A circulating ball device and a gaming machine
By designing a circulating ball-dispensing device, and employing a lifting mechanism and an elastic clamping mechanism, the automatic retrieval and loading of the ball is achieved, solving the problem of low automation in existing ball-throwing game machines and improving ball-throwing efficiency and player experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QIULI TECH (GUANGZHOU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing ball-throwing game machines have low automation, low throwing efficiency, require manual ball loading, and result in a poor player experience.
Design a circulating ball dispensing device, including a frame, a ball dispensing channel, a ball return channel, a lifting mechanism, and an elastic clamping mechanism. The lifting mechanism lifts the lowest ball into the ball dispensing channel, and the elastic clamping mechanism resets under its own elastic force, realizing the automatic recycling and loading of the ball.
It achieves a high degree of automation in throwing, saving time and effort, improving throwing efficiency, and enhancing the player experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224585322U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gaming equipment technology, and more specifically, to a circulating ball-dispensing device and a gaming machine. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, with the continuous improvement of living standards, people are becoming increasingly interested in all kinds of game machines. Most ball-throwing game machines nowadays require players to manually throw the ball into a target area; if the ball lands, a prize is awarded. After the throw, the balls are collected in a storage bin, requiring manual repositioning of the balls back to the throwing area (referred to as "reloading"). This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, inefficient, lacks automation, and results in a poor player experience.
[0003] In view of this, designing and manufacturing a ball-loading device with high ball-throwing efficiency and a cyclic ball-dispensing mechanism is particularly important in the production of game equipment. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circulating ball-dispensing device that can automatically retrieve and reload thrown balls. It has a high degree of automation, saves time and effort, improves throwing efficiency, and enhances the player experience.
[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a game machine that can automatically retrieve and load thrown balls, achieving a high degree of automation, saving time and effort, improving throwing efficiency, and enhancing the player experience.
[0006] This utility model is achieved by the following technical solution.
[0007] A circulating ball dispensing device includes a frame and a ball dispensing channel, a ball return channel, a lifting mechanism, a limiting cylinder, and an elastic clamping mechanism mounted on the frame. The ball dispensing channel is located above the ball return channel. One end of the limiting cylinder is connected to the ball dispensing channel, and the other end is connected to the ball return channel. The limiting cylinder is used to accommodate a row of multiple balls. The elastic clamping mechanism is connected to the limiting cylinder. The lifting mechanism is located below the limiting cylinder. The lifting mechanism is used to extend into the limiting cylinder and lift the bottommost ball upwards, so that the bottommost ball overcomes the elastic force of the elastic clamping mechanism and passes above the elastic clamping mechanism, and the topmost ball enters the ball dispensing channel. The elastic clamping mechanism is used to reset under its own elastic force to support the bottommost ball. The lifting mechanism is also used to retract the limiting cylinder so that the next ball enters the limiting cylinder from the ball return channel.
[0008] Optionally, the elastic clamping mechanism includes a clamping member, a connecting plate, and an elastic member. The connecting plate has a through hole, the limiting cylinder has a clearance opening, a first limiting post is provided outside the limiting cylinder, and a retaining ring is provided at the free end of the first limiting post. The clamping member is connected to the connecting plate and extends into the clearance opening. The clamping member is used to contact the ball. The first limiting post is inserted through the through hole. The elastic member is sleeved outside the first limiting post. One end of the elastic member abuts against the connecting plate, and the other end abuts against the retaining ring.
[0009] Optionally, the connecting plate is also provided with a waist-shaped hole, the long axis of which is in the same direction as the extension direction of the limiting cylinder. A second limiting post is also provided outside the limiting cylinder. The first and second limiting posts are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the relief opening along the extension direction of the limiting cylinder, and the second limiting post passes through the waist-shaped hole.
[0010] Optionally, the clamping member includes a first baffle, a fixed shaft, a roller, and a second baffle. The first baffle and the second baffle are arranged opposite to each other and are both connected to the connecting plate. The fixed shaft is connected between the first baffle and the second baffle. The roller is sleeved outside the fixed shaft and rotates with the fixed shaft.
