JP2000312737A - Bowling pin arrangement controller and its connecting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange pins at an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern by implementing opening/closing operation of scissors for pinching the neck parts of pins by a link mechanism and setting the coupling unit between the scissors and the link mechanism by a solenoid into an interlocking state or a free state. SOLUTION: Coupling units 7a-7j are so formed that the interlocked state and the released state (free state) between rods 3a-3d and rotational movement elements 2a-2j can be electrically set. Scissors 1a-1j pinching the necks of erected pins are coupled with the rotational movement elements 2a-2j and the rotational movement elements 2a-2j have one ends as the rotational movement centers and the other ends coupled with the rods 3a-3d with the coupling units 7a-7j parts. One ends of the rods 3a-3d are coupled with one ends of the rotational movement elements 4a-4d and the other ends of the rotational movement elements 4a-4d are coupled with the rod 5. The changeover of the states of the coupling unit 7a-7j is selected by energizing or unenergizing to a solenoid included in the unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the pin arrangement of a bowling and a connecting unit therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional bowling alleys include a pin setter machine for arranging pins at pin arrangement positions at the rear end of a lane, and an automatic bowling scoring process that detects the state of pins after pitching. And a bowling score device.

[0003] The pin setter machine described above has a function of newly arranging ten pins as first pins at the pin arrangement position at the rear end of the lane (first pin arrangement means), and detects a ball being thrown. At this time, the pin standing at the pin arrangement position is gripped and lifted, and is swept (hereinafter, referred to as "sweep") by a mechanism (hereinafter, referred to as "rake") for removing remaining pins and falling pins. Thereafter, a function of rearranging the lifted pins (second-throw pin arrangement means) is provided.

In such a conventional general pin setter machine, ten pins are set for the first shot, and the remaining pins are rearranged for the second shot when a strike does not occur. Because it only has the basic function of playing, only the basic bowling game was played.

On the other hand, in order to increase the degree of freedom in pin arrangement and enable a variety of bowling games to be performed, a pin setter machine has been developed in which pin arrangement can be performed with a designated arbitrary pin pattern. Has been used.

[0006]

As described above, if an arbitrary pin pattern can be arranged, pitching practice aiming at a spare, for example, can be performed very efficiently. In addition to the so-called 10-pin bowling, it is also possible to play a new bowling game by changing the variation of the pin arrangement pattern.

A conventional pin setter machine in which the pin arrangement pattern can be arbitrarily set is a pin elevator that lifts down and sweeps collected pins to a predetermined height, a pin shooter that transfers the pins to a predetermined position, and the pin shooter. Is supplied to a predetermined position of the pin setting table. However, the distributor for supplying the pins to an arbitrary position of the pin setting table is large-scale, the whole configuration is complicated and large, and the machine itself is expensive.

On the other hand, for a bowling alley where a pin setter machine in which pins cannot be arranged with such an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern is installed, the existing pin setter machine can be discarded and the above-mentioned arbitrary pin arrangement pattern can be set. Replacing with a pin setter machine was virtually impossible in terms of time and cost for removal and re-installation.
Moreover, most of the conventional pin setter machines having only the basic function of 10-pin bowling are rugged machines that are operated by mechanical control for the most part, so they do not break quickly, but wear out. However, since it is possible to continue using the parts only by replacing the parts, it has been increasingly difficult to replace the parts with new ones.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to arrange pins in an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern without replacing a pinsetter machine having only a basic function of performing so-called 10-pin bowling with a new pinsetter machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a bowling pin arrangement control device and a connecting unit used in the device.

[0010]

A bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention is provided with a scissor sandwiching a neck portion of a bowling pin, a link mechanism for opening and closing the scissor, and between the scissor and the link mechanism. Connecting unit,
The connection unit comprises: a solenoid that is electrically and selectively set to a non-energized state or an energized state, and sets the scissor and the link mechanism to an interlocked state or a free state according to an operation state of the solenoid. And a locking mechanism.

The connecting unit for a bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention is provided between a scissor sandwiching a neck portion of a bowling pin and a link mechanism for opening and closing the scissor, and is electrically selectively non-conductive. It includes a solenoid that is energized or energized, and a lock mechanism that sets the scissor and the link mechanism to an interlocked state or a free state in accordance with the operation state of the solenoid.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to set which of the ten pins is to be arranged by selecting the energization or non-energization of the solenoid. This makes it possible to set, for example, a pitching practice mode in an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern, and facilitate spare training. In addition, since a complicated mechanism is not required, and only a connecting unit having a solenoid is provided at a connecting portion between the scissor and the link mechanism, the entire pin setter machine is provided with a distributor for supplying pins to an arbitrary position of a pin setting table. It can be used as a machine that can arrange pins in any pin arrangement pattern without replacing it with a new pinsetter machine.

[0013] Further, a lock mechanism of the bowling pin arrangement control device of the present invention is provided so as to face a groove provided around a rod of the link mechanism, and is attached to the scissor to cover the circumference of the rod; A plurality of balls held by the pipe, and the pipe and the rod are latched or unlatched by fitting or not fitting the ball into the groove in response to the operation of the solenoid. To

The locking mechanism of the bowling pin arrangement control connecting unit according to the present invention is provided so as to face a groove provided around the rod of the link mechanism, and is attached to the scissor to cover the circumference of the rod. And a plurality of balls held by the pipe, and the pipe and the rod are latched or non-locked by fitting or not fitting the ball into the groove according to the operation of the solenoid. Set to latch state.

In another aspect, the lock mechanism is attached to the link mechanism, and is brought into a slide lock state or a slide lock state by abutting or not abutting on an operating portion of the solenoid according to non-energization or energization of the solenoid. A slide member that is in a free state, the slide member is pin-coupled to a conversion mechanism that converts the rectilinear movement into a rotational movement of the scissor, and the slide member is set to a slide free state or a slide lock state according to the operation of the solenoid. To set the scissor and the link mechanism in an interlocked state or a free state.

In still another aspect, the lock mechanism has an elongated hole provided in the link mechanism for receiving a pin, and is connected to a conversion mechanism that converts a linear movement into a rotational movement and gives the rotational movement to the scissor. A slide plate, and a pin coupling plate that sets the pin, which is in the elongated hole, to a coupled state or a non-coupled state to the elongated hole in accordance with non-energization or energization of the solenoid, for operating the solenoid. By setting the pin to a coupled state or a non-coupled state to the long hole in accordance with the above-mentioned mechanism, the scissor and the link mechanism are set to an interlocked state or a free state. There is no need to significantly improve the already installed link mechanism and scissor, and the lock mechanism can be easily provided. Therefore, it can be incorporated into existing pinsetter machines in a short period of time and at low cost.

Further, the bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention comprises a pin arrangement pattern setting means for setting an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern, and setting a non-energized state or an energized state of the solenoid according to the set pin arrangement pattern. Means to perform.

