GAME DEVICE, GAME DEVICE OPERATION CONTROL METHOD AND GAME PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a moving mechanism for a game device, which can reduce the size of the game device and give a sense of excitement to a player, and a gripping device for use therein. [Solution] A gripping device for gripping a prize is provided, the gripping device having a main body having a first drive unit and a rotating body provided below the main body. The main body has a slip ring unit connected to the rotating body. The rotating body has an arm unit for gripping a prize, and is configured to rotate around the central axis of the slip ring unit by being driven by the first drive unit. Also provided is a moving mechanism used in a game device that moves a prize in a game space to a prize removal space through an opening. The moving mechanism has a drive unit, a support unit connected to the drive unit, a first movable unit connected to the support unit and movable along the support unit, and a prize gripper provided on the first movable unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device for winning prizes, an operation control method for the game device, and a game program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a game device for winning prizes, a crane game device installed in an amusement facility is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a crane game device, a crane arm grasps a prize placed in a prize storage section and moves horizontally within the game space up to above the opening. For this reason, the crane game device requires a space for the crane arm to move horizontally. Therefore, the crane game device is necessarily large, and the amusement facility requires a space to install it.

[0003] On the other hand, in the field of recent gaming devices, there is a demand for miniaturization of gaming devices so that many gaming devices can be arranged in a limited space. In such a situation, it is difficult for conventional crane game devices to meet the demand for miniaturization due to their structure. Therefore, there is a demand for a gaming device that can provide players with an unprecedented sense of excitement while being miniaturized. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-84236 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a moving mechanism for a game device that can reduce the size of the game device and provide a sense of excitement to the player. Another object of the present invention is to provide a prize gripping device for use in such a moving mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

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

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

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

[0011] (5) A gripping device according to (4) above, wherein the arm portion has a lighting device arranged along its base end to its tip end.

[0012] (6) The arm unit includes a plurality of arm units, The gripping device described in (4) above, wherein the arm portions of each of the multiple arm units are configured to rotate independently about their base ends by being driven by the second drive portion.

[0013] (7) A moving mechanism used in a game device that moves a prize in a game space to a prize removal space through an opening, A drive unit; A support part connected to the drive part; A first movable part connected to the support part and movable along the support part; A prize gripping portion provided on the first movable portion, The movement mechanism is characterized in that the support portion is provided along a first direction perpendicular to the opening.

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

[0015] (9) The movement mechanism according to (7) above, wherein the first movable part extends from the support part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] (10) The first movable portion has a receiving portion for receiving the prize gripping portion, The moving mechanism according to (7) above, wherein the receiving portion is located directly above the opening.

[0017] (11) Further comprising a second movable part connected to the support part and movable along the support part; The moving mechanism according to (9) above, wherein the second movable part extends in the second direction in a direction opposite to the first movable part.

[0018] (12) The moving mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the prize gripping section is a gripping device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a moving mechanism for use in a game device that can reduce the size of the device and provide a sense of excitement to the player. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize gripping device for use in such a moving mechanism. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view that illustrates a schematic diagram of a movement mechanism of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a schematic diagram of the movement mechanism of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a typical prize-holding portion of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a typical prize gripping section of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a schematic internal configuration of a prize gripping section of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a typical connection state of the prize gripping portion of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic internal configuration of a prize holding section of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view that typically shows a game field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view that typically shows a game field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view that typically shows a game field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view that typically shows the auxiliary field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view that illustrates a schematic view of an input section of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view that illustrates a prize refill device of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view that illustrates a prize refill unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing a schematic internal configuration of the prize refill unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view showing a typical internal configuration of the prize refill unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing a typical internal configuration of a prize refill unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view showing a schematic internal configuration of the prize refill unit of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the prize refill device of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the prize refill device of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view that illustrates a game field of a game device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view that illustrates a movement mechanism of a game device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view that illustrates a movement mechanism of a game device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a perspective view that illustrates a game field of a game device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view that illustrates a game field of a game device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view that illustrates a game device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a model of a movement mechanism of a game device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view that typically shows a game field of a game device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The game device of the present invention will be described in detail below based on the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in the drawings will be referred to as "upper", the lower side as "lower", the left side as "left", the right side as "right", the front side of the paper as "front", and the back side of the paper as "rear".

[0022] <<First embodiment>> 1. Gaming Devices Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the game device 1 of the present invention is a two-play type game device in which two players can play simultaneously. However, the game device 1 may also be a one-play type game device in which one player plays.

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

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

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

[0026] (Top of the case) The upper part 21 of the housing is formed in a substantially rectangular column shape. The front and side of the upper part 21 of the housing are appropriately made of transparent materials, so that the inside of the game device 1 can be seen from the outside. The space defined by the upper part 21 of the housing is the game space 215.

[0027] (Bottom of the case) The lower housing part 22 is connected at its upper part to the upper housing part 21. The lower housing part 22 is used to store the memory part 8 and the control part 9. The lower housing part 22 also has a prize removal opening 221, a prize removal plate 222, and a prize removal space 223. The space defined by the lower housing part 22 serves as the prize removal space 223.

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

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

[0030] The number of push buttons is not particularly limited, and may be two or more. The joystick does not have to be present. In this case, in a standby state before the start of the game, the prize gripping portion 46 is always rotating. When the push button is pressed, the rotation of the prize gripping portion 46 stops. Depending on the configuration of the game device 1, the operation unit 3 may be a display screen configured with a rotary button, a dial, or a touch panel.

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

[0032] Unlike conventional crane game devices, the moving mechanism 4 is connected to the side of the prize gripping part 46 and has the function of moving the prize gripping part 46 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, the moving mechanism 4 is formed in an elongated shape, erected from the upper part of the lower part 22 of the housing. The position at which the moving mechanism 4 is installed is not particularly limited, and it may be installed on the back side or side side of the upper part 21 of the housing. From the viewpoint of not interfering with the progress of the game, it is preferable that the moving mechanism 4 is installed outside the game field 5. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 4 is installed near the center of the game device 1, specifically, between the prize winning game device 1A and the prize winning game device 1B, adjacent to the game field 5.

[0033] Since the game device 1 has two prize-winning game devices 1A and 1B, the movement mechanism 4 has a first set for the prize-winning game device 1A and a second set for the prize-winning game device 1B. As a result, the two prize-winning game devices 1A and 1B can be operated with one movement mechanism 4, so that the overall size of the game device 1 can be made compact. Since the first and second sets of the movement mechanism 4 have the same configuration, the first set for the prize-winning game device 1A will be described below. The first set has a drive unit 41, a shaft 42, a stop mechanism 43, a guide rail 44, a movable unit 45, a prize gripping unit 46, a detection device 47, and wiring 48. The shaft 42 alone, or the shaft 42 and the guide rail 44 together, are also referred to as a support unit.

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

[0035] (shaft) The shaft 42 is connected to the drive unit 41. The shaft 42 stands from the rotation axis of the motor 411 and extends vertically upward. The shape of the shaft 42 is not particularly limited, and may be rod-shaped, rectangular column-shaped, elongated, plate-shaped, or the like. The shaft 42 also has a screw-like groove or a spiral ridge on its surface. These are angled at a predetermined angle with respect to the Z-axis. Therefore, the rotation of the shaft 42 can raise and lower the movable part 45 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the shaft 42 has a function of moving the movable part 45.

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

[0037] (Guide rail) The guide rail 44 has a function of guiding the movement of the movable part 45. The guide rail 44 stands from the main body 412 of the drive part 41 and extends along the Z-axis direction to the plate 432 of the stop mechanism 43. The guide rail 44 is provided parallel to the shaft 42 and on the inner side of the game space 215 than the shaft 42 (separated in the Y-axis direction). The shape of the guide rail 44 is not particularly limited, and may be a rectangular column, a rod, an elongated shape, or a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the guide rail 44 is formed in a rectangular column shape. This ensures that the guide rail 44 fits securely with the movable part 45, and therefore the movable part 45 can be reliably guided in the vertical direction.

