JP6920716B2

JP6920716B2 - Ball payout device for pachinko machines

Info

Publication number: JP6920716B2
Application number: JP2017099131A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 雄城川村
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｍｒｄ
Priority date: 2017-05-18
Filing date: 2017-05-18
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-18
Also published as: JP2018192057A

Description

本発明は、遊技機における賞球等の際に球皿へ遊技球を払い出す遊技機の球払出装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a ball payout device for a game machine that pays out a game ball to a ball plate at the time of a prize ball or the like in the game machine.

パチンコ遊技機等の遊技機においては、遊技盤における遊技の入賞等に応じて、制御装置から要求される所定数の遊技球を球皿へ払い出す球払出装置が用いられる。球払出装置は、例えば、遊技球が１球ずつ配置される凹部が周方向に並んで形成されたスプロケット、軸部の外周面に遊技球と接触する螺旋状の突起が形成されたスクリュー等を用いて、制御装置から要求される所定数の遊技球の払い出しを行っている。スプロケット又はスクリューを用いて遊技球の払い出しを行う球払出装置においては、スプロケット又はスクリューが設けられた軸部を、モータ等の回転駆動源によって駆動するときに遊技球が払い出され、この駆動が停止されるときに遊技球の払い出しが停止される。 In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a ball payout device that pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls required by a control device to a ball plate is used in response to a winning of a game on the gaming board. The ball payout device includes, for example, a sprocket in which recesses in which game balls are arranged one by one are arranged in the circumferential direction, a screw in which a spiral protrusion in contact with the game ball is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the like. It is used to pay out a predetermined number of game balls required by the control device. In a ball payout device that pays out a game ball using a sprocket or a screw, the game ball is paid out when the shaft portion provided with the sprocket or the screw is driven by a rotational drive source such as a motor, and this drive is performed. When stopped, the payout of the game ball is stopped.

また、例えば、特許文献１には、球流路の下流側位置に配置され、螺旋状の突起に遊技球の球圧を受けて回転する下側ストッパーと、球流路の上流側位置に配置され、螺旋状の突起に遊技球の球圧を受けて回転する上側ストッパーと、下側ストッパー及び上側ストッパーに別々のタイミングで交互に係合可能な係合部材とを有する遊技機の球払出装置について開示されている。この球払出装置においては、球流路における、下側ストッパーと上側ストッパーとの間に配置される所定数の遊技球を精度よく払い出すとともに、この払い出しを精度よく停止する。 Further, for example, in Patent Document 1, a lower stopper which is arranged at a position on the downstream side of the ball flow path and rotates by receiving the ball pressure of a game ball on a spiral protrusion and a lower stopper which is arranged at a position on the upstream side of the ball flow path. A ball payout device for a game machine having an upper stopper that rotates by receiving the ball pressure of the game ball on a spiral protrusion, and an engaging member that can be alternately engaged with the lower stopper and the upper stopper at different timings. Is disclosed. In this ball payout device, a predetermined number of game balls arranged between the lower stopper and the upper stopper in the ball flow path are accurately paid out, and the payout is stopped accurately.

特開２０１２−２８７号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-287

しかしながら、遊技球の１球ごとの高速な払い出し及び払い出しの迅速な停止を精度よく行うためには、更なる工夫が必要とされる。
特許文献１においては、下側ストッパーによって遊技球の流下が阻止された状態において、上側ストッパーが遊技球の球圧を受けて回転して、球流路内に所定数の遊技球が貯留される。次いで、上側ストッパーによって遊技球の流下が阻止された状態において、下側ストッパーが遊技球の球圧を受けて回転して、球流路内に貯留された所定数の遊技球が払い出される。そのため、特許文献１においては、決められた所定数の遊技球の払い出しを精度よく行うことができるが、遊技球の１球ごとの払い出しを精度よく行うことはできない。 However, further ingenuity is required in order to accurately perform high-speed payout of each game ball and quick stop of payout.
In Patent Document 1, in a state where the lower stopper prevents the game ball from flowing down, the upper stopper receives the ball pressure of the game ball and rotates, and a predetermined number of game balls are stored in the ball flow path. .. Next, in a state where the flow of the game ball is blocked by the upper stopper, the lower stopper receives the ball pressure of the game ball and rotates, and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the ball flow path are discharged. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to accurately pay out a predetermined number of game balls, but it is not possible to accurately pay out each game ball.

スプロケット又はスクリューを用いて遊技球の払い出しを行う球払出装置においては、回転駆動源によってスプロケット又はスクリューを回転させる速度が遊技球を払い出す速度となる。そして、スプロケット又はスクリューによって遊技球を高速で払い出すとともに、高速で回転するスプロケット又はスクリューの回転を迅速に停止させるためには、大きなトルクの回転駆動源を使用する必要がある。これにより、回転駆動源が大型化し、球払出装置全体のサイズが大きくなる。 In a ball payout device that pays out a game ball using a sprocket or a screw, the speed at which the sprocket or the screw is rotated by a rotation drive source is the speed at which the game ball is paid out. Then, in order to pay out the game ball at high speed by the sprocket or screw and quickly stop the rotation of the sprocket or screw rotating at high speed, it is necessary to use a rotation drive source having a large torque. As a result, the rotary drive source becomes large, and the size of the entire ball payout device becomes large.

本発明は、かかる課題に鑑みてなされたもので、遊技球を１球ずつ高速に精度よく払い出すことができ、かつ、低トルクの回転駆動源を使用することができる遊技機の球払出装置を提供しようとして得られたものである。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a ball payout device for a gaming machine capable of paying out game balls one by one at high speed and with high accuracy and using a low torque rotary drive source. Was obtained in an attempt to provide.

本発明の一態様は、回転駆動源と、
前記回転駆動源の出力軸に連結された駆動軸部、並びに前記駆動軸部の中心軸線の周りに交互に複数設けられた第１歯山部及び第１歯谷部を有し、かつ前記第１歯山部の先端面が、前記駆動軸部の中心軸線に直交する平面において、円弧状に形成された駆動体と、
係合軸部、並びに前記係合軸部の中心軸線の周りに交互に複数設けられた、前記第１歯山部及び前記第１歯谷部に係合可能な第２歯山部及び第２歯谷部を有し、かつ前記第２歯山部の先端面が、前記係合軸部の中心軸線に直交する平面において、前記第１歯山部の先端面の曲率半径よりも小さな曲率半径の円弧状に形成された係合体と、
払出軸部、並びに前記払出軸部の中心軸線の周りに設けられた球受け部を有し、球流路内の遊技球を１球ずつ払い出す払出体と、を備え、
前記第２歯谷部への前記第１歯山部の配置と、前記第１歯谷部への前記第２歯山部の配置とが順次行われるとともに、前記第１歯山部の先端面が前記第２歯山部の先端面上を滑ることが可能な状態で、前記回転駆動源によって前記駆動体が回転し、かつ、前記駆動体に押されて又は前記球流路内を流下する遊技球の球圧を前記球受け部が受けて前記払出体及び前記係合体が回転する払出状態と、
前記回転駆動源によって前記駆動体の回転が停止され、前記第２歯山部の先端面が前記第１歯山部の先端面に接触して、前記球圧を受けた前記払出体の回転力に連動して生じる前記係合体の回転力が前記駆動体の径方向に作用する状態で、前記係合体の回転が前記駆動体によって止められるとともに、前記係合体及び前記払出体の回転が止められる払出停止状態と、を形成可能である、遊技機の球払出装置にある。 One aspect of the present invention is a rotary drive source and
The drive shaft portion connected to an output shaft of the rotary drive source, and have a first Hayama portion and a first tooth valley provided a plurality alternately about the central axis of the drive shaft portion, and the second 1 A drive body formed in an arc shape on a plane in which the tip surface of the tooth ridge portion is orthogonal to the central axis of the drive shaft portion.
A plurality of engaging shaft portions and a second tooth crest portion and a second tooth crest portion that are alternately provided around the central axis of the engaging shaft portion and can be engaged with the first tooth crest portion and the first tooth valley portion. have a tooth valley, and the front end surface of the second Hayama portion, the engagement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the coupling shaft portion, the first Hayama portion of the tip curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the surface radius With the engaging body formed in the arc shape of
It has a payout shaft portion and a ball receiving portion provided around the central axis of the payout shaft portion, and includes a payout body that pays out game balls in the ball flow path one by one.
Wherein the arrangement of the first Hayama portion of the second tooth valley, the first said to tooth valley second Hayama part of the arrangement and is successively performed Rutotomoni the tip of the first Hayama portion The drive body is rotated by the rotation drive source and is pushed by the drive body or flows down in the ball flow path in a state where the surface can slide on the tip surface of the second tooth ridge portion. The payout state in which the ball receiving portion receives the ball pressure of the game ball and the payout body and the engaging body rotate.
The rotational drive source stops the rotation of the drive body, the tip surface of the second tooth ridge comes into contact with the tip surface of the first tooth ridge , and the rotational force of the payout body that receives the ball pressure. In a state where the rotational force of the engaging body generated in conjunction with the above acts in the radial direction of the driving body, the rotation of the engaging body is stopped by the driving body, and the rotation of the engaging body and the payout body is stopped. It is in the ball payout device of the game machine, which can form the payout stopped state.

一態様の遊技機の球払出装置においては、回転駆動源によって駆動される駆動体と、駆動体に係合可能な係合体及び遊技球の球圧を受けて回転する払出体とが別々に形成されている。また、球払出装置においては、駆動体は回転駆動源の駆動力を受けて回転し、払出体及び係合体は、前記駆動体に押されて又は遊技球の球圧を受けて回転することができるよう構成されている。そして、遊技球の球圧を受けた払出体の自由回転によって遊技球を１球ずつ高速に払い出すことができるとともに、回転駆動源によって回転が停止される駆動体と係合体との係合によって、遊技球の払い出しを迅速に停止することができる。 In the ball payout device of one aspect of the gaming machine, a drive body driven by a rotation drive source, an engaging body that can engage with the drive body, and a payout body that rotates by receiving the ball pressure of the game ball are separately formed. Has been done. Further, in the ball payout device, the drive body rotates by receiving the driving force of the rotation drive source, and the payout body and the engaging body may rotate by being pushed by the drive body or receiving the ball pressure of the game ball. It is configured so that it can be done. Then, the game balls can be paid out one by one at high speed by the free rotation of the payout body that receives the ball pressure of the game balls, and by the engagement between the drive body and the engaging body whose rotation is stopped by the rotation drive source. , The payout of the game ball can be stopped quickly.

