JP2000342813A - Game ball ejecting mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely operate a ball stop mechanism as needed. SOLUTION: A ball ejection unit 30 is disposed in the middle of a ball flow- down path composed of a supply ball feeding path 31 and an ejection ball flow- down path 33 and on the upstream side from this ball ejection unit 30, a ball stop mechanism 32 is provided for forcedly stopping a game ball inside the ball flow-down path. When a main power source is turned on, the ball stop mechanism 32 is turned into active state, a game ball stop member 46 is protruded into the supply ball feeding path and a ball lack state is intensively generated by operating the ejection unit 30 while keeping the active state of the ball stop mechanism 32. When the ball stop mechanism 32 is switched into inactive state and the ball lack state is canceled, it is judged the ball stop mechanism 32 is normally functioned. When a game ball is ejected without generating the ball lack state, the abnormality of the ball stop mechanism 32 is judged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game ball discharging mechanism for discharging game balls used in a game machine such as a pachinko machine and an arrangement ball game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional game ball discharging mechanism will be described with reference to a ball rental machine provided in parallel with a game machine. This type of ball rental machine is installed on island facilities in a state of being juxtaposed with a game machine, for example, a ball discharge device capable of discharging a required number of game balls,
A game ball discharge having a supply ball supply path whose ball outlet communicates with the ball discharge device, a discharge ball down flow path through which game balls discharged by the ball discharge device flow, and a ball rental control device for controlling the operation of the ball discharge device. It has a mechanism. In this game ball discharge mechanism, game balls from the island facility are supplied to a ball discharge device through a supply ball supply path, and the game balls discharged by the ball discharge device along with the detection of inserted coins are discharged into a discharge ball flow path. And, it pays out to the player side through the nozzle member communicating with the discharge ball downflow path.

[0003] In this game ball discharging mechanism, if a failure occurs in the ball discharging device or a wrongdoing is performed and a state in which the game balls are continuously discharged is formed, the number of balls to be discharged is determined. A larger amount of game balls are ejected, which gives a game shop a great disadvantage. Therefore, in order to prevent such a problem, a ball stopping mechanism that can forcibly stop the game ball is provided in the middle of the ball flow path where the game ball flows down, and the unexpected game ball, that is, the ball is discharged originally A configuration has been considered in which when a game ball that should not be ejected has been ejected from the ball ejection device, the ball stopping mechanism is operated to forcibly stop the game ball.

[0004]

However, since such a ball stopping mechanism operates only when an unexpected game ball is ejected, it may not be used for a long time after being installed in a game store. There is. As described above, when the unused period is extended for a long period of time, a drive source such as a solenoid is disconnected due to rust or the like, or a mechanical component such as a ball stopper member mechanically connected to the drive source. May not be able to operate normally due to dust or the like. If the drive source and mechanical components do not operate properly, the ball stopper mechanism provided at the angle does not function when the ball discharge device discharges an unscheduled game ball due to a failure etc. It gives disadvantage. Further, since the ball stopping mechanism operates due to the above-described problem, the ball discharging device operates normally even if the ball stopping mechanism is out of order. For this reason, the failure of the ball stopping mechanism was easily overlooked.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game ball discharging mechanism capable of reliably operating a ball stopping mechanism when necessary.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above object, and the present invention is characterized in that a required number of game balls are provided in the middle of a ball flow path. Ball having a ball discharge device capable of discharging a ball, and a ball stopping mechanism for permitting the flow of the game ball in the ball downflow path in a non-operation state and forcibly stopping the game ball in the ball downflow path in an operation state. In the discharging mechanism, when the ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality of the ball stopping mechanism in conjunction with the ball discharging operation by the ball discharging device, and when the ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality of the ball stopping mechanism, Abnormality notification means for notifying the abnormality.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the ball catching mechanism is disposed upstream of the ball ejecting device so that the ball ejecting device can eject only a small number of game balls when the ball catching mechanism operates. The ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means includes a preliminary operating means for operating the ball stopping mechanism when the ball discharging apparatus is not operating, and a ball discharging operation to the ball discharging apparatus while maintaining the operation state of the ball stopping mechanism by the preliminary operating means. An insufficiency state generating means for executing the insufficiency state and an insufficiency state elimination means for automatically canceling the insufficiency state generated by the insufficiency state generation means; 2. The game ball discharging mechanism according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the ball stopping mechanism on condition that the ball stopping mechanism has not been switched to.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pre-operation means activates a ball stopping mechanism every time the main power is turned on to forcibly stop the game ball in the ball downflow path, thereby causing a shortage state. 3. The game ball discharging mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the generating means generates a shortage state at the first operation of the ball discharging device after the main power is turned on.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to a game ball discharging mechanism of a ball rental machine as an example. here,
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a ball rental machine 3 installed in an island facility 2 in a state where it is arranged next to a pachinko machine 1 which is a typical gaming machine.

