Crane game device

Abstract

A crane game device that can appropriately respond even when different prizes or the like that are symmetric for each gripping part operating simultaneously are made different. 【Solution means】 It has three or more gripping parts, a horizontal bar that extends along the first horizontal direction of the play space and on which the gripping parts are provided, an up-and-down drive part that moves the horizontal bar in the up-and-down direction, a front-and-back drive part that moves the up-and-down drive part and the horizontal bar in the second direction, an opening-and-closing drive part that opens and closes the arm part, a control part that controls the operations of the up-and-down drive part and the front-and-back drive part, an operation part that operates the position of the gripping part in the second direction, and a prize discharge passage. The control part can adjust the gripping force of the gripping part by controlling the opening-and-closing drive part, and can independently adjust the gripping force of one of the three or more gripping parts and the gripping force of another one of the three or more gripping parts. A crane game device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane game apparatus that operates a crane to acquire prizes.

Background Art

[0002] A crane game apparatus is an apparatus that moves a prize placed in a prize placement area within a closed play space to a prize drop port and acquires it by a player operating a crane installed in the play space via an operation unit outside the play space.

[0003] In a conventional crane game apparatus, basically, a predetermined player moves one crane (also referred to as a gripping part) in two-dimensional directions with respect to one play zone, aims at a prize at a predetermined point, and aims to acquire the prize at the aimed point (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, in a conventional crane game apparatus, since one crane is basically operated with respect to one play zone, it is only possible to aim at acquiring a prize at only one location in the play zone, the maximum number of prizes that can be acquired is not large, and there is a problem that it is difficult to generate a large swing success (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a crane game apparatus that increases the maximum number of prizes that can be acquired and can appropriately respond even when prizes to be acquired are made different for each simultaneously operating gripping part.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The crane game apparatus according to the present invention is arranged within a housing in which a closed play space is formed inside, and includes three or more gripping parts each having a plurality of arm parts that rotate about a base and open and close at the tip, a horizontal bar that extends along a first horizontal direction of the play space and on which three or more of the gripping parts are provided, a vertical drive part that moves the horizontal bar in the vertical direction, a front-rear drive part that moves the vertical drive part and the horizontal bar in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction and the vertical direction, an opening / closing drive part that opens and closes the arm parts, a control part that controls the operations of the vertical drive part and the front-rear drive part, an operation part that is arranged outside the play space, drives the front-rear drive part via the control part, and operates the positions of the three or more gripping parts in the second direction, a prize discharge passage that connects a connection opening connecting to the play space and a prize outlet formed on the outer surface of the housing part, The control part can adjust the gripping force of the gripping part by controlling the opening / closing drive part, and can independently adjust the gripping force of one of the three or more gripping parts and the gripping force of another one of the three or more gripping parts.

[0008] ​In the crane game apparatus according to the present invention, it has three or more gripping parts, and they are provided along a horizontal bar extending along a first direction which is the width direction of the play space. In such a crane game apparatus, since a large number of gripping parts can simultaneously acquire prizes at a large number of points in the play space, the maximum number of prizes that can be acquired is large, and it is possible to generate a large-amplitude success such as a large quantity acquisition. Further, in such a crane game apparatus, for example, in the case where prizes to be acquired symmetrically for each gripping part are made different, an appropriate gripping force according to the weight of the prize or the like can be individually set for each gripping part. Also, for the gripping part having a high-value prize as an acquisition symmetry, the gripping force is weakened to suppress the acquisition probability, and for the gripping part having a low-value prize as an acquisition symmetry, the gripping force is strengthened to improve the acquisition probability, so that while arranging prizes of different values in a large number of fields, the expected value of the prize value that can be acquired per play can be appropriately set.

[0009] Further, for example, the vertical drive unit may include a first wire part to which a first wire tip is connected near a first end which is one end of the horizontal bar in the first horizontal direction, a second wire part to which a second wire tip is connected near a second end which is the other end of the horizontal bar in the first horizontal direction, and a winding part which can wind and pull out the first wire part and the second wire part and is arranged above the horizontal bar and near the central position of the horizontal bar in the first horizontal direction with respect to the first end and the second end in the first horizontal direction.

[0010] In such a crane game device, the vertical drive unit moves a horizontal bar extending in the first horizontal direction up and down by using a first wire part connected near the first end and a second wire part connected near the second end, so that when the arm part contacts a prize or a play field or the like, the force is appropriately diverted, and the gripping part and the horizontal bar can be moved up and down in a well-balanced manner. Further, since the vertical drive unit is arranged near the center of the horizontal bar and has a winding unit capable of winding and pulling out the first wire part and the second wire part, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the center-of-gravity balance due to vibration, swaying, etc., and to improve the maintainability of the winding unit.

[0011] Further, the winding unit may have a common drive unit capable of winding and pulling out both the first wire part and the second wire part.

[0012] The vertical drive unit having such a winding unit can realize an accurate and highly reliable vertical movement with a simple mechanism and also has good maintainability.

[0013] Further, for example, the crane game device according to the present invention is provided so as to form a first detection area in the prize discharge passage where a first gripping part, which is one of three or more of the gripping parts, overlaps with the position in the first horizontal direction, and a first prize discharge sensor for detecting a prize discharged from the play space to the first detection area, and a second detection area that overlaps with the position in the first horizontal direction of a second gripping part, which is another one of three or more of the gripping parts, and is different from the first detection area, and is provided so as to form the second detection area in the prize discharge passage, and a second prize discharge sensor for detecting a prize discharged from the play space to the second detection area.

