JP7496303B2 - Prize winning game device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a prize-winning game device equipped with a prize-holding unit.

Conventionally, a prize acquisition game device equipped with a prize gripping unit is known (see Patent Document 1). This prize acquisition game device is equipped with an object gripping device (prize gripping unit) that includes a movable base unit, a pair of arms attached to the base unit, and a drive mechanism corresponding to each arm unit.

JP 2012-45204 A

However, in conventional prize game devices, components such as the arm section and drive mechanism are not unitized, which may make it difficult to assemble the object gripping device (prize gripping section) and replace parts.
An object of the present invention is to facilitate assembly and part replacement of a prize gripping portion.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the prize acquisition game device of the first invention comprises a prize holding section including a base member and an arm unit attached to the base member, the arm unit including a drive source, an arm holding section that is displaced by driving the drive source, and an arm section held by the arm holding section, the arm unit being detachable as a single unit from the base member, and a control board that controls the driving of the drive source being disposed on the base member .
In the prize acquisition game device according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of components including a drive source, an arm holding section, and an arm section are unitized (integrated) to form an arm unit. In particular, the arm unit is detachable as an integral unit from a base member.
This makes it possible to easily attach and replace the arm unit to the base member, which in turn makes it possible to easily assemble and replace parts of the prize gripping portion.
In the prize game device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control board that controls the drive of the drive source is disposed on the base member.
As a result, even when multiple arm units are arranged on the base member, the drive sources for the multiple arm units can be collectively controlled by one control board, eliminating the need to provide a control board for each arm unit, making it possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts.
Here, the prize winning game device corresponds to the prize winning game device 1, which will be described later. The base member corresponds to the base member 590, which will be described later. The arm unit corresponds to the arm unit 520, which will be described later. The prize gripping section corresponds to the prize gripping section 500, which will be described later. The drive source corresponds to the opening/closing motor m1, which will be described later. The arm holding section corresponds to the arm holding section 550, which will be described later. The arm section corresponds to the arm 560, which will be described later. The control board corresponds to the catcher board 530, which will be described later.

The present invention makes it possible to easily assemble and replace parts of the prize gripper.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a prize acquisition game device 1. FIG. An oblique view of a prize placement frame unit 20 in which a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a first example is configured. An oblique view of a prize placement frame unit 20 in which a prize placement mechanism 30 relating to a second example is configured. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a prize gripping portion 500 corresponding to the "two-claw specification." 13 is a perspective view showing the front side of an arm unit 520. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the arm unit 520. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an arm unit 520. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a prize gripping portion 500 corresponding to the "three-claw specification." 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the prize acquisition game device 1. FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the prize game device according to the present invention is applied to a prize game device 1 capable of executing a prize game.
The "prize acquisition game" is a game in which the player (user) operates the operation unit 16 to operate the prize holding unit 500 and drop the prize P placed in the prize placement area AE into the opening area OE, thereby enabling the player to acquire a prize P.
The "prize P" may be either an item that is given to the player upon acquisition, or an item that is not given to the player upon acquisition and can be exchanged for another item (an item given to the player) after acquisition.

(Configuration of each prize acquisition game device 1)
First, the configuration of each prize game device 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a prize acquisition game device 1. As shown in FIG.
1 shows an example in which two prize winning game devices 1 are configured in one housing 10. That is, a common housing 10 is used for the two prize winning game devices 1. Note that one prize winning game device 1 may be configured in one housing 10. Also, three or more prize winning game devices 1 may be configured in one housing 10.
In the following description, each prize acquisition game device 1 configured in the housing 10 may be referred to as a "station." That is, one housing 10 is configured with two stations (a left station and a right station).
As shown in Figure 1, the prize winning game device 1 is composed of a housing 10, a prize placement frame unit 20 arranged within the housing 10, a prize placement mechanism 30 attached to the prize placement frame unit 20, a crane unit 40 attached to the housing 10, various light-emitting devices (not shown) attached to the housing 10, a speaker 18 (see Figure 9) attached to the housing 10, and a main control board 50 (see Figure 9) arranged within the housing 10.

(Housing 10)
Next, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described.
The housing 10 is formed in a box shape. A game area (play area) GE in which a prize acquisition game is played is formed inside the housing 10. The housing 10 includes an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12.
The front, back, left side, and right side of the upper housing 11 are each made of a transparent plate material such as glass, acrylic plate, etc. This allows the player to view the game area GE configured inside the housing 10 from outside the housing 10.
The front of the upper housing 11 is configured as a sliding door and can be opened and closed. This allows the operator to place and move prizes P and configure and change the prize placement mechanism 30 in the game area GE by opening the front of the upper housing 11.

A control panel 13 is provided on the front surface of the lower housing 12. The control panel 13 is provided with a coin insertion slot 14, a touch panel display 15, and an operation unit 16.
A player can insert coins into the coin slot 14. By inserting coins into the coin slot 14, the player can acquire credits for playing a prize acquisition game. Note that an electronic money settlement device using a storage medium such as a prepaid card or credit card may be provided, allowing the player to acquire credits by settlement of electronic money.
The touch panel display 15 has a function of displaying various images and a function of accepting operational input by the user. Specifically, the touch panel display 15 includes a touch panel 15a (see FIG. 9) and a display unit 15b (see FIG. 9). The touch panel 15a is an input device of a capacitance type, a pressure-sensitive type, or the like, and accepts operational input by the user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. The display unit 15b is realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

The display unit 15b displays various information such as the remaining number of credits acquired by the player. That is, every time a credit is acquired by inserting a coin into the coin slot 14, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit 15 increases. Also, every time a prize acquisition game is played, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit 15 decreases.
The operation unit 16 accepts operations by the player. The operation unit 16 is configured to include a first operation button 16a and a second operation button 16b. Each of the operation buttons 16a, 16b can be pressed by the player. The first operation button 16a accepts an operation to move the prize holding part 500 along the X direction (left-right direction) during the prize acquisition game. The second operation button 16b accepts an operation to move the prize holding part 500 along the Y direction (depth direction) during the prize acquisition game.
The operation unit 16 may be configured to include a third operation button that accepts an operation to move the prize gripping part 500 in the Z direction (up and down direction) during the prize acquisition game. Alternatively, the operation unit 16 may be configured to include a joystick that accepts an operation to move the prize gripping part 500 in the horizontal direction (left and right direction and depth direction) during the prize acquisition game, and a down button that accepts an operation to move the prize gripping part 500 in the Z direction (up and down direction).

In addition, a prize outlet 17 communicating with the opening area OE (see Figs. 2 and 3) is provided on the front side of the lower housing 12. Here, a prize slope (not shown) is arranged below the prize arrangement mechanism 30. In addition, a prize capture sensor 17a (see Fig. 9) is arranged below the prize arrangement mechanism 30. The prize capture sensor 17a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control board 50 in response to detection of a prize P that has fallen from the opening area OE (acquisition of a prize P). In addition, a prize drop sensor 17b (see Fig. 9) is arranged inside the prize outlet 17. The prize drop sensor 17b outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control board 50 in response to detection of a prize P that has fallen into the prize outlet 17 (acquisition of a prize P).
The processing unit 51 detects the acquisition of a prize P based on the input of a detection signal from the prize acquisition sensor 17a, and executes a predetermined light-emitting effect when the prize P is acquired. Furthermore, the processing unit 51 detects a specific error when a detection signal is input from the prize drop sensor 17b for a predetermined period of time. A "specific error" is detected when the prize P unexpectedly falls, the prize P is forgotten to be taken, a person or a foreign object enters the prize outlet 17, or the like. Note that the prize acquisition sensor 17a and the prize drop sensor 17b may each be arbitrarily switched between a detection state and a non-detection state.
The prize P that has fallen into the opening area OE is detected by the prize capture sensor 17a, and then guided to the prize outlet 17 by the prize slope and detected by the prize drop sensor 17b. This allows the player to capture the prize P taken out from the prize outlet 17.
An opening/closing door (not shown) is provided on the front side of the lower housing 12. Various control boards (main control board 50, etc.) are arranged inside the opening/closing door.