より具体的には、球払出装置によって遊技球を払い出す払出状態を形成する際には、回転駆動源によって駆動体が回転し、駆動体に押されて又は球流路内を流下する遊技球の球圧を球受け部が受けて払出体が回転するとともに、払出体に連動して係合体が回転する。このとき、第１歯山部及び第１歯谷部のいずれかと、第２歯山部及び第２歯谷部のいずれかとが、適宜接触して駆動体及び係合体が回転することにより、駆動体と係合体との回転位置の関係が規則正しく順次保たれる。 More specifically, when forming a payout state in which the game ball is paid out by the ball payout device, the drive body is rotated by the rotational drive source and is pushed by the drive body or flows down in the ball flow path. The ball receiving portion receives the ball pressure of the above, and the payout body rotates, and the engaging body rotates in conjunction with the payout body. At this time, one of the first tooth ridge and the first tooth valley and one of the second tooth ridge and the second tooth valley are appropriately contacted and the driving body and the engaging body are rotated to drive the tooth. The relationship between the rotational positions of the body and the engaging body is regularly and sequentially maintained.

これにより、回転駆動源による駆動体の回転速度を、遊技球の球圧を受けた払出体及び係合体の回転速度に近づけることができる。その結果、遊技球の球圧を受けた払出体の自由回転に近い状態で、遊技球を１球ずつ高速に払い出すことができる。また、回転駆動源には、遊技球を直接払い出すためのトルクは必要にならず、回転駆動源に必要なトルクを低くすることができる。
また、遊技球の１球ずつの払い出しは、駆動体及び係合体がそれぞれ歯山部及び歯谷部を有し、係合体の第２歯谷部への駆動体の第１歯山部の配置と、駆動体の第１歯谷部への係合体の第２歯山部の配置とが順次行われることによって精度よく行うことができる。 As a result, the rotation speed of the drive body by the rotation drive source can be brought close to the rotation speed of the payout body and the engaging body that have received the ball pressure of the game ball. As a result, the game balls can be paid out one by one at high speed in a state close to the free rotation of the payout body that has received the ball pressure of the game balls. Further, the rotary drive source does not require a torque for directly paying out the game ball, and the torque required for the rotary drive source can be reduced.
Further, in the payout of the game balls one by one, the driving body and the engaging body have tooth ridges and tooth valleys, respectively, and the first tooth ridges of the driving body are arranged on the second tooth valley of the engaging body. And the arrangement of the second tooth ridge portion of the engaging body with the first tooth valley portion of the driving body is sequentially performed, so that it can be performed accurately.

一方、球払出装置によって遊技球の払い出しを停止させる払出停止状態を形成する際には、回転駆動源によって駆動体の回転が停止される。このとき、係合体の第２歯山部が駆動体の第１歯山部に接触し、第２歯山部の移動が第１歯山部によって止められることによって、係合体の回転が止められる。そのため、回転駆動源には、遊技球による球圧を受けた払出体の回転を直接停止させるためのトルクは必要にならず、回転駆動源に必要なトルクを低くすることができる。 On the other hand, when the payout stop state in which the payout of the game ball is stopped is formed by the ball payout device, the rotation of the drive body is stopped by the rotation drive source. At this time, the second tooth ridge of the engaging body comes into contact with the first tooth ridge of the drive body, and the movement of the second tooth ridge is stopped by the first tooth ridge, so that the rotation of the engaging body is stopped. .. Therefore, the rotation drive source does not require a torque for directly stopping the rotation of the payout body that receives the ball pressure from the game ball, and the torque required for the rotation drive source can be reduced.

以上、一態様の遊技機の球払出装置によれば、遊技球を１球ずつ高速に精度よく払い出すことができ、かつ、低トルクの回転駆動源を使用することができる。そして、使用する回転駆動源のサイズが小さくなり、球払出装置全体の小型化を図ることができる。 As described above, according to the ball payout device of the game machine of one aspect, the game balls can be paid out one by one at high speed and with high accuracy, and a low torque rotary drive source can be used. Then, the size of the rotary drive source to be used is reduced, and the size of the entire ball payout device can be reduced.

なお、払出状態における払出体及び係合体は、駆動体に押されて回転する場合と、球圧を受けて回転する場合と、駆動体に押され、かつ球圧を受けて回転する場合とがある。 The payout body and the engaging body in the payout state may be pushed by the drive body to rotate, receive the ball pressure to rotate, or be pushed by the drive body and rotate under the ball pressure. be.

一態様の遊技機の球払出装置は、係合体と払出体とが１つの回転軸部材によって形成された場合も含む。そして、「前記払出体に連動して前記係合体が回転する」との意味には、払出体及び係合体を有する回転軸部材が回転する場合も含まれることとする。また、「前記係合体に連動して前記払出体の回転が止められる」との意味には、払出体及び係合体を有する回転軸部材の回転が止められる場合も含まれることとする。 The ball payout device of one aspect of the gaming machine also includes a case where the engaging body and the payout body are formed by one rotating shaft member. The meaning of "the engaging body rotates in conjunction with the payout body" includes the case where the payout body and the rotating shaft member having the engaging body rotate. Further, the meaning of "the rotation of the payout body is stopped in conjunction with the engaging body" includes the case where the rotation of the payout body and the rotating shaft member having the engaging body is stopped.

実施形態にかかる、球払出装置を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the ball payout device which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、払出停止状態にある球払出装置を示す正面図。The front view which shows the ball payout device in the payout stop state which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、払出状態にある球払出装置の払出体の周辺を示す正面図。The front view which shows the periphery of the payout body of the ball payout device in the payout state which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、払出状態にある球払出装置の払出体の周辺を示す正面図。The front view which shows the periphery of the payout body of the ball payout device in the payout state which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、（ａ）回転基準位置（払出停止状態）にある駆動体及び係合体、（ｂ）回転基準位置から所定角度回転した駆動体、（ｃ）所定角度回転した駆動体及び係合体、（ｄ）さらに所定角度回転した駆動体及び係合体を示す平面図。According to the embodiment, (a) a drive body and an engaging body in a rotation reference position (payout stopped state), (b) a drive body rotated by a predetermined angle from the rotation reference position, and (c) a drive body and an engaging body rotated by a predetermined angle. , (D) Further, a plan view showing a driving body and an engaging body rotated by a predetermined angle. 実施形態にかかる、駆動体の第１歯山部の先端面及び係合体の第２歯山部の先端面を拡大して示す平面説明図。FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the tip surface of the first tooth ridge portion of the driving body and the tip surface of the second tooth ridge portion of the engaging body according to the embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、球払出装置が配置された遊技機の本体枠を示す背面図。The rear view which shows the main body frame of the gaming machine in which the ball payout device is arranged which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、遊技球を検出していない球検出センサの球検出部を平面視した状態で示す説明図。The explanatory view which shows the ball detection part of the ball detection sensor which has not detected the game ball in the plan view, which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、遊技球を検出している球検出センサの球検出部を平面視した状態で示す説明図。The explanatory view which shows the ball detection part of the ball detection sensor which detects the game ball in the plan view, which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、回転軸部材によって払い出される遊技球を球検出センサが連続的に検出する状態を模式的に示す説明図。An explanatory view schematically showing a state in which a ball detection sensor continuously detects a game ball paid out by a rotating shaft member according to an embodiment. 実施形態にかかる、球検出センサの球検出部の内部を平面視した状態で示す説明図。An explanatory view showing a state in which the inside of the sphere detection unit of the sphere detection sensor according to the embodiment is viewed in a plan view.

前述した遊技機の球払出装置にかかる好ましい実施形態について、図面を参照して説明する。
本形態の遊技機７の球払出装置１は、図１及び図２に示すように、回転駆動源２２、駆動体３、並びに係合体４Ａ及び払出体４Ｂを有する回転軸部材４を備える。回転駆動源２２は、モータによって構成されている。駆動体３は、回転駆動源２２の出力軸２２１に連結された駆動軸部３１と、駆動軸部３１の中心軸線Ｃ１の周りに交互に複数設けられた第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３とを有する。回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａは、係合軸部４１と、係合軸部４１の中心軸線Ｃ２の周りに交互に複数設けられた、第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３に係合可能な第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３とを有する。回転軸部材４の払出体４Ｂは、係合軸部４１と共に回転可能な払出軸部４４と、払出軸部４４の中心軸線Ｃ２の周りに設けられた球受け部４５とを有し、球流路２１内の遊技球Ｂを１球ずつ払い出すよう構成されている。 A preferred embodiment of the above-described ball payout device for a gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball payout device 1 of the gaming machine 7 of the present embodiment includes a rotary drive source 22, a drive body 3, and a rotary shaft member 4 having an engaging body 4A and a payout body 4B. The rotary drive source 22 is composed of a motor. The drive body 3 includes a drive shaft portion 31 connected to the output shaft 221 of the rotary drive source 22, and a plurality of first tooth crests 32 and first teeth alternately provided around the central axis C1 of the drive shaft portion 31. It has a valley 33. A plurality of engaging bodies 4A of the rotating shaft member 4 are alternately provided around the engaging shaft portion 41 and the central axis C2 of the engaging shaft portion 41 on the first tooth crest portion 32 and the first tooth valley portion 33. It has a second tooth ridge portion 42 and a second tooth valley portion 43 that can be engaged with each other. The payout body 4B of the rotary shaft member 4 has a payout shaft portion 44 that can rotate together with the engagement shaft portion 41, and a ball receiving portion 45 provided around the central axis C2 of the payout shaft portion 44, and has a ball flow. It is configured to pay out the game balls B in the road 21 one by one.

