WO2019044989A1 - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

A game device that provides a game that uses three-dimensional play objects that can roll in any orientation. The game device comprises a circulation mechanism that circulates the three-dimensional play objects. The circulation mechanism includes: a transport device that transports three-dimensional play objects from a first location to a second location that is higher than the first location; a first route that allows three-dimensional play objects to move from the second location to a third location that is lower than the second location; a supply channel that three-dimensional play objects enter between the second location and the third location and that supplies said three-dimensional play objects to a play object usage part from which said three-dimensional play objects are used in the game; and a second route that allows three-dimensional play objects that do not enter the supply channel to move to the first location, which is lower than the third location.

Description

Game device

The present invention relates to a game device.

For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there has conventionally been proposed a pusher game apparatus for moving a disk-like token coin (medal) inserted into a game field. In the pusher game device, a lift hopper or the like that moves token coins along rails is used to transport the token coins to the insertion unit.

JP, 2013-99632, A

Instead of the token coin used in the conventional pusher game device, it is also conceivable to use a rollable game body (for example, a ball-shaped game body) regardless of the attitude. In the configuration using a three-dimensional gaming machine, a mechanism suitable for carrying a three-dimensional gaming machine is required instead of the lift hopper for carrying token coins. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a technology capable of efficiently transporting a three-dimensional game machine.

In order to solve the above problems, a game device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a game device that provides a game using a solid game player that can roll regardless of its posture, and And a transport device for transporting the three-dimensional game machine from a first position to a second position higher than the first position, and a circulation mechanism configured to circulate, and a second position from the second position to the second position A first path for moving the three-dimensional game machine to a low third position, and a supply path where the three-dimensional game machine enters between the second position and the third position, and the three-dimensional game machine A supply path for supplying the three-dimensional game body to the game-playing portion utilizing the game, and a second route for moving the three-dimensional game body not entering the supply path to the first position lower than the third position And.

It is an outline view of a game device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a top view of the game device seen from the upper part of the perpendicular direction. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the operation panel. It is a perspective view of a game field. It is a perspective view in the state where a solid game player was arranged at the game field. It is a top view which illustrates the composition of the 1st lottery part. It is a perspective view which illustrates the composition of the 2nd lottery part. It is a perspective view which illustrates the composition of the 3rd lottery part. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the flow of a three-dimensional game machine. It is a top view of the 1st hopper. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a circulation mechanism. It is a top view near the 1st individual course among the 1st course. It is a top view near the 2nd individual course among the 1st course. It is a top view of the 2nd course. It is a side view of a conveyance device. It is a side view of a transportation device in the state where an enclosure member is omitted. It is a side view of a conveyance device in the state where an encircling member and a guide part were omitted. It is sectional drawing to which the conveyance apparatus was expanded partially. It is sectional drawing of the conveying apparatus in a cross section perpendicular | vertical to a rotating shaft. It is the perspective view which expanded the vicinity of the inlet among the conveying apparatuses. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the relationship between the inlet of a conveying apparatus, and a 2nd path | route. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between an inlet and the outer periphery of a support part. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between an inlet and the outer periphery of a support part. It is the perspective view which expanded the vicinity of the discharge port among conveyance apparatuses. It is a top view near the supply part seen from the upper part of the perpendicular direction. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the game device which paid its attention to game object accommodation space. It is the top view which looked at the inside of game machine accommodation space from the upper part. It is the top view which looked at the inside of game machine accommodation space from the upper part. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the positional relationship of a game body accommodation space and a player. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the positional relationship of a game body accommodation space and a player. It is a top view of the 1st separate course in a 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing to which the conveyance apparatus of 3rd Embodiment was expanded partially. It is sectional drawing to which the conveyance apparatus of 4th Embodiment was expanded partially. It is the perspective view which expanded the vicinity of the discharge port among the conveying apparatuses in a modification. It is the top view which looked at the inside of the game machine accommodation space in the modification from the upper part.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions and the scale of each part are appropriately different from the dimensions and the scale of the actual configuration. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating the game apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The game device 10 is installed in, for example, an entertainment facility (for example, a game center or a casino) or a commercial facility (for example, a shopping center or the like). The gaming device 10 may be referred to as a gaming machine when used in a casino.

The player can play the game by the game device 10 by consuming the game value (value medium). The game value is, for example, a tangible value medium such as token coin (medal), coin (money) or ticket, or an intangible value medium such as credit or point. The game value is also referred to as game token or substitute money. The player can play the game played by the game device 10 on condition of consumption of the gaming value. Note that the player may select and consume any of the tangible gaming value such as token coin and the intangible gaming value such as credit.

In addition, the game value is given to the player as a reward according to the result of playing the game by the game apparatus 10. The gaming value consumed for playing the game and the gaming value given to the player as a reward may be the same or different. For example, assuming that the game play is started by inserting a predetermined number of token coins, the player may be provided with a token coin (a game value of the same type) of the number according to the play result. The player may be given a number of tickets (different game values) corresponding to the number of players. It should be noted that the spending of the gaming value (spend) is also referred to as the insertion of the gaming value, and the giving of the gaming value is also referred to as the payout of the gaming value.

If an intangible gaming value such as a credit is awarded to the player as a reward, for example, the predetermined reward may be converted into a tangible gaming value such as token coin to be paid out to the player. In addition, intangible game values such as credits are electronically managed by the management device in a state associated with the identification information of the player. The management device is, for example, a computer installed in an entertainment facility or a commercial facility. The player can consume part or all of the intangible gaming value managed by the management device in the game, or deposit the intangible gaming value provided as a reward in the management device.

A fixed value is set to the game value. However, the amount of gaming value or identification information representing the amount is stored in a memory circuit (for example, an IC tag), or a code (for example, a bar code or QR code (registered trademark)) representing the amount of gaming value By printing, the value of the game value may be a variable value. The game value given to the player may be exchanged for various articles such as a prize. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the gaming value consumed for playing and the gaming value given to the player as a reward according to the result of playing are token coins.

In the game device 10, a game using a game is executed. For example, a game is used for a game by consumption of gaming value. For example, a gaming body corresponding to the consumption of gaming value is inserted into the game field. The consumed actual gaming value may be used as it is for a game as a gaming body, or a gaming body different from the consumed actual gaming value may be used for a game. For example, the token coin inserted by the player may be used as it is as a game body in the game, or a ball different from the token coin inserted by the player may be used as the game body in the game. In a configuration in which a game of a type different from the game value consumed is used for the game, the relationship between the consumption amount of the game value and the number of game bodies used for the game by the consumption may be changed as appropriate. For example, two gaming units may be inserted in exchange for consumption of one token coin, or one game may be inserted in exchange for consumption of one token coin. Further, when the player plays the game by consumption of intangible gaming value such as a credit, for example, the player operates a predetermined operation element (not shown), and the gaming body is inserted into the game field.

The shape of the gaming machine is arbitrary, but in the first embodiment, it is assumed that a three-dimensional shaped gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "three-dimensional gaming machine") is used. The three-dimensional game machine may be, for example, a disc like a token coin or a coin, or may be three-dimensional like a ball or a cuboid. In the first embodiment, in particular, a rollable three-dimensional game machine is used regardless of the orientation. A typical example of a solid game machine that can be rolled regardless of its posture is a sphere (for example, marbles), but the concept of a solid game machine that can roll regardless of its posture, for example, a substantially spherical polyhedron such as a truncated polyhedron Is included in Note that among the configurations adopted in the first embodiment, there are those which can be applied to a three-dimensional gaming machine (for example, a disc-like) which does not roll in a specific posture.

In the first embodiment, two types of spheres having different diameters are used as a three-dimensional game machine. In the following description, the large diameter sphere of the two types is described as "large ball", and the small diameter sphere is described as "small ball". The three-dimensional game machine (a small ball and a large ball) of the first embodiment is formed of a light transmitting material.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the game apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, each player operates four station units 100 (100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d) that different players use for playing a game. And an operation panel 160 (160a, 160b, 160c and 160d). The four station units 100 can provide the same kind of mutually independent game to different players in parallel. Each station unit 100 provides the player with a game that progresses according to the movement of the three-dimensional game machine. Each of the four station units 100 alone functions as a game device. Further, the total number of station units 100 constituting the game apparatus 10 is not limited to four, and is changed to one or more arbitrary number.

The two station units 100a and 100c are adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction (Y direction in FIG. 1) of the player. Similarly, the two station units 100b and 100d are adjacent in the front-rear direction. The two station units 100a and 100b are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction of the player (X direction in FIG. 1). Similarly, the two station units 100c and 100d are horizontally adjacent to each other.

The configuration of the four station units 100 is common. In the following, one station unit 100a will be mainly described, and the descriptions of the other station units 100b, 100c and 100d will be omitted as appropriate. The subscript “a” is added to the reference numerals of the elements constituting the station unit 100 a. The elements constituting each of the other station parts 100b, 100c and 100d are described by replacing the subscript a of the elements of the station part 100a with "b", "c" and "d" respectively. Further, an element in which a combination of two subscripts is added to a code is an element shared by the two station units 100 respectively corresponding to the two subscripts. For example, the elements with the suffix "ab" added to the code are shared by the station unit 100a and the station unit 100b.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the station unit 100 a includes a payout outlet Ma. The payout opening Ma is an opening for paying the player the game value according to the result of the game.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of each element of the game apparatus 10 as viewed from above in the vertical direction (the Z direction in FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the station unit 100a includes a game field 110a, a first lottery unit 120a, a second lottery unit 130a, and a transport device 180a. In addition to the four station units 100, the game apparatus 10 further includes transport devices 170ac and 170bd, third lottery units 140ab and 140cd, and a JP (jackpot) dispensing unit 150.

The game field 110a is a space in which a game using a three-dimensional game machine is executed. In the game field 110a of the first embodiment, a pusher game using a three-dimensional game is executed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the game field 110a, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which the small ball M1 and the large ball M2 are supplied to the game field 110a. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the game field 110a is provided with a table 111, a wall 112, a pusher table 113, insertion portions 114L and 114R, and a large ball insertion portion 114B.

The table 111 is a flat member fixed substantially horizontally. A notch 115L is formed on the left side edge of the table 111, and a notch 115R is formed on the right side edge. The notches 115L and 115R are formed in such a size and shape that the small ball M1 can pass but the large ball M2 can not pass. The pusher table 113 is a structure that reciprocates on the surface of the table 111 in the front-rear direction (direction A and direction B in FIG. 4). The wall portion 112 is installed so that the bottom surface faces the surface of the pusher table 113.

The insertion unit 114L inserts the small ball M1 onto the surface of the pusher table 113 from the left side of the game field 110a. The insertion unit 114R inserts the small ball M1 onto the surface of the pusher table 113 from the right side of the game field 110a. The large ball insertion unit 114 B inserts the large ball M 2 onto the surface of the table 111.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the game is actually executed, a large number of small balls M1 are placed on the surfaces of the table 111 and the pusher table 113. In addition, the large ball M2 inserted from the large ball insertion unit 114B is placed on the surface of the table 111. The plurality of small balls M1 inserted onto the surface of the pusher table 113 from the insertion portion 114L or 114R are pressed by the wall portion 112 when the pusher table 113 moves rearward (direction A in FIG. 4). The plurality of small balls M1 sequentially move in the direction B by being pressed by the wall portion 112, and surplus small balls M1 located in the vicinity of the front edge of the pusher table 113 move from the front edge of the pusher table 113 to the surface of the table 111. Fall up. The plurality of small balls M1 on the surface of the table 111 are sequentially moved in the direction B by being pushed by the pusher table 113 moving in the direction B, and surplus small balls M1 located in the vicinity of the front edge portion 116 of the table 111 Drops from the front edge 116.

The game value of the quantity according to the number of small balls M1 dropped from the front edge portion 116 is given to the player as a reward. On the other hand, the small ball M1 that has passed through the cutaway portion 115L or 115R is not added to the determination of the number of game values given to the player.

The first lottery unit 120a in FIG. 2 is a physical lottery unit used for the first lottery. The first lottery is a physical lottery for determining the number of small balls M1 used for the second lottery described later. The first lottery using the first lottery unit 120a is executed each time the first condition is met. The first condition is, for example, a condition that m large balls M2 fall from the game field 110a (m is an integer of 1 or more). In the following description, it is assumed that the number m is one. That is, each time one large ball M2 falls from the front edge portion 116 of the game field 110a, the first lottery is executed. However, the first condition is not limited to the above examples.

The second lottery unit 130a is a physical lottery unit used for the second lottery. The second lottery is a physical lottery for determining whether or not to execute a third lottery described later. The second lottery using the second lottery unit 130a is executed each time the second condition is met. The second condition is, for example, a condition that n large balls M2 fall from the game field 110a. In the following description, it is assumed that the number n is three. That is, each time the three large balls M2 fall from the game field 110a, the second lottery is executed. The number of small balls M1 used in the second lottery is the total value of the results of the first lottery over n times before the start of the second lottery. That is, the number of small balls M1 determined according to the progress of the game is used for the second lottery.

The third lottery unit 140ab is a physical lottery unit shared by the station units 100a and 100b and used for the third lottery. The third lottery is a physical lottery for determining whether or not the JP payout unit 150 executes payout of a large number of small balls M1. The third lottery using the third lottery unit 140ab is executed when execution of the third lottery is determined by the second lottery. Specifically, when execution of the third lottery is determined by the second lottery using the second lottery unit 130a, it is determined whether or not a number of small balls M1 are to be paid out from the JP payout unit 150 to the game field 110a. It is determined by the third lottery using lottery unit 140ab. In addition, when execution of the third lottery is determined by the second lottery using the second lottery unit 130b, the third lottery unit 140ab determines whether or not a number of small balls M1 are paid out from the JP payout unit 150 to the game field 110b. Is determined by the third lottery using the Although the above description focuses on the third lottery unit 140ab shared by the station units 100a and 100b, the same applies to the third lottery unit 140cd shared by the station units 100c and 100d.

The JP payout unit 150 is shared by the four station units 100 (100a, 100b, 100c and 100d). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the JP payout unit 150 is located at the center of the game apparatus 10 in plan view from the vertical direction. The JP payout unit 150 of the first embodiment can switch the payout destination of the small ball M1 to any of the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

Operation panel 160a in FIG. 2 receives an operation from the player. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the operation panel 160a. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the operation panel 160a includes input ports 161L and 161R, and switching operation units 162L and 162R. The player's own game value is inserted into the insertion openings 161L and 161R.

When the game value is inserted into the insertion slot 161L, the small ball M1 is inserted into the game field 110a from the insertion portion 114L on the left side of the game field 110a. The switching operation unit 162L is operated in order for the player to change the insertion direction of the small ball M1 from the insertion unit 114L. When a game value is inserted into the insertion slot 161R, a small ball M1 is inserted into the game field 110a from the insertion portion 114R on the right side of the game field 110a. The switching operation unit 162R is operated in order for the player to change the insertion direction of the small ball M1 from the insertion unit 114R.

The transfer device 170 ac of FIG. 2 transfers a plurality of small beads M1. Specifically, the transport device 170ac is shared by the station units 100a and 100c, and transports, for example, the small ball M1 dropped from the game field 110a or 110c to a high position. The small beads M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are used in a plurality of elements (for example, each station unit 100). The transfer device 170bd is shared by the station units 100b and 100d, and transfers the small ball M1 dropped from the game field 110b or 110d to a high position.

The transport device 180a transports the small ball M1, for example, in the vertical direction. For example, an air lifter that transports the small ball M1 by blowing air into a circular pipe in which the small ball M1 is accommodated is suitably used as the transfer device 180a. The inner diameter of the circular tube exceeds the outer diameter of the small ball M1 and is less than 1.5 times the outer diameter. As the difference between the inner diameter of the circular tube and the outer diameter of the small ball M1 (hereinafter referred to as "diameter difference") approaches 0, the external force by the air flow is more likely to act on the small ball M1 in the circular pipe, and the small ball M1 is transported in a short time It becomes possible. Therefore, it is desirable that the diameter difference be close to zero. Further, as the difference in diameter approaches zero, the outer diameter of the circular pipe is reduced, and as a result, downsizing of the transfer device 180a is realized. In addition, the conveyance direction of the small ball M1 by the conveyance apparatus 180a is not limited to a perpendicular direction. The small balls M1 transported by the transport device 180a are supplied to the third lottery portion 140ab or the gaming machine housing space 46 (see FIG. 28) described later.

[First lottery unit 120a]
FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the first lottery unit 120a. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first lottery unit 120 a includes a display unit 1210 and a passage 1220.

The display unit 1210 includes a circular screen 1211. A plurality of candidates C1 to C4 are displayed on the screen 1211 for the number of small balls M1 used for the second lottery. The candidate C1 represents "10 spheres", the candidate C2 represents "7 spheres", the candidate C3 represents "3 spheres", and the candidate C4 represents "1 sphere". Note that the total number of candidates displayed on the screen 1211 and the number of small beads M1 represented by each candidate are not limited to the above examples, and are arbitrarily changed.

Each time one large ball M2 falls from the front edge portion 116, a plurality of candidates C1 to C4 are displayed on the screen 1211 and the small ball M1 is thrown into the passage 1220. The passage 1220 is formed in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the screen 1211. The end 1221 of the passage 1220 is provided with a protrusion 1222 for preventing the small ball M1 from jumping out. In the middle part of the passage 1220, a discharge part 1230 through which the small ball M1 passes is formed.

The display unit 1210 changes the positions of the plurality of candidates C1 to C4 in the screen 1211 with the passage of time. The small beads M1 introduced into the passage 1220 move along the passage 1220 and finally pass through the discharge portion 1230. The movement of the plurality of candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211 is stopped when the small ball M1 passes through the discharge unit 1230. Then, among the plurality of candidates C1 to C4, the numerical value indicated by the candidate stopped at the position closest to the discharge unit 1230 is determined as the number of small balls M1 used for the second lottery. The small ball M1 that has passed the discharge unit 1230 falls on the game field 110a (for example, the pusher table 113).

[Second lottery section 130a]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the second lottery unit 130a. The second lottery unit 130 a includes a first lone 1310, a second lone 1320 and a third lone 1330. Each of the first claves 1310, the second claves 1320, and the third claves 1330 is a distributor (sorter) or sorter that distributes the small beads M1 into a plurality of paths. When three large balls M2 fall from the front edge portion 116 (that is, the second condition is satisfied), the number of small balls M1 determined by the first lottery is added for each fall of the three large balls M2. A small ball M1 is introduced to the first clave 1310.

The small ball M1 introduced into the first claves 1310 passes through any of the plurality of through holes 1311, 1312 and 1313 formed in the first claves 1310. The small ball M1 having passed through any one of the through holes 1311 and 1312 is collected without being introduced into the second crane 1320. On the other hand, the small ball M <b> 1 which has passed through the through hole 1313 is injected into the second clone 1320 through the passage 1314.

The small beads M1 introduced into the second claves 1320 pass through any of the plurality of through holes 1321, 1322, and 1323 formed in the second claves 1320. The small ball M1 that has passed through any of the through holes 1321 and 1322 is collected without being injected into the third crane 1330. On the other hand, the small ball M <b> 1 which has passed through the through hole 1323 is put into the third clone 1330 through the passage 1324.

The small beads M1 introduced into the third claves 1330 are discharged from the discharge portion 1331 formed in the third claves 1330. When the small ball M1 is discharged from the discharge unit 1331, a third lottery using the third lottery unit 140ab is executed.

[Third lottery unit 140ab]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the third lottery unit 140ab. The third lottery unit 140ab includes the clone 141 and the small ball moving unit 142. When the small ball M1 is discharged from the discharging portion 1331 of the second lottery portion 130a, the small ball M1 is thrown into the clone 141 of the third lottery portion 140ab.

The small ball moving unit 142 is installed at the center of the clone 141 and rotates reciprocally. The small ball M <b> 1 inserted into the clone 141 moves toward the outer periphery of the clone 141 by colliding with the small ball moving part 142. While the above situation is repeated, the small ball M1 passes through any of the plurality of through holes 143 to 148 formed in the clune 141. When the small ball M1 passes through any of the plurality of through holes 143 to 147, the payout of the large number of small beads M1 by the JP payout unit 150 is not executed. On the other hand, when the small ball M1 passes through the through hole 148, the payout of the large number of small balls M1 by the JP payout unit 150 is executed.

[Flow of Three-dimensional Game Machine (Odama M1 and Odama M2)]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the flow of the small ball M1 and the large ball M2 in the station section 100a. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the station unit 100a has a large ball sensor 190a, a counter 220a, a first hopper 230a, a second hopper 240a, a third hopper 250a, and a path switching unit 270a in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIG. And 280a. Although the transfer device 170ac is an element shared by the two station units 100a and 100c, FIG. 9 is illustrated for convenience in the inside of a frame line representing the station unit 100a.

The large ball sensor 190a detects the large ball M2 dropped from the front edge portion 116 of the table 111 in the game field 110a. The first lottery using the first lottery unit 120a and the second lottery using the second lottery unit 130a are executed according to the result of detection by the large ball sensor 190a.

The small ball M1 dropped from the front edge 116 in the game field 110a is supplied to the counter 220a. The counter 220a is a count hopper that stores the small balls M1 supplied from the front edge portion 116 and counts the number of small balls M1. The count value of the counter 220a is used to determine the amount of gaming value given to the player as a reward. The counter 220a discharges the counted small balls M1.

The transport device 170ac transports the small ball M1 used in the game and the small ball M1 not used in the game from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction. The small ball M1 used in the game is the small ball M1 discharged from the counter 220a, the small ball M1 dropped from the cutout portion 115L or 115R, and the small ball M1 used in the second lottery portion 130a or the third lottery portion 140ab. And The small ball M1 not used in the game is the small ball M1 distributed to the station unit 100a by the distribution unit 260 described later. The small balls M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are supplied to the first path 310ac.