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

[0039] The base 451 is connected to the shaft 42. The base 451 has a through hole into which the shaft 42 fits, and a notch into which the guide rail 44 fits. The through hole and the notch are provided adjacent to each other along the horizontal (Y-axis) direction. This allows the base 451 to reliably fit with the shaft 42 and the guide rail 44, and allows the movable part 45 to move stably.

[0040] The receiving portion 452 has a function of receiving the prize gripping portion 46. The shape of the receiving portion 452 is not particularly limited, and may be a box shape, a plate shape, or a substantially U-shaped vertical section. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 452 is formed in a box shape without a bottom surface. The receiving portion 452 has a predetermined member of the prize gripping portion 46 disposed on its upper surface. The receiving portion 452 is provided at the tip of the connecting portion 453 and faces the game field 5. This allows the prize gripping portion 46 to face the game field 5, so that the prize gripping portion 46 can reliably grip a prize on the game field 5. The receiving portion 452 is connected to the prize gripping portion 46.

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

[0042] (Prize holding part) The prize gripping portion 46 has a function of gripping a prize. The prize gripping portion 46 is connected to the receiving portion 452 and is provided at the tip of the movable portion 45. The shape of the prize gripping portion 46 is not particularly limited and may be a sphere, a prism, a bale, or the like. The details of the prize gripping portion 46 will be described later.

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

[0044] The first detection device group 471 has a lower limit sensor 471a for the small arm, a lower limit sensor 471b for the large arm, and a first installation section 471c on which they are installed. The first installation section 471c is installed vertically upward from the main body 412 of the drive section 41 between the shafts 42 of the first set and the shafts 42 of the second set. The two lower limit sensors 471a and 471b are installed on the first installation section 471c at a predetermined distance along the Z axis. The two lower limit sensors 471a and 471b are installed so as to protrude from the first installation section 471c in the X axis direction and face each shaft 42. This makes it possible to detect the movable section 45 connected to the shaft 42, thereby preventing the arm section 405 of the prize gripping section 46 from colliding with the game field 5.

[0045] The lower limit sensor 471a for the small arm detects the lower limit to which the prize gripping part 46 having a small arm can move. The lower limit sensor 471b for the large arm detects the lower limit to which the prize gripping part 46 having a large arm can move. The lower limit sensor 471a for the small arm is provided lower than the lower limit sensor 471b for the large arm because the arm is smaller. The predetermined interval differs depending on the size of the prize gripping part 46, but is preferably about 5 to 10 cm.

[0046] On the other hand, the second detection device group 472 has a home position sensor 472a, an upper limit sensor 472b, and a second installation section 472c on which they are installed. The second installation section 472c is installed vertically downward from the plate 432 of the stop mechanism 43 between the shafts 42 of the first set and the shafts 42 of the second set. The home position sensor 472a and the upper limit sensor 472b are installed on the second installation section 472c at a predetermined distance along the Z axis direction. The home position sensor 472a and the upper limit sensor 472b are installed so as to protrude from the second installation section 472c in the X axis direction and face each shaft 42. This makes it possible to detect the movable section 45 connected to the shaft 42, and therefore it is possible to prevent the arm section 405 of the prize gripping section 46 from colliding with the ceiling of the upper housing section 21 or the input section 7. In addition, the prize gripping section 46 can be reliably arranged at the home position.

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

[0048] The detection device 47 has the above-mentioned four sensors, but is not limited thereto. The number of the lower limit sensors 471a, b may be one, and the number of the lower limit sensors 471a, b and the upper limit sensor 472b may be three or more. The detection device 47 may not be present. The number of the detection device group is not limited, and may be only one. In this case, a long sensor may be arranged over the axis 42. This allows the movement of the movable part 45 to be constantly grasped, so that the movement of the prize gripping part 46 can be detected in real time.

[0049] As described above, the moving mechanism 4 is provided between the prize game device 1A and the prize game device 1B. The first set and the second set of the moving mechanism 4 are disposed adjacent to each other along the X-axis direction of the game device 1. Therefore, the movable part 45 of the first set extends in the X-axis direction toward the prize game device 1A. On the other hand, the movable part 45 of the second set extends in the X-axis direction toward the prize game device 1B. That is, the movable part 45 of the first set and the movable part 45 of the second set protrude in opposite directions. This allows one moving mechanism 4 to raise and lower the prize gripping part 46 used in the two game devices 1, the prize game device 1A and the prize game device 1B.

[0050] (wiring) The wiring 48 functions to transmit power to rotate the prize gripping portion 46 and to transmit power to open and close the arm portion 405 of the prize gripping portion 46. The base end of the wiring 48 is connected to a power source (not shown). Meanwhile, the tip of the wiring 48 is connected to a connection portion 453 of the movable portion 45. Then, power is supplied to the mechanism of the prize gripping portion 46 via the movable portion 45. Therefore, the prize gripping portion 46 can be electrically rotated, driven, and illuminated, as described later. The position of the wiring 48 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply power to the prize gripping portion 46. The wiring 48 may be stored in the lower portion 22 of the housing.

[0051] As described above, the game device 1 of the present invention is different from the conventional crane game device in that there is no structure above the game space 215, and therefore the prize gripping part 46 can be raised and lowered to near the ceiling of the cabinet 2. Therefore, the player's line of sight can be moved widely from top to bottom, enhancing the player's motivation to play. In addition, since the movement mechanism 4 does not move the prize gripping part 46 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, the game device 1 can be made compact.

[0052] <Prize holding part> Next, the prize gripping section 46 will be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the prize gripping section of the game device of the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the prize gripping section of the game device of the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 is a front view showing the internal structure of the prize gripping section of the game device of the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the connection state of the prize gripping section of the game device of the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the prize gripping section of the game device of the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 shows the arm section in an open state (open state), and Fig. 7 shows one arm section in a closed state (closed state).

[0053] As shown in Fig. 5, the prize gripping part 46 has a main body 49 and a rotating body 40 attached to the lower end of the main body 49. The prize gripping part 46 also has a sensor device, which will be described later, although not shown in Fig. 5. Each part will be described in detail below.

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

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

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

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

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

[0059] [Lathe] The rotating body 40 is provided vertically below the main body 49. The rotating body 40 is configured to rotate by being driven by a motor 492. That is, the rotating body 40 is configured to rotate 360° horizontally around the rotation axis R as the central axis. This allows the arm unit 405 to be positioned at an appropriate angle relative to the prize, regardless of the attitude of the prize placed on the game field 5. The rotation direction of the rotating body 40 is not particularly limited, and may be clockwise or counterclockwise. This can be set arbitrarily by the control unit 9. Such a rotating body 40 has a flange 401, an arm unit 402 provided on the flange 401, and a cover member 403 that houses these.

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

[0061] (Arm unit) The arm unit 402 is provided around the rotation axis R. The number of the arm units 402 is not particularly limited, but two arm units 402 are provided in this embodiment. The two arm units 402 are provided opposite to the rotation axis R. As a result, the arm portion 405 described later is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R, so that the arm portion 405 can effectively grip the prize. If multiple arm units 402 are provided, the rotating body 40 has multiple arm portions 405, so that the prize can be gripped more reliably. Such an arm unit 402 has a movable unit 404 and an arm portion 405 connected to the movable unit 404.

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

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

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

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

[0066] 7, the biasing means 4046 is provided on the outer surface of the movable unit 404 and the connection means 4045. In this way, the biasing means 4046 biases the connection means 4045 toward the movable unit 404, and as a result, biases the arm portion 405 to the open state.

[0067] The arm portion 405 is connected to the connection means 4045 of the movable unit 404. As a result, the arm portion 405 is detachably attached to the connection means 4045. The shape of the arm portion 405 is not particularly limited, and may be L-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, J-shaped, or the like. Of these, the shape of the arm portion 405 is preferably L-shaped. As a result, the tip side of the arm portion 405 can get into the lower part of the prize as if embracing the prize, increasing the possibility of being able to grasp the prize.

