JP2006262919A - Controller of gripping power of gripping arm provided at catcher for crane game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a catcher for a crane game machine where game property of the crane game machine is improved, an amusement facility secures a proper profit, and a player's desire for a game is not damaged. <P>SOLUTION: Gripping force of gripping arms provided at the catcher of the crane game machine is adjusted automatically. The relation between an opening angle of the gripping arms and the gripping force of the gripping arms is set to consist of an area in which the gripping force is nearly 0 without regard to the opening angle of the gripping arms and an area in which the gripping force is increased nearly proportionally with the increase of the opening angle of the gripping arms, and opening angle of the gripping arms becoming the boundary of the areas is adjusted automatically. Adjusting of the gripping force of the gripping arms is realized by connecting a helical spring, a cord and feeding out mechanism of the cord to each gripping arm. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gripping force control device for a gripping arm provided in a catcher of a game machine known as a so-called crane game machine among premium acquisition game machines.

  The crane game machine is equipped with a catcher that can be operated by a catcher that can be operated by a player, such as a toy or a confectionery placed so as to be visible to the player on a gift mounting table in a play field in a housing surrounded by a transparent resin cover. It is configured to be grabbed by an arm and dropped to a prize outlet, and is widely enjoyed in entertainment facilities such as game centers.

  In the above-described crane game machine, when a player inserts a coin into a coin insertion slot provided in the casing, the catcher is moved in a horizontal plane by the operation of the player. When the player determines the position of the catcher in the horizontal plane, the catcher descends with the gripping arm provided therein opened, and closes the gripping arm in the vicinity of the upper surface of the prize placing table. When the player has properly determined the position of the catcher, the gripping arm grips the prize.

  After this, the catcher automatically rises, moves directly above the prize drop opening, and opens the gripping arm. If the prize is successfully grasped, the prize falls to the prize outlet, and the player can take out the prize from the prize payout opening.

  Whether or not you can successfully grab and win a prize depends on many factors. Whether or not the player properly determines the position of the catcher is of course important, but other factors such as the shape and strength of the gripping arm, the size and shape of the prize, weight, and orientation are also involved. To do.

  Now, in an amusement facility, in order to ensure proper profits, the payout rate of the crane game machine must be managed so that it falls within a predetermined range. For the purpose of this adjustment, for example, the shape of the catch arm of the catcher Since the shape of the gripping arm is easily visually recognized by the player, a crane game machine having a gripping arm with a shape that is difficult to grip causes a problem of being avoided by the player.

  Even if a gripping arm with a shape that does not seem difficult to grasp at first glance is used, frequently changing the shape of the gripping arm is a heavy burden on the play facility in terms of the required manpower and time. .

  Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the payout rate of the prize only by the shape of the gripping arm. It is also inconvenient for an amusement facility to prepare various gripping arms for the purpose of adjusting the payout rate of prizes.

  Therefore, the prize payout rate is also adjusted by adjusting the strength of the gripping force of the gripping arm. Here, the gripping force of the gripping arm is a force for closing two or more gripping arms attached to the catcher, and if this is large, the gripped prize is dropped even if it is in a somewhat unreasonable posture. If it is small, the gripping arm will open due to the weight of the gripped prize and it will be easy to drop the prize.

  However, if the gripping force of the gripping arm is too great, prizes can be easily acquired, so the prize payout rate increases, and there is a high risk that the entertainment facility will be in a deficit state.

  On the other hand, if the gripping force of the gripping arm is too small, it becomes almost impossible to acquire a prize, and the player's willingness to play is impaired.

  In addition, the gripping force is usually set by a spring for the purpose of making it possible to adjust the gripping force of the gripping arm. However, in this method, it is necessary to use many springs separately, which is inconvenient for an amusement facility. In addition, there is a problem that a player who comes in contact with a scene where a store clerk or the like of the entertainment facility exchanges springs may feel distrust in the entertainment facility itself.

  In view of this, an invention has been made in which not only the gripping force of the gripping arm is adjusted but also the gripping force can be automatically changed, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-239209.

  In the invention disclosed in the publication, a gripping force is applied to a gripping arm by a torsion spring, and the gripping force is changed by changing a torsion angle of the torsion spring.

