Pinball machine
By integrating a baffle structure and a motor-driven turntable into the back panel of the pinball machine, the complexities of production, installation, and maintenance in existing technologies have been solved, achieving efficient production, convenient installation, and an optimized gaming experience, thereby improving the economic benefits and operational stability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU APPLETREE ANIMATION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing rocking game machine's baffle structure suffers from high complexity, low efficiency, and high cost during production, installation, and maintenance. Furthermore, it is prone to secondary damage due to improper operation, affecting the game machine's performance and lifespan.
The entire baffle structure is placed on the back plate. Hole production is achieved by machining perforations on the back plate. The movable plate is fixed on the back plate, and an elastic element is used to push the movable plate to reset. A guide block guides the bouncing ball. Multiple scoring tracks and return pipes are set up, and a motor-driven turntable is used to increase the fun.
It simplifies the production process, improves installation and maintenance efficiency, reduces labor costs, extends the lifespan of the game console, optimizes the gaming experience and operational stability, reduces ball waste, and enhances the fun and interactivity of the game.
Smart Images

Figure CN224540932U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of entertainment equipment technology, specifically to a pinball game machine. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of entertainment equipment, rocking game machines are a common and popular entertainment device that brings a lot of fun to people. Existing rocking game machines typically have a vertically arranged ball track, with several ball holes on the left and right sides of the ball track, and each ball hole is fitted with a baffle structure between it and the ball track.
[0003] Specifically, this baffle structure features a hinged movable plate at the ball-carrying hole, allowing it to swing within the ball track. A torsion spring connects the movable plate to the ball-carrying hole, and the movable plate is normally inclined. When the ball moves upward within the track, it contacts the movable plate, causing it to rotate. At this point, the movable plate blocks the ball-carrying hole, preventing the ball from entering. Once the ball has passed the hole, the torsion spring returns the movable plate to its original position, so that when the ball falls, it lands on the inclined surface of the movable plate and then rolls into the ball-carrying hole.
[0004] However, the existing baffle structure has many drawbacks in practical application and production. In the production process, holes need to be drilled on both sides of the pinball track for installing the movable plate. This process not only increases the complexity and difficulty of the production process but also places high demands on the precision of the production equipment, leading to low production efficiency. Moreover, due to the requirements for the position and precision of the holes, any deviation may affect the installation quality of the movable plate, thereby affecting the performance of the entire game machine.
[0005] In terms of installation, due to the large number of components such as the movable plate and torsion spring, and their dispersed installation locations, each component needs to be installed and adjusted individually by staff. This process is tedious and time-consuming, increasing labor costs. Furthermore, this dispersed installation method makes subsequent disassembly and maintenance extremely difficult. When the game console malfunctions or requires repair of the baffle structure, staff need to spend a significant amount of time and effort disassembling each component, which not only affects repair efficiency but may also cause secondary damage to the game console due to improper operation (as per the instruction manual). Figure 6 (As shown).
[0006] Furthermore, the existing baffle structure indirectly increases the workload during subsequent maintenance of the game console. Due to its complex structure and numerous components, each component needs to be inspected and maintained during maintenance. Damage or loosening of any component can affect the normal operation of the entire baffle structure. This not only increases maintenance costs but also shortens the lifespan of the game console, impacting the user's gaming experience and the economic benefits of the equipment. Utility Model Content
[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a pinball game machine. The present invention sets all the baffle structures on the back plate, that is, the production of the hole positions can be completed by machining the back plate with through holes. When installing the baffle structure, the movable plate is fixed on the back plate and inserted into the through holes. This not only facilitates the production and installation of the game machine, but also facilitates the later maintenance work.
[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a pinball game machine, including a back plate and a vertical pinball track set on the back plate. The back plate is also provided with a number of ball-carrying holes that communicate with the pinball track. The ball-carrying holes are located on the same side of the pinball track. A baffle structure is provided between the ball-carrying holes and the pinball track. The baffle structure is used to limit and guide the ball. The baffle structure includes a number of through holes, each of which is set through the back plate and communicates with the pinball track.
[0009] The movable plate is hinged in the perforation. The movable plate can swing towards both ends of the ball track. When the movable plate hangs down naturally, it can cover the ball track. When the ball moves upward, it can push the movable plate to rotate.
