JP2004267271A

JP2004267271A - Device for supplying game medium

Info

Publication number: JP2004267271A
Application number: JP2003058574A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Makoto Nagumo; 誠南雲
Original assignee: TOKYO DATA MACHINE KK
Current assignee: TOKYO DATA MACHINE KK
Priority date: 2003-03-05
Filing date: 2003-03-05
Publication date: 2004-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-05
Also published as: JP4025813B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for supplying game mediums which ensures the connection of a hose member to a tube member. <P>SOLUTION: A locking part 44 prevents the hose member 15 from being pulled out of the tube member 42 by setting the locking part 44 of a lock member 43 into a space between a core rod and the other core rod of the hose member 15 when the hose member 15 is connected to the tube member 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、遊技機島側から前記ホース部材に通した遊技媒体を遊技機側に補給するためのものであって、前記ホース部材がコイルばね状に形成されている遊技媒体の補給装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の遊技媒体の補給装置としては、ホース取付筒が略くの字形に湾曲していて、その基部側では上面板に取り付けられたホルダによって、回転自在に取付られている。ホース取付筒の基部が通過孔に連続して賞球が通過できるようにされている。ホース取付筒の先端は複数に切り込んだスリットによって締め付け片が形成され、ホース取付筒の先端部にその筒軸方向にスライド可能に締め付け環が外嵌している。この締め付け環をスライドさせることによって、ホース取付筒の先端の内径を狭くして、ホース取付筒に差し込まれたスプリングホースを締め付け片によって締め付け、ホース取付筒からスプリングホースを抜けないようにしている（特許文献１参照。）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−３０５１４２号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら前記従来の遊技媒体の補給装置では、締め付け環をスライドさせると、複数の締め付け片がスプリングホースを締め付けることで、締め付け片とスプリングホースとの摩擦力によって、ホース取付筒からスプリングホースを抜けないようにしているものである。締め付け片による締め付け力を大きくするために、締め付け片とスプリングホースとの間の隙間を小さめに設定すると、スプリングホースをホース取付筒に差し込み難くなり、スプリングホースをホース取付筒に接続するときの作業性が低下する。また、例えば、スプリングホース内に遊技媒体を通すときの振動が締め付け環に伝わり、締め付け環が弛むおそれのあるもので、締め付け環が弛むことにより、締め付け片による締め付け力を低下させると、摩擦力を減少させて、スプリングホースをホース取付筒に確実に接続することができないという問題点があった。
【０００５】
さらに、ホース取付筒の基部が回転自在になっていて、ホース取付筒の先端が略水平方向に向いているため、スプリングホースを略水平方向からホースの取付筒に差し込む場合には、スプリングホースを曲げることなくあるいは多少曲げることで、スプリングホースをホース取付筒に差し込むことができるが、スプリングホースを略垂直方向からホースの取付筒に差し込む場合には、スプリングホースを略直角に曲げて、スプリングホースの先端の向きを略水平方向にしてから、スプリングホースをホース取付筒に差し込む必要があり、スプリングホースにホース取付筒を接続するときの作業性が低下する。また、スプリングホース内を通る遊技媒体が略直角に曲げた所で詰まるおそれがあるという問題点があった。
【０００６】
本発明は、かかる従来の技術の問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、ロック部材の係止部をホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませることで、管部材にホース部材を確実に接続させることができる遊技媒体の補給装置を提供し、また、管部材をボールジョイント機構によって補給路部材に連結することで、ホース部材を管部材に接続するときの作業性を向上することができる遊技媒体の補給装置を提供することを目的としている。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
かかる目的を達成するための本発明の要旨とするところは、次の各項の発明に存する。
［１］遊技機島（１０）側からホース部材（１５）に通した遊技媒体を遊技機（２０）側へ補給するためのものであって、前記ホース部材（１５）がコイルばね状に形成されている遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）において、
前記ホース部材（１５）が差し込まれ、該ホース部材（１５）から補給装置の本体（３１）側へ遊技媒体を導くための管部材（４２）と、該管部材（４２）に支持され、前記ホース部材（１５）を係止部（４４）によって拘束するようにしたロック部材（４３）とを備え、
前記係止部（４４）は、前記ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込むことで、前記ホース部材（１５）を前記管部材（４２）から抜けないように形成されている
ことを特徴とする遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）。
【０００８】
［２］遊技機島（１０）側からホース部材（１５）に通した遊技媒体を遊技機（２０）側へ補給するためのものであって、前記ホース部材（１５）がコイルばね状に形成されている遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）において、
前記ホース部材（１５）が差し込まれ、該ホース部材（１５）から補給装置の本体（３１）側へ遊技媒体を導くための管部材（４２）と、該管部材（４２）に支持され、前記ホース部材（１５）を係止部（４４）によって拘束するようにしたロック部材（４３）とを備え、
前記管部材（４２）の周壁には、前記係止部（４４）を前記管部材（４２）の外部側から該管部材（４２）の内部に進出させるための貫通孔（４２ｃ）が配され、
前記係止部（４４）は、前記貫通孔（４２ｃ）を通って前記管部材（４２）の内部に進出し、前記ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込むことで、前記ホース部材（１５）を前記管部材（４２）から抜けないように形成されている
ことを特徴とする遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）。
【０００９】
［３］前記ロック部材（４３）は、前記係止部（４４）を前記ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた拘束位置と、前記係止部（４４）を前記隙間から離脱させた拘束解除位置とに揺動可能に配されている
ことを特徴とする［１］または［２］に記載の遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）。
【００１０】
［４］前記ロック部材（４３）は、前記係止部（４４）を前記ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた状態に保持するための保持部（４５）を備え、
前記保持部（４５）は、該保持部（４５）の復元力によって管部材（４２）の外周壁を両側から挟み込むように形成されている
ことを特徴とする［１］、［２］または［３］に記載の遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）。
【００１１】
［５］前記管部材（４２）に通した遊技媒体を遊技機（２０）側の貯留タンク（２５）に補給するための補給路部材（４０）を備え、
前記管部材（４２）は、ボールジョイント機構によって前記補給路部材（４０）に連結されている
ことを特徴とする［１］〜［４］の何れかに記載の遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）。
【００１２】
［６］前記ボールジョイント機構は、前記管部材（４２）または前記補給路部材（４０）の一方に連続して形成された略球形状の凸部（４１ａ）と、前記管部材（４２）または前記補給路部材（４０）の他方に連続して形成され、前記凸部（４１ａ）に外嵌する略球形状の凹部（４２ａ）とを備え、
前記凸部（４１ａ）は、前記管部材（４２）から前記補給路部材（４０）へ遊技媒体を通すための連通孔（４１ｂ）を有している
ことを特徴とする［５］に記載の遊技媒体の補給装置（３０）。
【００１３】
次に、本発明の作用を説明する。
管部材（４２）に差し込まれたホース部材（１５）は、管部材（４２）に対して筒軸方向に移動可能になっている。ホース部材（１５）と管部材（４２）とを接続しているとき、管部材（４２）に差し込まれたホース部材（１５）は、ロック部材（４３）によって、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）から抜けないようにしている。このとき、ロック部材（４３）の係止部（４４）は、ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んでいる。それにより、ホース部材（１５）が管部材（４２）に対して筒軸方向に移動不能となる。線材と線材とが密着していて、線材と線材との間に隙間がない状態では、係止部（４４）は、ホース部材（１５）の復元力に抗して、線材と線材との間に入り込むようになっていて、ホース部材（１５）を確実に抜け止めすることができる。
【００１４】
係止部（４４）をホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させると、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）の軸線方向に移動可能となり、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）から抜き出すことができる。複数のロック部材（４３）を備えてもよい。複数のロック部材（４３）の各係止部（４４）をホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませることで、ホース部材（１５）をより確実に抜け止めすることができる。
【００１５】