  According to the present invention, it is very easy to change the gripping force of the gripping arm, and the crane game machine automatically adjusts the gripping force of the gripping arm according to the payout rate of the prize to adjust the difficulty of acquiring the prize. It is also possible to perform control. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem is solved to a considerable extent.

JP 2002-239209 A

  As described above, according to the invention, the above-mentioned problem can be solved to a considerable extent. However, in recent years, large prizes such as stuffed animals have come to be preferred as prizes for crane game machines. There is a problem.

  That is, when the gripping force of the gripping arm is applied only by a spring such as a torsion spring, the gripping force of the gripping arm inevitably increases as the angle of the gripping arm increases.

  In this case, if the torsion spring is set in a state where the gripping arm is closed, a gripping force for closing the gripping arm works even when the gripping arm is closed. When the gripping arm is opened here, the torsion amount of the torsion spring increases, so that the gripping force of the gripping arm also increases according to the opening angle of the gripping arm.

  In addition, by setting the torsion amount of the torsion spring to be 0 when the gripping arm is closed, the gripping force when the gripping arm is closed can be almost zero, but the gripping arm is opened. There is no difference in that the torsion amount of the torsion spring increases and the gripping force of the gripping arm increases.

  By the way, when a large prize such as a stuffed toy is gripped by the catch arm of the catcher provided in the crane game machine, the prize is inevitably gripped with the grip arm opened at a large angle.

  Then, regardless of the setting of the torsion angle of the torsion spring with the gripping arm closed, a gripping force exceeding a certain level will be generated when gripping a large prize, and the gripping force will be changed automatically. The effect of being able to work will not function effectively.

  As a result, there has been a problem that it is impossible to achieve the purpose of ensuring appropriate profits of the play facility and maintaining the playability of the crane game machine.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the first problem solving means of the present invention, two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arms, and a gripping force of the gripping arms are changed. In a catcher of a crane game machine having a gripping force changing mechanism, the gripping force changing mechanism can be set to a state in which there is almost no gripping force of the gripping arm even when the gripping arm is open. It is a catcher for a crane game machine.

  Here, the state where the gripping arm is opened is not limited to the state where the gripping arm is completely opened, but also refers to a state where the gripping arm is half open. In other words, it refers to a state other than the state where the gripping arm is completely closed.

  Moreover, the state where there is almost no gripping force of the gripping arm refers to a state where the gripping arm is not actively closed by the catcher to which the gripping arm is attached. That is, the gripping arm is attached to the catcher at the upper end thereof, but the gripping arm is naturally closed by its own weight or the like even if the gripping force changing mechanism provided on the catcher is not closing the gripping arm. Strictly speaking, this state does not mean that there is no gripping force at all, but this state is referred to as a state where there is almost no gripping force of the gripping arm.

  The second problem-solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm. In the catcher of the crane game machine, there is almost no gripping force of the gripping arm in the first region from the state where the gripping arm is closed to the state where the gripping arm is opened at the gripping start angle by the gripping force changing mechanism. The gripping force of the gripping arm can be set substantially proportionally in the second region where the gripping arm opens at the gripping start angle and the gripping arm opens at the maximum angle. It is used as a catcher for crane game machines.

  Here, the gripping start angle is a state where the gripping arm has almost no gripping force regardless of the angle of the gripping arm when the gripping arm is gradually opened from the closed state. When the angle reaches a certain angle, the gripping force of the gripping arm gradually increases as the gripping arm angle increases thereafter. Also, “approximately proportional” means a relationship in which the gripping force of the gripping arm gradually increases when the angle of the gripping arm gradually increases.

  In the third problem solving means of the present invention, the catch start angle of the crane game machine according to the second problem solving means of the present invention is characterized in that the grip start angle can be changed by the grip force changing mechanism. It is said.

  Note that if the grip start angle is set to a state in which the grip arm is closed, the grip arm can be operated as a catcher equivalent to the catcher according to the related art without a state in which the grip arm has almost no grip force. Further, if the grip start angle is set to an angle at which the grip arm is completely opened, it functions as a catcher equivalent to the catcher according to the first problem solving means of the present invention.