[0010] The elastic element, which is connected between the back plate and the movable plate, is used to push the movable plate to reset. When the ball moves upward in the ball track, it will resist the movable plate and rotate. When the ball passes the movable plate, the elastic element can push the movable plate to reset.
[0011] A guide block is set on the upper surface of the movable plate. The top of the guide block forms an inclined surface, and the bottom end of the inclined surface is located near the ball bearing hole. After the ball falls on the upper surface of the guide block, it can roll along the inclined surface.
[0012] The back plate is also equipped with a support plate on the side away from the ball track. The support plate is located on the side of the perforation. The elastic element is a spring set between the support plate and the movable plate near the end of the support plate. The spring is a tension spring.
[0013] The back plate is also equipped with a support on the side away from the ball track. A movable plate is hinged on the support. In the normal state, the bottom of the movable plate can hang down on the upper surface of the perforated bottom wall. The support is located on the side of the perforation away from the support plate.
[0014] Multiple perforations are arranged in a linear pattern, and the brackets on each baffle structure are connected to the support plates on the adjacent baffle structures, which facilitates the installation or disassembly of multiple baffle structures together.
[0015] There are multiple ball bearing holes, and corresponding to the ball bearing holes, there are also several first scoring tracks and several second scoring tracks on the back plate. The first scoring tracks and the second scoring tracks are arranged at an angle, and the highest point of the first scoring track and the second scoring track is located at the end closest to the ball bearing hole. The ball can fall naturally in the first scoring track and the second scoring track.
[0016] Each first scoring track is connected to a first return pipe, which allows the pinball to flow back into the pinball track. The pinball that flows back into the pinball track can be used again in the game.
[0017] Each second scoring track is connected to a second return pipe, which allows the pinball to flow back into the pinball track. The pinball that flows back into the pinball track can then be used again in the game.
[0018] Multiple first return pipes are connected to guide pipes, the ends of the guide pipes are connected to the ball track, and the second return pipes are also connected to the guide pipes.
[0019] The back panel has a turntable on the side near the pinball track, and a limit ring is also provided on the turntable. The limit ring and the turntable form an inlet and an outlet. The pinball in the second scoring track can roll into the turntable through the inlet. The turntable has several actuating parts. The rotation of the turntable can cause the actuating parts to move the pinball. One end of the outlet on the limit ring is also provided with a guide rail. The guide rail is connected to the second return pipe. The ball in the turntable can fall into the guide rail through the outlet. The pinball can fall into the second return pipe through the guide rail. There are also several locking blocks at the outlet position on the back panel. The locking blocks form multiple scoring ports at the outlet, which can enhance the fun.
[0020] A motor is also installed on the back plate. The motor is located on the side of the back plate away from the turntable. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the center of the turntable, and the turntable can be rotated by the motor.
[0021] In summary, compared with the prior art, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0022] 1. Convenient and Efficient Production and Installation: This utility model of a pinball game machine integrates all the baffle structures onto the back plate. Only perforations need to be machined on the back plate to complete the production process. Compared to traditional technology that requires opening holes on both sides of the pinball track, this greatly simplifies the production process, reduces the precision requirements of the production equipment, and effectively improves production efficiency. During installation, simply fix the movable plate to the back plate and insert it into the perforation; the operation is simple, reducing installation steps and time, and lowering labor costs. Furthermore, the multiple perforations are arranged linearly, and the brackets on each baffle structure are interconnected with the support plates on adjacent baffle structures, facilitating the unified installation or disassembly of multiple baffle structures, further improving installation and maintenance efficiency.
[0023] 2. Easy and Convenient Maintenance: Because the baffle structure is centrally located on the back panel, the structure is more compact and rational, reducing the number of components and their centralized installation positions. This allows staff to quickly and accurately locate faulty parts during subsequent game machine maintenance, eliminating the need to inspect scattered components one by one as with traditional structures, thus reducing workload and intensity. Furthermore, disassembly and installation are more convenient, reducing the risk of secondary damage to the game machine due to improper operation, extending its lifespan, and improving the equipment's economic efficiency.
