JP2020039989A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable execution of a game having amusingness by efficiently using digital money.SOLUTION: A crane game device 10 according to an embodiment comprises: money reception means for receiving an undefined amount of money via digital money; setting means for setting a state during a game is executed, according to the amount of money received by the money reception means; and game execution means for executing a game according to the state set by the setting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device capable of making a deposit using electronic money.

  Many game devices installed in amusement facilities, game centers, and the like generally allow a game to be executed by inserting a predetermined amount of coins or coins as a game fee. In recent years, not only coins and coins but also game devices capable of depositing a game fee using electronic money have been installed.

  By making electronic money available on the game device, there is no need to prepare a large number of coins and coins in advance, even when playing repeatedly, and exchange money when coins and coins run out. Is not replaced by another player when the player leaves the game device.

  By the way, conventionally, by providing a bill slot in addition to a coin slot, a crane game machine capable of paying a game fee with a 1,000-yen bill, a 2,000-yen bill or a higher bill has been proposed. (See Patent Document 1). In this crane game machine, when the amount of money inserted at a time exceeds a predetermined amount, it is possible to switch to the second operation state which is more advantageous to the player than the first operation state.

JP 2006-116035 A

  In the prior art, a game device can input a game fee using electronic money, but can only deposit money instead of inserting coins or coins. That is, in the conventional game device, it was not possible to provide an entertaining game that could encourage the player to use the game by utilizing electronic money.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device capable of executing an interesting game by effectively utilizing electronic money.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention controls a crane arm in accordance with an operation of a player, and pays out a prize placed in a prize field. Functional means for changing the position of the prize, determining means for determining payment for the use of the game, and operation for moving the position of the prize by the functional means after the payment for the use of the game is determined. And a game executing means for executing the game by controlling the crane arm after the operation of the functional means is executed by the control means.

  According to the present invention, an interesting game can be executed by effectively utilizing electronic money.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a game device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the crane game device according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the electronic money payment unit in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the arm unit of the crane arm in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the arm unit of the crane arm in this embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance structure of the arm unit of the crane arm in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an arm unit mechanism of the crane arm in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the state of the hand is changed by the arm unit mechanism in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the state of the hand is changed by the arm unit mechanism in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view showing each state for two hands for describing control of the hand by the arm unit mechanism of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view showing each state for two hands for describing control of the hand by the arm unit mechanism of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a spring plate, a pinion gear, a move gear, and a hand holding unit when the hand according to the embodiment is set to a use state. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing lock claws respectively corresponding to the cam plate and the hand in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing lock claws respectively corresponding to the cam plate and the hand in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hand stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing the balance of the hand according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hand stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing the balance of the hand according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hand stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing the balance of the hand according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a first modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a second modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view showing a second modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view showing a third modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view showing a third modification of the arm unit in the embodiment. The figure which shows the 4th modification of the arm unit in this embodiment. The figure which shows the 4th modification of the arm unit in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode in which a changed grip force is notified to a player using a display unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode in which a changed grip force is notified to a player using a display unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure that allows a player to recognize that gripping force has been enhanced in the embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (1st function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (2nd function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (3rd function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (4th function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (5th function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (6th function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of the specific function (seventh function) provided in the crane game device in this embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a payment control process in the crane game device according to the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen for payment target unit selection of the payment menu in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display in the deposit unit in this embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for describing control processing including function setting processing in the crane game device of the present embodiment. 9 is a flowchart for describing control processing including first function selection processing in the crane game device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection menu according to the embodiment. 9 is a flowchart for describing a control process including a second function selection process in the crane game device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection menu according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a game device according to the present embodiment. As a game device of the present embodiment, a crane game device 10 that controls a crane arm in accordance with an operation of a player and operates to pay out prizes will be described as an example.

  The crane game device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 13. The upper housing 12 is partially covered with a transparent plate 15 (opening / closing member) such as an acrylic plate so that the prize fields 16L and 16R inside the housing can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 15. I have. The transparent plate 15 is configured to be openable and closable on the front side, for example, and can be opened when the prize fields 16L and 16R are replaced or supplemented, or when the height of the prize fields 16L and 16R is adjusted.

  The crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment has two game units (a left unit 10L and a right unit 10R) so that two players can play a game at the same time. The left unit 10L and the right unit 10R are basically symmetrically configured at the center boundary. The prize fields 16L and 16R of the two game units are separated by a partition plate. A prize can be loaded on each of the two prize fields 16L and 16R separated by the partition plate.

  The example shown in FIG. 1 shows an example in which a panel having a prize dropout 17L formed on the left front side is attached to the prize field 16L. Also, an example is shown in which a panel having a prize dropout 17R formed on the right front side is attached to the prize field 16R. The positions of the prize dropouts 17L and 17R can be arbitrarily changed by changing the panel.

  At the prize dropouts 17L and 17R, dropout plates 17L1 and 17R1 are vertically set in accordance with the openings. The dropout plates 17L1 and 17R1 are provided to prevent the prizes piled up in the prize fields 16L and 16R from dropping into the prize dropouts 17L and 17R. The dropout plates 17L1 and 17R1 are detachably attached, and can be removed. Further, the height can be changed according to the mounting position of the drop plate.

  Furthermore, prize guides 17L2 and 17R2 can be attached to the prize drop openings 17L and 17R in accordance with the openings. The prize guides 17L2 and 17R2 are formed in a funnel shape having openings wider than the opening surfaces of the prize dropouts 17L and 17R. By installing the prize guides 17L2 and 17R2, the prizes conveyed by the crane arms 18L and 18R can be transferred to the prize dropouts 17L and 17R without moving the crane arms 18L and 18R to the center of the prize dropouts 17L and 17R. It can be easily dropped. For example, since the size of the arm unit (shown in FIGS. 4 to 6) provided on the crane arms 18L and 18R is larger than the size of a general arm unit, the crane arms 18L and 18R can be moved to the center of the prize drop openings 17L and 17R. Even if the prize guides 17L2 and 17R2 are not provided, the prize can be paid out in the same manner without changing the prize dropouts 17L and 17R. The prize guides 17L2 and 17R2 are detachably attached and can be removed.

  When the size of the arm unit is larger than the size of a general arm unit, the crane arm that allows the hand to open the hand so that the hand does not hit the side wall surface when opening and closing the hand (described later) of the arm unit. The position of 18L, 18R or the opening angle of the hand is adjusted. When adjusting the control of the crane arms 18L, 18R or the hand, the position of the sensor for detecting the open state of the crane arms 18L, 18R or the hand is changed by sliding or the like, or setting equipment (described later) is used. Changes such as changing a program for controlling the movement of the hand are made.

  The prizes dropped from the prize fields 16L and 16R are respectively provided in the lower part of the left half of the prize field 16L and the lower part of the right half of the prize field 16R in a prize outlet 21L provided on the front side of the lower housing 13. , 21R are provided. In addition, the prize guidance space is provided with an inclined surface that is high on the back side and low on the front side. By providing the inclined surface, the prize dropped from the prize dropper collides with the inclined surface, and easily falls on the front side of the lower housing 13 provided with the prize takeout ports 21L and 21R. This makes it easier to take out prizes from the prize outlets 21L and 21R. In addition, the inclined surface can be provided at a high position and a low position in the premium guiding space.

  For example, even if a prize that has fallen from the prize fields 16L and 16R rolls deep in the prize guidance space, the prize is provided on the opening side where the prize can be easily taken out from the prize take-out openings 21L and 21R by providing a slope at a low position. I'm trying to come back. In particular, by connecting the lower inclined plane and the bottom (horizontal plane) of the prize guiding space in a curved shape, the prize rolling backward can be smoothly rolled to the near side.

  Note that crane arms (catchers) 18L, 18R whose operations are controlled in accordance with player operations are mounted above the left and right premium fields 16L, 16R. A crane mechanism (for moving the crane arms 18L, 18R in, for example, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) above the prize fields 16L, 16R in the upper housing 12, respectively. (Not shown). The crane mechanism is controlled, for example, in response to a player operation on a horizontal movement button and a vertical movement button provided on the control panel units 23L and 23R. It should be noted that an input device such as a joystick capable of instructing up, down, left, and right directions by a player may be provided on the control panel units 23L, 23R, and the crane mechanism may move the crane arms 18L, 18R according to an operation on the input device. .

  A rotation button for operating a rotation mechanism for rotating the arm units of the crane arms 18L and 18R, and a descent stop button for stopping the descent operation of the crane arms 18L and 18R are provided on the control panel units 23L and 23R. May be provided.

  An arm unit on which a plurality of hands (gripping claws) for gripping a prize is mounted is provided at the tip of the crane arms 18L and 18R. The operation of the hand is controlled so that the hand is closed (gripping an object) at the position where the crane arms 18L and 18R are lowered and reach the premium. The arm units of the crane arms 18L and 18R in the present embodiment are provided with, for example, six hands, so that any two, four, or six sets can be selectively used. Can be set to For example, the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment determines the number of hands of the crane arms 18L and 18R at the time of the game execution and the hands at the time of acquiring premiums in accordance with the deposit amount of a game fee using electronic money described later. The closing force (gripping force) can be changed.

  In addition, a net for a prize display and a hook for hooking a prize can be attached to the inner surface or the side surface of the upper housing 12. The net and hooks (not shown) are attached to, for example, rails arranged horizontally in the upper part of the back surface, and are movable in the left-right direction along the rails. By displaying prizes using a net or a hook, the use of the crane game device 10 can be appealed to the user. Further, it is also possible to provide rails on both sides of each unit of the upper housing 12 for holding an end of a bar for placing a prize and moving the position of the end of the bar (FIG. Not shown). By arranging a plurality of bars, the prizes can be placed between the bars so that the prizes can be acquired by the crane arms 18L and 18R.

  On the front side of the lower housing 13, prize take-out openings 21L and 21R, a front maintenance door 22, and control panel (control panel) sections 23L and 23R operated by a player are provided.

  The prize outlets 21L and 21R are for taking out prizes from the inside of the housing (prize field) and communicate with a prize guidance space provided below the prize fields 16L and 16R. By operating the crane arms 18L and 18R to drop the prize into the prize dropper, the prize can be taken out from the prize outlets 21L and 21R.

  The front maintenance door 22 can be opened by an administrator when working on a control unit (control PCB (Print Circuit Board)) or other mechanism housed inside the lower housing 13. Yes (with key) In addition, a storage space is provided inside the front maintenance door 22, and a prize for replenishment, a prize field panel, and the like can be stored therein.

