JP2007000505A - Game ball replenishing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game ball replenishing device capable of horizontally carrying game balls and replenishing them to respective game devices in the middle of carriage in simple constitution. <P>SOLUTION: A partition wall 80 is provided along the boundary part of two belt conveyors 51a and 51b whose carrying directions are made opposite to each other, and course changing members 81 are provided on both side walls corresponding to chutes 61 for fetching the game balls to be replenished to the respective game devices. The course changing member 81 is displaced to a posture roughly parallel with the partition wall 80 and an inclined posture and is energized toward the inclined posture by a spring. When carrying the appropriate amount of the game balls, the course of the game balls is changed due to a collision with an inclined course changing member 81 and they are fetched to the chute 61. When carrying a large amount, the course changing member 81 becomes roughly parallel with the partition wall 80 and carriage can not be obstructed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball supply device that supplies game balls to each game device such as a pachinko machine housed in a game machine island.

  On a gaming machine island that houses a plurality of gaming machines such as pachinko machines, a replenishment basket is installed over the gaming apparatus with a downward slope. Game balls were supplied to each gaming device. Since such a replenishment method needs to earn a gradient, the height of the gaming machine island is inevitably increased. In particular, in large game machine islands, it is difficult to reduce the height of the game machine islands because the supply baskets are provided in two upper and lower stages.

  Therefore, various game ball replenishing devices that transport the game ball horizontally with power have been proposed. In order to replenish game balls to each game device, it is necessary not only to transport the game balls but also to distribute the game balls to the game devices during the transport. For example, in the gaming ball supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of horizontal rotating disks are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island to form a conveyance path. It is sequentially conveyed to adjacent rotating disks and diffused to the periphery. By diffusing to the periphery, the game ball rolls toward a game ball take-in port provided for each game device.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a game ball replenishing device that conveys a game ball by circulating a horizontal conveyance belt stretched between a driving roller and a driven roller. In this apparatus, a barrel-shaped tension roller and a plate-shaped belt support member are alternately arranged between the driving roller and the driven roller, and the belt is inclined in a cross-sectional mountain shape at each barrel-shaped tension roller portion. The game balls are conveyed while being distributed to the intakes provided on both sides.

  In addition, in an apparatus for transporting and supplying discoidal bodies such as medals and coins used in slot machines, etc., two sets of belt conveyors are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel so that the transport directions are opposite to each other. A disk-shaped body supply device comprising a special mechanism driven by a solenoid for discharging the disk-shaped body to a specific supply position, and a guide member for guiding the transition from one belt conveyor to the other belt conveyor. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).

JP 2004-275670 A Japanese Patent No. 2518490 Japanese Patent No. 3126822

  In the case of using a rotating disk, the number of rotating disks increases as the length of the gaming machine island increases, and the weight increases accordingly, increasing the cost for increasing the strength of the gaming machine island. In addition, since a large number of rotating disks are combined, there is a problem that construction and maintenance are troublesome.

  Even in the case where the horizontal conveyance belt is hung on the one in which the barrel-like tension roller and the plate-like belt support member are alternately arranged, the number of tension rollers increases as the length of the gaming machine island increases. Due to the increased weight, problems similar to those described above have occurred.

  In addition, in the case of transporting a disk-shaped body with two sets of belt conveyors arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel so that the transport directions are opposite to each other, a game ball was used instead of the disk-shaped body. In this case, there is a problem that the structure of the original game ball replenishing device is complicated because there are unnecessary special mechanisms and guide members.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and can reduce the height of the gaming machine island, and can be used for horizontal transportation of gaming balls with a simple structure that is lightweight and does not require labor and maintenance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game ball replenishment device that can replenish each game device during transportation.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a supply transport path (51a, 51b) for transporting a game ball along the longitudinal direction of a gaming machine island (10) that houses a plurality of gaming devices (2, 3) side by side. In addition, an intake port (61, 62) for taking in a game ball to be supplied to each gaming device (2, 3) from the supply transport path (51a, 51b) of the supply transport path (51a, 51b). In the game ball replenishment device arranged a plurality along the edge in the longitudinal direction,
On the replenishing conveyance path (51a, 51b) or in the vicinity of the edge opposite to the intake port (61, 62), the take-up is performed with respect to a posture parallel to the conveying direction of the replenishment conveyance path (51a, 51b). A first posture (S1) that is inclined so that the surface on the inlet (61, 62) side faces the upstream side in the transport direction, and a second posture (S2) that is less inclined than the first posture (S1). And a course changing member (81) biased by an elastic force toward the first posture (S1) is disposed, and the transported game ball collides with the course changing member (81). Due to the above, the game ball replenishing device is characterized in that the transported game ball is taken into the take-in port (61, 62).

