Crane game machine

Abstract

The objective is to develop a crane game device that provides a reset function for the game components, which involves moving the game components back to the area where they were located at the start of the game after the crane game has finished. [Solution] The crane game device 1 includes a crane member 310 that transports game components 10 to a predetermined position, a holding member 210 that holds the game components 10 transported by the crane member 310, a holding adjustment unit 220 that tilts the holding member 210 holding the game components 10 from a horizontal position to an inverted inclined position, and returns it from the inclined position to a horizontal position, and a flexible member positioned below the holding member 210 that is curved in an arc shape in a side view and is formed as a concave portion 230 with an opening at the top, and when the holding member 210 is tilted to the inclined position through the holding adjustment unit 220, the curve of the concave portion 230 widens and the game components 10 that roll out from the holding member 210 are recovered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane game machine, and is a crane game machine provided with a mechanism for collecting game members used in a game.

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of crane game machines, ranging from the conventional type that uses an arm to grab a prize and drop it into a specific hole, to types that push out and drop prizes, lift them up, or roll them to drop. Furthermore, in recent years, crane games utilizing digital technology have also emerged, and those that can be remotely operated online, as well as those with high game playability that allow players to obtain prizes by clearing specific conditions, are gaining popularity.

[0003] In addition, crane games are not merely games, but also have collection elements for collecting prizes obtained from crane games and entertainment properties that attract players' interest, and players can select and challenge a crane game machine having their desired prize from a plurality of crane game machines. In particular, crane game machines have become established as a main content of game arcades, and it is expected that new models will be introduced in the future and will continue to evolve into even more attractive games.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a game machine in which a prize that has fallen into a prize acquisition port is automatically detected, pushed up to a predetermined height by a lift unit, and then discharged again to a game field indicating the area where the player performs operations to acquire the prize. Specifically, the crane game machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a first operating unit that discharges in a first direction and a second operating unit that discharges in a second direction. When a prize falls into the prize acquisition port, the crane game machine can operate the first operating unit or the second operating unit to discharge the prize to the game field.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a game machine in which prizes are replenished at the appropriate time and placed in the correct location. Specifically, the crane game machine can identify the acquired prize inside the crane game machine and replenish the playfield with a new prize of the same type as the acquired prize. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-122103 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-004192 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 require the crane game device to be equipped with more components in order to realize an automatic reset function for game components, which indicates the movement of game components or prizes back to the area where the crane game started after a predetermined crane game has ended. As a result, the material costs and processing costs required when manufacturing the crane game device inevitably increase, and the cost of the crane game device tends to be higher.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to develop a crane game device that can be used in both online and offline crane game devices, which automatically resets the game components placed inside the crane game device and has a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a crane member for transporting game components to a predetermined position, a holding member for holding the game components transported by the crane member, a holding adjustment unit for tilting the holding member holding the game components from a horizontal position to an inverted inclined position, and returning it from the inclined position to a horizontal position, a storage unit disposed below the holding member and formed as a concave portion with an open top by a flexible member that is curved in an arc shape in a side view, where the game components are stored in the concave portion, a receiving end for receiving the game components in the concave portion of the storage unit, and a contact portion provided at the lower end of the holding member when the holding member is in an inclined position, which contacts the receiving end, and when the holding member is tilted to an inclined position via the holding adjustment unit, the contact portion contacts the receiving end, widening the curvature of the concave portion, and the game components that roll out from the holding member are collected in the storage unit.

[0010] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a detection unit is provided to detect whether a game member is placed in a predetermined position on a holding member, and in response to the detection by the detection unit, the holding adjustment unit may tilt the holding member from a horizontal position to an inclined position and roll the game member into the storage unit.

[0011] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a stepping motor is provided in the holding adjustment section, the receiving end and the holding adjustment section are connected by a traction wire, and the concave portion of the storage section expands due to the tension of the traction wire caused by the rotation of the stepping motor in the holding adjustment section, so that the receiving end is positioned directly below the holding member.

[0012] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the contact portion is provided with a contact wheel portion, and when the holding member is tilted to an inclined position, the contact wheel portion of the contact portion contacts the receiving end and widens the curvature of the concave portion.

[0013] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective wall for the holding member may be provided that surrounds the holding member.

[0014] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a partition wall portion may be provided to separate the holding member from the storage portion.

[0015] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of game components may be placed on the holding member.

