JP4593178B2 - Game ball circuit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game ball circuit device that is arranged on a game board of a game machine such as a pachinko machine and is sometimes commonly referred to as a croon.

  Conventionally, the end of a game (where the game ball will end or whether or not) can be predicted from the movement of the game ball on the Kroon (game ball circuit) placed on the game board. There was a risk of it. Therefore, a Kroon as an accessory of a gaming machine and a crane game device found in a game center or the like are juxtaposed, and the game balls flowing down while circulating around the Kroon ball receiving area are adsorbed and lifted by the magnetic force of the crane. Some have been transferred to another location (see Patent Document 1). In addition, there is an apparatus in which a clune is supported on a game board so as to be swingable by an elastic support member, a suspension member, or the like that swings due to vibration applied to the game machine (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-113666 A JP 2003-19272 A

  In the one shown in Patent Document 1, the end of the game on the Kroon (where the game ball will end and whether or not) can be overturned by the crane game, so it can have a new expectation for the game and enhance the interest. . However, since the crane game, which is a game completely different from the game in the Kroon, must be performed in a short time, if you are not familiar with the crane operation of lifting the game ball that flows down while circulating around the ball receiving area, a corner is added. Cannot participate in the crane game. Therefore, there is a possibility that only a limited number of players can enjoy it. In addition, when used in a winning device, there is a risk that fraudulent acts utilizing magnetic force may be performed. On the other hand, in the one shown in Patent Document 2, the crone can be swung by the vibration applied to the gaming machine when the player strikes it, and the course of the game ball can be changed. However, since the course of the game ball cannot be changed unless the player himself / herself is directly involved in the excitation action, there is a possibility that the player's habituation and proficiency may also be affected. Also, there is a risk that an act of hitting a glass frame of a gaming machine cannot be distinguished from an illegal act.

An object of the present invention is to provide a surprising interest in the movement of a game ball flowing down while spiraling around the ball receiving area, and to create a new interest, which is also useful for preventing fraud To provide an apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem,
A center axis line in the vertical direction passing through the center of the ball receiving region, the ball receiving region located below the annular peripheral wall portion and having a circular shape or an oval shape in plan view and having a dish shape or mortar shape as a whole A spherical discharge hole formed in a form having an axis that is offset in parallel with or coincident with the axis, and an inclined part that is inclined so as to increase in diameter toward the upper opening side, and is introduced from the opening through the peripheral wall part In the game ball rotating device for causing the game ball rolling on the inner surface of the inclined portion to flow down while being spirally wound and to be led out from the ball discharge hole,
A part of the peripheral wall portion is divided into a plurality of guide walls that are movable independently and synchronously in the radial direction, and an outer retreat position at which the ball receiving region can receive the ball almost entirely, The effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving area can be changed by moving in a radial direction between the inner receiving position where the ball receiving area can be partially received by the ball ,
When the plurality of guide walls move to the outer retracted position, the ball receiving area is formed into a large-diameter circular or elliptical shape, while when the plurality of guide walls move to the inner entry position, the ball receiving area Is formed into a small-diameter circular or elliptical shape,
On the upper surface of each of the guide walls, the ball that has fallen from the opening side is temporarily received at the outer retreat position and the inner entry position, and then guided while rolling up the ball receiving area. A guide surface for re-falling on the inner surface of the receiving area is formed .

According to this game ball revolving device, the movement (direction and speed of the game ball) flowing down while spirally circling the ball receiving area by changing the effective ball receiving area by the partial movement of the peripheral wall portion in the radial direction . Unpredictable unexpectedness can be given to (change), and the interest in the game can be increased regardless of the proficiency level of the player. In addition, when using as a winning device (distribution device) in which a plurality of ball discharge holes are formed in a form having an axis that is offset parallel to the central axis (having a deflection), magnetic force is used. It is also possible to prevent fraud by a simple configuration that only changes the effective ball receiving area. In addition, you may implement the movement of a surrounding wall part by any aspect (form) of a radial direction and a circumferential direction only in a radial direction.

At this time, a part of the peripheral wall portion has a diameter between an outer retreat position where the ball receiving area can receive the ball almost entirely and an inner entry position where the ball receiving area can receive the ball partially. By moving in the direction, it is possible to change the effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving area during the circulation or flow of the game ball. In this way, it is only necessary to move a part of the peripheral wall located above the ball receiving area between the outer retracted position and the inner entry position, so the effective ball receiving area is changed during the circulation / flow of the game ball. Even so, it is difficult for game balls to be clogged in the ball receiving area. Further, since the ball receiving area itself (for example, the inclined portion) is not deformed, the effective ball receiving area changing mechanism (driving mechanism) is simplified, and the ball receiving area can be widened.

