JP6403851B1 - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a technique capable of improving the efficiency of transporting a three-dimensional game machine in a game device.
A transport device 20 used for transporting a game body M1 in a game apparatus 10 includes a passage 320a having an inclination for rolling a three-dimensional game body M1 that can roll regardless of a posture, and a passage 320a. A first usage unit 240a that uses the three-dimensional game body M1 flowing from the provided first inflow port 241a, and a second use unit that uses the three-dimensional game body M1 flowing from the second inflow port 251a provided in the passage 320a. Of the 250a, the first inlet 241a and the second inlet 251a, one 241a is provided upstream of the passage 320a, and the other 251a is provided downstream of the passage 320a.
[Selection] Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates Gate beam device.

  2. Description of the Related Art A pusher game device that moves coins inserted on a game field has been known (see Patent Document 1). In such a pusher game apparatus, a lift hopper or the like that moves coins along a rail is used to transport coins to the insertion portion.

JP 2013-99632 A

  On the other hand, in a pusher game, instead of coins, it is also possible to use a three-dimensional game body (for example, a spherical three-dimensional game object) that can roll regardless of the posture. In this case, it is preferable to use a transport device suitable for a three-dimensional game body instead of the lift hopper used to transport coins.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of efficiently transporting a three-dimensional game object in a game device.

Game equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a feeder for a game device used to carry the game body in the game apparatus, the game apparatus which executes a game which progresses in accordance with the movement of the three-dimensional game body The transport device for the game device includes a passage having an inclination for rolling a three-dimensional game body that can roll regardless of a posture, and a three-dimensional game that flows in from a first inflow port provided in the passage. A first utilization part that utilizes a body and a second utilization part that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a second inflow port provided in the passage, the first inflow port and the second inflow port, one is provided upstream of said passage of the other is provided downstream of said passageway, said passageway is rolled the stereoscopic player body which has not flowed into the one in the upstream to the downstream, the first One inlet is provided on the side wall of the passage It is and, in the passage, restricting portion for guiding the solid game body to the first inlet to regulate the movement direction of the stereoscopic gaming body is provided.

  A game device according to another aspect of the present invention uses a passage having an inclination for rolling a three-dimensional game body that can roll regardless of a posture, and a three-dimensional game body that flows in from an inlet provided in the passage. Two or more game unit sections each having a use section for controlling the movement direction of the three-dimensional game body in the passage, so that the three-dimensional game body is one game unit section or the other game unit section. A restricting portion that leads to one of the inflow ports of the utilization portion is provided.

It is an external view which shows an example of the game device 10 which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the game device 10 from the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the control panel 160a. It is the figure which showed an example of the game field 110a. It is the figure which showed the state where the small ball M1 and the large ball M2 were spread over the game field 110a. It is the figure which showed an example of the number-of-ball lottery part 120a. It is the figure which showed an example of the marble chance execution part 130a. It is the figure which showed an example of the marble JP chance execution part 140a. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the small ball M1 and the large ball M2. It is the figure which showed the flow of the small ball M1 relevant to the screw lifter 170a. It is the figure which showed an example of the channel | path 310a and the 1st hopper 230a. It is the figure which showed an example of the channel | path 320a, the 2nd hopper 240a, and the 3rd hopper 250a. It is the figure which showed an example of channel | paths 330a and 340a and the count hopper 220a. It is the figure which showed an example of the screw lifter 170a. It is the figure which showed the screw lifter 170a from which the surrounding member 1750 was abbreviate | omitted. It is the figure which showed the screw lifter 170a from which the surrounding member 1750 and the guide part 1760 were abbreviate | omitted. It is the perspective view which showed the taking-in part 1710 centered. It is the figure which showed an example of the taking-in part 1710 and the channel | path 340a. FIG. 11 is a perspective view with a discharge unit 1720 as a center. It is the figure which showed an example of the ceiling accommodating part 290a. It is the EE sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 20 when the surface 4021 is changed to an inclination for rolling the small balls M1 to the supply path 460. It is the figure which showed an example of the 1st hopper 230a. It is the GG sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the figure which showed an example with which each ceiling accommodating part 290a of the two game devices 10 is connected. It is the HH sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the supply destination of the small balls M1 is the supply path 460 of one game device 10 in the first modification. It is the II sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the supply destination of the small balls M1 is the supply path 460 of the other game device 10 in the first modification. It is the JJ sectional view taken on the line of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions and scales of each part are appropriately different from the dimensions and scales of the actual configuration. The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention. For this reason, the technically preferable various restrictions are attached | subjected to this embodiment. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[A. Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[1. Outline of game device]
The game apparatus 10 is installed in an entertainment facility (for example, a game center or a casino), or is installed in a commercial facility (for example, a shopping center). When the game apparatus 10 is used in a casino, it may be called a gaming machine. The game apparatus 10 does not need to be a business device installed in a store, and may be a home game device or a mobile terminal device, for example.

  The game apparatus 10 can be played using game currency such as coins (also referred to as “medals”), credits, or points. The game currency such as coins, credits or points may not be exchanged for actual money, or may be exchanged for actual money. The game apparatus 10 may be playable using actual money.

  The game device 10 uses the same type of elements received from the player for playing the game (hereinafter also referred to as “play consideration elements”) and elements used as rewards for the players (hereinafter also referred to as “reward elements”). The elements (for example, the play consideration element and the reward element are both coins) or different types of elements (for example, the play consideration element is a coin and the reward element is a voucher) may be used.

Game device 10 includes station portions 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d. The number of station units included in the game apparatus 10 is not limited to “4”, but may be “1 or more”. The station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d can execute the same type of game separately. In the present embodiment, the station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d respond to the movement of a three-dimensional game body (hereinafter also simply referred to as “three-dimensional game body”) that can roll regardless of the posture as the same type of game. Run the game that progresses. Therefore, each of the station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d also functions as a game device.
Each of the station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d is also an example of a unit unit. The station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are examples of a plurality of unit units that can be played by a plurality of players, respectively.

  The three-dimensional game body may be a spherical object (for example, a marble) or a substantially spherical object (for example, a polyhedron). In this embodiment, two types of marbles having different sizes are used as the three-dimensional game body. Hereinafter, of the two types of marbles having different sizes, the smaller one is referred to as “small ball”, and the larger one is referred to as “large ball”.

  The station units 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d have the same configuration. For this reason, in order to avoid duplication of description, the following description will be focused on the station unit 100a, and the station units 100b, 100c, and 100d will be described as necessary.

  A suffix “a” is added to the reference numeral of the configuration of the station unit 100a. The configuration of each of the station units 100b, 100c, and 100d will be described by replacing the suffix “a” of the symbol of the configuration of the station unit 100a with “b”, “c”, and “d”, respectively.

  The game apparatus 10 has a configuration shared by a plurality of station units (hereinafter also referred to as “shared configuration”). Of the shared configuration, the configuration used by the station unit 100a will be described as the configuration of the station unit 100a. Among the shared configurations, the configuration that is used by the station unit 100b without being used by the station unit 100a will be described as the configuration of the station unit 100b. Among the shared configurations, the configuration that the station unit 100c uses without using any of the station units 100a and 100b will be described as the configuration of the station unit 100c.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the configuration when the game apparatus 10 is viewed from the Z-axis direction shown in FIG.
The station unit 100a includes a game field 110a, a ball lottery unit 120a, a marble chance execution unit 130a, a marble JP (jackpot) chance execution unit 140a, a JP payout unit 150a, a control panel 160a, a screw lifter 170a, And air lifter 180a. Further, the station unit 100a includes a payout opening Ma as shown in FIG.

  In the game field 110a, a pusher game using a small ball M1 and a large ball M2 is executed as an example of a game that progresses according to the movement of the three-dimensional game body (see FIGS. 4 and 5 described later). In the pusher game, a player of the station unit 100a (hereinafter simply referred to as “player”) operates the control panel 160a to insert the small ball M1 into the game field 110a where the small ball M1 and the large ball M2 are located. In the game field 110a, the small balls M1 and the large balls M2 are pressed according to the reciprocating motion of the pusher table 113. In response to this pressing, the small balls M1 and large balls M2 located at the front end portion 116 of the lower table 111 fall from the lower table 111.

  The station unit 100a gives the player a reward corresponding to the number of small balls M1 that have fallen from the game field 110a. The reward may be game credits, coins, points, vouchers, actual money or tickets. In this embodiment, a coin is given as a reward. Coins are paid out from the payout exit Ma.

  The number of balls lottery unit 120a is an example of a lottery unit. Each time the number of balls lottery section 120a satisfies the first condition (for example, the condition that “m (m is an integer of 1 or more) large balls M2 have fallen from the game field 110a)” in the game field 110a, The first lottery used is executed. Hereinafter, the case where m = 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, the ball number lottery unit 120a executes a lottery for determining the number of small balls M1 as the first lottery.

  The marble chance execution unit 130a is another example of the lottery unit. The marble chance execution unit 130a uses the small ball M1 each time a second condition (for example, “n (n is an integer greater than or equal to m) large balls M2) has dropped from the game field 110a” is satisfied in the game field 110a. In the following, the case where n = 3 will be described.The number of small balls M1 used in the second lottery is the first which is executed three times before the second lottery is performed. In this embodiment, the marble chance execution unit 130a executes a lottery for determining whether or not to operate the marble JP chance execution unit 140a as the second lottery. Hereinafter, the second lottery is also referred to as “marble chance”.

  The marble JP chance execution unit 140a is shared by the station units 100a and 100b. When it is determined that the marble JP chance execution unit 140a is to be operated by the lottery in the marble chance execution unit 130a, the marble JP chance execution unit 140a executes a third lottery using the small balls M1. In the present embodiment, the marble JP chance execution unit 140a performs payout of a large number of small balls M1 (hereinafter also referred to as “marble JP”) as a bonus by the JP payout unit 150a to the game field 110a as a third lottery. A lottery for determining whether or not to do is executed. Hereinafter, the third lottery is also referred to as “Marble JP Chance”.

  Further, when it is determined that the marble JP chance execution unit 140a is to be operated by lottery in the marble chance execution unit 130b of the station unit 100b, the JP payout unit 150a determines that the JP payout unit 150a pays out the marble JP. A lottery for determining whether or not to execute for 110b is executed.

  The JP payout unit 150a is shared by the station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The JP payout unit 150a is arranged so as to be positioned at the center of the game apparatus 10 when the game apparatus 10 is viewed in a plan view as shown in FIG. The JP payout unit 150a switches the payout destination of the ball M1 to any one of the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d (see FIGS. 20, 25, 27, and 29 described later). Have

  The JP payout unit 150a executes the marble JP on the game field 110a when the marble JP payout to the game field 110a is determined in the lottery at the marble JP chance execution unit 140a, and the game field 110a has a small ball. Pay out M1.