  The fourth problem solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm. In the catcher of a crane game machine, the gripping force changing mechanism includes a helical spring having one end connected to the gripping arm, a string connected to the helical spring, and a string feed amount changing means. It is a catcher of a crane game machine characterized by.

  Here, the string feed amount changing means can slack the string or apply tension to the string by means such as winding the string on a reel or moving the fixed position of the string. Say means.

  The fifth problem-solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arms, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arms. In the catcher of the crane game machine, the gripping force changing mechanism includes a string having one end connected to the gripping arm, a helical spring connected to the string, and a tension amount changing means for the helical spring. It is a catcher of a crane game machine characterized by.

  Here, the means for changing the amount of tension means that the string connected to the coil spring is slackened or tension is applied to the string by changing the fixed position of one end of the coil spring. It is a means that can be.

  The sixth problem solving means of the present invention is characterized in that the string feeding amount changing means includes a reel for winding the string and a motor for driving the reel. Means.

  In the seventh problem solving means of the present invention, the string feeding amount changing means includes a string feeding amount adjusting pulley on which the string is hooked, and a pulley driving mechanism for driving the string feeding amount adjusting pulley. This is the fourth problem solving means of the present invention.

  Here, the pulley drive mechanism for driving the string feed amount adjusting pulley is a position where the member that is attached to the string feed amount adjusting pulley changes its position, and the position of the string feed amount adjusting pulley is changed with the string applied. It says what you want. The moving direction is not limited.

  The eighth problem-solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm drive mechanism that opens and closes the gripping arm, and a gripping force change mechanism that changes the gripping force of the gripping arm. In the catcher of the crane game machine, the gripping force changing mechanism includes a string having one end connected to the gripping arm and the other end fixed, a string feeding amount adjusting pulley hung on the string, and the string feeding amount adjusting pulley. It is a catcher of a crane game machine characterized by comprising a helical spring having one end connected to the end.

  In a ninth problem-solving means of the present invention, the grip arm driving mechanism includes a sliding contact portion provided on the gripping arm, a cam sliding on the sliding contact portion and rotating in a vertical plane, and the cam. It is a catcher of a crane game machine characterized by comprising a motor to drive.

  Here, the sliding contact portion is a portion where the cam and the gripping arm that rotate in the vertical plane are in sliding contact, and may be a part of the gripping arm main body, but may rotate in the gripping arm main body and the vertical plane. When the cams to be operated are not in the same plane, a projecting structure may be provided on a part of the gripping arm and the cam may be slidably contacted to form a sliding contact portion.

  The first problem solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm. A catcher for a crane game machine, wherein the gripping force changing mechanism can set the gripping arm to have almost no gripping force even when the gripping arm is open. Therefore, it is possible to make the gripping force in a state in which the prize is gripped by the catching arm of the catcher almost no matter the size of the prize, and therefore a crane game that does not depend on the size of the prize. The difficulty level of the machine can be set.

  Also, the gripping force changing mechanism in the catcher can change the gripping force to the above state even during play, that is, when the prize is gripped by the gripping arm. Therefore, once the prize is gripped and lifted by the catcher's gripping arm, the prize can be dropped in the middle unless it is gripped in a very ideal gripping state.

  In addition, when the gripping arm of the catcher is weakened as described above, the gripping force of the gripping arm may be weakened while the catcher is moving, but the gripping force of the gripping arm is weakened. You may give a different movement to the catcher movement before and after.

  For example, if the catcher is moved in small increments in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the catcher, it appears to the player that the catcher vibrates while moving. Immediately after this, if the gripping force of the gripping arm is weakened, if the prize falls due to this, the player understands that the prize has fallen due to the vibration of the catcher.

  In other words, by notifying the player in advance of the point at which the prize is likely to fall, whether or not the point can be passed without dropping the prize even when the catcher moves while holding the prize by the catch arm of the catcher. Players can enjoy the thrill.

  The point of weakening the gripping force of the gripping arm is not limited to the above example, and may be when the catcher changes its traveling direction.