遊技機７の球払出装置１は、払出状態１０１と払出停止状態１０２とを形成可能である。球払出装置１の払出状態１０１においては、図３、図４及び図５（ｂ）〜（ｄ）に示すように、第２歯谷部４３への第１歯山部３２の配置と、第１歯谷部３３への第２歯山部４２の配置とが順次行われ、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３が回転し、かつ、球流路２１内を流下する遊技球Ｂの球圧を球受け部４５が受けて、回転軸部材４の払出体４Ｂ及び係合体４Ａが回転する。球払出装置１の払出停止状態１０２においては、図２及び図５（ａ）に示すように、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３の回転が停止され、第２歯山部４２が第１歯山部３２に接触して、回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａ及び払出体４Ｂの回転が駆動体３によって止められる。 The ball payout device 1 of the gaming machine 7 can form a payout state 101 and a payout stop state 102. In the payout state 101 of the ball payout device 1, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 (b) to (d), the arrangement of the first tooth ridge portion 32 on the second tooth valley portion 43 and the first tooth ridge portion 32 are arranged. The second tooth ridge portion 42 is sequentially arranged on the one tooth valley portion 33, the drive body 3 is rotated by the rotation drive source 22, and the ball pressure of the game ball B flowing down in the ball flow path 21 is applied. The ball receiving portion 45 receives the ball receiving portion 45, and the payout body 4B and the engaging body 4A of the rotating shaft member 4 rotate. In the payout stop state 102 of the ball payout device 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the rotation of the drive body 3 is stopped by the rotation drive source 22, and the second tooth ridge portion 42 is the first tooth ridge. In contact with the portion 32, the rotation of the engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B of the rotating shaft member 4 is stopped by the driving body 3.

以下に、本形態の遊技機７の球払出装置１について詳説する。
本形態において、球払出装置１における上下方向Ｈは、駆動体３及び回転軸部材４の中心軸線Ｃ１，Ｃ２が伸びる方向であり、鉛直方向に沿って配置される。球払出装置１における幅方向Ｗは、球流路２１と回転軸部材４とが並んで配置される方向であり、球払出装置１における厚み方向Ｄは、上下方向Ｈ及び幅方向Ｗに直交する方向である。球払出装置１の幅方向Ｗは、遊技機１の前後方向に配置され、球払出装置１の厚み方向Ｄは、遊技機１の幅方向Ｗに配置される。 Hereinafter, the ball payout device 1 of the gaming machine 7 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.
In the present embodiment, the vertical direction H in the ball payout device 1 is the direction in which the central axes C1 and C2 of the drive body 3 and the rotary shaft member 4 extend, and are arranged along the vertical direction. The width direction W in the ball payout device 1 is the direction in which the ball flow path 21 and the rotation shaft member 4 are arranged side by side, and the thickness direction D in the ball payout device 1 is orthogonal to the vertical direction H and the width direction W. The direction. The width direction W of the ball payout device 1 is arranged in the front-rear direction of the game machine 1, and the thickness direction D of the ball payout device 1 is arranged in the width direction W of the game machine 1.

図７に示すように、本形態の遊技機７は、パチンコ遊技機であり、外枠７１と、遊技盤が取り付けられ外枠７１に対して開閉可能に配置された本体枠７２と、本体枠７２に対して開閉可能に配置されて遊技盤の前面を覆う前扉とを備える。本体枠７２の裏面（背面）には、遊技球Ｂを貯留する球タンク７３、球タンク７３内の遊技球Ｂを整列して流下させる球レール７４及び球流下通路７５が配置されている。球払出装置１は、本体枠７２の裏面における、球流下通路７５に連結されている。また、本体枠７２の前面における、前扉の下方の位置には、遊技球Ｂを貯留可能な球皿、遊技盤の遊技領域へ遊技球Ｂを発射させる球発射装置等が配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 7 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, and has an outer frame 71, a main body frame 72 to which a game board is attached and is arranged to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 71, and a main body frame. It is provided with a front door that is arranged to be openable and closable with respect to 72 and covers the front surface of the game board. On the back surface (back surface) of the main body frame 72, a ball tank 73 for storing the game ball B, a ball rail 74 for aligning and flowing the game ball B in the ball tank 73, and a ball flow passage 75 are arranged. The ball payout device 1 is connected to a ball flow passage 75 on the back surface of the main body frame 72. Further, at a position below the front door on the front surface of the main body frame 72, a ball plate capable of storing the game ball B, a ball launching device for launching the game ball B into the game area of the game board, and the like are arranged.

また、本体枠７２の裏面には、遊技盤における遊技の制御、球発射装置、球払出装置１等の動作の制御を行う制御装置７６が配置されている。遊技盤の遊技領域における遊技において、種々の入賞等があったときには、制御装置７６から指令される数の遊技球Ｂが、球払出装置１から球皿へ払い出される。 Further, on the back surface of the main body frame 72, a control device 76 for controlling the game on the game board, controlling the operation of the ball launching device, the ball payout device 1, and the like is arranged. When various prizes are won in the game in the game area of the game board, the number of game balls B commanded by the control device 76 is paid out from the ball payout device 1 to the ball plate.

図１及び図２に示すように、球払出装置１は、球流路２１が形成されたケース２を有する。図１〜図４は、手前側に位置するケース２を取り外した状態の球払出装置１を示す。球流路２１は、遊技球Ｂを下方へ流下させるよう形成されており、払出体４Ｂの球受け部４５に作用する遊技球Ｂの球圧を調整するために、左右に蛇行して形成されている。球流路２１は、ケース２の上部に配置された上下方向Ｈに平行な上方流路部２１１と、ケース２の下部に配置された上下方向Ｈに平行な下方流路部２１２と、上方流路部２１１と下方流路部２１２との間において幅方向Ｗに蛇行して形成された蛇行流路部２１３とを有する。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball payout device 1 has a case 2 in which the ball flow path 21 is formed. 1 to 4 show a ball payout device 1 in a state where the case 2 located on the front side is removed. The ball flow path 21 is formed so as to allow the game ball B to flow downward, and is formed to meander left and right in order to adjust the ball pressure of the game ball B acting on the ball receiving portion 45 of the payout body 4B. ing. The sphere flow path 21 includes an upper flow path portion 211 arranged in the upper part of the case 2 parallel to the vertical direction H, a lower flow path portion 212 arranged in the lower part of the case 2 parallel to the vertical direction H, and an upward flow. It has a meandering flow path portion 213 formed by meandering in the width direction W between the road portion 211 and the lower flow path portion 212.

本形態の係合体４Ａの係合軸部４１と払出体４Ｂの払出軸部４４とは、同軸状に形成されている。言い換えれば、係合体４Ａ及び払出体４Ｂは、１つの回転軸部材４として一体的に形成されている。係合体４Ａは、回転軸部材４の上端部に形成されており、払出体４Ｂは、回転軸部材４の下端部に形成されている。係合体４Ａの係合軸部４１及び払出体４Ｂの払出軸部４４は、回転軸部材４の軸部４０として形成されている。回転軸部材４の上端部に位置する係合軸部４１及び回転軸部材４の下端部に位置する払出軸部４４は、ケース２に回転可能に支持されている。 The engaging shaft portion 41 of the engaging body 4A of the present embodiment and the payout shaft portion 44 of the payout body 4B are formed coaxially. In other words, the engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B are integrally formed as one rotating shaft member 4. The engaging body 4A is formed at the upper end portion of the rotating shaft member 4, and the payout body 4B is formed at the lower end portion of the rotating shaft member 4. The engaging shaft portion 41 of the engaging body 4A and the payout shaft portion 44 of the payout body 4B are formed as a shaft portion 40 of the rotating shaft member 4. The engaging shaft portion 41 located at the upper end portion of the rotating shaft member 4 and the payout shaft portion 44 located at the lower end portion of the rotating shaft member 4 are rotatably supported by the case 2.

回転駆動源２２は、その出力軸２２１を下方に向ける状態で、ケース２の上端部付近に配置されている。駆動体３の駆動軸部３１の上端部は、回転駆動源２２の出力軸２２１に取り付けられており、駆動体３の駆動軸部３１の下端部は、ケース２に回転可能に支持されている。駆動体３の駆動軸部３１の中心軸線Ｃ１及び回転軸部材４の中心軸線Ｃ２は、上下方向Ｈとしての鉛直方向に平行に配置されている。 The rotation drive source 22 is arranged near the upper end portion of the case 2 with its output shaft 221 facing downward. The upper end of the drive shaft 31 of the drive body 3 is attached to the output shaft 221 of the rotary drive source 22, and the lower end of the drive shaft 31 of the drive 3 is rotatably supported by the case 2. .. The central axis C1 of the drive shaft portion 31 of the drive body 3 and the central axis C2 of the rotary shaft member 4 are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction as the vertical direction H.

なお、駆動軸部３１、係合軸部４１及び払出軸部４４は、必ずしも断面円形状の軸部として形成されている必要はない。駆動軸部３１、係合軸部４１及び払出軸部４４は、それぞれ駆動体３、係合体４Ａ又は払出体４Ｂの中心部を構成する部分とすることができる。 The drive shaft portion 31, the engaging shaft portion 41, and the payout shaft portion 44 do not necessarily have to be formed as a shaft portion having a circular cross section. The drive shaft portion 31, the engaging shaft portion 41, and the payout shaft portion 44 can be formed as a central portion of the drive body 3, the engaging body 4A, or the payout body 4B, respectively.

本形態の回転駆動源２２は、その出力軸２２１を所定角度ずつ段階的に回転させるステッピングモータによって構成されている。駆動体３の回転量は、ステッピングモータへの入力パルスの数によって決定されるため、センサ等によって検出していない。ただし、センサ等を用いて、駆動体３又は回転軸部材４の回転量を検出してもよい。 The rotation drive source 22 of this embodiment is composed of a stepping motor that rotates the output shaft 221 stepwise by a predetermined angle. Since the amount of rotation of the drive body 3 is determined by the number of input pulses to the stepping motor, it is not detected by a sensor or the like. However, the amount of rotation of the drive body 3 or the rotation shaft member 4 may be detected by using a sensor or the like.

図１及び図２に示すように、駆動体３は、ケース２における空きスペースを利用するために、球流路２１の上方流路部２１１の側方であって、蛇行流路部２１３の上方に配置されている。回転軸部材４は、球流路２１の側方に配置されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive body 3 is on the side of the upper flow path portion 211 of the ball flow path 21 and above the meandering flow path portion 213 in order to utilize the empty space in the case 2. Is located in. The rotary shaft member 4 is arranged on the side of the sphere flow path 21.