(Prize placement frame unit 20)
Next, the configuration of the prize placement frame unit 20 will be described.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a prize arrangement frame unit 20 in which a prize arrangement mechanism 30 according to a first example is configured. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a prize arrangement frame unit 20 in which a prize arrangement mechanism 30 according to a second example is configured.
1 to 3, the prize placement frame unit 20 is disposed within the housing 10. The prize placement frame unit 20 is configured to include a base frame (not shown), an overall lifting frame 220 attached to the base frame so as to be able to rise and fall, and six sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 236 attached to the overall lifting frame 220 so as to be able to rise and fall.
The overall lifting frame 220 is configured to include a left frame unit 221, a right frame unit 222, and a connecting frame (not shown) that connects the left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222.
The left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222 have a symmetrical configuration. The left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222 are each configured in a lattice shape.
The entire lifting frame 220 is attached to the base frame so as to be movable up and down. Specifically, an entire lifting slider (not shown) is provided on each of the frame units 221 and 222. The base frame is also provided with an entire lifting guide rail (not shown) that supports the entire lifting slider provided on each of the frame units 221 and 222 so that the entire lifting frame 220 can be lifted and lowered. The entire lifting frame 220 is attached to the base frame by disposing the entire lifting slider in the entire lifting guide rail. The entire lifting slider is slidable in the up and down direction along the entire lifting guide rail. This allows the entire lifting frame 220 to be lifted and lowered with respect to the base frame.
The base frame is also provided with an overall lifting/lowering locking mechanism (not shown). The overall lifting/lowering locking mechanism is capable of locking (fixing) the overall lifting/lowering frame 220 from the base frame. This makes it possible to lock the overall lifting/lowering frame 220 at any desired height.

The six sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 236 have substantially the same configuration. Each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 236 includes a base frame 237, a pair of guide rods 238, and an individual lifting slider (not shown).
The base frame 237 is formed in a quadrangular prism shape. The base frame 237 is disposed so as to extend in the depth direction. In the following description, of the four side surfaces of the base frame 237, the upper side surface is referred to as the "upper side surface," the lower side surface is referred to as the "lower side surface," and the inner side surface (on the side of the game area GE) is referred to as the "inner side surface."
A T-groove tg is provided on at least the inner surface of the four side surfaces of the base frame 237. In this embodiment, the T-groove tg is provided on the inner surface and the upper surface of the four side surfaces of the base frame 237.
Each T-slot tg extends linearly along the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the base frame 237 extends) of the base frame 237. Each T-slot tg is provided from one end of the base frame 237 in the longitudinal direction to the other end of the base frame 237.
Each guide rod 238 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Each guide rod 238 is provided so as to extend downward from the lower surface of the base frame 237. The pair of guide rods 238 are provided so as to be aligned at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the base frame 237.

In this embodiment, three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 are attached to the left frame unit 221. The three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 are arranged to be lined up at predetermined intervals along the depth direction. Each of the individual lifting frames 231-233 is attached to the left frame unit 221 so as to be able to rise and fall. In particular, the three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 can be raised and lowered individually.
Specifically, in each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 233, an individual lifting slider (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the guide rod 238. In addition, the left frame unit 221 is provided with an individual lifting guide rail (not shown) that supports the individual lifting slider provided in each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 233 so that the individual lifting slider can be raised and lowered. Each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 233 is attached to the left frame unit 221 by inserting a pair of guide rods 238 into guide holes (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the left frame unit 221 and disposing the individual lifting slider in the individual lifting guide rail. Each of the guide rods 238 is slidable in the vertical direction relative to the guide holes through which the guide rods 238 are inserted. In addition, the individual lifting slider is slidable in the vertical direction along the individual lifting guide rail. This allows each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 233 to be raised and lowered relative to the left frame unit 221. In particular, the base frame 237 provided on each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 233 is capable of being raised and lowered relative to the left frame unit 221 .

Additionally, three sets of individual lifting frames 234-236 are attached to the right frame unit 222. The three sets of individual lifting frames 234-236 are arranged to be lined up at predetermined intervals along the depth direction. Each of the individual lifting frames 234-236 is attached to the right frame unit 222 so as to be capable of being raised and lowered. In particular, the three sets of individual lifting frames 234-236 can be raised and lowered individually.
Specifically, in each of the individual lifting frames 234 to 236, an individual lifting slider (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the guide rod 238. In addition, the right frame unit 222 is provided with an individual lifting guide rail (not shown) that supports the individual lifting slider provided in each of the individual lifting frames 234 to 236 so that the individual lifting slider can be raised and lowered. Each of the individual lifting frames 234 to 236 is attached to the right frame unit 222 by inserting a pair of guide rods 238 into guide holes (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the right frame unit 222 and disposing the individual lifting slider in the individual lifting guide rail. Each of the guide rods 238 is slidable in the vertical direction relative to the guide holes through which the guide rods 238 are inserted. In addition, the individual lifting slider is slidable in the vertical direction along the individual lifting guide rail. This allows each of the individual lifting frames 234 to 236 to be raised and lowered relative to the right frame unit 222. In particular, the base frame 237 provided on each of the individual lifting frames 234 to 236 is capable of being raised and lowered relative to the right frame unit 222 .

Each of the individual lifting frames 231-236 is configured to include an individual lifting lock mechanism (not shown). The individual lifting lock mechanism provided on each of the individual lifting frames 231-236 makes it possible to lock (fix and maintain) the lifting and lowering of the individual lifting frames 231-236 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. This makes it possible to lock each of the individual lifting frames 231-236 at any desired height.

A game area GE in which a prize acquisition game is played is defined within the housing 10. The prize placement mechanism 30 is a mechanism for placing prizes P within the game area GE. That is, the prize placement mechanism 30 places the prizes P within the game area GE. At this time, the placement mode can be selected from various modes such as placing, hanging, clamping, etc., depending on the configuration of the prize placement mechanism 30.
In particular, in this embodiment, the prize placement mechanism 30 defines a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE within the game area GE.
The "prize placement area AE" is the area where prizes P are placed.
The "opening area OE" is an area into which a prize P can be won by dropping the prize P.

(Prize placement mechanism 30)
Next, the configuration of the prize placement mechanism 30 will be described.
The prize placement mechanism 30 is attached to one or more of the six sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 236. In this case, the prize placement mechanism 30 is attached to the base frame 237.
The prize placement mechanism 30 is formed by one component or by combining multiple components.
In this embodiment, a floor frame ff, a floor panel fp, a flexible rod (not shown), and the like are prepared as components that constitute the prize placement mechanism 30. The prize placement mechanism 30 is constructed by combining one or more of these components.
Each component will be described below.