  In the control panel units 23L and 23R, in addition to a plurality of buttons 24L and 24R operated by a player to operate the crane arms 18L and 18R, electronic money deposit units 25L and 25R (hereinafter, deposit units 25L and 25R), Display devices 27L and 27R (for example, a touch screen) for displaying a coin insertion slot 26L, 26R into which a coin is inserted, a game fee, a paid amount, the number of remaining plays (the number of credits), a function setting menu, and the like. Is provided. Further, a speaker for outputting a sound effect, music, message voice, and the like during the game is provided. The detailed configuration of the depositing units 25L and 25R will be described later (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a setting device (a setting device 30 shown in FIG. 2) for an administrator to make various settings for the crane game device 10. The setting device is configured to be portable so as to be detachable from the main body housing of the crane game device 10. When performing setting operations, the setting device can be taken out of the storage unit and handled while being held in a hand at a position close to the crane game device 10. The setting device is connected to the control unit housed in the housing of the crane game device 10 by, for example, a cable or wireless communication (wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like). The setting device can individually set various settings for each of the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing of the crane game device 10, a control PCB (Print Circuit Board) 38 on which various units for controlling each unit are mounted, and a left unit 10L and a right unit 10R are provided. A control panel section (control panel sections 23L and 23R) and mechanism sections 49L and 49R are provided. FIG. 2 shows only the control panel 23R and the mechanism 49R of the right unit 10R. The control panel section 23L and the mechanism section 49L of the left unit 10L have the same configurations as the control panel section 23R and the mechanism section 49R, respectively, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The units mounted on the control PCB 38 include a CPU 40, a RAM 41, a storage device 42, an input / output processing unit 43, an X-axis motor drive unit 44 for controlling a mechanism unit 49R provided in the right unit 10R, and a Y-axis motor. It includes a drive unit 45, a Z-axis motor drive unit 46, a hand drive unit 47, and an additional unit drive unit 48. Although FIG. 2 shows only the mechanism 49R provided in the right unit 10R, a mechanism 49L having the same configuration as the mechanism 49R is provided in the left unit 10L. The control PCB 38 controls the mechanism 49L in the same manner as the mechanism 49R, and a detailed description is omitted.

  The CPU 40 controls the entire crane game device 10 by executing a control program or a game program stored in the RAM 41 or the storage device 42. The game program includes processing (payment control processing, time lending control processing) relating to the payment of the game fee from the electronic money by the payment units 25L and 25R (payment control processing) (payment means), and a functional unit according to the payment amount from the electronic money. A program for executing a function setting (setting means) to be set or a function setting process for controlling payment of a game fee in accordance with a state (functional unit) at the time of game execution (function unit) specified in accordance with an operation of a player is provided. included. When electronic money is used, it is possible to deposit an indefinite amount according to the selection of a player or the setting by the device.

  Further, the CPU 40 can also record credit data indicating the number of playable times in the RAM 41 in accordance with a coin insertion detection signal input via the input / output processing unit 43. Further, the CPU 40 responds to an instruction to move the crane arms 18L, 18R instructed by a user operation input via the input / output processing unit 43, and to control the X-axis motor driving unit 44, the Y-axis motor driving unit 45, and the Z-axis motor driving unit 45. By controlling the shaft motor drive unit 46 and the hand drive unit 47, each unit of the mechanism unit 49R is appropriately operated. Further, the CPU 40 controls the audio output from the speaker 29 and the display on the display devices 27L and 27R via the input / output processing unit 43.

  The RAM 41 temporarily stores, in addition to various programs such as a control program and a game program, various data for controlling a game associated with processing executed by the CPU 40. The data recorded in the RAM 41 includes, for example, credit data indicating the number of playable times, position data indicating the positions (X position, Y position) of the crane arms 18L, 18R, and the like.

The storage device 42 stores programs and data in a non-volatile storage medium such as a ROM and a hard disk.
The input / output processing unit 43 is an interface with various input / output devices provided outside the control PCB 38.
The X-axis motor drive unit 44 controls driving of an X-axis motor 50 provided in the mechanism unit 49R. The Y-axis motor drive unit 45 controls driving of a Y-axis motor 51 provided in the mechanism unit 49R. The Z-axis motor drive unit 46 controls driving of a Z-axis motor 52 provided in the mechanism unit 49R. The hand drive unit 47 controls the drive of a hand motor 53 for opening and closing a hand provided on the crane arms 18L and 18R.

  The additional unit drive unit 48 controls the driving of an additional unit 57 provided to realize a specific function provided in the crane game device 10 under the control of the CPU 40. The specific function is, for example, a function that can be selectively executed according to the amount of money received using electronic money. The specific function is not limited to one type, and a plurality of types may be mounted. When a plurality of types are mounted, additional units 57 corresponding to the respective functions are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mechanism 49R includes an X-axis motor 50, a Y-axis motor 51, a Z-axis motor 52, a hand motor 53, a lock claw motor 54, a premium detection sensor 55, a display unit 56, and an additional unit 57. Is included.
The X-axis motor 50 is driven by the X-axis motor drive unit 44, and moves the crane arm 18R in the X-axis direction (lateral direction). The Y-axis motor 51 is driven by the Y-axis motor drive unit 45, and moves the crane arm 18R in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). The Z-axis motor 52 is driven by the Z-axis motor drive unit 46, and moves the crane arm 18R in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The hand motor 53 is driven by the hand drive unit 47, and opens and closes the hand of the crane arm 18R for holding the prize.

  The prize detection sensor 55 detects a prize dropped to the prize drop opening 17R by operating the crane arm 18R.

  The display unit 56 is provided on the arm unit of the crane arm 18R (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), and provides the player with a gripping force that is changed in accordance with, for example, a deposit of a game fee using electronic money. Used to notify. As the display unit 56, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode), a 7-segment display, or the like can be used (see FIGS. 31 and 32).

  The additional unit 57 is a unit for implementing a specific function provided in the crane game device 10. The additional unit 57 is not limited to one, and may include a plurality of units corresponding to each of a plurality of functions. Specific functions provided in the crane game device 10 will be described later (see FIGS. 34 to 40).

  The control panel unit 23R includes, for example, a deposit unit 25R, a coin insertion slot 26R, a coin insertion sensor 28R, a horizontal movement button 24Ra, a vertical movement button 24Rb, and a display device 27R. Further, a button for a specific purpose, for example, a start button can be mounted on the control panel unit 23R.

  The deposit unit 25R is a unit for depositing an amount to be a game fee when an electronic money card is brought close to the electronic money card. The deposit unit 25R can set a game fee to be deposited, for example, under the control of a server device connected to the crane game device 10 via a network (such as a LAN) or the control PCB 38 (CPU 40).

  The coin insertion sensor 28R detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 26R and outputs a detection signal indicating coin insertion to the input / output processing unit 43. The CPU 40 records credit data indicating the number of playable times according to the detection signal input to the input / output processing unit 43.

  The lateral movement button 24Ra is for inputting an instruction from the player to move the crane arm 18R in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). When pressed by the player, the horizontal movement button 24Ra outputs to the input / output processing unit 43 a signal indicating that the player has been pressed. When the CPU 40 detects that the lateral movement button 24Ra has been pressed through the input / output processing unit 43, the CPU 40 drives the X-axis motor 50 via the X-axis motor drive unit 44 to move the crane arm 18R in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). ). When the horizontal movement button 24Ra is not pressed, the CPU 40 stops driving the X-axis motor 50.

  The vertical movement button 24Rb is used to input an instruction by the player to move the crane arm 18R in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). When pressed by the player, the vertical movement button 24Rb outputs to the input / output processing unit 43 a signal indicating that the button has been pressed. When the CPU 40 detects that the vertical movement button 24Rb is pressed through the input / output processing unit 43, the CPU 40 drives the Y-axis motor 51 via the Y-axis motor drive unit 45 to move the crane arm 18R in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). ). When the vertical movement button 24Rb is not pressed, the CPU 40 stops driving the Y-axis motor 51. After stopping the driving of the Y-axis motor 51, the CPU 40 causes the crane arm 18R to start a prize acquisition sequence. As a prize acquisition sequence, the CPU 40 lowers the tip (arm unit) of the crane arm 18R through the Z-axis motor drive unit 46 to a position where the prize reaches the prize, and causes the hand to grasp the prize through the hand drive unit 47. Then, the crane arm 18R is raised.

  The display device 27R displays various information under the control of the CPU 40. On the display device 27R, for example, a display of the number of credits (number of playable times), an operation mode, and the like are displayed. Further, the display device 27R displays a menu screen or the like for receiving a setting operation by a player for a specific function provided in the crane game device 10.

  The setting device 30 is used by an administrator to make various settings for the crane game device 10, and includes, for example, a plurality of buttons (selection button, decision button, up and down buttons) for inputting various setting operations. Left and right buttons, etc.), a display for displaying various setting screens, and the like are mounted. The setting operation may be performed using the buttons 24 provided on the control panel units 23L and 23R and the display devices 27L and 27R.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the electronic money deposit unit 25 (25L, 25R) in the present embodiment.
The electronic money deposit unit 25 includes, for example, an amount button 25a operated by a player to specify an amount, a card selection button 25b operated to specify the type of an electronic money card (IC card), an operation message, A display 25c for displaying a deposit amount, a balance of electronic money, and the like, and a card reader / writer 25d for communicating with the electronic money card in a non-contact manner (short-range wireless communication) are provided. The electronic money deposit unit 25 is provided with a holder 25e for holding an electronic money card. In addition, the display 25c may be configured to receive a button operation by a player by displaying a button as a touch screen.

  The holder 25e is used for holding an electronic money card when, for example, a player repeatedly pays a game fee using electronic money. The holder 25e is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for preventing the electronic money card from being easily taken out when being held. The electronic money deposit unit 25 has a function of communicating between the electronic money card held in the holder 25e and the card reader / writer 25d in accordance with an instruction from the control PCB 38 (CPU 40).

  Next, the configuration of the arm units provided on the crane arms 18L and 18R in the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the arm unit of the crane arm 18R will be described. The crane arm 18L has the same configuration as the crane arm 18R, and a detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are views showing the external configuration of the arm unit of the crane arm 18R in the present embodiment. FIGS. 4 (A), (B) and 5 are diagrams showing a use state in which, for example, six hands are set to be used in a game. FIGS. 5 (B) and 6 (A), (B) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing, for example, a standby state. FIGS. 4 (A) and 5 (B) are perspective views of the arm unit of the crane arm 18R, FIGS. 4 (B) and 6 (A) are side views, and FIGS. 5 (A) and 6 (B) are , And plan views respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, a mounting portion 60 for mounting a wire or a telescopic member is provided between the crane mechanism and the crane mechanism at the uppermost center of the arm unit of the crane arm 18 </ b> R in the present embodiment. Six hands 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, and 64f are arranged at equal intervals radially with respect to the center axis of the arm unit. In the arm unit, an arm unit mechanism for supporting the hands 64a to 64f and performing a holding operation is accommodated in the unit housing 61. In the standby state, the hands 64a to 64f in the present embodiment can hold (lock) the distal end portion at a position higher than that in normal use by the arm unit mechanism. The unit housing 61 is provided with a notch 62 corresponding to each of the hands 64a to 64f so that when the hands 64a to 64f are held at the upper part, a part of the hands 64a to 64f can be stored. Have been. By storing a part of the hands 64a to 64f so as to be exposed from the unit housing 61, even if the player uses the crane game apparatus 10 for the first time, it is easy to store the hands 64a to 64f. Can be recognized.

