Automatic mahjong machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic mahjong machine which solves the problem that mahjong tiles and an installation platform are prone to being clamped when the mahjong tiles are shuffled by the automatic mahjong machine. The automatic mahjong machine comprises a shuffling barrel, a shuffling disc and a plurality of tile pushing mechanisms arranged in the circumferential direction of the shuffling barrel, a shuffling space is defined by the shuffling barrel, the shuffling disc is arranged at the bottom of the shuffling space, and the tile pushing mechanisms are used for storing and pushing mahjong tiles. The shuffling barrel is provided with mounting platforms corresponding to the tile pushing mechanisms, parts of the tile pushing mechanisms are stacked on the mounting platforms, tile guide blocks are arranged in a shuffling space between the mounting platforms and the shuffling disc, the tile guide blocks are provided with first tile guide structures facing the shuffling disc, and the tile guide structures are arranged on the tile guide blocks. The first tile guide structure comprises a first end close to the wall of the shuffling barrel and a second end far away from the wall of the shuffling barrel, the first end is lower than the second end, and the first tile guide structure transits from low to high in the direction from the first end to the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mahjong machine technology, and in particular to automatic mahjong machines. Background Technology

[0002] An automatic mahjong machine includes a shuffling device and a sorting device. The shuffling device includes a shuffling barrel and a shuffling tray. The shuffling barrel defines the shuffling space. The sorting device includes a pushing mechanism and a feeding mechanism, which are installed on the shuffling barrel.

[0003] Generally, automatic mahjong machines, especially those with tilted tile feeding mechanisms, have a mounting platform on the shuffling drum for installing the tile-pushing mechanism. However, this mounting platform occupies some of the shuffling space, reducing the shuffling space between the mounting platform and the shuffling tray. This reduced space increases the probability of tiles getting stuck when entering or passing between the mounting platform and the shuffling tray, especially near the edge of the mounting platform close to the edge of the tile-feeding device's suction wheel.

[0004] This document describes the installation platform and a type of mahjong tile, for reference. Figure 1 The suction wheel 31 picks up the mahjong tiles and moves them. The mahjong tiles below the suction wheel 31 move in the shuffling direction. The movement of mahjong tile 1 causes mahjong tile 2 to move, resulting in mahjong tile 2 getting stuck with the mounting platform 110. Although the rotation of the suction wheel 31 temporarily moves the magnet away from mahjong tile 1, mahjong tiles 3 and 4 are behind mahjong tile 1, and the temporary drop of mahjong tile 1 cannot release the stuck state of mahjong tiles 1 and 2, causing the tile delivery device to be unable to deliver tiles. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and propose an automatic mahjong machine to solve the problem of mahjong tiles getting stuck on the installation platform during the shuffling of the automatic mahjong machine.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the automatic mahjong machine proposed in this utility model includes:

[0007] The shuffling bucket limits the shuffling space; and,

[0008] A shuffling plate is located at the bottom of the shuffling space; and,

[0009] Multiple sets of card-pushing mechanisms are arranged around the circumference of the shuffling barrel. The card-pushing mechanisms are used to store and push mahjong tiles. An installation platform is provided on the shuffling barrel for each set of card-pushing mechanisms. Parts of the card-pushing mechanisms are stacked on the installation platform.

[0010] A guide block is provided in the shuffling space between the installation platform and the shuffling tank. The guide block has a first guide structure facing the shuffling tank. The first guide structure includes a first end close to the wall of the shuffling tank and a second end away from the wall of the shuffling tank. The first end is lower than the second end. The first guide structure transitions from low to high from the first end to the second end.

[0011] In this automatic mahjong machine, the mahjong tiles in the shuffling space move with the rotation of the shuffling disc. Among the multiple stacked mahjong tiles, the uppermost mahjong tile is guided by the first guide structure and moves away from the wall of the shuffling drum, falling off the stacked mahjong tiles. The guidance of the first guide structure reduces the chance of the stacked mahjong tiles getting stuck with the mounting platform.

[0012] Preferably, the first guide sign structure transitions smoothly from low to high in the direction from the first end to the second end.

[0013] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, protrusions or corners are avoided in the extension direction of the first guide structure from the first end to the second end. This also prevents the mahjong tiles from being stuck by the first guide structure, allowing the first guide structure to better guide multiple stacked mahjong tiles and avoid them getting stuck.

[0014] Preferably, the first guide sign structure transitions from the first end to the second end by a guide sign slope or at least two guide sign slopes connected together;

[0015] Alternatively, the first guide sign structure may be transitioned from the first end to the second end by a guide sign arc surface or at least two guide sign arc surfaces.

[0016] Alternatively, the first guide sign structure transitions from the first end to the second end by at least one guide sign slope and at least one guide sign arc surface.

