Adjustment device for opening and closing the catcher arm in a crane game machine

Abstract

This invention provides an opening and closing adjustment device for a catcher arm that allows for easy adjustment of the adjustment plate. [Solution] An opening and closing adjustment device for a catcher arm in a crane game machine, comprising a movable base 31 and an adjustment plate 32 positioned above the movable base 31, wherein the adjustment plate 32 has an engagement pin 324 extending to the movable base 31 below, and the movable base 31 has a plurality of engagement holes 314 that can receive the engagement pin 324 and a receiving groove 313 into which a part of the catcher arm is pivotally supported, and the degree to which the plate body 321 shields the corresponding receiving groove 313 can be changed by being operated and rotating relative to the movable base 31 when the engagement relationship between the engagement pin 324 and the engagement hole 314 is released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane game machine, and more specifically, to an opening / closing adjustment device for a catcher arm used in a catcher device in a crane game machine.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, a catcher device 1 for picking up a prize in a crane game machine includes a driving means 11, a central column 12 that extends vertically and is attached so as to move vertically along the driving means 11 by the driving of the driving means 11, a movable base 13 connected to the lower end of the central column 12, a plurality of extending arms 14 pivotally supported by the movable base 13, and a plurality of interlocking arms 15 whose both ends are pivotally supported by the driving means 11 and the corresponding extending arms 14, respectively.

[0003] When the driving means 11 drives the central column 12 to move upward, the movable base 13 connected to the central column 12 also moves upward accordingly, and the ends of each extending arm 14 pivotally supported by the movable base 13 also rise together. Therefore, the extending arms 14 swing about the points pivotally supported by the corresponding interlocking arms 15 and the extending arms 14 as the rotation axes. As a result, the tip portions of each extending arm 14 that are separated from the movable base 13 swing downward and approach each other, so that if an object exists between the tip portions of each extending arm 14, it can be grasped.

[0004] Conversely, when the driving means 11 drives the central column 12 to move downward, the movable base 13 connected to the central column 12 also moves downward accordingly, and the tip portions of each extending arm 14 that are separated from the movable base 13 swing upward and away from each other. Thus, if an object is grasped between the extending arms 14, it can be released to drop the object, and the next grasping operation becomes possible.

[0005] However, the distance between the tips of each extension arm 14 in a conventional catcher device 1 configured in this way, at the position where the tips of each extension arm 14 are furthest from each other away from the movable base 13, that is, the largest size of object that each extension arm 14 can grasp, is determined by the shape of each extension arm 14 and the limit position at which the movable base 13 connected to the central column 12 moves downward, and is therefore basically determined during the manufacturing of the catcher device 1.

[0006] Therefore, if the size of the prizes placed inside the same crane game machine is changed, it may be necessary to replace the catcher device depending on the size, which is costly and inconvenient.

[0007] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows the catcher device described in Patent Document 1. As shown in the figure, this catcher device has a spring 161 placed on the central column 12, and an adjustment plate 162 that is pressed against the movable base 13 by the spring 161 is added. The adjustment plate 162 is a disc and has multiple slits 163 formed thereon, each corresponding to the width of each extension arm 14. When each extension arm 14 swings upward relative to the movable base 13, it fits into one of the slits 163, and the length of the slit 163 into which the extension arm 14 fits determines the angle at which the extension arm 14 swings upward relative to the movable base 13. Therefore, by rotating the adjustment plate 162 relative to the movable base 13, the slit 163 into which the extension arm 14 swings upward relative to the movable base 13 can be changed, thereby adjusting the maximum angle at which the extension arm 14 swings upward relative to the movable base 13, that is, the largest size of object that each extension arm 14 can grasp.

[0008] However, in the catcher device described in Patent Document 1, the maximum angle at which the extension arm 14 swings upward relative to the movable base 13 is determined by the length of the slits 163 formed in the adjustment plate 162. Therefore, each slit 163 can only be set to a corresponding fixed angle, which may result in insufficient adjustment range. Furthermore, because multiple slits 163 are formed in the adjustment plate 162, its strength is reduced, making it prone to failure.

