JP2013013709A - Game ball lifting device, and game machine installation frame - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game ball lifting device that lifts an entrance ball and a prize winning ball by discrimination so as to manage counting and easily takes out foreign matter having entered the inside of the device together with game balls to the outside without causing an extra load due to polishing in lifting game balls.SOLUTION: The game ball lifting device includes: a helical body 110 rotationally driven around a shaft in a state of being extended in a vertical direction over the entire length; and a pair of lifting passages 121, 122 extending in the vertical direction along the outer periphery of the helical body 110 and guiding game balls partially fitted into a gap between pitches from the outer peripheral side of the helical body 110, upward as the helical body 110 is rotationally driven. The one lifting passage 121 is defined as an entrance ball lifting passage 121 for lifting the entrance ball being the game ball thrown into a game machine 10 by a player, and the other lifting passage 122 is defined as a prize winning ball lifting passage 122 for lifting the prize winning ball being the game ball acquired by the player from the game machine 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball lifting device for lifting a game ball discharged after being used in a gaming machine to replenish the gaming machine from above, and a game to which this game ball lifting device is attached. The present invention relates to a gaming machine installation frame for installing machines. Here, the gaming machine is similar to a general pachinko machine, and the gaming ball mainly corresponds to a pachinko ball, but the gaming machine installed in the gaming machine installation frame is not limited to a pachinko machine but also applies to a slot machine. be able to.

  Conventionally, in pachinko halls, pachinko balls used for each pachinko machine are collected instead of a single gaming machine island unit consisting of a large number of pachinko machines, and are transported to be supplied to the pachinko machine again. Various types of devices have been proposed as relatively small lifting devices. There are many types of such lifting devices that have not only a function of lifting a game ball in units of one or several gaming machines but also a function of polishing a game ball as an integrated device.

  For example, the present inventor has already proposed a lifting and polishing apparatus in which a pachinko ball is polished by a polishing sheet disposed along the outer periphery of a driving gear (see Patent Document 1). This is because the pachinko ball that has entered one end side in the tooth width direction of the guide teeth of the driving gear is moved to the other end side in the tooth width direction, and is brought into contact with the polishing sheet during this time, and then polished. They were pushed up to the passage one by one and transported.

  As another type, there is also known an apparatus in which a cleaner is attached to a transport apparatus that transports pachinko balls using a spiral coil that is rotationally driven by a power source (see Patent Document 2). This is a transport device that can transport pachinko balls while drawing a horizontal direction or a curved line, and forms a cleaning part that exposes the pachinko balls in the middle of the guide for moving the pachinko balls arranged in parallel with the spiral coil. A cleaning member that contacts the pachinko ball was attached to the part.

JP 2004-81634 A JP-A-10-80566

  In the prior arts disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, the polishing device is integrally incorporated in the drive portion of the lifting device, but the polishing device is incorporated in one of the drive portions. It is only a part, and the process in which the pachinko sphere is lifted after polishing is relatively long, and there is a problem with the handling of foreign matters in places where the polishing apparatus does not work, especially in the long and thin lifting passage (movement guide part) through which the pachinko sphere passes. It was.

  That is, even if foreign matter such as dust or dust adhering to the pachinko ball is not sufficiently removed by polishing and enters the lifting passage, there is no contrivance to discharge this foreign matter to the outside. There is a possibility that foreign matter may accumulate on the lower end side of the lifting passage. Due to the accumulation of such foreign matter, there has been a problem that the pachinko sphere itself is hindered and the clogging may occur.

  Further, in the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, since the polishing device is integrally incorporated in the drive portion of the lifting device, the friction resistance during polishing in the polishing device is increased. A load is directly applied to the drive system. For this reason, extra torque is required in the power source, and there is a problem in that the durability of the parts is impaired and the cost is increased.

  In view of the problems related to the conventional lifting and polishing of pachinko balls as described above, the present inventors have already proposed a game ball lifting device according to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-232897. This makes it possible to take out the foreign matter that has fallen into the device to the outside by using the hollow part inside the spiral body in the lifting device as a falling path of the foreign matter separated from the game ball (pachinko ball) being lifted as it is. In addition, a game ball polishing device for polishing the game ball after being lifted is disposed above the lifting path, and it is a device that can prevent the occurrence of extra load due to polishing during the lifting. .

  By the way, the game balls to be lifted in units of game machines are the entrance balls that the player has thrown into the pachinko machine and the prize balls that the player has acquired from the pachinko machine. Generally, the number of these balls is counted separately. Count management is performed. However, even with the game ball lifting device already proposed by the inventors of the present invention, as with the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the incoming balls and the premium balls are mixed together without being distinguished from each other. It was lifted in the state.

  Therefore, it is not possible to separately count and manage the incoming ball and the premium ball on the route to be lifted.For example, with a separately provided premium ball counter, it is possible to determine the count value failure or failure. There was a problem that it was difficult. In addition to the need for further improvements to solve these problems, the game balls can be moved more smoothly in the structure for supplying the game balls to the lifting device and the structure for delivering the transferred game balls to the polishing device. The improvement to make it was desired.

  In addition, the gaming ball lifting device and the gaming machine attached thereto are arranged side by side on a gaming machine island formed by arranging a plurality of gaming machines, or constructed as a single gaming machine island as a so-called single island. It was. In such a gaming machine island, when an already installed gaming machine is later replaced with another model, the exchange work is complicated, time-consuming and troublesome regardless of the form of the gaming machine island. In particular, when the island is constructed as a single island, a device that can freely adjust the height according to the height of the player, for example, is desired by taking advantage of the independence and freedom.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the problems of the conventional techniques as described above. It is possible to discriminate between the incoming ball and the premium ball and carry out counting management, together with the game ball. It is possible to easily take out the foreign matter that has been mixed into the device, and to supply and lift the game balls to be lifted without causing an extra load due to polishing during the lifting of the game balls. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game ball lifting device that can smoothly deliver a game ball to a polishing device later.

  Furthermore, the present invention not only enables easy installation work when installing a gaming machine to which a game ball lifting device is attached on a gaming machine island, but also allows other gaming machines already installed to be installed later. Game machine installation frame that can be changed very easily when changing to other models, and the height position that supports the game machine can be freely adjusted, especially when constructed as a single island The purpose is to provide.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object described above resides in the inventions of the following items.
[1] In a game ball lifting device (100) for lifting game balls discharged after being used in the game machine (10) to replenish the game machines (10) from above,
A spiral body (110) that is rotationally driven around an axis in a state of extending in the vertical direction over the entire length, and extends in the vertical direction along the outer periphery of the spiral body (110), and partially from the outer peripheral side of the spiral body (110) to the pitch. A pair of lifting passages (121, 122) for guiding the game ball fitted with the upper part along with the rotational drive of the helical body (110),
One lifting path (121) is used as a landing lifting path (121) for lifting an incoming ball that is a game ball thrown into the gaming machine (10) by the player,
The other lifting path (122) is a prize ball lifting path (122) for lifting a prize ball, which is a game ball acquired by the player from the gaming machine (10). Device (100).

  [2] The spiral body (110) includes a hollow portion (111) that communicates with a gap between pitches and extends in the axial direction, and the hollow portion (111) is formed of foreign matter separated from the game ball being lifted. The game ball lifting device (100) according to [1], characterized in that it is a falling path.

  [3] The game ball lifting device (100) according to [2], wherein the spiral body (110) is formed of a coil spring, and the inside of the coil spring is directly used as the hollow portion (111).

[4] Provided in the incoming ball feeding path (121) is an incoming ball counting means (123) for counting incoming balls passing through the incoming ball feeding path (121),
[1], [2], wherein a prize ball counting means (124) for counting the prize spheres passing through the prize ball feeding path (122) is provided in the prize ball feeding path (122). Or the game ball lifting device (100) according to [3].

[5] A prize sphere counter (14) for counting prize spheres before being introduced into the prize sphere transporting path (122) separately from the prize sphere counting means (124);
A determination means for comparing the counting result output from the prize ball counting means (124) with the counting result output from the prize ball counter (14) and determining whether or not the respective counting results match; The game ball lifting device (100) according to [4], characterized by comprising:

[6] An alignment rail (130) is provided on the lower end side of the spiral body (110) and each of the lifting paths (121, 122) to receive and supply the incoming balls and the premium balls separately.
The alignment rail (130) has a multi-row arrangement of the incoming collection balls (131) for guiding the incoming balls to the lower end entrance of the incoming ball feeding path (121) in a state where the received balls are aligned in a row. And a prize ball collection path (132) that leads to the lower end entrance of the prize ball transport path (122) in a state of being gradually gathered and aligned in a line from the state of [1], [1], The game ball lifting device (100) according to [2], [3], [4] or [5].

  [7] In the upper stage of the game balls lined up in a row that has flowed down the collection paths (131, 132) at the positions before the downstream ends of the entrance collection path (131) and the prize ball collection path (132), respectively. There is provided a rib (134) that abuts the overlapping game balls and prevents the upper game balls from entering, and prevents back flow of the game balls that have reached the lower end inlet of each of the corresponding transport paths (121, 122). The game ball lifting device (100) according to [6], wherein

  [8] The downstream ends of the ball collection path (131) and the prize ball collection path (132) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axial center of the spiral body (110), and each downstream end A portion of a predetermined length following to is arranged so as to extend in parallel with each other in the diameter direction of the spiral body (110), reach the lower end inlet of each of the lifting paths (121, 122), and reach the spiral body (110). The game ball lift according to [6] or [7], wherein the next game ball is set in a state of not contacting the spiral body (110) until the game ball first contacting with Feeder (100).

  [9] [6], [7] or [7], wherein the alignment rail (130) is provided with a foreign matter discharge opening (133) that penetrates the lower end (112) of the spiral (110). [8] The game ball lifting device (100) according to [8].

[10] A game ball polishing device (200) for polishing the game ball after the transfer is disposed on the upper end side of each of the transfer paths (121, 122),
The power source (140) for driving the game ball polishing apparatus (200) is shared with the power source (140) for rotationally driving the helical body (110) [1], [2] , [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9].

[11] A storage section (150) for receiving and storing game balls discharged from the upper end outlet of each of the transport paths (121, 122) is provided on the upper end side of each of the transport paths (121, 122). ,
The game ball polishing apparatus (200) receives a game ball in the reservoir (150), holds the game ball in a tooth groove (212a), and is a polishing gear (rotated around an axis by the power source (140)). 210), a polishing means disposed along the outer periphery of the polishing gear (210) and polishing in contact with a game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove (212a), and the polishing gear (210) A transfer path (230) for guiding the game balls sequentially pushed out by the rotational drive to the storage unit (150) again,
When the storage part (150) is filled with game balls from the storage part (150) to above the gaming machine (10) and the storage amount is excessive, the excess game balls are supplied to the game machine (10). A game ball lifting device (100) as set forth in [10], wherein a replenishment basket (160) is provided that flows down above and replenishes.

[12] The polishing means extends along the outer periphery of the polishing gear (210), and comes into contact with a game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove (212a), and the polishing sheet (240) 240), and a storage case (250) that is detachable at a position facing the polishing gear (210), and the polishing sheet (240) is fed out of the storage case (250) and the polishing gear (210). A feeding mechanism that moves along the outer periphery of the belt, and an interlocking mechanism that links the feeding mechanism to the rotation of the grinding gear (210),
The interlocking mechanism moves the polishing sheet (240) by the feeding mechanism at a speed obtained by reducing the rotational speed of the polishing gear (210) by a predetermined ratio,
The game ball lifting device according to [11], wherein the storage case (250) includes a partition wall (252) for dividing the polishing sheet (240) into an unused part and a used part. (100).

[13] A receiving port (151) for guiding a game ball to the tooth groove (212a) of the grinding gear (210) is opened at the bottom of the storage unit (150) and in the vicinity of the receiving port (151). A discharge port (152) that communicates with the upper end outlet of each of the transport paths (121, 122), and a position that is further away from each of the discharge ports (152) than the reception port (151) A reintroduction port (153) communicating with the upper end port of the transfer path (230),
At the bottom of the reservoir (150), the receiving port (151) located at one end with the reintroduction port (153) as a boundary from a position including the discharge ports (152) and the reintroduction port (153) A polishing slope (150b) is provided to allow the game ball to flow down by its own weight, and the replenishment at the other end from the position not including the discharge ports (152) with the reintroduction port (153) as a boundary. A replenishment slope (150d) for allowing the game ball to flow down by its own weight toward the bowl (160) is provided, and the reintroduction port (153) is disposed between each of the discharge ports (152) and the reintroduction port (153). 153) A partition wall (150e) is provided so as to guide the game ball released from 153) to the receiving port (151) while avoiding the vicinity of each of the discharge ports (152) [11] or [12] ] The game ball lifting device (100).

  [14] The amount of game balls polished per unit time by the rotational drive of the grinding gear (210) is set larger than the amount of game ball lifted per unit time by the rotational drive of the helical body (110). The game ball lifting device (100) according to [11], [12] or [13], which is characterized.

[15] A detection sensor (161) for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball on the upstream side is provided on the upstream side of the replenishment basket (160),
When the fullness of the game ball is detected by the detection sensor (161), the operation of the power source (140) is stopped while the fullness of the game ball is not detected by the detection sensor (161). The game ball lifting device (100) according to [11], [12], [13] or [14], wherein the operation of the power source (140) is started after a lapse of time.

[16] A gaming machine installation frame (300 for installing the gaming machine (10, 10A) to which the gaming ball lifting device (100) according to any one of [1] to [15] is attached 300A),
An outer frame case (310) attached to the installation location (4a) on the gaming machine island (4) and having at least the front side opened;
The outer frame case (310) is detachably attached to the inside from the opening, at least the front side is opened, and the game ball lifting device (100) and the gaming machine (10, 10A) are housed inside the opening from the opening. Inner frame case (320, 320A),
The inner frame case (320, 320A) is prepared with a plurality of standards corresponding to each of the plurality of types of gaming machines (10, 10A),
The gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A), wherein the outer frame case (310) is a common standard in which the inner frame cases (320, 320A) of the plurality of standards are detachable.

  [17] The outer frame case (310) contacts the gaming machine island (4) side to position the outer frame case (310) at the installation location (4a), and the outer wall of the installation location (4a) and the outside A gaming machine installation frame (300, 300) according to [16], wherein a stopper (316) for forming a storage space (4b) for related equipment is provided between the rear wall of the frame case (310). 300A).

  [18] The inner frame cases (320, 320A) of the plurality of standards are all uniform in size so as to match the opening of the outer frame case (310), and there are a plurality of types inside the opening. [16] or [17] characterized in that a placement surface (326a, 324a) for installing each gaming machine (10, 10A) at a predetermined position is provided corresponding to each gaming machine (10, 10A). The gaming machine installation frame described (300, 300A).

  [19] The inner frame case (320) of the gaming ball lifting device (100) is placed between the back side of the gaming machine (10) and the back wall with the gaming machine (10) installed. The gaming machine installation frame (300) according to [16], [17] or [18], which has a depth to form a storage space (320a).

  [20] A work opening (317, 325) is formed in the rear wall of the outer frame case (310) and the inner frame case (320, 320A). The gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) according to [16], [17], [18] or [19].

[21] A hanging curtain plate (315) is provided at the upper edge of the opening of the outer frame case (310) so as to be openable and closable with the upper edge as a swing center,
The lower end edge of the curtain plate (315) is held at a closed position with a swing angle corresponding to the position of the gaming machine (10) installed in the inner frame case (320) [16] , [17], [18], [19] or [20].