  According to the above invention, the course changing member (81) has the first posture (S1) inclined so that the surface on the intake port (61, 62) side faces the upstream side in the transport direction, and the first posture (S1) with a smaller inclination than this. It is biased so as to be displaced into two postures (S2) and to return to the first posture (S1) by an elastic force. When a game ball being transported collides with such a course changing member (81), the course changes, and further, the course of the game sphere varies in a variety of ways, such as a collision occurring in a chain based on this course change. A part of the game balls changes and is taken into the intakes (61, 62) arranged along the edges of the supply transport path (51a, 51b).

  The course changing member (81) is displaced to the second posture (S2) by the collision of the game ball being conveyed, and then is displaced to the first posture (S1) by an elastic force. Due to this displacement, the course of the game ball is changed and taken into the take-in ports (61, 62). Further, when the transport amount of the game ball is small, the first posture (S1) is set, and the collision with the game ball increases to promote the intake into the intake port (61, 62), and the transport amount of the game ball is large. When the ball is pushed by a large amount of game balls, the course changing member (81) is displaced to the second posture (S2) having a small inclination so that the conveyance is not disturbed.

In the invention according to claim 2, the intake port (61, 62) is provided along both longitudinal edges of the replenishment conveyance path (51a, 51b),
A partition wall (80) that divides the replenishment transport path (51a, 51b) into two is provided along the transport direction of the replenishment transport path (51a, 51b),
The game ball replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the course changing member (81) is disposed on both wall surfaces of the partition wall (80).

  According to the above invention, a collision with the course changing member (81) occurs on both sides of the partition wall (80) that divides the supply transport path (51a, 51b) into two along the transport direction, and the supply transport path (51a , 51b), the game balls are taken into the respective intakes (61, 62) arranged along both edges in the longitudinal direction.

The invention according to claim 3 provides a replenishment conveyance path (51a, 51b) for conveying a game ball along the longitudinal direction of a gaming machine island (10) in which a plurality of gaming devices (2, 3) are arranged and accommodated. In addition, an intake port (61, 62) for taking in a game ball to be supplied to each gaming device (2, 3) from the supply transport path (51a, 51b) of the supply transport path (51a, 51b). In the game ball replenishment device arranged along the both edges in the longitudinal direction,
The replenishment transport path (51a, 51b) is formed by parallelly arranging two belt conveyors (51a, 51b) with transport directions opposite to each other,
A partition wall (80) is provided at the boundary between the two belt conveyors (51a, 51b) along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor (51a, 51b),
On both wall surfaces of the partition wall (80), the surface on the intake port (61, 62) side faces the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to a posture parallel to the transport direction of the supply transport path (51a, 51b). The first posture (S1) inclined to the second posture (S2) having a smaller inclination than the first posture (S1) and attached to the first posture (S1) by an elastic force. The energized course changing member (81) is disposed, and the game ball to be conveyed is caused to collide with the course changing member (81), so that the game ball to be conveyed is taken into the intake port (61). 62), a game ball replenishing device characterized in that it is incorporated.

  According to the above invention, the two belt conveyors (51a, 51b) constituting the replenishment conveyance path (51a, 51b) are juxtaposed to convey the game balls in the opposite direction, and are provided along the boundary between these belt conveyors. Each intake port (61, 62) disposed along both edges of the replenishment conveyance path (51a, 51b) due to a collision with the course changing member (81) on both sides of the partition wall (80). A game ball is taken in.

In the invention according to claim 4, the game balls can be circulated along the plurality of intakes (61, 62) by moving between the transport surfaces of the two belt conveyors (51a, 51b). The game ball replenishing device according to claim 2 or 3.

  According to the above invention, the game balls are transported so that the game balls circulate along the plurality of intakes (61, 62) by moving between the transport surfaces of the two belt conveyors (51a, 51b). Is done.

In the invention according to claim 5, the game ball moves from the conveying surface of the one belt conveyor (51a) to the other belt conveyor (51b) at the end of the conveying direction of one belt conveyor (51a) or in the middle. While providing one place, the game balls are moved from the other belt conveyor (51b) to the one belt conveyor (51a) at a position upstream of the first place in the transport direction of the one belt conveyor (51a). The second place to be transferred is provided, and the game ball can be circulated along the plurality of intakes (61, 62) between the two places. It is a game ball supply device.

  According to the above invention, the game ball is transferred from the one belt conveyor (51a) to the other belt conveyor (51b) at the first location provided at the end of the conveying direction of the one belt conveyor (51a) or in the middle. The game ball is transferred from the other belt conveyor (51b) to the one belt conveyor (51a) at a second position provided upstream of the first belt conveyor (51a) in the transport direction. The Thereby, a circulation path of game balls is formed between the first place and the second place, and the game balls are conveyed so as to circulate along the plurality of intakes (61, 62) between the two places. The

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, at one terminal of the belt conveyor (51a), the game ball that has reached the end of the belt conveyor (51a) is retained and the retained game ball overflows to the other belt conveyor (51b). The game ball replenishing device according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein a staying portion (65, 66) set as described above is provided.

