JP2018042710A - Transportation device and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To readily transport a transportation object when a piezoelectric motor is used for a transportation device.SOLUTION: A transportation device storing game balls that has entered a loading port in a game area while transporting the game balls includes: a piezoelectric motor having a stator and a piezoelectric element; an abutment wall provided along the stator so as to abut on a transportation object transported on the stator; and a discharge part for discharging the game balls to the outside. A normal winning port disposed further directly beneath discharge is positioned so that game balls are likely to win.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport device that transports a transported object, and a gaming machine including the transport device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is known as a gaming machine that enhances a player's gaming motivation. This gaming machine is provided with a storage accessory and stores balls that have passed through a specific area in the storage accessory, and when the predetermined number or more of balls are stored in the storage accessory, Execute special effects using.

JP 2014-168576 A

  As a special effect in such a gaming machine, an effect of moving a ball (game ball) stored in the storage combination in the storage combination is conceivable. However, when performing such an effect, a piezoelectric motor (for example, a super motor) that generates a driving force using a piezoelectric element such as a piezo vibrator in order to transport the game ball to a different position in the storage accessory. Sonic motor) was never used.

  This is because the game ball may not be transported while remaining on the stator of the piezoelectric motor. Specifically, when a game ball is to be conveyed using a piezoelectric motor, an upward force is applied to the game ball on the elastic body of the stator due to the deflection of the elastic body. However, a steel game ball used for a gaming machine is relatively small and light, and specifically has a diameter of 11 mm and a mass of 5.4 g to 5.7 g. Therefore, the game ball to which an upward force is applied stays on the spot and moves up and down, and the game ball may not be transported in the transport direction, that is, the direction opposite to the traveling wave.

  In order to solve the above problems, a conveying device as an example of the present invention is provided along the stator so as to abut on a piezoelectric motor having a stator and a piezoelectric element, and a conveyed object conveyed on the stator. A contact wall, and a discharge unit for discharging the conveyed product to the outside.

  A gaming machine as another example of the present invention includes a gaming board in which a gaming area in which a game ball flows down is defined, a piezoelectric motor having a stator and a piezoelectric element, and a transported object transported on the stator. A conveying device having an abutting wall provided along the stator so as to abut and a discharge unit for discharging the conveyed product to the outside, and the conveying device is attached to the game board. The game ball entering the transfer device is stored while being transferred.

  Thereby, even if it is a case where a piezoelectric motor is used for a conveyance apparatus, a conveyed product can be conveyed reliably. Further, in the gaming machine, it is possible to provide a special effect that increases the player's willingness to play.

  Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic front view of the gaming machine provided with the transfer device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the conveying apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of a conveying apparatus and a charging mechanism. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a conveying apparatus. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the conveying apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the conveying apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the conveying apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary, and can be changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below. In addition, when the bottom wall side mentioned later is made into the lower side in this specification, the opposite side respond | corresponds to the upper side.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a front surface of a gaming machine 100 including a transfer device 20 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the player side. The gaming machine 100 includes a launching device (not shown), and the launching device launches a game ball, which is a game medium, into the game area 111. The gaming machine 100 is configured to pay out a predetermined prize ball to the player when a game ball wins a winning opening (winning area) provided in the gaming area 111. Further, the gaming machine 100 is configured to shift to a special gaming state when a special condition is satisfied. The special game state includes a state where a game ball is likely to win a winning opening, a state where a right to be advantageous to a player is generated, and a state where a winning ball payout condition is easily established.

  The gaming machine 100 includes a rectangular frame 101 and a glass door frame 102 attached to the frame 101 so as to be opened and closed. The gaming machine 100 also includes an upper plate 103 for storing game balls to be supplied to the launching device, and a lower plate 104 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 103. When the upper plate 103 is filled with a prize ball or a game ball as a rental ball, which is a prize for winning, the game ball is guided to the lower plate 104 through a path for guiding the surplus ball. The gaming machine 100 also includes a hitting operation handle 105 for launching a game ball, and a speaker 106 for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 includes a gaming board 10 in which a gaming area 111 in which gaming balls flow down is defined, and the gaming board 10 is located on the back side of the glass door frame 102. The game board 10 is provided with a game area 111 in which the launched game ball flows down. Then, when the player operates the handle 105, the launching device launches a game ball into the game area 111. The launched game ball enters the game area 111 through a game ball rail formed in a substantially circular shape so as to surround the game area 111. Thereafter, the game balls flow down the game area 111 and come down.

