GB2468033A

GB2468033A - A game machine including a lifting support section

Info

Publication number: GB2468033A
Application number: GB201002763A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hiroshi Fujita; Shigeharu Goto
Original assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc
Current assignee: Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc
Priority date: 2010-02-18
Filing date: 2010-02-18
Publication date: 2010-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-18
Also published as: GB201002763D0; GB2468033B

Abstract

A game machine includes a support section 28 that includes a first lift section 90 that can move upward and downward with respect to a base section 86, and a second lift section 92 that can move upward and downward with respect to a base section 88. The first lift section 90 and the second lift section 92 can be individually moved upward and downward with respect to the base section 86 and the base section 88. Preferably the support section supports the prize support section so that the state of the prize support section can be changed.

Description

GAME MACHINE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game machine.

A prize game machine that allows a player to operate a prize holding section that holds and moves a prize, and move a prize placed in a prize placement area inside a housing to an open area to acquire the prize, has been known. A prize game machine that changes game playability by changing the height of the prize placement area that can be moved upward and downward, has been known (see JP-A-2006-43 286).

In such a prize game machine, the prize placement area is moved upward and downward in a horizontal state. Therefore, it may be difficult to move the prize placement area upward and downward when the prize placement area has a large width (length). C')

SUMMARY (\J

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a game machine comprising: a prize support section that supports a prize; a prize outlet from which a player can take the prize; a prize guiding space that guides the prize toward the prize outlet; a support section that supports the prize support section; and a prize moving section that moves the prize supported by the prize support section based on operation information from a movement operation section, the support section including: a first lift section that is movable upward and downward with respect to a base section; and a second lift section that is movable upward and downward with respect to the base section, the first lift section and the second lift section being individually movable upward and downward with respect to the base section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the front side of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FTGS. 3A and 3B are plan views illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional front views illustrating part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

C) FIG 5 illustrates operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention. (\J

FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional rear views illustrating part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1OA to 1OC illustrate operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. l3Ato 13C are cross-sectional side views illustrating part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. iSA and 15B illustrate operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1 6A and 1 6B illustrate operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates operation of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 1 8A to 1 8D illustrate operation of a prize game machine according to one C) embodiment of the invention.

0. . . FIG. 19 illustrates operation of a pnze game machine according to one (\J embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 23A to 23C illustrate operation of a prize game machine according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

FTGS. 25A and 25B are plan views illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are plan views illustrating the details of part of a prize game machine according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRJPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The invention may provide a game machine that is configured so that a prize placement area can be easily moved upward and downward.

(1) According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a game machine comprising: a prize support section that supports a prize; a prize outlet from which a player can take the prize; a prize guiding space that guides the prize toward the prize outlet; a support section that supports the prize support section; and C) a prize moving section that moves the prize supported by the prize support section based on operation information from a movement operation section, (\J the support section including: a first lift section that is movable upward and downward with respect to a base section; and a second lift section that is movable upward and downward with respect to the base section, the first lift section and the second lift section being individually movable upward and downward with respect to the base section.

According to the above game machine, the prize support section can be moved upward and downward by individually moving the first lift section and the second lift section upward and downward with respect to the base section. Therefore, even if the width of the prize support section is increased, the prize support section can be easily moved upward and downward by alternately moving the first lift section and the second lift section upward and downward. According to the above game machine, the prize support section can be supported in a tilted state.

(2)111 the above-described game machine, the first lift section and the second lift section may extend upward at a periphery of the prize guiding space.

This prevents a situation in which the first lift section and the second lift section hinder a prize when the prize is guided by the prize guiding space.

(3) The above-described game machine may further comprise: a first lift control section that is switched between a lift restriction state in which the first lift section cannot move upward and downward and a lift permission state in which the first lift section is movable upward and downward; a first lift operation section that is operated to switch the first lift control section between the lift restriction state and the lift permission state; CO a second lift control section that is switched between a lift restriction state in which the second lift section cannot move upward and downward and a lift permission (\J (\J state in which the second lift section is movable upward and downward; and a second lift operation section that is operated to switch the second lift control section between the lift restriction state and the lift permission state.

According to this configuration, the prize support section can be supported in a tilted state by securing the first lift section and the second lift section at different positions.

(4) In the above-described game machine, the support section may support the prize support section so that the state of the prize support section can be changed.

According to this configuration, the state of the prize support section can be changed while individually moving the first lift section and the second lift section upward and downward with respect to the base section.

(5) In the above-described game machine, the support section may further include: a first connection section that is connected to the first lift section to be rotatable around a first axis with respect to the first lift section; a second connection section that is connected to the second lift section to be rotatable around a second axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the second lift section; and a placement section on which the prize support section is placed, the first connection section being connected to the placement section to be rotatable around a third axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the placement section, and the second connection section being connected to the placement section to be rotatable around a fourth axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the placement CO section.

According to this configuration, since the first lift section, the first connection (\J (\J section, the second lift section, the second connection section, and the placement section are connected to be rotatable around the parallel axes, the first lift section and the second lift section are individually movable upward and downward with respect to the base section.

(6) In the above-described game machine, the support section may further include: a first connection section that is connected to the first lift section to be rotatable around a first axis with respect to the first lift section; and a second connection section that is connected to the second lift section to be rotatable around a second axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the second lift section, the first connection section being connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around a third axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the prize support section, and the second connection section being connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around a fourth axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the prize support section.

According to this configuration, since the first lift section, the first connection section, the second lift section, the second connection section, and the prize support section are connected to be rotatable around the parallel axes, the first lift section and the second lift section are individually movable upward and downward with respect to the base section.

(7)111 the above-described game machine, the first connection section may be connected to the first lift section to be rotatable around the first axis in a first direction from a first reference position with respect to the CO first lift section, while rotation of the first connection section around the first axis in a second direction from the first reference position is restricted; and (\J the second connection section may be connected to the second lift section to be rotatable around the second axis in the second direction from a second reference position with respect to the second lift section, white rotation of the second connection section around the second axis in the first direction from the second reference position is restricted.

According to this configuration, since the first connection section is connected to the first lift section so that the first connection section cannot rotate around the first axis in the second direction from the first reference position, and the second connection section is connected to the second lift section so that the second connection section cannot rotate around the second axis in the first direction from the second reference position, the prize support section can be stably supported.

(8) Tn the above-described game machine, the first connection section may be connected to the placement section to be rotatable around the third axis in a first direction from a third reference position with respect to the placement section, while rotation of the first connection section around the third axis in a second direction from the third reference position is restricted; and the second connection section may be connected to the placement section to be rotatable around the fourth axis in the second direction from a fourth reference position with respect to the placement section, while rotation of the second connection section around the fourth axis in the first direction from the fourth reference position is restricted.

According to this configuration, since the first connection section is connected to the placement section so that the first connection section cannot rotate around the third axis in the second direction from the third reference position, and the second connection section is connected to the placement section so that the second connection section cannot rotate around the fourth axis in the first direction from the fourth reference position, the C) prize support section can be stably supported.

(9) In the above-described game machine, (\J the first connection section may be connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around the third axis in a first direction from a third reference position with respect to the prize support section, while rotation of the first connection section around the third axis in a second direction from the third reference position is restricted; and the second connection section may be connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around the fourth axis in the second direction from a fourth reference position with respect to the prize support section, while rotation of the second connection section around the fourth axis in the first direction from the fourth reference position is restricted.

According to this configuration, since the first connection section is connected to the prize support section so that the first connection section cannot rotate around the third axis in the second direction from the third reference position, and the second connection section is connected to the prize support section so that the second connection section cannot rotate around the fourth axis in the first direction from the fourth reference position, the prize support section can be stably supported.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the scope of the invention as stated in the claims. Also, not all the elements described below should be taken as essential requirements of the invention.

1. Schematic configuration of prize game machine FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the front side of a prize game machine 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The prize game machine 10 (example of game machine) according to this embodiment implements a game in which the player operates a prize holding section 12 (example of prize moving section) and acquires a prize that is placed inside the prize game machine 10.

C) As illustrated in FIG 1, the side surface and the front surface of the upper area of 0. . . . the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment is formed by a transparent plate 14 SO that the player can observe the internal state of the prize game machine 10, but cannot touch the inside of the prize game machine 10. A game space 20 is formed inside the prize game machine 10, the game space 20 including a prize placement area 16 in which a prize is placed (i.e., a prize is supported), and an open area 18 into which a prize falls (i.e., a prize is not supported). The side surface and the front surface of the upper area of the prize game machine 10 are formed by a slide door that can be opened and closed by the manager or the like. The manager or the like opens the slide door, and does work related to the game space 20 (e.g., places a prize in the placement area 16, or maintains the prize placement area 16).

A prize guiding space 22 is provided under the game space 20, the upper side of the prize guiding space 22 being open in the shape of a rectangle over the range corresponding to almost the entire bottom area of the game space 20. The prize guiding space 22 communicates with a prize outlet 24 that is provided in the lower area of the front surface of the prize game machine 10 so that the player can take a prize. The bottom of the prize guiding space 22 is formed as a slope 25 that inclines toward the prize outlet 24 so that a prize that has fallen into the prize guiding space 22 is guided toward the prize outlet 24.

A first prize placement section 26 (example of first prize support section) that is in the shape of a rectangular plate and has a prize placement surface on which a prize can be placed, and a second prize placement section 27 (example of second prize support section) that is in the shape of a rectangular plate and has a prize placement surface on which a prize can be placed, are disposed over (across) the prize guiding space 22 so that the longitudinal direction coincides with the horizontal direction. Tn this embodiment, the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 have a length of about 1500 mm, a width of about 250 mm (about 1/6th of the length), and a thickness C) of about 30 mm.