  When the payout of the marble JP to the game field 110b is determined by lottery in the marble JP chance execution unit 140a, the JP payout unit 150a executes the payout of the marble JP to the game field 110b. Similarly, when the JP payout unit 150a determines to execute the payout of the marble JP to the game field 110c by the lottery in the marble JP chance execution unit 140c, the JP payout unit 150a executes the payout of the marble JP to the game field 110c. . Further, when the JP payout unit 150a determines to execute the payout of the marble JP to the game field 110d by the lottery in the marble JP chance execution unit 140c, the JP payout unit 150a executes the payout of the marble JP to the game field 110d.

Returning to FIG. 2, the control panel 160a accepts the player's operation.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control panel 160a. Control panel 160a includes input ports 161L and 161R and input direction switching buttons 162L and 162R.

Coins are inserted into the insertion ports 161L and 161R.
When a coin is inserted into the insertion slot 161L, a small ball M1 is inserted into the game field 110a from the insertion portion on the left side of the game field 110a (the insertion portion 114L shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The insertion direction switching button 162L is used to switch the insertion direction of the small balls M1 from the insertion unit 114L.
When a coin is inserted into the insertion slot 161R, a small ball M1 is inserted into the game field 110a from the right insertion portion (the insertion portion 114R shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the game field 110a. The insertion direction switching button 162R is used for switching the insertion direction of the small balls M1 from the insertion unit 114R.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the screw lifter 170a is shared by the station units 100a and 100c. For example, the screw lifter 170a lifts the ball M1 dropped from the game field 110a and the ball M1 dropped from the game field 110c to a position higher than the game fields 110a and 100c. The small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a are used, for example, in the game field 110a, used in the marble chance execution unit 130a, used in the station unit 100b adjacent to the station unit 100a, or used in the game field 110c. Or used by the marble chance execution unit 130c, or by the station unit 100d adjacent to the station unit 100c.

The air lifter 180a lifts the small ball M1 by sending the wind from the fan into the pipe in which the small ball M1 is conveyed. It is desirable that the inner diameter of the tube is larger than the diameter of the small ball M1, for example, smaller than 1.5 times the inner diameter of the small ball M1. As the value obtained by subtracting the diameter of the small ball M1 from the inner diameter of the tube (hereinafter referred to as “diameter difference”) approaches “0”, the wind force from the fan is more easily transmitted to the small ball M1 in the tube. It becomes possible to lift in a short time. For this reason, it is desirable that the diameter difference is close to “0”. In addition, the outer diameter of the tube can be reduced as the diameter difference is closer to “0”, and the air lifter 180a can be downsized. In the present embodiment, the air lifter 180a lifts the small balls M1 in the vertical direction. The direction in which the air lifter 180a lifts the small balls M1 may be deviated from the vertical direction.
The small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a are used in the marble JP chance execution unit 140a, or are used in the JP payout unit 150a through a ceiling housing unit 290a (see FIG. 20) described later.

[2. Game field]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the game field 110a. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the small balls M1 and the large balls M2 are spread on the game field 110a.
The game field 110a includes a lower table 111, a wall portion 112, a pusher table 113, insertion portions 114L, 114R and 114B, cutout portions 115L and 115R, and a front end portion 116.

  The lower table 111 and the wall 112 are fixed. The lower table 111 is provided with a notch 115L at the left end and a notch 115R at the right end. The notches 115L and 115R have shapes that allow the small balls M1 to pass but not the large balls M2.

  The pusher table 113 reciprocates back and forth (in the directions of arrows A and B in FIG. 4) between the lower end of the wall 112 and the upper surface of the lower table 111 according to the operation of a drive mechanism (not shown).

  The insertion unit 114L inputs the small balls M1 to the pusher table 113 from the left side of the game field 110a. The insertion unit 114R inputs the small balls M1 to the pusher table 113 from the right side of the game field 110a. The input unit 114 </ b> B inputs the large ball M <b> 2 into the lower table 111.

  For example, when the pusher table 113 moves in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 4 after the throwing part 114L or 114R throws the small ball M1 into the pusher table 113 (see FIG. 5) on which the small balls M1 are spread, the pusher table 113 is moved. The upper ball M1 is pushed by the wall 112 and moves in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. For this reason, the small balls M1 located on the opposite side of the wall 112 on the pusher table 113 fall on the lower table 111.

  Thereafter, when the pusher table 113 moves in the arrow B direction, the small balls M1 and the large balls M2 on the lower table 111 are pushed by the pusher table 113. For this reason, the small ball M1 located at the end on the lower table 111 falls from the front end portion 116 or the notch portion 115L or 115R. Further, the large ball M <b> 2 positioned at the front end portion 116 falls from the front end portion 116.

The small balls M1 that have fallen from the front end 116 are counted for reward. On the other hand, the small balls M1 that have fallen from the notch 115L and the small balls M1 that have fallen from the notch 115R are treated as so-called parent dropping and are not counted for reward.
Each time the large ball M2 falls from the front end portion 116, the ball number lottery portion 120a operates.

[3. Number of lottery club]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the ball number lottery unit 120a.
The number of balls lottery unit 120a includes a display unit 1210, a passage 1220, and a discharge unit 1230.

  The display unit 1210 has a circular screen 1211. The display unit 1210 displays a plurality of candidates C1 to C4 for the number of small balls M1 on the screen 1211. In FIG. 6, the candidate C1 indicates “10 balls”, the candidate C2 indicates “7 balls”, the candidate C3 indicates “3 balls”, and the candidate C4 indicates “5 balls”. The number of candidates displayed on the screen 1211 is not limited to “4” and can be changed as appropriate. The number indicated by each candidate is not limited to “10 balls”, “7 balls”, “3 balls”, and “5 balls”, but can be changed as appropriate.

  A small ball M1 is introduced into the passage 1220. The small balls M1 thrown into the passage 1220 pass through the passage 1220. A part of the passage 1220 is provided along a part of the outer periphery of the screen 1211. The end portion 1221 of the passage 1220 is provided with a protrusion 1222 that prohibits the small balls M1 from jumping out of the passage 1220.

  Each time the large ball M2 falls from the front end portion 116 (see FIG. 5), the display unit 1210 displays a plurality of candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211 and the small ball M1 is inserted into the passage 1220. The display unit 1210 changes the display positions of the candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211 as time passes. Thereafter, when the ball M1 thrown into the passage 1220 moves along a part of the outer periphery of the screen 1211 and passes through the discharge unit 1230 having a discharge hole, the movement of the candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211 stops. . And the number of balls which the candidate nearest to the discharge part 1230 among candidates C1-C4 shows is determined. The small balls M1 that have passed through the discharge unit 1230 fall onto the game field 110a (for example, the pusher table 113).

[4. Marble Chance Execution Department]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the marble chance execution unit 130a.
The marble chance execution unit 130 a includes a first cron 1310, a second cron 1320, and a third cron 1330.

  When the three large balls M2 fall from the front end portion 116, the number of small balls M1 is the total number of small balls M1 determined by the ball number lottery section 120a each time the three large balls M2 fall. 1310.

  The small ball M1 thrown into the first croon 1310 enters one of holes 1311, 1312 and 1313 provided in the first croon 1310. The small balls M1 that have entered either of the holes 1311 and 1312 are collected without being thrown into the second crew 1320. On the other hand, the small ball M1 that has entered the hole 1313 passes through the passage 1314 and enters the second croon 1320.

  The small ball M1 thrown into the second croon 1320 enters one of the holes 1321, 1322, and 1323 provided in the second croon 1320. The small balls M1 that have entered either of the holes 1321 and 1322 are collected without being put into the third crew 1330. On the other hand, the small ball M1 that has entered the hole 1323 passes through the passage 1324 and enters the third croon 1330.

  The small balls M1 thrown into the third cron 1330 are discharged from a discharge portion 1331 provided in the third cron 1330. When the small ball M1 is discharged from the discharge unit 1331, the marble JP chance execution unit 140a operates.

[5. Marble JP Chance Execution Department]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the marble JP chance execution unit 140a.
The marble JP chance execution unit 140a includes a cron 141 and a small ball moving unit 142.
When the marble JP chance execution unit 140a operates, the small ball M1 is thrown into the clown 141. In the cloon 141, the small ball M1 receives an external force from the small ball moving unit 142 every time it comes into contact with the small ball moving unit 142 that reciprocally rotates, and is moved toward the outer periphery of the clown 141. Such a situation is repeated, and thereafter, the small ball M1 enters any one of the holes 143 to 148 provided in the crune 141. When the small ball M1 enters any of the holes 143 to 147, the marble JP is not paid out. On the other hand, when the small ball M1 enters the hole 148, the payout of the marble JP is executed.

[6. Flow of Kodama M1 and Odama M2]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the small balls M1 and large balls M2 in the station unit 100a.
As shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the station unit 100a includes a large ball sensor 190a, a large ball loading unit 210a, a count hopper 220a, a first hopper 230a, a second hopper 240a, 3rd hopper 250a, the distribution part 260a, the path switching parts 270a and 280a, the ceiling accommodating part 290a, the 1st path | route 60, and the 2nd path | route 70 are included.

The screw lifter 170a, the first hopper 230a, the path switching unit 270a, and the air lifter 180a are included in the game body transport unit 40.
The game body transport unit 40 transports the small balls M1 located in the game field space using the first path 60 and the second path 70 alternatively. The 1st path | route 60 has the inclination which rolls the small ball M1 toward the ceiling accommodating part 290a. The 2nd path | route 70 has the inclination which rolls the small ball M1 toward the marble JP chance execution part 140a. The first route 60 and the second route 70 are examples of a predetermined transport route.
The game body transport unit 40 can transport both the small balls M 1 transported to the first path 60 and the small balls M 1 transported to the second path 70. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where the small balls M1 conveyed to the first path 60 and the small balls M1 conveyed to the second path 70 are conveyed by separate conveyance units. .

  The game field space is located under the ceiling housing portion 290a. The game field space includes a game field 110a, a ball number lottery unit 120a, a marble chance execution unit 130a, a marble JP chance execution unit 140a, a JP payout unit 150a, and the like.

Game field 110a, number-of-ball lottery section 120a, marble chance execution section 130a, marble JP chance execution section 140a, JP payout section 150a, large ball sensor 190a, large ball insertion section 210a, count hopper 220a, The two hoppers 240a, the third hopper 250a, and the distribution unit 260a are included in the game execution unit 50.
The game execution unit 50 executes, for example, a game using the small balls M1 in the game field space (a pusher game in the present embodiment).