  In short, any point that would make the player feel that it is difficult for the catcher to move without dropping the gripped prize will be overcome, and the existence of such a point will overcome such difficulties. A new playability that a prize can be obtained is born in the crane game machine.

  The second problem-solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm. In the catcher of the crane game machine, there is almost no gripping force of the gripping arm in the first region from the state where the gripping arm is closed to the state where the gripping arm is opened at the gripping start angle by the gripping force changing mechanism. The gripping force of the gripping arm can be set substantially proportionally in the second region where the gripping arm opens at the gripping start angle and the gripping arm opens at the maximum angle. Because it is a catcher of a crane game machine characterized by the fact that the amusement facility has the gripping force of the gripping arm while gripping the prize It is possible to set a wide range to a state with a strong gripping force from almost no by a needle or the like, more easily obtain the same effect as the first means for solving problems of the present invention.

  In the third problem solving means of the present invention, the catch start angle of the crane game machine according to the second problem solving means of the present invention is characterized in that the grip start angle can be changed by the grip force changing mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to set a wide range from the state where the gripping arm gripping force is almost absent to the state where it has a strong gripping force in the state where the prize is gripped, and this setting can be set as a policy of the entertainment facility or prize It becomes possible to change according to the payout rate.

  In particular, in this problem solving means, when the gripping arm opens more than the gripping start angle, the gripping force changes approximately proportionally to the gripping arm angle. By setting the start angle, it is easy to set the gripping force of the gripping arm when gripping the prize to a delicate level whether the prize can be lifted or not.

  By setting the gripping force in this way, the success or failure of acquisition of the prize is determined by the skill of the player, that is, how well the prize can be gripped. That is, the playability of the crane game machine is extremely high.

  The fourth problem solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm. In the catcher of a crane game machine, the gripping force changing mechanism includes a helical spring having one end connected to the gripping arm, a string connected to the helical spring, and a string feed amount changing means. Therefore, if the string feed amount is increased by the string feed amount changing means, the string is in a slack state and naturally the tension of the string becomes zero. Also, when gripping large prizes in this state, the opening angle of the gripping arm becomes large, and the amount of slack in the string due to this increases the gripping force of the gripping arm due to the tension generated by the extension of the helical spring Occurs. Thus, the second problem solving means of the present invention is specifically realized, and the effect can be obtained.

  It is possible to arbitrarily set the opening angle of the gripping arm, that is, the gripping start angle, at which the gripping force is generated by adjusting the string feeding amount by the string feeding amount adjusting means. That is, the third problem solving means of the present invention is specifically realized and the effect can be obtained.

  In addition, a complicated effect such as the first to third problem solving means of the present invention can be realized by a very simple structure by the slack of the string and the extension of the helical spring. Moreover, since a string is used, the direction can be freely changed using means such as a pulley. As a result, it contributes to a smaller and lighter catcher. Conversely, if the catchers have the same size, a space for providing more functions in the catcher can be secured.

  The fifth problem-solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arms, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arms. In the catcher of the crane game machine, the gripping force changing mechanism includes a string having one end connected to the gripping arm, a helical spring connected to the string, and a tension amount changing means for the helical spring. Therefore, the same effect as the fourth problem solving means of the present invention can be realized by a different configuration.

  Further, in this problem solving means, since the helical spring is not directly connected to the gripping arm, for example, the string connected to the gripping arm is turned upward by a pulley, and the helical spring is connected thereto. The structure like this can be taken.

  In such a configuration, the helical spring, which is relatively heavy compared to the string, is maintained in a vertical state regardless of the opening angle of the gripping arm or the slack amount of the string. This prevents accidents such as the string becoming unstable and coming off the pulley.

  Furthermore, since it becomes possible to provide a helical spring in a space with a margin in the catcher, compared to the case where a helical spring is provided in the vicinity of the gripping arm, a spring that can obtain a larger and larger amount of elongation is employed. Thus, the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in designing the gripping force of the gripping arm can be obtained.

  According to a sixth problem solving means of the present invention, the string feeding amount changing means includes a reel for winding the string and a motor for driving the reel. Since the catcher of the crane game machine according to the solving means is used, the string feed amount changing means can be realized with a simple structure, and an inexpensive crane game machine catcher can be realized. It will also contribute to the miniaturization of the catcher.