Specifically, a part of the peripheral wall portion is divided into a plurality of guide walls that can be moved independently and synchronously in the radial direction, and the ball receiving region when the plurality of guide walls move to the outer retreat position. Is formed into a large-diameter circular shape or an elliptical shape , and the ball receiving region is desirably formed into a small-diameter circular shape or an elliptical shape when the plurality of guide walls are moved to the inner entry position.

Thus, by moving the plurality of divided guide walls in the radial direction synchronously like a diaphragm aperture of a camera, the effective ball receiving area can be increased while keeping the ball receiving region in a circular shape or an elliptical shape. It can be easily scaled. Moreover, since the peripheral wall portion (guide wall) surrounds the ball receiving area in a substantially circular or elliptical shape at both the outer retracted position and the inner entry position, the game balls introduced from the opening side are clogged with the ball receiving area. It flows down while circulating in a spiral shape without or residence, is smoothly led from the spherical discharge hole. Note that “circular shape” means “not catching a game ball smoothly and continuously like a circle”, so it is not limited to a perfect circle, and may be a pseudo circle, an ellipse, etc. I do not care. Further, a plurality of inner entry positions may be set, and the effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving area may be changed in multiple stages.

By the way, in configuring the game ball circuit,
A ball discharge formed by penetrating the ball receiving region located under the annular peripheral wall portion and having a dish-like or mortar-like shape as a whole and having an axis offset from the axis of the entire ball receiving region and / or a shared axis. Including a hole and an inclined portion inclined in such a manner that the diameter of the upper opening is increased, and the game ball introduced from the opening through the peripheral wall portion and rolling on the inner surface of the inclined portion is caused to flow down while circulating. In the game ball turning device to be led out from the ball discharge hole,
At least a part of the peripheral wall portion can change the effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving region by moving in the radial direction and / or the circumferential direction,
In the inclined portion of the ball receiving area, a direction in which the game ball circulates and flows down is located above the ball discharge hole and by partially changing the inclination of the inner surface along the radial direction and / or the circumferential direction. In some cases, an inclination changing portion for changing the speed and causing a change in the relative positional relationship between the ball discharge hole and the game ball may be formed.

Also, in configuring the game ball circuit device,
A plurality of ball discharge holes that are respectively formed through the ball receiving region that is located below the annular peripheral wall portion and that has a dish-like or mortar-like shape and has an axis that is offset from the axis of the entire ball receiving region; Including a bottom portion sandwiched between the ball discharge holes, and an annular inclined portion that is inclined in such a manner that the diameter of the upper opening side is increased toward the upper opening side, and is introduced from the opening through the peripheral wall portion. In a game ball circulating device for causing a game ball rolling on the inner surface to flow down while circulating, and to be led out from any of the plurality of ball discharge holes,
At least a part of the peripheral wall portion can change the effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving region by moving in the radial direction and / or the circumferential direction,
The inclined portion of the ball receiving area is positioned above the plurality of ball discharge holes, and the game balls are circulated and flowed down by partially changing the inclination of the inner surface along the radial direction and / or the circumferential direction. There is a case where an inclination changing portion is formed for changing the direction and / or speed of movement and causing a change in the relative positional relationship between the ball discharge hole and the game ball.

  According to these game ball revolving devices, the change of the effective ball receiving area and the inclination changing part of the ball receiving area cause the game ball to move around the ball receiving area and flow down (change in direction and / or speed). The player can be given unexpected surprises, and the interest in the game can be increased regardless of the proficiency level of the player. In addition, when using as a winning device (distribution device) having a plurality of ball discharge holes penetrating in a form having an offset (deviated) axis, an effective ball is used without using magnetic force or the like. It is also possible to prevent fraud by a simple configuration in which the receiving area is changed and the inclination changing portion is provided in the ball receiving area. In addition, you may implement the movement of a surrounding wall part in any aspect (form) of only a radial direction, only a circumferential direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. Moreover, you may provide an inclination change part in any aspect (form) of only the radial direction of a ball | bowl receiving area | region, only the circumferential direction, radial direction, and the circumferential direction.

  Specifically, the peripheral wall portion is divided into a plurality of guide walls that are movable independently and synchronously in the radial direction, and when the peripheral wall portion moves to the outer retracted position, the ball receiving region is moved to a large-diameter circle. The shape and the effective sphere receiving area includes the entire inclination changing portion, while the peripheral wall portion moves to the inner entry position, the ball receiving region is formed into a small-diameter circular shape, and the effective sphere It is desirable that the receiving area includes a part of the inclination changing portion.