The floor frame ff is formed by connecting four frames in an endless (annular) shape. This makes the floor frame ff a substantially rectangular frame in plan view. Here, multiple types of floor frames ff with different sizes may be prepared as the floor frame ff. One or more fixing members are provided on the side of the floor frame ff. The fixing members can be fitted into the T-groove tg provided in the base frame 237. The floor frame ff can be attached to the upper side or inner side of the base frame 237 via the fixing members.
The floor panel fp is formed in a substantially square flat plate shape in a plan view. The floor panel fp can be attached to the upper surface (lower surface) of the floor frame ff. The floor panel fp is fixed to the upper surface of the floor frame ff by screws.
The flexible rod is composed of two cylindrical bodies. That is, the flexible rod is composed by inserting (fitting) all or a part of one cylindrical body into the other cylindrical body. The flexible rod can change (adjust) the longitudinal dimension by sliding (sliding) one cylindrical body in a direction to be accommodated in the other cylindrical body or in a direction to be discharged from the other cylindrical body. Fixing members are provided at each end of the flexible rod. The fixing members can be fitted into T-grooves tg provided in the base frame 237. The flexible rod can be attached to the upper side or the inner side of the base frame 237 via the fixing members.

(Example of the prize placement mechanism 30)
Next, a configuration example of the prize placement mechanism 30 will be described.
As described above, in this embodiment, by combining the floor frame ff, floor panel fp, flexible rods, etc., it is possible to configure prize placement mechanisms 30 of various shapes.
An example of the prize placement mechanism 30 is shown below.

(Prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example)
First, the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example will be described.
2, the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example is configured by a pair of floor frames ff spanning between a left frame unit 221 and a right frame unit 222. In this case, the rear floor frame ff is attached to the left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222 via a small floor frame ffs.
That is, of the pair of vertical frames constituting the front floor frame ff, one vertical frame is attached to the inner surface of the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 231 and the inner surface of the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 232. Also, of the pair of vertical frames constituting the front floor frame ff, the other vertical frame is attached to the inner surface of the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 234 and the inner surface of the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 235.
Furthermore, the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 232 and 235 are disposed at a lower position than the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 231 and 234 .
As a result, the front floor frame ff is positioned with its top surface inclined toward the back. The floor panel fp is attached to the top surface of the front floor frame ff. As a result, the top surface of the floor panel fp forms the first prize placement surface A. At this time, the first prize placement surface A is inclined toward the back.
One floor frame ffs is attached to the upper side surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 233. In addition, the other small floor frame ffs is attached to the upper side surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 236.
Of the pair of vertical frames constituting the rear floor frame ff, one vertical frame is attached to the upper surface of one floor frame ffs and the inner surface of the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 233. Also, of the pair of vertical frames constituting the rear floor frame ff, the other vertical frame is attached to the upper surface of the other floor frame ffs and the inner surface of the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 236.
As a result, the rear floor frame ff is positioned with its top surface inclined toward the front. The floor panel fp is attached to the top surface of the rear floor frame ff. As a result, the top surface of the floor panel fp forms the second prize placement surface B. At this time, the second prize placement surface B is inclined toward the front.

Here, in the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example, a pair of floor frames ff are attached to different individual lifting frames 231 to 236. This makes it possible to adjust the heights of the first prize placement surface A and the second prize placement surface B individually.
That is, it is possible to adjust the height of the first prize placement surface A by raising or lowering the individual lifting frames 231, 232, 234, and 235 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. Also, it is possible to change (adjust) the positional relationship (height relationship) between the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 231 and 234 and the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 232 and 235, thereby changing (adjusting) the inclination angle of the first prize placement surface A.
Moreover, it is possible to adjust the height of the second prize placement surface B by raising or lowering the individual lifting frames 233, 236 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. Moreover, it is possible to change (adjust) the inclination angle of the second prize placement surface B by changing (adjusting) the fixed position of the floor frame ff in the floor frame ffa.
This makes it possible to adjust the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the first prize placing surface A and the second prize placing surface B.
Thereafter, by raising and lowering the overall lifting frame 220 relative to the base frame 210, the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the prize holding section 500 and each prize placing surface can be adjusted all at once while maintaining the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the first prize placing surface A and the second prize placing surface B.
The prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example configures a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE in a game area GE. That is, the prize placement area AE is configured on a pair of prize placement surfaces A and B in the game area GE, and the opening area OE is configured between the pair of prize placement surfaces A and B.
In particular, in the game area GE, it is possible to arrange the prize P so that it spans between a pair of prize placement surfaces A, B.
In the prize placement mechanism 30 of the first example, the prize holding portion 500 drops the prize P supported by a pair of prize placement surfaces A, B into the opening area OE, making it possible to obtain the prize P.

(Prize placement mechanism 30 according to the second example)
Next, a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a second example will be described.
As shown in Figure 3, the prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example is constructed by a single floor frame ff being bridged between a left frame unit 221 and a right frame unit 222.
Specifically, one of the pair of vertical frames constituting the floor frame ff is attached to the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 232 and the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 232 among the three sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 233 arranged in the left frame unit 221. In addition, the other of the pair of vertical frames constituting the floor frame ff is attached to the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 235 and the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 236 among the three sets of individual lifting frames 234 to 236 arranged in the right frame unit 222.
In this case, the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 233 and 236 are disposed at a lower position than the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 232 and 235. As a result, the floor frame ff is disposed with its upper surface inclined toward the rear side.
Furthermore, two spherical parts 333 are attached to the front horizontal frame constituting the floor frame ff. Each spherical part 333 is fixed to a T-slot TG provided on the side of the horizontal frame via a T-slot nut.
Here, in the prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example, it is possible to change (adjust) the positional relationship (height relationship) between the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 232, 235 and the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 233, 236, thereby changing (adjusting) the inclination angle of each spherical part 333.
Thereafter, by raising and lowering the overall lifting frame 220 relative to the base frame 210, the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the prize holding portion 500 and each spherical part 333 can be adjusted all at once while maintaining the inclination angle of each spherical part 333.
In other words, while the individual lifting/lowering locking mechanisms 239 are used to lock the lifting/lowering of the individual lifting/lowering frames 231 to 236 relative to the overall lifting/lowering frame 220 , the overall lifting/lowering frame 220 can be raised and lowered relative to the base frame 210 .

The prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example constitutes a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE in the game area GE. That is, prize hanging parts C, D are constituted in the spherical portion 333a of each spherical part 333. A prize P can be suspended from each prize hanging part C, D via a D ring dr. This constitutes the prize placement area AE below each prize hanging part C, D. Also, an opening area OE is constituted below the prize P suspended from each prize hanging part C, D.
In particular, in the game area GE, it is possible to arrange the prize P in a suspended state above the opening area OE.
In the prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example, the prize holding portion 500 detaches the D-ring dr hooked to each prize hanging portion C, D from the prize hanging portion C, D, making it possible to obtain the prize P connected to the D-ring dr.

(Crane unit 40)
Next, the configuration of the crane unit 40 will be described.
The crane unit 40 is configured to include a prize gripping section 500, a moving device 420 that moves the prize gripping section 500 in the horizontal direction, and a lifting device 430 that raises and lowers the prize gripping section 500.
The moving device 420 includes an X-direction rail (not shown), a Y-direction rail (not shown), an X-direction motor m2 (see FIG. 9), and a Y-direction motor m3 (see FIG. 9).
The X-direction rail is attached to the top surface (inner surface) of the housing 10. The X-direction rail extends linearly along the left-right direction.
The Y-direction rail is attached to the X-direction rail. The Y-direction rail is slidable along the X-direction rail. The Y-direction rail extends linearly along the depth direction. The Y-direction rail is moved along the X-direction rail by driving the X-direction motor m2.

