JP7515843B2 - Conveyor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a conveying device.

There is a known pusher game device that moves coins inserted onto a game field (see Patent Document 1). In such a pusher game device, a lift hopper or the like that moves the coin along a rail is used to transport the coin to the insertion section.

JP 2013-99632 A

On the other hand, in pusher games, it is also possible to use a three-dimensional object such as a sphere instead of coins. In this case, it is preferable to use a transport device suitable for the three-dimensional object instead of the lift hopper used to transport coins.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that can prevent an increase in the number of guide parts that guide the movement of a three-dimensional game object in a transport device that transports the three-dimensional game object from one end of a rotating shaft to the other end as a support part that extends in a spiral shape from one end of the rotating shaft to the other end rotates.

A game device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a support part that supports a three-dimensional game body, is rotatable around a rotation axis, and extends spirally from one end side to the other end side of the rotation axis, an enclosing member that encloses at least a third portion of the support part that is located between a first portion on one end side of the rotation axis and a second portion on the other end side of the rotation axis, and one or more guide parts that extend from one end side to the other end side of the rotation axis in the space sandwiched between the support part and the enclosing member, support the three-dimensional game body together with the support part and the enclosing member, and guide the movement of the three-dimensional game body from one end side to the other end side of the rotation axis as the support part rotates.

1 is an external view showing an example of a game device 10 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a diagram of the game device 10 as viewed from the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a control panel 160a. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game field 110a. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which small balls M1 and large balls M2 are spread out on a game field 110a. A figure showing an example of a ball number lottery section 120a. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a marble chance execution unit 130a. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a marble JP chance execution section 140a. 11 is a diagram for explaining the flow of small balls M1 and large balls M2. FIG. A diagram showing the flow of small balls M1 related to the screw lifter 170a. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a passage 310a and a first hopper 230a. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a passage 320a, a second hopper 240a, and a third hopper 250a. 1 is a diagram showing an example of paths 330a and 340a and count hopper 220a. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screw lifter 170a. A diagram showing a screw lifter 170a with the surrounding member 1750 omitted. 17 is a diagram showing a screw lifter 170a in which the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760 are omitted. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the intake portion 1710 at the center. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an intake portion 1710 and a passage 340a. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the discharge section 1720 in the center. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a ceiling accommodating section 290a. FIG. This is a cross-sectional view of line E-E in Figure 20. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Figure 20 when surface 4021 is changed to an inclination that rolls small ball M1 into supply path 460. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first hopper 230a. This is a cross-sectional view of line GG in Figure 23. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the ceiling accommodating portions 290a of two game devices 10 are connected to each other. FIG. This is a cross-sectional view of line HH in Figure 25. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which the destination of a small ball M1 is a supply path 460 of one of the game devices 10 in the first modified example. A cross-sectional view of line II in Figure 28. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which the destination of the small ball M1 is a supply path 460 of the other game device 10 in the first modified example. This is a cross-sectional view of line JJ in Figure 29.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from those of the actual configuration. The embodiment described below is a preferred specific example of the present invention. For this reason, various technically preferable limitations are imposed on this embodiment. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

A. Embodiments
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a game device 10 according to this embodiment.

1. Overview of the Game Device
The gaming device 10 is installed in an entertainment facility (e.g., a game center or casino) or a commercial facility (e.g., a shopping center). When used in a casino, the gaming device 10 is sometimes called a gaming machine. The gaming device 10 does not need to be a commercial device installed in a store, and may be, for example, a home gaming device or a mobile terminal device.

The gaming device 10 can be played using game currency such as coins (also called "medals"), credits, or points. The game currency such as coins, credits, or points may not be exchangeable for real money, or may be exchangeable for real money. The gaming device 10 may be playable using real money.

The game device 10 may use the elements received from the player to play the game (hereinafter also referred to as "play payment elements") and the elements used as a reward to the player (hereinafter also referred to as "reward elements") as the same type of elements (for example, the play payment elements and the reward elements are both coins) or different types of elements (for example, the play payment elements are coins and the reward elements are exchange tickets).

The game device 10 includes station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The number of station units included in the game device 10 is not limited to "4", but may be "one or more". The station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d can separately execute the same type of game. In this embodiment, the station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d execute, as the same type of game, a game that progresses according to the movement of a three-dimensional game body (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "three-dimensional game body") that can roll regardless of posture. 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 an example of a unit unit, and each of the station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d is an example of a plurality of unit units that can be played by a plurality of players.

The three-dimensional play object may be a spherical object (e.g., a marble) or a roughly spherical object (e.g., a polyhedron). In this embodiment, two types of marbles of different sizes are used as the three-dimensional play object. Hereinafter, the smaller of the two types of marbles of different sizes will be referred to as the "small ball" and the larger one will be referred to as the "large ball".

Station units 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d have the same configuration. Therefore, to avoid duplication of explanation, the following will focus on station unit 100a, and station units 100b, 100c, and 100d will be explained as necessary.

The reference numerals of the components of station unit 100a are given the suffix "a". The configurations of station units 100b, 100c, and 100d can be explained by replacing the suffix "a" of the reference numerals of the components of station unit 100a with "b", "c", and "d", respectively.

In the game device 10, there is a configuration that is shared by multiple station units (hereinafter also referred to as a "shared configuration"). Of the shared configurations, the configuration that is used by station unit 100a will be described as the configuration of station unit 100a. Of the shared configurations, the configuration that is not used by station unit 100a but is used by station unit 100b will be described as the configuration of station unit 100b. Of the shared configurations, the configuration that is not used by either station unit 100a or 100b but is used by station unit 100c will be described as the configuration of station unit 100c.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the configuration of the game device 10 when viewed from the Z-axis direction shown in FIG.
The station unit 100a includes a game field 110a, a ball number selection 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 an air lifter 180a. The station unit 100a also includes a payout outlet Ma as shown in FIG. 1.

In the game field 110a, a pusher game using a small ball M1 and a large ball M2 is played as an example of a game that progresses in accordance with the movement of a three-dimensional game object (see Figures 4 and 5 described later). In the pusher game, a player at 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 ball M1 and the large ball M2 are pushed in accordance with the reciprocating motion of the pusher table 113. In response to this pushing, the small ball M1 and the large ball M2 located at the front end 116 of the lower table 111 fall from the lower table 111.

The station unit 100a gives the player a reward according to the number of small balls M1 that fall from the game field 110a. The reward may be game credits, coins, points, a voucher, actual money, or a ticket. In this embodiment, coins are given as the reward. The coins are paid out from a payout port Ma.

The number of balls lottery unit 120a is an example of a lottery unit. The number of balls lottery unit 120a executes a first lottery using small balls M1 each time a first condition (e.g., a condition that "m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) large balls M2 have fallen from the game field 110a") is satisfied in the game field 110a. Below, the case where m=1 is described. In this embodiment, the number of balls lottery unit 120a executes a lottery to determine the number of small balls M1 as the first lottery.

The marble chance execution unit 130a is another example of a lottery unit. The marble chance execution unit 130a executes a second lottery using small balls M1 each time a second condition (for example, "n (n is an integer equal to or greater than m) large balls M2 have fallen from the game field 110a") is satisfied in the game field 110a. The case of n=3 will be described below. The number of small balls M1 used in the second lottery is the total number of results of the first lottery executed three times before the second lottery is executed. In this embodiment, the marble chance execution unit 130a executes a lottery to determine 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 decided in the lottery at the Marble Chance Execution Unit 130a to operate the Marble JP Chance Execution Unit 140a, the Marble JP Chance Execution Unit 140a executes a third lottery using small balls M1. In this embodiment, the Marble JP Chance Execution Unit 140a executes a lottery as the third lottery to determine whether or not the JP payout unit 150a will pay out a large number of small balls M1 (hereinafter also referred to as "Marble JP") as a bonus to the game field 110a. Hereinafter, the third lottery will also be referred to as "Marble JP Chance".

When it is decided in the lottery at the marble chance execution unit 130b of the station unit 100b that the marble JP chance execution unit 140a should be operated, the marble JP chance execution unit 140a executes a lottery to determine whether or not the JP payout unit 150a should pay out a marble JP to the game field 110b.

The JP payout unit 150a is shared by the stations 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The JP payout unit 150a is arranged so as to be located at the center of the game device 10 when the game device 10 is viewed in a plan view as shown in FIG. 2. The JP payout unit 150a has a path switching unit 151a (see FIGS. 20, 25, 27, and 29 described below) that switches the payout destination of the small ball M1 to one of the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

When the payout of a marble JP to the game field 110a is determined by the lottery in the marble JP chance execution unit 140a, the JP payout unit 150a executes the marble JP on the game field 110a and pays out a small ball M1 to the game field 110a.