[0014] In such a crane game device, a first prize discharge sensor is provided corresponding to the first gripping part, and a second prize discharge sensor is provided corresponding to the second gripping part. Therefore, for example, it is possible to identify which gripping part has won a prize. Accordingly, in such a crane game device, in the case where the prizes to be won are made different for each gripping part, it is possible to recognize the types and numbers of prizes obtained by the player.

[0015] Also, for example, it may have a first detection switch having a first insertion hole through which the first wire part is inserted and detecting loosening of the first wire part, and a second detection switch having a second insertion hole through which the second wire part is inserted and detecting loosening of the second wire part. The control unit may stop the descent of the horizontal bar by the vertical drive unit based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection switch and the second detection switch.

[0016] According to such a crane game device, since the wire part does not deviate from the insertion holes of the first detection switch and the second detection switch, in the case where the first wire part or the second wire part becomes loose when the arm contacts a prize, etc., it is possible to safely and surely stop the descent of the horizontal bar.

[0017] Also, for example, the first detection switch and the second detection switch may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first horizontal direction on one side and the other side with respect to the central position in the first horizontal direction of the horizontal bar.

[0018] By arranging the first detection switch and the second detection switch symmetrically, it is possible to accurately detect the loosening of the wire part due to the contact between the gripping part and the prize. Such a crane game device can stop the descent of the horizontal bar at a more appropriate timing.

[0019] Further, for example, it has a first detection switch that has a movable pulley with which the first wire part engages and detects loosening of the first wire part, and a second detection switch that has a movable pulley with which the second wire part engages and detects loosening of the second wire part. The control unit may stop the lowering of the horizontal bar by the vertical drive unit based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection switch and the second detection switch.

[0020] The first and second detection switches using the movable pulley can appropriately detect loosening of the wire part as long as unexpected sudden loosening of the wire part does not occur, and the control unit can stop the lowering of the horizontal bar at an appropriate timing.

[0021] Further, for example, the opening / closing drive unit may perform an operation of opening the tip of the arm part of the gripping part above the connection opening at different timings for at least one of the three or more gripping parts and at least one of the other three or more gripping parts.

[0022] In such a crane game device, even when prizes can be acquired simultaneously by a plurality of gripping parts, by shifting the timing at which the arm parts open, it is possible to prevent the problem that the prizes acquired in the prize discharge passage get caught. Also, since the gripping parts do not all open simultaneously but the timing is shifted, the timing at which the prize discharge sensor detects a prize can be made different for each gripping part. Therefore, in such a crane game device, even when prizes can be acquired simultaneously by a plurality of gripping parts, it is possible to identify which gripping part acquired the prize.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a crane game apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the crane game apparatus 10 has a substantially rectangular housing portion 20. Inside the housing portion 20, a play space 21 is formed. The play space 21 is closed by a transparent slide door portion 24 and the like that constitute a part of the housing portion 20.

[0025] The crane game device 10 is disposed in the play space 21 within the housing portion 20, and has three or more gripping portions 30 capable of grasping prizes disposed in the play space 21. In the crane game device 10 according to the embodiment, the three or more gripping portions 30 are composed of five gripping portions: a first gripping portion 30a, a second gripping portion 30b, a third gripping portion 30c, a fourth gripping portion 30d, and a fifth gripping portion 30e.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the crane game device 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown using the first gripping portion 30a and the fifth gripping portion 30e in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e each have a plurality (three in the embodiment) of arm portions 31 that pivot about a base portion 31a and whose distal ends 31b open and close. In FIGS. 1 to 6 and the like, the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e are in an arm portion open state in which the distal ends 31b are open. However, as will be described later, in the crane game device 10, when the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e descend (see FIG. 3 and the like), the arm portions 31 of the respective first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e are in an arm portion closed state in which the distal ends 31b are closed, and the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e can grip prizes installed in the play space 21.

[0027] That is, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e have opening and closing drive portions 32a to 32e (see FIGS. 6 and 10) that open and close the distal ends 31b of the arm portions 31. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening and closing drive portions 32a to 32e are disposed near the base portions 31a of the arm portions 31 in the gripping portions 30a to 30e so as to be indirectly connected to the base portions 31a of the arm portions 31. The opening and closing drive portions 32a to 32e may be of a solenoid type that opens and closes the plurality of arm portions 31 by the opening and closing drive portions 32a to 32e having solenoids, or may be of a motor type that opens and closes the plurality of arm portions 31 by an opening and closing drive portion having a rotary motor. The type of the opening and closing drive portions 32a to 32e of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e is not particularly limited.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the crane game apparatus 10 has a horizontal bar 40 that extends along a first horizontal direction D1, which is the width direction of the play space 21, and is provided with three or more gripping portions 30. In the crane game apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e are arranged in a line along the first horizontal direction D1. Note that the first horizontal direction D1, which is the width direction of the play space 21, is the left-right direction when the crane game apparatus 10 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 2. The horizontal bar 40 is composed of a rod-shaped member extending in the first horizontal direction D1, but it may have a plate shape, a lattice shape, or other shapes extending in the first horizontal direction D1.