回転軸部材４の下端部に設けられた払出体４Ｂは、スクリューを形成するものであり、払出体４Ｂの球受け部４５は、払出軸部４４の外周から突出した螺旋状の突起部４５１によって形成されている。螺旋状の突起部４５１は、回転軸部材４の払出軸部４４の外周において、１８０°位相がずれて２条形成されている。球流路２１内の遊技球Ｂは、螺旋状の突起部４５１によって受け止められ、回転軸部材４の払出体４Ｂが１８０°回転するごとに１球ずつ下方へ払い出される。 The payout body 4B provided at the lower end of the rotary shaft member 4 forms a screw, and the ball receiving portion 45 of the payout body 4B is formed by a spiral protrusion 451 protruding from the outer circumference of the payout shaft portion 44. It is formed. The spiral protrusion 451 is formed in two rows with a phase shift of 180 ° on the outer circumference of the payout shaft portion 44 of the rotary shaft member 4. The game ball B in the ball flow path 21 is received by the spiral protrusion 451 and is paid out one ball at a time every time the payout body 4B of the rotating shaft member 4 rotates by 180 °.

図５（ａ）〜（ｄ）に示すように、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３と、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３とは、各歯山部３２，４２の先端面３２１，４２１同士が接触可能な特殊な歯車形状にそれぞれ形成されている。第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３は、周方向に交互に５つずつ並んで形成されており、第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３は、周方向に交互に４つずつ並んで形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the first tooth ridge portion 32 and the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 and the second tooth ridge portion 42 and the second tooth valley portion 43 of the engaging body 4A are formed. Is formed in a special gear shape in which the tip surfaces 321 and 421 of the tooth ridges 32 and 42 can come into contact with each other. The first tooth ridge portion 32 and the first tooth valley portion 33 are formed so as to be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction by five, and the second tooth ridge portion 42 and the second tooth valley portion 43 are formed alternately in the circumferential direction. It is formed by arranging four each.

回転駆動源２２としてのステッピングモータのステップ数は、２０ステップであり、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の形成数である５つの整数倍になっている。本形態のステッピングモータの出力軸２２１は、２０ステップで１回転し、ステッピングモータの出力軸２２１が４ステップ分回転するときに、駆動体３が、周方向における第１歯山部３２同士の間隔の１ピッチ分の角度である７２°（３６０／５°）を回転する。 The number of steps of the stepping motor as the rotation drive source 22 is 20 steps, which is an integral multiple of five, which is the number of formations of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the drive body 3. The output shaft 221 of the stepping motor of this embodiment makes one rotation in 20 steps, and when the output shaft 221 of the stepping motor rotates by four steps, the drive body 3 moves the distance between the first tooth crests 32 in the circumferential direction. Rotate 72 ° (360/5 °), which is the angle of one pitch of.

係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の形成数は、４つであり、払出体４Ｂの螺旋状の突起部４５１の形成数である２つの整数倍になっている。第２歯山部４２の形成数が突起部４５１の形成数の整数倍であることにより、遊技球Ｂの払い出し数を適切に制御することが可能になる。係合体４Ａが、周方向における第２歯山部４２同士の間隔の２ピッチ分の角度である１８０°を回転するときに、螺旋状の突起部４５１に接触する１球の遊技球Ｂが払い出される。 The number of formed second tooth ridges 42 of the engaging body 4A is four, which is an integral multiple of two, which is the number of formed spiral protrusions 451 of the payout body 4B. Since the number of the second tooth ridges 42 formed is an integral multiple of the number of the protrusions 451 formed, the number of payouts of the game ball B can be appropriately controlled. When the engaging body 4A rotates 180 °, which is an angle of two pitches between the second tooth ridges 42 in the circumferential direction, one game ball B in contact with the spiral protrusion 451 is paid out. Is done.

図５（ａ）及び図６に示すように、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１は、駆動体３の駆動軸部３１の中心軸線Ｃ１に直交する平面において、外周側に膨らむ円弧状に形成されている。第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１は、第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１に接触しながら駆動体３が回転することができるように、駆動体３の中心軸線Ｃ１を中心とする円弧形状に近い状態に形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the drive body 3 is on the outer peripheral side in a plane orthogonal to the central axis C1 of the drive shaft portion 31 of the drive body 3. It is formed in a bulging arc shape. The tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 is an arc centered on the central axis C1 of the drive body 3 so that the drive body 3 can rotate while being in contact with the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42. It is formed in a state close to its shape.

また、図６に示すように、第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１の円弧形状は、第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１に対して滑りやすくするために、駆動体３の回転方向の後方側に位置する部分３２１Ｂの、中心軸線Ｃ１を中心とする半径が、駆動体３の回転方向の前方側に位置する部分３２１Ａの、中心軸線Ｃ１を中心とする半径よりも小さくなるよう、変化している。同図において、符号Ｒは、駆動体３の中心軸線Ｃ１を中心とする仮想円を示す。先端面３２１の前方側に位置する部分３２１Ａが仮想円Ｒ上にあるときには、先端面３２１の後方側に位置する部分３２１Ｂは、仮想円Ｒよりも内周側にある。また、同図においては、駆動体３が若干回転したときの第１歯山部３２の位置を一点鎖線によって示す。 Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the arc shape of the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 is in the rotation direction of the drive body 3 in order to make it slippery with respect to the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42. The radius of the portion 321B located on the rear side around the center axis C1 is changed so as to be smaller than the radius of the portion 321A located on the front side in the rotation direction of the drive body 3 centered on the center axis C1. doing. In the figure, reference numeral R indicates a virtual circle centered on the central axis C1 of the drive body 3. When the portion 321A located on the front side of the tip surface 321 is on the virtual circle R, the portion 321B located on the rear side of the tip surface 321 is on the inner peripheral side of the virtual circle R. Further, in the figure, the position of the first tooth ridge portion 32 when the driving body 3 is slightly rotated is shown by a alternate long and short dash line.

図５（ａ）及び図６に示すように、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１は、係合体４Ａの係合軸部４１の中心軸線Ｃ２に直交する平面において、第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１の曲率半径よりも小さな曲率半径の、外周側に膨らむ円弧状に形成されている。これにより、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３が回転する際に、第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１が第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１上を滑りやすくすることができる。また、本形態の第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１は、円形状に近い形状に形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A is the first in a plane orthogonal to the central axis C2 of the engaging shaft portion 41 of the engaging body 4A. It is formed in an arc shape bulging toward the outer peripheral side with a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the tip surface 321 of the tooth ridge portion 32. As a result, when the drive body 3 is rotated by the rotation drive source 22, the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 can be made slippery on the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42. Further, the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the present embodiment is formed in a shape close to a circular shape.

また、円弧状の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１と円形状に近い形状の第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１との接触により、第１歯山部３２と第２歯山部４２とを、駆動体３及び係合体４Ａの各中心軸線Ｃ１，Ｃ２の方向に沿った線状に近い状態で接触させることができる。これにより、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１と係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１との接触が円滑に行われる。 Further, the contact between the tip surface 321 of the arc-shaped first tooth ridge 32 and the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge 42 having a shape close to a circle causes the first tooth ridge 32 and the second tooth ridge 42 to come into contact with each other. Can be brought into contact with each other in a state close to a linear shape along the directions of the central axes C1 and C2 of the driving body 3 and the engaging body 4A. As a result, the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the drive body 3 and the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A are smoothly brought into contact with each other.

また、図２に示すように、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３と、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３は、駆動体３と係合体４Ａの上下方向Ｈの位置関係にがたつきが生じた場合でも、安定して係合することができるよう、上下方向Ｈに長く形成されている。本形態の第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３の中心軸線Ｃ２の方向の長さは、第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３の中心軸線Ｃ１の方向の長さよりも長い。なお、第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３の中心軸線Ｃ１の方向の長さを、第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３の中心軸線Ｃ２の方向の長さよりも長くしてもよい。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first tooth ridge portion 32 and the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 and the second tooth ridge portion 42 and the second tooth valley portion 43 of the engaging body 4A are the drive body 3. Even if there is a rattling in the positional relationship between the engaging body 4A and the engaging body 4A in the vertical direction H, the engaging body 4A is formed long in the vertical direction H so that it can be stably engaged. The length of the second tooth ridge portion 42 and the second tooth valley portion 43 in the direction of the central axis C2 of the present embodiment is larger than the length of the first tooth ridge portion 32 and the first tooth valley portion 33 in the direction of the central axis C1. long. The length of the first tooth ridge portion 32 and the first tooth valley portion 33 in the direction of the central axis C1 is longer than the length of the second tooth ridge portion 42 and the second tooth valley portion 43 in the direction of the central axis C2. You may.

図３、図４及び図５（ｂ）〜（ｄ）に示すように、球払出装置１の払出状態１０１においては、駆動体３と、係合体４Ａ及び払出体４Ｂが設けられた回転軸部材４とが互いに同期して回転する状態が形成される。この払出状態１０１においては、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３のいずれかと、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３のいずれかが互いに拘束された状態で接触し、駆動体３と係合体４Ａとの回転位置の関係が規則正しく順次保たれる。 As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 (b) to 5 (d), in the payout state 101 of the ball payout device 1, the rotating shaft member provided with the drive body 3, the engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B is provided. A state is formed in which 4 and 4 rotate in synchronization with each other. In this payout state 101, either the first tooth ridge portion 32 or the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 and any of the second tooth ridge portion 42 and the second tooth valley portion 43 of the engaging body 4A are mutually exclusive. They come into contact with each other in a restrained state, and the relationship between the rotational positions of the driving body 3 and the engaging body 4A is regularly and sequentially maintained.