The first path 310ac is a path along which the small ball M1 moves. In the first path 310 ac, a supply path is formed which is an opening for supplying small beads M 1 to each of the first hopper 230 a, the second hopper 240 a and the third hopper 250 a. The small ball M1 conveyed by the conveying device 170ac can enter the first hopper 230a. The first hopper 230a stores the small balls M1 supplied from the first path 310ac and sequentially supplies the small balls M1 to the path switching unit 270a.

[First hopper 230a]
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first hopper 230a. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first hopper 230 a includes a storage container 231, a bottom portion 232, a rotating body 233, and a drive mechanism 234.

The storage container 231 is a container for storing a plurality of small balls M1. At the bottom of the storage container 231, a discharge path 235 through which the small ball M1 can pass is formed. The bottom surface portion 232 is a plate-like member facing the bottom surface of the storage container 231 at an interval smaller than the outer diameter of the small beads M1. The bottom portion 232 is formed with a circular opening 2321. The rotating body 233 is a disk-shaped member installed inside the opening 2321. A plurality of through holes 2331 are formed in the rotating body 233 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The small ball M <b> 1 stored in the storage container 231 can pass through the through hole 2331. The drive mechanism 234 includes, for example, a motor, and rotates the rotating body 233.

The plurality of small balls M <b> 1 stored in the storage container 231 are accommodated in the through holes 2331 of the rotating body 233. When the through hole 2331 reaches just above the discharge path 235 by the rotation of the rotary body 233, the small ball M1 in the through hole 2331 falls into the discharge path 235 and is discharged to the outside of the first hopper 230a. That is, the first hopper 230a can sequentially discharge the plurality of small balls M1 stored in the storage container 231 one by one. The configuration of the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a is the same as that of the first hopper 230a, and thus the description of the detailed configuration is omitted.

The path switching unit 270a of FIG. 9 switches the supply destination of the small balls M1 discharged from the first hopper 230a. Specifically, the path switching unit 270a switches the supply destination of the small ball M1 to any of the first lottery unit 120a, the second lottery unit 130a, and the transport device 180a. For example, the path switching unit 270a includes a discharge unit 271a that discharges the small ball M1 supplied from the first hopper 230a. The discharge unit 271a is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft 272a. The small ball M1 is supplied to any of the first lottery unit 120a, the second lottery unit 130a, and the transport device 180a by rotating the discharge unit 271a by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor.

As understood from the above description, the first hopper 230a uses the small ball M1 for the first lottery by the first lottery unit 120a or the second lottery by the second lottery unit 130a (that is, the physical lottery by the physical lottery unit). It corresponds to the body utilization department.

When the first hopper 230a is full, the small balls M1 conveyed to the first path 310ac by the conveying device 170ac can not enter the first hopper 230a because the supply path 231a is blocked by the small balls M1. Among the plurality of small beads M1 conveyed by the conveying device 170ac, the small beads M1 that have not entered the first hopper 230a can enter the second hopper 240a. The second hopper 240a stores the small balls M1 supplied from the first path 310ac and utilizes the small balls M1. Specifically, the second hopper 240a sequentially throws the small balls M1 from the insertion portion 114R into the game field 110a (specifically, the pusher table 113).

When the first hopper 230a and the second hopper 240a are full, the supply paths 231a and 241a are blocked by the small beads M1, and the small beads M1 transported to the first path 310ac by the transport device 170ac are the first hopper 230a. And can not enter the second hopper 240a. Among the plurality of small beads M1 conveyed by the conveyance device 170ac, the small beads M1 that have not entered the first hopper 230a and the second hopper 240a can enter the third hopper 250a. The third hopper 250a stores the small balls M1 supplied from the first path 310ac and uses the small balls M1. Specifically, the third hopper 250a sequentially throws the small balls M1 from the insertion portion 114L into the game field 110a (specifically, the pusher table 113). As understood from the above description, the second hopper 240a or 240c and the third hopper 250a or 250c correspond to a game using portion using the small ball M1 for the game in the game field 110a.

When the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a are full, the supply paths 231a, 241a, and 251a are closed by the small beads M1, and are thus conveyed to the first path 310ac by the conveying device 170ac. The small ball M1 can not enter any of the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a. Among the plurality of small balls M1 transferred by the transfer device 170ac, the small balls M1 that have not entered any of the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a are distributed via the distribution unit 260 in FIG. It returns to the transport device 170ac. That is, the small balls M1 circulate through the path including the transfer device 170ac and the first path 310ac. The circulation of the small ball M1 will be described later.

The transfer device 180a sequentially transfers the small balls M1 supplied from the first hopper 230a via the path switching unit 270a and supplies the small balls M1 to the path switching unit 280a. The path switching unit 280a switches the supply destination of the small balls M1 transported by the transport device 180a. Specifically, the path switching unit 280 a switches the supply destination of the small ball M 1 to either the third lottery unit 140 ab or the gaming machine housing space 46. For example, the path switching unit 280a includes a discharge unit 281a that discharges the small balls M1 supplied from the transfer device 180a. The discharge unit 281a is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft 282a. The small balls M1 are supplied to any of the third lottery portion 140ab and the gaming body accommodation space 46 by rotating the ejection portion 281a by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor.

The gaming machine housing space 46 is shared by the four station units 100 (100a, 100b, 100c and 100d). The gaming body accommodation space 46 accommodates the small balls M1 discharged from the JP payout unit 150 to any of the four game fields 110 (110a, 110b, 110c and 110d).

As understood from the above description, in the first embodiment, the small ball M1 moving on the first path 310ac is commonly used for the game in the game field 110a and the physical lottery by the physical lottery part (120a, 130a, 140ab). Ru. Therefore, there is an advantage that the configuration of the game apparatus 10 is simplified as compared with the configuration in which the mechanism for supplying the small ball M1 to the game field 110a and the mechanism for supplying the small ball M1 to the physical lottery unit are mutually independently installed. is there. In addition, since the circulation mechanism 20ac constantly circulates the plurality of small beads M1, the small beads M1 used for the physical lottery are constantly supplied from the first path 310ac. Therefore, any number of small balls M1 determined according to the progress of the game can be used for the physical lottery.

As described above, the game apparatus 10 includes a mechanism (hereinafter referred to as “circulation mechanism”) that circulates the plurality of small balls M1. A circulation mechanism is installed for each pair of two station units 100 adjacent in the front-rear direction. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a circulation mechanism 20 ac corresponding to the two station units 100 a and 100 c. The configuration of the circulation mechanism 20bd corresponding to the two station units 100b and 100d is the same as that of the circulation mechanism 20ac illustrated in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the circulation mechanism 20ac includes a first path 310ac, a second path 340ac, a recovery path 330a, and a transfer device 170ac. The first path 310 ac, the second path 340 ac, and the transfer device 170 ac are shared by the station units 100 a and 100 c. A path for circulating the plurality of small balls M1 is configured by the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac, the space in which the small balls M1 fall between the two paths (the space including the distribution unit 260), and the transfer device 170ac. Further, a path for collecting the small balls M1 used in the game field 110a is configured by the collection path 330a and the space where the small balls M1 fall between the collection path 330a and the second path 340ac. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a counter 220a for counting the small beads M1 may be installed in the middle of the path for collecting the small beads M1 used in the game field 110a. In addition, for each of the first path 310ac, the second path 340ac and the recovery path 330a, side walls (for example, the side wall 311 in FIG. 13) for preventing the falling of the small ball M1 are actually installed along the edges of each path. However, the illustration of the side wall is omitted in FIG. 12 for the sake of convenience.

The transport device 170ac transports the plurality of small balls M1 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The second position P2 is a position higher than the first position P1. Specifically, the second position P2 is on the upper side in the vertical direction when viewed from the first position P1. The first path 310ac is a path for moving the small ball M1 transported to the second position P2 by the transport device 170ac to the third position P3. The third position P3 is a position lower than the second position P2. The position in the horizontal direction is different between the second position P2 and the third position P3.

The first path 310ac is configured to include a first individual path 315ac and a second individual path 320ac. Each of the first individual path 315ac and the second individual path 320ac includes an inclined surface which descends from the second position P2 to the third position P3. Therefore, the small ball M1 moves toward the third position P3 while rolling on the inclined surface. The small beads M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are discharged to the first individual path 315ac. The second individual path 320ac is disposed downstream of the first individual path 315ac. That is, the first path 310ac of the first embodiment is configured by the first individual path 315ac and the second individual path 320ac, and a space in which the small ball M1 falls between the both paths. As described above, since the small ball M1 rolls on the first path 310ac, power for moving the small ball M1 on the first path 310ac is unnecessary.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of the first path 310ac in the vicinity of the first individual path 315ac. The right side of FIG. 13 corresponds to the upstream side of the first individual path 315ac, and the left side of FIG. 13 corresponds to the downstream side of the first individual path 315ac. The surface of the first individual path 315ac is an inclined surface that descends from the upstream side to the downstream side.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, supply paths 231 a and 231 c are formed in the first individual path 315 ac. The supply path 231a is an opening for supplying the small balls M1 to the first hopper 230a. That is, the small ball M1 entering the supply path 231a is supplied to the first hopper 230a. On the other hand, the supply passage 231c is an opening for supplying the small ball M1 to the first hopper 230c. That is, the small ball M1 entering the supply path 231c is supplied to the first hopper 230c.

In the configuration in which the first individual path 315ac and the first hopper 230a are separated, for example, a duct connecting the supply path 231a on the first individual path 315ac and the first hopper 230a is formed. With the above configuration, even when the storage container 231 is full, the small balls M1 can be stored in the duct. That is, the state in which the first hopper 230a (storage container 231) is full means that not only the storage container 231 but also the duct is full. As understood from the above description, the duct that connects the supply path 231a and the first hopper 230a functions as a storage unit that temporarily stores the small ball M1. The duct may be grasped as part of the storage container 231. The same applies to the second hopper 240 a and the third hopper 250 a.

The transfer device 170 ac is a substantially cylindrical structure installed in the vertical direction. The supply paths 231a and 231c are located on opposite sides of the transfer device 170ac. A plurality of discharge ports 1720 are formed in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the transfer device 170 ac along the circumferential direction. The plurality of small beads M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are radially discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 1720. That is, the small balls M1 are discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 1720 in different directions. The small beads M1 radially discharged from the transfer device 170ac are supplied to the destination according to the direction of discharge of the small beads M1. The position of each discharge port 1720 of the transfer device 170ac corresponds to the above-described second position P2.

Specifically, the small ball M1 discharged from the transfer device 170ac toward the supply path 231a enters the supply path 231a. Similarly, the small ball M1 discharged from the transfer device 170ac to the supply path 231c enters the supply path 231c. Further, the small ball M1 discharged to the upstream side of the supply paths 231a and 231c in the first individual path 315ac rolls along the side wall 311 of the first individual path 315ac and enters the supply path 231a or 231c.

In the first individual path 315ac, a wall-like portion (hereinafter referred to as a "regulator") 350a located downstream of the transfer device 170ac is formed. Communication paths 313 are formed on both sides of the restricting portion 350a. The communication path 313 is an opening for moving the small ball M1 from the first individual path 315ac to the second individual path 320ac. The small beads M1 discharged from the transfer device 170ac toward the connection paths 313 move on the connection paths 313 and drop from the first individual path 315ac to the second individual path 320ac. The small beads M1 discharged to the downstream side from the transfer device 170ac roll along the restricting portion 350a to reach the connection path 313, and drop from the connection path 313 to the second individual path 320ac. That is, the small ball M1 is guided to the communication path 313 by the restriction portion 350a. When the first hopper 230a or 230c is full, the small ball M1 rolls without entering the supply paths 231a and 231c and drops from the connection path 313 to the second individual path 320ac. That is, the small beads M1 discharged from the transfer device 170ac are supplied to any of the supply path 231a, the supply path 231c, and the second individual path 320ac according to the direction of the discharge.

As understood from FIG. 13, the size of the opening of the supply path 231a corresponding to the first hopper 230a is different from the size of the opening of the communication path 313 corresponding to the second individual path 320ac. The size of the opening of the supply passage is the area of the opening through which the small ball M1 enters the supply passage. The openings of the communication path 313 correspond to the openings to the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the number of small balls M1 supplied to the first hopper 230a different from the number of small balls M1 supplied to the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a. In the first embodiment, the opening of the supply passage 231 a is larger than the opening of the connection passage 313. Therefore, the small balls M1 can be supplied to the first hopper 230a preferentially to the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a second individual path 320ac of the first path 310ac. Similar to FIG. 13, the right side of FIG. 14 corresponds to the upstream side of the second individual path 320 ac, and the left side of FIG. 14 corresponds to the downstream side of the second individual path 320 ac. The surface of the second individual path 320 ac is an inclined surface that descends from the upstream side to the downstream side. The position of the downstream end 322ac of the second individual path 320ac corresponds to the above-described third position P3.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, supply paths 241 a and 251 a and supply paths 241 c and 251 c are formed in the second individual path 320 ac. The supply paths 241a and 241c are formed on the opposite side of the second individual path 320ac, and the supply paths 251a and 251c are formed on the opposite side of the second individual path 320ac.

The supply path 241a is an opening for supplying the small beads M1 to the second hopper 240a, and the supply path 251a is an opening for supplying the small beads M1 to the third hopper 250a. Similarly, the supply path 241c is an opening for supplying the small beads M1 to the second hopper 240c, and the supply path 251c is an opening for supplying the small beads M1 to the third hopper 250c. The supply paths 241a and 241c are located upstream of the supply paths 251a and 251c.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the circulation mechanism 20 ac is shared by the game field 110 a and the game field 110 c. Therefore, there is an advantage that the configuration of game device 10 is simplified as compared with the configuration in which separate circulation mechanisms are provided for game field 110a and game field 110c.

The small ball M1 rolling on the inclined surface of the second individual path 320ac toward the third position P3 can enter the supply path 241a or 241c. The small beads M1 entering the supply path 241a are supplied to the second hopper 240a, and the small beads M1 entering the supply path 241c are supplied to the second hopper 240c. However, when the second hoppers 240a and 240c are full, for example, the small balls M1 on the second individual path 320ac enter the second hoppers 240a and 240c because the supply paths 241a and 241c are blocked by the small balls M1. Can not. Even when the second hoppers 240a and 240c are not full (that is, when the supply paths 241a and 241c are not blocked by the small balls M1), some of the small balls M1 rolling on the inclined surface are, for example, small balls M1. There is also a small ball M1 that can not enter the supply path 241a or 241c due to the change in the direction of movement due to a collision between the two.

The small ball M1 that does not enter the supply path 241a or 241c on the second individual path 320ac can enter the supply path 251a or 251c. The small beads M1 entering the supply path 251a are supplied to the third hopper 250a, and the small beads M1 entering the supply path 251c are supplied to the third hopper 250c. However, when the third hoppers 250a and 250c are full, for example, the small balls M1 on the second individual path 320ac enter the third hoppers 250a and 250c because the supply paths 251a and 251c are blocked by the small balls M1. Can not. Even when the third hoppers 250a and 250c are not full (that is, when the supply paths 251a and 251c are not blocked by the small balls M1), for example, the small balls M1 are included in the plurality of small balls M1 rolling on the inclined surface. There is also a small ball M1 which can not enter the supply path 251a or 251c due to the change in the direction of movement due to the collision between the two.

As described above, the supply path 231a for supplying the small beads M1 to the first hopper 230a and the supply path 241a or 251a on the downstream side of the supply path 231a are formed in the first path 310ac. The small ball M1 moving from the second position P2 to the supply path 231a moves toward the third position P3 when the first hopper 230a is full (that is, when it can not enter the supply path 241a), to the supply path 241a or 251a. It will be in the state of entering. Therefore, the small balls M1 can be supplied to the first hopper 230a preferentially to the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a.

Similarly, in the first path 310ac, a supply path 241a for supplying the small balls M1 to the second hopper 240a, and a supply path 251a on the downstream side of the supply path 241a are formed. The small ball M1 moving from the second position P2 to the supply path 241a moves toward the third position P3 when the second hopper 240a is full (that is, when it can not enter the supply path 251a) and enters the supply path 251a. It becomes a state. Therefore, the small balls M1 can be supplied to the second hopper 240a preferentially to the third hopper 250a.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the small balls M1 discharged from the upstream outlets 1720 (hereinafter referred to as “first outlet 1720A”) among the plurality of outlets 1720 are supply paths corresponding to the first hopper 230 a. It moves toward each opening of the supply path 231c corresponding to 231a and the 1st hopper 230c. Among the plurality of discharge ports 1720, the small balls M1 discharged from the downstream side discharge ports 1720 (hereinafter referred to as "second discharge ports 1720B") move toward the opening of the communication path 313. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the number (10) of first discharge ports 1720A and the number (2) of second discharge ports 1720B are different. Therefore, assuming that the discharge amount of the small beads M1 in the transfer device 170ac is equal for the plurality of discharge ports 1720, the discharge amount by the first discharge port 1720A having a large number exceeds the discharge amount by the second discharge port 1720B. Therefore, the small balls M1 can be supplied to the first hopper 230a preferentially to the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a.

The supply of the small balls M1 to the transfer device 170ac may be adjusted such that the number of small balls M1 discharged from the first discharge port 1720A exceeds the number of small balls M1 discharged from the second discharge port 1720B. Although the detailed structure will be described later, the transport apparatus 170 ac according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of intake ports 1710 respectively corresponding to the plurality of exhaust ports 1720 as illustrated in FIG. The small beads M1 supplied to any one inlet 1710 are discharged from the outlet 1720 corresponding to the inlet 1710. An inlet 1710 (X direction corresponding to the second outlet 1720 B) with respect to an inlet 1710 corresponding to the first outlet 1720 A (each inlet 1720 on the X2 side and the Y direction in the X direction in FIG. 26) The supply amount of the small balls M1 to the plurality of inlets 1710 is controlled so that the small beads M1 are supplied preferentially to the inlet 1710 on the X1 side of According to the above configuration, for example, even when the first discharge port 1720A and the second discharge port 1720B have the same number, the small ball M1 is given priority over the first hopper 230a over the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a. It is possible to supply

As described above, in the first embodiment, the number of small beads M1 going from the first discharge port 1720A to the first hopper 230a and the second hopper (240a, 240c) or the third hopper (250a) from the second discharge port 1720B. , 250c) are different from each other in the number of small beads M1. Therefore, it is possible to make the ratio between the number of small beads M1 supplied to the first hopper 230a and the number of small beads M1 supplied to the second hopper or the third hopper approach a predetermined value. In addition, as described above, the total number of gaming machine using units to which small beads M1 discharged from the transfer device 170ac are supplied (the first hoppers 230a and 230c, the second hoppers 240a and 240c, and the third hoppers 250a and 250c 6) is less than the total number (12) of the discharge ports 1720 in the transfer device 170ac. Since the transport path is formed for each discharge port 1720, it can be said that the total number of gaming machine using portions is less than the total number of transport paths.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, guiding portions 360 ac, 370 ac, 380 ac and 390 ac for restricting the movement of the small ball M1 are installed on the inclined surface of the second individual path 320 ac. Each of the guiding parts 360ac, 370ac, 380ac and 390ac is constituted by a protrusion protruding from the inclined surface of the second individual path 320ac.

The guiding portion 360ac is installed upstream of the supply paths 241a and 241c, and guides the small ball M1 to the supply path 241a or 241c. The guiding portion 360ac is a protrusion including the surfaces 361 and 362. The surfaces 361 and 362 are planes or curved surfaces that are inclined with respect to the direction in which the second individual paths 320 ac extend (hereinafter referred to as “path directions”). The small beads M <b> 1 in contact with the surface 361 are guided to the supply path 241 a by rolling along the surface 361. Similarly, the small ball M <b> 1 in contact with the surface 362 is guided to the supply path 241 c by rolling along the surface 362. That is, the small ball M1 can easily enter the supply path 241a or 241c. As described above, the guiding portion 360ac can preferentially store the small beads M1 in the second hoppers 240a and 250a as compared to the third hoppers 250a and 250c.

The guiding portions 370 ac and 380 ac are provided downstream of the supply paths 241 a and 241 c and upstream of the supply paths 251 a and 251 c. The guiding portion 370 ac is a protrusion including a surface 371 inclined with respect to the path direction and a surface 372 parallel to the path direction. The small ball M <b> 1 in contact with the surface 371 is guided to the supply path 241 a by rolling along the surface 371. Similarly, the guiding portion 380ac is a protrusion including a surface 381 that is inclined with respect to the path direction and a surface 382 that is parallel to the path direction. The small beads M <b> 1 in contact with the surface 381 are guided to the supply path 241 c by rolling along the surface 381. The small ball M1 in contact with the surface 372 of the guiding portion 370ac or the surface 382 of the guiding portion 380ac is guided to the guiding portion 390ac.

The guiding portion 390ac is disposed upstream of the supply paths 251a and 251c, and guides the small ball M1 to the supply path 251a or 251c. The guiding portion 390ac is a protrusion including surfaces 391 and 362 that are inclined with respect to the path direction. The small beads M1 in contact with the surface 391 are guided to the supply path 251a, and the small beads M1 in contact with the surface 392 are guided to the supply path 251c.

