JP3093556B2 - Game machine prize ball payout device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine using a pachinko ball as a game medium, and a winning ball entering a winning opening formed in a gaming board of the gaming machine is placed on the back of the gaming board. The present invention relates to a prize ball payout device that discharges a predetermined number of prize balls to the player side each time the player discharges one by one.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a general gaming machine, a prize ball discharging mechanism for discharging a prize ball entering a prize port of a game board one by one on a back side of the game board, and a prize ball discharging mechanism. The prize ball payout mechanism, which pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to the player side each time a winning ball is discharged one by one, is installed on the back side of the game board as a separate body.

More specifically, in the case of a type in which each of the winning ball discharging mechanism and the winning ball payout mechanism has a sprocket that rotates by the weight of the ball, and the balls are sequentially paid out by the rotation,
In order to pay out a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball, locking means for controlling the rotation of the sprocket of each mechanism based on the signal of each sensor for separately counting the winning balls and the winning balls, as well as its power system, , Completely separately provided for each mechanism. That is,
Each mechanism is connected via a signal line for transmitting and receiving sensor signals to and from each other, but is basically configured as a completely separate body, and each is separately and independently installed on the back side of the game board.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional prize ball payout device, since the prize ball discharge mechanism and the prize ball payout mechanism are separate bodies, they must be separately installed on the back side of the game board. In addition, the installation man-hour is cumbersome and time-consuming, and a power system for controlling the rotation of the sprocket of each mechanism must be separately provided, resulting in an increase in the number of components and an increase in cost. Was.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-290
There is also a prize ball payout device as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 28, but this type adopts a configuration in which a long operation rod is rocked by the weight of a prize ball to open a prize ball case by applying the principle of leverage. This eliminates the need for multiple power systems, but on the other hand, it is relatively large as a device, so it is difficult to install it behind the game board where there is no room for space, and due to its configuration, the prize ball is accurate and It is not suitable for high-speed dispensing, and furthermore, there are many components and the structure is complicated, so that the possibility of failure may increase.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and not only can the prize balls be discharged accurately and at a high speed based on the processing of the prize balls, but also the structure can be simplified and It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize ball payout device for a gaming machine, which has a very high practical value because it can be reduced in size and cost, and furthermore, a failure rate can be reduced.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems The gist of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows: 1. One prize ball entering a prize hole formed in a game board is provided on the back side of the game board. In a prize ball payout device (10) that discharges a predetermined number of prize balls to the player each time,
A first sprocket (21) having a concave portion (21a) in which a winning ball is fitted one by one on its outer periphery is rotatably arranged facing a winning ball guide (13) in which the winning ball flows down one by one. Then, the prize ball is inserted one by one into the prize ball discharge portion (20) for discharging the prize ball while the first sprocket (21) rotates by the weight of the prize ball engaged with the concave portion (21a). The second sprocket (31) in which the concave portion (31a) is formed is rotatably arranged facing the inside of the prize ball guide (15) in which the prize balls flow down in a state of being aligned in one row, and the concave portion (31a) is provided. The prize ball payout unit (3) that pays out a prize ball while the second sprocket (31) rotates by the weight of the prize ball engaged with the prize ball.
0) and a locking member (43A, B) reciprocated by one drive means (41), one end of which extends to the first sprocket (21) side, and the other end of which engages the second sprocket (31). Side so as to extend to the side, and the locking member (43
At one end of A), first locking means (44a, b) for intermittently restricting the rotation of the first sprocket (21) is provided so that one winning ball is ejected each time the ball reciprocates. When the other end of the locking member (43B) is moved in one direction (start position → end position) in one reciprocating motion, the rotation restraint of the second sprocket (31) is released, and the other direction (end position → Moving to the initial position), the second locking means (4) restrains the second sprocket (31) from rotating.
And a rotation control unit (40) provided with (6).

[0008] The winning ball discharge section (20) is provided with a winning ball detection sensor (51) for detecting a winning ball engaged with the concave portion (21a) of the first sprocket (21) and outputting a signal. The driving means (41) operates based on the detection signal of the winning ball detection sensor (51), and the locking member (43)
B) is set to move in the one direction to release the rotation constraint of the second sprocket (31), and the prize balls paid out with the rotation of the second sprocket (31) are counted in the prize ball discharge section. A prize ball detection sensor (52) for outputting a signal when the number reaches a predetermined number, and the driving means (41) is operated based on a signal from the prize ball detection sensor (52), and the locking is performed. The member (43B) is connected to the second sprocket (3
2. The prize ball dispensing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the device is set to move in the other direction in which 1) is restrained from rotating.
Exists.

