A pinball machine prize ball collating mechanism

Abstract

This utility model provides a prize ball sorting mechanism for a pinball machine, belonging to the field of entertainment equipment technology. It solves the problem in existing technologies where a large number of prize balls accumulate together, generating friction and potentially preventing smooth ball output. The mechanism includes a prize ball placement box, within which a V-shaped plate is movably mounted. The V-shaped plate is connected to a lifting mechanism. A through groove is formed on the V-shaped plate, through which a ball outlet pipe and a guide plate are vertically mounted and fixed to the bottom of the prize ball placement box. The ball outlet pipe communicates with the bottom of the prize ball placement box, with its upper end inclined towards the lowest point of the V-shaped plate. The upper surface of the guide plate is also inclined towards the lowest point of the upper surface of the ball outlet pipe. The lifting mechanism can lift the V-shaped plate, and then release it, allowing the V-shaped plate to automatically fall back under its own weight. This repetitive motion agitates the prize balls, disrupting their balance and allowing them to exit through the ball outlet pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of entertainment equipment technology, specifically to a prize ball sorting 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 device. When the operator earns a certain number of points in the game, this device dispenses a prize ball as a reward. 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 sorting 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 roll smoothly towards the outlet tube, guaranteeing successful output and enhancing the operator's gaming experience.

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

[0006] A prize ball sorting 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 outlet 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 outlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the prize ball placement box. The upper end of the ball outlet 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 outlet pipe.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the ball outlet tube is provided with a material inlet sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the upper end of the ball outlet tube has an inclination angle of 45°.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] 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 at the top, combined with the V-shaped plate, ensure the prize balls roll smoothly towards the outlet pipe, guaranteeing successful output and a better gaming experience for the operator. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 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 upright plate; 206-Guide plate; 207-Ball outlet tube; 208-Guide column; 209-V-shaped plate; 210-Through groove; 3-Prize ball release mechanism; 4-Door panel. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The following is combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model will be described in detail.

[0023] Example

[0024] A prize ball sorting mechanism for a pinball machine includes a prize ball placement box 2. A V-shaped plate 209 is movably arranged 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 outlet pipe 207 and a guide plate 205 are vertically arranged in the through groove 210 and fixed to the bottom of the prize ball placement box 2. 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 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 outlet pipe 207.

[0025] The lifting mechanism can raise the V-shaped plate 209, and then release 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 through the ball outlet tube 207. The guide plate 205 and the inclined ball outlet tube 207, in conjunction with the V-shaped plate 209, ensure the prize balls roll smoothly towards the opening of the ball outlet tube 207, guaranteeing successful output and a better gaming experience for the operator. Multiple guide plates 205 can be installed depending on the application. 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 tube sequentially.

[0026] 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, and a ball-discharging tube 207 is connected to a prize ball release mechanism 3, keeping one prize ball in the prize ball release mechanism 3. 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 discharges the prize ball, which rolls through the channel to the ball-receiving port 101. Then the prize ball release mechanism 3 resets and another prize ball is placed in it.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 sorting 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 opened 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), and the upper end face of the guide plate (205) is inclined towards the lowest point of the upper end face of the ball outlet pipe (207).

2. The prize ball sorting mechanism for 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).

3. The prize ball sorting mechanism for 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.

4. The prize ball sorting mechanism for 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).

5. The prize ball sorting mechanism for 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.

6. The prize ball sorting mechanism for 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°.

7. The prize ball sorting mechanism for 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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