[0068] The arm portion 405 may have a light emitting device (not shown) on the outside and inside thereof. However, the position of the light emitting device is not particularly limited, and may be provided on the inside and inside of the arm portion 405 or on the surface of the arm portion 405. The number of light emitting devices is also not limited, and may be one or more than two. When multiple light emitting devices are used, the multiple light emitting devices are preferably arranged continuously from the base end of the arm portion 405 toward the tip end. This allows the prize gripping portion 46 to provide an illumination effect and advertising effect in addition to the illumination effect and advertising effect provided by the housing 2.

[0069] The plurality of light emitting devices may be provided intermittently inside the arm portion 405, or may be combined into a single light emitting device in a long shape. The plurality of light emitting devices may include light emitting devices with different light emitting colors, or light emitting devices with different light emitting colors may be arranged alternately. Furthermore, each light emitting color may be grouped as one group, and each group of each light emitting color may be arranged alternately. Such a light emitting device is composed of an LED or the like. This allows the light emitting device to be lit or blink during game play or game standby, providing an illumination effect and an advertising effect by the arm portion 405.

[0070] As described above, the main body 49 and the rotating body 40 are configured by connecting the shaft 4913 and the flange 401. Wiring from the slip ring 4912 is connected to the movable unit 404 via the flange 401. This supplies power to the movable unit 404, enabling it to move and the light emitting device to emit light.

[0071] Furthermore, the rotating body 40 rotates as the motor 492 is driven. At this time, since the wiring is connected to the movable unit 404 via a through hole (not shown) in the flange 401, there is no risk of the wiring becoming entangled. In this manner, the rotating body 40 continues to rotate as long as the motor 492 is driven. As a result, even if the rotating body 40 does not have a movement mechanism for moving on the XY axes mounted on a conventional crane game device, the arm unit 405 can be positioned at an appropriate angle with respect to the Z axis depending on the placement of the prizes.

[0072] In addition, since the prize gripping section 46 has the slip ring section 491, it can supply power to the rotor 40 and does not require complex mechanical parts as in conventional prize gripping sections. Therefore, the light emitting device of the arm section 405 lights up, and the arm section 405 exhibits an illumination effect. In addition, since the arm section 405 can be rotated by the movable unit 404, the number of mechanical parts can be reduced, and a prize gripping section 46 with a simple configuration can be provided.

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

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

[0075] (Cover material) The cover member 403 has a function of storing the flange 401 and the arm unit 402. The shape of the cover member 403 is not particularly limited as long as it can store them. For example, the shape of the cover member 403 may be a cylinder, a prism, a truncated cone, etc. The cover member 403 may be formed integrally with the cover member 493 of the main body 49.

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

[0077] The second sensor device is located between the shaft 4913 and the flange 401. The second sensor device detects whether or not the arm portion 405 has come into contact with a prize. When the arm portion 405 comes into contact with a prize, the flange 401 is configured to tilt with respect to the rotation axis R. Therefore, the second sensor device recognizes the contact by a pressure sensor, a pressing sensor, or the like. When the second sensor device detects the contact between the arm portion 405 and the prize, the descent of the prize gripping portion 46 is stopped.

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

[0079] <Game Field> Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a typical game field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a typical game field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing a typical game field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing a typical auxiliary field of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 shows a state in which the game field is closed (closed state), and Fig. 12 shows a state in which the game field is open (open state).

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

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

[0082] (Drive unit) The driving unit 511 has a function of moving the movable unit 512, and is composed of a motor. The installation position of the driving unit 511 is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the operation of each part of the shutter mechanism 51. In this embodiment, the driving unit 511 is provided on the front side of the shutter mechanism 51. The driving unit 511 is driven by an instruction from the control unit 9 when the prize gripping unit 46 gripping the prize reaches the home position. However, the driving unit 511 may be driven by the player operating the operation unit 3.

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

[0084] One pulley 5121a of the pair of pulleys 5121 is connected to a rotating shaft of a motor and configured to rotate. The other pulley 5121b is provided at a predetermined distance from the one pulley 5121a. The predetermined distance is set to be longer than the length of the shutter section 513. The belt 5122 is suspended on the pair of pulleys 5121. This allows the belt 5122 to rotate around the pair of pulleys 5121.

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

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

[0087] The guide rail 5124 has a function of guiding the movement of the moving part 5123. For that purpose, the guide rail 5124 is formed in a long rod shape. The guide rail 5124 is provided between the belt 5122 and the shutter part 513 along the movement direction (Y-axis direction) of the moving part 5123. The guide rail 5124 is fitted through the moving part 5123. This makes it possible to reliably guide the movement of the moving part 5123.

[0088] (Shutter section) The shutter section 513 functions as a support on which a prize is placed. The shutter section 513 is formed to a size corresponding to the cross section of the housing 2, and is arranged in the arrangement area 225. The shutter section 513 is connected to the moving section 5123 at one end of its side. As a result, the shutter section 513 moves with the movement of the moving section 5123. At this time, the arrangement area 225 does not exist on the back side of the housing lower section 22. That is, the arrangement area 225 is formed along the Y-axis direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the housing lower section 22. Therefore, when the shutter section 513 moves in the Y-axis direction, this arrangement area 225 disappears, and the shutter section 513 moves toward the Z-axis direction (FIG. 12). As a result, a part of the shutter section 513 hangs down on the Z-axis, making it possible to effectively utilize space and to reduce the size of the housing 2.

[0089] When the shutter section 513 moves and opens, an opening 216 is formed. This allows the game space 215 and the prize removal space 223 to communicate with each other. The prize placed in the shutter section 513 falls into the prize removal space 223. The shutter section 513 is provided adjacent to the movable section 512 so as to be opened and closed by the movable section 512. Such a shutter section 513 is composed of a plurality of long panels 5131 and wheels 5132 provided on the panels 5131.

[0090] The multiple long panels 5131 are arranged perpendicular to the moving section 5123, and are arranged continuously in the Y-axis direction along the guide rails 5124. This allows for no gaps between the multiple panels 5131, so prizes can be placed securely. The width (length in the Y-axis direction) of each panel 5131 is preferably about 3 to 10 cm. The length (length in the X-axis direction) of each panel 5131 corresponds to the size of the opening 216, and is preferably about 30 to 100 cm. Such a size allows the multiple panels 5131 to move smoothly.

[0091] The number of the multiple panels 5131 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 5 to 15. This allows the shutter section 513 to bend flexibly, so that the shutter section 513 can be smoothly opened and closed. In addition, since the shutter section 513 can be smoothly moved downward along the Z axis, the space of the housing 2 can be effectively utilized, and the housing 2 can be made smaller in size.

[0092] The multiple panels 5131 may be arranged so as to overlap each other partially, or may be arranged intermittently at a predetermined interval. When the multiple panels 5131 are arranged so as to overlap each other partially, the shutter section 513 can be bent more flexibly. When the multiple panels 5131 are arranged intermittently, the opening 216 is exposed, so that even if the arm section 405 cannot grasp the prize, the arm section 405 comes into contact with the prize, giving the player the impression that the prize falls into the prize removal space 223. In this case, the interval between the multiple panels 5131 may correspond to the width of one panel 5131 or the width of multiple panels, including two panels.

[0093] Since prizes only need to be placed on the shutter section 513, the shutter section 513 may be composed of a small number of panels 5131, such as three or four panels. The multiple panels 5131 may be rod-shaped or plate-shaped members. The multiple panels 5131 may not be provided across the opening 216, but may be formed to a length shorter than the opening 216 so that the opening 216 is exposed. The multiple panels 5131 may have a first group arranged so as to extend from the movable section 512 side onto the opening 216, and a second group arranged so as to extend from the opposite side to the movable section 512 onto the opening 216. This increases the area of ​​the opening 216 exposed from the shutter section 513, and thus provides an incentive for the player to play the game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0100] In this way, the multi-stage configuration of the inclined portion 522 allows a large prize to be guided to the shutter portion 513 by the gently inclined portion 5222, and a small prize to be guided to the shutter portion 513 by the steeply inclined portion 5221. Moreover, regardless of the size of the prize, the prize can be guided to the shutter portion 513 to some extent by the gently inclined portion 5222, while being reliably guided to the shutter portion 513 by the steeply inclined portion 5221. This allows the prize to be held in the center of the shutter portion 513.