  According to the said invention, a game ball is made to stay by the terminal part (65, 66) provided in the terminal end or the middle of one belt conveyor (51a), and the overflowing game ball transfers to the other belt conveyor (51b). In addition to overflowing when the staying portions (65, 66) become full, it may be configured to sequentially shift to the other belt conveyor (51b) before becoming full, as long as the game balls can stay.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the course changing member (81) is provided so as to correspond to the intake port (61, 62). It is a game ball supply device of description.

  According to the said invention, a course change member (81) is provided corresponding to an inlet (61, 62), and the installation to a useless location is prevented.

  According to the game ball replenishing device according to the present invention, it is displaced between the first posture inclined so that the surface on the inlet side faces the upstream side in the transport direction and the second posture with less inclination than this, and with elastic force. Since the course changing member urged to return to the first posture is provided, and the game ball being transported is taken into the intake port due to the collision of the game ball with the course changing member, the gaming machine The height of the island can be reduced, and the game ball can be transported horizontally and replenished to each game device in the middle of the transport without any special mechanism driven by a solenoid or the like. As well as easy installation and maintenance.

  In addition, since it is urged by the elastic force so as to be in the first posture with a large inclination, when the amount of game balls transported is small, the first posture becomes the number of collisions with the game balls and increases to the intake port. Incorporation is promoted, and when the amount of game balls transported is large, there is an effect that the course changing member is displaced to the second posture with a small inclination by being pushed by a large amount of game balls and does not disturb the transport.

  A partition wall is provided that divides the replenishment transport path into two along the transport direction and a path changing member is provided on both sides thereof, or a partition wall is formed along the boundary between two belt conveyors whose transport directions are opposite to each other. In the case where a course changing member is provided on both sides of the partition wall, a collision with the course changing member occurs on both sides of the partition wall, and a game is provided at each intake port arranged along both longitudinal edges of the conveyance path. The ball is taken in efficiently.

  In the case of transporting game balls so as to circulate along a plurality of intake ports, game balls are taken into one of the intake ports while circulating and transporting, so excess game balls can be removed from the supply transport path. A special mechanism for discharging becomes unnecessary, and the apparatus configuration is simplified.

  A guide member is provided in a case where a retaining ball set so that the game ball that has reached the location is retained at the end or in the middle of one belt conveyor and the accumulated game ball overflows to the other belt conveyor is provided. The transition of the game ball can be realized with a simple configuration. Further, even if the amount of game balls reaching the staying portion varies, the change can be absorbed by staying in the staying portion, so that a smooth transition from one belt conveyor to the other belt conveyor can be ensured.

  In the case where the course changing member is provided corresponding to the intake port, the course changing member can efficiently take the game ball into the intake port, and a small number of course changing members are required, which simplifies the configuration. Contribute.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an internal structure of a gaming machine island 10 provided with a game ball supply device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the internal structure of the gaming machine island 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine island 10 accommodates a large number of gaming machines 2 and inter-ball ball lending machines 3 arranged in parallel as gaming machines. In addition, various incidental facilities for circulating and repeatedly using game balls to be used for gaming in the gaming machine island 10 are accommodated. Here, the gaming machine 2 is a pachinko machine, and the platform ball lending machine 3 is a device that lends a game ball (pachinko ball) to a player.

  The gaming machine island 10 is constructed by constructing island frames and island pillars 11 on the floor of the game hall, attaching gaming devices 2 and 3 and incidental facilities to them, and providing an exterior not shown in other necessary places. The In the center of the gaming machine island 10, there is a lifting device 12 that lifts the game ball while polishing it from the lower part to the upper part of the island. A large number of ball lending machines 3 are set back and forth on both sides of the gaming machine island 10 (see FIG. 2).

  A gaming ball replenishing device 50 is installed above the gaming machine 2 and the inter-ball ball lending machine 3 so as to be horizontally extended from one end to the other end of the gaming machine island 10. Further, an upper storage tank 70 for storing the game balls lifted by the lifting device 12 and supplying them to the game ball supply device 50 is installed at the upper center of the gaming machine island 10. The game ball replenishment device 50 is a belt conveyor type transfer device, which horizontally transfers the game balls received from the upper storage tank 70 to each game device (the game machine 2 and the inter-ball ball rental machine) in the game machine island 10. 3) fulfills the replenishment function. The game balls being transported are appropriately taken in and aligned with the chutes 61 arranged along both edges in the longitudinal direction of the transport path, and then replenished to each gaming machine 2 and the interbank ball lending machine 3. . A chute 61 serving as a game ball take-in port is installed for each gaming machine 2 and each inter-ball ball lending machine 3 corresponding to the installation location of the gaming machine 2 and the inter-ball ball lending machine 3.