[0017] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, at least one guide plate slope and / or at least one guide plate arc surface are connected between the first end and the second end, making it easier for mahjong tiles to be guided by the first guide plate structure and fall from the top of multiple stacked mahjong tiles.

[0018] Preferably, the height difference between the first end and the second end is greater than 5 mm.

[0019] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, and by setting the height difference between the first end and the second end to be greater than or equal to 5mm, the transition of the first guide structure from low to high in the direction from the first end to the second end has a sufficient height change, which helps to improve the guiding effect of the first guide structure on the mahjong tiles.

[0020] Preferably, the device also includes a card-feeding device for picking up and delivering mahjong tiles from the shuffling plate. The card-feeding device includes a card-grabbing wheel for adsorbing and grabbing mahjong tiles from the shuffling plate. Each mounting platform and the shuffling plate are provided with a card-guide block in the shuffling space. The card-guide block of any one platform is close to the card-grabbing wheel of the adjacent card-feeding device.

[0021] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the guide block of any one side is set to be close to the suction wheel of the adjacent side's card feeding device. This can guide multiple stacked mahjong tiles when the automatic mahjong machine starts shuffling, thereby reducing the situation of multiple mahjong tiles being stacked and reducing the probability of card jamming during the shuffling process.

[0022] Preferably, the guide block is positioned in the shuffling space at the edge of the mounting platform closest to the adjacent card-feeding device's suction wheel.

[0023] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, the guide block is positioned within the shuffling space at the edge of the mounting platform closest to the suction wheel of the adjacent card-feeding device. This allows the mahjong tiles at this position to be guided by the guide block, reducing the stacking height and thus minimizing contact between the mahjong tiles and the mounting platform, thereby reducing the likelihood of the mahjong tiles getting stuck. Simultaneously, when the mahjong tiles on the suction wheel move along with other mahjong tiles, because the guide block is positioned within the shuffling space at the edge of the mounting platform closest to the suction wheel of the adjacent card-feeding device, other mahjong tiles moved by the suction wheels will be guided by the guide block's structure to slide or rotate to one side when they approach the mounting platform, separating the two mahjong tiles and preventing them from getting stuck.

[0024] Preferably, the minimum straight-line distance between the guide block and the suction wheel is greater than the thickness of one mahjong tile and less than the length of two mahjong tiles.

[0025] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, a reasonable distance is maintained between the guide block and the suction wheel, allowing the guide block to guide the mahjong tiles without affecting the delivery device's transport of the tiles.

[0026] Preferably, the shuffling disc rotates in a predetermined shuffling direction, and the guide block forms a facing side and a back side on both sides of the first guide structure, respectively. The facing side is provided with a second guide structure, which is bent or tilted along the shuffling direction.

[0027] Using the aforementioned technical solution, the second guide structure of the guide block can guide the upper mahjong tiles in a stacked mahjong tile arrangement to move and deflect away from the wall of the shuffling tank, thereby reducing the stacking height of the stacked mahjong tiles and making it easier for the stacked mahjong tiles to be guided by the first guide structure, thereby further reducing the probability of the stacked mahjong tiles getting stuck with the installation platform.

[0028] Preferably, the card-facing side of the guide block is the card-facing surface, which is bent or tilted along the shuffling direction to form the second guide structure.

[0029] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the guiding area of ​​the second guide block for the mahjong tiles is increased by setting the facing surface of the guide block as the second guide structure, thereby improving the guiding effect of the second guide structure on the mahjong tiles.

[0030] Preferably, the bottom surface of the guide block faces the shuffling plate to form the first guide structure, and the facing surface of the guide block is in contact with the bottom surface.

[0031] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the first guide structure and the second guide structure are connected, allowing multiple stacked mahjong tiles to be guided by both the second and first guide structures simultaneously. This improves the guiding efficiency of the guide block for multiple stacked mahjong tiles and accelerates the separation of the stacked tiles. Secondly, the connection between the first and second guide structures increases the strength at the connection point, thereby increasing the service life of the guide block. Finally, the connection between the first and second guide structures further simplifies the structure of the guide block. Since the shuffling barrel and pusher bracket are usually made of plastic and require injection molding, the simplification of the guide block structure reduces the complexity of the injection mold, thus lowering costs.

[0032] Preferably, the back side of the guide block is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0033] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the strength of the guide block can be increased, the probability of damage during use can be reduced, and the service life of the guide block can be improved.

[0034] Preferably, the guide block is connected to the wall of the shuffling barrel and / or the mounting platform;

[0035] Alternatively, the card-pushing mechanism includes a card-pushing bracket with a card-pushing slot, a card-pushing motor, and a card-pushing component. The card-pushing slot is used to store mahjong tiles. The card-pushing component is driven to rotate by the card-pushing motor to push the mahjong tiles in the card-pushing slot. The card-pushing slot includes a card inlet and a card outlet, and has an arc-shaped curved structure with a bending angle greater than 180° from the card inlet to the card outlet. The card-guide block is connected to the card-pushing bracket.