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

[0102] (opening) When the shutter section 513 is opened, the opening 523 communicates the game space 215 with the prize removal space 223. As a result, the opening 523 overlaps with the opening 216. The opening 523 is formed in the center of the auxiliary field 52. The shape of the opening 523 is not particularly limited, and may be a circle, a rectangle, an ellipse, a triangle, or the like. Of these, it is preferable that the shape of the opening 523 is a circle. As a result, the prize can be guided to the center of the shutter section 513 from all around the inclined section 522.

[0103] The configuration of the game field 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and may be any configuration as long as the prize can be transferred to the prize removal space 223. For example, the shutter mechanism 51 may have an auxiliary field 52. Also, the auxiliary field 52 may not be present.

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

[0105] As described above, the game device 1 is configured so that the game field 5 itself opens and closes to form the opening 216. That is, the opening 216 and the game field 5 are formed integrally or overlapping in the Z-axis direction, which makes it possible to realize a smaller size of the cabinet 2, unlike conventional crane game devices. In addition, the auxiliary field 52 can always guide the prizes to the center of the game field 5, which makes it possible to prevent the prizes from scattering across the game field 5.

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

[0107] The shape of the input unit 7 is not particularly limited, and may be a dome, a hemisphere, a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a square column, a rod, or the like. In this embodiment, the input unit 7 is formed of a dome-shaped button. The input unit 7 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 in the game space 215. More specifically, the input unit 7 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 intersecting with an extension line of the path along which the prize gripping unit 46 moves. This allows the prize gripping unit 46 to reliably press or contact the input unit 7 when the prize gripping unit 46 rises. The position of the input unit 7 is not particularly limited, and may be provided on the side or back of the housing 2 depending on the configuration of the game device 1. The number of input units 7 is not particularly limited, and may be two or more.

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

[0109] When the trigger information is input information to the input unit 7, the control unit 9 controls the drive unit 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. When this trigger is activated, the shutter unit 513 opens and the opening 216 is formed. When the trigger information is upper limit information or home position information, the control unit 9 similarly controls the drive unit 511. In this case, the input unit 7 functions simply as a decorative member and does not need to be present.

[0110] In this way, the shutter section 513 is configured to open when the control section 9 acquires predetermined trigger information, so that prizes will not unintentionally fall into the prize removal space 223. In addition, the control section 9 can change the trigger information to various information, so that the trigger that opens the shutter section 513 can be changed. This allows various ways of playing to be provided to the player.

[0111] <Prize refilling device> Figure 15 is an enlarged oblique view showing a schematic prize replenishment device of a game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 16 is an enlarged oblique view showing a schematic prize replenishment unit of a game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 17 to 20 are enlarged oblique views showing a schematic internal configuration of a prize replenishment unit of a game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0113] [Base] The base 60 has a function of mounting the prize refill unit 61. The base 60 is provided on the rear surface of the upper housing 21. The base 60 is composed of two support columns 601 erected on both sides of the rear surface of the upper housing 21, and a connecting member 602 connecting the two support columns 601. As a result, the base 60 is formed into a substantially H-shape. The support columns 601 are provided in the game space 215 across the Z-axis direction, but are not limited to this. The support columns 601 may be half the height of the upper housing 21.

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

[0115] [Prize Refill Unit] The prize refill units 61 display prizes and provide prizes to the game field 5. The prize refill units 61 are installed in two tiers, upper and lower, on the connecting member 602 of the base 60. Two prize refill units 61 are fitted to the connecting member (first support member) 602 in the upper tier, and two prize refill units 61 are fitted to the connecting member (second support member) 602 in the lower tier. However, the number of prize refill units 61 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of prize refill units 61 installed on the connecting member 602 in the upper tier may be more or less than the number of prize refill units 61 installed on the connecting member 602 in the lower tier. If there are many prize refill units 61 on the connecting member 602 in the lower tier, prizes can be reliably refilled. On the other hand, if there are many prize refill units 61 on the connecting member 602 in the upper tier, it is possible to advertise to players what prizes they can obtain.

[0116] These multiple prize refill units 61 are assigned, for example, identification numbers, which are stored in the memory unit 8. This allows the control unit 9 to identify which prize refill unit 61 has refilled the prizes, along with information on the displacement of the displacement unit 616, which will be described later. In particular, when refilling prizes, the prize refill device 6 of this embodiment operates the prize refill unit 61 of the lower connecting member 602 before the prize refill unit 61 of the upper connecting member 602, so as not to adversely affect the prizes on the other prize refill units 61. This makes it possible to prevent prizes from unintentionally falling due to the operation of the other prize refill units 61.

[0117] 16 to 20, such a prize replenishing unit 61 has a main body 611, a driving unit 612, a power transmission unit 613, a power applying unit 614, a locking unit 615, a displacement unit 616, a manual mechanism 617, and a placement unit 618. The prize replenishing unit 61 replenishing the prizes on the placement unit 618 to the game field 5 by changing the posture of the displacement unit 616.

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

[0119] (Drive unit) The driving unit 612 has a function of providing power for displacing the displacement unit 616. The driving unit 612 is configured with, for example, a motor. The driving unit 612 is provided below the first space and adjacent to the third space. The driving unit 612 continues to drive according to an instruction from the control unit 9.

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

[0121] The rotor 6131 has its shaft connected to the shaft of the driving unit 612. This allows the rotor 6131 to rotate. Grooves or ridges (not shown) are formed on the surface of the rotor 6131. ​​The grooves or ridges are formed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation direction of the rotor 6131. ​​In other words, the grooves or ridges are formed obliquely with respect to the circumferential direction of the rotor 6131.

[0122] Wheel 6132 is provided on rotor 6131, perpendicular to the rotation direction of rotor 6131. ​​Grooves or ridges (not shown) are formed on the surface of wheel 6132. The grooves or ridges are formed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation direction of wheel 6132. These grooves or ridges fit into grooves or ridges of rotor 6131. ​​Thus, the wheel 6132 is configured to rotate when rotor 6131 rotates.

[0123] The shaft 6133 functions as a rotation axis of the wheel 6132. The base end of the shaft 6133 is connected to the center of the wheel 6132, and the tip thereof extends toward the second space. This allows the shaft 6133 to rotate when the wheel 6132 rotates. In addition, grooves or ridges (not shown) are formed on the tip of the shaft 6133. These grooves or ridges are formed along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 6133.

[0124] The gear 6134 is provided on the tip of the shaft 6133 so as to fit into a groove or a protrusion on the tip of the shaft 6133. This is configured so that the gear 6134 also rotates when the shaft 6133 rotates. The gear 6134 transmits power to the power applying unit 614. The gear 6134 has a protrusion 6135 provided along the circumference on its side. The protrusion 6135 is provided between the gear 6134 and the wheel 6132 so as to be in contact with the shaft 6133. Such a protrusion 6135 is formed in a semicircular shape.

[0125] Here, the prize refill unit 61 has a pair of sensors (not shown) in the first space of the main body 611. The pair of sensors are provided at a distance above and below the first space between the gear 6134 and the wheel 6132. The sensors constantly emit and receive light. The protrusion 6135 has a function of cutting off the light of the sensor by the rotation of the gear 6134. When the gear 6134 rotates, the protrusion 6135 also rotates, cutting off the light of the pair of sensors. As a result, the control unit 9 determines that the power of the drive unit 612 has been transmitted to the power application unit 614, and controls the drive unit 612 to stop.

[0126] (Power application unit) The power applying unit 614 has a function of applying power to the locking unit 615. The power applying unit 614 is disposed in a second space of the main body 611, and is connected to the gear 6134 by an axis. This allows the power applying unit 614 to rotate when the gear 6134 rotates. The power applying unit 614 has a protrusion 6141 on the outer periphery of its side surface. The protrusion 6141 is provided so as to come into contact with the locking unit 615 when the power applying unit 614 rotates.