  In this way, the effective ball receiving area is enlarged and reduced while keeping the ball receiving area in a circular shape by moving the plurality of divided guide walls in the radial direction in synchronization with each other like a diaphragm blade of a camera. Can be easily done. At that time, the effective ball receiving area includes the entire inclination changing portion at the outer retreat position, and includes a part of the inclination changing portion at the inner entry position. From both sides of the effective ball receiving area and the amount of inclination of the inclination changing portion, it is possible to clearly give an abrupt change in direction and / or speed. In addition, since the peripheral wall portion (guide wall) surrounds the ball receiving area in a substantially circular shape at both the outer retracted position and the inner entry position, the game balls introduced from the opening side are clogged or stayed in the ball receiving area. It goes around and flows down without being smoothly led out from the ball discharge hole. Note that “circular shape” means “does not cause a game ball to be caught smoothly and continuously like a circle”. I do not care. Further, a plurality of inner entry positions may be set, and the effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving area may be changed in multiple stages.

Then, in the gaming ball circulating device as described above, the upper surface of each guide wall is positioned above the ball receiving area after temporarily receiving the gaming ball falling from the opening side at the outer retreat position and the inner entry position. It is preferable to form a guide surface for guiding while rolling and dropping again onto the inner surface of the ball receiving area . By forming the guide surface on the upper surface of each guide wall, even when the plurality of guide walls move to the inner entry position, the game ball falling from the opening side can be reliably introduced into the ball receiving area.

In addition, a plurality of guide walls are arranged as two upper and lower guide wall groups configured in the same number, and in each of the lower guide walls, a standing wall as a passage forming member is formed to project upward, between the mutually guide walls adjacent the upper guide wall group at the inner side inrush position, supporting and receiving from below game balls falling from the opening side by the lower upstanding wall and the upper guide wall corresponding thereto, It is preferable to form a guide passage for guiding the ball while rolling it above the ball receiving area and dropping it again on the inner surface of the ball receiving area .

In this way, when a plurality of guide walls are moved to the inside entry position by forming a guide passage including a lower standing wall and a corresponding upper guide wall between adjacent guide walls of the upper guide wall group However, the game ball falling from the opening side can be reliably introduced without clogging or staying in the ball receiving area. By distributing the guide wall group to the upper and lower guide wall groups, the effective ball receiving area at the outer retracted position can be increased and the effective ball receiving area at the inner entry position can be reduced, thereby widening the area difference between the two positions. The ball receiving area can be used extensively as a gaming area.

Example 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a game ball circuit device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a croon body used in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a croon 100 as a game ball circulating device is provided on a case body 90 including a cylindrical upper cover 91 (virtual line) and an annular base plate 92. ) And an upper fin group 20 (upper guide wall group) and a lower fin group 30 (lower guide wall group) constituting the peripheral wall portion 10 thereabove and driving (moving) the fin groups 20 and 30. The drive mechanism 40 is incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the croon body 1 is located below the annular upper wall 2 (which constitutes a part of the peripheral wall 10), has a circular shape in plan view, and is generally dish-shaped. Alternatively, the ball receiving area 5 having a mortar shape is offset in parallel with the axis of the entire ball receiving area 5 (that is, the central axis in the vertical direction passing through the center of the ball receiving area 5) O1 (see FIG. 4B). A plurality of (for example, three) ball discharge holes 5a each formed in a form having an axis O2 (see FIG. 4B) (having been deflected) and sandwiched between these ball discharge holes 5a (In other words, including or including a plurality of ball discharge holes 5a) A bottom wall portion 3 (bottom portion), and an annular inclined wall portion 4 that is connected to the bottom wall portion 3 and is inclined so as to increase in diameter toward the upper opening 2a. (Inclined part).

Specifically, the croon body 1 has an annular upper wall portion 2 that opens upward and extends in the vertical direction at a high position, and a plurality of (for example, three) ball discharge holes 5a that penetrate therethrough and are lateral in the low position. And an annular inclined wall portion 4 which is located between the upper wall portion 2 and the bottom wall portion 3 and is inclined so as to be reduced in diameter toward the lower position side. Then, the game ball B introduced from the opening 2a through the upper wall portion 2 and rolling on the inner surface of the inclined wall portion 4 flows down while circulating around the ball receiving area 5, and any one of the three ball discharge holes 5a. Is derived from In this way, the ball receiving region 5 that allows the rolling game ball B to flow down while spirally rotating is mainly formed by the inclined wall portion 4 and the bottom wall portion 3. Reference numeral 7 denotes a guide projection which is provided at the center of the bottom wall portion 3 and has a surface facing each ball discharge hole 5a, and guides the game ball B on the bottom wall portion 3 to any one of the ball discharge holes 5a. Discharge. Reference numeral 8 denotes an annular seating portion formed on the outer surface of the ball receiving area 5 for mounting and fixing on a mounting surface such as a base plate or a base frame.