When the marble JP chance execution unit 140a determines in the drawing to pay out marble JPs to game field 110b, the JP payout unit 150a executes the payout of marble JPs to game field 110b. Similarly, when the marble JP chance execution unit 140c determines in the drawing to pay out marble JPs to game field 110c, the JP payout unit 150a executes the payout of marble JPs to game field 110c. Furthermore, when the marble JP chance execution unit 140c determines in the drawing to pay out marble JPs to game field 110d, the JP payout unit 150a executes the payout of marble JPs to game field 110d.

Returning to FIG. 2, the control panel 160a accepts operations by the player.
3 is a diagram showing an example of the control panel 160a. The control panel 160a includes slots 161L and 161R, and insertion direction switching buttons 162L and 162R.

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

Returning to FIG. 2, the screw lifter 170a is shared by the station units 100a and 100c. The screw lifter 170a lifts, for example, the small balls M1 that have fallen from the game field 110a and the small balls M1 that have fallen 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, in the marble chance execution unit 130a, in the station unit 100b adjacent to the station unit 100a, in the game field 110c, in the marble chance execution unit 130c, or in the station unit 100d adjacent to the station unit 100c.

The air lifter 180a lifts the small ball M1 by blowing wind from the fan into the tube through which the small ball M1 is transported. The inner diameter of the tube is larger than the diameter of the small ball M1, and is preferably smaller than, for example, 1.5 times the inner diameter of the small ball M1. The closer the value obtained by subtracting the diameter of the small ball M1 from the inner diameter of the tube (hereinafter referred to as the "diameter difference") is to "0", the easier it is for the wind force from the fan to be transmitted to the small ball M1 in the tube, and the smaller the small ball M1 can be lifted in a short time. For this reason, it is preferable that the diameter difference is close to "0". In addition, the closer the diameter difference is to "0", the smaller the outer diameter of the tube can be, and the smaller the air lifter 180a can be. In this embodiment, the air lifter 180a lifts the small ball M1 in the vertical direction. Note that the direction in which the air lifter 180a lifts the small ball M1 may deviate from the vertical direction.
The small ball M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a is used in the marble JP chance executing section 140a, or in the JP payout section 150a via a ceiling receiving section 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 showing a state in which small balls M1 and large balls M2 are spread all over the game field 110a.
The game field 110 a includes a lower table 111 , a wall portion 112 , a pusher table 113 , input portions 114 L, 114 R and 114 B, cutout portions 115 L and 115 R, and a front end portion 116 .

The lower table 111 and the wall portion 112 are fixed. The lower table 111 has a notch 115L at its left end and a notch 115R at its right end. The notches 115L and 115R are shaped to allow the small ball M1 to pass through but not the large ball 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 portion 112 and the upper surface of the lower table 111 in response to the operation of a drive mechanism (not shown).

The insert unit 114L inserts small balls M1 into the pusher table 113 from the left side of the game field 110a. The insert unit 114R inserts small balls M1 into the pusher table 113 from the right side of the game field 110a. The insert unit 114B inserts large balls M2 into the lower table 111.

For example, when the inserting section 114L or 114R inserts small balls M1 into the pusher table 113 (see FIG. 5) which is covered with small balls M1, and the pusher table 113 moves in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 4, the small balls M1 on the pusher table 113 are pushed by the wall section 112 and move in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the small balls M1 located on the opposite side of the pusher table 113 from the wall section 112 fall onto the lower table 111.

After that, when the pusher table 113 moves in the direction of arrow B, the small ball M1 and the large ball M2 on the lower table 111 are pushed by the pusher table 113. As a result, the small ball M1 located at the edge of the lower table 111 falls from the front end 116 or the notch 115L or 115R. Also, the large ball M2 located at the front end 116 falls from the front end 116.

The small balls M1 that fall from the front end 116 are counted toward the reward. On the other hand, the small balls M1 that fall from the notch 115L and the small balls M1 that fall from the notch 115R are treated as so-called parent drops, and are not counted toward the reward.
Each time a large ball M2 falls from the front end 116, the ball number selection unit 120a operates.

[3. Ball Count Lottery Section]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the ball number selection unit 120a.
The ball number selection 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 multiple candidates C1 to C4 for the number of small balls M1 on the screen 1211. In FIG. 6, candidate C1 indicates "10 balls", candidate C2 indicates "7 balls", candidate C3 indicates "3 balls", and 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", or "5 balls", and can be changed as appropriate.

Small balls M1 are inserted into the passage 1220. The small balls M1 inserted 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. A protrusion 1222 is provided at an end 1221 of the passage 1220 to prevent the small balls M1 from flying out of the passage 1220.

Each time the large ball M2 falls from the front end 116 (see FIG. 5), the display unit 1210 displays multiple candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211, and a small ball M1 is dropped into the passage 1220. The display unit 1210 changes the display position of the candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211 over time. After that, the small ball M1 dropped into the passage 1220 moves along part of the outer periphery of the screen 1211, and when it passes through the discharge unit 1230, which has a discharge hole, the movement of the candidates C1 to C4 on the screen 1211 stops. Then, the number of balls indicated by the candidate closest to the discharge unit 1230 among the candidates C1 to C4 is determined. The small ball M1 that passes through the discharge unit 1230 falls into the game field 110a (for example, the pusher table 113).

[4. Marble Chance Executive Team]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the marble chance execution section 130a.
The marble chance execution section 130 a includes a first krunk 1310 , a second krunk 1320 , and a third krunk 1330 .

When the three large balls M2 fall from the front end 116, the number of small balls M1 calculated by the ball number selection unit 120a is added together with the number of small balls M1 determined by the ball number selection unit 120a each time the three large balls M2 fall, and these are dropped into the first crane 1310.

Small balls M1 that are dropped into the first crane 1310 enter one of the holes 1311, 1312, or 1313 provided in the first crane 1310. Small balls M1 that enter either of the holes 1311 or 1312 are collected without being dropped into the second crane 1320. On the other hand, small balls M1 that enter the hole 1313 are dropped into the second crane 1320 through the passage 1314.

Small balls M1 that are dropped into the second crane 1320 enter one of the holes 1321, 1322, or 1323 provided in the second crane 1320. Small balls M1 that enter either of the holes 1321 or 1322 are collected without being dropped into the third crane 1330. On the other hand, small balls M1 that enter the hole 1323 are dropped into the third crane 1330 through the passage 1324.

The small ball M1 inserted into the third crane 1330 is discharged from the discharge unit 1331 provided in the third crane 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 showing an example of the marble JP chance executing section 140a.
The marble JP chance executing section 140 a includes a crane 141 and a small ball moving section 142 .
When the Marble JP chance executing unit 140a operates, a small ball M1 is thrown into the Kluen 141. In the Kluen 141, the small ball M1 receives an external force from the small ball moving unit 142 that rotates back and forth every time the small ball M1 comes into contact with the small ball moving unit 142, and is moved toward the outer periphery of the Kluen 141. This situation is repeated, and thereafter the small ball M1 enters one of the holes 143 to 148 provided in the Kluen 141. If the small ball M1 enters one of the holes 143 to 147, the payout of the Marble JP is not executed. On the other hand, if the small ball M1 enters the hole 148, the payout of the Marble JP is executed.

[6. Flow of small balls M1 and large balls M2]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the flow of small balls M1 and large balls M2 in the station portion 100a.
As shown in Figure 9, the station section 100a includes, in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 2, a large ball sensor 190a, a large ball insertion section 210a, a counting hopper 220a, a first hopper 230a, a second hopper 240a, a third hopper 250a, a sorting section 260a, path switching sections 270a and 280a, a ceiling storage section 290a, a first path 60, and a second path 70.

The screw lifter 170a, the first hopper 230a, the path switching unit 270a, and the air lifter 180a are included in the game object transporting unit 40.
The game object transport unit 40 transports the small balls M1 located in the game field space by selectively using a first path 60 or a second path 70. The first path 60 has an incline that causes the small balls M1 to roll toward the ceiling housing unit 290a. The second path 70 has an incline that causes the small balls M1 to roll toward the marble JP chance execution unit 140a. The first path 60 and the second path 70 are examples of predetermined transport paths.
The game object transport unit 40 can transport both the small balls M1 transported to the first path 60 and the small balls M1 transported to the second path 70. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration compared to the case where the small balls M1 transported to the first path 60 and the small balls M1 transported to the second path 70 are transported by separate transport units.