管部材（４２）の周壁には係止部（４４）を管部材（４２）の外部側から管部材（４２）の内部に進出させるための貫通孔（４２ｃ）が配され、係止部（４４）が貫通孔（４２ｃ）を通って管部材（４２）の内部に進出し、ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込むことで、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）から抜けないように形成されているものでは、ホース部材（１５）と管部材（４２）とを接続しているとき、ロック部材（４３）の係止部（４４）は、管部材（４２）の貫通孔（４２ｃ）を通って管部材（４２）の内部に進出していて、ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んでいる。それにより、ホース部材（１５）が管部材（４２）に対して筒軸方向に移動不能になり、ホース部材（１５）を抜け止めすることができる。
【００１６】
また、ホース部材（１５）が管部材（４２）に差し込まれているとき、ホース部材（１５）は管部材（４２）内で径方向に移動してもその移動量がわずかであるので、ホース部材（１５）を径方向に動かそうとする力が生じても、ロック部材（４３）の係止部（４４）とホース部材（１５）とは、径方向でわずかに相対的に変位するだけであり、係止部（４４）がホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態を保ち、ホース部材（１５）を抜け止めすることができる。さらに、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）から抜こうとする力によって、ロック部材（４３）の係止部（４４）を変形させるような場合が生じても、例えば、係止部（４４）がわずかに変形すると、係止部（４４）が貫通孔（４２ｃ）の孔縁に当接することで、係止部（４４）の変形を抑えるように、係止部（４４）と貫通孔（４２ｃ）との関係を設定しておくことによって、係止部（４４）が大きく変形しないで、ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態を保ち、同じく、ホース部材（１５）を抜け止めすることができる。
【００１７】
係止部（４４）を例えば管部材（４２）の内部から退避させて、ホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させると、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）の軸線方向に移動可能となり、ホース部材（１５）を管部材（４２）から抜き出すことができる。複数のロック部材（４３）を備えた場合、貫通孔（４２ｃ）は係止部（４４）の数に応じて設けられる。
【００１８】
ロック部材（４３）は、係止部（４４）をホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた拘束位置と、係止部（４４）をその隙間から離脱させた拘束解除位置とに揺動可能に配されているものでは、例えば、管部材（４２）に枢軸突起を設け、枢軸突起を中心にしてロック部材（４３）を揺動させ、その揺動端に係止部（４４）を形成するようにしてもよい。また、スライド機構を設け、ロック部材（４３）を管部材（４２）の筒径方向に揺動させ、ロック部材（４３）の一端部に係止部（４４）を形成するようにしてもよい。さらに、係止部（４４）は、ロック部材（４３）と一体的に形成してもよく、ロック部材（４３）と別体に形成してもよい。
【００１９】
保持部（４５）は、その復元力によって管部材（４２）の外周壁を両側から挟み込むことで、係止部（４４）をホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた状態に保持するものでは、保持部（４５）は、ロック部材（４３）と一体的に形成しても、ロック部材（４３）と別体に形成してもよい。また、例えば、保持部（４５）をロック部材（４３）と一体的に形成する場合に、前述したように、ロック部材（４３）を枢軸突起を中心にして揺動させ、その揺動端に係止部（４４）を形成するようにした場合に、保持部（４５）を係止部（４４）と同じ揺動端側に設ければ、係止部（４４）をホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させるような力、すなわち、管部材（４２）の径方向の力に対して、保持部（４５）による保持力が十分に対抗し、係止部（４４）がその隙間から離脱しようとするのを確実に阻止することができる。
【００２０】
保持部（４５）を、その復元力に抗して開くようにして、管部材（４２）の外周壁から外せば、係止部（４４）をホース部材（１５）の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させることができる。
【００２１】
管部材（４２）に通した遊技媒体を遊技機（２０）側の貯留タンク（２５）側へ導くための補給路部材（４０）を備え、管部材（４２）をボールジョイント機構によって補給路部材（４０）に連結したものでは、連結した箇所を回動中心にして、管部材（４２）の先端部を回すようにすると、回動中心を同心とする略半球面のいずれの箇所にも管部材（４２）の先端口が向けられるようになる。それによって、管部材（４２）に対してホース部材（１５）を上方、斜め上方、略水平方向からのいずれの方向から近づけても、ホース部材（１５）の先端が向いている先に管部材（４２）の先端口をもっていくことができ、ホース部材（１５）を急激に曲げることなく管部材（４２）の先端口に差し込むことができる。
【００２２】
ボールジョイント機構は、管部材（４２）または補給路部材（４０）の一方に連続して形成された略球形状の凸部（４１ａ）と、管部材（４２）または補給路部材（４０）の他方に連続して形成され、凸部（４１ａ）に外嵌する略球形状の凹部（４２ａ）とを備え、凸部（４１ａ）は、管部材（４２）と補給路部材（４０）とに遊技媒体を通すための連通孔（４１ｂ）を有しているものでは、凸部（４１ａ）と凹部（４２ａ）とが共に、管部材（４２）や補給路部材（４０）に連続して形成されているので、部品点数が減って、コストを低減することができる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面に基づいて本発明の実施の形態を説明する。各図は本発明の一実施の形態を示している。図１は、本発明の一実施の形態に係る遊技媒体の補給装置の正面図であって、ロック部材を拘束位置に揺動した状態を示す図、図２は、遊技機島の装着枠の開口を閉じた遊技機を側方から見たときの遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図、図３は、同じく遊技機を背後から見たときの遊技媒体の補給装置の正面図である。
【００２４】
また、図４は、同じく遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図であって、ノズルを上昇させ、ストッパーを移動阻止位置に揺動させた状態を示す図、図８は管部材を軸方向に沿って破断した断面図であって、管部材に差し込まれたホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間にロック部材の係止部が入り込んでいる状態を示す図、図９は、管部材を軸方向に対して直交する方向から破断した断面図であって、（ａ）はロック部材の係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んでいる状態を示し、（ｂ）はロック部材の係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱した状態を示す図である。
【００２５】
図１〜図４、図８および図９に示すように、遊技機島１０の装着枠１１の開口１２を開閉するように遊技機２０の前面枠２１が装着されている。遊技機２０の上部に貯留タンク２５が設けられている。本発明に係る遊技媒体の補給装置は、装着枠１１の開口１２を遊技機２０全体で開閉するタイプのものにも適用できる。
【００２６】
遊技機島１０の装着枠１１の上枠１１ａには補給装置３０が装着されている。補給装置３０は、遊技機２０が装着枠１１の開口１２を閉じたとき、遊技機島１０側から貯留タンク２５へパチンコ球Ｐ１である遊技媒体を補給するためのものである。補給装置３０の本体３１は樹脂材により成形されていて、略Ｌ字断面形状の取付ブラケット３２を介して上枠１１ａに固定されている。
【００２７】
補給装置３０は、補給路部材４０と、ノズル５０と、ストッパー６０と、レバー７０と、ストッパー連動機構８０と、ノズル連動機構９０とを備えている。補給路部材４０は、遊技機島１０側からの遊技媒体をノズル５０に導くように配されている。補給路部材４０は、遊技媒体の通路を略正方形断面形状にして、補給装置３０の本体３１と一体的に形成されている。補給路部材４０の上端部は球形状の被接続部４１に成っている。補給路部材４０の被接続部４１には管部材４２がボールジョイント機構によって連結されている。
【００２８】
ボールジョイント機構は、補給路部材４０と管部材４２とにより構成されている。すなわち、ボールジョイント機構は、補給路部材４０の被接続部４１に連続して形成された略球形状の凸部４１ａと、管部材４２の基端部に連続して形成され、凸部４１ａに外嵌する略球形状の凹部４２ａとを備えている。
【００２９】
凸部４１ａには連通孔４１ｂが穿設され、連絡孔４１ｂが管部材４２から補給路部材４０に遊技媒体を通すように形成されている。凸部４１ａの連通孔４１ｂの入口４１ｃは広がっていて、凹部４２ａの凹面に滑らかに連続するように形成されている。連通孔４１ｂは入口４１ｃから出口４１ｄに向かって徐々に狭まっていて、連通孔４１ｂの出口４１ｄは補給路部材４０の通路に滑らかに連続している。
【００３０】
図８および図９に示すように、ホース部材１５は遊技機島１０の補給樋（図示省略）から各遊技機２０に延ばされていて、コイルばね状に形成されている。本実施の形態ではホース部材１５は密着コイルばねのように形成されている。管部材４２はその中央部でくの字形状に曲がるように形成されている。管部材４２の先端側の通路はホース部材１５を差し込むために大径になっている。管部材４２の中央部および基端側の通路は、遊技媒体の径よりやや大きめの小径になっている。管部材４２の中央部の外周壁４２ｄには、一対の枢軸突起４６が形成されている。枢軸突起４６によって、ロック部材４３が図８、図９ａに示す拘束位置と図９ｂに示す拘束解除位置とに揺動可能に支持されている。
【００３１】
ロック部材４３の一端部には係止部４４が形成されている。ロック部材４３の他端部は操作端４３ａになっている。ロック部材４３の操作端４３ａは、その操作端４３ａを管部材４２の基端側の外周壁４２ｄに当接させることで、ロック部材４３を拘束解除位置に揺動するものであり、操作端４３ａを管部材４２の基端側の外周壁４２ｄから離すことで、ロック部材４３を拘束位置に揺動するものである。
【００３２】
ロック部材４３は、拘束位置に揺動したとき、係止部４４を管部材４２の貫通孔４２ｃに通して管部材４２内に進出させ、係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませることで、ホース部材１５を管部材４２から抜けないようにするものである。また、ロック部材４３は、拘束解除位置に揺動したとき、係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させて、ホース部材１５を管部材４２から抜き差し可能にするものである。
【００３３】
また、ロック部材４３の一端部には一対の保持部４５が形成されている。ロック部材４３の保持部４５は、その復元力によって管部材４２の外周壁４２ｄを両側から挟み込むことで、その係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた状態に保持している。
【００３４】
図１〜図４に示すように、ノズル５０は、遊技媒体を貯留タンク２５へ排出するためのものであって、昇降可能に補給装置３０の本体３１に支持されている。ノズル５０は、ノズル５０を上昇させる方向へ付勢するコイルばねによって形成されている。ノズル５０の上端口は補給路部材４０の下端口に接続されている。本実施の形態では、ノズル５０を伸縮させることで、ノズル５０を昇降させている。
