JP4365805B2 - Game ball distribution mechanism - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball distribution mechanism in a gaming machine, and more particularly to a game ball distribution mechanism in which a ball discharge hole is provided on each of the peripheral wall surfaces of an inner cylindrical body and an outer cylindrical body.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine is known in which the right or wrong of a distribution destination of game balls supplied to a winning device called a so-called prize is used as a game point. More specifically, such a gaming machine distributes a game ball that has passed a predetermined winning opening to any one of a plurality of passages by a distribution mechanism, and when the game ball has passed through a specific passage, A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, a specific game is started, or a change in the game image on the display unit provided on the game board surface is started.

  As such a distribution mechanism, there are a mechanism that uses the shape of the structure for performing the distribution, a mechanism that uses a magnet, a mechanism that uses an electric drive means such as a motor, or a combination of these. In recent years, in order to electrically control the distribution destination of game balls, a distribution mechanism using a lot of electric drive means has been mainly developed.

  For example, as a combination of an electric drive means such as a motor and a structure, a distribution mechanism using a rotating disk is known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The distribution mechanism described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating disk body, an introduction portion that guides a game ball toward the rotating disk body, and a rotating mechanism that rotates the rotating disk body. The rotating disk body includes a plurality of first sphere discharge holes provided in a row along a circumferential direction, a second sphere discharge hole provided at a rotation center, and an edge extending in a radial direction. And a single guide groove for guiding the game ball toward the second ball discharge hole. Also, first and second passages corresponding to the first and second ball discharge holes are provided. The distribution mechanism rotates the rotating disk body by the rotation driving unit, and guides the game balls supplied toward the rotating disk body to the first or second ball discharge hole. That is, the distribution mechanism distributes the first or second passage using a rotating disk body.

  The distribution mechanism described in Patent Document 2 is a rotating disk body in which a rotation axis is arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction, a guide frame that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating disk body, and the rotating disk body is rotated in one direction. Including a motor. The guide frame has a ball introduction path above the rotating disk body, a ball dropping path below the rotating disk body, and first and second ball outflow paths at the outer left and right positions of the lower portion of the rotating disk body. I have. The rotating disc body includes a vertical concave portion carved along the radial direction from the edge portion, a first bent concave portion that is bent after being directed in the radial direction from the edge portion, and is formed in a “<” shape. And a second bent recess that is folded back after being radially directed from the edge and formed in a “J” shape. The rotary disc body can accommodate the game ball that has passed through the ball guide path in either the vertical recess or the first or second bent recess by a rotational motion by a motor. The game ball once accommodated is guided to the ball dropping path and the first and second ball outflow paths in accordance with the shape of the accommodated recess. That is, the game ball accommodated in the vertical recess is led to the first ball outflow path, and the game ball accommodated in the first bent recess is guided to the ball drop path and stored in the second bent recess. The sphere is led to the second sphere outflow path.

Further, as a distribution mechanism combining an electric drive means and a magnet, a mechanism using a cylindrical induction rotating body having a permanent magnet and an electromagnet provided in a predetermined pattern on a cylindrical surface is known (Patent Document 3). reference). The distribution mechanism performs distribution by adsorbing the game balls supplied to the front surface of the induction rotating body with a magnetic force. In other words, the guiding rotating body of the distribution mechanism attracts the game ball supplied toward the cylindrical surface by the magnetic force of the magnet provided on the cylindrical surface and conveys the attracted game ball in the rotation direction. Further, the game balls are guided to a plurality of passages arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction to perform distribution. A flow path changing member that changes the flow path of the game ball to an arbitrary angle is disposed on the front side of the induction rotating body.
JP-A-10-76054 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-138582 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-38756

  The distribution mechanisms described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured to distribute game balls according to the shape of the rotating disk body. As a result, an operator who operates a gaming machine equipped with such a distribution mechanism can determine the final distribution destination according to the position of the game ball in the rotating disc body before the game ball passes through each distribution path. There is a problem that it can be predicted.

  That is, before the game ball passes through the final distribution destination path, the distribution result is predicted by the operator, and the position of the game ball on the rotating disk body provides a disadvantageous result for the player. If the operator predicts this, the player's interest in the game ball distribution destination will be lost at an early stage before the final result is obtained. As a result, the attractiveness to gaming machines has been reduced.