(3) When the driving means (41) receives either one of the positive and negative pulse signals, it is excited and moves in one direction. A self-holding solenoid having a plunger (42) that is excited when it receives a signal and moves in the other direction, and is held by a permanent magnet at such a position, comprises the locking members (43A, B). The first sprocket (2) is connected to one end of the plunger (42).
A first locking member (43A) disposed on the 1) side; and a second locking member (43B) connected to the other end of the plunger (42) and disposed on the second sprocket (31) side. 3. The prize ball payout device (10) according to the item (1) or (2), wherein

(4) The winning ball discharging section (20), the winning ball paying section (30), and the rotation control section (40) are housed in a single housing (11) to constitute a unit. Item 2 or 3, wherein the award ball payout device (10).

5 On the side surface of the first sprocket (21), a plurality of locked claws (21) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.
b) is provided, one end of the locking member (43A) is arranged so as to extend in the diametrical direction so as to face the side surface of the first sprocket (21). A pair of locking claws (44a, b) are provided at intervals to serve as the first locking means, and the pair of locking claws (44a, b) serving as the first locking means are connected to the first sprocket (2).
When the locking member (43A) moves in one direction of one reciprocating movement with respect to the plurality of locked claws (21b) of 1), the locked claw (44a,) has been engaged. Locking claw (21
b), and after the second sprocket (31) rotates to the extent that the ball is not ejected, the other locking claw (44b) newly engages with the locked claw (21b), and Member (4
3A) when the other locking claw (44b) moves in the other direction.
Is disengaged from the engaged claw (21b) and the second sprocket (31) is rotated to the extent that one ball is ejected, and then the one claw (44a) is newly engaged. Stop claws (2
1b) characterized in that it is arranged to engage with 1b).
Item 3 or 4, wherein the award ball payout device (10).

6. The second sprocket (31) is pivotally supported by the housing (11) so as to be movable between a lock position and an unlock position along the axial direction of the rotation shaft (32) of the second sprocket (31). A plurality of locked portions (31b) arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction are provided on the side surface of (31), while the locked portion (31b) faces the housing (1).
Only when the second sprocket (31) is in the locked position on the inner wall of (1), it engages with the locked part (31b),
A locking portion (16) for restraining the second sprocket (31) from rotating is provided, and the second sprocket (31) is urged in a lock position direction by a biasing means (17). The second sprocket (31) is locked against the urging force of the urging means (17) at the other end of the (43B) when moving in one direction of the reciprocating motion of the locking member (43B). An operating member (46) for pushing the rotation shaft (32) of the second sprocket (31) to move from the position to the unlock position is connected to the second locking means, so that the second locking means is provided. Item 4 or 5 is the award ball payout device (10).

[0013]

[Function] When the ball launched on the game board enters the winning opening,
The winning ball is placed on the back side of the game board at the winning ball discharging section (20).
To flow down the winning ball guide (13) one by one. When the winning ball reaches the first sprocket (21) facing the inside of the winning ball guide (13), a concave portion (21) on the outer periphery thereof.
a) is engaged. Thereby, the first sprocket (2
1) discharges the winning ball to the downstream side of the winning ball guide (13) while rotating by the weight of the winning ball.

Each time a prize ball is discharged one by one in the prize ball discharge section (20), a predetermined number of prize balls set in advance for each prize ball in the prize ball payout section (30) are set on the player side. Paid out. That is, the second of the prize ball payout section (30)
The sprocket (31) is provided with the first sprocket (2).
As in the case of 1), the ball is rotated by the weight of the ball, and unless the rotation is restricted, the prize ball flowing down in a state of being arranged in a line in the prize ball guide (15) is continuously downstream of the prize ball guide (15). Can be paid to the side.

The first sprocket (21) and the second sprocket (31) are both reciprocated by a driving member (41) constituting a rotation controller (40).
3A, B), the rotation is restrained from being unrotatable or the rotation is released from being restrained, whereby a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for one winning ball. That is, the first locking means (44a, b) on one end side of the locking member (43A) is provided with the first sprocket so that one winning ball is discharged each time the locking member (43A) reciprocates. The rotation of (21) is intermittently restricted.