  [22] The inner frame cases (320, 320A) of the plurality of standards are compatible with slot machines that use medals in addition to pachinko machines that use game balls as gaming machines (10, 10A) to be installed. The gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) according to [16], [17], [18], [19], [20] or [21], wherein

[23] A gaming machine installation frame (400) for installing the gaming machine (10, 10A) to which the gaming ball lifting device (100) according to any one of [1] to [15] is attached. 400A),
A frame frame (410) in which at least the front side is opened, and the game ball lifting device (100) and the gaming machines (10, 10A) are housed inside the opening;
A support frame (430) that is erected on a base table (401) that is placed on the floor and supports the frame frame (410) so as to be movable in the vertical direction;
Elevating means (440, 440A) connected to the frame frame (410) in a state incorporated in the support frame (430) and moving the frame frame (410) in the vertical direction;
The gaming machine installation frame (400, 400A), wherein the frame frame (410) can be adjusted to a desired height position by the elevating means (440, 440A).

[24] The frame (410) includes a frame support (420) for supporting the frame (410),
The frame frame (410) is supported by the support frame (430) and connected to the elevating means (440, 440A) via the frame support (420) [23]. The gaming machine installation frame described in (400, 400A).

  [25] The game according to [24], wherein a slider (422) for reducing frictional resistance is provided at a position where the frame support portion (420) and the support frame (430) are in sliding contact with each other. Machine installation frame (400, 400A).

[26] An upper portion that hangs downward from the bottom surface of the frame frame (410) on the frame support portion (420) and moves in the vertical direction together with the frame frame (410) along the front of the support frame (430). While providing a leg (427),
It is fixed to the support frame (430) at a position along the front thereof, and the lower side of the upper leg (427) is combined so as to be able to appear and retract as the upper leg (427) moves in the vertical direction. The gaming machine installation frame (400, 400A) according to [24] or [25], wherein a lower leg (433) is provided.

[27] The elevating means (440, 440A) comprises a gas spring in which high pressure gas is sealed in a sealed cylinder and the reaction force of the high pressure gas is used as a spring.
The gaming machine installation frame according to [24], [25], or [26], wherein the operation portion of the lock mechanism included in the gas spring is provided as a manual lever or a foot-operated lever (443). 400, 400A).

The present invention operates as follows.
According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [1], the spiral body (110) is rotationally driven around the axis while extending in the vertical direction over the entire length. A pair of pumping paths (121, 122) extend in the vertical direction along the outer periphery of the spiral body (110). A part of the game ball supplied from the lower end entrance of each of the transport paths (121, 122) is fitted between the pitches from the outer peripheral side of the spiral body (110), and each of the game balls is rotated with the rotation of the spiral body (110). It moves upward in the transport path (121, 122).

  Here, each of the lifting paths (121, 122) has a pitching path (121) in which one of the lifting paths (121) lifts an incoming ball that is a game ball thrown into the gaming machine (10) by the player (10). 121), and the other lifting path (122) becomes a prize ball lifting path (122) for lifting a prize ball, which is a game ball acquired by the player from the gaming machine (10). This makes it possible to clearly distinguish the incoming ball and the prize ball in the process of lifting the game ball. For example, if the game ball is counted for each of the lifting paths (121, 122), the game ball is lifted. It is possible to manage counting of incoming balls and premium balls even in the process.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [2], the helical body (110) includes a hollow portion (111) that communicates with a gap between pitches and extends in the axial direction. Foreign matter separated from the game ball being transported enters the hollow portion (111) through the gap. However, since the hollow portion (111) itself is a drop path, the hollow portion (111) The foreign matter that has entered falls as it is and is discharged to the outside. In particular, the spiral body (110) extends in the up-down direction over the entire length, has no horizontal or curved portion, and there is no possibility that the foreign matter stagnate in the middle of the hollow portion (111).

  According to the gaming ball lifting device (100) described in [3], the spiral body (110) is formed of a coil spring, and the inside of the coil spring is directly used as the hollow portion (111). be able to. Moreover, since the space | interval between the pitches of a coil spring is a wide clearance gap and a wide hollow part (111) is obtained according to the magnitude | size of an outer diameter, the efficiency which takes in and discharges a foreign material can be improved.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [4], the ball counting that counts the balls passing through the ball moving path (121) in the ball moving path (121). A means (123) is provided, and a prize sphere counting means (124) for counting the prize spheres passing through the prize sphere lifting path (122) is provided in the prize sphere lifting path (122). Thereby, it is possible to separately count the incoming ball and the prize ball in the process of lifting the game ball.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [5], the prize ball counting machine (14) is provided separately from the prize ball counting means (124) in the prize ball lifting path (122). The prize balls are counted by the prize ball counter (14) before being introduced into the prize ball transport path (122).

  Then, the counting result output from the prize sphere counting means (124) and the counting result output from the prize sphere counting machine (14) are compared by the judging means, and it is determined whether or not the counting results match. judge. If the counting results do not match, it is possible to know a ball spill or failure of the counting means or the counter.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [6] above, the incoming ball and the premium ball to be lifted are separately provided on the lower end side of the spiral body (110) and each of the lifting paths (121, 122). An alignment rail (130) is provided that is received and supplied to the device. In this alignment rail (130), the incoming balls are guided to the lower end entrance of the incoming ball feeding path (121) in a state where the incoming balls are aligned in a line by the incoming ball collecting path (131), while the prize ball collecting path (132) is arranged. ), The received prize spheres are led from the multi-row state to the lower end entrance of the prize sphere transporting path (122) in a state of being gradually gathered and aligned in one row.

  In the gaming machine (10), among the gaming balls used in the gaming machine (10), the incoming balls are sequentially discharged into the machine, but the prize balls are often discharged in large quantities at a time. In accordance with such characteristics, according to the entrance collection path (131) and the prize ball collection path (132), it is not only possible to distinguish and accept the entrance ball and the prize ball, but also to receive an assumed number of game balls. It becomes possible to receive efficiently, and it can be quickly and smoothly delivered separately to the incoming ball transport path (121) and the prize ball transport path (122), and the transport capacity can be increased.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [7] above, the downstream position of each of the incoming ball collection path (131) and the prize ball collection path (132) in the alignment rail (130) is located at a position before the downstream end. Ribs (134) are provided. The rib (134) abuts on the game balls that overlap the upper row of game balls arranged in a row flowing down the collection paths (131, 132), prevents the upper game balls from entering, and each The game ball that has reached the lower end entrance of the transmission path (121, 122) is prevented from flowing back by being pushed back by the spiral body (110). Thereby, the game ball to be transported can be supplied more smoothly.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [8], the downstream ends of the entrance collection path (131) and the prize ball collection path (132) in the alignment rail (130) are connected to the spiral body. (110) are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the axial center, and a portion of a predetermined length following each downstream end extends parallel to the diametrical direction of the helical body (110), and is arranged. The next game ball is not in contact with the spiral body (110) until the game ball that first contacts the spiral body (110) is lifted by reaching the lower end entrance of each of the transport paths (121, 122). Set to.

  As a result, even if the lower end side of the spiral body (110) meanders, the game ball that follows the game ball that has reached the lower end entrance of each lifting path (121, 122) 121, 122) in addition to the inner wall of the spiral body (110) in addition to the inner wall, there is no situation where it engages at three points, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a ball clogging due to the formation of a game ball bridge due to such a situation. Can do.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [9], the foreign matter discharge opening (133) that penetrates the lower end opening (112) of the spiral body (110) through the alignment rail (130). Was established. Accordingly, the lower end (112) of the spiral (110) does not interfere with the alignment rail (130), and the lower end (112) of the spiral (110) passes through the opening (133). It can be arranged at a proper position, and foreign matter that has fallen through the hollow portion (111) of the spiral body (110) can be discharged to the outside of the alignment rail (130).

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [10] above, a game ball polishing device (for polishing the game ball after the lifting) on the upper end side of each of the lifting paths (121, 122) ( 200). Thereby, in the process of lifting the game ball by the game ball lifting device (100), the game ball being lifted is not polished. Therefore, the frictional resistance applied to the polishing of the game ball does not directly apply a load to the drive system of the game ball lifting device (100). Moreover, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an excessive force is applied to the spiral body (110), which may occur when the game ball is polished in the middle of the spiral body (110).

  Further, by raising the game ball and then polishing it again, it becomes possible to polish the game ball from which foreign matter has been removed in the above-described lifting process with a relatively small amount of dirt more sufficiently. As described above, the game ball polishing apparatus (200) is provided separately from the spiral body (110) or the lifting path (121, 122), but power for driving the game ball polishing apparatus (200) is provided. By sharing the power source (140) with the power source (140) that rotationally drives the helical body (110), it is possible to reduce the number of parts and power consumption, thereby preventing an extra cost increase.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [11], the gaming ball lifting device (100) is discharged from the upper end outlet of each lifting path (121, 122) to the upper end side of each lifting path (121, 122). A storage part (150) for receiving and storing game balls was provided. Therefore, after the lifted game balls are received by the storage unit (150), the game balls are appropriately introduced into the game ball polishing apparatus (200) and polished, and a predetermined amount is stored in the storage unit (150). Game balls can be stored.

  The game ball polishing apparatus (200) receives the game ball in the reservoir (150), holds it in the tooth groove (212a), and is driven to rotate around an axis by a power source (140). And a polishing means disposed along the outer periphery of the polishing gear (210) and polishing in contact with a game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove (212a), and a rotational drive of the polishing gear (210) And a transfer path (230) for guiding the game balls sequentially pushed out to the storage unit (150) again.

  With the configuration of the game ball polishing apparatus (200), the game balls in the storage portion (150) are guided to the tooth grooves (212a) of the polishing gear (210), and the polishing gear (210) is driven to rotate. Thus, the game ball can be polished efficiently because it moves in the rotational direction while contacting the polishing means. Thus, by arranging the polishing means along the outer periphery of the polishing gear (210), the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.

  The polished game ball flows into the transfer path (230) while being sequentially pushed out as the polishing gear (210) is driven to rotate, and again passes through the transfer path (230) to the storage section (150). Led. Here, if the storage part (150) is not filled with game balls, the game balls are guided again to the tooth grooves (212a) of the grinding gear (210), so that the game balls are not only polished once. It will be repeated several times and can be polished reliably. When the storage unit (150) is filled with game balls and the storage amount becomes excessive, the excess game balls flow from the storage unit (150) into the supply basket (160) and flow down the supply basket (160). Then, it is supplied to the gaming machine (10).

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [12], the polishing sheet (240) is stored in the storage case (250) in advance, and the storage case (250) is stored in the polishing sheet (240). Is mounted at a position facing the outer periphery of the grinding gear (210). The polishing sheet (240) comes into contact with the game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove (212a) of the polishing gear (210) with an appropriate pressure.

  In addition, the polishing sheet (240) is sequentially fed out from the storage case (250) by the feeding mechanism, and the polishing sheet (240) moves along the outer periphery of the polishing gear (210). Even if it becomes dirty, polishing can be performed sequentially on unused portions. Here, since the feeding mechanism is interlocked with the rotation of the grinding gear (210) by the interlocking mechanism, the unused portion of the polishing sheet (240) is automatically fed out from the storage case (250). The replacement work of the polishing sheet (240) becomes unnecessary.

  Further, when the grinding gear (210) stops rotating by the interlocking mechanism, the feeding mechanism also stops driving. That is, only when the grinding gear (210) is rotated to polish the game ball, the polishing sheet (240) is fed out from the storage case (250), and the unnecessary polishing sheet (240) is not fed out. The consumption cost of the sheet (240) can also be reduced.

  The used part of the polishing sheet (240) is stored again in the storage case (250). In the storage case (250), the unused part and the used part of the polishing sheet (240) are separated by the partition wall (150e). Divided by. Therefore, there is no possibility that the dirt on the used part moves to the unused part.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [13], the upper end outlet of each of the lifting paths (121, 122) communicates with the discharge port (152) at the bottom of the reservoir (150). The raised game balls are introduced into the reservoir (150) from the respective discharge ports (152). Here, the upper end outlet of each pumping path (121, 122) may be directly communicated with each discharge port (152), but if it is communicated indirectly via a deformable or telescopic flexible tube, the design can be made. Increased freedom.

  The game balls in the reservoir (150) fall into the tooth grooves (212a) of the grinding gear (210) from the receiving port (151) near the discharge ports (152), and the grinding gear (210). Polishing is accompanied by the rotational drive. Further, a reintroduction port (153) communicating with the upper end port of the transfer path (230) is opened at a position farther from the discharge port (152) than the receiving port (151). The played game balls are again introduced into the storage part (150) through the reintroduction port (153) through the transfer path (230). Therefore, in the storage part (150), the game ball just lifted is more easily polished, and even a game ball that has been polished is repeatedly polished.

  At the bottom of the reservoir (150), the receiving port (151) located at one end with the reintroduction port (153) as a boundary from the position including the discharge ports (152) and the reintroduction port (153). A polishing slant (150b) is provided to allow the game ball to flow down with its own weight toward the surface, and a replenishment bowl located on the other end side from the position not including the discharge ports (152) with the reintroduction port (153) as a boundary. A replenishment slope (150d) is provided to allow the game ball to flow down by its own weight toward (160). Further, between the discharge ports (152) and the reintroduction ports (153), the game balls released from the reintroduction ports (153) are allowed to avoid the vicinity of the discharge ports (152). A partition wall (150e) was provided so as to lead to the receiving port (151).

  Thereby, the game ball introduced into the storage part (150) from each discharge port (152) is reliably guided to the receiving port (151) by the polishing inclination (150b). The game ball discharged from the reintroduction port (153) is guided again to the receiving port (151) by the polishing inclination (150b) with the reintroduction port (153) as a boundary, or the reintroduction port. Due to the replenishment slope (150d) at (153) as a boundary, particularly when the storage part (150) is filled with game balls, it will face the replenishment basket (160).

  Further, when the game ball discharged from the reintroduction port (153) is guided again to the receiving port (151) by the polishing inclination (150b), the space between the reintroduction port (153) and each discharge port (152) Since there is a partition wall (150e), the game ball released from the reintroduction port (153) is guided to the reception port (151) by the partition wall (150e) so as to avoid the vicinity of each discharge port (152). It is burned. As a result, a large amount of game balls from each discharge port (152) and reintroduction port (153) enter the receiving port (151) at a time, and the grinding gear (210) is overloaded and damaged. A situation can be prevented, and a situation in which the game balls discharged from each discharge port (152) and reintroduction port (153) collide with each other can also be avoided.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) of [14], the grinding gear (210) is rotationally driven by the amount of game ball lifted per unit time by the rotational driving of the helical body (110). Set a large amount of game balls to be polished per unit time. Thereby, the game balls in the grinding gear (210) tend to be insufficient, and the game balls in the storage portion (150) are repeatedly polished. Due to this balance of entry and exit, it is possible to prevent an unpolished game ball from flowing out to the supply basket (160).

  However, the specific speed ratio between the lift amount of the game ball and the polishing amount is maintained so that the game ball is stored in the storage portion (150) and can be supplied to the polishing gear (210) at all times. It is preferable. By introducing a sufficient amount of game balls into the tooth groove (212a) of the polishing gear (210), not only the polishing efficiency is increased, but also damage to the tooth groove (212a) is suppressed.

