JP2012061235A - Game ball conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game ball conveying device that allows a game ball supplied from a supply guide member, attracted onto a peripheral surface of a rotating body and having reached a discharge guide member to flow down smoothly without staying on the discharge guide member.SOLUTION: In the ball transfer rotating body 20 is rotatably disposed close to an outer peripheral surface 20a on a supply guide member 121 for rolling the game ball and a discharge guide member 122 having an upstream end 122a provided at a position higher than a downstream end 121a of the supply guide member 121, magnetic field generation units 30 are disposed at equal intervals in the peripheral direction. When the game ball attracted on the outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotating body 20 by a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation units 30 reaches the discharge guide member 122, a shield panel 124 of a soft magnetic substance provided on a lower surface of the discharge guide member 122 guides the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation units 30, and reduces a force for attracting the game ball on the discharge guide member 122, so that the game ball can smoothly flow down on the discharge guide member 122.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball transport device that is provided on a game island and transports a game ball used in a game machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of gaming islands for arranging a plurality of gaming machines are provided at intervals in a game arcade. In the upper part of the gaming island, a supply basket is provided to supply game balls to each gaming machine, and in the lower part of the gaming island, the gaming balls discharged from each gaming machine move toward the lifting device. A game ball circulation facility is provided that circulates the game ball in the game island by providing a lifting device for transporting the game ball from the recovery kit to supply the game ball to the supply kit. In addition, when a lower tank for storing game balls is provided on the game island, there is a case in which a small lifting device that supplies the game balls stored in the lower tank to the lifting device is provided.

  A plurality of transport rods that are inclined downward in the direction of transporting game balls are arranged in series on the supply and recovery rods and the lower tank in such a game island, and the upstream transport rods are arranged between the respective transport rods. There is a device that transports a game ball by providing a game ball transport device (ball transport unit) that transports a game ball received from the downstream end of the baseball to the upstream end of a downstream inclined basket. Such a game ball transport device is provided with a game ball transport device between a plurality of transport rods, connected in series, and transfers a game ball received from an upstream tilt rod to a downstream tilt rod located above. Thus, when it is provided in the replenishment basket or the collection basket, the game ball can be conveyed while suppressing the height in the vertical direction. In addition, when the height of the start end of the replenishment basket is the same, or when the height of the game ball intake port of the lifting device is the same, the game ball can be transported farther and further away. .

  Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3 made by the present applicant as a game ball transport device have a game ball attracted to the outer peripheral surface of a rotating body by a magnetic field by a permanent magnet, and the rotation of the rotating body is accompanied. A game ball transport device for transferring the game ball upward is described. When a load is applied due to ball engagement or the like, the game ball that has been attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body and transferred upward is only dropped, compared to the case where the game ball is transported by being pinched, etc. Thus, the game ball can be stably transferred upward. In particular, permanent magnets (hard magnetic bodies) arranged at equal intervals on the circumferential surface of the rotating body are accommodated in a magnet guide of the soft magnetic body, and the N pole and S pole of the hard magnetic body adjacent in the circumferential direction are the rotating body. A technique is disclosed in which a plurality of game balls can be attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the base drum by arranging magnetic poles across the entire outer peripheral surface of the rotating body by disposing them so as to face each other in the circumferential direction.

JP 2010-012139 A JP 2010-119775 A JP 2010-119773 A

  However, when implementing the game ball transport device described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the base drum of the rotating body is made of resin so that the game ball transport device has a structure suitable for mass production and can be reduced in weight. The hard and soft magnetic bodies made and magnetized are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and arranged so that the S poles and N poles of the hard magnetic bodies adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction face each other. When the discharge guide member for guiding the game ball from the rotating body is made of a non-magnetic material so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the resin base drum, the magnetic field of the hard magnetic material provided on the rotating body transmits the discharge guide member. As a result, the game ball transfer device has a problem because it affects the game ball.

  For example, when the basket connected to the downstream side of the ball game ball transport device is filled with game balls, it is necessary to detect it by a detecting means such as a sensor and stop the game ball transport device, If the discharge guide member is a non-magnetic material, the game ball stays on the discharge guide member due to the magnetic force from the hard magnetic body provided on the rotating body. When the operation is resumed, there is a problem in that the game ball transported collides with the game ball staying on the discharge guide member, and noise is generated.

  In addition, since the influence of adsorption by the hard magnetic body provided on the rotating body is strong, the game ball guided on the discharge guide member from the peripheral surface of the rotating body does not easily flow down naturally due to its own weight, There was a problem that the rolling force of the ball given by the rotation was reduced.

  In addition to this, a rotating body having a structure in which the south pole and the north pole of the hard magnetic bodies adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction face each other cannot increase the transfer ability of the game ball. This is because the magnetic force of the hard magnetic material is strong, so that the game ball adsorbed on the surface of the rotating body is magnetized, and another game ball is adsorbed and magnetized by the magnetized game ball. As the game balls are attracted and magnetized and continue, many game balls at the end of the upstream inclined flow path are also magnetized and behave like a lump group. The ball is pulled by the game ball accumulated at the end of the upstream inclined flow path, the number of game balls transferred following the rotation of the base drum is small, and the transfer capability of the game balls is high. It seems that it was not. In particular, the higher the number of game balls stacked in the height direction in the upstream inclined channel, the higher the tendency.

  In the trial production stage of the game ball transport device, since the cloth lifting belt as the magnet cover was attached to the outer periphery of the rotating body, the frictional resistance generated between the gaming ball and the game ball due to the unevenness of the surface of the lifting belt, A game ball that is superior to the attraction force with other game balls magnetized through the game ball and is transported following the rotation of the base drum while being attracted to the surface of the base drum without being pulled back to the other game ball However, because the base drum is made of a resin with a smooth outer surface, the game ball adsorbed on the surface of the base drum is different from other game balls magnetized via the game ball. It seems that the adsorbing force is not cut off and it is not transferred so much upward.

  In addition, in order to increase the efficiency of attracting the game ball to the outer peripheral surface of the base drum, a magnetic body having a length substantially the same as the width of the rotating body is provided, but the game ball extends to the end in the width direction (axial direction) of the rotating body. Because the side wall of the game ball transport device is made of iron, the game ball adsorbed on the magnetic material is also adsorbed on the side wall, and if the ball follows the rotation of the base drum, the game ball becomes a game ball. There is also a problem that the load applied to the motor is increased due to sliding contact with the inner surface of the side wall of the transfer device, and the metal on the side wall is scraped to become iron powder, thereby accelerating wear of the game ball.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a game ball that has been attracted to the peripheral surface of the rotating body from the upstream inclined flow path and has reached the downstream inclined flow path is An object is to provide a game ball transport device that can flow smoothly without staying at the upstream end.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is provided in a gaming ball transport device that is provided on a gaming island in which a plurality of gaming machines are arranged and transports a gaming ball along a longitudinal direction of the gaming island. A first inclined channel disposed in a slanting direction in the longitudinal direction of the gaming island and capable of rolling a game ball; and a serially downstream of the first inclined channel inclining in the longitudinal direction of the gaming island. A second inclined channel disposed at a position higher than the downstream end of the first inclined channel, and a game ball supplied from the downstream end of the first inclined channel. A sphere transfer rotator that conveys to the upstream end of the second inclined channel, the sphere transfer rotator having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface facing the downstream end of the first inclined channel, and Magnetic field generating means for adsorbing the game ball on the first inclined flow path to the outer peripheral surface; Driving means for transferring the game ball adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface is generated by a driving means that rotates around the central axis set in the short direction of Gijima, and the second inclined channel is made of a non-magnetic material. And a shield member made of a soft magnetic material is provided below the second inclined flow path up to the vicinity of the ball transfer rotator.

  In addition, the invention according to claim 2 is the gaming ball transport device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generating means includes a plurality of hard magnetic bodies arranged on an outer peripheral portion of the ball transfer rotating body, and is adjacent to each other. It is characterized in that the directions of magnetic fluxes generated from the hard magnetic material are the same.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming ball transport device according to the second aspect, the magnetic field generating means forms a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability so that the inward surface of the hard magnetic body and the magnetic surface are magnetic. A magnetic flux receiving member comprising: a magnetic flux receiving portion that is in contact with the magnetic flux receiving portion; and a magnetic flux guiding portion that is continuous with at least one side edge in the circumferential direction of the magnetic flux receiving portion and extends to the outward surface side of the hard magnetic material; By configuring a magnetic field generating unit in which a magnetic pole different from the magnetic pole on the outward surface of the hard magnetic material is generated at the edge of the magnetic flux guiding portion, and aligning the magnetic poles on the outward surface of the hard magnetic material in the magnetic field generating unit, The directions of the generated magnetic fluxes are the same as each other.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the game ball transport device according to the third aspect, wherein the driving means is a ball transport rotating body in which a plurality of hard magnetic bodies as magnetic field generating means are arranged on the outer periphery. The shield means is disposed on the inner periphery, and a shield means made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability is disposed between the hard magnetic body and the drive means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the game ball transport device according to the fourth aspect, the shield means is a high permeability soft material that overlaps with the magnetic flux guide member and the magnetic flux receiving portion of the magnetic flux guide member. And a plate made of a magnetic material.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming ball transport device according to the fifth aspect, the axial ends of the hard magnetic material are set by setting both axial ends of the shield means to be longer than the hard magnetic material. It is characterized in that an adsorption restriction region is formed on both sides of the plate.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the gaming ball transport device that is provided on the gaming island where a plurality of gaming machines are arranged and transports the gaming ball along the longitudinal direction of the gaming island, the longitudinal direction of the gaming island A first inclined flow path that can be rotated and a game ball can roll, and a first inclined flow path that is inclined in the longitudinal direction of the gaming island and is arranged in series downstream of the first inclined flow path, and an upstream end thereof A second inclined channel provided at a position higher than the downstream end of the first inclined channel, and a game ball supplied from the downstream end of the first inclined channel. A sphere transfer rotator for conveying the sphere transfer rotator to the upstream end of the cylinder, wherein the sphere transfer rotator has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface facing a downstream end of the first inclined channel, and is on the first inclined channel. Magnetic field generating means for attracting the game ball to the outer peripheral surface is provided, and the ball transfer rotating body is set in the short direction of the game island A driving force for transferring the game ball adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface is generated by the driving means that rotates around the central axis, the second inclined flow path is formed of a non-magnetic material, and the second inclined flow is Since the shield member made of a soft magnetic material is provided below the path to the vicinity of the ball transfer rotator, when the ball transfer rotator stops, it becomes difficult for the game ball to stay on the second inclined flow path, There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of noise due to collision between the game ball staying and the game ball transported by the transfer rotating body when it rotates again. In addition, the game ball that has reached the second inclined channel flows down smoothly without the flow-down force provided by the rotation of the ball transfer rotator being diminished.