On the other hand, the second locking means (46) at the other end of the locking member (43B) moves the second sprocket (31) when it moves in one direction (start position to end position) of the reciprocating motion. Release the rotation constraint and move in the other direction (end position →
Moving to the initial position), the second sprocket (31)
Is again restrained from rotating. Therefore, the locking member (43)
By controlling the timing of the reciprocating movements (A, B), the number of prize balls to be paid out for one winning ball can be appropriately set in advance.

Various sensors may be used to control the timing of the reciprocating movement of the locking members (43A, B). Specifically, first, the winning ball discharge unit (20) is provided with a winning ball detection sensor (51) that detects a winning ball engaged with the concave portion (21a) of the first sprocket (21) and outputs a signal. ,
The driving means (41) operates based on the detection signal of the winning ball detection sensor (51), and the locking member (43B) moves in the one direction to release the rotation constraint of the second sprocket (31). Set.

The prize ball payout unit (30) counts the prize balls paid out with the rotation of the second sprocket (31) and outputs a signal when the number reaches a predetermined number. (52), and the award ball detection sensor (5)
The driving means (41) operates based on the signal of 2),
What is necessary is just to set so that the locking member (43B) may move in the other direction, which restrains the second sprocket (31) from rotating.

Thus, each of the sensors (51, 52)
One driving means (41) is actuated based on the signal of (1), and the driving means (41) causes the locking members (43A, B) to reciprocate in one direction and back in the other direction at a predetermined timing. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for one winning ball.

That is, during the reciprocating movement of the locking members (43A, B), the rotation of the first sprocket (21) is intermittently performed by the first locking means (44a, b) of the locking members (43A, B). It is constrained and rotates to the extent that one winning ball is discharged as a result. On the other hand, the rotation of the second sprocket (31) is controlled by the second locking means (46) of the locking member (43A, B).
The second sprocket (31) rotates until a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out while the restraint is released from the restrained state, and then restrained again.

If a self-holding type solenoid is used for the driving means (41), after the locking members (43A, B) are moved in any one direction, the driving means (41) is maintained during this time. ) Does not need to be continuously supplied, and the reciprocating operation of the locking members (43A, B) becomes possible only by outputting extremely short pulse signals of both positive and negative to the driving means (41). Further, the winning ball discharging section (20) and the winning ball paying section (3)
0) and the rotation controller (40) are connected to one housing (1).
If the unit is housed in 1), the unit can be more easily and quickly attached to the back of the game board.

Further, a locking claw (44a, b) for restricting the rotation of the first sprocket (21) by an engagement relationship is provided at one end side of the locking member (43A) to constitute a first locking means. In order to restrict the rotation of the second sprocket (31) by the engaging relationship, the second
When the operating member (46) for pressing the rotating shaft (32) of the sprocket (31) is provided to constitute the second locking means, the rotation of each sprocket (21, 31) can be controlled mechanically and quickly. it can.

[0023]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 show an embodiment of the present invention.
The prize ball payout device 10 according to the present invention is attached to a game machine represented by a pachinko machine, and a prize ball entering a prize hole formed in a game board (not shown) is placed on the back side of the game board. This is a device that discharges one by one and pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to the player each time.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the prize ball payout device 10 includes a prize ball discharge unit 20 for discharging a prize ball to be introduced one by one, and the prize ball discharge unit 20 generates one prize ball. The prize ball payout unit 30 that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to the player side each time the ball is discharged, and the self-conserving solenoid 41 that is one driving means controls the prize ball discharge unit 20 and the prize ball payout unit 30. And a rotation control unit 40 that performs the operation.

The winning ball discharge unit 20, the winning ball payout unit 30, and the rotation control unit 40 are housed in one vertically long box-shaped housing 11 and configured as a unit. More specifically,
The winning ball discharging unit 20 is located at the bottom of the housing 11, the winning ball paying unit 30 is located at the top of the housing 11, and the rotation control unit 4
Reference numeral 0 is provided in an intermediate portion of the housing 11. In addition,
A cover (not shown) is separately attached to the open front side of the housing 11 shown in FIG.