  According to the game ball lifting device (100) described in [15], the detection sensor (161) for detecting the presence / absence of a game ball is provided on the upstream side of the supply basket (160). This makes it possible to determine the presence or absence of a ground game ball that can be replenished immediately to the gaming machine (10). Then, when fullness of the game ball is detected by the detection sensor (161), the operation of the power source (140) is stopped. That is, the lifting operation and the polishing operation are stopped. Thereby, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when the fullness of the game ball is no longer detected by the detection sensor (161), the operation of the power source (140) is started after a lapse of a predetermined time, whereby the gaming machine (10) has been polished. It becomes possible to replenish the game balls. Here, instead of immediately starting the operation of the power source (140), the time difference is provided after the lapse of the predetermined time. Then, the storage unit (150) is immediately filled with game balls, and the detection sensor ( 161) considers the case where the fullness of the game ball is detected.

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) described in [16], the gaming machine (10, 10A) to which the gaming ball lifting device (100) is attached is installed on the gaming machine island (4). In doing so, the installation work can be easily performed. Moreover, when the gaming machine (10, 10A) already installed on the gaming machine island (4) is later replaced with another gaming machine (10, 10A), the replacement work can be performed very easily. .

  That is, the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) has a double structure having an outer frame case (310) and an inner frame case (320, 320A), and there are a plurality of inner frame cases (320, 320A). A plurality of standards corresponding to each type of gaming machine (10, 10A) are prepared, and the outer frame case (310) is a common type in which all of the inner frame cases (320, 320A) of a plurality of standards can be attached and detached. It has become a standard.

  In order to install the gaming machine (10, 10A) or the like on the gaming machine island (4), first, the outer frame case (310) is attached to the installation location (4a) on the gaming machine island (4). Here, once attached, the outer frame case (310) is not replaced later, and is fixed to the gaming machine island (4) so that it cannot be easily removed. Next, the inner frame case (320, 320A) is attached inside the opening from the front side of the outer frame case (310).

  The inner frame case (320, 320A) is assumed to be removable from the outer frame case (310), and is detachably attached to the outer frame case (310). Then, the game ball lifting device (100) and the game machine (10, 10A) are housed inside the opening on the front side of the inner frame case (320, 320A). When exchanging the gaming machine (10, 10A) with another model, after removing the game ball lifting device (100) and the gaming machine (10, 10A) from the inner frame case (320, 320A), the inner frame The case (320, 320A) is also removed from the outer frame case (310), and the outer frame case (310) is left on the gaming machine island (4) side.

  Then, a standard inner frame case (320, 320A) corresponding to another game machine (10, 10A) to be newly replaced is prepared, and the inner frame case (320, 320A) is attached to the outer frame case (310). After that, another gaming machine (10, 10A) or the like may be stored inside the inner frame case (320, 320A). The outer frame case (310) is shared regardless of the type of the gaming machine (10, 10A) and is used repeatedly. With such a gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A), the gaming machine (10, 10A) can be replaced very easily.

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) described in [17], the outer frame case (310) is provided on the gaming machine island (4) by providing the stopper (316) on the outer frame case (310). ) Is attached to the gaming machine island (4) side, and the outer frame case (310) is positioned at the installation location (4a). As a result, the mounting operation of the outer frame case (310) can be quickly performed, and the storage space for the related equipment (the rear space of the outer frame case (310) and the back wall of the outer frame case (310) can be further reduced. 4b) can be secured.

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) described in [18], the outer dimensions of the inner frame cases (320, 320A) of a plurality of standards all match the opening of the outer frame case (310). A mounting surface (326a, 324a) for installing each gaming machine (10, 10A) at a predetermined position corresponding to each of a plurality of types of gaming machines (10, 10A) is provided inside the opening. . Thereby, the attachment work of the inner frame case (320, 320A) to the outer frame case (310) can be made common, and even in the gaming machines (10, 10A) having different sizes, the inner frame It can be held at an optimal position inside the case (320, 320A).

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300) described in [19] above, the inner frame case (320) has the back side and the back wall of the gaming machine (10) with the gaming machine (10) installed. And a depth forming a storage space (320a) of the game ball lifting device (100). Thereby, the space for installing not only the gaming machine (10) but also the game ball lifting device (100) can be ensured in the inner frame case (320).

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) described in the above [20], the outer frame case (310) and the rear wall (322) of the inner frame case (320, 320A) are opened at positions corresponding to each other. Open work openings (317, 325). This makes it possible to perform maintenance and inspection work for the gaming machine (10, 10A) and the like in the inner frame case (320, 320A) from the back side of the outer frame case (310) in the gaming machine island (4).

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300) described in [21], the hanging curtain plate (315) can be opened and closed around the upper edge of the opening of the outer frame case (310) with the upper edge as a swing center. Provide. The lower end edge of the curtain plate (315) is held at a closed position with a swing angle corresponding to the position of the gaming machine (10) installed in the inner frame case (320). Thereby, even if gaps with various widths are generated from the upper edge of the opening of the outer frame case (310) to the upper end of the gaming machine (10) inside the inner frame case (320), the width of these gaps is reduced. Accordingly, the gap can be closed by appropriately tilting the curtain plate (315).

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) described in [22], a gaming ball is used as the gaming machine (10, 10A) to be installed in the inner frame cases (320, 320A) of a plurality of standards. In addition to the pachinko machines that are used, those that support slot machines that use medals are included. Thus, the gaming machine (10, 10A) installed on the gaming machine island (4) via the gaming machine installation frame (300, 300A) is not necessarily limited to the pachinko machine to which the gaming ball lifting device (100) is attached. The present invention is not limited to this, and it can be used as it is for an exchange operation to a slot machine that does not require the game ball lifting device (100).

  In the gaming machine installation frame (400, 400A) described in [23], a support frame (430) is erected on a base table placed on a floor, and a game ball lifting device ( 100) and a gaming machine (10, 10A) are supported by a frame (410) that is movable in the vertical direction.

  The support frame (430) incorporates elevating means (440, 440A) for moving the frame frame (410) in the vertical direction. The elevating means (440, 440A) allows the frame frame (410) to be moved to a desired height. The position can be adjusted. For example, when the gaming machine (10, 10A) is a pachinko machine and a slot machine, the optimum height at which the player can easily play is different and can be held at a suitable height position.

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (400, 400A) described in [24], the frame frame (410) includes the frame support portion (420) for supporting the frame frame (410). The frame frame (410) is supported by the support frame (430) and connected to the lifting / lowering means (440, 440A) via the frame support portion (420). By such a frame support part (420), the strength of the frame frame (410) can be increased.

  Here, the frame support portion (420) is in sliding contact with the support frame (430) when moving up and down, but when they are processed with a metal material, sliding resistance becomes a problem. Therefore, as described in [25] above, it is preferable to provide a slider (422) for reducing frictional resistance at a position where the frame support portion (420) and the support frame (430) are in sliding contact with each other. The frame (410) can be smoothly moved up and down by such a slider (422).

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (400, 400A) described in the above [26], it hangs down from the bottom surface of the frame frame (410) to the frame support part (420) and runs along the front of the support frame (430). And an upper leg (427) that moves in the vertical direction together with the frame (410).

  On the other hand, it is fixed to the support frame (430) at a position along the front thereof, and the lower side of the upper leg (427) is combined so that it can be projected and retracted as the upper leg (427) moves in the vertical direction. A lower leg (433) is provided. Accordingly, the support frame (430) can be concealed by the upper and lower legs from the front, and the design of the upper and lower legs that appear to expand and contract in the vertical direction can be combined to improve the aesthetics.

  According to the gaming machine installation frame (400, 400A) described in [27], the elevating means (440, 440A) encloses the high pressure gas in the sealed cylinder (441), and the reaction force of the high pressure gas. It consists of a gas spring that uses as a spring. By using such a general-purpose gas spring, it is possible to save time and trouble to newly develop a unique lifting means (440, 440A) and to reduce costs.

  The gas spring includes a lock mechanism for holding the gas spring at a predetermined height position, and restriction and release by the lock mechanism can be performed by operating the operation unit. By providing such an operation unit as a manual lever or a foot-operated lever (443), the operability by the player can be improved.

  According to the game ball lifting device according to the present invention, it is possible to discriminate between the incoming ball and the premium ball and to manage the counting by an integral lifting path extending along the outer periphery of the spiral body extending in the vertical direction. For example, by comparing the count values with other counters, it is possible to detect a count value defect due to ball spillage or failure, and to deal with it quickly.

  In addition, by using the hollow part of the spiral body as a foreign substance drop path, foreign substances that have been mixed into the device together with the game ball can be easily removed to the outside, reducing the labor required for maintenance inspections against the entry of foreign substances. can do.

  Further, when the game ball is lifted, an extra load due to polishing is not generated, so that the durability of the parts is improved and the power consumption is reduced to reduce the cost. Further, the supply of the game balls to be lifted and the delivery of the game balls after the lift to the polishing apparatus can be performed smoothly.

  Furthermore, according to the gaming machine installation frame according to the present invention, when installing a gaming machine to which a gaming ball lifting device is attached, not only can the installation work be easily performed, but also the gaming machine already installed. When the model is later replaced with another model, the replacement work can be performed very easily. Moreover, the height position for supporting the gaming machine can be freely adjusted, particularly when it is constructed as a single island.

It is a front view showing roughly the inside of the gaming machine island according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine island which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows roughly the inside of the game machine island which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows roughly the inside of the gaming machine island which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view schematically showing a partially broken lower portion of a game ball lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the upper part of the game ball lifting apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows roughly the game ball lifting apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view which shows roughly the game ball lifting apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the alignment rail which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the alignment rail which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the XI-XI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the XII-XII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the XIII-XIII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the XIV-XIV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a front view which shows the rib provided in the alignment rail which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the rib provided in the alignment rail which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a reference figure explaining the effect | action of the alignment rail which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the arrangement | positioning of the upper part of the game ball lifting apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a game ball grinding | polishing apparatus and a storage part. It is a perspective view which shows the storage part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows roughly the arrangement | positioning of the game ball grinding | polishing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a storage part. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly arrangement | positioning of the game ball grinding | polishing apparatus and storage part which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which expands and shows the gear for grinding | polishing of the game ball grinding | polishing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view schematically showing a game ball polishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with a part broken away. FIG. It is a top view which expands and shows the game ball grinding | polishing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which expands and shows the storage case of the game ball grinding | polishing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view (right end) showing a state in which a pachinko machine is installed in the gaming machine installation frame according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a longitudinal sectional view showing an exploded state. It is the front view (a) which shows the state which installed the pachinko machine in the gaming machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the front view (b) which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled and arranged. They are a perspective view (a) showing a gaming machine installation frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a perspective view (b) showing an exploded state. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view (right end) showing a state in which the slot machine is installed in another gaming machine installation frame according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the slot machine is disassembled and arranged. FIG. 5 is a front view (a) showing a state in which the slot machine is installed in another gaming machine installation frame according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a front view (b) showing a state in which the slot machine is disassembled and arranged. It is the perspective view (a) which shows another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the perspective view (b) which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled and arranged. It is a front view which shows another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing (however, hatching is abbreviate | omitted) which shows another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a rear view which shows another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing (however, hatching is abbreviate | omitted) which shows the state which disassembled and arranged another another gaming machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing (however, hatching is abbreviate | omitted) which shows the support | pillar frame of another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing (however, hatching is abbreviate | omitted) which shows the state which adjusted another game machine installation frame which concerns on embodiment of this invention to different height. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (however, hatching is omitted) showing a state where disassembled elements in which the lifting and lowering means are changed to another type in another gaming machine installation frame according to the embodiment of the present invention are disassembled. In still another gaming machine installation frame according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is a cross-sectional view (however, hatching is omitted) showing a state in which the lifting means is changed to another type and adjusted to a different height.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment that represents the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
The game ball lifting device 100 according to the present embodiment is a device that lifts a game ball discharged after being used in the gaming machine 10 to replenish the gaming machine 10 from above. Hereinafter, the case where it installs in the game machine island 1 as what is called a single island comprised from the one game machine 10 is demonstrated to an example.

  First, the outline of the gaming machine island 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the gaming machine island 1 uses a gaming machine installation frame 2 placed on the floor as a frame, and in addition to the gaming machine 10 in the gaming machine installation frame 2, a gaming ball lifting device 100 and a game ball polishing apparatus 200 disposed on the upper side for polishing the game ball after being lifted. The gaming machine island 1 is a so-called single island that is configured independently by circulating and using gaming balls. The game ball polishing apparatus 200 is combined as a part of the game ball lifting apparatus 100.

  The gaming machine 10 plays a game using a pachinko ball as a game ball. Adjacent to the left end of the gaming machine 10, a ball lending machine (card unit) 20 that lends a game ball by inserting a card or banknote is provided in parallel. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the gaming machine 10 overflows from the front lower portion of the gaming machine 10 with a handle 11 for launching a game ball on the game board surface in the machine, an upper tray 12 for storing the game ball to be launched, and an upper tray 12. A lower tray 13 or the like for receiving a game ball is provided. The ball lending machine 20 pays out the game balls lent to the player to the upper tray 12 from the inside of the gaming machine 10, but there is also a type in which the ball lending machine 20 pays out from the ball rental machine 20 itself to the upper tray 12 via a nozzle.

  Further, on the top plate located below the lower tray 13, there is provided a ball ball specification prize ball counter 14 that can drop the game balls in the lower tray 13 at any time. The prize ball counter 14 is integrally combined with the ball lending machine 20 as a unit, and is called a so-called each counter. Since the prize ball counter 14 is already general, a detailed description thereof is omitted, but when the game balls stored in the ball box portion are discharged into the game machine 10 from the discharge port on the bottom surface, Counting with a sensor while aligning in a line in an alignment lane.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a ball collection tank 30 is disposed below the back side of the gaming machine 10, and a prize ball collection basket 40 is disposed separately from the ball collection tank 30. The incoming ball collection tank 30 receives the “incoming ball”, which is a game ball thrown into the gaming machine 10 by the rotation operation of the handle 11 by the player, and aligns later through an incoming ball collecting basket 31 (see FIG. 3). It is delivered to the rail 130. On the other hand, the prize ball collection basket 40 receives a “prize ball” which is a game ball acquired by the player from the gaming machine 10 from the prize ball counter 14 and delivers it to the alignment rail 130.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the game ball lifting device 100 is erected along the rear of the right end of the game machine 10, and receives a ball received from the ball collection tank 30 and the prize. The prize balls received from the ball collection basket 40 are each lifted separately. The game ball lifting device 100 includes a spiral body 110 that is rotationally driven around an axis in a state that extends in the vertical direction over the entire length, and extends in the vertical direction along the outer periphery of the spiral body 110, and between the pitches from the outer peripheral side of the spiral body 110. A pair of lifting paths 121 and 122 are provided to guide the game ball in which a part is fitted upward along with the rotational drive of the spiral body 110.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, each of the feed paths 121 and 122 is formed inside a pipe body 101 that extends in the vertical direction. The pipe main body 101 is formed with an insertion passage 102 that is a vertical hole having a circular cross section that extends along the axial center over the entire length of the pipe body 101 and allows the spiral body 110 to be inserted therethrough. The insertion path 102 is set to an inner diameter that can hold the outer periphery of the spiral body 110 without hindering the rotational drive of the spiral body 110. On both sides of the insertion passage 102, the respective feed paths 121 and 122 are formed as vertical holes extending in parallel with the insertion passage 102.

  Each of the feed paths 121 and 122 is formed as a vertical hole having an arc-shaped cross section that extends symmetrically along both sides of the insertion path 102 and communicates over the entire length of the insertion path 102. Each of the transport paths 121 and 122 is set to an inner diameter that can hold the outer periphery of the game ball without hindering the movement of the game ball. A part of the game ball that is accommodated in each of the transport paths 121 and 122 protrudes into the insertion path 102 and fits between pitches from the outer peripheral side of the spiral body 110 described later. In addition, the concrete cross-sectional shape of each of the lifting paths 121 and 122 is sufficient as long as it can hold a game ball, and is not necessarily limited to a circular shape.