With this configuration, the bowler can arbitrarily set the pin arrangement pattern and can easily perform various spare exercises.

In the bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention, the pin arrangement pattern setting means is constituted by means for inputting a pin arrangement pattern on a screen. As a result, the pin arrangement pattern can be easily set on the screen.

In the bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention, the pin arrangement pattern setting means is constituted by means for selecting from pin arrangement patterns stored in advance. As a result, for example, a desired pin arrangement pattern to be challenged can be easily selected from among typical pin arrangement patterns for spare practice.

The bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention comprises means for accepting insertion of a medium such as a coin or a card storing a value, and inputting the pin arrangement pattern when the medium is inserted. Means for enabling are provided.

With this configuration, it is easy to charge for pitching practice and the like.

In addition, the bowling pin arrangement control device according to the present invention, when receiving the pin arrangement start signal, grasps and lifts the arranged pin, sweeps the rake, and then re-opens the lifted pin. In a bowling pin arrangement control device provided with a pin setter machine to be arranged, a selective pin gripping mechanism for gripping only pins corresponding to a pin arrangement pattern given from the outside when lifting the pins is provided.

As described above, by the action of the selective pin gripping mechanism, when the pin is gripped and lifted in response to the above-mentioned pin layout start signal, only the pin corresponding to the pin layout pattern given from the outside is gripped. Subsequent sweeps of the rake will wipe out the pins that have not been lifted, and subsequent rearrangement of the pins will cause the pins to be placed in the set pin placement pattern.

As described above, it is only necessary to provide a mechanism for gripping only the necessary pins when gripping and lifting the pins once placed, so that the pins are supplied to an arbitrary position of the conventional pin setting table. This eliminates the need for a distributor, and allows an arrangement with an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern with a very simple configuration as a whole.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 to 6 show the structure of a mechanical portion of a bowling pin arrangement control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pin gripping mechanism provided together with a pin holder for holding a pin to be newly arranged. Many pin setter machines conventionally installed in bowling alleys have the same mechanism as that shown in FIG. 1 except for details, and in the apparatus shown in FIG. The unit has a new structure as shown below. As will be described later, the unit of this novel structure can be easily installed with the entire device already installed. The connection units 7a to 7j can set an interlocking state between the rods 3a to 3d and the rotating bodies 2a to 2j and a release state (free state) thereof by an electric signal as described later.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1a to 1j denote scissors sandwiching the necks of the upright pins from pin 1 to pin 10, respectively, which are connected to the rotating bodies 2a to 2j, respectively. One end (left end in the figure) of the rotating bodies 2a to 2j is a center of rotation, and the other end is a rod 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in the connecting unit 7a to 7j.
Respectively. In addition, these rods 3a,
One end (lower end in the figure) of 3b, 3c, 3d is connected to one end of rotating bodies 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d. The other ends of the rotating bodies 4a to 4d are connected to the rod 5. These rotating bodies 4a to 4d rotate around their substantially central portions as the center of rotation. Therefore, by moving the rod 5 in the axial direction (left-right direction in the figure), the rotating body 4a
4d rotate, and the rods 3a to 3d move substantially in their axial directions. Now, assuming that all of the connecting units 7a to 7j are set in the interlocking state, the rods 3a to 3d move in the axial direction, whereby the rotating bodies 2a to 2j connected to the rods rotate, respectively. Scissors 1a-1j
Will open and close respectively. Specifically, the rod 5
By moving a predetermined amount to the right in the figure,
All the scissors 1a to 1j are opened, and the scissors 1a to 1j are all closed by moving the rod 5 to the left in the drawing. Since a tension spring 6 is attached to one end of the rod 5, the rod 5 is pulled rightward in the drawing, and the scissors 1a to 1j are normally opened.

Each of the connection units 7a to 7j can be individually switched from an interlocked state to a free state. It is also possible to switch from a free state to an interlocked state. In the free state, the scissors 1a to 1j do not open and close even if the rods 3a to 3d move. Switching of the state of the connection unit can be performed by selecting between energization and non-energization of a solenoid included in the unit.

With the above configuration, the connecting units 7a to 7a
By selectively supplying an electric signal to j, the opening and closing control of the scissors 1a to 1j by the movement of the rod 5 can be selectively performed.

FIG. 2 shows the rod 3d and the rotating body 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view in an assembled state showing a structure of a connection portion (connection unit 7g) with g, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view thereof. Figure 2
In 3, reference numeral 13 denotes a link rod, and reference numeral 11 denotes a rod holding portion. Reference numeral 19 denotes a pipe through which the link rod 13 is inserted, and a ball latch inner peripheral portion 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the pipe. Reference numeral 18 denotes an outer peripheral portion of the ball latch. A plurality of balls 21 are inserted into holes provided in the inner peripheral portion 20 of the ball latch, and the outer peripheral portion 18 of the ball latch is attached to form a ball latch portion. The ball latch portion is arranged to face a groove provided in the link rod 13 as described later. The mechanism for switching between the interlocking state and the free state by the ball is referred to as a “ball latch” in this specification. 1
Reference numeral 7 denotes a solenoid for driving a ball latch outer peripheral portion 18 in the axial direction, and a pipe 19 through a solenoid holding portion 16.
It is fixed to. Further, reference numeral 14 denotes a pipe holding portion, and a shell cap 15 is attached to the pipe holding portion 14. The link stud 25 connected to one end of the rotating body 2g is inserted into the hole of the pipe holding portion 14.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway view showing the operation of the ball latch portion. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 24 denotes a solenoid 17
As shown in FIG. 4A, when the solenoid 17 is not energized, the return spring 1
8 is displaced leftward in the figure. When the solenoid 17 is energized, the outer peripheral portion 18 of the ball latch is displaced rightward in the figure, as shown in FIG. Depending on the state of the solenoid, the coupling unit performs different operations as described below.

[When the solenoid is not energized] 22 is a groove provided on the inner surface of the ball latch outer peripheral portion 18, and 23 is the link rod 1.
3A, and the state shown in FIG. 4A shows a state in which the ball 21 is fitted into the groove 23 of the link rod. Since this ball 21 is housed in the hole provided in the inner peripheral portion 20 of the ball latch,
In the state (A), the groove 23 of the link rod 13 and the inner peripheral portion 20 of the ball latch are connected and held (latched) via the ball 21. Since the ball latch inner peripheral portion 20 is integrated with the pipe holding portion 14 via the pipe 19 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, after all, the rotating body 2g shown in FIG. Will be displaced.

[When Solenoid is Energized] When the solenoid 17 is energized and the outer peripheral portion 18 of the ball latch is displaced to the right in the drawing as shown in FIG. When the link rod 13 is displaced leftward in the drawing, the ball 21 comes off the groove 23 of the link rod 13. Therefore, in this state, the pipe 19 is free from the link rod 13.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rod 3d for the 7th pin in FIG. 1 is shown, but the pipe 1 is attached to the movable ends of the other rotating bodies 2a to 2f and 2h to 2j.
9, ball latch (18, 20, 21), solenoid 1
7, a connecting unit including a solenoid holding unit 16, a pipe holding unit 14, and a shell cap 15 is similarly provided.