[0127] (Latching part) The locking portion 615 has a function of locking the displacement portion 616. The locking portion 615 is provided adjacent to the power applying portion 614 and the displacement portion 616 in the second space. Such a locking portion 615 has a power receiving portion 6151, a position maintaining portion 6152, and a biasing means 6153. The power receiving portion 6151 receives power from the power applying portion 614. The power receiving portion 6151 is adjacent to the power applying portion 614 and is formed in a substantially triangular shape. When the power applying portion 614 rotates, the protrusion 6141 also rotates and presses the oblique side of the power receiving portion 6151. As a result, the power receiving portion 6151 rotates toward the displacement portion 616 side around its base end.

[0128] The position maintaining portion 6152 engages the displacement portion 616 at its tip. This allows the position of the displacement portion 616 to be maintained. The position maintaining portion 6152 is connected at its base end to the base end of the power receiving portion 6151. This allows the engaging portion 615 to form a substantially L-shape as a whole. When the power receiving portion 6151 rotates, the position maintaining portion 6152 also rotates around its base end. That is, the entire engaging portion 615 rotates toward the third space side around the base end of the power receiving portion 6151. This releases the engagement between the position maintaining portion 6152 and the displacement portion 616, causing the displacement portion 616 to be displaced.

[0129] The biasing means 6153 biases the attitude maintaining portion 6152 against the bottom surface of the main body 611. The biasing means 6153 connects the base end of the attitude maintaining portion 6152 to the bottom surface of the main body 611. As a result, even when the displacement portion 616 is not engaged with the engaging portion 615, the engaging portion 615 maintains the attitude when the displacement portion 616 is engaged with the engaging portion 615 (standard state).

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

[0131] The abutment portion 6162 is provided so as to extend downward from the end of the rotating portion 6161. The abutment portion 6162 is formed in a strip shape. The tip of the abutment portion 6162 abuts against the tip of the attitude maintaining portion 6152. As a result, the abutment portion 6162 maintains an attitude parallel to the Z axis. The fitting portion 6163 has a function of fitting with the mounting portion 618. The fitting portion 6163 is provided on the rotating portion 6161 so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the abutment portion 6162. When the attitude of the abutment portion 6162 is maintained, the fitting portion 6163 maintains an attitude parallel to the Y axis. As a result, the fitting portion 6163 protrudes from the main body 611 in the Y axis direction, and the mounting portion 618 can be kept horizontal (attitude maintaining state).

[0132] (Placement section) The placing section 618 has a function of placing a supplementary prize. As shown in FIG. 16, the placing section 618 fits into the fitting section 6163 of the displacement section 616. The shape of the placing section 618 is not particularly limited, and may be any shape, such as a rod shape, a triangular shape, a long piece shape, a rectangular shape, a flat plate shape, a plate shape, a semicircular shape, or a circular shape. The size of the placing section 618 is also not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it is larger than the upper surface of the main body 611. Therefore, the placing section 618 is large enough to cover the upper surface of the main body 611 in the attitude maintaining state (FIG. 16). This allows even a large prize to be placed on it. The placing section 618 may be provided with an anti-slip member on its surface so that the prize can be stably placed.

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

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

[0135] When the displacement portion 616 is engaged with the locking portion 615, the fitting portion 6163 is manually brought into the attitude maintaining state. Specifically, when the fitting portion 6163 is manually raised upward, the tip of the abutting portion 6162 abuts against the upper surface of the attitude maintaining portion 6152. Then, the abutting portion 6162 applies a force to the attitude supporting portion 6152 by moving toward the tip side of the attitude maintaining portion 6152 so as to slide on the upper surface of the attitude maintaining portion 6152. At this time, the locking portion 615 rotates toward the displacement portion 616 around the base end of the attitude supporting portion 6152. As a result, the abutting portion 6162 abuts against the tip surface of the attitude supporting portion 6152. As a result, the abutting portion 6162 is engaged with the locking portion 615.

[0136] [Guide section] The guide section 62 has a function of guiding the prizes to the game field 5. The guide section 62 is provided on the base 60 adjacent to the game field 5 between the prize refill unit 61 and the game field 5. The guide section 62 is configured with an inclined plate. The guide section 62 is not limited to this, and may be configured with a lattice plate, or may not exist at all. If the guide section 62 is present, the prizes that have fallen from the prize refill unit 61 are reliably guided to the game field 5 by the guide section 62. In addition, the prizes can be reliably guided to the shutter section 513 by the guide section 62 and the inclined section 522 of the auxiliary field 52.

[0137] Such a prize replenishing device 6 changes its state between a state in which prizes are displayed (display state) and a state in which prizes are replenished to the game field 5 (replenishment state). As shown in FIG. 15, when the placement section 618 of the prize replenishing unit 61 is in a posture maintaining state (display state), the prize to be replenished is displayed. This allows the player to play the game device 1 at the time when the prize he or she wants to get is replenished to the game field 5. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, when the display state changes to the state of FIG. 24(b) (replenishment state), the prize placed on the placement section 618 falls into the game field 5 (FIG. 24(c)). In this case, even if the manager of the game device 1 is not present, the prizes can be automatically replenished to the game field 5. This can save the game manager's trouble, and can also achieve an advertising and promotion effect by displaying the prizes. Also, with a simple device configuration, the prizes can be reliably replenished to the intended positions of the game field 5.

[0138] <Detection unit> The game device 1 may have a detection unit in addition to the above-mentioned configuration. The detection unit has a function of detecting the operation of each component of the game device 1. The detection unit is composed of various sensors such as, but not limited to, a camera, an acceleration sensor, a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, a constant pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, and a photoelectric sensor. In the game device 1 of this embodiment, for example, the detection unit is provided on a side surface that constitutes the prize removal space 223. The detection unit is composed of a photoelectric sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. This makes it possible to detect whether or not a prize is present in the prize removal space 223 of the lower part 22 of the housing.

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

[0140] <Storage section> The storage unit 8 includes a ROM for storing game programs executed by the CPU, and a RAM for temporarily storing the results of calculations executed by the CPU. Specifically, the storage unit 8 stores all data such as data indicating the speed and distance that the movable part 45 of the moving mechanism 4 moves up and down, the rotation speed and rotation angle of the rotating body 40, the gripping force of the arm part 405, the illuminance of the lighting device of the arm part 405, the speed and distance that the movable part 512 of the shutter mechanism 51 moves, the number of times the game has been played, the number of times the prize has moved to the prize removal space, rotation information of the placement part 618, and the identification number of the prize refill unit 61.

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

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

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

[0144] (Motion control unit) The operation control unit 93 has a function of controlling the operations of the moving mechanism 4, the game field 5, and the prize replenishing device 6. When the player operates the operation unit 3, the operation control unit 93 controls the drive unit 41 to drive. Next, when the prize gripping unit 46 comes into contact with a prize or reaches the home position, the operation control unit 93 operates the drive motor 4041 of the arm unit 402 of the prize gripping unit 46, and controls the arm unit 405 to open and close.

[0145] Furthermore, when the operation control unit 93 receives information that the prize gripping unit 46 has reached the home position, it activates the drive unit 511 and controls it to open the shutter unit 513. Furthermore, when the operation control unit 93 obtains information that a prize is present in the prize removal space 223, it activates the drive unit 612 of the prize refill unit 61 and controls it to rotate the placement unit 618.

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

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

[0148] In addition, the control unit 9 may have an obstructing means for obstructing the opening and closing of the shutter mechanism 51 or the gripping of the prize by the prize gripping unit 46. For example, the obstructing means may instruct the operation control unit 93 to temporarily halt the drive unit 41 of the moving mechanism 4. The obstructing means may also instruct the operation control unit 93 to rock the prize gripping unit 46 by a rocking mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the obstructing means may instruct the operation control unit 93 to rotate the rotating body 40 while the prize gripping unit 46 is ascending and descending, or to stop the opening and closing of the shutter unit 513 midway. Such means make it more difficult to win a prize, increasing the difficulty of the game.