[0036] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the guide block connected to the wall of the shuffling tank and / or the mounting platform can strengthen the shuffling tank at the connection point of the guide block. Since the guide block is located below the pushing mechanism, strengthening the shuffling tank at this location helps to improve the stability and reliability of the shuffling tank's support for the pushing mechanism. The guide block is connected to the pushing bracket, and the mounting platform has a notch for the guide block to pass through. The pushing bracket is placed on the mounting platform, and the guide block extends into the shuffling space between the shuffling plate and the mounting platform through the notch. The guide block connected to the pushing bracket helps to improve the strength of the pushing bracket at local locations. On the other hand, the guide block can also provide pre-positioning for the pushing bracket on the mounting platform, improving the installation accuracy of the pushing mechanism.

[0037] Preferably, the distance between the first end of the first guide structure and the shuffling plate is greater than the thickness of the mahjong tiles.

[0038] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the first guide structure will not interfere with the mahjong tiles that are running normally on the shuffling plate, thus avoiding the first guide structure affecting the running speed of the mahjong tiles on the shuffling plate.

[0039] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of installing platform cards in existing technology;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic mahjong machine in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a top view of the shuffling barrel in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shuffling barrel, shuffling plate, and card feeding device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the shuffling barrel, shuffling plate, and card feeding device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the guide block and the card delivery device in an embodiment of the present invention to avoid card jamming.

[0047] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first guide sign structure in the guide sign block of this utility model embodiment;

[0049] Figure 10 This is another schematic diagram of the first guide sign structure in the guide sign block in this embodiment of the present utility model;

[0050] Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram of the first guide sign structure in the guide sign block in this embodiment of the present utility model;

[0051] Figure 12 This is another schematic diagram of the first guide sign structure in the guide sign block in this embodiment of the present utility model;

[0052] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram of the first guide sign structure in the guide sign block of this utility model embodiment.

[0053] Figure label:

[0054] 10. Card-pushing mechanism;

[0055] 20. Upgrading institutions;

[0056] 30. Card feeding device; 31. Card shuffling wheel;

[0057] 100. Shuffling barrel; 110. Mounting platform; 111. First side; 112. Second side; 120. Card lifting slot; 130. Mounting notch;

[0058] 200. Shuffling the deck;

[0059] 300. Guide sign block; 310. First guide sign structure; 311. First end; 312. Second end; 313. Guide sign inclined surface; 314. Guide sign curved surface; 320. Facing side; 321. Second guide sign structure; 330. Back side; 331. Reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0061] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0062] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0063] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0064] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, the automatic mahjong machine includes a shuffling drum 100, a shuffling tray 200, and a tile sorting device. The shuffling drum 100 defines a shuffling space and is fixedly disposed relative to the automatic mahjong machine. The shuffling tray 200 is disposed at the bottom of the shuffling space and rotates relative to the shuffling drum 100. The rotation of the shuffling tray 200 causes the mahjong tiles on the tray to move. The rotation direction of the shuffling tray 200 is the shuffling direction of the mahjong tiles, which is usually clockwise. The shuffling drum 100 can be a single piece or formed by combining multiple separately disposed components.

[0065] The tile sorting device includes a tile pushing mechanism 10 and a tile lifting mechanism 20. Multiple sets of the tile sorting device are provided, with correspondingly multiple sets of tile pushing mechanisms 10 and tile lifting mechanisms 20. The tile pushing mechanism 10 and tile lifting mechanism 20 work in a one-to-one correspondence to complete the pushing and lifting of mahjong tiles, and the tile pushing mechanism 10 and tile lifting mechanism 20 that work together to complete the pushing and lifting of tiles constitute the same set. The tile lifting mechanism 20 includes a tile lifting plate that swings and rises. The tile pushing mechanism 10 is used to store and push mahjong tiles. The tile pushing mechanism 10 includes a tile pushing bracket and a tile pushing component. The tile pushing bracket includes a tile pushing slot for storing a predetermined number of mahjong tiles. The tile pushing component pushes the mahjong tiles stored in the tile pushing slot to the tile lifting plate, and the tile lifting plate lifts the mahjong tiles onto the table of the automatic mahjong machine. The tile pushing slot includes a tile inlet and a tile outlet, and has an arc-shaped curved structure with a bending angle greater than 180° from the tile inlet to the tile outlet. The tile pushing component typically moves counterclockwise, pushing the mahjong tiles in the tile pushing slot towards the tile outlet. The specific structures of the card-pushing mechanism 10 and the card-lifting mechanism 20 can be found in Chinese Utility Model Patent Publication No. CN207307151U, entitled "A Card-Lifting Mechanism for a Mahjong Machine". Typically, the card-arranging device consists of four sets, symmetrically distributed circumferentially on the shuffling tank 100. This arrangement ensures that the four sets of card-arranging devices are independently configured without overlap, reducing the overlap in height between components and lowering the overall height of the automatic mahjong machine.