[0009] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows the catcher device described in Patent Document 2. As shown in the figure, this catcher device is configured such that the adjustment plate 162 has a polygonal shape corresponding to the number of extension arms 14, and in the illustrated example, it has a roughly triangular outline corresponding to the three extension arms 14. As a result, when the extension arms 14 swing upward relative to the movable base 13, they come into contact with the periphery of the adjustment plate 162. Also, the position in which the extension arms 14 contact the periphery of the adjustment plate 162 differs depending on the angle of rotation of the adjustment plate 162 relative to the movable base 13. This makes it possible to steplessly adjust the maximum angle at which the extension arms 14 swing upward relative to the movable base 13. However, in this conventional technology, the rotation angle of the adjustment plate 162 and the movable base 13 is achieved by inserting a locking pin 172, which is attached to a blind hole 131 formed in the movable base 13 and biased toward the adjustment plate 162 by a spring 171, into one of the locking holes 164 formed in the adjustment plate 162. Therefore, when changing the rotation angle of the adjustment plate 162 and the movable base 13, it is necessary to push the locking pin 172 into the blind hole 131 formed in the movable base 13 with a thin operating rod that can pass through the locking hole 164, which is inconvenient. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Utility Model No. M653297 Specification [Patent Document 2] Taiwan Patent Publication No. I809264 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an opening and closing adjustment device for a catcher arm that can improve upon the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] As a means to achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an opening and closing adjustment device for a catcher arm used in a catcher device in a crane game machine, The catcher device comprises a drive means, a central column movably mounted to the drive means along an axial direction which is a predetermined axis, a plurality of interlocking arms mounted to the drive means at intervals from each other, and a plurality of extension arms connected to each of the interlocking arms. The opening and closing adjustment device for the catcher arm is, It comprises a movable base and an adjustment plate positioned above the movable base, The movable base is connected to the central column and has a base portion having a plurality of engagement holes arranged at intervals from each other along a virtual arc centered on the axis, and a plurality of pivot portions extending radially from the base portion toward the side away from the axis, each having a receiving groove formed at its tip, and pivotally supporting one corresponding extension arm. The adjustment plate comprises a plate body that abuts against the base and is inserted through the central column along the axial direction, and an engagement pin that extends toward the movable base at a position offset from the axis on the plate body and is inserted into one of the engagement holes formed in the movable base to engage the movable base, thereby determining the relative position between the movable base and the adjustment plate, and is configured such that the degree to which the plate body shields the corresponding receiving groove is changed when it is operated and rotated relative to the movable base while the engagement relationship between the engagement pin and the engagement hole is released. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device according to the present invention, an engagement pin formed on the adjustment plate extends to the movable base located below and is inserted into one of the engagement holes formed on the movable base to engage the movable base. Therefore, when the engagement relationship between the engagement pin on the adjustment plate and the engagement hole formed on the movable base is released, the adjustment plate can rotate relative to the movable base, thereby preventing misalignment of the adjustment plate with respect to the movable base. Furthermore, since there is no need to install extra parts (such as coil springs) as in the conventional method, the structure of the device can be simplified, and there is no need to use a special adjustment tool. Since virtually stepless adjustment of the maximum swing angle of the extension arm can be achieved, it is clear that the operability is far more convenient for the user. Thus, the above objectives of the present invention can be reliably achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a conventional crane game machine's catcher device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the catcher device described in Patent Document 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the catcher device described in Patent Document 2. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a catcher device and an opening / closing adjustment device for a catcher arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a catcher device and an opening / closing adjustment device for a catcher arm according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an opening / closing adjustment device for a catcher arm according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a top view showing a state where the pivot portion of the movable base according to this embodiment is aligned with the outer end surface of the adjustment plate. [Figure 8] It is a top view showing a state where the pivot portion of the movable base according to this embodiment is aligned with the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment plate.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] In order to more clearly explain the object, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, hereinafter, in combination with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. It will be clear that the described embodiments are some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different arrangements. Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation to the protection scope of the present invention, but merely shows the selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Before explaining the present invention in more detail, it should be noted that, when considered appropriate, the reference numerals or the end portions of the reference numerals are repeated between the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, and these can optionally have the same characteristics.