The conventional pin gripping mechanism includes a link rod 13
However, only the link stud 25 is connected with an appropriate member, but by replacing the link stud with the above-mentioned connecting unit, a selective pin gripping mechanism is formed.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a conventional pin gripping mechanism for connecting the link stud 25 to the link rod 13.
This structure is one example used in a device already installed in a bowling alley, and has a structure in which a pin-shaped link stud 25 is connected to the link rod 13 in an interlocking state. For various reasons, a pin gripping mechanism having a structure as shown in FIG. 32 may not be adopted for all ten pins.
A connecting structure of the link rod 13 and the link stud 25 as shown in FIG. 32 is provided corresponding to the number of pins or the number of pins close thereto. Therefore, by removing the connecting member and attaching the connecting unit, a selective pin gripping mechanism can be easily configured.

With the above-described selective pin gripping mechanism, when all pins (ten pins) are placed and only arbitrary pins are gripped and rearranged, all solenoids are not energized. In other words, in the interlocking state shown in FIG. 4A, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the rod 5 is moved to the open side to open all the scissors, and the pin holder is held until the scissors reach the height of the neck of the upright pin. Is lowered.
Thereafter, if it is not desired to arrange pins 2, 4, 7, 8, and 10, for example, the solenoids for those pins are energized (ie, the free state shown in FIG. 4B).
Then, the rod 5 is moved to the closing side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the scissors of pins 2, 4, 7, 8, and 10 are kept open, and only the scissors of pins 1, 3, 5, 6, and 9 to be arranged are closed. Become. Thereafter, the pin holder is raised, the upright pins (the second, fourth, seventh, eighth, and tenth pins) remaining by the rake are swept, and the pin holder is lowered again to move the rod 5 to the open side.
At this time, the free scissors corresponding to the pins 2, 4, 7, 8, and 10 remain open regardless of the movement of the rod 5, but the pins 1, 3, 5, 6, 9 The linked scissor corresponding to the pin opens as the rod moves.
In this way, by opening all the scissors and raising the pin holder again, the target pins 1, 3, 5, 6, and 9 can be arranged.

At this stage, the solenoids corresponding to the second, fourth, seventh, eighth and tenth pins are still energized.
Therefore, the first, third, fifth, sixth, and ninth pins are arranged and then the scissor is opened (by moving the rod 5 to the open side).
At this time, the power supply to the solenoids corresponding to the second, fourth, seventh, eighth, and tenth pins is stopped. At this time, the link rod 13 is moving toward the position of the scissor open state (to the right in FIG. 4) by the movement of the rod 5 to the open side,
3 is located at the position of the ball 21, when the force of the return spring 24 of the solenoid 17 is applied to push the ball latch outer peripheral portion 18 to the left in the drawing, the ball 21
Fits into the groove 23 and at the same time
8 is displaced leftward in FIG. 4 and returns to the interlocked state shown in FIG. The power supply to the solenoid may be stopped before the scissor opens. In this case, first, in FIG. 4, the force of the return spring 24 of the solenoid 17 is applied so as to push the ball latch outer peripheral portion 18 leftward in the figure. Thereafter, since the link rod 13 moves toward the position of the scissor open state (to the right in FIG. 4) by the movement of the rod 5 to the open side, when the groove 23 moves to the position of the ball 21, the ball 21 At the same time as fitting into the groove 23, the outer peripheral portion 18 of the ball latch is displaced leftward in FIG.
The state returns to the interlocking state shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment. In this example, the link mechanism is substantially the same as the structure shown in FIG. 1, but the structure of the connecting unit provided between the link mechanism and the scissor is different from that of the above-described embodiment.
As for the link mechanism, a metal fitting having an L-shaped cross section is used as shown by hatching in the figure. Since the structure of the link mechanism is almost the same as that of FIG. 2, the description is omitted here. FIG. 7 shows a rod 3d 'of the link mechanism of FIG.
(“′” Is added to the reference numeral 3d because the rod is not a rod-shaped rod but an L-shaped fitting) and a scissor 1g ′ connected thereto. The same applies to the connecting portion between the other rod and the scissor.

In FIG. 7, the rod 3d 'of the link mechanism is shown.
, A slide member 100 and a solenoid 101 are attached by screws (not shown). The slide member 100 is a lock mechanism of the present invention, and has a structure as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional structural view of the slide member 100. The slide member 100 has a pin 100a at the bottom.
Slide plate 100b with screws
Ball bearing fixed frame 100c on which 0b slides
And a plurality of ball bearings 10 placed between the ball bearing fixing frame 100c and the slide plate 100b.
0d, and a stopper 100e for regulating the sliding movement range of the slide plate 100b.
As shown in FIG. 9, the ball bearing fixing frame 100c has a tunnel-like shape, and both sides are curved inward so that the ball bearing 100d slides. The slide plate 100b has a protrusion 100b that projects upward.
(1) and 100b (2) are provided at both ends, and a slide plate main body 100b (3) projecting upward is provided therebetween. The slide plate main body 100b (3) is inserted inside the ball bearing fixing frame 100c, and both sides are curved inward so that the ball bearing 100d slides. Therefore, the ball bearing 100d is sandwiched between both sides of the ball bearing fixing frame 100c and both sides of the slide plate body 100b (3), and the slide plate body 100b ( 3) becomes slidable in the longitudinal direction of the rod 3d '.

The stopper 100e has projections 100e (1) and 100e (2) projecting downward at both ends, and the stopper 100e is provided between the projections 100b (1) and 100e (2) of the slide plate 100b. It is attached to the rod 3d 'so that 1) is located. Therefore, when the slide plate 100b can slide freely, the sliding range is such that the protrusion 100b (1) is
0e at a position corresponding to the projection 100e (1) (FIG. 8B).
From the state shown in FIG. 8) to the position corresponding to the projection 100e (2) (the state shown in FIG. 8A).

The solenoid 101 is screwed to an L-shaped solenoid fixing plate 102, and its operating portion 101a is
It contracts or expands according to ON / OFF of the solenoid 101. When the slide plate 100b is moved to the leftmost position as shown in FIG. 8B and the solenoid 101 is turned off, the operating portion 101a moves the rod 3
It extends below d 'and abuts on the projection 100b (2) of the slide plate main body 100b. In this state, the protrusion 100b (1) of the slide plate 100b is
At the same time as the protrusion 100e (1) of the solenoid plate 101, the protrusion 100b (2) of the slide plate 100b is
As a result, the slide plate 100b cannot slide left and right. FIG.
(B) shows this state, which is called a slide lock state.