具体的には、図５（ｂ）〜（ｄ）に示すように、球払出装置１の払出停止状態１０２から払出状態１０１に変化するときには、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３が回転し、第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１が第２歯谷部４３内へと進入する状態が形成される。また、回転軸部材４は、駆動体３の回転速度と回転軸部材４の回転速度との関係によって、駆動体３に押されて回転する場合と、球圧を受けて回転する場合と、駆動体３に押され、かつ球圧を受けて回転する場合とがある。駆動体３に押されて回転軸部材４が回転する際には、第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１が第２歯谷部４３上を滑る状態が形成される。また、球圧によって回転軸部材４が回転する際には、第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が第１歯谷部３３上を滑る状態が形成される。このような払出状態１０１における動作により、遊技球Ｂの球圧によって回転軸部材４が自由回転しようとするトルクが、駆動体３によって打ち消されにくくし、回転軸部材４の払出体４Ｂによる高速な遊技球Ｂの払い出しを可能にすることができる。 Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 (b) to 5 (d), when the payout stop state 102 of the ball payout device 1 changes to the payout state 101, the drive body 3 is rotated by the rotary drive source 22, and the second A state is formed in which the tip surface 321 of the 1 tooth crest portion 32 enters the second tooth valley portion 43. Further, the rotary shaft member 4 is driven depending on the relationship between the rotational speed of the drive body 3 and the rotational speed of the rotary shaft member 4, depending on whether the rotary shaft member 4 is pushed by the drive body 3 to rotate, or receives ball pressure to rotate. It may be pushed by the body 3 and rotate under ball pressure. When the rotary shaft member 4 is pushed by the drive body 3 and rotates, the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 slides on the second tooth valley portion 43. Further, when the rotation shaft member 4 is rotated by the ball pressure, a state is formed in which the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42 slides on the first tooth valley portion 33. By such an operation in the payout state 101, the torque that the rotary shaft member 4 tries to freely rotate due to the ball pressure of the game ball B is hard to be canceled by the drive body 3, and the high speed by the payout body 4B of the rotary shaft member 4 It is possible to pay out the game ball B.

一方、図５（ａ）に示すように、球払出装置１の払出停止状態１０２においては、回転駆動源２２によるディテントトルクによって駆動体３の回転を停止させ、遊技球Ｂの球圧が作用する回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａ及び払出体４Ｂの回転は、駆動体３と係合体４Ａとの接触によって停止される。
具体的には、払出停止状態１０２においては、第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１に接触して、球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の回転力Ｆが駆動体３の径方向に作用する。言い換えれば、球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の回転力Ｆは駆動体３の中心軸線Ｃ１に向けて作用する。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the payout stop state 102 of the ball payout device 1, the rotation of the drive body 3 is stopped by the detent torque of the rotation drive source 22, and the ball pressure of the game ball B acts. The rotation of the engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B of the rotating shaft member 4 is stopped by the contact between the driving body 3 and the engaging body 4A.
Specifically, in the payout stop state 102, the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge 42 comes into contact with the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge 32, and the rotational force of the rotary shaft member 4 that receives the ball pressure. F acts in the radial direction of the drive body 3. In other words, the rotational force F of the rotating shaft member 4 that has received the ball pressure acts toward the central axis C1 of the driving body 3.

そして、回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａにおける第２歯山部４２から、駆動体３の中心軸線Ｃ１に向けて回転力Ｆが作用することにより、球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の回転力Ｆが、駆動体３を回転させようとするトルクをほとんど発生させない。これにより、回転駆動源２２のディテントトルクにあまり依存せずに、回転軸部材４の回転を停止させることができる。
なお、球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の回転力Ｆは、駆動体３の径方向又は中心軸線Ｃ１に対して若干ずれて作用していてもよい。この場合であっても、回転力Ｆによって駆動体３に加わるトルクが小さく、回転駆動源２２のディテントトルクによって駆動体３を停止させることができる。 Then, the rotational force F acts from the second tooth crest portion 42 in the engaging body 4A of the rotary shaft member 4 toward the central axis C1 of the drive body 3, so that the rotational force of the rotary shaft member 4 receives the ball pressure. F hardly generates torque for rotating the drive body 3. As a result, the rotation of the rotary shaft member 4 can be stopped without much dependence on the detent torque of the rotary drive source 22.
The rotational force F of the rotating shaft member 4 that has received the ball pressure may act slightly deviated from the radial direction of the driving body 3 or the central axis C1. Even in this case, the torque applied to the drive body 3 by the rotational force F is small, and the drive body 3 can be stopped by the detent torque of the rotational drive source 22.

図５（ａ）〜（ｄ）には、回転軸部材４の回転が駆動体３によって止められた状態、及び駆動体３及び回転軸部材４が回転する過程を示す。
ここで、図２及び図５（ａ）は、球払出装置１が回転基準位置にある状態を示す。球払出装置１が払出停止状態１０２にあるときには、この回転基準位置において、駆動体３及び回転軸部材４の回転が停止される。図３、図４及び図５（ｂ）〜（ｄ）は、球払出装置１が回転基準位置から回転する過程を示す。図３は、駆動体３及び回転軸部材４が回転基準位置から１３５°回転した状態を示し、図４は、駆動体３及び回転軸部材４が回転基準位置から１８０°回転して、遊技球を１球払い出す状態を示す。 5 (a) to 5 (d) show a state in which the rotation of the rotary shaft member 4 is stopped by the drive body 3, and a process in which the drive body 3 and the rotary shaft member 4 rotate.
Here, FIGS. 2 and 5A show a state in which the ball payout device 1 is in the rotation reference position. When the ball payout device 1 is in the payout stop state 102, the rotation of the drive body 3 and the rotation shaft member 4 is stopped at this rotation reference position. 3, FIGS. 4 and 5 (b) to 5 (d) show a process in which the ball payout device 1 rotates from the rotation reference position. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the drive body 3 and the rotation shaft member 4 are rotated by 135 ° from the rotation reference position, and FIG. 4 shows a game ball in which the drive body 3 and the rotation shaft member 4 are rotated by 180 ° from the rotation reference position. Indicates a state in which one ball is paid out.

まず、球払出装置１が払出停止状態１０２について説明する。
回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３の回転が停止されたときであっても、図５（ｂ）〜（ｄ）に示すように、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２が駆動体３の第１歯谷部３３に接触するときには、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２から駆動体３へ、駆動体３を回転させようとするトルク（モーメント）が作用する。そして、係合体４Ａ及び駆動体３は、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２が駆動体３の第１歯山部３２に接触する状態に変化するまで回転する。 First, the ball payout device 1 will explain the payout stop state 102.
Even when the rotation of the drive body 3 is stopped by the rotation drive source 22, as shown in FIGS. 5 (b) to 5 (d), the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A is the first of the drive body 3. When one comes into contact with the tooth valley portion 33, a torque (moment) for rotating the drive body 3 acts from the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A to the drive body 3. Then, the engaging body 4A and the driving body 3 rotate until the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A changes into a state of being in contact with the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the driving body 3.

その後、図５（ａ）に示すように、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２が駆動体３の第１歯山部３２に接触するときには、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２から駆動体３の中心軸線Ｃ１に向けて回転力Ｆが作用し、駆動体３を回転させようとするトルク（モーメント）はほとんど生じなくなる。これにより、駆動体３によって回転軸部材４の回転が停止される。 After that, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the second tooth ridge 42 of the engaging body 4A comes into contact with the first tooth ridge 32 of the driving body 3, it is driven from the second tooth ridge 42 of the engaging body 4A. A rotational force F acts toward the central axis C1 of the body 3, and almost no torque (moment) for rotating the drive body 3 is generated. As a result, the driving body 3 stops the rotation of the rotating shaft member 4.

次に、球払出装置１の払出状態１０１について説明する。
回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３の回転を開始するときには、図５（ａ）に示すように、遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１に接触して、回転軸部材４の回転が止められている。そして、図６に示すように、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１に対して、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１が滑りながら、駆動体３が回転する。 Next, the payout state 101 of the ball payout device 1 will be described.
When the rotation of the drive body 3 is started by the rotation drive source 22, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A of the rotation shaft member 4 that has received the ball pressure of the game ball B The tip surface 421 is in contact with the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the drive body 3, and the rotation of the rotation shaft member 4 is stopped. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the driving body 3 rotates while the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the driving body 3 slides against the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A. do.

次いで、図５（ｂ）に示すように、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１と駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１との接触状態が解除されると、駆動体３がさらに回転するとともに、係合体４Ａを有する回転軸部材４が回転を始める。このとき、回転軸部材４の回転速度が駆動体３の回転速度よりも速い場合には、回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が、駆動体３の第１歯谷部３３の表面に接触する。そして、図５（ｃ），（ｄ）に示すように、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が、駆動体３の第１歯谷部３３の表面上を滑るとともに、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２が駆動体３の第１歯谷部３３を、駆動体３の回転方向に押しながら、回転軸部材４及び駆動体３が回転する。 Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the contact state between the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge 42 of the engaging body 4A and the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge 32 of the drive body 3 is released. As the driving body 3 further rotates, the rotating shaft member 4 having the engaging body 4A starts to rotate. At this time, when the rotation speed of the rotation shaft member 4 is faster than the rotation speed of the drive body 3, the tip surface 421 of the second tooth crest portion 42 of the engagement body 4A of the rotation shaft member 4 is the first of the drive body 3. 1 It comes into contact with the surface of the tooth valley portion 33. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and 5 (d), the tip surface 421 of the second tooth crest portion 42 of the engaging body 4A slides on the surface of the first tooth valley portion 33 of the driving body 3 and engages with the engaging body 3. The rotation shaft member 4 and the drive body 3 rotate while the second tooth crest portion 42 of the united 4A pushes the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 in the rotation direction of the drive body 3.

また、図５（ｂ）に示すように、係合体４Ａを有する回転軸部材４が回転を始めるときに、駆動体３の回転速度が回転軸部材４の回転速度よりも速い場合には、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１が、回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａの第２歯谷部４３の表面に接触する。そして、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１が、係合体４Ａの第２歯谷部４３の表面上を滑るとともに、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２が係合体４Ａの第２歯谷部４３を、係合体４Ａの回転方向に押しながら、駆動体３及び回転軸部材４が回転する。 Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotating shaft member 4 having the engaging body 4A starts rotating, if the rotating speed of the driving body 3 is faster than the rotating speed of the rotating shaft member 4, it is driven. The tip surface 321 of the first tooth crest portion 32 of the body 3 comes into contact with the surface of the second tooth valley portion 43 of the engaging body 4A of the rotating shaft member 4. Then, the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the drive body 3 slides on the surface of the second tooth valley portion 43 of the engaging body 4A, and the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the driving body 3 slides on the surface of the engaging body 4A. The drive body 3 and the rotation shaft member 4 rotate while pushing the second tooth valley portion 43 in the rotation direction of the engaging body 4A.