  Note that the configuration of the station unit 100a excluding the screw lifter 170a, the ceiling housing unit 290a, and passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a (see FIG. 10) described later is a game unit unit 80a (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 and FIG. 13).

First, the large ball sensor 190a and the large ball loading unit 210a will be described.
The large ball sensor 190a detects the large ball M2 that has dropped from the front end portion 116. The number-of-ball lottery unit 120a and the marble chance execution unit 130a operate based on the detection result of the large ball sensor 190a. The large ball loading unit 210a loads the large ball M2 into the lower table 111.

  Next, the game field 110a, the count hopper 220a, the screw lifter 170a, the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, the third hopper 250a, the distribution unit 260a, and the path switching unit 270a will be described. .

  The small balls M1 that have fallen from the front end portion 116 in the game field 110a flow into the count hopper 220a. The count hopper 220a accommodates the inflowing small balls M1 and counts the number of the small particles M1 accommodated. This count value is used to calculate a reward for the player. The count hopper 220a discharges the counted small balls M1.

  The screw lifter 170a includes a small ball M1 discharged from the count hopper 220a, a small ball M1 dropped from the cutout portion 115L, a small ball M1 dropped from the cutout portion 115R, the small ball M1 used in the marble chance execution portion 130a, and a marble. The small balls M1 used in the JP chance execution unit 140a and the small balls M1 distributed to the station unit 100a by the distribution unit 260a as described later are lifted.

  The small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a can flow into the first hopper 230a. The first hopper 230a accommodates and uses the inflowing small balls M1. In the present embodiment, the first hopper 230a throws the received small balls M1 into the ball number lottery section 120a, the marble chance execution section 130a, or the air lifter 180a via the path switching section 270a. Or use it. The first hopper 230a is an example of a first usage unit.

  Of the small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a, the small balls M1 that have not flowed into the first hopper 230a can flow into the second hopper 240a. The second hopper 240a accommodates and uses the inflowing small balls M1. In the present embodiment, the second hopper 240a uses the accommodated small balls M1 by inserting them into the game field 110a (specifically, the pusher table 113) from the input unit 114R. The second hopper 240a is another example of the first usage unit and an example of the second usage unit. The second hopper 240a is also an example of a game body utilization unit.

  Of the small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a, small balls M1 that have not flowed into the first hopper 230a or the second hopper 240a can flow into the third hopper 250a. The third hopper 250a accommodates and uses the inflowing small balls M1. In the present embodiment, the third hopper 250a uses the accommodated small balls M1 by inserting them into the game field 110a (specifically, the pusher table 113) from the input unit 114L. The third hopper 250a is another example of the second usage unit. The third hopper 250a is another example of the game body utilization unit.

  The distribution unit 260a transfers the small balls M1 that have not been flown into the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, or the third hopper 250a out of the small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a to the station unit 100a (game unit). Part 80a) and station part 100b (game unit part 80b).

The route switching unit 270a selects the route of the small balls M1 discharged from the first hopper 230a as a route toward the ball lottery unit 120a, a route toward the marble chance execution unit 130a, and a route toward the air lifter 180a. Switch to.
In the present embodiment, the path switching unit 270a includes a discharge unit 271a that receives and discharges the small balls M1 discharged by the first hopper 230a. The discharge unit 271a is fixed to a rotating shaft 272a that is rotated by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown). The route switching unit 270a moves the positions of the outlets 273a of the small balls M1 provided in the discharge unit 271a on the route toward the ball lottery unit 120a, on the route toward the marble chance execution unit 130a, and toward the air lifter 180a. By switching to the alternative on the route, the route through which the ball M1 passes is selected on the route toward the ball lottery unit 120a, the route toward the marble chance execution unit 130a, and the route toward the air lifter 180a. Switch to one.

  Next, the air lifter 180a, the path switching unit 280a, and the ceiling housing unit 290a will be described.

  The air lifter 180a lifts the small balls M1 that have flowed from the first hopper 230a via the route switching unit 270a, and the lifted small balls M1 are sent to the marble JP chance execution unit 140a and the ceiling housing unit 290a via the route switching unit 280a. And alternatively.

The path switching unit 280a switches the path through which the ball M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a passes between the first path 60 and the second path 70.
In the present embodiment, the path switching unit 280a includes a discharge unit 281a that receives and discharges the small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a. The discharge unit 281a is fixed to a rotating shaft 282a that is rotated by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown). In the path switching unit 280a, the position of the discharge port 283a of the small ball M1 provided in the discharge unit 281a is switched between the first path 60 and the second path 70, whereby the small ball lifted by the air lifter 180a. The route through which M1 passes is switched between the first route 60 and the second route 70.

  The ceiling housing part 290a is shared by the station parts 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d. The ceiling accommodating portion 290a accommodates the small balls M1 that are alternatively paid out from the JP payout portion 150a to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

[7. Flow of Kodama M1 related to screw lifter 170a]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the game field 110a, the count hopper 220a, the screw lifter 170a, the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, the third hopper 250a, and the distribution unit 260a. .

As shown in FIG. 10, the station unit 100a also includes passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a for conveying the small balls M1.
The passages 310a and 320a, the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a are included in the game transport device 20. The game transport device 20 is used in the game device 10 to transport the small balls M1.

  The passage 340 a and the screw lifter 170 a are included in the return conveyance unit 30. The return conveyance unit 30 receives at least one of the small balls M1 used in the first hopper 230a, the small balls M1 used in the second hopper 240a, and the small balls M1 used in the third hopper 250a. Then, it is conveyed upstream of the passage 310a. The return conveyance unit 30 conveys the small balls M1 to the upstream side of the passage 310a, whereby the small balls M1 are arranged between the passages 310a and 320a, the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a, and the return conveyance unit 30. It becomes possible to circulate with.

  The return conveyance unit 30 can further receive the inflow of the small balls M1 from the station unit 100b, and can convey the small balls M1 upstream of the passage 310a. For this reason, the small balls M1 can be replenished from the station unit 100b via the return conveyance unit 30.

  A combination of the game transport device 20 and the return transport unit 30 is included in the transport unit unit 90.

  In FIG. 10, passages 320b and 340b included in the station unit 100b are also shown. In FIG. 10, the side walls of each of the passages 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a, 320b, and 340b are omitted for simplification of description.

  The passage 310a has an inclination for rolling the small balls M1 toward the passage 320a. The small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a are discharged into the passage 310a. The small balls M1 can roll on the passage 310a and flow into the first hopper 230a.

  The passage 320a has an inclination to roll the small balls M1. The small balls M1 that have flowed into the passage 320a can flow into the second hopper 240a while rolling.

  Of the small balls M1 that have flowed into the passage 320a, the small balls M1 that have not flowed into the second hopper 240a can flow into the third hopper 250a while rolling.

  Of the small balls M1 that have flowed into the passage 320a, the small balls M1 that have not flowed into the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a pass through the passage 320a, and then contact the sorting portion 260a. The small balls M1 change the moving direction by being in contact with the distribution unit 260a, and are distributed to either the passage 340a or the passage 340b.

  In other words, the sorting unit 260a, in the transport unit unit 90 of the station unit 100a, at least a part of the plurality of small balls M1 that have passed through the passage 320a without flowing into the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a. The return conveyance unit 30 included in the conveyance unit 90 of the station unit 100b can be distributed. The distribution unit 260a is an example of a game body distribution unit and another device distribution unit.

Therefore, for example, in the station unit 100a, all of the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a are filled with the small balls M1, so that the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper are filled. The small balls M1 that have not been able to flow into any of 250a can be distributed to the station unit 100b. In this case, the station unit 100a can be prevented from supplying the small balls M1 to the station unit 100b more than necessary.
In addition, in the transport unit 90 of the station unit 100b, the distribution unit 260a transfers at least a part of the plurality of small balls M1 that have passed through the passage 320b without flowing into the second hopper 240b or the third hopper 250b. The return conveyance unit 30 included in the conveyance unit 90 of the unit 100a can be distributed. For this reason, it becomes possible to suppress that the station part 100b supplies the small ball M1 to the station part 100a more than necessary.

  Further, the small balls M1 can be moved back and forth between the station unit 100a and the station unit 100b, and even if an imbalance occurs in the number of small balls M1 between the station unit 100a and the station unit 100b, the imbalance is improved. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, for example, the administrator of the game apparatus 10 can reduce the work of adjusting the number of small balls M1 in the station units 100a and 100b.

  The allocating unit 260a has a surface 261 facing the transport unit 90 side of the station unit 100a and a surface 262 facing the transport unit 90 side of the station unit 100b. The surfaces 261 and 262 may be flat or curved. In the present embodiment, planes are used as the surfaces 261 and 262. The surface 261 has an inclination that rolls the ball M1 in a direction toward the passage 340a. The surface 262 has an inclination that rolls the small balls M1 in a direction toward the passage 340b. The small balls M1 are distributed to the passage 340a when contacting the surface 261, and are distributed to the passage 340b when contacting the surface 262.

In the allocating portion 260a, a portion (hereinafter also referred to as “specific portion”) 263 where the surface 261 and the surface 262 are in contact is the highest position.
In this embodiment, the small ball M1 that has passed through the passage 320a in a situation where there is no small ball M1 reaches the surface 262 beyond the specific portion 263, and has passed through the passage 320b in the situation where the small ball M1 does not exist. The sorting unit 260a is provided so that the small balls M1 reach the surface 261 beyond the specific portion 263.
On the other hand, the small ball M1 that has slowed down on the passage 320a due to the presence of the small ball M1 and colliding with the small ball M1 may reach the surface 261 without passing through the specific portion 263 even when passing through the passage 320a. . Similarly, the small ball M1 that has slowed down on the passage 320b due to the presence of the small ball M1 in the surroundings and colliding with the small ball M1 may reach the surface 262 without passing through the specific portion 263 even when passing through the passage 320b. is there.

  Of the small balls M1 thrown into the game field 110a, the small balls M1 that have fallen from the front end portion 116 flow into the passage 330a. The passage 330a has an inclination for rolling the inflowing small balls M1. The small balls M1 flowing into the passage 330a roll and flow into the count hopper 220a.

  In the passage 340a, the small balls M1 discharged from the count hopper 220a, the small balls M1 distributed to the passage 340a by the sorting unit 260a, the small balls M1 dropped from the cutout portion 115L, and the small balls M1 dropped from the cutout portion 115R The small balls M1 used in the marble chance execution unit 130a and the small balls M1 used in the marble JP chance execution unit 140a flow in.