The winning ball discharging section 20 includes a winning ball guide 13 formed at a lower portion of the housing 11 and the winning ball guide 1.
In the storage space 12 formed so as to communicate with the middle part of the prize ball 3, the pivot 2 is set in a state where the winning ball guide 13 is faced.
First sprocket 21 rotatably pivoted through the second sprocket 21
And The prize ball guide 13 is a ball passage through which the introduced prize balls are successively arranged in a line and flows down. The ball introduction port 13a communicates with a prize port of a game board (not shown). The outlet 13b is open at the bottom of the housing 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, one prize ball is provided on the outer periphery of the first sprocket 21 at regular intervals.
A plurality of recesses 21a, 21a,... The first sprocket 21 has its recess 21
This is a member for discharging the winning ball to the ball discharge port 13b side while rotating by the weight of the winning ball sequentially engaged with a. Also, on one side surface of the first sprocket 21, each recess 21a is provided.
Locked claws 2 arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction corresponding to
1b, 21b... Are provided.

Each claw 21b is disengaged from a pair of locking claws 44a and 44b provided on a first locking member 43A constituting a rotation control section 40, which will be described later, to rotate the first sprocket 21 itself. It is a part for regulating. In the present embodiment, six concave portions 21a and six locked pawls 21b of the first sprocket 21 are provided. However, these numbers can be set arbitrarily and are not limited to the illustrated embodiment. .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a winning ball detection sensor 51 for detecting a winning ball engaged with the concave portion 21a of the first sprocket 21 and outputting a signal is provided in the middle of the winning ball guide 13. Have been. More specifically, the winning ball detection sensor 51 is an optical sensor that emits sensor light at a position immediately after the ball introduced into the winning ball guide 13 engages with the concave portion 21 a of the first sprocket 21. This is for detecting the state.

The winning ball detection sensor 51 is connected so as to output a signal to a rotation control unit 40 described later each time a winning ball is detected one by one. The winning ball detection sensor 51
Are contact points for detecting that the winning ball has reached a specific position in the winning ball guide 13, a proximity sensor such as a photo sensor,
It may be constituted by a magnetic sensor or the like for detecting the approach of the ball.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the prize ball payout unit 3
0 is the prize ball guide 1 formed on the upper part of the housing 11
5 and a storage space 14 formed so as to communicate with an intermediate portion of the prize ball guide 15. And two sprockets 31. The prize ball guide 15 is a ball passage for letting successively supplied prize balls flow in a state of being arranged in a line, and a ball supply port 15a thereof communicates with a ball storage tank (not shown). Reference numeral 15b is open on the side of the housing 11, and communicates with a destination of the discharged pachinko balls, for example, an upper plate of a pachinko machine through a gutter or the like.

On the outer periphery of the second sprocket 31, a plurality of recesses 31a, 31a,... Into which prize balls are fitted one by one at regular intervals are formed similarly to the first sprocket 21 described above. The second sprocket 31 has its recess 3
It is a member for paying out a prize ball to the ball payout port 15b side while rotating by the weight of the prize ball sequentially engaged with 1a. Also,
The second sprocket 31 is integrally fixed to a pivot 32, and the pivot 32 is movable together with the second sprocket 31 along the axial direction thereof.
4 is supported.

On one side surface of the second sprocket 31, a plurality of locked parts 31b, 31b,... Arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction are provided corresponding to the respective recesses 31a. Each locked portion 31b is formed of a tooth of a small diameter sprocket integrally formed on one side surface of the second sprocket 31, and when the second sprocket 31 moves to the left in FIG.
The second sprocket 31 is a portion for engaging and disengaging with the locking portion 16 provided on the inner wall of the first sprocket 31 to restrict rotation of the second sprocket 31 itself.
Note that, similarly to the first sprocket 21, the concave portion 31a
And six locked parts 31b are provided respectively,
These numbers can be set arbitrarily and are not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

More specifically, the second sprocket 31
Is pivotally supported by the housing 11 together with the pivot 32 so as to be movable along the axial direction between a locked position shown in FIG. 2 and an unlocked position shown in FIG. That is, when the second sprocket 31 moves to the lock position shown in FIG. 2, the locked portion 31 b is locked to the locking portion 1 on the inner wall of the housing 11.
When the second sprocket 31 is moved to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 4 while engaging with the lock 6, the locked portion 31 b is set to be disengaged from the locking portion 16 of the housing 11.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second sprocket 31
A coil spring 17 is wound around one end of a pivot 32 extending from the spring. The coil spring 17 is biasing means for biasing the second sprocket 31 and the pivot 32 toward the lock position. That is, the second sprocket 31
Is normally in a locked position and is non-rotatably restrained. A washer 18 is interposed between the coil spring 17 and the side surface of the second sprocket 31. The urging means may be replaced by a leaf spring, sponge rubber, or the like, instead of the coil spring.