  The game board 10 has a main display section 112 such as a liquid crystal display device provided near the center of the game area 111. The main display unit 112 executes a special effect in the special game state, and displays, for example, a number from 000 to 999 while fluctuating. In addition, the game board 10 has a normal winning port 113 that can be changed between a normal open state and an expanded open state by a solenoid (not shown), and a special winning port 114 provided below the normal winning port 113. Yes. The special prize opening 114 includes an opening / closing plate and can be changed between an open state and a closed state. A plurality of nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 111. Then, the winning percentage can be adjusted by closely arranging the nails around the normal winning opening 113 or arranging the nails so that the game balls are not easily guided to the normal winning opening 113.

  In addition, the game board 10 includes a gate 115 and a general diagram display unit 118 configured to display a normal symbol in a variable manner. The general-purpose display unit 118 is composed of LEDs and the like arranged in a matrix and displays, for example, numbers 0 to 9 in a variable manner. When the game ball passes through the gate 115, a normal symbol winning determination is performed. As a result, when the normal symbol display unit 118 stops displaying a normal symbol indicating winning (for example, a winning symbol such as 8), the normal winning opening 113 is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time. That is, a lottery is performed on the condition that a game ball has passed through the gate 115, and if the result is a win, the general-purpose display unit 118 displays a normal symbol indicating winning. As a result, the normal winning opening 113 is changed to the expanded open state, and the game ball is likely to enter the normal winning opening 113.

  Furthermore, the game board 10 has a special figure display unit 116 configured to display the special symbols in a variable manner. The special figure display part 116 is comprised from the LED etc. which were arranged in the matrix form, for example, stops and displays the number of 00-99 according to the win type. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when a game ball wins the normal winning slot 113, a special symbol winning determination is performed, and the special figure display unit 116 starts changing the displayed number. . Thereafter, when a predetermined fluctuation time elapses, the special symbol display unit 116 stops the numerical fluctuation and stops and displays the final symbol.

  At this time, when the special symbol display unit 116 stops and displays a special symbol indicating winning (for example, a big winning symbol such as 88), the special winning opening 114 is opened a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time by a solenoid (not shown). That is, a lottery is performed on the condition that a game ball is won in the normal winning slot 113, and if the lottery result is a win, the special figure display unit 116 displays a special symbol indicating the winning. Then, the gaming machine 100 determines that the special condition is satisfied, and shifts to a special gaming state (for example, a state where a big hit has occurred). As a result, the special prize opening 114 is released, and the game ball can easily enter the special prize opening 114. At the same time, the main display unit 112 and the speaker 106 execute a special effect for notifying the winner.

  The game board 10 also has an out port 117 into which a game ball that has not won a prize is taken in, and a decorative lamp 107 that blinks during the game. In addition, the game board 10 is provided with a hold display unit 119a for displaying the number of times the display variation by the special figure display unit 116 is held. Specifically, the main display unit 112 has an area corresponding to the hold display unit 119a. Then, when the special figure display unit 116 is changing the display, when the normal winning slot 113 is won, etc., the hold display unit 119a is lit up for holding storage. Note that the game board 10 further includes another hold display unit 119b in order to display the number of times that the display change by the general map display unit 118 is held.

  Further, on the back side of the game board 10, a control unit of the gaming machine 100, a payout unit that guides the game balls to the upper plate 103 or the lower plate 104 and counts the winning balls and the rental balls, and a game supplied to the payout unit A storage tank or the like for storing the sphere is provided. The control unit includes a CPU, a memory unit serving as a storage unit that stores a control program, and a RAM that temporarily stores control data and the like. Then, the CPU controls the entire gaming machine 100 based on a program stored in the memory unit, and comprehensively controls various processes such as winning determination. The control unit also controls the transfer device 20 described later.

[First Embodiment]
The gaming machine 100 includes a transfer device 20 that functions as a storage accessory below the main display unit 112. The transfer device 20 is attached to the game board 10 and stores a game ball that enters the transfer device 20 while being transferred. The transport device 20 is arranged so as to project toward the player side. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the mechanical operation and the like of the transfer device 20 through the transparent glass door. Further, the player can visually recognize the state of the game ball that is transported so as to roll in the transport device 20.

  The transfer device 20 has a throwing mechanism 121 that functions as a guide path for game balls. The input mechanism 121 communicates with the inside of the transport device 20. Then, the game balls flowing down the game area 111 are guided into the transfer device 20 along the input mechanism 121 when they enter the input mechanism 121. Then, the transport device 20 stores the game balls thrown from the throwing mechanism 121 while rolling. Further, the transport device 20 includes an opening / closing member 122 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown).

  The opening / closing member 122 is located immediately above the normal winning opening 113, and is opened when the special figure display unit 116 displays a special symbol indicating winning. When the opening / closing member 122 is opened, the stored game balls are discharged from the discharge unit of the transport device 20, and flow down directly as they are, and win the normal winning opening 113 with a higher probability than usual. Note that the gaming machine 100 may cause the transport device 20 to perform a predetermined operation when a predetermined condition is met. As an example, the transfer device 20 does not open the opening / closing member 122 when the number of stored game balls does not reach a predetermined number (for example, eight). Alternatively, the transfer device 20 opens the opening / closing member 122 when the number of stored game balls reaches a predetermined number.

