm. A prize acquisition device characterized in that it is possible to apply a gripping force to the arm by moving the operating part upward and acting on the first actuated part.

2. The aforementioned driving means is configured to include a rotary motor, A rotating cam that rotates by the drive of the aforementioned rotating motor, A support portion is provided at an eccentric position relative to the rotation axis of the aforementioned rotating cam and displaces together with the rotating cam, A guide portion that extends in the vertical direction and guides the operating portion in the vertical direction, A swinging part that is displaced together with the operating part and swings with the extending direction of the guide part as a pivot axis, The system includes an engaging means that engages the support portion and the swinging portion, The prize acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the rotating cam rotates due to the drive of the rotating motor and the support portion is displaced, the swinging portion that engages with the support portion by the engaging means swings and the operating portion is displaced along the extending direction of the guide portion.

3. The system includes a biasing means for applying a biasing force to the rotating cam in proportion to the amount of rotation of the rotating motor, The prize acquisition device according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripping force of the arm can be changed by changing the biasing force of the biasing means.

4. The prize acquisition device according to claim 3, characterized in that the biasing means includes a wound spring.

5. A prize acquisition game device equipped with a prize acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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