  One of the transport paths 121, 122 is the entrance ball transport path 121 for transporting the entrance ball received from the entrance ball collection tank 30, and the other is the prize ball received from the prize ball collection basket 40. Each is set as a prize ball transport path 122 to be transported. The pipe body 101 may be formed by drilling the insertion passage 102 and the respective feeding passages 121 and 122 later in the integrally molded product, or alternatively, the insertion passage on the mutually facing surfaces of the two divided members. The member divided into two parts may be bonded together after cutting or forming 102 and each of the feed paths 121 and 122 by half.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the upper end side of the pipe main body 101 has a main pipe portion 103 that forms the upper end port of the insertion passage 102 and a pair of branch pipe portions that form upper end outlets of the feeding passages 121 and 122 on both sides thereof. 104 and 104 are formed in three crotch. An entrance counting means 123 for counting the entrances passing through the entrance pumping path 121 is provided at the upper end exit of the entrance pumping path 121. Also, at the upper end exit of the prize sphere transport path 122, a prize sphere counting means 124 for counting the prize spheres passing through the prize sphere transport path 122 is provided. The incoming ball counting means 123 and the prize ball counting means 124 are provided in the corresponding branch pipe sections 104, respectively.

  Each of the entrance ball counting means 123 and the prize ball counting means 124 is capable of detecting one game ball passing through the upper end exit, and specifically, for example, various kinds of sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a magnetic sensor. What is necessary is just to comprise by a sensor. The entrance ball counting means 123 and the prize ball counting means 124 are respectively connected to control means (not shown) via signal lines, like the prize ball counting machine 14. The control means is composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and controls various related devices installed in the gaming machine island 1.

  The spiral body 110 is formed of a coil spring formed by bending a metal wire in a spiral shape. The spiral body 110 is inserted through the insertion passage 102 in a state of extending in the vertical direction over the entire length thereof, and is driven to rotate around an axis. The gap between the pitches of the spiral body 110 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the game balls, and the game balls introduced from the lower end inlets of the respective transport paths 121 and 122 are spaced from the outer periphery of the spiral body 110 to the pitch. In a state where the portion is fitted, the spiral body 110 is lifted upward along with the rotational drive.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the spiral body 110 includes a hollow portion 111 that communicates with the gap between the pitches and extends in the axial direction. However, in the coil spring according to the present embodiment, the entire inside is directly intact. It has become. The hollow portion 111 is set as a falling path for foreign matter separated from the game ball being transported. In addition to the coil spring, the spiral body 110 has, for example, a structure in which screw blades are attached to the outer periphery of the cylinder, and slits are appropriately formed in the gaps between the pitches of the screw blades so that each slit communicates with the inside of the cylinder. Can be considered.

  An upper end port 113 of the spiral body 110 extends above the pipe body 101 and is attached to a main shaft 145 described later via a terminal cap 114. Thereby, the helical body 110 is driven to rotate by a power source in a form of pulling up instead of pushing the game ball upward from below. Further, the lower end 112 of the spiral body 110 extends below the pipe body 101, and is arranged so as to be freely rotatable while penetrating through a foreign matter discharge opening 133 in the alignment rail 130 described below. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, an incoming ball that is a game ball to be transported and a prize ball are separately received and supplied to the lower end side of the spiral body 110 and the transport paths 121 and 122. An alignment rail 130 is provided. The alignment rail 130 is disposed between the downstream ends of the incoming ball collection basket 31 and the prize ball collection basket 40 and the lower end side of the pipe body 101. The alignment rail 130 guides the incoming ball delivered from the incoming ball collecting basket 31 to the lower end entrance of the incoming ball feeding path 121, and the incoming ball delivered from the prize ball collecting basket 40 to the prize ball lifting path 122. It leads to the lower end entrance.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, the alignment rail 130 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin, and includes an incoming ball collection path 131 that receives incoming balls, a premium ball collection path 132 that receives premium balls, and the spiral body 110. A foreign matter discharge opening 133 is formed to pass through. The incoming ball collection path 131 flows down from one end side connected to the downstream end of the incoming ball collection basket 31 to the other end side connected to the lower end inlet of the incoming ball feeding path 121 in a state where the incoming balls are aligned in a line. It is formed in a concave cross-sectional shape, and is gently inclined downward from one end side to the other end side.

  The prize sphere collection path 132 is gradually lined up from a multi-row state from one end side connected to the downstream end of the prize sphere collection basket 40 to the other end side connected to the lower end inlet of the prize sphere lifting path 122. It is formed in a concave cross-sectional shape that allows it to flow down in an aligned state. The concave section of the prize ball collection path 132 is formed wide at one end side to receive multiple rows of prize balls, but the other end side is gradually narrowed and has a groove width for aligning the prize balls in a line. Become. Further, the prize ball collecting path 132 is gently inclined downward from one end side to the other end side, and extends from a side edge extending in an arc shape near the ball collecting path 131 to a side end edge extending in a straight line on the opposite side. In addition, a slope with a round cross-sectional shape is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the pipe body 101 is erected vertically on the other end side of the alignment rail 130. The insertion passage 102 of the pipe body 101 and the opening 133 of the alignment rail 130 communicate with each other in the vertical direction. The spiral body 110 extends downward from the lower end of the pipe body 101, and the lower end port 112 of the spiral body 110 extends further downward and is exposed to the outside in a state of passing through the opening 133. The gaming machine installation frame 2 is provided with a foreign matter discharge port 3 that faces the lower end port 112 of the spiral body 110 at a position that is located just below the opening 133.

  The lower end inlet of each of the transporting paths 121 and 122 is connected to the downstream end which is the other end side of the ball collection path 131 and the prize ball collection path 132 of the alignment rail 130, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the downstream ends of the collection paths 131 and 132 are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the axis of the opening 133 (the spiral body 110 passing through). Here, the downstream ends of the collection paths 131 and 132 are set in a direction in which game balls are discharged along the rotation direction of the spiral body 110.

  In addition, portions of a predetermined length that follow the downstream ends of the incoming ball collection path 131 and the prize ball collection path 132 are disposed so as to extend in parallel to the diameter direction of the spiral body 110. As will be described in detail later, the arrangement of the collection paths 131 and 132 on the downstream end side as described above will be described in detail below until the first game ball in contact with the helical body 110 is lifted at the lower end inlet of each of the lift paths 121 and 122. The next game ball is not in contact with the spiral body 110.

  In addition, a game that overlaps the upper stage of the game balls lined up in a line that has flowed down the collection paths 131 and 132 at a position just before one game ball from the downstream ends of the entrance collection path 131 and the prize ball collection path 132. A rib 134 is provided that contacts the ball and prevents the upper game ball from entering, and prevents back flow of the game ball that has reached the lower end inlet of each of the corresponding transport paths 121 and 122.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, in detail, the rib 134 protrudes with a predetermined width at a position higher by one game ball than the inner wall of the downstream end of each recovery path 131, 132. The ribs 134 allow the game balls to pass through without protruding from the inner walls of the downstream ends of the collection paths 131 and 132 on the lower end side, but prevent the game balls from passing through the portions protruding from the inner walls of the downstream ends. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the predetermined width of the rib 134 is set to such a width that the upper game ball that is blocked from passing the game ball that passes through the lower end side of the rib 134 does not come into contact. .

  With such ribs 134, as will be described in detail later, game balls are smoothly introduced into the lower end inlets of the respective transport paths 121, 122 one by one. Since the rib 134 has an undercut shape in the alignment rail 130, it cannot be integrally formed together with the entire alignment rail 130, and is formed as a separate body as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. It is attached later to the inner wall at the downstream end of 132. On the lower end side of the rib 134, a tapered groove 135 that is curved downward is provided so as to gradually push the game ball downward toward the lower end inlet of each of the transport paths 121 and 122.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 18, a game ball polishing apparatus 200 for polishing the game balls after being lifted is disposed on the upper end side of each of the transfer paths 121 and 122. A power source for driving the game ball polishing apparatus 200 includes an electric motor 140 shared with the power source for rotationally driving the helical body 110. Furthermore, a storage unit 150 is provided above the game ball polishing apparatus 200 for receiving and storing the game balls released from the upper end outlets of the respective transport paths 121 and 122.

  The game ball polishing apparatus 200 is disposed just above the upper end port 113 of the spiral body 110 and is disposed along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 210 that is driven to rotate coaxially with the spiral body 110. A polishing means for polishing in contact with a game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove 212a of the polishing gear 210, and a game ball sequentially pushed by the rotational drive of the polishing gear 210 to a storage unit 150 to be described later And a transfer path 230 for guiding.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the grinding gear 210 is rotatably supported in a cylindrical casing 220 and attached to the base frame 201. The electric motor 140 as a power source is also attached to the base frame 201. The grinding gear 210 is formed in a substantially cylindrical cylinder shape, and is rotatably supported around the axis of the main shaft 145 that penetrates the grinding gear 210. Bearing portions 211a and 211b through which the main shaft 145 penetrates relatively rotatably are provided at the upper and lower ends of the grinding gear 210.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the grinding gear 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. More specifically, the upper portion of the polishing gear 210 is a large diameter portion 210a, and the guide teeth 212 are formed along the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 210a so as to extend along the generatrix of the column surface. The tooth gap 212a between the guide teeth 212 is formed in an arcuate cross-sectional shape so as to embrace more than half of the game ball.

  The groove opening of the tooth groove 212a is set to be narrower than the maximum diameter of the game ball so that the game ball cannot be detached from the tooth groove 212a to the outside. That is, the tooth groove 212a can guide the game ball received from the upper end side of the tooth groove 212a to the lower end side, and a plurality of game balls are sequentially accommodated in the tooth groove 212a in a state of overlapping vertically. Is set to

  On the other hand, the lower side of the large-diameter portion 210a of the grinding gear 210 is a reduced-diameter portion 210b whose outer diameter gradually decreases. Locking teeth 213 extending along the generatrix of the column surface are formed on the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 210b continuously to the guide teeth 212. The pitch of each locking tooth 213 is gradually narrower than the wider pitch of each guide tooth 212, and between the tooth grooves 213a of the locking teeth 213, the game balls received from the tooth grooves 212a are gradually It is set to come close to touch.

  Further, the lower side of the reduced diameter portion 210b is a narrow diameter portion 210c that extends to the same outer diameter as the minimum outer diameter of the lower end of the reduced diameter portion 210b. Locking teeth 214 extending along the generatrix of the column surface are formed continuously with the guide teeth 212. Between the tooth spaces 214a of the locking teeth 214, the game balls guided from the tooth spaces 213a of the locking teeth 213 are set to be kept in contact with each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 20, an upper portion of the casing 220 is integrally provided with a storage portion 150 that receives and stores the game balls discharged from the upper end outlets of the respective transport paths 121 and 122. The reservoir 150 is formed in a tray shape, and the bottom of one end thereof communicates with the upper end surface of the polishing gear 210 so that the game ball in the reservoir 150 is exposed as it is to the polishing gear 210. A large-diameter receiving port 151 leading to the upper end opening of the tooth gap 212a is opened. However, a part of the receiving port 151 is covered and closed by a cover part 150 a that forms the bottom of the storage part 150.

  In addition, a pair of discharge ports 152 and 152 are provided near the receiving port 151 at the bottom of the storage unit 150 so that the upper end outlets of the transport paths 121 and 122 communicate with each other. Each discharge port 152 is connected to each branch pipe portion 104 which is an upper end outlet of each of the transport paths 121 and 122. Here, each discharge port 152 and each branch pipe portion 104 are indirectly connected via a deformable or extendable bellows pipe 105.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a polishing opening 221 is formed in the cylindrical wall of the middle part of the casing 220. The polishing opening 221 allows the polishing sheet 240 (see FIG. 24) constituting the polishing means to enter from the outside to the inside and be routed along the outer periphery of the guide tooth 212 of the polishing gear 210. It is made up. As the polishing gear 210 is driven to rotate, the polishing ball 240 is repeatedly brought into contact with the gaming ball partially exposed from the tooth groove 212a, whereby the gaming ball is polished. The details of the polishing sheet 240 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a transfer path 230 is connected to the lower part of the casing 220 to guide the game balls sequentially pushed downward along with the rotational drive of the grinding gear 210 to the storage unit 150 again. ing. The inner peripheral wall of the lower part of the casing 220 abuts against the game balls guided by the tooth grooves 214a of the locking teeth 214 and pushes the game balls toward the lower end inlet of the transfer path 230 in a state of being aligned in a row. Guide ribs 222 are provided.

  The transfer path 230 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the game balls, and is composed of a pipe member that transfers the game balls in a state of being aligned in a row. The transfer path 230 is curved obliquely upward from a lower end inlet connected to the lower portion of the casing 220, and the upper end outlet is connected to a reintroduction port 153 opened at the bottom of the storage unit 150. As shown in FIG. 20, the reintroduction port 153 is arranged at a position farther from the discharge ports 152 than the receiving port 151 that is also opened at the bottom of the storage unit 150.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the bottom of the reservoir 150 is directed from the position including each discharge port 152 and the reintroduction port 153 toward the receiving port 151 on one end side with the reintroduction port 153 as a boundary. A polishing slope 150b is formed to allow the game ball to flow down under its own weight. An inclination top end 150c which is the uppermost position of the polishing inclination 150b is arranged so as to extend in a diameter direction of the reintroduction port 153, and a game ball is directed from the inclination top end 150c toward the other end side of the storage portion 150. A replenishment slope 150d is formed so as to flow down under its own weight.

  A partition wall 150e is provided between each discharge port 152 and the reintroduction port 153 so as to guide the game ball released from the reintroduction port 153 to the receiving port 151 while avoiding the vicinity of each discharge port 152. Yes. The game balls discharged from the reintroduction port 153 are not directly directed to the receiving port 151 by the partition wall 150e as shown by the arrows indicating the flow of the game balls in FIG. It flows down the slope 150b and is introduced into the receiving port 151 so as to go around.

  A replenishment basket 160 is connected to the other end side of the storage unit 150. The replenishment basket 160 is disposed so as to extend obliquely downward from the other end side of the storage unit 150 over the gaming machine 10. When the storage unit 150 is filled with game balls and the storage amount is excessive, the excess game balls are set so as to get over the inclined top end 150c and flow into the supply tank 160 through the supply inclination 150d. .

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, a detection sensor 161 for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball is provided on the upstream side of the supply basket 160. The detection sensor 161 is continuously turned on when the game ball stays on the upstream side of the replenishing bowl 160, and when the ON state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) or more, the game ball is full. Is set to output the signal. The detection sensor 161 is specifically configured by, for example, a photoelectric switch, a level switch, a limit switch, or the like.

  Further, a distribution chute 162 for supplying the gaming machine 10 in a state where the flowing game balls are aligned is disposed in the middle of the supply basket 160. Here, as the distribution chute 162, for example, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-104042 that has already been proposed by the applicant may be used. The distribution chute 162 and the gaming machine 10 communicate with each other via a bellows 163 that guides a falling game ball. In FIG. 1, a bellows 163 connecting the distribution chute 162 and the ball lending machine 20 is closed in this embodiment so as not to pay out game balls from the ball lending machine 20 itself.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 23, an electric motor 140 is attached to the side of the grinding gear 210 in the base frame 201. A gear head 141 and a drive shaft 141a are integrally assembled with the electric motor 140. Two large and small spur gears 142 and 143 having different outer diameters are fixed to the drive shaft 141a. A spur gear 215 is fixed to the bearing portion 211 a of the grinding gear 210, and a timing belt 144 is wound around the spur gear 215 and the spur gear 142. As a result, the grinding gear 210 is configured to rotate by receiving the power of the electric motor 140.