As described above, the small balls M1 are preferentially supplied to the hoppers (game player using units) located on the upstream side of the first path 310ac. A small ball M1 that does not enter any of the supply paths 231a and 231c, the supply paths 241a and 241c, and the supply paths 251a and 251c on the first path 310ac falls from the downstream end 322ac of the second individual path 320ac.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second path 340ac is a path for moving the small ball M1 dropped from the first path 310ac to the first position P1 without entering any supply path on the first path 310ac. is there. The first position P1 is a position lower than the third position P3. Specifically, the second path 340ac moves the small ball M1 dropped from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4 in the space between the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac to the first position P1. The fourth position P4 is lower than the third position P3 and higher than the first position P1. The second path 340ac includes an inclined surface that descends from the fourth position P4 to the first position P1. Therefore, the small ball M1 dropped from the first path 310ac to the fourth position moves from the fourth position P4 to the first position P1 while rolling on the inclined surface of the second path 340ac. That is, the second path 340ac is a path for returning the small ball M1 to the first position P1. The second path 340ac may be connected to the first path 310ac. That is, the space between the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac and the distribution unit 260 may be omitted. In the configuration in which the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac are connected, the second path 340ac is a path for moving the small ball M1 from the third position P3 toward the first P1.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the upstream end of the first path 310ac is located vertically above the downstream end of the second path 340ac. That is, the positions in the horizontal direction are close to each other between the upstream end of the first path 310 ac and the downstream end of the second path 340 ac. Therefore, the small ball M1 that has reached the downstream side of the second path 340ac can be supplied to the first path 310ac by a simple configuration in which the small ball M1 is transported from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction. Further, the downstream end of the first path 310 ac is located vertically above the upstream end of the second path 340 ac. That is, the positions in the horizontal direction are close to each other between the downstream end of the first path 310 ac and the upstream end of the second path 340 ac. Therefore, the small ball M1 that has reached the downstream side of the first path 310ac can be supplied to the second path 340ac by a simple configuration in which the small ball M1 is dropped from the first path 310ac. Since the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac are inclined surfaces on which the small ball M1 rolls, the direction of each path is not limited to a linear direction, and may be selected in any direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect the downstream end of the first path 310 ac and the upstream end of the second path 340 ac such that the horizontal positions are close to each other.

The transport device 170ac of the first embodiment continues the state of transporting the small balls M1 (hereinafter referred to as the “operation state”). Therefore, the supply of the small balls M1 to each gaming machine using unit (for example, the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a) of the circulation mechanism 20ac is continued. That is, the transfer of the small balls M1 by the transfer device 170ac is not performed intermittently every time the small balls M1 are required by the respective gaming body using units of the circulation mechanism 20ac, but the use of the small balls M1 by each gaming body using unit The transport device 170 ac maintains the operating state regardless of the presence or absence of the As described above, in the first embodiment, the transport device 170ac is maintained in the operable state in which the small balls M1 can be transferred, even when each gaming machine using unit of the circulation mechanism 20ac does not actually use the small balls M1. For example, even if the player is not playing the game (the presence or absence of the player is not questioned), the transport device 170ac is maintained in the operating state.

In the configuration where the small ball M1 is required by the gaming body using unit on the circulation mechanism 20ac and the small balls M1 are supplied to the gaming body using unit, it is necessary to detect the presence or absence of the small balls M1 in the gaming body using unit. There is a problem that the configuration of the game apparatus 10 becomes complicated. The above problems are particularly serious in a configuration in which a large number of game player using units are installed. According to the first embodiment, since the operating state of the transfer device 170ac is continued as described above, the configuration for detecting the presence or absence of the small ball M1 in the gaming body using unit or the transfer device 170ac according to the result of the detection There is an advantage that control is unnecessary. In addition, even when the game is not actually played, it is possible for the surrounding person to perceive that the game apparatus 10 is operating, by the circulation mechanism 20ac constantly circulating the plurality of small balls M1. It is. It can also be expected to have visual effects.

[Distribution unit 260]
In the above description, the first route 310 ac and the second route 340 ac corresponding to the two station units 100 a and 100 c are exemplified, but the first route 310 bd and the second route 310 b having the same configuration are similar for the two station units 100 b and 100 d. Two paths 340bd are established. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the distribution unit 260 is a point where the small ball M1 falling from the downstream end of the first path 310ac and the small ball M1 falling from the downstream end of the first path 310bd merge. Will be installed. A distribution unit 260 is installed in a space between the first path 310ac and the first path 310bd, and the second path 340ac and the second path 340bd. Since the small ball M1 rolling on each of the first path 310ac and the first path 310bd falls from the path in a state accelerated by the rolling, the falling trajectory of the small ball M1 (hereinafter referred to as "dropping path") is a parabola It becomes. The distribution unit 260 is installed at the intersection of the falling path from the first path 310ac and the falling path from the first path 310bd.

The distribution unit 260 distributes the small ball M1 falling from the first path 310ac and the small ball M1 falling from the first path 310bd to a second path 340ac of the circulation mechanism 20ac and a second path 340bd of the circulation mechanism 20bd. That is, the distribution unit 260 is shared by the circulation mechanism 20ac and the circulation mechanism 20bd.

The distribution unit 260 is a structure including a first surface 261 facing the circulation mechanism 20ac and a second surface 262 facing the circulation mechanism 20bd. The first surface 261 and the second surface 262 are flat or curved surfaces that are inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The first surface 261 is an inclined surface that causes the small ball M1 in contact with the first surface 261 to roll on the second path 340ac of the circulation mechanism 20ac. The second surface 262 is an inclined surface that rolls the small ball M1 in contact with the second surface 262 in the direction toward the second path 340bd of the circulation mechanism 20bd. The top portion 263 where the first surface 261 and the second surface 262 intersect is the highest portion of the distribution unit 260.

The small balls M1 dropped from the first path 310ac may have different speeds according to the state of rolling on the inclined surface, or may have different falling trajectories due to collisions between the small balls M1. Therefore, the plurality of small beads M1 dropped from the first path 310ac are small beads M1 contacting the second surface 262 over the top 263, and small beads M1 contacting the first surface 261 without being allowed to go over the top 263. Divided into Similarly, a plurality of small beads M1 dropped from the first path 310bd are small beads M1 contacting the first surface 261 over the top 263, and small beads M1 contacting the second surface 262 without being allowed to go over the top 263. And divided into A collision also occurs between the small ball M1 dropped from the first path 310ac and the small ball M1 dropped from the first path 310bd. The small ball M 1 decelerated by the collision contacts the first surface 261 or the second surface 262 without being able to go over the top 263.

As described above, the plurality of small beads M1 dropped from the first path 310ac or 310bd are distributed by the distributor 260 to the second paths 340ac and 340bd. The probability that the small ball M1 moves from the distribution unit 260 to the second path 340ac is substantially equal to the probability that it travels to the second path 340bd. That is, the plurality of small beads M1 dropped from the first path 310ac or 310bd are distributed substantially equally to the second paths 340ac and 340bd.

For example, immediately after the many balls M1 are paid out to the specific game field 110 by the JP payout unit 150, there may be a case where many balls M1 exist in one of the circulation mechanisms 20ac and 20bd. That is, the number of small beads M1 circulated by the circulation mechanism 20ac may deviate from the number of small beads M1 circulated by the circulation mechanism 20bd. In the first embodiment, as described above, the small balls M1 dropped from the first path 310ac or 310bd are distributed by the distributing unit 260 to the second paths 340ac and 340bd. Furthermore, since each of the transfer devices 170ac and 170bd maintains the operating state capable of transferring the small ball M1, the small ball M1 continuously circulates in the circulation mechanism 20ac. Therefore, even if the number of small beads M1 circulating in the circulation mechanism 20ac and the number of small beads M1 circulating in the circulation mechanism 20bd temporarily diverge, it is possible to balance the number of both in the passage of time.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the second path 340ac. The left side of FIG. 15 corresponds to the upstream side of the second path 340ac, and the right side of FIG. 15 corresponds to the downstream side of the second path 340ac. The surface of the second path 340ac is an inclined surface that descends from the upstream side to the downstream side. The transfer device 170ac is installed downstream of the second path 340ac. Therefore, the small ball M1 supplied to the second path 340ac rolls toward the transfer device 170ac. The small beads M1 distributed to the circulation mechanism 20ac by the distribution unit 260 move from the upstream fourth position P4 in the second path 340ac to the first position P1 which is the downstream end. That is, the small ball M1 moves to the transfer device 170ac.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a as gaming machine using units for inserting small balls M1 into the game field 110a are lower than the first path 310ac and higher than the first position P1. Will be installed. Among the plurality of small balls M1 inserted into the game field 110a, the small balls M1 dropped from the front edge portion 116 are supplied to the collection path 330a as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15. In the recovery path 330a, an inclined surface on which the small ball M1 rolls is formed. The small ball M1 supplied to the recovery path 330a rolls on the inclined surface and enters the counter 220a. The small ball M1 counted by the counter 220a is supplied from the counter 220a to the second path 340ac. Similarly, the small beads M1 dropped from the front edge portion 116 of the game field 110c are supplied to the counter 220c via the recovery path 330c, and are supplied to the second path 340ac after being counted by the counter 220c. As understood from the above description, the small ball M1 used for the game in the game fields 110a and 110c is recovered to the second path 340ac by moving downward (that is, falling) in the vertical direction. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that no power is required for collecting the small balls M1 after use by the game fields 110a and 110c.

In the second path 340ac, in addition to the small balls M1 after being distributed by the distribution unit 260 and the small balls M1 discharged from the counters 220a and 220c, small balls M1 dropped from the notches 115L or 115R of the game fields 110a and 110c. Is also supplied. Also, the small ball M1 used in the physical lottery unit (120a, 130a, 140a, 120c, 130c, 140c) is also supplied to the second path 340ac.

As understood from the above description, the transfer device 170ac according to the first embodiment uses the small ball M1 that the first hopper 230a uses for the physical lottery (the first lottery, the second lottery or the third lottery), and the second hopper 240a. Alternatively, the third hopper 250a collects the small ball M1 used for the game by the game field 110a and transports it to the upstream side of the first path 310ac. That is, the small ball M1 used for the physical lottery and the small ball M1 used for the game are transported to the upstream side of the first path 310ac and reused.

[Configuration of Transfer Device 170ac]
FIG. 16 is a side view of the transfer device 170ac. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the transfer device 170 ac according to the first embodiment is a long columnar body disposed along the vertical direction, and includes the rotating body 1730, the support portion 1740, the enclosing member 1750, and a plurality of guide portions. 1760, a holding unit 1770, and a supply unit 1780. The holding unit 1770 constitutes an upper end portion of the transfer device 170ac, and the supply portion 1780 constitutes a lower end portion of the transfer device 170ac. The rotating body 1730, the support portion 1740, the enclosing member 1750, and the plurality of guide portions 1760 are located between the holding portion 1770 and the supply portion 1780. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the rotation axis C of the transfer device 170ac is parallel to the vertical direction, but the rotation axis C may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. If the angle of the rotation axis C with respect to the vertical direction is 30 ° or less, it can be said that the transport device 170ac is disposed along the vertical direction.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the transfer device 170 ac in a state where the surrounding member 1750 is omitted. FIG. 18 is a side view of the transfer device 170 ac in a state where the surrounding member 1750 and the plurality of guide portions 1760 are omitted.

The rotating body 1730 is a cylindrical member that rotates around the rotation axis C, and constitutes a central axis of the transfer device 170ac. The rotation axis C is a virtual axis parallel to the vertical direction. The rotating body 1730 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from above in the vertical direction. The rotating body 1730 of the first embodiment is rotatably supported between the holding unit 1770 and the supply unit 1780. The above-described operating state of the transfer device 170 ac is a state in which the rotating body 1730 rotates around the rotation axis C.

The support portion 1740 is a helical member along the rotation axis C. Specifically, the support portion 1740 is configured to draw a clockwise spiral when viewed from above in the vertical direction from the bottom of the vertical direction toward the top. The support portion 1740 of the first embodiment is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of support portion 1740 and the outer circumferential surface of rotating body 1730 are joined. Therefore, the support portion 1740 rotates with the rotating body 1730 around the rotation axis C. The support portion 1740 is also referred to as a portion projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730. As described above, the transport device 170ac of the first embodiment is a screw lifter that transports the small ball M1 by a spiral.

The support portion 1740 may be formed separately from the rotating body 1730 and may be fixed to the rotating body 1730 or may be integrally formed with the rotating body 1730. Further, by connecting a plurality of unit members constituting a partial section in the direction of the rotation axis C (for example, one cycle of the support portion 1740) of the rotary body 1730 and the support portion 1740 in the direction of the rotation axis C. The rotating body 1730 and the support portion 1740 may be configured.

FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the transfer device 170 ac, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer device 170 ac in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis C. As illustrated in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the small ball M1 is conveyed upward from below in the vertical direction in a state of being mounted on the upper surface (hereinafter referred to as “mounting surface”) F of the support portion 1740. The mounting surface F is a flat surface or a curved surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis C (that is, substantially parallel to the horizontal direction). The spacing K of the helices in the support 1740 exceeds the outer diameter D of the bead M1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the width L1 of the mounting surface F exceeds the radius D / 2 of the small ball M1 (L1> D / 2). For example, the radius D / 2 of the small ball M1 is about 8.5 mm, and the width L1 of the mounting surface F is about 12 mm. Therefore, the center of gravity (center) of the small ball M1 can be located on the mounting surface F. The width L1 of the mounting surface F is the distance between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the support portion 1740, which is also referred to as the height of the support portion 1740 with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary body 1730. As described above, according to the configuration in which the width L1 of the mounting surface F exceeds the radius D / 2 of the small ball M1, the possibility of the small ball M1 falling from the mounting surface F can be reduced.

Each of the plurality of guide portions 1760 is a rod-like member disposed on the outer side of the support portion 1740 (opposite to the support portion 1740 opposite to the rotation axis C) and extending along the rotation axis C. For example, a cylindrical or prismatic member is suitably used as the guide portion 1760. The plurality of guide portions 1760 face the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730 with the support portion 1740 interposed therebetween. The upper end of each guide portion 1760 is fixed to the holding portion 1770, and the lower end of each guide portion 1760 is fixed to the supply portion 1780. The plurality of guide portions 1760 are installed separately from the rotating body 1730. Therefore, even if the rotating body 1730 rotates, the plurality of guide portions 1760 does not rotate. The first embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which twelve guide portions 1760 are installed, but the number of guide portions 1760 is arbitrary.

The plurality of guide portions 1760 are arranged at an interval G from each other all around the circumferential direction around the rotation axis C. That is, around the support portion 1740, a total number of gaps corresponding to the number of the guide portions 1760 is formed. The distance G between the two guide portions 1760 adjacent to each other exceeds the outer diameter (diameter) D of the small ball M1. Therefore, the small ball M1 can pass through the gap between the two guide portions 1760.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the distance L2 between the outer circumferential surface of the rotary body 1730 (the inner circumference of the support portion 1740) and each guide portion 1760 is smaller than the outer diameter D of the small ball M1 (L2 <D ). For example, the outer diameter D of the small ball M1 is about 17 mm, and the distance L2 is about 14 mm. In the first embodiment, the distance G between the two guide portions 1760 adjacent to each other is smaller than two of the outer diameter D of the small ball M1 (G <2D). Therefore, one small ball M1 may exist in the gap G between the two guide portions 1760.

The enclosing member 1750 is a member located on the opposite side to the support portion 1740 with the plurality of guide portions 1760 interposed therebetween. The enclosing member 1750 of the first embodiment surrounds the rotating body 1730, the support portion 1740, and the plurality of guide portions 1760. Specifically, a cylindrical member having the rotation axis C as a central axis is used as the surrounding member 1750. The plurality of guide portions 1760 are installed in the space between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730 and the inner peripheral surface of the enclosing member 1750. In addition, the presence or absence of the contact of the some guide part 1760 with respect to the internal peripheral surface of the surrounding member 1750 does not matter. The enclosing member 1750 is installed separately from the rotating body 1730. Therefore, even if the rotating body 1730 rotates, the enclosing member 1750 does not rotate.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the distance L3 between the outer periphery of the support portion 1740 and the inner periphery of the enclosing member 1750 is smaller than the outer diameter D of the small ball M1 (L3 <D). For example, the outer diameter D of the small ball M1 is about 17 mm, and the distance L3 is about 9 mm. According to the above configuration, even if the small ball M1 moves in the radial direction of the rotation axis C on the mounting surface F, the small ball M1 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the enclosing member 1750 before falling from the mounting surface F Do. Therefore, in the portion surrounded by the surrounding member 1750, the small ball M1 can be prevented from falling from the support portion 1740.

In the state of FIG. 19 in which the small balls M1 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730 and placed on the mounting surface F, the distance between the small balls M1 and the inner peripheral surface of the enclosing member 1750 (hereinafter referred to as “circumferential distance”) Is about 4 mm (L1 + L3-D). By appropriately securing the circumferential distance, the possibility that the small ball M1 collides with the lower end surface of the enclosing member 1750 can be reduced when the small ball M1 is taken in from the inlet 1710. The circumferential distance is preferably in the range of 1 mm or more and the radius D / 2 or less of the small ball M1, and in a more preferable embodiment, the range of 2 mm or more and half (D / 4) or less of the radius D / 2 of the small ball M1. Set to the appropriate dimensions within. In the configuration in which the circumferential distance is large, the number of small balls M1 transported while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member 1750 on the mounting surface F is increased. Even if the small ball M1 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the enclosing member 1750, it is possible to transport the small ball M1, but the contact of the small ball M1 may cause abrasion on the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member 1750 over time. Increase. According to the configuration in which the circumferential distance is appropriately secured, the contact of the small ball M1 with the inner circumferential surface of the enclosing member 1750 is suppressed, and thus there is an advantage that the scratch of the inner circumferential surface due to the contact can be prevented.

The shape of the enclosing member 1750 is not limited to a cylindrical shape having an inner circumferential surface. For example, the enclosing member 1750 may be configured by a plurality of rod-like members disposed on the opposite side of the plurality of guide portions 1760 as viewed from the rotation axis C. Each rod-shaped member is a member extending along the rotation axis C, and is located between the two guide portions 1760 adjacent to each other as viewed from the rotation axis C. A virtual inner peripheral surface is formed by the plurality of rod-shaped members, and the small ball M1 is prevented from falling by contacting the small ball M1 with the inner peripheral surface.

Part or all of the circumferential direction or the vertical direction of the enclosing member 1750 is formed of, for example, a light transmissive material. For example, the enclosing member 1750 is formed of a transparent resin material. As described above, according to the configuration in which the enclosing member 1750 is formed of a light transmitting material, or the configuration in which the enclosing member 1750 is formed by a plurality of rod-like members, the transport device 170ac transports a large number of small beads M1. It is possible to make the player or the surrounding person visually recognize. Therefore, the effect of the dynamic presentation by the small ball M1 can also be expected. Visual interest can also be given to the player. In addition, according to the structure by which circumferential spacing was ensured appropriately, the abrasion of the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member 1750 is prevented as mentioned above. Therefore, in the configuration in which the enclosing member 1750 is formed of a light transmitting material, it is possible to suppress the above-mentioned effect of being able to visually recognize from the outside how the many small beads M1 are transported from being deteriorated with time. However, the light transmission of the enclosing member 1750 is not essential.

The total length of the enclosing member 1750 is less than the total length of the guide portion 1760. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a portion (hereinafter referred to as “first end”) E1 of each guide portion 1760 located in the lower direction in the vertical direction is lower in the vertical direction from the lower end surface of the enclosing member 1750. Exposed. The total length of the first end E1 exceeds the outer diameter D of the small ball M1. On the other hand, a portion (hereinafter referred to as a “second end”) E2 of the respective guide portions 1760 located vertically upward is exposed vertically upward from the upper end surface of the enclosing member 1750. The total length of the second end E2 exceeds the outer diameter D of the small ball M1. A portion of each guide portion 1760 between the first end E1 and the second end E2 faces the inner circumferential surface of the enclosing member 1750.

The gap between the first end E1 of the two guide portions 1760 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C functions as an inlet 1710 for taking the small ball M1 into the transfer device 170ac. The inlet 1710 according to the first embodiment is a space surrounded by the lower end surface of the enclosing member 1750, the supply surface 1781 which is the surface of the supply unit 1780, and two first ends E1 adjacent to each other. is there. The small beads M <b> 1 supplied to the transfer device 170 ac are placed on the placement surface F of the support portion 1740 through the intake port 1710.

As described above, the plurality of guide portions 1760 are arranged at intervals G in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C. Therefore, a number (for example, 12) of intake ports 1710 corresponding to the number of guide portions 1760 are formed along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C at the lower end portion of the transfer device 170ac. That is, the plurality of small beads M1 supplied around the lower end portion of the transfer device 170 ac are sequentially taken in from each of the plurality of intake ports 1710 in conjunction with the rotation of the support portion 1740. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the small balls M1 can be taken into the transfer device 170ac by a very simple configuration in which the first end E1 of each guide portion 1760 is exposed from the surrounding member 1750. It is.

On the other hand, the gap between the second ends E2 of the two guide portions 1760 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C functions as a discharge port 1720 for discharging the small ball M1 from the transfer device 170ac. The discharge port 1720 according to the first embodiment is a space surrounded by the upper end surface of the enclosing member 1750, the surface (the inclined surface 1771 described later) of the holding portion 1770, and the two second ends E2 adjacent to each other. It is. The small beads M1 transported by the transport device 170ac pass through the discharge port 1720 and are discharged from the transport device 170ac to the outside.

As described above, the plurality of guide portions 1760 are arranged at intervals G in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C. Therefore, the number (eg, twelve) of discharge ports 1720 corresponding to the number of the guide portions 1760 is formed along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C at the upper end portion of the transfer device 170ac. Therefore, the plurality of small beads M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are radially discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 1720. As described above, according to the first embodiment, the small balls M1 can be discharged from the transfer device 170ac by a very simple configuration in which the second end E2 of each guide portion 1760 is exposed from the surrounding member 1750. It is.

In the above-described configuration, the helical support portion 1740 is rotated in a state in which the small beads M1 having passed through the respective intake ports 1710 are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730 and mounted on the mounting surface F. . The circumferential movement of the small ball M1 on the mounting surface F is restricted by the small ball M1 contacting the guide portion 1760. That is, the small ball M1 accommodated in the gap between the two specific guide portions 1760 can not move to another gap adjacent in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C. Therefore, the small ball M1 is conveyed along the guide portion 1760 from the lower side in the vertical direction in a state in which the small ball M1 is in contact with three places of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730, the mounting surface F and one guide portion 1760. Ru. That is, the small ball M1 is supported at three points of the contact point to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary body 1730, the contact point to the mounting surface F, and the contact point to the guide portion 1760. The small ball M1 supported by the support portion 1740 in the above-described state is conveyed upward in the vertical direction while being pressed by one guide portion 1760.