The pachinko machine 1 is surrounded by a machine frame 4, and a frame-shaped front frame 5 is attached to the front of the machine frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. At the back of the front frame 5, a game board 7 having a game area 6 facing the opening of the front frame 5 from behind is attached. Further, a glass frame 9 holding a front glass 8 and an opening / closing panel 11 having an upper plate 10 formed on the front surface are attached to the front frame 5 so as to be able to open and close so that the opening is closed from the front. It is. further,
Below the opening / closing panel 11, an ashtray 12, a lower tray 13, and a firing operation handle 14 are provided. The upper plate 10 provided on the opening / closing panel 11 is a member for temporarily storing game balls discharged as rental balls or prize balls, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 10 are sequentially placed in the firing position. Supplied.

Next, the ball lending machine 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The ball lending machine 3 has a narrow housing 21, and on a front portion of the housing 21, a state notification unit 22 that notifies a usable state or the like by lighting an LED or the like, and a 100 yen coin or a 500 yen coin. A coin slot 23 for inserting;
Return button 24 operated when returning inserted coins
And a ball number display unit 25 that displays the number of unit lending balls per 100 yen, for example, and a nozzle member that is mounted rotatably in the horizontal and vertical directions to guide the lending balls to the upper plate 10 of the pachinko machine 1. 26 and a return port 27 for discharging the returned coins are provided.

Inside the housing 21, a ball discharge unit 30 capable of discharging a required number of game balls, a supply ball supply path 31 having a ball outlet connected to the ball discharge unit 30, and a supply ball supply path 31 A ball stopping mechanism 32 for allowing the flow of the game balls in the ball or forcibly stopping the game balls, and a discharge ball flow path 33 for guiding the game balls discharged by the ball discharge unit 30 to the nozzle member 26, , A ball rental control device 34 for controlling the ball discharge unit 30, the ball stopping mechanism 32, and the like;
An installation state monitoring unit 35 for detecting the state of attachment to the island facility 2 and a coin identification machine (checking machine) 36 for identifying coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 23 are provided.

Here, the ball discharge unit 30, the supply ball supply path 31, the ball stopping mechanism 32, the discharge ball flow down path 33, and the ball rental controller 34 constitute a game ball discharge mechanism of the present invention. The supply ball supply path 31 (upstream ball flow path) and the discharge ball flow path 33 (downstream ball flow path) constitute the ball flow path of the present invention. Further, the ball discharge unit 30 arranged in the middle of the ball flow path functions as the ball discharge device of the present invention. Further, the ball lending control device 34 functions as the ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means of the present invention and also constitutes a part of the abnormality notifying means.

As shown in FIG. 3, the supply ball supply path 31 is provided so as to meander in a substantially U-shape in the front-rear direction.
The ball inlet is opened at the rear of the upper surface of the housing 21, and the ball outlet communicates with the ball inlet of the ball discharge unit 30. The ball inlet of the supply ball supply path 31 communicates with the ball outlet of the branch gutter 40 of the island facility 2. The branch gutter 40 branches off from the middle of a ball supply gutter 41 (see FIG. 1) attached to the upper part of the island equipment 2 in a state of being slightly inclined downward along the island longitudinal direction, and guides a game ball. I do. In addition, supply ball supply path 3
A movable shutter 42 is provided at a connection portion between 1 and the branch gutter 40. The movable shutter 42 opens when the ball rental machine 3 is attached to the island equipment 2, and forms a state in which game balls from the branch gutter 40 can be guided to the supply ball supply path 31. In addition, the movable shutter 42 closes with the removal of the ball rental machine 3 from the island facility 2 and closes the ball inlet of the supply ball supply path 31.

