Prize placement components

Abstract

The process of replenishing prizes will be simplified. [Solution] The prize placement member 300 includes a rod-shaped member 310 and a swinging member 320 attached to the rod-shaped member 310. The rod-shaped member 310 includes a first prize support section 311, a second prize support section 312, and a blocking section 313 provided between the first prize support section 311 and the second prize support section 312. The swinging member 320 includes a pushing section 321, a receiving section 322, and a swinging shaft sh provided between the pushing section 321 and the receiving section 322. As the receiving section 322 descends due to the weight of the prize P released from the second prize support section 312, the prize P stocked in the first prize support section 311 is pushed up by the pushing section 321, overcoming the blocking section 313 and becoming available for replenishment in the second prize support section 312.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize arrangement member for arranging prizes within a game space of a prize acquisition game device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a prize arrangement member for arranging prizes within a game space of a prize acquisition game device has been known (see Patent Document 1). This prize arrangement member is configured to include a rod-shaped member capable of suspending prizes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the conventional prize arrangement member, there is a risk that replenishing the prizes may be troublesome. An object of the present invention is to simplify the replenishment of prizes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the prize placement member according to the first invention is a prize placement member for placing prizes in the game space of a prize-winning game device, and comprises a rod-shaped member extending in the depth direction and a swinging member attached to the rod-shaped member, wherein the rod-shaped member comprises a first prize support portion provided on the rear side, a second prize support portion provided on the front side, and a blocking portion provided between the first prize support portion and the second prize support portion, wherein the swinging member comprises a pushing portion provided on the rear side, a receiving portion provided on the front side, and a swinging shaft provided between the pushing portion and the receiving portion, and is attached to the rod-shaped member via the swinging shaft and is capable of swinging in a seesaw-like manner with respect to the rod-shaped member about the swinging shaft, the receiving portion is positioned to receive a prize that has detached from the second prize support portion, and the pushing portion is capable of pushing up the prize supported by the first prize support portion to a position where it can overcome the blocking portion as the receiving portion descends. In the prize placement member according to the first invention, as the weight of the prize detached from the second prize support unit causes the receiving unit to descend, the prizes stocked in the first prize support unit are pushed up by the pushing unit, overcome the blocking unit, and can be replenished in the second prize support unit. This makes it possible to simplify the replenishment of prizes. Here, the prize placement member is, for example, the prize placement member 300 described later. The prize acquisition game device is, for example, the prize acquisition game device 1 described later. The game space is, for example, the game area GE described later. The prize is, for example, the prize P described later. The rod-shaped member is, for example, the rod-shaped member 310 described later. The oscillating member is, for example, the oscillating member 320 described later. The first prize support part is, for example, the first prize support part 311 described later. The second prize support part is, for example, the second prize support part 312 described later. The blocking part is, for example, the blocking part 313 described later. The pushing part is, for example, the pushing part 321 described later. The receiving part is, for example, the receiving part 322 described later. The oscillating shaft is, for example, the oscillating shaft sh described later.

[0006] The prize placement member according to the second invention is characterized in that, in the prize placement member according to the first invention, the distance from the pivoting shaft to the front end of the receiving portion is longer than the distance from the pivoting shaft to the rear end of the pressing portion. In the prize placement member according to the second invention, it becomes possible to replenish prizes more reliably based on the weight of the prizes that have detached from the second prize support part.

[0007] The prize placement member according to the third invention is characterized in that, in the prize placement member according to the first or second invention, it is provided with a biasing means for biasing the receiving portion toward the upward direction. In the prize placement member according to the third invention, it is possible to have the pressing part in a downward position when no force is acting on the receiving part. In this context, a biasing means such as a torsion spring sp, which will be described later, is relevant.

[0008] The prize placement member according to the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the prize placement member according to the first or second invention, the upper surface of the first prize support portion is inclined such that the front side is lower. In the prize arrangement member according to the fourth invention, even when multiple prizes are stocked in the first prize support section, it is possible to sequentially replenish the multiple prizes in the second prize support section.