The game field space is located under the ceiling storage section 290a. The game field space includes a game field 110a, a ball number selection section 120a, a marble chance execution section 130a, a marble JP chance execution section 140a, a JP payout section 150a, etc.

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

The configuration of the station section 100a excluding the screw lifter 170a, the ceiling storage section 290a, and the passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a (see FIG. 10) described below constitutes the game unit section 80a (see FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 described below).

First, the large ball sensor 190a and the large ball insertion section 210a will be described.
The large ball sensor 190a detects the large ball M2 that has fallen from the front end 116. The ball number selection unit 120a and the marble chance execution unit 130a operate based on the detection result of the large ball sensor 190a. The large ball insertion unit 210a inserts the large ball M2 into the lower table 111.

Next, we will explain 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 sorting unit 260a, and the path switching unit 270a.

Small balls M1 that fall from the front end 116 of the game field 110a flow into the count hopper 220a. The count hopper 220a collects the small balls M1 that have flowed in and counts the number of small balls M1 collected. This count value is used to calculate the reward for the player. The count hopper 220a discharges the counted small balls M1.

The screw lifter 170a lifts small balls M1 discharged from the count hopper 220a, small balls M1 that have fallen from the notch 115L, small balls M1 that have fallen from the notch 115R, small balls M1 that have been used in the marble chance execution section 130a, small balls M1 that have been used in the marble JP chance execution section 140a, and small balls M1 that have been allocated to the station section 100a by the allocation section 260a as described below.

Small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a can flow into the first hopper 230a. The first hopper 230a stores and uses the small balls M1 that have flowed in. In this embodiment, the first hopper 230a uses the stored small balls M1 by feeding them via the path switching unit 270a to the ball number selection unit 120a, to the marble chance execution unit 130a, or by supplying them to the air lifter 180a. The first hopper 230a is an example of a first utilization unit.

The second hopper 240a can receive small balls M1 that have been lifted by the screw lifter 170a and have not flowed into the first hopper 230a. The second hopper 240a stores and uses the small balls M1 that have flowed in. In this embodiment, the second hopper 240a uses the stored small balls M1 by inserting them from the insertion section 114R into the game field 110a (specifically, the pusher table 113). The second hopper 240a is another example of a first utilization section and an example of a second utilization section. The second hopper 240a is also an example of a game piece utilization section.

The third hopper 250a can receive small balls M1 that have been lifted by the screw lifter 170a and have not flowed into either the first hopper 230a or the second hopper 240a. The third hopper 250a stores and uses the small balls M1 that have flowed in. In this embodiment, the third hopper 250a uses the stored small balls M1 by inserting them from the insertion section 114L into the game field 110a (specifically, the pusher table 113). The third hopper 250a is another example of a second utilization section. The third hopper 250a is also another example of a game piece utilization section.

The distribution section 260a distributes small balls M1 lifted by the screw lifter 170a that do not flow into the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, or the third hopper 250a to either the station section 100a (game unit section 80a) or the station section 100b (game unit section 80b).

The path switching unit 270a selectively switches the path of the small balls M1 discharged from the first hopper 230a to a path toward the ball number selection unit 120a, a path toward the marble chance execution unit 130a, or a path toward the air lifter 180a.
In this embodiment, the path switching unit 270a has 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 rotation shaft 272a that rotates by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown). The path switching unit 270a selectively switches the position of the discharge port 273a for the small balls M1 provided in the discharge unit 271a to a path toward the number of balls selection unit 120a, a path toward the marble chance execution unit 130a, or a path toward the air lifter 180a, thereby selectively switching the path along which the small balls M1 pass to a path toward the number of balls selection unit 120a, a path toward the marble chance execution unit 130a, or a path toward the air lifter 180a.

Next, we will explain the air lifter 180a, the path switching unit 280a, and the ceiling storage unit 290a.

The air lifter 180a lifts the small balls M1 that flow in from the first hopper 230a via the path switching unit 270a, and then selectively inserts the lifted small balls M1 into either the Marble JP Chance execution unit 140a or the ceiling storage unit 290a via the path switching unit 280a.

The path switching unit 280a switches the path along which the small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a pass between the first path 60 and the second path 70.
In this embodiment, the path switching unit 280a has 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 rotation shaft 282a that rotates by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown). The path switching unit 280a switches the position of a discharge port 283a for the small balls M1 provided in the discharge unit 281a to either on the first path 60 or on the second path 70, thereby switching the path along which the small balls M1 lifted by the air lifter 180a travels between either the first path 60 or the second path 70.

The ceiling storage section 290a is shared by the stations 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. The ceiling storage section 290a stores small balls M1 that are paid out selectively from the JP payout section 150a to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

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

As shown in FIG. 10, the station portion 100a also includes paths 310a, 320a, 330a and 340a for transporting 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 conveying device 20 for the game. The conveying device 20 for the game is used in the game device 10 to convey the small balls M1.

The passage 340a and the screw lifter 170a are included in the return conveying section 30. The return conveying section 30 conveys 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, upstream of the passage 310a. By the return conveying section 30 conveying the small balls M1 upstream of the passage 310a, it becomes possible to circulate the small balls M1 between the passages 310a and 320a, the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, or the third hopper 250a, and the return conveying section 30.

The return conveying section 30 can also receive small balls M1 from the station section 100b and convey the small balls M1 upstream of the passage 310a. This makes it possible to replenish small balls M1 from the station section 100b via the return conveying section 30.

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

In FIG. 10, the passages 320b and 340b of the station unit 100b are also shown. In FIG. 10, the side walls of the passages 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a, 320b, and 340b are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

Passage 310a has an incline that causes small balls M1 to roll toward passage 320a. Small balls M1 lifted by screw lifter 170a are discharged into passage 310a. Small balls M1 can roll on passage 310a and flow into first hopper 230a.

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

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

Of the small balls M1 that flow into passage 320a, those that do not flow into either second hopper 240a or third hopper 250a pass through passage 320a and then come into contact with sorting section 260a. By coming into contact with sorting section 260a, the direction of movement of small balls M1 is changed and they are sorted into either passage 340a or passage 340b.

In other words, the distribution section 260a can distribute at least a portion of the small balls M1 that have passed through the passage 320a without flowing into either the second hopper 240a or the third hopper 250a in the transport unit section 90 of the station section 100a to the return transport section 30 included in the transport unit section 90 of the station section 100b. The distribution section 260a is an example of a game object distribution section and an other device distribution section.

Therefore, for example, in the station section 100a, when the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a are all filled with small balls M1, the small balls M1 that could not flow into any of the first hopper 230a, the second hopper 240a, and the third hopper 250a can be distributed to the station section 100b. In this case, it is possible to prevent the station section 100a from supplying more small balls M1 than necessary to the station section 100b.
In addition, in the transport unit 90 of the station section 100b, the sorting section 260a can sort at least a portion of the small balls M1 that have passed through the passage 320b without flowing into the second hopper 240b or the third hopper 250b, to the return transport section 30 included in the transport unit 90 of the station section 100a. This makes it possible to prevent the station section 100b from supplying more small balls M1 than necessary to the station section 100a.

In addition, small balls M1 can be moved back and forth between station unit 100a and station unit 100b, so that even if an imbalance occurs in the number of small balls M1 between station unit 100a and station unit 100b, the imbalance can be corrected. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible for the administrator of game device 10 to reduce the work of adjusting the number of small balls M1 at station units 100a and 100b.

The sorting section 260a has a surface 261 facing the transport unit section 90 of the station section 100a, and a surface 262 facing the transport unit section 90 of the station section 100b. Surfaces 261 and 262 may be flat or curved. In this embodiment, flat surfaces are used for surfaces 261 and 262. Surface 261 has an inclination that causes small balls M1 to roll in a direction toward passage 340a. Surface 262 has an inclination that causes small balls M1 to roll in a direction toward passage 340b. When small balls M1 come into contact with surface 261, they are sorted to passage 340a, and when small balls M1 come into contact with surface 262, they are sorted to passage 340b.

In the allocating section 260a, a portion 263 where a surface 261 and a surface 262 contact each other (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific portion") is the highest position.
In this embodiment, a distribution section 260a is provided so that a small ball M1 that passes through passage 320a when there are no small balls M1 around will reach surface 262 beyond specific portion 263, and a small ball M1 that passes through passage 320b when there are no small balls M1 around will reach surface 261 beyond specific portion 263.
On the other hand, if there are small balls M1 around and a small ball M1 collide with them and thus decelerates on passage 320a, then even if it passes through passage 320a, it may not be able to pass the specific portion 263 and reach surface 261. Similarly, if there are small balls M1 around and a small ball M1 collide with them and thus decelerates on passage 320b, then even if it passes through passage 320b, it may not be able to pass the specific portion 263 and reach surface 262.