[0011] Optionally, there are two elastic clamping mechanisms, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the limiting cylinder.
[0012] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a first driving member, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a connecting frame, and a lifting column. The first driving member is connected to the first connecting rod, one end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the first connecting rod, and the other end is hinged to the connecting frame. The connecting frame is connected to the lifting column, and the lifting column is used to lift the ball.
[0013] Optionally, the connecting frame is provided with a slider, and the frame is provided with a guide rail. The length direction of the guide rail is the same as the extension direction of the limiting cylinder, and the slider and the guide rail slide together.
[0014] Optionally, the lifting mechanism also includes a spoiler, and the ball return channel has a clearance opening. The spoiler is connected to the lifting column and is used to extend into the clearance opening along with the lifting column to prevent multiple balls from getting stuck.
[0015] Optionally, the circulating ball dispensing device also includes a limit switch, which includes a second driving member and a stop rod. The ball dispensing channel has a discharge opening. The second driving member is connected to the stop rod. The second driving member is used to drive the stop rod to extend into the ball dispensing channel through the discharge opening to stop the ball.
[0016] A game machine includes the aforementioned circulating ball-dispensing device. The circulating ball-dispensing device includes a frame and a ball-dispensing channel, a ball-returning channel, a lifting mechanism, a limiting cylinder, and an elastic clamping mechanism mounted on the frame. The ball-dispensing channel is located above the ball-returning channel. One end of the limiting cylinder is connected to the ball-dispensing channel, and the other end is connected to the ball-returning channel. The limiting cylinder is used to accommodate a row of multiple balls. The elastic clamping mechanism is connected to the limiting cylinder. The lifting mechanism is located below the limiting cylinder and is used to extend into the limiting cylinder and lift the lowest ball upwards, so that the lowest ball overcomes the elastic force of the elastic clamping mechanism and passes above the elastic clamping mechanism, allowing the highest ball to enter the ball-dispensing channel. The elastic clamping mechanism is used to reset under its own elastic force to support the lowest ball. The lifting mechanism is also used to retract the limiting cylinder so that the next ball enters the limiting cylinder from the ball-returning channel.
[0017] The circulating ball-dispensing device and game machine provided by this utility model have the following beneficial effects: The circulating ball-discharging device provided by this utility model has a ball-discharging channel located above the ball-returning channel. A limiting cylinder extends vertically and is used to accommodate a row of multiple balls. One end of the limiting cylinder is connected to the ball-discharging channel, and the other end is connected to the ball-returning channel. An elastic clamping mechanism is connected to the limiting cylinder, and a lifting mechanism is located below the limiting cylinder. The lifting mechanism is used to extend into the limiting cylinder and lift the bottommost ball upward, so that the bottommost ball overcomes the elastic force of the elastic clamping mechanism and passes above the elastic clamping mechanism, and the topmost ball enters the ball-discharging channel. The elastic clamping mechanism is used to reset under its own elastic force to support the bottommost ball. The lifting mechanism is also used to retract the limiting cylinder so that the next ball enters the limiting cylinder from the ball-returning channel. Compared with the prior art, the circulating ball-dispensing device provided by this utility model adopts a limiting cylinder set between the ball-dispensing channel and the ball-returning channel, a lifting mechanism set below the limiting cylinder, and an elastic clamping mechanism connected to the limiting cylinder. Therefore, it can realize the automatic recovery and loading of the thrown ball, with a high degree of automation, saving time and effort, improving ball-dispensing efficiency, and enhancing the player experience.