[0016] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the holding member may be a perforated plate member having a hole smaller than the size of the game piece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The crane game device comprises a crane member for transporting game components to a predetermined position, a holding member for holding the game components transported by the crane member, a holding adjustment unit for tilting the holding member holding the game components from a horizontal position to an inverted inclined position, and returning it from the inclined position to a horizontal position, a storage unit positioned below the holding member and formed as a concave portion with an open top by a flexible member that is curved in an arc shape in a side view, where the game components are stored in the concave portion, a receiving end for receiving the game components in the concave portion of the storage unit, and a contact portion provided at the lower end of the holding member when the holding member is in an inclined position, which contacts the receiving end, and when the holding member is tilted to the inclined position via the holding adjustment unit, the contact portion contacts the receiving end, widening the curvature of the concave portion and recovering the game components that roll out from the holding member, thus enabling the automatic reset of game components for a crane game device with fewer components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a front view of a crane game device in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the operating state of the crane component of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the operating state of the crane component of this disclosure. [Figure 4]This is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the crane member of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the crane member of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the crane member of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the automatic recovery device of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the automatic recovery device of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the automatic recovery device of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a connection example of the traction wire of the automatic recovery device of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an operation example of the holding member of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the operating state of the crane mechanism unit of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the operating state of the automatic recovery device of the present disclosure. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0019] <Overview> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the crane game apparatus 1 of the present disclosure and its related configuration. Inside the crane game apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, a crane mechanism lowering restriction mechanism 2 (hereinafter referred to as the crane mechanism unit 2) and an automatic recovery device 3 are provided, and each component functions according to the operation command input by the player and the operation result corresponding to the operation command. The details will be described below.

[0020] The crane game device 1 is known as a prize acquisition device, a catcher game machine, or a robot arm game machine, and is a game device played with the aim of acquiring prizes. After inserting an item such as a coin into the slot and pressing the start button, the player operates the crane game device 1 by moving the operating lever and operating buttons (not shown) forward, backward, left, right, or up and down to acquire a prize. The operating method of the crane game device 1 is not limited and may include a "number of attempts limit type" where the operating lever and operating buttons cannot be corrected once operated, and a "time limit type" where the operating lever and operating buttons can be moved freely within a predetermined time. When the player operates the crane game device 1 and the conditions for acquiring a prize are met, the crane game device 1 may dispense the prize that the crane game device 1 can provide from the prize acquisition unit 20, and the player may acquire the prize from the prize acquisition unit 20. Depending on the type of crane game device 1, if the prize acquisition unit 20 is not necessary, the crane game device 1 does not need to be equipped with the prize acquisition unit 20.

[0021] The crane mechanism 2 is a mechanism incorporated inside the crane game device 1, and when the crane member 320 operates to acquire the game item 10, it limits the descent distance of the arm 310 mounted on the crane member 320. Specifically, the arm 310 mounted on the crane member 320 is an extendable member that can descend and ascend from a certain position on the crane member 320 as its origin. Normally, the extendable section 330 of the crane member 320 has multiple joint members (so-called articulated members). When the extendable section 330 is descending, each joint is extended, and the arm 310 acquires the game item 10. On the other hand, when the game item 10 is acquired, or when the game item 10 is not acquired, each joint of the crane arm may be retracted, and the arm 310 may return to its original position. In the crane mechanism 2 of this disclosure, a traction member (including a first traction member 340 and a second traction member 350 in this embodiment) is provided to limit the descent distance of the arm 310 and the telescopic section 330, and when the arm 310 is lowered by the extension or retraction of the telescopic section 330, the arm 310 may be pulled by the traction member, thereby limiting the maximum descent distance.

[0022] The automatic retrieval device 3 is a mechanism incorporated inside the crane game machine 1 and automatically retrieves the game components 10 when certain conditions are met. Specifically, in a crane game, the automatic retrieval device 3 of this disclosure is configured to automatically retrieve and replenish the game components 10, thereby ensuring that the player is always provided with game components 10. The game components 10 retrieved by the automatic retrieval device 3 are stored in a dedicated box (in this embodiment, the storage unit 240) and may be appropriately managed by the crane game operation staff. Furthermore, the items that the automatic retrieval device 3 automatically retrieves are not limited to game components 10; depending on the type of crane game machine 1, it may automatically retrieve any prize that the crane game machine 1 can offer.

[0023] <Configuration of Crane Mechanism 2> From here, the crane mechanism 2 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 2 and 3. The crane mechanism 2 according to this embodiment includes an arm 310, a first hole 311, a second hole 312, a crane member 320, an extendable part 330, a first traction member 340, a second traction member 350, a weight 360, and a slide rail 370.

[0024] The arm 310 is a mechanism inside the crane game device 1 for grasping, moving, and transporting the game component 10 to a designated discharge position. The configuration of the arm 310 according to this embodiment may vary depending on the type of crane game device 1. For example, the arm 310 of this disclosure may be a two-claw arm, a three-claw arm, a U-shaped arm, or a magnetic arm. Specifically, the arm 310 can lift the game component 10 from the storage unit 240 and transport the lifted game component 10 to the holding member 210.

[0025] The crane component 320 is configured to move along the slide rail 370 in response to operation commands from the player. Specifically, the crane component 320 may include a stepping motor 221 that controls the raising and lowering of the arm 310, a lifting gear, a linkage mechanism, an electromagnetic lock, wiring, etc. The stepping motor 221 is configured to move the arm 310 up and down, and the arm 310 is smoothly operated by the control of the stepping motor 221 to acquire the game component 10. Furthermore, the lifting gear and linkage mechanism are incorporated inside the crane component 320, so that the movement of the stepping motor 221 is efficiently transmitted to the lifting gear and linkage mechanism, enabling precise raising and lowering of the telescopic section 330. In addition, an electromagnetic lock is installed, which plays a role in holding the arm 310 closed for a certain period of time when lifting the game component 10, enabling stable lifting of the game component 10. The crane component 320 also has wiring and a control board for receiving operation commands input by the player. The crane member 320 is not limited to these configurations, and may further be equipped with sensors inside the crane member 320 for detecting the raising and lowering of the arm 310 and the position of the arm 310.