また、図５（ｄ）の駆動体３と係合体４Ａとの回転位置の関係は、図５（ａ）の駆動体３と係合体４Ａとの回転位置の関係に戻る少し前の状態を示す。駆動体３は、回転駆動源２２としてのステッピングモータによって所定角度ずつ回転しており、係合体４Ａが払出停止状態１０２を形成可能な回転基準位置に到達するよりも先に、駆動体３が回転基準位置に到達する。図５（ｄ）において、駆動体３は、既に回転基準位置に到達しているが、係合体４Ａは、まだ回転基準位置に到達していない。そして、係合体４Ａは、球圧を受けて回転する状態にある。 Further, the relationship between the rotational positions of the drive body 3 and the engaging body 4A in FIG. 5 (d) shows a state shortly before returning to the relationship between the rotational positions of the drive body 3 and the engaging body 4A in FIG. 5 (a). .. The drive body 3 is rotated by a predetermined angle by a stepping motor as a rotation drive source 22, and the drive body 3 rotates before the engaging body 4A reaches a rotation reference position capable of forming the payout stop state 102. Reach the reference position. In FIG. 5D, the driving body 3 has already reached the rotation reference position, but the engaging body 4A has not yet reached the rotation reference position. Then, the engaging body 4A is in a state of rotating under the ball pressure.

ただし、図５（ｄ）においては、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が駆動体３の第１歯谷部３３を押す状態が解除され、駆動体３の回転が停止したまま、係合体４Ａの回転ができる状態が形成される。つまり、係合体４Ａが単独で回転できる状態が形成される。そして、係合体４Ａが単独で回転し、係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の先端面４２１が、既に回転基準位置にある駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の先端面３２１に接触し、係合体４Ａが回転基準位置まで回転する。 However, in FIG. 5D, the state in which the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A pushes the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 is released, and the rotation of the drive body 3 is stopped. As it is, a state in which the engaging body 4A can rotate is formed. That is, a state in which the engaging body 4A can rotate independently is formed. Then, the engaging body 4A rotates independently, and the tip surface 421 of the second tooth ridge 42 of the engaging body 4A comes into contact with the tip surface 321 of the first tooth ridge 32 of the drive body 3 already at the rotation reference position. , The engaging body 4A rotates to the rotation reference position.

このような駆動体３の回転と係合体４Ａの回転との時間差を利用することにより、回転軸部材４の回転を停止したい場合には、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３の回転を停止し、この駆動体３の回転が停止した回転位置において、確実に係合体４Ａを含む回転軸部材４の回転も停止させることができる。言い換えれば、駆動体３の回転の停止に、係合体４Ａを含む回転軸部材４の回転の停止を確実に追従させることができ、球払出装置１による不要な遊技球Ｂの払い出しを確実に防止することができる。 When it is desired to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft member 4 by utilizing the time difference between the rotation of the driving body 3 and the rotation of the engaging body 4A, the rotation of the driving body 3 is stopped by the rotation driving source 22. At the rotation position where the rotation of the drive body 3 is stopped, the rotation of the rotating shaft member 4 including the engaging body 4A can be surely stopped. In other words, the stop of rotation of the driving body 3 can be reliably followed by the stop of rotation of the rotating shaft member 4 including the engaging body 4A, and unnecessary payout of the game ball B by the ball payout device 1 can be reliably prevented. can do.

このように、駆動体３の回転速度と、回転軸部材４の回転速度とにずれがある場合であっても、第１歯山部３２及び第２歯山部４２の移動が互いに拘束し合うことにより、駆動体３と回転軸部材４とが、互いに同期して所定の回転速度で回転することになる。また、言い換えれば、回転軸部材４は、回転駆動源２２によって回転する駆動体３に追従して回転することになる。 In this way, even if there is a discrepancy between the rotation speed of the drive body 3 and the rotation speed of the rotation shaft member 4, the movements of the first tooth ridge portion 32 and the second tooth ridge portion 42 are restrained from each other. As a result, the drive body 3 and the rotation shaft member 4 rotate at a predetermined rotation speed in synchronization with each other. In other words, the rotation shaft member 4 rotates following the drive body 3 rotated by the rotation drive source 22.

また、回転駆動源２２による駆動体３の回転速度は、遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けて回転する回転軸部材４の最大回転速度以上になるよう設定することができる。この場合には、球圧によって自由回転する回転軸部材４の回転速度が、駆動体３によって制限されないようにすることができる。また、回転駆動源２２による駆動体３の回転速度が、遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けて回転する回転軸部材４の回転速度と同じになるようにすることにより、駆動体３及び係合体４Ａを円滑に回転させることができる。 Further, the rotation speed of the drive body 3 by the rotation drive source 22 can be set to be equal to or higher than the maximum rotation speed of the rotation shaft member 4 that rotates under the ball pressure of the game ball B. In this case, the rotation speed of the rotating shaft member 4 that freely rotates due to the ball pressure can be prevented from being limited by the driving body 3. Further, by making the rotation speed of the drive body 3 by the rotation drive source 22 the same as the rotation speed of the rotation shaft member 4 that rotates under the ball pressure of the game ball B, the drive body 3 and the engaging body 4A Can be rotated smoothly.

図１及び図２に示すように、ケース２における下端側位置には、回転軸部材４の払出体４Ｂによって払い出される遊技球Ｂを検出する球検出センサ５が配置されている。球検出センサ５における、遊技球Ｂの通過を検出する球検出部５１は、球流路２１内に払出体４Ｂの螺旋状の突起部４５１が配置される位置よりも、遊技球Ｂの流れの下流側に配置されている。球検出センサ５は、図８及び図９に示すように、発光部５２から受光部５３へ届く光Ｘが遮られることによって遊技球Ｂの通過を検出するフォトセンサを用いて構成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a ball detection sensor 5 for detecting the game ball B paid out by the payout body 4B of the rotating shaft member 4 is arranged at the lower end side position in the case 2. In the ball detection sensor 5, the ball detection unit 51 that detects the passage of the game ball B is located in the flow of the game ball B rather than the position where the spiral protrusion 451 of the payout body 4B is arranged in the ball flow path 21. It is located on the downstream side. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ball detection sensor 5 is configured by using a photo sensor that detects the passage of the game ball B by blocking the light X reaching the light receiving unit 53 from the light emitting unit 52.

本形態の球払出装置１は、厚み方向Ｄの寸法を極力小さくする設計がなされている。ケース２の厚み方向Ｄの基本寸法は、遊技球Ｂの直径（φ１１ｍｍ）の１倍超過２倍未満の範囲内に設定されている。球検出センサ５は、発光部５２から発せられる光Ｘが、球払出装置１の厚み方向Ｄに通過して、受光部５３に到達するように構成されている。 The ball payout device 1 of this embodiment is designed to make the dimension in the thickness direction D as small as possible. The basic dimension of the case 2 in the thickness direction D is set within a range of more than 1 times and less than 2 times the diameter (φ11 mm) of the game ball B. The ball detection sensor 5 is configured such that the light X emitted from the light emitting unit 52 passes in the thickness direction D of the ball dispensing device 1 and reaches the light receiving unit 53.

ところで、発光部５２及び受光部５３が、遊技球Ｂを検出する位置の厚み方向Ｄの両側に配置されると、球検出センサ５の厚み方向Ｄの寸法が大きくなる。そこで、本形態の球検出センサ５においては、図８及び図９に示すように、球検出部５１の厚み方向Ｄの両側に一対のプリズム５４を配置し、発光部５２から幅方向Ｗに発せられる光Ｘが、一対のプリズム５４を介して厚み方向Ｄに通過し、再び幅方向Ｗに通過して受光部５３に到達する構成を採用している。この構成により、球払出装置１の厚み方向Ｄの寸法を極力小さく維持することができる。 By the way, when the light emitting unit 52 and the light receiving unit 53 are arranged on both sides of the thickness direction D of the position where the game ball B is detected, the dimension of the ball detection sensor 5 in the thickness direction D becomes large. Therefore, in the sphere detection sensor 5 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of prisms 54 are arranged on both sides of the sphere detection unit 51 in the thickness direction D, and the light emitting unit 52 emits light in the width direction W. The light X to be generated passes through the pair of prisms 54 in the thickness direction D, passes again in the width direction W, and reaches the light receiving portion 53. With this configuration, the dimension of the ball payout device 1 in the thickness direction D can be kept as small as possible.

球検出センサ５には、遊技球Ｂが通過することが可能な半球状の凹部５５が形成されている。凹部５５内を遊技球Ｂが通過するときには、発光部５２から発せられた光Ｘが遊技球Ｂによって遮られて受光部５３へ到達しないことにより、球検出センサ５が遊技球Ｂの通過を検出することができる。球検出センサ５は光Ｘによって遊技球Ｂの検出を行うため、球検出部５１の凹部５５を遊技球Ｂが通過するときには、発光部５２から発せられた光Ｘが遊技球Ｂの表面を這いずって進み、受光部５３に到達してしまう懸念がある。また、発光部５２から発せられた光Ｘが、遊技球Ｂ及び凹部５５の各表面によって反射され、受光部５３に到達してしまう懸念もある。 The ball detection sensor 5 is formed with a hemispherical recess 55 through which the game ball B can pass. When the game ball B passes through the recess 55, the light X emitted from the light emitting unit 52 is blocked by the game ball B and does not reach the light receiving unit 53, so that the ball detection sensor 5 detects the passage of the game ball B. can do. Since the ball detection sensor 5 detects the game ball B by the light X, when the game ball B passes through the recess 55 of the ball detection unit 51, the light X emitted from the light emitting unit 52 crawls on the surface of the game ball B. There is a concern that it will move forward and reach the light receiving unit 53. Further, there is a concern that the light X emitted from the light emitting unit 52 is reflected by the surfaces of the game ball B and the recess 55 and reaches the light receiving unit 53.

そこで、図８及び図９に示すように、凹部５５の底位置５５１には、球検出センサ５による遊技球Ｂの検出ができなくなることを防止するための突出部５６が形成されている。本形態の突出部５６は、凹部５５の底位置５５１において、上下方向Ｈに伸びる縦長状に形成され、厚み方向Ｄに２つ並んで配置されている。突出部５６は、この他にも、種々の凸部、シボ加工、凹凸等によって形成することができる。 Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a protruding portion 56 is formed at the bottom position 551 of the recess 55 to prevent the game ball B from being detected by the ball detection sensor 5. The protrusions 56 of the present embodiment are formed in a vertically elongated shape extending in the vertical direction H at the bottom position 551 of the recess 55, and are arranged side by side in the thickness direction D. In addition to this, the protruding portion 56 can be formed by various convex portions, embossing, unevenness, and the like.