  In the seventh problem solving means of the present invention, the string feeding amount changing means includes a string feeding amount adjusting pulley on which the string is hooked, and a pulley driving mechanism for driving the string feeding amount adjusting pulley. Since the catcher of the crane game machine according to the fourth problem solving means of the present invention is set, the amount of the string fed by the string feeding means is controlled by the linear movement of the pulley drive mechanism. Therefore, it becomes easy to detect the feeding amount of the string.

  For example, a micro switch or the like may be provided to detect each position when the pulley driving mechanism is in the state where the amount of feeding of the string is the largest and when the amount of feeding of the string is the smallest. .

  Further, the linear movement of the pulley drive mechanism can be constituted by a pulley table to which the string feed amount adjusting pulley is attached and which can move linearly, and a pulley table drive cam that rotates while sliding on the pulley table. In such a configuration, even if the string feeding amount changing means is excessively driven due to some accident, that is, even when the pulley table driving cam is rotated too much, the pulley table driving cam is extra. The rotation of the spring does not cause excessive tension on the helical spring or the like and breakage.

  Furthermore, the string feed amount adjusting pulley to be attached to the pulley table is a double pulley, and correspondingly, a double pulley is also provided on the catcher, and by hanging the string multiple times between them, the movement amount of the pulley table is more than It is also possible to obtain a large feeding amount of the string. Thereby, although the string feeding amount changing means is small, a wide adjustment range of the string feeding amount can be obtained, which contributes to downsizing of the catcher.

  Incidentally, the drive system of the pulley table is not limited to the cam drive as described above, and any system such as a drive by a crank mechanism or a magnetic solenoid can be used.

  The eighth problem-solving means of the present invention comprises two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm drive mechanism that opens and closes the gripping arm, and a gripping force change mechanism that changes the gripping force of the gripping arm. In the catcher of the crane game machine, the gripping force changing mechanism includes a string having one end connected to the gripping arm and the other end fixed, a string feeding amount adjusting pulley hung on the string, and the string feeding amount adjusting pulley. Since the catcher of the crane game machine is characterized by comprising a helical spring having one end connected to the same, the same effect as the fourth problem solving means of the present invention can be obtained with another configuration.

  In a ninth problem solving means of the present invention, the grip arm driving mechanism includes a sliding contact portion provided on the gripping arm, a grip arm driving cam sliding on the sliding contact portion and rotating in a vertical plane, Since the catcher of the crane game machine according to the first to eighth problem solving means according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a motor for driving the grip arm drive cam, the grip arm drive cam has the grip force It becomes the structure which rotates in the surface parallel to a change mechanism.

  Conventionally, since the grip arm drive cam is usually configured to rotate in a horizontal plane, when mounted in the catcher together with the grip force changing mechanism, the size of the catcher is increased to avoid interference of the mutual drive mechanisms. It was hard to avoid. However, with this configuration, the problem of interference does not occur and a small catcher is realized.

  That is, in this case, when the catcher is viewed from the front, a so-called multilayer structure is formed. That is, the gripping force changing mechanism is provided in the first layer, and the gripping arm driving mechanism is provided in the second layer in front of the first layer. Of course, the order of these does not matter.

  By adopting such a configuration, not only can the space inside the catcher be used effectively, but there is also an effect that it is easy to repair and adjust the catcher while it is attached to the crane game machine. It is done.

  That is, since each mechanism is provided on the vertical plane with the outer frame of the catcher attached to the crane game machine removed, the work can be performed as it is. On the other hand, when each mechanism is provided on a horizontal plane like the catcher according to the prior art, the upper direction of the catcher is provided with means for hanging the catcher, so it is necessary to repair and adjust each mechanism from below. However, the work from below is not efficient due to the problem of the posture of the worker, and the parts to be replaced or attached are likely to fall and the efficiency is remarkably inferior.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a grip arm 1 is pivotally connected to a catcher body 9 by a grip arm pivot shaft 2, and the grip arm rotates around the grip arm pivot shaft so that the grip arm opens and closes. .