On the other hand, when the solenoid 101 is turned on from the state shown in FIG. 8B, the operating portion 101a of the solenoid 101 contracts upward, and the operating portion 101a restricts the projection 100b (2) of the slide plate 100b. Disappears. For this reason, the slide plate 100 is
(1) is the projection 100e (1) of the stopper 100e and 1
It is possible to slide within a range where the movement is possible between 00e (2). FIG. 8A shows this state, and this state is called a slide-free state.

In FIG. 7A, the scissor 1g '(FIG.
1g because of slightly different shape compared to 1g of scissor
A conversion mechanism 2 for converting the linear movement of the pin 100a attached to the slide member 100 into the rotational movement of the scissor 1g 'is provided at the fulcrum portion of the slide member 100.
00 is provided.

The conversion mechanism 200 includes a long hole 200a formed in the scissor 1g ', a pin 200b engaged with the long hole 200a, a pin support 200c for holding the pin 200b, and a pin support 200c. Rotating part 200
and an arm portion 200f having a hole 200e connected to the slide member 100 by a pin 100a. The arm 200f further includes
Its end is held on a chassis (not shown) by pins 200g,
It is rotatable in this position.

In FIG. 7A, since the solenoid 101 is off and the operating portion 101a is in the slide lock state in which the slide operation of the slide member 100 is locked, the conversion mechanism 200 is operated by the slide member. In accordance with the straight movement of 100, the straight movement is always converted into a rotational movement. Therefore, when the rod 3d 'moves straight in the direction of the arrow A in the figure from the state shown in FIG. 7A, the arm 200f of the conversion mechanism 200 rotates clockwise, and the pin support 200c moves to the arrow B in the figure. Direction (upper right direction in the figure), the slot 200a is inserted into the pin 200b.
Moves while sliding, and as a result, the scissor 1g 'opens as shown in FIG. 7 (B). When the rod 3d 'moves straight in the direction of the arrow C in the figure from the state shown in FIG. 7B, the arm 200f of the conversion mechanism 200 rotates counterclockwise, and the pin support 200c moves in the direction of the arrow in the figure. It moves in the direction D (the lower left direction in the figure).
b moves while sliding, and as a result, the scissor 1g 'closes as shown in FIG. Thus, the interlocking state can be set between the rod 3d 'and the scissor 1g'.

Next, when the solenoid 101 is turned on and the slide member is set in the slide free state, the rod 3d '
, The conversion mechanism 200 does not operate because the slide plate 100b slides with respect to the ball bearing fixing frame 100c. FIG. 10A shows the operation of the slide member and the conversion mechanism when the slide member is in the slide free state. FIG.
FIG. 7B shows a case where d ′ has been moved straight in the C direction.
Indicates a case where the rod 3d 'is moved straight in the direction A.
In any case, since the slide member 100 slides in accordance with the rectilinear movement of the rod 3d ', the conversion mechanism 200 does not operate, and therefore, the scissor 1g' maintains an open state. The state shown in FIG. 10A is a free state in which the rod 3d 'and the scissor 1g' are not linked.

As described above, the interlocking state shown in FIG.
Can be easily set by turning on / off the solenoid 101. In addition, if a connection unit for the slide member 100 is prepared, the operation to attach the connection unit to the already-installed bowling pin arrangement control device can be easily performed with the above-described interlocked state by the control described later. You can set the state.

The sliding member 100 and the conversion mechanism 20
0 is directly connected by the pin 100a, but the pin 100a and the conversion mechanism 200 may be indirectly connected by interposing an appropriate link between the pin 100a and the hole 200e of the conversion mechanism 200. It is possible.

In the present embodiment, the interlocking state shown in FIG.
4 correspond to the interlocked state of FIG. 4A and the free state of FIG. 4B of the embodiment described above, respectively. Therefore, the control of the solenoid is performed in the same manner in both the embodiments,
The selective gripping of the pins is performed in a similar manner. In this manner, a selective pin gripping mechanism similar to the previous embodiment is configured.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment.

In the present embodiment, two scissors 1g 'are rotatably connected by pins 310, and a link (conversion mechanism) 31 for converting a linear movement into a rotational movement of the scissor 1g'.
0 is attached to each scissor 1g '. The link 310 has an elongated slide plate 302 that moves straight.
Are connected by pins 303, and the slide plate 302 moves straight in the left-right direction in the figure, whereby a rotational force is applied to the scissor 1g 'via the link 310, whereby the scissor 1g' opens and closes.

The lock mechanism in the present embodiment comprises the above-mentioned slide plate 302 and a pin connecting plate 304 which swings according to the on / off state of the solenoid 301. The slide plate 302 has an elongated hole 305 on the slightly left side thereof, and a pin 300 attached to a rod 3d 'having a hollow rectangular cross section is fitted into the elongated hole 305. The pin connecting plate 304 has a dent formed on the right end surface, and the dent portion covers a part of the long hole 305 or escapes from the long hole 305 according to the swing of the pin connecting plate 304. Are located in Further, the pin coupling plate 304 is provided with the swing center 3
At 06, a pin is connected to the slide plate 302, and the lower left corner is rotatably connected to the tip of the operating portion of the solenoid 301 by a pin 307.

In the above configuration, when the solenoid 301 is off, the left end of the pin coupling plate 304 covers a part of the long hole 305 of the slide plate 302 as shown in FIG. In this state, the pin 300 attached to the rod 3d 'is completely connected to the long hole 305 because the pin connecting plate 304 covers a part of the long hole 305. Therefore, the rod 3d 'is shown in FIG.
11A, the slide plate 302 also moves straight in the same direction (A direction), thereby opening the scissor 1g 'as shown in FIG. 11B. Also,
If the rod 3d 'is moved in the direction of the arrow C in FIG. 11B from the state of FIG.
Also moves straight in the same direction (C direction), whereby the scissor 1g 'closes as shown in FIG. That is, the scissor 1g 'and the rod 3d' are interlocked.

On the other hand, when the solenoid 301 is turned on in the state of FIG. 11B, the pin connecting plate 304 rotates counterclockwise as shown in FIG.
Does not cover the long hole 305. As a result, the pin 300 is disengaged from the elongated hole 305, and even if the rod 3d 'moves straight in the direction of arrow C from the state of FIG. The slide plate 302 does not move straight. Therefore, FIG.
As in (B), the scissor 1g 'remains open. Similarly, from FIG. 12B, even if the rod 3d 'moves in the direction of the arrow A, the slide plate 302 does not move straight, so that the scissor 1g' remains open. The state shown in FIG. 12 is a free state between the scissor 1d 'and the rod 3d'.

As described above, also in this embodiment, the scissor 1
The interlocking state and the free state between d 'and the rod 3d' can be easily set by turning on / off the solenoid 301. In addition, such a configuration includes the slide plate 302,
A unit including a pin coupling plate 304 and a spring 309;
Since it can be easily realized from the solenoid 301, it can be easily assembled to an existing device.