  Although the distribution mechanism described in Patent Document 3 does not use the shape of the induction rotating body itself, the position of the magnet of the rotary derivative is determined corresponding to the plurality of paths of the distribution destination, so that the game is performed for each magnet. The destination of the ball is almost decided. In other words, the result of the distribution is almost determined according to the position where the rotating derivative and the game ball are in contact with each other. As a result, the distribution result is predicted by the player depending on the position where the game ball is supplied to the induction rotating body.

  In addition, if the contact position is set to a predetermined position, the obtained result is not changed. Such a situation occurs not only when a player supplies a game ball aiming at a predetermined contact position, but also when a large amount of game balls are supplied to the induction rotating body and the game ball stays in front of the induction rotating body. obtain. If such a situation occurs frequently, the progress of the game may become monotonous.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem as an example, so that it is difficult to predict the distribution result until the game ball passes through the distribution destination passage. An object of the present invention is to provide a game ball distribution mechanism that can change the result of the distribution using its own motion characteristics.

  A game ball distribution mechanism according to the present invention is a distribution mechanism of game balls launched on a game board of a gaming machine, and includes an introduction portion that receives and guides the game ball, and one of the introduction portions communicating with the introduction portion. An inner cylindrical body having an open end surface and having a plurality of first spherical discharge holes on the peripheral wall surface, and an outer side having the inner cylindrical body inserted therein and having at least one second spherical discharge hole on the peripheral wall surface A cylindrical body, a receiving portion communicating with the other opening end surface of the inner cylindrical body, and at least one of the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body is rotated and the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylinder are rotated. A rotary drive unit that determines a relative angular position about the central axis of the cylindrical body, and the second ball discharge hole is allowed to pass through the game ball so as to face at least one of the first ball discharge holes The communication opening can be formed.

Hereinafter, a game ball distribution mechanism according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 that is configured by a vertically long rectangular frame and is firmly fixed to a place where the gaming machine is installed, and one side held by the outer frame 2 and the outer frame 2. And a transparent glass frame 4 and a door frame 5 provided on the front frame 3 so as to be openable and closable.

  The front frame 3 is provided with a game board 6 whose board surface is a game area. Below the front frame 3, an upper plate 7 for temporarily storing bullets to be supplied to the gaming machine (hereinafter also referred to as gaming balls), and a part of the bullets discharged as prize balls from the gaming machine 1 are stored. A lower plate 8, a bullet launching mechanism (not shown) for launching the bullet into the upper part of the game board, and an operation handle 9 for operating the bullet launching mechanism are provided. An electronic control device (not shown) for controlling the gaming machine is provided on the back of the gaming machine. The game board 6 is provided with a large winning opening 10 in the center of the lower part thereof, a nail and a windmill (not shown), a variable symbol display device capable of variably displaying various symbols, a winning opening, etc. Not shown).

  The big winning opening 10 is provided with a shutter 10a, an opening (not shown) through which the game ball can be opened and closed by the shutter 10a, and a shutter driving unit (not shown) for opening and closing the shutter 10a. The shutter 10a distributes whether or not the game ball can pass. The shutter 10a is opened when the game ball passes through a specific winning port (not shown) or according to a lottery result by the game machine. Can be passed. The game balls that have passed through the big prize opening are guided by a game ball distribution mechanism (not shown). Note that the game board 6 is provided with a window portion 6a so that the state of the distribution mechanism can be visually recognized, and an operator of the gaming machine can confirm the distribution destination of the game ball through the window portion 6a. A transparent or translucent member may be fitted into the window 6a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball distribution mechanism 11 can receive and guide a game ball that has been passed through the big prize opening 10 among the game balls that are in communication with the big prize opening 10 and are hit on the game board. It has an introduction part 12. The introduction part 12 has an inclined path 13, and the game ball that has passed through the big prize opening rolls in the inclined path 13 and falls. The inclined path 13 is provided with a bent portion 13a, and the bent portion 13a is folded back so as to substantially reverse the traveling direction of the game ball. The game ball that has passed through the introduction portion is guided to the inner cylindrical body 14. The inner cylindrical body 14 communicates with the introduction portion 12 through one open end surface 14a and has a plurality of first ball discharge holes 14c in the peripheral wall surface 14b. The inner cylindrical body 14 is inserted into the outer cylindrical body 15, and the outer cylindrical body 15 has a second ball discharge hole 15b on its peripheral wall surface 15a. The outer cylindrical body 15 is fitted so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner cylindrical body 14. That is, one of the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 can be rotated around the central axis. The inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 may be fitted to each other so as to be rotatable. Here, the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 are coaxial cylinders arranged so that the central axes extending in the longitudinal direction substantially coincide with each other. The inner cylindrical body 14 constitutes a path through which game balls can pass. Further, the inner cylindrical body 14 is inclined so that the central axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the game ball rolls and falls from one opening end face 14a toward the other opening end face 14d. Yes. The specific configurations and operations of the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 will be described in detail later.