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

[0150] First, the player inserts a coin into the coin slot (not shown) of the prize acquisition game device 1A, 1B that the player wishes to play. This starts the game. At this time, the prize gripping unit 46 is located in the home position (initial position) as shown on the left side of FIG. 1. Also, the rotating body 40 of the prize gripping unit 46 rotates around the Z axis. In this state, the player presses the operating unit 3, imagining the location where the arm unit 405 will grip the prize. This causes the operating unit 3 to receive input from the player (S1). The rotation of the rotating body 40 may be controlled by using a joystick on the operating unit 3.

[0151] When the operation unit 3 receives an input, the control unit 9 stops the motor 492 of the prize gripping unit 46. This stops the rotation of the rotating body 40 (S2). Next, the control unit 9 drives the drive unit 41 of the moving mechanism 4, and the movable unit 45 descends. Accordingly, the prize gripping unit 46 also descends (S3). Next, the control unit 9 determines whether the arm unit 405 has come into contact with the prize (S4). If the control unit 9 does not obtain information (contact information) that the arm unit 405 and the prize have come into contact with each other from the sensor device of the prize gripping unit 46, it determines that the arm unit 405 has not come into contact with the prize. This causes the process to return to step (S3). On the other hand, when the control unit 9 obtains the contact information from the sensor device, it stops the operation of the drive unit 41. This causes the descent of the prize gripping unit 46 to be stopped (S5). The above-mentioned operations are shown in FIG. 23 as a schematic diagram.

[0152] Next, the control unit 9 operates the drive motor 4041 of the arm unit 402. This causes the arm unit 405 to rotate around its base end, and the arm unit 405 is closed (S6). After that, the control unit 9 drives the drive unit 41 of the moving mechanism 4 again. This causes the movable unit 45 to rise, and the prize gripping unit 46 also rises (S7). The rise may be performed by a continuous input to the operation unit 3 by the player. Next, the control unit 9 determines whether the prize gripping unit 46 (movable unit 45) is located at the home position by the second detection device group 472 of the moving mechanism 4 (S8). If the control unit 9 does not obtain information (home position information) from the second detection device group 472, it determines that the prize gripping unit 46 has not reached the home position. This causes the process to return to step S7, and the prize gripping unit 46 continues to rise. The above-mentioned operation is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 23.

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

[0154] When the control unit 9 acquires the grip information and / or does not acquire the prize information, it determines that the arm unit 405 is gripping a prize. Then, the control unit 9 operates the drive unit 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. This causes the moving unit 5123 to move and the shutter unit 513 to open (S12). This forms the opening 216 as shown in FIG. 12, and the game space 215 and the prize removal space 223 communicate with each other. Then, the control unit 9 operates the drive motor 4011 of the arm unit 402. This causes the arm unit 405 to rotate around the base end (S13).

[0155] Then, the prize passes through the opening 216 from the prize gripping portion 46 and falls into the prize removal space 223 (S14). After that, the control portion 9 operates the driving portion 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. This causes the movement of the moving portion 5123 to close the shutter portion 513 (S15). With this, the game ends.

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

[0157] 3. How the prize refill device works Next, the operation method of the prize refill device of the game device of this embodiment will be described in detail. Fig. 22 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the prize refill device of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the prize refill device of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The prize refill device 6 operates after the player has finished playing. In other words, the prize refill device 6 operates after the operation of the game device 1 described in Fig. 21 has finished.

[0158] First, the sensor device 53 of the game field 5 detects a prize on the shutter section 513. The control section 9 judges whether prize information has been acquired from the sensor device 53 (S21). As a result, the control section 9 judges whether a prize is present in the shutter section 513. If the control section 9 acquires prize information, it judges that a prize is present in the shutter section 513, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the control section 9 does not acquire prize information in step S21, it judges that a prize is not present in the shutter section 513. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22. Note that the control section 9 may judge the presence of a prize based on information on whether the detection section of the lower housing section 22 has detected a prize in the prize removal space 223 in addition to the prize information.

[0159] In step S22, the control unit 9 determines whether or not there is a prize in the lower prize refill unit 61 of the prize refill device 6 (S22). Since information (rotation information) about the rotation of the placement unit 618 of the lower prize refill unit 61 is stored in the memory unit 8, the control unit 9 refers to the memory unit 8 and determines whether or not there is rotation information. If the control unit 9 determines that there is no rotation information, it determines that there is a prize in the lower prize refill unit 61. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0160] The control unit 9 operates the drive unit 612 of the lower prize replenishing unit 61 to rotate the placement unit 618 (S23). As a result, the prizes fall from the placement unit 618 and are replenished to the game field 5 (S24). The above-mentioned operation is shown in Figures 24(a) to (c). With this operation, the prize replenishing operation is completed.

[0161] On the other hand, in step S22, if the control unit 9 determines that there is rotation information, it determines that there is no prize in the lower prize refill unit 61. Then, the process proceeds to step S25. Next, the control unit 9 determines whether or not there is a prize in the upper prize refill unit 61 of the prize refill device 6 (S25). Since information (rotation information) that the placement portion 618 of the upper prize refill unit 61 has rotated is stored in the memory unit 8, the control unit 9 refers to the memory unit 8 and determines whether or not there is rotation information. If the control unit 9 determines that there is no rotation information, it determines that there is a prize in the upper prize refill unit 61. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0162] The control unit 9 operates the drive unit 612 of the upper prize refill unit 61 to rotate the placement unit 618 (S26). This causes the prizes to fall from the placement unit 618 and the prizes are replenished to the game field 5 (S24). The above operations are shown in Figures 24(a) to (c). This ends the prize refill operation. On the other hand, in step S25, if the control unit 9 determines that there is rotation information, it determines that there are no prizes in the upper prize refill unit 61. This ends the processing. The above operations are repeated until there are no prizes left in the prize refill device 6.

[0163] The above-mentioned processing method can be created by a program executed by a computer. Such a program is realized by a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphic processing unit (GPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), etc.

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

[0165] The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and a description of similar points will be omitted.

[0166] The game device 1 of this embodiment is similar to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except that the moving mechanism 4 rotates around the Z axis. Specifically, the game device 1 of this embodiment has a rotation mechanism (not shown) below or around the moving mechanism 4 shown in FIG. 3. The rotation mechanism rotates the entire moving mechanism 4 around the central axis of the moving mechanism 4. The configuration of the rotation mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of rotating the moving mechanism 4.

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

[0168] In this way, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, since the moving mechanism 4 rotates, the second set of the moving mechanism 4 can be omitted, and the game device 1 can be further miniaturized. Also, even if the prizes run out in the prize acquisition game device 1A, the prize gripping part 46 can be moved to the prize acquisition game device 1B, so that the frequency of replenishing prizes can be reduced.

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

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

[0171] The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and omitting the description of the similarities. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

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

[0173] <Shutter mechanism> The shutter mechanism 55 has a drive unit (not shown), a movable unit 552 , and a shutter unit 553 . (Drive unit) The driving unit has a function of rotating movable unit 552, and is configured with, for example, a rotary motor. The driving unit is provided below movable unit 552 and within lower housing part 22.

[0174] (Movable part) The movable part 552 has a function of rotating the shutter part 553. For that purpose, the movable part 552 is formed in a cylindrical shape at the center of the shutter part 553. The movable part 552 is connected to a drive part provided at the lower part thereof. For that purpose, the movable part 552 rotates by the rotational drive of the drive part. In addition, the movable part 552 has an opening (not shown) on its side for receiving the shutter part 553.

[0175] (Shutter section) The shutter section 553 is composed of the prize refill unit 61 of the prize refill device 6 of the first embodiment. The prize refill unit 61 has its main body 611 fitted into the opening of the movable section 552, and only the placement section 618 is illustrated. The placement section (also called the "support") 618 supports the prizes and is formed in a rod-like or elongated shape. The number of prize refill units 61 is not particularly limited, and may be one or more than two. When the number of prize refill units 61 is reduced, the placement section 618 may be flat or fan-shaped in order to reduce the exposed area of ​​the opening 216. This allows the area of ​​the placement section 618 to be increased.