[0018] The game machine provided by this utility model includes a circulating ball-dispensing device, which can realize the automatic retrieval and reloading of thrown balls. It has a high degree of automation, saves time and effort, improves ball-throwing efficiency, and enhances the player experience. Attached Figure Description
[0019] 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.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a game console provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the circulating ball output device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the circulating ball outlet device provided in this embodiment of the utility model, in which the lifting mechanism is disposed below the limiting cylinder; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic clamping mechanism and the lifting mechanism in the circulating ball dispensing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the connection between the limiting cylinder and the elastic clamping mechanism in the circulating ball dispensing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the elastic clamping mechanism in the circulating ball dispensing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the limit switch in the circulating ball output device provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0021] Icons: 10-Game machine; 100-Circulating ball delivery device; 110-Frame; 111-Guide rail; 120-Ball delivery channel; 121-Opening; 130-Return ball channel; 131-Allowing opening; 140-Lifting mechanism; 141-First driving component; 142-First connecting rod; 143-Second connecting rod; 144-Connecting frame; 145-Lifting column; 146-Slider; 147-Spoiler; 150-Limiting cylinder; 151-Allowing opening; 152-First limiting post; 153-Blocking ring; 154 - Second limiting post; 160 - Elastic clamping mechanism; 161 - Clamping component; 1611 - First baffle; 1612 - Fixed shaft; 1613 - Roller; 1614 - Second baffle; 162 - Connecting plate; 1621 - Through hole; 1622 - Waist-shaped hole; 163 - Elastic component; 170 - Limit switch; 171 - Second driving component; 172 - Stop bar; 200 - Reciprocating translation device; 300 - Goal plate; 310 - Goal opening; 400 - Ball receiving tray; 500 - Prize redemption device; 600 - Sphere. Detailed Implementation
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," etc., 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 utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," "installed," and "connected" 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 based on the specific circumstances.
[0027] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0028] Please refer to the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model embodiment provides a game machine 10 for playing a ball-throwing game. It can automatically retrieve and load the thrown ball 600, achieving a high degree of automation, saving time and effort, improving throwing efficiency, and enhancing the player experience.
[0029] It should be noted that the game machine 10 includes a circulating ball-dispensing device 100, a reciprocating translation device 200, a ball-scoring plate 300, a ball-receiving tray 400, a sensor (not shown), a controller (not shown), and a prize-winning device 500. The circulating ball-dispensing device 100 and the reciprocating translation device 200 are spaced apart. The reciprocating translation device 200 is connected to the ball-scoring plate 300, which has a ball-scoring opening 310. The reciprocating translation device 200 drives the ball-scoring plate 300 back and forth. The player can control the circulating ball-dispensing device 100 to dispense the ball towards the ball-scoring plate 300. If the ball 600 passes through the ball-scoring opening 310, the game is won; if the ball 600 fails to pass through the ball-scoring opening 310, the game is lost. A ball-receiving tray 400 is positioned below the goal-scoring plate 300 and connected to the ball-receiving circulation device 100. The ball-receiving tray 400 catches the falling ball 600 (regardless of whether the ball 600 has passed through the goal opening 310) and returns the ball 600 to the ball-receiving circulation device 100, which automatically retrieves and loads the ball 600. A sensor is installed inside the goal opening 310 to detect whether the ball 600 has passed through it. A prize-winning device 500 is positioned above the goal-scoring plate 300. The controller is electrically connected to both the sensor and the prize-winning device 500. The sensor sends goal information to the controller, which then sends the corresponding prize information to the prize-winning device 500. The prize-winning device 500 then pushes out the corresponding prize based on the prize information for rapid prize redemption.
[0030] In this embodiment, there are two ball-dispensing devices 100, which are spaced apart to allow two players to play the ball-throwing game simultaneously, thereby improving throwing efficiency and enhancing the fun.
[0031] The circulating ball dispensing device 100 includes a frame 110 and ball dispensing channel 120, ball return channel 130, lifting mechanism 140, limiting cylinder 150, and elastic clamping mechanism 160 mounted on the frame 110. The ball dispensing channel 120 is located above the ball return channel 130. One end of the limiting cylinder 150 is connected to the ball dispensing channel 120, and the other end is connected to the ball return channel 130. The limiting cylinder 150 is used to accommodate a row of multiple balls 600. Both the ball-out channel 120 and the ball-return channel 130 are inclined to the horizontal plane. The top of the ball-out channel 120 is connected to the top of the limiting cylinder 150, and the bottom of the ball-out channel 120 is spaced apart from the ball-scoring plate 300. That is, the ball 600 output from the top of the limiting cylinder 150 can enter the top of the ball-out channel 120 and roll diagonally downward along the ball-out channel 120 under the action of gravity until it collides with the ball-scoring plate 300 or passes through the ball-scoring opening 310. The bottom of the ball-return channel 130 is connected to the bottom of the limiting cylinder 150, and the top of the ball-return channel 130 is connected to the receiving plate 400. That is, the ball 600 received from the receiving plate 400 can enter the top of the ball-return channel 130 and roll diagonally downward along the ball-return channel 130 under the action of gravity until it enters the bottom of the limiting cylinder 150.