  According to the invention according to claim 2, the magnetic field generating means includes a plurality of hard magnetic bodies arranged on the outer periphery of the ball transfer rotating body, and the directions of magnetic fluxes generated from adjacent hard magnetic bodies are the same. Since the magnetic fluxes generated by the hard magnetic bodies adjacent in the circumferential direction repel each other and the direction of the magnetization of the game ball magnetized by the magnetic field of the hard magnetic body is reversed, the game ball is limited. To prevent the rosary from being connected. Thereby, even if the outer surface of the ball transfer rotating body is a smooth surface with little frictional resistance, the game ball can be adsorbed efficiently and stably and transferred upward. Further, even when a plurality of game balls to be supplied are stacked in the height direction, the game balls can be efficiently and stably adsorbed and transferred upward.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the magnetic field generating means is formed of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability, so that the magnetic flux receiving portion that is in magnetic contact with the inward surface of the hard magnetic material, and the magnetic flux A magnetic flux guide member comprising: a magnetic flux guide member connected to at least one side edge in the circumferential direction of the receiving portion and extending to the outward surface side of the hard magnetic material; and a magnetic pole different from the magnetic pole on the outward surface of the hard magnetic material Constitutes the magnetic field generating unit generated at the edge of the magnetic flux guiding part, and the magnetic poles on the outer surfaces of the hard magnetic bodies in the magnetic field generating unit are aligned so that the directions of the magnetic flux generated from the adjacent magnetic field generating units are the same. As a result, the magnetic flux density on the outward face side of the hard magnetic material is increased, and the attractive force of the game ball can be increased even if the magnetic force of the high magnetic material is reduced. Further, the use of a hard magnetic material having a small magnetic force reduces the cost. Furthermore, there is an effect that it becomes difficult for the magnetic field to extend in the direction of the central axis of the ball transfer rotator.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the driving means is arranged on the inner peripheral portion of the ball transfer rotating body in which a plurality of hard magnetic bodies as magnetic field generating means are arranged on the outer peripheral portion, thereby providing a game ball A conveyance apparatus can be made compact. In addition, since the shielding means made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability is disposed between the hard magnetic body and the driving means, the magnetic field is difficult to reach the driving means in the central axis direction of the ball transfer rotating body. effective.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the shield means includes the magnetic flux guide member and a plate made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability that overlaps with the magnetic flux receiving portion of the magnetic flux guide member. By inducing the magnetic flux to the edge of the magnetic flux guiding portion, the magnetic flux guiding portion of the magnetic flux guiding member functions as a shielding means, and the magnetic flux receiving portion functions as a shielding means together with the plate material. There is an effect that it becomes difficult to reach the driving means in the central axis direction of the ball transfer rotating body.

  According to the invention of claim 6, by setting both axial ends of the shield means to be longer than the hard magnetic body, an adsorption restriction region is formed on both sides of the axial end of the hard magnetic body. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being adsorbed to the end in the axial direction of the ball transfer rotator. This prevents the game ball adsorbed on the axial end of the ball transfer rotator from adsorbing to the inner surface of the side wall of the game ball transport device and being rubbed against the inner surface of the side wall, thereby applying unnecessary load on the motor. It is possible to prevent the game balls from being worn out quickly.

It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the game island in which the game ball conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the lifting device in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view in FIG. 2. (A) is a perspective view of the 1st replenishing rod, (b) is a perspective view of the 2nd replenishing rod. (A) is a perspective view of the periphery of the branch portion of the first supply rod disposed in the uppermost stream, and (b) is a plan view in FIG. 5 (a). (A) is a perspective view of the vicinity of the branch part of the first supply rod disposed on the downstream side, and (b) is a plan view in FIG. 6 (a). It is a side view which shows the internal structure of an upper tank and a balance tank. It is the perspective view which permeate | transmitted and showed the internal structure of the upper tank. It is the side view of the game ball transportation device which removed the side panel and showed the internal structure. It is a perspective view of a rotary body and a motor. It is a perspective view of a rotary body. (A) is a perspective view of the magnetic field generation unit shown as a first configuration example. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. It is magnetic flux distribution explanatory drawing in the rotary body which has arrange | positioned the 1st magnetic field generation means. It is magnetic flux distribution explanatory drawing in the rotary body which has arrange | positioned the 2nd magnetic field generation means. It is magnetic flux distribution explanatory drawing in the rotary body which has arrange | positioned the 3rd magnetic field generation means. It is magnetic flux distribution explanatory drawing in the rotary body which has arrange | positioned the magnetic field generation unit which is a 4th magnetic field generation means. It is magnetic flux distribution explanatory drawing in the rotary body which has arrange | positioned the magnetic field generation unit which is a 5th magnetic field generation means. It is magnetic flux distribution explanatory drawing in the rotary body which has arrange | positioned the 1st magnetic field generation unit and the 2nd magnetic field generation unit alternately as a 6th magnetic field generation means. (A) is a perspective view of the magnetic field generation unit which is a 7th magnetic field generation means. FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view (partially omitted) taken along line BB in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which a game ball leaves | separates from a rotary body in the discharge | release guide member which gave the shield. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which a game ball detaches | leaves from a rotary body, when the front-end | tip of the discharge guide member and shield panel in FIG. 20 is made into a wedge shape. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the game island in which the game ball conveying apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is provided in a lower tank. It is an expansion perspective view of the lower tank periphery in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a game ball transport device 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a gaming island 100 provided with a gaming ball transport device 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The amusement island 100 is installed in a game arcade, and is provided with a plurality of gaming machines (not shown) and incidental facilities. In general, a plurality of game islands 100 are provided in parallel in the game hall with an interval sufficient for a player to sit and play a game in front of each gaming machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming island 100 has a plurality of gaming machine installation openings arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1), and the gaming machine 5a and gaming ball rental unit 5b. Are arranged (indicated by a broken line in the figure). In FIG. 1, only a row of gaming machine installation openings on the front side of the gaming island 100 is illustrated, but a row of gaming machine installation openings is also formed on the back side of the gaming island 100. The gaming machine 5a and the gaming ball rental unit 5b installed in the gaming machine installation opening are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the gaming island 100, and in the short direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper in FIG. 1), It is arranged in a back-facing state with the back.

  The game island 100 is provided with a game ball circulation mechanism 101 through which game balls used in each gaming machine 5a circulate. The game ball circulation mechanism 101 is provided above the gaming machine 5a and collects the game ball supply device 1 that supplies the game ball to each gaming machine 5a and the game ball that is provided below the gaming machine 5a and used for the game. And a game ball collecting device 2 for performing the game. In the present embodiment, both the game ball supply device 1 and the game ball collection device 2 include the game ball transport device 12, but either one includes the game ball transport device 12, and the other includes A game ball may be transported by rolling on an inclined surface by a conventional natural gradient.

  In the present embodiment, since the gaming balls (rental balls) for lending are discharged from the gaming machine 5a based on the operation of the gaming ball lending unit 5b, the gaming ball supply device 1 has the gaming machine 5a. However, when a game ball lending device that lends a game ball alone is used, the game ball supply device 1 supplies a game ball to each game ball lending device. What should I do?

  The game balls supplied from the game ball supply device 1 to the game machine 5a are paid out to the player as rental balls or prize balls from the game machine 5a. The paid-out game balls are used in the game, discharged from the back side of the gaming machine 5a, passed through the game ball collecting device 2, and guided to the lifting device 3 provided at the longitudinal end of the game island 100. . In addition, it is thrown into a ball counter (not shown) installed on the game island 100, transported to the game ball collecting device 2, and guided to the lifting device 3. In the present embodiment, the lifting device 3 is provided at the longitudinal end portion of the game island 100, but may be provided at the longitudinal center portion of the game island 100.

  When a game medium lending request signal or the like is transmitted from the game ball lending unit 5b to the game machine 5a by a predetermined operation by the player, the game machine 5a pays out a ball based on this signal. In addition, when the stored ball replay is possible, the gaming machine 5a pays out the stored ball. The stored balls may be paid out from the game ball lending device. In addition, when a so-called counter is provided for each gaming machine 5a, the gaming machine 5a pays out a ball when reusing the counted ball. In addition, you may pay out a possessed ball from the game ball lending device.

  On the other hand, the game ball collecting device 2 is provided below the game machine 5a on the game island 100, and guides the game ball discharged from the game machine 5a to the lifting device 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lifting device 3 is a device that lifts the game ball upward while polishing the game ball. The receiving rod 8 receives the game ball and guides it to a ball take-in port (not shown) of the lifting device 3. In the present embodiment, the receiving rod 8 extends to the lower side of the gaming machine 5 a adjacent to the lifting device 3 and receives the game ball rolling from the game ball collecting device 2.

  The game ball lifted by the lifting device 3 is guided to the upper tank 4 installed on the upper portion of the lifting device 3. A game ball supply device 1 is connected to the upper tank 4, and the game balls are supplied again to the game machines 5a. As described above, the game balls in the game island 100 circulate in the game island 100. The internal structure of the upper tank 4 will be described in detail later.