[0066] The automatic mahjong machine employs a tile-sorting device with four sets of arc-shaped curved tile-pushing slots. The tile-pushing mechanisms are roughly circular, and multiple sets of these mechanisms 10 are arranged circumferentially around the shuffling drum 100. To reduce the size of the automatic mahjong machine, the tile-pushing mechanisms 10 can only move inwards from the shuffling drum 100. A mounting platform 110 is provided on the shuffling drum 100 corresponding to each set of tile-pushing mechanisms 10. The mounting platform 110 extends inwards from the outer side of the shuffling drum 100 and is recessed to avoid some of the tile-pushing mechanisms 10. The mounting platform 110 also has a tile-lifting slot 120, which provides installation and lowering space for the tile-lifting plate of the tile-lifting mechanism 20. A tile-feeding opening is also located in the center of the shuffling drum 100, opening upwards for inserting the mahjong tiles to be shuffled. The card pushing mechanism 10 is partially stacked on the mounting platform 110, allowing the card pushing mechanism 10 to be installed closer to the inside of the automatic mahjong machine, thereby reducing the overall size of the automatic mahjong machine. Due to the sunken design of the mounting platform 110, the shuffling space between the mounting platform 110 and the shuffling plate 200 is reduced.

[0067] After the mahjong tiles to be shuffled are put into the shuffling plate 200 through the tile feeding port, they form a mahjong tile pile. The mahjong tiles in the pile are stacked irregularly, such as interlacing, overlapping, or tilting. The irregular stacking of the mahjong tiles increases the height of the mahjong tile pile, which increases the probability of the mahjong tiles getting stuck when entering or passing between the installation platform 110 and the shuffling plate 200.

[0068] In this embodiment, a guide block 300 is provided in the shuffling space between the installation platform 110 and the shuffling disk 200. The guide block 300 has a first guide structure 310 facing the shuffling disk 200. The first guide structure 310 includes a first end 311 close to the wall of the shuffling barrel 100 and a second end 312 away from the wall of the shuffling barrel 100. The shuffling barrel 100 is approximately circular. The first end 311 is farther from the rotation axis of the shuffling disk 200 than the second end 312. Therefore, the first end 311 is closer to the wall of the shuffling barrel 100 than the second end 312. The first guide structure 310 extends from the first end 311 to the second end 312 in the shuffling space enclosed by the shuffling barrel 100 in a direction away from the wall of the shuffling barrel 100.

[0069] Furthermore, the first end 311 is lower than the second end 312, and the first guide structure 310 transitions from low to high in the direction from the first end 311 to the second end 312, so that the first guide structure 310 gradually increases in height in the shuffling space enclosed by the shuffling barrel 100, thereby the first guide structure 310 has the function of guiding the mahjong tiles located on the upper side of multiple stacked mahjong tiles in the direction away from the barrel wall of the shuffling barrel 100.

[0070] In this automatic mahjong machine, the mahjong tiles in the shuffling space move with the rotation of the shuffling disc 200. Among the multiple stacked mahjong tiles in the shuffling space, the upper mahjong tiles are guided by the first guide structure 310 and move away from the wall of the shuffling barrel 100, falling off the multiple stacked mahjong tiles. The height of the multiple stacked mahjong tiles is reduced by the guidance of the first guide structure 310, thereby reducing the probability of the multiple stacked mahjong tiles getting stuck with the mounting platform 110.

[0071] It should be noted that even though the guide block 300 in this embodiment is connected to the wall of the shuffling tank 100, it does not mean that the first end 311 is located at the connection point between the guide block 300 and the wall of the shuffling tank 100. Similarly, it does not mean that the second end 312 is located at the furthest point of the guide block 300 from the wall of the shuffling tank 100. Rather, the starting point and the ending point of the structure with a low-to-high transition feature on the side of the guide block 300 facing the shuffling plate 200 constitute the first end 311 and the second end 312, respectively.

[0072] It is understood that there may be one or more guide blocks 300 between the card sorting device and its corresponding mounting platform 110. The multiple guide blocks 300 may be spaced apart along the shuffling direction or spaced apart along the radial direction of the shuffling barrel 100.

[0073] It needs further explanation that the "stuck" mentioned above refers to the situation where mahjong tiles get stuck when entering or passing through the shuffling space between the installation platform 110 and the shuffling plate 200 during the automatic mahjong machine's shuffling process. Some stuck mahjong tiles will gradually be released as the number of mahjong tiles on the shuffling plate 200 decreases. However, because the stuck tiles reduce the number of mahjong tiles that can rotate with the shuffling plate 200, the shuffling time is greatly increased. In addition, some stuck mahjong tiles cannot be released as the shuffling time increases, eventually causing the automatic mahjong machine to alarm and delaying the user's enjoyment.