[0032] Furthermore, the elastic clamping mechanism 160 is connected to the limiting cylinder 150, and the lifting mechanism 140 is located below the limiting cylinder 150. The lifting mechanism 140 is used to extend into the limiting cylinder 150 and lift the lowest ball 600 upward, so that the lowest ball 600 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic clamping mechanism 160 and passes above the elastic clamping mechanism 160, and the highest ball 600 enters the ball outlet channel 120. The elastic clamping mechanism 160 is used to reset under its own elastic force to support the lowest ball 600, thereby supporting a row of multiple balls 600 in the limiting cylinder 150. The lifting mechanism 140 is also used to retract the limiting cylinder 150 to make way for the next ball 600, so that the next ball 600 enters the limiting cylinder 150 from the ball return channel 130, realizing the recycling of the balls 600. In this way, the circulating ball-dispensing device 100 can automatically retrieve and reload the thrown ball 600, which is highly automated, saves time and effort, improves throwing efficiency, and enhances the player experience.
[0033] In this embodiment, the limiting cylinder 150 extends vertically and a row of multiple spheres 600 are arranged vertically. However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the limiting cylinder 150 may also be inclined at a certain angle to the vertical direction. The specific setting method of the limiting cylinder 150 is not limited.
[0034] Please refer to the reference. Figures 3 to 6The elastic clamping mechanism 160 includes a clamping member 161, a connecting plate 162, and an elastic member 163. The connecting plate 162 has a through hole 1621, the limiting cylinder 150 has a clearance opening 151, and a first limiting post 152 is provided outside the limiting cylinder 150. A retaining ring 153 is provided at the free end of the first limiting post 152. Specifically, the connecting plate 162 is located outside the limiting cylinder 150, the clamping member 161 is connected to the connecting plate 162 and extends into the clearance opening 151, and the clamping member 161 is used to contact the sphere 600. The first limiting post 152 passes through the through hole 1621. The limiting cylinder 150 can limit the connecting plate 162 through the cooperation of the first limiting post 152 and the through hole 1621. The elastic member 163 is sleeved on the outside of the first limiting post 152. One end of the elastic member 163 abuts against the connecting plate 162, and the other end abuts against the retaining ring 153. The elastic member 163 is always in a compressed state. The elastic member 163 can apply elastic force to the connecting plate 162 so that the connecting plate 162 has a tendency to move closer to the limiting cylinder 150, thereby ensuring the contact state between the clamping member 161 and the ball 600.
[0035] Furthermore, the connecting plate 162 is also provided with a waist-shaped hole 1622. The long axis of the waist-shaped hole 1622 is the same as the extension direction of the limiting cylinder 150. A second limiting post 154 is also provided outside the limiting cylinder 150. The first limiting post 152 and the second limiting post 154 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the relief opening 151 along the extension direction of the limiting cylinder 150. The second limiting post 154 passes through the waist-shaped hole 1622 and can slide relative to the connecting plate 162 along the long axis of the waist-shaped hole 1622. The limiting cylinder 150 can further limit the connecting plate 162 through the cooperation of the second limiting post 154 and the waist-shaped hole 1622.