  The lifting device 3 is driven by a motor 3a provided at the lower part. Above the motor 3a, a ball storage tank 6 (see FIG. 3) is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the lifting device 3 in a U-shape. The ball storage tank 6 is a tank having the maximum capacity in the game island 100 that can store a large amount of game balls used in the game island 100. An openable and closable shutter 6 a (see FIG. 2) is formed at the bottom of the ball storage tank 6 for allowing the stored game balls to flow down to the receiving bowl 8 and to be supplied to the lifting device 3.

  The ball storage tank 6 is provided with a pair of doors 6b (see FIG. 3) that can be opened and closed to conceal the lifting device 3. Inspection and maintenance of the lifting device 3 are performed with the door 6b open.

  Next, the game ball supply device 1 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

  The game ball supply device 1 includes two first supply rods 10 having an upstream end portion 10a (see FIG. 4A) connected to the upper tank 4 and inclined in the longitudinal direction of the game island 100; A second supply rod 11 that is inclined in the longitudinal direction of the game island 100 and in the same direction as the first supply rod 10 and arranged in series downstream of the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side, and two Between the first supply rods 10 and between the downstream end portion of the first supply rod 10 and the upstream end portion of the second supply rod 11, the downstream end of the upstream bag (first supply rod 10) Game ball transport for transporting the game ball supplied from the portion 10b to the upstream end of the downstream kite (the upstream end 10a in the first supply rod 10; the upstream end 11a in the second supply rod 11). And a device 12A. In the game ball transport device 12A, the supply guide member 121 (see FIG. 9) corresponds to the first inclined channel, and the discharge guide member 122 (see FIG. 9) corresponds to the second inclined channel.

  In the game ball supply device 1, two first supply rods 10 and one second supply rod 11 are arranged in series, but three or more first supply rods 10 are arranged. It is possible to increase the overall length and supply gaming balls to more gaming machines 5a. Alternatively, one first replenishing rod 10 and one second replenishing rod 11 may be arranged in series to shorten the overall length.

  The first supply rod 10 and the second supply rod 11 are set to an inclination angle (for example, 4 minutes) at which the game ball can roll by its own weight, and are fixed to the upper part of the game island 100. The first replenishing rod 10 and the second replenishing rod 11 are formed in a bowl shape with an open top surface, but the top surface does not necessarily have to be opened. A lid is provided on the opening, or a game ball rolls inside. It may be a closed shape that moves.

  The game ball transport device 12A is disposed on the upper part of the game island 100, and the two baskets are arranged in series so that the upstream end of the downstream kite is higher than the downstream end of the upstream kite. Link. The structure of the game ball transport device 12A will be described in detail later.

  Hereinafter, the first supply rod 10 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

  The first supply rod 10 branches from a common rod (flow path before branching) 73 formed on the upstream end portion 10a of the game ball guided from the upstream and a branch portion 70 downstream of the common rod 73. , A guide rod (guidance channel) 71 for guiding the game ball to the game ball transport device 12A disposed downstream of the first supply rod 10, and a branch portion 70 that branches downward, and below (near it) ) Is provided with a supply basket (supply channel) 72 for supplying game balls to the gaming machine 5a. In addition, although the branch part 70 is branched up and down from the common rod 73 to the guide rod 71 and the supply rod 72, you may branch to right and left instead of up and down. Alternatively, the guide rod 71 may be branched downward from the branching portion 70, the supply rod 72 may be upward, and the guide rod 71 may be downward.

  The common basket 73 is a bowl to which game balls flowing from the upstream are supplied. In the first supply rod 10 arranged in the uppermost stream, a game ball is supplied from the upper tank 4 to the common rod 73, and in the first supply rod 10 arranged in the downstream side, an upstream game ball. A game ball is supplied from the transfer device 12A.

  The branch portion 70 is formed downstream of the common basket 73 and distributes the game balls that have rolled on the common basket 73 to the guide basket 71 and the supply basket 72. The branching portion 70 has an opening 70 a that opens toward the supply rod 72. That is, a part of the game ball that rolls on the common basket 73 flows down to the supply basket 72 through the opening 70a. A plurality of openings 70a may be provided. The specific structure of the branch part 70 will be described later in detail.

  The guide rod 71 is a rod that is branched from the downstream end portion of the common rod 73 and is formed so as to be continuous with the common rod 73. The downstream end portion 10b of the guide rod 71 communicates with the game ball transport device 12A (see FIG. 1).

  The supply rod 72 branches downward from the common rod 73 and is formed substantially parallel to the guide rod 71. A part of the game ball rolling on the common basket 73 is supplied to the supply basket 72 by flowing down. A cylindrical duct 70 b that communicates with the opening 70 a and guides the game ball that has flowed into the opening 70 a to the supply rod 72 is formed at the upstream end of the supply rod 72. By providing the duct 70 b, it is possible to prevent the game ball flowing down from the common basket 73 through the opening 70 a from falling outside the supply basket 72. The downstream end 72 b of the supply basket 72 is formed so as to be closed so that game balls can accumulate on the supply basket 72.

  A plurality of supply chutes 13 that guide the rolling game balls to the respective gaming machines 5a are arranged in the supply basket 72 of the first supply basket 10 along the longitudinal direction.

  The supply chute 13 is disposed on each side of the first supply rod 10. In FIG. 1, the supply chute 13 on the front side guides a game ball to the gaming machine 5a installed on the front side of the game island 100, and the supply chute 13 on the back side is a gaming machine installed on the back side of the game island 100. A game ball is guided to 5a.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the branching portion 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  In the present embodiment, the ratio of the opening width to the width of the rolling surface is such that the opening 70a of the branching portion 70 distributes game balls by an equal number to all the first supply rods 10 and the second supply rods 11. Has been adjusted. Specifically, the opening 70 a in the branching portion 70 of the first supply rod 10 arranged in the most upstream is formed between the first supply rod 10, the downstream first supply rod 10, and the second supply rod 11. It is formed to be 1/3 of the width of the rolling surface so that one third of the game balls of the three baskets flow down to the supply basket 72. That is, in the case where n first supply rods 10 and n second supply rods 11 are provided in series, the opening 70a of the first supply rod 10 disposed in the uppermost stream has a width of 1 of the rolling surface. / N.

  From the opening 70a, 1/3 of the game balls rolling on the common basket 73 flow down and are guided to the supply basket 72, and the remaining 2/3 of the game balls that did not flow down to the supply basket 72 remain as they are. It is guided to the guide rod 71 and supplied to the game ball transport device 12A disposed on the downstream side.

  Similarly, the opening 70a in the branch portion 70 of the first supply rod 10 arranged on the downstream side is one of the two rods of the first supply rod 10 and the downstream second supply rod 11. It is formed to be 1/2 of the width of the rolling surface so that a half of the game ball, which is a minute, flows down to the supply basket 72. That is, when m hooks including the first supply rod 10 are provided downstream in series, the opening 70a of the first supply rod 10 is formed to be 1 / m of the width of the rolling surface. The

  From the opening 70 a, half of the game balls that have rolled on the common basket 73 flow down and are guided to the supply basket 72, and the remaining half of the game balls that have not flowed down to the supply basket 72 remain as they are. It is guided to the guide rod 71 and supplied to the game ball transport device 12A disposed on the downstream side.

  The opening 70a is formed so that the opening area can be adjusted. Thereby, it can be easily adjusted even when the number of ridges arranged in series is changed. As a structure for adjusting the opening area, there are, for example, a structure in which an openable / closable member such as a shutter is disposed, and a structure in which a part of the opening is closed with a removable plate material.

  In addition, when the opening 70a is made substantially equal to the width of the first supply rod 10 and the game ball that has rolled the common rod 73 is guided to the supply rod 72, and the supply rod 72 is filled with game balls, The opening 70a may be guided to the guide rod 71 by being closed with a game ball. Further, when the guide rod 71 is branched downward from the branch portion 70, the supply rod 72 is set upward, and the guide rod 71 is set downward, the opening portion 70a is played when the guide rod 71 is filled with game balls. It may be guided to the supply basket 72 by being blocked with a sphere.

  Hereinafter, the second supply rod 11 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

  The second supply rod 11 is a single rod in which the branch portion 70 is not formed while the branch portion 70 is formed in the first supply rod 10. The downstream end portion 11 b of the second supply basket 11 is closed and formed so that the game ball stays on the second supply basket 11. A plurality of supply chutes 13 for guiding the rolling game balls to the respective gaming machines 5a are arranged in the second supply basket 11 along the longitudinal direction. In addition, a part or all of the first supply basket 10 of the game ball supply device 1 is used as the second supply basket 11, only the downstream end portion 11b of the second supply basket on the most downstream side is closed, and the other second supply baskets are used. The downstream end portion 11b may not be closed, and may communicate with the game ball transport device 12A.

  The supply chute 13 is disposed on each side of the second supply rod 11. In FIG. 1, the supply chute 13 on the front side guides a game ball to the gaming machine 5a installed on the front side of the game island 100, and the supply chute 13 on the back side is a gaming machine installed on the back side of the game island 100. A game ball is guided to 5a.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, the flow of game balls supplied from the upper tank 4 to the game ball supply device 1 will be described.

  The game balls supplied from the upper tank 4 to the most upstream first supply basket 10 roll on the common basket 73 of the first supply basket 10. When reaching the branch 70 from the common basket 73, 1/3 of the game balls rolling on the common basket 73 flow down from the opening 70a to the supply basket 72 through the duct 70b.

  The game balls that have flowed down to the supply basket 72 are respectively supplied to the gaming machines 5a disposed below (in the vicinity of) the supply basket 72 via the plurality of supply chutes 13 provided on the supply basket 72.

  On the other hand, 2/3 of the game balls that did not flow down from the opening 70a roll on the guide rod 71, are guided to the downstream game ball transport device 12A, and are supplied to the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side. The That is, 2/3 of the game balls are guided to the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side without passing through the supply rod 72 of the most upstream first supply rod 10 by passing through the guide rod 71 (bypass). .