[0074] In one embodiment, based on the automatic mahjong machine of the foregoing embodiments, refer to Figures 6 to 8 The height difference between the first end 311 and the second end 312 is greater than or equal to 5mm. The height difference refers to the difference between the two in the height direction of the shuffling space enclosed by the shuffling barrel 100. Since the first end 311 is lower than the second end 312, the first end 311 is at least 5mm lower than the second end 312.

[0075] By setting the height difference between the first end 311 and the second end 312 to be greater than or equal to 5mm, the transition of the first guide structure 310 from low to high in the direction from the first end 311 to the second end 312 has a sufficient height change, which helps to improve the guiding effect of the first guide structure 310 on the mahjong tiles.

[0076] In one embodiment of the automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first guide sign structure 310 is connected to the second end 312 by a guide sign slope 313.

[0077] In another embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first guide sign structure 310 transitions from the first end 311 to the second end 312 by two guide sign inclined surfaces 313.

[0078] In some other embodiments, the first guide structure 310 may also be transitioned from the first end 311 to the second end 312 by two or more guide slopes 313 connected together.

[0079] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first guide sign structure 310 is connected to the second end 312 by a guide sign arc surface 314.

[0080] In another embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first guide sign structure 310 transitions from the first end 311 to the second end 312 by two guide sign arc surfaces 314 connecting together.

[0081] In some other embodiments, the first guide structure 310 may also be transitioned from the first end 311 to the second end 312 by two or more guide arc surfaces 314 connected together.

[0082] In one embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first guide sign structure 310 transitions from the first end 311 to the second end 312 by a guide sign inclined surface 313 and a guide sign curved surface 314.

[0083] In some other embodiments, the first guide structure 310 may also be transitioned from the first end 311 to the second end 312 by at least one guide slope 313 and at least one guide arc surface 314.

[0084] Preferably, the connecting positions between two adjacent guide slopes 313, between two adjacent guide arcs 314, and between an adjacent guide slope 313 and a guide arc 314 are made with rounded transitions. At the connecting positions, corners or sharp corners may be generated due to differences in slope and curvature. By using rounded transitions, corners or convex corners at the connecting positions can be avoided, which would cause the mahjong tiles to get stuck on the first guide structure 310.

[0085] The transition between the first end 311 and the second end 312 is achieved by at least one guide bevel and / or at least one guide arc, making it easier for mahjong tiles to be guided by the first guide structure 310 to fall from the top of multiple stacked mahjong tiles.

[0086] Appendix in this embodiment Figure 9 To be continued Figure 13 This is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply that the first guide sign structure 310 can only be an appendix. Figure 9 To be continued Figure 13 The structure disclosed in the document.

[0087] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the first guide structure 310 transitions smoothly from low to high from the first end 311 to the second end 312. A smooth transition means that the first guide structure 310 is not broken between the first end 311 and the second end 312, and the slope of the first guide structure 310 extending from the first end 311 to the second end 312 changes continuously or remains constant. This avoids sharp angles or bends in the extension direction of the first guide structure 310 from the first end 311 to the second end 312, thus preventing mahjong tiles from being stuck in the first guide structure 310. This allows the first guide structure 310 to better guide multiple stacked mahjong tiles, reducing the probability of tiles getting stuck.

[0088] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figures 4 to 7As shown, one end of the guide block 300 is connected to the wall of the shuffling barrel 100, and the other end is connected to the mounting platform 110.

[0089] The guide block 300 is connected to the barrel wall of the shuffling barrel 100 and the mounting platform 110, which can strengthen the strength of the shuffling barrel 100 at the connection position of the guide block 300. Since the guide block 300 is located below the pushing mechanism 10, strengthening the shuffling barrel 100 at this position helps to improve the stability and reliability of the shuffling barrel 100's support for the pushing mechanism 10.

[0090] In some other embodiments, the guide block 300 can also be connected separately to the shuffle barrel 100, or separately to the mounting platform 110. Accordingly, the guide block 300 can also strengthen the shuffle barrel 100.

[0091] In one embodiment, in the automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiment, the guide block 300 is connected to the pusher bracket, the mounting platform 110 has a notch for the guide block 300 to pass through, the pusher bracket is placed on the mounting platform 110, and the guide block 300 extends into the shuffling space between the shuffling plate 200 and the mounting platform 110 through the notch.

[0092] In this way, on the one hand, the guide block 300 is connected to the pusher bracket, which helps to improve the strength of the pusher bracket in a local position. On the other hand, the guide block 300 can also provide a pre-positioning function for the pusher bracket on the installation platform 110, thereby improving the installation accuracy of the pusher mechanism 10.