凹部５５及び突出部５６は、光の反射を抑制する性質を有する材料によって形成されている。突出部５６の突出形状によって、発光部５２から発せられた光Ｘが不適切に受光部５３に到達してしまうことを遮断することができ、球検出センサ５が遊技球Ｂの通過を検出できなくなることを防止することができる。 The recess 55 and the protrusion 56 are formed of a material having a property of suppressing light reflection. The protruding shape of the protruding portion 56 can block the light X emitted from the light emitting portion 52 from improperly reaching the light receiving portion 53, and the ball detection sensor 5 can detect the passage of the game ball B. It can be prevented from disappearing.

図１０は、回転軸部材４によって払い出される遊技球Ｂを球検出センサ５が連続的に検出する状態を模式的に示す。同図における遊技球Ｂ同士の間隔は、一例として示し、回転軸部材４等の状態によって適宜変化する。遊技球Ｂが球流路２１内に連続して払い出されるときには、凹部５５内を連続して流下する遊技球Ｂによって、発光部５２から発せられた光Ｘが繰り返し遮られる。このとき、球検出センサ５においては検出のオン・オフが繰り返される。同図においては、球検出センサ５が遊技球Ｂの存在を検出している範囲をＯＮ、球検出センサ５が遊技球Ｂの存在を検出していない範囲をＯＦＦによって示す。 FIG. 10 schematically shows a state in which the ball detection sensor 5 continuously detects the game ball B paid out by the rotary shaft member 4. The distance between the game balls B in the figure is shown as an example, and changes appropriately depending on the state of the rotating shaft member 4 and the like. When the game ball B is continuously discharged into the ball flow path 21, the light X emitted from the light emitting unit 52 is repeatedly blocked by the game ball B that continuously flows down in the recess 55. At this time, the ball detection sensor 5 repeatedly turns the detection on and off. In the figure, the range in which the ball detection sensor 5 detects the presence of the game ball B is shown by ON, and the range in which the ball detection sensor 5 does not detect the presence of the game ball B is shown by OFF.

凹部５５内において光Ｘが通過する位置が遊技球Ｂの先端Ｂ１に近い場合には、遊技球Ｂによって光Ｘが遮られる時間が短くなり、遊技球Ｂの払い出しを連続して検出することが困難になる。また、この場合には、光Ｘが遊技球Ｂの周りを回り込んで受光部５３へ到達する誤検出の問題が生じやすくなる。一方、凹部５５内において光Ｘが通過する位置が遊技球Ｂの中心に近い場合には、遊技球Ｂによって光Ｘが遮られていない時間が短くなり、遊技球Ｂの払い出しを連続して検出することが困難になる。 When the position through which the light X passes in the recess 55 is close to the tip B1 of the game ball B, the time during which the light X is blocked by the game ball B is shortened, and the payout of the game ball B can be continuously detected. It will be difficult. Further, in this case, the problem of erroneous detection that the light X wraps around the game ball B and reaches the light receiving unit 53 is likely to occur. On the other hand, when the position through which the light X passes in the recess 55 is close to the center of the game ball B, the time during which the light X is not blocked by the game ball B is shortened, and the payout of the game ball B is continuously detected. It becomes difficult to do.

そこで、球検出センサ５による遊技球Ｂの検出を安定させるためには、球検出センサ５の発光部５２から発せられる光Ｘが、凹部５５内を通過する遊技球Ｂによって遮られる位置、言い換えれば、遊技球Ｂを検出する位置は、凹部５５の底位置５５１と対向する遊技球Ｂの先端Ｂ１から遊技球Ｂの中心に向けて、遊技球Ｂの直径をＥとしたとき、１／１２Ｅ〜１／４Ｅの範囲内の位置とすることができる。 Therefore, in order to stabilize the detection of the game ball B by the ball detection sensor 5, the position where the light X emitted from the light emitting unit 52 of the ball detection sensor 5 is blocked by the game ball B passing through the recess 55, in other words. The position for detecting the game ball B is 1 / 12E to 1 / 12E when the diameter of the game ball B is E from the tip B1 of the game ball B facing the bottom position 551 of the recess 55 toward the center of the game ball B. The position can be within the range of 1 / 4E.

球払出装置１のケース２においては、回転駆動源２２及び球検出センサ５の配線の処理の仕方にも工夫をしている。回転駆動源２２の配線は、球検出センサ５を経由してケース２の外部に接続される。より具体的には、図２に示すように、回転駆動源２２のコネクタ部２２２から引き出された配線２２３は、ケース２における配線通路２４を通って、球検出センサ５の上側のコネクタ部５９に接続される。そして、回転駆動源２２の配線は、球検出センサ５の電子基板５８を経由して、球検出センサ５の下側のコネクタ部５９から外部に接続される。なお、球検出センサ５の発光部５２及び受光部５３の配線も、下側のコネクタ部５９から外部に接続される。 In the case 2 of the ball payout device 1, the method of processing the wiring of the rotation drive source 22 and the ball detection sensor 5 is also devised. The wiring of the rotation drive source 22 is connected to the outside of the case 2 via the ball detection sensor 5. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the wiring 223 drawn from the connector portion 222 of the rotation drive source 22 passes through the wiring passage 24 in the case 2 and reaches the connector portion 59 on the upper side of the ball detection sensor 5. Be connected. Then, the wiring of the rotation drive source 22 is connected to the outside from the connector portion 59 on the lower side of the ball detection sensor 5 via the electronic board 58 of the ball detection sensor 5. The wiring of the light emitting unit 52 and the light receiving unit 53 of the ball detection sensor 5 is also connected to the outside from the lower connector portion 59.

図１１に示すように、球検出センサ５は、発光部５２、受光部５３及び一対のプリズム５４を有する発光ユニット５６と、発光ユニット５６が配置された外部ケース５７とによって構成することができる。この場合には、発光ユニット５６は、発光部５２、受光部５３及び一対のプリズム５４が、薄肉のユニットケース５６１内に配置された状態でユニット化される。ユニットケース５６１は薄肉であるために、変形しやすく、磨耗に弱い性質を有する。 As shown in FIG. 11, the sphere detection sensor 5 can be composed of a light emitting unit 56 having a light emitting unit 52, a light receiving unit 53, and a pair of prisms 54, and an outer case 57 in which the light emitting unit 56 is arranged. In this case, the light emitting unit 56 is unitized with the light emitting unit 52, the light receiving unit 53, and the pair of prisms 54 arranged in the thin unit case 561. Since the unit case 561 is thin, it is easily deformed and has a property of being vulnerable to wear.

そのため、ユニットケース５６１における、遊技球Ｂと対向する位置の表面は、外部ケース５７の一部によって覆い、ユニットケース５６１の変形を抑えることができる。特に、外部ケース５７によって、球検出部５１の凹部５５の両側に位置する部分が内側に倒れ込む変形を抑えることができる。また、外部ケース５７によって、球検出部５１に生じる磨耗を抑えることもできる。 Therefore, the surface of the unit case 561 at a position facing the game ball B can be covered with a part of the outer case 57, and the deformation of the unit case 561 can be suppressed. In particular, the outer case 57 can suppress the deformation that the portions of the ball detection unit 51 located on both sides of the recess 55 collapse inward. Further, the outer case 57 can suppress the wear caused on the ball detection unit 51.

なお、一対のプリズム５４を用いず、球検出センサ５の発光部５２及び受光部５３は、遊技球Ｂを検出する位置の厚み方向Ｄの両側に配置されていてもよい。この場合にも、外側ケース５７を用いることによって、一対のプリズム５４を用いる場合と同様の効果を得ることができる。 The light emitting unit 52 and the light receiving unit 53 of the ball detection sensor 5 may be arranged on both sides in the thickness direction D of the position where the game ball B is detected without using the pair of prisms 54. Also in this case, by using the outer case 57, the same effect as in the case of using the pair of prisms 54 can be obtained.

図２に示すように、球払出装置１のケース２には、球流路２１に隣接して球抜き流路２３が形成されている。また、ケース２における、球流路２１と球抜き流路２３との境界位置には、球払出位置６０１と球抜き位置６０２とに移動可能な球抜き弁６１が配置されており、ケース２には、球抜き弁６１を球払出位置６０１に維持するため球抜き操作部材６２が配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 2, in the case 2 of the ball payout device 1, a ball removal flow path 23 is formed adjacent to the ball flow path 21. Further, at the boundary position between the ball flow path 21 and the ball removal flow path 23 in the case 2, a ball removal valve 61 that can move to the ball discharge position 601 and the ball extraction position 602 is arranged, and the ball removal valve 61 is arranged in the case 2. Is arranged with a ball removing operation member 62 in order to maintain the ball removing valve 61 at the ball payout position 601.

球払出装置１の通常時においては、球抜き弁６１が球抜き操作部材６２によって球払出位置６０１に維持されており、球流路２１を流下する遊技球Ｂは、回転軸部材４の払出体４Ｂによって球皿へ払い出される。一方、球払出装置１の球抜き時においては、作業者が球抜き操作部材６２をスライドさせる。このとき、球抜き弁６１が、球流路２１の蛇行流路部２１３に位置する遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けて、球払出位置６０１から球抜き位置６０２へ回動し、球流路２１の蛇行流路部２１３よりも上流側に位置する遊技球Ｂが球抜き流路２３へと抜き出される。 In the normal state of the ball payout device 1, the ball pulling valve 61 is maintained at the ball payout position 601 by the ball pulling operation member 62, and the game ball B flowing down the ball flow path 21 is a payout body of the rotating shaft member 4. It is paid out to the ball plate by 4B. On the other hand, when the ball is pulled out from the ball payout device 1, the operator slides the ball pulling operation member 62. At this time, the ball withdrawal valve 61 receives the ball pressure of the game ball B located in the meandering flow path portion 213 of the ball flow path 21 and rotates from the ball payout position 601 to the ball withdrawal position 602, and the ball flow path 21 The game ball B located on the upstream side of the meandering flow path portion 213 of the above is pulled out to the ball removal flow path 23.