Of the small balls M1 thrown into the game field 110a, those that fall from the front end 116 flow into the passage 330a. The passage 330a has an incline that causes the small balls M1 that flow in to roll. The small balls M1 that flow into the passage 330a roll and flow into the count hopper 220a.

Into passage 340a, small balls M1 discharged from count hopper 220a, small balls M1 sorted to passage 340a by sorting section 260a, small balls M1 that have fallen from notch 115L, small balls M1 that have fallen from notch 115R, small balls M1 used in marble chance execution section 130a, and small balls M1 used in marble JP chance execution section 140a flow.

The passage 340a has an inclination that causes the small ball M1 to roll toward the screw lifter 170a. The passage formed by the passages 310a and 320a is an example of a first passage. The passage 340a is an example of a second passage.
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the passage made up of passages 310a and 320a has an inclination that causes the small ball M1 to roll from one side to the other in the horizontal direction. Passage 340a has an inclination that causes the small ball M1 to roll from the other side to one side in the horizontal direction.
Therefore, it is possible to align the most upstream portion of the passage formed by passages 310a and 320a and the most downstream portion of passage 340a on one side in the horizontal direction, so that the screw lifter 170a can transport the small balls M1 in the vertical or nearly vertical direction on one side in the horizontal direction.

The passage 340a is provided substantially vertically below the passage formed by the passages 310a and 320a, so that the horizontal positions of the passage formed by the passages 310a and 320a and the passage 340a can be substantially aligned.
The term "substantially vertically below the passage formed by passages 310a and 320a" includes the vertically below the passage formed by passages 310a and 320a. In addition, the state in which passage 340a is provided substantially vertically below the passage formed by passages 310a and 320a includes the state in which passage 340a overlaps with a part of at least one of passages 310a and 320a when passages 310a, 320a, and 340a are viewed in a plan view from the vertical direction.

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 section 80a and the game unit section 80c. Therefore, in addition to the first hopper 230a, the passage 310a is also connected to the first hopper 230c of the game unit section 80c.

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

The first hopper 230a receives and utilizes small balls M1 that flow in from an inlet 231a provided in the passage 310a. For example, small balls M1 discharged by the screw lifter 170a to a location on the passage 310a upstream of the inlet 231a flow into the first hopper 230a through the inlet 231a while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 310a.

On the other hand, the first hopper 230c receives and utilizes the small balls M1 that flow in from the inlet 231c provided in the passage 310a. For example, the small balls M1 discharged by the screw lifter 170a to a location on the passage 310a upstream of the inlet 231c flow into the first hopper 230c through the inlet 231c while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 310a.

In this way, small balls M1 roll due to the inclination of passage 310a and flow into first hopper 230a or 230c. Therefore, compared to when small balls M1 are transported to first hopper 230a or 230c using power in passage 310a, small balls M1 can be transported more efficiently since no power is used.
The inlet 231a and the inlet 231c are provided at positions opposite to each other.

The passage 310a is provided with a restricting portion 350a. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 350a is formed by a side wall 311a of the passage 310a. The restricting portion 350a restricts the movement direction of the small ball M1 in the passage 310a and guides the small ball M1 to the inlet 231a or 231c.
The restricting portion 350a has surfaces 351 and 352. The surfaces 351 and 352 may be flat surfaces or curved surfaces. In the present embodiment, the surfaces 351 and 352 are flat surfaces.
The surface 351 is provided on the downstream side of the passage 310a. The surface 351 is provided such that the portion of the surface 351 farther from the inlet 231a in the width direction W1 of the passage 310a is located on the upstream side of the passage 310a. The small ball M1 that comes into contact with the surface 351 rolls along the surface 351, thereby moving toward the inlet 231a.
The surface 352 is also provided on the downstream side of the passage 310a. The surface 352 is provided such that the portion of the surface 352 farther from the inlet 231c in the width direction W1 of the passage 310a is located on the upstream side of the passage 310a. The small ball M1 that comes into contact with the surface 352 rolls along the surface 352, thereby moving toward the inlet 231c.
Therefore, the small balls M1 are more likely to flow into the inlet 231a or 231c.

Of the small balls M1 lifted by screw lifter 170a, those that do not flow into either first hopper 230a or first hopper 230c move to passage 320a from exit 312a or 313a, which does not have sidewall 311a.
For example, when a sufficient number of small balls M1 are stored in the first hopper 230a, the small balls M1 that do not fit into the first hopper 230a move from the exit 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 section 80a and the game unit section 80c. Therefore, in addition to the second hopper 240a, the passage 320a is also connected to the second hopper 240c of the game unit section 80c. In addition to the third hopper 250a, the passage 320a is also connected to the third hopper 250c of the game unit section 80c.

The second hopper 240a receives and utilizes the small balls M1 that flow in from an inlet 241a provided in the passage 320a. For example, the small balls M1 that flow in from the passage 310a to a portion of the passage 320a upstream of the inlet 241a flow into the second hopper 240a through the inlet 241a while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
On the other hand, the second hopper 240c receives and utilizes the small balls M1 that flow in from an inlet 241c provided in the passage 320a. For example, the small balls M1 that flow in from the passage 310a to a portion of the passage 320a upstream of the inlet 241c flow into the second hopper 240c through the inlet 241c while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
The inlet 241a and the inlet 241c are provided at positions opposite to each other.

The third hopper 250a receives and utilizes small balls M1 that do not flow into either the second hoppers 240a or 240c and flow in through an inlet 251a provided in the passage 320a. For example, small balls M1 that flow in from passage 310a to a portion of passage 320a upstream of inlet 251a flow into the third hopper 250a through inlet 251a while rolling due to the inclination of passage 320a.
On the other hand, the third hopper 250c receives and utilizes small balls M1 that do not flow into either the second hoppers 240a or 240c and flow in through an inlet 251c provided in the passage 320a. For example, small balls M1 that flow in from the passage 310a to a portion of the passage 320a upstream of the inlet 251c flow in through the inlet 251c while rolling due to the inclination of the passage 320a.
The inlet 251a and the inlet 251c are provided at positions opposite to each other.

In this way, the small balls M1 roll due to the inclination of the passage 320a and flow into the second hopper 240a or 240c, or the third hopper 250a or 250c. Therefore, compared to when 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, it is possible to transport small balls M1 more efficiently since no power is used.

The inlets 241a and 241c are provided upstream of the passage 320a. The inlets 251a and 251c are provided downstream of the passage 320a. This allows the small ball M1 that does not flow into either the inlets 241a or 241c to be received by either the inlets 251a or 251c. This makes it easier for the small ball M1 rolling through the passage 320a to flow into either the inlets 241a, 241c, 251a, or 251c.

In addition, in the passage formed by passage 310a and passage 320a, inlets 231a and 231c are provided upstream of the passage, inlets 241a and 241c are provided downstream of inlets 231a and 231c, and inlets 251a and 251c are provided downstream of inlets 241a and 241c. Therefore, small ball M1 rolling through the passage formed by passage 310a and passage 320a is likely to flow into any of inlets 231a, 231c, 241a, 241c, 251a, and 251c.

The passage 320a is provided with restricting portions 360a, 370a, 380a, and 390a. In this embodiment, each of the restricting portions 360a, 370a, 380a, and 390a is configured as a protruding portion protruding from the passage 320a.

The restricting portion 360a is provided upstream of the inlets 241a and 241c and restricts the movement direction of the small ball M1 in the passage 320a to guide the small ball M1 to the inlet 241a or 241c.
Specifically, the restricting portion 360a has a surface 361 and a surface 362. The surfaces 361 and 362 may be flat surfaces or curved surfaces. In the present embodiment, the surfaces 361 and 362 are flat surfaces.
The surface 361 is provided such that the farther the surface 361 is from the inlet 241a in the width direction W2 of the passage 320a, the more upstream the surface 361 is located in the passage 320a. The small ball M1 that comes into contact with the surface 361 rolls along the surface 361, thereby moving toward the inlet 241a.
The surface 362 is provided such that the farther the surface 362 is from the inlet 241c in the width direction W2 of the passage 320a, the more upstream the surface 362 is located in the passage 320a. The small ball M1 that comes into contact with the surface 362 rolls along the surface 362, thereby moving toward the inlet 241c.
This makes it easier for the small balls M1 to flow into the inlet 241a or 241c.