As shown in FIG. 2, the other end of the pivot 32 is in contact with a pressing portion 46a of an operating member 46 connected to a second locking member 43B of a rotation control unit 40 described later. As will be described later in detail, the pivot 32 and the second sprocket 31
The second locking member 43 </ b> B is pressed by the operating member 46 that swings with the upward movement, and is set to move from the normal lock position to the unlock position against the urging force of the coil spring 17. .

As shown in FIG. 1, in the middle of the prize ball guide 15, the number of prize balls paid out with the rotation of the second sprocket 31 is counted and reaches a predetermined number (for example, seven). A prize ball detection sensor 52 that outputs a signal at times is provided. More specifically, the prize ball detection sensor 52 detects that the sphere supplied to the prize ball guide 15 is the concave portion 3 of the second sprocket 31.
This is an optical sensor that emits sensor light to a position immediately after engagement with 1a, and is for detecting the number of paid out prize balls.

The prize ball detection sensor 52 detects when the number of prize balls paid out reaches a predetermined number (for example, seven).
It is connected to output a signal to a rotation control unit 40 described later. The prize ball detection sensor 52 includes a contact for detecting that the prize ball has reached a specific position in the prize ball guide 15, a proximity sensor such as a photo sensor, a magnetic sensor for detecting approach of a ball, and the like. You may.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotation control unit 4
Reference numeral 0 includes a locking member that reciprocates by one driving means. The driving means is constituted by a self-holding solenoid 41 in this embodiment. The self-holding solenoid 41 is excited when it receives one of the positive and negative pulse signals, moves in one direction, and is held at this position by the permanent magnet, and receives either the positive or negative pulse signal. It has a plunger 42 that is sometimes excited and moves in the other direction, and is held by a permanent magnet at such a position. The driving means is not limited to the self-holding solenoid, but may be replaced by a normal solenoid or other motor.

The locking member is connected to the lower end (one end) of the plunger 42 of the self-holding solenoid 41, and a first locking member 43A disposed on the first sprocket 21 side; And a second locking member 43B arranged on the side of the second sprocket 31. That is, the lower part of the first locking member 43A, which is one end side of the locking member, extends toward the first sprocket 21, while the upper part of the second locking member 43B, which is the other end side of the locking member, is the second Sprocket 31
It is arranged to extend to the side.

The plunger 42, which moves integrally with the locking members 43A and 43B, normally projects downward as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the self-holding solenoid 41 receives the signal from the winning ball detection sensor 51. When a signal is input, it moves upward (one direction) and is held in a state of protruding upward as shown in FIGS. When a signal from the prize-ball detection sensor 52 is input, it is set to move downward (in the other direction) and to be kept in a state of protruding downward again as shown in FIGS.

The first locking member 43A is formed in a shape shown in FIG. 10, and a first locking means is provided below the first locking member 43A. The first locking means includes a first locking member 43.
The rotation of the first sprocket 21 is intermittently restricted so that one winning ball is ejected from the winning ball ejecting section 20 every time A reciprocates. More specifically, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 8, the lower portion of the first locking member 43A is
The first sprocket 21 is disposed so as to face the side surface thereof, and the first
It extends in the diameter direction of the sprocket 21. The first
At the lower portion of the locking member 43A, a pair of locking claws 44a, 44b, which are the first locking means, are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.
Is provided.

The pair of locking claws 44a and 44b, which are the first locking means 44a and 44b, engage and disengage with the respective locked claws 21b projecting from the side surface of the first sprocket 21 to rotate the first sprocket 21. Is regulated as follows. That is, when the first locking member 43A moves upward from the initial position shown in FIG. 6 to the final position shown in FIG. Indicated by
After the second sprocket 31 is rotated to the extent that it does not eject the ball, the lower locking claw 44b is newly engaged with the locked claw 21b. When the first locking member 43A moves downward from the end position shown in FIG. 7 to the initial position shown in FIG. 8, the lower locking claw 44b is disengaged from the locked claw 21b with which the lower locking claw 44b has been engaged. After the second sprocket 31 is rotated to discharge one ball, the upper locking claw 44a is newly engaged with the locked claw 21b.