  Further, when a special condition is satisfied, the gaming machine 100 may cause the transport device 20 to change the transport direction or transport speed of the stored game balls as a special effect. As an example, the transfer device 20 changes the transfer direction or the transfer speed according to the number of game balls. Or the conveying apparatus 20 makes conveyance speed faster than a normal state, when it becomes what is called a probability change state. Thereby, the player can enjoy how to infer from the transport speed of the game ball that the player is in a probable variation state. The transport device 20 closes the opening / closing member 122 when all the game balls are discharged.

  Further, as another example of the special effect, the transfer device 20 may be used when the number of stored game balls exceeds a predetermined number, or when the special figure display unit 116 displays a lottery result advantageous to the player. Alternatively, the game ball transport direction may be reversed. Thereby, a player's attention can be attracted to the conveyance apparatus 20 as a stored object, and improvement of game willingness can be aimed at. Further, the transfer device 20 may increase or decrease the transfer speed of the game ball while reversing the transfer direction or reversing the transfer direction.

  Next, the transport device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device 20 as viewed from above, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device 20 with the upper wall 125 and the inner wall 124 omitted, and FIG. 4 is IV-IV in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the conveying apparatus 20 cut along the line. 3 and 4 also show a game ball for convenience of explanation.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transport device 20 includes a piezoelectric motor 30 having a stator 132 and a piezoelectric element 134 (described later). Further, the conveying device 20 is opposed to each other across the conveying surface of the stator 132 as an abutting wall (described later) provided along the stator 132 so as to abut on a conveyed object conveyed on the stator 132. An outer wall 123 (first wall) and an inner wall 124 (second wall) are provided. Furthermore, the transport device 20 includes a discharge unit 131 that discharges the transported material on the stator 132 to the outside. The discharge portion 131 is an opening formed at a position corresponding to a corner portion of the outer wall 123, and is provided on a surface different from the surface on which the game ball entrance 128 is provided.

  An opening / closing member 122 having a substantially L-shaped outer shape is attached to the discharge portion 131. The opening / closing member 122 can be opened outward with the hinge portion as a center, and is opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown). When the opening / closing member 122 opens the discharge unit 131, the transport device 20 communicates with the outside. As a result, the game ball being transported in the transport device 20 is discharged to the outside via the discharge unit 131. In addition, the opening / closing member 122 forms a corner of the outer wall 123 in the closed state.

  In addition, the transport device 20 is provided with an upper wall 125 as a restriction wall (described later) that faces the stator 132 and restricts the upward movement of the conveyed product. Furthermore, the conveying apparatus 20 includes a bottom wall 126 to which the piezoelectric motor 30, the outer wall 123, and the inner wall 124 are fixed by screws (not shown) or the like. The upper wall 125 is formed integrally with the outer wall 123 and is fixed to the bottom wall 126 together with the outer wall 123. Note that the upper wall 125 and the outer wall 123 may be formed separately and the two may be fixed to each other.

  The outer wall 123, the upper wall 125, and the bottom wall 126 constitute a case of the piezoelectric motor 30. Moreover, the upper wall 125, the outer wall 123, and the inner wall 124 are formed of a transparent material, for example, a polycarbonate resin. The bottom wall 126 is formed of a metal material such as iron or steel. Further, the outer shape of the upper wall 125 is substantially a five-stroke shape, and a circular opening 127 is formed in the central portion for improving the visibility of the game ball. The outer shape of the bottom wall 126 is substantially square. The outer shape of the top wall 125 and the bottom wall 126 may be other shapes such as a circle or a hexagon.

  The outer wall 123 stands up between the upper wall 125 and the bottom wall 126 except for the entrance 128 of the game ball. Further, the inner wall 124 is erected from the bottom wall 126 at a position corresponding to the central portion of the piezoelectric motor 30. Further, the inner wall 124 has a substantially cylindrical shape having an outer surface that comes into contact with a game ball as a transported object and a bottom. A space is provided inside the inner wall 124. Thereby, the decoration or device of an accessory etc. can be arrange | positioned in the said space, and a player's attention can be collected on an accessory.

  In addition, an inlet 128 is provided in a part of the outer wall 123 as an opening that exposes the stator 132 to the outside. The entrance 128 communicates with the throwing mechanism 121 described above, and a game ball is thrown through the entrance 128. The inlet 128 is provided at a position corresponding to the center of one surface of the outer wall 123 and has a substantially rectangular shape.