[0009] The prize placement member according to the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the prize placement member according to the first or second invention, the rear end face of the pressing portion is formed in the shape of a circular arc with a first radius of curvature, and the rear end face of the blocking portion is formed in the shape of a circular arc with a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. The prize placement member according to the fifth invention makes it possible to smoothly push up prizes stored in the first prize support section by the pushing section while suppressing the situation in which the prizes overturn the blocking section due to their own weight. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to simplify the replenishment of prizes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize-winning game machine 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize distribution mechanism 130. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control board 150. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the prize placement component 300 in its initial state. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the prize placement component 300 in its initial state. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the prize placement component 300 in its initial state. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the prize placement member 300 in a displaced state. [Figure 8] This is a side view of the prize placement member 300 in a displaced state. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the initial state of the prize placement member 300 with prizes P stocked. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the operation of replenishing prizes P in a prize placement member 300 in a displaced state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the prize-winning game device according to the present invention is applied to a prize-winning game device 1 capable of executing a prize-winning game. The "Prize Acquisition Game" is a game in which the player (user) can acquire prize P by operating the control unit 116 to activate the prize movement unit 120, causing the prize P placed in the game area GE to fall into the opening area OE. As for the "prize P", it may be an item given to the player upon acquisition, or it may not be given to the player even if acquired, or it may be an item that can be exchanged with other items (items given to the player) after acquisition. Either is acceptable.

[0013] (Configuration of the Prize Acquisition Game Device 1) First, the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 1, an example in which two prize acquisition game devices 1 are configured in one housing 110 is shown. That is, a common housing 110 is used for the two prize acquisition game devices 1. Note that in one housing 110, one prize acquisition game device 1 may be configured. Also, in one housing 110, three or more prize acquisition game devices 1 may be configured. As shown in FIG. 1, the prize acquisition game device 1 includes a housing 110, a prize arrangement frame unit 120 disposed inside the housing 110, a prize arrangement mechanism 130 attached to the prize arrangement frame unit 120, a crane unit 140 attached to the housing 110, and a control board 150 (see FIG. 2) disposed inside the housing 110.

[0014] (Housing 110) First, the configuration of the housing 110 will be described. The housing 110 is formed in a box shape. Inside the housing 110, a game area (play area) GE where the prize acquisition game is developed is configured. The housing 110 includes an upper housing 111 and a lower housing 112. The front, back, left side, and right side of the upper housing 111 are each constituted by a transparent plate material such as glass or an acrylic plate. As a result, the player can visually recognize the game area GE configured inside the housing 110 from the outside of the housing 110. The front of the upper cabinet 111 is made up of a sliding door that can be opened and closed. This allows the operator to open the front of the upper cabinet 111 and perform actions such as placing and moving prizes P, and configuring and changing the prize placement mechanism 130 in the game area GE.

[0015] A control panel 113 is provided on the front of the lower housing 112. The control panel 113 is equipped with a coin slot 114, a touch panel display 115, and an operation section 116. The coin slot 114 allows players to insert coins. By inserting coins into the coin slot 114, players can acquire credits to play the prize-winning game. Alternatively, a payment device for electronic money using storage media such as prepaid cards or credit cards may be provided, allowing players to acquire credits through electronic money payments. The touch panel display 115 has the function of displaying various images and the function of receiving user input. Specifically, the touch panel display 115 is composed of a touch panel 115a (see Figure 2) and a display unit 115b (see Figure 2). The touch panel 115a is an input device such as a capacitive or pressure-sensitive type, and accepts user input from a finger, stylus, etc. The display unit 115b is implemented by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc.

[0016] The display unit 115b shows various information, such as the remaining number of credits the player has earned. Specifically, each time a player earns a credit by inserting a coin into the coin slot 114, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit increases. Also, once the prize-winning game has been played a predetermined number of times, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit decreases. The control unit 116 receives input from the player. The control unit 116 is composed of a first control button 116a and a second control button 116b. Each control button 116a and 116b can be pressed by the player. The first control button 116a receives input to move the prize moving unit 160 along the X direction (left-right direction) during the prize acquisition game. The second control button 116b receives input to move the prize moving unit 160 along the Y direction (depth direction) during the prize acquisition game. The operation unit 116 may also be configured to include an operation lever that accepts an operation to move the prize moving unit 160 horizontally (left-right and depth directions) during the prize acquisition game, and an operation button that accepts an operation to start the prize moving operation described later.