The lifting device 430 is attached to a Y-direction rail. The lifting device 430 is slidable along the Y-direction rail. The lifting device 430 is moved along the Y-direction rail by driving a Y-direction motor m3.
The lifting device 430 is configured to include a reel (not shown) capable of letting out or winding up the wire, and a lifting motor m4 (see FIG. 9) that drives the reel. The tip of the wire is attached to the prize gripping part 500. This makes it possible to drive the reel with the lifting motor m4 to let out the wire, thereby lowering the prize gripping part 500. In addition, it is possible to raise the prize gripping part 500 by driving the reel with the lifting motor m4 and winding up the wire.
As described above, in the crane unit 40, the prize gripping part 500 can be moved in the left-right direction, the depth direction, and the up-down direction by driving the motors m2, m3, and m4. In addition, the pair of arms 560 can be opened and closed by driving the opening/closing motor m1.

(Prize holding section 500)
Next, the configuration of the prize gripping portion 500 will be described.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "two-claw specification". Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the front side of the arm unit 520. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the arm unit 520. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the arm unit 520. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "three-claw specification".
The prize gripping portion 500 is attached to the bottom surface of the lifting device 430 via a stretchable support portion 413 .
As shown in Figure 4, the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "two-claw specification" is composed of a catcher case 501 (see Figure 1), a base member 510, a pair of arm units 520, and a catcher base plate 530.
The catcher case 501 is a substantially cylindrical casing. The base member 510, the pair of arm units 520, and the catcher base plate 530 are housed in the catcher case 501. At this time, the tip side of the arm 560 of each arm unit 520 protrudes to the outside of the catcher case 501 through a through hole provided in the side surface of the catcher case 501.
The base member 510 is formed of a metal plate material such as stainless steel. The base member 510 may be formed of resin. The lower end of the support part 413 is connected to the upper surface of the base member 510, and the lower end of the wire extending from the reel of the lifting device 430 is also connected to the upper surface of the base member 510. This makes it possible to lift and lower the base member 510 (prize gripping part 500) in response to the wire being let out or taken up by the lifting device 430.

The pair of arm units 520 are attached to the lower surface side of the base member 510. The pair of arm units 520 have the same configuration.
As shown in Figures 5 to 7, each arm unit 520 is composed of a base member 590, an opening/closing motor m1, a power transmission unit 540, an arm holding portion 550, an arm 560, an arm type identification board 570, and a potentiometer 580.
In particular, each arm unit 520 is configured by unitizing (integrating) a base member 590, an opening/closing motor m1, a power transmission unit 540, an arm holding section 550, an arm 560, an arm type identification board 570, a potentiometer 580, etc. As a result, each arm unit 520 is detachable from the base member 510 as a unit.
The base member 590 is formed from a metal plate such as stainless steel.
The opening/closing motor m1 is attached to the power transmission unit 540. In this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the opening/closing motor m1. The driving of the opening/closing motor m1 is controlled by the catcher board 530.
The power transmission unit 540 is attached to the front side of the base member 590. The power transmission unit 540 includes a power transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits the power of the opening/closing motor m1 to the arm holding portion 550 (rotation shaft 551), and a gear box 542 that houses the power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism is made up of a plurality of gears. In particular, the power transmission unit 540 is configured by unitizing (integrating) the power transmission mechanism and the gear box 542. This allows the power transmission unit 540 to be attached and detached as a unit to the base member 590.

The arm holding part 550 is attached to the power transmission unit 540 via a rotating shaft 551. The arm holding part 550 is provided with a mounting part 552 to which the base end of the arm 560 is attached. The mounting part 552 is formed in a square tube shape, into which the base end of the arm 560 can be inserted (fitted). The arm holding part 550 is also provided with a locking mechanism 553 that locks the base end of the arm 560 attached to the mounting part 552.
The lock mechanism 553 includes a cylindrical operating rod 553a and an engagement piece (not shown) provided at the lower end of the operating rod 553a. The lock mechanism 553 is arranged such that the operating rod 553a passes through the mounting part 552 in the vertical direction. In this case, the engagement piece is arranged inside the mounting part 552.
When attaching the arm 560 to the arm holding part 550, the base end of the arm 560 is inserted into the attachment part 552. Then, an engagement piece of the locking mechanism 553 engages with an engagement hole (not shown) provided in the base end of the arm 560. As a result, the base end of the arm 560 is locked (fixed) in a state where it is fitted into the attachment part 552, and the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550. In other words, the arm 560 is held by the arm holding part 550.
On the other hand, when removing the arm 560 from the arm holding part 550, the upper end of the operating rod 553a is pushed downward. This releases the engagement of the engaging piece of the locking mechanism 553 with the engaging hole provided at the base end of the arm 560. This makes it possible to remove the arm 560 from the arm holding part 550 by removing the base end of the arm 560 from the arm holding part 550 while pushing the upper end of the operating rod 553a downward.
The arm holding part 550 is provided with an insertion hole 554 through which the rotation shaft 551 is inserted. The arm holding part 550 can be displaced (rotated) around the rotation shaft 551 within a range from a closed limit position (not shown) to an open limit position (see FIG. 4). This allows the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 to be displaced within a range from a closed limit position (not shown) to an open limit position (see FIG. 4) in accordance with the displacement (rotation) of the arm holding part 550.
At this time, in the prize gripping section 500, when the pair of arm holding sections 550 are displaced toward the closed limit position, the pair of arms 560 are displaced in the closing direction. On the other hand, when the pair of arm holding sections 550 are displaced toward the open limit position, the pair of arms 560 are displaced in the opening direction.

The arm 560 is formed in a generally L-shaped rod shape. The shape of the arm 560 can be appropriately changed to an arc shape, a wave shape, a flat plate shape, a hook shape, etc. A metal claw member 561 is attached to the lower end of the arm 560.
In this embodiment, multiple types of arms 560 are prepared that differ in size, length, shape of the claw members 561, etc. For example, a small arm 560A, a medium arm 560B, and a large arm 560C are prepared as the multiple types of arms 560. Any one of the multiple types of arms 560 can be arbitrarily selected and attached to the arm holding portion 550.
In particular, as shown in Fig. 7, an arm type identifier 562 is provided at the base end of the arm 560. The arm type identifier 562 includes a pair of identification plates 562a arranged in parallel. The pair of identification plates 562a have the same configuration. Each identification plate 562a has four identification portions s1 to s4 defined thereon. In each arm 560, the type of the arm 560 can be identified by a combination (pattern) of the identification portions s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed, among the four identification portions s1 to s4.
That is, in each arm 560, the combination of the four identifiers s1 to s4 in which a through hole is formed corresponds to the type of the arm 560. In other words, in the arm 560, the combination of the four identifiers s1 to s4 in which a through hole is formed is different for each type of the arm 560. For example, in the small arm 560A, among the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in the identifier s1, and no through hole is formed in the identifiers s2 to s4. On the other hand, in the medium arm 560B, among the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in the identifiers s1 and s2, and no through hole is formed in the identifiers s3 and s4. On the other hand, in the large arm 560A, among the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in the identifiers s1 to s3, and no through hole is formed in the identifier s4.