  The 2/3 gaming balls supplied to the first supply basket 10 on the downstream side roll on the common basket 73 of the first supply basket 10. When reaching the branch part 70 from the common basket 73, 1/2 of the game balls rolling on the common basket 73 flow down from the opening 70a to the supply basket 72 through the duct 70b. In other words, of the game balls supplied from the upper tank 4, 1/2 of 1/3 of the game balls that have bypassed the most upstream supply basket 72, that is, 1/3 of the game balls of the first supply basket 10 on the downstream side. Guided to supply trough 72.

  The game balls that have flowed down to the supply basket 72 are respectively supplied to the gaming machines 5a disposed below (in the vicinity of) the supply basket 72 via the plurality of supply chutes 13 provided on the supply basket 72.

  On the other hand, 1/2 of 2/3 that did not flow down from the opening 70a, that is, 1/3 of the game ball supplied from the upper tank 4, rolls on the guide rod 71, and the game ball transport device on the downstream side 12A is supplied to the second supply rod 11 on the downstream side. In other words, 1/3 of the game ball passes through the guide rod 71 and is guided to the second supply rod 11 on the downstream side (bypass) without passing through the supply rod 72 of the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side. .

  The game balls supplied to the second supply basket 11 are game machines 5a disposed below (in the vicinity of) the second supply basket 11 via a plurality of supply chutes 13 provided on the second supply basket 11. Are supplied respectively.

  As described above, the game ball supplied from the upper tank 4 to the supply rod 72 of the most upstream first supply rod 10, the supply rod 72 of the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side, and the second supply rod 11. 1/3 of each is led and supplied to the gaming machine 5a disposed below (in the vicinity) of each. The game balls supplied to the gaming machine 5a below (in the vicinity of) the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side pass through the guide rod 71 of the first supply rod 10 on the most upstream side, whereby the first supply rod 10 on the most upstream side. It is supplied without going through the supply rod 72. Further, the game balls supplied to the gaming machine 5a below the second supply rod 11 pass through the guide rods 71 of the two first supply rods 10, thereby supplying the supply rod 72 of the most upstream first supply rod 10. In addition, the first supply rod 10 on the downstream side is bypassed and supplied without passing through the supply rod 72.

  Therefore, even when a large amount of game balls are supplied to the gaming machine 5a to which the gaming balls are supplied from the upstream supply basket 72, the downstream gaming machine 5a has the upstream Since game balls are supplied from the guide rod 71 on the side and the supply rod 72 or the second supply rod 11 on the downstream side, the storage function of the guide rod 71 increases the amount of game balls supplied to the upstream gaming machine 5a. Regardless, it becomes easy to supply necessary and sufficient gaming balls to the gaming machine 5a on the downstream side. Further, because the branching portion 70 distributes the game balls to the upstream guide rod 71 regardless of the supply amount of the game balls to the upstream game machine 5a, the downstream supply rod 72 or the second supply rod 11 It becomes easy to supply necessary and sufficient game balls. Therefore, it becomes easy to supply game balls stably to each gaming machine 5a.

  It should be noted that each branch according to a game ball payout state in each gaming machine 5a (for example, a situation such as award ball payout or rental ball payout in the game machine 5a) by a transfer control device (not shown) provided in the game island Control may be performed to automatically variably adjust the opening area of the opening 70a of the section 70.

  Next, the game ball collection device 2 will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

  The game ball collecting device 2 includes two first collection rods 60 that are inclined in the longitudinal direction of the game island and arranged in series, and a downstream end portion 61f that is connected to the lifting device 3, so that the length of the game island 100 is increased. A second recovery rod 61 that is inclined in the direction and in the same direction as the first recovery rod 60 and arranged in series downstream of the first recovery rod 60 on the downstream side, and the two first recovery rods 60 And between the downstream end portion of the first recovery rod 60 and the upstream end portion of the second recovery rod 61, and the game balls supplied from the upstream rod are transported to the downstream rod. And a game ball transport device 12B. In the game ball transfer device 12B, a supply guide member 121 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, corresponds to a first inclined flow path, and the discharge guide member 122 corresponds to a second inclined flow path.

  In the game ball collection device 2, two first collection baskets 60 and one second collection basket 61 are arranged in series, but by arranging three or more first collection baskets 60, It is possible to lengthen the overall length of the game ball collecting device 2 and collect game balls discharged from more game machines 5a.

  The first collection basket 60 and the second collection basket 61 are set at an inclination angle (for example, 4 minutes) at which the game ball can roll by its own weight, and are fixed to the lower part of the game island 100. The first collection basket 60 and the second collection basket 61 are formed in a bowl shape having an open top surface.

  The downstream end 61f of the second recovery rod 61 is connected to the receiving rod 8 with a step (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the game ball rolling on the second collection basket 61 falls to the receiving bowl 3c and is transported to the upper tank 4 by the transporting device 3.

  The second recovery basket 61 is formed from the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction to the downstream side, the first high wall portion 61d formed with a side wall higher than the upstream side, and the second recovery rod 61 is continuous from the downstream end of the first high wall portion 61d. The second high wall portion 61e is formed up to the downstream end portion 61f and has a side wall higher than the first high wall portion 61d. On the second collection basket 61, more game balls roll on the downstream side than on the upstream side. The first high wall portion 61d and the second high wall portion 61e are formed to prevent the game balls from overflowing from the second collection basket 61 when a large number of game balls flow in an overlapping manner.

  In addition, the game ball collecting device 2 has a reverse inclined rod 62 that receives the game balls discharged from the gaming machine 5a adjacent to the lifting device 3 and guides them to join the game balls flowing through the second high wall portion 61e. Provided. The reverse inclined rod 62 is provided so as to be inclined in the direction opposite to the second recovery rod 61 and the downstream end portion is located above the second high wall portion 61e. Thereby, the game ball flowing down from the gaming machine 5a adjacent to the lifting device 3 can be joined to the game ball rolling on the second collection basket 61. The receiving rod 8 is provided with a slat (not shown) for removing foreign matter, and a game ball flowing down from the gaming machine 5a adjacent to the lifting device 3 can flow down to the upstream of the slat. The game balls stored in the ball storage tank 6 are also caused to flow down to the receiving basket 8 via the reverse inclined basket 62 and supplied to the lifting device 3. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the game ball flowing down from the reverse inclined rod 62 collides with the game ball rolling on the second collection rod 61 and rebounds. However, since the height of the second high wall portion 61e is formed to be equal to or higher than the height at which the game ball repels, the rebounded game ball will jump out of the second collection basket 61. Can be prevented.

  The game ball transport device 12B is arranged in the lower part of the game island 100, and the two baskets are arranged in series so that the upstream end of the downstream kite is higher than the downstream end of the upstream kite. Link. The structure of the game ball transport device 12B used in the game ball collection device 2 is the same as that of the game ball transport device 12A used in the game ball supply device 1 described above, and the function of transferring the game balls is the same. In addition, when there is no particular problem with the application, it is simply called the game ball transport device 12. Note that, with the game ball transport device 12A and the game ball transport device 12B, for example, the magnetic force and type of the magnet, the number and interval of the magnets, and the width of the magnet (the width in the rotation direction of the ball transfer rotor) are changed. May be changed.

  Unlike the first supply basket 10 and the second supply basket 11, which may be formed in a shape whose upper surface is closed, the first collection basket 60 and the second collection basket 61 are from the upper gaming machine 5 a (out tank). In order to receive the discharged game ball, the upper surface needs to be opened. The number of game balls discharged from each gaming machine 5a is counted by an out tank counter (not shown) provided below each gaming machine 5a.

  Next, the upper tank 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The upper tank 4 delivers the game balls to the tank body 50 in which the game balls lifted by the lifting device 3 are stored, and the adjacent game island 100, and from the adjacent game island 100 when the game balls run short. And a balance tank 7 for receiving game balls. In the case of a so-called independent island where it is not necessary to deliver or receive a game ball with the adjacent game island 100, it is not necessary to provide the balance tank 7.

  The upper tank 4 gives priority to the game balls delivered from the balance tank 7 to the adjacent game island 100 and the game balls supplied from the supply chute 13 of the game ball supply device 1 to each game machine 5a. It is a tank for supplying. In terms of structure, a game ball delivered to the adjacent game island 100 is preferentially supplied, and then supplied to the game ball supply device 1. The configuration of the upper tank 4 is as follows. Actually, the game ball is supplied with priority over the game ball supply device 1 by control using a lower limit switch 52b described later.

  An upper communication port 49a for guiding game balls in the tank main body 50 to the balance tank 7 and a lower side than the upper communication port 49a are formed on the boundary surface between the tank main body 50 and the balance tank 7, The lower communication port 49b for guiding the game ball to the tank body 50 is formed to open.

  The balance tank 7 communicates with the upper communication port 49a, communicates with the ball delivery port 7a for delivering the game ball to the adjacent gaming island 100, and the lower communication port 49b. And a ball receiving port 7b for receiving the. The ball receiving port 7b is provided with a shutter (not shown) capable of switching whether to accept a game ball by opening and closing.

  The ball delivery port 7a and the ball delivery port 7b are connected to a ball delivery basket (not shown) that is inclined between the game islands 100, so that game balls can be delivered to and received from adjacent game islands 100. This is done through the ball delivery basket.

  The tank main body 50 is a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped bottomed box. The tank body 50 is formed with a ball receiving port 59 for receiving the game ball lifted by the lifting device 3. Below the ball receiving port 59, the first shelf plate 50a to the fifth shelf plate 50e fixed inside the tank body 50 and capable of rolling the game balls, and the interior of the tank body 50 are sufficiently filled with game balls. An overflow pipe 51 is sometimes provided for guiding excess game balls to the ball storage tank 6.