[0093] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the distance between the first end 311 of the first guide structure 310 and the shuffling plate 200 is greater than the thickness of a mahjong tile. This ensures that the first guide structure 310 does not interfere with the mahjong tiles running normally on the shuffling plate 200, thus preventing the first guide structure 310 from affecting the running speed of the mahjong tiles on the shuffling plate.

[0094] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the guide block 300 forms a facing side 320 and a back side 330 on both sides of the first guide structure 310. The facing side 320 is provided with a second guide structure 321. The shuffling disc 200 rotates in a predetermined shuffling direction, and the second guide structure 321 bends or tilts along the shuffling direction. The facing side 320 is the side of the guide block 300 facing the mahjong tiles in the shuffling direction, and the back side 330 is the side of the guide block 300 facing away from the mahjong tiles in the shuffling direction. The direction from the facing side 320 to the back side 330 is consistent with the shuffling direction. (Reference) Figure 3The bending or tilting of the second guide structure 321 along the shuffling direction means that the angle α between the bending or tilting direction of the second guide structure 321 away from the wall of the shuffling tank 100 and the rotation direction of the shuffling disc 200 is less than 90°. When the second guide structure 321 is bent, the angle between the tangent direction extending from any point of the second guide structure 321 away from the wall of the shuffling tank 100 and the tangent direction extending from that point along the rotation direction of the shuffling disc 200 constitutes angle α; when the second guide structure 321 is tilted, the angle between the extension direction extending from any point of the second guide structure 321 away from the wall of the shuffling tank 100 and the tangent direction extending from that point along the rotation direction of the shuffling disc 200 constitutes angle α.

[0095] When the top mahjong tile in a stack of mahjong tiles is blocked by the second guide structure 321, it moves along the extension direction of the second guide structure 321 and deflects to a certain extent during contact with the second guide structure 321. This movement and deflection causes the top mahjong tile to deviate from its original direction of movement and fall off the stack of mahjong tiles. Since the falling mahjong tile deviates from its original position, it is less likely to fall onto the mahjong tiles behind it, thus reducing the stacking height of the stacked mahjong tiles. The stacked mahjong tiles with a reduced height are more easily guided by the first guide structure 310.

[0096] With the above configuration, the second guide structure 321 of the guide block 300 can guide the upper mahjong tiles in the stacked mahjong tiles to move and deflect in a direction away from the wall of the shuffling barrel 100, thereby reducing the stacking height of the stacked mahjong tiles and making it easier for the stacked mahjong tiles to be guided by the first guide structure 310, thereby further reducing the probability of the stacked mahjong tiles getting stuck with the installation platform 110.

[0097] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the back side 330 of the guide block 300 is provided with reinforcing ribs 331. This increases the strength of the guide block 300, reduces the probability of damage during use, and extends the service life of the guide block 300.

[0098] In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 331 of the back card side 330 can be connected to the barrel wall and / or the mounting platform 110, thereby further increasing the strength of the shuffling barrel 100; the reinforcing rib 331 can also be connected to the card pusher bracket, thereby increasing the strength of the card pusher bracket.

[0099] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the facing side 320 of the guide block 300 is the facing surface of the guide block 300, which is curved or tilted along the shuffling direction to form a second guide structure 321. By setting the facing surface of the guide block 300 as the second guide structure 321, the guiding area of ​​the second guide structure 321 for the mahjong tiles is increased, thereby improving the guiding effect of the second guide structure 321 on the mahjong tiles.

[0100] In this preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the guide block 300 faces the shuffling plate 200 to form a first guide structure 310, and the facing surface of the guide block 300 is in contact with the bottom surface of the guide block 300.

[0101] This configuration connects the first guide structure 310 to the second guide structure 320, allowing multiple stacked mahjong tiles to be guided by both the second and first guide structures simultaneously. This improves the guiding efficiency of the guide block for multiple stacked mahjong tiles and accelerates the separation of the stacked tiles. Secondly, the connection between the first and second guide structures 310 increases the strength at the connection point, thereby extending the service life of the guide block 300. Finally, the connection between the first and second guide structures 310 further simplifies the structure of the guide block 300. Since the shuffling barrel 100 and the pusher bracket are typically made of plastic and require injection molding, the simplified structure of the guide block 300 reduces the complexity of the injection mold, thus lowering costs.

[0102] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the tile sorting device also includes a tile delivery device 30 for picking up and delivering mahjong tiles from the shuffling tray 200. The tile delivery device 30 is mounted on the shuffling barrel 100. The tile delivery device 30 includes a suction wheel 31 for adsorbing and grabbing mahjong tiles from the shuffling tray 200. Each mounting platform 110 and the shuffling tray 200 has a guide block 300 in the shuffling space. The guide block 300 of any one side is close to the suction wheel 31 of the adjacent tile delivery device 30.