【００３５】
ノズル５０の下端部５１には昇降金具５３が連結されている。昇降金具５３の両端部にはガイドピン５４およびガイド突起５５がそれぞれ設けられている。一方、補給装置３０の本体３１には昇降金具５３を間にして両側にガイド溝３３がそれぞれ形成されている。各ガイド溝３３には、ガイドピン５４およびガイド突起５５が上下移動可能に嵌合している。
【００３６】
補給装置３０の本体３１にはリミットスイッチである開閉検出手段Ｓ１が設けられている。開閉検出手段Ｓ１は、ノズル５０の昇降する動作を検出することで、遊技機２０の開閉動作を検出するものである。
【００３７】
図６はノズルを下降させ、ストッパーを移動許容位置に揺動させた状態を示す遊技媒体の補給装置の正面図である。開閉検出手段Ｓ１は、図１に示すようにガイド突起５５によって開閉検出手段Ｓ１のスイッチ片Ｓ２が押し込まれないことで、昇降金具５３とノズル５０とが共に上昇し、遊技機２０の開き動作を検出する一方、図６に示すようにガイド突起５５によって開閉検出手段Ｓ１のスイッチ片Ｓ２が押し込まれることで、昇降金具５３とノズル５０とが共に下降し、遊技機２０の閉じ動作を検出するものである。
【００３８】
ストッパー６０は、補給路部材４０内の遊技媒体のノズル５０への移動を阻止する移動阻止位置と、補給路部材４０内の遊技媒体のノズル５０への移動を許容する移動許容位置とに枢軸６１により揺動可能に配されている。ストッパー６０の先端部には突片６２が形成されている。遊技媒体を斜め下方に移動させるように形成された補給路部材４０の斜行路４７には窓４７ａが開設されている。
【００３９】
補給装置３０の本体３１には一対の支持突起３４が形成されている。一対の支持突起３４には枢軸６１が架設され、枢軸６１には巻きばね６３が巻着されている。ストッパー６０の突片６２は、補給路部材４０の窓４７ａを通って、補給路部材４０内に突出して、遊技媒体を止める一方、補給路部材４０内から没入して、遊技媒体を通過させるものである。巻きばね６３によって、ストッパー６０が移動阻止位置に揺動する方向に付勢されている。
【００４０】
レバー７０は、遊技機２０を開閉させることで前方位置と後方位置とに揺動するように配されている。補給装置３０の本体３１には一対の支持腕３５が形成され、一対の支持腕３５には枢軸７１が架設され、枢軸７１によってレバー７０が揺動可能に支持されている。本実施の形態では、レバー７０は、遊技機２０を閉じるときにレバー７０の一端部７２を貯留タンク２５の後壁２６に後方へ押し込まれることで前方位置から後方位置に揺動するものである。レバー７０は枢軸７１に巻き着けられた巻きばねであって、レバー７０の中央部が下方に延ばされてレバー７０の一端部７２に成っている。レバー７０の両端部７３がそれぞれ中継部材７５の基端部に係合している。レバー７０を巻きばねにすることによって、貯留タンク２５からの衝撃を吸収できるようになっている。
【００４１】
枢軸７１には中継部材７５が揺動可能に支持されている。中継部材７１は、ノズル５０をレバー７０に連動させるための第１アーム７６と、ストッパー６０をレバー７０に連動させるための第２アーム７７とを有している。第１アーム７６と第２アーム７７とは一体的に形成されている。第１アーム７６の先端部７６ａは、ガイドピン５４、ガイド突起５５に係合している。
【００４２】
図５は、遊技機島の装着枠の開口を開いた遊技機を側方から見たときの遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図、図７はノズルを下降させ、ストッパーを移動許容位置に揺動させた状態を示す遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図である。第２アーム７７の先端部７７ａは、図２に示すように遊技機２０が装着枠１１の開口を開いた状態では、ストッパー６０の被押動端６５から離間しており、図５〜図７に示すように遊技機２０が装着枠１１の開口を閉じた状態では、ストッパー６０の被押動端６５を押し込むものである。
【００４３】
ストッパー連動機構８０は、レバー７０の揺動する区間を連動区間と遊び区間とに分けたものである。連動区間は、前方位置と後方位置との間の中間位置から後方位置までの間であって、遊び区間は前方位置と中間位置との間である。すなわち、連動区間は、中継部材７５がレバー７０と一体的に揺動して第２アーム７７の先端部７７ａがストッパー６０の被押動端６５に当接し、被押動端６５を押し込む区間であって、レバー７０を中間位置と後方位置とに揺動することでストッパー６０を移動阻止位置と移動許容位置とに揺動させる区間である。
【００４４】
遊び区間は、第２アーム７７の先端部７７ａがストッパー６０の被押動端６５に当接するまでの区間であって、レバー７０を前方位置と中間位置とに揺動してもストッパー６０を移動阻止位置に維持させる区間である。
【００４５】
ノズル連動機構９０は、図５に示すように、レバー７０を前方位置から後方位置に揺動させたとき、第１アーム７６を介してノズル５０を下降させて貯留タンク２５内に進入させる一方、図２に示すように、レバー７０を後方位置から前方位置に揺動させるとき、第１アーム７６を介してノズル５０を上昇させて貯留タンク２５内から退出させるものである。
【００４６】
次に、補給装置３０の管部材４２にホース部材１５を抜き差しする場合について説明する。ボールジョイント機構を構成する補給路部材４０の凸部４１ａを回動中心にして、管部材４２の先端部を回すようにすると、凸部４１ａを中心とする略半球面のいずれの箇所にも管部材４２の先端口が向けられるようになる。それによって、ホース部材１５をいずれの方向から管部材４２に接続しようと、管部材４２に近づけても、ホース部材１５の先端が向いている先に管部材４２の先端口をもっていくことができ、ホース部材１５を急激に曲げることなく管部材４２の先端口に差し込むことができる。
【００４７】
このとき、ロック部材４３は拘束解除位置に揺動していて、係止部４４は管部材４２の内部から退避していて、ホース部材１５は、係止部材４４に引っかかることなく、管部材４２に差し込むことができる。
【００４８】
管部材４２にホース部材１５を差し込んだ後に、ロック部材４３を拘束位置に揺動すると、ロック部材４３の係止部４４が、貫通孔４２ｃを通って管部材４２の内部に進出していて、ホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込む。それにより、ホース部材１５が、管部材４２に対して筒軸方向に移動可能になり、係止部４４は、管部材４２に差し込まれたホース部材１５を管部材４２から抜けないようにし、ホース部材１５を確実に管部材４２に接続することができる。ホース部材の線材と線材とが密着していて、線材と線材との間に隙間がない状態では、係止部４４は、ホース部材１５の復元力に抗して、線材と線材との間に入り込むようになっていて、ホース部材１５を確実に抜け止めすることができる。
【００４９】
このとき、保持部は、その復元力によって管部材４２の外周壁４２ｄを両側から挟み込むようになっていて、係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態に保持している。
【００５０】
ホース部材１５を管部材４２から抜くには、ロック部材３４を拘束位置から拘束解除位置に揺動すればよい。それにより、保持部４５をその復元力に抗して開くようにして、管部材４２の外周壁４２ｄから外せば、係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させることができる。
【００５１】
次に、管部材４２にホース部材１５が差し込まれているときに、ホース部材１５に外力などが作用した場合を説明する。
先ず、ホース部材１５を管部材２４の径方向に動かそうとする力が生じた場合に、ホース部材１５を管部材４２内で径方向に移動してもその移動量がわずかであるので、ロック部材４３の係止部４４とホース部材１５とは、径方向でわずかに相対的に変位するだけである。したがって、係止部４４がホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態を保ち、ホース部材１５が管部材４２から抜けることはない。
【００５２】
次に、ホース部材１５を管部材４２から抜こうとする力が生じた場合に、その力で、ロック部材４３の係止部４４が変形すると、係止部４４と貫通孔４２ｃの孔縁との隙間を小さめにすることで、係止部４４がわずかに変形しても、係止部４４が貫通孔４２ｃの孔縁に当接するので、係止部４４の変形を抑えることができ、係止部４４がホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態を保ち、同じく、ホース部材１５を抜け止めすることができる。
【００５３】
さらに、係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱させるような力が生じた場合に、保持部がその復元力によって管部材４２の外周壁４２ｄを両側から挟み込むようになっているので、係止部４４を前記隙間から離脱させるような力（管部材４２の径方向の力）に対して、保持部による保持力が十分に対抗し、係止部４４が前記隙間から離脱しようとするのを確実に阻止することができる。
【００５４】
図５〜図７に示すように、遊技機２０が遊技機島１０の装着枠１１の開口１２を閉じているとき、レバー７０は貯留タンク２５に押し込まれ、後方位置に揺動している。中継部材７５の第１アーム７６の先端部７６ａは昇降金具５３を介して、ノズル５０の付勢力に抗してそのノズル５０を下降させて貯留タンク２５内に進入させている。
【００５５】
また、中継部材７５の第２アーム７７の先端部７７ａは、巻きばね６３の付勢力に抗してストッパー６０の被押動端６５を押していて、ストッパー６０は移動許容位置にあって、補給路部材４０内の遊技媒体をノズル５０へ移動するのを許容している。それにより、遊技機島１０側からホース部材１５を通って、補給路部材４０内に移動した遊技媒体はノズル５０へ移動し、ノズル５０から貯留タンク２５に排出される。
【００５６】
一方、図２に示すように、遊技機２０が遊技機島１０の装着枠１１の開口１２を開いているとき、貯留タンク２５はレバー７０から離れていて、レバー７０はノズル５０の付勢力によって前方位置に揺動している。
【００５７】
また、中継部材７５の第２アーム７７の先端部７７ａは、ストッパー６０の被押動端６５から離れていて、巻きばね６３の付勢力により、ストッパー６０は移動阻止位置に揺動していて、補給路部材４０内の遊技媒体をノズル５０へ移動するのを阻止している。それにより、遊技機島１０側からホース部材１５を通って、補給路部材４０内に移動した遊技媒体はノズル５０へ移動することがなく、遊技媒体がノズル５０から貯留タンク２５に排出されることはない。
【００５８】
前記実施の形態に係る遊技媒体の補給装置では、ボールジョイント機構を構成する凸部４１ａと凹部４２ａとが共に、管部材４２や補給路部材４０に連続して形成されているので、部品点数が減って、コストを低減することができる。
【００５９】
なお、前記実施の形態では、補給路部材４０に連続して略球形状の凸部４１ａを形成し、管部材４２に連続して略球形状の凹部４２ａを形成したものを示したが、逆の態様、すなわち、補給路部材４０に連続して略球形状の凹部４２ａを形成し、管部材４２に連続して略球形状の凸部４１ａを形成してもよい。
【００６０】
また、前記実施の形態では、１つのロック部材４３を備えたものを示したが、複数のロック部材４３を備えてもよい。複数のロック部材４３の各係止部４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませることで、ホース部材１５をより確実に抜け止めすることができる。複数のロック部材４３を備えた場合、管部材４２の貫通孔４２ｃは係止部４４の数に応じて設けられる。
【００６１】
