A prize ball dispensing mechanism for a pinball machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of prize ball of pinball machine, belong to the technical field of recreational facilities, solve the problem that a large number of prize balls in the prior art are accumulated together, and friction is generated by mutual contact, which may cause the prize ball to be not smoothly output. It includes prize ball placing box, V-shaped plate is movably arranged in prize ball placing box, V-shaped plate is connected with lifting mechanism, through slot is formed in V-shaped plate, ball outlet pipe and guide vertical plate fixed in the bottom of prize ball placing box are vertically arranged in through slot, the bottom of prize ball placing box is communicated with ball outlet pipe, the upper end of ball outlet pipe is inclinedly arranged towards the lowest point of V-shaped plate, prize ball release mechanism is arranged below prize ball placing box. Setting lifting mechanism can lift V-shaped plate, lifting mechanism releases V-shaped plate by V-shaped plate gravity automatic backfall again, so reciprocating can agitate prize ball, to break the balance between prize ball, so that prize ball can be discharged from ball outlet pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of entertainment equipment technology, specifically to a prize ball dispensing mechanism for a pinball machine. Background Technology

[0002] A pinball machine is a recreational gaming device that launches a ball onto a game panel. The panel guides the ball along a designed path using tracks of specific shapes and layouts, increasing the game's fun and controllability. Some pinball machines also utilize electromagnets to control the opening, closing, or movement of certain components to achieve special effects or functions, such as controlling the ball to enter specific areas to trigger reward mechanisms.

[0003] Some pinball machines include a prize ball dispensing mechanism. When the operator accumulates a certain number of points in the game, this mechanism dispenses prize balls as rewards. A large number of prize balls are stored in a prize ball storage box to meet the game's reward requirements. However, in current technology, the prize ball storage box simply stores the prize balls. Because a large number of prize balls are piled together, the friction generated by their contact may prevent the balls from being dispensed smoothly, affecting the operator's gaming experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a prize ball dispensing mechanism for a pinball machine. A lifting mechanism is incorporated to raise a V-shaped plate, which then releases itself, allowing the plate to fall back automatically under its own weight. This repeated action agitates the prize balls, disrupting their balance and allowing them to exit through the ball outlet tube. Furthermore, a guide plate and an inclined ball outlet tube at the top, working in conjunction with the V-shaped plate, ensure the prize balls smoothly roll towards the outlet tube, guaranteeing they enter the ball release mechanism and are dispensed, thus enhancing the operator's gaming experience.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A prize ball dispensing mechanism for a pinball machine includes a prize ball placement box. A V-shaped plate is movably arranged in the prize ball placement box. The V-shaped plate is connected to a lifting mechanism. A through groove is opened on the V-shaped plate. A ball dispensing pipe and a guide plate are vertically arranged in the through groove and fixed to the bottom of the prize ball placement box. The ball dispensing pipe is connected to the bottom of the prize ball placement box. The upper end of the ball dispensing pipe is inclined towards the lowest point of the V-shaped plate. The upper end face of the guide plate is inclined towards the lowest point of the upper end face of the ball dispensing pipe. A prize ball release mechanism connected to the prize ball placement box is arranged below the prize ball placement box.

[0007] Preferably, the prize ball release mechanism includes a vertical circular cavity, with a ball inlet at the upper end and a ball outlet at the lower end. A turntable is rotatably connected to the axis of the vertical circular cavity, and a drive mechanism for driving the turntable to rotate is connected to the turntable. A receiving groove for accommodating a single prize ball is provided on the side wall of the turntable.

[0008] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a bracket, on which a self-locking motor is fixedly mounted. The output shaft of the self-locking motor is connected to a drive gear, and a driven gear that meshes with the drive gear is connected to the center of the turntable.

[0009] Preferably, the bracket is provided with two sets of infrared sensors, and the back of the turntable is provided with a first detection hole and a second detection hole for infrared sensor detection. The distance from the first detection hole to the turntable axis is not the same as the distance from the second detection hole to the turntable axis, and the second detection hole is aligned with the receiving groove.