  A terminal cap 114 is attached to the upper end opening 113 of the helical body 110, and the lower end of the main shaft 145 is connected to the terminal cap 114 so as to be integrally rotatable. A spur gear 115 is fixed immediately above the terminal cap 114 in the main shaft 145, and a timing belt 146 is wound around the spur gear 115 and the spur gear 143. Accordingly, the helical body 110 is configured to be driven to rotate by transmitting the power of the electric motor 140.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the polishing means accommodates the polishing sheet 240 (see FIG. 24) disposed in the polishing opening 221 of the casing 220 and the polishing gear 210 while accommodating the polishing sheet 240. A storage case 250 that can be attached to and detached from the position, a feeding mechanism that feeds the polishing sheet 240 out of the housing case 250 and moves it along the outer periphery of the grinding gear 210, and the feeding mechanism that rotates the grinding gear 210. And an interlocking mechanism for interlocking.

  An interlocking mechanism is disposed on the side of the gear head 141 of the electric motor 140. This interlocking mechanism includes a support bracket 270 and three shafts 271 to 273 that are rotatably supported in the support bracket 270. Within the support bracket 270, the rotation of the shaft 271 is transmitted to the shaft 272 via the worm and the worm wheel, and the rotation of the shaft 272 is transmitted to the shaft 273 via the worm and the worm wheel.

  A feeding roller 274 for feeding the polishing sheet 240 is fixed to the shaft 273. On the outer peripheral surface of the feeding roller 274, knurling for preventing slippage and other notches are formed. The feeding roller 274 constitutes a main part of the feeding mechanism, and is set to be interlocked with the rotational drive of the grinding gear 210 by the interlocking mechanism described above. The shaft 271 is configured to transmit the rotational force of the drive shaft 141a via a transmission mechanism such as a pulley.

  The feeding roller 274 feeds the polishing sheet 240 from the storage case 250 described below at a speed corresponding to the moving speed of the game ball by the guide teeth 212 when the polishing gear 210 is driven to rotate. It is comprised so that it may move along an outer periphery. That is, the interlocking mechanism moves the polishing sheet 240 by the feeding mechanism at a speed obtained by reducing the rotational speed of the polishing gear 210 by a predetermined ratio.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the storage case 250 of the polishing sheet 240 is detachably attached at a position facing the polishing opening 221 of the casing 220. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the storage case 250 has a cassette case shape for storing the polishing sheet 240. The casing 220 is provided with a lock member 258 for restraining the storage case 250 in a mounted state.

  Specifically, the lock member 258 is formed in an arm shape, its base end is pivotally supported so as to be swingable, and a stopper 259 is provided at the swing end. The stopper 259 is set so as to be able to be engaged and disengaged from one direction with respect to the curved front end surface of the storage case 250 in a state of being attached to the casing 220. As shown in FIG. 24, when the lock member 258 is swung until it becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the storage case 250, the stopper 259 engages with the front end surface of the storage case 250 and is restrained in a state where the storage case 250 is mounted. can do.

  The polishing sheet 240 is a thin non-woven fabric made of a material capable of polishing the game ball, and is accommodated in a state of being wound around a cylindrical winding shaft 241 shown in FIG. The polishing sheet 240 is fed out from the storage case 250 by the feeding mechanism and used for polishing, and is then collected in the storage case 250 again. In the storage case 250, a partition wall 252 for separating the unused portion of the polishing sheet 240, that is, the portion still wound around the winding shaft 241 and the used portion recovered again in the storage case 250, is arranged. Has been. The partition 252 is a wall-like member erected in the illustrated shape.

  The front surface portion of the storage case 250 is formed in a cross-sectional shape that is recessed in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 210, and a cushion member 253 is attached to this portion. The cushion member 253 is formed of an elastic material such as felt. The polishing sheet 240 passes through a guide groove 254 on one side end side of the storage case 250 and is fed to one end side of the cushion member 253 so that the game ball on the polishing gear 210 side can be pressed by the elastic force of the cushion member 253. In this state, the cushion member 253 is extended from one end side to the other end side along the outer periphery of the guide tooth 212.

  The front end side of the portion used for polishing the polishing sheet 240 is again collected in the storage case 250 by the feeding mechanism. A holding roller 255 is rotatably supported on the side of the storage case 250 facing the guide groove 254 so as to be in contact with the feeding roller 274 and sandwich the abrasive sheet 240 therebetween. The outer peripheral surface of the holding roller 255 is formed of an elastic material such as urethane.

  The polishing sheet 240 is sequentially collected in the storage case 250 as the feeding roller 274 is driven in a state where the polishing sheet 240 is sandwiched between the feeding roller 274 and the holding roller 255. . Here, the used portion collected in the storage case 250 is stored in a space defined by the partition 252 while being freely folded. As shown in FIG. 25, the upper surface side of the storage case 250 is formed as a lid portion 256 that can be opened and closed.

Next, the operation of the above-described embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 2, when starting a game, the player inserts a card or banknote into the ball lending machine 20 and receives a rental amount of game balls for a corresponding amount. In the case of the present embodiment, the rented game balls are paid out directly to the upper tray 12. In the gaming machine 10, the game balls in the upper tray 12 are launched one by one on the game board surface by rotating the handle 11. As described above, the “incoming balls” that are the game balls thrown into the gaming machine 10 are collected in the incoming collection tank 30 shown in FIGS. Passed to the rail 130.

  When game balls launched on the surface of the game board win various prize holes, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the upper tray 12. As described above, the “prize balls”, which are the game balls acquired by the player from the gaming machine 10, are collected in the prize ball counter 14 via the lower tray 13, and then counted as a count based on the player's operation. 3 and FIG. 4, it flows down along the inclination of the prize ball collection basket 40 and is delivered to the alignment rail 130. The count result of the prize sphere by the prize sphere counter 14 is output to the control means and is managed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an alignment rail 130 is arranged at the downstream end of the incoming ball collecting basket 31 and the prize ball collecting basket 40, and the game balls are divided into the incoming ball and the premium ball separately by the alignment rail 130. It is supplied to the game ball lifting device 100 as it is. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the alignment rail 130 has a ball collection path 131 for receiving a ball and a prize ball collection path 132 for receiving a prize ball, and the corresponding lifting paths 121 and 122 respectively. The entrance ball and the prize ball can be led separately to the lower end entrance of the.

  The incoming balls received in the incoming ball collecting path 131 flow down in the incoming ball collecting path 131 in a state of being aligned in a line, and are guided to the lower end entrance of the incoming ball feeding path 121. On the other hand, in many cases, the prize sphere collection path 132 accepts a large amount of prize spheres at a time in a multi-row state, and the prize sphere received in the prize sphere collection path 132 flows down in the prize sphere collection path 132. Gradually gathered from the multi-row state, and finally led to the lower end entrance of the prize ball lifting path 122 in a state of being aligned in a line as in the ball collection path 131.

  Generally, in the gaming machine 10, the incoming balls are sequentially discharged into the machine, but the prize balls are often discharged at a time. In accordance with such characteristics, according to the entrance collection path 131 and the prize ball collection path 132, it is possible not only to distinguish and receive the entrance ball and the prize ball, but also to efficiently accept each assumed number of game balls. It becomes possible, and it can be quickly and smoothly delivered separately to the incoming ball transport path 121 and the prize ball transport path 122, and the transport capacity can be increased. Since the bottom of the prize sphere collecting path 132 has the above-described slope of the cross-sectional shape, not only the prize spheres are efficiently aggregated in a row, but also dust accumulates on the bottom of the prize sphere collecting path 132. Can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, the rib 134 described above is provided at a position in front of one game ball from the downstream end of each recovery path 131, 132. As indicated by a in FIG. 13, the rib 134 abuts against the game balls that overlap the upper stage of the game balls that have flowed down the collection paths 131 and 132, and prevents the upper game balls from entering. Can do. Further, the game balls that have reached the lower end inlets of the respective transport paths 121 and 122 are subjected to a force in the direction of being pushed back as shown by b in FIG. The backflow of the game ball can be prevented by the tapered groove 135. Furthermore, as indicated by c in FIG. 13, the rib 134 is set to such a width that the upper game ball that is blocked from passing the game ball that passes through the lower end side of the rib 134 does not come into contact. Further, it is possible to prevent clogging of the balls and to prevent the ribs 134 from being damaged.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17A, the downstream ends of the recovery paths 131 and 132 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axial center of the spiral body 110, and are portions of a predetermined length following the respective downstream ends. Are arranged in parallel to each other with respect to the diameter direction of the spiral body 110. Thus, the next game ball is not in contact with the spiral body 110 until the game ball that reaches the lower end entrance of each of the transport paths 121 and 122 and first contacts the spiral body 110 is lifted. That is, in FIG. 17A, the second game ball following the first game ball comes into contact with the first game ball (P1), and also comes into contact with the inner walls of the downstream ends of the collection paths 131 and 132 (P2). ) Alone, and does not contact the spiral 110 further.

  As a result, even if the lower end side of the spiral body 110 meanders, the second game ball following the first game ball that has reached the lower end entrance of each of the transport paths 121 and 122 becomes the first game ball and each transport path. In addition to the inner walls of 121 and 122, there is no situation in which the spiral body 110 is brought into contact and engaged at three points, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a ball clogging due to the formation of a bridge of game balls due to such a situation. .

  As shown in FIG. 17B, if the portions of a predetermined length following the downstream end of the recovery path 131 are not parallel to each other in the diameter direction of the spiral body 110, the first game ball is lifted. If the lower end side of the spiral body 110 meanders at the time, the second game ball contacts the first game ball (P1), contacts the downstream end inner wall of the recovery path 131 (P2), and further contacts the spiral body 110. (P3) Therefore, there is a high possibility that a ball clogging due to the bridge formation of the game ball due to the engagement at the three points will occur.

  With the alignment rail 130, the game balls are supplied to the game ball lifting device 100 while the incoming balls and the prize balls are distinguished. When the helical body 110 of the game ball lifting device 100 is rotationally driven, the game balls are lifted from the lower end inlets of the respective transport paths 121 and 122 along the pipe body 101 standing on one end side of the alignment rail 130. The The electric motor 140 that rotationally drives the helical body 110 operates in response to a signal output from the detection sensor 161 (see FIG. 18) on the upstream side of the replenishing rod 160.

  In FIG. 5, a part of the game balls introduced in a row with respect to the lower end inlets of the respective transport paths 121 and 122 are fitted between the pitches from the outer peripheral side of the spiral body 110, and the spiral body 110 is driven to rotate. Along with this, the inside of each of the transport paths 121 and 122 is moved upward. The spiral body 110 includes a hollow portion 111 that communicates with a gap between pitches and extends in the axial direction, and foreign matter separated from the game ball being transported enters the hollow portion 111 through the gap. become.

  Since the hollow part 111 serves as a foreign substance drop path, the foreign substance that has entered the hollow part 111 is dropped and discharged to the outside. The lower end port 112 of the spiral body 110 extends below the pipe main body 101, and is disposed so as to be freely rotatable while penetrating through a foreign matter discharge opening 133 in the alignment rail 130. Thereby, the foreign material separated from the game ball can be easily discharged outside without staying in the pipe body 101. The foreign matter dropped from the lower end port 112 of the spiral body 110 is discharged to the outside from the foreign matter discharge port 3 in the gaming machine installation frame 2.

  The spiral body 110 extends in the vertical direction over the entire length, has no horizontal or curved portion, and there is no possibility that foreign matter may stay in the middle of the hollow portion 111. Further, in the present embodiment, the helical body 110 is formed of a coil spring, and the inside of the coil spring is directly used as the hollow portion 111, so that it can be configured very simply. Moreover, since the space | interval of the coil spring is a wide clearance gap and the wide hollow part 111 is obtained according to the magnitude | size of an outer diameter, the efficiency which takes in and discharges a foreign material can be improved.

  Further, by providing the pumping paths 121 and 122 so as to be arranged at equal intervals with the axis of the spiral body 110 in between, it is possible to efficiently separate the incoming ball and the premium ball in a limited space. It becomes possible to do. Here, each of the lifting paths 121 and 122 becomes a landing ball feeding path 121 for lifting the incoming ball, and the other becomes a prize ball lifting path 122 for lifting the prize ball. In the process, it is possible to clearly distinguish the incoming ball and the premium ball. Thereby, it is possible to count game balls for each of the transport paths 121 and 122.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, there is an entrance counting means 123 for counting entrances passing through the entrance pumping path 121 at the upper end exit of the entrance pumping path 121. Has a prize sphere counting means 124 for counting the prize spheres passing through the prize sphere transporting path 122, and the entrance sphere and the prize sphere can be separately counted in the process of lifting the game sphere. Each of the counting means 123 and 124 is specifically composed of a sensor, and outputs a pulse signal each time a game ball is detected. These pulse signals are input to the control means and collected and managed in the backup memory.

  The prize sphere is counted by the prize sphere counter 14 separately from the prize sphere counting means 124 before being introduced into the prize sphere transporting path 122. The counting result by the prize ball counter 14 is also input to the control means separately from the counting result of the prize ball counting means 124 and collected and managed. Here, the control means has determination means as one of the control program functions, and the determination means outputs the count result output from the prize ball counting means 124 and the count result output from the prize ball counter 14 by the determination means. Comparison is made to determine whether or not the count results match. If the counting results do not match, it is possible to know a spilled ball or a malfunction of the prize sphere counting means 124 or the prize sphere counter 14.

  Further, in the process of lifting the game ball by the game ball lifting device 100, the game ball being lifted is not polished. Therefore, the frictional resistance applied to the polishing of the game ball does not directly apply a load to the drive system of the game ball lifting device 100. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an excessive force is applied to the spiral body 110 that may occur when the game ball is polished in the middle of the spiral body 110. In the present embodiment, a game ball polishing apparatus 200 for polishing the game ball after being lifted is disposed above the pipe body 101.

  Thus, by lifting the game ball and then polishing it again, it is possible to more sufficiently polish the relatively less dirty game ball from which foreign matter has been removed in the above-described lifting process. Become. Although the game ball polishing apparatus 200 is provided separately from the spiral body 110 or the lifting paths 121 and 122, the electric motor 140, which is a power source for driving the game ball polishing apparatus 200, is rotated by the spiral body 110. By sharing the driving power source, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and power consumption, thereby preventing an extra cost increase.

  In FIG. 18, the rotation of the spur gear 143 due to the operation of the electric motor 140 is transmitted to the spur gear 115 via the timing belt 146, whereby the integral helical body 110 is connected to the pipe via the spur gear 115 and the main shaft 145. It is driven to rotate within the main body 101. Similarly, the rotation of the spur gear 142 by the operation of the electric motor 140 is transmitted to the spur gear 215 via the timing belt 144, whereby the integral grinding gear 210 is connected to the casing via the spur gear 215 and the main shaft 145. It is driven to rotate within 220.