The restricting portion 370a is provided downstream of the inlets 241a and 241c and upstream of the inlets 251a and 251c. The restricting portion 370a restricts the movement direction of the small ball M1 in the passage 320a, and guides the small ball M1 to the inlet 251a or the restricting portion 390a.
Specifically, the restricting portion 370a has surfaces 371 and 372. The surfaces 371 and 372 may be flat or curved. In this embodiment, the surfaces 371 and 372 are flat.
The surface 371 is provided such that the farther the surface 371 is from the inlet 251a in the width direction W2 of the passage 320a, the more upstream the surface 371 is located in the passage 320a. The small ball M1 that comes into contact with the surface 371 moves toward the inlet 251a by rolling along the surface 371. This makes it easier for the small ball M1 to flow into the inlet 251a.
The surface 372 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the passage 320a (a direction perpendicular to the width direction W2). The small ball M1 that comes into contact with the surface 372 rolls along the surface 372, thereby moving toward the restricting portion 390a.

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 restriction portion 380a has surfaces 381 and 382, where 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 surfaces or curved surfaces. In this embodiment, the surfaces 381 and 382 are flat surfaces.
The positional relationship between the restriction portion 390a and the inlets 251a and 251c is the same as the positional relationship between the restriction portion 360a and the inlets 241a and 241c. Specifically, the restriction portion 390a has surfaces 391 and 392, where 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 surfaces or curved surfaces. In this embodiment, the surfaces 391 and 392 are flat surfaces.

Of the small balls M1 that flow into the passage 320a, those that do not flow into either the second hoppers 240a and 240c or the third hoppers 250a and 250c flow toward the distribution section 260a from the exit 322a, which does not have a side wall 321a. The exit 322a is an example of a game object supply section.

10. Passages 330a and 340a and count hopper 220a
13 is a plan view of an example of the field 110a, the passages 330a and 340a, and the count hopper 220a. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the passage 340a is shared by the game unit section 80a and the game unit section 80c. Therefore, small balls M1 that have fallen from the game field 110a in the game unit section 80a and passed through the passage 330a and the count hopper 220a, and small balls M1 that have fallen from the game field 110c in the game unit section 80c and passed through the passage 330c and the count hopper 220c flow into the passage 340a. The passage 330a is provided with a side wall 331a, and the passage 330c is provided with a side wall 331c.

The passage 340a is provided with a game object receiving section 343a that receives small balls M1 that have been distributed to the transport unit section 90 of the station section 100a by the distribution section 260a. The game object receiving section 343a is also an example of a shared game object receiving section.

The passage 340a is provided with a side wall 341a and a slit 342a. The width of the slit 342a is smaller than the diameter of the small ball M1. When the small ball M1 is moving around inside the game device 10, a part of the small ball M1 may be chipped off. The slit 342a drops such chips of the small ball M1 below the passage 340a, thereby preventing the chips of the small ball M1 from accumulating in the passage 340a and preventing the small ball M1 from rolling easily. The slit 342a may be provided in at least one of the passages 310a, 320a, and 330a. A recovery case may be provided below the slit 342a to recover the chips of the small ball M1 that pass through the slit 342a and drop below the passage.
The small ball M1 that passes 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 sections 80a and 80c, which allows for a simpler configuration than when the passages 310a, 320a, and 340a are not shared and a dedicated passage is used for each of the game unit sections 80a and 80c.
Moreover, the passages 310a, 320a, and 340a are shared by the adjacent game unit portions 80a and 80c, so that the distances 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 diagram showing an example of a screw lifter 170a.
The screw lifter 170a is an example of a conveying device. The screw lifter 170a includes an intake section 1710 that takes in the small balls M1 and a discharge section 1720 that discharges the small balls M1.
Screw lifter 170a is disposed such that discharge portion 1720 is located higher than intake portion 1710. Screw lifter 170a lifts small balls M1 taken in through intake portion 1710 and discharges the lifted small balls M1 from discharge portion 1720.
The screw lifter 170a transports the small balls M1 that have flowed in from the passage 340a substantially vertically upward to the passage 310a (see FIG. 10). This makes it possible to shorten the transport route of the small balls M1 in the screw lifter 170a.
"Approximately vertical" means that the inclination with respect to the vertical direction is within a predetermined angle (e.g., 30 degrees). The predetermined angle is not limited to 30 degrees, and may be within a range in which a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction can be considered as vertical, and may be 0 degrees or more and less than 30 degrees, or may be greater than 30 degrees. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle is set to 0 degrees.

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

Figure 15 shows a screw lifter 170a without the surrounding member 1750. Figure 16 shows a screw lifter 170a without the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760.

The rotating body 1730 is rotatable around a rotation axis 1734 (see FIG. 16 ) that passes through the rotating body 1730. Therefore, the rotating body 1730 itself also functions as a rotation axis. The rotating body 1730 and the rotation axis 1734 extend in the vertical direction.
14 , the intake unit 1710 is provided on one end 1731 side of the rotating body 1730, in other words, on 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 extending direction of the rotating body 1730 is not limited to the vertical direction, but may be any direction in which the position of the discharge portion 1720 is higher than the position of the intake portion 1710 .

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

The support portion 1740 has 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 rotating shaft 1734. The first portion 1741 is included in the intake portion 1710. The second portion 1742 is a portion of the support portion 1740 on the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734. The second portion 1742 is included in the discharge portion 1720. The third portion 1743 is a portion of the support portion 1740 located between the first portion 1741 and the second portion 1742.

The 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 transparent material, the transport of the small ball M1 by the screw lifter 170a can be seen by the player. This makes it possible to provide visual interest to the player. Note that the surrounding member 1750 does not have to be made of a transparent material.

In this embodiment, the enclosing member 1750 does not enclose the first portion 1741 and the second portion 1742. The support portion 1740 takes in the small balls M1 at the first portion 1741 that is not enclosed by the enclosing member 1750. The support portion 1740 also ejects the small balls M1 at the second portion 1742 that is not enclosed by the enclosing member 1750.

The guide portion 1760 extends from one end 1735 of the rotating shaft 1734 to the other end 1736 in the space between the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750. In this embodiment, twelve cylindrical guide portions 1760 are used. The distance between the guide portions 1760 is wider than the diameter of the small ball M1. In addition, the small ball M1 that has entered the space between two guide portions 1760 can move within the space between the two guide portions 1760, but cannot move into the space between the guide portion 1760 to the right or the space between the guide portion 1760 to the left. Each guide portion 1760 is provided in the space between the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750. In other words, the distance between the support portion 1740 and the guide portion 1760 and the distance between the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760 are both narrower than the diameter of the small ball M1. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, each guide portion 1760 may be provided so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member 1750, and the distance between the surrounding member 1750 and the guide portion 1760 may be narrower than the diameter of the small ball M1.

Each guide portion 1760 supports the small ball M1 in cooperation with the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750, and guides the movement of the small ball M1 from one end 1735 side to the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734 as the support portion 1740 rotates. In the example of Figures 14 to 19, the support portion 1740 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the vertically above the rotating shaft 1734. The support portion 1740 also extends in a spiral shape from one end 1735 side to the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734 so as to rotate clockwise when viewed from the vertically above. The twelve guide portions 1760 extend linearly from one end 1735 side to the other end 1736 side of the rotating shaft 1734 in the space sandwiched between the support portion 1740 and the surrounding member 1750. Furthermore, when the support portion 1740 rotates counterclockwise, the small ball M1 is pressed against the left side of each guide portion 1760, and moves along each guide portion 176 from one end 1735 of the rotating shaft 1734 to the other end 1736. As described above, the small ball M1 that enters the gap between each guide portion 1760 moves along the guide portion 1760 without moving to the next gap, so the screw lifter 170a has 12 transport routes, the same number as the number of guide portions 1760, and can simultaneously transport multiple small balls M1 using all 12 transport routes at the same time.

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

The guide portion 1760 and the surrounding member 1750 are fixed to each other with screws, adhesive, or the like. This allows the relative positions of the guide portion 1760 and the surrounding member 1750 to be kept constant.

[12. Import unit 1710]
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the screw lifter 170a, focusing on the intake portion 1710. Fig. 18 is a view showing an example of the intake portion 1710 and the passage 340a.

As shown in FIG. 13, small balls M1 that flow into passage 340a from game unit section 80a, and small balls M1 that flow into passage 340a from game unit section 80c, pass through passage 340a and reach supply section 1780 of screw lifter 170a (see FIG. 18). Note that a side wall may be provided around supply section 1780 to prevent small balls M1 that reach supply section 1780 from falling out of supply section 1780.