[0026] The telescopic section 330 is configured to extend and retract when the arm 310 moves up and down. Specifically, the telescopic section 330 according to this embodiment has a plurality of joint members (so-called joint members) or members such as ball screws, and when the crane game device 1 is not operating, each joint member of the telescopic section 330 may be stored inside the crane member 320. When the crane game device 1 operates based on an operation command input by the player, the joint members of the telescopic section 330 may be lowered in stages by the stepping motor 221 mounted on the crane member 320. After the arm 310 acquires the game item 10, the joint members of the telescopic section 330 may be raised in stages by the stepping motor 221 mounted on the crane member 320.

[0027] The first traction member 340 is a traction member that connects to the arm 310 by passing through a first hole 311 installed at one end of the slide rail 370 and a second hole 312 installed at one end of the crane member 320. Specifically, when the crane game device 1 receives an operation command from the player, the crane member 320 moves from the starting position to near the upper center of the storage section 240 by being pulled by the first traction member 340. After the crane member 320 arrives near the upper center of the storage section 240, the telescopic section 330 descends in stages to retrieve the game parts 10 from the storage section 240. Since the first traction member 340 is connected to the arm 310, when the telescopic section 330 descends in stages, the first traction member 340 is pulled by the descent of the telescopic section 330, limiting the descent distance of the arm 310. In this case, the joint members of the telescopic section 330 do not need to reach their maximum extension distance due to the tension of the first traction member 340. Furthermore, the material of the first traction member 340 is not limited and may be a synthetic resin string, a metal wire, or an elastic material.

[0028] The second traction member 350 connects to the arm 310 by connecting from the first hole 311 installed at one end of the slide rail 370 to the lower part of the second hole 312 installed in the crane member 320. Specifically, the second traction member 350 has the same configuration as the first traction member 340, and when the crane game device 1 receives an operation command from the player and the arm 310 descends in stages, the arm 310 is pulled by the first traction member 340, preventing the joint member from fully extending or retracting, and limiting the extension and retraction distance of the telescopic part 330. Furthermore, since the second traction member 350 is also connected to the arm 310, when the joint member of the telescopic part 330 descends in stages, the arm 310 is further pulled by the second traction member 350, further shortening the descent distance of the arm 310. This is not limited to these, and if the traction member in this embodiment is unique, the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350 may be the same traction member. In this case, one end of the towing member extends from a point on the telescopic section 330 to one end of the crane member 320 and connects to it. Then, from the connection point on the crane member 320, it extends through the weight 360 and the first hole 311. Finally, the line extends straight down through the second hole 312 and connects to the other point (i.e., the end point) of the telescopic section 330. At this time, the starting and ending points of the towing member may be on the same straight line. This allows the descent distance of the arm 310 to be limited by the tension of a single towing member. Also, the first towing member 340 and the second towing member 350 do not have to be connected to the telescopic section 330, but may be connected to the arm 310.

[0029] The towing distance of the first towing member 340 and the second towing member 350 may simultaneously change depending on the position of the arm 310. Specifically, when the crane body 320 is near the starting position, the first towing member 340 and the second towing member 350 pull the arm 310 while being pulled, thereby limiting the arm 310's descent distance. In this case, the arm 310 does not necessarily have to descend due to the towing of the first towing member 340 and the second towing member 350. On the other hand, when the crane body 320 is above the storage section 240 due to the towing of the first towing member 340 and the second towing member 350, the first towing member 340 and the second towing member 350 release the pulling state and simultaneously release the limit on the descent distance to the arm 310. In this case, the arm 310 may lose the traction force from the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350, and reach into the storage section 240 from above to acquire the game component 10. Also, when the crane body 320 moves on the slide rail 370 by the traction of the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350, the traction force of the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350 is automatically adjusted by the tension of the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350, so the descent distance of the arm 310 can be dynamically changed according to its position on the crane body 320.

[0030] The weight 360 is configured to maintain the stability of the arm 310 when it extends or retracts due to the pulling of the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350. Specifically, when the telescopic section 330 is pulled by the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350, the joint members of the telescopic section 330 cannot extend or retract to their maximum distance, and the weight 360 can prevent excessive swaying of the arm 310. In addition, the weight 360 promotes load distribution to the arm 310, the first traction member 340, and the second traction member 350. In particular, when the load tends to be uneven during the movement of the arm 310, the weight 360, mounted on the second traction member 350, balances the load, thereby maintaining appropriate tension.