  The lower surface of the upper wall 125 faces the end of the elastic body 135. The upper wall 125 extends along the extending direction (conveying direction) of the elastic body 135 of the stator 132. Thereby, there is an effect that the game ball to be transported easily comes into contact with the upper wall 125. Further, the inner surface of the outer wall 123 and the outer surface of the inner wall 124 have a shape extending along the conveying direction, that is, a cylindrical shape. Thereby, there is an effect that the transported game ball can easily come into contact with the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124.

  The elastic body 135 is configured to have a plurality of comb teeth, and a gap is provided between the outer peripheral end of the elastic body 135 and the bottom wall 126. A rectangular groove extending radially from the center of the elastic body 135 toward the outer periphery of the elastic body 135 is formed between the comb teeth. The elastic body 135 is formed of a metal such as iron, steel, duralumin, a copper alloy, or a titanium alloy, for example. In addition, a piezoelectric element 134 to be described later is bonded to the elastic body 135.

  Subsequently, the transport of the game ball 133 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing the internal structure of the transport device 20. In FIG. 3, the upper wall 125 and the inner wall 124 are not shown. FIG. 3 shows the transport device 20 in a state where the opening / closing member 122 is closed.

  The transport device 20 includes a loading mechanism 121 that loads a game ball 133 as a transported object onto the stator 132. The charging mechanism 121 communicates with the inlet 128 and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. The throwing mechanism 121 is bent substantially in an L shape and is held on the outer wall 123 in a posture inclined with respect to the inlet 128. Therefore, the game ball 133 that has entered the throwing mechanism 121 is moved along the throwing mechanism 121 by gravity and guided along the traveling direction A indicated by the arrow. The throwing mechanism 121 is not limited to the structure in which the game ball 133 is thrown in by gravity, and the game ball 133 may be thrown in by a belt conveyor or other driving means. The input mechanism 121 can be formed of a transparent resin, for example, a polycarbonate resin.

  A sensor 50 that detects the game ball 133 is disposed at one end of the input mechanism 121. When the sensor 50 detects the game ball 133 that has entered the insertion mechanism 121, the sensor 50 transmits a detection signal to the control unit of the gaming machine 100. Then, the entered game ball 133 is thrown into the transport device 20 from the other end of the throwing mechanism 121 and moves onto the elastic body 135 of the piezoelectric motor 30. In addition, the inserted game ball 133 moves until it abuts against the inner wall 124 by inertial force. On the other hand, the control unit that has received the detection signal from the sensor 50 causes the transport device 20 to start transporting the game ball 133. Thereby, the game ball 133 is transported so as to roll on the elastic body 135 in the transport direction B indicated by the arrow.

  The transport device 20 continues to transport the game ball 133 until a predetermined condition is satisfied. At this time, the game ball 133 is transported in a state of being in contact with the inner surface of the outer wall 123 by centrifugal force. In addition, the entrance 128 is provided with a protruding portion 129 for preventing the game ball 133 from flowing back to the insertion mechanism 121. And the protrusion part 129 protrudes toward the conveyance surface side from the inner surface of the outer wall 123. This prevents the protrusion 129 from guiding the game ball 133 toward the elastic body 135 and backflowing to the input mechanism 121. The protruding portion 129 is provided at a position that does not hinder the entry of the game ball 133 inserted from the entrance 128.

  When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the transfer device 20 opens the opening / closing member 122 and discharges the stored game ball 133 toward the normal winning opening 113. The predetermined conditions include, for example, that the number of game balls 133 in the transport device 20 exceeds a predetermined number, and that the special figure display unit 116 displays a lottery result advantageous to the player. Thereafter, the transfer device 20 waits until a new game ball 133 enters the input mechanism 121.

  Next, the piezoelectric motor 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state where the opening / closing member 122 is opened. Therefore, the outer wall 123 corresponding to the opening / closing member 122 is not shown on the right side in the drawing. However, in the state where the opening / closing member 122 is closed, the outer wall 123 exists as in the left side in the figure.

  The piezoelectric motor 30 according to the first embodiment includes a substantially ring-shaped stator 132 including a piezoelectric element 134 such as a piezoelectric vibrator and an elastic body 135. The piezoelectric element 134 is bonded to the lower surface of the elastic body 135, that is, the surface on the bottom wall 126 side. In addition, a flexible substrate (not shown) is electrically connected to the stator 132. Note that a sliding material can be bonded onto the elastic body 135.

  A high frequency voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 134 via a flexible substrate. Then, due to the expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element 134, a flexural vibration traveling in the circumferential direction is generated in the elastic body 135. Then, a traveling wave is generated on the transport surface 138 that is the upper surface of the end portion in the outer circumferential direction of the elastic body 135. This conveyance surface 138 is in contact with the game ball 133 only at each vertex of the traveling wave, and each vertex moves elliptically. The trajectory of the elliptical motion is opposite to the traveling wave traveling direction. Therefore, the game ball 133 affected by the influence is transported in the transport direction B opposite to the traveling wave.