（作用効果）
本形態の遊技機７の球払出装置１においては、回転駆動源２２によって駆動される駆動体３と、駆動体３に係合可能であるとともに遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けて回転する回転軸部材４とが別々に形成されている。そして、遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の自由回転によって遊技球Ｂを１球ずつ高速に払い出すことができるとともに、回転駆動源２２によって回転が停止される駆動体３と回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａとの係合によって、遊技球Ｂの払い出しを迅速に停止することができる。 (Action effect)
In the ball payout device 1 of the game machine 7 of the present embodiment, the drive body 3 driven by the rotation drive source 22 and the rotation shaft that can be engaged with the drive body 3 and that rotates under the ball pressure of the game ball B. The member 4 is formed separately. Then, the game balls B can be discharged one by one at high speed by the free rotation of the rotation shaft member 4 that receives the ball pressure of the game balls B, and the rotation with the drive body 3 whose rotation is stopped by the rotation drive source 22. By engaging the shaft member 4 with the engaging body 4A, the payout of the game ball B can be stopped quickly.

より具体的には、球払出装置１によって遊技球Ｂを払い出す払出状態１０１を形成する際には、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３が回転し、また、球流路２１内を流下する遊技球Ｂの球圧を、球受け部４５としての螺旋状の突起部４５１が受けて回転軸部材４が回転する。このとき、駆動体３の第１歯山部３２及び第１歯谷部３３のいずれかと、回転軸部材４における係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２及び第２歯谷部４３のいずれかが互いに拘束された状態で接触し、駆動体３と回転軸部材４との回転位置の関係が規則正しく順次保たれる。 More specifically, when the payout state 101 for paying out the game ball B is formed by the ball payout device 1, the drive body 3 is rotated by the rotation drive source 22, and the game flows down in the ball flow path 21. The ball pressure of the ball B is received by the spiral protrusion 451 as the ball receiving portion 45, and the rotation shaft member 4 rotates. At this time, either the first tooth ridge portion 32 or the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 or any of the second tooth ridge portion 42 or the second tooth valley portion 43 of the engaging body 4A in the rotating shaft member 4 They come into contact with each other in a restrained state, and the relationship between the rotational positions of the drive body 3 and the rotary shaft member 4 is regularly and sequentially maintained.

これにより、回転駆動源２２による駆動体３の回転速度を、遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の回転速度に近づけることができる。その結果、遊技球Ｂの球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の自由回転に近い状態で、遊技球Ｂを１球ずつ高速に払い出すことができる。また、回転駆動源２２には、遊技球Ｂを直接払い出すためのトルクは必要にならず、回転駆動源２２に必要なトルクを低くすることができる。 As a result, the rotation speed of the drive body 3 by the rotation drive source 22 can be brought close to the rotation speed of the rotation shaft member 4 that has received the ball pressure of the game ball B. As a result, the game balls B can be paid out one by one at high speed in a state close to free rotation of the rotation shaft member 4 that has received the ball pressure of the game balls B. Further, the rotary drive source 22 does not require a torque for directly paying out the game ball B, and the torque required for the rotary drive source 22 can be reduced.

また、遊技球Ｂの１球ずつの払い出しは、駆動体３、及び回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａがそれぞれ歯山部３２，４２及び歯谷部３３，４３を有し、係合体４Ａの第２歯谷部４３への駆動体３の第１歯山部３２の配置と、駆動体３の第１歯谷部３３への係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２の配置とが順次行われることによって精度よく行うことができる。 Further, in the payout of the game balls B one by one, the driving body 3 and the engaging body 4A of the rotating shaft member 4 have tooth ridges 32 and 42 and tooth valleys 33 and 43, respectively, and the engaging body 4A is the first. 2 The arrangement of the first tooth ridge portion 32 of the drive body 3 on the tooth valley portion 43 and the arrangement of the second tooth ridge portion 42 of the engaging body 4A on the first tooth valley portion 33 of the drive body 3 are sequentially performed. By doing so, it can be performed accurately.

一方、球払出装置１によって遊技球Ｂの払い出しを停止させる払出停止状態１０２を形成する際には、回転駆動源２２によって駆動体３の回転が停止される。このとき、回転軸部材４の係合体４Ａの第２歯山部４２が駆動体３の第１歯山部３２によって受け止められ、球圧を受けて回転軸部材４が回転しようとするトルクが、第２歯山部４２から駆動体３の径方向であって駆動体３の中心軸線Ｃ１に向けて作用することにより、回転軸部材４が駆動体３を回転させることができなくなる。これにより、回転軸部材４が回転できなくなるとともに、回転軸部材４から駆動体３に、駆動体３を回転させようとするトルク（モーメント）が作用しなくなる。そのため、回転駆動源２２には、遊技球Ｂによる球圧を受けた回転軸部材４の回転を直接停止させるためのトルクは必要にならず、回転駆動源２２に必要なトルクを低くすることができる。 On the other hand, when the ball payout device 1 forms the payout stop state 102 in which the payout of the game ball B is stopped, the rotation drive source 22 stops the rotation of the drive body 3. At this time, the second tooth ridge 42 of the engaging body 4A of the rotary shaft member 4 is received by the first tooth ridge 32 of the drive body 3, and the torque that the rotary shaft member 4 tries to rotate under the ball pressure is generated. By acting from the second tooth ridge portion 42 in the radial direction of the drive body 3 toward the central axis C1 of the drive body 3, the rotating shaft member 4 cannot rotate the drive body 3. As a result, the rotating shaft member 4 cannot rotate, and the torque (moment) for rotating the driving body 3 does not act on the driving body 3 from the rotating shaft member 4. Therefore, the rotation drive source 22 does not need a torque for directly stopping the rotation of the rotation shaft member 4 that receives the ball pressure by the game ball B, and the torque required for the rotation drive source 22 can be reduced. can.

それ故、本形態の遊技機７の球払出装置１によれば、遊技球Ｂを１球ずつ高速に精度よく払い出すことができ、かつ、低トルクの回転駆動源２２を使用することができる。そして、使用する回転駆動源２２のサイズが小さくなり、球払出装置１全体の小型化を図ることができる。 Therefore, according to the ball payout device 1 of the game machine 7 of the present embodiment, the game balls B can be paid out one by one at high speed and with high accuracy, and the low torque rotary drive source 22 can be used. .. Then, the size of the rotary drive source 22 to be used is reduced, and the size of the ball payout device 1 as a whole can be reduced.

本形態においては、係合体４Ａと払出体４Ｂとが１つの回転軸部材４として形成された場合について説明した。係合体４Ａ及び払出体４Ｂは、ケース２に対して別々に回転可能に支持されていてもよい。この場合に、係合体４Ａと払出体４Ｂとの連結は種々の方法で行うことができる。例えば、係合体４Ａの係合軸部４１と払出体４Ｂの払出軸部４４とをユニバーサルジョイント、歯車等によって連結し、払出体４Ｂの回転に連動して係合体４Ａが回転するとともに、駆動体３による係合体４Ａの回転の停止に連動して払出体４Ｂの回転が停止されるようにしてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the case where the engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B are formed as one rotating shaft member 4 has been described. The engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B may be separately rotatably supported with respect to the case 2. In this case, the engaging body 4A and the payout body 4B can be connected by various methods. For example, the engaging shaft portion 41 of the engaging body 4A and the payout shaft portion 44 of the payout body 4B are connected by a universal joint, a gear, or the like, and the engaging body 4A rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the payout body 4B and the drive body. The rotation of the payout body 4B may be stopped in conjunction with the stop of the rotation of the engaging body 4A by 3.

本発明は、各実施形態のみに限定されるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲においてさらに異なる実施形態を構成することが可能である。 The present invention is not limited to each embodiment, and further different embodiments can be configured without departing from the gist thereof.

１球払出装置
１０１払出状態
１０２払出停止状態
２ケース
２１球流路
２２回転駆動源
３駆動体
３１駆動軸部
３２第１歯山部
３２１先端面
３３第１歯谷部
４回転軸部材
４０軸部
４Ａ係合体
４１係合軸部
４２第２歯山部
４２１先端面
４３第２歯谷部
４Ｂ払出体
４４払出軸部
４５球受け部
４５１螺旋状の突起部
７遊技機 1 Ball payout device 101 Payout state 102 Payout stop state 2 Case 21 Ball flow path 22 Rotation drive source 3 Drive body 31 Drive shaft part 32 First tooth ridge part 321 Tip surface 33 First tooth valley part 4 Rotation shaft member 40 Shaft part 4A Engagement body 41 Engagement shaft part 42 Second tooth ridge part 421 Tip surface 43 Second tooth valley part 4B Payout body 44 Payout shaft part 45 Ball receiving part 451 Spiral protrusion 7 Game machine

Claims

Rotational drive source and
The drive shaft portion connected to an output shaft of the rotary drive source, and have a first Hayama portion and a first tooth valley provided a plurality alternately about the central axis of the drive shaft portion, and the second 1 A drive body formed in an arc shape on a plane in which the tip surface of the tooth ridge portion is orthogonal to the central axis of the drive shaft portion.
A plurality of engaging shaft portions and a second tooth crest portion and a second tooth crest portion that are alternately provided around the central axis of the engaging shaft portion and can be engaged with the first tooth crest portion and the first tooth valley portion. have a tooth valley, and the front end surface of the second Hayama portion, the engagement in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the coupling shaft portion, the first Hayama portion of the tip curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the surface radius With the engaging body formed in the arc shape of
It has a payout shaft portion and a ball receiving portion provided around the central axis of the payout shaft portion, and includes a payout body that pays out game balls in the ball flow path one by one.
Wherein the arrangement of the first Hayama portion of the second tooth valley, the first said to tooth valley second Hayama part of the arrangement and is successively performed Rutotomoni the tip of the first Hayama portion The drive body is rotated by the rotation drive source and is pushed by the drive body or flows down in the ball flow path in a state where the surface can slide on the tip surface of the second tooth ridge portion. The payout state in which the ball receiving portion receives the ball pressure of the game ball and the payout body and the engaging body rotate.
The rotational drive source stops the rotation of the drive body, the tip surface of the second tooth ridge comes into contact with the tip surface of the first tooth ridge , and the rotational force of the payout body that receives the ball pressure. In a state where the rotational force of the engaging body generated in conjunction with the above acts in the radial direction of the driving body, the rotation of the engaging body is stopped by the driving body, and the rotation of the engaging body and the payout body is stopped. A ball payout device for a game machine that can form a payout stopped state.