  The inner cylindrical body 14 communicates with the receiving portion 16 through the other opening end face 14d. The receiving unit 16 includes a receiving opening 16a for a game ball that has passed through the inner cylindrical body 14 and a receiving ball passage 16b. The receiving ball passage 16b is provided with a first ball passage detection sensor (not shown). The receiving opening 16a is a specific winning opening, and the gaming machine is a player when the gaming ball passes through the receiving opening 16a, that is, when the first ball passing detection sensor detects the passing of the gaming ball. It shifts to a specific game state (also referred to as a big hit game state) advantageous to the game. Here, the specific game state refers to a state in which the gaming machine gives the player an opportunity to pay out a large amount of prize balls in a short time.

  In the game ball distribution mechanism 11 having the above-described configuration, the game balls discharged from the distribution mechanism 11 through the first and second ball discharge holes 14 c and 15 b are received below the outer cylindrical body 15. A ball discharge unit 17 is provided. The ball discharge section 17 has a ball discharge path 17a for dropping the discharged game balls in the vertical direction, and a second ball passage detection sensor (not shown) is provided in the ball discharge path 17a. The game machine pays out a predetermined number of game balls when the second ball passage detection sensor detects the passage of the game balls.

  Here, at least one of the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 is coupled to a rotation driving unit (not shown) and is rotated by the rotation driving unit. The rotational drive unit determines a relative angular position around the central axis of the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15. The rotation drive unit is connected to an electronic control device (not shown) of the gaming machine, and the drive is controlled by the device. That is, the electronic control unit sends a drive signal to the rotation drive unit, and the rotation drive unit that receives the drive signal rotates at least one of the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15.

  Hereinafter, the rotation drive unit is coupled to both the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15, and both the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 rotate about the same central axis. It will be described as being able to.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the inner cylindrical body 14 is formed of a cylindrical body, and a plurality of first spherical discharge holes arranged along a spiral around the central axis on the peripheral wall surface 14b. 14c is provided. Each of the first ball discharge holes 14c has a size that allows one game ball passing through the inner cylindrical body 14 to be discharged from the inside of the inner cylindrical body 14 to the outside (larger than the diameter of the game ball). And a discharge hole for game balls. The first ball discharge holes 14c are regularly provided at regular intervals, and are arranged to form two parallel spirals.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the outer cylindrical body 15 is formed of a cylindrical body, and a second spherical discharge formed of a longitudinal hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the central axis on the peripheral wall surface 15a. A hole 15b is provided. The 2nd ball discharge hole 15b is provided in the position which can oppose at least 1 1st ball discharge hole 14c of the surrounding wall surface 15a, and has the magnitude | size which a game ball can pass. Here, when the first ball discharge hole 14c is exposed from the second ball discharge hole 15b, the passage inside the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outside of the outer cylindrical body 15 communicate with each other through the both discharge holes. It becomes like this. Then, the second ball discharge hole 15b can be opposed to at least one of the first ball discharge holes 14c to form a communication opening having a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball. In other words, when the second ball discharge hole 15b and at least one of the first ball discharge holes 14c face each other, a communication opening that allows the game ball to pass can be formed.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the second sphere discharge hole 15b is disposed below the outer cylindrical body 15, the first sphere discharge facing the second sphere discharge hole 15b. Among the holes 14c, some of the first ball discharge holes 14c are larger than the diameter of the game ball and form a communication opening that allows the game ball to pass therethrough. Here, the game ball inside the inner cylindrical body 14 falls in the vertical direction through the communication opening formed by the first ball discharge hole 14c disposed on the lower side of the inner cylindrical body 14, It becomes easy to be discharged out of the outer cylindrical body 15. Hereinafter, the arrangement state of the outer cylindrical body 15 (the state in which the second ball discharge hole 15b is arranged on the lower side) is referred to as a low probability form.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the second sphere discharge hole 15b is disposed on the upper side of the outer cylindrical body 15, and the communication opening by the first and second sphere discharge holes 14c, 15b is formed between both cylinders. In a state formed on the upper side, that is, a discharge hole (not shown) disposed on the lower side of the first spherical discharge hole 14 b of the inner cylindrical body 14 is blocked by the peripheral wall surface 15 a of the outer cylindrical body 15. In this state, the game ball can roll from one opening end surface 14a toward the other opening end surface 14d and advance toward the receiving portion. Hereinafter, such an arrangement state of the outer cylindrical body 15 (a state in which the second ball discharge hole 15b is arranged on the upper side) is referred to as a high probability form.