  In FIGS. 5B and 6A and 6B, when the hands 64a to 64f are held at the top, the tip is held at a position higher than the bottom of the arm unit. May be held at substantially the same position as the bottom of the arm unit, or the tip may be held between the bottom of the arm unit and the position during normal use (before the gripping operation). For example, by holding the tips of the hands 64a to 64f at a position higher than the bottom of the arm unit, the hands not used during the prize gripping operation do not touch the prize and do not become an obstacle. In addition, by holding the tips of the hands 64a to 64f at substantially the same position as the bottom of the arm unit, the hands 64a to 64f can be used together with the bottom of the arm unit to press prizes on the field with hands not used. Also, by holding the tips of the hands 64a to 64f so that the height of the tips is between the bottom of the arm unit and the position in normal use, the hands used when not in use, such as stirring the prizes on the field. can do. In the following description, it is assumed that the hands 64a to 64f are held at the positions shown in FIGS. 5B, 6A, and 6B.

  The display unit 56 is disposed in a part of the unit housing 61 (between the hand 64b and the hand 64c). In use, the crane arm 18R is installed such that the display unit 56 faces the player, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5B, 6A, and 6B, in the arm unit, the hands 64a to 64f are accommodated in the unit housing 61 during standby. In the crane game device 10 of the present embodiment, any one of two, four, and six sets can be selectively used in accordance with payment of a game fee using electronic money. The hands 64a to 64f selectively set the hands to be used at the time of executing the game to a use state according to the payment by the electronic money before the game starts (before the button operation by the player is started). This allows the player to grasp the state of the arm unit at the time of executing the game. The crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the player confirms the state of the arm unit, he / she wants to add a hand so that he / she can more surely hold the prize, and further deposits the money from electronic money. , A hand to be used in the game can be added.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an arm unit mechanism of the crane arm 18R in the present embodiment.
In the arm unit, a lock claw motor 70 is arranged below the mounting portion 60. The lock claw motor 70 is arranged such that the rotation axis is perpendicular to the center axis of the arm unit. The lock claw motor 70 is a stepping motor. When the hands 64a to 64f are not used, the lock claws 73a, 73b, 73c, 73d, and 73c hold (lock) the hands 64a to 64f at a position higher than that in normal use. The power for operating 73e and 73f is supplied. At the tips of the lock claws 73a to 73f, claws are provided so as to hang on a part of the structure of the hands 64a to 64f. When the lock claws 73a to 73f are pressed against the hands 64a to 64f, a part of the structure is applied to the claws by the weight of the hands 64a to 64f, so that the hands 64a to 64f can be locked (held). A power transmission member 71 is attached to the rotation shaft of the lock claw motor 70. The power transmission member 71 transmits power to a cam plate 72 that rotates horizontally with the center axis of the arm unit with the rotation of the lock claw motor 70. The lock claw motor may be a normal motor.

  The cam plate 72 is rotated by transmitting the power of the lock claw motor 70, and operates so that the lock claws 73a to 73f hold (lock) or release the hands 64a to 64f. In the outer peripheral portion of the cam plate 72, cams corresponding to the six lock claws 73a to 73f are formed at six places. One end of each of the lock claws 73 a to 73 f is engaged with a cam corresponding to each of the cam plates 72, and the end positions are moved in the horizontal direction with the rotation of the cam plate 72. The lock claws 73a to 73f are rotatably formed by a rotation shaft provided in the vicinity of the end, and when the end is moved, the other end is moved by the rotation shaft. Since the other end is formed in a shape for holding (locking) the hands 64a to 64f, it functions to hold (lock) or release the hands 64a to 64f by being moved. The details of the control of the lock claws 73a to 73f using the cam plate 72 will be described later (FIGS. 13 and 14).

  A hand opening / closing motor 75 is arranged below the cam plate 72. The hand opening / closing motor 75 is arranged such that the rotation axis coincides with the center axis of the arm unit. A pinion gear 76 that rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft is attached to the rotating shaft of the hand opening / closing motor 75. The move gear 77 is engaged with the pinion gear 76, and moves the move gear 77 in the vertical direction by rotation. A spring plate 74 is placed horizontally on the move gear 77. The spring plate 74 is for attaching gripping force adjusting springs 79a, 79b, 79c, 79d, 79e, 79f for adjusting the gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f. The gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f are provided corresponding to the hands 64a to 64f, respectively. One end is attached to the spring plate 74, and the other end is a hand holding portion 78a that holds the hands 64a to 64f. , 78b, 78c, 78d, 78e, 78f, respectively. The hand holding portions 78a to 78f are attached so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction via a rotating body and a structure supporting the arm unit. Since the spring plate 74 is placed on the move gear 77, the spring plate 74 moves upward together with the move gear 77 when the move gear 77 is moved upward. For this reason, since the gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f are attached between the move gear 77 and the hand holding portions 78a to 78f, they bias the hand holding portions 78a to 78f to rotate. That is, the gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f attached to the hand holding units 78a to 78f can be added. The grip force of the hands 64a to 64f can be adjusted by changing the amount (height) by which the move gear 77 (spring plate 74) is moved upward.

8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example in which the states of the hands 64a to 64f are changed by the arm unit mechanism illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a standby state of the crane arm 18R. As shown in FIG. 8A, the tips of all the hands 64a to 64f are moved upward, and are held by lock claws 73a to 73f, respectively. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which the lock claws 73a and 73d corresponding to the two hands 64a and 64d have been removed (unlocked), and the hands 64a and 64d have been set to the use state. As shown in FIG. 8B, two hands 64a and 64d facing each other across the central axis of the arm unit are set in a use state so that a premium can be held.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a state in which the lock claws 73c and 73f corresponding to the two hands 64c and 64f are further removed (unlocked), and the hands 64c and 64f are set to the use state. In FIG. 9A, the prize can be grasped using the four hands 64a, 64c, 64d, and 64f, so that the prize can be easily acquired.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a state in which the lock claws 73b and 73e corresponding to the two hands 64b and 64e are further removed (unlocked), and the hands 64b and 64e are set to the use state. In FIG. 9B, the prize can be grasped using all six hands 64a to 64f, so that it is possible to further easily obtain the prize.

  In the above description, the crane arm 18R in the present embodiment is configured such that the six hands 64a to 64f can be selectively used as a set of any two, four, or six hands. Although set, any number may be selectively executable.

  Next, control of the hands 64a to 64f by the arm unit mechanism of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are side views showing respective states for the two hands 64a and 64d.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a standby state of the hands 64a and 64d. The hand holding units 78a and 78d that hold the hands 64a and 64d can move the hands 64a and 64d upward by rotating upward with the rotation shafts 78a1 and 78d1. In the standby state, the move gear 77 is located below the pinion gear 76. Therefore, the gripping force adjusting springs 79a, 79d attached between the spring plate 74 and the spring attaching members 78a2, 78d2 provided on the hand holding portions 78a, 78d are in a contracted state (initial state), It does not act to add a gripping force to the holding parts 78a, 78d (hands 64a, 64d).

  FIG. 10B shows a state where the hands 64a and 64d are set to the use state. When the hands 64a and 64d are in the use state, the lock claws 73a and 73d holding the hands 64a and 64d are removed. Accordingly, the hands 64a and 64d rotate downward by their own weight. When the hands 64a and 64d rotate downward, the curved portions (upper portions in the state of FIG. 10B) formed at the ends of the hand holding portions 78a and 78d on the side where the hands 64a and 64d are not mounted. And presses against a slope formed on the bottom surface of the move gear 77. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B (FIG. 8B), the hands 64a and 64d are maintained at the positions where the tips thereof face downward.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the spring plate 74, the pinion gear 76, the move gear 77, and the hand holding portions 78a and 78d when the hands 64a and 64d in the present embodiment are set to the use state. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the spring plate 74, the pinion gear 76, and the move gear 77. As shown in FIG. 12, the pinion gear 76 and the move gear 77 are engaged, and the spring plate 74 is placed on the move gear 77. The spring plate 74 is not engaged with the pinion gear 76. An inclined surface 77bt is formed on the bottom surface of the move gear 77, and the curved surfaces of the hand holding portions 78a and 78d are pressed against each other.

  FIG. 10C shows a state during the gripping operation of the hands 64a and 64d. When the hands 64a, 64d perform a gripping operation (closing operation), the hand opening / closing motor 75 is driven to move the move gear 77 upward. That is, when the hand opening / closing motor 75 is driven, the pinion gear 76 rotates, and the move gear 77 engaged with the pinion gear 76 is moved upward. Accordingly, the spring plate 74 placed on the move gear 77 also moves upward, and the gripping force adjusting springs 79a and 79d are extended. As shown in FIG. 10B, spring mounting members 78d2 and 78d2 for attaching the gripping force adjusting springs 79a and 79d are provided at positions closer to the center axis of the arm unit mechanism than the rotating shafts 78a1 and 78d1. Therefore, the gripping force adjusting springs 79a, 79d add a gripping force to the hands 64a, 64d by being extended.

  The gripping force applied by the gripping force adjusting springs 79a, 79d can be increased as the amount of extension of the gripping force adjusting springs 79a, 79d increases.

  FIG. 11A shows a state in which the move gear 77 has been moved upward as compared with FIG. 10C. As shown in FIG. 11A, by moving the move gear 77 upward, the spring plate 74 is moved upward, and the gripping force adjusting springs 79a and 79d are further extended. For this reason, the gripping force of the hands 64a and 64d added by the gripping force adjusting springs 79a and 79d is further increased.

  When the crane arm 18R is moved to the prize dropper 17R after the hands 64a and 64d perform the gripping operation, the hands 64a and 64d perform the releasing operation (opening operation). In this case, the hand opening / closing motor 75 is driven so as to move the move gear 77 downward. That is, when the hand opening / closing motor 75 is driven, the pinion gear 76 rotates, and the move gear 77 engaged with the pinion gear 76 is moved downward. Accordingly, the spring plate 74 placed on the move gear 77 also moves downward. For this reason, the gripping force adjusting springs 79a and 79d are contracted, and as shown in FIG. 11C, the upper portions of the hand holding portions 78a and 78d are pressed against the bottom of the move gear 77, and the use state shown in FIG. The state is the same as when set to.

  When the hands 64a and 64d are to be in the standby state, the move gear 77 is further moved downward in the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, since the curved portions of the hand holding portions 78a and 78d are pressed against the slope portion 77bt at the bottom of the move gear 77, the move gear 77 is further moved in the downward direction. The ends of the hand holding portions 78a and 78d are pushed down such that the curved surfaces of the hand holding portions 78a and 78d rotate on the slope portion 77bt. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11B, the tips of the hands 64a and 64d move upward. When the move gear 77 is moved downward from the state shown in FIG. 11C, the spring plate 74 is separated from the move gear 77 by being supported by the shortest gripping force adjusting springs 79a and 79d. In this state, the lock claws 73a and 73d are moved so as to hold the hands 64a and 64d.

  Note that, in the above description, the hands 64a and 64d are described as targets, but with the same control as described above, the hands released from the holding by the lock claws 73a to 73f are the same as the hands 64a and 64d. Can work.