In this embodiment, the interlocked state of FIG. 11 and the free state of FIG. 12 correspond to the interlocked state of FIG. 4A and the free state of FIG. It corresponds to the state. Therefore, the control of the solenoid is performed in the same manner in both embodiments, and the selective grip of the pin is performed in the same manner. In this manner, a selective pin gripping mechanism similar to the previous embodiment is configured.

Each of the solenoids described above is controlled by a machine control circuit, which will be described later. When the power of the machine control circuit is off, the solenoids are in a non-energized state. Each scissor moves in conjunction with it. Therefore, when the power of the machine control circuit is turned off or its function is turned off, the connection unit using the ball latch and the solenoid has the same function as the conventional connection unit. It can be carried out.

Next, the configuration of a bowling pin arrangement control system which enables bowling practice and a base game using the pin arrangement control device will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The normal game mode is a normal mode in which ten pins are arranged before the first pitch and the second throw can be performed if the first shot does not strike. The pitching practice mode is a mode in which an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern can be set before the first pitch to perform a spare practice. In the present invention, the function of the pinsetter machine already installed in the bowling alley is not changed. The function of the pinsetter machine is 10 in the initial state.
Pins are arranged, and from this initial state, a pin arrangement start-up signal (for example, in a normal game, when a third pitching of 10 frames is performed, if a strike is not taken and pins remain, reset to pay the pins. When the button is pressed, this signal is given to the pinsetter machine when the reset button is pressed, and is also called a machine reset signal.) Sweep the pins that are up and reposition the lifted pins. In the present invention,
When set to pitch practice mode, the signals of the conduction and non-conduction of each solenoid and "sham" to the pin setter machine without changing this function of the pin setter machine
Send a pin arrangement start signal. The pin setter machine performs the above-described operation immediately from the initial state by receiving the “fake” pin arrangement start signal even when the pitch is not actually performed. At this time, the pin arrangement state is set according to the conduction and non-conduction signals of each solenoid. This allows Bowler to perform spare practice from the beginning.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system. Here, each console is provided for each lane, and a printer / coin box and a pin setter machine, which will be described later, are connected to the consoles. The plurality of consoles are connected to the front management device and the office unit via a local area network (LAN). The front management device is a host device provided at the front, and performs a bowler (customer) reception process, controls a predetermined console, and manages the use status of each console. The office unit is provided in the office and performs other customer management and operation management.

The printer / coin box is shown in FIG.
If the console is provided for each console as described above, it is not always necessary to link with the front management device, and each console may operate independently. Further, in the case where charge management and score printing are all performed on the front management device side, it is not necessary to provide a “printer / coin box” on the console side.

FIG. 14 is an external view of the console and the printer / coin box. A monitor 40 with a touch panel is provided on the front of the console, and the bowler performs a touch operation according to the display content as needed. The printer / coin box is provided with a coin insertion slot 42 and a print paper receiver 41 on the front surface.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the console and the printer / coin box. CPU 51
Executes a program written in the ROM 52 in advance.
The RAM 53 is used as a working area for temporarily storing various data when executing the program. LA
The N interface 54 controls the local area network.

The touch panel interface 55 detects an input operation on the touch panel of the monitor with a touch panel. The CPU 51 uses the touch panel interface 55
Read the touch operation content via. The display interface 56 gives a display signal to the monitor 40a of the monitor with a touch panel. The display interface 56 includes a display memory and a circuit for generating a display signal from the contents thereof, and the CPU 51 writes data to be displayed in the display memory.

The peripheral device interface 57 is connected to a printer /
Control the coin box. The coin selector of the printer / coin box reads and sorts the type of the inserted coin, and the CPU 51 reads the inserted amount via the peripheral device interface 57. In the example shown here, coins are accepted, but media other than coins, such as an IC memory card or a magnetic card storing a value, may be accepted.
As the card storing the value, a credit card or a card which can be debited from a bank account can be used. When accepting such a card, a card reader / writer is provided in the printer / coin box portion and the CPU 51 determines the value of the inserted card.
It is read through the peripheral device interface 57, and the value corresponding to the number of pitches is reduced from the card. The printer of the printer / coin box prints out scores and the like. The CPU 51 outputs print data to the printer via the peripheral device interface 57.

The communication interface 58 controls communication with a machine control circuit 71 provided on the pin setter machine side. The CPU 51 outputs a predetermined command to the machine control circuit 71 via the communication interface 58.
The sound reproducing circuit 59 is a circuit that reproduces some sound effects and synthesized voices. The CPU 51 supplies the sound reproducing circuit 59 with data of the sound effects and synthesized voices to be reproduced, and outputs the data from the speaker 60. I do.

The ball passing sensor 62 is a sensor for detecting that the thrown ball has passed on the lane.
The PU 51 reads the detection result via the interface 61. The pin camera 64 is a camera that images the pin arrangement position, and the image processing circuit 63 calculates
An upright pin at a predetermined position is detected.

As shown in FIG. 15, the effect control circuit 72 is connected to the machine control circuit 71 so that the effect command received from the console is applied to the effect control circuit 72. . The effect control circuit 72 includes a smoke machine 73 and a pin for hiding the ten pins arranged at the pin arrangement positions and for producing the pins having a predetermined pin arrangement pattern as if they appeared from the smoke. An illumination lamp 74 for illuminating the arrangement position is connected.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the machine control circuit. Here, the communication interface 81 controls communication with the console and receives various commands given from the console. In response to the command, the controller 82 provides a pin setting start signal for causing the pin setter machine to perform pin setting. In addition, a start signal is given to the effect effect control circuit. Further, the driver 83 is driven according to the pin arrangement pattern. Driver 83
Controls the energization of ten solenoids provided in the connection unit.

The machine control circuit controls the energization of the ten solenoids of the selective pin gripping mechanism provided in the pin setter machine, and supplies a pin arrangement start signal to the pin setter machine to thereby control the pin setter. Let the machine do the predetermined pinout. Basically, the procedure is as follows.

Normally, the pin setter machine arranges ten pins and waits for the first pitch. The initial state is the normal bowling game (normal game mode).
If so, the bowler will make the first pitch in this state. (Hereinafter, these ten pin arrangement operations are referred to as “first-pin arrangement”.) However, in the pitching practice mode in which the spare practice is performed, when the ten pins are arranged, the bowler actually pitches. Do not do. A pitch is performed after a predetermined pin arrangement pattern is formed from the ten pin arrangements.