  The first shelf board 50a is inclined and receives a game ball discharged from the ball receiving port 59. The game balls that roll on the first shelf 50a are guided to the ball delivery port 7a through the upper communication port 49a, and the game balls that have not flowed into the upper communication port 49a are directed to the second shelf 50b. Led. Since game balls are always supplied from the tank body 50 to the ball delivery port 7a, when the shutter (not shown) of the ball reception port 7b formed in the balance tank 7 of the adjacent game island 100 is open, The game balls of the tank body 50 are preferentially sent to the balance tank 7 and delivered to the adjacent game island 100. When the shutter of the ball receiving port 7b formed in the balance tank 7 of the adjacent gaming island 100 is closed and does not accept the gaming ball, the gaming ball is not delivered to the adjacent gaming island 100.

  The second shelf board 50b is provided to be inclined so as to be orthogonal to the first shelf board 50a. A game ball rolling on the second shelf 50b is guided to the third shelf 50c.

  The third shelf board 50c is provided to be inclined so as to be orthogonal to the second shelf board 50b, and is inclined in the opposite direction to the first shelf board 50a. The third shelf board 50c is formed so as to cover the upper opening 51a of the overflow pipe 51 provided below the third shelf board 50c. This prevents the game ball rolling from the second shelf board 50 b from flowing down directly into the overflow pipe 51. A lower end of the third shelf board 50c is formed by being bent downward, and a game ball flows down from here to the fourth shelf board 50d.

  The fourth shelf board 50d is located below the third shelf board 50c, and is provided to be inclined in the opposite direction to the third shelf board 50c. An overflow pipe 51 is inserted vertically through a part of the lower end of the fourth shelf board 50d. A game ball rolling on the fourth shelf 50d flows down from the lower end of the fourth shelf 50d onto the fifth shelf 50e.

  The fifth shelf board 50e is located below the fourth shelf board 50d, and is provided to be inclined in the direction opposite to the fourth shelf board 50d. An overflow pipe 51 communicates vertically with a part of the lower end of the fifth shelf board 50e. The game ball rolling on the fifth shelf 50e flows down from the lower end of the fifth shelf 50e onto the bottom plate 55.

  A ball supply passage 53 is formed inside the fifth shelf board 50e. The upstream end of the ball supply passage 53 faces the lower communication port 49b and communicates with the ball receiving port 7b. On the other hand, the downstream end of the ball supply passage 53 communicates with the inside of the overflow pipe 51. That is, the game balls received from the adjacent game island 100 via the ball receiving port 7 b are not guided into the tank body 50, but all of them are guided from the ball supply passage 53 to the overflow pipe 51.

  The bottom plate 55 is located below the fifth shelf plate 50e and is provided to be inclined in the opposite direction to the fifth shelf plate 50e. At the downstream end of the bottom plate 55, a transport rod attachment port 49c is formed to open (see FIG. 8). The transport rod attachment port 49c communicates with the first supply rod 10 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the game balls rolling on the bottom plate 55 are supplied to the first supply rod 10 from the transport rod attachment port 49c, and when the first supply rod 10 is filled with game balls, the excess game balls are placed on the bottom plate 55. It accumulates in the tank body 50 and overlaps.

  The overflow pipe 51 is formed with an upper opening 51a located at the upper end and opening upward. The upper opening 51a is formed between the third shelf board 50c and the fourth shelf board 50d. When the game balls in the tank main body 50 are accumulated above the upper opening 51a, the game balls flow down into the overflow pipe 51. An overflow hose 51c is connected to the lower end 51b of the overflow pipe 51, and the game ball flows down into the ball storage tank 6 via the overflow hose 51c.

  As described above, the game balls in the tank main body 50 are supplied to the respective game machines 5a via the game ball supply device 1, and when the first supply basket 10 is filled with the game balls, the game balls are stored in the tank main body 50. I will accumulate. When the game balls are sufficiently stored in the tank main body 50, surplus game balls in the tank main body 50 are sent from the overflow pipe 51 to the ball storage tank 6.

  The tank body 50 includes a lower limit switch 52b that detects that there are enough game balls in the game ball supply device 1, and an upper limit switch that detects that the game balls are stored to a position higher than a predetermined height. 52a.

  The lower limit switch 52b is disposed above the fifth shelf board 50e and below the fourth shelf board 50d, and is fixed to the outer periphery of the overflow pipe 51. When the storage height of the game balls stored in the tank body 50 is lowered to a height of about the fifth shelf board 50e, the lower limit switch 52b pressed by the game balls is released, and the transport control in the game island 100 is performed. No signal is sent to the device (not shown). Due to the absence of this signal, the transfer control device determines that there are not enough game balls in the game ball supply device 1 of the own game island 100, and the shutter provided at the ball receiving port 7b of the adjacent game island 100 is released. Control not to open.

  On the other hand, the upper limit switch 52 a is disposed on the wall surface above the first shelf plate 50 a and below the ball receiving port 59. Normally, since the game ball is sent from the upper opening 51a of the overflow pipe 51 to the ball storage tank 6, the upper limit switch 52a is not pressed. However, for example, the ball of the overflow pipe 51 is clogged. When the game balls stored in the tank body 50 are stacked and stored higher than the first shelf 50a, the upper limit switch 52a is pressed by the game balls, and a signal is sent to the transport control device. With this signal, the transport control device forcibly stops the motor 3a of the lifting device 3 and notifies the staff of the abnormality.

  Next, the detailed structure of the game ball transport device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The game ball transport device 12 is equidistant from the central axis in the storage case 120 and the downwardly inclined supply guide member 121 that is a first inclined flow path that receives the game ball from the downstream end of the first supply basket 10. A cylindrical outer peripheral surface faces the downstream edge 121 a of the supply guide member 121, and includes a ball transfer rotator 20 including magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field capable of attracting a game ball, and an outer peripheral surface of the ball transfer rotator 20. A downwardly inclined discharge guide member 122 that is a second inclined channel that faces the upstream edge 122a and flows the transferred game ball to the upstream end of the first supply rod 10 or the second supply rod 11, and a ball The motor 123 is housed as a driving means for rotating the transfer rotator 20 around the central axis.

  In this game ball transport device 12, first, the game ball received by the supply guide member 121 flows down along the inclination through the receiving opening 120 a of the storage case 120, and the ball transfer rotating body 20. Of the transfer rotator 20 by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means provided in the ball transfer rotator 20 rotating in a fixed direction (clockwise toward the paper surface in FIG. 9). The game ball is adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface and transferred upward in accordance with the rotation of the ball transfer rotator 20. A gap smaller than the ball diameter of the game ball is provided between the downstream edge 121a of the supply guide member 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the ball transfer rotator 20, and the supply guide member 121 and the ball transfer rotator are provided. 20 and sliding contact with the supply guide member 121 is prevented from spilling from the downstream end edge 121a.

  As described above, the game ball transferred upward by the ball transfer rotator 20 reaches the upstream end edge 122a of the discharge guide member 122, and is separated from the outer surface of the ball transfer rotator 20, thereby rotating the ball transfer rotation. When released from the influence of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means of the body 20, the discharge guide member 122 flows down by its own weight and is discharged out of the case through the discharge opening 120b of the storage case 120. It is desirable that the gap between the upstream end edge 122a of the discharge guide member 122 and the outer peripheral surface of the ball transfer rotator 20 be as small as possible.

  The ball transfer rotating body 20 that adsorbs the game balls and transfers them from the supply guide member 121 to the discharge guide member 122 is obtained by joining, for example, an annular first drum 21a and second drum 21b in the axial direction. The base drum 21 is formed with a unit accommodation chamber (not shown) in which a predetermined number (for example, 14) of magnetic field generation units 30 as magnetic field generation means are accommodated in a state of being accommodated therein at substantially equal intervals. The base drum 21 can be made of a nonmagnetic synthetic resin or the like, so that a mass production effect can be enhanced and a structure that can be easily assembled can be adopted. The outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotator 20 configured using such a base drum 21 is a smooth curved surface with little friction.

  A rotation support plate 22 is attached to one side of the annular base drum 21 (the front side in FIG. 9 in FIG. 9), and the rotation shaft 123a of the motor 123 is attached to a bearing portion 22a provided at the center thereof. The ball transfer rotator 20 can be rotated. In the ball transfer rotator 20 of this configuration example, the inner space of the annular base drum 21 is used as the motor housing space 20b as the driving means housing space and is accommodated in the motor housing space 20b. If the motor 123 is fixed to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120, a separate storage space for the motor 123 is not required, and the ball transfer rotator 20 can be directly driven by the motor 123. Can be configured.

  All the magnetic field generating units 30 accommodated in the base drum 21 of the sphere transfer rotating body 20 described above are common, and the details are shown in FIG. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the magnetic field generating unit 30, which is a long rectangular parallelepiped hard magnetic body 31 that is a permanent magnet, a shield member 32 that is a flat plate formed of a soft magnetic material, and a plate. And a magnetic flux guiding member 33 having a U-shaped soft magnetic material formed in a U-shaped cross section. The shield member 32 and the magnetic flux guide member 33 are disposed between the hard magnetic body 31 and the motor 123, and function as shield means for shielding the magnetic field of the hard magnetic body 31 from adversely affecting the motor 123. .

  The hard magnetic body 31 is magnetized such that the outward face 31a is an S pole and the inward face 31b opposite to the outward face 31a is an N pole. Of course, the outward face 31a may be magnetized to the N pole and the inward face 31b may be magnetized to the S pole.

  The shield member 32 constituting the shield means is a flat plate-like soft magnetic body having the same joint surface as the inward surface 31b of the hard magnetic body 31 and has a high magnetic permeability, so that it absorbs magnetic field lines well, and the hard magnetic body The magnetic flux from the inward surface 31b of 31 can be prevented from diffusing. As the shield member 32, a commercially available plate material having a plate thickness of 2.3 mm can be used.

  The magnetic flux guiding member 33 is formed by bending (molding) a plate material made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability, so that the magnetic flux receiving member 331 is in magnetic contact with the inward surface 31b of the hard magnetic body 31 via the shield member 32. , And a pair of magnetic flux guiding portions 332 extending to the outward face 31a side of the hard magnetic body 31 connected to both circumferential edges of the magnetic flux receiving portion 331. By providing the magnetic flux guiding member 33, the magnetic flux receiving portion 331 functions as a shielding means, and by guiding the magnetic flux to the end edge 332a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 332, the magnetic flux guiding function and the shielding means function. Fulfill.