さらに、前記実施の形態においては、ロック部材４３を枢軸突起４６により揺動可能に支持したものを示したが、図１０に示すように、ロック部材１４３が上下一対の保持部１４５、１４６を備えたものであってもよい。上側の保持部１４５をその復元力によって管部材４２の外周壁に両側から挟むようにしたときに、係止部１４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態に保持するようにし、また、下側の保持部１４６をその復元力によって管部材４２の外周壁に両側から挟むようにしたときに、係止部１４４をホース部材１５の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱した状態に保持するようにする。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
本発明に係る遊技媒体の補給装置によれば、ホース部材が管部材に接続されているとき、ロック部材の係止部をホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませることで、係止部によってホース部材を管部材から抜けないようにしたので、管部材にホース部材を確実に接続することができる。
【００６３】
ロック部材の係止部が管部材の貫通孔を通って管部材の内部に進出していて、管部材に差し込まれたホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込むことで、ホース部材を管部材から抜け止めするようにしたので、ホース部材を径方向に動かそうとする力が生じても、ロック部材の係止部とホース部材とは、径方向でわずかに相対的に変位するだけであり、係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態を保ち、ホース部材を抜け止めすることができる。さらに、ホース部材を管部材から抜こうとする力によって、ロック部材の係止部を変形させるような場合が生じても、係止部が貫通孔の孔縁に当接することで、係止部の変形を抑えることができ、係止部が大きく変形しないで、ホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んだ状態を保ち、同じく、ホース部材を抜け止めすることができる。
【００６４】
さらに、ロック部材が係止部をホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた拘束位置と、係止部をその隙間から離脱させた拘束解除位置とに揺動可能に配されているので、ロック部材を簡単に揺動操作することで、ホース部材を管部材から抜け止めすることができる一方、ホース部材を管部材から抜き差しすることができる。さらに、保持部がその復元力によって管部材の外周壁を両側から挟み込むことで、係止部をホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込ませた状態に保持するようにしたので、簡単な操作によって、係止部を前記入り込ませた状態に保持することができ、操作性を上げることができる。
【００６５】
さらに、管部材をボールジョイント機構によって補給路部材に連結したので、連結した箇所を回動中心にして、管部材の先端部を回すようにすると、回動中心を同心とする略半球面のいずれの箇所にも管部材の先端口が向けられるようになり、管部材に対してホース部材をいずれの方向から近づけても、ホース部材の先端の向いている先に管部材の先端口をもっていくことができ、ホース部材を急激に曲げることなく管部材の先端口に差し込むことができる。さらに、ボールジョイント機構を構成する凸部と凹部とが、管部材と補給路部材とにそれぞれ連続して形成されているので、部品点数が減って、コストを低減することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態に係る遊技媒体の補給装置の正面図であって、ロック部材を拘束位置に揺動した状態を示す図である。
【図２】本発明の一実施の形態に係る遊技機島の装着枠の開口を閉じた遊技機を側方から見たときの遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図である。
【図３】同じく、遊技機島の装着枠の開口を閉じた遊技機を背後から見たときの遊技媒体の補給装置の正面図である。
【図４】同じく、遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図であって、ノズルを上昇させ、ストッパーを移動阻止位置に揺動させた状態を示す図である。
【図５】同じく、遊技機島の装着枠の開口を開いた遊技機を側方から見たときの遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図である。
【図６】本発明の一実施の形態に係るノズルを下降させ、ストッパーを移動許容位置に揺動させた状態を示す遊技媒体の補給装置の正面図である。
【図７】同じく、ノズルを下降させ、ストッパーを移動許容位置に揺動させた状態を示す遊技媒体の補給装置の側面図である。
【図８】本発明の一実施の形態に係る管部材を軸方向に沿って破断した断面図であって、管部材に差し込まれたホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間にロック部材の係止部が入り込んでいる状態を示す図である。
【図９】同じく、管部材を軸方向に対して直交する方向から破断した断面図であって、（ａ）はロック部材の係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んでいる状態を示し、（ｂ）はロック部材の係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱した状態を示す図である。
【図１０】本発明の他の実施の形態に係るロック部材を示す説明図であって、（ａ）はロック部材の係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間に入り込んでいる状態を示し、（ｂ）はロック部材の係止部がホース部材の線材と線材との間の隙間から離脱した状態を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
Ｐ１…パチンコ球
Ｓ１…開閉検出手段
Ｓ２…スイッチ片
１０…遊技機島
１１…装着枠
１１ａ…上枠
１２…開口
１５…ホース部材
２０…遊技機
２１…前面枠
２５…貯留タンク
２６…後壁
３０…補給装置
３１…本体
３２…取付ブラケット
３３…ガイド溝
３４…支持突起
３５…支持腕
４０…補給路部材
４１…被接続部
４１ａ…凸部
４１ｂ…連通孔
４１ｃ…入口
４１ｄ…出口
４２…管部材
４２ａ…凹部
４２ｃ…貫通孔
４２ｄ…外周壁
４３…ロック部材
４３ａ…操作端
４４…係止部
４５…保持部
４６…枢軸突起
４７…斜行路
４７ａ…窓
５０…ノズル
５１…下端部
５３…昇降金具
５４…ガイドピン
５５…ガイド突起
６０…ストッパー
６１…枢軸
６２…突片
６３…巻きばね
６５…被押動端
７０…レバー
７１…枢軸
７２…一端部
７３…両端部
７５…中継部材
７６…第１アーム
７６ａ…先端部
７７…第２アーム
７７ａ…先端部
８０…ストッパー連動機構
９０…ノズル連動機構
１４３…ロック部材
１４４…係止部
１４５…上側の保持部
１４６…下側の保持部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game medium replenishing apparatus for replenishing a game medium that has passed through the hose member from the game machine island side to the game machine side, wherein the hose member is formed in a coil spring shape. It is.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional game medium replenishing device, a hose mounting cylinder is curved in a substantially rectangular shape, and is rotatably mounted on a base side thereof by a holder mounted on an upper surface plate. The base of the hose mounting cylinder is configured to allow a prize ball to pass through the passage hole continuously. A fastening piece is formed by a plurality of slits formed at the tip of the hose mounting cylinder, and a fastening ring is fitted to the tip of the hose mounting cylinder so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the cylinder. By sliding the tightening ring, the inner diameter of the end of the hose mounting tube is reduced, and the spring hose inserted into the hose mounting tube is tightened by the tightening piece so that the spring hose does not come off from the hose mounting tube ( See Patent Document 1.).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-305142
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional game medium replenishing device, when the tightening ring is slid, the plurality of tightening pieces tighten the spring hose, so that the frictional force between the tightening piece and the spring hose does not allow the spring hose to come out of the hose mounting cylinder. That's what we do. If the clearance between the fastening piece and the spring hose is set to a small value in order to increase the tightening force of the fastening piece, it becomes difficult to insert the spring hose into the hose mounting barrel, and work when connecting the spring hose to the hose mounting barrel Is reduced. Also, for example, vibration when passing a game medium through a spring hose is transmitted to the tightening ring, and there is a possibility that the tightening ring is loosened. Therefore, there is a problem that the spring hose cannot be securely connected to the hose mounting tube.