[0017] The front of the lower housing 112 is provided with a prize dispensing opening 117 that communicates with the opening area OE from which the prize P falls. Below the prize placement mechanism 130, a prize acquisition sensor 17a (see Figure 2) is positioned. The prize acquisition sensor 17a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the control board 150 in response to the detection of the prize P falling from the opening area OE (acquisition of prize P). The prize P that falls into the opening area OE is then guided to the prize retrieval opening 117 by the prize slope. This allows the player to obtain the prize P from the prize retrieval opening 117. Furthermore, an opening / closing door 112a is provided on the front of the lower housing 112. Inside the opening / closing door 112a, a control board 150 is located.

[0018] (Prize placement frame unit 120) Next, the configuration of the prize placement frame unit 120 will be explained. The prize placement frame unit 120 is located inside the housing 110. The prize placement frame unit 120 comprises a base frame (not shown) and a lifting frame SF that is mounted to the base frame so as to be vertically movable. The lifting frame SF is mounted to the base frame so as to be able to move up and down. The base frame is also provided with a lifting lock mechanism (not shown). The lifting lock mechanism can lock (fix) the lifting of the entire lifting frame relative to the base frame. This makes it possible to lock the lifting frame SF at any height. In this embodiment, the height of the prize placement mechanism 130 can be changed (adjusted) by raising and lowering the lifting frame SF.

[0019] (Prize distribution mechanism 130) Next, the configuration of the prize distribution mechanism 130 will be explained. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize distribution mechanism 130. The prize placement mechanism 130 is a mechanism for placing prizes P within the game area GE. In other words, prizes P are placed within the game area GE by the prize placement mechanism 130. As shown in Figure 2, the prize placement mechanism 130 is attached to the lifting frame SF of the prize placement frame unit 120. In this embodiment, the prize placement mechanism 130 is composed of a rear frame HF and one or more prize placement members 300. The rear frame HF is spanned between the left and right lifting frames SF. That is, one end of the rear frame HF is attached to the left lifting frame SF, and the other end of the rear frame HF is attached to the right lifting frame SF. Each prize placement member 300 is attached to the rear frame HF. Specifically, each prize placement member 300 is attached to the rear frame HF by a mounting portion 314, which will be described later, being fixed to the rear frame HF. Each prize placement member 300 is positioned to extend from the rear frame HF toward the front (front side). As will be described later, the prize placement member 300 is capable of suspending prizes P. In this embodiment, the prizes P are configured to include a suspension aid T. The suspension aid T is provided with an arc frame Tf (see Figures 9 and 10) through which the prize placement member 300, described later, is inserted. The prizes P are then placed within the game area GE by being suspended from the prize placement member 300 via the suspension aid T. In this embodiment, the entire area below each prize placement member 300 is an opening area OE. This makes it possible to obtain the prize P that has been detached (fallen) from the prize placement member 300 by causing the prize P suspended from the prize placement member 300 to detach (fall).

[0020] (Crane unit 140) Next, the configuration of the crane unit 140 will be explained. The crane unit 140 is comprised of a prize moving unit 160 for moving the prize P, a moving device 141 for moving the prize moving unit 160 horizontally, and a lifting device 142 for raising and lowering the prize moving unit 160. The moving device 141 is composed of an X-direction rail (not shown), a Y-direction rail (not shown), an X-direction motor m2 (see Figure 2), and a Y-direction motor m3 (see Figure 2). The X-direction rail is mounted on the top (inside) surface of the housing 110. The X-direction rail extends linearly along the left-right direction. The Y-direction rail is attached to the X-direction rail. The Y-direction rail is slidable along the X-direction rail. The Y-direction rail extends linearly along the depth direction. The Y-direction rail is moved along the X-direction rail by driving the X-direction motor m2. The lifting device 142 is mounted on a Y-direction rail. The lifting device 142 is slidable along the Y-direction rail. The lifting device 142 is moved along the Y-direction rail by driving a Y-direction motor m3. The lifting device 142 includes a reel (not shown) capable of feeding out or winding up a wire, and a lifting motor m4 (see Figure 2) that drives the reel. The tip of the wire is attached to the prize moving section 160. This allows the prize moving section 160 to be lowered by driving the reel with the lifting motor m4 to feed out the wire. Conversely, the prize moving section 160 can be raised by driving the reel with the lifting motor m4 to wind up the wire. As described above, the crane unit 140 can move the prize moving section 160 in the left-right, depth, and up-down directions by driving the respective motors m2, m3, and m4. In addition, the pair of arms 161 can be opened and closed by driving the opening / closing motor m1, which will be described later.