[0176] The placement portion 618 is connected at its base end to the fitting portion 6163, and is provided horizontally along the radial direction of the opening 216 so as to protrude from the main body 611. When the locking portion 615 of the prize refill unit 61 is released from the displacement portion 616, the placement portion 618 rotates about its base end and displaces vertically downward. This allows the game space 215 and the prize removal space 223 to communicate with each other. The prize placed on the placement portion 618 then falls into the prize removal space 223.

[0177] <Bulkhead> The partitions 56 are provided between the supports 554 across the opening 216 so as to protrude from the side of the movable part 552. Therefore, the partitions 56 have the function of dividing the opening 216 into a plurality of regions. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the partitions 56 divide the opening 216 into four regions, first to fourth, at equal intervals. This divides the plurality of prize refill units 61 into the first to fourth regions. Also, prizes can be arranged in the first to fourth regions according to the type and size of the prizes. The number of partitions 56 is not particularly limited, and may be 0, 1, or a plurality of 2 or more.

[0178] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, when the prize holding unit 46 holds a prize and returns to the home position, for example, the multiple placement units 618a in the first area 216a are displaced. At this time, all placement units 618a may be displaced at once, or may be displaced sequentially. Also, one placement unit 618a may be displaced for each play, or one placement unit 618a may be displaced when the prize holding unit 46 returns to the home position while holding a prize. These displacements are controlled by the control unit 9.

[0179] In this embodiment, since the movable part 552 rotates, even if the placement part 618 is displaced, the prize dropped from the home position does not necessarily move to the prize removal space 223. Specifically, when the placement parts 618a of the first area 216a are displaced and the position where the prize dropped coincides with the first area 216a, the prize drops into the prize removal space 223 via the first area 216a. However, when the position where the prize dropped does not coincide with the first area 216a, the prize drops into the other second to fourth areas. In this case, the prize is supported by the second to fourth placement parts 618. The prize may also bounce on the second to fourth placement parts 618 and drop from the first area 216a. With this configuration, the game device 1 of this embodiment provides the difficulty of winning the prize and can give the player a sense of excitement.

[0180] Since the game field 5 of this embodiment rotates, the game field 5 may be used as one game field 5 for the prize winning game devices 1A and 1B. In this case, for example, the moving mechanism 4 of FIG. 1 is installed on the movable part 552 of FIG. 25. This allows a variety of prizes to be won with one game device 1. In addition, since the position of the prize due to the rotation of the game field 5 must be matched with the lowering position of the prize gripping part 46, it is possible to provide the player with a difficulty in winning the prize.

[0181] <<Fourth embodiment>> Next, a fourth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 26 is an enlarged perspective view that shows a model of a movement mechanism of the game device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and omitting the description of the similarities. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

[0183] The game device 1 of this embodiment is similar to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the movable part 45 of the movement mechanism 4. Specifically, the movable part 45 of the movement mechanism 4 of the fourth embodiment has a coupling part (rotating part) 454 between the receiving part 452 and the connecting part 453. The coupling part 454 has a function of rotating the prize gripping part 46 around the X-axis perpendicular to the shaft 42. The coupling part 454 rotates by a rotation motor (not shown) (for example, a rotation motor of the prize gripping part 46).

[0184] This allows the arm portion 405 of the prize gripping portion 46 to face the prize refill device 6. Therefore, the arm portion 405 can grip the prizes on the placement portion 618 of the prize refill device 6. This allows the prize gripping portion 46 to drop the prizes onto the game field 5 even if the prize refill device 6 is not movable. In this way, the game device 1 of this embodiment can replenish prizes onto the game field 5 with the prize gripping portion 46, so no special mechanism is required for the prize refill device 6. In other words, the prize refill device 6 can function simply as a prize shelf.

[0185] After the arm unit 405 has gripped the prize, the connecting unit 454 moves again to return the prize gripping unit 46 to its original state. Also, depending on the placement of the prizes on the game field 5, the connecting unit 454 may be moved to angle the prize gripping unit 46 itself with respect to the Z axis. This can increase the possibility of gripping the prize depending on the placement of the prizes.

[0186] <<Fifth embodiment>> Next, a fifth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 27 is an enlarged perspective view that shows a model of a movement mechanism of the game device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] The fifth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first and fourth embodiments, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

[0188] The game device 1 of this embodiment is similar to the game devices 1 of the first and fourth embodiments, except that the configuration of the movable part 45 of the movement mechanism 4 is different. Specifically, the movable part 45 of this embodiment is configured so that the connecting part (extension part) 454 extends in the X-axis direction. For example, when input information is received from the operation unit 3, the operation control unit 93 controls the drive unit 41 to extend the connecting part 454 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the prize gripping part 46 provided at the tip of the movable part 45 moves in the X-axis direction.

[0189] Such extension may be performed in one stage or in multiple stages of two or more stages. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the extension is performed in two stages. Specifically, the coupling portion 454 has a first extension portion having a smaller diameter than the connection portion 453 and a second extension portion having a smaller diameter than the first extension portion. The second extension portion is accommodated in the first extension portion, and the first extension portion is accommodated in the connection portion 453. Therefore, the first extension portion can extend from the connection portion 453, and the second extension portion can further extend from the first extension portion. This allows the prize gripping portion 46 to be positioned directly above the prize, regardless of the position of the prize in the game field 5.

[0190] In this way, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, the prize gripping part 46 moves in the X-axis direction by extending the connecting part 454, so that the movement mechanism 4 can be disposed at a position away from the game field 5. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the movement mechanism 4 can be disposed on the side surface of the upper part of the housing 21. This allows the space between the prize acquisition game devices 1A and 1B to be effectively utilized for other purposes.

[0191] Furthermore, because the prize gripping portion 46 can move horizontally, the prize can be moved from the prize winning game device 1A to the game field 5 of the prize winning game device 1B while the arm portion 405 is gripping the prize. This allows the prize to be transferred to the prize removal space 223 of the prize winning game device 1B without dropping the prize from the home position. Therefore, even if the prize is sensitive to impact, it can be transferred to the prize removal space 223 without being damaged. Furthermore, the prize gripping portion 46 may be hung from the receiving portion 452 by a hanging member.

[0192] <<Sixth embodiment>> Next, a sixth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 28 is an enlarged perspective view that illustrates a typical game field of the game device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] The sixth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment and omitting the description of the similarities. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

[0194] The game device 1 of this embodiment is similar to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except that the configurations of the shutter mechanism 51 and the sensor device 53 are different. Specifically, the shutter section 513 of the shutter mechanism 51 is composed of two doors and functions as a hinged door. The shape of the shutter section 513 may be a cone shape, a convex shape, a hemispherical shape, a curved concave shape, or the like. In this embodiment, the shape of the shutter section 513 is preferably a cone shape or a curved concave shape. This allows the prize to be securely held in the shutter section 513. The moving section 5123 of the shutter mechanism 51 is connected to the two doors of the shutter section 513 directly or indirectly via a member not shown. This allows the shutter section 513 to open and close by the movement of the moving section 5123.

[0195] One end of each of the two doors of the shutter section 513 is hinged to, for example, the arrangement area 225 of the housing lower portion 22. The other ends of the two doors face each other. That is, the shutter section 513 rotates approximately 90° between the horizontal plane and the vertical lower surface around one end (Y axis) of the two doors. Also, the two doors of the shutter section 513 are formed with notches so that a pair of through holes 5132 are formed when the other ends of the doors face each other. Since the shutter section 513 is formed in a cone shape, when the shutter section 513 is closed and viewed in the Y axis direction, the pair of through holes 5132 overlap. This allows light from a sensor device 53a, which will be described later, to pass through.

[0196] The sensor device 53 has a sensor device 53a provided in the lower housing part 22. The sensor device 53a is composed of a pair of photoelectric sensors provided at a distance from each other in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the shutter part 513. Light emitted from the light-emitting parts of the pair of photoelectric sensors passes through a pair of through-holes 5132 and reaches the light-receiving parts. This allows the control part 9 to determine whether or not a prize is present in the shutter part 513.