The movement of the small ball M1 in the direction away from the rotation axis C is restricted by the small ball M1 contacting the inner circumferential surface of the enclosing member 1750. Therefore, the small beads M1 may be transported while being in contact with the mounting surface F of the support portion 1740, the surface of the guide portion 1760, and the inner peripheral surface of the enclosing member 1750. That is, according to the first embodiment, the small balls M1 can be reliably transported while reducing the possibility of the small balls M1 falling from the support portion 1740.

As understood from the above description, in the transfer device 170ac of the first embodiment, a transfer path for moving the small ball M1 from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction is formed for each of the plurality of guide portions 1760. That is, a plurality of (12) conveyance paths for conveying the small balls M1 from the inlet 1710 to the outlet 1720 are formed. The conveyance path is an elongated shape extending in the direction of the rotation axis C between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730, the inner peripheral surface of the enclosing member 1750, and two guide portions 1760 adjacent in the circumferential direction. It is a space. According to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently transport the many small beads M1 supplied to the supply unit 1780 in parallel by the plurality of transport paths.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the inlet 1710 in the transfer device 170 ac. FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating the relationship between the inlet 1710 of the transfer device 170ac and the second path 340ac.

As illustrated in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the small ball M1 having moved through the second path 340ac is supplied to the supply unit 1780. The supply unit 1780 is a member that constitutes the lower end portion of the transfer device 170ac. The upper surface (hereinafter referred to as “supply surface”) 1781 of the supply unit 1780 is an inclined surface for rolling the small beads M1 supplied from the second path 340 ac toward the inlet 1710. The supply surface 1781 is a flat surface or a curved surface, the lower the position is closer to each inlet 1710. As described above, in the first embodiment, the supply surface 1781 for rolling the small ball M1 toward the intake port 1710 is formed in the supply unit 1780. Therefore, a large number of small balls M1 are efficiently taken into a plurality of transport paths. It is possible to

FIGS. 23 and 24 are explanatory views of the relationship between any one inlet 1710 and the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740. FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, the positional relationship between the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 with respect to the inlet 1710 changes with time in conjunction with the rotation of the support portion 1740.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, in a state where the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 is close to the bottom of the inlet 1710, the small beads M1 pass through the inlet 1710 and are taken into the transport path. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 24, in the state where the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 is at a high position with respect to the bottom of the inlet 1710, the small balls M1 directed to the inlet 1710 contact the outer peripheral edge. That is, the support portion 1740 prevents the small ball M1 from entering the intake port 1710. When the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 changes to a position lower than the bottom portion of the intake port 1710 by further rotation of the support portion 1740 (FIG. 23), the small ball M1 waiting at the outside of the intake port 1710 is removed. It enters the entrance 1710 and is taken into the conveyance path.

As described above, the small ball M1 that has reached the inlet 1710 on the supply surface 1781 of the supply unit 1780 does not necessarily enter the inlet 1710 immediately after the arrival, and the outer peripheral edge of the support 1740 is removed. When it moves to a position close to the bottom of the inlet 1710, it enters the inlet 1710. That is, the small ball M1 temporarily stands by at the outside of the intake port 1710. As understood from the above description, the supply unit 1780 of the first embodiment functions as a storage unit that temporarily stores the plurality of small beads M1 directed to the transfer device 170ac.

In addition, since the support part 1740 rotates continuously, there is a possibility that the small ball M1 entering the intake port 1710 may be repelled by a collision with the outer peripheral edge of the support part 1740. That is, even when the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 is close to the bottom of the inlet 1710, the small ball M1 may not be taken into the inlet 1710. As described above, in the first embodiment, the plurality of small beads M1 directed to the transfer device 170ac are temporarily stored in the supply unit 1780. According to the above configuration, the small ball M1 entering the inlet 1710 is pressed toward the inlet 1710 by the small ball M1 stored in the supply unit 1780. Therefore, the possibility of the small ball M1 being flipped by the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 is reduced. That is, according to the first embodiment, since the complicated mechanism for suppressing the small ball M1 from being repelled by the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 is unnecessary, the structure of the intake port 1710 can be simplified. is there.

As understood from FIG. 22, the small beads M1 are sequentially supplied to each of the plurality of intake ports 1710 of the transport device 170ac from a direction (horizontal direction) close to the horizontal direction. Therefore, even if a large number of small beads M1 are supplied to the supply unit 1780, the possibility of stacking the plurality of small beads M1 in the vertical direction is reduced. Note that, in the configuration in which a large number of small beads M1 are stacked, the force among them is balanced in a state in which a plurality of small beads M1 are in contact on the path to the intake port 1710, and as a result a plurality of small beads M1 stand still The “bridge phenomenon” may occur. When the bridge phenomenon occurs, the uptake of the small ball M1 to the inlet 1710 is inhibited. According to the first embodiment, the possibility of the plurality of small balls M1 being stacked in the vertical direction is reduced, so it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon. That is, it is possible to efficiently take in a large number of small beads M1 into a plurality of transport paths. In the first embodiment, in particular, since a plurality of inlets 1710 are formed in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C, even if a bridge phenomenon occurs in the vicinity of a part of the inlets 1710, another inlet 1710 is formed. The small ball M1 is taken from. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the trouble of conveyance of the small ball M1 resulting from the bridge phenomenon.

In order to reduce the possibility of stacking the plurality of small beads M1 supplied to the supply unit 1780, a configuration in which the inclination angle of the supply surface 1781 is suppressed is preferable. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the maximum angle θ of the supply surface 1781 with respect to the horizontal surface is set to, for example, 20 ° or less (more preferably, 10 ° or less). According to the above configuration, the possibility of stacking the plurality of small beads M1 on the supply surface 1781 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon (that is, the clogging of the small ball M1) in the vicinity of each intake port 1710.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the supply surface 1781 of the first embodiment is a curved surface around the rotation axis C. Specifically, the surface (arc surface) of a sphere whose center is located on the rotation axis C is suitable as the supply surface 1781. According to the above configuration, the plurality of small beads M1 are supplied to the intake port 1710 from all directions around the rotation axis C. Therefore, the effect of being able to supply a large number of small beads M1 efficiently to each transport path is particularly remarkable.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the discharge port 1720 in the transfer device 170 ac. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the holding portion 1770 of the first embodiment is a truncated conical member including an inclined surface 1771 inclined with respect to the rotation axis C. The small balls M <b> 1 transported in the direction of the rotation axis C contact the inclined surface 1771 to change the traveling direction in the direction intersecting the rotation axis C. The small ball M1 whose direction has been changed by the contact with the inclined surface 1771 passes through the discharge port 1720 and is discharged from the conveyance path. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 13, the plurality of small balls M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are radially discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 1720. As understood from the above description, the holding portion 1770 (in particular, the inclined surface 1771) functions as a discharge guiding portion for moving the small balls M1 transported by the transport path away from the rotation axis C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the small ball M1 staying in the transport path more than necessary.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the vicinity of the supply unit 1780 as viewed from above in the vertical direction. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 26, an X direction along the second path 340ac and a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction are assumed. The upstream side of the second path 340ac is referred to as the X1 side, and the downstream side of the second path 340ac is referred to as the X2 side, as viewed from an arbitrary point in the X direction. The transfer device 170 ac is located on the X2 side in the X direction with respect to the second path 340 ac. Further, one side in the Y direction is described as the Y1 side, and the other side is described as the Y2 side. The station unit 100a is located on the Y1 side as viewed from the transport device 170ac, and the station portion 100c is located on the Y2 side as viewed from the transport device 170ac.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, in the vicinity of the supply unit 1780, the first guiding unit 51, the second guiding unit 52, and the third guiding unit 53 are installed. In FIG. 26, hatching is added to the first guiding portion 51, the second guiding portion 52, and the third guiding portion 53 for convenience.

[First guiding unit 51]
As illustrated in FIG. 26, a plurality of first guide portions 51 are formed on the supply surface 1781 of the supply unit 1780. Each of the first guiding portions 51 is a structure for guiding the small beads M1 to the plurality of intake ports 1710. According to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently supply the plurality of small beads M1 to the intake port 1710.

Each first guiding portion 51 of the first embodiment is a protrusion that protrudes from the supply surface 1781. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the height H1 of each first guiding portion 51 is smaller than the outer diameter D of the small ball M1. The two first guide portions 51 adjacent to each other function as a guide path 511 for guiding the small ball M1 to the intake port 1710. The first induction unit 51 separate from the supply unit 1780 may be fixed to the supply surface 1781, or the first induction unit 51 may be integrally formed with the supply unit 1780.

The width of the guiding path 511 formed by the plurality of first guiding portions 51 is larger than the outer diameter D of the small ball M1 and smaller than twice the outer diameter D. Accordingly, the plurality of small beads M1 align in a row to the inlet 1710 along the guiding path 511. As understood from the above description, the first guiding portion 51 of the first embodiment guides the small beads M1 so that the plurality of small beads M1 are aligned toward the intake port 1710. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon due to the concentration of the plurality of small beads M1.

The plurality of first guiding portions 51 of the first embodiment are installed on the X2 side (that is, the downstream side of the second path 340ac) when viewed from the transfer device 170ac. That is, the plurality of first induction units 51 direct the small ball M1 that has reached the X2 side of the transfer device 170ac from the second path 340ac to a portion 1720 of the plurality of intake ports 1710 on the X2 side. Align.

[Second guiding unit 52]
As illustrated in FIG. 26, a second guiding unit 52 is installed in the second path 340ac. The second guiding unit 52 is a structure that guides the small beads M1 advancing from the second path 340ac toward the supply unit 1780 to the side of the transfer device 170ac. The side of the transfer device 170ac is the Y1 side or the Y2 side as viewed from the transfer device 170ac. According to the above configuration, the plurality of small balls M1 are given priority to the intake port 1710 located rearward from the side (that is, the opposite side to the second path 340ac) among the plurality of intake ports 1710 of the transport device 170ac. It is possible to supply As understood from the above description, the second guiding unit 52 functions as a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the small ball M1 supplied from the second path 340ac to the supply unit 1780.

The second guiding unit 52 is installed on the X1 side (that is, the second path 340ac side) with respect to the transfer device 170ac. That is, the second guiding unit 52 is installed on the opposite side of the first guiding unit 51 with the transfer device 170 ac interposed therebetween. In addition, the second guiding portion 52 is located substantially at the center in the width direction of the second path 340ac. The second guiding portion 52 separate from the second path 340ac may be fixed to the second path 340ac, or the second guiding portion 52 may be integrally formed with the second path 340ac. In addition, the second induction unit 52 may be installed in the supply unit 1780.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the second guiding portion 52 of the first embodiment includes inclined surfaces 521 and 522 inclined with respect to the X direction. The inclined surfaces 521 and 522 are flat or curved. The inclined surface 521 is a side surface on the Y1 side in the second guiding portion 52, and the inclined surface 522 is a side surface on the Y2 side in the second guiding portion 52. The heights of the inclined surfaces 521 and 522 exceed the outer diameter D of the small ball M1. Therefore, the small ball M1 can not ride over the second guiding portion 52.

The small ball M1 moving on the second path 340ac and in contact with the inclined surface 521 is guided to the Y1 side as viewed from the transfer device 170ac. The small ball M1 in contact with the inclined surface 522 is guided to the Y2 side as viewed from the transfer device 170ac. That is, the second guiding unit 52 distributes the plurality of small beads M1 moved in the second path 340ac to the Y1 side and the Y2 side of the transfer device 170ac. That is, the plurality of small beads M1 do not directly go to the inlet 1710 on the second path 340ac side (X1 side) among the plurality of inlets 1710 of the transfer device 170ac. As understood from the above description, the second guiding unit 52 is configured to move the small ball M1 advancing toward the supply unit 1780 to the second path 340ac side (X1 side) of the plurality of intake ports 1710 of the transfer device 170ac. It guides toward the inlet 1710 on the opposite side (X2 side) of the second path 340ac without going to the inlet 1710.

In the configuration in which the second guiding unit 52 is not installed, a large number of small beads M1 are easily supplied to the inlet 1710 on the second path 340ac side among the plurality of inlets 1710 of the transport device 170ac. In the first embodiment, the second guiding portion 52 guides the plurality of small balls M1 so as to be directed to the X2 side intake port 1710 without directly going to the X1 side intake port 1710 among the plurality of intake ports 1710. Do. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a large number of small beads M1 concentrate on the intake port 1710 on the X1 side.

[Third guiding unit 53]
As illustrated in FIG. 26, the third guiding unit 53 is installed in the second path 340ac. The third guiding portion 53 is a structure that guides the small beads M1 moving in the second path 340ac to the opposite side (that is, the X2 side) to the second path 340ac as viewed from the transfer device 170ac. According to the above configuration, the plurality of small balls M1 are given priority to the intake port 1710 located rearward from the side (that is, the opposite side to the second path 340ac) among the plurality of intake ports 1710 of the transport device 170ac. It is possible to supply As understood from the above description, the third guiding unit 53 functions as a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the small ball M1 supplied from the second path 340ac to the supply unit 1780.

The third guiding portion 53 of the first embodiment is a protrusion that protrudes from the inclined surface of the second path 340 ac. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the height H2 of the third guiding portion 53 is less than the height H1 of the first guiding portion 51 and the height of the second guiding portion 52. Further, the height H2 of the third guiding portion 53 is less than the outer diameter D of the small ball M1. Therefore, the small ball M1 can ride over the third guiding portion 53. Specifically, in the state where one small ball M1 travels alone on the second path 340ac, the small ball M1 can not get over the third guiding portion 53. However, in the state where a large number of small beads M1 exist on the second path 340ac, the small beads M1 can pass over the third guiding portion 53 by being pressed by the other small beads M1. The third guiding portion 53 separate from the second path 340ac may be fixed to the second path 340ac, or the third guiding portion 53 may be integrally formed with the second path 340ac. In addition, the third guiding unit 53 may be installed in the supply unit 1780.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the third guiding portion 53 of the first embodiment is configured to include inclined portions 531 and 532 and straight portions 533 and 534. Each element which comprises the 3rd guidance part 53 is a projection prolonged linearly in plane view. The inclined portions 531 and 532 are portions extending in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction, and intersect each other at a point on the X1 side with respect to the transport device 170ac. The straight portions 533 and 534 are straight portions extending in the X direction. The straight portion 533 is continuous with the end of the inclined portion 531 opposite to the inclined portion 532 (X2 side). The straight portion 534 is continuous with the end of the inclined portion 532 opposite to the inclined portion 531 (X2 side).

The small ball M1 in contact with the inclined portion 531 on the second path 340ac is guided to the Y1 side along the inclined portion 531 and moves in the X direction along the subsequent linear portion 533. Similarly, the small ball M1 in contact with the inclined portion 532 is guided to the Y side along the inclined portion 532 and moves in the X direction along the subsequent linear portion 534. That is, the third guiding portion 53 branches the plurality of small beads M1 into two systems so as to bypass the transfer device 170ac and the second guide portion 52 as illustrated by solid arrows in FIG. Guide to the X2 side. The plurality of small beads M1 induced by the third induction portion 53 are aligned by the plurality of first induction portions 51, and then supplied to the respective intake ports 1710 on the X2 side of the conveyance device 170ac. That is, the plurality of small balls M1 are preferentially supplied to the X-side inlet 1710 among the plurality of inlets 1710.

As described above, the plurality of small beads M1 are basically guided by the third guiding portion 53 to the X2 side of the transfer device 170ac. However, in a state in which many small beads M1 exist on the second path 340ac, small balls M1 that ride over the third guiding portion 53 by being pressed by the other small beads M1, as illustrated by the broken arrows in FIG. Can occur. The small ball M1 having passed over the third guiding portion 53 is supplied to each intake port 1710 on the X1 side (second path 340ac side) among the plurality of intake ports 1710.

In the configuration in which small beads M1 are preferentially supplied to the X-side inlet 1710 among the plurality of inlets 1710, a large number of small beads M1 may be concentrated excessively on the X2 side of the transfer device 170ac. When a large number of small beads M1 are concentrated on a specific intake port 1710, there is a problem that a bridge phenomenon easily occurs. In the first embodiment, in a state in which a large number of small beads M1 are concentrated on the X2 side of the transfer device 170ac, the small beads M1 that get over the third guiding portion 53 by being pressed by other small beads M1 are on the second path 340ac side. It is supplied to the inlet 1710 on the (X1 side). Therefore, it is possible to suppress excessive concentration of many small balls M1.

[Player Containing Space 46]
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the game apparatus 10 focusing on the gaming machine accommodation space 46. As shown in FIG. A cross section taken along line CC in FIG. 2 is illustrated in FIG. As described above, the gaming machine housing space 46 is a space for housing the small balls M1 discharged from the JP payout unit 150 to any of the four game fields 110 (110a, 110b, 110c and 110d).

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the game device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a rectangular parallelepiped hollow housing unit 41. The housing 41 includes an upper surface 411 and a side surface 412. The upper surface portion 411 constitutes an upper surface (that is, a ceiling surface) of the housing portion 41, and the side surface portion 412 constitutes each side surface of the housing portion 41. The upper surface portion 411 and the side surface portion 412 are plate-like members formed of a light transmitting material. Side portion 412 is located between the player playing the game of game device 10 and each game field 110. That is, the side surface portion 412 includes a portion located in front of the player.

The mounting unit 44 is installed inside the housing unit 41. The internal space of the housing unit 41 is divided by the mounting unit 44 into a game storage space 45 and a game player storage space 46. The game accommodation space 45 is a space below the placement unit 44. The game accommodation space 45 accommodates four game fields 110 (110a, 110b, 110c and 110d), transport devices 170ac and 170bd, third lottery units 140ab and 140cd, and a JP payout unit 150.

The gaming machine housing space 46 is a space above the placement unit 44. The gaming machine accommodation space 46 is also referred to as a space between the placement unit 44 and the upper surface 411. The gaming machine accommodation space 46 is a space located above the four game fields 110. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the light source 413 is provided on the inner surface (the surface facing the placement unit 44) of the upper surface 411. The light source 413 is a planar illumination device that covers four game fields 110 as viewed from above in the vertical direction. That is, the light source 413 is installed on the opposite side to the four game fields 110 across the placement unit 44. The light source 413 emits light toward the placement unit 44. The light source 413 has a configuration in which light emitters are formed in a plane, or a configuration in which, for example, a plurality of point light sources or line light sources are arranged in a plane.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the inside of the gaming machine housing space 46 as viewed from above. The cross section taken along line DD in FIG. 28 is shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 29, four insertion portions 461 (461a, 461b, 461c and 461d) are respectively installed at the four corners of the gaming machine housing space 46. The insertion unit 461a inserts the small ball M1 which is transported in the vertical direction by the transport device 180a and supplied from the path switching unit 280a into the gaming body accommodation space 46. Similarly, the insertion portions 461 b, 461 c and 461 d insert the small ball M 1 into the gaming machine housing space 46.

The plurality of small balls M1 inserted into the gaming machine housing space 46 are placed on the placement unit 44. The placement unit 44 is a structure extending over the four game fields 110 as viewed from above in the vertical direction. As described above, in the first embodiment, since the placement unit 44 is located above the four game fields 110, there is an advantage that the internal space of the housing unit 41 can be effectively used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, the placement unit 44 according to the first embodiment includes the first plate-like member 441 and the second plate-like member 442. The first plate-like member 441 and the second plate-like member 442 are formed of, for example, a light transmitting material.

The first plate member 441 is a flat plate material including a first surface Q1 on which a plurality of small beads M1 are placed. The first surface Q1 is a rectangular surface including opposing edge S11 and edge S12. The first plate member 441 includes a protrusion 445. The protrusion 445 is a linear portion that protrudes from the first surface Q1 along the edge S12. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the protrusion 445 is formed with a discharge portion 446 through which the small ball M1 on the first surface Q1 can pass. Specifically, the projection 445 is composed of a linear portion 445 b located above the game field 110 b and a linear portion 445 d located above the game field 110 d. The distance between the portion 445 b and the portion 445 d is the discharge portion 446. Each of the portion 445 b and the portion 445 d is inclined with respect to the Y direction so as to be closer to the discharge portion 446 on the positive side in the X direction (opposite to the second plate member 442).

The second plate-like member 442 is a flat plate material including a second surface Q2 on which the plurality of small beads M1 are placed. The second surface Q2 is a rectangular surface including the opposing edge S21 and the edge S22. The second plate member 442 is installed with the second surface Q2 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the second plate member 442 is installed such that the edge S21 is at a lower position than the edge S22. The angle θ2 of the inclination of the second surface Q2 with respect to the horizontal plane is set to, for example, 10 ° or less. More preferably, the angle θ2 is about 5 °. The angle θ2 of the second surface Q2 is fixed. As understood from FIG. 29, the insertion portions 461a and 461c inject the small beads M1 from the high position side (that is, the edge S22 side) of the second plate-like member 442.

The first plate member 441 is pivotally supported by a horizontally extending rotation axis O. The rotation axis O is a linear shaft along the lower edge S21 of the second plate member 442. The vicinity of the edge S11 of the first plate member 441 is supported by the rotation axis O. That is, the edge S11 of the first plate member 441 and the edge S21 of the second plate member 442 approach each other. In the above configuration, the first plate member 441 is rotatable around the rotation axis O.

Specifically, the first plate member 441 is controlled to either the first state or the second state in which the angle θ1 of the first surface Q1 with respect to the horizontal plane is different. The first plate member 441 of the first embodiment is controlled to either the first state or the second state by a drive mechanism 449 including a motor or the like. In the normal state, the drive mechanism 449 maintains the first plate member 441 in the first state, and when the payout of the small ball M1 by the JP payout unit 150 is determined by the third lottery, the first plate member 441 is Change from 1 state to 2nd state. When the dispensing by the JP dispensing unit 150 is completed, the drive mechanism 449 changes the first plate member 441 from the second state to the first state.