  Here, a problem when the game ball 133 is transported will be described with reference to FIG. The rotor of a normal piezoelectric motor is pressed so as to be in close contact with the elastic body of the stator. For this reason, the rotor is transported in the transport direction opposite to the traveling wave by the frictional force acting between the rotor and the stator. In the first embodiment, the game ball 133a on the stator 132 corresponds to the rotor.

  However, the game ball 133a is not pressed against the elastic body 135, and is merely on the elastic body 135 of the stator 132. And since the game ball 133a is comparatively small and lightweight, the frictional force which acts between the game ball 133a and the elastic body 135 is also small. Therefore, when an upward force C indicated by an arrow is applied to the game ball 133a due to the deflection of the elastic body 135, the game ball 133a stays in place and moves up and down. As a result, there is a problem that the game ball 133a does not move in the transport direction B.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the transport device 20 of the first embodiment includes an outer wall 123 and an inner wall 124 as contact walls. The inner surface of the outer wall 123 is substantially parallel to the outer peripheral surface 136 of the elastic body 135 of the stator 132, and the outer surface of the inner wall 124 is substantially parallel to the inner peripheral surface 137 of the substantially ring-shaped end of the elastic body 135. Further, the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 extend in a direction intersecting the transport surface 138. In other words, the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 extend upward from the bottom wall 126 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the upper surface of the end portion of the elastic body 135. Then, the game ball 133 conveyed on the stator 132 comes into contact with the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124.

  As a result, even if an upward force C is applied to the game ball 133 in contact with the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124 due to the deflection of the elastic body 135, it acts between the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124 and the game ball 133. A force is applied in a direction opposite to the upward force C by the frictional force. As a result, the game ball 133 is pressed so as to be in close contact with the elastic body 135. Therefore, the game ball 133 is transported in the transport direction B by the frictional force acting between the game ball 133 and the elastic body 135.

  Here, the gap between the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 is set to be larger than the diameter of the game ball 133 that is a conveyed product. However, the game ball 133 thrown from the throwing mechanism 121 moves until it comes into contact with the inner wall 124 by inertial force. Thereafter, the game ball 133 is transported in a state of being in contact with the outer wall 123 by centrifugal force. Further, even when the transport device 20 is arranged to be inclined in the direction of gravity, the game ball 133 abuts against the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124 because gravity acts toward the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124 on the game ball 133. Therefore, in any case, the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 function as contact walls.

  When the throwing mechanism 121 is not used, the game ball 133 is arranged in advance so as to contact the outer wall 123 or the inner wall 124. Further, the width of the gap can be set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the conveyed product, that is, the length twice the diameter of the game ball 133. In other words, in the gap, the length of the gap can be set so that two conveyed objects are not arranged in the width direction.

  Further, the transport device 20 includes an upper wall 125 as a restriction wall. The upper wall 125 faces the elastic body 135 of the stator 132, and the lower surface of the upper wall 125 extends substantially parallel to the transport surface 138. Here, when an upward force C is applied to the game ball 133, the game ball 133 moves upward to a position indicated by a dotted line. However, the upward movement of the game ball 133 is restricted by the upper wall 125, and a downward reaction force D is applied to the game ball 133. As a result, the game ball 133 is pressed so as to be in close contact with the elastic body 135. Thereby, the game ball 133 is transported in the transport direction by the frictional force acting between the game ball 133 and the stator 132.

  The upper wall 125 only needs to face at least a part of the conveyance surface 138 in the width direction. For example, in FIG. 4, at least a part of the conveyance surface 138 in the width direction is not covered with the upper wall 125 and is exposed to the outside. However, the upper wall 125 may be provided so as to cover the entire conveyance surface 138. Further, the gap between the upper wall 125 and the elastic body 135 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball 133 that is a conveyed product. However, the gap between the upper wall 125 and the elastic body 135 may be set to approximately the same size as the diameter of the game ball 133.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if a piezoelectric motor is used for the transport device 20, the transported object can be transported reliably. In particular, it is possible to reliably transport a relatively light transport object. Furthermore, by using a piezoelectric motor, fluctuations in power consumption can be suppressed even if the number of conveyed items, that is, game balls 133 increases. In addition, according to the gaming machine 100 having the storage combination composed of the transfer device 20, it is possible to improve the game motivation by collecting the player's attention on the storage combination. In particular, by reversing the transport direction, the player's attention can be gathered in the storage combination.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 extend so as to be substantially orthogonal to the conveying surface 138 of the stator 132. However, the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 may be in contact with the game ball 133. Therefore, the outer wall 123 and the inner wall 124 may extend so as to be inclined or curved with respect to the transport surface 138.