[0021] (Prize transfer unit 160) Next, the configuration of the prize movement unit 160 will be explained. The prize moving unit 160 is attached to the bottom surface of the lifting device 142 via an extendable support unit 143. The prize moving unit 160 is comprised of a pair of arms 161 and an opening / closing device 162 for opening and closing the pair of arms 161. Each arm 161 is formed in a roughly L-shaped rod form. The shape of the arm 161 can be changed as appropriate, such as an arc shape, wave shape, flat plate shape, hook shape, etc. A claw member (not shown) is attached to the lower end of each arm 161. The opening / closing device 162 includes an opening / closing motor m1 (see Figure 2) and an opening / closing mechanism (not shown). By driving the opening / closing motor m1, the opening / closing device 162 can open and close a pair of arms 161 via the opening / closing mechanism. The prize moving unit 160 can then grasp the prize P by opening and closing the pair of arms 161. In this embodiment, the prize moving unit 160 is arranged so that a pair of arms 161 are aligned along the depth direction (front-to-back direction). In addition, in this embodiment, the prize moving unit 160 is arranged with the front arm 161 of the pair of arms 161 removed. This makes it possible to open and close the rear arm 161 along the depth direction by driving the opening / closing motor m1.

[0022] (Control board 150) Next, the configuration of the control board 150 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control board 150. As shown in Figure 3, the control board 150 is configured to include a processing unit 151, a storage unit 152, and the like. The processing unit 151 is composed of a microcomputer that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. Here, the prize-winning game device 1 is equipped with an X-position detection means 153 for detecting the position of the prize-moving unit 160 in the X direction (left-right direction), a Y-position detection means 154 for detecting the position of the prize-moving unit 160 in the Y direction (depth direction), a Z-position detection means 155 for detecting the position of the prize-moving unit 160 in the Z direction (up-down direction), and so on. The processing unit 151 then executes various processes necessary for the progress of the prize-winning game based on various detection signals input from the control panel 113, detection signals output by each position detection means 153, 154, 155, and program data stored in the storage unit 152. The memory unit 152 is composed of non-volatile memory and the like. The memory unit 152 stores program data necessary for the progress of the prize-winning game.

[0023] (Game processing) Next, we will explain the game processing performed by the processing unit 151. When power is turned on to the prize-winning game device 1, the processing unit 151 starts processing the game. In the game's processing, the initial setup process is performed first. During the initial setup process, various initial settings are performed. Once the initial setup process is complete, the initial operation process is executed. During the initial operation process, the crane unit 140 performs initial operation (initialization operation). The "initial operation" is performed to confirm whether the crane unit 140 is functioning correctly and to confirm that the crane unit 140 is positioned in the home position.

[0024] Once the initial operation process is complete, the attract start process is executed. During the attract start process, the prize-winning game device 1 enters an attract state (waiting for customers). The attract state is a state in which the prize-winning game is not currently running, but is ready to start. While in the attract state, the attract operation is performed by the prize-winning game device 1. During the attract state, the fulfillment of the conditions for starting the prize-winning game is monitored. In this embodiment, the conditions for starting the prize-winning game are fulfilled when a coin is detected being inserted into the coin slot 14 (when "1" credit is consumed). When the conditions for starting the prize-winning game are met, the attract state ends and the prize-winning game begins. At the start of the prize-winning game, the crane unit 140 is positioned in the home position. When the conditions for starting the prize-winning game are met, the attract state ends and the prize-winning game begins. During the prize-winning game, first, the input of a detection signal from the first operation button 116a is monitored. Then, in response to the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 116a, the X-direction motor m2 is driven, and the prize-moving unit 160 moves along the left-right direction. Next, the input of a detection signal from the second operation button 116b is monitored. Then, in response to the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 116b, the Y-direction motor m3 is driven, and the prize-moving unit 160 moves along the depth direction. When the movement of the prize-moving unit 160 along the depth direction is completed, the prize-moving operation by the prize-moving unit 160 begins. In the prize movement operation, first, the opening / closing motor m1 is driven, and the pair of arms 161 (in this embodiment, the rear arm 161) are opened. Next, the lifting motor m4 is driven, and the prize movement unit 160 is lowered to a predetermined height. Then, the opening / closing motor m1 is driven again, and the pair of arms 161 (in this embodiment, the rear arm 161) are closed. After that, the prize movement unit 160 is raised to a predetermined height, and then the prize movement unit 160 is moved to the home position. Once the prize transfer operation is complete, the current prize acquisition game ends. After the prize acquisition game ends, the process transitions to the attract start process described above, and the attract state is restarted.