  A plurality of lower storage tanks 15 for storing game balls are installed below the gaming machines 2 and the inter-ball ball lending machines 3 housed side by side on the gaming machine island 10. The bottom of each lower storage tank 15 is inclined downward from the left and right ends toward the center, and an opening / closing device 16 that opens and closes a game ball outlet is provided at the bottom. The lower storage tank 15 is configured such that a waist plate attached to the lower part of the island pillar 11 also serves as a side wall of the container, so that a larger volume can be gained in a narrow lower space of the gaming machine island 10. .

  A recovery conveyor 18 is disposed below the plurality of lower storage tanks 15 provided so as to extend along these. The recovery conveyors 18 are provided on the left and right sides of the lifting device 12 disposed in the center of the gaming machine island 10, and the game balls are directed from the island end toward the ball inlet 12 a at the lower portion of the lifting device 12. It is the conveying apparatus which conveys.

  The collection conveyor 18 collects the game balls discharged from each gaming machine 2 as out balls and collects the game balls discharged from the lower storage tank 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the game balls discharged from the gaming machine 2 as an out ball are collected by a collection basket 19 that is hung below the gaming machine 2 and then between adjacent lower storage tanks 15. It discharges | emits on the collection conveyor 18 through the provided channel | path apparatus 20 (refer FIG. 1).

  The upper storage tank 70 is provided with an overflow pipe 21 for allowing excess game balls to escape. The game balls flowing down the overflow pipe 21 are discharged and stored in the lower storage tank 15. Further, the surplus game balls in the game ball replenishing device 50 are guided from the dedicated chute 61a through the overflow pipe 22 to be stored in the lower storage tank 15 disposed therebelow.

  In addition, between the backs of the gaming machines 2 arranged side by side on the front and back sides of the gaming machine island 10, a banknote transport device 23 that transports the banknotes taken into the interbank ball lending machine 3 to the island edge, A coin transport device 24 that transports coins taken into the ball lending machine 3 to the end of the island is disposed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 10 apart from each other. At one end of the gaming machine island 10 (the right end in FIG. 1), a bill safe 25 for sorting and storing bills transported by the bill transport device 23, and a coin safe for sorting and storing coins transported by the coin transport device 24. 26 are installed.

  Also, at the other end of the gaming machine island 10, a prize ball counter 28 is installed for collecting and collecting the game balls acquired by the player. Further, a control unit 29 for performing various controls related to circulation and storage of game balls in the island is installed at the upper end of the island where the prize ball counter 28 is located. The control unit 29 is connected to and managed by a hall management computer (not shown) that manages and manages the entire game hall.

  Next, the configuration of the game ball supply device 50 and the upper storage tank 70 will be described.

  3 shows a front view of the game ball supply device 50 and the upper storage tank 70, and FIG. 4 shows a plane of the game ball supply device 50 and the upper storage tank 70, respectively. Note that the internal structure of the upper storage tank 70 is illustrated. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of one end of the game ball supply device 50.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game ball replenishing device 50 includes a first belt conveyor 51a and a second belt conveyor 51b that are arranged in parallel as the replenishment conveyance path for conveying the game ball in opposite directions. In addition, a partition wall 80 erected along these boundary portions and a course changing member 81 attached to each part of both wall surfaces of the partition wall 80 are provided. A chute 61 serving as a game ball take-in port is disposed along both longitudinal edges of the replenishment conveyance path, and a course changing member 81 is provided corresponding to each chute 61. Here, the first belt conveyor 51a conveys game balls in the direction B in the figure, and the second belt conveyor 51b conveys game balls in the direction C. Thus, since it is not necessary to use many rotating disks and tension rollers in the replenishment conveyance path, even in the case of a large gaming machine island, it is not necessary to place a heavy weight on the gaming machine island 10. In addition, there is an effect that the installation work is simple and the burden of maintenance management is small.

  The game ball replenishing device 50 includes a transport rail 52 that has substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The first belt conveyor 51a includes a first drive pulley 54a pivotally supported at one end of the transport rail 52, a first driven pulley 55a pivotally supported at the other end of the transport rail 52, and a first drive pulley 54a. A pair of endless first conveyor belts 56a spanned between the first driven pulley 55a, a first motor 58a as a drive source, and a pair of parts arranged near both ends to take up the slack of the first conveyor belt 56a. 1st tension roller 59a.