  Therefore, in the cleon 100 shown in FIG. 1, an annular peripheral wall portion 10 (that is, the upper wall portion 2, the upper fin group 20, and the lower fin group 30) opened upward and three ball discharge holes 5a are formed to penetrate therethrough. A bottom wall portion 3 and an annular inclined wall portion 4 which is located between the peripheral wall portion 10 and the bottom wall portion 3 and is inclined so as to increase in diameter toward the opening 2a. The ball receiving region 5 that is shaped and flows down while rotating the rolling game ball B is mainly formed by the inclined wall portion 4 and the bottom wall portion 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the annular peripheral wall portion 10 has the same number as the upper fin group 20 composed of boomerang-shaped upper fins 21 to 23 (upper guide walls) arranged in a plurality (for example, three) in the circumferential direction. And a lower fin group 30 composed of lower boomerang-shaped lower fins 31 to 33 (lower guide walls). The upper fins 21 to 23 and the lower fins 31 to 33 are, when viewed from above, the upper fin 22 between the lower fins 31 and 32, the upper fin 23 between the lower fins 32 and 33, and the lower fins 33 and 31. When the upper fins 21 are positioned, they are arranged so as to be partially overlapped in the vertical direction and the radial direction, and when the inner peripheral surfaces (inner surfaces) of the fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 are connected, they are substantially circular. The ball receiving area 5 is formed (see FIGS. 4A and 5A).

Referring to FIG. 5, a guide passage 24 is formed between the adjacent fins 21 and 22 in the upper fin group 20 (that is, the space above the fins 31 of the lower fin group 30 disposed below). A standing wall 31a (passage forming member) is formed to protrude upward on the upper surface of the fin 31 located below the guide passage 24. Accordingly, the game ball B1 falling from the opening 2a (see FIG. 2) side is received (supported) from below by the upper fin 21 and the standing wall 31a, and rolls above the ball receiving area 5 by the guide passage 24. It may be guided while being dropped on the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 . Similarly, a guide passage 25 and a standing wall 32a (passage forming member) are formed between the fins 22 and 23, and a guide passage 26 and a standing wall 33a (passage forming member) are formed between the fins 23 and 21, respectively. .

Referring to FIG. 4, guide surfaces 21 a to 23 a are respectively formed on the upper surfaces of the fins 21 to 23 of the upper fin group 20. Therefore, the game ball B1 falling from the side of the opening 2a (see FIG. 2) is guided while rolling over the rear ball receiving area 5 once received by the guide surfaces 21a to 23a . In some cases, the tip part may fall again to the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 .

  As described above, the peripheral wall portion 10 is configured by arranging the fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 divided into a plurality of parts (here, six parts) in the circumferential direction in the upper and lower stages (the upper fin group 20 and the lower fin group 30). Has been. Further, the fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 can be moved in the radial direction independently and synchronously, and a specific configuration thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, upper fins 21, 22, 23 have shaft holes 211, 221, 231 formed at the base ends thereof, and long holes 212, 222, 232 formed at intermediate portions along the longitudinal direction thereof. Similarly, shaft holes 311, 321, 331 and long holes 312, 322, 332 are also formed in the lower fins 31, 32, 33. Further, an annular flange portion 9 is integrally formed along the outer periphery of the upper wall portion 2 in the croon body 1. On the upper surface of the flange portion 9, the same number (six in this case) of rotational support shafts 9 a to 9 f as the fins are fixed upright in a form equally dividing a circumference of a predetermined diameter. Further, the flange portion 9 has the same number (6 in this case) of long holes 9A to 9F as the fins so as to divide the circumference slightly inside (small diameter) from the rotation support shafts 9a to 9f. The through holes are formed adjacent to the shafts 9a to 9f.

  On the other hand, the drive mechanism 40 includes an electric motor 41 (drive source), a pinion gear 42 fixed to the drive shaft, and a flat plate-shaped annular drive gear 43 that meshes with the pinion gear 42 and rotates. On the upper surface of the drive gear 43, slide pins 43a, 43c, 43e inserted into the long holes 9A, 9C, 9E of the flange portion 9 and the long holes 312, 322, 332 of the lower fins 31, 32, 33, Each of the long holes 9A to 9F is erected and fixed in such a manner that the circumference of the same diameter is divided into three equal parts. Similarly, on the upper surface of the drive gear 43, slide pins 43b, 43d, and 43f inserted into the long holes 9B, 9D, and 9F of the flange portion 9 and the long holes 212, 222, and 232 of the upper fins 21, 22, and 23 are provided. The slide pins 43a, 43c, and 43e are respectively fixed upright at intermediate positions on the circumference.