[0005]
Furthermore, since the base of the hose mounting tube is rotatable and the tip of the hose mounting tube is oriented substantially horizontally, when inserting the spring hose into the hose mounting tube from substantially horizontal direction, the spring hose must be The spring hose can be inserted into the hose mounting tube without bending or slightly bent.However, when inserting the spring hose into the hose mounting tube from a substantially vertical direction, bend the spring hose at a substantially right angle, It is necessary to insert the spring hose into the hose mounting tube after the tip of the spring mounting tube is set to a substantially horizontal direction, which reduces the workability when connecting the hose mounting tube to the spring hose. Further, there is a problem that the game medium passing through the spring hose may be clogged at a place bent at a substantially right angle.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the related art, and has a locking member of a lock member inserted into a gap between a wire of a hose member and a wire member, thereby connecting the hose member to the pipe member. To provide a game medium replenishing device that can be reliably connected, and to improve workability when connecting a hose member to a pipe member by connecting a pipe member to a replenishment path member by a ball joint mechanism. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game medium replenishing device capable of performing the following.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The gist of the present invention to achieve this object lies in the inventions in the following items.
[1] A game medium that is passed from the gaming machine island (10) side to the hose member (15) is supplied to the gaming machine (20) side, and the hose member (15) is formed in a coil spring shape. In the replenishing device (30) for the game medium being played,
The hose member (15) is inserted, a pipe member (42) for guiding the game medium from the hose member (15) to the main body (31) of the replenishing device, and the pipe member (42) is supported by the pipe member (42). A lock member (43) configured to restrain the hose member (15) by the locking portion (44);
The locking portion (44) is formed so as to enter the gap between the wires of the hose member (15) so that the hose member (15) does not come off from the tube member (42). Is
A game medium replenishing device (30), characterized in that:
[0008]
[2] A game medium that is supplied from the gaming machine island (10) side to the hose member (15) to replenish the gaming machine (20) side, and the hose member (15) is formed in a coil spring shape. In the replenishing device (30) for the game medium being played,
The hose member (15) is inserted, a pipe member (42) for guiding the game medium from the hose member (15) to the main body (31) of the replenishing device, and the pipe member (42) is supported by the pipe member (42). A lock member (43) configured to restrain the hose member (15) by the locking portion (44);
A through hole (42c) is provided on a peripheral wall of the pipe member (42) to allow the locking portion (44) to advance from the outside of the pipe member (42) to the inside of the pipe member (42). ,
The engaging portion (44) advances through the through hole (42c) into the pipe member (42) and enters the gap between the wires of the hose member (15). The hose member (15) is formed so as not to come off from the tube member (42).
A game medium replenishing device (30), characterized in that:
[0009]
[3] The lock member (43) includes a locking position where the locking portion (44) is inserted into a gap between the wires of the hose member (15), and the locking portion (44). It is arranged to be able to swing to the constraint release position separated from the gap
The replenishing device (30) for a game medium according to [1] or [2], wherein:
[0010]
[4] The lock member (43) includes a holding portion (45) for holding the locking portion (44) in a state of being inserted into a gap between the wires of the hose member (15). Prepare,
The holding portion (45) is formed so as to sandwich the outer peripheral wall of the pipe member (42) from both sides by the restoring force of the holding portion (45).
A replenishing device (30) for a game medium according to [1], [2] or [3], characterized in that:
[0011]
[5] A supply path member (40) for replenishing the storage medium (25) of the gaming machine (20) with the game medium passed through the pipe member (42),
The pipe member (42) is connected to the supply path member (40) by a ball joint mechanism.
A replenishing device (30) for a game medium according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that:
[0012]
[6] The ball joint mechanism includes a substantially spherical convex portion (41a) formed continuously on one of the tube member (42) or the supply path member (40), and the tube member (42) or A substantially spherical concave portion (42a) formed continuously with the other of the supply path member (40) and externally fitted to the convex portion (41a);
The convex portion (41a) has a communication hole (41b) for passing a game medium from the pipe member (42) to the supply path member (40).
A replenishing device (30) for a game medium according to [5], wherein:
[0013]
Next, the operation of the present invention will be described.
The hose member (15) inserted into the pipe member (42) is movable in the cylinder axis direction with respect to the pipe member (42). When the hose member (15) and the pipe member (42) are connected, the hose member (15) inserted into the pipe member (42) is connected to the hose member (15) by the lock member (43). (42). At this time, the locking portion (44) of the lock member (43) has entered the gap between the wires of the hose member (15). As a result, the hose member (15) cannot move in the cylinder axis direction with respect to the pipe member (42). When the wire and the wire are in close contact with each other and there is no gap between the wire and the wire, the locking portion (44) is configured to prevent the hose member (15) from restoring force between the wire and the wire. The hose member (15) can be reliably prevented from coming off.
[0014]
When the locking portion (44) is disengaged from the gap between the wires of the hose member (15), the hose member (15) can be moved in the axial direction of the pipe member (42), and the hose member (15) Can be extracted from the pipe member (42). A plurality of locking members (43) may be provided. By making each locking portion (44) of the plurality of lock members (43) enter the gap between the wires of the hose member (15), the hose member (15) can be more reliably prevented from coming off. it can.
[0015]
A through-hole (42c) is provided on the peripheral wall of the pipe member (42) for allowing the locking portion (44) to advance from the outside of the pipe member (42) to the inside of the pipe member (42). 44) advances through the through hole (42c) into the inside of the pipe member (42) and enters the gap between the wires of the hose member (15), thereby connecting the hose member (15) to the pipe member ( When the hose member (15) and the pipe member (42) are connected to each other, the locking portion (44) of the lock member (43) engages with the pipe member (42). Through the through hole (42c) of (42), it has advanced into the pipe member (42), and has entered the gap between the wires of the hose member (15). As a result, the hose member (15) becomes immovable in the cylinder axis direction with respect to the pipe member (42), and the hose member (15) can be prevented from coming off.
[0016]
Further, when the hose member (15) is inserted into the pipe member (42), even if the hose member (15) moves in the radial direction within the pipe member (42), the amount of movement is small. Even if a force is generated to move the member (15) in the radial direction, the locking portion (44) of the lock member (43) and the hose member (15) are only slightly displaced in the radial direction. In this way, the state in which the locking portion (44) enters the gap between the wires of the hose member (15) can be maintained, and the hose member (15) can be prevented from coming off. Further, even if the locking portion (44) of the lock member (43) is deformed by the force for pulling out the hose member (15) from the tube member (42), for example, the locking portion ( When the locking portion (44) is slightly deformed, the locking portion (44) comes into contact with the hole edge of the through hole (42c), and the deformation of the locking portion (44) is suppressed. By setting the relationship with the hole (42c), the locking portion (44) is not greatly deformed, and is kept in a state of being inserted into the gap between the wires of the hose member (15). The hose member (15) can be retained.
[0017]
When the locking portion (44) is retracted from, for example, the inside of the tube member (42) and separated from the gap between the wires of the hose member (15), the hose member (15) is moved to the tube member (42). And the hose member (15) can be extracted from the pipe member (42). When a plurality of lock members (43) are provided, the through holes (42c) are provided in accordance with the number of the locking portions (44).
[0018]
The lock member (43) has a restraining position in which the locking portion (44) is inserted into a gap between the wires of the hose member (15) and a restraining position in which the locking portion (44) is separated from the gap. For example, when the pipe member (42) is pivotally disposed at the release position, the pipe member (42) is provided with a pivot projection, and the lock member (43) is pivoted about the pivot projection to engage with the pivot end. A stop (44) may be formed. Further, a slide mechanism may be provided to swing the lock member (43) in the radial direction of the tube member (42) so as to form a locking portion (44) at one end of the lock member (43). . Further, the locking portion (44) may be formed integrally with the lock member (43), or may be formed separately from the lock member (43).