In the pitching practice mode, in this state, the machine control circuit energizes the solenoid corresponding to the pin which is not desired to be placed, and makes the connection unit corresponding to the solenoid free. Then, a “fake” pin arrangement start signal is given to the pin setter machine.
For the pin setter machine, the pin setter signal is a signal generated when the first pitch is performed in the pin arrangement state of 10 pins in the normal game mode and the pitched ball reaches the pin setter machine. It is. Accordingly, when the pin setting start signal of "sham" is received in the pitching practice mode, the pinsetter machine regards that the first pitch in the state of ten pins has been performed, and
The pin rearrangement operation for the eye drop is performed (this pin arrangement operation is hereinafter referred to as “second pin arrangement”). That is,
The pin setter machine automatically performs a series of operations of gripping ten pins by the pin gripping mechanism, lifting the pins, sweeping with a rake, and lowering the pins again. However, actually, the pin corresponding to the solenoid energized by the machine control circuit is swept by the rake without being gripped, and the remaining actually gripped pins are rearranged. Then, the pinsetter machine waits for the second pitch in the normal game mode.
However, for the bowler, the ball is not the second pitch, but the first pitch for the pin of the predetermined pin arrangement pattern arranged this time.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the controller 82 of the machine control circuit 71 in the pitching practice mode. First, a command is received from the console. When the pitching practice mode is set, a pin arrangement pattern setting command and a pin arrangement command are received in this order as the commands. If the received command is a pin arrangement pattern setting command, the subsequent pin arrangement pattern data is stored (n11 → n12 → n
13 → n14). If the received command is a pin arrangement command, the solenoid is driven in accordance with the pin arrangement pattern already given from the console, and a “fake” pin arrangement start signal is given to the pin setter machine (n15 → n16). ). As described above, the pin setter machine arranges ten pins and waits for the first pitch, which is the initial state. Therefore, the pin setter machine already has ten pins before receiving the pin arrangement command from the console. Is arranged. Therefore, steps n15 and n16
Processing, the pin setter machine to "pin arrangement of the second throw"
By performing the operation, the pin arrangement of the predetermined pin arrangement pattern is performed. As described above, after supplying the "pretend" pin arrangement start signal, the power supply to all the solenoids is stopped after waiting for a predetermined time (n17 → n18). The predetermined time is a time from when the predetermined pin is lifted, swept by the rake, the pin is lowered again, and the scissor attempts to open. By this operation, all the connection units return to the linked state.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the display contents of the console. When a predetermined amount of coins is inserted from the coin insertion slot of the printer / coin box,
An initial screen as shown in (A) is displayed. Here, a pin arrangement pattern is set by touching an arrangement position of ten pins. When the desired pin arrangement pattern is obtained, the play is started by touching the “setting completed” button. In addition, several patterns are stored in advance as spare practice pin arrangement patterns, and by touching a “next pattern” button, the pin arrangement patterns are displayed. Each time the “to next pattern” button is touched, the stored pin arrangement patterns are sequentially read and displayed. If the “Previous pattern” button is touched, the display returns to the pin arrangement pattern displayed immediately before. Then, each time the “to previous pattern” button is touched, the stored pin arrangement patterns are sequentially displayed in reverse order. When partially changing the pin arrangement pattern read out with the “to the next pattern” button or the “to the previous pattern” button, by touching the displayed pin arrangement position,
Change the pin assignment pattern. When the desired pin arrangement pattern is obtained, the play is started by touching the “setting completed” button.

When a pitch is made, the remaining pins are three-dimensionally and graphically displayed as shown in FIG. This makes it possible to effectively perform spare practice using the predetermined pin arrangement pattern.

Although the desired pin arrangement pattern is set by operating the touch panel in the example shown in FIG. 18, the input section may be constituted by key switches.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of this console. First, the player waits for a coin to be inserted, and when a predetermined amount has been inserted, a pitching practice mode is set, an initial screen as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed, and the touch panel is read (n21 → n2).
2 → n23). FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reading process of the touch panel. If any of the pin positions is touched, the selected state / non-selected state of the corresponding pin is inverted (n41 → n42 → n43). FIG.
In FIG. 8A, a black circle indicates a selected state, and a white circle indicates a non-selected state. Further, when the position of the “to next pattern” button is touched, the pin arrangement patterns stored in advance are sequentially displayed each time the button position is touched (n44 → n45), as described above. Similarly, if the position of the “to previous pattern” button is touched, the previously stored pin arrangement patterns are displayed in reverse order each time the button position is touched (n4).
6 → n47). After the desired pins are set by these operations, if the “setting completion button” is touched, the pin arrangement pattern is stored (n48 → n5).
0).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 19, the pin arrangement pattern data set by the current touch panel operation (pin arrangement pattern data stored in step n50) is sent to the machine control circuit as a pin arrangement pattern setting command. It is transmitted (n24). Subsequently, a pin arrangement command is transmitted to the machine control circuit (n25). Thus, the machine control circuit controls the pin setter machine by the control shown in FIG. 17 to cause the pin arrangement according to the set pin arrangement pattern. Then, it waits for a bowler to pitch (n26). When a pitch is made, the number of pitches is counted, the current pin state is displayed as shown in FIG. 18B, and the score is counted and displayed (n27 → n28 → n2).
9).

With this pitch, the pinsetter machine
The "first pin arrangement" operation is performed by the function of the device itself. That is, by the arrival of the ball by this pitch,
The pin setter machine automatically performs an operation of arranging ten new pins, assuming that the second pitch has been made.

Thereafter, reading of the touch panel is performed (n31). If the bowler operates the touch panel to set a new pin layout pattern,
After waiting for the time required for arranging the pins, a pin arrangement pattern setting command and a pin arrangement command are transmitted to the machine control circuit again (n31 → n32 → n33 → n24 →
n25). For example, from the pin arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 18, when the position of the sixth pin is touched and the “setting completed” button is touched, the first, third, fourth, sixth, and tenth pins are arranged. You.

Here, when the bowler does not operate the touch panel, or when the time expires before the setting completion button is touched (n49 → RETURN in FIG. 20).
Since the pin arrangement pattern has not been changed, only the pin arrangement command is transmitted to the machine control circuit after the time required for the arrangement of the ten pins elapses (n32 → n3).
3 → n25). Thereby, the pin arrangement of the same pin arrangement pattern is performed again, and the bowler pitches. If the pitching of the predetermined number of pitches is completed, the process is terminated,
It waits for the next coin to be inserted (n30 → n21).

As described above, the practice of the spare can be effectively performed.

Next, an example in which the console has a so-called punch-out game function will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example on the console. In this example, six stages with different pin arrangement patterns are cleared within three throws each, for a total of 10 stages.
Compete for whether all stages can be cleared within the throw. For example, in the state shown in FIG.
When the three pins (pins indicated by black circles) are cleared,
The display as shown in FIG.

When the six stages have been completed, or when the number of pitches that can be pitched has been completed, a score as shown in FIG. 23 is printed.

FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure in the console of the game.