  Next, control of the lock mechanism that holds the hands 64a to 64f by the arm unit mechanism of the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views showing lock pawls 73a to 73f respectively corresponding to the cam plate 72 and the hands 64a to 64f in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, cams 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f corresponding to the six lock claws 73 a to 73 f are formed at six locations on the outer peripheral portion of the cam plate 72. Have been. The lock claws 73a to 73f are provided with rotation shafts 73a1, 73b1, 73c1, 73d1, 73e1, and 73f1, and are rotatable in the horizontal direction by the rotation shafts 73a1 to 73f1. The lock claws 73a to 73f are provided with protrusions 73a2, 73b2, 73c2, 73d2, 73e2, and 73f2 near one end, and are engaged with the cams 72a to 72f corresponding to the cam plates 72, respectively. ing. Therefore, when the positions of the protrusions 73a2 to 73f2 are moved with the rotation of the cam plate 72, the other ends of the lock claws 73a to 73f move in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the protrusions 73a2 to 73f2. .

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the widths of the cams 72a to 72f are the same for a set of cams 72a and 72d, cams 72b and 72e, and cams 72c and 72f provided at opposing positions. , 72d, cams 72b, 72e, and cams 72c, 72f in order of increasing width.

  FIG. 13A shows a state in which the hands 64a to 64f are locked by all the lock claws 73a to 73f. Here, when the cam plate 72 is rotated, first, the projections 73a2, 73d2 locked with the narrowest cams 72a, 72d are moved. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13B, the lock claws 73a, 73d provided with the protrusions 73a2, 73d2 are moved, and the locks of the hands 64a, 64d are released (released). When the two hands 64a and 64d are made executable, the rotation amount of the cam plate 72 is controlled so that only the lock claws 73a and 73d (projections 73a2 and 73d2) are moved.

  Similarly, when the rotation amount of the cam plate 72 is further increased, the cams 72b and 72e having the next wider width than the cams 72a and 72d are moved. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14A, the lock claws 73b and 73e provided with the protrusions 73b2 and 73e2 are moved to release (release) the lock of the hands 64b and 64e. Thereby, the four hands 64a, 64b, 64d, 64e can be made executable.

  When the rotation amount of the cam plate 72 is further increased, the widest cams 72c and 72f are moved. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14B, the lock claws 73c, 73f provided with the projections 73c2, 73f2 are moved, and the locks of the hands 64c, 64f are released (released). Thereby, all the six hands 64a to 64f can be made executable.

  In the above description, the width is gradually increased in the order of the set of the cams 72a and 72d, the cams 72b and 72e, and the cams 72c and 72f of the cam plate 72 (from narrow to wide). May be changed. As a result, as the amount of rotation of the cam plate 72 increases, the state can be changed so that the hand can be executed not only in the order of the hands 64a, 64d, the hands 64b, 64e, and the hands 64c, 64f but in a different order.

  Thus, in the arm unit mechanism of the crane arm 18R in the present embodiment, the plurality of hands 64a to 64f can be selectively used. Further, by adjusting the position of the move gear 77 in the vertical direction, the gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f can be adjusted.

Next, a hand stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing the hands 64a to 64f in the executable state will be described.
As described above, by releasing the lock by the lock claws 73a to 73f, the hands 64a to 64f rotate downward by their own weight, and the upper parts of the hand holding parts 78a to 78f are pressed against the bottom of the move gear 77. (A state in which the hand holding portions 78a to 78f are oriented substantially horizontally). In this state, in the hands 64a to 64f, for example, the arm unit is moved downward in the prize acquisition sequence, and the hands move upward when they come into contact with the prize placed in the prize field. For this reason, the states of the two opposing hands are different, and there is a possibility that a stable gripping operation cannot be performed.

  FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 show an example of an arm unit for maintaining the state of the hands 64a to 64f and stabilizing the balance of the hands even when pressure is applied from below to the hands 64a to 64f. It is. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the arm unit includes an upper structure ST <b> 1, a lower structure ST <b> 2, and a plurality of pillar structures ST <b> 3 supporting between the upper structure ST <b> 1 and the lower structure ST <b> 2 (FIGS. 15 to 17). , Only one is shown), and shows a hand stabilizing mechanism for performing a stable gripping operation by the hand. Here, only the hand 64a will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a configuration around the hand holding portion 78a of the arm unit mechanism in the present embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a side view of the same.

  When the hand stabilizing mechanism is mounted, protrusions 78a3 and 78a4 are provided at the end of the hand holding portion 78a that holds the hand 64a. The protrusions 78a3 and 78a4 are provided so as to extend in different directions from the hand holding portion 78a in a direction opposite to the direction in which the hand 64a is held. Further, the projections 78a3 and 78a4 are provided at positions where they do not overlap in the axial direction (left and right directions with respect to the axis) while being shifted in the axial direction (direction of the rotation shaft 78a1) where the hand holding portion 78a is mounted. On the other hand, a stopper cam 80 is provided at the lower end of the pinion gear 76. The stopper cam 80 is pressed against the lower end of the pinion gear 76 by a spring 81 provided between the stopper cam 80 and the lower structure ST2 supporting the arm unit, and rotates in a horizontal direction within a predetermined range with the rotation of the pinion gear 76.

  The stopper cam 80 has six arms corresponding to the hand holding portions 78a to 78f (hands 64a to 64f) extending from the rotation shaft, and has a protrusion at the tip of each arm facing upward. The height of the protrusion of the stopper cam 80 is provided so as to substantially coincide with the lower surface of the protrusion 78a3 provided at the end of the hand holding portion 78a when the hand holding portion 78a (hand 64a) is in the use state. .

  Below one arm of the stopper cam 80, a stopper pin 82 extending vertically is attached. The lower end of the stopper pin 82 penetrates a hole 83 provided in the lower structure ST2 (base sheet metal) of the arm unit. The hole 83 defines a predetermined range in which the stopper cam 80 rotates, and includes a range between a position where the projection of the stopper cam 80 is located so as to face the lower surface of the projection 78a3 of the hand holding portion 78a, and a position where the projection is not opposed. Thus, the stopper cam 80 (stopper pin 82) is formed in such a size as to be movable.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, when the pinion gear 76 is rotated in the direction of the arrow S1 to move the move gear 77 upward (the direction in which the hand 64a is closed), the stopper cam is rotated with the rotation of the pinion gear 76. The rotation of 80 causes the stopper pin 82 to move in the direction of arrow S2. The stopper cam 80 stops rotating when the stopper pin 82 contacts the end of the hole 83 (the pinion gear 76 continues to rotate). Thus, as shown in FIG. 17A, the protrusion of the stopper cam 80 is moved to a position facing the lower surface of the protrusion 78a3 of the hand holding portion 78a. Therefore, even if pressure is applied to the hand holding portion 78a (the hand 64a) from below, the protrusion 78a3 engages with the protrusion of the stopper cam 80, so that the hand holding portion 78a (the hand 64a) is further turned upward. It is not moved.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the pinion gear 76 is rotated in the direction of the arrow S3 to move the move gear 77 downward (opening the hand 64a → storage direction), the rotation of the pinion gear 76 is performed. As a result, the stopper cam 80 rotates, and the stopper pin 82 moves in the direction of arrow S4. The stopper cam 80 stops rotating when the stopper pin 82 hits the opposite end of the hole 83 (the pinion gear 76 continues to rotate). Thus, as shown in FIG. 17B, the protrusion of the stopper cam 80 is moved to a position where it comes off the protrusion 78a3 of the hand holding portion 78a. Thus, the hand holding unit 78a (the hand 64a) can be turned.

  Thus, by providing the hand stabilizing mechanism, when the hand 64a is put into the use state, the state can be maintained even when the hand 64a is pressed from below. The state of the hand does not differ, and a stable gripping operation can be performed.

Next, a modified example of the arm unit will be described.
FIGS. 18 to 24 are views showing a first modification of the arm unit in the present embodiment. In the above description, the lock claw motor 70 and the hand opening / closing motor 75 are arranged above the upper structure ST1, but in the first modified example, the lock control motor 70b and the hand opening / closing motor 75a are arranged in the upper structure. By mounting the arm unit on the lower part of the body ST1, the size of the arm unit in the height direction is reduced. 18 to 24, only the characteristic structure in the first modified example will be described, and other structures are the same as those of the above-described arm unit, and detailed description will be omitted. In the case of the first modification, a lock control motor 70b is provided instead of the lock claw motor 54 shown in FIG.

  18 and 19 are diagrams illustrating a structure provided above the upper structure ST1 in the first modification. As shown in FIG. 18 (see FIGS. 21, 22, and 23), a hand opening / closing motor 75a is provided below the upper structure ST1. A pinion gear 84A (or pulley) is attached to the rotation shaft of the hand opening / closing motor 75a above the upper structure ST1. The pinion gear 84A is engaged with, for example, a horizontal gear 84B, and the horizontal gear 84B is further engaged with a rotation shaft of the pinion gear 76 and a pinion gear 84C provided above the upper structure ST1. Therefore, the rotational power of the hand opening / closing motor 75a is transmitted to the pinion gear 76 via the pinion gear 84A, the horizontal gear 84B, and the pinion gear 84C. It should be noted that pulleys may be attached to the rotation shaft of the pinion gear 76 and the rotation shaft of the hand opening / closing motor 75a, respectively, and a belt may be hung between the pulleys to transmit rotation power.

  In the configuration of the arm unit shown in FIGS. 7, 13, and 14, the hands 64a to 64f are locked by the lock claws 73a to 73f when the hands 64a to 64f are not used (standby state). In FIGS. 19, 21 and 22, instead of the lock claws 73a to 73f, pressure contact members 73a3, 73b3, 73c3, 73d3, 73e3, 73f3 corresponding to the hands 64a to 64f are provided. . The pressing members 73a3 to 73f3 are members used to lock (hold) the hands 64a to 64f in a standby state by pressing against the hands 64a to 64f, and include link plates 73ad, 73be, 73cf described later. Thereby, it can be moved within a predetermined range in the horizontal direction. A soft material such as rubber is mounted on a surface of the pressing members 73a3 to 73f3 that is pressed against the hands 64a to 64f. For this reason, when the pressing members 73a3 to 73f3 are pressed against the hands 64a to 64f, the pressing state between the pressing members 73a3 to 73f3 and the hands 64a to 64f is stabilized, and even if the arm unit is vibrated, the hand 64a ~ 64f can be held without vibrating.

  The pressing members 73a3 and 73d3 are provided at both ends of the link plate 73ad. The pressing members 73b3 and 73e3 are provided at both ends of the link plate 73be. The pressing members 73c3 and 73f3 are provided on the link plate 73cf, respectively. As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the link plates 73ad, 73be, 73cf are superimposed on the axis at the same position as the rotation axis of the pinion gear 76 at their respective central portions, and are rotatable within a predetermined range. So that it is attached. 21 and 22, the link plate 73ad, the link plate 73be, and the link plate 73cf are stacked in this order from the bottom. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, a torsion spring (torsion spring) 81a is attached to the lowermost link plate 73ad. The torsion spring 81a urges the link plate 73ad so as to rotate in a direction in which the pressing members 73a3 and 73d3 provided at both ends are pressed against the hands 64a and 64d. Further, the urging force of the torsion spring 81a is transmitted to the link plate 73be and the link plate 73cf via the link plate 73ad. Accordingly, the link plate 73be and the link plate 73cf are similarly urged to rotate in the direction of pressing the pressing members 73b3, 73e3, 73c3, 73f3 against the hands 64b, 64e, 64c, 64f.