[0019]
The holding portion (45) sandwiches the outer peripheral wall of the pipe member (42) from both sides by its restoring force, so that the locking portion (44) enters the gap between the wires of the hose member (15). In the case of holding in the locked state, the holding portion (45) may be formed integrally with the lock member (43) or may be formed separately from the lock member (43). Further, for example, when the holding portion (45) is formed integrally with the lock member (43), as described above, the lock member (43) is swung about the pivot projection and the swing end is set at the swing end. In the case where the locking portion (44) is formed, if the holding portion (45) is provided on the same swing end side as the locking portion (44), the locking portion (44) can be connected to the hose member (15). The holding force of the holding portion (45) sufficiently opposes the force for detaching from the gap between the wires (i.e., the wires), that is, the radial force of the pipe member (42), and the locking portion ( 44) can be reliably prevented from trying to leave the gap.
[0020]
When the holding portion (45) is opened against the restoring force and is detached from the outer peripheral wall of the pipe member (42), the locking portion (44) is moved between the wires of the hose member (15). From the gap.
[0021]
A supply path member (40) for guiding the game medium passed through the pipe member (42) to the storage tank (25) side of the gaming machine (20) is provided. The supply path member is connected to the pipe member (42) by a ball joint mechanism. When the tip of the tube member (42) is rotated with the connected portion as the center of rotation, the pipe is connected to any portion of the substantially hemispherical surface with the center of rotation being concentric. The distal end port of the member (42) is directed. Accordingly, regardless of whether the hose member (15) is brought closer to the pipe member (42) from above, obliquely upward, or substantially horizontal, the tube member (15) is positioned such that the distal end of the hose member (15) faces the pipe member (15). The distal end of (42) can be taken and the hose member (15) can be inserted into the distal end of the pipe member (42) without sharp bending.
[0022]
The ball joint mechanism includes a substantially spherical convex portion (41a) continuously formed on one of the tube member (42) and the supply path member (40), and a tube member (42) or the supply path member (40). A substantially spherical concave portion (42a) formed continuously with the other and externally fitted to the convex portion (41a) is provided. The convex portion (41a) is provided on the pipe member (42) and the supply path member (40). In the one having the communication hole (41b) for passing the game medium, both the convex part (41a) and the concave part (42a) are formed continuously with the pipe member (42) and the supply path member (40). As a result, the number of parts is reduced, and the cost can be reduced.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each drawing shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a game medium replenishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a lock member is swung to a restraining position, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the game medium replenishing apparatus when the game machine with the opening closed is viewed from the side, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the game medium replenishment apparatus when the game machine is viewed from behind.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a side view of the game medium replenishing apparatus, showing a state in which the nozzle is raised and the stopper is swung to the movement inhibiting position. FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a locking portion of a lock member is inserted into a gap between a wire rod of a hose member inserted into the pipe member, and FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to FIG. 5A, wherein FIG. 5A shows a state in which a locking portion of a lock member enters a gap between wires of a hose member, and FIG. It is a figure showing the state where the locking part of the member was separated from the gap between the wires of the hose member.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 8 and 9, the front frame 21 of the gaming machine 20 is mounted so as to open and close the opening 12 of the mounting frame 11 of the gaming machine island 10. A storage tank 25 is provided above the gaming machine 20. The game medium supply device according to the present invention can also be applied to a type in which the opening 12 of the mounting frame 11 is opened and closed by the entire gaming machine 20.
[0026]
A replenishing device 30 is mounted on the upper frame 11a of the mounting frame 11 of the gaming machine island 10. When the gaming machine 20 closes the opening 12 of the mounting frame 11, the replenishing device 30 is for replenishing the game medium that is the pachinko ball P <b> 1 from the gaming machine island 10 side to the storage tank 25. The main body 31 of the supply device 30 is formed of a resin material, and is fixed to the upper frame 11a via a mounting bracket 32 having a substantially L-shaped cross section.
[0027]
The supply device 30 includes a supply path member 40, a nozzle 50, a stopper 60, a lever 70, a stopper interlocking mechanism 80, and a nozzle interlocking mechanism 90. The supply path member 40 is arranged so as to guide the game medium from the gaming machine island 10 side to the nozzle 50. The supply path member 40 is formed integrally with the main body 31 of the supply device 30 by making the path of the game medium have a substantially square cross-sectional shape. The upper end of the supply path member 40 is formed as a connected portion 41 having a spherical shape. A pipe member 42 is connected to the connected portion 41 of the supply path member 40 by a ball joint mechanism.
[0028]
The ball joint mechanism includes a supply path member 40 and a pipe member 42. That is, the ball joint mechanism is formed substantially continuously at the base 41 of the tube member 42 and the substantially spherical convex portion 41a formed continuously with the connected portion 41 of the supply path member 40. And a substantially spherical concave portion 42a fitted to the outside.
[0029]
A communication hole 41b is formed in the protrusion 41a, and the communication hole 41b is formed so as to allow the game medium to pass from the pipe member 42 to the supply path member 40. The entrance 41c of the communication hole 41b of the projection 41a is wide and is formed so as to smoothly continue to the concave surface of the recess 42a. The communication hole 41b gradually narrows from the inlet 41c to the outlet 41d, and the outlet 41d of the communication hole 41b smoothly continues to the passage of the supply path member 40.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hose member 15 extends from a supply gutter (not shown) of the gaming machine island 10 to each gaming machine 20 and is formed in a coil spring shape. In the present embodiment, the hose member 15 is formed like a close contact coil spring. The tube member 42 is formed so as to be bent in a U-shape at the center thereof. The passage on the distal end side of the tube member 42 has a large diameter for inserting the hose member 15. The central portion and the proximal end passage of the tube member 42 have a small diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the game medium. A pair of pivot projections 46 are formed on the outer peripheral wall 42d at the center of the tube member 42. The lock member 43 is swingably supported by the pivot protrusion 46 between a restrained position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9a and a restrained release position shown in FIG. 9b.
[0031]
A locking portion 44 is formed at one end of the lock member 43. The other end of the lock member 43 is an operation end 43a. The operation end 43a of the lock member 43 swings the lock member 43 to the restraint release position by bringing the operation end 43a into contact with the outer peripheral wall 42d on the base end side of the pipe member 42. Is separated from the outer peripheral wall 42d on the base end side of the tube member 42, thereby rocking the lock member 43 to the restraining position.
[0032]
When the lock member 43 swings to the restraining position, the locking portion 44 is advanced through the through-hole 42 c of the pipe member 42 into the pipe member 42, and the locking portion 44 is moved between the wire of the hose member 15 and the wire. The hose member 15 is prevented from falling out of the pipe member 42 by being inserted into the gap between them. Further, when the lock member 43 swings to the restraint release position, the locking portion 44 is disengaged from the gap between the wires of the hose member 15 so that the hose member 15 can be withdrawn and inserted from the pipe member 42. Things.
[0033]
A pair of holding portions 45 are formed at one end of the lock member 43. The holding portion 45 of the lock member 43 sandwiches the outer peripheral wall 42d of the tube member 42 from both sides by the restoring force, so that the locking portion 44 enters the gap between the wires of the hose member 15. Holding.
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the nozzle 50 is for discharging the game medium to the storage tank 25, and is supported by the main body 31 of the supply device 30 so as to be able to move up and down. The nozzle 50 is formed by a coil spring that urges the nozzle 50 in a direction to raise the nozzle 50. The upper end of the nozzle 50 is connected to the lower end of the supply path member 40. In the present embodiment, the nozzle 50 is moved up and down by expanding and contracting the nozzle 50.
[0035]
A lifting / lowering fitting 53 is connected to a lower end 51 of the nozzle 50. Guide pins 54 and guide projections 55 are provided at both ends of the lifting / lowering fitting 53, respectively. On the other hand, guide grooves 33 are formed on both sides of the main body 31 of the replenishing device 30 with the elevating metal fitting 53 therebetween. A guide pin 54 and a guide protrusion 55 are fitted into each guide groove 33 so as to be vertically movable.
[0036]
The main body 31 of the replenishing device 30 is provided with open / close detecting means S1 which is a limit switch. The opening / closing detection means S1 detects the opening / closing operation of the gaming machine 20 by detecting the operation of moving the nozzle 50 up and down.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a front view of the game medium replenishing device showing a state where the nozzle is lowered and the stopper is swung to the movement allowable position. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch piece S2 of the opening / closing detecting means S1 is not pushed in by the guide projection 55 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the switch piece S2 of the open / close detecting means S1 is pushed in by the guide projection 55, the lifting hardware 53 and the nozzle 50 are both lowered, and the closing operation of the gaming machine 20 is detected. It is.