A first support section 28 extends upward at each of the uppermost left side and (\j the uppermost right side of the prize guiding space 22. The left end and the right end (ends in the longitudinal direction or one end and the other end) of the first prize placement section 26 are supported by the first support sections 28. A second support section 30 is provided at each of the uppermost left side and the uppermost right side of the prize guiding space 22. The left end and the right end (ends in the longitudinal direction or one end and the other end) of the second prize placement section 27 are supported by the second support sections 30.

Specifically, the first support section 28 supports the first prize placement section 26 over the prize guiding space 22, and the second support section 30 supports the second prize placement section 27 over the prize guiding space 22 at a position lower than the first prize placement section 26. The first prize placement section 26 and the second prize support section 27 thus support a prize over the prize guiding space 22. In this embodiment, an area of the game space 20 in which the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 are disposed functions as the prize placement area 16 in which a prize is placed, and an area of the game space 20 in which the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 are not disposed functions as the open area 18 through which a prize falls into the prize guiding space 22.

The prize holding section 12 that moves a prize is provided over the prize guiding space 22. The prize holding section 12 moves over the prize guiding space 22 (i.e., inside the game space 20) in the forward, backward, rightward, leftward, upward, or downward direction based on an operation input (operation information or operation signal) performed by the player using a first button 32 (example of movement operation section) and a second button 34 (example of movement operation section) that are provided at the center of the front side of the prize game machine 10, for example. The prize holding section 12 holds a prize by closing a first operating section 36 and a second operating C) section 37 that are secured on the prize holding section 12 (hold operation), and releases the prize by opening the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 (release operation). Specifically, the prize holding section 12 moves a prize placed in the prize placement area 16 by performing the movement operation, the hold operation, and the release operation.

In this embodiment, the prize holding section 12 stands by at the left front corner (initial position) inside the game space 20 in a state in which the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 are open. The prize holding section 12 moves rightward when the player has pressed the first button 32 until the player releases the first button 32, and moves backward (rearward) when the player has pressed the second button 34 until the player releases the second button 34. The prize holding section 12 automatically moves downward when the player has released the second button 34.

When the prize holding section 12 has come in contact with the prize placement section 26 or a prize, or has reached the lower limit position of the prize holding section 12, the prize holding section 12 stops the downward movement, and automatically closes the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37. The prize holding section 12 then automatically moves upward while closing the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37. When the prize holding section 12 has reached the upper limit position, the prize holding section 12 automatically moves to a position over the open area 18. When the prize holding section 12 has reached a position over the open area 18, the prize holding section 12 opens the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 so that the prize that has been held by the prize holding section 12 falls into the open area 18. The prize holding section 12 then moves to the initial position, and stands by.

In this embodiment, prizes can be respectively placed on the first prize placement o section 26 and the second prize placement section 27, and a large prize can be supported v" over the prize guiding space 22 so that the prize is placed on the second prize placement C) section 27 and leans against the first prize placement section 26. The player can drop a 0.. . .. . . pnze into the pnze guiding space 22 by causing the pnze holding section 12 that holds a prize using the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 to move to a position over the open area 18 and release the prize over the open area 18. A prize also falls into the prize guiding space 22 when the prize holding section 12 comes in contact with a prize when the prize holding section 12 moves in the forward, backward, rightward, or leftward direction, when the prize holding section 12 comes in contact with a prize when the prize holding section 12 moves in the downward direction, or when the first operating section 36 or the second operating section 37 comes in contact with a prize when the prize holding section 12 opens or closes the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37. Therefore, the open area 18 may be referred to as an area that is defined by projecting an area other than the prize placement area 16 onto the bottom of the game space 20, and may also be referred to as an area that allows a prize to pass through and is three-dimensionally formed in the game space 20.

In this embodiment, the forward, backward, rightward, and leftward moving range of the prize holding section 12 corresponds to the open area of the prize guiding space 22. Therefore, the prize holding section 12 can move to a position over the open area 18 and perform the release operation irrespective of the position of the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22.

2. Slide control and rotation control of prize placement section The details of slide control and rotation control of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 over the prize guiding space 22 are described below.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, two wheels 40 are provided on each of the right and left side surfaces (i.e., right and left ends) of the first prize placement C) section 26 according to this embodiment. The first support section 28 includes a first left rail 42 (example of placement section) that receives the wheels 40 provided on the left (\J side surface of the first prize placement section 26 or a first right rail 44 (example of placement section) that receives the wheels 40 provided on the right side surface of the first prize placement section 26. The first left rail 42 and the first right rail 44 are provided parallel to each other. Therefore, the first prize placement section 26 can smoothly slide along the first support section 28 in the forward/backward direction (example of slide direction) while being supported by the first support section 28. The first right rail 44 and the first left rail 42 are formed to have a length corresponding to the width of the prize guiding space 22, and are provided over the upper periphery of the prize guiding space 22. Specifically, the first support section 28 slidably supports the first prize placement section 26 over the prize guiding space 22.

Two wheels 40 are also provided on each of the right and left side surfaces of the second prize placement section 27. The second support section 30 includes a second left rail 46 that receives the wheels 40 provided on the left side surface of the second prize placement section 27 or a second right rail 48 that receives the wheels 40 provided on the right side surface of the second prize placement section 27. The second left rail 46 and the second right rail 48 are provided parallel to each other. Therefore, the second prize placement section 27 can smoothly slide along the second support section 30 in the forward/backward direction. The second left rail 46 and the second right rail 48 are formed to have a length corresponding to the width of the prize guiding space 22, and are provided at the upper periphery of the prize guiding space 22. Specifically, the second support section 30 slidably supports the second prize placement section 27 over the prize guiding space 22.

According to this embodiment, the positional relationship between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the forward/backward direction changes when the first prize placement section 26 that is supported at a C) relatively high position and the second prize placement section 27 that is supported at a relatively low position are individually slid in the forward/backward direction, so that the state of the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22 can be changed.

2-1. Details of second prize placement section FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views illustrating the details of the second prize placement section 27 illustrated in FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, a front left protrusion section 52 (example of first protrusion section, and example of second slide control section) that is formed by a rod-like member is provided from the center of a second main body 50 that forms the prize placement surface of the second prize placement section 27 toward the left end of the second main body 50 so that the front left protrusion section 52 can slide in the longitudinal direction, and a front right protrusion section 54 (example of second protrusion section, and example of second slide control section) that is formed by a rod-like member is provided from the center of the second main body 50 toward the right end of the second main body 50 so that the front right protrusion section 54 can slide in the longitudinal direction, the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 being provided inside the second main body 50 at a position near the front side of the second prize placement section 27. A center spring 56 is provided at the center of the second main body 50. The center spring 56 biases the front left protrusion section 52 so that the front left protrusion section 52 protrudes from the left end of the second main body 50, and biases the front right protrusion section 54 SO that the front right protrusion section 54 protrudes from the right end of the second main body 50.

A second slide operation section 62 is provided at the center of the prize placement surface of the second main body 50 at a position near the front edge of the prize placement surface, the second slide operation section 62 including a left operating section 58 (example of first operating section) and a right operating section 60 (example of second operating section), a hole that can receive a human finger being formed in the C) left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60. The left operating section 58 0. . . . and the right operating section 60 can slide along the second main body 50 in the (\J transverse direction, and are provided at a distance that allows the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 to be operated with one hand. The left operating section 58 is connected to the front left protrusion section 52 so that the left operating section 58 slides along the second main body 50 together with the front left protrusion section 52. The right operating section 60 is connected to the front right protrusion section 54 so that the right operating section 60 slides along the second main body 50 together with the front right protrusion section 54. The left operating section 58 is connected to the front left protrusion section 52 and the right operating section 60 is connected to the front right protrusion section 54 so that a spaced state (example of first state) in which the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are spaced apart is achieved when the front left protrusion section 52 protrudes from the left end and the front right protrusion section 54 protrudes from the right end (protrusion state).

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, when the manager or the like of the prize game machine has moved the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 closer to each other while inserting the right thumb into the hole formed in the left operating section 58 and inserting the right forefinger into the hole formed in the right operating section 60 (i.e., an external force is applied), for example, the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to an approach state (example of second state) in which the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are positioned close to each other, and the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 are set to a non-protrusion state in which the front left protrusion section 52 does not protrude from the left end and the front right protrusion section 54 does not protrude from the right end. When the manager or the like of the prize game machine 10 has released the lefi operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 (i.e., an external force is not applied), the front left protrusion section 52 protrudes from the left end and the front C) right protrusion section 54 protrudes from the right end (protrusion state) due to the 0.. . biasing force of the center spnng 56, and the left operating section 58 and the right (\J operating section 60 return (i.e., change) to the spaced state.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional front views illustrating the left connection area of the second prize placement section 27 and the second support section 30. As illustrated in FTG. 2, a plurality of left receiving sections 64 (example of first receiving sections) are provided in a row in the side surface of the second left rail 46 of the second support section 30 at equal intervals in the forward/backward direction, the left receiving sections 64 being formed to be larger to some extent than the cross-sectional area of the front left protrusion section 52. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, when the second slide operation section 62 is not operated so that the front left protrusion section 52 is set to the protrusion state, the end of the front left protrusion section 52 is received by one of the left receiving sections 64 (example of first receiving sections). In this case, the front right protrusion section 54 is also set to the protrusion state, and the end of the front right protrusion section 54 is received by one of a plurality of right receiving sections 66 (example of second receiving sections) that are formed in the side surface of the second right rail 48 and are provided plane-symmetrical (mirror-symmetrical) with respect to the left receiving sections 64. Therefore, when the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 are set to the protrusion state, the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 stably secure the left end (example of securing position at one end) and the right end (example of securing position at the other end) of the second prize placement section 27 SO that the second prize placement section 27 cannot slide along the second support section 30.