[0029] The first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e are suspended from the horizontal bar 40 such that the respective arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e extend downward from the horizontal bar 40. Further, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e that constitute three or more gripping portions 30 are arranged along the first horizontal direction D1 at substantially equal intervals. Furthermore, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e that constitute three or more gripping portions 30 are the same as each other except for the positions where they are installed on the horizontal bar 40.

[0030] However, the three or more gripping portions 30 of the crane game apparatus 10 are not limited to only those in which the same first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e are arranged at equal intervals along the first horizontal direction D1. For example, among the three or more gripping portions 30, there may be gripping portions with different sizes and numbers of arm portions 31, the intervals between the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e may be non-uniform, or they may be arranged in two or more rows. As will be described later, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e of the crane game apparatus 10 are the same as each other in terms of hardware, but at least a part of the software control can be performed independently for each of the gripping portions 30a to 30e. Thereby, the control unit 66 (see FIG. 10) of the crane game apparatus 10 can individually adjust the gripping force of each of the gripping portions 30a to 30e.

[0031] Figs. 3 to 5 are the first to third side views of the crane game device 10 as seen from the left side. Figs. 3 to 5 are all left side views of the crane game device 10, but each shows a different state of the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30. The third side view shown in Fig. 5 represents a state where the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30 are in the raised position and at the first position (P1) directly above the connection opening 72 in the prize discharge passage 70. The second side view shown in Fig. 4 represents a state where the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30 are in the raised position and at the second position (P2) on the prize installation surface 26. The third side view shown in Fig. 3 represents a state where the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30 are in the lowered position and at the third position (P3) on the prize installation surface 26. In Fig. 3, since the prizes on the prize installation surface 26 are not shown, the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30 appear to be stopped in the air. However, as will be described later, the lowering of the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30 stops when the gripping part 30 contacts the prize or the prize installation surface 26.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 5 and 4, the crane game device 10 has a front and rear drive unit 64 that moves the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e in the second direction D2, which is the depth direction of the play space 21. The front and rear drive unit 64 is provided on the ceiling portion of the play space 21, is substantially parallel to the horizontal bar 40, and has a movable beam portion 64a that moves in the second direction D2, a guide portion that guides the movement of the movable beam portion 64a, a drive mechanism (not shown), and the like. Examples of the drive mechanism included in the front and rear drive unit 64 include those that combine a drive motor and a drive belt, but it is not particularly limited. The second direction D2, which is the depth direction of the play space 21, is the front and rear direction (depth direction) when the crane game device 10 is viewed from the front, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. The first horizontal direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to each other, and both the first horizontal direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction D3.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 3, the crane game device 10 has an up-and-down drive unit 50 that moves the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e in the vertical direction D3 of the play space 21. The up-and-down drive unit 50 has a first wire part 51 and a second wire part 52 that are connected to the horizontal bar 40 from above, a winding part 53 (see FIG. 6) provided on the movable beam part 64a of the front-and-rear drive unit 64, and the like.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the gripping part 30, the horizontal bar 40, the up-and-down drive unit 50 provided at least partially in the movable beam part 64a, etc. in the crane game device shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the up-and-down drive unit 50 has a first wire part 51, a second wire part 52, a winding part 53, and the like. The first wire tip 51a, which is the tip of the first wire part 51, is connected near the first end 40b, which is one end of the horizontal bar 40 in the first horizontal direction D1. The wire base end of the first wire part 51 is connected to the inside of the winding part 53.

[0035] On the other hand, the second wire tip 52a, which is the tip of the second wire part 52, is connected near the second end 40c, which is the other end of the horizontal bar 40 in the first horizontal direction D1. The wire base end of the second wire part 52 is connected to the inside of the winding part 53, similar to the wire base end of the first wire part 51. Note that the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52 may be composed of independent separate wires, or may be composed of a single wire in which the wire base ends of the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52 are connected inside the winding part 53.

[0036] The winding part 53 to which the wire base ends of the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52 are connected is arranged above the horizontal bar 40 and near the central position 40a of the horizontal bar 40 in the first horizontal direction D1 with respect to the first end 40b and the second end 40c in the first horizontal direction D1. The winding part 53 has a reel part (not shown) and a motor that rotationally drives the reel part, etc., and can wind and draw out the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52.

[0037] The up-and-down drive unit 50 has a pulley 58a disposed directly above the position where the tip 51a of the first wire is connected to the horizontal bar 40 and at the same height as the winding unit 53. The first wire portion 51 engages with the pulley 58a. The first wire portion 51 is connected from the winding unit 53, via the pulley 58a in the first horizontal direction D1, near the first end 40b of the horizontal bar 40. Also, the up-and-down drive unit 50 has a pulley 58b disposed directly above the position where the tip 52a of the second wire is connected to the horizontal bar 40 and at the same height as the winding unit 53. The second wire portion 52 engages with the pulley 58b. The second wire portion 52 is connected from the winding unit 53, via the pulley 58b in the first horizontal direction D1, near the second end 40c of the horizontal bar 40.