The drive gear 43, the flange portion 9, the lower fin group 30, and the upper fin group 20 configured as described above are assembled as follows.
(1) First, the slide pins 43a to 43f of the drive gear 43 are inserted into the long holes 9A to 9F of the flange portion 9, respectively.
(2) The rotation support shaft 9 a of the flange portion 9 is inserted into the shaft hole 311 of the lower fin 31, and the slide pin 43 a of the drive gear 43 is inserted into the elongated hole 312 of the lower fin 31.
(3) The rotation support shaft 9 b of the flange portion 9 is inserted into the shaft hole 221 of the upper fin 22, and the slide pin 43 b of the drive gear 43 is inserted into the long hole 222 of the upper fin 22.

(4) The rotation support shaft 9 c of the flange portion 9 is inserted into the shaft hole 321 of the lower fin 32, and the slide pin 43 c of the drive gear 43 is inserted into the elongated hole 322 of the lower fin 32.
(5) The rotational support shaft 9 d of the flange portion 9 is inserted into the shaft hole 231 of the upper fin 23, and the slide pin 43 d of the drive gear 43 is inserted into the long hole 232 of the upper fin 23.
(6) The rotation support shaft 9 e of the flange portion 9 is inserted into the shaft hole 331 of the lower fin 33, and the slide pin 43 e of the drive gear 43 is inserted into the long hole 332 of the lower fin 33.
(7) The rotation support shaft 9 f of the flange portion 9 is inserted into the shaft hole 211 of the upper fin 21, and the slide pin 43 f of the drive gear 43 is inserted into the long hole 212 of the upper fin 21.

  As described above, the lower fins 31 to 33 and the upper fins 21 to 23 are alternately assembled to the drive gear 43 and the croon main body 1, and the respective tip end sides are independent and synchronized as follows. Move in the direction.

[1] Outside retracted position (FIG. 4)
First, in an initial state (normal state), each of the fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 is located at the outer retracted position, and the ball receiving region 5 is formed in a relatively large-diameter circular shape, thereby constituting the ball receiving region 5. The inclined wall portion 4 and the bottom wall portion 3 can receive the ball almost entirely, and the effective ball receiving area is maximized. At this time, the game ball B1 falling from the side of the opening 2a (see FIG. 2) is once received by the guide surfaces 21a to 23a of the upper fins 21 to 23 and then guided while rolling above the ball receiving area 5. The tip of each of the upper fins 21 to 23 can be dropped again on the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 . Thereafter ball receiving region 5 game balls B2 flowing down while circulating in a spiral shape is derived from one of the ball discharge hole 5a.

[2] Inside entry position (Fig. 5)
Next, when the electric motor 41 (pinion gear 42) is rotated clockwise, the drive gear 43 (see FIG. 3) rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined angle, and the tips of the fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 are rotated. The part side moves (displaces) radially inward. Therefore, the ball receiving area 5 is formed in a circular shape having a relatively small diameter, and the inclined wall portion 4 and the bottom wall portion 3 constituting the ball receiving area 5 can partially receive the ball, so that the effective ball receiving area is Minimal. At this time, the game ball B1 falling from the opening 2a (see FIG. 2) side is received (supported) from below by the upper fins 21 to 23 and the standing walls 31a to 33a, and the ball receiving area 5 is guided by the guide passages 24 to 26. It can be re-dropped onto the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 while being guided while rolling upward. Thereafter ball receiving region 5 game balls B2 flowing down while circulating in a spiral shape is derived from one of the ball discharge hole 5a. As in the outer retracted position (FIG. 4), the game ball B1 falling from the opening 2a (see FIG. 2) side is temporarily received by the guide surfaces 21a-23a of the upper fins 21-23, In some cases, the rolling guide is guided while rolling above the receiving area 5, and falls again from the tips of the upper fins 21 to 23 onto the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 .

  In this way, by changing the effective ball receiving area, it is possible to give unpredictable unexpectedness to the movements (changes in direction and / or speed) of the game balls B1 and B2 that circulate and flow down the ball receiving area 5. Moreover, since it is a simple structure which only changes the effective ball receiving area without using magnetic force or the like, fraudulent acts can be prevented. In addition, the ball receiving region 5 is maintained in a circular shape by moving the tip end sides of the six divided fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 synchronously in the radial direction as if they were blades of a diaphragm of a camera. The effective ball receiving area can be easily enlarged or reduced. In addition, the peripheral wall portion 10 (fins 21 to 23, 31 to 33) surrounds the ball receiving region 5 in a substantially circular shape at both the outer retracted position (FIG. 4) and the inner entry position (FIG. 5). The game ball B1 introduced from the circulates and flows down without clogging or staying in the ball receiving area 5, and is smoothly led out from the ball discharge hole 5a. As is clear from the above description, both the movement of the peripheral wall 10 from the outer retracted position to the inner entry position and the movement from the inner entry position to the outer withdrawal position cause the game balls B1 and B2 to go around the ball receiving area 5.・ It can be done regardless of whether it is flowing down or not.