As illustrated in HG. 4B, when the second slide operation section 62 is operated so that the front left protrusion section 52 is set to the non-protrusion state, the end of the o front left protrusion section 52 is not received by the left receiving section 64. In this case, the front right protrusion section 54 is also set to the non-protrusion state, and the end of C) the front right protrusion section 54 is not received by the right receiving section 66. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the wheel 40 that rotates around the horizontal axis and is provided c'J on the left end side surface of the second main body 50 and the wheel 40 that rotates around the vertical axis and is provided on the bottom surface of the left end of the second main body 50 come in contact with the second left rail 46 of the second support section 30.

The wheel 40 that rotates around the horizontal axis and is provided on the right end side surface of the second main body 50 and the wheel 40 that rotates around the vertical axis and is provided on the bottom surface of the right end of the second main body 50 come in contact with the second right rail 48 of the second support section 30. Therefore, the second prize placement section 27 can smoothly slide along the second support section 30 when the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 are set to the non-protrusion state.

According to this embodiment, the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 are set to a slide restriction state in which the second prize placement section 27 is secured on the second support section 30 so that the second prize placement section 27 cannot slide along the second support section 30 when the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to the spaced state, and set to a slide permission state in which the second prize placement section 27 can slide along the second support section 30 when the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to the approach state. Therefore, the manager or the like can slide the second prize placement section 27 with one hand in the forward/backward direction by moving the second prize placement section 27 in the forward/backward direction while holding the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 with one hand.

The second prize placement section 27 can be secured on the second support section 30 at an arbitrary position by positioning the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 corresponding to a pair of one of the left receiving sections 64 and one of the right receiving sections 66 among a plurality of pairs of the left receiving C) sections 64 and the right receiving sections 66 that are symmetrically provided in the first right rail 44 and the second left rail 46, and releasing the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60. According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily slide the second prize placement section 27 even if the second prize placement section 27 is long.

2-2. Details of first prize placement section FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views illustrating the details of the first prize placement section 26 illustrated in FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a first slide operation section 70, a front left protrusion section 52 (example of first protrusion section, and example of first slide control section), and a front right protrusion section 54 (example of second protrusion section, and example of first slide control section) are provided on a first main body 68 that forms the prize placement surface of the first prize placement section 26 at a position near the front side of the first prize placement section 26 in the same manner as the second prize placement section 27. When the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 of the first slide operation section 70 are set to the spaced state, the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 are set to the slide restriction state in which the first prize placement section 26 is secured on the first support section 28 so that the first prize placement section 26 cannot slide along the first support section 28. When the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 of the first slide operation section 70 are set to the approach state, the front left protrusion section 52 and the front right protrusion section 54 are set to the slide permission state in which the first prize placement section 26 can slide along the first support section 28.

Therefore, it is possible to easily slide the first prize placement section 26 even if the first prize placement section 26 is long, in the same manner as the second prize placement section 27.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first prize placement section 26 includes a left rotation support section 72 (example of rotation support section) that is formed by a fan-shaped C) plate-like member and extends upward from the left end of the first main body 68, and a right rotation support section 74 (example of rotation support section) that is formed by a (\j fan-shaped plate-like member and extends upward from the right end of the first main body 68. The lower end of the left rotation support section 72 and the lower end of the right rotation support section 74 are connected via a connection surface 76 that is formed along the bottom of the first main body 68. The first main body 68 can be rotated with respect to the left rotation support section 72 and the right rotation support section 74 around a first rotation axis 78 (example of predetermined axis) that extends in the transverse direction (example of a direction that intersects the slide direction) at a position near the front edge of the first main body 68. A plurality of left receiving sections 64 are provided in the left rotation support section 72 at equal intervals along an arc. A plurality of right receiving sections 66 are provided in the right rotation support section 74 so that the right receiving sections 66 are plane-symmetrical (mirror-symmetrical) with respect to the left receiving sections 64. Two wheels 40 that slide along the first left rail 42 of the first support section 28 are provided in the lower area of the left side surface of the left rotation support section 72, and two wheels 40 that slide along the first right rail 44 of the first support section 28 are provided in the lower area of the right side surface of the right rotation support section 74.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a rear left protrusion section 80 (example of first protrusion section, and example of rotation control section) that is formed by a rod-like member is provided from the center of the first main body 68 of the first prize placement section 26 toward the left end of the first main body 68 so that the rear left protrusion section 80 can slide in the longitudinal direction, and a rear right protrusion section 82 (example of second protrusion section, and example of rotation control section) that is formed by a rod-like member is provided from the center of the first main body 68 toward the right end of the first main body 68 so that the rear right protrusion section 82 can slide in the longitudinal direction, the rear left protrusion section 80 and the rear right C) protrusion section 82 being provided inside the first main body 68 at a position near the 0. . . rear side of the first prize placement section 26. A center spring 56 is provided at the (\J center of the first main body 68. The center spring 56 biases the rear left protrusion section 80 so that the rear left protrusion section 80 protrudes from the left end of the first main body 68, and biases the rear right protrusion section 82 so that the rear right protrusion section 82 protrudes from the right end of the first main body 68.

A rotation operation section 84 is provided at the center of the prize placement surface of the first main body 68 at a position near the rear edge of the prize placement surface, the rotation operation section 84 including a left operating section 58 (example of first operating section) and a right operating section 60 (example of second operating section), a hole that can receive a human finger being formed in the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60. The rotation operation section 84 is configured in the same manner as the first slide operation section 70 and the second slide operation section 62. Specifically, the left operating section 58 is connected to the rear left protrusion section 80 and the right operating section 60 is connected to the rear right protrusion section 82 so that the rear left protrusion section 80 protrudes from the left end and the rear right protrusion section 82 protrudes from the right end (protrusion state) when the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to the spaced state.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, when the manager or the like has moved the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 of the rotation operation section 84 closer to each other (i.e., an external force is applied), the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to the approach state (example of second state), and the rear left protrusion section 80 and the rear right protrusion section 82 are set to the non-protrusion state. When the manager or the like has released the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 of the rotation operation section 84 (i.e., an external force is not applied), the rear left protrusion section 80 protrudes from the left end and the C) rear right protrusion section 82 protrudes from the right end (protrusion state) due to the biasing force of the center spring 56, and the left operating section 58 and the right (\J operating section 60 of the rotation operation section 84 return (i.e., change) to the spaced state.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are rear cross-sectional views illustrating the connection area of the first main body 68 and the right rotation support section 74. Tn FTGS. 7A and 7B, a member that is disposed on the right side in a front view is disposed on the left side. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of right receiving sections 66 (example of first receiving sections) are provided in the side surface of the right rotation support section 74 at equal intervals along the arc of the right rotation support section 74, the right receiving sections 66 being formed to be larger to some extent than the cross-sectional area of the rear left protrusion section 80. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, when the first main body 68 is set to a horizontal state and the rotation operation section 84 is not operated so that the rear right protrusion section 82 is set to the protrusion state, the end of the rear right protrusion section 82 is received by the lowermost right receiving section 66 among the plurality of right receiving sections 66. In this case, the rear left protrusion section 80 is also set to the protrusion state, and the end of the rear left protrusion section 80 is received by the lowermost left receiving section 64 among the plurality of left receiving sections 64 (example of second receiving section) that are formed in the side surface of the left rotation support section 72. Therefore, when the rear right protrusion section 82 and the rear left protrusion section 80 are set to the protrusion state, the rear right protrusion section 82 and the rear left protrusion section 80 stably secure the right end (example of securing position at the other end) and the left end (example of securing position at one end) of the first main body 68 so that the first main body 68 cannot rotate with respect to the right rotation support section 74 and the left rotation support section 72.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, when the rotation operation section 84 is operated so that the rear right protrusion section 82 is set to the non-protrusion state, the end of the C) rear right protrusion section 82 is not received by the right receiving section 66. In this case, the rear left protrusion section 80 is also set to the non-protrusion state, and the end (\J (\J of the rear left protrusion section 80 is not received by the left receiving section 64.

Therefore, when the rear right protrusion section 82 and the rear left protrusion section 80 are set to the non-protrusion state, the first main body 68 can rotate with respect to the right rotation support section 74 and the left rotation support section 72 so that the rear end of the first main body 68 moves upward.

In this embodiment, the front right protrusion section 54 and the front left protrusion section 52 provided near the front side (rear side in FIG. 7B) of the first main body 68 have a circular cross section. The front right protrusion section 54 rotatably passes through the right rotation support section 74, and the front left protrusion section 52 rotatably passes through the left rotation support section 72, so that the first main body 68 rotates with respect to the rotation support section around the front right protrusion section 54 and the front left protrusion section 52 (i.e., first rotation axis 78) (see FTG. 7B).

According to this embodiment, the rear right protrusion section 82 and the rear left protrusion section 80 are set to a rotation restriction state in which the first main body 68 cannot rotate with respect to the left rotation support section 72 and the right rotation support section 74 when the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to the spaced state, and set to a rotation permission state in which the first main body 68 can rotate with respect to the left rotation support section 72 and the right rotation support section 74 when the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 are set to the approach state.