[0103] The automatic mahjong machine has multiple sets of card-feeding devices 30 corresponding to card-pushing mechanisms 10. Each set of card-feeding devices 30 and card-pushing mechanisms 10 is paired to complete the card-feeding and card-pushing of mahjong tiles. The card-pushing mechanism 10 is located at the corner of the automatic mahjong machine, the card-feeding device 30 is installed in the shuffling tank 100, and the card-suction wheel 31 is located above the edge of the shuffling plate 200. The card feeding device 30 includes a card suction wheel 31. The card suction wheel 31 picks up mahjong tiles from the shuffling plate 200 from below. In order to reduce the collision between the mahjong tiles on the card suction wheel 31 and the mahjong tiles on the shuffling plate 200, the mahjong tiles picked up from below the card suction wheel 31 move in the direction of rotation of the shuffling plate 200. After the mahjong tiles rotate to above the card suction wheel 31, the mahjong tiles move against the direction of rotation of the shuffling plate 200 and are fed into the same group of pusher mechanisms 10. Therefore, the card feeding device 30 in the same group is located in front of the pusher mechanism 10 in the same group in the shuffling direction. The card feeding device 30 is closer to the next group of pusher mechanisms 10 in the shuffling direction. The card feeding device 30 and the previous group of pusher mechanisms 10 in the shuffling direction are separated by the pusher mechanism 10 in the same group and the card feeding device 30 in the previous group. Any group of pusher mechanisms 10 is adjacent to the previous group of card feeding devices 30 in the shuffling direction.

[0104] The card-feeding device 30 uses a magnetic suction wheel 31 to pick up mahjong tiles. To improve the reliability of the suction wheel 31 in picking up mahjong tiles, the card-feeding device 30 and the shuffling tray 200 are usually reserved with a small space for only one mahjong tile to pass through. After the mahjong tiles to be shuffled are put into the shuffling tank 100, the space between the suction wheel 31 and the adjacent pushing mechanism 10 is large enough to accommodate a large number of mahjong tiles. Therefore, the position between the suction wheel 31 and the adjacent pushing mechanism 10 can be regarded as the starting position of the mahjong tiles shuffling. Since this position accommodates a large number of mahjong tiles, it is easy for multiple mahjong tiles to be stacked. In addition, this position is close to the mounting platform 110, so the probability of tiles getting stuck is relatively higher. Since any set of card-absorbing wheels 31 is adjacent to the next set of card-pushing mechanisms 10 along the shuffling direction, the guide block 300 is placed in the shuffling space between the mounting platform 110 of the next set of card-pushing mechanisms 10 and the shuffling plate 200, so that the guide block 300 of any side is close to the card-absorbing wheel 31 of the adjacent card-feeding device 30. With this arrangement, the problem of multiple mahjong tiles being stacked at the beginning of the shuffling can be reduced, thereby reducing the probability of mahjong tiles getting stuck with the mounting platform 110 during the shuffling process.

[0105] In this embodiment, the guide block 300 of any one side is set close to the suction wheel 31 of the adjacent card feeding device 30. This can guide multiple stacked mahjong tiles when the automatic mahjong machine starts shuffling, thereby reducing the situation of multiple mahjong tiles being stacked and reducing the occurrence of card jamming during the shuffling process.

[0106] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 3, Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the guide block 300 is located in the shuffling space at the position closest to the suction wheel 31 of the adjacent card feeding device 30 at the edge of the mounting platform 110.

[0107] The four sets of card-pushing mechanisms 10 are independent of each other, making the four mounting platforms 110 independent as well. Due to the downward-sloping design of the mounting platforms 110, each of the four platforms 110 has a downward-protruding edge in the shuffling space. This protrusion increases the probability of card jamming when multiple stacked mahjong tiles are involved. (Reference) Figure 1 In particular, when the mahjong tiles on the suction wheel 31 move together with other mahjong tiles, the upward movement of the mahjong tiles on the suction wheel 31 causes the other mahjong tiles to move and get stuck with the installation platform 110.

[0108] The mounting platform 110 includes a first side 111 and a second side 112. The first side 111 is close to the suction wheel 31 of the previous card feeding device 30, and the second side 112 is close to the suction wheel 31 of the current card feeding device 30. The position of the edge of the mounting platform 110 closest to the suction wheel 31 of the adjacent card feeding device 30 refers to the edge position of the first side 111 of the mounting platform 110 near the suction wheel 31 of the adjacent card feeding device 30. The guide block 300 can be provided on the edge of the first side 111 of the mounting platform 110; or it can be provided on the card pushing mechanism 10 near the first side 111. A notch is provided on the edge of the first side 111 to allow the guide block 300 to extend into the shuffling space through the notch.