  Next, the operation of the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body as described above and the movement of the game ball will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the game ball passes a specific winning opening on the game board or according to the lottery result by the game machine, the electronic control device 18 of the game machine sends a shutter release signal to the shutter drive device 10b. The shutter drive device 10b opens the shutter 10a for a predetermined time. Further, the electronic control unit 18 supplies a rotation drive signal to the rotation drive unit 19. The rotation drive unit 19 that has received such a rotation drive signal rotates the inner cylindrical body 14 at a constant speed, and positions the outer cylindrical body 15 so that the second ball discharge hole 15b is disposed on the lower side. To do. That is, the rotation driving unit 19 sets the game ball distribution mechanism 11 to a low probability mode.

  The game ball guided to the inclined path 13 of the introducing portion 12 through the opening 10c that appears when the shutter 10b of the special winning opening 10 is opened proceeds toward the inside of the inner cylindrical body 14. When the first ball discharge hole 14c is arranged in the traveling direction of the game ball, the game ball is easily discharged to the outside through the first ball discharge hole 14c and the second ball discharge hole 15b (FIG. Medium, proceed in the direction indicated by the thick solid arrow). However, since the inner cylindrical body 14 is rotating, the first ball in the traveling direction of the game ball depends on the conditions of the ingress speed of the game ball, the ingress timing of the game ball, and the rotational speed of the inner cylindrical body 14. There is a case where the discharge hole 14c is not arranged and reaches the receiving portion 16 in some cases. For example, the game ball can reach the receiving portion 16 by passing the game ball between two spiral regions formed by the first ball discharge hole 14c. Even if the first ball discharge hole 14c is arranged in the traveling direction of the game ball, the opening of the first ball discharge hole 14c may depend on the motion characteristics (speed and traveling direction, etc.) of the game ball. In some cases, you may pass over. Therefore, even in the low probability mode, depending on the motion state of the game ball, it may reach the receiving unit 16 (proceeds in the direction indicated by the thick dashed-dotted arrow in the figure).

  That is, by adopting the configuration as described above, the motion state of the game ball greatly contributes as a determining factor to the final distribution result of the game balls. As a result, even if the distribution mechanism 11 is set to the low probability mode, the game machine operator is expected to be able to reach the receiving unit 16 depending on conditions such as the movement of the game ball. It is possible to increase the interest in the gaming state such as the movement of the game ball.

  During the game, the electronic control unit 18 supplies a new rotation drive signal to the rotation drive unit 19 when a predetermined condition such as a game ball passing through a predetermined prize opening on the game board is satisfied. . As shown in FIG. 7, the rotational drive unit 19 that has received such a signal maintains the inner cylindrical body in a rotated state, and positions the second cylindrical discharge hole 15b so as to be disposed on the upper side of the outer cylindrical body. To do. That is, the rotation driving unit 19 sets the game ball distribution mechanism 11 to a high probability mode. After the high probability form is provided, most of the game balls that travel inside the cylinder of the inner cylindrical body 14 travel toward the receiving portion 16. In other words, even if the first ball discharge hole 14 c is arranged in the traveling direction of the game ball, the first ball discharge hole 14 c is blocked by the peripheral wall surface 15 a of the outer cylindrical body 15. The game ball proceeds toward the receiving unit 16 without being discharged to the outside (moves in the direction indicated by the thick solid arrow in the figure).

  Here, in the above high probability form, as shown in FIG. 8, a recess is formed by the first ball discharge hole 14 c of the inner cylindrical body 14 and the peripheral wall surface 15 a of the outer cylindrical body 15. Depending on the movement characteristics, a part of the game balls B (indicated by dotted lines in the figure) is stored in the recesses. The stored game balls B roll out of the recesses and fall when the recesses move according to the rotation of the inner cylindrical body 14 or when they collide with other game balls.

  However, when the transition from the high-probability form to the low-probability form, that is, when the outer cylindrical body 15 rotates and the second ball discharge hole 15b moves from the upper side to the lower side, The support by the peripheral wall surface 15a of the cylindrical body 15 is lost and falls. That is, even a game ball guided in a high probability form may not be guided to the receiving unit 16 depending on the state of motion and may be discharged to the outside (indicated by a thick one-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 7). Proceed in the direction). That is, even in the high probability form, the motion state of the game ball contributes greatly as a determining factor to the final distribution result of the game balls. As a result, even in a high probability state, the gaming machine operator's interest is paid to the gaming state such as the movement of the gaming ball, so that the gaming state can be enjoyed.