  In FIG. 18, the incoming ball and the prize ball that are lifted through the respective lifting paths 121 and 122 pass through the bellows pipe 105 connected to the branch pipe portion 104 at the upper end of the pipe body 101, and are respectively released. It is discharged from the outlet 152 into the storage unit 150 and stored. The incoming ball and the prize ball are mixed in the storage unit 150 and are reliably guided to the receiving port 151 by the polishing inclination 150b. The game ball that has dropped to the receiving port 151 flows into the tooth groove 212 a of the grinding gear 210. The game ball entering the upper end side of the tooth groove 212a moves to the lower end side of the tooth groove 212a by its own weight, and a new game ball enters the upper end side of the tooth groove 212a.

  The game balls in the tooth groove 212a are sequentially guided to the lower end side of the tooth groove 212a with the rotational drive of the grinding gear 210 synchronized with the helical body 110. Subsequently, the game balls pass through the tooth grooves 213a through the tooth grooves 214a, and then are aligned in a row by the guide ribs 222 at the lower part of the casing 220. The game balls pass through the transfer path 230 and enter the storage portion 150 again from the reintroduction port 153. Released. Here, since the reintroduction port 153 is located at a position away from each of the discharge ports 152 with respect to the receiving port 151, the game ball that has just been lifted is more easily polished in the storage unit 150.

  The game ball released from the reintroduction port 153 is guided again to the receiving port 151 by the polishing gradient 150b with the reintroduction port 153 as a boundary, or by the replenishment gradient 150d with the reintroduction port 153 as a boundary. When the storage unit 150 is full of game balls, the storage unit 150 faces the replenishment basket 160. Thus, if the inside of the storage unit 150 is not full of game balls, even a game ball that has been ground once falls back to the receiving port 151 and repeatedly flows into the tooth groove 212a of the grinding gear 210. Become.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, since there are partition walls 150e between the reintroduction ports 153 and the respective discharge ports 152, the game balls released from the reintroduction ports 153 by the partition walls 150e are the respective discharge ports 152. To the receiving port 151 so as to avoid the vicinity. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a large amount of game balls from the respective discharge ports 152 and reintroduction ports 153 enter the receiving port 151 at one time, and the grinding gear 210 is overloaded and damaged. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game balls discharged from the discharge ports 152 and the reintroduction ports 153 collide with each other.

  As long as the game ball is sufficiently supplied to the storage unit 150, the game ball is received without interruption from the tooth groove 212a to the tooth groove 214a shown in FIG. In such a state, the locking ball 214 can push the game ball up to the transfer path 230 again without skipping. Here, since the storage unit 150 has a capacity capable of storing a sufficient number of game balls, the polishing of the game balls will be repeated not only once but several times, and can be reliably polished. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the polishing amount of the game ball per unit time due to the rotational drive of the grinding gear 210 is set larger than the amount of game ball lifted per unit time due to the rotational drive of the helical body 110. Thereby, the game balls in the grinding gear 210 tend to be insufficient, and the game balls in the storage unit 150 are repeatedly polished. By this balance of entering and exiting, it is possible to prevent the game balls that have not been polished from flowing out to the supply basket 160.

  However, it is preferable that the specific speed ratio between the lift amount of the game ball and the polishing amount be maintained in a state where the game ball is stored in the storage unit 150 and can be supplied to the polishing gear 210 at all times. By introducing a sufficient amount of game balls into the tooth groove 212a of the grinding gear 210, not only the polishing efficiency is increased, but also damage to the tooth groove 212a is suppressed. The rotational drive of the grinding gear 210 is also controlled by the control means.

  Further, when the helical gear 110 continues to be lifted and the grinding gear 210 is filled with game balls, and the storage unit 150 is filled with game balls and the storage amount becomes excessive, the excess game balls are Over the slope top end 150c which is the top of the grinding slope 150b, the replenishment slope 150d flows down to the replenishment rod 160. Then, the game balls flowing down the replenishment basket 160 are appropriately supplied to the gaming machines 10 via the distribution chute 162.

  Further, when the replenishment basket 160 is filled with game balls, the detection sensor 161 detects this and stops the operation of the electric motor 140. That is, the lifting operation and the polishing operation are stopped simultaneously. Thereby, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced. Thereafter, when the detection sensor 161 no longer detects the fullness of the game ball, the operation of the electric motor 140 is started after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Thereby, it is possible to replenish the gaming machine 10 with the ground game ball. Here, instead of starting the operation of the electric motor 140 immediately, the time difference is provided after a predetermined time has elapsed, after which the storage unit 150 is immediately filled with game balls, and the detection sensor 161 is filled with game balls. This is because the case of detecting the above is taken into consideration. The operation of the electric motor 140 is also controlled by the control means.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a polishing opening 221 is formed in a part of the casing 220 in which the polishing gear 210 is stored, and a storage in which the polishing sheet 240 is stored at a position facing the polishing opening 221. A case 250 is attached. When the storage case 250 is mounted, the storage case 250 may be pushed into the polishing opening 221 in the longitudinal direction while the lock member 258 is swung to the unlocking position indicated by the solid line in FIG. .

  After the storage case 250 is mounted, when the lock member 258 is swung to the lock position indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. 24, the stopper 259 engages with the front end surface of the storage case 250. Can be constrained to the state. In this state, the polishing sheet 240 is routed along the outer periphery of the polishing gear 210 and comes into contact with the game ball viewed from the tooth gap 212a with an appropriate pressure. Thus, the game ball is repeatedly polished until it moves from the upper end side to the lower end side of the tooth groove 212a.

  The polishing sheet 240 is housed in the storage case 250 in a state of being wound in a roll shape, and an appropriate length is fed by a feeding roller 274 that is interlocked with the rotational drive of the polishing gear 210. In FIG. 23, the rotational force of the drive shaft 141a due to the operation of the electric motor 140 is first transmitted to the shaft 271 of the interlocking mechanism, and the feeding roller 274 is rotationally driven through meshing of the worm and worm wheel of each shaft 271 to 273. To do. When the feeding roller 274 rotates, the polishing sheet 240 sandwiched between the feeding roller 274 and the holding roller 255 is fed out of the storage case 250 in FIG.

  As described above, when polishing the game ball, the unused polishing sheet 240 can be automatically drawn out from the storage case 250 and used, and the operator does not need to replace the unused polishing sheet 240. Further, when the polishing gear 210 stops rotating by the interlocking mechanism, the rotation of the feeding roller 274 of the feeding mechanism also stops. That is, only when the polishing gear 210 is rotated to polish the game ball, the polishing sheet 240 is fed out from the storage case 250 and the unnecessary polishing sheet 240 is not fed out, so that the consumption cost of the polishing sheet 240 is reduced. It is also possible.

  In FIG. 24, the polishing sheet 240 passes through the guide groove 254 of the storage case 250 and is fed to one end side of the cushion member 253. The fed polishing sheet 240 is extended to the other end side of the cushion member 253 through a gap between the cushion member 253 and the polishing gear 210. At this time, the polishing sheet 240 is in a state where the game ball in the tooth gap 212a can be pressed by the elastic force of the cushion member 253. The used portion of the polishing sheet 240 is stored while being freely folded in the storage case 250 from the other end of the cushion member 253 again.

  In the storage case 250, the unused portion and the used portion of the polishing sheet 240 are separated by the partition 252, so that there is no possibility that dirt on the used portion moves to the unused portion. When there is no unused portion of the polishing sheet 240 in the storage case 250, the used portion stored in the storage case 250 is discarded as "disposable". In order to facilitate the replacement work of the polishing sheet 240, it is preferable to prepare another storage case 250 in which a roll of a new polishing sheet 240 is set in advance and replace the storage case 250 together. When the storage case 250 is removed from the casing 220, the lock member 258 may be swung to the unlock position.

  26 to 31 show a gaming machine installation frame 300 different from the gaming machine installation frame 2 for installing the gaming machine 10 to which the aforementioned game ball lifting device 100 is attached. The gaming machine installation frame 300 is installed at the installation location 4 a on the gaming machine island 4. Here, the gaming machine island 4 is not limited to a single island constructed by one gaming machine 10, and may be a gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines 10 are arranged. Hereinafter, an example in which the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine in FIGS. 26 to 28 and the gaming machine 10A is a slot machine in FIGS. 29 to 31 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the gaming machine installation frame 300 is attached to the installation location 4 a of the gaming machine island 4, and an outer frame case 310 having an opening on the front surface side, and an inside of the outer frame case 310 being attached and detached The front side is similarly openable, and has an inner frame case 320 in which the game ball lifting device 100 and the gaming machine 10 are housed. The installation location 4a shown in FIG. 26 is a rectangular parallelepiped recess that matches the outer shape of the outer frame case 310, but is not limited to such a shape.

  The outer frame case 310 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape whose front side is open, and includes both side walls 311 and 311, a back wall 312, a ceiling wall 313, and a bottom wall 314. The outer frame case 310 is a common standard in which an inner frame case 320 of a plurality of standards described later can be attached and detached. Here, the internal space of the opening of the outer frame case 310 is set to a size that can accommodate a plurality of types of gaming machines 10 having various external dimensions.

  At the front end edge of the ceiling wall 313 serving as the upper end edge of the opening of the outer frame case 310, a curtain plate 315 is provided so as to be openable and closable. The curtain plate 315 covers a gap from the upper end edge of the opening of the outer frame case 310 to the upper end of the gaming machine 10, and is supported so that the lower end edge swings freely with the upper end edge as a swing center. . As will be described in detail later, the lower end edge of the curtain plate 315 is held at a closed position with a swing angle corresponding to the position of the gaming machine 10 installed in the inner frame case 320.

  On the upper surface side of the ceiling wall 313 in the outer frame case 310, a stopper 316 is provided that contacts the gaming machine island 4 side and positions the outer frame case 310 at the installation location 4a. The stopper 316 is positioned so as to form a storage space 4b of related equipment between the back wall of the installation location 4a and the back wall 312. Specifically, the stopper 316 is made of, for example, an angle member having an L-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, and is fixed so as to extend in the both sides in the middle of the upper surface of the ceiling wall 313. When the outer frame case 310 is housed in the installation location 4a, the stopper 316 contacts the front end surface above the opening of the installation location 4a, thereby positioning the outer frame case 310 at that position.

  The outer frame case 310 is fixed to the installation location 4a with screws in a state where the outer frame case 310 is positioned by the stopper 316. For example, the side walls 311 and 311 are screwed to the installation location 4a side at five locations (see “a” in FIG. 26) arranged vertically, and the ceiling wall 313 and the bottom wall 314 are also arranged at four locations on the left and right. (Refer to “a” in FIG. 28) It is preferable to screw them to the installation location 4 a side. With such a large number of screws, the outer frame case 310 can be firmly fixed so that it cannot be easily removed.

  In addition, at the attachment position of the outer frame case 310 where the stopper 316 is in contact with the gaming machine island 4 side, the back wall 312 is not in contact with the back wall of the installation location 4a and is separated, and the storage space 4b for related equipment is provided. It is formed. As related equipment stored here, specifically, various equipment of terminals, such as a transformer and a hall computer, corresponds, for example. The rear wall 312 is provided with a work opening 317 having a rectangular opening.

  Similar to the outer frame case 310, the inner frame case 320 is formed in a box shape having an open front side, and has side walls 321, 321, a back wall 322, a ceiling wall 323, and a bottom wall 324. A work opening 325 is formed in the back wall 322 so as to match the work opening 317 and open. The outer dimensions of the inner frame case 320, specifically the maximum height and width, are set to a size that substantially matches the opening of the outer frame case 310.

  The inner frame case 320 is detachably attached to the inside of the outer frame case 310 with bolts and nuts in a state where the rear wall 322 is in contact with the rear wall 312 of the outer frame case 310. Specifically, for example, one side of each of the side walls 321 and 321 (see “b” in FIG. 26) is bolted to both side walls 311 and 311 of the outer frame case 310, Of the rear wall 322, four locations around the work opening 325 (see “b” in FIG. 27) may be bolted to the rear wall 312 of the outer frame case 310. With such a small number of bolts, the inner frame case 320 can be easily detached from the outer frame case 310.

  The inner frame case 320 is provided with a plurality of standards corresponding to a plurality of types of gaming machines 10. The plurality of types of gaming machines 10 are not limited to pachinko machines that use pachinko balls, but may be slot machines as described later. Here, the outer dimension of the inner frame case 320 is unified to a size that substantially matches the opening of the outer frame case 310 as described above. On the other hand, inside the opening of the inner frame case 320, a mounting surface on which a pachinko machine that is the gaming machine 10 is installed at a predetermined position in the examples shown in FIGS. 326a is provided.

  More specifically, the mounting surface 326 a is provided as an upper surface of the top plate 326 that is disposed below the inner frame case 320 in parallel with the bottom wall 324 and projects forward from the front edge of the ceiling wall 323. Yes. The top plate 326 is used to install a pachinko machine that is the gaming machine 10 at an optimal height position for the player, and in a portion that protrudes further forward than the gaming machine 10 is a ball box that stores pachinko balls. Can be placed.

  Both side walls 321, 321 and the back wall 322 of the inner frame case 320 protrude further upward than the ceiling wall 323, and the inside thereof is a shelf 327 with the upper surface of the ceiling wall 323 as a mounting surface. . On the shelf 327, for example, related equipment such as the game ball polishing apparatus 200 can be installed. Further, a stopper 328 is provided on the front end side of the upper surface of the ceiling wall 323 so that the lower end edge of the curtain plate 315 on the outer frame case 310 side contacts. Specifically, the stopper 328 is made of, for example, an angle member having an L-shaped cross section extending in the longitudinal direction, and is fixed to the front end side of the upper surface of the ceiling wall 323 so as to extend in both directions.

  When the lower end edge of the curtain plate 315 comes into contact with the stopper 328, the curtain plate 315 is held at the closed position of the swinging angle that covers the upper side from the upper end of the gaming machine 10. In this way, the lower end edge of the curtain plate 315 is held at a closed position with a swing angle corresponding to the position of the gaming machine 10 installed in the inner frame case 320. For example, when the upper end front of the gaming machine 10 is located further forward, the front end side of the ceiling wall 323 that covers the gaming machine 10 from above is extended further forward, and accordingly the curtain plate 315 The swing angle at which the lower end edge contacts can be changed as appropriate.

  The inner frame case 320 has a depth that forms the storage space 320a of the game ball lifting device 100 between the back side of the gaming machine 10 and the back wall 322 (back wall) with the gaming machine 10 installed. Have. Although not shown in FIG. 26, the game ball lifting device 100 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine 10 in the inner frame case 320 as in the case of the gaming machine installation frame 2 of FIG. 3. It will be. However, in the case where the gaming machine 10 to be installed is not a pachinko machine but a slot machine described below, it is not necessary to install the game ball lifting device 100.

  29 to 31 show an example of a gaming machine installation frame 300A in which a gaming machine 10A that is a slot machine is installed instead of the gaming machine 10 that is a pachinko machine. Although the gaming machine installation frame 300A has the same basic configuration as the gaming machine installation frame 300, in addition to the gaming machine 10A to be installed, an inner frame case 320A corresponding to the gaming machine 10A is different from the gaming machine installation frame 300. Different. Thus, the inner frame cases 320 and 320A are prepared with a plurality of standards corresponding to the plurality of types of gaming machines 10 and 10A. Hereinafter, the description of the overlapping gaming machine island 4 and the outer frame case 310 will be omitted.

  The gaming machine 10A is a slot machine that uses medals, and after inserting the medals, the reels 15 are rotated to start the game, and the stop button 16 stops the rotation of the reels 15, and according to the display mode at the time of stoppage. This is a type of gaming machine in which a gaming value is given to a player. A tray 17 for storing medals is provided at the lower front portion. In the inner frame case 320A, the same reference numerals are given to the same types of parts as those of the inner frame case 320, and redundant description is omitted.