[0025] (Configuration of prize placement component 300) Next, the configuration of the prize placement component 300 will be explained. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the prize placement member 300 in its initial state. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the prize placement member 300 in its initial state. Figure 6 is a side view of the prize placement member 300 in its initial state. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the prize placement member 300 in its displaced state. Figure 8 is a side view of the prize placement member 300 in its displaced state. The prize placement member 300 is a member for placing prizes P within the game area GE. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the prize placement member 300 is composed of a rod-shaped member 310 and a swinging member 320 attached to the rod-shaped member 310. The rod-shaped member 310 is formed in the shape of a rod. The rod-shaped member 310 extends along the depth direction. In particular, the rod-shaped member 310 is composed of a first prize support portion 311, a second prize support portion 312, and a blocking portion 313 provided between the first prize support portion 311 and the second prize support portion 312. The first prize support portion 311, the second prize support portion 312, and the blocking portion 313 are configured in a series.

[0026] The first prize support section 311 is located on the rear side (base end side). The first prize support section 311 is formed in the shape of a rectangular prism with a roughly square cross-section. The first prize support section 311 (the upper surface of the first prize support section 311) extends along the depth direction. The first prize support section 311 (the upper surface of the first prize support section 311) is inclined so that the front side (front side) is lower. A mounting section 314 is provided at the rear end of the first prize support section 311. The prize placement member 300 is attached to the rear frame HF by fixing the mounting section 314 to the rear frame HF. The first prize support section 311 is capable of supporting (stocking) one or more prizes P (hanging aids T) in a suspended state. In this embodiment, a recess 311a is provided at the front end of the first prize support section 311 (the position directly in front of the blocking section 313). The recess 311a is formed with a width that allows one suspension aid T (arc frame Tf) to enter. In other words, the recess 311a is formed with a width that prevents multiple suspension aids T (arc frames Tf) from entering.

[0027] The blocking portion 313 is provided on the front side of the first prize support portion 311. That is, the blocking portion 313 is continuous with the front end of the first prize support portion 311. The blocking portion 313 is a convex portion (mountain portion) that protrudes upward relative to the upper surface of the first prize support portion 311. The blocking portion 313 is formed in a series of arcuate surfaces 313a (see Figure 6) that extend diagonally upward (towards the front and upward) from the front end of the first prize support portion 311 (the upper surface of the first prize support portion 311), and inclined surfaces 313c that extend diagonally downward (towards the front and downward) from the vertex 313b (see Figure 6) of the arcuate surface 313a. The arcuate surface 313a is the rear end face of the blocking portion 313. In a side view, the arcuate surface 313a extends in an arc shape with a first radius of curvature. The vertex 313b is formed to have an R shape in a side view. The inclined surface 313c extends along the depth direction. The inclined surface 313c is inclined so that the front side is lower.

[0028] The second prize support section 312 is provided on the front side of the blocking section 313. The second prize support section 312 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross-section. The second prize support section 312 (the upper surface of the second prize support section 312) extends along the depth direction. The second prize support section 312 is composed of a base end section 312a, an intermediate section 312b, and a tip section 312c. The base end section 312a, the intermediate section 312b, and the tip section 312c are configured as a series. The base end portion 312a is continuous with the front end of the blocking portion 313 (inclined surface 313c). The base end portion 312a (upper surface of the base end portion 312a) is inclined so that the front side is lower. The intermediate section 312b is continuous with the front end of the base section 312a. The intermediate section 312b (the upper surface of the intermediate section 312b) extends approximately horizontally. The tip portion 312c is continuous with the front end of the intermediate portion 312b. The tip portion 312c (the upper surface of the tip portion 312c) is curved (or inclined) so that the front side is higher. Multiple grooves (not shown) are formed on the upper surface of the tip portion 312c at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the tip portion 312c extends. Each groove extends along the outer circumference of the tip portion 312c. The second prize support section 312 is capable of supporting one prize P (hanging support device T) in a suspended state.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 310 is divided into a main body portion 314 and a cover portion 315. The cover portion 315 is configured to be detachably attached to the main body portion 314. The cover portion 315 is attached to the side of the main body portion 314 (in this embodiment, the right side in a front view). In the rod-shaped member 310 (the portion corresponding to the blocking portion 313), a predetermined gap is provided between the main body portion 314 and the cover portion 315. The swinging member 320 (the pushing portion 321 and the connecting portion 323, which will be described later) is positioned sandwiched between the main body portion 314 and the cover portion 315.