First, when a coin is inserted, a coin blocker (a mechanism for closing a coin insertion slot) is turned on,
Turn on the machine power of the pinsetter machine (n51 →
n52). Then, the value of the stage count is set to the initial value 1, and a game progress screen corresponding to the current value of the stage count is displayed as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 (n
53 → n54). Then, the setting command of the pin arrangement pattern data of the corresponding stage and the pin arrangement command are transmitted to the machine control circuit (n55 → n56). This allows the machine control circuit to control the pinsetter machine,
The pins are arranged according to the set pin arrangement pattern.
Subsequently, a pitching waiting timer is started to wait for a pitching (n57 → n58). If the pitch is performed, the number of possible pitches is reduced by one (n58 → n60). Also, when the time expires without the pitch being performed, the number of possible pitches is reduced by one (n59 → n60).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25, if the number of possible pitches is not 0, it is determined whether the current stage has been cleared or the last stage has been cleared (n61 → n62 → n63). ). If the stage is cleared in a stage other than the last stage, the stage count will be +
1 (n64). If the current stage is not cleared within three throws, the stage count is incremented by one (n
66 → n64). When the ball is thrown in a state where the pins are arranged in the predetermined pin arrangement pattern, the pin setter machine independently arranges ten new pins as the pins of the next first throw. Therefore, after waiting for the time required for the arrangement of the ten pins, the processing for the next stage is similarly performed (n65 → n54 →...). When the number of possible pitches becomes 0 or when the final stage is cleared, a score as shown in FIG. 23 is printed, and a game end screen is displayed (n67 → n68). If the re-game button is touched on the display of this screen, the coin blocker is turned off again and the process is completed in preparation for the next coin insertion (n69 → n71). If the re-game button is not touched, the machine power is turned off and the coin blocker is turned off (n70 → n71).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure relating to pin arrangement control performed by the controller of the machine control circuit when executing this game function. Here, steps n11 to n16 are the same as those shown in FIG. That is, in a state where the ten pins for the first shot are already arranged, the solenoid is driven according to the pin arrangement pattern, and an activation signal for performing the pin assignment of the second shot is given to the pinsetter machine. (N11-n16)
After waiting for the time required to complete the pin arrangement, the smoke machine is driven to generate smoke near the tweezer position (n81 → n82). At the same time, a sound effect is output (n83).

In the smoke machine described above, the smoke liquid is heated by a ceramic heater or the like to vaporize into fine particles of about 0.25 to 60 μm and exhausted at a predetermined air pressure.

By generating the smoke when the pin arrangement of the second throw is completed, an effect that the pin to be defeated has finally appeared is given to the bowler.

In addition to the generation of the smoke, a predetermined pattern may be drawn at the pin arrangement position or its peripheral portion by laser light.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are flowcharts showing another processing procedure in the console of the game. This corresponds to the step (n56-
1), (n56-2) and (n64-1). That is, after transmitting the pin arrangement command to the machine control circuit, the system waits for the time required for the second pin to be arranged by the command, and then (in a state where the target pin is arranged) sets the pin arrangement position. Brightly illuminate (n56 → n56-1 → n56-2).

Further, when the pitch is actually performed, the actual pin arrangement state of the pin arrangement position cannot be understood by switching the illumination before the pin setter machine independently arranges the first pitch pin (reading). Hard to do). That is, it is virtually hidden (n64-1). After waiting for the time required to complete the arrangement of the first shot, the pin arrangement in the predetermined arrangement pattern is set (n65 → n54 → n55 →
n56 → ...).

As described above, the pin arrangement position is substantially hidden until the second-throw pin is arranged, so that the state where the first-throw pin which is not actually knocked down by the pitch is arranged is a bowler. But there is no misunderstanding for Bowra.

Note that, besides virtually hiding the pin arrangement position by changing the illumination, the screen may be hung in front of the pin arrangement position at a predetermined timing to actually hide the first pin. Good.

Next, an example of a system using substantially only the machine control circuit directly connected to the pinsetter machine will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit and the machine control circuit. Although this operation unit is arranged near the console, it is not linked to the console as an existing bowling scorer. The machine control circuit is arranged on the pinsetter machine side, and both are connected via a serial communication cable.

The CPU 11 of the operation unit executes a program written in the ROM 12 in advance. The RAM 13 is used as a working area for temporarily storing operation contents by the bowler when executing the program. Operation panel 15
Is provided with a key switch arranged in the arrangement shape of the 1st to 10th pins, and an LED for displaying the operation position thereof.
U11 reads the operation content via the interface 14, and turns on / off the LED according to the operation. The communication interface 16 controls communication with the machine control circuit.

The CPU 21 of the machine control circuit has a ROM 22
And execute the program written in advance. The RAM 23 is used as a working area for temporarily storing pin arrangement pattern data when executing the program. The communication interface 24 controls communication with the operation unit.
The ball passage sensor 26 is a sensor that detects that the thrown ball has passed on the lane, and the CPU 21 reads the detection result via the interface 25. Further, the CPU 21 outputs a pin arrangement start signal for “pin arrangement of the second throw” to the pin setter machine via the interface 27. The driver 28 is a circuit for driving the ten solenoids described above.
1 drives a predetermined solenoid by outputting a signal to a driver 28 via an interface 27.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the operation unit. First, the operation of the key switch by the bowler is read, and the LED of the corresponding switch unit is turned on.
(If the key switch with the LED on is operated,
The LED is turned off. Then, if the setting completion key is operated, it is assumed that the pin corresponding to the key switch whose LED is lit is selected, and the pin arrangement pattern data is transferred to the machine control circuit.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the machine control circuit. First, transfer of pin arrangement pattern data from the operation unit is waited. If you receive this data,
This is stored, the solenoid is driven according to the pin arrangement pattern, and a pin arrangement start signal is given to the pin setter machine. Thereby, the pin setter machine arranges the pins in a predetermined pin arrangement pattern. Then, after a predetermined time, the power supply to all the solenoids is stopped. The predetermined time is a time from when the predetermined pin is lifted, swept by the rake, the pin is lowered again, and the scissor attempts to open. By this operation, all the connection units return to the linked state. Thereafter, if it is detected that the bowler has actually performed the pitch, the pin setter machine waits for the time required to arrange the ten pins as the first pitch pins, and then again operates the solenoid according to the pin arrangement pattern. Drive and provide a pin placement start signal to the pinsetter machine. Thereby, the pin setter machine arranges the pins again in the predetermined pin arrangement pattern. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until new pin arrangement pattern data is received from the operation unit.

[0104]

According to the bowling pin arrangement control device of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

By selecting the energization or non-energization of the solenoid, it is possible to set which of the ten pins is to be arranged. This makes it possible to set, for example, a pitching practice mode in an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern, and facilitate spare training. In addition, since a complicated mechanism is not required, and only a connecting unit having a solenoid is provided at a connecting portion between the scissor and the link mechanism, the entire pin setter machine is provided with a distributor for supplying pins to an arbitrary position of a pin setting table. It can be used as a machine that can arrange pins in any pin arrangement pattern without replacing it with a new pinsetter machine.