  The inner frame case 320 </ b> A is also formed in a box shape whose front side is open, and includes both side walls 321, 321, a back wall 322, a ceiling wall 323, and a bottom wall 324. Here, the outer dimensions of the inner frame case 320A, specifically the maximum height and width, are unified to a size that matches the opening of the outer frame case 310 in the same manner as the inner frame case 320. The shape of the case 320A is different from that of the inner frame case 320.

  There is no top plate 326 as described above inside the opening of the inner frame case 320A, and the upper surface of the bottom wall 324 is the mounting surface 324a of the gaming machine 10A as it is. The bottom wall 324 extends longer than the ceiling wall 323, and is set to have a depth width that overlaps directly below the tray 17 of the gaming machine 10A. In addition, another shelf 329 is disposed at an intermediate position on the shelf 327 having the upper surface of the ceiling wall 323 as a placement surface. A shelf box storing medals can be placed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall 323 on the lower side with the shelf 329 as a boundary, and other related devices and the like can be placed on the shelf 329 on the upper side. Can be placed.

  As shown in FIG. 29 (the right end), the lower end edge of the curtain plate 315 provided on the outer frame case 310 side is in contact with the front end of the shelf plate 329 in a state where it is suspended in the vertical direction. It is held in a closed position that closes the upper side. Here, the lower side of the shelf plate 329 is open, so that the player can place a ball box storing medals. As described above, the lower end edge of the curtain plate 315 is in contact with the front end of the shelf plate 329, so that the inner frame case 320A does not need to be provided with the stopper 328 described above.

  According to the gaming machine installation frames 300 and 300A described above, installation work can be easily performed when installing the gaming machines 10 and 10A to which the gaming ball lifting device 100 is attached on the gaming machine island 4. . In addition, when the gaming machine 10 or 10A already installed on the gaming machine island 4 is later replaced with another gaming machine 10 or 10A, the replacement work can be performed very easily.

  Hereinafter, the installation work of the gaming machine 10 and the like on the gaming machine island 4 will be described on behalf of the gaming machine installation frame 300 for pachinko machines among the gaming machine installation frames 300 and 300A shown in FIGS. In FIG. 26, attachment is performed in the order shown by the arrows. First, the outer frame case 310 is attached to the installation location 4 a of the gaming machine island 4. When the gaming machine installation frame 300 is inserted into the installation location 4a, the stopper 316 on the ceiling wall 313 of the outer frame case 310 comes into contact with the front end surface above the opening of the installation location 4a.

  Thereby, the outer frame case 310 can be easily positioned at a position to be attached, and the outer frame case 310 can be quickly attached. In addition, a storage space 4b is formed between the back wall 312 of the outer frame case 310 and the back wall of the installation location 4a. In the storage space 4b, as related equipment, specifically, terminals such as a transformer and a hall computer can be installed in advance.

  The outer frame case 310 is fixed to the installation location 4a with screws while being positioned by the stopper 316. For example, the side walls 311 and 311 are screwed to the installation location 4a side at five locations (see “a” in FIG. 26) arranged vertically, and the ceiling wall 313 and the bottom wall 314 are also arranged at four locations on the left and right. (Refer to “a” in FIG. 28) Screw it to the installation location 4 a side. Once the outer frame case 310 is attached, it is not replaced afterwards, and is firmly fixed so that it cannot be easily removed with a number of screws.

  Next, the inner frame case 320 is attached to the inside from the opening on the front side of the outer frame case 310. The inner frame case 320 is assumed to be removable from the outer frame case 310, and is attached to the outer frame case 310 in a detachable manner. Here, the inner frame cases 320 and 320A of a plurality of standards including the inner frame case 320 are all uniform in size so that the outer dimensions match the opening of the outer frame case 310, and are attached to the outer frame case 310. Can be shared.

  Specifically, for example, one side of each of the side walls 321 and 321 on the upper end side (see “b” in FIG. 26) is bolted to the side walls 311 and 311 of the outer frame case 310. Further, four positions (see “b” in FIG. 27) around the work opening 325 in the back wall 322 are bolted to the back wall 312 of the outer frame case 310. With such a small number of bolts, the inner frame case 320 can be easily detached from the outer frame case 310.

  Then, the game ball lifting device 100 and the gaming machine 10 are housed inside the opening on the front side of the inner frame case 320. Although not shown in FIG. 26, the game ball lifting device 100 is installed in the storage space 320 a at the back of the opening of the inner frame case 320. Thus, the inner frame case 320 has a depth that forms the storage space 320a of the game ball lifting device 100 between the back side and the back wall of the gaming machine 10 in a state where the gaming machine 10 is installed. A space for installing the game ball lifting device 100 can also be ensured.

  Finally, the gaming machine 10 is installed on the placement surface 326a of the top board 326. Here, the placement surface 326a is provided in advance corresponding to each of a plurality of types of gaming machines 10 and 10A, and even in the gaming machines 10 and 10A having different sizes, they are at optimal positions. It is set to be able to hold.

  Thereafter, when the gaming machine 10 is replaced with another type of gaming machine 10A, the inner frame case 320 is also removed from the outer frame case 310 after the gaming machine 10 and the game ball lifting device 100 are removed from the inner frame case 320. The outer case 310 is removed and left on the gaming machine island 4 side. Then, as shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, after preparing an inner frame case 320A of a standard corresponding to another gaming machine 10A to be newly replaced, and attaching the inner frame case 320A to the outer frame case 310, What is necessary is just to accommodate other game machines 10A inside the frame case 320A.

  The outer frame case 310 is shared regardless of the type of the gaming machines 10 and 10A, and is used repeatedly. With such a gaming machine installation frame 300, the gaming machines 10 and 10A can be exchanged very easily. The gaming machines 10 and 10A installed on the gaming machine island 4 via the gaming machine installation frame 300 are not necessarily limited to the pachinko machines to which the gaming ball lifting device 100 is attached. The gaming ball lifting device 100 It can also be used as it is for the replacement work to the slot machine that does not require.

  A hanging curtain plate 315 is provided at the upper edge of the opening of the outer frame case 310 so as to be opened and closed. As described above, the lower edge of the curtain plate 315 is held at a closed position with a swinging angle corresponding to the position of the gaming machine 10 installed in the inner frame case 320. As a result, even if gaps with various widths are generated from the upper edge of the opening of the outer frame case 310 to the upper end of the gaming machine 10 inside the inner frame case 320, the curtain plate 315 is changed according to the width of these gaps. The gap can be closed by tilting appropriately.

  Further, work openings 317 and 325 are formed in the rear wall 312 of the outer frame case 310 and the inner frame cases 320 and 320A, respectively, which are opened at matching positions. This makes it possible to perform maintenance and inspection work for the gaming machines 10, 10A, etc. in the inner frame cases 320, 320A from the back side of the outer frame case 310 in the gaming machine island 4. Specifically, wiring work of various facilities can be performed from the work openings 317 and 325, and inspection or replacement of parts can be performed at the time of failure.

  32 to 38 show a gaming machine installation frame 400 that is different from the gaming machine installation frame 300 described above. The gaming machine installation frame 400 itself forms a single island, and the basic frame shape is the same as that of the gaming machine installation frame 2, but the height position of the installed gaming machine 10 can be freely set. It is configured to be adjustable. Hereinafter, an example in which the gaming machine 10 that is a pachinko machine is installed will be described, but the gaming machine 10A that is a slot machine may be installed.

  The gaming machine installation frame 400 includes a frame frame 410 that is open on the front side, a support frame 430 that is erected on a base base 401 that is placed on the floor and supports the frame frame 410 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, Elevating means 440 connected to the frame frame 410 in a state of being incorporated in the support frame 430 and moving the frame frame 410 in the vertical direction. The base 401 is made of a rectangular plate material having an installation area that can support the frame frame 410 and the support frame 430 so as not to fall down, but the shape is not particularly limited.

  The frame frame 410 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape whose front side is open, and includes both side walls 411 and 411, a back wall 412, a ceiling wall 413, and a bottom wall 414. The frame frame 410 is configured in substantially the same shape as the gaming machine installation frame 2. Below the ceiling wall 413, a shelf 415a having a shelf plate 415 as a mounting surface is provided, and the shelf 415a has a gaming machine such as the game ball polishing apparatus 200 as in the case of the shelf 327. Ten related devices can be installed. The front surface of the shelf 415a is closed by a curtain plate 416 that can be opened and closed.

  A top plate 417 is provided above the bottom wall 414 so as to protrude forward from the front edge of the shelf plate 415. The top plate 417 is for installing the gaming machine 10, and a ball box storing pachinko balls can be placed on a portion protruding further forward than the gaming machine 10. For such a frame frame 410, a plurality of standards corresponding to a plurality of types of gaming machines 10 are prepared in the same manner as the inner frame case 320. The plurality of types of gaming machines 10 are not limited to pachinko machines that use pachinko balls, but may be slot machines as described later.

  The support frame 430 is made of a rail-shaped metal material having a groove-like cross-sectional shape whose front side is open over the entire length. The column frame 430 is erected at a position near the rear end of the base base 401 in view of the center of gravity so that the column frame 430 can stand on its own while supporting the frame frame 410. The frame frame 410 is provided with a frame support portion 420. The frame frame 410 is supported by the frame support portion 420 so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the support frame 430.

  The frame support unit 420 is integrally fixed below the back wall 412 of the frame frame 410 and is slidably fitted to the inside of the support frame 430. The vertical support unit 421 is located in front of the lower end of the vertical movement unit 421. An upper leg portion 427 that is connected to and integrally secured to the lower surface of the bottom wall 414 of the frame frame 410. The vertical moving part 421 is made of a rail-like metal material having a groove-like cross-sectional shape whose back side is opened over the entire length. Details of the upper leg 427 will be described later.

  A slider 422 for reducing frictional resistance is provided at a location where the vertical moving portion 421 and the support frame 430 are in sliding contact with each other. Specifically, sliders 422 each formed by molding a synthetic resin into a block shape are fixed along both sides of the upper and lower ends of the vertical moving portion 421. As shown in FIG. 37, each slider 422 is in sliding contact with the inner surfaces of both side walls inside the support frame 430. Each slider 422 also serves as a reinforcing material for the vertical moving portion 421.

  Further, the frame frame 410 is connected to an elevating means 440 described later via a vertical moving part 421 of the frame support part 420. As shown in FIG. 36, a connecting portion 423 for attaching the upper end of the lifting / lowering means 440 is provided inside the upper portion of the vertical moving portion 421. The connecting portion 423 has a hole through which the mounting bolt 424 extending in the vertical direction is inserted. The mounting bolt 424 is inserted into this hole, and the nut 425a on the mounting bolt 424 side disposed vertically with the hole in between is connected to the connecting portion. The connecting portion 423 is fixed to be tightened from above and below by the nut 425b on the 423 side.

  The front end of the mounting bolt 424 is screwed into a nut portion 444 at the upper end of the lifting / lowering means 440 so that the frame frame 410 is connected and supported to the lifting / lowering means 440 via the frame support part 420. The vertical position of the tip of the mounting bolt 424 relative to the upper end of the elevating means 440 can be finely adjusted by the rotation of the upper and lower nuts 425a and 425b. In addition, a holding bracket 426 is provided on the inner side of the lower portion of the vertical moving portion 421 so as to prevent the shaft from shifting by supporting the lifting / lowering means 440 in the middle. An inspection port 431 is opened on the lower back side of the support frame 430, and the inspection port 431 is closed by a lid plate 432 that can be opened and closed.

  The elevating means 440 is incorporated in the support frame 430. As described above, the upper end side is connected to the frame frame 410 via the frame support part 420, and the lower end is erected on the base table 401. The frame frame 410 can be adjusted to a desired height position. The lower end of the lifting / lowering means 440 is attached to a support portion 402 fixed on the base table 401. Specifically, for example, a gas spring in which high-pressure gas is sealed in a sealed cylinder and the reaction force of the high-pressure gas is used as a spring is employed as the lifting / lowering means 440.

  Here, the details of the configuration of the gas spring itself are general and will not be described in detail, but a cylinder 441 and a rod 442 are provided, and the extension position of the rod 442 relative to the cylinder 441 is held at an arbitrary position. A locking mechanism is provided. The operation portion of the lock mechanism is provided as a stepping lever 443 near the lower end of a lower leg portion 433 described later. By stepping on the foot-operated lever 443, the locked state is released and the rod 442 is extended into the cylinder 441 by the reaction force of the high-pressure gas, so that the cylinder 441 moves relatively upward. By stepping on the foot-operated lever 443 again, the cylinder 441 can be restrained at an arbitrary height position.

  As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the upper end of a cylinder 441 is attached to a connecting portion 423 on the frame support portion 420 side. At the upper end of the cylinder 441, a nut portion 444 for screwing the tip of the mounting bolt 424 is provided. The lower end of the rod 442 is attached to the support portion 402 on the base base 401 side. Further, the middle of the cylinder 441 is inserted into the holding bracket 426 on the frame support portion 420 side. Here, the lifting / lowering means 440 may be disposed upside down, and the operation portion of the lock mechanism that is positioned above the lifting / lowering means 440 may be configured as a manual lever.

  Further, the upper leg portion 427 of the frame support portion 420 hangs downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 414 of the frame frame 410 and moves in the vertical direction together with the frame frame 410 along the front of the support frame 430. The upper leg 427 has a shape in which the front wall 428 curves backward from the upper end to the lower end. The space defined by the front leg 428 and both side walls of the upper leg 427 is open behind, and a lower leg 433 (described below) is housed inside the upper leg 427 so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction. The horizontal width of the upper leg portion 427 is set to the same dimension as the horizontal width of the frame support portion 420.

  On the other hand, below the support frame 430, a lower leg 433 is fixed at a position along the front thereof. The lower leg portion 433 is a decorative member that is combined so that the lower side of the upper leg portion 427 can protrude and retract as the upper leg portion 427 moves in the vertical direction. The lower leg portion 433 has a shape in which the front wall 434 is curved forward from the middle to the lower end through a linear portion where the front wall 434 hangs vertically downward from the upper end. Here, the linear portion is a range that can move in the vertical direction with respect to the upper leg portion 427. In addition, although the back of the space surrounded by the front wall 434 and both side walls of the lower leg 433 is open, it is closed by the front surface of the column frame 430 having the same width.

  39 and 40 show a gaming machine installation frame 400A in which a gas spring different from the gas spring that is the lifting means 440 described above is used as the lifting means 440A. The lifting / lowering means 440A in this example is generally larger in diameter than the gas spring of the lifting / lowering means 440, and is disposed so that the cylinder 441A is downward and the rod 442A is upward. The operation portion of the lock mechanism is a foot-operated lever 443A extending forward from the lower end of the cylinder 441A. As described above, various types of gas springs can be appropriately employed as the lifting means. In addition, about the site | part of the same kind as the example shown in FIGS. 32-38, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Hereinafter, the height adjustment of the gaming machine 10 will be described on behalf of the gaming machine installation frame 400 shown in FIGS. As described above, in the gaming machine installation frame 400, the support frame 430 is erected on the base base 401 placed on the floor, and the frame frame 410 that stores the gaming machine 10 and the like moves in the support frame 430 in the vertical direction. It is supported as possible. The support frame 430 incorporates elevating means 440 for moving the frame frame 410 in the vertical direction, and the elevating means 440 can adjust the frame frame 410 to a desired height position.