  As described above, in the game ball distribution mechanism 11, the shape of the constituent members does not completely determine the game ball distribution destination, but finally determines the distribution destination according to the motion characteristics of the game ball. ing. In other words, in the game ball distribution mechanism 11 described above, the rate at which the motion characteristics of the game ball itself contribute as a factor for determining the game ball distribution destination is high. Therefore, since the final distribution destination of the game balls is not finally determined completely by the state of the distribution mechanism, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the distribution destination and to prevent the distribution result from becoming monotonous. In addition, it is possible to have the operator pay attention to the movement of the game ball and entertain the unexpectedness of the movement of the game ball in the inner cylindrical body and the distribution result.

  In the above embodiment, although both the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body are described as rotating, it is not limited to this, and only one of the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body is included. It is good also as rotating.

  As a modification, as shown in FIG. 9, the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15 may be disposed horizontally. In other words, the central axis may be arranged horizontally by making the height of one end 14a and the other end 14d equal. Other configurations are almost the same as those in the above-described embodiment. Even in such an arrangement, the game ball distribution destination is finally determined according to the motion characteristics of the game ball introduced into the inner cylindrical body through the introduction portion. If the game ball traveling inside the inner cylindrical body 14 is discharged outside the outer cylindrical body 15 through the communication opening, the arrangement angle between the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body is It is not specifically limited, It can set suitably.

  The outer cylindrical body 15 may be provided with a shielding portion that always shields a part of the first spherical discharge holes 14 c of the inner cylindrical body 14. Such a shielding portion does not expose the corresponding first ball discharge hole 14c to the outside even by the rotation of the outer cylindrical body. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the shielding portion 15c of the outer cylindrical body 15 corresponds to the first ball discharge hole 14c at the position closest to the other end of the inner cylindrical body. It is provided in the vicinity of the end. The shielding portion 15c forms a recess that can receive a game ball when the corresponding first ball discharge hole 14c is arranged on the lower side, and stores the game ball B (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) in the recess. Can do. In this state, even if the outer cylindrical body 15 rotates and the second ball discharge hole 15b is arranged on the lower side, that is, the low probability mode is entered, the game ball B stored in the recess is discharged to the outside. Never happen. Therefore, the storage ball can be guided to the receiving part by the rotation of the inner cylindrical body. As described above, by providing the shielding portion 15c, a game ball that does not depend on the movement of the outer cylindrical body can be provided. That is, the shielding unit 15c acts as a factor that changes the movement of the game ball, and can change the movement of the game ball to make it difficult to predict the distribution destination. A recess (not shown) having a size for receiving at least one game ball may be formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the inner cylindrical body 14. Such a depression has the same function as a recess formed by the above-described shielding portion 15c and the corresponding first ball discharge hole 14c. That is, when the recess is disposed below the inner cylindrical body, the game ball is received and stored in the recess. Therefore, by providing a depression on the inner surface of the inner cylindrical body 14, it is possible to change the movement of the game ball and make it difficult to predict the distribution destination.

  Note that the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body are not limited to the cylindrical body, and may be any shape that fits in a freely rotatable manner. For example, you may use the cylindrical body of various shapes whose cross section becomes an elliptical ring, a rectangular ring, and a polygonal ring. The inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body may be made of a transparent body or a semi-transparent body so that the movement of the game ball can be visually recognized from the outside. In the drawing, the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body are cylindrical bodies having substantially the same inner diameter, but are not limited to this, and a cylindrical body whose inner diameter changes along the longitudinal direction may be used. . By changing the inner diameter, the movement of the game ball passing through the cylinder can be changed.