[0031] The slide rail 370 is used when the crane member 320 moves and defines the movement path of the crane member 320. Specifically, the slide rail 370 is provided above the crane game device 1, and the crane member 320 moves along the slide rail 370 according to operation commands received from the player. When the crane game device 1 is not in operation, the crane member 320 may be positioned at the starting position of the slide rail 370. When the crane game device 1 is in operation, the crane member 320 may move along the slide rail 370 from the starting position to near the center of the storage unit 240, acquire the game member 10, and then return to the starting position. In addition, two rails (not shown) are provided above the crane game device 1, perpendicular to the slide rail 370 in a horizontal position. The aforementioned two rails may be parallel to each other in a horizontal position, sandwiching the slide rail 370. In this case, based on information received from the crane game device 1, the slide rail 370 may move vertically in a horizontal position. Furthermore, the starting position according to this embodiment may be a position on the slide rail 370 directly above the holding member 210. However, it is not limited to this, and depending on the type of crane game device 1, the crane member 320 may be located on the upper right side of the storage section 240.

[0032] <Configuration of Automatic Recovery Device 3> The configuration of the automatic retrieval device 3 of this disclosure will now be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is an example showing the configuration of the automatic retrieval device 3 (see Figure 1) according to this embodiment. The automatic retrieval device 3 comprises a holding member 210, a holding member protective wall 213, a holding adjustment section 220, a concave section 230, a storage section 240, a receiving end 250, a contact section 260, and a partition wall section 270, and realizes the automatic retrieval function of game components 10 through the interlocking of each component. Furthermore, each component of the automatic retrieval device 3 of this disclosure can be deleted or added depending on the type of automatic retrieval. The components of the automatic retrieval device 3 will now be described in detail.

[0033] The holding member 210 is configured to hold the game component 10 that has been transported by the crane component. In this embodiment, the holding member 210 is a perforated plate component having multiple holes smaller than the size of the game component 10, and multiple game components 10 may be placed on it. The holes in the holding member 210 may also be divided into losing holes 211 that indicate that a prize cannot be obtained, and prize holes 212 (so-called winning holes) that indicate that a prize can be obtained. If the game component 10 is placed in a losing hole 211, the holding member 210 does not need to operate. However, the operating state of the holding member 210 is not limited to this, and if the game component 10 is placed in a losing hole 211 of the holding member 210 and the crane game device 1 has not operated within a certain period of time, the holding member 210 may automatically roll the game component 10 placed in the losing hole 211 to the storage unit 240 by adjusting the holding adjustment unit 220. On the other hand, when the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, the detection unit 280 located on the back side of the holding member 210 detects the game component 10 placed in the prize hole 212. Depending on the detection result, the holding member 210 may roll the game component 10 into the storage unit 240 by adjusting the holding adjustment unit 220. Furthermore, the shape, size, and dimensions of the holding member 210 in this disclosure are not limited and may be circular like a plate or rectangular.

[0034] The retaining member protective wall 213 surrounds the retaining member 210 with a resin plate or the like, and is installed to prevent the game component 10 acquired by the arm 310 of the crane component 320 from falling outside the retaining member 210. Furthermore, the height, size, color, and method of enclosure of the retaining member protective wall 213 are not limited, and it is sufficient that the game component 10 does not protrude outside the retaining member 210 when it falls from the arm 310 and bounces off the retaining member 210.

[0035] The holding adjustment unit 220 is configured to tilt the holding member 210, which holds the game member 10, from a horizontal position to an inverted inclined position, and to return the holding member 210 from the inclined position to the horizontal position. Specifically, the holding adjustment unit 220 is controlled by a stepping motor 221, and adjusts the tension state of the concave portion 230 of the storage portion 240 by pulling a traction wire 262 that is linked to the tilting movement of the holding member 210 due to the rotation of the stepping motor 221. For example, when the game member 10 is placed in the prize hole 212 of the holding member 210, a detection unit 280 provided on the back side of the holding member 210 first detects the game member 10 in the prize hole 212. After that, the stepping motor 221 operates based on the detection result received from the detection unit 280, and the holding adjustment unit 220 may adjust the tension state of the concave portion 230 by pulling the receiving end 250 via the operation of the stepping motor 221. Furthermore, the inclination position according to this embodiment is not limited; the holding member 210 may be tilted to an angle close to 90 degrees, or the inclination angle may exceed 90 degrees, or all of the game components 10 placed on the holding member 210 may be discharged into the storage unit 240.

[0036] The storage section 240 is positioned below the holding member 210 and is formed as a concave section 230 with an open top due to a flexible member that is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the side, and the game member 10 is stored in the concave section 230. In other words, the storage section 240 according to this embodiment is configured to retrieve the game member 10, and retrieves the game member 10 that is placed on the holding member 210. Specifically, the flexible member according to this embodiment is made of a flexible material and can stably hold the game member 10 while deforming appropriately in response to the load and external force of the game member 10. As a result, even when the stored game member 10 is excessively pushed in or subjected to the elastic force of the rebound of the game member 10, the flexible member can absorb the force and maintain the smooth storage of the game member 10.