[0024] 3. Optimized Baffle Structure Performance: The movable plate in the baffle structure is hinged within the perforation, allowing it to swing towards both ends of the pinball track. In its natural hanging state, it covers the pinball track. When the pinball moves upward, it pushes the movable plate to rotate. An elastic element (spring) connected between the back plate and the movable plate pushes it back to its original position after the pinball passes over it. This design makes the movement of the movable plate more stable and reliable, accurately limiting and guiding the pinball, thus improving the stability and accuracy of the game machine. Simultaneously, the guide block on the upper surface of the movable plate forms an inclined surface at its top. After the ball lands on the guide block's surface, it rolls along the inclined surface, further optimizing the guiding effect on the pinball and ensuring it smoothly enters the ball-carrying hole, enhancing the gaming experience.
[0025] 4. Improved Scoring and Recirculation System: This invention features multiple ball-carrying holes and corresponding first and second scoring tracks, allowing the balls to fall naturally within these tracks. Each first and second scoring track is connected to a first and a second recirculation pipe, enabling the balls to flow back into the tracks, facilitating ball recycling, reducing waste, and lowering game operating costs. Furthermore, multiple first recirculation pipes are connected to guide pipes, and the second recirculation pipes are also connected to guide pipes, optimizing the ball recirculation path and making the recirculation process smoother and more efficient.
[0026] 5. Enhanced Fun and Interactivity: A turntable rotates on the side of the back panel near the pinball track. Pinballs in the second scoring track roll into the turntable through the feed inlet. The turntable has several actuating components that move the pinballs as it rotates. A guide rail is located at the discharge end of the limit ring, allowing the balls in the turntable to fall through the discharge outlet onto the guide rail and into the second return pipe. Several locking blocks are located at the discharge outlet on the back panel, forming multiple scoring slots. The rotation of the turntable and the pinballs falling into different scoring slots increase the game's fun and unpredictability, enhancing the player's interactive experience and making the game more attractive.
[0027] 6. Stable and Reliable Power Drive: A motor is installed on the back plate, and the motor's output shaft is connected to the turntable's axis. The motor drives the turntable to rotate stably, providing continuous and stable power support. Compared to traditional manual or other unstable drive methods, this power drive method ensures a more uniform and consistent turntable speed and rhythm, further improving the game's stability and playability. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a pinball game machine according to the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A;
[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention from the side view.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isometric view of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure at point B;
[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the existing ball track and baffle structure.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 1. Back plate; 2. Ball track; 3. Ball hole; 4. Perforation; 5. Movable plate; 6. Elastic component; 7. Guide block; 8. Support plate; 9. Bracket; 10. First scoring track; 11. Second scoring track; 12. First return pipe; 13. Second return pipe; 14. Guide pipe; 15. Turntable; 16. Limiting ring; 17. Feed inlet; 18. Discharge outlet; 19. Actuating component; 20. Drainage track; 21. Locking block. Detailed Implementation
[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the following will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1-5 The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0037] This embodiment provides a pinball game machine, such as Figure 2 , 5 As shown: The game includes a back panel 1 and a vertically arranged pinball track 2 on one side of the back panel 1. Multiple ball holes 3 are arranged in a linear array on the same side of the pinball track 2. Each ball hole 3 is connected to the pinball track 2. A baffle structure is provided between each ball hole 3 and the pinball track 2. Each baffle structure includes a through hole 4 through the back panel 1. The through hole 4 is rectangular and connected to the pinball track 2. A movable plate 5 is hinged within each through hole 4. An elastic element 6 is connected between the movable plate 5 and the back panel 1 at the end near the back panel 1. The elastic element 6 is used to allow the movable plate 5 to... After rotation, the movable plate 5 is reset. In its normal state, the movable plate 5 is horizontal, and the end of the movable plate 5 away from the back plate 1 can swing towards both ends of the ball track 2. When the ball moves upward, it can contact the bottom of the movable plate 5, causing the movable plate 5 to rotate. The movable plate 5 will then move into the through hole 4. After the ball passes the position of the movable plate 5, the elastic element 6 can push the movable plate 5 to reset. The movable plate 5 can then continue to cover the ball track 2. The top of the movable plate 5 is also provided with a guide block 7. The top of the guide block 7 has an inclined surface. The highest point of the inclined surface is located at the end away from the ball hole 3. The guide block 7 facilitates the guidance of the ball.