As shown in FIG. 17, the supply unit 1780 includes an inclined surface 1781 having an inclination that causes the small balls M1 present around the first portion 1741 to roll into the first portion 1741. The inclined surface 1781 may be composed of a plurality of flat surfaces or may be composed of a curved surface. In this 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 balls M1 that reach the supply unit 1780 roll on the inclined surface 1781 and reach the first portion 1741 between the guide portions 1760 in the intake unit 1710. Therefore, it is possible to increase the intake efficiency of the small balls M1 compared to a case where the inclined surface 1781 (supply unit 1780) is not present.
Furthermore, since the small ball M1 rolls down the inclined surface 1781 under its own weight and reaches the first part 1741, it is possible to improve the transport efficiency by not using power compared to when the small ball M1 is supplied to the first part 1741 using power.
13, the supply unit 1780 collects small balls M1 from each of the game unit portions 80a and 80c, and supplies the small balls M1 to the first portion 1741. This makes it possible for the multiple game unit portions 80a and 80c to share the screw lifter 170a.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the support section 1740 rotates in the direction of arrow D together with the rotating body 1730. This rotation causes the first section 1741 to get under the small ball M1 and lift it. This allows the intake section 1710a to use the first section 1741 to take in the small ball M1 from 360 degrees around the first section 1741.

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

As the support portion 1740 continues to rotate, the small ball M1 enters 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. In other words, the intake of the small ball M1 is completed. In this way, in this embodiment, the guide portion 1760 can also be used as a member for taking in the small ball 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 support portion 1740 continues to rotate while the small ball M1 is supported by the support portion 1740, the guide portion 1760, and the surrounding member 1750, the small ball M1 is transported along the guide portion 1760 toward the discharge portion 1720.

[13. Discharge section 1720]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the discharge portion 1720 of the screw lifter 170a.

When the small ball M1 reaches the discharge section 1720, it is no longer supported by the surrounding member 1750. Therefore, the small ball M1 is discharged from the discharge section 1720 by the second part 1742 of the support section 1740. Because the discharge section 1720 is not surrounded by the surrounding member 1750, the small ball M1 can be discharged from 360 degrees around the second part 1742.

In this embodiment, the second portion 1742 is provided with a protrusion 1790 that protrudes the small ball M1 that has reached the discharge portion 1720. The protrusion 1790 collides with the small ball M1 as the support portion 1740 rotates, and the small ball M1 is discharged to the outside of the discharge portion 1720 (see FIG. 11). This makes it possible to prevent the small ball M1 from remaining in the discharge portion 1720.

[14. Ceiling storage section 290a]
Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line L-L in Fig. 2, mainly showing an example of the ceiling accommodating section 290a. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in Fig. 20. The ceiling accommodating section 290a is shared by the station sections 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d.
The internal space of the game device 10 is divided into a game field space 410 and a small ball containing space 420 by a partition member 400. Therefore, the partition member 400 can be used as the bottom of the small ball containing space 420 and the ceiling of the game field space 410. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration compared to a case in which the bottom of the small ball containing space 420 and the ceiling of the game field space 410 are made of different members. The partition member 400 is an example of a first member.

The game field space 410 is a space in which the game field accommodation section 430 accommodates the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, etc. The game field accommodation section 430 is composed of a first accommodation 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 storage space 420 is a space in which the ceiling storage section 290a stores the small ball M1. The ceiling storage section 290a is an example of a game body storage section. The ceiling storage section 290a is composed of the second storage member 450 and the partition member 400. The first storage member 440 and the second storage member 450 are fixed to each other by screws or the like. The ceiling storage section 290a is located above the game field storage section 430. This makes it possible to effectively use the space above the game field storage section 430.

The game device 10 also has a supply path 460, an input section 470, and a support section 480.

The supply path 460 supplies the small balls M1 stored in the ceiling storage section 290a to the game field space 410. In this embodiment, the supply path 460 supplies the small balls M1 alternatively to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d via the JP payout section 150a. The JP payout section 150a is provided with a path switching section 151a that switches the payout direction of the small balls M1. The path switching section 151a has an outlet that discharges the small balls M1 supplied to the JP payout section 150a. The position of the outlet of the path switching section 151a can be switched alternatively to the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

The insertion unit 470 inserts the small balls M1 stored in the ceiling storage unit 290a into the game field space 410. In this embodiment, the insertion unit 470 supplies the small balls M1 stored in the ceiling storage unit 290a to one of the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d via the supply path 460 and the JP payout unit 150a.

The support part 480 supports the plate-shaped member 4020, which will be described later. The support part 480 is moved by the insertion part 470.

The partition member 400 is composed of plate-shaped members 4010, 4020, and 4030. The plate-shaped members 4010, 4020, and 4030 are composed of a transparent material. This allows the player to see the small balls M1 contained in the small ball containing space 420, which adds to the fun for the player. Note that part or all of the partition member 400 may be composed of a transparent material, or the partition member 400 may be composed of a non-transparent material.

The plate-like members 4010 and 4030 are fixed to the game device 10 .
The plate-shaped member 4020 is connected to the plate-shaped member 4030 so as to be able to swing. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped member 4020 is able to swing about a shaft 405 provided at the connection point with the plate-shaped member 4030.
A surface 4021 of the plate-shaped member 4020 facing the small ball accommodating space 420 is in contact with a surface 4031 of the plate-shaped member 4030 facing the small ball accommodating space 420 at a contact portion 404. The contact portion 404 is an example of a specific portion.

The surface 4011 and the surface 4031 of the plate-shaped member 4010 facing the small ball storage space 420 are inclined surfaces having an inclination that causes the small ball M1 to roll toward the contact portion 404. Each of the surfaces 4011, 4021, and 4031 is a flat surface, but may also be a curved surface.

When storing small ball M1 in ceiling storage section 290a, input section 470 rotates support section 480 to make surface 4021 an inclined surface having an inclination that rolls small ball M1 toward contact portion 404 (see Figures 20 and 21).
In this state, when small balls M1 are dropped into ceiling storage section 290a from first path 60 of at least one of stations 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, the small balls M1 roll toward contact portion 404 and accumulate in ceiling storage section 290a. Therefore, compared to a case in which small balls M1 are transported to contact portion 404 using power within ceiling storage section 290a, it is possible to efficiently collect small balls M1 at contact portion 404 by not using power.

When the small ball M1 stored in the ceiling storage section 290a is dropped into the game field space 410, the drop section 470 rotates the support section 480 to change the inclination of the surface 4021 from one that rolls the small ball M1 toward the contact portion 404 to one that rolls the small ball M1 toward the supply path 460.

22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 20 when surface 4021 is changed to an inclination that causes small ball M1 to roll into supply path 460. FIG.
In this state, small ball M1 rolls on surface 4021 toward supply path 460, and then moves from outlet 4023 to supply path 460 along guide portion 4022, which is a protrusion on surface 4021. In this way, small ball M1 is caused to roll into supply path 460 by tilting, so that small ball M1 can be moved to supply path 460 more efficiently since no power is used, compared to when small ball M1 is moved using power.
The small ball M1 then rolls on the supply path 460 and flows into the JP payout unit 150a. The small ball M1 is then dropped into one of the game fields 110a, 110b, 110c, or 110d from the path switching unit 151a of the JP payout unit 150a.

When the small balls M1 stored in the ceiling storage section 290a are dispensed from the JP dispensing section 150a, the insertion section 470 rotates the support section 480 to make the surface 4021 an inclined surface having an inclination that rolls the small balls M1 toward the contact portion 404. Then, at least one of the air lifters 180a, 180b, 180c, and 180d lifts the small balls M1, and the lifted small balls M1 are inserted into the ceiling storage section 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 are controlled by the first hoppers 230b, 230c, and 230d, respectively.

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

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

The rotary disk 2310 is disk-shaped and is fixed at its center to a shaft 2350 that transmits the power of the motor 2330. The rotary disk 2310 has four small ball delivery holes 2311 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of small 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 has a circular guide hole 2321. The rotary disk 2310 fits into the guide hole 2321.

The small ball M1 that enters the small ball delivery hole 2311 is guided to the delivery section 2340 by the rotation of the rotary disk 2310. When the small ball M1 reaches the delivery section 2340 while still in the small ball delivery hole 2311, it falls into the delivery section 2340 and is then discharged from the delivery section 2340. As the small ball M1 falls into the delivery section 2340, the brush 2360 removes any broken pieces of the small ball M1 from the small ball M1.