  In the drawing, only a part of the gripping arm is shown because of a problem in drawing space. The actual gripping arm is usually longer than shown in the figure and is curved in a shape that can grip the prize. In addition, a gripping claw may be provided at the tip to make it easier to grip the prize.

  A helical spring 4 is pivotally connected to the gripping arm, and a string 5 is connected to the helical spring. The direction of the string is changed by the pulley 7, and the string is fixed to the catcher body after being hooked on the string feed amount adjusting pulley 6.

  The string feed amount adjusting pulley is pivotally connected to the pulley table 8a, and the pulley table is pivotally connected to the crank plate 8b. The crank plate is pivotally connected to the crank disk 8c, and the pulley table moves up and down as the crank disk is rotated by a motor (not shown).

  FIG. 1A illustrates a state in which the pulley table is moved to the upper end portion. Since the string feed amount adjusting pulley is moved to the upper end portion together with the pulley table, the helical spring connected to the string is in an extended state.

  Therefore, the gripping arm connected to the helical spring is pulled in the direction of strong closing. That is, the gripping force of the gripping arm is very strong.

  When the pulley table is positioned below the upper end, the extension amount of the helical spring is small, and the gripping force of the grip arm is relatively small.

  Furthermore, (B) of FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the pulley table is moved substantially to the lower end. In the same figure, as a result of the string feed amount adjusting pulley moving to the lower end portion, the string is in a slack state.

  Therefore, not only the extension amount of the helical spring is 0, but also the gripping arm angle in which the slack remains in the string even if the gripping arm is opened in this state hardly causes the gripping force. However, even when the gripping force is not actively generated in this way, a slight gripping force is generated due to the weight of the gripping arm, etc., so the gripping arm is closed unless the gripping arm is actively opened. Keep the state.

  If the grip arm is fully open and the string is still slack, there will be almost no gripping force regardless of the opening angle of the grip arm, and there will be slack in the string before the grip arm is fully opened. When there is an angle of the gripping arm that does not exist, that is, a grip start angle, the helical spring is stretched after the grip start angle, so that a gripping force corresponding to the extension amount of the helical spring is generated.

  By setting it as the above structures, the 7th problem-solving means of this invention can be implemented concretely, and the effect can be enjoyed.

  If the string feeding amount adjusting pulley and the pulley are double pulleys, and the string is applied to these double pulleys twice or more, a string feeding amount larger than the movement amount of the pulley table can be obtained. In other words, a small pulley table movement amount is sufficient, which contributes to downsizing of the catcher.

  By the way, an example of an opening / closing mechanism for a gripping arm that is convenient for a catcher having a gripping force changing mechanism as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the gripping arm is provided with a sliding contact portion 3 and is in sliding contact with the gripping arm opening / closing cam 11. The grip arm opening / closing cam is rotatable about the grip arm opening / closing cam pivot shaft 12 and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).

  FIG. 2A shows a state where the gripping arm is closed. FIG. 2B shows a state where the gripping arm opening / closing cam is rotated and as a result, the gripping arm is opened. As described above, since the opening / closing mechanism of the gripping arm can be provided in a vertical plane, that is, in a plane parallel to the surface on which the gripping force adjusting mechanism is provided, both drive mechanisms do not interfere with each other, and the small catcher Realization is possible.

  In the state shown in FIG. 2 (A), the gripping arm opening / closing cam does not actively open the gripping arm, but for example, when the prize is gripped by the gripping arm, When a force to apply is applied, the gripping arm may open and the gripped premium may fall. The grip arm open / close cam serves to generate a force to open the grip arm, and does not positively apply a grip force to the grip arm. It is the gripping force adjusting mechanism that generates the gripping force of the gripping arm.

  FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a string is connected to the gripping arm, and a helical spring is connected to the string. Further, the helical spring is connected to the helical spring table 8f, and the helical spring table sliding contact portion 8d provided on the helical spring table is in sliding contact with the helical spring drive table drive cam 8e. The helical spring drive table drive cam is rotated by a motor (not shown), so that the helical spring drive table moves up and down, and as a result, the extension amount of the helical spring is adjusted or the string is bent, The gripping force can be adjusted.