On the other hand, the second locking member 43B has a second
Locking means is provided. This second lock means
When the second locking member 43B moves upward (start position → end position), the rotation restraint of the second sprocket 31 is released,
And when it moves downward (final position → initial position), the second sprocket 31 is restrained from rotating. The second locking means includes an operating member 46 swingably connected to an upper portion of the second locking member 43B.

More specifically, one end of the operating member 46 is pivotably attached to the inner wall of the housing 11 via a pivot 47, and the pressing portion 46a at the pivot end is provided with the second sprocket. 31 is arranged to abut on the end of the pivot 32. A guide groove 46b extending in the vertical direction is formed at one end of the operation member 46, and an engagement pin 45 projecting from the second locking member 43B can be guided in the guide groove 46b. Mated.

When the second locking member 43B moves upward due to the fitting relationship between the engaging pin 45 and the guide groove 46b, the operation member 46 is moved clockwise in FIG. When the second locking member 43B moves downward while the second locking member 43B moves downward, the operation member 46 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. The second sprocket 31 swings in the rotation direction, and is set to return from the unlocked position to the original locked position again by the urging force of the coil spring 17.

Next, the operation will be described. As shown in FIG.
The prize ball supplied to the prize ball guide 15 of the prize ball payout unit 30 is:
The second sprocket 31 is fitted one by one into the concave portion 31a. Normally, as shown in FIG.
Is in the locked position by the urging force of the coil spring 17,
Locked portion 31b on one side of first sprocket 21
The engaging portion 16 on the inner wall of the housing 11 is engaged with the housing 11. Therefore, the second sprocket 31 is restrained from rotating, and the winning ball in the winning ball guide 15 is moved to the second sprocket 3.
As a result, the ball cannot be dropped into the ball payout exit 15b because of the outer circumference of the ball 1 and is not paid out.

On the other hand, when the ball hit on the game board enters the winning opening, the winning ball is guided to the winning ball discharge section 20 on the back side of the game board, and flows down the winning ball guide 13 one by one. I do. As shown in FIG. 6, the winning ball is non-rotatably restrained by the first locking member 43 </ b> A at the initial position.
When it reaches the sprocket 21, it engages with the concave portion 21a on the outer periphery thereof. The winning balls temporarily held by the first sprocket 21 are sequentially detected one by one by the winning ball detection sensor 51, and the winning ball detection sensor 51 outputs a signal to the self-preserving solenoid 41 of the rotation control unit 40. .

Plunger 4 of Self-Preserving Solenoid 41
1 and 2 is normally protruded downward as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but moves upward when a signal from the winning ball detection sensor 51 is input and excited, and moves upward as shown in FIGS. Is held in a protruding state. Thus, the plunger 42
Moves upward, the locking members 43A and B also move upward. The first sprocket 21 and the second sprocket 31 are mechanically quickly moved by the locking members 43A and B, respectively, as follows. And it is controlled reliably.

That is, first, regarding the first locking member 43A, when the first locking member 43A moves upward from the initial position shown in FIG. 6 to the final position shown in FIG. After being disengaged from the engaged claw (shown in black in the figure) 21b and rotated so that the second sprocket 31 does not eject the ball, the lower claw 44b is newly attached to the claw 21b. Engages. During this time, the winning ball detection sensor 51 is in the ON state where the same winning ball is detected. Next, regarding the second locking member 43B, the second locking member 4
When the 3B moves upward from the initial position shown in FIG. 2 to the final position shown in FIG. 4, the operating member 46 swings clockwise, and the second sprocket 31 resists the urging force of the coil spring 17. Move from lock position to unlock position.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second sprocket 31
Moves to the unlock position, the second sprocket 21
Is disengaged from the engaging portion 16 on the housing 11 side, and the second sprocket 31 becomes rotatable. Therefore, the first sprocket 31 has its concave portion 31a.
The prize ball can be paid out from the prize ball payout port 15b of the prize ball guide 15 while rotating due to the weight of the pachinko ball inserted in the ball. The successively paid out prize balls are counted while being detected by the prize ball detection sensor 52, and the prize ball detection sensor 52 reaches the predetermined number (for example, seven) of the number of paid out prize balls. Then, a signal is output to the self-conserving solenoid 41.