[0038] The winding unit 53 has a rotary motor as a common drive unit capable of winding and pulling out both the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52. By having the winding unit 53 as a common drive unit, it is possible to wind and pull out the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 in a well-balanced manner with simple control and structure. For example, when the common drive unit of the winding unit 53 rotates in the first direction, the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 are wound around the reel of the winding unit 53, and the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping unit 30 are raised. On the other hand, when the common drive unit of the winding unit 53 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 are pulled out from the reel of the winding unit 53, and the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping unit 30 are lowered.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view showing an enlargement of the periphery of the winding unit 53 in the up-and-down drive unit 50 shown in FIG. 6. The crane game apparatus 10 has a first detection switch 56 for detecting looseness of the first wire portion 51 and a second detection switch 57 for detecting looseness of the second wire portion 52. The first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57 are disposed on one side and the other side in the first horizontal direction D1 with the winding unit 53 interposed therebetween.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the first detection switch 56 has a first insertion hole 56a through which the first wire portion 51 is inserted. In the first detection switch 56, a first movable portion 56b in which the first insertion hole 56a is formed is biased upward by a force such as a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the upward movement of the first movable portion 56b is restricted by the first wire portion 51 that extends horizontally without looseness. Further, the second detection switch 57 has a second insertion hole 57a through which the second wire portion 52 is inserted. In the second detection switch 57, a second movable portion 57b in which the second insertion hole 57a is formed is biased upward by a force such as a spring (not shown). On the other hand, the upward movement of the second movable portion 57b is restricted by the second wire portion 52 that extends horizontally without looseness.

[0041] Fig. 8 shows a state in which looseness has occurred in the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 in the crane game device 10 shown in Fig. 7. The looseness of the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 occurs when the gripping portion 30 shown in Fig. 3 etc. descends by the vertical drive portion 50 and contacts the prize installation surface 26 or a prize arranged on the prize installation surface 26, and the downward movement of the gripping portion 30 and the horizontal bar 40 is obstructed.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 8, in the crane game device 10, when looseness occurs in the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52, the force that the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 restrict the upward movement of the first movable portion 56b and the second movable portion 57b is lost. Then, the first movable portion 56b and the second movable portion 57b move upward in the biasing direction shown by the arrow 59. When the first movable portion 56b and the second movable portion 57b move upward, the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57 send a detection signal to the control unit 66 (see Fig. 10) to detect the looseness of the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52.

[0043] The control unit 66 of the crane game device 10 shown in FIG. 10 stops the lowering operation of the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping unit 30 by the vertical drive unit 50, that is, the wire drawing operation of the first wire unit 51 and the second wire unit 52 by the winding unit 53, based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57. Thereby, the control unit 66 can stop the lowering of the horizontal bar 40 by the vertical drive unit 50 at an appropriate position where the arm portion 31 of the gripping unit 30 contacts the prize, regardless of the amount and size of the prize placed on the prize installation surface 26.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first horizontal direction D1 on one side and the other side with respect to the central position 40a in the first horizontal direction D1 of the horizontal bar 40. By arranging the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57 symmetrically with respect to the first horizontal direction D1 with the winding unit 53 arranged at the central position 40a interposed therebetween, it is possible to detect the occurrence of loosening of the first wire unit 51 and the second wire unit 52 in a well-balanced manner.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the functions of the control unit 66 in the crane game device 10. The control unit 66 has an arithmetic unit and a storage unit, and controls the operations of the opening / closing drive units 32a to 32e, the vertical drive unit 50, the front-rear drive unit 64, etc. according to input signals from the operation unit 60, the decision operation unit 62, the first detection switch 56, the second detection switch 57, etc.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the crane game device 10 is arranged outside the play space 21, drives the front-rear drive unit 64 via the control unit 66 shown in FIG. 10, and has an operation unit 60 for operating the positions of three or more gripping units 30 in the second direction D2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Examples of the operation unit 60 include a direction button and an operation lever, but the specific form of the operation unit 60 is not particularly limited.

[0047] In addition to the operation unit 60, the crane game device 10 has a determination operation unit 62 provided adjacent to the operation unit 60. The player of the crane game device 10 moves the gripping unit 30 to a preferred position in the second direction D2 using the operation unit 60, and then operates the determination operation unit 62 composed of a button or the like. When an input signal from the determination operation unit 62 is sent to the control unit 66, the control unit 66 starts the descending operation of the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping unit 30 by the vertical drive unit 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 60 and the determination operation unit 62 are provided on the front surface 23 side of the outer surface of the housing unit 20 of the crane game device 10.

[0048] When the player operates the operation unit 60 and the determination operation unit 62, the operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 66 shown in FIG. 10. Note that the operation unit 60 and the determination operation unit 62 may be separated from each other or may be integrated. For example, the operation unit 60 and the determination operation unit 62 may be embodied by a single operation lever or input button. In that case, when the input of the operation signal continues, the control unit 66 can operate the front-rear drive unit 64, and when the input of the operation signal stops, the control unit 66 can stop the operation of the front-rear drive unit 64 and start the operation of the vertical drive unit 50.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, etc., the crane game device 10 has a prize discharge passage 70 that discharges the prizes obtained by the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to the prize outlet 74. The bottom of the play space 21 has a prize installation surface 26 for installing the prizes to be acquired in the crane game device 10 and a connection opening 72 that leads to the prize discharge passage 70. The prize installation surface 26 is formed in the rear region with respect to the second direction D2, and the connection opening 72 is formed in the front region with respect to the second direction D2. A partition plate 68 may be provided between the prize installation surface 26 and the connection opening 72 to prevent the prizes on the prize installation surface 26 from sliding down to the connection opening 72.