[0030] The oscillating member 320 extends along the depth direction. In particular, the oscillating member 320 is composed of a pressing portion 321, a receiving portion 322, and a connecting portion 323 that connects the pressing portion 321 and the receiving portion 322. The pressing portion 321, the receiving portion 322, and the connecting portion 323 are configured as a series. The pressing portion 321 is located on the rear side. The pressing portion 321 is formed in a flat plate shape. The pressing portion 321 has a pressing surface 321a (see Figure 5) and an end surface 321b (see Figure 5) that extends downward from the rear end of the pressing surface 321a, which are formed in a continuous manner. The upward-pressing surface 321a extends in a straight line along the depth direction. The end face 321b is the rear end face of the upward-pressing surface 321. In a side view, the end face 321b extends in an arc shape with a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature described above.

[0031] The connecting portion 323 is composed of a plate-shaped portion 323a (see Figure 5) and a rod-shaped portion 323b (see Figure 5). The plate-shaped portion 323a and the rod-shaped portion 323b are arranged in a series. The plate-like portion 323a is continuous with the front end of the pressing portion 321. That is, the upper surface of the plate-like portion 323a is continuous with the front end of the pressing portion 321a. The plate-like portion 323a is formed in a flat plate shape. The upper surface of the plate-like portion 323a extends along the depth direction. The upper surface of the plate-like portion 323a is inclined so that the front side is lower. A pivot shaft sh is arranged on the plate-like portion 323a. The pivot shaft sh is arranged to extend horizontally along the left-right direction. The rod-shaped portion 323b is continuous with the front end of the plate-shaped portion 323a. The rod-shaped portion 323b is formed in a linearly extending rectangular prism shape. The rod-shaped portion 323b (the upper surface of the rod-shaped portion 323b) extends along the depth direction. The receiving portion 322 is continuous with the front end of the rod-shaped portion 323b. The receiving portion 322 is formed in a rod shape. The receiving portion 322 is curved (or inclined) so that the front side is higher.

[0032] In the oscillating member 320, the oscillating shaft sh is positioned between the pushing portion 321 and the receiving portion 322. In particular, the distance from the oscillating shaft sh to the front end of the receiving portion 322 is longer than the distance from the oscillating shaft sh to the rear end of the pushing portion 321. The oscillating member 320 is attached to the rod-shaped member 310 via an oscillating shaft sh. That is, in the prize placement member 300, the oscillating shaft sh is supported (pivoted) between the main body 314 and the cover 315. In this case, one end of the oscillating shaft sh is supported by the main body 314, and the other end of the oscillating shaft sh is supported by the cover 315, and the oscillating shaft sh is positioned to extend horizontally along the left-right direction. As a result, the oscillating member 320 is attached to the rod-shaped member 310 so that it can swing like a seesaw around the oscillating shaft sh. That is, in the prize placement member 300, with respect to the oscillating member 320, it is possible to lower the pressing part 321 as the receiving part 322 rises, or to raise the pressing part 321 as the receiving part 322 lowers.