The arm type identification board 570 is attached to the rear side of the base member 590. The arm type identification board 570 is configured to include an arm type detection sensor (not shown).
The arm type detection sensor includes four systems of photosensors (reflective photosensors). Specifically, the arm type detection sensor includes a photosensor corresponding to the identification section s1, a photosensor corresponding to the identification section s2, a photosensor corresponding to the identification section s3, and a photosensor corresponding to the identification section s4. The photosensor corresponding to the identification section s1 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates infrared light to the identification section s1, and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from the identification section s1. The photosensor corresponding to the identification section s2 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates infrared light to the identification section s2, and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from the identification section s2. The photosensor corresponding to the identification section s3 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates infrared light to the identification section s3, and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from the identification section s3. The photosensor corresponding to the identification section s4 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates infrared light to the identification section s4, and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from the identification section s4.

Here, through holes n1 to n4 that allow infrared light emitted from the light-emitting parts of the respective photosensors to pass through are provided on the back surface of the base member 590. Also, through holes h1 to h4 that allow infrared light emitted from the light-emitting parts of the respective photosensors to pass through are provided on each side surface of the arm holding part 550.
The through hole h1 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification portion s1 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding portion 550. The through hole h2 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification portion s2 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding portion 550. The through hole h3 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification portion s3 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding portion 550. The through hole h4 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification portion s4 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding portion 550.
As described later, in this embodiment, in a state where the arm holding part 550 is arranged at the open limit position (a state where the arm 560 is arranged at the open limit position), the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 is determined. As a result, the through hole n1 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification part s1 (through hole h1) in a state where the arm holding part 550 is arranged at the open limit position. The through hole n2 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification part s2 (through hole h2) in a state where the arm holding part 550 is arranged at the open limit position. The through hole n3 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification part s3 (through hole h3) in a state where the arm holding part 550 is arranged at the open limit position. The through hole n4 is provided at a position corresponding to the identification part s4 (through hole h4) in a state where the arm holding part 550 is arranged at the open limit position.
As described above, when the arm holding portion 550 is disposed at the maximum open position, the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element of each photosensor reaches the identifiers s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor through the through holes n1 to n4 and the through holes h1 to h4. At this time, if the identifiers s1 to s4 do not have through holes, the infrared light that reaches the identifiers s1 to s4 is reflected by the identifiers s1 to s4, and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element of the photosensor. On the other hand, if the identifiers s1 to s4 have through holes, the infrared light that reaches the identifiers s1 to s4 passes through the identifiers s1 to s4, is reflected by the rear surface of the power transmission unit 540, and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element of the photosensor.
In particular, in this embodiment, the arm type identifier 562 is made of a material having a higher reflectance to infrared light than the back surface of the power transmission unit 540. This makes it possible to determine (detect) the presence or absence of a through hole in the identifiers s1 to s4 corresponding to each photosensor based on the reflectance of the reflected light received by the light receiving element relative to the infrared light irradiated by the light emitting element.

That is, the detection signal from the light receiving element of each photosensor is input to the catcher board 530. Then, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 judges whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor based on the detection signal input from the light receiving element of each photosensor. At this time, if the current value of the detection signal input from the light receiving element of each photosensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (if the reflectance of the identification unit s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor is high), the processing unit of the catcher board 530 judges that a through hole is not formed in the identification unit s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor. On the other hand, if the current value of the detection signal input from the light receiving element of each photosensor is less than a predetermined threshold (if the reflectance of the identification unit s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor is low), the processing unit of the catcher board 530 judges that a through hole is formed in the identification unit s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor.
That is, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s1 based on a detection signal input from a light receiving element of a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s1. It also determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s2 based on a detection signal input from a light receiving element of a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s2. It also determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s3 based on a detection signal input from a light receiving element of a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s3. It also determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s4 based on a detection signal input from a light receiving element of a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s4.
The processing unit of the catcher board 530 then determines (detects) whether the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding unit 550 and the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 based on a combination (pattern) of the identification units s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed among the four identification units s1 to s4. At this time, if it is determined that through holes are formed in all of the identification units s1 to s4, it is determined that the arm 560 is not attached to the arm holding unit 550. On the other hand, if it is determined that a through hole is formed in the identification unit s1 among the four identification units s1 to s4 and a through hole is not formed in the identification units s2 to s4, it is determined that the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 is the small arm 560A. On the other hand, when it is determined that, among the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in identifiers s1 and s2 and a through hole is not formed in identifiers s3 and s4, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding portion 550 is determined to be a medium-sized arm 560B. On the other hand, when it is determined that, among the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in identifiers s1 to s3 and a through hole is not formed in identifier s4, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding portion 550 is determined to be a large-sized arm 560C.

The potentiometer 580 is attached to the front side of the power transmission unit 540. The potentiometer 580 is composed of a variable resistor. The potentiometer 580 detects the position (rotational position and rotational angle) of the arm holding part 550 (arm 560). That is, the potentiometer 580 outputs a detection signal according to the position (rotational position and rotational angle) of the rotation shaft 551 to the catcher board 530. Then, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 detects the position (rotational position and rotational angle) of the arm holding part 550 (arm 560) corresponding to the potentiometer 580 based on the detection signal input from each potentiometer 580.
In the arm unit 520, the power of the opening/closing motor m1 is transmitted to a rotating shaft 551 inserted into an insertion hole 554 of an arm holding portion 550 via a power transmission mechanism of a power transmission unit 540. This makes it possible to displace the arm 560 by driving the opening/closing motor m1. At this time, the position (open/closed position) of the arm 560 can be detected by a potentiometer 580.

The catcher board 530 is attached to the rear side of the base member 510. The catcher board 530 is configured to include a processing section (not shown). The processing section is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc.
The catcher board 530 is capable of controlling the driving of a maximum of three motors. The catcher board 530 according to this embodiment is capable of controlling the opening and closing of a pair of arms 560 by controlling the driving of the opening and closing motor m1 of one arm unit 520 and the opening and closing motor m1 of the other arm unit 520. The prize gripping section 500 is capable of gripping and releasing the prize P by opening and closing the pair of arms 560.