  Further, it is preferable that the second sphere discharge hole can face at least two of the first sphere discharge holes. This is because the distribution result can be changed by increasing the points at which game balls can fall. Furthermore, the first and second ball discharge holes are not limited to a circle as long as each can pass a game ball, and may have various shapes such as a rectangle, a polygon, and a star.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the second ball discharge hole 15b is a longitudinal hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the central axis of the outer cylindrical body 15, the longitudinal hole is in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The hole width may be changed in the longitudinal direction. The outer cylindrical body 15 having such a long hole changes the probability of discharging the game ball from the inner cylindrical body 14 to the outside of the outer cylindrical body 15 in the longitudinal direction of the outer cylindrical body 15. be able to. That is, since the range in which the inner cylindrical body 14 is exposed to the outside is different in the longitudinal direction, the probability that a passing opening that allows the game ball to be discharged out of the outer cylindrical body 15 is formed in the longitudinal direction is different. It can be tightened.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when two or more second ball discharge holes 15 b are provided in the outer cylindrical body 15, the second ball discharge holes 15 b around the central axis of the outer cylindrical body 15. The hole width may be different. Providing a plurality of second ball discharge holes 15 b can change the probability of discharging the game ball from the inner cylindrical body 14 to the outside of the outer cylindrical body 15 in the longitudinal direction of the outer cylindrical body 15. . Furthermore, since the hole widths of the respective second ball discharge holes 15b are different, the game balls are discharged from the inner cylindrical body 14 to the outside of the outer cylindrical body 15 for each second ball discharge hole 15b. Probability can be different.

  In addition, inside the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15, the peripheral edges of the openings of the first and second ball discharge holes 14c and 15b are chamfered to form an inclined surface (not shown). It's also good. By providing the inclined surface, the game ball can be discharged smoothly, and the game ball received in the recess formed by the first ball discharge hole 14c and the peripheral wall surface 15a of the outer cylindrical body 15 is provided. Can be reflowed smoothly.

  The inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body may rotate in the same direction at different speeds (for example, the rotational speed of the inner cylindrical body is made faster than that of the outer cylindrical body). Moreover, it is good also as each rotation direction of an inner side cylindrical body and an outer side cylindrical body differing. Furthermore, it is good also as changing the rotational speed of an outer side and an inner side cylindrical body during a game.

Furthermore, the outer cylindrical body is not limited to one that is rotated using a motor, and may be operated using a reciprocating motion such as a solenoid.
(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 13, the game ball distribution mechanism 11 has an introduction portion 12 that communicates with an opening (not shown) of the special winning opening 10 and can guide the game ball. The introduction unit 12 guides a game ball that has passed through the prize winning opening 10 in the vertical direction, and a speed adjustment mechanism 21 that guides the game ball from the vertical route and adjusts the speed by switching the route of the game ball. And. The speed adjusting mechanism 21 selectively switches the path of the game ball to guide the game ball from the vertical path 20, and the first and second paths 21b and 21c having different shapes selected by the switch unit. And have.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the switching unit 21a is disposed between the vertical path 20 and the first path 21b. Note that the vertical path 20 is arranged to drop the game ball from above the switching unit 21a and guide the game ball to the switching unit 21a. The switching unit 21a has a dish-like body 22 that is disk-shaped and has a recess that is inclined from the periphery toward the center. Two notches 22 a are provided at the edge of the dish-shaped body 22 so as to sandwich the center in the diameter direction of the dish-shaped body 22. The notch 22a is sized to receive the game ball B (shown by a dotted line in the figure). Two holes 22b are provided in the vicinity of the center of the dish-like body 22 so as to sandwich the center in the diameter direction. The hole 22b is a circular through hole larger than the diameter of the game ball. The dish-like body 22 is rotatably supported by a support part 23, and the support part 23 has a C-shaped wall part 23 a that is bent along the circumferential direction of the dish-like body 22. An end portion of the wall portion 23a is disposed in the vicinity of the first path 21b, and a game ball can pass between the end portions. That is, the game ball received in the notch 22a is prevented from falling by the wall 23, and the game ball is guided from the notch 22a to the first path 21b at the end of the wall 23. ing. The hole portion 22b can communicate with the second path 21c disposed below the support portion 23 through a through hole (not shown) provided in the support portion 23.

  The dish-like body 22 is disposed below the support portion 23 and is coupled to a switching drive portion (not shown) including drive means such as a motor. The switching drive unit is coupled to an electronic control device (not shown), and operates by receiving a drive signal supplied from the electronic control device. The switching drive unit that has received the drive signal rotates the dish-like body 22 counterclockwise.