[0033] The prize placement member 300 (oscillating member 320) is capable of being displaced between an initial state (see Figures 4 to 6) and a displaced state (see Figures 7 and 8). In other words, the prize placement member 300 (oscillating member 320) is equipped with a torsion spring sp (see Figure 5). The torsion spring sp biases the receiving portion 322 upward. As a result, in the prize placement member 300 when no external force is applied to the receiving portion 322 (=initial state), the receiving portion 322 is raised and the pushing portion 321 is lowered. In particular, in the prize placement member 300 in the initial state, the pushing upper surface 321a is positioned lower than the bottom surface of the recess 311a (the upper surface of the first prize support portion 311), the rod-shaped portion 323b is positioned approximately parallel to the intermediate portion 312b, and the receiving portion 322 is positioned on the front side relative to the tip portion 312c. Here, in the prize placement member 300 in the initial state, the receiving portion 322 is positioned so that it can receive the prize P that has detached from the tip (front end) of the second prize support portion 312 (tip portion 312c). Furthermore, in the initial state of the prize placement member 300, the upward-pressing surface 321a extends from a position below the blocking portion 313 to a position below the recess 311a. Meanwhile, the weight of the prize P, which has detached from the tip (front end) of the second prize support part 312 (tip part 312c), pushes down the receiving part 322, causing the prize placement member 300 to displace from its initial state to a displaced state. In the displaced state of the prize placement member 300, the receiving part 322 is lowered and the pushing part 321 is raised. In particular, in the displaced state of the prize placement member 300, the pushing surface 321a is positioned higher than the apex 313b of the blocking part 313, and the upper surfaces of the pushing surface 321a and the plate-like part 323a are inclined so that the front side is lower. As a result, the pushing part 321, as the receiving part 322 descends (as it displaces from the initial state to the displaced state), is able to push up the prize P, which is supported in the recess 311a of the first prize support part 311, to a position where it can overcome the blocking part 313.

[0034] (Operation of prize placement component 300) Next, the operation of the prize placement component 300 will be explained. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the prize placement member 300 in its initial state with prizes P stocked. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the operation of replenishing prizes P in the prize placement member 300 in a displaced state. In the prize-winning game device 1, the operator places the prizes P in the initial state of the game prize placement member 300. That is, as shown in Figure 9, one or more prizes P are placed (stocked) in the first prize support section 311, and one prize P is placed in the intermediate section 312b of the second prize support section 312. At this time, each prize P is supported in a suspended state by the first prize support section 311 and by the second prize support section 312, as the prize placement member 300 is inserted through the arc frame Tf of the suspension auxiliary device T. Furthermore, because the upper surface of the first prize support section 311 is sloped so that the front side is lower, the prizes P placed on the first prize support section 311 slide down the upper surface of the first prize support section 311 toward the front, and the prize P placed furthest forward among the prizes P placed on the first prize support section 311 is placed inside the recess 311a. In the prize-winning game, the prize-moving operation described above allows the prize P placed on the second prize support unit 312 to be shifted towards the front using the rear arm 161 of the prize-moving unit 160. By detaching the prize P from the tip of the second prize support unit 312, the prize P can be won. In particular, the prize placement member 300 has a tip 312c that is curved (or inclined) so that the front side is higher, making it difficult to detach the prize P from the second prize support unit 312 and improving the gameplay. In this embodiment, multiple grooves are formed at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of the tip 312c along the direction in which the tip 312c extends, and the arc frame Tf of the suspension aid T catches in these grooves, assisting in the movement of the prize P (movement towards the front). Furthermore, in the prize placement member 300, the intermediate section 312b extends substantially horizontally along the depth direction, which allows the prize P to swing within the intermediate section 312b, thereby improving the gameplay.

[0035] As shown in Figure 10, when the prize is moved, the prize P that was placed on the second prize support part 312 detaches from the tip of the second prize support part 312. The prize P then falls onto the upper surface of the receiving part 322, and as the weight of the prize P pushes down (descends) the receiving part 322, the pushing part 321 rises. In other words, the prize placement member 300 is displaced from its initial state to a displaced state. As a result, the prize P that was placed inside the recess 311a is pushed up by the pushing surface 321a to a position higher than the apex 313b of the blocking part 313, and slides down towards the front along the upper surface of the pushing surface 321a and the plate-like part 323a, thereby being replenished (placed) in the second prize support part 312. At this time, the prize P that has detached from the tip of the second prize support section 312 pushes down the receiving section 322, then detaches from the tip of the receiving section 322 and falls into the opening area OE. As the prize P detaches from the receiving section 322, the receiving section 322 rises due to the biasing force of the torsion spring sp, and the prize placement member 300 returns from the displaced state to the initial state. In this series of operations, if multiple prizes P were placed in the first prize support section 311, the first (closest) prize P of the multiple prizes P is placed in the recess 311a, and when the first prize P is replenished in the second prize support section 312, the second prize P slides down the upper surface of the first prize support section 311 and is placed inside the recess 311a.