[0036] Specifically, the first limiting post 152 and the second limiting post 154 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the relief opening 151 along the extension direction of the limiting cylinder 150, that is, the clamping member 161 is arranged between the through hole 1621 and the waist-shaped hole 1622. When the lifting mechanism 140 lifts the lowest ball 600 upwards, the ball 600 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 163 and pushes the clamping element 161 toward the exit clearance port 151, thereby pushing the connecting plate 162 toward the direction away from the limiting cylinder 150. During this process, since the elastic element 163 is provided at one end of the connecting plate 162 with the through hole 1621, while the other end of the connecting plate 162 with the waist-shaped hole 1622 is not provided with an elastic element, the connecting plate 162 will tilt. That is, the movement distance of the end of the connecting plate 162 with the through hole 1621 is smaller, while the movement distance of the other end of the connecting plate 162 with the waist-shaped hole 1622 is larger, and the second limiting post 154 will slide relative to the waist-shaped hole 1622. When the lowest ball 600 moves completely above the clamping member 161, the ball 600 no longer applies pressure to the clamping member 161. The clamping member 161 and the connecting plate 162 rebound and reset under the elastic force of the elastic member 163. The clamping member 161 moves below the ball 600 to support it, while the connecting plate 162 moves to a state that fits against the outer wall of the limiting cylinder 150.
[0037] The clamping member 161 includes a first baffle 1611, a fixed shaft 1612, a roller 1613, and a second baffle 1614. The first baffle 1611 and the second baffle 1614 are arranged opposite to each other and are both connected to the connecting plate 162. The fixed shaft 1612 is connected between the first baffle 1611 and the second baffle 1614. The roller 1613 is sleeved on the fixed shaft 1612 and rotates with the fixed shaft 1612. The roller 1613 can rotate relative to the fixed shaft 1612, and the fixed shaft 1612 can limit the movement of the roller 1613. Specifically, the roller 1613 is used to contact the ball 600. The roller 1613 can rotate under the friction of the ball 600 during the lifting process to reduce frictional resistance and ensure that the ball 600 can be lifted smoothly.
[0038] In this embodiment, there are two elastic clamping mechanisms 160, and two first limiting posts 152, two second limiting posts 154, and two clearance openings 151. The two elastic clamping mechanisms 160 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the limiting cylinder 150. The two elastic clamping mechanisms 160 work together to apply elastic force to both sides of the ball 600 during the lifting process, so as to ensure the stability of the lifting of the ball 600. After the lifting is completed, they support the ball 600 at the same time to ensure the reliability of the support of the ball 600.
[0039] The lifting mechanism 140 includes a first driving member 141, a first connecting rod 142, a second connecting rod 143, a connecting frame 144, and a lifting column 145. The first driving member 141 is connected to the first connecting rod 142. One end of the second connecting rod 143 is hinged to the first connecting rod 142, and the other end is hinged to the connecting frame 144. The connecting frame 144 is connected to the lifting column 145, which is used to lift the ball 600. Specifically, the first driving member 141 drives the second connecting rod 143 to rotate via the first connecting rod 142, thereby driving the lifting column 145 to rise or fall via the connecting frame 144. During the rising process of the lifting column 145, the lifting column 145 pushes the ball 600 upward. During the falling process of the lifting column 145, the lifting column 145 falls and resets independently (no longer driving the ball 600).
[0040] In this embodiment, the connecting frame 144 is equipped with a slider 146, and the frame 110 is equipped with a guide rail 111. The length direction of the guide rail 111 is the same as the extension direction of the limiting cylinder 150. The slider 146 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 111, allowing the slider 146 to slide relative to the guide rail 111. The guide rail 111 guides and limits the slider 146, ensuring that the connecting frame 144 and the lifting column 145 can only slide along the extension direction of the guide rail 111. In this embodiment, the length direction of the guide rail 111 and the extension direction of the limiting cylinder 150 are both vertical, and the lifting mechanism 140 can drive the ball 600 to be lifted vertically upward.
[0041] Please refer to the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 4 Optionally, the lifting mechanism 140 also includes a spoiler 147. The ball return channel 130 has a clearance opening 131. The spoiler 147 is connected to the lifting column 145. The spoiler 147 is used to extend into the clearance opening 131 along with the lifting column 145 to prevent multiple balls 600 from getting stuck. Specifically, since the ball return channel 130 is inclined to the horizontal plane, multiple balls 600 in the ball return channel 130 will roll to the end of the ball return channel 130 near the limiting cylinder 150 under the action of gravity, and squeeze and jam against each other, blocking the outlet and preventing the balls 600 from rolling from the ball return channel 130 into the limiting cylinder 150. Therefore, during each lifting process, the spoiler 147 is used to disperse the multiple balls 600 to ensure that after each lifting is completed (after the lifting column 145 retracts out of the limiting cylinder 150), one ball 600 can roll from the ball return channel 130 into the limiting cylinder 150.