  The game balls that have passed through the vertical path 20 are guided toward the dish-like body 22 that rotates counterclockwise, and are distributed to either the notch 22a or the hole 22b of the dish-like body 22. The game ball guided to the notch 22 a moves to the vicinity of the first path 21 b by the rotation of the dish-like body 22, and is guided to the first path 21 b through the end of the wall portion 23. The game ball guided to the hole 22b is second when the hole 22b and the second path 21c communicate with each other through the through hole (not shown) of the support 23 by the rotation of the dish-like body 22. To the route 21c.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first path 21 b is disposed in the vicinity of one end portion 14 a of the inner cylindrical body 14 and is at a higher position than the inner cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15. It has a vertical tube shape that guides the inner ball 14 after the game ball is dropped almost vertically from the portion 21a. The second path 21c guides the game ball from the switching unit 21a in the substantially horizontal direction after dropping it in the vertical direction, and further in the connection opening 21d provided in the vertical portion of the first path 21b. It communicates with the path 21b. As described above, the first path 21b can guide the game ball to the inner cylindrical body 14 at a high speed by effectively utilizing the acceleration motion due to the vertical drop. On the other hand, the second path 21c has a shape that changes the moving direction of the game ball from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction although the vertical fall distance is substantially the same as the first path 21b. It cannot be used sufficiently. That is, the game ball that passes through the second path is accelerated by dropping from the switching unit 21a, but the direction of motion changes from the vertical direction to the substantially horizontal direction and when passing through the connection opening 21d, the horizontal direction It will be decelerated when the direction of motion changes from vertical to vertical. Accordingly, the speed of the game ball that has passed through the second path 21c is slower than that of the game ball that has passed through the first path 21b. In other words, the speed of the game ball guided to the inner cylindrical body 14 can be changed by switching the path of the game ball by the speed adjustment mechanism 21. Note that the configuration of the distribution mechanism 11 other than the configuration of the introduction unit 12 is substantially the same as the configuration of the distribution mechanism 11 described in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the game ball distribution mechanism 11 and the movement of the game ball will be described. Hereinafter, description will be made using a state in which the second spherical discharge hole 15b of the outer cylindrical body 15 is disposed on the lower side and a low probability form is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the game ball passes a specific winning opening on the game board or in accordance with the lottery result by the game machine, the electronic control device 18 of the game machine sends a shutter release signal to the shutter drive device 10b. The shutter drive device 10b opens the shutter 10a for a predetermined time. Further, the electronic control unit 18 supplies a rotation drive signal to the rotation drive unit 19. The rotation drive unit 19 that has received such a rotation drive signal rotates the inner cylindrical body 14 at a constant speed, and positions the outer cylindrical body 15 so that the second ball discharge hole 15b is disposed on the lower side. To do. Further, the electronic circuit device 18 supplies a switching signal to the switching driving unit 24, and the switching driving unit 24 rotates the dish-like body 22 of the switching unit 21a.

  The game ball that has passed through the opening 10c that appears when the shutter 10a of the big prize opening 10 is opened is guided to the switching unit 21a via the vertical path 20. When the game ball is guided to the hole 22b by the dish-like body 22 of the switching unit 21a, the game ball is guided to the second path 21c. The game ball passing through the second path 21c is accelerated from the switching unit 21a toward the inner cylindrical body 14 by rolling and falling. Here, the game ball passing through the second path is accelerated by dropping from the switching unit 21a, but is decelerated when the movement direction changes from the vertical direction to the substantially horizontal direction. Then, the game ball that has reached the connection opening 21d falls on the first path and is accelerated again. However, even when passing through the connection opening 21d, the direction of motion changes from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction, and the game ball is decelerated, so that the acceleration due to the first drop cannot be used effectively and the speed of the game ball is increased. Can not. That is, the speed of the game ball cannot be sufficiently increased until the inner cylindrical body 14 is reached.

  Since the game ball that has passed through the second path 21c has a low penetration speed into the inner cylindrical body 14, the game ball passes through the first and second ball discharge holes 14c and 15b and is discharged to the outside. It becomes easy. (Proceeds in the direction indicated by the thick solid arrow in the figure). However, as described in the first embodiment, a part of the game ball is directed toward the receiving unit 16 depending on conditions such as the speed, direction and timing of the game ball intrusion and the rotational speed of the inner cylindrical body 14. It can progress (in the figure, it progresses in the direction shown by the thick dashed-dotted arrow).

  As shown in FIG. 16, the game ball that has passed through the opening 10 c is guided to the switching unit 21 a via the vertical path 20. In the dish-like body 22 of the switching unit 21a, when a game ball is guided to the notch 22a, the game ball is guided to the first path 21b and falls in the first path 21b. The game ball accelerated by the falling motion is guided from the first path 21b to the inner cylindrical body 14, and can enter the inner cylindrical body 14 while maintaining a high speed. Since the speed of the game ball is high, even if the first ball discharge hole 14c is disposed in the traveling direction, it can pass through the discharge hole with a momentum. That is, even if the distribution mechanism is in a low probability form, the game ball can reach the receiving unit 16 (in the figure, it can easily travel in the direction indicated by the solid line, and can proceed in the direction indicated by the broken line). hard).