  Moreover, the upper wall 125 of the conveying apparatus 20 can be omitted. For example, in FIG. 3, the game ball 133 thrown from the throwing mechanism 121 comes into contact with the outer surface of the inner wall 124 facing the inlet 128 by inertial force. Then, the game ball 133 being conveyed contacts the inner surface of the outer wall 123 by centrifugal force. Further, when the transfer device 20 is disposed at an angle, the game ball 133 abuts either the inner wall 124 or the outer wall 123 even if the throwing mechanism 121 is not provided. Therefore, even if the transport device 20 does not include the upper wall 125, the game ball 133 can be transported. However, it is more preferable to provide the upper wall 125 because the game ball 133 may be stationary on the elastic body 135 without being in contact with the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 123.

  Further, the upper wall 125 may be provided only in a part of the stator 132 in the circumferential direction. For example, the game ball 133 after the start of conveyance contacts the outer wall 123 by centrifugal force. Therefore, the upper wall 125 may be provided only at the transfer start position of the game ball 133. Here, when the transfer start position is specified near the entrance 128, the upper wall 125 may be provided only near the entrance 128.

  Further, the inner wall 124 of the transfer device 20 can be omitted. For example, the throwing mechanism 121 can guide the game ball 133 onto the stator 132 so that the thrown game ball 133 abuts against the outer wall 123 by inertial force. In this case, the game ball 133 after being thrown in and the game ball 133 being conveyed are brought into contact with the inner surface of the outer wall 123 by centrifugal force. Therefore, even if the transport device 20 does not include the inner wall 124, the game ball 133 can be transported. Further, in this case, the game ball 133 can be transported even if the transport device 20 does not include the upper wall 125.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a transport device 220 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 which is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the components described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Except where specifically described, the constituent elements having the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and the effects thereof are also substantially the same.

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the opening / closing member 122 is opened. Therefore, the outer wall 223 corresponding to the opening / closing member 122 is not shown on the right side in the drawing. However, in the state where the opening / closing member 122 is closed, the outer wall 223 exists as in the left side in the figure.

  The transfer device 220 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the inner wall 124 is not provided. Instead, the upper wall 225 of the transfer device 220 has a guide groove for guiding the transfer object. That is, the lower surface of the upper wall 225 serving as a restriction wall is curved along the outer shape of the game ball 133 that is a conveyed product. The upper wall 225 is formed integrally with the outer wall 223, and the lower surface of the upper wall 225 is continuous with the inner surface of the outer wall 223. Further, the inner end 224 of the upper wall 225 on the center side of the conveying device 220 extends in a direction intersecting the elastic body 135 of the stator 132. In other words, the inner end portion 224 hangs downward, that is, toward the bottom wall 126 side.

  The lower surface of the upper wall 225 functions as a guide groove, and the game ball 133 abuts at least one of the outer wall 223 and the inner end 224. The outer wall 223 and the inner end 224 function as a contact wall for the game ball 133. Therefore, even if an upward force is applied to the game ball 133, a force is applied in a direction opposite to the upward force due to the frictional force acting between the outer wall 223 or the inner end 224 and the game ball 133. As a result, the game ball 133 is pressed so as to be in close contact with the elastic body 135. As a result, the game ball 133 is transported in the transport direction by the frictional force acting between the game ball 133 and the elastic body 135. The upper wall 225 also functions as a restriction wall that faces the elastic body 135 of the stator 132.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if a piezoelectric motor is used for the transport device 220, the transported object can be transported reliably. Furthermore, fluctuations in power consumption can be suppressed even if the number of conveyed objects increases. In addition, according to the gaming machine having the storage combination made up of the transfer device 220, it is possible to improve the game motivation by collecting the player's attention on the storage combination. Furthermore, according to the transfer device 220 according to the second embodiment, the inner wall 124 can be omitted, and a wider internal space can be secured in the central portion of the transfer device 220. As a result, it is possible to collect a player's attention on the object by placing a large decoration or device in the space.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a transport device 320 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 which is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. In the description of the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be described, and descriptions of the components described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Except where specifically described, the constituent elements having the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and the effects thereof are also substantially the same.

  FIG. 6 shows a state where the opening / closing member 122 is opened. Therefore, the outer wall 323 corresponding to the opening / closing member 122 is not shown on the right side in the drawing. However, in the state where the opening / closing member 122 is closed, the outer wall 323 is present as in the left side in the figure.

  The transfer device 320 of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the upper wall 125 is not provided. Instead, the conveying device 320 includes an outer wall 323 having a curved surface protruding toward the conveying surface 138 side of the stator 132 and an inner wall 324 having a curved surface protruding toward the conveying surface 138 side. . Further, the curved surfaces of the inner wall 324 and the outer wall 323 are always in point contact with the game ball 133 being transferred.