  The link plate 73be and the link plate 73cf may be configured to be urged by a spring provided separately from the torsion spring 81a. The uppermost link plate 73cf is urged using a torsion spring in the same manner as the link plate 73ad, so that providing the respective springs does not increase the size of the unit. Further, a configuration in which the torsion spring 81a is urged by another member such as a tension spring instead of the torsion spring 81a may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a transmission member 71a that rotates in the horizontal direction with the driving of the lock control motor 70b is attached to the rotation shaft of the lock control motor 70b. One end of the transmission member 71b is attached via a shaft. Further, a light blocking member (sensor blade) 71c is attached to the transmission member 71a. Therefore, when the lock control motor 70b is driven, the transmission member 71a rotates, and the position of one end of the transmission member 71b attached to the transmission member 71a is moved, so that the other end of the transmission member 71b is moved. Is moved, and the light shielding member 71c is moved in the horizontal direction. The other end of the transmission member 71b is provided with a protrusion 71b1 extending in the vertical direction. In the link plate 73ad, for example, a hole is formed near the position where the press-contact member 73d3 is attached to allow the protrusion 71b1 to penetrate. The transmission member 71b is inserted below the link plate 73ad, and the projection 71b1 penetrates from the lower portion of the link plate 73ad through this hole.

  When the position of the other end of the transmission member 71b is moved by a predetermined amount with the driving of the lock control motor 70b, the side of the link plate 73ad on which the pressure contact member 73d3 is provided projects against the urging by the spring. Pushed by. For this reason, the pressure contact member 73d3 and the pressure contact member 73a3 provided at the end opposite to the link plate 73ad are moved in directions away from the hands 64a and 64d, respectively. That is, the holding (locking) of the hands 64a, 64d by the pressing members 73a3, 73d3 can be released.

  Further, when the position of the other end of the transmission member 71b is moved by a predetermined amount in accordance with the driving of the lock control motor 70b, a pressure contact member 73e3 of the link plate 73be is provided next to the urging by the spring. Is pressed by the protrusion 71b1. For this reason, the pressure contact member 73e3 and the pressure contact member 73b3 provided at the end opposite to the link plate 73be are moved in directions away from the hands 64b and 64e, respectively. That is, the holding (locking) of the hands 64b and 64e by the pressing members 73b3 and 73e3 can be released.

  Further, when the position of the other end of the transmission member 71b is moved by a predetermined amount in accordance with the driving of the lock control motor 70b, a pressure contact member 73f3 of the link plate 73cf is provided against the urging by the spring. Is pressed by the protrusion 71b1. For this reason, the press contact member 73f3 and the press contact member 73c3 provided at the end opposite to the link plate 73cf are moved in directions away from the hands 64c and 64f, respectively. That is, the holding (locking) of the hands 64c and 64f by the press contact members 73c3 and 73f3 can be released.

  When the arm unit of the first modification is provided, the mechanism 49R (49L) shown in FIG. 2 controls the lock control motor 70b so as to move the position of the other end of the transmission member 71b by a predetermined amount. And a plurality of sensors used for lock control of the hands 64a to 64f. In the configuration of the first modified example, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 22, for example, four photo interrupters S1, S2, S3, and S4 are provided. Each of the photo interrupters S1 to S4 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged to face each other, outputs light (for example, infrared light) from the light emitting element to the light receiving element, and blocks light between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The presence or absence of an object can be detected (here, the shielding state is turned off). The light blocking member 71c attached to the transmission member 71a moves horizontally between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the photo interrupters S1 to S4 when the transmission member 71a is rotated by driving the lock control motor 70b. Is done. The CPU 40 inputs signals (on / off) from the photo interrupters S1 to S4 via the input / output processing unit 43, determines the position (rotation amount) of the light shielding member 71c based on the signals, and locks. The drive of the control motor 70b is controlled.

  FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating the position of the light shielding member 71c in a state where all the hands 64a to 64f are held, for example. That is, the signals from all the photo interrupters S1 to S4 indicate that they are off. Here, when unlocking the two hands 64a and 64d to make them usable, the CPU 40 controls the lock control motor 70b until only the signals from the photointerrupters S1 and S2 indicate an ON state. Drive. That is, as shown in FIG. 20 (B), the light blocking member 71c is moved to a position where the light blocking member 71c is separated from the photo interrupters S1 and S2. As a result, the transmission member 71b is moved to a position where it pushes only the link plate 73ad, and the locks of the hands 64a and 64d are released.

  Further, when the two hands 64b and 64e are unlocked to be usable (a total of four hands), the CPU 40 performs the lock control until only the signals from the photointerrupters S1 to S3 are turned on. Drive motor 70b. As a result, the transmission member 71b is further moved to a position where the link plate 73be is pressed, and the lock of the hands 64b and 64e is released.

  Similarly, when unlocking the two hands 64c and 64f to make them usable (a total of six hands), the CPU 40 waits until the signals from the photointerrupters S1 to S4 become ON. The lock control motor 70b is driven. That is, the light-shielding member 71c is moved to a position outside the photo interrupters S1 to S4. Accordingly, the transmission member 71b is further moved to a position where the link plate 73cf is pressed, and the locks of the hands 64c and 64f are released.

  In this manner, by moving the light shielding member 71c and the transmission member 71b via the transmission member 71a attached to the shaft of the lock control motor 70b, the detachment of the light shielding member 71c by the photo interrupters S1 to S4 is detected. By making the position (turned off) coincide with the position where the link plate 73ad, 73be, 73cf is released by the transmission member 71b to release the lock, only the necessary hands are obtained based on the signals from the photointerrupters S1 to S4. Can be controlled so that the lock control motor 70b can be executed.

  The hands 64a and 64d are formed by changing the shape (wide and narrow) of the portion of the transmission member 71b of the link plate 73ad, the link plate 73be, and the link plate 73cf which is pressed by the protrusion 71b1 and changing the order of pressing by the protrusion 71b1. , Hands 64b, 64e and hands 64c, 64f can be made executable in different orders. For example, by setting the link plate 73cf to be pressed by the protrusion 71b1 earlier than the link plate 73be, the hands 64c and 64f can be made executable before the hands 64b and 64e.

  FIG. 23 is a side view of the arm unit of the first modification. Note that the configuration of the lower portion of the upper structure ST1 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is the same as the configuration of the first modification, and thus the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 23, the spring plate 74a is held by two support members 74b provided vertically below the upper structure ST1, and is movable in the length direction (up-down direction) of the support member 74b. . The length of the support member 74b is determined according to the adjustment of the gripping force on the hands 64a and 64d. The adjustment of the gripping force according to the position of the spring plate 74a is the same as the case where the spring plate 74 is used.

  As described above, the move gear 77 is engaged with the pinion gear 76, and the two support members 77b provided vertically below the upper structure ST1 through the through holes provided in the move gear 77. Penetrated. Thus, when the move gear 77 is moved in the up-down direction, the move gear 77 is not rotated with the rotation of the pinion gear 76, and the side surfaces of the move gear 77 can be in the same state. On the side surface of the move gear 77, a rotating member that acts to rotate the hand holding portions 78a to 78f is provided on a surface facing each of the hand holding portions 78a to 78f (hands 64a to 64f). In FIG. 23, rotating members 77a and 77d corresponding to the hand holding portions 78a and 78d are provided, respectively.

  FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the rotating member 77a according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that the rotating members corresponding to the hand holding portions 78b to 78f have the same configuration. When the hand holding portion 78a is turned upward to bring the hand 64a into a standby state, the turning member 77a comes into contact with the hand holding portion 78a to define a turning range. It is provided in a direction (here, a horizontal direction) facing the holding portion 78a.

  The lower portions 77a2 and 77a3 of the rotating member 77a have different heights in the axial direction (left-right direction) in which the hand holding portion 78a is rotated. That is, the lower portion 77a3 of the rotating member 77a in the area facing the projection 78a3 is high, and the lower portion 77a2 of the rotating member 77a in the area facing the projection 78a4 is low. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 24, when the hand 64a is in a usable state, the projection 78a3 is located below the lower portion 77a3 of the high range of the rotating member 77a. For this reason, when the move gear 77 is moved downward by driving the hand opening / closing motor 75a in order to rotate the hand 64a to the position in the standby state, the hand 64a moves in the range opposed to the projection 78a3 of the rotating member 77a. The projection 78a3 is pushed down. Therefore, the hand holding portion 78a is rotated upward by the rotation shaft 78a1 by the action of the lever. Further, when the move gear 77 is moved downward, the projection 78a4 is located below a lower portion 77a2 in a low range facing the projection 78a4 of the rotating member 77a. Accordingly, the projection 78a4 of the rotating member 77a is pushed down in a range opposed to the projection 78a4. Therefore, the hand holding portion 78a is further rotated upward by the rotation shaft 78a1 by the action of the lever.

  Thus, the protrusions 78a3 and 78a4 are provided at the end of the hand holding portion 78a, and the ends of the protrusions 78a3 and 78a4 are pressed down by the rotating member 77a, so that the hand holding portion 78a ( The hand 64a) can be turned. In addition, since the plurality of projections 78a3 and 78a4 are provided and pushed down stepwise, the hand holding unit 78a can be efficiently rotated continuously from the start of rotation to near the end of rotation. For this reason, the load on the hand opening / closing motor 75a for moving the move gear 77 downward can be reduced.

  Although FIG. 23 shows only the mechanism corresponding to the hands 64a and 64d, the configuration corresponding to the other hands 64b, 64c, 64e, and 64f is the same as described above. I do.

  FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are views showing a second modification of the arm unit in the present embodiment. In the above description, the six hands 64a to 64f are radially arranged, but in the second modification, a pair of two hands, that is, the hands 64a and 64d, the hands 64b and 64c, and the hands 64e and 64f are arranged. They are arranged in parallel. The arm unit of the second modified example basically controls the movement of the hands 64a to 64f by the same structure as the arm unit shown in FIG. 7, and the same parts as the arm unit shown in FIG. The description is omitted by attaching reference numerals. The illustration of the gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f is omitted.

  In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 26 (B), the rotational power of the hand opening / closing motor 75a is transmitted to the pinion gear 76a disposed at the center of the arm unit via the belt 84. A pulley (not shown) is provided at the upper end of the pinion gear 76a, and a belt 84 is stretched between the pinion gear 76a and the rotating shaft of the hand opening / closing motor 75a. The pinion gear 76a rotates by transmitting the power of the hand opening / closing motor 75a, and moves the engaged move gear 77a in the vertical direction.