[0050] The prize discharge passage 70 of the crane game device 10 connects a connection opening 72 communicating with the play space 21 and a prize outlet 74 formed on the outer surface of the housing portion 20. The prizes acquired by the operations of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e are discharged to the outside of the play space 21 through the prize discharge passage 70 and move to the prize outlet 74 so that the player can receive the prizes. In the crane game device 10 shown in the embodiment, the prize outlet 74 is provided below the lower part of the front surface 23 on the outer surface of the housing portion 20 and below the operation portion 60. However, the arrangement of the prize outlet 74 is not limited to only the example shown in FIG. 1 and the like.

[0051] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view showing the prize discharge passage 70 and the periphery of the prize discharge sensor in the crane game device 10. In FIG. 9, a state is shown in which a prize placement table 68a is provided between the prize installation surface 26 and the connection opening 72 instead of the partition plate 68 shown in FIG. 1 and the like. As shown in FIG. 9, the crane game device 10 has a prize discharge sensor that detects prizes discharged from the play space 20 to the prize discharge passage 70. As shown in FIG. 9, the prize discharge sensor includes a first prize discharge sensor 81a, a second prize discharge sensor 81b, a third prize discharge sensor 81c, a fourth prize discharge sensor 81d, and a fifth prize discharge sensor 81e.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the division of the bottom of the play space 21 in the crane game device 10 shown in FIG. 9 and the like. As shown in FIG. 11, the first prize discharge sensor 81a detects prizes discharged from the play space 21 to the first detection region 82a, and the second prize discharge sensor 81b detects prizes discharged from the play space 21 to the second detection region 82b. The first prize discharge sensor 81a shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 forms a first detection region 82a whose position in the first horizontal direction D1 overlaps with that of the first gripping portion 30a (see FIGS. 1 and 2), which is one of the three or more gripping portions 30, near the connection opening 72.

[0053] Further, the second prize discharge sensor 81b shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 forms a second detection region 82b where the position in the first horizontal direction D1 overlaps with the second gripping portion 30b (see FIGS. 1 and 2), which is one of the three or more gripping portions 30, near the connection opening 72. Similarly, for the third prize discharge sensor 81c, the fourth prize discharge sensor 81d, and the fifth prize discharge sensor 81e, third detection regions 82c, fourth detection regions 82d, and fifth detection regions 82e corresponding to the third gripping portion 30c, the fourth gripping portion 30d, and the fifth gripping portion 30e are respectively formed.

[0054] The first to fifth prize discharge sensors 81a to 81e shown in FIG. 9 are composed of, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and detect that prizes have passed through the respective detection regions 82a to 82e from changes in the detection values of the light receiving portions. The detection results of the first to fifth prize discharge sensors 81a to 81e are transmitted to the control unit 66 (see FIG. 10). The crane game apparatus 10 having such first to fifth prize discharge sensors 81a to 81e can distinguish and recognize which gripping portion among the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e the prize was acquired by.

[0055] Also, in the crane game apparatus 10, the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e move only in the second direction D2 and the vertical direction and do not move in the first horizontal direction D1. Therefore, in the crane game apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 11, the prize installation surface 26 may be partitioned into first to fifth regions 26a to 26e corresponding to the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e capable of acquiring the prizes at that location, and different prizes may be placed in the respective partitions. In such a case, in the crane game apparatus 10 having the first to fifth prize discharge sensors 81a to 81e, the control unit 66 can recognize which prize placed in which of the first to fifth regions 26a to 26e was acquired by the player.

[0056] The crane game device 10 performs the following operations, for example, through the operation by the player. That is, the player who plays the crane game device 10 inserts a coin or the like into the crane game device 10 to start the play. When the control unit 66 shown in FIG. 10 receives a signal indicating that a coin has been inserted, it starts the play and starts receiving input signals from the operation unit 60 and the determination operation unit 62.

[0057] At the start of the play, the horizontal bar 40 and the gripping part 30 are at the first position P1 shown in FIG. 5. Also, the arm parts 31 of the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e are in the arm part open state where the tip 31b is open. When an operation signal is input from the operation unit 60 after the start of the play, the control unit 66 drives the front and rear drive unit 64 accordingly, and moves the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e in the second direction D2. As a result, the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e move to the position (second position P2) on the prize installation surface 26 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0058] Furthermore, when an operation signal is input from the determination operation unit 62, the control unit 66 ends the movement in the second direction D2 by the front and rear drive unit 64. Also, the control unit 66 drives the up and down drive unit 50 shown in FIG. 6 etc., and lowers the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e from the position (second position P2) on the prize installation surface 26. More specifically, the winding part 53 of the up and down drive unit 50 pulls out the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52, and lowers the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping parts 30a to 30e as shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] When the upper and lower drive unit 50 continues to lower the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e, the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e come into contact with the prize or the prize installation surface 26, preventing further descent. As shown in FIG. 8, slack occurs in at least one (or both) of the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52. Then, the first and second detection switches 56 and 57 provided on both sides of the winding unit 53 detect the slack in the first wire portion 51 and the second wire portion 52 and send a signal to the control unit 66. The control unit 66 that receives the signal controls the drive of the upper and lower drive unit 50 to stop the descent of the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 66 drives the opening and closing drive units 32a to 32e of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to cause the tips 31b of the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to close. Further, the control unit 66 drives the upper and lower drive unit 50 and the front and rear drive unit 64 to move the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e from the second position (P2) shown in FIG. 4 to the first position (P1) directly above the connection opening 72 in the prize discharge passage 70 shown in FIG. 5. While the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e are moving from the lowered position to the first position (P1), the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e are maintained in the closed state. However, the control unit 66 may change the gripping force of the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e during the movement.