  Therefore, even if an upward force is applied to the game ball 133, a force is applied in a direction opposite to the upward force due to the frictional force acting between the outer wall 323 and the inner wall 324 and the game ball 133. As a result, the game ball 133 is pressed against the elastic body 135 so that it can be transported even if the upper wall 125 is omitted. Note that the curved surface may be provided only on one of the outer surface of the outer wall 323 and the inner surface of the inner wall 324.

  As mentioned above, according to the conveying apparatus 320 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, even if it is a case where a piezoelectric motor is used, a conveyed product can be conveyed reliably. Furthermore, fluctuations in power consumption can be suppressed even if the number of conveyed objects increases. In addition, according to the gaming machine having the storage combination consisting of the transfer device 320, it is possible to improve the game motivation by collecting the player's attention on the storage combination. Furthermore, according to the transfer apparatus 320 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, the upper wall 125 is abbreviate | omitted, the visibility of the game ball 133 can be improved, and a player's attention can be gathered to an accessory.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Subsequently, a transport device 420 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 showing the transport device 420 viewed from above. In the description of the fourth embodiment, differences from the first to third embodiments will be described, and description of the components described in the first to third embodiments will be omitted. Except where specifically described, the constituent elements having the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and the effects thereof are also substantially the same.

  The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the transfer device 420 is configured in a straight line. Therefore, the conveying device 420 includes a piezoelectric motor 430 configured linearly and a stator 432 extending linearly to convey the conveyed product. The elastic body 435 of the stator 432 is configured to have a plurality of comb teeth, and a gap is provided between the outer edge of the elastic body 435 and the bottom wall 426. A rectangular groove extending toward the outer edge of the elastic body 435 is formed between the comb teeth.

  The conveying device 420 includes an outer wall 423 as an abutting wall provided along the stator 432 and a bottom wall 426 to which the piezoelectric motor 430 is attached so as to abut on a conveyed object conveyed on the stator 432. It has. The outer wall 423 and the bottom wall 426 are integrally formed, and the outer wall 423 extends from the bottom wall 426 in a direction intersecting the elastic body 435 of the stator 432. The outer surface of the outer wall 423 and the bottom surface of the bottom wall 426 are both substantially rectangular, and the outer wall 423 and the bottom wall 426 are integrated to form a substantially L shape.

  Further, the transport device 420 includes a pair of support columns 460 as a support member that supports the stator 432 of the piezoelectric motor 430 in an inclined state. The support column 460 supports the stator 432 via the bottom wall 426 so that the stator 432 is inclined with respect to the placement surface S by an angle E (for example, 30 degrees). Moreover, the conveyed product is a relatively lightweight can 433 having a cylindrical shape, for example, an aluminum can having a mass of 15 g. And the can 433 conveyed on the elastic body 435 is close to the outer wall 423 side by gravity, and the outer wall 423 contacts the end surface of the can 433 being conveyed.

  As a result, even if an upward force is applied to the can 433 in contact with the outer wall 423 due to the deflection of the elastic body 435, the upward force is opposite due to the frictional force acting between the outer wall 423 and the can 433. A force is applied to the can 433 in the direction of. As a result, the can 433 is pressed so as to be in close contact with the elastic body 435. Therefore, the can 433 is transported in the transport direction F by the frictional force acting between the can 433 and the elastic body 435.

  A sensor 450 that detects the can 433 is disposed at one end of the transport device 420. When the sensor 450 detects the can 433 that has entered the transfer device 420, the sensor 450 transmits a detection signal to a control unit (not shown) of the transfer device 420. Then, the control unit that has received the detection signal from the sensor 450 causes the transport device 420 to start transporting the can 433. Thereby, the can 433 is conveyed so that it may roll on the elastic body 435 in the conveyance direction F shown by the arrow.

  In addition, a discharge unit 431 is provided at the other end of the transfer device 420. When the can 433 is transported to the other end of the transport device 420, the can 433 falls from the discharge unit 431 and is discharged to the transport destination. For example, as a transfer destination of the can 433, there is a processing device for the can 433 and the like. Thereafter, the transfer device 420 waits until a new can 433 enters the transfer device 420.

  As mentioned above, according to the conveying apparatus 420 which concerns on 4th Embodiment, even if it is a case where a piezoelectric motor is used, a conveyed product can be conveyed reliably. Moreover, fluctuations in power consumption can be suppressed even if the number of conveyed objects increases. Furthermore, according to the conveying apparatus 420 which concerns on 4th Embodiment, a conveyed product can be conveyed in a linear direction.