[0036] (Function of prize placement member 300) The prize placement member 300 is a member for placing prizes P within the game area GE of the prize acquisition game device 1, and includes a rod-shaped member 310 extending in the depth direction and a swinging member 320 attached to the rod-shaped member 310. The rod-shaped member 310 also includes a first prize support part 311 provided on the rear side, a second prize support part 312 provided on the front side, and a blocking part 313 provided between the first prize support part 311 and the second prize support part 312. The swinging member 320 also includes a pushing part 321 provided on the rear side, a receiving part 322 provided on the front side, and a swinging shaft sh provided between the pushing part 321 and the receiving part 322, and is attached to the rod-shaped member 310 via the swinging shaft sh and is capable of swinging in a seesaw-like manner relative to the rod-shaped member 310 about the swinging shaft sh. Furthermore, the receiving portion 322 is positioned to receive the prize P that has detached from the second prize support portion 312. In addition, the pushing portion 321 is capable of pushing up the prize P, which is supported by the first prize support portion 311, to a position where it can overcome the blocking portion 313 as the receiving portion 322 descends. In other words, in the prize placement member 300, as the weight of the prize P detached from the second prize support section 312 causes the receiving section 322 to descend, the prize P stocked in the first prize support section 311 is pushed up by the pushing section 321, overcoming the blocking section 313 and becoming available for replenishment in the second prize support section 312. This makes it possible to simplify the replenishment of prize P. Furthermore, in the prize placement member 300, the distance from the pivot axis sh to the front end of the receiving portion 322 is longer than the distance from the pivot axis sh to the rear end of the pushing portion 321. This makes it possible to replenish prizes more reliably based on the weight of the prizes P that have detached from the second prize support portion 312. Furthermore, in the prize placement member 300, the oscillating member 320 is equipped with a torsion spring sp that biases the receiving portion 322 upward. This makes it possible to have the pushing portion 321 in a downward position when no force is acting on the receiving portion 322. Furthermore, in the prize placement member 300, the upper surface of the first prize support section 311 is sloped so that the front side is lower. This makes it possible to sequentially replenish the second prize support section 312 with the multiple prizes P even when they are stocked in the first prize support section 311. Furthermore, in the prize placement member 300, the rear end face of the pushing portion 321 is formed in the shape of a circular arc with a first radius of curvature, and the rear end face of the blocking portion 313 is formed in the shape of a circular arc with a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. This makes it possible to smoothly push up the prizes P stocked in the first prize support portion 311 by the pushing portion 321 while suppressing the situation where the prizes P overturn the blocking portion 313 due to their own weight. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1. Prize-winning game machine 300 Prize placement components 310 Rod-shaped member 320 Oscillating member 311 First Prize Support Section 312 Second Prize Support Section 313 Blocking part 321 Push-up part 322 Receiving section sh oscillating axis P Prize

Claims

1. A prize placement member for arranging prizes within the game space of a prize-winning game machine, It comprises a rod-shaped member extending along the depth direction and a swinging member attached to the rod-shaped member, The rod-shaped member includes a first prize support portion provided on the rear side, a second prize support portion provided on the front side, and a blocking portion provided between the first prize support portion and the second prize support portion. The oscillating member comprises a pressing portion provided on the rear side, a receiving portion provided on the front side, and an oscillating shaft provided between the pressing portion and the receiving portion, and is attached to the rod-shaped member via the oscillating shaft, and is capable of oscillating in a seesaw-like manner relative to the rod-shaped member about the oscillating shaft. The receiving portion is positioned to receive the prize that has detached from the second prize support portion. The prize placement member is characterized in that, as the receiving portion descends, the pushing portion is capable of pushing up the prize supported by the first prize support portion to a position where it can overcome the blocking portion.

2. The prize placement member according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance from the pivoting shaft to the front end of the receiving portion is longer than the distance from the pivoting shaft to the rear end of the pressing portion.

3. The prize placement member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a biasing means for biasing the receiving portion toward the upward direction.

4. The prize placement member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper surface of the first prize support portion is inclined such that the front side is lower.

5. The rear end face of the aforementioned pressing portion is formed in the shape of a circular arc with a first radius of curvature. The prize placement member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end face on the far side of the blocking portion is formed in the shape of an arc with a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature.

Images