When the self-conserving solenoid 41 receives a signal from the prize ball detection sensor 52 and is excited, the plunger 4
2 returns from the state protruding upward as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to the original state protruding downward again as shown in FIGS.
When the plunger 42 moves downward in this manner, the locking members 43A and B also move downward accordingly, and the first sprocket 21 and the second sprocket 31 are respectively moved by the locking members 43A and B as follows. Controlled quickly and reliably mechanically.

That is, first, regarding the first locking member 43A, when the first locking member 43A moves downward from the end position shown in FIG. 7 to the initial position shown in FIG. Is disengaged from the engaged claw 21b, and the second sprocket 31 is rotated to the extent that one ball is ejected.
Engages. At this time, the winning ball detection sensor 51 is turned off. Next, with respect to the second locking member 43B, when the second locking member 43B moves downward from the end position shown in FIG. 4 to the original start position shown in FIG. 2, the operation member 46 moves counterclockwise. Oscillating, thereby causing the second sprocket 3
1 returns from the unlocked position to the original locked position again by the urging force of the coil spring 17, and the payout of the prize balls is stopped.

As described above, the winning ball detection sensor 51
The self-conserving solenoid 41, which is one driving means, operates based on a signal from the prize ball detection sensor 52 and the plunger 42 causes the locking members 43A, B to reciprocate upward and further downward at a predetermined timing. During the exercise, a predetermined number of prize balls can be paid out for one winning ball.

[0055]

According to the prize ball payout apparatus for a gaming machine according to the present invention, while the locking member reciprocates at a predetermined timing by one drive means of the rotation control section, the prize ball discharge section of the prize ball discharge section. One sprocket is intermittently restrained by the first locking means of the locking member and discharges one winning ball, while the second sprocket of the winning ball payout portion is restrained and released by the second locking means of the locking member. Since a predetermined prize ball is paid out during the period, not only can the prize ball be discharged and the prize ball is paid out based thereon based on accurate and high speed, but also a series of operations can be controlled by one driving means, It is not necessary to provide a separate power system as in the related art, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the number of mounting steps can be simplified. In addition, the device can be downsized, so that it can be easily installed on the back side of the game board where there is no room for space. Furthermore, since the number of components is small and the structure is relatively simple, the failure rate can be reduced, the reliability can be improved, and the practical value can be increased.

If a self-holding solenoid is used as one drive means, it is not necessary to continue power supply as in the case of a general solenoid, and both positive and negative pulse signals are output to the solenoid at predetermined timings. Just
The reciprocating operation of the locking member is possible, and the heat generated by the operation of discharging the winning ball and paying out the winning ball can be suppressed as much as possible.

Further, if the winning ball discharging section, the winning ball payout section, and the rotation control section are housed in a single housing to form a unit, it can be more easily and quickly mounted on the backside of the game board. Further, a locking claw is provided at one end of the locking member to restrain the rotation of the first sprocket in an engagement relationship to serve as first locking means, and the other end of the locking member engages with the rotation of the second sprocket. In the case where an operating member that pushes the rotation shaft of the second sprocket is provided as the second locking means in order to restrain the sprocket, the rotation of each sprocket can be mechanically and quickly controlled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a normal state in which a locking member is moving downward in a prize ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side view showing a normal state in which the locking member is moving downward in the prize ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the locking member has moved upward in the prize ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right side view showing a state in which the locking member has moved upward in the winning ball payout apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a prize ball payout portion constituting the prize ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, a prize ball discharging section constituting the prize ball payout apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, a prize ball discharging section constituting the prize ball payout apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view showing, on an enlarged scale, a prize ball discharging section constituting the prize ball payout apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second sprocket of a winning ball discharging unit included in the winning ball payout device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second locking member of a rotation control unit constituting the winning ball payout apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 prize ball payout device 20 prize ball discharge unit 21 first sprocket 30 prize ball payout unit 31 second sprocket 40 rotation control unit 41 self-conserving solenoid (drive unit) 43A first locking member 43B ... second locking member 44a ... upper locking claw (first locking means) 44b ... lower locking claw (first locking means) 46 ... operating member (second locking means) 51 ... winning ball detection sensor 52 ... prize Ball detection sensor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 7/02