[0010] Preferably, two guide posts are fixedly installed on the V-shaped plate. The two guide posts are located on both sides of the ball outlet tube and aligned with the gap between the ball outlet tube and the guide plate. The upper end face of the guide post is inclined towards the lowest point of the upper end face of the ball outlet tube.

[0011] Preferably, a guide plate is fixedly installed in the prize ball placement box, with the upper end of the guide plate inclined downwards and the lower end of the guide plate inclined upwards.

[0012] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a winding rod rotatably disposed in the prize ball placement box, the winding rod being connected to a drive motor for driving the winding rod to rotate, a connecting rope being fixedly connected to the winding rod, and the connecting rope being fixedly connected to a V-shaped plate.

[0013] Preferably, the inner wall of the ball outlet tube is provided with a material inlet sensor.

[0014] Preferably, the upper end of the ball outlet tube has an inclination angle of 45°.

[0015] Preferably, the prize ball placement box has a ball-replenishing opening, and a door panel for sealing the ball-replenishing opening is hinged to the prize ball placement box.

[0016] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] The lifting mechanism raises the V-shaped plate, which then releases it, allowing it to fall back automatically under its own weight. This repeated motion agitates the prize balls, disrupting their balance and allowing them to exit the ball outlet. The guide plate and the tilted outlet pipe, combined with the V-shaped plate, ensure the prize balls roll smoothly towards the outlet pipe, guaranteeing they enter the release mechanism and are output smoothly, thus improving the operator's gaming experience. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the prize ball placement box provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the prize ball release mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the prize ball release mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present utility model from another perspective.

[0023] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Pinball machine body; 101-Ball receiving port; 2-Prize ball placement box; 201-Replenishment port; 202-Drive motor; 203-Connecting rope; 204-Rewinding rod; 205-Guide plate; 206-Guide plate; 207-Ball outlet tube; 208-Guide column; 209-V-shaped plate; 210-Through groove; 3-Prize ball release mechanism; 301-Turntable; 302-Receiving groove; 303-Goal inlet; 304-Ball outlet; 305-Vertical circular cavity; 306-Infrared sensor; 307-Bracket; 308-Self-locking motor; 309-Driven gear; 310-First detection hole; 311-Second detection hole; 4-Door panel. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0025] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" appear to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0027] The following is combined Figures 1-4 This utility model will be described in detail.

[0028] Example

[0029] A prize ball dispensing mechanism for a pinball machine includes a prize ball placement box 2. A V-shaped plate 209 is movably disposed in the prize ball placement box 2. The V-shaped plate 209 is connected to a lifting mechanism. A through groove 210 is opened on the V-shaped plate 209. A ball dispensing pipe 207 and a guide plate 205 are vertically disposed in the through groove 210 and fixed to the bottom of the prize ball placement box 2. The ball dispensing pipe 207 is connected to the bottom of the prize ball placement box 2. The upper end of the ball dispensing pipe 207 is inclined toward the lowest point of the V-shaped plate 209. The upper end face of the guide plate 205 is inclined toward the lowest point of the upper end face of the ball dispensing pipe 207. A prize ball release mechanism 3 connected to the prize ball placement box 2 is disposed below the prize ball placement box 2.

[0030] The lifting mechanism can lift the V-shaped plate 209, and then release the V-shaped plate 209 so that it automatically falls back under its own weight. This repeated action can agitate the prize balls, breaking the balance between them and allowing them to exit through the ball outlet tube 207. The guide plate 205 and the ball outlet tube 207 with its inclined upper opening, in conjunction with the V-shaped plate 209, allow the prize balls to roll smoothly towards the opening of the ball outlet tube 207. The prize ball placement box 2 is connected to the prize ball release mechanism 3 through the ball outlet tube 207, ensuring that the prize balls can smoothly enter and exit the prize ball release mechanism 3, guaranteeing the operator's gaming experience. Multiple guide plates 205 can be provided depending on the usage. The inner diameter of the ball outlet tube 207 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the prize balls, ensuring that only prize balls can pass through the ball outlet tube 207 sequentially.