  The magnetic flux guiding member 33 can be formed by bending a commercially available plate material having a thickness of 2.3 mm, but between the magnetic flux guiding portion 332 and the first circumferential side surface 31c of the hard magnetic body 31, and A gap is formed between the magnetic flux guiding portion 332 and the circumferential second side surface 31d by a bent radius, and the circumferential first and second side surfaces 31c and 31d of the hard magnetic body 31 are connected to the magnetic flux guiding portions 332, respectively. There is no contact. The gap with the hard magnetic body 31 may be eliminated by molding (molding) the magnetic flux receiving portion 331 and the magnetic flux guiding portion 332 at a right angle. In this configuration example, the height of the outward face 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 and the edge 332a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 332 are aligned (upward on the paper surface in FIG. 12B). The height of the outward surface 31a and the end edge 332a do not have to be uniform as long as they can be adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the body 20, transferred upward, and allowed to flow down the discharge guide member.

  Further, by setting both the axial end portions of the magnetic flux guiding member 33 to be longer than the first axial end surface 31e and the second axial end surface 31f of the hard magnetic material 31, the first and first axial directions of the hard magnetic material 31 are set. A region where no magnetic flux is induced (adsorption restriction region) can be generated on both sides of the two end portions. The axial end of the shield member 32 that functions as a shield means similarly to the magnetic flux guide member 33 is set to be longer than the first axial end surface 31e and the second axial end surface 31f of the hard magnetic body 31, thereby shielding the shield. The member 32 may cause an adsorption restriction region, or both the shield member 32 and the magnetic flux guide member 33 may be set to be long so as to cause an adsorption restriction region.

  In the present embodiment, the magnetic flux receiving portion 331 and the shield member 32 in the magnetic flux guiding member 33 are stacked separately to increase the thickness of the soft magnetic material in the radial direction toward the rotation axis, and the shield member 32 and the magnetic flux receiving portion 331. Since the functions of the shield means are performed in cooperation with each other, the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123 can be effectively and inexpensively avoided.

  The shield member 32 may be eliminated, and the magnetic flux receiving member 331 may be thickened by increasing the thickness of the plate material used for forming the magnetic flux guide member 33, and the magnetic flux guide member 33 may have the function of a shield member. If the soft magnetic material is thick, it will be difficult to bend. In the strength of the magnetic force of the hard magnetic material used in the present embodiment, when a soft magnetic material (a commercially available plate material having a thickness of 2.3 mm) used in the prototype was attached and measured with a gauss meter, Although the magnetism leaked, in the magnetic flux induction member 33 using a commercially available plate material having a thickness of 3.2 mm, the magnetism hardly leaked.

  As described above, the thicker the soft magnetic material can improve the shielding effect, but the plate material having a thickness of 2.3 mm is easier to bend or the like than the plate thickness of 3.2 mm. In the magnetic field generating unit 30 of the configuration example, the magnetic flux receiving portion 331 (plate thickness 2.3 mm) and the shield member 32 (plate thickness 2.3 mm) are stacked separately to provide a high shielding effect and ease of processing. The shielding means provided is also configured.

  Here, the function of the magnetic field generating means will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The first magnetic field generating means having the simplest structure is one in which hard magnetic bodies 31 are arranged at equal intervals as shown in FIG. The hard magnetic bodies 31 housed and arranged in the base drum 21 are all aligned so that the outward face 31a is the south pole and the inward face 31b is the north pole, so that the magnetic flux intersecting the outer peripheral face 20a of the ball transfer rotary body 20 Are uniformly generated in the axial direction, and the directions of the magnetic fluxes generated from the adjacent hard magnetic bodies 31 are the same. As a result, the influence of the magnetic field by the adjacent hard magnetic bodies 31 is switched at almost the midpoint. Therefore, even if the game balls are connected together under the influence of the magnetic field of a certain hard magnetic body 31, the adjacent hard magnetic bodies 31 If it enters into the influence of the magnetic field of the body 31, it will restrict | limit that a game ball becomes a daisy chain beyond that.

  That is, since the magnetic flux of the hard magnetic body 31 is evenly generated in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotating body 20, the magnetic fluxes generated by the hard magnetic bodies 31 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction repel each other. Since the direction of the magnetization of the game ball magnetized by the magnetic field is reversed, it is possible to prevent the game ball magnetized by the magnetic flux of the hard magnetic body 31 from magnetizing other game balls and connecting them in an endless manner. Thereby, even if the outer surface of the ball transfer rotator 20 is a smooth surface with little frictional resistance, the game ball can be efficiently and stably adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface 20a and transferred to the discharge guide member 122.

  The second magnetic field generating means shown in FIG. 14 has a shield member 32 arranged on the inward surface 31b side of the hard magnetic body 31 in the first magnetic field generating means described above. Even if the outer peripheral surface 20a of the transfer rotator 20 is a smooth surface with little frictional resistance, in addition to the effect that the game ball can be efficiently and stably adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface 20a and transferred to the discharge guide member 122, hard magnetism The magnetic flux from the inward surface 31b of the body 31 is prevented from greatly expanding toward the rotation center side of the ball transfer rotating body 20, and the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 can be effectively avoided from reaching the motor 123. .

  That is, in the game ball transport device 12 of the present configuration example, the motor 123 is housed in the inner space of the ball transfer rotator 20, thereby reducing the size and weight of the game ball transport device 12, but the ball transport rotator. Since the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means provided at 20 may adversely affect the motor 123, by arranging the shield member 32 on the inward surface 31b side of the hard magnetic body 31 like the second magnetic field generating means, The operational stability of the motor 123 can be maintained. In addition, by suppressing the magnetic flux diffusion of the hard magnetic body 31, it is possible to increase the magnetic flux density on the outer peripheral surface 21 a side of the ball transfer rotator 20. This is advantageous in terms of cost.

  In the above-described second magnetic field generating means, the both ends in the axial direction of the shield member 32 provided on the inward surface 31 b side of the hard magnetic body 31 are set to be appropriately longer than the both ends of the hard magnetic body 31. If a region (adsorption restriction region) where no magnetic flux is induced is generated on both sides of the first and second end portions in the axial direction, the game ball is adsorbed to the end in the axial direction of the ball transfer rotating body 20. I can prevent it. As a result, the game ball adsorbed on the axial end of the ball transfer rotator 20 is prevented from being adsorbed and rubbed to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120, and unnecessary load is applied to the motor 123. It can also prevent wear out.

  The third magnetic field generating means shown in FIG. 15 is formed in a U-shaped shield member disposed on the inward surface 31b side of the hard magnetic body 31 in the second magnetic field generating means described above, so that the circumferential direction of the magnetic flux receiving portion 321 is formed. A shield member 32 ′ having a magnetic flux guiding function is provided by providing a pair of magnetic flux guiding portions 322 that are connected to both side edges and extend toward the outward face 31 a of the hard magnetic body 31. In the third magnetic field generating means, a magnetic flux is induced to the end edge 322a of the magnetic flux guiding section 322, and an N pole is generated at the end edge 322a of the magnetic flux guiding section 322.

  That is, according to the third magnetic field generating means, since the shield member 32 ′ is arranged so that the magnetic flux receiving portion 321 is in contact with the inward surface 31 b of the hard magnetic body 31, the magnetic flux guiding portion is formed from the outward surface 31 a of the hard magnetic body 31. The magnetic flux density toward the end edge 322a of the 322 can be increased, and a hard magnetic material having a small magnetic force can be used, thereby reducing the cost. Needless to say, the function of the shield member 32 ′ can effectively avoid the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123.

  Further, in the third magnetic field generating means, the axial ends of the shield member 32 ′ provided on the inward surface 31 b side of the hard magnetic body 31 are set to be appropriately longer than both ends of the hard magnetic body 31, thereby If an area where no magnetic flux is induced (adsorption regulation area) is generated on both sides of the first and second end portions in the axial direction, the game ball can be prevented from being adsorbed to the end in the axial direction of the ball transfer rotating body 20. . As a result, the game ball adsorbed on the axial end of the ball transfer rotator 20 is prevented from being adsorbed and rubbed to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120, and unnecessary load is applied to the motor 123. It can also prevent wear out.

  In this third magnetic field generating means, the shield member 32 'that is in direct contact with the hard magnetic body 31 is provided with a magnetic flux induction function, and no magnetic flux induction member 33 is provided separately as in the magnetic field generation unit 30 described above. Therefore, the thickness of the soft magnetic material interposed between the hard magnetic material 31 and the motor 123 is reduced, and the function of the shield is weakened. When the shield member 32 'was made using a commercially available plate material having a thickness of 2.3 mm as a prototype, magnetism leaked when measured with a gauss meter. Further, since the magnetic flux density becomes higher, the magnetic force does not fly far (and becomes difficult) from the outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotator 20. Therefore, in order to supplement the shield function of the magnetic flux receiving portion 321 in the shield member 32 ', a flat plate material made of a soft magnetic material is used as the shield auxiliary member 32 "(indicated by a broken line in FIG. 15) separately from the shield member 32'. By overlapping the shield auxiliary member 32 ″ on the rotating shaft side (the surface not in contact with the hard magnetic body 31) of the magnetic flux receiving portion 321 and thickening the soft magnetic body in the radial direction toward the rotating shaft, sufficient It is also possible to obtain a proper shielding function. Further, the shield function may be enhanced by increasing the thickness of the plate material used for producing the shield member 32 '(for example, changing the thickness to 3.2 mm).