[0042] Please refer to the reference. Figure 2 and Figure 7Optionally, the circulating ball dispensing device 100 also includes a limit switch 170. The limit switch 170 includes a second drive member 171 and a stop rod 172. The ball dispensing channel 120 has a discharge opening 121. The second drive member 171 is connected to the stop rod 172. The second drive member 171 is used to drive the stop rod 172 to extend into the ball dispensing channel 120 through the discharge opening 121 to stop the ball 600 and prevent the ball 600 from rolling along the ball dispensing channel 120 towards the ball-scoring plate 300. Specifically, when a player inserts a coin, the second drive component 171 drives the stop lever 172 to retract the opening 121 into the ball outlet channel 120, allowing the ball 600 to roll along the ball outlet channel 120 towards the ball-scoring plate 300, so that the ball-throwing game can proceed normally. After a round of the game ends, the second drive component 171 drives the stop lever 172 to extend the opening 121 into the ball outlet channel 120 to stop the ball 600, preventing it from rolling along the ball outlet channel 120 towards the ball-scoring plate 300, and waiting for the player to insert a coin again.
[0043] It is worth noting that during the ball-throwing game using the game machine 10, the player first inserts a coin. The second drive component 171 then drives the stop lever 172 to retract the opening 121 into the ball-throwing channel 120, thus no longer stopping the ball 600. The ball 600 rolls along the ball-throwing channel 120 towards the ball-scoring plate 300. When the ball 600 rolls to the end of the ball-throwing channel 120, it will fly towards the ball-scoring plate 300 due to inertia. During this process, since the ball-scoring plate 300 is constantly moving (under the action of the reciprocating translation device 200), the position of the ball-scoring opening 310 is constantly changing. If the ball-scoring opening 310 is aligned with the end of the ball-throwing channel 120, the ball 600 can pass through the ball-scoring opening 310, and the game is won. The controller controls the prize-winning device 500 to push the corresponding prize outward based on the goal-scoring information sent by the sensor. If the ball-scoring opening 310 is misaligned with the end of the ball-throwing channel 120, the ball 600 will hit the ball-scoring plate 300 and fall out. If the ball 600 fails to pass through the goal opening 310, the game is lost. Regardless of whether the ball 600 passes through the goal opening 310, the ball 600 will fall to the receiving plate 400 under the action of gravity and roll to the return channel 130 to achieve the automatic retrieval function. After the uppermost ball 600 rolls out, the first drive component 141 drives the lifting column 145 to extend into the limiting cylinder 150 and lift the lowermost ball 600 upward, so that the lowermost ball 600 overcomes the elastic component 163. The elastic force passes through to the top of the clamping member 161, and causes the uppermost ball 600 to enter the ball outlet channel 120 (stopped by the stop rod 172). The elastic member 163 drives the clamping member 161 to reset under its own elastic force, so as to support the lowermost ball 600. Finally, the first driving member 141 drives the lifting column 145 to retract out of the limiting cylinder 150, so that the next ball 600 enters the limiting cylinder 150 from the return ball channel 130, realizing the automatic ball loading function.
[0044] The circulating ball-discharging device 100 provided in this embodiment of the utility model has a ball-discharging channel 120 disposed above a ball-returning channel 130. One end of a limiting cylinder 150 is connected to the ball-discharging channel 120, and the other end is connected to the ball-returning channel 130. The limiting cylinder 150 is used to accommodate a row of multiple balls 600. An elastic clamping mechanism 160 is connected to the limiting cylinder 150. A lifting mechanism 140 is disposed below the limiting cylinder 150. The lifting mechanism 140 is used to extend into the limiting cylinder 150 and lift the bottommost ball. The ball 600 is lifted upwards so that the lowest ball 600 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic clamping mechanism 160 and passes above the elastic clamping mechanism 160, while the highest ball 600 enters the ball outlet channel 120. The elastic clamping mechanism 160 is used to reset under its own elastic force to support the lowest ball 600. The lifting mechanism 140 is also used to retract the limiting cylinder 150 so that the next ball 600 can enter the limiting cylinder 150 from the return channel 130. Compared with the prior art, the circulating ball outlet device 100 provided by this utility model, due to the use of the limiting cylinder 150 set between the ball outlet channel 120 and the return channel 130, the lifting mechanism 140 set below the limiting cylinder 150, and the elastic clamping mechanism 160 connected to the limiting cylinder 150, can realize the automatic recovery and loading of the thrown ball 600, with a high degree of automation, saving time and effort, improving throwing efficiency, and enhancing the player experience. This makes the game console 10 easy to operate, efficient in throwing balls, and fun.