[0017] Hereinafter, an opening / closing adjustment device for a catcher arm according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The configuration of the catcher device 2 and the opening / closing adjustment device 3 for the catcher arm used therein according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Here, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the catcher device 2 and the opening / closing adjustment device 3 for the catcher arm according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the catcher device 2 and the opening / closing adjustment device 3 for the catcher arm according to the present embodiment, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the opening / closing adjustment device 3 for the catcher arm according to the present embodiment.

[0019] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device 3 according to the present invention is used in the catcher device 2 of a crane game machine.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the catcher device 2 in this embodiment includes a drive means 21, a central column 22 that is movably attached to the drive means 21 along an axial direction which is a predetermined axis L, a plurality of interlocking arms 23 attached to the drive means 21 at intervals from each other (three in the illustrated example), and a plurality of extension arms 24 connected to each interlocking arm 23.

[0021] As for the driving means 21, for example, a coil can be configured inside, and the current flowing through the coil can move the magnet embedded in the central column 22 and the entire central column 22. However, this can be achieved by applying conventional technology, so a more detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0022] The catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device 3 according to this embodiment comprises a movable base 31 and an adjustment plate 32 positioned above the movable base 31, as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the movable base 31 has a base portion 311 and a plurality of pivot portions 312.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the base portion 311 is connected to the central column 22 and has a plurality of engagement holes 314 formed therein, which are spaced apart from each other along a virtual arc centered on the axis L. In this embodiment, there are four engagement holes 314, but the number is not limited to this and can be changed according to the needs.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the multiple pivot points 312 extend radially from the base portion 311 toward the axis L, and a receiving groove 313 is formed at the tip of each pivot point so that a corresponding extension arm 24 is pivotally supported. In this embodiment, the number of pivot points 312 is three, corresponding to the number of extension arms 24.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the adjustment plate 32 has a plate body 321, a plurality of extension portions 322, an elastic piece portion 323, and an engagement pin 324.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the plate body 321 is in contact with the base portion 311 and is inserted through the central column 22 along the axial direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a long groove 325 is formed in the plate body 321.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the multiple extensions 322 extend from the plate body 321 toward the axis L.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, each extended portion 322 has an outer end surface 327 whose extension direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, and the shortest distance to the axis L of the outer end surface 327 in two adjacent extended portions 322 is different.

[0030] Furthermore, the plate body 321 has multiple outer peripheral surfaces 326 that are continuous with the outer end surfaces 327 of the two corresponding extension portions 322. In this embodiment, there are three such outer peripheral surfaces 326.

[0031] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, there are 15 extensions 322. These extensions 322 are divided into three groups, and each group has five extensions 322. Two adjacent groups are connected by corresponding outer surfaces 326.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the shortest distance to the axis L of the outer peripheral surface 326 is smaller than the shortest distance to the axis L of any one of the outer end surfaces 327. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in each of the five extensions 322 in each group, the shortest distance to the axis L of the one connected to the outer peripheral surface 326 is the shortest, and the shortest distance to the axis L of the one in the center is the longest.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the elastic piece 323 is located within the elongated groove 325 formed in the plate body 321, with one end integrally continuous with the plate body 321 and extending so as to be pivotable relative to the plate body 321.

[0034] Here, the plate body 321 is made of a material that can return to its original shape after deformation due to its own elastic restorative force. Thus, the elastic piece 323 is configured to store elastic restorative force through deformation caused by oscillation, and when it deforms by oscillation relative to the plate body 321, it can return to its original shape due to its own elastic restorative force.

[0035] In this embodiment, the adjustment plate 32 is made of a metal material and is configured as a plate that extends outwards from the axis L described above. The adjustment plate 32 is formed by die press working, but is not limited to this.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the engaging pin 324 is formed in a cylindrical or hemispherical shape and is located at the other end of the elastic piece 323. It extends toward the movable base 31 at a position offset from the axis L on the plate body 321 and is configured to be inserted into one of the engaging holes 314 formed in the movable base 31 to engage the movable base 31.

[0037] Here, the engagement pin 324 can determine the relative position between the movable base 31 and the adjustment plate 32 by engaging with one of the engagement holes 314 formed in the movable base 31.