A supply ball detection mechanism 43 is provided in the upper part of the supply ball supply path 31 as a prescribed ball amount detection means. The supply ball detection mechanism 43 is a mechanism for confirming that a predetermined number of discharged game balls (for example, 25 balls corresponding to 100 yen) are stored upstream of the ball discharge unit 30. In the embodiment, the supply ball detecting member 44 and the supply ball detection switch 45 are provided. When the number of discharged balls is equal to or greater than the prescribed number, the replenishment ball detecting member 4 is brought into contact with the game balls from above.
The free end of 4 enters the space inside the supply ball detection switch 45, and the detection signal of the supply ball detection switch 45 becomes, for example, "H" level. On the other hand, when the number of stored game balls is less than the prescribed number of discharges, the free end of the supply ball detection member 44 rotates downward until it contacts the bottom surface of the supply ball supply path 31 to detect the supply balls. Detach from switch 45. As a result, the detection signal of the supply ball detection switch 45 becomes, for example, “L”.
Level.

The ball stopping mechanism 32 performs an unexpected discharging operation of the game ball by the ball discharging unit 30, for example, an abnormal discharging operation of the game ball due to a failure, or an illegal operation of the game ball caused by an inexperienced player. This is activated when an abnormal discharge operation is recognized, for example, to forcibly stop the game balls in the supply ball supply path 31. In the present embodiment, the ball stopping mechanism 32 is provided in the middle of the lower part of the supply ball supply path 31, that is, the ball discharging unit 3.
It is provided at a position upstream of 0 and downstream of the supply ball detection mechanism 43.

The illustrated ball stopping mechanism 32 is mounted such that a tip end portion thereof can be protruded and retracted into the supply ball supply path 31. The tip end portion stops a game ball in the supply ball supply path 31 or plays a game ball. A ball stopper solenoid 47 that reciprocates a ball stopper member 46 that allows the ball to flow down, and a plunger portion connected to the ball stopper member 46 so that the tip of the ball stopper member 46 protrudes and retracts in the supply ball supply path 31. And

The ball stopper solenoid 47 is a kind of driving source (ball stopper driving source). In this embodiment, a latching type solenoid, that is, a plunger portion is pulled into a solenoid casing only by applying a pulse voltage. It is configured using a solenoid of a type that can be made to protrude from the casing and that can maintain the retracted state or the protruded state when power is not supplied without requiring the power supplied at the time of the immediately preceding power supply. The ball stopper solenoid 47 is electrically connected to the ball lending control device 34, and the driving signal from the ball lending control device 34 controls the protrusion and retraction of the plunger portion.

The ball stopping member 46 is disposed such that its tip end can protrude and retract near the ball outlet in the supply ball supply path 31, and locks the game ball at this position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, with respect to the end portion of the ball supply path bent downward so as to communicate with the ball inlet of the ball discharge unit 30,
The tip of the ball stopper 46 is arranged to protrude and retract from the outside of the bent corner portion.

When the ball stopper mechanism 32 in which the plunger portion of the ball stopper solenoid 47 protrudes is not operated, the distal end portion of the ball stopper member 46 is retracted from the supply ball supply path 31 as shown by a solid line in FIG. Then, a downflow allowable state in which the downflow of the game ball is allowed is formed. On the other hand, in the operating state in which the plunger portion is retracted, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 3, the tip portion of the ball stopper member 46 projects into the supply ball supply path 31, and the game balls in the supply ball supply path 31 It stops by contacting this tip. Therefore, a ball locked state in which the flow of the game ball is prohibited is formed.

The ball stopping member 46 is provided with the ball stopping mechanism 32.
Is set so that the ball discharge unit 30 can discharge only a smaller number of game balls in the operating state of. In the example of FIG. 3, only ten game balls that are smaller than the prescribed discharge number of 25 are discharged,
The place where the tip of the ball stopper member 46 appears and disappears is the supply ball supply path 3
1 as the terminal end.