[0045] 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 circulating ball dispensing device, characterized in that, The device includes a frame and a ball outlet channel, a ball return channel, a lifting mechanism, a limiting cylinder, and an elastic clamping mechanism mounted on the frame. The ball outlet channel is located above the ball return channel. One end of the limiting cylinder is connected to the ball outlet channel, and the other end is connected to the ball return channel. The limiting cylinder is used to accommodate a row of multiple balls. The elastic clamping mechanism is connected to the limiting cylinder. The lifting mechanism is located below the limiting cylinder. The lifting mechanism is used to extend into the limiting cylinder and lift the bottommost ball upwards, so that the bottommost ball overcomes the elastic force of the elastic clamping mechanism and passes above the elastic clamping mechanism, and the topmost ball enters the ball outlet channel. The elastic clamping mechanism is used to reset under its own elastic force to support the bottommost ball. The lifting mechanism is also used to retract the limiting cylinder so that the next ball can enter the limiting cylinder from the ball return channel.
2. The circulating ball output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic clamping mechanism includes a clamping member, a connecting plate, and an elastic member. The connecting plate has a through hole, the limiting cylinder has a clearance opening, and a first limiting post is provided outside the limiting cylinder. A retaining ring is provided at the free end of the first limiting post. The clamping member is connected to the connecting plate and extends into the relief opening. The clamping member is used to contact the ball. The first limiting post passes through the through hole. The elastic member is sleeved outside the first limiting post. One end of the elastic member abuts against the connecting plate, and the other end abuts against the retaining ring.
3. The circulating ball output device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting plate is also provided with a waist-shaped hole, the long axis of which is in the same direction as the extension direction of the limiting cylinder. A second limiting post is also provided outside the limiting cylinder. The first limiting post and the second limiting post are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the relief opening along the extension direction of the limiting cylinder. The second limiting post passes through the waist-shaped hole.
4. The circulating ball dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping member includes a first baffle, a fixed shaft, a roller, and a second baffle. The first baffle and the second baffle are arranged opposite to each other and are both connected to the connecting plate. The fixed shaft is connected between the first baffle and the second baffle. The roller is sleeved outside the fixed shaft and rotates with the fixed shaft.
5. The circulating ball output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of elastic clamping mechanisms is two, and the two elastic clamping mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the limiting cylinder.
6. The circulating ball output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a first driving member, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a connecting frame, and a lifting column. The first driving member is connected to the first connecting rod. One end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the first connecting rod, and the other end is hinged to the connecting frame. The connecting frame is connected to the lifting column, and the lifting column is used to lift the sphere.
7. The circulating ball output device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting frame is equipped with a slider, and the frame is equipped with a guide rail. The length direction of the guide rail is the same as the extension direction of the limiting cylinder, and the slider slides in cooperation with the guide rail.
8. The circulating ball output device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism also includes a spoiler, and the ball return channel has an opening for clearance. The spoiler is connected to the lifting column and is used to extend into the opening along with the lifting column to prevent multiple balls from getting stuck.
9. The circulating ball output device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulating ball-discharging device further includes a limit switch, which includes a second driving member and a stop rod. The ball-discharging channel has a clearance opening. The second driving member is connected to the stop rod. The second driving member is used to drive the stop rod to extend into the ball-discharging channel through the clearance opening to stop the ball.
10. A game console, characterized in that, Includes the circulating ball dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1-9.