The passage 340a has an inclination for rolling the small ball M1 to the screw lifter 170a. The passage composed of the passage 310a and the passage 320a is an example of a first passage. The passage 340a is an example of a second passage.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a has an inclination for rolling the small balls M1 from one side in the horizontal direction to the other side. The passage 340a has an inclination to roll the small ball M1 from the other side in the horizontal direction to the one side.
Therefore, it is possible to align the most upstream portion of the passage composed of the passage 310a and the passage 320a and the most downstream portion of the passage 340a on one side in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the screw lifter 170a can transport the small balls M1 in the vertical direction or the substantially vertical direction on one side in the horizontal direction.

The passage 340a is provided substantially vertically below the passage formed by the passage 310a and the passage 320a. For this reason, it is possible to substantially match the horizontal position of the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a and the passage 340a.
The “substantially vertical lower side of the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a” includes the vertical lower side of the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a. The state in which the passage 340a is provided substantially vertically below the passage composed of the passage 310a and the passage 320a is that the passage 340a is a passage when the passages 310a, 320a, and 340a are viewed in plan view from the vertical direction. It includes a state overlapping with a part of at least one of 310a and 320a.

[8. Passage 310a and first hopper 230a]
FIG. 11 is a plan view of an example of the passage 310a and the first hopper 230a from above. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the passage 310a is shared by the game unit 80a and the game unit 80c. Therefore, in addition to the first hopper 230a, the first hopper 230c of the game unit portion 80c communicates with the passage 310a.

  The screw lifter 170a discharges the lifted small balls M1 radially in the passage 310a.

  The 1st hopper 230a accommodates and uses the small ball M1 which flows in from the inflow port 231a provided in the channel | path 310a. For example, the small balls M1 discharged from the screw lifter 170a into the first hopper 230a through the inlet 231a while rolling by the inclination of the passage 310a to the upstream of the inlet 231a in the passage 310a.

  On the other hand, the 1st hopper 230c accommodates and uses the small ball M1 which flows in from the inflow port 231c provided in the channel | path 310a. For example, the small ball M1 discharged by the screw lifter 170a flows into the first hopper 230c through the inlet 231c while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 310a at a location upstream of the inlet 231c in the passage 310a.

Thus, the small balls M1 roll by the inclination of the passage 310a and flow into the first hopper 230a or 230c. For this reason, compared with the case where the small balls M1 are transported to the first hopper 230a or 230c using power in the passage 310a, the small balls M1 can be transported more efficiently because the power is not used.
The inflow port 231a and the inflow port 231c are provided at positions facing each other.

A restriction portion 350a is provided in the passage 310a. In the present embodiment, the restricting portion 350a is configured by the side wall 311a of the passage 310a. The restricting portion 350a guides the small balls M1 to the inflow port 231a or 231c by restricting the moving direction of the small balls M1 in the passage 310a.
The restricting portion 350 a has surfaces 351 and 352. The surfaces 351 and 352 may be flat or curved. In the present embodiment, planes are used as the surfaces 351 and 352.
The surface 351 is provided on the downstream side of the passage 310a. The surface 351 is provided so that the portion farther from the inflow port 231a in the width direction W1 of the passage 310a is located on the upstream side of the passage 310a. The small balls M1 that have come into contact with the surface 351 move toward the inflow port 231a by rolling along the surface 351.
The surface 352 is also provided on the downstream side of the passage 310a. The surface 352 is provided so that the portion farther from the inflow port 231c in the width direction W1 of the passage 310a is located on the upstream side of the passage 310a. The small balls M1 that have come into contact with the surface 352 move toward the inflow port 231c by rolling along the surface 352.
For this reason, the small balls M1 are liable to flow into the inflow port 231a or 231c.

Of the small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a, the small balls M1 that have not flowed into either the first hopper 230a or the first hopper 230c move to the passage 320a from the outlet 312a or 313a where the side wall 311a does not exist. .
For example, since the small balls M1 are sufficiently accommodated in the first hopper 230a, the small balls M1 that have not entered the first hopper 230a move from the outlet 312a to the passage 320a.

[9. Passage 320a, Second Hopper 240a, and Third Hopper 250a]
FIG. 12 is a plan view of an example of the passage 320a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a from above. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the passage 320a is shared by the game unit unit 80a and the game unit unit 80c. Therefore, in addition to the second hopper 240a, the second hopper 240c of the game unit portion 80c communicates with the passage 320a. In addition to the third hopper 250a, the third hopper 250c of the game unit portion 80c communicates with the passage 320a.

The 2nd hopper 240a accommodates and uses the small ball M1 which flows in from the inflow port 241a provided in the channel | path 320a. For example, into the second hopper 240a, the small balls M1 that have flowed from the passage 310a into a portion of the passage 320a upstream of the inflow port 241a flow in through the inflow port 241a while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
On the other hand, the 2nd hopper 240c accommodates and uses the small ball M1 which flows in from the inflow port 241c provided in the channel | path 320a. For example, the small balls M1 that have flowed from the passage 310a into the second hopper 240c in the passage 320a upstream of the inflow port 241c flow through the inflow port 241c while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
The inflow port 241a and the inflow port 241c are provided at positions facing each other.

The 3rd hopper 250a accommodates and uses the small ball M1 which flows in from the inflow port 251a provided in the channel | path 320a among the small balls M1 which did not flow into any of the 2nd hoppers 240a and 240c. For example, into the third hopper 250a, the small balls M1 that have flowed from the passage 310a into a portion of the passage 320a that is upstream of the inflow port 251a flow through the inflow port 251a while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
On the other hand, the 3rd hopper 250c accommodates and uses the small ball M1 which flows in from the inflow port 251c provided in the channel | path 320a among the small balls M1 which did not flow into any of the 2nd hoppers 240a and 240c. For example, into the third hopper 250c, the small balls M1 that have flowed from the passage 310a into a portion of the passage 320a that is upstream of the inflow port 251c flow through the inflow port 251c while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
The inlet 251a and the inlet 251c are provided at positions facing each other.

  Thus, the small balls M1 roll by the inclination of the passage 320a and flow into the second hopper 240a or 240c or the third hopper 250a or 250c. Therefore, as compared with the case where the small balls M1 are transported to the second hopper 240a or 240c or the third hopper 250a or 250c using power in the passage 320a, the small balls M1 are efficiently transported as much as no power is used. It becomes possible.

  The inflow ports 241a and 241c are provided upstream of the passage 320a. The inflow ports 251a and 251c are provided downstream of the passage 320a. For this reason, any of the inflow ports 251a and 251c can receive the small balls M1 that have not flowed into either of the inflow ports 241a and 241c. Therefore, the small balls M1 that roll in the passage 320a can easily flow into any of the inflow ports 241a, 241c, 251a, and 251c.

  Further, in the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a, the inlets 231a and 231c are provided upstream of the passage, and the inlets 241a and 241c are provided downstream of the inlets 231a and 231c. The inlets 251a and 251c are provided downstream of the inlets 241a and 241c. For this reason, the small balls M1 rolling in the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a are likely to flow into any of the inflow ports 231a, 231c, 241a, 241c, 251a, and 251c.

  The passage 320a is provided with restriction portions 360a, 370a, 380a, and 390a. In the present embodiment, each of the restricting portions 360a, 370a, 380a, and 390a is configured by a protruding portion that protrudes from the passage 320a.

The restricting portion 360a is provided on the upstream side of the inflow ports 241a and 241c. The restricting portion 360a restricts the moving direction of the small balls M1 in the passage 320a and guides the small balls M1 to the inflow port 241a or 241c.
Specifically, the restricting portion 360 a has a surface 361 and a surface 362. The surfaces 361 and 362 may be flat or curved. In the present embodiment, planes are used as the surfaces 361 and 362.
The surface 361 is provided such that a portion farther from the inflow port 241a in the width direction W2 of the passage 320a is positioned on the upstream side of the passage 320a. The small balls M1 that have come into contact with the surface 361 move toward the inflow port 241a by rolling along the surface 361.
The surface 362 is provided so that the portion farther from the inflow port 241c in the width direction W2 of the passage 320a is located on the upstream side of the passage 320a. The small balls M1 that have come into contact with the surface 362 move toward the inflow port 241c by rolling along the surface 362.
For this reason, the small balls M1 can easily flow into the inflow port 241a or 241c.

The restricting portion 370a is provided on the downstream side of the inflow ports 241a and 241c and on the upstream side of the inflow ports 251a and 251c. The restricting portion 370a restricts the moving direction of the small balls M1 in the passage 320a and guides the small balls M1 to the inlet 251a or the restricting portion 390a.
Specifically, the restricting portion 370 a has surfaces 371 and 372. The surfaces 371 and 372 may be flat or curved. In the present embodiment, planes are used as the surfaces 371 and 372.
The surface 371 is provided so that the portion farther from the inflow port 251a in the width direction W2 of the passage 320a is located on the upstream side of the passage 320a. The small balls M1 that have come into contact with the surface 371 move toward the inflow port 251a by rolling along the surface 371. For this reason, the small balls M1 can easily flow into the inflow port 251a.
The surface 372 is parallel to the length direction of the passage 320a (the direction orthogonal to the width direction W2). The small balls M1 that have come into contact with the surface 372 move toward the restricting portion 390a by rolling along the surface 372.

The positional relationship between the restriction portion 380a and the inlet 251c is the same as the positional relationship between the restriction portion 370a and the inlet 251a. Specifically, the restricting portion 380 a has surfaces 381 and 382, the surface 381 corresponds to the surface 371, and the surface 382 corresponds to the surface 372. The surfaces 381 and 382 may be flat or curved. In the present embodiment, planes are used as the surfaces 381 and 382.
Further, the positional relationship between the inlets 251a and 251c in the restricting portion 390a is the same as the positional relationship with the inlets 241a and 241c in the restricting portion 360a. Specifically, the restricting portion 390 a has surfaces 391 and 392, the surface 391 corresponds to the surface 361, and the surface 392 corresponds to the surface 362. The surfaces 391 and 392 may be flat or curved. In the present embodiment, planes are used as the surfaces 391 and 392.

  Of the small balls M1 that have flowed into the passage 320a, the small balls M1 that have not flowed into any of the second hoppers 240a and 240c and the third hoppers 250a and 250c pass from the outlet 322a where the side wall 321a does not exist to the distribution unit 260a. Head. The exit 322a is an example of a game body supply unit.

[10. Passages 330a and 340a and count hopper 220a]
FIG. 13 is a plan view of an example of the field 110a, the passages 330a and 340a, and the count hopper 220a from above. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the passage 340a is shared by the game unit 80a and the game unit 80c. Therefore, the passage 340a includes a small ball M1 that has passed through the passage 330a and the count hopper 220a after falling from the game field 110a in the game unit portion 80a, and a passage 330c and the count hopper that have been dropped from the game field 110c in the game unit portion 80c. The small ball M1 that has passed through 220c flows in. The passage 330a is provided with a side wall 331a, and the passage 330c is provided with a side wall 331c.