In the ball discharge unit 30, the ball inlet communicates with the ball outlet of the supply ball supply passage 31, and the ball outlet communicates with the ball inlet of the discharge ball flow-down passage 33, and is bent in a substantially S-shape in the front-rear direction. A spherical channel 50 is provided. In the middle of the ball flow path 50, a discharge sensor 51 capable of detecting a game ball in the ball flow path 50 and a discharge sensor
A ball locking member 52 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract on the downstream side of 1, and the tip portion stops the game ball or allows the game ball to flow down. Further, the ball locking member 52 has a discharge solenoid 5 as a discharge drive source.
3 is attached. The discharge solenoid 53 causes the distal end portion of the ball locking member 52 to protrude into the spherical flow path 50 by reciprocating a plunger portion connected to the ball locking member 52, or the distal end of the ball locking member 52. The part is retracted from the spherical flow path 50 or the like.

The discharge sensor 51 and the discharge solenoid 53 are electrically connected to the ball lending control device 34. The discharge solenoid 53 is controlled to be excited or demagnetized by a drive signal from the ball lending control device 34. Is done.

When discharging a specified number of game balls from the ball discharging unit 30, the ball lending control device 34 performs the following control. First, the discharge solenoid 53 is excited by application of the drive signal, the tip portion of the ball locking member 52 is retracted from the ball channel 50, and the game ball flows down. At the same time, the discharge sensor 51 changes with the passing of the game ball.
For example, a rising edge of the detection signal is detected on the basis of the detection signal from, and the number of game balls passing through the ejection sensor 51 is counted. If it is determined that the specified number of game balls are to be discharged, the application of the drive signal is stopped, the discharge solenoid 53 is demagnetized, and the tip end of the ball locking member 52 is projected into the ball flow path 50, and Stop the flow of the ball.

Next, with reference to FIG.
Will be described. The ball rental control device 34
Control unit 60 integrally configured with CPU, ROM, and RAM
An EEPROM 61 for storing backup data such as credit data; a reset switch 62;
A setting switch 63, a second setting switch 64, and a sales output terminal 65 are provided. Here, the first setting switch 63 and the second setting switch 64 are connected to a unit amount (for example, 1
This is a switch for setting the number of unit lending spheres per 100 yen, that is, the prescribed number of emissions. By changing the setting of these switches, for example, the number of unit lending spheres per 100 yen is 24 to 26. Can be set in the range. Note that the initial value of the number of unit rental balls in the present embodiment is set to 25. The sales output terminal 65 is a terminal for outputting sales information to the outside. From the sales output terminal 65, for example, a pulse signal is output as sales information every time a lending ball of 100 yen is discharged. Is done. Then, the sales information is received by the management device of the game store and used as sales data.

The control section 60 is a section for controlling each section of the ball lending machine 3. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the coin discriminator 36 described above, and receives a 100-yen coin signal, a 500-yen coin signal, and an acceptor trouble signal transmitted from the coin discriminator 36. Also, a 100-yen acceptance blocking signal to the coin discriminator 36, and 5
A 00 yen acceptance blocking signal is transmitted. Here, the 100-yen coin signal is a signal transmitted every time a 100-yen coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 23 is detected by the coin discriminator 36, and similarly, the 500-yen coin signal is a 500-yen coin This is a signal transmitted each time it is detected by the identification device 36.
The acceptor trouble signal is a signal transmitted when any trouble relating to the inserted coin occurs. On the other hand, the 100-yen acceptance blocking signal transmitted from the control unit 60 is a command signal for preventing the coin discriminating machine 36 from accepting 100-yen coins. Similarly, the 500-yen acceptance blocking signal is a command signal for inhibiting the acceptance of 500-yen coins. These rejection signals are transmitted when the next coin is received and the reception limit value is exceeded (that is, the maximum allowable value of credit data).

The control unit 60 receives an overflow signal from the overflow switch 66 and a detection signal from the installation state monitoring switch 67 included in the installation state monitoring unit 35. A drive signal is output to the ball number display section (7-segment LED) 25 provided on the board (7-segment LED board) 68. Normally, the ball number display unit 25 displays the number of lending balls corresponding to the unit price, but when an abnormality of the ball stopping mechanism 32 is detected, an error code indicating that the abnormality has been detected is displayed. . That is, the ball number display section 25 also functions as a part of the abnormality notification means in the present invention.