Therefore, the manager or the like can rotate the first prize placement section 26 around the first rotation axis 78 with one hand by moving the first prize placement section 26 around the first rotation axis 78 while holding the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 with one hand (see FIG. 8). The first prize placement section 26 C) can be secured on the left rotation support section 72 and the right rotation support section 74 at an arbitrary rotation angle by positioning the rear left protrusion section 80 and the (\j rear right protrusion section 82 corresponding to a pair of one of the left receiving sections 64 and one of the right receiving sections 66 among a plurality of pairs of the left receiving sections 64 and the right receiving sections 66 that are symmetrically provided in the left rotation support section 72 and the right rotation support section 74, and releasing the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60. According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily slide and rotate the first prize placement section 26 even if the first prize placement section 26 is long.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, when the rear right protrusion section 82 and the rear left protrusion section 80 are set to the protrusion state and received by the lowermost right receiving section 66 and the lowermost left receiving section 64 (i.e., the first main body 68 is secured in the horizontal state), the rear right protrusion section 82 reaches the inside of the first right rail 44 of the first support section 28 through the right rotation support section 74, and the rear left protrusion section 80 reaches the inside of the first left rail 42 of the first support section 28 through the left rotation support section 72. In this case, since the rear right protrusion section 82 and the rear left protrusion section 80 do not interfere with the first right rail 44 and the first left rail 42, respectively, the first prize placement section 26 can be slid along the first support section 28 even when the first main body 68 is secured in the horizontal state.

According to this embodiment, the state of the prize placement area 16 and the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22 can be variously changed by changing the positional relationship between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the forward/backward direction and the rotation angle of the first prize placement section 26 around the transverse axis by easily sliding the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 and rotating the first prize placement section 26. C')

3. Lift control of prize placement section (\J The details of lift control of the first prize placement section 26 over the prize guiding space 22 are described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a left base section 86 (example of base section) is provided on the left side of the prize guiding space 22, and a right base section 88 (example of base section) is provided on the right side of the prize guiding space 22, the left base section 86 and the right base section 88 being secured on the lower area of the prize game machine 10. The left base section 86 receives a left lift section 90 (first lift section) that forms the lower part of the left first support section 28 so that the left lift section 90 can move upward and downward with respect to the left base section 86, and the right base section 88 receives a right lift section 92 (second lift section) that forms the lower part of the right first support section 28 so that the right lift section 92 can move (i.e., slide) upward and downward with respect to the right base section 88.

3-1. Details of lift section and base section FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views illustrating the details of the internal structure of the lower area of the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the left lift section 90 includes a front pillar section 94 that is vertically provided on the front side of the left lift section 90, a rear pillar section 96 that is vertically provided on the rear side of the left lift section 90, and a beam section 98 that is horizontally provided and connects the upper end of the front pillar section 94 and the upper end of the rear pillar section 96. Two wheels 40 that rotate around a horizontal axis are respectively provided on the front surface and the side surface of the front pillar section 94, and two wheels 40 that rotate around a horizontal axis are respectively provided on the rear surface and the side surface of the rear pillar section 96. The left base section 86 includes a front rail 100 that is vertically provided and receives the four C) wheels 40 of the front pillar section 94, and a rear rail 102 that is vertically provided and receives the four wheels 40 of the rear pillar section 96. The front pillar section 94, the (\J rear pillar section 96, the front rail 100, and the rear rail 102 are provided parallel to one another. Therefore, the left lift section 90 can smoothly slide in the vertical direction (i.e. lift direction) with respect to the left base section 86.

A piston rod 106 of a gas spring 104 (example of upward biasing section) is attached to the left base section 86. A cylinder 108 of the gas spring 104 is connected to the beam section 98 of the left lift section 90 through a link 110. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the gas spring 104 is connected to the beam section 98 of the left lift section 90 so that the gas spring 104 is compressed when the left lift section 90 is set at the lowermost position, and biases the beam section 98 upward.

A horizontal protrusion section 112 (example of first lift control section) that is formed by a rod-like member is provided at the center of the front pillar section 94 of the left lift section 90 so that the horizontal protrusion section 112 can slide in the forward/backward direction. A lever section 114 (example of first lift operation section) that can be rotated between a horizontal state (example of first state) and a vertical state (example of second state) with respect to the beam section 98 is provided on the upper side of the beam section 98 of the left lift section 90. The lever section 114 and the horizontal protrusion section 112 are connected so that the horizontal protrusion section 112 protrudes forward from the front pillar section 94 (protrusion state) when the lever section 114 is set to the horizontal state, and does not protrude from the front pillar section 94 (non-protrusion state) when the lever section 114 is set to the vertical state.

A plurality of horizontal receiving sections 116 are provided in a row in the front rail 100 of the left base section 86 at equal intervals in the vertical direction, the horizontal receiving sections 116 being formed to be larger to some extent than the cross-sectional area of the horizontal protrusion section 112. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, when the lever section 114 is set to the horizontal state so that the horizontal protrusion C) section 112 is set to the protrusion state, the end of the horizontal protrusion section 112 is received by one of the horizontal receiving sections 116. Therefore, when the horizontal (\J protrusion section 112 is set to the protrusion state, the horizontal protrusion section 112 secures the left lift section 90 so that the left lift section 90 cannot move upward and downward with respect to the left base section 86.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, when the lever section 114 is set to the vertical state so that the horizontal protrusion section 112 is set to the non-protrusion state, the end of the horizontal protrusion section 112 is not received by the horizontal receiving section 116.

Therefore, when the horizontal protrusion section 112 is set to the non-protrusion state, the left lift section 90 can smoothly move upward and downward with respect to the left base section 86.

Specifically, the horizontal protrusion section 112 is set to a lift restriction state in which the left lift section 90 cannot move upward and downward with respect to the left base section 86 when the lever section 114 is set to the horizontal state, and set to a lift permission state in which the left lift section 90 can move upward and downward with respect to the left base section 86 when the lever section 114 is set to the vertical state.

The gas spring 104 biases the left lift section 90 upward to balance the weight of the left lift section 90 when the horizontal protrusion section 112 is set to the lift permission state. Therefore, the manager or the like can move the left lift section 90 upward by raising the left lift section 90 while setting the lever section 114 to the vertical state, and move the left lift section 90 downward by pressing the left lift section 90 downward while setting the lever section 114 to the vertical state. The left lift section 90 can be secured at an arbitrary height with respect to the left base section 86 by positioning the horizontal protrusion section 112 corresponding to one of the horizontal receiving sections provided in the front rail 100, and then setting the lever section 114 to the horizontal state.

I-The right base section 88 and the right lift section 92 provided on the right side of C) the prize guiding space 22 (see FIG 2) are configured in the same manner as the left base section 86 and the left lift section 90. (\J (\J

3-2. Details of first support section As illustrated in FIG. 2, a left connection section 120 (example of first connection section) that can rotate with respect to the left lift section 90 around a first axis 118 that extends along the forward/backward direction (example of slide direction) is connected to (extends upward from) the upper area of the left lift section 90, and a right connection section 124 (example of second connection section) that can rotate with respect to the right lift section 92 around a second axis 122 that extends along the forward/backward direction (example of slide direction) is connected to (extends upward from) the upper area of the right lift section 92. The left connection section 120 is connected to the first left rail 42 so that the first left rail 42 can rotate around a third axis 126 that extends parallel to the first axis 118, and the right connection section 124 is connected to the first right rail 44 so that the right connection section 124 can rotate around a fourth axis 128 that extends parallel to the first axis 118. The rear end of the first left rail 42 and the rear end of the first right rail 44 are connected via a first rear connection section 130.

FIGS. bA, lOB, and 1OC are front views illustrating the first support section 28.

As illustrated in FTG. 1 OA, the first support section 28 according to this embodiment is configured such that the left connection section 120 is connected to the left lift section 90 so that the left connection section 120 can rotate around the first axis 118 in the clockwise direction (example of first direction) from the position (example of first reference position) at which the left connection section 120 is set to the vertical state, but cannot rotate around the first axis 118 in the counterclockwise direction (example of second direction) from the position at which the left connection section 120 is set to the vertical state. The right connection section 124 is connected to the right lift section 92 SO that the right connection section 124 can rotate around the second axis 122 in the C) counterclockwise direction from the position (example of second reference position) at which the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state, but cannot rotate around (\J the second axis 122 in the clockwise direction from the position at which the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state.

The left connection section 120 is connected to the first left rail 42 so that the left connection section 120 can be rotated around the third axis 126 in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction from the position at which the left connection section is set to the vertical state. The right connection section 124 is connected to the first right rail 44 so that the right connection section 124 can be rotated around the fourth axis 128 in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction from the position at which the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state.

Therefore, when the upper end of the left lift section 90 and the upper end of the right lift section 92 are positioned at the same height (see FIG. bA), since the left connection section 120 and the right connection section 124 cannot be rotated in opposite directions, the left connection section 120 and the right connection sections 124 are maintained in the vertical state so that the first prize placement section 26 can be stably maintained in the horizontal state.

As illustrated in FIG. lOB, the upper end of the left lift section 90 can be positioned to be higher than the upper end of the right lift section 92 by allowing the right connection section 124 to rotate around the second axis 122 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the right lift section 92 and rotate around the fourth axis 128 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the first right rail 44, and allowing the left connection section 120 to rotate around the third axis 126 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the first left rail 42. n this state, a force is applied so that the left connection section 120 rotates around the first axis 118 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the left lift section 90. However, since the left connection section 120 cannot be rotated in the counterclockwise direction in this state, the left connection C) section 120 and the right connection section 124 are maintained so that the position illustrated in FIG. 1 OB is achieved, and the first prize placement section 26 can be stably (\J maintained in the tilted state.