  In the passage 340a, a game body receiving unit 343a that receives the small balls M1 distributed to the transport unit 90 of the station unit 100a by the distribution unit 260a is provided. The game body receiving unit 343a is also an example of a shared game body receiving unit.

A side wall 341a and a slit 342a are provided in the passage 340a. The width of the slit 342a is smaller than the diameter of the small balls M1. A small portion of the small ball M1 may be missing when traveling around the game apparatus 10. The slit 342a suppresses such small pieces of the small balls M1 from falling below the passage 340a, thereby preventing the small pieces of the small balls M1 from accumulating in the passage 340a and preventing the small balls M1 from rolling. The slit 342a may be provided in at least one of the passages 310a, 320a, and 330a. Note that a recovery case may be provided below the slit 342a for recovering a piece of the small ball M1 that passes through the slit 342a and falls below the passage.
The small ball M1 passing through the passage 340a moves to the screw lifter 170a.

As described above, the passages 310a, 320a and 340a are shared by the game unit portions 80a and 80c. For this reason, the passages 310a, 320a and 340a are not shared, and the configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where dedicated passages are used for each of the game unit 80a and the game unit 80c.
Furthermore, the passages 310a, 320a and 340a are shared by the adjacent game unit portions 80a and 80c. For this reason, the distance between the passages 310a, 320a and 340a and the game unit portions 80a and 80c can be shortened.

[11. Screw lifter 170a]
FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the screw lifter 170a.
The screw lifter 170a is an example of a transport device. The screw lifter 170a includes a take-in portion 1710 that takes in the small balls M1 and a discharge portion 1720 that discharges the small balls M1.
The screw lifter 170a is disposed so that the discharge portion 1720 is positioned higher than the intake portion 1710. The screw lifter 170a lifts the small balls M1 taken in from the take-in portion 1710, and discharges the lifted small balls M1 from the discharge portion 1720.
The screw lifter 170a conveys the small balls M1 flowing in from the passage 340a to the passage 310a substantially vertically upward (see FIG. 10). For this reason, it becomes possible to shorten the conveyance route of the small balls M1 in the screw lifter 170a.
Substantially vertical means that the inclination with respect to the vertical direction is within a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees). The predetermined angle is not limited to 30 degrees, and may be a range in which a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction can be regarded as vertical, may be 0 degrees or more and less than 30 degrees, or may be larger than 30 degrees. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the predetermined angle is 0 degree.

  The screw lifter 170 a includes a rotating body 1730, a support part 1740, a surrounding member 1750, a guide part 1760, a holding part 1770, and a supply part 1780.

  FIG. 15 is a view showing the screw lifter 170a in which the surrounding member 1750 is omitted. FIG. 16 is a view showing the screw lifter 170a in which the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760 are omitted.

The rotating body 1730 can rotate around a rotating shaft 1734 (see FIG. 16) that passes through the rotating body 1730. For this reason, the rotating body 1730 itself also functions as a rotating shaft. The rotating body 1730 and the rotating shaft 1734 extend in the vertical direction.
As shown in FIG. 14, the take-in portion 1710 is provided on the one end 1731 side of the rotating body 1730, in other words, on the one end 1735 side of the rotating shaft 1734. The discharge unit 1720 is provided on the other end 1732 side of the rotating body 1730, in other words, on the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734.
The direction in which the rotating body 1730 extends is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be any direction in which the position of the discharge unit 1720 is higher than the position of the take-in unit 1710.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, the support portion 1740 extends in a spiral shape from the one end 1735 side of the rotating shaft 1734 toward the other end 1736 side. In the present embodiment, the support portion 1740 is provided on the side surface 1733 of the rotating body 1730. For this reason, the support portion 1740 can rotate together with the rotating body 1730 about the rotation shaft 1734.

  The support portion 1740 includes a first portion 1741, a second portion 1742, and a third portion 1743. The first portion 1741 is a portion of the support portion 1740 on the one end 1735 side of the rotation shaft 1734. The first portion 1741 is included in the capturing unit 1710. The second portion 1742 is a portion of the support portion 1740 on the other end 1736 side of the rotation shaft 1734. The second portion 1742 is included in the discharge unit 1720. The third portion 1743 is a portion located between the first portion 1741 and the second portion 1742 in the support portion 1740.

A surrounding member 1750 surrounds the third portion 1743. The surrounding member 1750 is a cylindrical member.
All or part of the surrounding member 1750 is made of, for example, a transparent material. When the surrounding member 1750 is made of a transmissive material, the conveyance of the small balls M1 by the screw lifter 170a can be visually recognized by the player. For this reason, it becomes possible to give a visual interestingness to a player. Note that the surrounding member 1750 may not be formed of a transmissive material.

  In the present embodiment, the surrounding member 1750 does not surround the first portion 1741 and the second portion 1742. The support portion 1740 takes in the small balls M <b> 1 at the first portion 1741 that is not surrounded by the surrounding member 1750. Further, the support portion 1740 discharges the small balls M <b> 1 at the second portion 1742 that is not surrounded by the surrounding member 1750.

  The guide portion 1760 extends from the one end 1735 side of the rotating shaft 1734 toward the other end 1736 side in a space sandwiched between the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750. In the present embodiment, twelve cylindrical guide portions 1760 are used. The distance between the guide portions 1760 is wider than the diameter of the small balls M1. Further, the small balls M1 that have entered the interval between the two guide portions 1760 can move at the interval between the two guide portions 1760, but the distance between the right adjacent guide portion 1760 and the left adjacent guide portion 1760 Each guide portion 1760 is provided in a space sandwiched between the support portion 1740 and the enclosing member 1750 so that the guide portion 1760 cannot be moved in the interval. That is, the interval between the support portion 1740 and the guide portion 1760 and the interval between the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760 are both smaller than the diameter of the small ball M1. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, each guide portion 1760 is provided so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member 1750 so that the distance between the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760 is smaller than the diameter of the small ball M1. good.

  Each guide portion 1760 supports the small ball M1 in cooperation with the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750, and the small ball M1 from the one end 1735 side to the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734 accompanying the rotation of the support portion 1740. Guide the movement. In the examples of FIGS. 14 to 19, the support portion 1740 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the vertical upper side of the rotation shaft 1734. Further, the support portion 1740 extends in a spiral shape from the one end 1735 side to the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734 so as to be clockwise when viewed from the vertically upper side. The twelve guide portions 1760 extend linearly from one end 1735 side of the rotating shaft 1734 to the other end 1736 side in a space sandwiched between the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750. When the support portion 1740 rotates counterclockwise, the small ball M1 is pressed from the left side of each guide portion 1760, and the small ball M1 moves along the guide portion 176 from the one end 1735 side to the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734. To do. As described above, the small balls M1 that have entered the intervals of the guide portions 1760 move along the guide portions 1760 without moving to the adjacent intervals, so the number of screw lifters 170a is the same as the number of guide portions 1760. There are twelve transport routes, and a plurality of small balls M1 can be transported simultaneously using the twelve transport routes.

In this embodiment, the guide portion 1760 extends from the space sandwiched between the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750 to one end 1735 side (take-in portion 1710) and the other end 1736 side (discharge portion 1720) of the rotating shaft 1734. Exists.
Of the guide portion 1760, a portion 1761 extending to the take-in portion 1710 guides the take-in of the small balls M1 in the take-in portion 1710.

  The guide portion 1760 and the surrounding member 1750 are fixed to each other with screws or an adhesive. For this reason, the mutual positional relationship of the guide part 1760 and the surrounding member 1750 can be made constant.

[12. Capture unit 1710]
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the screw lifter 170a centered on the intake portion 1710. FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the take-in portion 1710 and the passage 340a.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the small balls M1 flowing into the passage 340a from the game unit portion 80a and the small balls M1 flowing into the passage 340a from the game unit portion 80c pass through the passage 340a, the supply portion 1780 of the screw lifter 170a. (See FIG. 18). Note that a side wall may be provided around the supply unit 1780 in order to prevent the small balls M1 reaching the supply unit 1780 from falling from the supply unit 1780.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the supply unit 1780 includes an inclined surface 1781 having an inclination for rolling the small balls M1 existing around the first portion 1741 to the first portion 1741. The inclined surface 1781 may be composed of a plurality of planes or a curved surface. In the present embodiment, a curved surface is used as the inclined surface 1781. The inclined surface 1781 has an inclination that decreases in height toward the first portion 1741.

The small ball M1 that has reached the supply unit 1780 rolls on the inclined surface 1781 and reaches the first portion 1741 from between the guide units 1760 present in the take-in unit 1710. For this reason, compared with the case where there is no inclined surface 1781 (supply part 1780), it becomes possible to raise the taking-in efficiency of the small ball M1.
Furthermore, since the small ball M1 rolls on the inclined surface 1781 by its own weight and reaches the first portion 1741, it does not use power compared to the case where the small ball M1 is supplied to the first portion 1741 using power. Therefore, it is possible to increase the conveyance efficiency.
As shown in FIG. 13, the supply unit 1780 collects the small balls M1 from each of the game unit units 80a and 80c, and the supply unit 1780 supplies the small balls M1 to the first portion 1741. Therefore, the screw lifter 170a can be shared by the plurality of game unit portions 80a and 80c.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, support portion 1740 rotates in the direction of arrow D together with rotating body 1730. By this rotation, the first portion 1741 enters under the small balls M1 and lifts the small balls M1. For this reason, the take-in portion 1710a can take in the small balls M1 from the 360-degree direction around the first portion 1741 using the first portion 1741.

  When the ball M1 is lifted by the first portion 1741, the ball M1 rolls along the inclination of the first portion 1741 and collides with the guide portion 1760 (specifically, the portion 1761) existing in the intake portion 1710. . Therefore, the rolling of the small balls M1 by the support portion 1740 is regulated by the guide portion 1760.

  When the rotation of the support portion 1740 proceeds, the small balls M1 enter the space surrounded by the surrounding member 1750 and the rotating body 1730 while being supported by the support portion 1740 and the guide portion 1760. That is, the take-in of the small balls M1 is completed. Thus, in this embodiment, the guide part 1760 can be used as a member for taking in the small balls M1.

  When the small ball M1 enters the space surrounded by the surrounding member 1750 and the rotating body 1730, it is supported by the surrounding member 1750 in addition to the support portion 1740 and the guide portion 1760.