Further, the control unit 60 is controlled via the relay board 69.
, A detection signal from the discharge sensor 51 and a detection signal from the supply ball detection switch 45 are input to the control unit 60 via the relay board 69, and a drive signal to the discharge solenoid 53 and a signal to the ball stopper solenoid 47 are transmitted from the controller 60. A drive signal is output.
Further, the control unit 60 also outputs a drive signal to the state notification unit (monitor LED) 22 mounted on the relay board 69. The state notification unit 22 normally notifies the usable state and the like, but when an abnormality of the ball stopping mechanism 32 is detected, an error display indicating that the abnormality is detected is performed. That is, the state notification unit 22 also functions as a part of the abnormality notification unit in the present invention.

Next, the operation of the ball lending machine 3 having the above configuration will be described. In the ball lending machine 3, when the main power is turned on by turning on a power switch (not shown) or the like and the reset by the reset switch 62 is performed, the ball lending control device 34 performs an initialization process. The ball lending control device 34 (ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means) functions as a pre-operation means in the initialization processing accompanying the main power supply being turned on.
A drive signal for closing 7 is supplied to ball stopping solenoid 47. When coins are inserted after the main power is turned on,
This coin is detected by the coin discriminator 36. Then, the coin discriminator 36 transmits a coin signal to the ball lending control device 34 according to the detected coin. The ball lending control device 34 that has received the coin signal stores a number of credits (for example, 100 yen = 1 credit) according to the received coin signal, and performs a ball lending process based on the stored credit.
In this ball lending process, the credit is consumed by “1” at a time,
The specified number of emissions (for example, 2
5) lending balls repeatedly.

When the ball lending process is performed for the first time after the main power is turned on, the ball lending control device 34 (ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means) functions as a shortage state generating means, and the ball stopping mechanism 32 operates. The ball discharging operation is performed by the ball discharging unit 30 while maintaining the state. Thereby, the ball stopping member 46
The game ball on the upstream side abuts the ball stopper 46 and remains stopped. Then, the ball discharge unit 30 discharges only a small number of game balls, for example, 10 game balls, smaller than the prescribed discharge number. As a result, the number of released lending balls becomes insufficient, and the remaining number unpaid is set.

With the setting of the remaining number unpaid, the ball lending control device 34 functions as a shortage state resolving means and performs a remaining number payout process. In the remaining number payout process, first, the ball stopper solenoid 47 is changed to the open state in order to switch the ball stopper mechanism 32 to the inactive state, that is, to retract the tip of the ball stopper member 46 from the supply ball supply path 31. To supply a driving signal. When a drive signal is supplied to the ball stopping solenoid 47, the ball rental control device 34 sets the discharge solenoid 5
3 is excited, and the detection signal from the discharge sensor 51 is monitored. Here, if a detection signal accompanying the passing of the game ball is output from the discharge sensor 51, the discharge solenoid 53 is demagnetized at the timing when the unpaid game ball is discharged, and the tip of the ball locking member 52 Is projected into the ball channel 50 to stop the flow of the game ball. When the unpaid game balls are discharged from the ball discharging unit 30 in the remaining number payout process, the ball rental control device 34 (ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means) operates the ball stopping mechanism 32 normally. Judge that you are.

Even if the unpaid discharge timer (described later) times out after the discharge solenoid 53 is excited,
When the game ball does not pass through the discharge sensor 51, or when the number of game balls passing through the discharge sensor 51 does not reach the number of unpaid, some abnormality occurs on the upstream side of the ball discharge unit 30. It is thought that it is. For example, it is conceivable that the ball stopping mechanism 32 does not return to the non-operation state due to ball biting or the like, or the ball is clogged in the supply ball supply path 31. In such a case, an abnormality is reported by the abnormality reporting unit. That is, the ball lending control device 34 sets a discharge error and outputs an abnormality notification signal to the ball number display unit 25 and the state notification unit 22. Then, the ball number display unit 25 that has received the abnormality notification signal displays an error code indicating that a discharge error has occurred. Further, the state notification unit 22 that has received the abnormality notification signal performs an error display indicating that a discharge error has occurred. Further, the ball lending control device 34 also transmits discharge error notification information indicating that a discharge error has occurred to the management device of the game store.