In this embodiment, the base member 510 is configured to be able to mount two sets of arm units 520. However, the base member 510 may be configured to be able to mount three or more sets of arm units 520.
That is, in this embodiment, the base member 510 is configured to correspond to a "two-claw specification" in which the prize P is gripped by two arms 560. However, the base member 510 may be configured to correspond to a "three-claw specification" in which the prize P is gripped by three arms 560.
In this case, in the prize gripping section 500, each arm unit 520 is made into a unit and can be attached and detached as a unit to the base member 510. Also, the catcher board 530 can control the drive of up to three motors. This makes it possible for a facility where the prize capturing game device 1 is installed to change the prize gripping section 500 from a "two-claw specification" to a "three-claw specification" simply by replacing the base member 510 and adding one arm unit 520. This makes it possible to unify the configuration of the prize gripping section 500, thereby reducing the number of design steps and the number of control steps.
That is, when changing the prize gripping section 500 from the "two-claw specification" to the "three-claw specification", first, the two sets of arm units 520 and the catcher board 530 are removed from the base member 510. Next, a base member 610 corresponding to the "three-claw specification" is attached to the lower end of the support section 413 in place of the base member 510 corresponding to the "two-claw specification". Next, the two sets of arm units 520 removed from the base member 510 and one new set of arm units 520 to be added are attached to the base member 610. Next, the catcher board 530 removed from the base member 510 is attached to the base member 610.
As a result of the above, it is possible to configure a prize gripping portion 500 compatible with the "three-claw specification" as shown in FIG.
Here, it is preferable that each arm unit 520 be attached to the base members 510, 610 with a single touch. This makes it even easier to remove, attach, and replace each arm unit 520 to the base members 510, 610 at the site.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the configuration of a control system of the prize game device 1 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the prize game device 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the prize acquisition game device 1 includes a main control board 50, a drive board 60, a catcher board 530, and an arm type identification board 570.
The main control board 50 comprehensively controls the progress of the prize acquisition game. The main control board 50 is disposed inside the lower housing 12. The main control board 50 includes a processing unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an RTC (real-time clock) 54, etc.
The processing unit 51 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.
The processing unit 51 executes processes required for the progression of the prize game based on various detection signals input from the control panel 13, the programs and data stored in the storage unit 52, etc. The processing unit 51 also executes processes related to various settings of the prize game device 1 based on various detection signals input from the touch panel 15a, various information received by the communication unit 53, the programs and data stored in the storage unit 52, etc. In particular, the processing unit 51 transmits various control commands to the drive board 660, the catcher board 530, etc. in accordance with the progression of the prize game.
The processing unit 51 receives, as input, detection signals output in response to pressing of each operation button 16a, 16b, detection signals output in response to operation of the touch panel 15a, detection signals output in response to insertion of a coin into the coin insertion slot 14, detection signals output in response to detection of a prize P by the prize acquisition sensor 17a, etc.
The storage unit 52 is composed of a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 52 stores programs and data required for the progression of the prize game, various settings of the prize game device 1, etc.
The communication unit 53 communicates with an external terminal device (not shown) via a network (not shown).
The RTC 54 generates (times) information indicating the current time (year, month, date, day of the week, hour, minute, second). The RTC 54 is configured to operate by receiving power from a backup power source. This allows the RTC 54 to constantly measure the current time even when the power to the prize acquisition game device 1 is not turned on.

The drive board 60 controls the movement of the prize gripping portion 500 (movement in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) by controlling the drive of the X direction motor m2, the Y direction motor m3, and the lifting motor m4.
The drive board 60 is disposed on the top surface (inside) of the housing 10. The drive board 60 is configured to include a processing section and the like. The processing section of the drive board 60 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM and the like. The ROM of the drive board 60 stores programs and data required for controlling the movement of the prize gripping section 500.
Here, the prize acquisition game device 1 is equipped with an X-position detection means 55 for detecting the position of the prize holding portion 500 in the X-direction (left-right direction), a Y-position detection means 56 for detecting the position of the prize holding portion 500 in the Y-direction (depth direction), and a Z-position detection means 57 for detecting the position of the prize holding portion 500 in the Z-direction (up-down direction).
The processing unit of the drive board 60 receives inputs such as the control command transmitted by the main control board 50, the detection signal output by the X-position detection means 55, the detection signal output by the Y-position detection means 56, and the detection signal output by the Z-position detection means 57. The processing unit of the drive board 60 also receives inputs of arm type information, which will be described later.

The processing unit of the drive board 60 sets the movable range of the prize holding part 500 in the X direction (the movement limit position on one side in the X direction, and the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction) based on the arm type information received from the catcher board 530.
That is, a movement limit position on one side in the X direction is set based on the type of arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Also, a movement limit position on the other side in the X direction is set based on the type of arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, the movement limit positions are set so that the arms 560 attached to each arm unit 520 do not come into contact (clash) with the side surface of the housing 10.
As described above, the movable range of the prize gripping part 500 in the X direction is set according to the size of the arm 560 specified by the arm type information. That is, the larger (longer) the attached arm 560 is, the narrower the movable range is set.

In addition, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the drive of the X-direction motor m2 (the movement of the prize holding part 500 in the X-direction) based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the detection signal input from the X-position detection means 55, the set range of movement of the prize holding part 500 in the X-direction, etc.
In addition, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the drive of the Y-direction motor m3 (movement of the prize holding part 500 in the Y direction) based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the detection signal input from the Y position detection means 56, the preset Y-direction movable range of the prize holding part 500, etc.
Furthermore, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the drive of the lifting motor m4 (movement of the prize holding part 500 in the Z direction) based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the detection signal input from the Z position detection means 57, the preset Z-directional movable range of the prize holding part 500, etc.

The catcher board 530 controls the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 and the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 by controlling the driving of the opening and closing motor m1 of one arm unit 520 and the opening and closing motor m1 of the other arm unit 520.
The catcher board 530 is disposed in the catcher case 501. The catcher board 530 is configured to include a processing section and the like. The processing section of the catcher board 530 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM and the like. The ROM of the catcher board 530 stores programs and data required for controlling the opening and closing of a pair of arms 560.
The processing unit of the catcher board 530 receives, as input, the control commands transmitted by the main control board 50, the detection signals output by the potentiometer 580 of one arm unit 520, the detection signals output by the potentiometer 580 of the other arm unit 520, the detection signals from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of the four systems of photosensors) of one arm unit 520, and the detection signals from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of the four systems of photosensors) of the other arm unit 520.

As described above, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 determines the type of arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 based on the detection signal input from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of four types of photosensors) of each arm unit 520.
The processing unit of the catcher board 530 executes a calibration process when a displacement of the arm 560 (arm holding unit 550) is detected for any of the arm units 520 during the attract state. Here, the displacement of the arm 560 (arm holding unit 550) is detected based on a detection signal input from the potentiometer 580.
As described above, each arm 560 (each arm holding part 550) can be displaced (rotated) around the rotation axis 551 within a range from the closed limit position to the open limit position. In this case, in this embodiment, for each arm 560 (each arm holding part 550), a closed position when the pair of arms 560 are closed can be set within a range from the closed limit position to the open limit position. Then, when the pair of arms 560 are closed, each arm 560 is displaced (closed) to a previously set closed position. As a result, when a position on the open limit position side from the closed limit position is set as the closed position of each arm 560, each arm 560 is not displaced to the closed limit position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 is determined in a state where the arm 560 is arranged in the open limit position (a state where the arm holding part 550 is arranged in the open limit position). As a result, it is possible to reliably determine the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550.
In the calibration process, first, the arm 560 (arm holding portion 550) is displaced to the open limit position for each arm unit 520. Next, a process of determining the type of the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 is executed. At this time, for each arm unit 520, the type of the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 is determined based on a detection signal input from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving element of a four-system photo sensor). Next, arm type information including information specifying the type of the arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 and information specifying the type of the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM and transmitted to the drive board 60. With the above, the calibration process is completed.
Here, the movement limit range in the X direction and the movement limit range in the Y direction of the prize gripping part 500 of the prize acquisition game device 1 may be set according to the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 determined by the catcher board 530 and the angle of the prize gripping part 500. That is, based on the angle of the prize gripping part 500 and the type of the arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information (large arm 560A, medium arm 560B, small arm 560C, or no arm 560 attached), a movement limit position on one side in the X direction is set so that the arm 560 attached to the one arm unit does not come into contact (clash) with one side of the housing 10 in the X direction, and a movement limit position on one side in the Y direction is set so that the arm 560 attached to the one arm unit does not come into contact (clash) with one side of the housing 10 in the Y direction. In addition, based on the angle of the prize gripping part 500 and the type of the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information (large arm 560A, medium arm 560B, small arm 560C, or no arm 560 attached), the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction is set so that the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit does not come into contact (crash) with the side surface on the other side in the X direction of the housing 10, and the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction is set so that the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit does not come into contact (crash) with the side surface on the other side in the Y direction of the housing 10. The range from the movement limit position on one side in the X direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction may be set as the movement limit range in the X direction, and the range from the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction may be set as the movement limit range in the Y direction. In this case, the larger the arm 560 attached to the arm unit, the narrower the movement limit range in the X direction and the Y direction. This makes it possible to prevent the arms 560 from contacting (colliding) with the side surface of the housing 10. Note that the movement range of the prize gripping part 500 in the X direction may be set by the operator to be outside the movement limit range in the X direction, and the movement range of the prize gripping part 500 in the Y direction may be set to be outside the movement limit range in the Y direction.