[0037] In addition, the storage section 240 has a receiving end 250 at one end of the concave section 230 for receiving the game member 10, and a contact portion 260 is provided at the lower end of the holding member 210 when the holding member 210 is in an inclined position (see Figure 11) and contacts the receiving end 250. The contact portion 260 contacts one end of the receiving end 250 and connects to one end of the holding member 210. Specifically, when the game member 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, the detection unit 280 detects the game member 10 placed in the prize hole 212 (see Figure 10). : Detected by the detection unit 280, the holding adjustment unit 220 pulls the holding member 210, moving it from a horizontal position to an inclined position. At the same time, the contact wheel portion 261 provided on the contact portion 260 comes into contact with the receiving end 250, widening the curvature of the concave portion 230 and retrieving the game component 10 that is rolling away from the holding member 210. Alternatively, if the game component 10 placed on the holding member 210 is pushed into the storage portion 240, the holding member 210 is pulled by the holding adjustment unit 220, moving it from an inclined position to a horizontal position, and the contact wheel portion 261 of the contact portion 260 releases contact with the receiving end 250. Subsequently, the curvature of the concave portion 230 is narrowed by the pulling wire 262, returning the tensile state of the concave portion 230 to its original state. Furthermore, the size and material of the storage section 240 according to this embodiment are not limited, and all game components 10 may be stored in the storage section 240 when the crane game device 1 is not in operation. Also, because there is no sliding resistance of the contact wheel section 261, when the contact wheel section 261 rotates, the load on the contact wheel section 261 due to friction with the concave section 230 is reduced, and smooth curvature and deformation of the concave section 230 can be achieved.

[0038] The partition wall 270 is configured to partition the storage section 240 and the holding member 210. Specifically, the partition wall 270 is configured to partition the storage section 240 and the holding member 210, clearly separating the arrangement of each member, and is designed to properly hold the game component 10 stored in the storage section 240. For example, when the holding member 210 is pushed from a horizontal position to an inclined position, the game component 10 may bounce back due to the mechanical movement of the holding member 210 and the ebb and flow of gravity. The partition wall 270 suppresses the bouncing of the game component 10 and guides the game component 10 properly into the storage section 240. In this case, the partition wall 270 has the function of controlling the bouncing so that the game component 10 is properly stored. Furthermore, the size and installation angle of the partition wall 270 are not limited, and rubber or flexible material may be used on the inside of the partition wall 270, thereby absorbing the impact when the game component 10 makes contact and minimizing rebound. In addition, the partition wall 270 may be positioned perpendicular to the storage section 240, or it may be slightly inclined, so that when the game component 10 makes contact, it is guided in the appropriate direction of the slightly inclined partition wall 270 and settles smoothly into the storage section 240.

[0039] <Example of operation of crane mechanism 2> From here, we will explain examples of operations for transporting the game components 10 using Figures 4, 5, and 6. Figure 4 shows an example of the crane member 320 moving on the slide rail 370 before transporting the game components 10. Figure 4(a) is an example of a drawing in which the crane member 320 is in the starting position. If the game components 10 are not placed in the prize hole 212, or if the game components 10 are placed in the detachment hole 211, the crane member 320 is positioned at the starting position directly above the holding member 210. Figure 4(b) shows an example of the crane member 320 moving on the slide rail 370. When the crane game device 1 receives an operation command from the player, the crane member 320 is pulled by the first traction member 340 in accordance with the operation command entered by the player and moves from the starting position to a position near the center above the storage section 240. In this process, the first towing member 340 shortens by pulling the crane member 320, and the second towing member 350 extends downward due to the influence of the weight 360.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation in which the telescopic section 330 descends to acquire the game component 10. Figure 5(a) shows an example in which the crane member 320 reaches a position near the center of the storage section 240 and the arm 310 descends. Specifically, when the crane member 320 reaches a position near the center of the storage section 240, the telescopic section 330 descends its joint members in stages. At the same time, the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350 connected to the crane member 320 are pulled by the descent of the joint members, limiting the descent distance of the telescopic section 330. Figure 5(b) shows an example in which the telescopic section 330 lifts the game component 10 from the storage section 240. The telescopic section 330 descends to near the center of the storage section 240 and acquires the game component 10 from the storage section 240. After acquiring the game component 10, the telescopic section 330 is lifted by the control of the crane component 320 and the pulling of the first towing component 340 and the second towing component 350.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation in which the crane member 320 transports the game component 10 to the holding member 210. Figure 6(a) shows an example in which, after the arm 310 acquires the game component 10, the crane member 320 returns to the starting position from a position near the center of the storage section 240. Specifically, after the arm 310 acquires the game component 10 via the telescopic section 330, the crane member 320 transports the game component 10 on the slide rail 370 from a position near the center of the storage section 240 to the starting position. In this case, the first traction member 340 may be extended, and the second traction member 350 may be shortened to its original length by the balance of the weight 360. Also, in this case, the arm 310 may be in a state of gripping the game component 10. Figure 6(b) shows an example in which the crane member 320 returns to the starting position and releases the state of gripping the game component 10. Specifically, when the crane member 320 reaches the starting position, the arm 310 releases its grip on the game component 10, causing the game component 10 to fall into the holding member 210. The game component 10 that falls from the arm 310 bounces up and down on the surface of the holding member 210 and finally falls into a single hole.