  The fourth magnetic field generating means shown in FIG. 16 is configured by uniformly arranging the magnetic field generating units 30 described above, and by providing the magnetic flux guiding member 33, the magnetic flux is guided to the edge 332a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 332, and the magnetic flux guiding portion. An N pole is generated at the edge 332 a of the 332. Thereby, the magnetic flux density from the outward surface 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 in each magnetic field generation unit 30 to the end edge 332a of the magnetic flux guide part 332 can be increased, and the adsorption efficiency of the game ball can be increased. Further, since the magnetic flux density is high, it is possible to use a hard magnetic material having a small magnetic force, and the cost can be reduced. Of course, the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123 can be effectively avoided. Moreover, there is an effect that when the game ball detached from the outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotator 20 is separated from the region having a high magnetic flux density, the magnetic force is difficult to reach.

  In addition, by setting both axial ends of the magnetic flux guiding member 33 to be longer than the hard magnetic body 31, an adsorption restriction region is generated on both sides of the axial first and second end portions 31 e and 31 f of the hard magnetic body 31. Since it is made to squeeze, it can prevent that a game ball is adsorb | sucked to the axial direction end of the ball | bowl transfer rotary body 20. FIG. In addition, you may make it produce an adsorption | suction control area | region by setting the axial direction both ends in the shield member 32 longer than the hard-magnetic body 31, and both the shield member 32 and the magnetic flux induction member 33 are from the hard-magnetic body 31. Alternatively, the adsorption restriction region may be generated by setting a longer value. As a result, the game ball adsorbed on the axial end of the ball transfer rotator 20 is prevented from being adsorbed and rubbed to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120, and unnecessary load is applied to the motor 123. It can also prevent wear out.

  Note that the magnetic field generating unit 30 ′ as the fifth magnetic field generating means shown in FIG. 17 uses a hard magnetic body 31 ′ whose magnetization direction is opposite to that of the hard magnetic body 31 with respect to the magnetic field generating unit 30 described above. Therefore, S poles are generated at the edges 332a of the magnetic flux guide portions 332 located on both sides of the outward face 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 magnetized to the N pole, and the hard magnetic body 31 in each magnetic field generating unit 30 '. It is possible to increase the magnetic flux density from the outward surface 31a of ′ to the end edge 332a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 332, and to increase the adsorption efficiency of the game ball. Moreover, there is an effect that when the game ball detached from the outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotator 20 is separated from the region having a high magnetic flux density, the magnetic force is difficult to reach. Of course, the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123 can be effectively avoided. In addition, the magnetic field generating unit 30 'may be provided with an adsorption restriction region on both sides of the first and second end portions 31e and 31f in the axial direction of the hard magnetic body 31'.

  The sixth magnetic field generating means shown in FIG. 18 is configured by alternately arranging first magnetic field generating units 301 and second magnetic field generating units 302. The first magnetic field generating unit 301 bends (molds) a soft magnetic material plate having a high magnetic permeability, thereby magnetically receiving a magnetic flux receiving portion that is in magnetic contact with the inward surface 31b of the hard magnetic body 31 via the shield member 32. 341 and one magnetic flux guiding portion 342 extending to the outward surface 31a side of the hard magnetic body 31 connected to one side edge in the circumferential direction of the magnetic flux receiving portion 342 (on the right side in FIG. 18). The magnetic pole (N pole) different from the magnetic pole (S pole) of the outward face 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 is generated at the edge 342a of the magnetic flux guide section 342 using the first magnetic flux guide member 34A having an L-shaped cross section. It is a thing. On the other hand, the second magnetic field generating unit 302 uses the second magnetic flux guiding member 34B in which the magnetic flux guiding portion 342 is extended from the opposite side to the first magnetic flux guiding member 34A (left side facing the paper surface in FIG. 18). A magnetic pole (N pole) different from the magnetic pole (S pole) of the outwardly facing surface 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 is generated at the edge 342a of the magnetic flux guiding section 342. In the present embodiment, the first magnetic field generation unit 301 and the second magnetic field generation unit 302 have the same shape, and the second magnetic field generation unit 302 is reversed with the boundary line (dotted line) shown as the axis of symmetry. The first magnetic field generation unit 301 is arranged as described above.

  By alternately arranging the first magnetic field generation unit 301 and the second magnetic field generation unit 302 configured as described above, the directions of the magnetic flux generated from the adjacent first and second magnetic field generation units 301 and 302 are the same, and the first The magnetic flux density from the outward surface 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 to the end edge 342a of the magnetic flux guide 342 in the second magnetic field generation units 301 and 302 can be increased, and the adsorption efficiency of the game ball can be increased. Further, since the influence of the magnetic field by the adjacent hard magnetic bodies 31 is switched between the adjacent first and second magnetic field generating units 301 and 302, the game ball is affected under the influence of the magnetic field of a certain hard magnetic body 31. Even if the beads are connected to each other, if they are under the influence of the magnetic field of the adjacent hard magnetic bodies 31, the gaming balls are restricted from being connected in a daisy chain. Of course, the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123 can be effectively avoided. In addition, FIG. 18 is described as a modified example, and the magnetic field described is speculative. In addition, the first and second magnetic field generating units 301 and 302 are also provided with an adsorption restriction region on both sides of the first and second end portions 31e and 31f in the axial direction of the hard magnetic body 31. Also good.

  FIG. 19 shows a magnetic field generation unit 40 which is a seventh magnetic field generation means. FIG. 19 (a) is a perspective view of the magnetic field generation unit 40, and FIG. 19 (b) is a BB arrow in FIG. 19 (a). It is a sectional view (omitted on the way). The magnetic field generating unit 40 is formed by pressing (molding) a long, rectangular parallelepiped hard magnetic body 31 that is a permanent magnet, a shield member 32 formed of a soft magnetic material, and a plate-like soft magnetic material. And a magnetic flux guide member 35 formed in a lid shape.

  In the hard magnetic body 31, for example, the outward face 31a is magnetized to the S pole, and the inward face 31b opposite to the outward face 31a is magnetized to the N pole. Of course, the outward face 31a may be magnetized to the N pole and the inward face 31b may be magnetized to the S pole.

  The shield member 32 is a flat plate-like soft magnetic body having the same joint surface as the inward surface 31b of the hard magnetic body 31, and functions as a shield means. That is, since the magnetic permeability of the soft magnetic material is large, the magnetic field lines are absorbed well, and the magnetic flux from the inward surface 31b of the hard magnetic material 31 can be prevented from diffusing. As the shield member 32, a commercially available plate material having a plate thickness of 2.3 mm can be used.

  The magnetic flux guiding member 35 is formed by press-molding (molding) a plate material made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability, so that the magnetic flux receiving portion 351 is in magnetic contact with the inward surface 31b of the hard magnetic body 31 via the shield member 32. , A pair of magnetic flux guide portions 352 extending to both sides of the magnetic flux receiving portion 351 in the axial direction and extending toward the outward surface 31a of the hard magnetic body 31, and hard magnetism continuous to the both sides of the magnetic flux receiving portion 351 in the axial direction. A pair of magnetic flux guide portions 353 extending toward the outward surface 31a of the body 31 is provided. By providing the magnetic flux guiding member 35, the magnetic flux receiving portion 351 functions as a shield means, and by guiding the magnetic flux to the edges 352a and 353a of the magnetic flux guiding portions 352 and 353, the magnetic flux guiding function and the shield are provided. Serves as a means.

  It is to be noted that press molding (molding) is performed between the magnetic flux guiding portion 352 and the first circumferential side surface 31c of the hard magnetic body 31 and between the magnetic flux guiding portion 352 and the second circumferential side surface 31d of the magnetic flux guiding member 35. The circumferential first and second side surfaces 31c and 31d of the hard magnetic body 31 are not in contact with the magnetic flux induction portions 352, but the magnetic flux induction member 33 is cut from a thick plate ( The gap may be eliminated by forming the magnetic flux receiving portion 351 and the magnetic flux guiding portion 352 at a right angle.

  In the magnetic field generation unit 40, the magnetic flux is induced to the end edge 353 a of the magnetic flux guide portion 353 in the magnetic flux guide member 35, and the N pole is generated at the end edge 353 a of the magnetic flux guide portion 353. The magnetic flux density from the outward surface 31a to the end edge 353a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 353 is increased, and the game balls are easily attracted at both axial ends of the magnetic field generating unit 40.

  At this time, in order to make it difficult for the game balls adsorbed by the magnetic flux generated at both axial ends of the magnetic field generating unit 40 to be adsorbed to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120, the outer side of the magnetic flux guiding portion 353 (the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120). The distance between the surface and the first axial end surface 31e and the second axial end surface 31f of the hard magnetic body 31 (spacing A in FIG. 19B) is set to 6.5 mm, which is larger than the radius of the game ball. In addition, in order to make it difficult for the game balls (the game balls that are further attracted to the game balls that are attracted to the hard magnetic material) attracted by the magnetic flux generated at both axial ends of the magnetic field generation unit 40 to be attracted to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120. The distance (interval B in FIG. 19B) between the inner wall surface and the first axial end surface 31e and the second axial end surface 31f of the hard magnetic body 31 is 12.5 mm. As a result, the game ball adsorbed at the axial end of the ball transfer rotator 20 can be adsorbed and rubbed to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage case 120 without providing an adsorbing restriction region at both axial ends of the magnetic field generation unit 40. It is possible to prevent the motor 123 from being wasted and to prevent the game ball from being worn out earlier.

  In the magnetic field generating unit 40, the magnetic flux receiving member 351 and the shield member 32 in the magnetic flux guiding member 35 are stacked separately, and the radial soft magnetic material facing the rotation axis is thickened so that the magnetic flux receiving portion 351 and the shield member 32 are thickened. By fulfilling the function of the shielding means, it is possible to effectively and inexpensively avoid the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123. Further, by providing the magnetic flux guiding member 35, magnetic flux is induced to the edge 352a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 352, an N pole is generated at the edge 352a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 352, and the magnetic flux is applied to the edge 353a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 353. And an N pole is generated at the edge 353a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 353. Thereby, the magnetic flux density from the outward surface 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 in each magnetic field generation unit 40 to the edge 352a of the magnetic flux guide part 352 and the magnetic flux density to the edge 353a of the magnetic flux guide part 353 can be increased. It is possible to increase the adsorption efficiency of game balls. Further, since the magnetic flux density is high, it is possible to use a hard magnetic material having a small magnetic force, and the cost can be reduced. Of course, the influence of the magnetic field generated by each hard magnetic body 31 on the motor 123 can be effectively avoided. As in the case indicated by the broken line in FIG. 15, the shield member is formed in a lid shape having four side surfaces to provide a magnetic flux guiding function, and the shield auxiliary member is provided on the surface not in contact with the hard magnetic material. The soft magnetic material in the radial direction facing the rotation axis may be thickened.