[0109] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 Since the suction wheel 31 is close to the wall of the shuffling barrel 100, the number of mahjong tiles piled up near the suction wheel 31 is relatively large. The guide block 300 is positioned in the shuffling space at the position of the suction wheel 31 closest to the adjacent card feeding device 30 on the edge of the installation platform 110. This allows the mahjong tiles at this position to be guided by the guide block 300 to reduce the stacking height, thereby reducing the contact between the mahjong tiles at this position and the installation platform 110, and thus reducing the probability of the mahjong tiles getting stuck on the installation platform.

[0110] At the same time, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 When the mahjong tiles on the suction wheel 31 move along with other mahjong tiles, the guide block 300, located in the shuffling space at the position of the suction wheel 31 closest to the adjacent tile feeding device 30 on the edge of the mounting platform 110, replaces the protrusion at the edge of the mounting platform 110 with a guide structure for guiding the mahjong tiles. When other mahjong tiles that are moved by the mahjong tiles on the suction wheel 31 approach the mounting platform 110, they will be guided by the guide structure of the guide block 300 to slide or rotate to one side, thus separating the two mahjong tiles and avoiding them getting stuck.

[0111] In one embodiment, an automatic mahjong machine based on the foregoing embodiments, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the minimum straight-line distance between the guide block 300 and the suction wheel 31 is greater than the thickness of a mahjong tile and less than the length of two mahjong tiles.

[0112] With the above settings, a reasonable distance is maintained between the guide block 300 and the suction wheel 31, so that the guide block 300 can guide the mahjong tiles without affecting the delivery device 30's transport of the mahjong tiles.

[0113] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the content described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of this utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic mahjong machine, including: The shuffling bucket limits the shuffling space; as well as, The shuffling plate is located at the bottom of the shuffling space; as well as, Multiple sets of card-pushing mechanisms are arranged around the circumference of the shuffling barrel. The card-pushing mechanisms are used to store and push mahjong tiles. An installation platform is provided on the shuffling barrel for each set of card-pushing mechanisms. Parts of the card-pushing mechanisms are stacked on the installation platform. The feature is that a guide block is provided in the shuffling space between the installation platform and the shuffling plate. The guide block has a first guide structure facing the shuffling plate. The first guide structure includes a first end close to the wall of the shuffling barrel and a second end away from the wall of the shuffling barrel. The first end is lower than the second end. The first guide structure transitions from low to high from the first end to the second end.

2. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide sign structure transitions smoothly from low to high from the first end to the second end.

3. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide sign structure transitions from the first end to the second end by a guide sign slope or at least two guide sign slopes connected together; Alternatively, the first guide sign structure may be transitioned from the first end to the second end by a guide sign arc surface or at least two guide sign arc surfaces. Alternatively, the first guide sign structure transitions from the first end to the second end by at least one guide sign slope and at least one guide sign arc surface.

4. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The height difference between the first end and the second end is greater than 5mm.

5. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a card-feeding device for picking up and sending mahjong tiles from the shuffling plate. The card-feeding device includes a card-grabbing wheel for adsorbing and grabbing mahjong tiles from the shuffling plate. Each mounting platform and the shuffling plate are provided with a card-guide block in the shuffling space. The card-guide block of any one side is close to the card-grabbing wheel of the adjacent card-feeding device.

6. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The guide block is positioned in the shuffling space at the edge of the mounting platform closest to the adjacent card-feeding device's suction wheel.

7. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The minimum straight-line distance between the guide block and the suction wheel is greater than the thickness of one mahjong tile and less than the length of two mahjong tiles.

8. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shuffling disc rotates in a predetermined shuffling direction. The guide block forms a facing side and a back side on both sides of the first guide structure. The facing side is provided with a second guide structure, which is bent or tilted along the shuffling direction.

9. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The side of the guide block that faces the cards is called the card-facing surface, which is bent or tilted in the direction of shuffling to form the second guide structure.

10. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the guide block faces the shuffling plate to form the first guide structure, and the facing surface of the guide block is in contact with the bottom surface.

11. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The guide plate block has reinforcing ribs on the back side.

12. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide block is connected to the wall of the shuffling barrel and / or the mounting platform; Alternatively, the card-pushing mechanism includes a card-pushing bracket with a card-pushing slot, a card-pushing motor, and a card-pushing component. The card-pushing slot is used to store mahjong tiles. The card-pushing component is driven to rotate by the card-pushing motor to push the mahjong tiles in the card-pushing slot. The card-pushing slot includes a card inlet and a card outlet, and has an arc-shaped curved structure with a bending angle greater than 180° from the card inlet to the card outlet. The card-guide block is connected to the card-pushing bracket.

13. The automatic mahjong machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first end of the first guide structure and the shuffling plate is greater than the thickness of the mahjong tiles.

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