[0031] The pinball machine body 1 is a device used to launch pinballs for playing games. The pinball machine body 1 is equipped with a ball-receiving port 101. The prize ball release mechanism 3 is connected to the ball-receiving port 101 through a channel. When a certain number of points are obtained, the prize ball release mechanism 3 will discharge the prize ball, which will roll through the channel to the ball-receiving port 101. Then the prize ball release mechanism 3 will reset and another prize ball will be placed.

[0032] The prize ball release mechanism 3 includes a vertical circular cavity 305. The upper end of the vertical circular cavity 305 is provided with a ball inlet 303, and the lower end of the vertical circular cavity 305 is provided with a ball outlet 304. A turntable 301 is rotatably connected to the axis of the vertical circular cavity 305. The turntable 301 is connected to a drive mechanism for driving the turntable 301 to rotate. A receiving groove 302 for accommodating a single prize ball is opened on the side wall of the turntable 301. The receiving groove 302 can only accommodate one prize ball, realizing the single delivery of the prize ball. The operation process of the prize ball release mechanism 3: The prize ball is discharged from the ball outlet tube 207 and enters the vertical circular cavity 305 from the ball inlet 303. At this time, the receiving groove 302 is aligned with the ball inlet 303, and the prize ball falls into the receiving groove 302 for placement. When a certain number of points are obtained, the controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the turntable 301 to rotate. The prize ball moves with the rotation of the turntable 301 until the receiving groove 302 is aligned with the ball outlet 304. Then, the prize ball is discharged from the ball outlet 304 and finally rolls through the channel to the ball receiving port 101.

[0033] The drive mechanism includes a bracket 307, on which a self-locking motor 308 is fixedly mounted. The output shaft of the self-locking motor 308 is connected to a drive gear, and a driven gear 309 that meshes with the drive gear is connected to the shaft center of the turntable 301. The self-locking motor 308 drives the turntable 301 to rotate through the meshing of the drive gear and the driven gear 309. Because the self-locking motor 308 has a self-locking function after rotation, it can keep the turntable 301 stationary after rotating a certain angle.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, two sets of infrared sensors 306 are installed on the bracket 307. A first detection hole 310 and a second detection hole 311 for detection by the infrared sensors 306 are opened on the back of the turntable 301. The distance from the first detection hole 310 to the axis of the turntable 301 is different from the distance from the second detection hole 311 to the axis of the turntable 301 (i.e., the running trajectories of the first detection hole 310 and the second detection hole 311 are different). The second detection hole 311 is aligned with the receiving groove 302. One set of infrared sensors 306 is located on the running trajectory of the second detection hole 311 and is directly above the axis of the turntable 301; the other set of infrared sensors 306 is located on the running trajectory of the first detection hole 310 and is on the same horizontal plane as the axis of the turntable 301 (i.e., the straight line from the first detection hole 310 to the axis of the turntable 301 intersects the straight line from the second detection hole 311 to the axis of the turntable 301 at a 90° angle).

[0035] This application includes two sets of prize ball release mechanisms 3 capable of releasing different prize balls. One of the prize ball release mechanisms 3 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the turntable 301 on the left is provided with two receiving slots 302 and corresponding slots 302. Figure 4 The two first detection holes 310 and two second detection holes 311 are located on the right side; when in the middle... Figure 4 When the position is shown, one of the first detection holes 310 and the second detection hole 311 are aligned with the corresponding infrared sensors 306. The infrared sensor 306 corresponding to the first detection hole 310 is not blocked by the turntable 301. At this time, the infrared sensor 306 detects that there is no obstruction and controls another set of infrared sensors 306 through the second detection hole 311 to detect whether there is any obstruction in the receiving slot 302. If there is obstruction, it indicates that there is a prize ball in the receiving slot 302, and the pinball machine can be run for entertainment to ensure that there is a prize ball to be output. The turntable 301 rotates in one direction. During the rotation, the infrared sensor 306 corresponding to the first detection hole 310 is blocked by the turntable 301, so the detection of whether there is a prize ball in the receiving slot 302 is not performed at this time. After rotating 180°, the infrared sensor 306 corresponding to the first detection hole 310 is aligned with the first detection hole 310 again, and the detection operation of the prize ball begins. The prize ball release mechanism 3 rotates in one direction. When points are scored, the turntable 301 rotates at a certain angle until the receiving slot 302 aligns with the ball outlet 304 to release the prize ball. The turntable 301 will not be reset after the game ends.