In the first state, as illustrated by a solid line in FIG. 28, the first surface Q1 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, in the first state, the first plate member 441 is inclined such that the edge S11 is at a position lower than the edge S12. The angle θ1 of the inclination of the first surface Q1 with respect to the horizontal plane in the first state is set to, for example, 10 ° or less. More preferably, the angle θ1 is about 5 °. The insertion parts 461b and 461d inject the small ball M1 from the high position side (that is, the edge S12 side) of the first plate member 441 in the first state.

The small balls M1 injected onto the first surface Q1 in the first state from the insertion portion 461b or 461d are arranged in a single layer along the first surface Q1. Specifically, the small ball M1 inserted onto the first surface Q1 contacts the existing small ball M1 on the first surface Q1 from the direction parallel to the first surface Q1. Therefore, the plurality of small beads M1 are densely arranged along the first surface Q1 without being stacked in the vertical direction or the vertical direction of the first surface Q1. That is, the plurality of small beads M1 are aligned in a single layer from the lower edge S11 of the first surface Q1 toward the high edge S12. Similarly, the small beads M1 injected onto the second surface Q2 from the insertion portion 461a or 461c are arranged in a single layer along the second surface Q2. That is, the plurality of small beads M1 are aligned in a single layer from the lower edge S21 of the second surface Q2 to the high edge S22. That is, the plurality of small balls M1 are gradually aligned from the vicinity of the lower rotation axis O toward the higher edge S12 or S22.

The four input units 461 (461a, 461b, 461c, and 461d) correspond to the four station units 100 (100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d), respectively. Each insertion unit 461 injects the small ball M1 according to the state of the game play on the station unit 100 corresponding to the insertion unit 461. Specifically, the small balls M1 of the number according to the number of small balls M1 inserted into the game field 110a or the small balls M1 of the number according to the result of the physical lottery in the game field 110a Input to For example, as the number of small balls M1 inserted into the game field 110a by the player increases, or as the number of small balls M1 inserted into the game field 110a according to the result of the physical lottery increases, The number of small beads M1 introduced increases.

The plurality of small beads M1 placed on the placement unit 44 are biased and distributed in a region close to the placing portion 461 having a large number of small beads M1 loaded among the four placing portions 461. For example, when the number of small balls M1 inserted by the insertion portion 461a exceeds the number of small balls M1 inserted by the other insertion portions 461 (461b, 461c and 461d), as illustrated in FIG. The small balls M1 are unevenly distributed in the area near the insertion portion 461a (area above the game field 110a) in the plane Q2. That is, the large number of small balls M1 are unevenly distributed above the game field 110 where the game is played so that the large number of small balls M1 are inserted into the gaming body accommodation space 46. In other words, the large number of small balls M1 may be unevenly distributed above the game field 110 of the player who has played the game eagerly. According to the above configuration, it is possible to visually estimate which player contributed to the accumulation of the small balls M1 in the gaming machine accommodation space 46 by the distribution of the plurality of small balls M1 in the gaming machine accommodation space 46 . For example, in the situation where a plurality of small balls M1 in the gaming machine housing space 46 are distributed as shown in FIG. 30, it is grasped that the player using the game field 110a contributes to the accumulation of the small balls M1 in the gaming machine housing space 46. it can.

In FIG. 28, the first plate member 441 in the second state is illustrated by a broken line. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the second state is a state in which the angle θ1 of the first surface Q1 is changed from the first state. Specifically, in the second state, the first plate-like member 441 is inclined so that the edge S11 is at a position higher than the edge S12. That is, in the first state and the second state, the heights of the edge S11 and the edge S12 of the first surface Q1 are reversed.

In the second state, the elevation angle between the first surface Q1 and the second surface Q2 approaches 180 °. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 28, in the second state, the first surface Q1 and the second surface Q2 are located in the same plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the plurality of small balls M1 placed on the first surface Q1 and the second surface Q2 roll simultaneously toward the lower edge S12 of the first surface Q1. Then, the plurality of small beads M1 are guided to the discharge portion 446 along the protrusions 445 (the portions 445 b and 445 d), and pass through the discharge portion 446 and fall. That is, the large number of small balls M1 accommodated in the gaming body accommodation space 46 are ejected from the ejection unit 446 into the game accommodation space 45. As described above, according to the first embodiment, a dynamic effect is realized in which a large number of small beads M1 placed on the placement unit 44 roll simultaneously toward the discharge unit 446.

In the above description, the small beads M1 are guided to the discharge portion 446 by the projection 445, but the configuration for guiding the small beads M1 to the discharge portion 446 is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration in which a portion corresponding to the game field 110b in the first surface Q1 and a portion corresponding to the game field 110d are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the boundary between them is at a low position (that is, YZ) The plurality of small beads M1 may be guided to the discharge portion 446 by a configuration in which the cross section of the first surface Q1 in a plane is V-shaped. Similarly, in the second plate member 442, a portion corresponding to the game field 110a in the second surface Q2 and a portion corresponding to the game field 110c may cross each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, a discharge path 47 is installed in the internal space of the housing 41. The discharge path 47 is installed at a position corresponding to the discharge portion 446 of the first plate member 441 in the game storage space 45. The small beads M1 dropped from the discharge unit 446 are supplied to the discharge path 47. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the discharge path 47 includes an inclined surface that descends toward the JP payout unit 150. Therefore, the plurality of small balls M1 supplied from the discharge part 446 of the gaming machine housing space 46 to the discharge path 47 roll on the inclined surface of the discharge path 47 and enter the JP payout part 150. As described above, the JP payout unit 150 supplies the many small balls M1 supplied from the discharge path 47 to the game field 110 whose payout has been determined by the third lottery.

As described above, the first plate-like member 441 and the second plate-like member 442 are formed of a light transmitting material. Therefore, each player can visually recognize a large number of small balls M1 placed on the first surface Q1 and the second surface Q2 from the game field 110 side through the placement unit 44. In the first embodiment, in particular, since the plurality of small beads M1 are arranged in a single layer along the first surface Q1 and the second surface Q2, the fact that a large number of small particles M1 are placed on the placement portion 44 is given to the player It is possible to make it visible effectively.

As described above, the small beads M1 and the mounting portion 44 are formed of a light transmitting material. Therefore, the irradiation light from the light source 413 passes through the small ball M1 and the placement unit 44 and is emitted to the game field 110 side. According to the above configuration, the player appropriately recognizes the light which is appropriately scattered by the plurality of small beads M1 on the placement unit 44 and transmitted through the placement unit 44. Therefore, it is possible to increase the effect of visual rendition.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the gaming machine housing space 46 and the player. The virtual viewpoint V illustrated in FIG. 31 means the position (eye point) of the eye of a virtual player who plays the game provided by the game field 110. As illustrated in FIG. 31, in the first embodiment, the placement unit 44 is installed such that the virtual viewpoint V is located in the space below the first surface Q1. According to the above configuration, the player can visually recognize the majority of the plurality of small balls M1 on the first surface Q1 through the placement unit 44, as illustrated by a broken arrow in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to effectively make the player visually recognize that a large number of small balls M1 are placed on the placement unit 44. The placement unit 44 may be installed so that the virtual viewpoint V is located in the space below both the first surface Q1 and the second surface Q2.

The space below the first surface Q1 is placed on the first surface Q1 when focusing on the tangential plane passing through the contact point between the small ball M1 placed on the first surface Q1 and the first surface Q1. It means a space located below the vertical direction when viewed from the tangent plane of all the small beads M1. In the configuration in which the first surface Q1 is a flat surface, the space β below the first surface Q1 corresponds to the space below the first surface Q1.

In the configuration in which the first surface Q1 is a curved surface (for example, a spherical surface or a circular arc surface), as illustrated in FIG. 32, the angle of the tangent plane α is different for each small ball M1 mounted on the first surface Q1. In the configuration of FIG. 32, a space β located below the tangent plane α of all the small beads M1 on the first surface Q1 corresponds to a space below the first surface Q1.

In addition, the placement unit 44 is arranged such that the plurality of virtual viewpoints V corresponding to different positions of the player are located in the space below the first surface Q1 (and further below the second surface Q2). You may install it. The plurality of virtual viewpoints V are virtual viewpoints of a plurality of players playing a game on different station units 100. According to the above configuration, it is possible to visually recognize that a large number of small balls M1 are placed on the placement unit 44 from a plurality of positions where the player of the game apparatus 10 can be located.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the element which a function is the same as that of 1st Embodiment in each following example, the code | symbol used by description of 1st Embodiment is diverted and detailed description of each is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of the first individual path 315ac in the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 33, an opening 239a adjacent to the supply passage 231a and an opening 239c adjacent to the supply passage 231c are formed in the first individual passage 315ac of the second embodiment. The openings 239a and 239c are openings formed above the second individual path 320ac.

As in the first embodiment, the small beads M1 entering the supply path 231a are supplied to the first hopper 230a. When the first hopper 230a is full, small beads M1 that can not reach the first hopper 230a stay on the supply path 231a. In the above state, the small balls M1 discharged from the transport device 170ac toward the supply path 231a change direction by colliding with the existing small balls M1 staying on the supply path 231a, as illustrated in FIG. It falls from the opening 239a to the second individual path 320ac.

When a large number of small beads M1 are supplied to the first hopper 230a, a bridge phenomenon may occur in the storage container 231 of the first hopper 230a. In the second embodiment, in a state where the small balls M1 stay in the supply path 231a, the small balls M1 directed to the supply path 231a drop from the opening 239a to the second individual path 320ac, so the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon in the first hopper 230a It is possible to suppress. Although the above description focuses on the first hopper 230a, the same effect can be realized for the first hopper 230c.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view partially enlarging the transfer device 170 ac of the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 34, in the conveyance device 170ac of the third embodiment, the mounting surface F of the support portion 1740 is inclined upward at an angle γ with respect to the direction (that is, the horizontal direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis C. Do. That is, the placement surface F is an inclined surface that is higher at positions farther from the rotation axis C. According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the small ball M1 falls from the mounting surface F.

Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view partially enlarging the transfer device 170ac of the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 35, in the transfer device 170 ac of the fourth embodiment, a protrusion 1741 protruding from the mounting surface F is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the support 1740. The height h of the projection 1741 is less than, for example, the radius D / 2 of the small ball M1. According to the above configuration, as in the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the small ball M1 falls from the mounting surface F.

The third embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined. That is, the protrusion 1741 may be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the mounting surface F which is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis C.

<Modification>
The aspect of the specific modification added to each aspect illustrated above is illustrated below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following exemplifications may be combined appropriately as long as they do not contradict each other.

(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the state where the first hopper 230a is full is illustrated as a state in which the entrance of the small ball M1 to the first hopper 230a is restricted (hereinafter referred to as the "entry restricted state"). The state is not limited to the above examples. For example, in the configuration in which the opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the supply path 231a is installed, the state in which the supply path 231a is closed by the opening and closing mechanism may be set as the entry restriction state. Although the above description focuses on the first hopper 230a, the same applies to the entry restriction state of the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which one small ball M1 is present in the gap between the two guide portions 1760 in the transfer device 170ac is exemplified. However, the small ball M1 housed in the gap between the two guide portions 1760 The number of may be two or more.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the transfer device 170ac includes the surrounding member 1750 is illustrated, but the surrounding member 1750 may be omitted from the transfer device 170ac. For example, in the configuration of the third embodiment in which the mounting surface F is inclined, or in the configuration of the fourth embodiment in which the protruding portion 1741 is installed on the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740, mounting is performed even if the enclosing member 1750 is omitted. It is possible to support the bead M1 on the face F. The rotating body 1730 may be rotated at such a speed that the small balls M1 do not fall from the mounting surface F. Some small beads M1 may be allowed to fall from the mounting surface F.

(4) In the above-described embodiments, a plurality of sets of the intake port 1710 and the exhaust port 1720 are arranged over the entire area in the circumferential direction of the transfer device 170ac, but limited to a specific region in the circumferential direction of the transfer device 170ac. An inlet 1710 and an outlet 1720 may be provided. In a configuration in which, for example, k (k is a natural number of 2 or more) guide portions 1760 are installed in a specific region in the circumferential direction, the intake port 1710 and the exhaust port 1720 are formed between the two guide portions 1760 adjacent to each other. Is formed. That is, the (k-1) sets of the inlet 1710 and the outlet 1720 and the transport path of the (k-1) system are formed. That is, the same number of transport paths as the inlet 1710 or the outlet 1720 are formed.

Note that among the k guide portions 1760, there are (k-1) guide portions 1760 actually involved in transporting the small ball M1 by contacting the small ball M1. Therefore, it may be said that the same number (ie, (k-1)) of inlets 1710, outlets 1720 and transport paths as guide portions 1760 involved in the transport of the small beads M1 are formed. The relationship of the number described above is the same even in a configuration in which a plurality of guide portions 1760 are arranged at an interval G all over the circumferential direction of the rotation axis C. In the configuration in which a plurality of guide portions 1760 are arrayed in the entire circumferential direction, all the guide portions 1760 participate in the transfer of the small ball M1.

(5) As described above, the small balls M1 transported by the transport device 170ac are supported by the support portion 1740. The supporting force of the small ball M1 by the support portion 1740 may be changed according to the position on the transport path. For example, a configuration is assumed in which the supporting force of the small balls M1 by the support portion 1740 is reduced at the upper portion (near the discharge port 1720) in the transport path. According to the above aspect, according to the above configuration, since the supporting force of the small beads M1 is reduced in the upper part of the conveyance path, the small beads M1 can be smoothly discharged from the conveyance path in the vicinity of the part.

As a configuration for reducing the supporting force of the small balls M1 by the support portion 1740, in the configuration in which the mounting surface F is inclined upward as in the third embodiment, the inclination angle γ of the mounting surface F is the transport path A reduced configuration in the upper part of the is preferred. Further, in the configuration in which the protruding portion 1741 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the support portion 1740 as in the fourth embodiment, the height h of the protruding portion 1741 may be reduced at the upper portion in the transport path. In addition, a configuration in which the width L1 of the mounting surface F is reduced at the upper portion of the transport path is also preferable.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the holding portion 1770 (the inclined surface 1771) is exemplified as the discharge guiding portion for separating the small balls M1 transferred by the transfer path from the rotation axis C, but the specific configuration of the discharge guiding portion Is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 36, a protrusion 1790 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 1730 may be used as a discharge guiding portion. The small beads M1 conveyed by the conveyance path are forcibly discharged from the discharge port 1720 by colliding with the protrusions 1790.

(7) In the embodiments described above, the support portion 1740 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary body 1730, but the place where the support portion 1740 is fixed is not limited to the rotary body 1730. For example, the lower end portion of the support portion 1740 may be fixed to the supply portion 1780, and the upper end portion of the support portion 1740 may be fixed to the holding portion 1770. Also, the rotating body 1730 may be omitted.

(8) Although the supply section 1780 in which the supply surface 1781 is formed is illustrated in the above-described embodiments, the configuration for supplying the plurality of small beads M1 to the transfer device 170ac is not limited to the above example. For example, a plurality of small beads M1 may be supplied to the plurality of intake ports 1710 by using a belt conveyor radially disposed around the transfer device 170ac.

(9) In the above-described embodiments, the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac are separate paths, but the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac may be continuous and integrated paths. In each of the above-described embodiments, the first path 310ac is configured by the first individual path 315ac and the second individual path 320ac, but the first path 310ac may be configured as a single path. The second path 340ac may be configured by a plurality of paths. Also, the angle of inclination of the first path 310ac and the second path 340ac may be constant or may be varied continuously or stepwise over the entire length of the path. The planar shapes of the first path 310 ac and the second path 340 ac are also arbitrary, and may be linear or curved.

(10) In the embodiments described above, the first hopper 230a is installed upstream of the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a, but the first hopper 230a is installed downstream of the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a. You may

(11) In each of the embodiments described above, the circulation mechanism 20ac is shared between the station units 100a and 100c, but the circulation mechanism may be installed separately for each station unit 100. In addition, the gaming machine accommodation space 46 may be installed individually for each station unit 100.

(12) In the above-described embodiments, the small balls M1 transported by the transfer device 180a are supplied to either the third lottery unit 140ab or the gaming machine storage space 46, but the small balls M1 transported by the transfer device 180a are gaming machine storage space You may supply only 46. The small ball M1 is supplied to the third lottery unit 140ab from another supply unit (for example, the first hopper 230a).

(13) In the above-described embodiments, the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a on the downstream side of the first path 310ac uses the small ball M1 for the game, and the first hopper 230a on the upstream side of the first path 310ac is the small ball M1. Was used for the physical lottery. The above configuration is expressed as a configuration in which the upstream first game player using unit uses the small ball M1 for physical lottery, and the downstream second game player using unit uses the small ball M1 for game. Focusing on the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a, the first hopper 230a corresponds to a first game player using unit, and the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a is a second game player using unit It corresponds to Focusing on the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a, the second hopper 240a corresponds to a first game player using unit, and the third hopper 250a corresponds to a second game player using unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the small ball M1 supplied to the second game player using unit (the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a) is directly thrown into the game field 110a. On the other hand, the small ball M1 supplied to the first game player using unit (the first hopper 230a) is supplied to the first lottery unit 120a via the route switching unit 270a, and is used by the first lottery unit 120a. It is injected into 110a. That is, in the first embodiment, one of the plurality of game player using units has a large number of devices (the path switching unit 270a and the first lottery unit 120a) that need to be interposed before the small ball M1 is inserted into the game field 110a. The game player using unit (for example, the first hopper 230a) is installed upstream of the other game player using units (for example, the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a).

In contrast to the above configuration, a configuration in which the first game player using unit located on the upstream side uses the small ball M1 for the game, and the second game player using unit on the downstream side uses the small ball M1 for physical lottery Also referred to as "modification". For example, the first game player using unit inserts the small ball M1 into the game field 110, and the second game player using unit uses the small ball M1 for physical lottery. In a variation, it is preferable that the number of small balls M1 used by the first gaming body using unit for the game exceeds the number of small balls M1 used for the physical lottery by the second gaming body using unit. According to the above configuration, it is possible to use the small ball M1 preferentially to the game by the first game player using unit over the physical lottery by the second game player using unit.

(14) In each of the above-described embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the small balls M1 inserted into the gaming machine housing space 46 by the insertion unit 461a are unevenly distributed in the upper area of the game field 110a. The positional relationship between the area 461 and the area where the small beads M1 are unevenly distributed is not limited to the above-described example.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 37, the throwing portion is such that the small ball M1 inserted by the insertion portion 461a is aligned above the game field 110c, and the small ball M1 inserted by the insertion portion 461c is aligned above the game field 110a. 461a and 461c may throw in the small ball M1. That is, the trajectory of the small ball M1 inserted by the insertion portion 461a and the trajectory of the small ball M1 inserted by the insertion portion 461c cross each other. Therefore, for example, when the number of small balls M1 inserted by the insertion portion 461a exceeds the number of small balls M1 inserted by the other insertion portions 461 (461b, 461c and 461d), as illustrated in FIG. The small ball M1 is unevenly distributed in the area.

As understood from the above examples, in the state illustrated in FIG. 30 or FIG. 37, in the case where the number of small beads M1 input is larger than the first input portion (461b, 461d) and the second input portion (461a, 461c). It is expressed that a plurality of small beads M1 are unevenly distributed in the corresponding area. Assuming that the examples in FIG. 30 and FIG. 37 are used, the “region corresponding to the large number of small balls M1 input” means the case where the number of small balls M1 input by the first insertion portion (461b, 461d) is large. It is an area of at least a portion of the first surface Q1, and is an area of at least a portion of the second surface Q2 when the number of small balls M1 injected by the second insertion portion (461a, 461c) is large. That is, the "area corresponding to the large number of small balls M1 input" is also referred to as an inclined surface which inclines to the lower side from the vicinity of the insertion portion (461a, 461b, 461c, 461d) with the large number of small balls M1 input .

Specifically, in the state illustrated in FIG. 30, in the inclined surface (Q1, Q2) inclined to the lower side from the insertion portion 461 where the number of insertions of the small balls M1 is large, the small particles M1 are in the region near the insertion portion 461 Are in a state of uneven distribution. For example, in the case where the number of insertions of the insertion portions 461a is large, the small balls M1 are unevenly distributed in the area (the area above the game field 110a) near the insertion portions 461a in the second surface Q2. For example, when the second surface Q2 is equally divided into a region on the input unit 461a side and a region on the input unit 461c side, the input unit 461a of the second surface Q2 when the number of inputs of the input unit 461a is large. The small ball M1 is unevenly distributed in the half area of the side. On the other hand, in the state illustrated in FIG. 37, in the inclined surface (Q1, Q2) inclined to the lower side from the insertion portion 461 where the number of small balls M1 is injected, the small particles M1 are unevenly distributed in the region far from the insertion portion 461 It is a state. For example, when the number of insertions of the insertion portions 461a is large, the small balls M1 are unevenly distributed in an area far from the insertion portions 461a in the second surface Q2 (an area above the game field 110c). For example, when the second surface Q2 is equally divided into an area on the input unit 461a side and an area on the input unit 461c side, if the number of input units 461a is large, the input unit 461c side of the second surface Q2 The small ball M1 is unevenly distributed in the half area of

[Supplementary note]
From the above description, for example, preferred embodiments of the present invention are grasped as follows. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, in the following, the reference numerals of the drawings are described in parentheses for convenience, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated aspect.