[0061] After moving the horizontal bar 40 and the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to the first position (P1) directly above the connection opening 72, the control unit 66 drives the opening and closing drive units 32a to 32e of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to cause the tips 31b of the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to open. When the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e are gripping a prize, the prize drops from the arm portions 31 as the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e open, and moves through the prize discharge passage 70 from the connection opening 72 to the prize outlet 74.

[0062] When the prize passes through the prize discharge passage 70 from the connection opening 72, the first to fifth prize discharge sensors 81a to 81e shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 detect the passage of the prize and transmit the detection result to the control unit 66. In addition, the opening and closing drive units 32a to 32e of the crane game device 10 perform an operation of opening the tip 31b of the arm portion 31 of each of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e above the connection opening 72 (the first position P1) for at least one of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e and at least one of the other first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e at different timings. For example, the opening and closing drive units 32a to 32e may first open the arm portion 31 of the central third gripping portion 30c, and then open the arm portions 31 of the second gripping portion 30b and the fourth gripping portion 30d with a slight delay (for example, a delay of about 0.1 to 1.0 seconds), and further open the arm portions 31 of the first gripping portion 30a and the fifth gripping portion 30e with a slight delay (for example, a delay of about 0.1 to 1.0 seconds).

[0063] In this way, by shifting the timing of opening the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e, even when the prize falls obliquely and passes through an adjacent first to fifth detection region 82a to 82d different from the corresponding location, or when passing across two of the first to fifth detection regions 82a to 82d, the crane game device 10 can correctly determine which of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e has acquired the prize. Note that some or all of the arm portions 31 of the first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e may be opened simultaneously, but from the perspective of prize discrimination, it is preferable to open at least the adjacent first to fifth gripping portions 30a to 30e at different timings.

[0064] As described above, the control unit 66 of the crane game device 10 shown in FIG. 10 etc. controls the operations of the opening and closing drive units 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, the vertical drive unit 50, the front and rear drive unit 64, etc., to provide a play aiming at prize acquisition to the player. In addition, signals from the operation unit 60, the determination operation unit 62, the first detection switch 56, the second detection switch 57, and the first to fifth prize discharge sensors 81a to 81e are input to the control unit 66 of the crane game device 10.

[0065] The control unit 66 shown in Fig. 10 may control the opening / closing drive units 32a to 32e of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to adjust the gripping forces of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e (the force with which the arm unit 31 grabs the prize) during the above-described prize acquisition operation. Further, the control unit 66 may be able to independently adjust the gripping force of one of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e and the gripping force of another one of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e.

[0066] Since the control unit 66 can independently adjust the gripping force for each of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e, even when prizes of different sizes and weights are arranged in the first to fifth regions 26a to 26e of the prize installation surface 26 shown in Fig. 11 for each of the first to fifth regions 26a to 26e, the arm unit 31 can realize an appropriate prize acquisition operation. Further, such a control unit 66 can independently adjust the gripping force (including the probability of change in the gripping force) for each of the first to fifth gripping units 30a to 30e to set different prize acquisition difficulties (prize acquisition probabilities) for each of the first to fifth regions 26a to 26e. Note that the method for adjusting the gripping force by the opening / closing drive units 32a to 32e is not particularly limited. For example, when the opening / closing drive units 32a to 32e are solenoid type, it is adjusted by the voltage (current) value of the solenoid, and when they are motor type, it is adjusted by the rotation amount of the motor, etc.

[0067] In this way, the crane game apparatus 10 has three or more gripping parts 30, and they are provided along a horizontal bar 40 extending along a first horizontal direction D1 which is the width direction of the play space 21. In such a crane game apparatus 10, since a large number of gripping parts 30a to 30e can simultaneously acquire prizes at a large number of points in the play space 21, the maximum number of prizes that can be acquired is large, and it is possible to generate a large-amplitude success such as mass acquisition. Further, the vertical drive part 50 moves the horizontal bar 40 extending in the first horizontal direction D1 up and down by using a first wire part 51 connected near the first end part 40b and a second wire part 52 connected near the second end part 40c, so that while appropriately deflecting the force when the arm part 31 contacts a prize or the prize installation surface 26 or the like, the gripping parts 30a to 30e and the horizontal bar 40 can be moved up and down in a well-balanced manner. Further, since the vertical drive part 50 is arranged near the center of the horizontal bar 40 and has a winding part 53 capable of winding and pulling out the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the center of gravity balance due to vibration or sway, and to improve the maintainability of the winding part 53.