[0042] <Example of operation of automatic collection device 3> From here, we will explain the operation examples of the automatic retrieval device 3 using Figures 7, 8, and 9. Figure 7 is an example showing the state when the automatic retrieval device 3 is not operating. The holding member 210 according to this embodiment is always held in a horizontal state. When the game member 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, or when the crane game device 1 has not been operating for a certain period of time, the holding member 210 changes from a horizontal state to an inclined state (see Figures 7, 8, and 9). When the game member 10 is placed in the detachment hole 211, the detection unit 280 located on the back side of the holding member 210 detects that the game member 10 is not placed in the prize hole 212 and does not operate the automatic retrieval device 3. When the game member 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, the detection unit 280 detects that the game member 10 is placed in the prize hole 212 and operates the automatic retrieval device 3. However, the system is not limited to these, and if the crane game device 1 is not operating within a certain period of time, the automatic retrieval device 3 may automatically activate the holding adjustment unit 220 and send the game component 10 placed on the holding member 210 back to the storage unit 240.

[0043] Figure 8 shows an example of the operation state of the holding member 210 when the game component 10 is placed in a predetermined position (i.e., the prize hole 212). Specifically, when the game component 10 falls from the arm 310 and lands in the prize hole 212, the detection unit 280 located on the back side of the holding member 210 detects that the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212. Subsequently, the automatic retrieval device 3 tilts the holding member 210 from a horizontal state to an inclined state based on the detection result of the detection unit 280 (see Figure 8). In this case, the holding member 210 tilts in accordance with the operation of the holding adjustment unit 220, the concave portion 230 of the storage portion 240 expands due to the pulling of the traction wire 262, and the receiving end 250 moves to a position where it contacts the holding member 210.

[0044] Figure 9 shows an example of when the holding member 210 reaches its maximum inclination angle. Specifically, the holding member 210 inclins in accordance with the operation of the holding adjustment unit 200, tilting from the horizontal position to an inclination position approaching 90 degrees. In this case, the inclination angle is not limited and may be an inclination angle that pushes all the game components 10 placed on the holding member 210 into the storage unit 240.

[0045] The holding member 210 is held at a certain inclination angle, and the contact portion 260 provided at the lower end of the holding member 210, which abuts against the receiving end 250, abuts against the receiving end 250 via the contact wheel portion 261 mounted on the aforementioned contact portion 260, widening the curvature of the concave portion 230. The detection unit 280 may also detect over time whether or not the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212. If the detection unit does not detect that the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, the holding member 210 returns from the inclined position to the horizontal position by the operation of the holding adjustment unit 220. As the holding member 210 returns from the inclined position to the horizontal position, the contact wheel portion 261 of the contact portion 260 releases its contact with the receiving end 250, the tension of the traction wire 262 loosens, and the curvature of the concave portion 230 narrows. When the retaining member 210 returns to its original horizontal position, the concave portion 230 of the storage portion 240 also returns to its original state at the same time.

[0046] <Example of operation of the holding member 210> From here, we will explain an example of the operation of the holding member 210 using Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the holding member 210 and the concave portion 230 when the crane game device 1 is not in operation. Specifically, when the crane game device 1 is not in operation, the holding member 210 is held in a horizontal position. In this case, the concave portion 230 is maintained in its original shape, and the contact wheel portion 261 does not need to be in contact with the concave portion 230.

[0047] The contact portion 260 according to this embodiment is located below the holding member 210 and has a protrusion (in this embodiment, the protrusion is the contact wheel portion 261). When the holding member 210 is held in a horizontal position, the contact portion 260 is parallel to the storage portion 240 of the concave portion 230 and does not need to contact the concave portion 230. Also, when the holding member 210 is held in an inclined position, the contact wheel portion 261 provided on the contact portion 260 contacts the receiving end 250 and widens the curvature of the concave portion 230. However, the shape and size of the contact wheel portion 261 are not limited, and when the holding member 210 is in an inclined position, the contact wheel portion 261 should contact the receiving end 250 and widen the curvature of the concave portion 230. Furthermore, the contact wheel portion 261 is a wheel (or roller) that rotates while contacting a part of the concave portion 230 as part of the contact portion 260. Because there is little friction due to sliding resistance when it contacts the concave portion 230, it can rotate smoothly.

[0048] The detection unit 280 is located below the prize hole 212. When a game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, the detection unit 280 detects the game component 10 placed in the prize hole 212, and the holding adjustment unit 220 may tilt the holding component 210 from a horizontal position to an inclined position based on the detection result. When a game component 10 is placed in the detachment hole 211, the detection unit 280 detects that there is no game component 10 placed in the prize hole 212, and the holding adjustment unit 220 does not activate, and the holding component 210 may remain in the horizontal position.

[0049] Furthermore, the detection unit 280 according to this embodiment is a sensor for detecting whether or not the game component 10 is in a predetermined position, and may be an optical sensor or a pressure sensor. If the detection unit 280 is an optical sensor, the detection unit 280 may detect whether or not the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212 by detecting the reflected light in the prize hole 212. If the detection unit 280 is a pressure sensor, the detection unit 280 may detect whether or not the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212 by detecting the pressure change in the prize hole 212. However, the detection unit 280 is not limited to an optical sensor or a pressure sensor, and it is sufficient if it can detect whether or not the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212.