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A prize ball payout in which a prize ball entering a prize hole formed in a game board is discharged one by one on the back side of the game board, and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player each time. In the apparatus, a first concave portion is formed on an outer periphery, into which a winning ball is fitted one by one.
A sprocket is arranged rotatably facing a prize ball guide in which the prize balls flow down one by one, and the first sprocket is rotated by the weight of the prize balls engaged with the concave portion to discharge the prize balls. A ball discharge portion and a second sprocket having a recess formed on the outer periphery thereof into which prize balls are fitted one by one are rotatably arranged facing a prize ball guide flowing down with the prize balls flowing down in a line. A prize ball payout portion for discharging the prize ball while the second sprocket rotates by the weight of the prize ball engaged with the concave portion; and a locking member reciprocating by one drive means, one end of which is the first sprocket While the other end extends toward the second sprocket, and the first sprocket is rotated at one end of the locking member so that one winning ball is discharged for each reciprocating motion. First lock hand intermittently restrained While providing, on the other end of the locking member, one of the reciprocating motion to release the rotation restraint of the second sprocket to move in one direction, and wherein the movement in the other direction the second
And a rotation control unit provided with a second lock means for restraining the sprocket from rotating. The prize ball payout device. 2. A prize ball detecting sensor for detecting a prize ball engaged with a concave portion of a first sprocket and outputting a signal is provided at the prize ball discharge section, and the driving is performed based on a detection signal of the prize ball detection sensor. When the means is operated, the locking member is set to move in the one direction to release the rotation constraint of the second sprocket, and the prize ball paid out with the rotation of the second sprocket is set in the prize ball discharge portion. A prize ball detection sensor for counting and outputting a signal when the number reaches a predetermined number is provided, and the driving means operates based on a signal from the prize ball detection sensor, and the locking member rotates the second sprocket. 2. The prize ball payout device according to claim 1, wherein the prize ball payout device is set so as to move in the other direction that is restricted to impossible. 3. The driving means is excited when it receives one of the positive and negative pulse signals and moves in one direction. At this position, the driving means is held by a permanent magnet and the other one of the positive and negative pulse signals is output. It comprises a self-holding solenoid having a plunger which is excited when it is received and moves in the other direction and is held by a permanent magnet at such a position, wherein the locking member is connected to one end side of the plunger and the first The first locking member disposed on a sprocket side, and a second locking member connected to the other end side of the plunger and disposed on the second sprocket side. The prize ball payout device as described. 4. The prize ball payout device according to claim 1, wherein the prize ball discharge unit, the prize ball payout unit and the rotation control unit are housed in a single housing to constitute a unit. . 5. A plurality of locked claws arranged at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction on a side surface of the first sprocket, and one end side of the locking member is diametrically opposed to a side surface of the first sprocket. A pair of locking claws are provided so as to extend, and a pair of locking claws are provided at one end of the locking member at a predetermined interval to form a pair of locking claws. When the locking member moves in one direction in one reciprocating motion with respect to the plurality of locked claws of the first sprocket, one locking claw is disengaged from the locked claw that was engaged, After the two sprockets rotate to the extent that they do not eject the ball, another locking claw is newly engaged with the locked claw, and when the locking member moves in the other direction, the other locking claw is engaged. After the second sprocket has rotated so that one ball is ejected, 5. The prize ball dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the locking claw is newly arranged to be engaged with the locked claw. 6. The second sprocket is pivotally supported by a housing so as to be movable between a lock position and an unlock position along an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the second sprocket, and is provided on a side surface of the second sprocket in a circumferential direction. While providing a plurality of locked parts arranged at intervals, the locked part engages with the locked part only when the second sprocket is at the lock position on the inner wall of the housing facing the locked part. A locking portion for restraining the two sprockets from rotating is provided. The second sprocket is urged in the lock position direction by a biasing means, and a reciprocating motion of the locking member is provided on the other end side of the locking member. When moving in one direction, the second sprocket is connected to an operating member that pushes a rotating shaft of the second sprocket so as to move the second sprocket from a locked position to an unlocked position against the urging force of urging means. Locking means 6. The prize ball payout device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.