[0068] Further, the winding part 53 of the crane game apparatus 10 has a rotary motor as a common drive part capable of winding and pulling out both the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52. Since the winding part 53 has a common drive part, it is possible to wind and pull out the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52 in a well-balanced manner with a simple control and structure. Further, according to the crane game apparatus 10, since the first and second wire parts 51 and 52 do not deviate from the first and second insertion holes 56a and 57a of the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57, even when the first wire part 51 or the second wire part 52 becomes loose when the arm part 31 contacts a prize or the like, it is possible to safely and surely stop the descent of the horizontal bar 40.

[0069] Also, in the crane game device 10, by arranging the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57 symmetrically with the winding portion 53 interposed therebetween in the first horizontal direction D1, it is possible to accurately detect the loosening of the wire portions 51 and 52 due to the contact between the gripping portions 30a to 30e and the prize. Such a crane game device 10 can stop the lowering of the horizontal bar 40 at a more appropriate timing.

[0070] As described above, the crane game device 10 has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the crane game device according to the present invention is not limited to only the above-described crane game device 10. Needless to say, it has many other embodiments and modifications. For example, the number of three or more gripping portions 30 suspended from the horizontal bar 40 is not limited to only five. It can be any number of three or more, such as 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. However, from the viewpoint of balancing the up and down movement by the up and down driving portion 50 and accurately detecting the stop position by the first detection switch 56 and the second detection switch 57, it is preferable that the number of the gripping portions 30 be nine or less so that the horizontal bar 40 does not become too long.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an up and down driving portion 150 having a winding portion 153 according to a first modification. The crane game device 10 can also use the winding portion 153 shown in FIG. 8 instead of the up and down driving portion 50 shown in FIG. 6. The winding portion 153 of the up and down driving portion 150 shown in FIG. 12 includes a first winding portion 153a that winds and pulls out the first wire portion 51, and a second winding portion 153b that winds and pulls out the second wire portion 52. The wire base end of the first wire portion 51 is connected to the first winding portion 153a, and the expectation of the second wire portion 52 is connected to the second winding portion 153b.

[0072] The winding unit 153 shown in FIG. 12 has independent drive units (such as motors) for the first winding unit 153a and the second winding unit 153b. The driving of both the first winding unit 153a and the second winding unit 153b is controlled by the control unit 66. As shown in FIG. 12, by winding and pulling out the first wire part 51 and the second wire part 52 using separate drive units, a drive unit with a relatively small output can be adopted, and the inclination adjustment of the horizontal bar 40 is easy.

[0073] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the second detection switch 257 according to the second modification. The second detection switch 257 has a movable pulley 257a with which the second wire part 52 engages. The second wire part 52 engages with the movable pulley 257a of the second detection switch 257 between the wire base end of the second wire part 52 connected to the second winding unit 253b and the wire tip of the second wire part 52 connected to the horizontal bar 40.

[0074] The movable pulley 257a of the second detection switch 257 shown in FIG. 13 and the support piece 257b supporting the movable pulley 257a are biased in the rotational direction indicated by the arrow 259. When the second wire part 52 loosens, the support piece 257b supporting the movable pulley 257a rotates in the direction of the arrow 259 to push the push switch 257c, and thus the second detection switch 257 detects the loosening of the second wire part 52.

[0075] In the crane game device 10, instead of the second detection switch 57 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a second detection switch 257 having a movable pulley 257a as shown in FIG. 13 may be used. Also, regarding the first detection switch 56 of the crane game device 10, it is possible to adopt a first detection switch that has a movable pulley engaging with the first wire part 51 and detects the loosening of the first wire part 51, similar to the second detection switch 257 shown in FIG. 13.

[0076] In the crane game apparatus using the second detection switch 257 shown in FIG. 13 as well, the control unit of the crane game apparatus stops the downward movement of the horizontal bar 40 by the vertical drive unit based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection switch and the second detection switch 257, similarly to the control unit 66 described in the embodiment. The second detection switch 257 shown in FIG. 13 may cause the second wire 52 to deviate from the movable pulley 257a when a sudden slack of the wire occurs. However, even in the crane game apparatus using such a second detection switch 257, by appropriately adjusting the pulling speed of the second wire unit 52 and the like, the horizontal bar 40 and three or more gripping units 30 can be stopped at appropriate positions, similarly to the crane game apparatus 10 using the second detection switch 57 shown in the embodiment.

Explanation of Signs

[0077] 10…Crane game apparatus 20…Housing part 21…Play space 23…Front side 24…Slide door part 26…Prize installation surface 30…Gripping part 30a…First gripping part 31…Arm part 31a…Base part 31b…Tip 30b…Second gripping part 30c…Third gripping part 30d…Fourth gripping part 30e…Fifth gripping part 32a, 32b, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e…Opening / closing drive part 40…Horizontal bar 40a…Center position 40b…First end part 40c…Second end part 50, 150…Vertical drive part 51…First wire unit 52…Second wire unit 51a, 52a…Wire tip 51b, 52b…Wire base end 53, 153…Winding part 153a…First winding section 153b, 253b…Second winding section 56…First detection switch 56a…First insertion hole 57, 257…Second detection switch 57a…Second insertion hole 56b, 57b…Movable part 58a, 58b…Pulley 257a…Movable pulley 257b…Support piece 257c…Push switch 259…Arrow 60…Operation part 62…Determination operation part 64…Forward and backward drive part 64a…Movable beam part 66…Control part 68…Partition board 70…Prize discharge passage 72…Connection opening 74…Prize outlet 81a~81e…First to fifth prize discharge sensors 82a~82e…First to fifth detection areas D1…First horizontal direction D2…Second direction D3…Vertical direction