[0050] Figure 11 shows an example of the operation of the holding member 210 when the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212. Specifically, when the detection unit 280 detects the game component 10 in the prize hole 212, the holding adjustment unit 220 tilts the holding member 210 from the horizontal position to an inclined position approaching 90 degrees based on the detection result obtained by the detection unit 280 (see Figures 8, 9, and 11). In this case, the contact wheel portion 261 of the contact portion 260 contacts the concave portion 230, widening the curvature of the concave portion 230. After pushing the game component 10 placed in the prize hole 212 into the storage portion 240, the traction wire 262 pulls the concave portion 230 to return it to its original state (see Figure 10).

[0051] <Explanation of the operating state of the crane mechanism 2> From here, the operating state of the crane mechanism 2 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operating state of the crane mechanism 2 of this disclosure. When the crane game device 1 is not operating, the crane member 320 is positioned as close as possible to the start position on the slide rail 370 (step S11). Next, the crane game device 1 determines whether or not there is an operation command input by the player (step S12). If the crane game device 1 does not receive an operation command input from the player (NO in step S12), the crane member 320 may remain inactive and positioned as close as possible to the start position on the slide rail 370 (step S11). If the crane game device 1 receives an operation command input from the player (YES in step S12), the crane member 320 moves from the start position towards the storage section 240 by being pulled by the first traction member 340 (step S13).

[0052] After the crane member 320 reaches the vicinity of the center of the storage section 240 by being pulled by the first towing member 340, the arm 310 descends to the storage section 240 by extending and retracting the telescopic section 330 and retrieves the game parts 10 from the storage section 240 (step S14). In this embodiment, the arm 310 can retrieve only one game part 10 each time it descends. However, it is not limited to this, and depending on the type of crane game device 1 and the shape of the arm 310, the arm 310 may retrieve one or more game parts 10 simultaneously when it descends, or it may not retrieve any game parts 10.

[0053] After the arm 310 acquires the game component 10, the joint member of the telescopic section 330 rises and returns to its original position, and the arm 310 also returns to its original state at the same time (step S15). The lifting distance of the arm 310 is limited by the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350, but it is sufficient as long as it is within the range in which the game component 10 can be acquired from the storage section 240.

[0054] Finally, the arm 310 moves along the slide rail 370, moving from a position near the center of the storage section 240 to the starting position (step S16). In this case, the lengths of the first traction member 340 and the second traction member 350 are simultaneously adjusted back to their original lengths.

[0055] <Explanation of the operating status of the automatic recovery device 3> From here, the operating state of the crane mechanism 2 will be explained using Figure 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operating state of the automatic retrieval device 3 of this disclosure. When the game component 10 is not placed in the prize hole 212, the holding member 210 holds it in a horizontal position (step S21).

[0056] Furthermore, the crane game device 1 operates based on the operation command input by the player, and the detection unit 280 detects whether or not the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212 of the holding member 210 (step S22). If the game component 10 is placed in the release hole 211 (NO in step S22), the holding member 210 remains in the horizontal position. Conversely, if the game component 10 is placed in the prize hole 212 (YES in step S22), the holding member 210 tilts from the horizontal position to an inclined position by the adjustment of the holding adjustment unit 220 (step S23).

[0057] Subsequently, the holding member 210 is tilted by the holding adjustment unit 220 to an angle approaching 90 degrees from the horizontal position, causing the game components 10 to be pushed into the storage unit 240 (step S24). The tilt angle of the holding member 210 is not limited to 90 degrees; it may be an angle that causes all the game components 10 placed on the holding member 210 to be pushed into the storage unit 240.

[0058] The detection unit 280, located on the back side of the holding member 210, may always detect the presence or absence of the game member 10 in the prize hole 212 of the holding member 210 (step S25). If the game member 10 is still placed in the prize hole 212 of the holding member 210 (YES in step S25), the holding member 210 approaches 90 degrees to hold and push the game member 10 in (step S24). Conversely, if the game member 10 is not placed in the prize hole 212 of the holding member 210 (NO in step S25), the detection unit 280 detects that the game member 10 is not placed in the prize hole 212 of the holding member 210 and adjusts the holding adjustment unit 220 to return the holding member 210 from the inclined position to the horizontal position (step S26).

[0059] The above describes the configurations and embodiments of the crane game device 1, the crane mechanism 2, and the automatic retrieval device 3. The same or equivalent components, processes, and signals shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explanation are omitted from each drawing.

[0060] <Supplementary explanation> Although the operating state of the crane game device 1 according to the above embodiment has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications will be described below.

[0061] (1) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 1 of the Disclosure is connected to a network, and the player may operate the crane game device 1 remotely. Specifically, the crane game device 1 of the Disclosure is equipped with a system that allows the crane game to be played remotely via the internet, and the player operates the crane game device 1 at home using a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, a laptop computer, etc.). In addition, a camera with a shooting function is placed around the crane game device 1 or inside the crane game device 1, and the player may operate the crane game device 1 while viewing real-time video.

[0062] (2) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 1 of the present disclosure may be further equipped with a lighting device to enhance entertainment value. Specifically, in order to enhance the visual presentation of the crane game device 1, the crane game device 1 may be equipped with LED lights or light bulbs that have a dynamic lighting effect. At the moment when the game member 10 grasped by the arm 310 is dropped onto the holding member 210, the LED lights installed inside the crane game device 1 may create a spectacular effect to enhance the atmosphere of the crane game. As another example, in order to enhance the auditory presentation of the crane game device 1, the crane game device 1 may be equipped with a microphone that plays sounds, background music, etc.