The second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a have the same configuration as the first hopper 230a. Therefore, a description of the second hopper 240a and the third hopper 250a will be omitted.

[B. Modifications]
The above-described embodiment may be modified in various ways, for example, as described below. In addition, one or more modifications arbitrarily selected from the following modification aspects may be appropriately combined.

[Modification 1]
The ceiling accommodating portions 290a of the multiple game devices 10 may be linked together.
25 is a diagram showing an example in which the ceiling accommodating portions 290a of two game devices 10 are connected to each other. FIG 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG 25.

In the first modified example, each of the two game devices 10 is provided with a through hole 500 through which the small ball M1 passes.
The through holes 500 of the two game devices 10 are provided at positions facing each other. In addition, a path switching unit 490 that switches the path of the small ball M1 is provided at a position that passes through the through holes 500 of the two game devices 10.
The path switching unit 490 switches the supply destination of the small balls M1 contained in each ceiling containing unit 290a between the supply path 460 of one game device 10 and the supply path 460 of the other game device 10.

27 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the small ball M1 is supplied to a supply path 460 of one game device 10 (the game device 10 on the right side as viewed in FIG. 27) in Modification 1. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG.
27 and 28, when the small balls M1 are to be supplied to the supply path 460 of one of the game devices 10, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched to an inclination that causes the small balls M1 to roll toward the supply path 460 of the one of the game devices 10. Specifically, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched so that the height decreases from the end on the side of the other game device 10 (the game device 10 on the left side when facing FIG. 27) to the end on the side of the one of the game devices 10. Therefore, the small balls M1 that flow into the path switching unit 490 from the ceiling housing unit 290a of each game device 10 roll toward the supply path 460 of the one of the game devices 10.

29 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which the destination of the small ball M1 is the supply path 460 of the other game device 10 in the first modified example.
29 and 30, when the small ball M1 is to be supplied to the supply path 460 of the other game device 10, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched to an inclination that causes the small ball M1 to roll toward the supply path 460 of the other game device 10. Specifically, the inclination of the path switching unit 490 is switched so that the height decreases from the end on the side of one game device 10 to the end on the side of the other game device 10. Therefore, the small ball M1 that flows into the path switching unit 490 from the ceiling housing unit 290a of each game device 10 rolls toward the supply path 460 of the other game device 10.

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

According to the first modified example, the small balls M1 stored in each of the multiple ceiling storage sections 290a are inserted into one station section when the Marble JP is executed. Therefore, the number of small balls M1 inserted into the Marble JP can be increased compared to the case where the small balls M1 stored in one ceiling storage section 290a are inserted into one station section when the Marble JP is executed.

[Modification 2]
In this embodiment, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 of the screw lifter 170a is cylindrical. However, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and can be appropriately changed. For example, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 may be a distorted cylindrical shape. In addition, the shape of the surrounding member 1750 does not need to be a continuous surface, and may be a shape that surrounds the support part 1740 as a whole by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped members extending from one end 1735 side of the rotation shaft 1734 toward the other end 1736 side at intervals narrower than the diameter of the small ball M1. In other words, the surrounding member 1750 does not need to be configured with a continuous surface, and it is sufficient if it is configured to regulate the small ball M1 so as to prevent it from being discharged to the outside.

[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 this embodiment, the spiral support portion 1740 of the screw lifter 170a is provided on the side surface 1733 of the rotating body 1730. However, the support portion 1740 does not have to be provided on the side surface 1733. For example, the support portion 1740 may not be provided on the side surface 1733, but may be fixed to a support member provided on the upper part of the rotating body 1730 and a support member provided on the lower part of the rotating body 1730.

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

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

[Modification 7]
In this embodiment, the shape of the guide portion 1760 is cylindrical. 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 prismatic shape. Note that a cylindrical shape and a prismatic shape are examples of a rod shape.

[Modification 8]
In this embodiment, the supply section 1780 of the screw lifter 170a has an inclined surface 1781 that rolls the small balls M1 present around the intake section 1710 (first portion 1741) into the intake section 1710. However, the supply section 1780 is not limited to a configuration having an inclined surface 1781, and may be configured to supply the small balls M1 to the intake section 1710 using belt conveyors arranged radially from the center of the intake section 1710a.

[Modification 9]
13 and 18, in addition to the small balls M1 that flow in from the passage 330a of the game unit section 80a, small balls M1 also flow in from the game unit section 80c that is back-to-back with the game unit section 80a to the supply section 1780. However, it is not necessary for small balls M1 to flow in from the game unit section 80c to the supply section 1780, and small balls M1 may flow in from the game unit section 80b, or small balls M1 may flow in from the game unit section 80d.

[Modification 10]
In this embodiment, the screw lifter 170a is used in a game device that uses a three-dimensional game object that can roll regardless of its position, such as a marble. However, when the screw lifter 170a is used in a game device that uses a three-dimensional game object other than the three-dimensional game object that can roll regardless of its position, the screw lifter 170a transports the three-dimensional game object used in the game device.

[Modification 11]
In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the passage 310a is separate from the passage 320a. However, the passage 310a may be integrated with the passage 320a. The passage consisting of the passage 310a and the passage 320a may be composed of three or more inclined passages. The passage 340a may be composed of a plurality of inclined passages. The inclination of the passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a may be a constant or variable inclination angle as long as it allows the small ball M1 to roll. The passages 310a, 320a, 330a, and 340a may each be linear, or may be partially or entirely 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 the inlet 231c in addition to the inlet 231a. However, the passage 310a does not necessarily have to be provided with the inlet 231c.

[Modification 14]
In this embodiment, the passage 320a is provided with the inlet 241c in addition to the inlet 241a, and is provided with the inlet 251c in addition to the inlet 251a. However, the passage 320a does not necessarily need to be provided with at least one of the inlets 241c and 251c.

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

[Modification 16]
In this embodiment, the inlets 231a, 231c, 241a, 241c, 251a, and 251c are provided in the side walls of the passages. However, at least one of the inlets 231a, 231c, 241a, 241c, 251a, and 251c may be provided in the bottom of the passage instead of in the side wall of the passage.

[Modification 17]
20, the game field space 410 and the small ball containing space 420 are separated by a common partition member 400. However, the game field space 410 and the small ball containing space 420 do not have to be separated by a common partition member 400. For example, the bottom of the small ball containing space 420 may be formed by the partition member 400, and the ceiling of the game field space 410 may be formed by a different member.

[Modification 18]
In this embodiment, partition member 400 is composed of plate-shaped members 4010, 4020, and 4030. However, partition member 400 is not limited to a member composed of plate-shaped members 4010, 4020, and 4030, and can be modified as appropriate. For example, plate-shaped member 4030 may be omitted, and the end of plate-shaped member 4020 on the air lifter 180a side may extend to second accommodating member 450. In this case, shaft 405 is provided at a connection point between plate-shaped member 4020 and second accommodating member 450.
In this case, the specific portion is, for example, a contact portion between the surface 4021 and the second accommodation member 450. The specific portion is not limited to the contact portion 404 between the surface 4021 and the surface 4031.

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

[Modification 20]
In this embodiment, the ceiling accommodating section 290a is used in the game device 10 that uses a three-dimensional game object that can roll regardless of its position, such as a marble. However, when the ceiling accommodating section 290a is used in a game device that uses a three-dimensional game object other than the three-dimensional game object that can roll regardless of its position, the ceiling accommodating section 290a accommodates the three-dimensional game object used in the game device.

[Modification 21]
The station unit 100a may have a "medal mode" and a "credit mode" as operation modes.
In this case, in the medal mode, as in this embodiment, small balls M1 are inserted into the game field 110a in response to the insertion of coins into the station unit 100a. Also, the station unit 100a pays out a predetermined number of coins from a payout opening Ma each time a small ball M1 falls from the front end portion 116.
On the other hand, in the credit mode, credits are accumulated in the station unit 100a in response to insertion of medals into the station unit 100a. The player inserts small balls M1 into the game field 110a by operating an insertion button (not shown) in exchange for a predetermined amount of credits being consumed. The station unit 100a increases the credits each time a small ball M1 falls from the front end 116.

[Modification 22]
The game may be any game that utilizes a three-dimensional game object such as a small ball M1. One example of the game is a pusher game, but the game is not limited to a pusher game.