  In addition, you may use a supporting wall or a hanging metal fitting instead of a support | pillar as a supporting member. Further, if the can 433 comes into contact with the outer wall 423, the stator 432 of the piezoelectric motor 430 may not be inclined. For example, an inner wall having a curved surface that allows the can 433 to come into contact with the outer wall 423 may be provided, and the stator 432 may be disposed in parallel to the placement surface S. Further, the transport device 420 can transport the game ball 133. For example, using the transport device 420 as the input mechanism 121 of the first embodiment, the game ball 133 may be input to the storage accessory (the other transport device 20).

  The present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Inventions modified within the scope not departing from the present invention and inventions equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each embodiment and each modification can be combined suitably in the range which is not contrary to this invention.

  For example, in the transfer device according to the present invention, the inner wall and the outer surface of the inner wall may have other shapes. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the transfer device 20 is tilted so that the inlet 128 side of the outer wall 123 is positioned on the upper side, the inner surface of the outer wall 123 positioned on the upper side in the direction of gravity and the inner wall 124 positioned on the lower side. The game ball 133 does not come into contact with the outer surface. In other words, since it is affected by gravity, the game ball 133 to be transported contacts the inner surface of the outer wall 123 provided with the inlet 128 and the outer surface of the inner wall 124 opposite to the surface facing the inlet 128. do not do. Therefore, the surface on which such a game ball 133 does not contact may be formed in a flat shape. For example, in FIG. 2, the lower half surface of the inner wall 124 may be a flat surface, and the inner wall 124 may be configured to have a substantially D-shaped outer shape. Moreover, in FIG. 2, the upper half surface of the outer wall 123 can be configured as a plane, and the outer wall 123 can be configured to have a substantially U-shaped inner surface.

  The transport device according to the present invention can also be used as a supply device that supplies a game ball to a game ball launching device. In this case, the transport device transports the game ball onto the launch rail of the launch device provided in the gaming machine.

  Further, the transport device according to the present invention can transport a transported object other than a sphere and a cylinder, for example, a transported object having various shapes such as a column, a cone, a truncated cone, a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, or an asymmetric shape. it can. Furthermore, the transport device can transport various types of transported objects other than game balls and cans, such as coins, ping-pong balls, confectionery, fruits, packaging containers, or bottles.

  Furthermore, the piezoelectric motor can be formed using a non-magnetic material. Specifically, the elastic body can be made of phosphor bronze, the screws for fixing each wall can be made of brass, and the bottom wall can be made of aluminum. This prevents the piezoelectric motor from being affected by the magnetic force even when the magnet is used in the storage combination, for example, when the magnet is used as the input mechanism 121 for inputting the game ball into the storage combination. it can.

  Further, in the transfer device according to the present invention, the inner wall and the upper wall may be integrally configured instead of the outer wall. Further, all of the outer wall, the inner wall, and the upper wall may be integrally formed. Further, the outer wall or the inner wall may be inclined or curved so as to protrude on the conveying surface of the stator, and in this case, the upper wall can be omitted.

10: Game board, 20: Transfer device, 30: Piezoelectric motor, 122: Opening / closing member, 123: Abutting wall, 124: Abutting wall, 128: Opening part, 111: Game area, 121: Loading mechanism, 131: Ejecting Part, 132: stator, 133: transported object, 138: transport surface, 220: transport device, 225: restriction wall, 320: transport device, 420: transport device, 460: support member

Claims (12)

A piezoelectric motor having a stator and a piezoelectric element;
An abutting wall provided along the stator so as to abut on a conveyed object conveyed on the stator;
A conveying apparatus comprising: a discharging unit that discharges the conveyed object to the outside.   The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a regulating wall that faces the stator and regulates upward movement of the conveyed product.   The transport apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the regulation wall includes a guide groove that guides the transported object.   The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an opening is provided in a part of the contact wall.   The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein an opening / closing member is attached to the discharge portion.   The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the abutting wall has a curved surface projecting toward the conveying surface side of the stator.   7. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the abutting wall includes a first wall and a second wall facing each other across a transport surface of the stator.   The conveying apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 7 provided with the injection | throwing-in mechanism which throws in the said conveyed product on the said stator. The stator extends linearly,
The transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is provided at an end of the transport apparatus.   The conveying apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 9 provided with the supporting member which supports the said piezoelectric motor in the inclined state. A game board in which a game area where game balls flow down is defined;
A piezoelectric motor having a stator and a piezoelectric element, an abutting wall provided along the stator so as to abut on a conveyed object conveyed on the stator, and a discharge unit for discharging the conveyed object to the outside And a conveying device having
The transport device is attached to the game board, and stores the game ball entering the transport device while transporting it. The abutting wall has an outer surface that abuts on the conveyed product,
The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein a space is provided inside the abutting wall.

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