[0036] Another prize ball release mechanism 3: such as Figure 3 As shown, the turntable 301 on the right is provided with a receiving slot 302 and a corresponding... Figure 4There is a first detection hole 310 and a second detection hole 311 on the left side of the turntable 301; the maximum rotation angle of the turntable 301 is 180°, and the operation steps of the infrared sensor 306 to detect whether the prize ball exists are the same as those of the aforementioned prize ball release mechanism 3; after the turntable 301 obtains a certain number of points in the same game, the turntable 301 rotates a certain angle until the receiving groove 302 aligns with the ball outlet 304 to release the prize ball, and then the turntable 301 will reverse and reset; if the score does not reach the set value after the game ends, the turntable 301 will also reverse and reset.

[0037] Discharge sensors can be installed below the two ball outlets 304. The discharge sensors can be photoelectric sensors. When the prize ball is discharged from the ball outlet 304, it will break the light beam, thereby detecting whether the prize ball is discharged normally and knowing the prize status of different prize balls.

[0038] Two guide posts 208 are fixedly installed on the V-shaped plate 209. The two guide posts 208 are located on both sides of the ball outlet tube 207 and aligned with the gap between the ball outlet tube 207 and the guide plate 205. The upper end face of the guide post 208 is inclined towards the lowest point of the upper end face of the ball outlet tube 207. Some prize balls may roll into the gap between the ball outlet tube 207 and the guide plate 205, causing the prize balls to not be completely discharged. Therefore, two guide posts 208 are set to compensate for the insufficient guidance in the gap between the ball outlet tube 207 and the guide plate 205, so that all prize balls can be discharged from the ball outlet tube 207 in sequence.

[0039] A guide plate 206 is fixedly installed in the prize ball placement box 2. The upper end of the guide plate 206 is inclined downwards, and the lower end of the guide plate 206 is inclined upwards. The front of the prize ball placement box 2 is in an inclined state (the front of the prize ball placement box 2 can be made of transparent glass). The guide plate 206 is located on the inner side of the front of the prize ball placement box 2. After the lower end of the guide plate 206 is inclined, the prize balls are lifted by the V-shaped plate 209, causing the prize balls near the inner side of the front of the prize ball placement box 2 to roll towards the center. After the V-shaped plate 209 falls, the downward-inclined upper end of the guide plate 206 causes the prize balls to roll towards the center again, which can play a role in stirring and mixing, ensuring the random output of the prize balls.

[0040] The lifting mechanism includes a winding rod 204 rotatably mounted in the prize ball placement box 2. The winding rod 204 is connected to a drive motor 202 for rotating it. A connecting rope 203 is fixedly connected to the winding rod 204 and to the V-shaped plate 209. The lifting mechanism can also use a screw lifting device or a telescopic rod lifting mechanism; however, to save space, this application preferably uses a lifting mechanism where the winding rod 204 winds up the connecting rope 203. The drive motor 202 drives the winding rod 204 to rotate, winding up the connecting rope 203, thereby lifting the V-shaped plate 209. After the drive motor 202 rotates in the opposite direction, the winding rod 204 releases the connecting rope 203, and the V-shaped plate 209 moves downwards under its own weight. The drive motor 202 can be directly connected to the shaft of the winding rod 204, or it can drive the winding rod 204 through a drive gear and a driven gear.