  The second belt conveyor 51b includes a second drive pulley 54b that is pivotally supported on the other end of the transport rail 52, a second driven pulley 55b that is pivotally supported on the one end of the transport rail 52, and a second drive pulley. 54b and the second driven pulley 55b, an endless second conveyance belt 56b, a second motor 58b serving as a driving source, and the second conveyance belt 56b arranged in the vicinity of both ends to remove slack. And a pair of second tension rollers 59b.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first driving pulley 54a of the first belt conveyor 51a and the second driven pulley 55b of the second belt conveyor 51b are connected to the first support shaft 53a provided at one end of the transport rail 52. And a transmission pulley 57a around which a transmission belt for transmitting the power of the first motor 58a is stretched. The first drive pulley 54a of the first belt conveyor 51a is connected to the transmission pulley 57a and rotates together, and the second driven pulley 55b of the second belt conveyor 51b is configured to rotate independently of these.

  Similarly, the second drive shaft 54b of the second belt conveyor 51b, the first driven pulley 55a of the first belt conveyor 51a, and the power of the second motor 58b are connected to the second support shaft 53b provided at the other end of the transport rail 52. A transmission pulley 57b around which a transmission belt for transmitting the signal is stretched is pivotally supported. The second drive pulley 54b of the second belt conveyor 51b rotates with the transmission pulley 57b, and the first driven pulley 55a of the first belt conveyor 51a rotates independently of these.

  The first conveyor belt 56a of the first belt conveyor 51a circulates in the direction of arrow B under the power of the first motor 58a, and the second conveyor belt 56b of the second belt conveyor 51b receives the power of the second motor 58b under the arrow. It goes around in the C direction.

  The partition wall 80 is formed over substantially the entire length excluding the vicinity of both ends of the conveyance path, and the first belt conveyor 51a and the second belt conveyor 51b are disposed along both sides of the partition wall 80. The height of the partition wall 80 is set slightly higher than the game ball. As shown in FIG. 6A, the course changing member 81 is obtained by bending a leaf spring into a U-shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first posture (S1) is inclined such that the surface on the chute 61 side faces the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the posture parallel to the transport direction (arrow M in the drawing). Then, it is displaced to the second posture (S2) having a smaller inclination than the first posture (S1) and is biased toward the first posture (S1) by the elastic force of the leaf spring. The elastic force is substantially maintained in the first posture (S1) when an appropriate amount of game balls collide with the course changing member 81 from the upstream side, and is second when a large amount of game balls collide with the course changing member 81. The strength is set so as to be displaced to the posture (S2).

  As shown in FIG. 5, at the end of the game ball supply device 50, the game ball that has reached the vicinity of the end in the transport direction is retained, and the retained game ball is set to overflow to the other belt conveyor. A staying portion 65 is provided. The staying portion 65 has a contact member 65a with which the game ball that has reached the end in the transport direction comes into contact, and forms a region where the game ball in contact with the contact member 65a can stay in front thereof. The stay portions 65 are provided at both ends of the game ball supply device 50.

  FIG. 7 shows a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in the figure, the transport rail 52 of the game ball replenishing device 50 includes a horizontal support surface portion 52a wider than the first transport belt 56a and the second transport belt 56b juxtaposed across the partition wall 80, and a horizontal support surface portion 52a. The support surface portion 52a has side walls 52b erected vertically at both ends in the width direction, and a substantially U-shaped pedestal portion 52c that supports the horizontal support surface portion 52a from the back surface. The horizontal support surface portion 52a functions to support the tension side T (side for transporting game balls) of the first transport belt 56a and the second transport belt 56b from the back so as to withstand the weight of the game balls. The slack side L (the side on which no game ball is transported) of the first transport belt 56a and the second transport belt 56b is protected through the pedestal 52c.

  The first conveyor belt 56a and the second conveyor belt 56b are stretched along both sides of the partition wall 80 provided upright at the center in the width direction of the horizontal support surface portion 52a. Further, the horizontal support surface portion 52a has ball receiving spaces 52d that are slightly wider than one game ball on both the left and right sides of the transport belts 56a and 56b.

  The chute 61 is attached to the outer wall surface of the left and right side walls 52b, and has a game ball intake 62 on the attachment surface side. The part corresponding to each intake port 62 of the side wall 52b is notched for passing the game ball. Further, in the vicinity of the intake port 62, a guide portion 52 f is formed in which the road surface of the ball receiving space 52 d is slightly inclined downward toward the intake port 62. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the game ball replenishing device 50 has two shoots 61 on each side with respect to a distance D that combines the lateral widths of the gaming machine 2 and the inter-ball ball lending machine 3. Attached along both longitudinal sides of 50.

  The course change member 81 is provided in association with the intake port 62 of the chute 61, and the game balls that have changed course due to the collision that has occurred in the course change member 81 or the game balls that have collided in a chain manner can be taken in well. A course changing member 81 is arranged so as to be taken in by 62. Specifically, the course changing member 81 is set to the upstream side in the transport direction to some extent with respect to the target intake port 62. For example, in FIG. 4, a course changing member 81A is provided for the intake port 62A, and a course changing member 81B is provided for the intake port 62B.