[0038]
The stopper 60 is provided with a pivot 61 for moving the game medium in the supply path member 40 to the nozzle 50 and a movement permission position for allowing the game medium in the supply path member 40 to move to the nozzle 50. It is arranged to be able to swing. A protruding piece 62 is formed at the tip of the stopper 60. A window 47a is opened in the inclined path 47 of the supply path member 40 formed so as to move the game medium diagonally downward.
[0039]
A pair of support protrusions 34 are formed on the main body 31 of the supply device 30. A pivot 61 is provided on the pair of support protrusions 34, and a winding spring 63 is wound around the pivot 61. The protruding piece 62 of the stopper 60 passes through the window 47a of the supply path member 40 and protrudes into the supply path member 40 to stop the game medium, while immersing from the supply path member 40 and passing the game medium. It is. The stopper 60 is urged by the helical spring 63 in a direction of swinging to the movement preventing position.
[0040]
The lever 70 is arranged to swing between a front position and a rear position by opening and closing the gaming machine 20. A pair of support arms 35 are formed on the main body 31 of the supply device 30, and a pivot 71 is provided on the pair of support arms 35, and the lever 70 is swingably supported by the pivot 71. In the present embodiment, the lever 70 swings from the front position to the rear position by pushing the one end 72 of the lever 70 rearward into the rear wall 26 of the storage tank 25 when closing the gaming machine 20. . The lever 70 is a winding spring wound around a pivot 71, and a central portion of the lever 70 extends downward to form one end 72 of the lever 70. Both ends 73 of the lever 70 are engaged with the base end of the relay member 75, respectively. By making the lever 70 a winding spring, the impact from the storage tank 25 can be absorbed.
[0041]
A relay member 75 is swingably supported on the pivot 71. The relay member 71 has a first arm 76 for linking the nozzle 50 with the lever 70 and a second arm 77 for linking the stopper 60 with the lever 70. The first arm 76 and the second arm 77 are formed integrally. The distal end portion 76 a of the first arm 76 is engaged with the guide pin 54 and the guide projection 55.
[0042]
FIG. 5 is a side view of the game medium replenishing device when the gaming machine with the opening of the mounting frame of the gaming machine island opened is viewed from the side, and FIG. 7 lowers the nozzle and swings the stopper to the movement allowable position. It is a side view of the supply device of the game medium which shows the state made to be made. The distal end portion 77a of the second arm 77 is separated from the pushed end 65 of the stopper 60 when the gaming machine 20 opens the opening of the mounting frame 11 as shown in FIG. When the gaming machine 20 closes the opening of the mounting frame 11, the pushed end 65 of the stopper 60 is pushed in as shown in FIG.
[0043]
The stopper interlocking mechanism 80 divides a section in which the lever 70 swings into an interlocking section and a play section. The interlocking section is between an intermediate position between the front position and the rear position to the rear position, and the play section is between the front position and the intermediate position. That is, the interlocking section is a section in which the relay member 75 swings integrally with the lever 70, the distal end portion 77 a of the second arm 77 abuts on the pushed end 65 of the stopper 60, and the pushed end 65 is pushed. There is a section in which the stopper 60 swings between the movement inhibiting position and the movement allowing position by swinging the lever 70 between the intermediate position and the rear position.
[0044]
The play section is a section until the distal end portion 77a of the second arm 77 comes into contact with the pushed end 65 of the stopper 60, and the stopper 60 moves even if the lever 70 swings between the forward position and the intermediate position. This is a section that is maintained at the blocking position.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the lever 70 swings from the front position to the rear position, the nozzle interlocking mechanism 90 lowers the nozzle 50 via the first arm 76 to enter the storage tank 25, As shown in FIG. 2, when the lever 70 swings from the rear position to the front position, the nozzle 50 is raised via the first arm 76 and is withdrawn from the storage tank 25.
[0046]
Next, a case where the hose member 15 is inserted into and removed from the pipe member 42 of the supply device 30 will be described. When the distal end portion of the tube member 42 is turned around the convex portion 41a of the supply path member 40 constituting the ball joint mechanism, the pipe can be placed on any part of the substantially hemispherical surface around the convex portion 41a. The distal end port of the member 42 is directed. Thus, regardless of the direction in which the hose member 15 is connected to the pipe member 42 from any direction, even when the hose member 15 is brought closer to the pipe member 42, the tip end of the pipe member 42 can be brought to the tip where the tip of the hose member 15 is facing, The hose member 15 can be inserted into the distal end opening of the pipe member 42 without sharp bending.
[0047]
At this time, the lock member 43 is swinging to the restraint release position, the locking portion 44 is retracted from the inside of the tube member 42, and the hose member 15 is not caught by the locking member 44, Can be plugged in.
[0048]
When the lock member 43 is swung to the restraining position after the hose member 15 is inserted into the pipe member 42, the locking portion 44 of the lock member 43 has advanced into the pipe member 42 through the through hole 42c, The wire enters the gap between the wires of the hose member 15. This allows the hose member 15 to move in the cylinder axis direction with respect to the pipe member 42, and the locking portion 44 prevents the hose member 15 inserted into the pipe member 42 from coming off the pipe member 42, The member 15 can be reliably connected to the pipe member 42. When the wire of the hose member is in close contact with the wire and there is no gap between the wire and the wire, the locking portion 44 resists the restoring force of the hose member 15 and moves between the wire and the wire. The hose member 15 can be reliably inserted into the hose member 15.
[0049]
At this time, the holding portion sandwiches the outer peripheral wall 42d of the pipe member 42 from both sides by its restoring force, and the locking portion 44 is inserted into the gap between the wires of the hose member 15. keeping.
[0050]
To remove the hose member 15 from the tube member 42, the lock member 34 may be swung from the restrained position to the restrained release position. Thereby, if the holding portion 45 is opened against the restoring force and is detached from the outer peripheral wall 42d of the tube member 42, the locking portion 44 is disengaged from the gap between the wires of the hose member 15. be able to.
[0051]
Next, a case where an external force or the like acts on the hose member 15 when the hose member 15 is inserted into the pipe member 42 will be described.
First, when a force is generated to move the hose member 15 in the radial direction of the tube member 24, even if the hose member 15 is moved in the tube member 42 in the radial direction, the amount of movement is small. The locking portion 44 of the member 43 and the hose member 15 are only slightly displaced in the radial direction. Therefore, the state in which the locking portion 44 enters the gap between the wires of the hose member 15 is maintained, and the hose member 15 does not fall out of the tube member 42.
[0052]
Next, when a force for pulling the hose member 15 out of the pipe member 42 is generated, and when the locking portion 44 of the lock member 43 is deformed by the force, the locking portion 44 and the hole edge of the through hole 42c are removed. By making the gap smaller, even if the locking portion 44 is slightly deformed, the locking portion 44 abuts the hole edge of the through hole 42c, so that the deformation of the locking portion 44 can be suppressed, The stop portion 44 can be kept in the gap between the wires of the hose member 15, and the hose member 15 can be similarly prevented from coming off.
[0053]
Further, when a force is generated to detach the locking portion 44 from the gap between the wires of the hose member 15, the holding portion sandwiches the outer peripheral wall 42d of the pipe member 42 from both sides by the restoring force. Therefore, the holding force of the holding portion sufficiently opposes the force (radial force of the pipe member 42) that separates the locking portion 44 from the gap, and the locking portion 44 An attempt to separate from the gap can be reliably prevented.
[0054]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, when the gaming machine 20 closes the opening 12 of the mounting frame 11 of the gaming machine island 10, the lever 70 is pushed into the storage tank 25 and swings to the rear position. The distal end portion 76 a of the first arm 76 of the relay member 75 lowers the nozzle 50 against the urging force of the nozzle 50 via the elevating metal fitting 53 to enter the storage tank 25.
[0055]
Further, the distal end portion 77a of the second arm 77 of the relay member 75 pushes the pushed end 65 of the stopper 60 against the urging force of the winding spring 63, and the stopper 60 is at the movement allowable position, The game medium in the member 40 is allowed to move to the nozzle 50. Thereby, the game medium that has moved into the supply path member 40 from the gaming machine island 10 side through the hose member 15 moves to the nozzle 50, and is discharged from the nozzle 50 to the storage tank 25.
[0056]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the gaming machine 20 is opening the opening 12 of the mounting frame 11 of the gaming machine island 10, the storage tank 25 is separated from the lever 70, and the lever 70 is actuated by the urging force of the nozzle 50. Swinging forward position.