[0041] A material receiving sensor is installed on the inner wall of the ball outlet tube 207. The material receiving sensor can be a photoelectric sensor. When the prize ball passes through the ball outlet tube 207, it will break the light beam, thereby detecting whether the prize ball has passed through the ball outlet tube 207. If the material receiving sensor does not detect the prize ball passing through the ball outlet tube 207, the material receiving sensor will notify the staff to replenish the prize ball through the controller.

[0042] The upper end of the ball outlet tube 207 is tilted at an angle of 45°. Setting it at 45° allows the prize ball to enter the ball outlet tube 207 more effectively.

[0043] The prize ball storage box 2 has a ball replenishment opening 201, and a door panel 4 is hinged to the prize ball storage box 2 to block the ball replenishment opening 201. The door panel 4 is equipped with a door lock structure, and when a prize ball needs to be replenished, the door panel 4 can be opened to put a prize ball into the prize ball storage box 2 through the ball replenishment opening 201.

[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A prize ball dispensing mechanism for a pinball machine, comprising a prize ball placement box (2), characterized in that, The prize ball placement box (2) is movably provided with a V-shaped plate (209), and the V-shaped plate (209) is connected to a lifting mechanism. A through groove (210) is provided on the V-shaped plate (209). A ball outlet pipe (207) and a guide plate (205) fixed to the bottom of the prize ball placement box (2) are vertically arranged in the through groove (210). The ball outlet pipe (207) is connected to the bottom of the prize ball placement box (2). The upper end of the ball outlet pipe (207) is inclined towards the lowest point of the V-shaped plate (209). The upper end of the guide plate (205) is inclined towards the lowest point of the upper end of the ball outlet pipe (207). A prize ball release mechanism (3) connected to the prize ball placement box (2) is provided below the prize ball placement box (2).

2. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The prize ball release mechanism (3) includes a vertical circular cavity (305), with a ball inlet (303) at the upper end of the vertical circular cavity (305) and a ball outlet (304) at the lower end of the vertical circular cavity (305). A turntable (301) is rotatably connected to the axis of the vertical circular cavity (305), and a drive mechanism for driving the turntable (301) to rotate is connected to the turntable (301). A receiving groove (302) for accommodating a single prize ball is opened on the side wall of the turntable (301).

3. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a bracket (307), on which a self-locking motor (308) is fixedly mounted. The output shaft of the self-locking motor (308) is connected to a drive gear, and a driven gear (309) that meshes with the drive gear is connected to the axis of the turntable (301).

4. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bracket (307) is provided with two sets of infrared sensors (306). The back of the turntable (301) is provided with a first detection hole (310) and a second detection hole (311) for the infrared sensors (306) to detect. The distance from the first detection hole (310) to the axis of the turntable (301) is not the same as the distance from the second detection hole (311) to the axis of the turntable (301). The second detection hole (311) is aligned with the receiving groove (302).

5. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two guide posts (208) are fixedly installed on the V-shaped plate (209). The two guide posts (208) are located on both sides of the ball outlet tube (207) and aligned with the gap between the ball outlet tube (207) and the guide plate (205). The upper end face of the guide post (208) is inclined towards the lowest point of the upper end face of the ball outlet tube (207).

6. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide plate (206) is fixedly installed in the prize ball placement box (2). The upper end of the guide plate (206) is inclined downwards, and the lower end of the guide plate (206) is inclined upwards.

7. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a winding rod (204) rotatably installed in the prize ball placement box (2). The winding rod (204) is connected to a drive motor (202) for driving the winding rod (204) to rotate. A connecting rope (203) is fixedly connected to the winding rod (204), and the connecting rope (203) is fixedly connected to the V-shaped plate (209).

8. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the ball outlet tube (207) is equipped with a material inlet sensor.

9. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the ball outlet tube (207) is inclined at an angle of 45°.

10. The prize ball dispensing mechanism of a pinball machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The prize ball placement box (2) has a ball replenishment opening (201), and a door panel (4) for sealing the ball replenishment opening (201) is hinged to the prize ball placement box (2).

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