Claims

1. Three or more gripping parts, each having a plurality of arm parts that are arranged inside a housing part in which a closed play space is formed, and that rotate about a base and open and close at their tips; A horizontal bar that extends along a first horizontal direction of the play space and on which three or more of the gripping parts are provided; An up-and-down drive part that moves the horizontal bar in the up-and-down direction; A front-and-back drive part that moves the up-and-down drive part and the horizontal bar in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction and the up-and-down direction; An opening-and-closing drive part that opens and closes the arm parts, and a control part that controls the operations of the up-and-down drive part and the front-and-back drive part; An operation part that is arranged outside the play space, drives the front-and-back drive part via the control part, and operates the positions of the three or more gripping parts in the second direction; A prize discharge passage that connects a connection opening that connects to the play space and a prize outlet formed on the outer surface of the housing part; The control part can adjust the gripping force of the gripping parts by controlling the opening-and-closing drive part, and can independently adjust the gripping force of one of the three or more gripping parts and the gripping force of another one of the three or more gripping parts; A first prize discharge sensor that is provided so as to form a first detection area in the prize discharge passage, the position of which in the first horizontal direction overlaps that of a first gripping part, which is one of the three or more gripping parts, and that detects a prize discharged from the play space to the first detection area; A second prize discharge sensor that is provided so as to form a second detection area in the prize discharge passage, the position of which in the first horizontal direction overlaps that of a second gripping part, which is another one of the three or more gripping parts, and which is different from the first detection area, and that detects a prize discharged from the play space to the second detection area; The first prize discharge sensor and the second prize discharge sensor detect prizes passing through different detection areas in the common prize discharge passage; The opening-and-closing drive part opens the tips of the arm parts of the gripping parts above the connection opening, and does so for at least one of the three or more gripping parts and at least one other of the three or more gripping parts at different timings. A crane game device characterized by this.

2. Three or more gripping parts, each having a plurality of arm parts that are arranged inside a housing part in which a closed play space is formed, and that rotate about a base and open and close at their tips; A horizontal bar that extends along the first horizontal direction of the play space and is provided with three or more of the gripping parts; A vertical drive part that moves the horizontal bar in the vertical direction; A front-rear drive part that moves the vertical drive part and the horizontal bar in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal direction and the vertical direction; An opening / closing drive part that opens and closes the arm part, and a control part that controls the operations of the vertical drive part and the front-rear drive part; An operation part that is disposed outside the play space, drives the front-rear drive part via the control part, and operates the positions of the three or more gripping parts in the second direction; A prize discharge passage that connects a connection opening that connects to the play space and a prize outlet formed on the outer surface of the housing part; The control part can adjust the gripping force of the gripping parts by controlling the opening / closing drive part, and can independently adjust the gripping force of one of the three or more gripping parts and the gripping force of another one of the three or more gripping parts; The opening / closing drive part is characterized in that, above the connection opening, the operation of opening the tips of the arm parts of the gripping parts is performed for at least one of the three or more gripping parts and at least one of the other three or more gripping parts at different timings of 0.1 to 1.0 seconds. Crane game device.

3. The vertical drive part includes a first wire part to which a first wire tip is connected near a first end which is one end of the horizontal bar in the first horizontal direction, and a second wire part to which a second wire tip is connected near a second end which is the other end of the horizontal bar in the first horizontal direction, and a winding part that can wind and pull out the first wire part and the second wire part and is disposed above the horizontal bar and near the central position of the horizontal bar in the first horizontal direction with respect to the first end and the second end. The crane game device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The winding part of the crane game device according to claim 3 has a common drive part that can wind and pull out both the first wire part and the second wire part.

5. A first prize discharge sensor is provided so as to form a first detection area in the prize discharge passage where the position in the first horizontal direction of a first gripping part, which is one of the three or more gripping parts, overlaps, and detects a prize discharged from the play space to the first detection area; A second holding part, which is another one of the three or more holding parts, is provided so that a second detection area, whose position in the first horizontal direction overlaps with that of the second holding part and which is different from the first detection area, is formed in the prize discharge passage, and a second prize discharge sensor for detecting a prize discharged from the play space to the second detection area. The crane game apparatus according to claim 2, comprising:

6. A first detection switch having a first insertion hole through which the first wire part is inserted and detecting loosening of the first wire part, and a second detection switch having a second insertion hole through which the second wire part is inserted and detecting loosening of the second wire part. The control unit stops the lowering of the horizontal bar by the vertical drive unit based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection switch and the second detection switch. The crane game apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The first detection switch and the second detection switch are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first horizontal direction on one side and the other side with respect to the center position in the first horizontal direction of the horizontal bar. The crane game apparatus according to claim 6.

8. A first detection switch having a movable pulley with which the first wire part engages and detecting loosening of the first wire part, and a second detection switch having a movable pulley with which the second wire part engages and detecting loosening of the second wire part. The control unit stops the lowering of the horizontal bar by the vertical drive unit based on the detection result of at least one of the first detection switch and the second detection switch. The crane game apparatus according to claim 3.

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