[Supplementary Note 1]
A game device (10) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a game device that provides a game that uses a three-dimensional game machine (M1) that can roll regardless of its posture, and the three-dimensional game machine (M1) It comprises a circulation mechanism (20ac) to be circulated, and the circulation mechanism (20ac) is placed from the first position (P1) to a second position (P2) higher than the first position (P1). And a first path (310ac) for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the second position (P2) to a third position (P3) lower than the second position (P2). And the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) into which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) enters between the second position (P2) and the third position (P3), and the three-dimensional game machine Use M1) for the game The supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) for supplying the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the technical body utilizing unit (230a, 240a, 250a), and the three-dimensional body not entering the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) And a second path (340ac) for moving the gaming machine (M1) to the first position (P1) lower than the third position (P3).

According to the above configuration, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is transported from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) by the transport device (170ac), thereby the second position (P2) to the third position (P2). In the path leading to the first position (P1) via P3), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can be circulated without requiring power. Also, while the three-dimensional game machine (M1) entering the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) in the first path (310ac) is used for the game by the gaming body using unit (230a, 240a, 250a), the supply path (M1) is It is possible to return the three-dimensional game machine (M1) which does not enter 231a, 241a, 251a) to the first position (P1) via the third position (P3).

The term "higher (lower) mth position than nth position" means that the height in the vertical direction is higher (lower) at the mth position than the nth position, and the nth position in the horizontal direction and the nth position The positional relationship (for example, distance) with the m position is arbitrary.

The “falling” of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) means falling to a lower position by the action of gravity, and includes falling along a specific object in addition to free falling in the state where no external force other than gravity acts. Do. For example, a state in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) falls along a spiral trajectory along a spiral member is also included in the concept of "fall".

Each of the “first path (310ac)” and the “second path (340ac)” is a path composed of a plurality of members in addition to a path composed of a single member, or a three-dimensional game machine (M1) Also includes trajectories that fall free. For example, at least one of the “first path (310ac)” and the “second path (340ac)” is configured by a first individual path on the upstream side and a second individual path on the downstream side. 2) The three-dimensional game machine (M1) may be dropped (for example, free-falled) on an individual route.

The “first path (310ac)” and the “second path (340ac)” have, for example, inclined surfaces on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolls. The inclined surface is typically a flat surface, but may include a curved surface in which the angle of inclination changes on the path. In addition, a flat portion (that is, a portion parallel to the horizontal surface) or a step may be included in the middle of the path. If, for example, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can move on the route using kinetic energy provided by another mechanism such as the transport device (170ac), the weight of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is used. The inclined surface to roll is not essential.

The “playing body using unit (230a, 240a, 250a)” is any mechanism that uses a playing body. For example, the gaming body is a hopper for housing and discharging the three-dimensional game machine (M1), an insertion unit for inserting the three-dimensional game machine (M1) into the game field, or a lottery unit using the three-dimensional game machine (M1) for physical lottery It is a suitable example of utilization part (230a, 240a, 250a).

[Supplementary Note 2]
The game device (10) according to the preferred embodiment of the supplementary note 1 continues the operating state in which the transport device (170ac) transports the three-dimensional game machine (M1), thereby the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, The supply of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to 250a) is continued.

According to the above configuration, the supply of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the game machine using portion (230a, 240a, 250a) is continued by continuing the operation state of the transfer device (170ac). It is possible to circulate M1) by the circulation mechanism (20ac).
In addition, the game player using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) supplies the game player (M1) to the game user using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) only when the game player using the game player (M1) is required. In the above configuration, it is necessary to detect the presence or absence of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a), which causes a problem that the structure is complicated. The above problem is particularly serious in a configuration in which a large number of game player using units (230a, 240a, 250a) are installed. In the above-described preferred embodiment, since the operating state of the transfer device (170ac) is continued, the configuration for detecting the presence or absence of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) or the result of the detection There is also an advantage that the control of the transfer device (170ac) according to is unnecessary. In addition, by allowing the player to visually recognize that the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) circulates by means of the circulation mechanism (20ac), it is possible to make the player visually recognize that the game apparatus (10) is operating. You can expect the effects of visual effects.

“To continue the operating state of conveying the three-dimensional game machine (M1)” means that the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is transported for each use of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) Instead of being intermittently executed, the transport device (170ac) maintains the state of transporting the three-dimensional game machine (M1) regardless of the use of the game machine by the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a). It means that. In other words, even when the gaming body using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) does not use the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1), it means operating the transport device (170ac) so that the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) can be transported. . For example, in a configuration in which the gaming body using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) stores the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1), the presence or absence (three of the three-dimensional gaming body (M1) It means operating the transfer device (170ac) regardless of empty / full). However, it is not necessary to operate the transport device (170ac) constantly during the period in which the game device (10) is operating or the period in which the game is provided.

The “period in which the game is provided” is a period in which the player can play the game by operating the game apparatus (10), and it does not matter whether the player is actually playing the game. However, the period in which the presence or absence of the player is determined directly or indirectly, and it is actually determined that the player exists may be set as the “period in which the game is provided”. The direct determination is, for example, determination using a human sensor that detects a player. On the other hand, the indirect determination is to indirectly determine the presence or absence of the player from other elements derived from the player's action. For example, determining the presence or absence of the player according to the presence or absence of the operation on the operation panel or the presence or absence of the game value (for example, token coin or credit) necessary for playing the game corresponds to an indirect determination. . For example, a period from when a player is last determined to be present directly or indirectly until a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses may be set as the “period in which the game is provided”.

[Supplementary Note 3]
In the preferred example of the supplementary note 1 or the supplementary note 2, the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) is installed at a position higher than the first position (P1), and the three-dimensional game machine used in the game M1) is recovered to the second path (340ac) by moving downward.

According to the above configuration, the game player using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) returns the three-dimensional game machine (M1) used for the game to the circulation mechanism (20ac) by supplying it to the second path (340ac). It is possible. In addition, since the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moves downward and is collected in the second path (340ac), no power is necessary for collecting the three-dimensional game machine (M1). Therefore, as a whole of the circulation mechanism (20ac), it is possible to circulate the three-dimensional game machine (M1) without requiring power other than the transport device (170ac).

"Collection" means supplying the solid game machine (M1) after use in the game to the second route (340ac), and returns the solid game machine (M1) after use to the circulation mechanism (20ac) In other words.

The configuration for recovering the three-dimensional game machine (M1) used in the game to the second path (340ac) is optional. For example, a configuration in which the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) is dropped to the second path (340ac) or a configuration in which the three-dimensional gaming body (M1) is supplied to the second path (340ac) via a predetermined path is assumed.

[Supplementary Note 4]
In the preferred embodiment according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, the gaming body using portion (230a, 240a, 250a) stores a first gaming body using portion (230a, 240a) for storing the three-dimensional gaming body (M1). [2] The game machine includes a two-player game using unit (240a, 250a), and the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) is for supplying the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game using unit (230a, 240a). The first game channel (231a, 241a) and the first game channel (231a, 241a) are positioned downstream of the first game channel (231a, 241a), and the second game player (240a, 250a) is supplied with the three-dimensional game machine (M1). The three-dimensional game machine (M1) including the second supply path (241a, 251a) for moving from the second position (P2) to the first supply path (231a, 241a) is the first game body Use unit (230a, 240a) is moved toward the third position when it is entering a restricted state (P3), the second supply path (241a, 251a) in a state to enter the.

In the above configuration, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) heading from the second position (P2) to the first supply path (231a, 241a) is in the case where the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restricted state. It moves to the third position (P3), and enters the second supply path (241a, 251a). Therefore, it is possible to preferentially supply the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) rather than the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a). Also, when the first gaming body using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restriction state, the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) is supplied to the second supply path (241a, 251a) or the third position (P3). Can be used effectively.

In the "entry restricted state", the state in which the supply of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is restricted (for example, the state in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can not be supplied or the state in which the supply is difficult ). For example, in a state where the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) is full in the first gaming body using unit (230a, 240a), or to supply the three-dimensional gaming body (M1) to the first gaming body using unit (230a, 240a) The state in which the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the above is mechanically closed is a typical example of the entry restriction state. Further, the entry restriction state is also referred to as a state where the supply passage is blocked by the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) (a state where the supply passage is filled with the three-dimensional gaming machine (M)). In the state where the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is full, the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is sufficiently filled with a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1), and a new three-dimensional game machine (M1) is added It means a condition that is difficult to do. That is, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) heading to the first game machine utilization unit (230a, 240a) collides with the existing three-dimensional game machine (M1) supplied to the first game machine utilization unit (230a, 240a) The direction changes, and as a result, it can be supplied to other gaming machine using units. Although the above description focuses on the "first game using portion (230a, 240a)" for convenience, the same applies to other game using portions.

The three-dimensional game machine (M1) on the first path (310ac) moves toward the second supply path (241a, 251a) or the third position (P3) without passing through the first supply path (231a, 241a) There is also a possibility. In addition, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moving toward the third position (P3) when the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restriction state is the second supply path (241a, 251a). There is also a possibility of moving toward the third position (P3) without passing through.

The movement destination of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moving toward the third position (P3) may be either the third position (P3) or the second supply path (241a, 251a). In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) heading to the third position (P3) is the second supply path (when the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) is not in the entry restriction state). It may enter 241a, 251a) and be supplied to the second game player using unit (240a, 250a). On the other hand, when the second gaming body using unit (240a, 250a) is in the entry restriction state, the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) moves toward the third position (P3). That is, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) not supplied to any of the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) and the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) passes through the third position (P3). It is returned to the first position (P1).

[Supplementary Note 5]
The game device (10) according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 3 includes a first game field (110a) and a second game field (110c) for providing a game in parallel to different players, The gaming body using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) is a third gaming body using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) that uses the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) for the game provided by the first game field (110a). And a fourth game unit using unit (230c, 240c, 250c) using the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in the game provided by the second game field (110c), and the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) is a third supply path (for supplying the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the third game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a); Comprising 31a, 241a, and 251a), the fourth game body utilization portion (230c, 240c, the fourth supply passage for supplying the three-dimensional game body (M1) to 250c) (231a, 241a, and 251a) and.

In the above configuration, the circulation mechanism (20ac) is shared by the first game field (110a) and the second game field (110c). Therefore, there is an advantage that the configuration of the game apparatus (10) is simplified as compared with the configuration in which separate circulation mechanisms (20ac) are provided for the first game field (110a) and the second game field (110c). . In addition, the circulation mechanism (20ac) is shared between the third game player using units (230a, 240a, 250a) and the fourth game player using units (230c, 240c, 250c) corresponding to different players. According to the above configuration, for example, even when a large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are supplied to one of the first game field (110a) and the second game field (110c), the third game machine using unit (230a, 230a, The uneven distribution of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is suppressed between 240a, 250a) and the fourth game machine using unit (230c, 240c, 250c). Therefore, there is also an advantage that a mechanism for correcting the uneven distribution of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is unnecessary.

The “game field” is a space for providing the player with a game using the three-dimensional game machine (M1). For example, a space provided with various games such as a pusher game using a three-dimensional game machine (M1) is a preferred example of the game field.

"Providing a game in parallel" means that a game using the first game field (110a) and a game using the second game field (110c) can proceed in parallel. The game using the first game field (110a) and the game using the second game field (110c) basically progress independently of each other, but the progress of each game may be correlated with each other .

[Supplementary Note 6]
A game device (10) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a game device (10) for providing a game that uses a solid game (M1) that can roll regardless of its posture, and is parallel to different players A first game field (110a) and a second game field (110c) for providing a game, a first circulation mechanism (20ac) corresponding to the first game field (110a), and the second game field (110b) And a second circulation mechanism (20bd) corresponding to each of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) and the second circulation mechanism (20bd) from the first position (P1) to the first position (P1). And a transporting device (170ac, 170bd) for transporting the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to a second position (P2) higher than the second position (P2), and the second position (P2) from the second position (P2) The first path (310ac, 310bd) for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the third position (P3) which is lower than the third position (P3), and the second position (P2) to the third position (P3) It is a supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) to which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) enters, and the three-dimensional game is used in the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) that uses the three-dimensional game machine (M1) for the game. From the third position (P3), the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) for supplying the body (M1) and the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) not entering the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) And a second path (340ac) to move to the lower first position (P1).

[Supplementary Note 7]
A game device (10) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a game device (10) for providing a game that uses a solid game (M1) that can roll regardless of its posture, and is parallel to different players Game field (110a), the second game field (110c), the third game field (110b) and the fourth game field (110d), and the first game field (110a) and the first game field. A first circulation mechanism (20ac) corresponding to the second game field (110c), and a second circulation mechanism (20bd) corresponding to the third game field (110b) and the fourth game field (110d); Each of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) and the second circulation mechanism (20bd) is the first position from the first position (P1). A transporting device (170ac, 170bd) for transporting the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) to a second position (P2) higher than (P1), and lower than the second position (P2) from the second position (P2) Between the first path (310ac, 310bd) for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the third position (P3), and the second game (P2) to the third position (P3), the three-dimensional game machine It is a supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) to which (M1) enters, and the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is used in the game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) that uses the three-dimensional game machine (M1) for the game. Supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) for supplying the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) not entering the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) from the third position (P3) Lower the first position to the (P1) and a second path for moving (340ac).

[Supplementary Note 8]
A preferred example of the supplementary note 6 or the supplementary note 7 includes the three-dimensional game machine (M1) not entering the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the first circulation mechanism (20ac), and the second circulation mechanism (20bd). The three-dimensional game machine (M1) which does not enter the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a), the second path (340ac) of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) and the second circulation mechanism (20bd) A distribution unit (260) for distributing to a second path (340ac) is provided.

According to the above configuration, the number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) circulating in the first circulation mechanism (20ac) and the number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) circulating in the second circulation mechanism (20bd) are temporarily Even in the case of divergence, it is possible to balance the two over time.

The “distribution unit (260)” distributes a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) to the second path (340ac) of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) and the second path (340ac) of the second circulation mechanism (20bd) It is an element to Specifically, from the first path (310ac) of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) to the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) falling from the first path (310bd) of the second circulation mechanism (20bd) A member installed at a point where the route of M1) falls merges is a preferred example of the distribution unit (260). The probability that the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) moves to the second path (340ac) of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) after contact with the object, and the probability that the three-dimensional game machine moves to the second path (340ac) of the second circulation mechanism (20bd) Are approximately equal. That is, the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are divided into the second path (340ac) of the first circulation mechanism (20ac) and the second path (340ac) of the second circulation mechanism (20bd).

[Supplementary Note 9]
In any of the preferred examples of the supplementary notes 1 to 8, the transport device (170ac) has a plurality of transport paths capable of transporting the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in parallel.

[Supplementary Note 10]
In the preferable example of appendix 9, the total number of the gaming body using units (230a, 240a, 250a) is less than the total number of the plurality of transport paths.

[Appendix A to C]
Conventionally, a game device using a three-dimensional gaming body such as a ball has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-36423 discloses a conveying device having a conveying screw member in which a spiral blade is formed, and two guide rails for supporting a sphere in cooperation with the blade. ing.

In the technique of JP 2011-36423A, two guide rails are juxtaposed at an interval smaller than the outer diameter of the sphere, and the sphere is supported at a total of three points of the blade portion of the conveying screw member and the two guide rails. Be done. As described above, in the configuration in which the distance between the two guide rails is smaller than the outer diameter of the sphere, the spheres are supplied to the transport rail portion that transports the sphere upward in the vertical direction via the distance between the two guide rails. I can not Therefore, a special mechanism (conveyance start rail part) for guiding the sphere to the conveyance rail part is required, and there is a problem that the structure of the conveyance device becomes complicated. In consideration of the above circumstances, each aspect exemplified below aims to simplify the configuration for supplying the three-dimensional gaming machine to the transport path.

[Supplementary Note A1]
A transport device (170ac) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention extends in a spiral along a rotation axis (C), a storage section (1780) for storing a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1), and the plurality of A support portion (1740) on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is placed, and an outer diameter of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is spaced outside the support portion (1740). And C) a plurality of guide portions (1760) extending along with the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in contact with the support portion (1740) and the guide portion (1760), A transport path is formed for each of the plurality of guides (1760) to move upward along the rotation axis (C) in the vertical direction by rotation of the support (1740), and the storage (1780) A plurality of three-dimensional games stored in (M1) is fed to move upward to a plurality of conveyance paths respectively corresponding to the plurality of guide portions (1760).

In the above configuration, the distance between the two guide portions (1760) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis (C) among the plurality of guide portions (1760) exceeds the outer diameter of the three-dimensional game machine (M1). The three-dimensional game machine (M1) passes between the two guide portions (1760) and is supplied to the transport path. That is, it is possible to simplify the configuration for supplying the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the transport route. Since the distance between the two guide portions (1760) adjacent to each other exceeds the outer diameter of the three-dimensional game machine (M1), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) comprises a support portion (1740) and one guide portion (1760) While being supported by the two points, move along the guide portion (1760). In addition, since a transport path is formed for each of the plurality of guide portions (1760), there is an advantage that a large number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) stored in storage section (1780) can be efficiently transported by a plurality of transport paths. There is also.

The “three-dimensional game machine (M1)” is a three-dimensional game machine. Specifically, a rollable object regardless of the posture is a preferred example of the three-dimensional game machine (M1). For example, a spherical game is a typical example of the three-dimensional game (M1), but other three-dimensional game such as a polyhedron may be included in the concept of the three-dimensional game (M1).

“The guide portion (1760) extends“ along the rotation axis (C) ”typically means that the guide portion (1760) extends in the direction parallel to the rotation axis (C), The configuration in which the guide portion (1760) is inclined with respect to the rotation axis (C) is also included in the scope of the present invention. The “outer diameter of the three-dimensional game machine (M1)” is the diameter of the sphere when the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is a sphere, and is circumscribed to the polyhedron when the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is a polyhedron Diameter of the sphere to be

As described in the function and effect, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is supported by two places of the support portion (1740) and the guide portion (1760). However, a configuration in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can contact other elements (for example, the enclosing member of Appendix A6) in addition to the two places is not excluded from the present invention.

The plurality of guide portions do not have to be evenly installed all around the support portion (1740), and may be installed within a specific range in the circumferential direction of the support portion (1740). Moreover, the space | interval of two guide parts (1760) adjacent to the circumferential direction of a rotating shaft (C) does not need to be the same over all the guide parts (1760).

The upper limit of the distance between two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction is arbitrary. For example, a configuration capable of accommodating one solid game player (M1) between two guide portions (1760) (the interval between two guide portions (1760) is outside of the two solid game members (M1) A configuration in which two or more three-dimensional game machines (M1) can be accommodated between two guide portions (1760) is included in the scope of the present invention, in addition to the configuration in which the total diameter is smaller. In addition, the space | interval of two guide parts (1760) adjacent to the circumferential direction of a rotating shaft (C) is a linear distance between both.

[Supplementary Note A2]
In the preferred example of the supplementary note 1, the width of the mounting surface (F) of the support portion (1740) on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is placed exceeds the radius of the three-dimensional game machine (M1).

In the above aspect, the width of the mounting surface (F) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in the support portion (1740) exceeds the radius of the three-dimensional game machine (M1). That is, the center of gravity of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is located above the mounting surface (F). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the three-dimensional game machine (M1) falls from the mounting surface (F).

The “width of the mounting surface (F)” is, for example, the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the spiral support (1740). In addition, “the radius of the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1)” is the radius of the sphere when the three-dimensional gaming body (M1) is a sphere, and when the three-dimensional gaming body (M1) is a polyhedron, It is the radius of the circumscribed sphere.

[Supplementary Note A3]
In the preferred embodiment of the supplementary statement A1 or the supplementary statement A2, the mounting surface (F) of the support portion (1740) on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is placed is in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (C). Tilt upwards.

In the above embodiment, since the mounting surface (F) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in the support portion (1740) is inclined upward, the possibility of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) dropping from the mounting surface (F) It can be reduced.

[Supplementary Note A4]
In any of the preferable examples of the additions A1 to A3, the supporting force of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by the support portion (1740) is lowered in the upper part of the transport path.

In the above aspect, since the supporting force of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by the support portion (1740) is reduced at the upper portion in the transport path, the three-dimensional game body (M1) can be discharged from the transport path at that portion .

As a configuration for reducing the supporting power of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in a specific part in the transport route,
(1) In the structure in which the mounting surface (F) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) of the support portion (1740) is inclined upward with respect to the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (C), The configuration in which the angle of the slope decreases in a specific part,
(2) Of the support portion (1740), under the configuration in which the projection (1741) is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the mounting surface (F) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1), the specific portion in the transport path Configuration in which the height of the protrusion (1741) decreases (or the protrusion (1741) is not formed),
(3) A configuration in which the width of the mounting surface (F) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in the support portion (1740) decreases at a specific portion in the transport path,
Are illustrated.

When the supporting force "falls above the transport path" means that the supporting force at the second point is the first point when focusing on the first point on the transport path and the second point above the first point. Means less than the bearing capacity of the

[Supplementary Note A5]
A preferred embodiment according to any one of the supplementary notes A1 to A4 includes a discharge guiding portion (1771, 1790) for moving the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) transported by the transport path in a direction away from the rotation shaft (C). Prepare.

In the above aspect, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) transported by the transport path is moved in the direction away from the rotation shaft (C) by the discharge guiding portion (1771, 1790). That is, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is discharged from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the three-dimensional game machine (M1) will be retained in the transport route more than necessary.

The specific form of the "discharge guiding part (1771, 1790)" is arbitrary. For example, an inclined surface inclined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis (C) (for example, a truncated cone-like curved surface), or a projection installed above the transport path and coming into contact with the three-dimensional game machine (M1) It is an example of a part (1771, 1790).

[Supplementary Note A6]
The preferred embodiment of any one of Appendixes A1 to A5 includes an enclosing member (1750) positioned on the opposite side to the support (1740) across the plurality of guides (1760), and the support ( The distance between the outer periphery of 1740) and the surrounding member (1750) is less than the outer diameter of the three-dimensional game machine (M1).

In the above aspect, since the enclosing member (1750) is installed on the opposite side to the support portion (1740) across the respective guide portions (1760), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) falls from the support portion (1740) The possibilities can be reduced.