  For example, the inner peripheral surface of the moving peripheral wall 10 (fins 21 to 23, 31 to 33) may collide with the game balls B1 and B2 in the ball receiving area 5 to cause unexpected movement. Further, such movement of the game balls B1 and B2 also prevents fraud.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a notch (cut; not shown) is formed in the annular plate 42 a that is erected and fixed on the upper surface of the pinion gear 42. Further, a notch sensor 45 (origin detection means) is disposed downward corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the annular plate 42a. Reference numeral 41a denotes a motor power connector, 44 denotes a sensor board, 44a denotes a signal connector, and the sensor board 44 is fixed to the case body 90 or the like by attachment means (not shown). Here, the notch sensor 45 accumulates errors over time in the rotational angle position data of the electric motor 41 as the pinion gear 42 (annular plate 42a) rotates, and prevents control (game) runaway and the like. Provided for. That is, each time the notch passes through the notch sensor 45 due to the rotation of the pinion gear 42 (annular plate 42a) and the peripheral wall portion 10 moves to the outer retracted position (FIG. 1), the notch as the circumferential origin is detected, and the zero point Correction is performed. The notch sensor 45 can be a non-contact sensor such as a photoelectric sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor. Moreover, you may provide a notch corresponding to the inner side penetration position (refer FIG. 5) of the surrounding wall part 10. FIG.

(Example 2)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of the game ball circuit device according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a front central sectional view of the croon body used in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, a croon 200 as a game ball circuit device includes a croon body 101 (game ball guiding member) on a case body 90 including a cylindrical upper cover 91 (virtual line) and an annular base plate 92. ) And an upper fin group 20 (upper guide wall group) and a lower fin group 30 (lower guide wall group) constituting the peripheral wall portion 10 thereabove and driving (moving) the fin groups 20 and 30. The drive mechanism 40 is incorporated.

  In the croon main body 101 shown in FIG. 7, the inclined wall portion 4 of the ball receiving area 5 changes the direction and speed in which the game ball B circulates and flows down by partially changing the inclination of the inner surface along the radial direction. Thus, an inclination changing portion 6 for changing the relative positional relationship between the ball discharge hole 5a and the game ball B is configured. That is, the inclination changing portion 6 is located above the ball discharge hole 5a and has a predetermined width (for example, an inclined wall portion) within the inclined wall portion 4 with the axis O1 of the inclined wall portion 4 (the entire ball receiving region 5) as the center. 4 is formed in a ring belt shape having a width W equal to 4.

  In the cross section including the axis O1 of the inclined wall portion 4 (the entire ball receiving region 5), the inner surface contour line of the inclined changing portion 6 has a diameter on the side of the spherical discharge hole 5a from a shape protruding radially outward on the opening 2a side. A first inflection point P1 that changes to a convex shape on the inner side in the direction is included. Further, a second inflection located below the first inflection point P1 and changing from a radially convex shape on the opening 2a side to a radially convex shape on the spherical discharge hole 5a side. Point P2 is included. The bottom wall portion 3 below the second inflection point P2 is formed in a tapered shape (linear shape; the radius of curvature is infinite).

  Further, the inner surface contour line of the inclination changing portion 6 includes a curvature change point Q that is located between the first and second inflection points P1 and P2 and the curvature changes without changing the convex shape. It is. For example, the radius of curvature r1 between the first inflection point P1 and the curvature change point Q is set larger than the curvature radius r2 between the curvature change point Q and the second inflection point P2. be able to. At this time, when the radius of curvature r1 is infinite, the portion between P1 and Q is tapered (straight).

  As described above, when the first and second inflection points P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 are included in the inner surface contour line of the inclination changing portion 6, the inclination changing portion 6 The ratio of dimensional change in the radial direction can be increased. Further, when the curvature radius r1 is set to be larger than the curvature radius r2, the height between the first inflection point P1 and the curvature change point Q is higher than the height in the vertical direction of the croon 101. Thus, the dimensional change ratio in the radial direction at the inclination changing portion 6 is increased, and between the curvature changing point Q and the second inflection point P2, the inclination changing portion 6 is compared with the diameter of the croon 101. The dimensional change rate in the axial direction (vertical direction) increases. By the inclination changing unit 6, the direction and speed of the game ball B that has been orbiting / flowing down in the ball receiving area 5 are changed in the direction and speed of the game ball B until then, and an unexpected movement (abrupt change in direction and speed) is given. Then, it is led out (discharged) to one of the ball discharge holes 5a.

  In FIG. 8A, CP1 is a connecting circle in which the first inflection points P1 are connected in the circumferential direction, CP2 is a connecting circle in which the second inflection points P2 are connected in the circumferential direction, and CQ is a curvature changing point. Each of the circles connecting Q in the circumferential direction is shown.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the width W of the ring belt-like inclination changing portion 6 formed in the inclined wall portion 4 of the ball receiving area 5 is 1.0D ≦ W ≦ 1. It is set to 5D (for example, W = 1.2D). As a result, a sudden change in direction and speed is imparted to the game ball B during its circulation or flow, so that the unexpected movement of the game ball B can be clearly seen by the player.