The processing unit of the catcher board 530 controls the drive of each opening/closing motor m1 (the opening/closing and gripping force of the pair of arms 560) based on the control commands received from the main control board 50, the detection signals input from the potentiometers 580 of each arm unit 520, the arm type information stored in the RAM, the preset gripping force of the arm 560, etc.
In particular, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 controls (adjusts) the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 and the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 based on the arm type information stored in the RAM. At this time, regardless of the type of arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520, the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 and the gripping force are controlled so as to achieve a constant opening and closing speed and a constant gripping force (predetermined gripping force).

(Game Processing)
Next, the game processing executed by the processing section 51 will be described.
When the prize game device 1 is powered on, the processing unit 51 starts game processing.
In the game processing, first, an initial setting process is executed, in which various initial settings are performed.
After the initial setting process is completed, an initial operation process is then executed. In the initial operation process, an initial operation (initialization operation) is executed for the crane unit 40. The "initial operation" is an operation for checking whether the crane unit 40 operates normally and for checking that the crane unit 40 is located at the home position. In the initial operation process, a control command for specifying the execution of the initial operation is sent to the drive board 60 and the catcher board 530.

After the initial operation process is completed, an attract start process is executed. In the attract start process, the prize game device 1 starts an attract state (a state of waiting for customers). The "attract state" is a state in which the prize game is not being played and in which the prize game can be started. During the attract state, an attract operation is executed by the prize game device 1.
During the attract state, the satisfaction of the conditions for starting the prize game is monitored. In this embodiment, when the insertion of a coin into the coin insertion slot 14 is detected, the conditions for starting the prize game are satisfied.
When the conditions for starting the prize acquisition game are met, the attract state is ended and the prize acquisition game (game state) is started. During the prize acquisition game, first, the input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a is monitored. Then, in response to the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a, a control command designating the start of movement in the X direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. This starts driving the X direction motor m2, and the prize gripping part 500 starts moving in the left-right direction.
Next, the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a is monitored. Then, in response to the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a, a control command designating the end of the movement in the X direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. This stops the drive of the X direction motor m2, and the movement of the prize gripping part 500 in the left-right direction is stopped.
Next, the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b is monitored. Then, in response to the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b, a control command specifying the start of movement in the Y direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. This starts the driving of the Y direction motor m3, and the movement of the prize gripping part 500 along the depth direction is started.

Next, the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b is monitored. Then, in response to the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b, a control command designating the start of movement (descent) in the Z direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. This causes the driving of the Y direction motor m3 to be stopped, the movement of the prize gripping part 500 along the depth direction to be stopped, and the driving of the lifting motor m4 to be started, causing the movement of the prize gripping part 500 along the up-down direction to be started.
Next, in response to the prize gripping section 500 being lowered to a predetermined height, a control command instructing the pair of arms 560 to be closed is transmitted to the catcher board 530. This drives each opening/closing motor m1, and closes the pair of arms 560. At this time, each arm 560 is displaced (closed) to a preset closed position.
Next, in response to the completion of closing of the pair of arms 560, a control command specifying the start of movement (rising) in the Z direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. This starts driving the lift motor m4, and the prize gripping part 500 starts to move (risen) in the up-down direction.
Next, in response to the prize gripping part 500 being raised to a predetermined height, a control command instructing movement to the opening area OE is transmitted to the drive board 60. This starts driving the X-direction motor m2 and the Y-direction motor m3, and the prize gripping part 500 is moved toward the preset opening area OE.
Next, in response to the prize gripping section 500 being moved to the opening area OE, a control command for opening the pair of arms 560 is transmitted to the catcher board 530. This drives each opening/closing motor m1, and opens the pair of arms 560. At this time, each arm 560 is displaced (opened) to the limit opening position.
Next, in response to the completion of closing of the pair of arms 560, a control command for designating movement to the home position is transmitted to the drive board 60. This starts driving the X-direction motor m2 and the Y-direction motor m3, and the prize gripping part 500 is moved toward a preset home position.
Then, the prize capture game ends as the prize gripping portion 500 is moved to the home position. When the prize capture game (game state) ends, the above-mentioned attract start process is performed, and the attract state is started again.

(Function of Prize Acquisition Game Device 1)
In the prize acquisition game device 1, a plurality of parts including the opening/closing motor m1, the arm holding section 550, and the arm 560 are unitized (integrated) to form the arm unit 520. In particular, the arm unit 520 is detachable as a unit from the base member 590. This makes it possible to easily attach and replace the arm unit 520 to the base member 590. As a result, it becomes possible to easily assemble and replace parts of the prize gripping section 500.
The prize acquisition game device 1 also includes a catcher board 530 that controls the drive of the opening/closing motor m1. The catcher board 530 is disposed on the base member 590. As a result, even if a plurality of arm units 520 are disposed on the base member 590, the opening/closing motors m1 for the plurality of arm units 520 can be collectively controlled by one control board (catcher board 530), and there is no need to provide a control board (catcher board 530) for each arm unit 520. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts.
In the prize acquisition game device 1, the arm unit 520 is configured to include a power transmission unit 540. The power transmission unit 540 is configured as a unit with a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the opening/closing motor m1 to the arm holding portion 550. This makes it possible to easily assemble and replace the power transmission unit 540.

Furthermore, in the prize acquisition game device 1, the arm unit 520 is configured to include a potentiometer 580 that detects the position (rotational position/rotation angle) of the arm holding part 550. This makes it possible to assemble multiple parts including the opening/closing motor m1, the arm holding part 550, the arm 560, and the potentiometer 580 all at once, making it possible to easily assemble the prize gripping part 500 and replace parts.
Furthermore, in the prize acquisition game device 1, the arm unit 520 is configured to include an arm type identification board 570 that detects the type of the arm 560 held by the arm holding part 550. This makes it possible to assemble a plurality of parts including the opening/closing motor m1, the arm holding part 550, the arm 560, and the arm type identification board 570 all at once, making it possible to easily assemble the prize gripping part 500 and replace parts.
Furthermore, in the prize acquisition game device 1, the arm type identification board 570 detects the type of the arm 560 based on the state of the arm type identification section 562 provided on the arm 560 (specifically, the combination (pattern) of the identification sections s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed among the four identification sections s1 to s4). This makes it possible to detect the type of the arm 560 with a simple configuration.
Furthermore, in the prize acquisition game device 1, a plurality of arm units 520 can be attached to the base member 590. This makes it possible to configure the prize gripping section 500 with various specifications (using two claws, using three claws, etc.).