  FIG. 8 shows the internal structure of the upper storage tank 70. Inside the upper storage tank 70, a separation plate 71 that receives and distributes the game balls lifted by the lifting device 12 to the left and right, and a relay plate that relays the game balls distributed by the separation plate 71 to the inclined plate 72. 74, after receiving the game ball falling from the end of the relay plate 74, and receiving the game ball falling from the other end of the inclined plate 72, and the inclined plate 72 that guides to the middle of the upper storage tank 70 in a downward gradient. After that, a supply unit 73 for guiding the game ball so as to flow out to the game ball supply device 50 is provided. Through the inclined plate 72, the game ball falls near the center of the supply unit 73.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, the supply unit 73 and the game ball supply device 50 below the supply unit 73 are shown, and the other components are not shown. FIG. 10 shows the supply unit 73 and the game ball supply device 50 as viewed from above. The supply unit 73 is installed right above the game ball supply device 50, and has a substantially box shape in which an upper surface is opened and a bottom surface 75 is inclined toward one side of the game ball supply device 50. A discharge hole 76 through which a game ball passes is formed in a part of the side wall at the lower inclined end of the bottom surface 75. The bottom surface 75 inclined downward is narrower in a C shape toward the discharge hole 76 when viewed from above (see FIG. 10), and the outer portion 77 of the C shape is inclined upward toward the left and right corners. is doing. Thereby, the game ball is directed toward the discharge hole 76 efficiently.

  On the side wall 52b of the transport rail 52 of the game ball supply device 50, an inflow port 52g is opened at a position almost directly below the discharge hole 76. A guide path 78 is formed outside the discharge hole 76 to receive the game ball dropped from the discharge hole 76 and guide it to the inlet 52g of the game ball supply device 50. By aligning the game balls in the guide path 78 or the like, the amount of game balls supplied per unit time from the inflow port 52g to the game ball supply device 50 is regulated. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper storage tank 70 is formed with a discharge port 79 to which an overflow pipe 21 for discharging excess game balls is connected.

  Next, a game ball transport operation by the game ball supply device 50 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the game balls lifted and polished by the lifting device 12 are discharged onto the separation plate 71 of the upper storage tank 70, via the relay plate 74, the inclined plate 72 and the supply unit 73. And supplied to the game ball supply device 50. The supply amount to the game ball replenishing device 50 is regulated to an appropriate amount by the supply unit 73 and the guide path 78, and when excessive game balls are generated in the upper storage tank 70, the discharge port 79 passes through the overflow pipe 21 to the lower storage tank 15. Collected.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the game balls supplied to the game ball supply device 50 are conveyed in the direction of arrow B by the first belt conveyor 51a, and in the direction of arrow C opposite to the direction by the second belt conveyor 51b. Be transported. FIG. 11 shows a state where an appropriate amount of game balls are being conveyed. When the appropriate amount of game ball is being transported, the course change member 81 is substantially in the first posture, so that a collision between the game ball and the course change member 81 occurs during transport.

  For example, as shown by an arrow F in the figure, the path of the game ball that has collided is changed obliquely. The game sphere whose course has been changed in this way is more likely to collide with other game spheres. Collisions occur in various places, and the game sphere being transported takes a course in various directions. For example, a certain game ball changes its course by a collision with the course changing member 81 and is taken into the intake port 62 of the chute 61 as it is. Further, various collisions occur in a chain due to the collision with the course changing member 81, so that the game ball being conveyed is taken into the intake port 62 of the chute 61. The game balls in the ball receiving space 52d are also transported and taken into the take-in port 62 by being dragged by the game balls transported by the first belt conveyor 51a or the second belt conveyor 51b.

  On the other hand, when a large amount of game balls are being transported, as shown in FIG. 12, the path change member 81 is pushed by the large amount of game balls being transported and the course change member 81 is parallel to the transport direction of the game balls. It is displaced to. Thereby, the course changing member 81 does not interfere with the course of the game ball, and a large amount of conveyance is performed efficiently. When a large amount of game balls are being transported, the game balls are present almost over the width of the transport path, so even if the course changing member 81 is in the second position, it passes through the ball receiving spaces 52d on both sides. Game balls are sequentially taken into the take-in port 62 of the chute 61.