[0038] With this configuration, when the engagement pin 324 formed on the adjustment plate 32 according to this embodiment separates from the engagement hole 314 formed on the movable base 31, that is, when the engagement relationship between the engagement pin 324 and the engagement hole 314 is released, the adjustment plate 32 can be rotated relative to the movable base 31 in response to an operation.

[0039] The following explanation, with reference to the drawings, describes how to set the swingable range of the catcher device 2 by adjusting the opening and closing adjustment device 3 for the catcher arm according to the present invention.

[0040] The adjustment of the catcher arm opening / closing adjustment device 3 according to the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Here, Figure 7 is a top view showing the pivot portion 312 of the movable base 31 according to the embodiment aligned with the outer end surface 327 of the adjustment plate 32, and Figure 8 is a top view showing the pivot portion 312 of the movable base 31 according to the embodiment aligned with the outer peripheral surface 327 of the adjustment plate 32.

[0041] In this embodiment, the adjustment plate 32 can be rotated relative to the movable base 31 when operated while the engagement relationship between the engagement pin 324 and the engagement hole 314 is released, thereby changing the degree to which the plate body 321 shields the corresponding receiving groove 313.

[0042] In other words, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the engagement pin 324 of the adjustment plate 32 engages with one of the engagement holes 314 in the movable base 31, each pivot 312 in the movable base 31 is aligned with the corresponding multiple outer end faces 327 or multiple outer peripheral faces 326 of the adjustment plate 32.

[0043] More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, when each pivot 312 on the movable base 31 is aligned with the corresponding multiple outer end faces 327 on the adjustment plate 32 (in the illustrated example, the outer end face 327 of the central of the five extensions 322 in each group), the corresponding multiple extensions 322 each shield the multiple receiving grooves 313.

[0044] In this case, the degree to which each extension portion 322 of the adjustment plate 32 shields each receiving groove 313 formed in each pivot portion 312 is maximized. At this time, the extension arm 24 pivotally supported in each receiving groove 313 formed in each pivot portion 312 comes into contact with each extension portion 322 of the adjustment plate 32, thus limiting the range of motion relative to the pivot portion 312, and the range of motion in this state is minimized.

[0045] In other words, as shown in Figure 4, the angle at which each extension arm 24 swings upward relative to the movable base 31 and the maximum possible distance between the tips of each extension arm 24 are minimized, so the size of the prize that can be grasped is also minimized.

[0046] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when each pivot point 312 on the movable base 31 is aligned with the multiple outer peripheral surfaces 326 on the adjustment plate 32, the plate body 321 shields a portion of each receiving groove 313.

[0047] In this case, the degree to which each extension portion 322 of the adjustment plate 32 obstructs the receiving groove 313 formed in each pivot portion 312 is minimized, and in this case, the range of motion of the extension arm 24 pivotally supported by each receiving groove 313 formed in each pivot portion 312 is virtually unrestricted, and the range of motion is maximized.

[0048] In other words, the angle at which each extension arm 24 swings upward relative to the movable base 31, and the maximum possible distance between the tips of each extension arm 24 are also maximized, so the size of the prize that can be grasped is also maximized.

[0049] In this way, the user can move the elastic piece 323 of the adjustment plate 32 upward or rotate the adjustment plate 32 relative to the movable base 31 according to their needs, causing the elastic piece 323 of the adjustment plate 32 to swing upward away from the movable base 31, thereby releasing the engagement between the engagement pin 324 of the adjustment plate 32 and the engagement hole 314 of the movable base 31.

[0050] In this state, simply by rotating the adjustment plate 32 further, the degree to which each extension portion 322 of the adjustment plate 32 shields the corresponding receiving groove 313 on the movable base 31 side is changed, and the engagement pin 324 of the adjustment plate 32 engages with other engagement holes 314 in the movable base 31, thereby adjusting the angle at which each extension arm 24 of the crane game machine swings upward relative to the movable base 31 and the maximum possible distance between the tips of each extension arm 24.