  When the rotation of the support portion 1740 proceeds with the small ball M1 supported by the support portion 1740, the guide portion 1760, and the surrounding member 1750, the small ball M1 is transported toward the discharge portion 1720 along the guide portion 1760. .

[13. Discharge unit 1720]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the screw lifter 170a with the discharge portion 1720 as the center.

  When the small ball M1 reaches the discharge part 1720, the surrounding member 1750 does not support it. Therefore, the small balls M1 are discharged from the discharge portion 1720 by the second portion 1742 of the support portion 1740. Since the discharge unit 1720 is not surrounded by the surrounding member 1750, the small balls M1 can be discharged from the 360 degree direction around the second portion 1742.

  In the present embodiment, the second portion 1742 is provided with a protruding portion 1790 that protrudes the small ball M1 that has reached the discharge portion 1720. The protruding portion 1790 collides with the small ball M1 as the support portion 1740 rotates, whereby the small ball M1 is discharged to the outside of the discharge portion 1720 (see FIG. 11). For this reason, it is possible to suppress the small balls M1 from staying in the discharge unit 1720.

[14. Ceiling receiving portion 290a]
20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line L-L in FIG. 2, which mainly shows an example of the ceiling housing portion 290 a. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. The ceiling housing part 290a is shared by the station parts 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d.
The internal space of the game apparatus 10 is partitioned into a game field space 410 and a small ball storage space 420 by a partition member 400. For this reason, the partition member 400 can be used as the bottom of the small ball receiving space 420 and the ceiling of the game field space 410. Therefore, compared with the case where the bottom part of the small ball accommodation space 420 and the ceiling of the game field space 410 are comprised by another member, a structure can be simplified. The partition member 400 is an example of a first member.

  The game field space 410 is a space in which the game field storage unit 430 stores the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d. The game field storage unit 430 includes a first storage member 440 and a partition member 400.

  The small ball storage space 420 is an example of a game body storage space. The small ball accommodating space 420 is a space in which the ceiling accommodating portion 290a accommodates the small balls M1. The ceiling housing part 290a is an example of a game body housing part. The ceiling housing part 290 a is configured by the second housing member 450 and the partition member 400. The first housing member 440 and the second housing member 450 are fixed to each other with screws or the like. Ceiling accommodating part 290a is located on game field accommodating part 430. For this reason, it is possible to effectively use the space above the game field storage unit 430.

  The game apparatus 10 also includes a supply path 460, an input unit 470, and a support unit 480.

  The supply path 460 supplies the small balls M1 accommodated in the ceiling accommodating portion 290a to the game field space 410. In the present embodiment, the supply path 460 alternatively supplies the small balls M1 to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d via the JP payout unit 150a. The JP payout unit 150a is provided with a path switching unit 151a that switches the payout direction of the small balls M1. The route switching unit 151a has a discharge port for discharging the small balls M1 supplied to the JP payout unit 150a. The position of the discharge port of the route switching unit 151a is switched alternatively to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

  The insertion unit 470 inputs the small balls M1 accommodated in the ceiling accommodation unit 290a into the game field space 410. In the present embodiment, the insertion unit 470 alternatively supplies the small balls M1 accommodated in the ceiling accommodation unit 290a to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d via the supply path 460 and the JP payout unit 150a.

  The support part 480 supports a plate-like member 4020 described later. The support part 480 is moved by the input part 470.

  The partition member 400 includes plate-like members 4010, 4020, and 4030. The plate-like members 4010, 4020 and 4030 are made of a transparent material. For this reason, it is possible to show the player the small balls M1 accommodated in the small ball accommodating space 420, and it is possible to give the player interestingness. Part or all of the partition member 400 may be made of a transparent material, or the whole partition member 400 may be made of a non-permeable material.

The plate-like members 4010 and 4030 are fixed to the game apparatus 10.
The plate member 4020 is swingably connected to the plate member 4030. In the present embodiment, the plate-like member 4020 can swing around a shaft 405 provided at a location where the plate-like member 4030 is connected.
A surface 4021 of the plate-like member 4020 on the small ball housing space 420 side is in contact with a surface 4031 of the plate-like member 4030 on the small ball housing space 420 side at the contact portion 404. The contact part 404 is an example of a specific part.

  A surface 4011 and a surface 4031 of the plate-like member 4010 on the small ball accommodating space 420 side are inclined surfaces having an inclination for rolling the small balls M1 toward the contact portion 404. Each of the surfaces 4011, 4021, and 4031 is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

When the small balls M1 are stored in the ceiling housing portion 290a, the throwing portion 470 rotates the support portion 480 so that the surface 4021 has an inclined surface that causes the small balls M1 to roll toward the contact portion 404 (see FIG. 20 and FIG. 21).
In this state, when the small ball M1 is thrown into the ceiling accommodating portion 290a from at least one of the first paths 60 of the station portions 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, the small ball M1 rolls toward the contact portion 404. Then, it accumulates in the ceiling accommodating part 290a. For this reason, for example, compared with the case where the small balls M1 are conveyed to the contact portion 404 using power in the ceiling housing portion 290a, the small balls M1 can be efficiently collected on the contact portion 404 by the amount of not using power. become.

  When the small balls M1 accommodated in the ceiling accommodating portion 290a are thrown into the game field space 410, the throwing portion 470 rotates the support portion 480 so that the surface 4021 rolls the small balls M1 to the contact portion 404. The inclination is changed to roll the small ball M <b> 1 to the supply path 460.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 20 when the surface 4021 is changed to an inclination that rolls the small balls M1 to the supply path 460.
In this state, the small balls M1 roll on the surface 4021 toward the supply path 460, and then move from the outlet 4023 to the supply path 460 along the guide portion 4022, which is a protrusion on the surface 4021, for example. As described above, since the small balls M1 are rolled to the supply path 460 by the inclination, the small balls M1 are efficiently moved to the supply path 460 as much power is not used as compared with the case where the small balls M1 are moved using power. be able to.
Thereafter, the small ball M1 rolls on the supply path 460 and flows into the JP payout unit 150a. Thereafter, the small ball M1 is thrown into one of the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d from the route switching unit 151a of the JP payout unit 150a.

  When the small balls M1 stored in the ceiling housing portion 290a are paid out from the JP payout portion 150a, the insertion portion 470 rotates the support portion 480 to roll the small balls M1 toward the contact portion 404. The inclined surface has an inclination. Thereafter, at least one of the air lifters 180a, 180b, 180c and 180d lifts the small balls M1, and the lifted small balls M1 are put into the ceiling housing portion 290a. The number of small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a is controlled by the first hopper 230a. Similarly, the number of small balls M1 lifted by the air lifters 180b, 180c, and 180d is controlled by the first hoppers 230b, 230c, and 230d, respectively.

[15. Hoppers 230a, 240a and 250a]
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first hopper 230a. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG.

  The first hopper 230a is provided with a rotary disk 2310, a disk guide member 2320, a motor 2330, a delivery unit 2340, a shaft 2350, and a brush 2360.

  The rotary disk 2310 has a disk shape and is fixed to a shaft 2350 for transmitting the power of the motor 2330 at the center thereof. The rotary disk 2310 has four small ball delivery holes 2311 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of the ball delivery holes 2311 is not limited to “4” and can be changed as appropriate. A brush 2360 for cleaning the small balls M1 is provided on the inner wall of each small ball delivery hole 2311.

  The disk guide member 2320 is provided with a circular guide hole 2321. A rotary disk 2310 is fitted in the guide hole 2321.

  The small ball M1 that has entered the small ball delivery hole 2311 is guided to the delivery unit 2340 by the rotation of the rotary disk 2310. When the small ball M1 reaches the transmission unit 2340 in a state of entering the small ball transmission hole 2311, the small ball M1 falls into the transmission unit 2340 and is then discharged from the transmission unit 2340. When the small balls M1 fall on the delivery part 2340, the small pieces of the small balls M1 are removed from the small balls M1 by the brush 2360.

  The second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a have the same configuration as the first hopper 230a. For this reason, the description of the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a is omitted.

[B. Modified example]
The embodiment described above can be variously modified as described below, for example. Further, one or a plurality of modifications arbitrarily selected from the modifications described below can be appropriately combined.

[Modification 1]
The ceiling accommodating portions 290a of the plurality of game devices 10 may be coupled.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the ceiling accommodating portions 290a of the two game apparatuses 10 are connected. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG.

In Modification 1, each of the two game apparatuses 10 is provided with a through hole 500 through which the small ball M1 passes.
The through holes 500 for the two game apparatuses 10 are provided at positions facing each other. In addition, a path switching unit 490 that switches the path of the small balls M <b> 1 is provided at a position that passes through the through holes 500 of the two game apparatuses 10.
The path switching unit 490 switches the supply destination of the small balls M1 accommodated in each ceiling accommodation unit 290a between the supply path 460 of one game device 10 and the supply path 460 of the other game device 10.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example in the first modification when the supply destination of the small balls M1 is the supply path 460 of one game apparatus 10 (the right game apparatus 10 as viewed in FIG. 27). 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, when the supply destination of the small balls M1 is the supply path 460 of one game apparatus 10, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is that the small balls M1 are directed to the supply path 460 of the one game apparatus 10. It is switched to the slope that rolls toward you. Specifically, in the path switching unit 490, the height decreases from the end on the other game device 10 (the left game device 10 as viewed in FIG. 27) to the end on the one game device 10 side. In addition, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched. For this reason, the small balls M1 that have flowed into the path switching unit 490 from the ceiling accommodation unit 290a of each game device 10 roll toward the supply path 460 of one game device 10.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where the supply destination of the small balls M1 is the supply path 460 of the other game device 10 in the first modification. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ of FIG.
29 and 30, when the supply destination of the small balls M1 is the supply path 460 of the other game apparatus 10, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is that the small balls M1 are directed to the supply path 460 of the other game apparatus 10. It is switched to the slope that rolls toward you. Specifically, in the path switching unit 490, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched so that the height decreases from the end on one game device 10 side to the end on the other game device 10 side. For this reason, the small balls M1 that have flowed into the route switching unit 490 from the ceiling housing portion 290a of each game device 10 roll toward the supply path 460 of the other game device 10.

  Note that the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown).

  According to the first modification, the small balls M1 accommodated in each of the plurality of ceiling accommodating portions 290a are thrown into one station portion when the marble JP is executed. For this reason, the number of small balls M1 thrown in during the execution of Marble JP may be increased as compared with the case where the small balls M1 housed in the single ceiling housing 290a are put into one station portion during the execution of Marble JP. it can.

[Modification 2]
In this embodiment, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 of the screw lifter 170a is a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 is not limited to the cylindrical shape and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 may be a shape obtained by distorting a cylindrical shape.