Basically, the enclosing member (1750) is installed at a position separated from the plurality of guides (1760), but the plurality of guides (1760) may be in contact with the enclosing member (1750).

A typical example of the enclosing member (1750) is a tubular body surrounding the support (1740) and the plurality of guides (1760), but the specific shape of the enclosing member (1750) is arbitrary. For example, the surrounding member (1750) may be configured by a plurality of long members along the rotation axis (C).

[Supplementary Note A7]
In the preferred embodiment of the appendix A6, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moves along the transport path in a state of being in contact with the support portion (1740), the guide portion (1760) and the enclosing member (1750).

In the above embodiment, since the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moves in contact with the support portion (1740), the guide portion (1760) and the enclosing member (1750), the three-dimensional game body (M1) is the support portion (1740) It is possible to reliably transport the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by reducing the possibility of falling from the.

Although the three-dimensional game machine (M1) contacts the support portion (1740), the guide portion (1760) and the enclosing member (1750), the three-dimensional game body (M1) and the enclosing member (1750) It is not necessary for contact with the government to continue.

[Supplementary Note A8]
In the preferred embodiment of the additional statement A6 or the additional statement A7, of the two guide portions (1760) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis (C), exposure is made from the lower end of the transport path in the enclosing member (1750) The gap of the first end (E1) is a take-in port (1710) for supplying the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the transport path.

In the above embodiment, the gap between the first end (E1) exposed from the end (for example, the lower end) of the surrounding member (1750) in the two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction is taken as the intake port (1710). ), The three-dimensional game machine (M1) is taken into the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to supply the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the transport path by a very simple configuration in which the first end (E1) of each guide portion (1760) is exposed from the enclosing member (1750).

[Supplementary Note A9]
In the preferred embodiment according to any one of Appendixes A6 to A8, of the two guide portions (1760) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft (C), the upper side of the transport path in the direction of the rotation shaft (C). The gap of the second end (E2) exposed from the end of the second end is an outlet (1720) for discharging the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the transport path.

In the above aspect, in the two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction, the space between the second end (E2) exposed from the end of the enclosing member (1750) is used as the discharge port (1720). (M1) is discharged from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to eject the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the transport path by a very simple configuration in which the second end (E2) of each guide portion (1760) is exposed from the enclosing member (1750).

[Supplementary Note B1]
A transport device (170ac) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention extends in a spiral along the rotation axis (C), and a support portion (1740) on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is placed; And a plurality of guide portions (1760) disposed outside the support portion (1740) with an interval exceeding the outer diameter of the body (M1) and extending along the rotation axis (C), Transporting the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) to move along the rotation axis (C) by the rotation of the support portion (1740) in a state in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is in contact with the support portion (1740) and the guide portion A path is formed for each of the plurality of guide portions (1760), and among the plurality of guide portions (1760), an interval between two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis (C) Transport the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) by A plurality of intake ports for supplying the road (1710) is formed.

In the above configuration, the plurality of intake ports (1710) for supplying the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the transport path by the intervals between the two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft (C). ) Is formed. That is, a guide portion (1760) for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1) along the rotation axis (C) is diverted to the formation of the loading port (1710). Therefore, the configuration of the transfer device (170ac) can be simplified as compared with the configuration in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is supplied to the transfer path by a mechanism separate from the guide portion (1760). In addition, since an intake port (1710) corresponding to the total number of intervals formed by a combination of two guide portions (1760) is formed, a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) from a plurality of intake ports (1710) Can be taken in parallel, and a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) can be conveyed in parallel by a plurality of conveyance paths.

Typically, the inlet (1710) is formed at the end (for example, the lower end) of the support (1740), but in addition (or instead of) the end, the support (1740) The configuration in which the inlet (1710) is formed in the middle of the above is also included in the scope of the invention.

[Supplementary Note B2]
In a preferred example of appendix B1, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can roll regardless of the posture, and rolls the three-dimensional game machine (M1) toward each of the plurality of intake ports (1710) A feed section (1780) having an inclined surface (1781) formed thereon.

In the above configuration, the inclined surface (1781) for rolling the three-dimensional game machine (M1) toward each of the plurality of intake ports (1710) is formed in the supply unit (1780), so a large number of three-dimensional game machines It is possible to efficiently supply (M1) to the transport path.

The "inclined surface (1781)" is a plane or a curved surface or a combination thereof. In addition, “capable of rolling regardless of the posture” means that the shape is such that the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) can roll by the action of external force in any posture. For example, a sphere is a typical example of the “rollable regardless of posture” shape, but a polyhedron close to a sphere is also included in the “rollable regardless of posture” shape. On the other hand, for example, a disc such as a medal rolls in a posture in which the circular side surface is in contact, but does not roll in a posture in which a flat bottom or top surface is in contact with the ground. Does not satisfy the condition of

[Supplementary Note B3]
In the preferred embodiment of appendix B2, the inclined surface (1781) is a curved surface covering the entire circumference of the rotation axis (C).

In the above configuration, since the inclined surface (1781) of the supply unit (1780) extends over the entire circumference of the rotation axis (C), the three-dimensional game machine is taken from all directions centered on the rotation axis (C) (M1) is supplied. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect that a large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) can be efficiently supplied to each transport route is particularly remarkable.

The “inclined surface (1781)” may be linear or curved in the cross section including the rotation axis (C). For example, a curved surface whose inner diameter decreases continuously toward the inlet (1710), such as the side surface of a truncated cone, or a concave (for example, mortar-like) curved surface is a typical example of the inclined surface (1781) .

[Supplementary Note B4]
In the preferred example of the additional statement B2 or the additional statement B3, the maximum angle of the inclined surface (1781) with respect to the horizontal surface is 20 ° or less.

In the above configuration, since the angle of the inclined surface (1781) is suppressed to 20 ° or less, the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are sequentially supplied to the transport path without overlapping each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon (bridge phenomenon) in which a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) clog in the vicinity of the loading port (1710). The angle of the inclined surface (1781) with respect to the horizontal plane may change along the inclined surface (1781).

[Supplementary Note B5]
In any of the preferred examples of the additional notes B2 to B4, a first induction for guiding the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to a part or all of the plurality of intake ports (1710) on the inclined surface (1781) A part (51) is formed.

In the above configuration, since the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is guided to the take-in port (1710) by the first induction portion (51) on the inclined surface (1781), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is efficiently taken. It is possible to supply to the outlet (1710). The first guiding portion (51) may be a portion capable of regulating the rolling direction of the three-dimensional game machine (M1), and is typically a projection or a groove formed on the inclined surface (1781). .

[Supplementary Note B6]
In the preferable example of appendix B5, the said 1st induction | guidance | derivation part (51) guides the said three-dimensional game machine (M1) so that several said three-dimensional game machine (M1) may align toward the said intake port (1710) Do.

In the above configuration, since the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is induced to align the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) toward the take-in port (1710), the route where the large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are narrow It is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging (bridge phenomenon) due to concentration on the In addition, although the specific configuration of the first induction portion (51) is arbitrary, as a configuration for aligning the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) toward the loading port (1710), a three-dimensional game machine ( A path having a width smaller than two of the outer diameter of M1) is a preferred example of the first guiding portion (51).

[Supplementary Note B7]
A transport mechanism (170ac, 340ac) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes the transport device (170ac) according to any one of Appendixes B2 to B6, and the three-dimensional game machine (M1) supplied to the supply unit (1780). And the control unit (52, 53) for restricting the movement of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) supplied to the supply unit (1780) or the path (340ac).

In the above configuration, since the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) supplied from the path (340ac) to the supply unit (1780) is regulated by the regulation unit (52, 53), the specification among the plurality of intake ports (1710) It is possible to preferentially supply the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the take-in port (1710) of the game machine.

The “regulator (52, 53)” may be installed in either the supply unit (1780) or the path (340ac). For example, the whole of the restriction part (52, 53) may be formed in one of the path (340ac) and the supply part (1780), or a part of the restriction part (52, 53) is formed in the path (340ac) , The other part of the restriction part (52, 53) may be formed in the supply part (1780).

[Supplementary Note B8]
In the preferable example of appendix B7, the restriction part (52, 53) guides the three-dimensional game machine (M1) advancing toward the supply part (1780) to the side of the support part (1740). It includes a guiding part (52).

In the above configuration, since the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is guided to the side of the support (1740) by the second induction part (52), the rear from the side of the support (1740) seen from the path (340ac) It is possible to preferentially supply the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the intake port (1710) formed on the opposite side to the support portion (1740) as viewed from the path (340ac).

[Supplementary Note B9]
In the preferable example of appendix B8, said 2nd guidance part (52) supports said three-dimensional game machine (M1) which advances toward said supply part (1780) among said plurality of loading openings (1710). The intake port (1710) opposite to the path (340ac) viewed from the support section (1740) without directly going to the intake port (1710) on the path (340ac) side as viewed from the section (1740) Guide to the direction of

In the configuration in which there is no special configuration for restricting the movement of the three-dimensional game machine (M1), the intake port (1710) on the path (340ac) side of the support portion (1740) among the plurality of intake ports (1710) The three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) is easy to be supplied. The second induction unit (52) is a three-dimensional gaming machine (M2) so that the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) does not directly go to the taking-in port (1710) on the path (340ac) side but to the taking-in port (1710) on the opposite side. According to the configuration for guiding M1), it is possible to reduce the possibility that a large number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) are concentrated on the intake (1710) on the path (340ac) side.

[Supplementary Note B10]
In any of the preferred examples of the supplementary notes B7 to B9, the regulation part (52, 53) is directed to the intake port (1710) opposite to the path (340ac) with respect to the support part (1740). And a third induction portion (53) for inducing the three-dimensional game machine (M1).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to preferentially supply the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) to the intake port (1710) opposite to the path (340ac) among the plurality of intake ports (1710). .

[Supplementary Note B11]
In the preferable example of appendix B10, the said 3rd induction | guidance | derivation part (53) is the height in which the said three-dimensional game body (M1) can cross over the said 3rd induction part (53) by the press from another three-dimensional game machine (M1). Is formed.

As described above, according to the configuration in which the third induction portion (53) is installed, the intake port (1710) on the side opposite to the path (340ac) among the plurality of intake ports (1710) as viewed from the support portion (1740). The three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) is preferentially supplied to the However, if a large number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) concentrate in the intake port (1710) on the opposite side to the path (340ac), problems such as clogging of the three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) may occur this time. According to the configuration in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is capable of crossing the third induction portion (53), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is excessively concentrated in the intake port (1710) opposite to the path (340ac). In this case, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the path (340ac) passes over the third guiding portion (53) and is supplied to the inlet (1710) on the path (340ac) side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress excessive concentration of the three-dimensional game machine (M1).

[Supplementary Note B12]
In any of the preferred examples of the additional notes B7 to B9, the restriction part (52, 53) is a third guiding part (53) for guiding the three-dimensional game machine (M1) toward the loading port (1710). And the third induction portion (53) is formed at such a height that the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) can ride over the third induction portion (53) by pressing from another three-dimensional gaming body (M1). Be done.

[Appendix C1]
A transport device (170ac) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention extends in a spiral along the rotation axis (C), and a support portion (1740) on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is placed; And a plurality of guide portions (1760) disposed outside the support portion (1740) with an interval exceeding the outer diameter of the body (M1) and extending along the rotation axis (C), Transporting a three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) to move along the rotation axis (C) by the rotation of the support portion (1740) in a state in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is in contact with the support portion (1740) and the guide portion (1760) A path is formed for each of the plurality of guide portions (1760), and among the plurality of guide portions (1760), an interval between two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis (C) Transport the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) by A plurality of discharge ports for discharging from the road (1720) is formed.

In the above configuration, the plurality of discharge ports (1720) for discharging the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the transport path by the intervals between the two guide portions (1760) adjacent in the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft (C) Is formed. That is, the guide portion (1760) for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1) along the rotation axis (C) is diverted to the formation of the discharge port (1720). Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the transport device (170ac) as compared with the configuration in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is discharged from the transport path by a mechanism separate from the guide portion (1760).

Typically, the outlet (1720) is formed at the end (eg, upper end) of the support (1740), but in addition to (or in place of) the end, the outlet (1740) The configuration in which the discharge port (1720) is formed in the middle part is also included in the scope of the invention.

[Appendix C2]
A preferred example of the supplementary note C1 includes a discharge guiding portion (1771, 1790) for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1) transported by the transport path in a direction away from the rotating shaft (C).

In the above aspect, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) transported by the transport path is moved in the direction away from the rotation shaft (C) by the discharge guiding portion (1771, 1790). That is, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is discharged from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the three-dimensional game machine (M1) will be retained in the transport route more than necessary.

The specific form of the "discharge guiding part (1771, 1790)" is arbitrary. For example, an inclined surface inclined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis (C) (for example, a truncated cone-like curved surface), or a projection installed on the downstream side of the transport path and abutting on the three-dimensional game machine (M1) It is a specific example of an induction | guidance | derivation part (1771, 1790).

[Appendix C3]
In the preferable example of the supplementary note C1 or the supplementary note C2, the supporting force of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by the support portion (1740) is lowered in the vicinity of the discharge port (1720) in the transport path.

In the above aspect, since the supporting power of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by the support portion (1740) decreases in the vicinity of the discharge port (1720), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is efficiently discharged from the discharge port (1720) can do.

[Appendix D]
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-99632, there has been conventionally proposed a pusher game apparatus for moving a disk-shaped token coin inserted into a game field. In the pusher game device, a lift hopper or the like that moves token coins along rails is used to transport the token coins to the insertion unit.

The game device is provided with a plurality of elements (hereinafter referred to as a “game using portion”) that use a game such as token coin, for example. In the case where a special mechanism for supplying a game player with a predetermined number ratio is installed in each of the plurality of game player using units, there is a problem that the configuration of the game apparatus becomes complicated. In consideration of the above circumstances, the preferred embodiment (Appendix D) of the present invention aims to distribute game pieces to a plurality of game piece using units without requiring a special mechanism.

[Supplementary Note D1]
A transport mechanism according to a preferred aspect of the present invention transports a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) and discharges them from each of a plurality of discharge ports (1720), and the plurality of discharge ports (1720) And a plurality of gaming body using units (230a, 240a, 250a) using the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) discharged from each of the first to third discharge ports (1720). 1720A) discharges the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in a direction toward the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) among the plurality of game machine using units (230a, 240a, 250a), and Of the outlets (1720), the second outlet (1720B) different from the first outlet (1720A) is the first game player using part of the plurality of game player using units (230a, 240a, 250a). The three-dimensional game machine (M1) is discharged in the direction toward the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) different from 230a, 240a), and the first game machine using unit (Merial) from the first discharge port (1720A). 230a, 240a), the number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1), and the number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) from the second outlet (1720B) toward the second gaming body utilization unit (240a, 250a) Is different.

In the above configuration, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) transported by the transport device (170ac) is discharged in the direction from the first outlet (1720A) to the first game machine utilization unit (230a, 240a), and the second It is discharged in the direction from the discharge port (1720B) to the second gaming body using unit (240a, 250a). Therefore, without requiring a special mechanism for switching the discharge direction of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) after transfer, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) transferred by the transfer device (170ac) , 240a, 250a). In addition, the number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) going from the first discharge port (1720A) to the first game machine utilization unit (230a, 240a) and the second game machine utilization unit (240a, 2402) from the second discharge port (1720B) Since the number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) heading to 250a) is different, the number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) supplied to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) and the second game machine using unit (240a) , 250a) can be made close to a predetermined value.

“Ejecting the solid game machine (M1) in the direction toward the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a)” means that the first game machine using unit of the plurality of game machine using units (230a, 240a, 250a) It means discharging the three-dimensional game machine (M1) so as to be preferentially supplied to (230a, 240a), for example, the supply path (231a, 241a) corresponding to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) , 251a) includes discharging the three-dimensional game machine (M1). The above expressions are not intended to exclude the final supply of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to game machine using units (230a, 240a, 250a) other than the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) . For example, even when the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is discharged from the first outlet (1720A) in the direction toward the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a), the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) In the state where the entry of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the player is restricted (the entry restriction state), the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moves further without being supplied to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) Can be supplied to the other game player using units (230a, 240a, 250a).
The transport device (170ac) transports the three-dimensional game machine (M1) by, for example, each of a plurality of transport paths corresponding to different discharge ports (1720). However, one transport path may be shared for a plurality of discharge ports (1720). That is, the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) transported by one transport path are discharged from each of the plurality of discharge ports (1720).

[Supplementary Note D2]
In the preferred example of the addition D1, the total number of the gaming body using units (230a, 240a, 250a) is less than the total number of the discharge ports (1720), and the number of the first discharge ports (1720A), and the second discharge. It is different from the number of outlets (1720B).

In the above configuration, since the number of first discharge ports (1720A) and the number of second discharge ports (1720B) are different, the supply of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using portion (230a, 240a) It is possible to make the number and the supply number of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) different.

[Appendix D3]
In the preferable example of the supplementary note D1 or the supplementary note D2, the size of the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using portion (230a, 240a) and the second discharge The size of the opening of the communication path (313) to which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) discharged from the outlet (1720B) is different is different.

In the above configuration, the size of the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) and the second discharge port (1720B) are discharged. Because the size of the opening of the communication path (313) to which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) points is different, the number of supplied three-dimensional game machines (M1) and the second game machine to the first game machine using portion (230a, 240a) It is possible to make the number of supply of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the use unit (240a, 250a) different. The size of the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) and the size of the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) The size of the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the above may be different.

The number of supply paths (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to each game machine using unit (230a, 240a, 250a) is not limited to one. In a configuration in which a plurality of supply paths (231a, 241a, 251a) are formed for the gaming body using portion (230a, 240a, 250a), a “supply path (231a) corresponding to the gaming body using portion (230a, 240a, 250a) , 241a, 251a) may be interpreted as the sum of the sizes of the openings of the plurality of supply paths (231a, 241a, 251a). Further, the number of communication paths (313) is not limited to one. In the configuration in which the plurality of communication paths 313 are formed, “the size of the opening of the communication path (313)” may be interpreted as the sum of the sizes of the openings of the plurality of communication paths (313).

The size of the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) means the area of the opening through which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) enters in the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a). The size of the opening of the connection path (313) also means the area of the opening through which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) enters in the connection path (313).

[Appendix D4]
In the preferred example of the addition D3, the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is the second game machine using unit (240a). , 250a) is larger than the opening of the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to preferentially supply the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using portion (230a, 240a).

[Appendix D5]
In any of the preferred examples of the supplementary notes D1 to the supplementary note D4, the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) discharged in the direction from the first discharge port (1720A) to the first gaming body using unit (230a, 240a) When the first gaming body using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restriction state, it moves toward the second gaming body using unit (240a, 250a).

In the above configuration, when the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restriction state, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is transmitted from the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) to the second game machine using unit Move toward (240a, 250a). Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the three-dimensional game machine (M1) discharged from the transport device (170ac).

The three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) that has moved from the first gaming machine utilization unit (230a, 240a) to the second gaming machine utilization unit (240a, 250a) is actually used by the second gaming machine utilization unit (240a, 250a) It does not have to be supplied. For example, when the second gaming body using unit (240a, 250a) is in the entry restricted state, the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) is located at another place (for example, another game) from the second gaming body using unit (240a, 250a) Move towards the body utilization department).

[Appendix D6]
In the preferred example of the additional statement D4 or the additional statement D5, the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is the second game machine using unit The position is higher than the supply path (231a, 241a, 251a) of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) with respect to 240a, 250a).

According to the above configuration, when the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restriction state, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is transmitted from the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) to the second game machine. It is possible to easily move to the utilization unit (240a, 250a).

[Appendix D7]
A transport mechanism according to a preferred aspect of the present invention transports a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) and discharges them from each of a plurality of discharge ports (1720), and the plurality of discharge ports (1720) And a plurality of gaming body using units (230a, 240a, 250a) using the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) discharged from each of the first to third discharge ports (1720). 1720A) discharges the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in a direction toward the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) among the plurality of game machine using units (230a, 240a, 250a), and Of the outlets (1720), the second outlet (1720B) different from the first outlet (1720A) is the first game player using part of the plurality of game player using units (230a, 240a, 250a). 230a, discharging the second game element using unit different (240a, the three-dimensional game body toward the 250a) (M1) and 240a).

[Appendix E]
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-99632, there has been conventionally proposed a pusher game apparatus for moving a disk-shaped token coin inserted into a game field. In the pusher game device, a lift hopper or the like that moves token coins along rails is used to transport the token coins to the insertion unit.

Instead of the token coin used in the conventional pusher game device, it is also conceivable to use a rollable game body (for example, a ball-shaped game body) regardless of the attitude. In the configuration using a three-dimensional gaming machine, a mechanism suitable for carrying a three-dimensional gaming machine is required instead of the lift hopper for carrying token coins. In consideration of the above circumstances, a preferred embodiment (Appendix E) of the present invention aims to provide a technology capable of efficiently transporting a three-dimensional game machine.

[Supplementary Note E1]
A game device (10) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a game field (110a) providing a game utilizing a solid game machine (M1) which can roll regardless of the attitude, and a physical lottery for executing a physical lottery Path (310ac) which is a path for moving the three-dimensional game machine (M1), and includes the first supply path (231a, 241a) and the second supply path (241a, 251a). And the first game body using unit (230a, 240a) using the three-dimensional game machine (M1) entering from the first supply path (231a, 241a) for physical lottery by the physical lottery unit (120a, 130a, 140ab) And the three-dimensional game machine (M1) entering from the second supply path (241a, 251a) in the game field (110a) The second game element utilization portion (240a, 250a) for Use and a.

According to the above configuration, since the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolling the path (310ac) is used in common for the game by the game field (110a) and the physical lottery, the game machine is placed in the game field (110a) It is not necessary to separately install a mechanism for supplying and a mechanism for supplying game bodies to the physical lottery units (120a, 130a, 140ab). Therefore, the configuration of the game device (10) can be simplified.