As illustrated in FIG. 1OC, the upper end of the left lift section 90 can be positioned to be higher than the upper end of the right lift section 92 by allowing the left connection section 120 to rotate around the first axis 118 in the clockwise direction with respect to the left lift section 90 and rotate around the third axis 126 in the clockwise direction with respect to the first left rail 42, and allowing the right connection section 124 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the first right rail 44. In this state, a force is applied so that the right connection section 124 rotates around the second axis 122 in the clockwise direction with respect to the right lift section 92.

However, since the right connection section 124 cannot be rotated in the clockwise direction in this state, the left connection section 120 and the right connection section 124 are maintained so that the position illustrated in HG. 1 OC is achieved, and the first prize placement section 26 can be stably maintained in the tilted state.

Since the first support section 28 is configured so that the connection relationship between the left lift section 90, the left connection section 120, and the first left rail 42 is plane-symmetrical with the connection relationship between the right lift section 92, the right connection section 124, and the first right rail 44, the upper end of the right lift section 92 can be positioned to be higher than the upper end of the left lift section 90 in symmetry with the state illustrated in FIG. 1 OB or 1 OC. According to this embodiment, the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 can be individually moved upward and downward while maintaining the left connection section 120 or the right connection section 124 in the vertical state. Therefore, it is possible to easily move the first prize placement section 26 upward and downward, even if the first prize placement section 26 is long, by alternately moving the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 upward and downward.

CO According to this embodiment, if the left base section 86 is secured on the left lift section 90 at a height differing from the height at which the right base section 88 is (\J secured on the right lift section 92, the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 can be stably secured so that the upper end of the left lift section 90 is positioned to be higher than the upper end of the right lift section 92. Specifically, the first prize placement section 26 can be stably secured at an arbitrary rotation angle around the axis that extends along the forward/backward direction (example of slide direction).

According to this embodiment, the rotation angle of the first prize placement section 26 around the axis that extends along the forward/backward direction can be changed by simply moving the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 upward and downward, in addition to changing the positional relationship between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the forward/backward direction and changing the rotation angle of the first prize placement section 26 around the axis that extends along the transverse direction. Therefore, the state of the prize placement area 16 and the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22 can be variously changed by appropriately combining the above operations.

4. Attachment of another prize placement section 4-1. Attachment of another prize placement section to one prize placement section The details of attachment of a third prize placement section 132 (example of third prize support section) that is provided in addition to the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 to form the prize placement area 16 are described below.

FTG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the third prize placement section 132 and part of the first prize placement section 26. As illustrated in FTG. 12, the third prize placement section 132 includes a frame 134 that is configured so that each side of a rectangle is formed by a quadrangular prism, and a transparent first support plate 136 that C) is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and attached to the upper side of the frame 134. The first support plate 136 forms a prize placement surface on which a prize can be placed. The third prize placement section 132 according to this embodiment has a length of about 250 mm (about 1/6th of the length of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27), a width of about 200mm (about 1/6th of the length), and a thickness of about 30 mm (identical with the thickness of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27). Two frame threaded holes 138 that reach the outer circumferential surface of the frame 134 are formed in the inner circumferential surface of each side of the frame 134.

A first groove 140 that extends along the transverse direction (longitudinal direction) is formed in the front surface (example of side surface) of the first main body 68 that forms the prize placement surface of the first prize placement section 26. A plurality of attachment sections 144 that are formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and have one attachment threaded hole 142 are disposed in the first groove 140 so that each attachment section 144 can individually slide inside the first groove 140 in the transverse direction. Tn this embodiment, a plurality of switch screws 146 that engage the attachment threaded hole 142 are provided. The switch screw 146 has such a length that the switch screw 146 that is inserted into the frame threaded hole 138 from the inner circumferential surface of the frame 134 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the frame 134 through the frame threaded hole 138. Therefore, the switch screws 146 can be screwed into the attachment threaded holes 142 by inserting the switch screws 146 into the frame threaded holes 138 from the inner circumferential surface of the frame 134, and adjusting the interval between the attachment sections 144 corresponding to the interval between the switch screws 146. Tn this embodiment, the manager or the like can rotate the screw head of the switch screw 146 with the finger tips without using a tool.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are cross-sectional side views illustrating the first prize placement section 26 and the third prize placement section 132. FTGS. 13A, 13B, and C) 13C are cross-sectional views taken along a plane that is parallel to the frame threaded hole 138 and the attachment threaded hole 142. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the first (\J groove 140 is formed in the front surface of the first prize placement section 26 so that the attachment threaded hole 142 of the attachment section 144 provided in the first groove is exposed, and the attachment section 144 is not removed from the first groove 140 and can slide perpendicularly to the paper. The first groove 140 is formed so that the end of the switch screw 146 that passes through the attachment section 144 does not interfere with the wall of the first groove 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 13B, when the switch screw 146 is inserted into the frame threaded hole 138 from the inner circumferential surface of the frame 134, and tightened to engage the attachment threaded hole 142 of the attachment section 144, the third prize placement section 132 is positioned close to the first prize placement section 26 due to the attachment section 144 and the screw head so that the third prize placement section 132 can be secured on the first prize placement section 26. As illustrated in FRi. 1 3C, when the switch screw 146 that engages the attachment threaded hole 142 is loosened, the third prize placement section 132 can move away from the first prize placement section 26 (i.e., the third prize placement section 132 is not secured on the first prize placement section 26 while the switch screw 146 engages the attachment section 144 (semi-secured state).

When the third prize placement section 132 is set to the semi-secured state, the third prize placement section 132 can be slid with respect to the first prize placement section 26.

According to this embodiment, the third prize placement section 132 can be secured at an arbitrary position on the front surface of the first prize placement section 26 (see FIG. 14) by sliding the third prize placement section 132 that is set to the semi-secured state with respect to the first prize placement section 26. In this embodiment, the second prize placement section 27 is also provided with a second groove 148 similar to the first groove 140 of the first prize placement section 26 and an attachment section 144. The third prize placement section 132 can be secured at an C) arbitrary position on the front surface of the second prize placement section 27 (see FIG 14) by sliding the third prize placement section 132 that is set to the semi-secured state (\J with respect to the second prize placement section 27.

In this embodiment, ten attachment sections 144 are respectively provided in the first groove 140 of the first prize placement section 26 and the second groove 148 of the second prize placement section 27. Therefore, up to five third prize placement section 132 can be attached to each of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27. Specifically, a plurality of third prize placement sections 132 can be slidably attached to each of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 so that the third prize placement sections 132 can be secured on each of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 (see FIG. 14).

According to this embodiment, the state of the prize placement area 16 and the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22 can be variously changed by changing the number and the attachment positions of the third prize placement sections 132 that are secured on at least one of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27. Since the length of the third prize placement section 132 is about 1/6th of the length of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27, a prize placed on the third prize placement section 132 looks large and easily falls as compared with a prize placed on the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27.

4-2. Attachment of another prize placement section to two prize placement sections FTGS. iSA and 15B are front views illustrating the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27. An example illustrated in FIG. iSA utilizes a fourth prize placement section 150 (example of third prize support section) that is configured in the same manner as the third prize placement section 132, but has a length C) of about 750 mm (about half of the length of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27), a width of about 200 mm (about 1/6th of the length), and a thickness of about 30 mm (identical with the thickness of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27). As illustrated in FIG. iSA, when using the fourth prize placement section 150, the switch screw 146 can be caused to engage the attachment threaded hole 142 of the attachment section 144 of the first prize placement section 26 through one of two frame threaded holes 138 formed in the long side of the fourth prize placement section 150, and the switch screw 146 can be caused to engage the attachment threaded hole 142 of the attachment section 144 of the second prize placement section 27 through the other of the two frame threaded holes 138 formed in the long side of the fourth prize placement section 150 by causing the front surface of the first prize placement section 26 and the front surface of the second prize placement section 27 to be located at the same position in the forward/backward direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the paper). Specifically, one fourth prize placement section can be attached to connect the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27.

In this embodiment, the interval between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the vertical direction can be changed by moving the first prize placement section 26 upward and downward. When moving the first prize placement section 26 upward from the state in FIG. iSA to the state in FIG. 15B, the attachment state of the fourth prize placement section 150 cannot be maintained without changing the attachment position of the fourth prize placement section 150 on the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27. In this embodiment, however, the attachment section 144 of the first prize placement section 26 and the attachment section 144 of the second prize placement section 27 can slide in the transverse direction. Therefore, when changing the interval between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the vertical direction, C) the fourth prize placement section 150 is set to the semi-secured state with respect to the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27, SO that the interval between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the vertical direction can be changed in a state in which the fourth prize placement section 150 is attached to the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 (see FIGS. iSA and 15B).

Therefore, the attachment angle of the fourth prize placement section 150 with respect to the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 can be changed in a state in which the fourth prize placement section 150 is attached to the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 (see FIGS. iSA and 15B). Specifically, the rotation angle of the fourth prize placement section 150 around the axis that extends along the forward/backward direction can be changed by changing the interval between the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 in the vertical direction, so that the state of the prize placement area 16 and the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22 can be variously changed.