  Similarly to the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 5), the lower fins 31 to 33 and the upper fins 21 to 23 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are alternately assembled to the drive gear 43 and the croon body 101, Each tip end side moves in the radial direction independently and synchronously as follows.

[1] Outside retracted position (FIG. 8)
First, in the initial state (normal state), the peripheral wall portion 10 is in the outer retracted position, the ball receiving region 5 is formed in a relatively large-diameter circular shape, and the inclined wall portion 4 constituting the ball receiving region 5 and the bottom The wall 3 can receive the ball almost entirely. As a result, the effective ball receiving area is maximized because the entire inclination changing unit 6 is included. At this time, the game ball B1 falling from the opening 2a (see FIG. 7) side is once received by the guide surfaces 21a to 23a of the upper fins 21 to 23, and then guided while rolling above the ball receiving area 5. The tip of each of the upper fins 21 to 23 can be dropped again on the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 . Thereafter ball receiving region 5 game balls B2 flowing down while circulating in a spiral shape is derived from one of the ball discharge hole 5a.

[2] Inside entry position (Fig. 9)
Next, when the electric motor 41 (pinion gear 42) is rotated clockwise, the drive gear 43 (see FIG. 3) rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined angle, and the tips of the fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 are rotated. The part side moves (displaces) radially inward. Accordingly, the ball receiving region 5 is formed in a circular shape having a relatively small diameter, and the inclined wall portion 4 and the bottom wall portion 3 constituting the ball receiving region 5 can partially receive the ball. As a result, the effective ball receiving area is minimized since only a part of the inclination changing unit 6 is included. At this time, the game ball B1 falling from the opening 2a (see FIG. 7) side is received (supported) from below by the upper fins 21 to 23 and the standing walls 31a to 33a, and the ball receiving area 5 is guided by the guide passages 24 to 26. It can be re-dropped onto the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 while being guided while rolling upward. Thereafter ball receiving region 5 game balls B2 flowing down while circulating in a spiral shape is derived from one of the ball discharge hole 5a. As in the case of the outer retracted position (FIG. 8), the game ball B1 falling from the opening 2a (see FIG. 7) side is temporarily received by the guide surfaces 21a-23a of the upper fins 21-23, In some cases, the rolling guide is guided while rolling above the receiving area 5, and falls again from the tips of the upper fins 21 to 23 onto the inner surface of the ball receiving area 5 .

  As described above, the movement (change in direction and / or speed) of the game balls B1 and B2 that circulate and flow down the ball receiving area 5 is predicted by the change of the effective ball receiving area and the inclination changing section 6 of the ball receiving area 5. Unexpected unexpectedness can be given. Moreover, since it is a simple structure which only changes the effective ball receiving area without using magnetic force or the like, fraudulent acts can be prevented. In addition, the ball receiving region 5 is maintained in a circular shape by moving the tip end sides of the six divided fins 21 to 23 and 31 to 33 synchronously in the radial direction as if they were blades of a diaphragm of a camera. The effective ball receiving area can be easily enlarged or reduced. At that time, the effective ball receiving area includes the entire inclination changing unit 6 at the outer retracted position (FIG. 8), and includes only a part of the inclination changing unit 6 at the inner entry position (FIG. 9). The game balls B1 and B2 that circulate and flow down the region 5 are clearly given a sudden change in direction and / or speed in terms of both the size of the effective ball receiving area and the amount of inclination of the inclination changing unit 6. be able to.

  Moreover, since the peripheral wall portion 10 (fins 21 to 23, 31 to 33) surrounds the ball receiving area 5 in a substantially circular shape at both the outside retracted position and the inside entry position, the game ball B1 introduced from the opening 2a side is Then, the ball circulates and flows down without clogging or staying in the ball receiving area 5, and is smoothly led out from the ball discharge hole 5a. As is clear from the above description, both the movement of the peripheral wall 10 from the outer retracted position to the inner entry position and the movement from the inner entry position to the outer withdrawal position cause the game balls B1 and B2 to go around the ball receiving area 5.・ It can be done regardless of whether it is flowing down or not.

  For example, the inner peripheral surface of the moving peripheral wall 10 (fins 21 to 23, 31 to 33) may collide with the game balls B1 and B2 in the ball receiving area 5 to cause unexpected movement. Further, such movement of the game balls B1 and B2 also prevents fraud.