[0057]
Further, the distal end portion 77a of the second arm 77 of the relay member 75 is separated from the pushed end 65 of the stopper 60, and the stopper 60 swings to the movement preventing position by the urging force of the winding spring 63. The game medium in the supply path member 40 is prevented from moving to the nozzle 50. As a result, the game medium that has moved into the supply path member 40 from the gaming machine island 10 side through the hose member 15 does not move to the nozzle 50, and the game medium is discharged from the nozzle 50 to the storage tank 25. There is no.
[0058]
In the game medium replenishing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, both the convex portion 41a and the concave portion 42a constituting the ball joint mechanism are formed continuously with the tube member 42 and the replenishing path member 40. And cost can be reduced.
[0059]
In the above embodiment, the substantially spherical convex portion 41a is formed continuously with the supply path member 40, and the substantially spherical concave portion 42a is continuously formed with the pipe member 42. In other words, the substantially spherical concave portion 42a may be formed continuously with the supply path member 40, and the substantially spherical convex portion 41a may be continuously formed with the pipe member 42.
[0060]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the one provided with one lock member 43 is shown, but a plurality of lock members 43 may be provided. The hose members 15 can be more reliably prevented from coming off by inserting the locking portions 44 of the plurality of lock members 43 into the gaps between the wires of the hose members 15. When a plurality of lock members 43 are provided, the through holes 42 c of the tube member 42 are provided according to the number of the locking portions 44.
[0061]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the lock member 43 is swingably supported by the pivot projection 46. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the lock member 143 includes a pair of upper and lower holding portions 145 and 146. May be used. When the upper holding portion 145 is sandwiched from both sides by the restoring force of the outer peripheral wall of the pipe member 42, the locking portion 144 is held in a state of being inserted into the gap between the wires of the hose member 15. Also, when the lower holding portion 146 is sandwiched from both sides by the restoring force of the outer peripheral wall of the pipe member 42, the locking portion 144 is removed from the gap between the wires of the hose member 15. Be sure to keep it separated.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the replenishing apparatus of the game medium which concerns on this invention, when a hose member is connected to a pipe member, by making the latching part of a lock member enter into the clearance gap between the wires of a hose member, Since the stop prevents the hose member from coming off the tube member, the hose member can be reliably connected to the tube member.
[0063]
The locking portion of the lock member has advanced into the pipe member through the through hole of the pipe member, and enters the gap between the wire rod of the hose member inserted into the pipe member, so that the hose member is removed. Since the hose member is prevented from falling off, even if a force is applied to move the hose member in the radial direction, the locking portion of the lock member and the hose member are only slightly displaced in the radial direction. In this case, it is possible to maintain the state in which the locking portion has entered the gap between the wires of the hose member, and to prevent the hose member from coming off. Further, even if the locking portion of the lock member is deformed by the force for pulling the hose member out of the tube member, the locking portion abuts on the hole edge of the through hole, so that the locking portion is formed. Of the hose member can be suppressed, the locking portion does not significantly deform, the state in which the hose member enters the gap between the wires is maintained, and the hose member can be similarly prevented from coming off.
[0064]
Further, the locking member is swingably disposed between a restraining position where the locking portion is inserted into a gap between the wires of the hose member and a restraining release position where the locking portion is separated from the gap. Therefore, by simply swinging the lock member, the hose member can be prevented from coming off from the tube member, while the hose member can be pulled out of the tube member. Furthermore, since the holding portion sandwiches the outer peripheral wall of the tube member from both sides by its restoring force, the locking portion is held in a state of being inserted into the gap between the wires of the hose member, so that it is simple. By such a simple operation, the locking portion can be held in the inserted state, and the operability can be improved.
[0065]
Furthermore, since the pipe member is connected to the supply path member by the ball joint mechanism, when the tip of the pipe member is turned with the connected portion as the center of rotation, any of the substantially hemispherical surfaces concentric with the center of rotation is used. The tip opening of the pipe member will be directed to the location of the pipe member, and even if the hose member is brought closer to the pipe member from any direction, bring the tip end of the pipe member to the point where the tip of the hose member is facing The hose member can be inserted into the distal end opening of the tube member without sharply bending the hose member. Further, since the convex portion and the concave portion constituting the ball joint mechanism are formed continuously with the pipe member and the supply path member, respectively, the number of parts is reduced, and the cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game medium supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a lock member is swung to a restraining position.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the game medium replenishing device when the gaming machine with the opening of the mounting frame of the gaming machine island closed according to the embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the side.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the game medium replenishing apparatus when the gaming machine in which the opening of the mounting frame of the gaming machine island is closed is viewed from behind.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the game medium replenishing device, showing a state in which a nozzle is raised and a stopper is swung to a movement preventing position.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the game medium replenishing device when the gaming machine having the opening of the mounting frame of the gaming machine island is viewed from the side.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the game medium replenishing device in a state where the nozzle according to the embodiment of the present invention is lowered and the stopper is swung to a movement allowable position.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the game medium replenishing apparatus showing a state where the nozzle is lowered and the stopper is swung to a movement allowable position.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is cut along the axial direction, wherein a lock member is inserted into a gap between the wires of the hose member inserted into the pipe member. It is a figure which shows the state in which the locking part entered.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tube member taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein (a) shows that a locking portion of a lock member enters a gap between wires of a hose member. (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the locking portion of the lock member is separated from the gap between the wires of the hose member.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a lock member according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a locking portion of the lock member inserted into a gap between wires of a hose member. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the locking portion of the lock member is separated from a gap between the wires of the hose member.
[Explanation of symbols]
P1 ... Pachinko ball
S1: open / close detection means
S2: Switch piece
10… Game machine island
11… Mounting frame
11a ... upper frame
12 ... Opening
15 ... Hose member
20… Game machine
21 Front frame
25 ... storage tank
26 ... Back wall
30 ... replenishing device
31 ... body
32: Mounting bracket
33… Guide groove
34 ... support projection
35 ... Support arm
40 ... Supply path member
41 ... connected part
41a ... convex part
41b ... communication hole
41c ... entrance
41d ... Exit
42 ... Pipe member
42a ... recess
42c: Through-hole
42d ... outer peripheral wall
43… Lock member
43a ... operation terminal
44 ... locking part
45 ... holding part
46 ... Axis projection
47 ... Slope road
47a ... window
50 ... Nozzle
51 ... lower end
53 ... Mounting bracket
54… Guide pin
55 ... guide protrusion
60 ... stopper
61 ... Axis
62 ... projecting piece
63 ... wound spring
65 ... Pushed end
70 ... Lever
71 ... Axis
72 ... one end
73 ... both ends
75 ... relay member
76 1st arm
76a: Tip
77 ... Second arm
77a: Tip
80: Stopper interlocking mechanism
90 ... Nozzle interlocking mechanism
143: Lock member
144 ... locking part
145: Upper holding part
146: Lower holding part

Claims

A replenishing device for a game medium, which is for replenishing a game medium passed from a gaming machine island side to a hose member to the game machine side, wherein the hose member is formed in a coil spring shape.
A tube member into which the hose member is inserted and for guiding the game medium from the hose member to the main body of the replenishing device; and a lock member supported by the tube member and configured to restrain the hose member by a locking portion. With
The replenishing device for a game medium, characterized in that the locking portion is formed so as to enter the gap between the wires of the hose member so as not to come off the hose member from the tube member.

A replenishing device for a game medium, which is for replenishing a game medium passed from a gaming machine island side to a hose member to the game machine side, wherein the hose member is formed in a coil spring shape.
A tube member into which the hose member is inserted and for guiding the game medium from the hose member to the main body of the replenishing device; and a lock member supported by the tube member and configured to restrain the hose member by a locking portion. With
On the peripheral wall of the pipe member, a through hole is provided for allowing the locking portion to advance from the outside of the pipe member to the inside of the pipe member,
The locking portion advances through the through hole into the inside of the tube member, and enters the gap between the wire members of the hose member so that the hose member does not fall out of the tube member. A game medium replenishing device characterized by being formed.

The lock member is capable of swinging between a restraining position in which the locking portion is inserted into a gap between the wires of the hose member and a restraining release position in which the locking portion is separated from the gap. The game medium supply device according to claim 1, wherein the game medium supply device is provided.

The lock member includes a holding portion for holding the locking portion in a state of being inserted into a gap between the wire and the wire of the hose member,
4. The replenishing device for game media according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion is formed so as to sandwich the outer peripheral wall of the tube member from both sides by the restoring force of the holding portion.

A replenishment path member for replenishing the game medium passed through the pipe member to the storage tank on the gaming machine side,
The replenishing device for a game medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tube member is connected to the replenishing path member by a ball joint mechanism.

The ball joint mechanism has a substantially spherical convex portion formed continuously with one of the pipe member or the supply path member, and is formed continuously with the other of the pipe member or the supply path member, and A substantially spherical concave portion externally fitted to the portion,
The replenishing device for a game medium according to claim 5, wherein the convex portion has a communication hole for passing a game medium from the tube member to the replenishment path member.