  As described above, when the game ball adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface 20a reaches the discharge guide member 122 made of a nonmagnetic material by various magnetic field generating means provided in the ball transfer rotating body 20, the outer periphery of the ball transfer rotating body 20 is The game ball adsorbed on the surface 20a moves from the upstream end edge 122a to the flow surface of the discharge guide member 122. In the case of the game ball transport device 12A, the downstream basket is filled with game balls. In such a case, it is necessary to detect it by a detection means such as a sensor and stop the rotation. However, when the rotation is stopped, if the discharge guide member 122 is a non-magnetic material, the game ball stays on the discharge guide member 122 due to the magnetic force from the magnetic field generating means of the ball transfer rotating body 20, and rotates again. When the game is started, there is a problem that the game ball that has been transported collides with the retained game ball and noise is generated. In addition, since the influence of the adsorption by the magnetic field generating means is strong, there is a problem that the game ball does not naturally flow down due to its own weight, and the flow force of the ball given by the rotation of the ball transfer rotating body 20 is reduced. did.

  Therefore, in the game ball transport device 12 of this configuration example, a shield panel 124 made of a soft magnetic material in a plate shape is attached to the lower surface of the discharge guide member 122 as a shield member. In this way, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 30 of the ball transfer rotator 20 is guided to the shield panel 124, and it is possible to suppress the influence on the upper surface side of the discharge guide member 122.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the game balls P1 to P4 attracted by the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit 30 reach the upstream edge 122a of the discharge guide member 122, the rotation of the ball transfer rotator 20 is rotated. Accordingly, the magnetic field generating unit 30 moves downward of the discharge guide member 122. However, the magnetic field generated between the outward face 31a of the hard magnetic body 31 and the edge 332a of the magnetic flux guiding portion 332 is generated by the discharge guide member. It acts as a force that passes through 122 and attracts the game balls P <b> 1 to P <b> 4 on the discharge guide member 122. However, since the shield panel 124 is attached to the lower surface of the discharge guide member 122, the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generating unit 30 is guided to the shield panel 124, and the attracting force reaching the upper surface side of the discharge guide member 122 becomes extremely small. Therefore, the earliest game ball P1 is released from the magnetic field of the magnetic field generation unit 30 before the initial speed when it is separated from the ball transfer rotator 20 is significantly attenuated, and moves downward on the discharge guide member 122 with an appropriate downward flow force. (See FIG. 20B). Similarly, the subsequent game balls P3 to P4 flow smoothly without being retained by the attractive force of the magnetic field generating unit 30 (see FIGS. 20B and 20C).

  If the shield panel 124 is provided up to a position close to the upstream end edge 122a of the discharge guide member 122, the game ball can be released from restraint by the magnetic field generating unit 30 as soon as possible, but there is a certain shielding effect. For this, a thickness corresponding to the soft magnetic material is required, and when the shield panel 124 is attached so as not to contact the outer peripheral surface 20a of the ball transfer rotating body 20, the upstream edge 122a of the discharge guide member 122 has a certain thickness. An unshielded area of the order (for example, about 10 mm with respect to the diameter of the game ball of about 11 mm) occurred. However, the retention of the game ball at the upstream end edge 122a of the discharge guide member 124 is almost eliminated, and the downflow force of the game ball can be sufficiently maintained, so that the first supply rod 10 or the second supply rod 11 is discharged from the discharge guide member 122. It becomes possible to supply the game ball smoothly to the upstream end of the game.

  In FIG. 21, instead of the discharge guide member 122 and the shield panel 124, a discharge guide member 122 ′ and a shield panel 124 ′ whose end portions close to the ball transfer rotator 20 are wedge-shaped are provided. By providing the tapered surface 124b from the lower surface to the upper surface, the shield panel 124 'can be expected to have a shielding effect up to a position where the upstream edge 124a is close to the upstream edge 122a of the discharge guide member 122'. However, since the thickness of the shield panel 124 'decreases as it approaches the upstream end edge 124a, the shielding effect is weakened. Further, the discharge guide member 122 ′ is provided with a tapered surface 122 b from the lower surface to the upper surface, so that the game ball adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface 20 a of the ball transfer rotator 20 is smoothly discharged from the upstream end edge 122 a. It becomes possible to move to the flow surface of ′.

  Next, a game ball transport device 12C for transporting game balls from the lower tank 9 of the game island will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the game ball transfer device 12C has the same structure as the game ball transfer device 12A and the game ball transfer device 12B described above, and the function of transferring the game ball is the same. However, in the game ball transport device 12C, for example, the magnetic force and type of magnets, the number and interval of magnets are changed, or the width of the magnet (the width in the rotation direction of the ball transfer rotating body). ) May be changed.

  An overflow ball 51d is connected to the lower end 51b 'of the overflow pipe 51 provided in the upper tank 4', and an overflow hose 51c 'is connected to the downstream end of the overflow tube 51d to overflow the supply rod 10'. Flows down into the lower tank 9 via the overflow hose 51c '. The overflow rod 51d is provided below the supply rod 10 '. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplification of explanation, the replenishing spear 10 'is a slanting spear with a normal natural gradient, but it may be replaced with the gaming ball supply device 1 described above.

  As described above, the game ball guided from the overflow hose 51c ′ and stored in the lower tank 9 flows down the inclined bottom surface of the lower tank 9 downstream, and the game ball disposed at the most downstream portion thereof. It is conveyed to the confluence | merging part 14 by the conveying apparatus 12c. At this junction 14, the game balls from the collection basket 60 ′ and the game balls from the lower tank 9 are merged and supplied to the lifting device 3 via the receiving basket 8 ′ and circulate in the game island. . Thus, in the present embodiment, the game ball transport device 12 c is used to transfer the game ball to the junction 14 located at a position higher than the downstream end of the lower tank 9. That is, the game balls from the lower tank 9 are used for transporting (lifting) and supplying them to the lifting device 3.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, it should be considered that all of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are examples and are not limited to the disclosed technology. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above-described embodiment, but should be construed in accordance with the description of the scope of claims, and the description of the scope of claims. All modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game island 101 Game ball circulation mechanism 1 Game ball supply apparatus 2 Game ball collection apparatus 3 Lifting apparatus 4 Upper tank 6 Ball storage tank 7 Balance tank 10 1st supply rod 11 2nd supply rod 12 (12A, 12B, 12C) Game ball transport device 121 Supply guide member 122 Discharge guide member 124 Shield panel 123 Motor 20 Ball transfer rotator 20a Outer peripheral surface 20b Motor housing space 21 Base drum 30 Magnetic field generation unit 31 Hard magnetic body 32 Shield member 33 Magnetic flux guide member

Claims (6)

In a game ball transport device that is provided on a game island in which a plurality of game machines are arranged and transports a game ball along the longitudinal direction of the game island,
A first inclined flow path that is disposed in a slanting direction in the longitudinal direction of the gaming island and capable of rolling a game ball;
A second slope that is inclined in the longitudinal direction of the game island and is arranged in series downstream of the first inclined flow path, the upstream end of which is provided at a position higher than the downstream end of the first inclined flow path. A flow path;
A ball transfer rotator for transporting a game ball supplied from the downstream end of the first inclined channel to the upstream end of the second inclined channel;
With
The ball transfer rotating body includes a magnetic field generating means for causing a cylindrical outer peripheral surface to face a downstream end portion of the first inclined flow path, and attracting a game ball on the first inclined flow path to the outer peripheral surface. ,
The driving means for rotating the ball transfer rotating body around the central axis set in the short direction of the gaming island generates a driving force for transferring the game ball adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface,
A game ball characterized in that the second inclined channel is formed of a non-magnetic material, and a shield member made of a soft magnetic material is provided below the second inclined channel up to the vicinity of the ball transfer rotator. Conveying device.   The magnetic field generating means is characterized in that a plurality of hard magnetic bodies are arranged on the outer periphery of a ball transfer rotating body, and the directions of magnetic fluxes generated from adjacent hard magnetic bodies are the same. Item 4. A game ball transport device according to Item 1. The magnetic field generating means includes
By molding a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability, a magnetic flux receiving portion that is in magnetic contact with the inward surface of the hard magnetic material, and at least one side edge in the circumferential direction of the magnetic flux receiving portion are connected to the hard magnetic material. A magnetic flux induction member comprising a magnetic flux guide part extending to the outward surface side, and constituting a magnetic field generating unit in which a magnetic pole different from the magnetic pole of the outward face of the hard magnetic material is generated at the edge of the magnetic flux guide part,
3. The game ball transport according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic fluxes generated from adjacent magnetic field generation units are aligned in the same direction by aligning the magnetic poles of the outward surface of the hard magnetic body in the magnetic field generation unit. apparatus. The driving means is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the ball transfer rotating body in which a plurality of hard magnetic bodies as magnetic field generating means are disposed on the outer peripheral portion,
4. The game ball transport device according to claim 3, wherein a shield means made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability is disposed between the hard magnetic body and the drive means. The shielding means includes
5. The game ball transport device according to claim 4, comprising: the magnetic flux guiding member; and a plate made of a soft magnetic material having a high magnetic permeability that overlaps with a magnetic flux receiving portion of the magnetic flux guiding member.   6. The adsorption restricting region is generated on both sides of the axial end of the hard magnetic material by setting both axial ends of the shield means to be longer than the hard magnetic material. The described game ball transport device.

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