  The lifting / lowering means 440 employs a general-purpose gas spring, which saves the trouble of newly developing a unique lifting / lowering means and can reduce the cost. The player can release the locked state of the lifting / lowering means 440 by stepping on the foot-operated lever 443 and freely adjust the height position of the frame frame 410 (game machine 10). For example, in FIG. 38, the height position shown in (a) is suitable for a slot machine, and the height position shown in (b) is suitable for a pachinko machine. Further, the height position shown in (c) is suitable for a press view in an exhibition or the like. Here, the height position of (c) is the highest position, the height position of (a) is the lowest position, and (b) corresponds to an intermediate height.

  The optimal height at which pachinko machines and slot machines are easy to play is different, and the player can easily adjust the height to a suitable height according to his / her height. Note that the operation portion of the lock mechanism is not limited to the foot-operated lever 443, and may be configured as a manual lever that is disposed at a position immediately below the top plate 417. In addition, an inspection port 431 is opened on the lower back side of the support frame 430. From this inspection port 431, it is possible to perform maintenance and inspection work for the lifting means 440 incorporated in the support frame 430. Become.

  Further, according to the gaming machine installation frame 400, the frame frame 410 includes a frame support portion 420 for supporting the frame frame 410. The frame frame 410 is supported by the support frame 430 and connected to the lifting / lowering means 440 via the frame support portion 420. Such a frame support part 420 can increase the strength of the frame 410.

  Here, the frame support section 420 is in sliding contact with the support frame 430 when it moves up and down, but as shown in FIG. 37, the synthetic resin is made into block shapes along both the upper and lower ends of the vertical movement section 421. A molded slider 422 is fixed. Each slider 422 is in sliding contact with the inner surfaces of both side walls inside the support frame 430. Thereby, it can avoid that the metal part of the frame support part 420 and the support | pillar frame 430 mutually contacts as much as possible, and the frame frame 410 can be moved up and down smoothly. The slider 422 also serves as a reinforcing material for the vertical moving portion 421.

  The frame support 420 is provided with an upper leg 427 that hangs downward from the bottom surface of the frame frame 410 and moves in the vertical direction together with the frame frame 410 along the front of the support frame 430. On the other hand, a lower leg portion 433 fixed to the support frame 430 at a position along the front thereof and combined with the upper leg portion 427 so that the lower side of the upper leg portion 427 can protrude and retract as the upper leg portion 427 moves in the vertical direction. Provide. Thereby, the support | pillar frame 430 can be concealed by the upper and lower legs from the front, and the design of the upper and lower legs that appear to expand and contract vertically can also be combined to improve the aesthetics.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention. For example, although the example applied to what is called a single island composed of only one gaming machine 10 has been described, the configuration of the gaming machine island 1 is not limited to this, and there are two or three or more games. It can also be applied to small game machine islands in which machines are lined up.

  In the above embodiment, the determination unit of the control unit compares the count results of the premium ball counter 14 and the premium ball counter 124 only with respect to the premium ball. In addition to the means 123, for example, an entrance counter that separately counts the entrance before the lifting may be provided, and the count results of the entrance counter and the entrance counting means 123 may be compared.

  Furthermore, although the lift means 440 has been described with respect to an example employing a gas spring, the lift means can move the frame frame 410 in the vertical direction, and any other means can be used as long as it can be adjusted to a desired height position. The configuration may be adopted. For example, as another lifting / lowering means, a means using the winding force of Conston (registered trademark), which is a low-load spring, or a means using a mechanical coupling relationship such as a rack and pinion or a screw and nut is adopted. You may do it.

  The present invention can be particularly applied to a case where a gaming ball lifting device is provided for each gaming machine in a gaming machine island having a single gaming machine or a plurality of gaming machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine island 2 ... Game machine installation frame 3 ... Foreign material discharge port 4 ... Game machine island 4a ... Installation location 10 ... Game machine 10A ... Game machine 11 ... Handle 12 ... Upper tray 13 ... Lower tray 14 ... Premium ball counter 20 ... Ball rental machine (card unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Ball collection tank 31 ... Ball collection basket 40 ... Prize ball collection basket 100 ... Game ball lifting device 101 ... Pipe main body 102 ... Insertion passage 103 ... Main pipe part 104 ... Branch pipe part 105 ... Bellows pipe 110 ... Spiral body 111 ... Hollow part 112 ... Lower end port 113 ... Upper end port 114 ... Terminal cap 121 ... Incoming ball feeding path 122 ... Premium ball feeding path 123 ... Incoming ball counting means 124 ... Premium ball counting means 130 ... Alignment rail 131 ... Incoming ball collection Road 132 ... prize ball collection path 133 ... opening 134 ... rib 135 ... taper groove 140 ... electric motor 141 ... gear head 141a ... drive shaft 142 ... spur gear 143 ... spur gear 144 ... timing belt 145 ... main shaft 146 ... timing belt 150 ... Reservoir 150a ... Cover 150b ... Polishing slope 150c ... Inclined apex 150d ... Supply slope 150e ... Partition 151 ... Receiving port 152 ... Release port 153 ... Reintroduction port 160 ... Replenishment bowl 161 ... Detection sensor 162 ... Delivery chute 163 ... Bellows 200 ... Game ball polishing device 201 ... Base frame 210 ... Polishing gear 212 ... guide tooth 212a ... tooth gap 213 ... locking tooth 214 ... locking tooth 220 ... casing 221 ... polishing opening 222 ... guide rib 230 ... transfer path 240 ... polishing sheet 241 ... winding shaft 250 ... storage case 252 ... partition 258 ... Lock member 259 ... Stopper 300 ... Gaming machine installation frame 300A ... Gaming machine installation frame 310 ... Outer frame case 311 ... Side wall 312 ... Back wall 313 ... Ceiling wall 314 ... Bottom wall 315 ... Curtain plate 316 ... Stopper 317 ... Work opening 320 ... Inner frame case 320A ... Inner frame case 321 ... Side wall 322 ... Surface wall 323 ... Ceiling wall 324 ... Bottom wall 325 ... Work opening 326 ... Top plate 326a ... Mounting surface 327 ... Shelf 328 ... Stopper 329 ... Shelf plate 400 ... Gaming machine installation frame 400A ... Gaming machine installation frame 401 ... Base Table 402 ... Supporting part 410 ... Frame frame 411 ... Side wall 412 ... Back wall 413 ... Ceiling wall 414 ... Bottom wall 415 ... Shelf plate 415a ... Shelf part 416 ... Curtain plate 417 ... Top plate 420 ... Frame support part 421 ... Vertical movement part 422 ... Slider 423 ... Connecting part 424 ... Mounting bolt 426 ... Holding bracket 427 ... Upper leg 428 ... Front wall 430 ... Post frame 431 ... Inspection port 432 ... Cover plate 433 ... Lower leg 434 ... Front wall 440 ... Lifting means 440A ... Elevating means 441 ... Cylinder 442 ... Rod 444 ... Nut part

Claims (27)

In a game ball lifting device that lifts a game ball discharged after being used in a game machine to replenish the game machine from above,
A helical body that is driven to rotate around an axis in a state that extends vertically over the entire length, and a game ball that extends in the vertical direction along the outer periphery of the helical body and partially fits between pitches from the outer peripheral side of the helical body. A pair of pumping paths that lead upward with driving,
One of the transport paths is an entrance transport path for transporting an incoming ball that is a game ball thrown into a gaming machine by a player,
A game ball lifting apparatus, wherein the other lifting path is a prize ball lifting path for lifting a prize ball, which is a game ball acquired by a player from a gaming machine.   2. The spiral body includes a hollow portion that extends in an axial direction and communicates with a gap between pitches, and the hollow portion serves as a falling path of a foreign object separated from a game ball being lifted. The game ball lifting device described in 1.   3. The game ball lifting device according to claim 2, wherein the spiral body is formed of a coil spring, and the inside of the coil spring is used as the hollow portion as it is. In the entrance path, provided entrance counting means for counting the entrance passes through the entrance path,
4. The game ball lifting device according to claim 1, wherein a prize ball counting means for counting the number of prize balls passing through the prize ball lifting path is provided in the prize ball lifting path. Separately from the prize sphere counting means, a prize sphere counter for counting prize spheres before being introduced into the prize sphere transporting path;
A determination unit that compares the count result output from the prize ball counting unit with the count result output from the prize ball counter, and determines whether or not the respective count results match. The game ball lifting device according to claim 4. Provided on the lower end side of the spiral body and each lifting path is an alignment rail that separately receives and supplies the incoming balls and premium balls to be lifted,
The alignment rails gradually collect the incoming prize balls from the multi-row state into one row, and the incoming ball collection path for guiding the incoming balls to the lower end entrance of the incoming landing route in a state where the incoming balls are aligned in a row. 6. A game ball lifting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a prize ball collecting path that leads to a lower end entrance of the prize ball lifting path in an aligned state.   At the position before the downstream end of each of the incoming ball collection path and the prize ball collection path, the game balls that overlap the upper stage of the game balls lined down each collection path come into contact with each other, and the upper game balls enter. The game ball lifting device according to claim 6, further comprising a rib that prevents backflow of the game ball that has reached the lower end inlet of each corresponding lifting path.   The respective downstream ends of the entrance ball collection path and the prize ball collection path are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the spiral body, and a portion of a predetermined length following each downstream end is disposed on the spiral body. The next game balls are placed on the spiral until the game balls that reach the lower end inlet of each of the transport paths and first contact with the spiral are lifted. The game ball lifting device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the game ball lifting device is set in a non-contact state.   The game ball lifting device according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein an opening for discharging foreign matter that allows the lower end of the spiral body to pass through is provided in the alignment rail. Arranging a game ball polishing device for polishing the game ball after the lifting, on the upper end side of each of the transporting path,
10. A power source for driving the game ball polishing apparatus is shared with a power source for rotationally driving the spiral body. The game ball lifting device described in 1. On the upper end side of each of the lifting paths, a storage unit is provided for receiving and storing game balls discharged from the upper end outlet of each lifting path,
The game ball polishing apparatus is arranged along the outer periphery of the polishing gear, the polishing gear that receives the game ball in the storage portion and holds it in the tooth groove and is driven to rotate about the axis by the power source, A polishing means for polishing in contact with a game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove, and a transfer path for guiding the game ball sequentially pushed out by the rotational drive of the polishing gear to the storage unit again,
When the storage unit is filled with game balls from the storage unit to the upper side of the gaming machine and the storage amount is excessive, a supply basket is provided to supply the excess game ball by flowing down the gaming machine. The game ball lifting device according to claim 10. The polishing means is extended along the outer periphery of the polishing gear, and is attached to and detached from a polishing sheet that comes into contact with a game ball partially exposed from the tooth groove, and that accommodates the polishing sheet and faces the polishing gear. A possible storage case, a feeding mechanism for feeding the polishing sheet out of the storage case and moving the polishing sheet along the outer periphery of the grinding gear, and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the feeding mechanism with the rotation of the grinding gear. And
The interlocking mechanism moves the polishing sheet by the feeding mechanism at a speed obtained by reducing the rotational speed of the polishing gear by a predetermined ratio,
The game ball lifting device according to claim 11, wherein the storage case includes a partition that divides the polishing sheet into an unused portion and a used portion. In the bottom of the reservoir, a receiving port for guiding the game ball to the tooth groove of the grinding gear is opened, and in the vicinity of the receiving port, a discharge port communicating with the upper end outlet of each of the transport paths is opened. Furthermore, a reintroduction port that communicates with the upper end port of the transfer path is opened at a position farther from the discharge port than the discharge port.
A polishing slope is provided at the bottom of the reservoir to allow the game ball to flow down by its own weight from the position including each of the discharge ports and the reintroduction port toward the receiving port on one end side with the reintroduction port as a boundary. And a replenishment slope for allowing the game ball to flow down by its own weight toward the replenishment bowl on the other end side from the position not including each of the discharge openings, and further, 12. A partition wall is provided between the re-introduction port and the game ball released from the re-introduction port so as to guide the game ball to the receiving port while avoiding the vicinity of each of the discharge ports. 12. The game ball lifting device according to 12.   The amount of polishing of the game ball per unit time by the rotational drive of the polishing gear is set larger than the amount of lift of the game ball per unit time by the rotational drive of the helical body. 13. The game ball lifting device according to 13. On the upstream side of the replenishment basket, a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball on the upstream side is provided,
When the fullness of the game ball is detected by the detection sensor, the operation of the power source is stopped. On the other hand, when the fullness of the game ball is not detected by the detection sensor, the operation of the power source is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. The game ball lifting device according to claim 11, 12, 13, or 14, which is started. A gaming machine installation frame for installing the gaming machine to which the gaming ball lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is attached,
An outer frame case attached to an installation location on the gaming machine island and having at least a front side opening;
An inner frame case that is detachably attached to the inside from the opening of the outer frame case, has at least a front side opening, and stores the game ball lifting device and the gaming machine inside the opening;
The inner frame case has a plurality of standards corresponding to each of the plurality of types of gaming machines,
The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 1, wherein the outer frame case is a common standard in which any of the plurality of standard inner frame cases can be attached and detached.   In order to form a storage space for related equipment between the back wall of the outer frame case and the back wall of the outer frame case, the outer frame case is positioned at the installation location in contact with the gaming machine island side of the outer frame case. The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 16, further comprising a stopper.   The inner frame cases of the plurality of standards are all uniform in size so as to match the opening of the outer frame case, and each gaming machine corresponding to each of a plurality of types of gaming machines is provided inside the opening. The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a placement surface to be installed at a predetermined position.   The inner frame case has a depth that forms a storage space for the game ball lifting device between a back side and a back wall of the gaming machine in a state where the gaming machine is installed. The gaming machine installation frame according to 16, 17, or 18.   20. The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein a work opening is formed in the rear wall of the outer frame case and the inner frame case so as to open at positions that match each other. At the upper edge of the opening of the outer frame case, a hanging curtain is provided so that it can be opened and closed with its upper edge as the center of swinging,
21. The lower end edge of the curtain plate is held at a closed position with a swing angle corresponding to the position of a gaming machine installed in the inner frame case. The gaming machine installation frame described.   The inner frame cases of the plurality of standards include ones corresponding to slot machines using medals in addition to pachinko machines using game balls as game machines to be installed. , 18, 19, 20 or 21. A gaming machine installation frame for installing the gaming machine to which the gaming ball lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is attached,
A frame frame in which at least the front side is open, and the game ball lifting device and the game machine are housed inside the opening;
A support frame that is erected on a base table placed on the floor and supports the frame frame so as to be movable in the vertical direction;
Elevating means connected to the frame frame in a state incorporated in the support frame and moving the frame frame in the vertical direction;
A gaming machine installation frame, wherein the frame frame can be adjusted to a desired height position by the elevating means. The frame frame includes a frame support portion for supporting the frame frame;
24. The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 23, wherein the frame frame is supported by the support frame through the frame support part and is connected to the elevating means.   25. The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 24, wherein a slider for reducing frictional resistance is provided at a location where the frame support portion and the support frame are in sliding contact with each other. The frame support portion is provided with an upper leg portion that hangs downward from the bottom surface of the frame frame and moves in the vertical direction together with the frame frame along the front of the support frame,
The support frame is provided with a lower leg that is fixed at a position along the front of the support frame and that is combined with the lower side of the upper leg so that the lower side of the upper leg moves up and down as the upper leg moves in the vertical direction. A gaming machine installation frame according to claim 24 or 25. The elevating means comprises a gas spring in which high pressure gas is sealed in a sealed cylinder and the reaction force of the high pressure gas is used as a spring.
27. The gaming machine installation frame according to claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein an operation portion of a lock mechanism provided in the gas spring is provided as a manual lever or a stepping lever.

Images