[C. Notes]
From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference symbols in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[Appendix 1]
A conveying device (170a) according to one aspect of the present invention supports a three-dimensional play body (M1), is rotatable about a rotation axis (1734), and includes a support portion (1740) extending in a spiral shape from one end (1735) of the rotation axis (1734) toward the other end (1736) of the rotation axis (1734), and an enclosing member that encloses at least a third portion (1743) of the support portion (1740) that is located between a first portion (1741) on the one end (1735) of the rotation axis (1734) and a second portion (1742) on the other end (1736) of the rotation axis (1734). (1750), and one or more guide portions (1760) extending from one end (1735) of the rotation axis (1734) toward the other end (1736) in the space sandwiched between the support portion (1740) and the surrounding member (1750), supporting the three-dimensional play body (M1) in cooperation with the support portion (1740) and the surrounding member (1750), and guiding the movement of the three-dimensional play body (M1) from one end (1735) to the other end (1736) of the rotation axis (1734) as the support portion (1740) rotates.

According to this aspect, the three-dimensional game body (M1) is supported by the support portion (1740), the enclosing member (1750), and the guide portion (1760), and moves while being guided by the guide portion (1760) as the support portion (1740) rotates. Therefore, one guide portion (1760) constitutes one transport route for the three-dimensional game body (M1). Therefore, it is sufficient that one guide portion (1760) exists for one transport route for the three-dimensional game body (M1). Therefore, there is no need for a greater number of guide portions (1760) than the number of transport routes, and it is possible to prevent the number of guide portions (1760) from becoming too large.

The three-dimensional play body (M1) may be a sphere or a roughly sphere that can roll regardless of its position, or it may not be able to roll regardless of its position.

The axis of rotation (1734) may be an axis passing through the rotating body (1730), or may be an axis unrelated to the rotating body (1730), for example, if the rotating body (1730) is omitted.

The support portion (1740) may or may not be fixed to the side surface (1733) of the rotating body (1730).

The shape of the surrounding member (1750) may be cylindrical or non-cylindrical. In addition, all or part of the surrounding member (1750) may be made of a transparent material.

The shape of the guide portion (1760) may be cylindrical, prismatic, or neither cylindrical nor prismatic. Cylindrical and prismatic shapes are included in the rod shape.

[Appendix 2]
Another aspect of the conveying device (170a) is the conveying device described in Appendix 1, in which the enclosing member (1750) does not surround the first portion (1741), and the support portion (1740) takes in the three-dimensional play body (M1) at the first portion (1741).

According to the conveying device (170a) according to this other aspect, it becomes possible to take in the three-dimensional play object (M1) from 360 degrees around the first part (1741) using the first part (1741).

[Appendix 3]
Another aspect of the conveying device (170a) is the conveying device described in Appendix 2, in which the guide portion (1760) is not surrounded by the enclosing member (1750) in the portion on one end (1735) side of the rotating shaft (1734), and guides the intake of the three-dimensional play body (M1).

According to the conveying device (170a) relating to this other aspect, the guide portion (1760) can also be used as a member for taking in the three-dimensional play object (M1).

[Appendix 4]
A conveying device (170a) in another embodiment is a conveying device as described in Appendix 2 or 3, which includes a supply section (1780) that supplies a three-dimensional play body (M1) present around the first part (1741) to the first part (1741).

According to the conveying device (170a) relating to this other aspect, it is possible to increase the efficiency of taking in the three-dimensional play object (M1) using the first portion (1741) compared to a case in which the supply unit (1780) is not provided.

The supply unit (1780) may or may not include an inclined surface (1781) having an inclination that causes the three-dimensional play object (M1) present around the first portion (1741) to roll into the first portion (1741). For example, the supply unit (1780) may be configured to supply the three-dimensional play object (M1) to the first portion (1741) using a belt conveyor arranged radially from the first portion (1741).

[Appendix 5]
Another aspect of the conveying device (170a) is the conveying device described in Appendix 4, in which the three-dimensional play body (M1) is capable of rolling regardless of its posture, and the supply section (1780) includes an inclined surface (1781) having an inclination that causes the three-dimensional play body (M1) present around the first part (1741) to roll into the first part (1741).

According to the conveying device (170a) of the other aspect, the three-dimensional game body (M1) existing around the first part (1741) can be rolled into the first part (1741) by the weight of the three-dimensional game body (M1). Therefore, it is possible to improve the conveying efficiency compared to the case where the three-dimensional game body (M1) is supplied to the first part (1741) using power.

The three-dimensional play object (M1), which can roll regardless of its position, may be a spherical object (e.g., a marble or ball) or a roughly spherical object (e.g., a polyhedron).

[Appendix 6]
Another aspect of the conveying device (170a) is a conveying device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, in which the enclosing member (1750) does not surround the second portion (1742), and the support portion (1760) ejects the three-dimensional play body (M1) at the second portion (1742).

The conveying device (170a) according to this other aspect makes it possible to eject the three-dimensional play object (M1) from 360 degrees around the second portion (1742).

[Appendix 7]
Another aspect of the conveying device (170a) is the conveying device described in Appendix 6, in which a protrusion (1790) is provided on a part of the second portion (1742) to protrude the three-dimensional play body (M1).

According to the conveying device (170a) relating to this other aspect, when the three-dimensional play body (M1) reaches the second portion (1742), it is pushed out by the protruding portion (1790). This makes it possible to prevent the three-dimensional play body (M2) from getting stuck in the second portion (1742).

[Appendix 8]
In another aspect of the conveying device (170a), in the conveying device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7, the supply unit (1780) supplies the three-dimensional game body (M1) collected from each of a plurality of game unit parts (80a, 80c) that use the three-dimensional game body (M1) to the first part (1741).

According to the conveying device (170a) of this other aspect, the conveying device (170a) can be shared by multiple unit parts (80a and 80c).

The number of multiple unit parts (80a and 80c) sharing the transport device (170a) is not limited to "2" and may be "3" or more.

10...game device, 20...transport device for game device, 30...return transport section, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d...station section, 110a...game field, 120a...ball number selection section, 130a...marble chance execution section, 140a...marble JP chance execution section, 150a...JP payout section, 160a...control panel, 170a...screw lifter, 180a...air lifter.

Claims (7)

A transport device included in a game device,
A rotor that can rotate around a rotation axis;
a support part that supports a three-dimensional play body, is provided on a side surface of the rotating body, and is rotatable together with the rotating body around the rotation axis, and extends in a spiral shape from one end side to the other end side of the rotation axis;
a surrounding member surrounding at least a third portion of the support portion located between a first portion on one end side of the rotating shaft and a second portion on the other end side of the rotating shaft;
one or more guide parts extending from one end side of the rotating shaft to the other end side in a space between the side surface of the rotating body, the support part and the surrounding member, supporting the three-dimensional play body together with the support part and the surrounding member, and guiding the movement of the three-dimensional play body from one end side to the other end side of the rotating shaft accompanying the rotation of the support part, the one or more guide parts being in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member;
Including,
The whole or a part of the surrounding member is made of a transparent material.
Conveying device. A transport device included in a game device,
A rotor that can rotate around a rotation axis;
a support part that supports a three-dimensional play body, is provided on a side surface of the rotating body, and is rotatable together with the rotating body around the rotation axis, and extends in a spiral shape from one end side to the other end side of the rotation axis;
a surrounding member surrounding at least a third portion of the support portion located between a first portion on one end side of the rotating shaft and a second portion on the other end side of the rotating shaft;
one or more guide parts extending from one end side of the rotating shaft to the other end side in a space between the side surface of the rotating body, the support part and the surrounding member, supporting the three-dimensional play body together with the support part and the surrounding member, and guiding the movement of the three-dimensional play body from one end side to the other end side of the rotating shaft accompanying the rotation of the support part, the one or more guide parts being in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the surrounding member;
Including,
the surrounding member does not surround the first portion,
The support portion captures the three-dimensional play object in the first portion,
The whole or a part of the surrounding member is made of a transparent material.
Conveying device. The guide portion is not surrounded by the surrounding member in a region corresponding to the first portion, and guides the introduction of the three-dimensional play object.
The conveying device according to claim 2 . The transport device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a supply section that supplies the three-dimensional play object present around the first portion to the first portion. The three-dimensional play object can roll regardless of its posture,
The transport device according to claim 4 , wherein the supply unit includes an inclined surface having an inclination that causes the three-dimensional play object present around the first portion to roll toward the first portion. the surrounding member does not surround the second portion,
The three-dimensional play object is discharged from the second portion.
A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The supply unit supplies the three-dimensional game pieces collected from each of a plurality of game unit parts that use the three-dimensional game pieces to the first portion.
6. A conveying device according to claim 4 or 5.

Images