  In the arm unit of the second modified example, since the hands 64a to 64f are arranged in parallel, the lock claw members 73T1, 73T2, 73T3 respectively corresponding to two sets of hands (three sets) are provided in a stacked manner. ing. The lock claw members 73T1, 73T2, and 73T3 are formed such that one end thereof is engaged with a protrusion 72b provided on the lock claw motor 70a. The other end of the lock claw member 73T1 is shaped to lock (lock) the hands 64a and 64d. Similarly, the other end of the lock claw member 73T2 is shaped to lock (lock) the hands 64e and 64f, and the other end of the lock claw member 73T3 locks (locks) the hands 64c and 64b. It has a shape.

  The protrusion 70b provided on the lock claw motor 70a is moved in the unlocking direction in the order of the lock claw members 73T1, 73T2, and 73T3 when the lock claw motor 70a rotates. Therefore, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the lock claw motor 70a, it is possible to make each pair of two hands usable. When the hands 64a to 64f are to be in the standby state, all of the lock claw members 73T1, 73T2, and 73T3 are rotated by moving the hands 64a to 64f upward and then rotating the lock claw motor 70a in the reverse direction. Can be moved in a direction to lock the hands 64a to 64f.

  Thus, as shown in the second modified example, even in a configuration in which a pair of two hands are arranged in parallel, it is possible to selectively use the plurality of hands 64a to 64f.

  FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are views showing a third modification of the arm unit in the present embodiment. In the third modified example, as in the second modified example, a pair of two hands (hands 64a and 64d, hands 64b and 64c, and hands 64e and 64f) are arranged in parallel. In this configuration, the movement of the hand can be controlled for each set. The arm unit of the third modification basically controls the movement of the hands 64a to 64f by the same structure as the arm unit shown in FIG. 7, and the same parts as the arm unit shown in FIG. The description is omitted by attaching reference numerals. The illustration of the lock claw motor 70, the hand opening / closing motor 75, the gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f, the lock mechanism, and the like is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, for each set of hands 64a, 64d, hands 64b, 64c, and hands 64e, 64f, move gears 77b, 77c, 77d whose movement is independently controlled are provided.

  In the arm unit shown in FIG. 7 and the arm unit of the second modified example, two, four, and six hands can be used step by step, and the order of hands that can be used is determined in advance. In the arm unit of the third modified example, the set of two hands can be independently controlled, so that the number of usable hands can be dynamically changed (added or deleted), and unspecified. The hands can be made usable in the following order. Therefore, for example, the hands 64a to 64f can be formed in different shapes, respectively, so that the player can selectively execute a hand of any shape. For example, examples of the shape of the hands 64a to 64f include, for example, a cloth or a stuffed toy having a wide or thin hand tip, a soft hand tip, or a hand tip formed of an adhesive material. A hook-shaped member that is easily hooked on the vehicle. Other shapes may be used. The player pays the game fee of the amount required for the function setting by electronic money, selects one of the hands according to the shape and material of the prize to be acquired and placed in the prize field 16R, and plays the game. Can be executed. In the arm unit shown in FIG. 7 and the arm unit of the second modification, hands having different shapes as described above may be mixed and mounted.

  FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are views showing a fourth modification of the arm unit in the present embodiment. The fourth modification shows an example in which unit housings 90 and 91 capable of accommodating the entire arm unit mechanism shown in FIG. 7 including the hands 64a to 64f are provided. FIGS. 29A and 30B show the state when the hands 64a to 64f are set to the use state, and FIG. 30B shows the state when the hands 64a to 64f are in the standby state. The state is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B and FIG. 30A, the unit housing 91 is formed in a dome shape, and the unit housing 90 is formed in a columnar shape. Is provided. Cuts 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 62e, 62f for accommodating each of the hands 64a to 64f inside the unit housing 91 are provided on the bottom surface of the unit housing 91. The hands 64a to 64f pass through the corresponding cuts 62a to 62f, and are housed inside the unit housing 91 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the fourth modification, the hands 64a to 64f can be completely accommodated, so that only the usable hands are gradually removed from the unit housing 91 in accordance with the payment by the electronic money. And presenting it to the player.

Next, a mode for notifying the player of the gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f changed by the arm unit will be described.
As described above, the crane game device 10 in the present embodiment can change the gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f by the arm unit according to, for example, the deposit of the game fee using electronic money. As shown in FIG. 31, the crane game device 10 notifies the player of the changed gripping force by using the display unit 56.

  FIG. 31A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit 56a provided with an indicator including, for example, a plurality of LEDs. The display unit 56a displays at which level the current gripping force is set between the maximum value (MAX) and the minimum value (MIN) of the gripping force.

  FIG. 31B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit 56b provided with a 7-segment display. The display unit 56b displays, by a number, which level the current gripping force is set in, for example, a range from 0 to 99.

  FIG. 31C is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit 56c provided with an LCD. The display unit 56c displays an image such as a still image or a moving image (animation), a character or a figure on the LCD, and indicates at which level the current gripping force is set.

  In addition, the crane game device 10 can notify the player of the current gripping force in another form in addition to using the display unit 56 provided in the arm unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, a plurality of LEDs 56d1 and 56d2 having different lighting colors are mounted on hand holding units 78a to 78f that hold the hands 64a to 64f, and light is emitted toward the hands 64a to 64f. Constitute. For example, it is assumed that the LED 56d1 is lit in red and the LED 56d2 is lit in blue. The hands 64a to 64f are made of a transparent member (such as a synthetic resin). Thus, the entire color of the hands 64a to 64f can be changed by the light emitted from the LEDs 56d1 and 56d2.

  By controlling the lighting of the LEDs 56d1 and 56d2, for example, the crane game device 10 can make the display colors of the hands 64a to 64f darker or change from blue to red as the gripping force increases. By changing the display colors of the hands 64a to 64f in accordance with the gripping force in this manner, the player can be notified of the current gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f.

  In addition, the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment not only presents the change in the gripping force to the player using the display units 56a to 56c or the hands 64a to 64f (display color), but also senses the change in the gripping force. May be provided with a structure (gadget) for the player to recognize.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure that allows a player to recognize that the gripping force according to the present embodiment has been enhanced. The structure shown in FIG. 33 is added to the arm unit mechanism shown in FIG. 7, and has a shape indicating that the hands 64a to 64f are pressed against the hands 64a to 64f in a usable state or a gripping operation. 5 shows an example of an arm. In FIG. 33, only the arms 85a and 85d for the hands 64a and 64d are shown as an example, but it is assumed that arms corresponding to all the hands 64a and 64d are provided. The arm has a shape representing, for example, a human arm, so that it can be intuitively recognized that the arm is being pressed.

  The arms 85a and 85d are rotatable by rotating shafts 86a and 86d provided separately from the rotating shafts 78a1 and 78d1 for rotating the hand holding portions 78a and 78d, respectively, in the same manner as the hands 64a and 64d. The arm can be held (locked) by a lock claw. When not used, the arms 85a and 85d are housed inside the unit housing 61 and locked by arm lock claws, as shown in FIG. When a situation that satisfies a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the gripping force of the hands 64a and 64d is increased to a predetermined level or more in accordance with the amount of money received from the electronic money), the lock claw is released, and FIG. As shown in B), it falls on the hands 64a and 64d.

  The operation of the arm lock pawl is controlled by the cam plate 72 in the same manner as the lock pawls 73a to 73f. In this case, the cam for engaging the lock claw for the arm is provided on the cam plate 72. This cam is formed to have the widest width. That is, after the cam plate 72 is rotated to unlock all six hands 64a to 64f so that they can be used, the cam plate 72 is further rotated to lock the lock claws for all the arms. By releasing the lock, the arms can be dropped on each of the hands 64a to 64f.

  The control of the arms 85a and 85d is not limited to the method described above. For example, a mechanism different from the hands 64a to 64f may be provided and controlled independently of the hands 64a to 64f. The arms 85a and 85d not only indicate that the gripping force is strengthened by being placed on the hands 64a and 64d, but also include a mechanism for applying the gripping force or a lock mechanism for fixing the gripping state of the hands 64a to 64f. It may be provided to actually further enhance the gripping force.

  Further, the crane game device 10 may notify the player of the change in the gripping force by showing the structure of the arm unit for adjusting the gripping force to the player. In this case, the unit housing 61 that houses the arm unit is configured to be transparent so that at least the gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f and the surrounding structure can be visually recognized from the outside.

  For example, when a setting is made to change the gripping force in accordance with the payment from the electronic money, the crane game device 10 can use the hands 64a to 64f as in the operation for actually gripping the prize in the prize acquisition sequence. Is caused to grip. That is, the gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f are extended by moving the spring plate 74 to a position corresponding to the gripping force. By showing this state to the player, it becomes possible for the player to recognize the change in the gripping force.

  In general, even if the gripping force of the hands 64a to 64f can be dynamically changed, it is difficult for the player to recognize the current level of the gripping force. Thus, it is possible to easily recognize the change in the gripping force.

  Next, specific examples of specific functions provided in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The specific function in the present embodiment can be set to a state at the time of game execution before the game is started, according to the amount of money received from electronic money.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a first function capable of changing the arrangement of the prizes placed in the prize field 16R using the crane arm 18R. Note that FIG. 34 shows only the crane arm 18R, but the crane arm 18L is provided with the same function, and a description thereof will be omitted (each function described below is also omitted). When the first function is implemented, a mechanism for rotating the arm unit of the crane arm 18R is provided as the additional unit 57. For example, before starting the prize acquisition sequence, the crane game device 10 lowers the arm unit (the hand is set in an executable state) by the crane arm 18R to the position where the prize is placed, and then receives money from electronic money. The arm unit is rotated by the additional unit 57 in accordance with the amount of money. As a result, the prizes placed in the prize field 16R are mixed, and the arrangement of the prizes can be changed. That is, in the prize acquisition sequence, it is possible to create a state in which the prize can be easily acquired by the crane arm 18R.