4-3. Attachment of another prize placement section to prize placement section and connection section FIG. 1 6A is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the second prize placement section 27 is supported by the second support sections 30 from the rear side of the prize game machine 10. As illustrated in FIG 2, the front end of the second left rail 46 and the front end of the second right rail 48 of the second support sections 30 are not connected. As illustrated in FIG. 1 6A, the front end of the second left rail 46 and the front end of the second right rail 48 can be connected by attaching a second front connection section 152 that is dimensioned to connect the second left rail 46 and the second right rail 48 so that the second front connection section 152 perpendicularly intersects the second left rail 46 and the second right rail 48.

C) As illustrated in FIG 16B, a third groove 154 similar to the second groove 148 formed in the front surface of the second main body 50 of the second prize placement (\J (\J section 27, is formed in the rear surface (example of side surface) of the second front connection section 152 along the transverse direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the second front connection section 152). A plurality of attachment sections 144 that are formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and have one attachment threaded hole 142 are provided in the third groove 154 so that each attachment section 144 can slide inside the groove in the transverse direction.

Therefore, the fourth prize placement section 150 can be attached to connect the second prize placement section 27 and the second front connection section 152 (see FIG. 1 6A) by adjusting the interval between the second prize placement section 27 and the second front connection section 152 to the length (about 750 mm) of the fourth prize placement section 150 by sliding the second prize placement section 27 backward. If the fourth prize placement section 150 is set to the semi-secured state with respect to the second prize placement section 27 and the second front connection section 152, the fourth prize placement section 150 can be slid in the transverse direction (example of slide direction) and secured at an arbitrary position in a state in which the fourth prize placement section 150 is attached to the second prize placement section 27 and the second front connection section 152. A plurality of fourth prize placement sections 150 may be slidably secured on the second prize placement section 27 and the second front connection section 152.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the first prize placement section 26 is supported by the first support sections 28 from the rear side of the prize game machine 10. As illustrated in FTG. 2, the front end of the first left rail 42 and the front end of the first right rail 44 of the first support sections 28 are not connected. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the front end of the first left rail 42 and the front end of the first right rail 44 can be connected by attaching a first front connection section 156 that is C) dimensioned to connect the first left rail 42 and the first right rail 44 so that the first front connection section 156 perpendicularly intersects the first left rail 42 and the first right C\J rail 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, a fourth groove 158 similar to the first groove 140 formed in the front surface of the first main body 68 of the first prize placement section 26 is formed in the rear surface (example of side surface) of the first front connection section 156 in the same manner as in the second front connection section 152. A plurality of attachment sections 144 are provided in the fourth groove 158 so that each attachment sections 144 can slide inside the fourth groove 158 in the transverse direction.

Therefore, the fourth prize placement section 150 can be attached to connect the first prize placement section 26 and the first front connection section 156 (see FIG. 17) by adjusting the interval between the first prize placement section 26 and the first front connection section 156 to the length (about 750 mm) of the fourth prize placement section by sliding the first prize placement section 26 backward. If the fourth prize placement section 150 is set to the semi-secured state with respect to the first prize placement section 26 and the first front connection section 156, the fourth prize placement section 150 can be slid in the transverse direction (example of slide direction) and secured at an arbitrary position in a state in which the fourth prize placement section 150 is attached to the first prize placement section 26 and the first front connection section 156. A plurality of fourth prize placement sections 150 may be slidably secured on the first prize placement section 26 and the first front connection section 156.

According to this embodiment, the state of the prize placement area 16 and the open area 18 over the prize guiding space 22 can be variously changed by changing the number and the attachment positions of the fourth prize placement sections 150 that are secured on the second prize placement section 27 and the second front connection section 152, and changing the number and the attachment positions of the fourth prize placement sections 150 that are secured on the first prize placement section 26 and the first front CO connection section 156. (\J

(\J 5. Details of operating section The details of the prize holding section 12 are described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the prize holding section 12 that is used to move a prize placed on the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 is provided in the upper area of the game space 20 of the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment. The prize holding section 12 includes a moving section 160 that moves over the prize guiding space 22 in the forward, backward, rightward, leftward, upward, or downward direction. A first operating section 36 and a second operating section 37 that can be rotated with respect to the moving section 160 and are formed by internally bending a pillar-like body by about 120° around the center of the pillar-like body are connected to the moving section 160. In this embodiment, the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 are connected to the moving section 160 so that the rotation axis of the first operating section 36 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second operating section 37.

A motor (example of power output section) that rotates the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 is provided in the moving section 160. In this embodiment, when driving the motor, the second operating section 37 rotates counterclockwise (example of second direction) with respect to the moving section 160 when the first operating section 36 rotates clockwise (example of first direction) with respect to the moving section 160, and rotates clockwise with respect to the moving section 160 when the first operating section 36 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the moving section 160. This makes it possible to open and close the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are enlarged views illustrating part of the first operating section 36. As illustrated in FIG. 1 8A, the first operating section 36 includes a C) first arm section 162 (example of first passive section) connected to the motor of the moving section 160. In this embodiment, a first nail section 164 (example of first end (\J (\J section) that is attached to the end of the first arm section 162 and is formed by a metal plate-like member can be exchanged with another nail section. A first attachment section 166 to which the first nail section 164 is removably attached is provided at the end of the first arm section 162. The first attachment section 166 has a contact surface 168 that comes in contact with the first nail section 164 when attaching the first nail section 164.

A first protrusion 170 protrudes from the contact surface 168.

The first protrusion 170 includes a first rod-like section 172, and a first hook section 174 that has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first rod-like section 172.

The rod-like section 172 also protrudes from the surface opposite to the contact surface 168 through the end of the first arm section 162. The first protrusion 170 can slide with respect to the contact surface 168 along the longitudinal direction of the first rod-like section 172. The first protrusion 170 is biased to the non-protrusion state by a first end spring 176 (example of end biasing section) that is provided inside the end of the first arm section 162 so that the first hook section 174 approaches the contact surface 168. As illustrated in FTG. 1 8A, when the manager or the like has pressed a rear end section 178 of the first rod-like section 172 that protrudes from the surface of the first arm section 162 opposite to the contact surface 168, the first protrusion 170 is set to the protrusion state in which the first hook section 174 is positioned away from the contact surface 168.

A second protrusion 180 protrudes from the contact surface 168 at a position closer to the end of the first arm section 162 than the first protrusion 170. The second protrusion 180 includes a second rod-like section 182, and a second hook section 184 that has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the second rod-like section 182 in the same manner as the first protrusion 170. The second protrusion 180 is fixed with respect to the contact surface 168. The second protrusion 180 is provided so that the space formed between the contact surface 168 and the second hook section 184 is equal to or larger than CO the thickness of the first nail section 164.

FIG. 18B is a front view illustrating the first nail section 164. As illustrated in FIG. (\J 1 8B, the first nail section 164 according to this embodiment is formed so that the width of the first nail section 164 increases from the rear end toward the front end, and the front end has a round shape and is bent forward. A first through-hole 188 is formed in the rear end of the first nail section 164. The first through-hole 188 includes a first receiving area 190 that is cut from the rear end face of the first nail section 164, and a first restriction area 192 that is formed in a circular shape and communicates with the first receiving area at a position closer to the front end of the first arm section 162 than the first receiving area 190. The first receiving area 190 is formed to receive the first rod-like section 172 in the direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the first rod-like section 172 (see FIG. 18A). The first restriction area 192 can receive the first rod-like section 172, but does not allow the first hook section 174 to pass through.

A second through-hole 194 is formed at a position closer to the front end of the first nail section 164 than the first through-hole 188. The second through-hole 194 includes a second receiving area 196 that is formed in a circular shape larger than the first restriction area 192, and a second restriction area 198 that is formed in a semi-circular shape and communicates with the second receiving area 196 at a position closer to the front end of the first arm section 162 than the second receiving area 196. The second receiving area 196 receives the second hook section 184 in the longitudinal direction of the second rod-like section 182 (see FIG. 1 8C) in a state in which the first receiving area receives the first rod-like section 172 (see FIG. 18A). The second restriction area 198 received the second rod-like section 182, but does not allow the second hook section 184 to pass through in a state in which the first nail section 164 has been slid upward along the contact surface 168 of the first arm section 162 so that the first restriction area 192 receives the first rod-like section 172 (see FIG. 18D).

I-Therefore, when the first protrusion 170 is set to the non-protrusion state due to C) the first end spring 176 in a state in which the first restriction area 192 receives the first rod-like section 172 and the second restriction area 198 receives the second rod-like (\J (\J section 182, the first nail section 164 is pressed against the contact surface 168 by the first hook section 174 (see FIG. 18D). The first nail section 164 cannot rotate around the first rod-like section 172 due to the second rod-like section 182, and cannot move away from the contact surface 168 due to the second hook section. Therefore, the mounting state of the first nail section 164 is stably maintained. In this embodiment, the manager or the like can easily remove the first nail section 164 from the first arm section 162 by performing the above procedure in reverse order. According to this embodiment, the mounting state of the first nail section 164 can be stably maintained while allowing the first nail section 164 to be easily removed from the first arm section 162.

FIG. 19 illustrates an operation state of the first operating section 36. As illustrated in FIG. 19, when the first nail section 164 comes in contact with a stationary component (e.g., first prize placement section 26) provided in the prize game machine 10 when the first operating section 36 is rotated clockwise (close operation), the clockwise rotation of the first operating section 36 may be hindered. In this case, an excessive load may be applied to the first operating section 36, the first prize placement section 26, or the like so that the first operating section 36 or the first prize placement section 26 may break.