[0038] During the use of the game machine, the ball is controlled to move upward within the ball track 2. As the ball moves upward, it comes into contact with the bottom of the movable plate 5, causing the movable plate 5 to rotate. The movable plate 5 can then rotate into the through hole 4, allowing the ball to continue moving upward above the ball track 2. After the ball passes the position of the movable plate 5, the elastic element 6 can push the movable plate 5 to reset. When the ball falls, it lands on the upper surface of the movable plate 5, and then the ball rolls into the ball hole 3 along the inclined surface of the guide block 7.
[0039] Specifically, a support plate 8 is also provided on the side of the back plate 1 away from the ball track 2, such as... Figure 5As shown: the support plate 8 is an L-shaped structure and is fixed to the side of the perforation 4. The back plate 1 is also provided with a bracket 9 on the side away from the ball track 2. The bracket 9 is located on the side of the perforation 4 away from the support plate 8. A hinge shaft is rotatably provided on the bracket 9. A movable plate 5 is connected to the hinge shaft. In the normal state, the bottom of the movable plate 5 is attached to the top of the lower wall of the perforation 4. The elastic element 6 is a spring that connects the end of the movable plate 5 near the hinge shaft to the end of the bracket 9. The spring is a thrust spring, that is, the spring can be used to push the movable plate 5 to reset.
[0040] Preferably, the bracket 9 on each baffle structure is connected to the support plate 8 on the baffle structure of the adjacent bracket 9, which further facilitates the installation of the baffle structure, that is, multiple baffle structures can be disassembled or installed at one time, thereby increasing production efficiency and maintenance efficiency.
[0041] Furthermore, corresponding to the ball bearing hole 3, three first scoring tracks 10 and two second scoring tracks 11 are also provided on the back plate 1, such as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 4: Two second scoring tracks 11 are located between three first scoring tracks 10 and the two second scoring tracks 11 are arranged adjacent to each other. Both the first scoring tracks 10 and the second scoring tracks 11 are arranged at an angle. The highest point of the first scoring tracks 10 and the second scoring tracks 11 is located at one end close to the ball bearing hole 3, so that the balls entering the ball bearing hole 3 can roll according to the tilt angle of the first scoring track 10 or the second scoring track 11.
[0042] Furthermore, each first scoring track 10 is connected to a first return pipe 12. Each first return pipe 12 is located on the side of the back plate 1 away from the ball track 2, and each first return pipe 12 is connected to a guide pipe 14 at its end. The end of the guide pipe 14 is connected to the ball track 2, so that the balls on the first scoring track 10 can roll into the first return pipe 12 and then flow back into the bottom of the ball track 2 through the guide pipe 14.
[0043] It is worth mentioning that the side of the backplate 1 located on the pinball track 2 also has a storage slot, such as... Figure 1 , 3As shown in Figure 4: The storage trough has a cylindrical structure, and a turntable 15 is rotatably installed inside the storage trough. A toggle element 19 is also provided on the side of the turntable 15 away from the back plate 1. The toggle element 19 has a labyrinthine structure, and a limiting ring 16 is also provided on the back plate 1 corresponding to the turntable 15. The limiting ring 16 is located on the back plate 1 on the side of the turntable 15, and its diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the storage trough. An inlet 17 and an outlet 18 are provided through the limiting ring 16. The inlet 17 is located below the two second scoring tracks 11, so that the balls rolling off the second scoring tracks 11 can fall onto the toggle element 19 on the turntable 15 through the inlet 17. The feed inlet 18 is located directly below the turntable 15, so that when the turntable 15 rotates, the ball can fall off the actuating member 19 and into the feed outlet 18. Corresponding to the feed outlet 18, a guide rail 20 is provided on the limiting ring 16. The guide rail 20 has an L-shaped structure, that is, one end of the guide rail 20 is connected to the outer wall of the feed outlet 18 of the limiting ring 16, and the other end of the guide rail 20 abuts against the outer wall of the backflow rail. Corresponding to the guide rail 20, a second return pipe 13 is also provided. The second return pipe 13 is located on the side of the back plate 1 near the first return pipe 12, and the end of the second return pipe 13 is also connected to the guide pipe 14.
[0044] That is, the balls on the two second scoring tracks 11 can move onto the actuating element 19 inside the limit ring 16 as the second scoring track 11 tilts. As the turntable 15 rotates, it can drive the actuating element 19 to rotate. The rotation of the actuating element 19 can cause the balls to fall off. The balls can fall onto the guide track 20 through the discharge port 18. Through the guide track 20, the balls can enter the second return pipe 13, and then flow back into the ball track 2 through the guide pipe 14.