  FIG. 35 uses a manipulator (magic hand) 90 attached to the front transparent plate 15 of the upper housing 12 to change the position of the prize 88 placed on the prize field 16R by an operation from outside the housing. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second function that can be performed (cross-sectional view). When mounting the second function, the insertion portion 91 is provided on the front transparent plate 15. The insertion section 91 holds a manipulator 90 operated by a player, and is provided with a mechanism for regulating the movement of the manipulator 90 as an additional unit 57. The mechanism (the additional unit 57) provided in the insertion section 91 is configured to be able to change the movable range of the manipulator 90. For example, the insertion unit 91 adjusts the movable range of the manipulator 90 according to the amount of money received using electronic money, and changes the range in which the prize 88 placed on the prize field 16R can be moved. be able to. The insertion section 91 is configured such that a handgrip handled by a player provided at one end of the manipulator 90 is outside the housing, and a prize grip section for grasping a prize 88 provided at the other end is inside the housing. To hold the manipulator 90. The insertion section 91 holds the manipulator 90 so that it can be inserted and removed in a range between the hand grip and the premium holding section. For example, before starting the prize acquisition sequence, the crane game device 10 sets the manipulator 90 in a movable state (for example, restricts the manipulator 90 within a predetermined time) and places the manipulator 90 in the prize field 16R by operating the manipulator 90. The arrangement of the prizes can be changed. That is, in the prize acquisition sequence, it is possible to create a state in which the prize can be easily acquired by the crane arm 18R.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a third function capable of changing the opening size of the prize dropout 17R. In the case where the third function is mounted, a plate member 92 which can be taken in and out of the opening of the prize dropout 17R is provided. The plate member 92 is accommodated in a lower part of the prize field 16R near the upper end of the prize dropper 17R, for example, and is provided so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. In the third function, a mechanism for moving the plate member 92 in the horizontal direction is provided as the additional unit 57. This mechanism (additional unit 57) can adjust the amount of movement of the plate member 92 and can change the opening area of the prize dropout 17R. For example, the additional unit 57 adjusts the moving distance of the plate member 92 and changes the opening area of the prize dropout port 17R before the start of the prize acquisition sequence according to the amount of money received using electronic money. be able to.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a fourth function capable of transporting the premium 88 to the premium field 16R. When the fourth function is used, for example, a transport mechanism 94 that can rotate an endless belt on which the prize 88 can be placed in the direction of the prize dropper 17R is provided. When the fourth function is implemented, a mechanism such as a motor for rotating the endless belt is provided as the additional unit 57. The transport mechanism 94 (the additional unit 57) can adjust the transport amount of the premium 88 (the amount of rotation of the endless belt). For example, the transport mechanism 94 moves the prize 88 in the direction of the prize dropout 17R before the start of the prize acquisition sequence in accordance with the amount of money received using electronic money, so that the prize 88 is easily dropped from the prize dropout 17R. Position.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a fifth function capable of tilting the prize field 16R. When the fifth function is used, a plate member 96 on which the premium 88 is placed, a rotating shaft member 97 for attaching one end of the plate member 96 so as to be rotatable, and an elevating unit for moving the other end of the plate member 96 in the vertical direction. A tilt mechanism including the member 98 is provided. When the fifth function is implemented, a mechanism such as a motor that moves the elevating member 98 up and down is provided as the additional unit 57. The tilt mechanism can adjust the tilt angle of the plate member 96. The tilting mechanism drives the elevating member 98 to move the other end of the plate member 96 upward before the start of the prize acquisition sequence in accordance with the amount of money received by using the electronic money, thereby moving the plate member 96. Is inclined in the direction of the prize dropout 17R. Thereby, the prize 88 placed on the plate member 96 can be easily dropped into the prize drop opening 17R during the prize acquisition sequence.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a sixth function capable of moving the position of a bar for placing a prize above the prize field 16R. When the sixth function is used, for example, a structure for holding the ends of a plurality of bars 102 and 103 for placing prizes is provided on both side surfaces of the right unit 10R of the upper housing 12. In addition, rails 100L and 100R that allow the end positions of at least one rod 102 to move are provided on both sides of the right unit 10R. When the sixth function is implemented, a mechanism such as a motor for moving the position of the rod 102 held by the rails 100L and 100R is provided as the additional unit 57. The prize 88 can be placed by hanging it on a plurality of bars 102 and 103, for example, as shown in FIG. The additional unit 57 can move the position of the bar 102 held by the rails 100L and 100R. The addition unit 57 moves the position of the bar 102 and changes the interval with the bar 103 before the start of the prize acquisition sequence according to the amount of money received using the electronic money, so that during the prize acquisition sequence, The prize 88 placed between the bars 102 and 103 can be easily dropped.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a seventh function capable of moving a prize placed in the prize field 16R by wind. When the seventh function is used, the blower 102 is provided as the additional unit 57 in the prize field 16R. Above the blower 102, there is provided a net 104 through which wind generated by the blower 102 can pass and on which a premium can be placed. In the prize field 16R, prizes including the upper portion of the blower 102 can be placed. The blower 102 can adjust an air volume, a driving time, and the like. For example, the crane game device 10 sets and drives the air volume and the driving time of the blower 102 according to the amount of money received from the electronic money before the start of the premium acquisition sequence. Thus, the prize placed in the prize field 16R is moved by the wind from the blower 102, and the arrangement of the prize can be changed. That is, in the prize acquisition sequence, a state in which the prize can be easily acquired by the crane arm 18R can be created.
The above-described first to seventh functions can be implemented in the crane game device 10 by any one or any combination thereof.

Next, the operation of the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, a case where the player operates the right unit 10R will be described as an example.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart for describing a payment control process in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment. In the payment control process according to the present embodiment, a game fee can be selectively paid by electronic money from the payment unit 25R to the right unit 10R and the left unit 10L.

  When trying to play a game with the right unit 10R, the player presses a start button (not shown) provided on the control panel unit 23R, for example. When detecting that the start button has been pressed (step A1, Yes), the CPU 40 displays a deposit menu on the display device 27R (step A2).

  FIG. 42A is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a unit to be paid in a payment menu in the present embodiment. The deposit menu shown in FIG. 42 (A) is provided with buttons for selecting, for example, a deposit target unit. That is, the "only own unit" button for selecting to input the game fee of the game executed in the right unit 10R, and the game fee of the game executed in both the right unit 10R and the left unit 10L are input. A "both units" button is provided for selection.

  In the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment, from the deposit unit 25R provided in the one right unit 10R, the game fee for the game executed in the left unit 10L as well as the game executed in the right unit 10R is deposited. can do. Thereby, for example, when family and friends use the crane game device 10 at the same time, the game fee can be paid collectively.

  Here, when an operation of selecting one of the buttons displayed on the deposit menu indicates a deposit target unit (step A3), the CPU 40 displays an amount button selection screen for selecting a deposit amount on the display device 27R. To be displayed. FIG. 42 (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of an amount button selection screen of the deposit menu in the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the “both units” button has been selected in the deposit menu shown in FIG.

  In the deposit menu shown in FIG. 42 (B), for example, the amounts of “100” yen to “500” yen are associated with “own unit” (right unit 10R) and “partner unit” (left unit 10L), respectively. Button is displayed. Note that, in the deposit menu, a credit number button (for example, “1”, “2”,...) Indicating the number of credits may be displayed instead of the amount button indicating the deposit amount. If the “only own unit” button is selected in the deposit menu shown in FIG. 42 (A), only the amount button (or credit number button) corresponding to “own unit” is displayed on the amount button selection screen. Is displayed.

  Here, when one of the amounts of the “own unit” and the “other unit” is selected and the “end” button is selected (step A4), the CPU 40 determines that the input of the deposit amount has been completed. Then, the deposit amount selected on the amount button selection screen is output to the deposit unit 25R (step A5). When the number of credits is selected, the CPU 40 calculates a deposit amount according to the number of credits and outputs it to the depositing unit 25R.

  When the deposit unit 25R is notified of the deposit amount from the CPU 40, as shown in FIG. 43, the display unit 25c displays on the display 25c the amount to be deposited (paid) using the electronic money, and, for example, “select a card. Touch it. "Message is displayed. In FIG. 43, since “500” yen has been selected for “own unit” and “500” yen for “other unit” on the amount button selection screen shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  After pressing the button for designating the type of electronic money to be used from the card selection button 25b, the player brings the electronic money card close to the card reader / writer 25d. The electronic money deposit unit 25 communicates with the electronic money card through the card reader / writer 25d, and deposits the amount (here, “1000” yen) notified from the CPU 40. The deposit unit 25R notifies the CPU 40 that the notified game fee has been input.

  When notified that the game fee has been paid (step A6, Yes), the CPU 40 executes a function setting process for setting a state at the time of game execution according to the operation of the player before starting the game (step A7). ). After the function setting process, the CPU 40 starts the game. The details of the function setting process will be described later.

  In the above description, in one crane game device 10, it is assumed that the right unit 10R and the left unit 10L can be selectively deposited from electronic money from one depositing unit 25R. When connected to another crane game device via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a unit of the other crane game device 10 may be designated so that payment can be made.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart for describing control processing including function setting processing in the crane game device 10 of the present embodiment. In the control processing shown in FIG. 44, for example, in the above-described payment control processing, when the game fee is paid only for the “own system”, or when the above-described payment control processing is not executed, the right unit 10R and the left unit 10L are provided respectively. The processing when depositing by the received depositing units 25L and 25R will be described. In the control process of FIG. 44, time lending control is performed for the game process (steps B6 to B9). The time lending control is a control that enables a game to be continuously executed, for example, by repeatedly depositing a predetermined game fee with electronic money at predetermined time intervals.

  First, when notified that the electronic money has been received from the deposit unit 25R (Step B1, Yes), the CPU 40 determines the deposited amount (Step B2), and changes the game execution state according to the deposited amount. It is set (step B3). An arbitrary amount selected by the player is deposited from electronic money from the deposit unit 25R.

  The CPU 40 sets a state at the time of executing the game according to the deposit amount from the electronic money (step B3). Here, the setting target of the state at the time of game execution is, for example, the number of hands (two, four, six) and the gripping force (for example, three levels of strength +100 to +300) of the arm unit shown in FIGS. It is assumed that, as the deposit amount from the electronic money increases, the order is changed in the order of strength + 100 → four hands → strength + 200 → six hands → strength + 300 in order from the hand 2 in the initial state. . That is, it is assumed that the higher the deposit amount, the easier it is to acquire a prize.

  The CPU 40 outputs a game setting state set according to the amount of deposit (step B4). That is, the CPU 40 releases the lock by driving the lock claw motor 54 through the hand drive unit 47 so that the number of hands 64 a to 64 f used in the game can be used, and according to the grip force. The hand motor 53 is driven to close the hand. That is, the position of the move gear 77 (spring plate 74) is moved according to the gripping force to extend the gripping force adjusting springs 79a to 79f. Further, the CPU 40 changes the display unit 56 to a display mode corresponding to the gripping force (see FIGS. 31 and 32).

  By outputting the game setting state, the player can start the game after checking in advance the state of the arm unit regarding the number of hands and the gripping force at the time of game execution before starting the game. Here, if the player wants to further increase the number of hands or strengthen the gripping force, the player must add the game fee again from the depositing unit 25R before performing the operation for starting the game. Can be.

  When the additional game fee is received from the depositing unit 25R (Step B1, Yes), the CPU 40 sets the state at the time of executing the game according to the received amount and outputs the game setting state in the same manner as described above. (Steps B2 to B4). Thus, the player can pay the game fee by electronic money while checking the game setting state.

  In the above description, the number of hands and the gripping force are changed so that the prize can be easily obtained by adding the game fee. However, after confirming the game setting state, the state is returned to a state in which it is difficult to obtain the prize. You may do it. For example, when the player has specified a reduction in the deposit amount via a menu displayed on the display device 27R, the game execution state according to the reduced deposit amount is set. For example, when six hands 64a to 64f can be used, four hands can be returned to usable. In this case, the reduced amount is recorded as a credit, for example, and can be used for the next game. Or, return to electronic money. Conventionally, it was impossible to refund the inserted coins because they are stored in a coin box. However, the use of electronic money has made refunds possible.

  After the state at the time of executing the game is set in this way, when the button 24R for executing the game is operated (Step B5, Yes), the CPU 40 operates each functional unit according to the button operation. The prize acquisition sequence is started, and an operation for acquiring the prize by the crane arm 18R is executed (step B6).