  In this embodiment, the case where the inclination changing portion 6 is formed only in the radial direction of the ball receiving region 5 is described, but an aspect (form) formed only in the circumferential direction or in the radial direction and the circumferential direction may be employed. Moreover, although the almost entire surface of the inclined wall portion 4 is the inclination changing portion 6, a part of the inclined wall portion 4 may be the inclination changing portion 6. In addition, in Example 2 (FIGS. 6-9), the part which has the same function as Example 1 (FIGS. 1-5) is attached | subjected, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the above description, the inner entry position is only one mode (FIG. 5 or 9), but it can be set to a plurality of modes so that the effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving region 5 changes in multiple stages. Further, the planar shapes of the ball receiving region 5 (the inclined wall portion 4) and the ball discharge hole 5a are not limited to a perfect circle and may be a pseudo circle, an ellipse, or the like. Furthermore, as a drive source for moving the peripheral wall portion 10, a slide drive source such as a solenoid may be used in addition to the rotary drive source such as the electric motor 41.

Furthermore, in Example 1 (FIGS. 1 to 5) and Example 2 (FIGS. 6 to 9), a plurality of ball discharge holes are respectively formed in a form having an axis O2 and an offset axis O2 of the entire ball receiving region 5. Although formed through,
(1) forming a single ball discharge hole in a form having an axis O1 of the entire ball receiving area 5 and an offset axis O2;
(2) forming a single ball discharge hole in a form having an axis O2 coinciding with the axis O1 of the entire ball receiving region 5;
(3) A single sphere discharge hole is formed in a form having an axis O2 coinciding with the axis O1 of the entire ball receiving area 5, and one or a plurality of sphere discharge holes are formed in a form having an offset axis O2. To do;
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The perspective view which shows an example of the game ball circuit apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a croon body used in FIG. 1. The exploded perspective view of FIG. The top view and front center sectional drawing when a fin exists in an outer side retracted position. The top view when a fin exists in an inner side penetration position, and front center sectional drawing. The perspective view which shows the other example of the game ball circuit apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 7 is a front central cross-sectional view of the croon body used in FIG. 6. The top view and front center sectional drawing when a fin exists in an outer side retracted position. The top view when a fin exists in an inner side penetration position, and front center sectional drawing.

Explanation of symbols

1,101 Kroon body (game ball guide member)
2 Upper wall (peripheral wall)
2a Opening 3 Bottom wall (bottom)
4 Inclined wall (inclined part)
5 Ball receiving area 5a Ball discharge hole 6 Inclination changing part 10 Peripheral wall part 20 Upper fin group (upper guide wall group; peripheral wall part)
21-23 Upper fin (upper guide wall)
21a-23a Guide surface 24-26 Guide passage 30 Lower fin group (lower guide wall group; peripheral wall)
31-33 Lower fin (lower guide wall)
31a-33a Standing wall (passage forming member)
100,200 Kroon (game ball circuit)
O1 Axis of the entire ball receiving area O2 Axis of the ball discharge hole

Claims (2)

A center axis line in the vertical direction passing through the center of the ball receiving region, the ball receiving region located below the annular peripheral wall portion and having a circular shape or an oval shape in plan view and having a dish shape or mortar shape as a whole A spherical discharge hole formed in a form having an axis that is offset in parallel with or coincident with the axis, and an inclined part that is inclined so as to increase in diameter toward the upper opening side, and is introduced from the opening through the peripheral wall part In the game ball rotating device for causing the game ball rolling on the inner surface of the inclined portion to flow down while being spirally wound and to be led out from the ball discharge hole,
A part of the peripheral wall portion is divided into a plurality of guide walls that are movable independently and synchronously in the radial direction, and an outer retreat position at which the ball receiving region can receive the ball almost entirely, The effective ball receiving area of the ball receiving area can be changed by moving in a radial direction between the inner receiving position where the ball receiving area can be partially received by the ball ,
When the plurality of guide walls move to the outer retracted position, the ball receiving area is formed into a large-diameter circular or elliptical shape, while when the plurality of guide walls move to the inner entry position, the ball receiving area Is formed into a small-diameter circular or elliptical shape,
On the upper surface of each of the guide walls, the ball that has fallen from the opening side is temporarily received at the outer retreat position and the inner entry position, and then guided while rolling up the ball receiving area. A game ball revolving device, characterized in that a guide surface is formed on the inner surface of the receiving area for dropping again . The plurality of guide walls are arranged as two upper and lower guide wall groups configured in the same number,
Among them , on each guide wall in the lower stage, a standing wall as a passage forming member is formed to protrude upward,
Between the guide walls adjacent the upper guide wall group at pre Symbol inner inrush position, receiving game balls dropping from the opening side from below with the lower upstanding wall and the upper guide wall corresponding thereto The game ball circuiting device according to claim 1 , wherein a guide passage is formed for supporting, guiding while rolling above the ball receiving area, and dropping again onto the inner surface of the ball receiving area .

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