[0051] In summary, the catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device 3 according to the present invention prevents the adjustment plate 32 from shifting relative to the movable base 31 by forming an engagement pin 324 on the adjustment plate 32 and forming engagement holes 314 in the movable base 31 below the adjustment plate 32 into which the engagement pin 324 is inserted and engages. Furthermore, since there is no need to install extra parts (such as coil springs) as in the conventional method, the structure of the device can be simplified, and there is no need to use a special adjustment tool. Since virtually stepless adjustment of the maximum swing angle of the catcher arm (extension arm 24) can be achieved, the operation is far more convenient for the user. For this reason, the objective of the present invention can be reliably achieved.

[0052] In the above, many specific details have been provided to facilitate an overall understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments can be implemented without providing specific details.

[0053] While preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and all modifications and equivalent configurations are included as part of the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] The opening and closing adjustment device for the catcher arm of the present invention can improve the convenience of adjusting the maximum swing angle of the extension arm for the catcher device in a crane game machine. Therefore, it has potential for industrial application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1. Catcher device 11 Driving means 12 Central pillar 13 Movable platform 131 Blind Hole 14 Extension Arm 15 Interlocking Arm 161 Spring 162 Adjustment Plate 163 Slit 164 Locking hole 171 Spring 172 Locking pin 2. Catcher device 21 Driving means 22 Central pillar 23 Interlocking Arm 24 Extension Arm 3. Catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device 31 Movable platform 311 Base 312 Cardinal Branch 313 Receiving groove 314 Engagement holes 32 Adjustment Plate 321 Plate body 322 Stretching section 323 Elastic piece 324 Engaging pins 325 Long groove 326 Outer surface 327 Outer end face L axis

Claims

1. A device for adjusting the opening and closing of a catcher arm used in a catcher mechanism in a crane game machine, The catcher device comprises a drive means, a central column movably mounted to the drive means along an axial direction which is a predetermined axis, a plurality of interlocking arms mounted to the drive means at intervals from each other, and a plurality of extension arms connected to each of the interlocking arms. The opening and closing adjustment device for the catcher arm is, It comprises a movable base and an adjustment plate positioned above the movable base, The movable base is connected to the central column and has a base portion having a plurality of engagement holes arranged at intervals from each other along a virtual arc centered on the axis, and a plurality of pivot portions extending radially from the base portion toward the side away from the axis, each having a receiving groove formed at its tip, and one corresponding extension arm being pivotally supported. The adjustment plate has a plate body that abuts against the base and is inserted through the central column along the axial direction, and an engagement pin that extends toward the movable base at a position offset from the axis on the plate body and is inserted into one of the engagement holes formed in the movable base to engage the movable base, thereby determining the relative position between the movable base and the adjustment plate, and is configured such that when the engagement relationship between the engagement pin and the engagement hole is released, the degree to which the plate body shields the corresponding receiving groove is changed by being operated and rotating relative to the movable base. The plate body of the adjustment plate has a long groove formed therein. The adjustment plate further has an elastic piece located within the elongated groove, with one end of the elastic piece being continuous with the plate body, and the engagement pin is positioned at the other end of the elastic piece. The elastic piece extends so as to swing relative to the plate body, and is configured to store elastic restoring force through deformation caused by swinging, and when it swings and deforms relative to the plate body, it can return to its original position due to its own elastic restoring force. A catcher's arm opening and closing adjustment device characterized by the above.

2. The adjustment plate further has a plurality of extensions that extend from the plate body toward the axis, Each of the extended portions has an outer end surface whose extension direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, and the shortest distance from the outer end surface to the axis is different for two adjacent extended portions. The plate body has a plurality of outer peripheral surfaces that are continuous with the outer end surfaces of the two corresponding extended portions, When the engagement pin of the adjustment plate engages with one of the engagement holes in the movable base, each of the pivots in the movable base is aligned with the corresponding multiple outer end faces or multiple outer circumferential faces of the adjustment plate. When each of the pivots on the movable base is aligned with the corresponding plurality of outer end faces on the adjustment plate, the corresponding plurality of extensions each shield the plurality of receiving grooves, while when each of the pivots on the movable base is aligned with the plurality of outer circumferential faces on the adjustment plate, the plate body shields a portion of each of the receiving grooves. The catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device according to feature 1.

3. The number of extension arms is three, the number of pivots is three, the number of extension parts is fifteen, and the number of outer surfaces is three. The catcher arm opening and closing adjustment device according to feature 2.

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