  By setting it as the above structures, the 5th problem-solving means of this invention can be implemented concretely, and the effect can be enjoyed.

  FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a helical spring is connected to the gripping arm, a string is connected to the helical spring, and the string is connected by a reel 10 so that it can be wound up.

  By rotating the reel with a motor (not shown), it is possible to adjust the gripping force of the gripping arm by winding the string and adjusting the amount of extension of the helical spring, or bending the string.

  By setting it as the above structures, the 6th problem-solving means of this invention can be implemented concretely, and the effect can be enjoyed.

  FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a string is connected to the gripping arm, and the string is changed in the upward direction by the pulley and is hooked on the string feed amount adjusting pulley and then connected to the catcher body.

  Further, a helical spring is connected to the string feed amount adjusting pulley, and the helical spring is fixed to the helical spring table. The moving method of the helical spring table is the same as that of the pulley table of the first embodiment.

  By moving the helical spring table, the extension amount of the helical spring can be adjusted, or the string can be bent to adjust the gripping force of the gripping arm.

  By setting it as the above structures, the 8th problem-solving means of this invention can be implemented concretely, and the effect can be enjoyed.

  As described above, the present invention is very useful as a catcher of a crane game machine, and can improve the playability of the crane game machine, and the entertainment facilities can secure an appropriate profit and the player's willingness to play is also impaired. This is a highly valuable invention.

It is explanatory drawing which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the holding arm opening / closing means of a catcher. It is explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows another embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Grip arm (only a part is shown)
2 Gripping arm pivot shaft 3 Sliding part 4 Spiral spring 5 String 6 String feed amount adjusting pulley 7 Pulley 8 Pulley drive mechanism 8a Pulley table 8b Crank plate 8c Crank disk 8d Spiral spring table sliding part 8e Spiral spring table Drive cam 8f Spiral spring table 9 Catcher body 10 Reel 11 Grip arm open / close cam 12 Grip arm open / close cam pivot shaft

Claims (9)

In a catcher of a crane game machine having two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm,
A catcher for a crane game machine, wherein the gripping force changing mechanism can set the gripping arm to have almost no gripping force even when the gripping arm is open. In a catcher of a crane game machine having two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm,
In the first region from the state where the gripping arm is closed to the state where the gripping arm is opened at the gripping start angle by the gripping force changing mechanism, there is almost no gripping force of the gripping arm,
The gripping force of the gripping arm can be set to a substantially proportional state in the second region from the state where the gripping arm is opened at the gripping start angle to the time when the gripping arm is opened at the maximum angle. Crane game machine catcher featuring. The catcher for a crane game machine according to claim 2, wherein the grip start angle can be changed by the grip force changing mechanism. In a catcher of a crane game machine having two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm,
The crane game machine characterized in that the gripping force changing mechanism includes a helical spring having one end connected to the gripping arm, a string connected to the helical spring, and a string feed amount changing means. Catcher. In a catcher of a crane game machine having two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm,
The crane game machine characterized in that the gripping force changing mechanism includes a string having one end connected to the gripping arm, a helical spring connected to the string, and a tension amount changing means for the helical spring. Catcher. 5. The catcher for a crane game machine according to claim 4, wherein said string feeding amount changing means includes a reel for winding said string and a motor for driving said reel. 5. The crane game machine according to claim 4, wherein the string feeding amount change means includes a string feeding amount adjustment pulley on which the string is hooked, and a pulley drive mechanism that drives the string feeding amount adjustment pulley. catcher. In a catcher of a crane game machine having two or more gripping arms, a gripping arm driving mechanism for opening and closing the gripping arm, and a gripping force changing mechanism for changing the gripping force of the gripping arm,
The gripping force changing mechanism includes a string connected at one end to the gripping arm and fixed at the other end, a string feeding amount adjusting pulley hung on the string, and a crane having one end connected to the string feeding amount adjusting pulley. Crane game machine catcher characterized by comprising springs. The gripping arm drive mechanism includes a sliding contact portion provided on the gripping arm, a cam that slides on the sliding contact portion and rotates in a vertical plane, and a motor that drives the cam. The catcher of the crane game machine according to claim 1 to claim 8.

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