According to this embodiment, however, since the first protrusion 170 that maintains the first nail section 164 in the mounting state can slide with respect to the first arm section 162 along the longitudinal direction of the first rod-like section 172, the first protrusion 170 is set to the protrusion state when the clockwise rotation of the first operating section 36 is hindered, so that the first nail section 164 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the first arm section 162 (see HG. 19). This prevents a situation in which an excessive load is applied to the first operating section 36, the first prize placement section 26, or the like.

I-Since the first protrusion 170 is biased toward the non-protrusion state by the first C) end spring 176 provided inside the end of the first arm section 162 so that the first hook section 174 approaches the contact surface 168, the first nail section 164 is biased by the (\J first protrusion 170 so that the first nail section 164 rotates clockwise with respect to the first arm section 162. Therefore, the mounting state of the first nail section 164 can be stably maintained. When the first operating section 36 can again rotate clockwise, the first nail section 164 returns to the original state. According to this embodiment, breakage of the game machine can be prevented even when the clockwise rotation of the first operating section 36 is hindered by a stationary component (e.g., first prize placement section 26) provided in the prize game machine 10.

The first end spring 176 provided inside the end of the first arm section 162 is configured so that the first nail section 164 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the first arm section 162 when a force equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied to the first nail section 164 in the counterclockwise direction. Therefore, when the first nail section 164 comes in contact with a prize, the first nail section 164 can apply a force to the prize in the clockwise direction due to the clockwise rotation of the first operating section 36.

In this embodiment, the second operating section 37 is configured to be plane-symmetrical with the first operating section 36, and operates in the same manner as the first operating section 36. Therefore, a force can be applied to a prize in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction by closing the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 while preventing breakage of the game machine even when the clockwise rotation of the first operating section 36 or the counterclockwise rotation of the second operating section 37 is hindered by a stationary component (e.g., first prize placement section 26) provided in the prize game machine 10.

6. Other configurations I-The configuration of the rear side of the prize game machine 10 is described CO below. 0. .

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the game space 20 of the prize game (\j machine 10. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a third support section 202 that supports a fifth prize placement section 200 that has a prize placement surface on which a prize can be placed, and a fourth support section 206 that supports a sixth prize placement section 204 that has a prize placement surface on which a prize can be placed, are provided on the rear side of the game space 20. In this embodiment, the fifth prize placement section 200 and the sixth prize placement section 204 are provided outside the moving range of the prize holding section 12. A display or stock prize that cannot be acquired by the player is placed on the fifth prize placement section 200 and the sixth prize placement section 204.

Therefore, since a force is not applied to the fifth prize placement section 200 and the sixth prize placement section 204 due to the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 of the prize holding section 12, the fifth prize placement section 200 and the sixth prize placement section 204 are supported by the third support section 202 and the fourth support section 206 by a simple configuration. In this embodiment, the fifth prize placement section 200 and the sixth prize placement section 204 are formed to have a length that is about 1/10th of the length of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27. Therefore, when placing a prize on the fifth prize placement section 200 or the sixth prize placement section 204, the prize looks larger as compared with the case where the prize is placed on the prize to first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the fifth prize placement section 200 is formed by a transparent second support plate 208 that is in the shape of a rectangular plate. The third support section 202 is formed by a column body that extends in the vertical direction. A first slit 210 that removably receives and supports the fifth prize placement section 200 is o formed in the front surface of the third support section 202. The first slit 210 is formed in the horizontal direction so that the fifth prize placement section 200 can be supported in a C) state in which the prize placement surface of the fifth prize placement section 200 faces upward. In this embodiment, a plurality of first slits 210 are provided at different positions of the third support section 202 along the vertical direction. The manager can insert an arbitrary number of fifth prize placement sections 200 into the first slits 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the sixth prize placement section 204 includes a transparent third support plate 212 that is in the shape of a rectangular plate, and a vertical plate 214 that extends perpendicularly downward from the rear end of the third support plate 212. The fourth support section 206 is formed by a column body that extends in the horizontal direction. A second slit 216 that removably receives and supports the vertical plate 214 of the sixth prize placement section 204 is formed in the upper surface of the fourth support section 206. The second slit 216 is formed in the vertical direction so that the sixth prize placement section 204 can be supported in a state in which the prize placement surface of the sixth prize placement section 204 faces upward. In this embodiment, the second slit 216 that is wider than the width of the sixth prize placement section 204 is formed in the fourth support section 206 along the transverse direction.

The manager can insert an arbitrary number of sixth prize placement sections 204 into the second slit 216 at arbitrary positions.

7. Functional blocks FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment. Note that the prize game machine 10 may have a configuration in which some of the elements (sections) in FIG. 21 are omitted.

A detection section 300 detects the moving amount of the prize holding section 12 illustrated in FTG. 1 in the forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions, and detects that the prize holding section 12 has moved downward and come in contact with a prize, the first prize placement section 26, or the like. The detection section 300 may be implemented by a sensor.

C) An operation section 302 allows the player to input operation information, and transmits the operation information to a processing section 350. The operation section (\J 302 may be implemented by a button, a lever, and the like.

A setting section 304 allows the manager to input setting information, and transmits the setting information to the processing section 350. The setting section 304 may be implemented by a button, a lever, and the like. Examples of the setting information include information that specifies an area of the game space 20 that is set to be the prize placement area 16, information that specifies an area set to be the open area 18, and the like. In this embodiment, information that indicates whether or not each area defined by dividing the game space 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 into twenty-four areas in a matrix (6x4) is the open area 18, is input to the setting section 304 as the setting information.

A power output section 306 is driven based on a control signal output from the processing section 350 to move the prize holding section 12 illustrated in HG. 1 in the forward, backward, lefiward, rightward, upward, and downward directions in the game space 20, and open and close the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 of the prize holding section 12. The power output section 306 may be implemented by a motor.

A storage section 308 serves as a work area for the processing section 350 and the like. The function of the storage section 308 may be implemented by hardware such as a RAM.

An information storage medium 310 (computer-readable medium) stores a program, data, and the like. The function of the information storage medium 310 may be implemented by an optical disk (CD or DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a memory (ROM), or the like. The information storage medium 310 stores data and a program that causes the processing section 350 to perform various processes. Specifically, the information storage medium 310 stores a program C) that causes a computer to function as each section according to this embodiment (i.e., a program that causes a computer to perform the process of each section).

The processing section 350 (processor) performs a game process, a display control process, a sound generation process, and the like based on the data input from the detection section 300, the operation section 302, and the setting section 304, a program, and the like. The processing section 350 performs various processes using the storage section 308 as a work area. The function of the processing section 350 may be implemented by hardware such as a processor (e.g., CPU or DSP) or an integrated circuit (IC) (e.g., ASIC) and a program.

The processing section 350 according to this embodiment includes a game processing section 352, a movement/motion control section 354, and a setting change section 356. Note that the processing section 350 may have a configuration in which some of these sections are omitted.

The game processing section 352 performs various game processes such as starting the game when game start conditions have been satisfied, proceeding with the game, or finishing the game when game finish conditions have been satisfied, based on data input from the detection section 300, the operation section 302, and the setting section 304, a program, and the like.

The movement/motion control section 354 controls the movement/motion of the prize holding section 12 by controlling the power output section 306 based on data input from the detection section 300, the operation section 302, and the setting section 304, a program, and the like. The movement/motion control section 354 causes the prize holding section 12 to perform the hold operation, and then causes the prize holding section 12 to automatically move to a position over the open area 18 based on information that specifies an area set to be the open area 18. When the prize holding section 12 has reached a position over the open area 18, the movement/motion control section 354 causes the prize holding section 12 to open the first operating section 36 and the second C) operating section 37.

The setting change section 356 changes values set in various types of information (\J based on data input from the setting section 304, a program, and the like. The setting change section 356 changes a value that specifies an area set to be the open area 18 based on the setting information input using the setting section 304.

8. Modifications The method described in connection with the above embodiments is only an example. The scope of the invention also includes a case of employing a method that achieves effects similar to those of the method described in connection with the above embodiments. The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and variations may be made. The method described in connection with the above embodiments and various methods described below as modifications may be appropriately used in combination as a method that implements the invention.