"Physical lottery" is a physical lottery using a three-dimensional game machine (M1). Specifically, a physical lottery unit (120a, 130a, 140ab) (clune) including a rolling surface on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolls and a plurality of discharge paths through which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can pass. The process of determining that a prize is won when the three-dimensional game machine (M1) passes a specific discharge passage among the plurality of discharge passages is a suitable example of the physical lottery.

The "game field (110a)" is a space for providing the player with a game using the three-dimensional game machine (M1). For example, a space where various games such as a pusher game using a three-dimensional game machine (M1) are provided is a preferred example of the game field (110a).

The “path (310ac)” has, for example, an inclined surface on which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolls. The inclined surface is typically a flat surface, but may include a curved surface in which the inclination angle changes on the path (310ac). A step may be included in the middle of the path (310ac). In addition, for example, if the three-dimensional game machine (M1) can move on the route (310ac) using kinetic energy provided by a specific mechanism, it is rolled using its own weight of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) The inclined surface is not essential. Further, in the path (310ac), one of the part where the first supply path (231a, 241a) is installed and the part where the second supply path (241a, 251a) is installed is an inclined surface, and the other is a horizontal surface. Certain configurations are also envisioned.

[Appendix E2]
In a preferred example of Appendix E1, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) used by the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) for the physical lottery, and the game using the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) And a transport device (170ac) for recovering the three-dimensional game machine (M1) used for the transport and transporting it to the upstream side of the path (310ac).

According to the above configuration, the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) used for the game and the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) used for the physical lottery may be reused by conveying them upstream of the path (310ac). It is possible.

The configuration “recover the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) and transport it to the upstream side of the route (310ac)” transports all of the plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) collected after use to the upstream side of the route (310ac) Not only the configuration to carry out but also the composition which conveys only a part of a plurality of collected three-dimensional game machines (M1) to the upstream side of a course (310ac) is included. For example, among the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) collected after use, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) which is not transported upstream of the path (310ac) may be used by another game machine using unit.

[Supplementary Note E3]
In the preferred example of the additional statement E1 or the additional statement E2, the second game player using unit (240a, 250a) performs the number of 3D game devices (M1) determined according to the progress status of the game in the physical lottery Use

[Supplementary Note E4]
In the preferred embodiment according to any one of appendices E1 to E3, the second supply path (241a, 251a) is disposed downstream of the first supply path (231a, 241a) in the path (310ac), and 1 The number of the three-dimensional game machines (M1) used by the game machine using unit (230a, 240a) for the game is the three-dimensional game machine used by the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) for the physical lottery It exceeds the number of (M1).

According to the above configuration, since the second supply path (241a, 251a) is installed on the downstream side of the first supply path (231a, 241a) in the path (310ac), the second game player using portion (240a, 250a) The three-dimensional game machine (M1) can be used preferentially to the game by the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) rather than the physical lottery by.

[Supplementary Note F]
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-99632, there has been conventionally proposed a pusher game apparatus for moving a disk-shaped token coin inserted into a game field. In the pusher game device, a lift hopper or the like that moves token coins along rails is used to transport the token coins to the insertion unit.

Instead of the token coin used in the conventional pusher game device, it is also conceivable to use a rollable game body (for example, a ball-shaped game body) regardless of the attitude. In the configuration using a three-dimensional gaming machine, a mechanism suitable for carrying a three-dimensional gaming machine is required instead of the lift hopper for carrying token coins. In consideration of the above circumstances, a preferred embodiment (Appendix F) of the present invention aims to provide a technology capable of efficiently transporting a three-dimensional game machine.

[Supplementary Note F1]
A game device (10) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a game device (10) for providing a game that uses a rollable solid game body (M1) regardless of the posture, A path (310ac) for rolling M1), a first supply path (231a, 241a), and a second supply path (241a, 251a) located downstream of the first supply path (231a, 241a) A first game using portion (230a, 240a) for storing and using the three-dimensional game machine (M1) entering from the first supply path (231a, 241a); And a second game player using unit (240a, 250a) using the three-dimensional game machine (M1) entering from the supply path (241a, 251a), and a three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolling the path (310ac) ) Is When the first game player using portion (230a, 240a) is not in the entry restriction state, the first game using portion (230a, 240a) enters the first feed path (231a, 241a) and the entry restriction state In some cases, it rolls from the first supply passage (231a, 241a) toward the second supply passage (241a, 251a).

In the above configuration, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolling the path (310ac) can enter the first supply path (231a, 241a), and the three-dimensional game body entered the first supply path (231a, 241a) (M1) is stored and used in the first game player using unit (230a, 240a). When the first gaming body using unit (230a, 240a) is in the entry restriction state, the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) rolls toward the second supply path (241a, 251a). That is, therefore, it is possible to preferentially supply the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) rather than the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a).

The three-dimensional game machine (M1) on the path (310ac) may roll toward the second supply path (241a, 251a) without passing through the first supply path (231a, 241a).

The “downstream side” means the direction in which the three-dimensional game machine (M1) moves by movement. For example, in a configuration in which the path (310ac) includes an inclined surface, the lower side of the inclined surface corresponds to the "downstream side". That is, the second supply path (241a, 251a) is at a lower position than the first supply path (231a, 241a).

[Supplementary Note F2]
In the preferred example of the supplementary note F1, the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) stores the three-dimensional game machine (M1) entering from the second supply path (241a, 251a).

In the above configuration, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is stored in the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a) when the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is full. That is, it is possible to store the three-dimensional game machine (M1) preferentially to the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) rather than the second game machine using unit (240a, 250a).

[Supplementary Note F3]
A preferred example of the supplementary statement F1 or the supplementary statement F2 includes a guiding portion which is installed in the path (310ac) and guides the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to the first supply path (231a, 241a).

In the above configuration, since the guiding unit is installed on the path (310ac), the effect of being able to store the three-dimensional game machine (M1) preferentially in the first game machine using unit (230a, 240a) is particularly remarkable. .

[Appendix G]
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-99632, there has been conventionally proposed a pusher game apparatus for moving a disk-shaped token coin inserted into a game field. In the conventional pusher game device, only a plurality of token coins are stacked in the game field, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of sufficiently securing the visual effect on presentation. The preferable aspect (appendix G) of this invention is the structure which considered the above situations.

[Appendix G1]
In the game device (10) according to the preferred aspect of the present invention, an insertion portion (461a) for inserting a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) capable of rolling regardless of the posture, and the insertion portion (461a) A placement unit (44) including a first surface (Q1) on which the plurality of three-dimensional game devices (M1) are placed, and a plurality of three-dimensional game devices (M1) placed in the placement unit (44) And a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (the first game machine including the plurality of solid game machines inserted by the insertion unit (461a)) in a first state in which the first surface (Q1) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. M1) is aligned in a single layer along the first surface (Q1), and in the second state, the angle of the first surface (Q1) is changed from the angle in the first state, 44) on the low order side of the first surface (Q1). Moving to be supplied to the discharge portion (446).

In the above configuration, since the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are aligned in a single layer along the first surface (Q1), a large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are placed on the first surface (Q1) It is possible to effectively make the player visually recognize that there is. Further, when the angle of the first surface (Q1) changes, the plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) on the first surface (Q1) roll to the lower side and are supplied to the discharge unit (446). Therefore, a dynamic effect is realized in which a large number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) placed on the first surface (Q1) move toward the discharge port (1720) simultaneously.

The first surface (Q1) is basically a flat surface but may be a curved surface. Also, “aligned in a single layer” means that a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) are densely arranged along the first surface (Q1) without stacking in the direction perpendicular to the first surface (Q1). means. In addition, "alignment" is not limited to arranging a plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) in a straight line in a single row, but also includes arranging a plurality of three-dimensional games (M1) in a plane . Specifically, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) inserted from the insertion section (461a) is parallel to the first plane (Q1) with respect to the existing three-dimensional game machine (M1) on the first surface (Q1). The insertion section (461a) inserts the three-dimensional game machine (M1) so as to abut from the above direction. With the above configuration, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is aligned in a single layer from the low order side to the high order side of the first surface (Q1).

[Appendix G2]
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention G1, the placing portion (44) includes a second surface (Q2) inclined with respect to the horizontal surface and intersecting the first surface (Q1), and in the first state, the second surface (Q2) The lower edge (S11) of the first surface (Q1) and the lower edge (S21) of the second surface (Q2) are close to each other, and the insertion portion (461a) is the first surface (Q1) A first insertion portion (461b, 461d) for inserting the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) from the high order side of Q1), and the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) from the high order side of the second surface (Q2) And second input sections (461a, 461c) to be input.

In the above configuration, a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) are inserted from the high order side of each of the first face (Q1) and the second face (Q2), and the low order side of the first face (Q1) and the second face ( The three-dimensional game machine (M1) is accumulated on the lower side with Q2). Since the lower edge (S11) of the first surface (Q1) and the lower edge (S21) of the second surface (Q2) are close to each other, the first surface (Q1) and the second surface (Q2) A plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are aligned from the mutually adjacent part toward each higher order side. Therefore, there is an advantage that the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) placed on the placement unit (44) can be easily viewed by a plurality of players.

[Appendix G3]
In the preferred example of the additional statement G2, in the second state, when the angle of the first surface (Q1) approaches the angle of the second surface (Q2), the first surface (Q1) and the second surface The plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) placed on (Q2) roll to the lower side of the first surface (Q1) and are supplied to the discharge unit (446).

In the above configuration, in the second state, the angle of the first surface (Q1) approaches (ideally matches) the angle of the second surface (Q2), and the first surface (Q1) and the second surface (Q1) It is possible to roll the lower three sides of the first surface (Q1) and supply the discharge unit (446) with a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) covering both of Q2).

[Appendix G4]
A preferred embodiment according to any one of Appendices G1 to G3 includes a game field (110a) for providing a player with a game using the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1), and the placing unit (44) includes It is located above the game field (110a), and at least a part of the placing part (44) is placed on the other side of the placing part (44) from the side opposite to the plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) The game machine (M1) is configured to be visible.

In the above configuration, since the placement unit (44) is located above the game field (110a), the space inside the game apparatus (10) can be effectively used. Further, at least a part of the placement unit (44) can visually recognize the three-dimensional game device (M1) from the opposite side to the three-dimensional game device (M1) across the placement unit (44). That is, the player can visually recognize the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the side of the game field (110a) through the placement unit (44). Therefore, it is possible to effectively make the player visually recognize that a large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are placed on the placement unit (44).

“Visible” means that the placement unit (44) transmits light. A typical example of the “visible” configuration is a configuration in which the mounting portion (44) is formed of a light transmitting member. However, for example, even in a configuration in which the mounting portion (44) is formed in a net shape, light is transmitted through the mounting portion (44), and therefore, it is included in the concept of "visible".

[Appendix G5]
The preferred embodiment according to any one of Appendices G1 to G3 includes a plurality of game fields (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) each of which provides a game utilizing the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1). The placing section (44) is located above the plurality of game fields (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and above the plurality of game fields (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), and the placing section (44). At least a part is configured to be able to visually recognize the three-dimensional game machine (M1) from the opposite side to the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) with the placement portion (44) interposed therebetween.

[Appendix G6]
In a preferred example of appendix G5, the plurality of game fields (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) include a first game field (110a) and a second game field (110b, 110c, 110d), and the insertion portion (461) And the second game field (110b, 110c, 110d) for inserting the three-dimensional game machine (M1) according to the game play condition in the first game field (110a). And a plurality of second input units (461b, 461c, 461d) for inserting the three-dimensional game machine (M1) in accordance with the game play conditions in The three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) includes the first three-dimensional player (461a) and the second one (461b, 461c, Distributed unevenly in a region corresponding to the person charged number of techniques body (M1) is larger.

In the above configuration, a plurality of three-dimensional game machines are biased to a region corresponding to the one where the number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) inserted is large among the first insertion portion (461a) and the second insertion portions (461b, 461c, 461d) Since (M1) is distributed, a game field in which a game contributed to accumulation of the three-dimensional gaming machine (M1) on the placement unit (44) among the plurality of game fields is played (and a player who further contributes to the accumulation) Can be estimated from the distribution of a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1).

Note that the “area corresponding to the one where the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) is large” means, for example, the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) among the plurality of inserting portions (461a, 461b, 461c, 461d) Although the region is close to many, it is not limited to the above region. For example, it is assumed that the placement unit (44) includes the first surface (Q1) and the second surface (Q2) described above. The first inserting section (461b, 461d) inserts the three-dimensional game machine (M1) onto the surface of the first surface (Q1) from the high order side of the first surface (Q1). The second inserting section (461a, 461c) inserts the three-dimensional game machine (M1) onto the surface of the second surface (Q2) from the high order side of the second surface (Q2). In the above configuration, the “region corresponding to the one where the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) is large” refers to the case where the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) by the first inserting portion (461b, 461d) is large. This is at least a partial region of the first surface (Q1), and at least a portion of the second surface (Q2) when the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) by the second insertion portion (461a, 461c) is large. It is an area. For example, “the area corresponding to the one where the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) is large” is, for example, low from the vicinity of the inserting portion (461a, 461b, 461c, 461d) where the number of inserted three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) It is an inclined surface that inclines to the side.

[Appendix G7]
In any of the preferable examples of the additions G4 to G6, the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are light transmitting, and on the opposite side to the game field (110a) with the setting portion (44) interposed therebetween. It has a flat light source (413) installed.

In the above configuration, the irradiation light from the planar light source (413) passes through the three-dimensional game machine (M1) and the placement unit (44) and is emitted to the game field (110a) side. That is, light which is appropriately scattered by the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) on the placement unit (44) and transmitted through the placement unit (44) is visually recognized by the player. Therefore, it is possible to increase visual effects.

The “planar light source (413)” is a lighting device that emits light in a planar manner. Specifically, in addition to the light source (413) in which the light emitter is formed in a planar shape, the light source in which a plurality of point light sources or line light sources are arranged in a planar shape is included in the concept of "planar light source (413)" Be done.

[Appendix G8]
In the preferable example of the addition G1 to the addition G7, the first surface (Q1) includes the opposing first edge (S11) and the second edge (S12), and in the first state, the first edge (S11). ) Is lower than the second edge (S12), and in the second state, the second edge (S12) is lower than the first edge (S11).

In the above configuration, the plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) aligned in the vicinity of the first edge (S11) in the first state move to the vicinity of the second edge (S12) all at once by changing to the second state. Do. Therefore, an effective effect is realized in which a large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) move at once all at once.

[Appendix G9]
In the game device (10) according to the preferred aspect of the present invention, an insertion portion (461a) for inserting a plurality of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) capable of rolling regardless of the posture, and the insertion portion (461a) A game field for providing a player with a game using a placement section (44) including a first surface (Q1) on which the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are placed, and the plurality of three-dimensional games (M1) (110a), the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) inserted by the insertion section (461a) are aligned in a single layer along the first surface (Q1), and the first surface (Q1) The virtual viewpoint (V) of the player is located in the space lower than Q1), and at least a part of the placing part (44) sandwiches the placing part (44). From the opposite side to (M1), the player plays the three-dimensional game (M1) Visibly constructed.

In the above configuration, the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are aligned in a single layer along the first surface (Q1), and the player is positioned in the space below the first surface (Q1). Therefore, the player can visually recognize the majority of the plurality of three-dimensional game machines (M1) on the placement unit (44) through the placement unit (44). That is, it is possible to effectively make the player visually recognize that a large number of three-dimensional game machines (M1) are placed on the placement unit (44).

The virtual viewpoint (V) of the player means the position (eye point) of the eye of a virtual player who plays the game provided by the game field (110a). In the virtual viewpoint (V), when it is assumed from the situation of use of the game apparatus (10) to play the game while the player is seated, the virtual player having an average physical constitution is seated Meaning the position of the player's eyes in the case where it is assumed from the situation of use of the game that the game is played while the player is standing up, the player of the average physique standing up Means eye position.

The virtual viewpoint (V) is not necessarily specified at only one point, but is assumed within a specific range with spatial spread. “The virtual viewpoint (V) of the player is located in a space below the plane including the first surface (Q1)” means that the specific space in which the virtual viewpoint (V) is assumed is the first It is meant to be located below the plane including the plane (Q1).

The “space below the first surface (Q1)” refers to the three-dimensional game machine (M1) placed on the first surface (Q1) of the placement unit (44) and the first surface (Q1) When focusing on the contact plane passing through the contact point (the plane contacting the spherical solid game machine (M1) at the contact point), all solid game machines (M1) placed on the first surface (Q1) It means a space located below the vertical direction when viewed from the tangent plane. In the configuration in which the first surface (Q1) is a plane, the space below the plane including the first surface (Q1) is the “space below the first surface (Q1)”. However, the first surface (Q1) is not limited to a plane. For example, if the condition that the virtual viewpoint (V) of the player is located in the “space below the first surface (Q1)” in the above definition is satisfied, the first surface (Q1) is a curved surface (for example, a curved surface) It may be a spherical surface or a circular arc surface). For example, a curved surface with a small curvature can satisfy the condition. The curved surface that constitutes the first surface (Q1) is ideally a curved surface formed so that there is no contact point where the virtual viewpoint (V) is located in the space above the tangent plane.

[Appendix G10]
In a preferred example of appendix G9, a plurality of virtual viewpoints (V) corresponding to different positions of the player are located in a space below the first surface (Q1).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to visually recognize that a large number of three-dimensional gaming machines (M1) are placed on the placement unit (44) from a plurality of positions where the player of the game apparatus (10) can be located. It is possible. Ideally, all of the plurality of virtual viewpoints (V) are located in the space below the first surface (Q1).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game device, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d ... Station part, 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d ... Game field, 120a ... 1st lottery part, 130a ... 2nd lottery part, 140ab ... 3rd lottery part, 150 ... JP delivery unit, 160a: operation panel, 170ac: conveying device, 180a: conveying device.

Claims (10)

1. A game device that provides a game that uses a rollable three-dimensional game body regardless of its posture,
   It has a circulation mechanism that circulates the three-dimensional gaming body,
   The circulation mechanism is
   A transport device for transporting the three-dimensional game machine from a first position to a second position higher than the first position;
   A first path for moving the three-dimensional game machine from the second position to a third position lower than the second position;
   It is a supply path into which the three-dimensional gaming body enters from the second position to the third position, and is for supplying the three-dimensional gaming body to a game using portion using the three-dimensional gaming body for the game. Supply path,
   A game apparatus comprising: a second path for moving the three-dimensional game machine not entering the supply path to the first position lower than the third position.
2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply of the three-dimensional game machine to the game machine using unit is continued by continuing the operation state in which the conveyance device conveys the three-dimensional game machine.
3. The gaming body using unit is installed at a position higher than the first position,
   The game apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the three-dimensional game machine used in the game is recovered to the second route by moving downward.
4. The gaming body using unit includes a first gaming body using unit and a second gaming body using unit for storing the three-dimensional gaming body,
   The supply path is located at a first supply path for supplying the three-dimensional game machine to the first game machine utilization unit, and downstream of the first supply path, and the three game machine is used for the second game machine utilization unit. And a second supply path for supplying a game player,
   The three-dimensional game machine, which travels from the second position to the first supply path, moves toward the third position when the first gaming body using unit is in the entry restriction state, and enters the second supply path. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is in a state of
5. Comprising a first game field and a second game field for providing games in parallel to different players,
   The gaming body using unit uses a third gaming body using unit that uses the three-dimensional gaming body for the game provided by the first game field, and uses the three-dimensional gaming body for the game provided by the second game field 4 including the game player using unit,
   The supply path is a third supply path for supplying the three-dimensional game machine to the third game machine utilization unit, and a fourth supply path for supplying the three-dimensional game machine to the fourth game machine utilization unit The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising:
6. A game device that provides a game that uses a rollable three-dimensional game body regardless of its posture,
   A first game field and a second game field providing games in parallel to different players;
   A first circulation mechanism corresponding to the first game field;
   And a second circulation mechanism corresponding to the second game field,
   Each of the first circulation mechanism and the second circulation mechanism is
   A transport device for transporting the three-dimensional game machine from a first position to a second position higher than the first position;
   A first path for moving the three-dimensional game machine from the second position to a third position lower than the second position;
   It is a supply path into which the three-dimensional gaming body enters from the second position to the third position, and is for supplying the three-dimensional gaming body to a game using portion using the three-dimensional gaming body for the game. Supply path,
   A game apparatus comprising: a second path for moving the three-dimensional game machine not entering the supply path to the first position lower than the third position.
7. A game device that provides a game that uses a rollable three-dimensional game body regardless of its posture,
   A first game field, a second game field, a third game field, and a fourth game field for providing games in parallel to different players;
   A first circulation mechanism corresponding to the first game field and the second game field;
   And a second circulation mechanism corresponding to the third game field and the fourth game field,
   Each of the first circulation mechanism and the second circulation mechanism is
   A transport device for transporting the three-dimensional game machine from a first position to a second position higher than the first position;
   A first path for moving the three-dimensional game machine from the second position to a third position lower than the second position;
   It is a supply path into which the three-dimensional gaming body enters from the second position to the third position, and is for supplying the three-dimensional gaming body to a game using portion using the three-dimensional gaming body for the game Supply path,
   A game apparatus comprising: a second path for moving the three-dimensional game machine not entering the supply path to the first position lower than the third position.
8. The three-dimensional gaming machine not entering the supply path of the first circulation mechanism, and the three-dimensional gaming body not entering the supply path of the second circulation mechanism, the second path of the first circulation mechanism and the second path The game apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: a distribution unit that distributes the second circulation path to the second path of the circulation mechanism.
9. The game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transport device has a plurality of transport paths capable of transporting the three-dimensional game machine in parallel.
10. The game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a total number of the game-playing portion utilization units is smaller than a total number of the plurality of transport paths.

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