  Thus, by attaching the course changing member 81 to both wall surfaces of the partition wall 80 provided at the boundary between the first belt conveyor 51a and the second belt conveyor 51b, the function of conveying the game ball along the conveyance direction; The function of distributing and supplying the game balls to the intake ports 62 of the chute 61 arranged along both longitudinal edges of the game ball supply device 50 is realized. Further, since the game balls are transported horizontally, it is not necessary to provide a gradient as in the conventional replenishment basket, and the height of the gaming machine island 10 can be reduced accordingly. Further, since the course of the game ball is changed due to the collision with the course changing member 81 attached to the wall surface of the partition wall 80, there is no need to provide a special mechanism for directing the course to the side. The configuration of the ball supply device 50 can be simplified.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the vicinity of the end of the game ball supply device 50, the game ball P1 conveyed to one belt conveyor contacts the contact member 65a and stays in the stay portion 65, and eventually overflows. And move to the other belt conveyor. Thus, the transition of the game ball can be realized with a simple configuration without providing a guide member. Further, since the staying portions 65 are provided at both ends of the game ball supply device 50, the game balls are conveyed so as to circulate there between. That is, the game balls can be circulated along the respective chutes 61 arranged along both longitudinal edges of the game ball supply device 50, and the game balls can be transported and supplied efficiently. Even if the amount of game balls reaching the staying portion fluctuates, the change can be absorbed by staying in the staying portion, so that a smooth transition from one belt conveyor to the other belt conveyor can be ensured.

  In addition, since the game balls are circulated in the game ball supply device 50, each game ball is eventually taken into one of the shoots 61. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the overflow pipe 22 for discharging surplus game balls from the game ball supply device 50.

  The ball receiving space 52d increases the amount of game balls that can be stored on the game ball replenishing device 50, and the ball receiving space 52d can be provided with a guiding portion 52f. The played game balls can be efficiently taken toward the take-in port 62 of the chute 61.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, the contact member 65a for forming the stay part 65 is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. As in the contact member 66a shown in FIG. 13, the contact surface of the one belt conveyor 51a may be inclined toward the other belt conveyor 51b on the downstream side in the transport direction. That is, by narrowing the region of the staying portion 66, it is only necessary to allow the game balls to quickly move from one belt conveyor 51a to the other belt conveyor 51b.

  Further, the transition point where the contact balls 65a, 66a, etc. are provided to transfer the game ball from one belt conveyor to the other belt conveyor is not limited to the vicinity of the end in the transport direction, and is provided at an arbitrary position in the middle of the transport path. May be. If transition points are provided at the end of the transfer path or at two points along the way, the game balls can be circulated and transferred between them. The partition wall 80 is terminated before each transition point.

  In the embodiment, the course changing member 81 in which the leaf spring is bent in a U-shape is used. However, the path changing member 81 is displaced between the first posture and the second posture, and is biased by the elastic force toward the first posture. Any other configuration may be used. For example, the structure which urges | biases the movable piece displaced to a 1st attitude | position and a 2nd attitude | position with a separate spring may be sufficient.

  In the embodiment, the partition wall 80 is installed at the boundary between the first belt conveyor 51a and the second belt conveyor 51b that are transported in the opposite directions. However, the belt conveyors on both sides transport game balls in the same direction. It doesn't matter. In this case, a game ball collecting unit is provided at the end in the transport direction. In addition, when making the conveyance direction the same on both sides of the partition wall 80, the structure which partitions off one belt conveyor into two with the partition wall 80 may be sufficient.

  Further, the conveyance path may be formed only on one of the partition walls 80. The course changing member 81 may be arranged on the conveyance belt forming the supply conveyance path, or may be arranged in the vicinity of the edge on the side opposite to the intake port 62. It is sufficient that at least the part of the course changing member 81 advances onto the conveyor belt and can collide with the game ball in the first posture.

  The course changing member 81 is preferably provided so as to correspond to the intake ports 62 of the chute 61, but may not be provided so as to correspond to all the intake ports 62, or may be changed by a chained course change caused by a collision. If the game ball is taken into the take-in port 62 of the chute 61, the course changing member 81 may be provided at an appropriate place.

  Further, although the course changing member 81 is attached to the partition wall 80, the course changing member 81 only needs to be held at a location corresponding to the intake port 62 of the chute 61, and the holding method is not limited to the partition wall 80. Even when the partition wall 80 is used, the partition wall 80 may be provided at least at a place where the course changing member 81 is to be installed.

  In the embodiment, the transport loop that circulates and transports game balls from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 10 is provided with one game ball replenishing device 50. However, the transport loop corresponding to the left half and the right half of the island Thus, a game ball supply device having a plurality of transport loops may be installed.