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

[0198] The seventh embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first and third embodiments, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as the first and third embodiments.

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

[0200] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, when the prize gripping unit 46 grips a prize and returns to the home position, for example, all or only a part of the multiple placement units 618 may be displaced. These displacements are controlled by the control unit 9. When the control unit 9 displaces a part of the multiple placement units 618, the prize may not move to the prize removal space 223 even if it falls on the placement unit 618. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with the difficulty of winning the prize and to give a sense of excitement. In such a case, the prize is supported by the placement unit 618 that has not been displaced. Therefore, in the next game play, the position of the prize may change due to the displacement of the placement unit 618, and the prize may fall into the prize removal space 223. This allows the player to have an image of winning the prize.

[0201] The game field 5 of this embodiment may rotate as in the third embodiment. This provides the same effect as the game device 1 of the third embodiment. Furthermore, light emitting devices may be provided around the outer periphery of the plurality of placement sections 618 so as to correspond to the plurality of placement sections 618. This provides a decorative effect to the game device 1. Furthermore, by receiving input information to the control section 9 and the operation section 3, it is also possible to control so that only the placement sections 618 corresponding to the lit light emitting devices are displaced.

[0202] <<Eighth embodiment>> Next, an embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a game device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The eighth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. The same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the first embodiment described above.

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

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

[0205] When the prize gripping portion 46 rises, the pressing portion 494 reaches the switching means 71. At this time, since the switching means 71 is rotating, when the pressing portion 494 and the switching means 71 are aligned, the switching means 71 is pressed by the pressing portion 494. As a result, the control portion 9 obtains input information from the input portion 7 and drives the drive portion 511 of the shutter mechanism 51. As a result, the shutter portion 513 opens, and the prize falls into the prize removal space 223 through the opening 216.

[0206] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the shutter section 513 does not open unless the pressing section 494 presses the switching means 71. This can provide the game device 1 with an even more entertaining feature. The switching means 71 can also be stopped by an operation input to the operation section 3. That is, when the information acquisition section 91 receives input information to the operation section 3, the operation control section 93 can also stop the rotation of the switching means 71. In this case, the switching means 71 is stopped by the player's operation, so that a more entertaining game can be provided to the player.

[0207] The switching means 71 may be stopped. Also, the switching means 71 may function simply as a decoration, not as a trigger, as in the game device 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, instead of the switching means 71 rotating, the main body 49 of the prize gripping portion 46 may rotate.

[0208] <<Ninth embodiment>> Next, a ninth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a movement mechanism of the game device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The ninth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the first embodiment described above.

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

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

[0211] In this way, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, since the base 451 rotates, the second set of the moving mechanism 4 can be omitted, and the game device 1 can be further miniaturized. Also, even if the prizes run out in the prize acquisition game device 1A, the prize gripping part 46 can be moved to the prize acquisition game device 1B, so the frequency of replenishing prizes can be reduced. Furthermore, since the prize gripping part 46 rotates around the axis 42, it can be used in a game device having multiple game fields 5.

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

[0213] <<Tenth embodiment>> Next, a tenth embodiment of the game device of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a game field of the game device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The tenth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. The same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the first embodiment described above.

[0214] The game device 1 of this embodiment is similar to the game device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the configurations of the moving mechanism 4 and the game field 5. Specifically, the game device 1 of this embodiment is configured with only a first set of moving mechanism 4, and has four game fields 5. In other words, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, each of the prize acquisition game devices 1A to 1D includes one set of the moving mechanism 4. As in the second and third embodiments, the multiple game fields 5 rotate around an axis 42 by a rotation mechanism (not shown).

[0215] This makes it possible to omit the second set of the moving mechanism 4, and further miniaturize the game device 1. Even if there are no prizes in the game field 5 of the prize winning game device 1A, the game field 5 of the prize winning game device 1B rotates, so that a prize can be placed directly under the prize gripping portion 46. Furthermore, since there are multiple game fields 5, the frequency of replenishing prizes can be reduced, and the burden on the game manager can be reduced.

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

[0217] <<Other forms>> Additionally, in the first embodiment, one prize game device 1A has been described as having one game field 5 and a first set of the moving mechanism 4. However, one prize game device 1A may have multiple game fields 5. In this case, the movable part 45 of the second set of the moving mechanism 4 may be arranged at an angle to the movable part 45 of the first set. Also, the game field 5 may be configured to rise when the prize gripping part 46 is located at the home position.

[0218] Although the game device of the present invention has been described above based on a preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. Any other means or components may be added to the present invention. The present invention may also be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above-mentioned embodiments. Furthermore, the prize gripping part of the present invention may be shovel-shaped or rod-shaped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0219] 1...Game device 1A, 1B...Prize winning game device 2...Cabinet 21...Upper part of chassis 215...Game space 216...Opening 22...Lower part of chassis 221...Prize removal opening 222...Prize removal plate 223...Prize removal space 225...Arrangement area 3...Operation unit 4...Moving mechanism 41...Drive unit 411...Motor 412...Main body 42...Axis 43...Stop mechanism 431...Braking device 432...Plate 44...Guide rail 45...Moving part 451...Base 452...Receiving part 453...Connection part 454...Coupling part 46...Prize gripping part 47...Detection device 471...First detection device group 471a, b...Lower limit sensor 471c...First installation part 472...Second detection device group 472a...sensor for home position 472b...upper limit sensor 472c...second installation section 48...wiring 49...main body 491...slip ring section 493...cover member 492...motor 40...rotating body 401...flange 402...arm unit 403...cover member 404...movable unit 405...arm section 494...pressure section 5...game field 51, 55...shutter mechanism 511...drive section 512, 552...movable section 513, 553...shutter section 52...auxiliary field 521...frame-shaped section 522...inclined section 523...opening 53...sensor device 56...partition wall 6...prize refilling device 60...base 601...support 602...connecting member 61...prize refilling unit 611...main body 612...drive section 613: Power transmission section 614: Power application section 615: Locking section 616: Displacement section 617: Manual mechanism 618: Placement section 62: Guide section 7: Input section 71: Switching means 8: Memory section 9: Control section 91: Information acquisition section 92: Information processing section 93: Operation control section 94: Information setting section

Claims

1. A gripping device for gripping a prize, the gripping device having a main body having a first drive unit and a rotating body provided below the main body, The main body has a slip ring portion connected to the rotating body, The rotating body has an arm unit that grips the prize, A gripping device, characterized in that the rotating body is configured to rotate about a central axis of the slip ring portion by being driven by the first drive portion.

2. The gripping device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating body is configured to rotate 360° around the central axis of the slip ring portion.

3. The arm unit includes a plurality of arm units, The gripping device according to claim 1 , wherein the arm units are arranged around the central axis.

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

5. The gripping device according to claim 4 , wherein the arm portion has a lighting device disposed along the length from the base end to the tip end of the arm portion.

6. The arm unit includes a plurality of arm units, The gripping device according to claim 4 , wherein the arm portions of the plurality of arm units are configured to rotate independently about their base ends by being driven by the second drive portion.

7. A moving mechanism used in a game device that moves a prize in a game space to a prize removal space through an opening, A drive unit; A support part connected to the drive part; A first movable part connected to the support part and movable along the support part by being driven by the drive part; A prize gripping portion provided on the first movable portion, The movement mechanism, wherein the support portion is provided along a first direction perpendicular to the opening.

8. The moving mechanism according to claim 7 , wherein the moving mechanism is provided in the vicinity of the opening.

9. The movement mechanism according to claim 7 , wherein the first movable portion extends from the support portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

10. the first movable portion has a receiving portion for receiving the prize gripping portion, The moving mechanism according to claim 7 , wherein the receiving portion is located directly above the opening.

11. Further comprising a second movable part connected to the support part and movable along the support part, The movement mechanism according to claim 9 , wherein the second movable part extends in the second direction in an opposite direction to the first movable part.

12. 8. The moving mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the prize gripping portion is a gripping device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images