  Here, time lending control is executed for the game processing. In this case, the player holds the electronic money in the holder 25e of the deposit unit 25R. The CPU 40 measures the elapsed time from the start of the game, and monitors whether a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed. If the set time has elapsed (step B7, Yes), the CPU 40 executes a deposit process for depositing a preset game fee from electronic money through the deposit unit 25R (step B8). Here, when the money is received from the electronic money (step B9, Yes), the CPU 40 repeats and continuously executes the prize acquisition sequence according to the player's insertion operation.

  In the case where payment cannot be made in the payment processing from electronic money (step B9, No), for example, when the charge amount of electronic money becomes 0, when electronic money is removed from the electronic money deposit unit 25, The CPU 40 executes an end process, interrupts the prize acquisition sequence, and returns the crane arm 18R to the initial state (step B10). In the case of the time lending control, if the total amount of money to be paid from electronic money exceeds a preset upper limit, the payment may be stopped. The upper limit of the amount of money may be set in advance in the crane game device 10, or may be selected by a player from a menu displayed on the display device 27R before the game starts, for example.

  Further, when the game is continuously executed, the amount to be paid may be changed (reduced or increased) at every set time. For example, each time the duration of the game elapses a predetermined set discount time (for example, 3 minutes), the amount of money to be deposited from electronic money is reduced for each set time. That is, the longer the execution time of the game, the more the game fee is reduced. This makes it possible to encourage the player to continue the game time.

  In the time lending control described above, the prize acquisition sequence is repeatedly executed by repeating payment from the electronic money. However, the prize detection sensor 55 detects that the prize has been acquired in the prize acquisition sequence. In such a case, the game processing may be terminated. Also, after setting the state at the time of game execution according to the deposit amount, without performing time lending control, only a predetermined number of prize acquisition sequences (for example, once) are executed, and the game processing is ended. You may do it. When a prize is acquired in a shorter time than a predetermined set time, a part of the paid game fee can be refunded to the electronic money.

  In the above description, only the case where the number of hands and the gripping force in the arm unit are changed is described. However, when the specific functions shown in FIGS. 34 to 40 are provided, each of the specific functions is determined in advance. It is possible to set a state at the time of game execution for the determined deposit amount.

  Next, a control process including a function selection process in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the function setting process described above, the function setting (the number of hands and gripping force of the arm unit, setting of a specific function) is performed according to the amount of money received from the electronic money. I do. In the first function selection process, the money received from the electronic money is allocated to a plurality of function units whose states can be changed according to the designation of the player, and the function units are set according to the allocated money. In the second function selection process, the designation of a state (game setting state) at the time of game execution is input according to the operation of the player, and an amount corresponding to the designation of the inputted state is paid. Hereinafter, the first and second function selection processes will be described.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a control process including a first function selection process in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment.
First, when notified that there is a deposit by electronic money from the deposit unit 25R (Step C1, Yes), the CPU 40 determines the deposit amount (Step C2). Then, a function selection menu for distributing the deposit amount to the function is displayed on the display device 27R (step C3).

  FIGS. 46A and 46B are diagrams illustrating an example of a function selection menu according to the present embodiment. FIG. 46A shows an example of a function selection menu for a function of changing the number of hands and the grip force of the arm unit. In the function selection menu shown in FIG. 46 (A), for example, a plurality of buttons for designating the deposit amount, the number of hands, and the gripping force are displayed. For example, it is assumed that as the number of hands increases from two in the initial state to four and six, the charge is added for every "100" yen. Similarly, as the gripping force increases to “100”, “200”, and “300”, the charge is added for every “100” yen.

  Here, for example, if the number of hands is selected as a function to be assigned and four hands are selected (that is, “100” circle is assigned to the number of hands) (steps C4 and C5), the CPU 40 enters The display is changed to a display of "400" yen obtained by subtracting 100 yen from the amount of "500" yen. Similarly, when the gripping force is selected and the gripping force “200” is selected (that is, “200” is allocated to the gripping force), the CPU 40 further subtracts 300 yen from the deposit amount “400” yen to “200”. Change to a circle display. Similarly, when another button is selected again, the CPU 40 switches to the display after the reselection. Further, similarly to the function setting processing described above, it is also possible to add and pay a game fee. Thus, in the function selection menu, the deposit amount can be arbitrarily allocated to the number of hands and the grip force.

  Although the function selection menu shown in FIG. 46 (A) targets the number of hands and the gripping force, for example, when the hands 64a to 64f of the arm unit shown in FIG. May be selected (distribution of the deposit amount).

  In this way, when the distribution of the deposit amount is completed for the function and the “end” button is selected (Step C6, Yes), the CPU 40 sets a game for each function according to the distribution amount (Step C7). The game setting state is output (step C8). The processes in steps C7 and C8 are executed in the same manner as steps B3 and B4 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When a plurality of specific functions shown in FIGS. 34 to 40 are mounted, for example, a function selection menu shown in FIG. 46 (B) is displayed, and as described above, the payment amount is allocated. It is also possible to select the function and the amount to be allocated. The function selection menu in FIG. 46 (B) shows an example in which three specific functions are implemented. For example, "300" yen is allocated to "function 1" and "200" circle is allocated to "function 3". Shows the selected state. In addition, as described above, before starting the game, a game fee is added from electronic money to make a deposit, and further, the deposit amount is allocated to each function and the function is set, so that it is in a state superior to the acquisition of premiums. It is possible. If all of the deposit cannot be allocated to the function, the remaining balance is recorded as a credit so that the next game can be used. Or, refund the electronic money.

  After the state at the time of executing the game is set in this manner, when the button 24R for executing the game is operated (Step C9, Yes), the CPU 40 operates each functional unit according to the button operation. The prize acquisition sequence is started, and an operation for acquiring a prize by the crane arm 18R is executed (step C10). When the prize acquisition sequence ends, the CPU 40 ends the game (Step C11, Yes).

  In this manner, in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment, the game charge received from the electronic money is distributed to a plurality of functions to set the execution state of the game, and the game setting state is output to be checked by the player. Can be. The player confirms the game setting state, and can re-distribute the deposit amount to a plurality of functions again by making a deposit from electronic money. That is, by starting the game after setting the situation to be superior to the acquisition of prizes, it is possible to increase the expectation of the prize acquisition to the player, so that it is possible to encourage the player to use the game.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart for describing a control process including a second function selection process in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment.
First, the CPU 40 displays a function selection menu on the display device 27R of the right unit 10R, for example, in response to pressing of a start button provided on the control panel unit 23R (step D1).

  FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function selection menu according to the present embodiment. The function selection menu shown in FIG. 48 shows an example in which, for example, buttons for arbitrarily selecting a plurality of (for example, six) specific functions mounted on the crane game device 10 are provided.

  Here, the player can arbitrarily select any of the functions by operating the buttons. When a button corresponding to any of the functions is selected, the CPU 40 displays a submenu for setting a state at the time of game execution for this function, as shown in FIG. 46, for example, and causes the player to select the submenu.

  In FIG. 48, it is assumed that, for example, two functions are selected and the state at the time of game execution for each function is set (step D2). The CPU 40 sets a state at the time of game execution for each function, calculates a required game fee (necessary payment amount) according to the setting, and displays it in a function selection menu as shown in FIG. . Therefore, the player can select a function and select a state of each function at the time of game execution while checking the required deposit amount.

  Here, when the “end” button is selected and it is instructed that the setting in the function selection menu has been completed (step D3, Yes), the CPU 40 issues a payment request for an amount (a required payment amount) corresponding to the setting contents. Is output to the depositing unit 25R (step D4).

  Receiving the deposit request from the CPU 40, the deposit unit 25R displays a required deposit amount (payment amount) on the display 25c, and also displays a message requesting payment of a game fee by electronic money. The electronic money deposit unit 25 notifies the CPU 40 that the deposit has been made when the electronic money card is deposited by the player approaching the card reader / writer 25d.

  When notified that the electronic money has been received (Step D5, Yes), the CPU 40 outputs a game setting state corresponding to the function setting specified by the player (Step D6). The output of the game setting state is executed in the same manner as described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Here, the player can check the game setting state, select a function from the function selection menu again, and pay an additional game fee using electronic money (steps D1 to D6).

  After the state at the time of executing the game is set in this manner, when the button 24R for executing the game is operated (Step D7, Yes), the CPU 40 operates each functional unit according to the button operation. The prize acquisition sequence is started, and an operation for acquiring the prize by the crane arm 18R is executed (step D8). When the prize acquisition sequence ends, the CPU 40 ends the game (Step D9, Yes).

  In this way, in the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment, the function used in the game and the state of the function at the time of game execution are set by the selection operation of the player, and the calculation is performed according to the setting. It is possible to calculate a game fee (necessary payment amount) and make a payment from the payment unit 25R. Thus, the player can start the game after arbitrarily setting the functions by paying the game fee by electronic money before starting the game. That is, by starting the game after setting the situation to be superior to the acquisition of prizes, it is possible to increase the expectation of the prize acquisition to the player, so that it is possible to encourage the player to use the game.

  In the above description, the electronic money is used for depositing the game fee. However, the electronic money may be used for managing a player who uses the crane game device 10. For example, the identification data unique to the card is read from the electronic money card, and information on the contents of the game used by the player is recorded in the database as the usage history in association with the identification data. The contents of the usage history can include various information such as a usage date and time, a game time, a usage fee, a function setting content, and a result of obtaining a prize. The crane game device 10 searches the use history information recorded in the database based on the identification data read from the electronic money, and changes the game control based on the use history, that is, a discount on the game fee. It is also possible to change game contents (function settings) and display contents (images and messages). Furthermore, in addition to using the game usage history, the electronic money usage history (commercial store, transportation, etc.) other than the game is obtained from an external server device via a network, so that the usage other than the game can be used. The control of the game may be changed according to the history.

  In this manner, the crane game device 10 according to the present embodiment can execute an interesting game by effectively utilizing electronic money.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements in an implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Further, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  Reference Signs List 10: crane game machine, 12: upper housing, 13: lower housing, 15: transparent plate, 16L, 16R: prize field, 18L, 18R: crane arm, 21L, 21R: prize outlet, 23L, 23R: control panel , 24L, 24R ... button, 25L, 25R ... deposit unit for electronic money, 26L, 26R ... coin slot.

Claims (4)

In a game device for controlling a crane arm according to an operation of a player to pay out a prize placed on a prize field,
Functional means for changing the position of a prize placed in the prize field,
Determining means for determining payment for the use of the game;
Control means for executing an operation for moving the position of the prize by the function means after the payment for the use of the game is determined,
After executing the operation of the function unit by the control unit, a game execution unit that executes the game by controlling the crane arm;
A game device having:   The game device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the function unit to execute an operation for moving the position of the premium according to an operation of a player. The function means,
The game device according to claim 1, further comprising a transport mechanism configured to transport the prize on the prize field by an endless belt.   The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means changes an operation amount of the function means in accordance with the paid game usage determined by the determination means.