It is a front view which shows the internal structure of the game machine island provided with the game ball supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the game machine island provided with the game ball supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game ball supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the game ball supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which expanded and showed the edge part of the game ball supply apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a course change member. It is AA arrow sectional drawing of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal structure of an upper storage tank. It is EE arrow sectional drawing of FIG. It is a top view which shows the replenishment part vicinity of an upper storage tank. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the conveyance state in the case of conveying an appropriate amount of game balls. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the conveyance state in the case of conveying a lot of game balls. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the retention part which crosses a belt conveyor diagonally.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Game machine 3 ... Platform machine lending machine 10 ... Game machine island 11 ... Island pillar 12 ... Lifting device 12a ... Ball introduction port 15 ... Lower storage tank 16 ... Opening and closing device 18 ... Collection conveyor 19 ... Collection basket 20 ... Passage Device 21 ... Overflow tube 22 ... Overflow tube 23 ... Bill transport device 24 ... Coin transport device 25 ... Bill safe 26 ... Coin safe 28 ... Premium ball counter 29 ... Control unit 50 ... Game ball replenishment device 51a ... First belt conveyor 51b ... second belt conveyor 52 ... conveying rail 52a ... horizontal support surface part 52b ... side wall 52c ... pedestal part 52d ... ball receiving space 52f ... guide part 52g ... inlet 53a ... first support shaft 53b ... second support shaft 54a ... first Drive pulley 54b ... 2nd drive pulley 55a ... 1st driven pulley 55b ... 2nd driven pulley 56a ... 1st conveyance belt 56b ... 2nd conveyance belt 5 7a, 57b ... transmission pulley 58a ... first motor 58b ... second motor 59a ... first tension roller 59b ... second tension roller 61 ... chute 61a ... overflow chute 62 ... intake port 65 ... staying portion 65a ... contact member 66 ... Residual portion 66a ... Contact member 70 ... Upper storage tank 71 ... Separation plate 72 ... Inclined plate 73 ... Supply portion 74 ... Relay plate 75 ... Bottom surface 76 ... Discharge hole 77 ... Inclined bottom surface 78 ... Guide path 79 ... Discharge port 80 ... partition wall 81 ... course changing member

Claims (7)

A replenishment transport path for transporting game balls along the longitudinal direction of a gaming machine island that houses a plurality of gaming devices arranged side by side, and for taking in game balls to be replenished to each gaming device from the replenishment transport path In the game ball replenishment device in which a plurality of intakes are arranged along the edge in the longitudinal direction of the replenishment conveyance path,
On the replenishment conveyance path or in the vicinity of the edge opposite to the intake port, the surface on the intake port side is inclined with respect to the posture parallel to the conveyance direction of the replenishment conveyance path so as to face the upstream side in the conveyance direction. A course changing member that is displaced to a first attitude and a second attitude that is less inclined than the first attitude and is biased by an elastic force toward the first attitude is disposed and conveyed. A game ball replenishing device, wherein the game ball to be conveyed is taken into the take-in port due to the game ball colliding with the course changing member. The intake port is provided along both edges in the longitudinal direction of the replenishment conveyance path,
A partition wall that divides the replenishment conveyance path into two is provided along the conveyance direction of the replenishment conveyance path,
The game ball replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein the course changing member is disposed on both wall surfaces of the partition wall. A replenishment transport path for transporting game balls along the longitudinal direction of a gaming machine island that houses a plurality of gaming devices arranged side by side, and for taking in game balls to be replenished to each gaming device from the replenishment transport path In a game ball replenishing device in which a plurality of intakes are arranged along both edges in the longitudinal direction of the replenishment conveyance path,
The replenishment transport path is formed by parallelly arranging two belt conveyors having transport directions opposite to each other,
A partition wall is provided along the longitudinal direction of the belt conveyor at the boundary between the two belt conveyors,
On both wall surfaces of the partition wall, a first posture inclined so that a surface on the inlet side faces an upstream side in the transport direction with respect to a posture parallel to the transport direction of the replenishment transport path, and the first posture A course changing member that is displaced to the second attitude with less inclination and is biased by an elastic force toward the first attitude is disposed, and the transported game ball collides with the course changing member. Therefore, the game ball replenishing device is characterized in that the transported game ball is taken into the take-in port. 4. The game ball supply device according to claim 2, wherein the game ball can be circulated along the plurality of intake ports by moving between the transport surfaces of the two belt conveyors. 5. A first location where the game ball moves from the conveyance surface of the one belt conveyor to the other belt conveyor is provided at the end or in the middle of the conveyance direction of the one belt conveyor, and the one belt with respect to the first location. A second location where the game ball moves from the other belt conveyor to the one belt conveyor is provided at a position upstream of the conveyor in the transport direction, and the game ball passes along the plurality of intakes between the two locations. The game ball supply device according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the game ball supply device is configured to be circulated. It is characterized in that a staying portion is set at the end or in the middle of one of the belt conveyors so that the game balls that have reached the location stay and the retained game balls overflow to the other belt conveyor. The game ball supply device according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5. The game ball replenishing device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the course changing member is provided so as to correspond to the intake port.

Images