(Modification)
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, two sets of arm units 520 are attached to the base member 510 to configure the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "two-claw specification." Alternatively, three sets of arm units 520 are attached to the base member 610 to configure the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "three-claw specification."
However, a prize gripping section 500 that corresponds to the "single claw specification" may be formed by attaching a pair of arm units 520 to the base member 510.
Alternatively, a base member compatible with the "four-claw use" may be prepared, and four sets of arm units 520 may be attached to the base member to form a prize gripping section 500 compatible with the "four-claw specification."

Also, in the above embodiment, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 is configured to use four systems of photosensors to detect the combination (pattern) of the four identification units s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed, and to detect whether or not the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding unit 550 and the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 based on the detected pattern.
However, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 may be configured to detect whether the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding unit 550 and the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 based on a detection signal input from a physical switch. In such a configuration, a physical switch is arranged in the arm holding unit 550. The physical switch has an operation unit that can be pressed, and transmits a detection signal to the catcher board 530 in response to the operation unit being pressed. In addition, an operation protrusion is provided at the base end (the part inserted into the arm holding unit 550) of the arm 560, which operates to press the operation unit of the physical switch by inserting (attaching) the arm 560 into the arm holding unit 550. At this time, the number of operation protrusions provided at the base end is made different for each type of arm 560. For example, one operation protrusion is provided on the small arm 560A, two operation protrusions are provided on the medium arm 560B, and three operation protrusions are provided on the large arm 560C. As a result, when the small arm 560A is attached to the arm holding section 550, the operation part of the physical switch is pressed once. On the other hand, when the medium arm 560B is attached to the arm holding section 550, the operation part of the physical switch is pressed twice. On the other hand, when the large arm 560C is attached to the arm holding section 550, the operation part of the physical switch is pressed three times. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 detects the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding section 550 based on the detection signal input from the physical switch during the calibration process. At this time, when it is detected that the operation part of the physical switch is not pressed, it is detected that the arm 560 is not attached to the arm holding section 550. On the other hand, when it is detected that the operation part of the physical switch is pressed once, it is detected that the small arm 560A is attached to the arm holding section 550. On the other hand, when it is detected that the operation part of the physical switch has been pressed twice, it is detected that the medium-sized arm 560B is attached to the arm holding part 550. On the other hand, when it is detected that the operation part of the physical switch has been pressed three times, it is detected that the large-sized arm 560C is attached to the arm holding part 550.
Alternatively, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 may be configured to detect whether the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550 and the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 based on a detection signal input from a color sensor. In such a configuration, a color sensor is disposed in the arm holding part 550. The color sensor transmits a detection signal corresponding to the detected color to the catcher board 530. A predetermined color is applied to the base end of the arm 560 (the part inserted into the arm holding part 550). At this time, the color applied to the base end is made different for each type of arm 560. For example, the small arm 560A is colored "blue", the medium arm 560B is colored "red", the large arm 560C is colored "yellow", and the inner surface of the arm holding part 550 is colored "white". As a result, when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550, the color attached to the base end of the arm 560 is detected by the color sensor. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 detects the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 based on the detection signal input from the color sensor during the calibration process. At this time, when "white" is detected, it is detected that the arm 560 is not attached to the arm holding part 550. On the other hand, when "blue" is detected, it is detected that the small arm 560A is attached to the arm holding part 550. On the other hand, when "red" is detected, it is detected that the medium arm 560B is attached to the arm holding part 550. On the other hand, when "yellow" is detected, it is detected that the large arm 560C is attached to the arm holding part 550.
Alternatively, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 may be configured to detect whether the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding unit 550 and the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 based on the conduction/non-conduction of the electric circuit. In such a configuration, three electric circuits are arranged in the arm holding unit 550. Each electric circuit has an open contact part, and when the contact part is closed, an electric signal is output to the catcher board 530. In addition, a conductive plate that closes (makes conductive) the contact part of the electric circuit is provided at the base end part (the part inserted into the arm holding unit 550) of the arm 560. At this time, a conductive plate is provided for each type of arm 560 so as to close the contact part of a different electric circuit among the three electric circuits. For example, a conductive plate is provided in the small arm 560A at a position that closes the setting part of the first electric circuit among the three electric circuits. On the other hand, the medium-sized arm 560B is provided with a conductive plate at a position where the setting section of the second electric circuit among the three electric circuits is closed. On the other hand, the large-sized arm 560C is provided with a conductive plate at a position where the setting section of the third electric circuit among the three electric circuits is closed. As a result, when the small-sized arm 560A is attached to the arm holding part 550, only the first electric circuit among the three electric circuits is conductive (the contact part is closed). On the other hand, when the medium-sized arm 560B is attached to the arm holding part 550, only the second electric circuit among the three electric circuits is conductive (the contact part is closed). On the other hand, when the large-sized arm 560C is attached to the arm holding part 550, only the third electric circuit among the three electric circuits is conductive (the contact part is closed). Then, the processing part of the catcher board 530 detects the type of the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 based on the electric signals input from the three electric circuits during the calibration process. At this time, when no electric signal is input (non-conductive) to all the electric circuits, the arm holding unit 550 detects that the arm 560 is not attached. On the other hand, when an electric signal is input (conductive) only from the first electric circuit among the three electric circuits, the arm holding unit 550 detects that the small arm 560A is attached. On the other hand, when an electric signal is input (conductive) only from the second electric circuit among the three electric circuits, the arm holding unit 550 detects that the medium arm 560B is attached. On the other hand, when an electric signal is input (conductive) only from the third electric circuit among the three electric circuits, the arm holding unit 550 detects that the large arm 560C is attached.

In the above embodiment, the arm type identification portion 562 includes a pair of identification plates 562a arranged in parallel. The pair of identification plates 562a have the same configuration. This makes it possible to identify the type of the arm 560 by the combination (pattern) of the identification portions s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed, among the four identification portions s1 to s4 provided on each identification plate 562a. That is, in each identification plate 562a, the combination of the identification portions in which through holes are formed, among the four identification portions s1 to s4, corresponds to the type of the arm 560.
However, the type of the arm 560 may be identifiable by a combination (pattern) of the identification parts in which through holes are formed, among a total of eight identification parts provided on the pair of identification plates 562a. That is, the combination of the identification parts in which through holes are formed, among a total of eight identification parts, on the pair of identification plates 562a may be a combination that corresponds to the type of the arm 560. With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the number of types of arms 560 that can be identified, and therefore it is possible to prepare various types of arms 560 that differ in size, shape, shape of the claw members 561, and the like, and to realize a wide variety of operations.

In addition, two or more of the configurations according to the above embodiment and the configurations according to the above modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Prize acquisition game device 500 Prize gripping section 501 Catcher case 510 Base member 520 Arm unit 530 Catcher board 540 Power transmission unit 550 Arm holding section 560 Arm 570 Arm type identification board 580 Potentiometer 590 Base member m1 Opening/closing motor

Claims (1)

A prize gripping unit including a base member and an arm unit attached to the base member,
the arm unit includes a drive source, an arm holding portion that is displaced by driving of the drive source, and an arm portion held by the arm holding portion,
The arm unit is detachable from the base member as a unit.
A prize acquisition game device, characterized in that a control board for controlling the driving of the driving source is disposed on the base member.

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