  As described above, in the low-probability mode, the game machine operator predicts the allocation destination according to the state of the switching unit 21a of the speed adjustment mechanism 21, but the final allocation result is the game ball motion characteristics, the inner cylinder Since it is determined by the timing of the cylindrical body 14 and the outer cylindrical body 15, etc., it does not completely coincide with the prediction. That is, it is difficult to completely predict the distribution result. As a result, even under conditions where it is difficult for the game ball to reach the receiving unit 16, the game ball can reach the receiving unit 16 according to conditions such as the motion characteristics of the game ball. It can give a sense of expectation. The operator can enjoy the unexpected movement of the game ball inside the inner cylindrical body 14 and the distribution result.

  Although not shown in the figure, in the high probability form, most of the game balls reach the receiving portion, but as in the first embodiment, the game balls are stored in the inner cylindrical body according to the motion characteristics. In this case, it is discharged to the outside at the timing of rotation of the outer cylindrical body.

  As described above, by providing the speed adjusting mechanism in the game ball distribution mechanism, the state of the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body and the state of the switching mechanism can be variously combined. As a result, it is possible to increase the variation of the game state by changing the movement of the game ball and to make it difficult to predict the game ball distribution destination.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a schematic front view of the game ball distribution mechanism according to the present invention. It is the front view (a) and perspective view (b) of the inner side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is the front view (a) and perspective view (b) of the outer side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a front view which shows the low probability form (a) and the high probability form (b) which are provided by the inner side cylindrical body and outer side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism by this invention. It is a schematic front view explaining the low probability form of the game ball distribution mechanism according to the present invention. It is a schematic front view explaining the high probability form of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is sectional drawing of the inner side cylindrical body and outer side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a schematic front view of the modification of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is sectional drawing of the inner side cylindrical body and outer side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the outer side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the outer side cylindrical body of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a schematic front view of the modification of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a schematic top view which shows the switching mechanism in the modification of the distribution mechanism of the game ball shown in FIG. It is a schematic front view of the modification of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention. It is a schematic front view of the modification of the distribution mechanism of the game ball by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 10 Grand prize opening 10a Shutter 10b Shutter drive part 10c Opening 11 Distribution mechanism 12 Introduction part 13 Inclination path 13a Bending part 14 Inner cylindrical body 14a One opening end surface 14b Peripheral wall surface 14c Open end face 15 Outer cylindrical body 15a Circumferential wall 15b Second ball discharge hole 16 Receiving portion 16a Receiving opening 16b Receiving ball passage 17 Ball discharge portion 17a Ball discharge passage 18 Electronic controller 19 Rotation drive portion 20 Vertical path 21 Speed adjustment mechanism 21a switching part 21b first path 21c second path 21d connection opening 22 dish 22a notch 22b hole part 23 support part 23a wall part 24 switching drive part

Claims (11)

A distribution mechanism for game balls launched on a game board of a gaming machine,
An introduction for receiving and guiding the game ball;
An inner cylindrical body having one opening end surface communicating with the introduction portion and having a plurality of first ball discharge holes on a peripheral wall surface;
An outer cylindrical body having the inner cylindrical body inserted therein and having at least one second ball discharge hole on the peripheral wall surface;
A receiving portion communicating with the other opening end surface of the inner cylindrical body;
A rotation drive unit that rotates at least one of the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body and determines a relative angular position around a central axis of the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body;
The game ball distribution mechanism, wherein the second ball discharge hole is capable of forming a communication opening that allows at least one of the first ball discharge holes to pass through the game ball.   The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the introduction unit has a speed adjustment mechanism for adjusting an introduction speed of the game ball.   3. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the speed adjustment mechanism includes two paths having different shapes and a switching unit that selectively switches the path.   The game ball distribution mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a central axis of the inner cylindrical body is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction.   5. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first ball discharge hole is disposed along a spiral around the central axis. 6.   6. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second ball discharge hole can face at least two of the first ball discharge holes.   The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the outer cylindrical body has a shielding portion that always shields at least one of the first ball discharge holes.   8. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a recess capable of receiving at least one game ball is formed on an inner cylinder surface of the inner cylindrical body.   9. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second ball discharge hole is a longitudinal hole extending in a longitudinal direction of the central axis.   10. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 9, wherein a hole width of the longitudinal hole in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction changes in the longitudinal direction. The outer cylindrical body has two or more second sphere discharge holes,
9. The game ball distribution mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second ball discharge holes have different hole widths around the central axis of the outer cylindrical body.

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