For example, the above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the prize guiding space 22 is open in the shape of a rectangle in a range corresponding to almost the entire area of the game space 20 (see FTG. 2). Note that the open range and the shape of the prize guiding space 22 may be arbitrarily changed.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the state of the left operating section 58 and the right operating section 60 changes between the approach state and the spaced state (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Note that the operating section may be provided rotatably around a predetermined axis, and the state may change between a state (example of first state) in which the operating section is rotated by a first rotation angle and a state (example of second state) in which the operating section is rotated by a second rotation angle.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 slide in the C) forward/backward direction (see FIG 5). Note that the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 may slide in the transverse direction instead of (\J the forward/backward direction. The slide direction of the first prize placement section 26 may differ from the slide direction of the second prize placement section 27.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which each of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 is supported by two parallel rails so that the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 can slide in the forward/backward direction (see FIG. 5). Note that the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 may be rotatably (slidably) supported by a single circular rail 400 provided over the prize guiding space 22 or over the upper periphery of the prize guiding space 22.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first prize placement section 26 is provided rotatably around the transverse axis (see FIG. 8), and the right side and the left side of the first prize placement section 26 can be separately moved upward and downward (see FIG. 11). Note that the second prize placement section 27 may be configured in the same manner as the first prize placement section 26, and the second support section 30 may be configured in the same manner as the first support section 28, so that the second prize placement section 27 is provided rotatably around the transverse axis, and the right side and the left side of the second prize placement section 27 can be separately moved upward and downward. The first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 may be provided rotatably around the transverse axis, and the right side and the left side of the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27 may be separately moved upward and downward.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 of the first support section 28 can be individually moved upward and downward, and the first support section 28 supports the C) first prize placement section 26 so that the first prize placement section 26 can slide in the forward/backward direction (see FIG. 11). Note that the first support section 28 may C\J support a plurality of prize placement sections so that the state of the prize placement sections can be changed. In this case, the state of the prize placement area 16 can be changed by changing the number and the positions of prize placement sections supported by the first support section 28. The first support section 28 may support the prize placement sections that differ in shape and size. In this case, the state of the prize placement area 16 can be changed by changing the shape and the size of the prize placement sections supported by the first support section 28.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the left connection section 120 of the first support section 28 is connected to the first left rail 42, and the right connection section 124 is connected to the first right rail 44 (see FIGS. 1OA to bc). Note that the left connection section 120 may be connected to the left end of the first prize placement section 26 so that the left connection section 120 can rotate around the third axis 126, and the right connection section 124 may be connected to the right end of the first prize placement section 26 so that the right connection section 124 can rotate around the fourth axis 128.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which rotation of the left connection section 120 around the first axis 118 counterclockwise from the vertical state with respect to the left lift section 90 is restricted, and rotation of the right connection section 124 around the second axis 122 clockwise from the vertical state with respect to the right lift section 92 is restricted, so that the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 are individually moved upward and downward while maintaining a state in which the left connection section 120 or the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state (see HGS. 1OA to bc). Note that the left connection section 120 may be connected to the first left rail 42 so that the left connection section 120 can rotate around the third axis 126 clockwise from the position (example of third reference position) at C) which the left connection section 120 is set to the vertical state with respect to the first left rail 42 (or the prize support section), and cannot rotate counterclockwise from the vertical state, and the right connection section 124 may be connected to the first right rail 44 so that the right connection section 124 can rotate around the fourth axis 128 counterclockwise from the position (example of fourth reference position) at which the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state with respect to the first right rail 44 (or the prize support section), and cannot rotate clockwise from the vertical state (see FIGS. 23A to 23C), so that the left lift section 90 and the right lift section 92 are individually moved upward and downward while maintaining a state in which the left connection section 120 is set to the vertical state with respect to the first left rail 42 or the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state with respect to the first right rail 44.

In this case, the left connection section 120 is connected to the left lift section 90 so that clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation around the first axis 118 from the position at which the left connection section 120 is set to the vertical state are allowed, and the right connection section 124 is connected to the right lift section 92 so that clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation around the second axis 122 from the position at which the right connection section 124 is set to the vertical state are allowed.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the front surface of the first main body 68 of the first prize placement section 26 is provided with the first groove 140 in which a plurality of attachment sections 144 are slidably placed (see FIG. 12). Note that a groove in which a plurality of attachment sections 144 are slidably placed may be formed in at least one of the rear surface of the first main body 68, the prize placement surface, and the bottom surface opposite to the prize placement surface in addition to, or instead of, the front surface of the first main body 68 of the first prize placement section 26. This makes it possible to change the installation angle of the third prize placement section 132 with respect to the first prize placement section 26.

I-The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the C) third prize placement section 132 that has the prize placement surface is slidably attached to the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 so that the third prize placement section 132 can be secured on the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 (see FIG. 12). Note that a prize support rod 404 (example of prize support section) in which a spherical body 402 is attached to the end of a rod-like member 401 may be slidably attached to the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 so that the prize support rod 404 can be secured on the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 (see FIG. 24A). The prize support rod 404 may be attached so that the prize support rod 404 perpendicularly intersects (or intersects) the prize placement surface of the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 (see FIG. 24A), or may be attached so that the prize support rod 404 is parallel to the prize placement surface of the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 (see FIG. 24B).

The surface of the spherical body 402 of the prize support rod 404 is preferably formed of a material (e.g., rubber or silicone) having high frictional resistance. In this case, a stuffed toy that is soft and is easily deformed can be placed on the spherical body 402 of the prize support rod 404 that is attached perpendicularly to the prize placement surface (see FIG. 24A), for example. Alternatively, a loop for suspending a prize can be suspended from the spherical body 402 of the prize support rod 404 that is attached parallel to the prize placement surface (see FIG. 24B).

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which a prize is placed on the first prize placement section 26 or the second prize placement section 27 that has the prize placement surface over the prize guiding space 22. Various members that differ in shape may be used as the prize support section in addition to, or instead of, the first prize placement section 26 and the second prize placement section 27. For example, a rod-like member (example of prize support section) that extends over the dimension of the prize guiding space 22 may be supported by the first support section 28 C) and the second support section 30 over the prize guiding space 22. A prize can be 0. . .. . . disposed over the prize guiding space 22 by honzontally or vertically disposing members (\J that differ in shape over the prize guiding space 22 and suspending or sandwiching a prize using the members.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first protrusion 170 slides so that the first nail section 164 is removably attached to the first arm section 162, and can rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first operating section 36 (see FIG. 19). Note that the first nail section 164 may be connected to the first arm section 162 via an end rotation axis 406 so that the first nail section 164 can rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first operating section 36 with respect to the first arm section 162 (see FIGS. 25A and 25B). In this case, the first nail section 164 may be biased by a second end spring 408 (example of end biasing section) provided between the first nail section 164 and the first arm section 162 so that the first nail section 164 returns to the reference position of the first nail section 164 (see FIG. 25A).

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 are rotatably attached to the moving section 160 (see FIG. 26A). Note that the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 may be movably attached to the moving section 160 (see FIG. 26B). In this case, a nail section 410 may move or rotate in the direction opposite to the moving direction of an arm section 412 with respect to the arm section 412.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 rotate or move with respect to the moving section 160. Note that a single operating section may be provided to rotate or move with respect to the moving section 160, or three or more operating sections may be provided to rotate or move with respect to the moving section 160.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which each of C) the first operating section 36 and the second operating section 37 rotates or moves in the first direction and the second direction with respect to the moving section 160. Note that (\J the operating section may rotate in one direction with respect to the moving section 160, or may move in one direction so that the operating section moves around the moving section 160.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the prize holding section 12 moves and make a motion. Note that the prize holding section 12 may move a prize by either moving or making a motion Although only some embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A game machine comprising: a prize support section that supports a prize; a prize outlet from which a player can take the prize; a prize guiding space that guides the prize toward the prize outlet; a support section that supports the prize support section; and a prize moving section that moves the prize supported by the prize support section based on operation information from a movement operation section, the support section including: a first lift section that is movable upward and downward with respect to a base section; and I-a second lift section that is movable upward and downward with respect to the C") base section, the first lift section and the second lift section being individually movable upward c'J and downward with respect to the base section.
2. The game machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the first lift section and the second lift section extend upward at a periphery of the prize guiding space.
3. The game machine as defined in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a first lift control section that is switched between a lift restriction state in which the first lift section cannot move upward and downward and a lift permission state in which the first lift section is movable upward and downward; a first lift operation section that is operated to switch the first lift control section between the lift restriction state and the lift permission state; a second lift control section that is switched between a lift restriction state in which the second lift section cannot move upward and downward and a lift permission state in which the second lift section is movable upward and downward; and a second lift operation section that is operated to switch the second lift control S section between the lift restriction state and the lift permission state.
4. The game machine as defined in any one of claims ito 3, wherein the support section supports the prize support section so that the state of the prize support section can be changed.
5. The game machine as defined in any one of claims i to 4, o wherein the support section further includes: 1.' a first connection section that is connected to the first lift section to be rotatable C) around a first axis with respect to the first lift section; 0. . . a second connection section that is connected to the second lift section to be c'J sj rotatable around a second axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the second lift section; and a placement section on which the prize support section is placed, the first connection section being connected to the placement section to be rotatable around a third axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the placement section, and the second connection section being connected to the placement section to be rotatable around a fourth axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the placement section.
6. The game machine as defined in any one of claims i to 4, wherein the support section further includes: a first connection section that is connected to the first lift section to be rotatable around a first axis with respect to the first lift section; and a second connection section that is connected to the second lift section to be rotatable around a second axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the second lift section, the first connection section being connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around a third axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the prize support section, and the second connection section being connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around a fourth axis that is parallel to the first axis with respect to the prize support section.

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7. The game machine as defined in claim 5 or 6, CO wherein the first connection section is connected to the first lift section to be rotatable around the first axis in a first direction from a first reference position with (\J respect to the first lift section, while rotation of the first connection section around the first axis in a second direction from the first reference position is restricted; and wherein the second connection section is connected to the second lift section to be rotatable around the second axis in the second direction from a second reference position with respect to the second lift section, while rotation of the second connection section around the second axis in the first direction from the second reference position is restricted.
8. The game machine as defined in claim 5, wherein the first connection section is connected to the placement section to be rotatable around the third axis in a first direction from a third reference position with respect to the placement section, while rotation of the first connection section around the third axis in a second direction from the third reference position is restricted; and wherein the second connection section is connected to the placement section to be rotatable around the fourth axis in the second direction from a fourth reference position with respect to the placement section, while rotation of the second connection section around the fourth axis in the first direction from the fourth reference position is restricted.
9. The game machine as defined in claim 6, wherein the first connection section is connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around the third axis in a first direction from a third reference position with respect to the prize support section, while rotation of the first connection section around the third axis in a second direction from the third reference position is restricted; and wherein the second connection section is connected to the prize support section to be rotatable around the fourth axis in the second direction from a fourth reference position C) with respect to the prize support section, while rotation of the second connection section around the fourth axis in the first direction from the fourth reference position is restricted. (\J (\J