[0063] (3) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 1 of the present disclosure may further include a learning unit that learns the operation history input by the player as learning data. Specifically, the crane game device 1 collects the operation commands input by the player to the crane game device 1 and stores them in a storage medium, and learns the player's operation characteristics. As a result, the crane game device 1 may automatically adjust the difficulty level of the crane game according to the learning results. For example, if a player drops the game component 10 onto the holding component 210 in an average of 10 attempts, the crane game device 1 may determine that the player is a beginner according to the learning results obtained from learning the player's operation history. After that, the crane game device 1 may adjust the movement speed of the crane component and the gripping force according to the player's operation characteristics to lower the difficulty level of the crane game.

[0064] (4) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 1 of the present disclosure may further have a voice operation function. Specifically, the crane game device 1 is provided with a voice input unit that acquires voice information of the player. In this case, the user may use the voice input unit to input operation commands to the crane game device 1, and the crane game device 1 may convert the information input by the voice input unit into information that the crane game device 1 can recognize and execute each function.

[0065] (5) In the above embodiments, the crane game device 1 of the present disclosure may further include a monitoring unit that monitors the operating status of each component located inside. Specifically, the aforementioned monitoring unit may monitor the operating status of each component located inside the crane game device 1 and detect malfunctions or abnormal conditions at the appropriate time. For example, if the arm 310 is malfunctioning and does not move, the monitoring unit may detect the malfunction and notify the owner of the crane game device 1.

[0066] (6) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 1 of the present disclosure may further include a display stand for displaying the prizes that the crane game device 1 offers. Specifically, the prizes that the crane game device 1 can offer are displayed on the display stand, and the player may select the crane game device 1 based on the prizes displayed on the display stand. When the detection unit 280 detects that the game member 10 is placed in the prize hole 212, the player may obtain a prize that the crane game device 1 can offer from the prize acquisition unit 20.

[0067] (7) In the above embodiment, an additional slide rail may be provided above the interior of the crane game device 1 of the present disclosure, positioned perpendicular to the horizontal direction of the slide rail 370. This allows the crane member 320 to move left and right along the slide rail 370, and also to move back and forth perpendicular to the slide rail 370.

[0068] (8) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components may be modified and implemented in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of this invention. In addition, the configurations of the crane game device 1, crane mechanism 2, and automatic retrieval device 3 of this disclosure can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means and steps can be combined into one or separated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Crane game machine 2. Crane mechanism lowering limiting mechanism 3. Automatic recovery device 10 Game Components 20 Prize Acquisition Department 210 Retaining member 211 Missing Hole 212 Prize Hole 213 Retaining member protective wall 220 Holding adjustment section 221 Stepping motor 230 Concave portion 240 Storage section 250 Receiving end 260 Contact part 261 Contact wheel section 262 Towing wire 270 Partition wall section 280 Detection unit 310 Crane components 311 Hole 1 312 Second hole 320 Arm 330 Telescopic part 340 First traction member 350 Second traction member 360 weights 370 Slide Rail

Claims

1. A crane component for transporting game components to a designated location, A holding member for holding the game component that is transported by the crane member, A holding adjustment unit that tilts the holding member, which holds the game component, from a horizontal position to an inverted inclined position, and returns it from the inclined position to the horizontal position, A storage portion is provided below the holding member, formed as a concave portion with an open top by a flexible member that is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the side, and in which the game member is stored in the concave portion, The recessed portion of the storage section is provided with a receiving end for receiving the game component, The retaining member is provided with a contact portion at the lower end of the retaining member when it is in the inclined position, which contacts the receiving end, When the holding member is tilted to the inclined position through the holding adjustment section, the contact section comes into contact with the receiving end, widening the curvature of the concave portion, and the game component that rolls out of the holding member is collected in the storage section. A crane game device characterized by the following features.

2. The system is equipped with a detection unit that detects whether the game component is placed in a predetermined position on the holding member. In response to the detection by the detection unit, the holding adjustment unit tilts the holding member from the horizontal position to the inclined position, causing the game member to roll into the storage unit. The crane game device according to feature 1.

3. The holding adjustment section is equipped with a stepping motor. The receiving end and the holding adjustment part are connected by a traction wire. The pulling wire is pulled by the rotation of the stepping motor in the holding adjustment section, causing the concave portion of the storage section to expand and the receiving end to be positioned directly below the holding member. The crane game device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned contact portion is provided with a contact wheel portion, When the holding member tilts to the inclined position, the contact wheel portion of the contact portion contacts the receiving end, widening the curvature of the concave portion. The crane game device according to feature 1.

5. The crane game device according to claim 1, characterized in that a protective wall for the retaining member is provided surrounding the retaining member.

6. The crane game device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a partition wall that separates the holding member and the storage section.

7. The crane game device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of the game components are placed on the holding member.

8. The crane game device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding member is a perforated plate member having a hole smaller than the size of the game member.

Images