[0045] Correspondingly, there are also 3 blocks 21 at the discharge port 18 position on the back plate 1. The 3 blocks 21 can form 4 scoring ports at the discharge port 18 position. When the ball on the toggle 19 falls from the discharge port 18, it will fall from the corresponding scoring port, which can increase the fun of the game.
[0046] Correspondingly, a motor is also provided on the back plate 1. The motor is located on the side of the back plate 1 near the first return pipe 12. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the axis of the turntable 15, so that the rotation of the motor can drive the turntable 15 to rotate.
[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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.
[0048] The above description is the preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A pinball game machine, comprising a back plate (1) and a pinball track (2) vertically arranged on the back plate (1), wherein the back plate (1) is further provided with a plurality of ball-carrying holes (3) communicating with the pinball track (2), and a baffle structure is provided between the ball-carrying holes (3) and the pinball track (2), characterized in that: The baffle structure includes: Several perforations (4) are provided on the back plate (1) and are connected to the ball track (2); The movable plate (5) is hinged in the through hole (4). The movable plate (5) can swing to both ends of the ball track (2). The movable plate (5) can cover the ball track (2) in a naturally hanging state. The elastic element (6) is connected between the back plate (1) and the movable plate (5) and is used to push the movable plate (5) to reset. When the ball moves upward in the ball track (2), it will abut against the movable plate (5) and rotate. When the ball passes the movable plate (5), the elastic element (6) can push the movable plate (5) to reset. A guide block (7) is provided on the upper surface of the movable plate (5). The top of the guide block (7) forms an inclined surface, and the bottom end of the inclined surface is located near the ball bearing hole (3).
2. The pinball game machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The back plate (1) is provided with a support plate (8) on the side away from the ball track (2), and the elastic element (6) is a spring provided between the support plate (8) and the movable plate (5) near the end of the support plate (8).
3. A pinball game machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The back plate (1) is also provided with a bracket (9) on the side away from the ball track (2). The bracket (9) is provided with a movable plate (5) by hinge. In the normal state, the bottom of the movable plate (5) can hang down on the upper surface of the bottom wall of the perforation (4). The bracket (9) is located on the side of the perforation (4) away from the support plate (8). Multiple perforations (4) are arranged in a linear pattern, and the brackets (9) on each baffle structure are connected to the support plates (8) on the adjacent baffle structures.
4. A pinball game machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ball bearing hole (3) is provided in multiple ways. Corresponding to the ball bearing hole (3), a number of first scoring tracks (10) and a number of second scoring tracks (11) are also provided on the back plate (1). The first scoring tracks (10) and the second scoring tracks (11) are arranged at an angle. The highest point of the first scoring track (10) and the second scoring track (11) is located at one end close to the ball bearing hole (3).
5. A pinball game machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Each first scoring track (10) is connected to a first return pipe (12), which allows the ball to return into the ball track (2).
6. A pinball game machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Each second scoring track (11) is connected to a second return pipe (13), which allows the ball to flow back into the ball track (2).
7. A pinball game machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Multiple first return pipes are connected to the guide pipe (14), the end of the guide pipe (14) is connected to the ball track (2), and the second return pipe (13) is also connected to the guide pipe (14).
8. A pinball game machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that: On the back plate (1), near the ball track (2), a turntable (15) is rotatably provided. A limiting ring (16) is also provided on the turntable (15). An inlet (17) and an outlet (18) are formed between the limiting ring (16) and the turntable (15). The balls in the second scoring track (11) can roll into the turntable (15) through the inlet (17). The turntable (15) is provided with several actuating elements (19). The turntable (15) rotates... The movement can cause the actuating component (19) to drive the ball to move. One end of the discharge port (18) on the limiting ring (16) is also provided with a flow guide track (20). The flow guide track (20) is connected to the second return pipe. The ball in the turntable (15) can fall onto the flow guide track (20) through the discharge port (18). Several locking blocks (21) are also provided at the discharge port (18) position on the back plate (1). Several locking blocks (21) form multiple scoring ports at the discharge port (18).
9. A pinball game machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that: A motor is also provided on the back plate (1). The motor is located on the side of the back plate (1) away from the turntable (15). The output shaft of the motor is connected to the axis of the turntable (15).