[Modification 3]
In the present embodiment, the surrounding member 1750 surrounds only the third portion 1743 of the support portion 1740 (see FIG. 14). However, the surrounding member 1750 may also surround at least one of the first portion 1741 and the second portion 1742 of the support portion 1740.

[Modification 4]
In the present embodiment, the helical support portion 1740 of the screw lifter 170 a is provided on the side surface 1733 of the rotating body 1730. However, the support portion 1740 may not be provided on the side surface 1733. For example, the support portion 1740 may be fixed to a support member provided on the upper portion of the rotating body 1730 and a support member provided on the lower portion without being provided on the side surface 1733.

[Modification 5]
In the present embodiment, the screw lifter 170 a has a rotating body 1730. However, for example, when the interval K (see FIG. 16) between the spiral support portions 1740 is shorter than the diameter of the small balls M1 and the small balls M1 do not contact the rotating body 1730, the rotating body 1730 may be omitted. In this case, the support portion 1740 is directly rotated by, for example, a motor around the rotation shaft 1734.

[Modification 6]
In this embodiment, the screw lifter 170a has twelve guide portions 1760. However, the number of guide portions 1760 may be “1” or more. The greater the number of guide portions 1760, the greater the number of conveying routes for the small balls M1.

[Modification 7]
In the present embodiment, the guide portion 1760 has a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the guide portion 1760 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape of the guide portion 1760 may be a prism shape. The columnar shape and the prismatic shape are examples of a rod shape.

[Modification 8]
In the present embodiment, the supply unit 1780 of the screw lifter 170a has an inclined surface 1781 for rolling the small balls M1 existing around the take-in unit 1710 (first portion 1741) to the take-in unit 1710. However, the supply unit 1780 is not limited to the configuration having the inclined surface 1781, and may be configured to supply the small balls M1 to the capture unit 1710 using a belt conveyor arranged radially around the capture unit 1710a.

[Modification 9]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 18, the supply unit 1780 includes a game unit unit 80a that is back-to-back with the game unit unit 80a, in addition to the small balls M1 flowing from the passage 330a of the game unit unit 80a. The small ball M1 flows in. However, the supply unit 1780 may not have the small ball M1 flowing from the game unit unit 80c, the small ball M1 may flow from the game unit unit 80b, or the small ball M1 may flow from the game unit unit 80d. Also good.

[Modification 10]
In the present embodiment, the screw lifter 170a is used in a game apparatus using a three-dimensional game body that can roll regardless of the posture such as a marble. However, when the screw lifter 170a is used in a game apparatus using a three-dimensional game body that is different from a rollable three-dimensional game object regardless of the posture, the screw lifter 170a carries the three-dimensional game body used in the game apparatus. .

[Modification 11]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the passage 310a is separated from the passage 320a. However, the passage 310a may be integral with the passage 320a. Further, the passage constituted by the passage 310a and the passage 320a may be constituted by three or more inclined passages. The passage 340a may be configured by a plurality of inclined passages. In addition, the inclination of the passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a may be an inclination that rolls the small balls M1, and may change even if the inclination angle is constant. Further, each of the passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a may be linear, or a part or all of them may be curved.

[Modification 12]
In the present embodiment, the first hopper 230a is provided upstream of both the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a. However, the first hopper 230a may be provided downstream of the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a.

[Modification 13]
In the present embodiment, the passage 310a is provided with an inflow port 231c in addition to the inflow port 231a. However, the inflow port 231c may not be provided in the passage 310a.

[Modification 14]
In the present embodiment, the passage 320a is provided with an inlet 241c in addition to the inlet 241a, and is also provided with an inlet 251c in addition to the inlet 251a. However, at least one of the inflow ports 241c and 251c may not be provided in the passage 320a.

[Modification 15]
In the present embodiment, the inflow port 231a and the inflow port 231c face each other, the inflow port 241a and the inflow port 241c face each other, and the inflow port 251a and the inflow port 251c face each other. However, the inflow port 231a and the inflow port 231c may not face each other, the inflow port 241a and the inflow port 241c may not face each other, and the inflow port 251a and the inflow port 251c face each other. It does not have to be. In this case, the restricting portion 350a is deformed according to the positional relationship between the inflow port 231a and the inflow port 231c, and the restricting portion 360a is deformed according to the positional relationship between the inflow port 241a and the inflow port 241c, and the restricting portion 370a. 380a and 390a are deformed according to the positional relationship between the inlet 251a and the inlet 251c.

[Modification 16]
In the present embodiment, the inflow ports 231a, 231c, 241a, 241c, 251a and 251c are provided on the side wall of the passage. However, at least one of the inflow ports 231a, 231c, 241a, 241c, 251a, and 251c may be provided at the bottom of the passage instead of the side wall of the passage.

[Modification 17]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the game field space 410 and the small ball housing space 420 are partitioned by a common partition member 400. However, the game field space 410 and the small ball storage space 420 may not be partitioned by the common partition member 400. For example, the bottom of the small ball receiving space 420 may be formed by the partition member 400, and the ceiling of the game field space 410 may be formed by another member.

[Modification 18]
In the present embodiment, the partition member 400 is constituted by plate-like members 4010, 4020, and 4030. However, the partition member 400 is not limited to the member constituted by the plate-like members 4010, 4020, and 4030, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the plate-like member 4030 may be omitted, and the end of the plate-like member 4020 on the air lifter 180a side may extend to the second housing member 450. In this case, the shaft 405 is provided at a connection location between the plate-like member 4020 and the second housing member 450.
In this case, as a specific part, the contact part of the surface 4021 and the 2nd accommodating member 450 is used, for example. The specific portion is not limited to the contact portion 404 between the surface 4021 and the surface 4031.

[Modification 19]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a are alternatively supplied to the ceiling housing portion 290a and the marble JP chance execution portion 140a. However, the small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a may be supplied only to the ceiling housing portion 290a. In this case, the marble JP chance execution unit 140a is supplied with the small balls M1 from another supply unit (for example, the first hopper 230a).

[Modification 20]
In the present embodiment, the ceiling housing portion 290a is used in the game apparatus 10 that uses a three-dimensional game body that can roll regardless of the posture like a marble. However, when used in a game device using a three-dimensional game body different from a rollable three-dimensional game body regardless of the posture, the ceiling housing portion 290a stores the three-dimensional game body used in the game device.

[Modification 21]
The station unit 100a may have “medal mode” and “credit mode” as operation modes.
In this case, in the medal mode, the small balls M1 are inserted into the game field 110a in accordance with the insertion of coins into the station unit 100a as in the present embodiment. The station unit 100a pays out a predetermined number of coins from the payout port Ma every time the small ball M1 falls from the front end part 116.
On the other hand, in the credit mode, credits are accumulated in the station unit 100a according to the insertion of medals into the station unit 100a. The player operates the input button (not shown) to input a small ball M1 into the game field 110a in exchange for a predetermined consumption of credit. The station unit 100a increases the credit each time the small ball M1 falls from the front end part 116.

[Modification 22]
The game may be a game that uses a three-dimensional game body such as Kodama M1. An example of the game is a pusher game, but the game is not limited to a pusher game.

[C. Addendum]
From the above description, the present invention is grasped as follows, for example. In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are appended in parentheses for convenience in the following, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated aspects.

[Appendix 1]
A transport device (20) for a game device according to one aspect of the present invention is a transport device (20) used for transporting a three-dimensional game body (M1) in a game device (10 or 100a), and has a posture. Inflow from the passage (310a, 320a) having an inclination to roll the three-dimensional game body (M1) that can roll without depending on the first inlet (231a or 241a) provided in the passage (310a, 320a). The first use part (230a or 240a) using the three-dimensional game body (M1) to be played, and the three-dimensional game body (M1) flowing in from the second inlet (241a or 251a) provided in the passage (310a, 320a) A second utilization part (240a or 250a) that utilizes the first inflow port (231a or 241a) and the second inflow port (241a or 251a) Square (231a or 241a) is provided upstream of said passage (310a, 320a), the other (241a or 251a) is provided downstream of said passage (310a, 320a).

  According to this aspect, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolls by the inclination of the passage (310a, 320a) and flows into the first usage unit (230a or 240a) or the second usage unit (240a or 250a). . For this reason, it is more efficient than the case where the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is transported to the first usage unit (230a or 240a) or the second usage unit (240a or 250a) using power in the passages (310a, 320a). It is possible to transport the three-dimensional game machine (M1) to

  Further, one (231a or 241a) of the first inlet (231a or 241a) and the second inlet (241a or 251a) is provided upstream of the passage (310a or 320a), and the other (241a or 251a) is provided. It is provided downstream of the passages (310a, 320a). For this reason, it becomes possible for the other (241a or 251a) to accept the three-dimensional game body that has not flowed into one (231a or 241a). Therefore, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) rolling on the passages (310a, 320a) can easily flow into either the first inflow port (231a or 241a) or the second inflow port (241a or 251a).

  The game device (10 or 100a) may be a business game device, a home game device, or a terminal device.

  The game apparatus (10 or 100a) may be playable using game currency such as coins (medals), credits, or points. The game currency such as coins, credits or points may not be exchanged for actual money, or may be exchanged for actual money. The game device (10 or 100a) may be playable using actual money.

  In the game device (10 or 100a), an element (play consideration element) received from a player to play a game and an element (reward element) used as a reward for the player are the same type of elements (for example, play consideration). Both the element and the reward element may be coins), or different types of elements (for example, the play consideration element is a coin and the reward element is a voucher).

  The game may be a game that uses a three-dimensional game machine (M1). An example of the game is a pusher game using marbles or coins, but the game is not limited to a pusher game.

  The three-dimensional game body (M1) that can roll regardless of the posture may be a spherical object (for example, a marble or a ball) or a substantially spherical object (for example, a polyhedron).

  The passages (310a, 320a) may be constituted by a plurality of passages or may be constituted by a single passage.

  The inclination of the passages (310a, 320a) only needs to roll the three-dimensional game machine (M1), and the inclination angle may be constant or may change. Further, the passages (310a, 320a) may be linear or curved.

  The usage mode of the 3D game body (M1) by the first usage unit (230a or 240a) and the usage mode of the 3D game body (M1) by the second usage unit (240a or 250a) may be different from each other. It may be the same.

  The first inflow port (231a or 241a) may be provided on the side wall (311a or 321a) of the passage (310a, 320a), or may be provided on the bottom of the passage (310a, 320a). Similarly, the 2nd inflow port (241a or 251a) may be provided in the side wall (311a or 321a) of a channel | path (310a, 320a), and may be provided in the bottom part of a channel | path (310a, 320a).