It is not necessary to significantly improve the already installed link mechanism and scissor, and the lock mechanism can be easily provided. Therefore, it can be incorporated into existing pinsetter machines in a short period of time and at low cost.

The bowler can arbitrarily set the pin arrangement pattern, and can easily perform various spare exercises.

The pin arrangement pattern can be easily set on the screen.

For example, by simply selecting a desired pin arrangement pattern to be challenged from typical pin arrangement patterns for spare practice, the setting can be easily performed.

[0110] It is easy to charge for throwing practice and the like.

When a pin is once placed and is lifted by simply providing a mechanism for holding only necessary pins, the pins can be placed in an arbitrary pin placement pattern. The need for a distributor to supply pins to arbitrary positions is eliminated, and arrangement with an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern becomes possible with an extremely simple configuration as a whole.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rod and a connecting unit of the mechanism.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the same part.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation state of the same part.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation state of a pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation state of a pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment of a pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation state of the pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a partial cross section of the pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation state of the pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation state of a pin gripping mechanism according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation state of the pin gripping mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a bowling pin arrangement control system.

FIG. 14 is an external view of a console and a printer / coin box.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a console and components connected thereto.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a machine control circuit.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a controller of the machine control circuit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example on a console.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the console.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the console.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example during execution of a game function on a console.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example during execution of a game function on a console.

FIG. 23 shows a print example of a score.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the console.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a controller of the machine control circuit.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure of the console.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following FIG. 20;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit and a machine control circuit.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the operation unit.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a machine control circuit;

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration of a part of a commonly used pin gripping mechanism.

[Description of Signs] 1-Scissor 2-Rotating body 3-Rod 4-Rotating body 5-Rod 6-Spring 7-Connecting unit 11-Rod holding unit 12-Shell cap 13-Link rod 14-Pipe holding unit 15-Shell Cap 16-Solenoid holding part 17-Solenoid 18-Ball latch outer peripheral part 19-Pipe 20-Ball latch inner peripheral part 21-Ball 22, 23-Groove 24-Return spring 25-Link stud 40-Monitor with touch panel 41-Print Paper tray 42-coin slot

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A scissor for sandwiching a neck of a bowling pin, a link mechanism for opening and closing the scissor, and a connecting unit provided between the scissor and the link mechanism, wherein the connecting unit is electrically connected. A pin arrangement control for a bowling, comprising: a solenoid that is selectively set to be non-energized or energized; and a lock mechanism that sets the scissor and the link mechanism to an interlocked state or a free state in accordance with the operation state of the solenoid. apparatus. 2. The lock mechanism is provided to face a groove provided around a rod of the link mechanism, and is attached to the scissor to cover the circumference of the rod; and a plurality of pipes held by the pipe. The bowling according to claim 1, further comprising a ball, wherein the ball is engaged or disengaged with the groove according to the operation of the solenoid, and the pipe and the rod are latched or unlatched. Pin arrangement control device. 3. The slide which is attached to the link mechanism and which is brought into a slide lock state or a slide free state by abutting or not abutting on an operating portion of the solenoid according to non-energization or energization of the solenoid. Having a member, the slide member is pin-coupled to a conversion mechanism that converts the linear movement to the rotational movement of the scissor, and puts the slide member in a slide free state or a slide lock state according to the operation of the solenoid, The bowling pin arrangement control device according to claim 1, wherein the scissor and the link mechanism are set to an interlocked state or a free state. 4. The slide mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism has a slot provided in the link mechanism, into which a pin is inserted, the slide plate being connected to a conversion mechanism for converting a linear movement into a rotational movement and applying the rotation to the scissor; A pin coupling plate that sets the pin inserted into the elongated hole to the elongated hole in a coupled state or a non-coupled state in response to non-energization or energization of the pin, and the pin in response to the operation of the solenoid. The pin arrangement control device according to claim 1, wherein the scissor and the link mechanism are set to an interlocked state or a free state by being connected to or not connected to a long hole. 5. A scissor for sandwiching a neck portion of a bowling pin and a link mechanism for opening and closing the scissor,
A bowling device, comprising: a solenoid that is selectively and electrically non-energized or energized; and a lock mechanism that sets the scissor and the link mechanism to an interlocked state or a free state according to an operation state of the solenoid. Connection unit for pin arrangement control. 6. The lock mechanism is provided to face a groove provided around a rod of the link mechanism, and is attached to the scissor to cover the circumference of the rod; and a plurality of pipes held by the pipe. 6. The bowling according to claim 5, further comprising a ball, wherein the ball is engaged or disengaged with the groove in response to the operation of the solenoid, and the pipe and the rod are latched or unlatched. Connection unit for pin arrangement control. 7. A slide which is attached to the link mechanism and which is brought into a slide lock state or a slide free state by abutting or not abutting on an operating portion of the solenoid according to non-energization or energization of the solenoid. Having a member, the slide member is pin-coupled to a conversion mechanism that converts the linear movement to the rotational movement of the scissor, and puts the slide member in a slide free state or a slide lock state according to the operation of the solenoid, 6. The bowling pin arrangement control coupling unit according to claim 5, wherein the scissor and the link mechanism are set to an interlocked state or a free state. 8. The slide mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism has a slot provided in the link mechanism, into which a pin is inserted, the slide plate being connected to a conversion mechanism for converting linear movement into rotational movement and applying the rotational movement to the scissor; A pin coupling plate that sets the pin inserted into the elongated hole to the elongated hole in a coupled state or a non-coupled state in response to non-energization or energization of the pin, and the pin in response to the operation of the solenoid. 6. The pin arrangement control connection unit according to claim 5, wherein the scissor and the link mechanism are set to an interlocked state or a free state by being connected to or uncoupled from the elongated hole. 9. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: a pin arrangement pattern setting means for setting an arbitrary pin arrangement pattern; and means for setting a non-energized state or an energized state of said solenoid according to the set pin arrangement pattern. The bowling pin arrangement control device according to any one of the above. 10. The bowling pin arrangement control device according to claim 9, wherein said pin arrangement pattern setting means comprises means for inputting a pin arrangement pattern on a screen. 11. The bowling pin arrangement control device according to claim 9, wherein said pin arrangement pattern setting means comprises means for selecting from pin arrangement patterns stored in advance. 12. A system comprising: means for accepting insertion of a medium such as a coin or a card storing a value; and means for enabling input or selection of the pin arrangement pattern when the medium is inserted. 12. The bowling pin arrangement control device according to 10 or 11. 13. A bowling pin arrangement having a pin setter machine for gripping and lifting an arranged pin when receiving a pin arrangement start signal, sweeping a rake, and then relocating the lifted pin. In the control device, a bowling pin arrangement control device is provided with a selective pin gripping mechanism for gripping only pins corresponding to a pin arrangement pattern given from outside when lifting the pins.