[Appendix 2]
A game device (10 or 100a) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game device transport device (170a) according to appendix 1, and executes a game that proceeds according to the movement of the three-dimensional game body (M1). To do.

  According to this aspect, in the game apparatus (10 or 100a) that executes a game that progresses in accordance with the movement of the three-dimensional game body (M1), the three-dimensional game body (M1) can be efficiently transported. .

[Appendix 3]
In the game device (10 or 100a) according to another aspect, in the game device according to attachment 2, at least one of the first usage unit (230a or 240a) and the second usage unit (240a or 250a) is The three-dimensional game machine (M1) is thrown into the game field (110a).

  According to the game apparatus (10 or 100a) according to the other aspect, in the game apparatus in which the 3D game body (M1) is thrown into the game field (110a), the 3D game body (M1) is efficiently transported. Is possible.

[Appendix 4]
A game device (10 or 100a) according to another aspect includes the lottery unit (120a or 130a) that performs the lottery using the three-dimensional game body (M1) in the game device according to attachment 3, wherein the first use One (230a) of the part (230a) and the second utilization part (240a or 250a) throws the three-dimensional game body (M1) into the lottery part (120a or 130a), and the other (240a or 250a) Puts the three-dimensional game body (M1) into the game field (110a).

  According to the game apparatus (10 or 100a) according to the other aspect, the game apparatus (10 or 100a) that inserts the three-dimensional game body (M1) into the lottery unit (120a or 130a) or the game field (110a). 100a), it is possible to efficiently transport the three-dimensional game machine (M1).

[Appendix 5]
The game device (10 or 100a) according to another aspect is the game device according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, wherein the movement direction of the three-dimensional game body (M1) is restricted in the passage (310a, 320a). Then, a restriction part (350a, 360a, 370a, 380a or 390a) for guiding the three-dimensional game body (M1) to at least one of the first inlet (231a or 241a) or the second inlet (241a or 251a) Is provided.

  According to the game device (10 or 100a) according to the other aspect, the three-dimensional game body (M1) is placed in at least one of the first inlet (231a or 241a) or the second inlet (241a or 251a). It becomes easy to flow in.

[Appendix 6]
The game device (10 or 100a) according to another aspect of the game device according to any one of appendices 2 to 5, is used in the first usage unit (240a) and / or the second usage unit (250a). Among the passages (310a, 320a), the three-dimensional game body (M1) is located upstream of the first inlet (241a) and the second inlet (251a) provided in the passage (310a, 320a). The return conveyance part (30) conveyed to this location is included.

  According to the game apparatus (10 or 100a) according to the other aspect, the return conveyance unit (30) conveys the three-dimensional game body (M1), thereby passing the three-dimensional game body (M1) through the passage (310a, 320a). And it becomes possible to circulate between the 1st utilization part (240a) or the 2nd utilization part (250a), and a return conveyance part (30).

[Appendix 7]
A game device (10) according to another aspect is the game device according to appendix 6, wherein the transfer unit (90) includes a combination of the transfer device (20) for the game device and the return transfer unit (30). In the one transport unit part (90), the first use part (240a) and the second use part (250a) do not flow into the first use part (240a) and pass through the passages (310a, 320a). The game body distribution part (260a) which can distribute at least one part of a three-dimensional game body (M1) with respect to the said return conveyance part (30) of another said conveyance unit part (90) is included.

  According to the game device (10) according to the other aspect, for example, in the one transport unit unit (90), the first usage unit (230a or 240a) and the second usage unit (240a or 250a) are a three-dimensional game body ( The three-dimensional game machine (M1) that could not flow into either the first usage unit (230a or 240a) or the second usage unit (240a or 250a) because it was filled with M1) was transferred to another transport unit unit (90 ). For this reason, even if an imbalance occurs in the number of three-dimensional games (M1) between one transport unit (90) and another transport unit (90), the imbalance can be improved. Become.

[Appendix 8]
A game device (100a) according to another aspect is the game device according to any one of appendices 2 to 5, wherein the first game device (100a) is different from the other game device (100b) using the three-dimensional game body (M1). Other device vibration capable of distributing at least a part of the three-dimensional game body (M1) that has passed through the passage (310a, 320a) without flowing into the utilization unit (230a or 240a) and the second utilization unit (240a or 250a) It includes a minute part (260a).

  According to the game device (100a) according to the other aspect, for example, the first usage unit (230a or 240a) and the second usage unit (240a or 250a) are filled with the 3D game body (M1). The three-dimensional game machine (M1) that could not flow into either the first usage unit (230a or 240a) or the second usage unit (240a or 250a) can be distributed to another game device (100b). For this reason, even if an imbalance occurs in the number of three-dimensional games (M1) between the game device (100a) and the other game devices (100b), the imbalance can be improved.

[Appendix 9]
The game device (100a) according to another aspect is the game device according to appendix 6, wherein the return conveyance unit (260a) is connected to the three-dimensional game device (100b) using the three-dimensional game body (M1). The first inflow port (231a or 241a) and the second inflow port (241a) provided in the passage (310a, 320a) of the passages (310a, 320a) by receiving the inflow of the game body (M1). Or it can be conveyed to a location upstream of 251a).

  According to the game device (100a) according to the other aspect, for example, it is possible to replenish the three-dimensional game body (M1) from another game device (100b).

[Appendix 10]
A game apparatus (10) according to another aspect of the present invention is provided in a passage (320a) having an inclination for rolling a three-dimensional game body (M1) that can roll without depending on a posture, and the passage (320a). Two or more game unit parts (80a or 80c) each having a use part (240a or 240c) that uses a three-dimensional game body (M1) flowing in from the inflow port (241a or 241c), and the passage (320a ), The moving direction of the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is restricted, and the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is used as one of the game unit unit (80a) or the use unit (80c) of the other game unit unit (80c). 240a, 240c) is provided with a regulating portion (360a) leading to one of the inlets (241a, 241c).

  According to the game apparatus (10) according to this aspect, the three-dimensional game machine (M1) is configured such that the inlet (241a) of one game unit part (80a) and the inlet (241c) of another game unit part (80c). It becomes easy to flow into at least one of them.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game device, 20 ... Transfer device for game devices, 30 ... Return conveyance part, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d ... Station part, 110a ... Game field, 120a ... Number-of-ball lottery part, 130a ... Marble chance execution part, 140a ... Marble JP chance execution unit, 150a ... JP payout unit, 160a ... Control panel, 170a ... Screw lifter, 180a ... Air lifter.

Claims (8)

A game device that includes a transport device for a game device that is used to transport a three-dimensional game machine in a game device, and that executes a game that proceeds in accordance with the movement of the three-dimensional game game,
The transport device for the game device is:
A passage having an inclination to roll a three-dimensional game body that can roll without depending on the posture;
A first utilization unit that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a first inlet provided in the passage;
A second utilization part that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a second inlet provided in the passage,
One of the first inlet and the second inlet is provided upstream of the passage, and the other is provided downstream of the passage.
The passage rolls the three-dimensional game body that did not flow into the one in the upstream to the downstream,
The first inlet is provided on a side wall of the passage;
The game apparatus, wherein the passage is provided with a restricting portion that restricts a moving direction of the three-dimensional game body and guides the three-dimensional game body to the first inflow port . Wherein at least one of the first usage unit and the second usage unit, the game device according to claim 1 to introduce the three-dimensional game body in the game field. Including a lottery section for performing a lottery using the three-dimensional game machine,
One of the first usage unit and the second usage unit inputs the 3D game body into the lottery unit, and the other inputs the 3D game body into the game field.
The game device according to claim 2 . The three-dimensional game body used in the first usage unit or / and the second usage unit is located in the passage upstream of the first inlet and the second inlet provided in the passage. The game apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 3 including the return conveyance part conveyed to.   A game device that includes a transport device for a game device used for transporting a three-dimensional game machine in the game device, and a return transport unit, and executes a game that proceeds according to the movement of the three-dimensional game body,
  The transport device for the game device is:
    A passage having an inclination to roll a three-dimensional game body that can roll without depending on the posture;
    A first utilization unit that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a first inlet provided in the passage;
    A second utilization part that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a second inlet provided in the passage,
  One of the first inlet and the second inlet is provided upstream of the passage, and the other is provided downstream of the passage.
  The return transport unit is
    The three-dimensional game body used in the first usage unit or / and the second usage unit is located in the passage upstream of the first inlet and the second inlet provided in the passage. Transport to
  It has two or more transport unit units including a combination of the transport device for the game device and the return transport unit,
  In one of the transport unit units, at least a part of the three-dimensional game body that has passed through the passage without flowing into the first use unit and the second use unit is transferred to the return transport unit of the other transport unit unit. A game device including a game body allocating unit that can distribute the game.   A game device that includes a transport device for a game device that is used to transport a three-dimensional game machine in a game device, and that executes a game that proceeds in accordance with the movement of the three-dimensional game game,
  The transport device for the game device is:
    A passage having an inclination to roll a three-dimensional game body that can roll without depending on the posture;
    A first utilization unit that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a first inlet provided in the passage;
    A second utilization part that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a second inlet provided in the passage,
  One of the first inlet and the second inlet is provided upstream of the passage, and the other is provided downstream of the passage.
  Other device vibration capable of distributing at least a part of the three-dimensional game body that has passed through the passage without flowing into the first use unit and the second use unit with respect to another game device using the three-dimensional game body. A game device including a part.   A game device that includes a transport device for a game device used for transporting a three-dimensional game machine in the game device, and a return transport unit, and executes a game that proceeds according to the movement of the three-dimensional game body,
  The transport device for the game device is:
    A passage having an inclination to roll a three-dimensional game body that can roll without depending on the posture;
    A first utilization unit that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a first inlet provided in the passage;
    A second utilization part that utilizes a three-dimensional game body that flows in from a second inlet provided in the passage,
  One of the first inlet and the second inlet is provided upstream of the passage, and the other is provided downstream of the passage.
  The return transport unit is
    The three-dimensional game body used in the first usage unit or / and the second usage unit is located in the passage upstream of the first inlet and the second inlet provided in the passage. Transport to
    The inflow of the three-dimensional game body is received from another game device that uses the three-dimensional game body, and in the passage, upstream of the first inlet and the second inlet provided in the passage. A game device that can be transported.   A passage having an inclination to roll a three-dimensional game body that can roll without depending on the posture;
  Having two or more game unit portions each having a utilization portion for utilizing a three-dimensional game body flowing in from an inlet provided in the passage;
  In the passage,
    There is provided a restricting section that restricts the moving direction of the three-dimensional game body and guides the three-dimensional game body to one of the inflow ports of the one game unit section or the other game unit section. ,
Game device.

Images