On the other hand, in the first ball lending process after the main power is turned on, although the ball discharging operation is performed by the ball discharging unit 30 while the operation state of the ball stopping mechanism 32 is maintained,
If the ball lending process is normally completed without setting the shortage state, the ball lending control device 34 (ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means)
Determines that an abnormality has occurred in the ball stopping mechanism 32, such as disconnection of the ball stopping solenoid 47 or malfunction of the ball stopping member 46. In this case, an abnormality is reported by the abnormality reporting means. That is, the ball lending control device 34 sets a ball stopping abnormality error and outputs an abnormality notification signal to the ball number display unit 25 and the state notification unit 22. Then, the ball number display unit 25 that has received the abnormality notification signal displays an error code indicating that a ball stopping abnormality error has occurred. Further, the state notification unit 22 that has received the abnormality notification signal performs an error display indicating that a ball stopping error has occurred. Further, the ball rental control device 34 also transmits ball stopping abnormality error notification information indicating that a ball stopping abnormal error has occurred to the management device of the game store.

In this embodiment, even if the ball stopping abnormality error is set, the ball rental machine 3 is continuously used without stopping immediately. This is because even if the ball stopping mechanism 32 is not switched to the operating state, the ball lending process is not affected at all. When the ball stopping abnormality error is set, measures such as replacement are performed when the ball lending machine 3 is not used.

In the present embodiment which performs the above operation, the ball stopping mechanism 32 is converted into an operating state in conjunction with the turning on of the main power supply.
In the first ball lending process after the main power is turned on, the game ball is discharged from the ball discharge unit 30 while maintaining this operation state, that is, the ball shortage state is intentionally generated. Therefore, the normal operation of the ball stopping mechanism 32 can be confirmed by the shortage of the paid out game balls, and the ball stopping mechanism 32 can be normally operated by discharging the regular number of game balls without the shortage. You can confirm that it is not working. Therefore, even if an abnormality such as a failure occurs in the ball stopping mechanism 32, the abnormality can be reliably found without overlooking the abnormality. Therefore, when the ball discharge unit 30 discharges an unscheduled game ball due to a failure or the like, the ball stopping mechanism 32 can be reliably operated, and it is possible to prevent the game shop from being disadvantaged. .

Further, since it is checked whether or not the ball stopping mechanism 32 is functioning normally at the time of the first ball ejection after the main power is turned on, even if an error occurs in the ball stopping mechanism 32,
Immediately understand that an abnormality has occurred. For this reason, it is possible to quickly respond to the abnormality, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the gaming shop from being disadvantaged.

Next, control of the ball lending control device 34 (control section 60) for performing the above operation will be described with reference to a flowchart. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of the ball lending control device 34, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process performed in parallel with the main process.

First, the main processing will be described. When the main power is supplied to the ball lending machine 3 or when the ball lending machine 3 is reset, an initialization process (S1) is performed. In this initialization process, the ball stop solenoid 47 is set to a closed state,
The ball lending machine 3 is set to the initial state. This initialization processing will be described later in detail. After the initialization processing, the setting processing (S2) is performed. In this setting process, various setting values such as the number of lent balls per unit amount (specified number of discharges) are set. Following the setting process, the trouble monitoring process (S
Perform 3). In this trouble monitoring process, processing relating to an abnormality of the ball rental machine 3 such as determination of an abnormality (error) of the ball rental machine 3 and processing for the generated abnormality are performed. This trouble monitoring process will also be described later in detail.

After performing the trouble monitoring process, a ball lending process (S4) is performed. In this ball lending process, it is determined based on a coin signal whether a 100-yen coin or a 500-yen coin has been accepted by the coin discriminator 36. The process of discharging from is performed. The ball lending process will be described later.

Following the ball lending processing, the output editing processing (S5)
I do. In this output editing process, the input editing process (S6)
Switch information and trouble monitoring processing (S
Based on the determination result in 3) and the like, edit the signals supplied to the discharge solenoid 53 and the ball stop solenoid 47, edit the display information of the ball number display section 25 and the notification information of the state notification section 22, and transmit the information to the management device. Edit information etc. After performing the output editing process, the input editing process (S6) is performed. In this input editing process, switch information indicating the state of each switch is edited from the switch signal obtained in the input process (S12). Then, if the output editing process of S6 is performed,
The process shifts to the setting process (S2) described above, and processes subsequent to the setting process are executed again.

Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described.
This timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 ms) by interrupting the main process. In this timer interrupt process, first, a timer-related process (S11) is performed. In this timer-related process, a process related to a watchdog timer that monitors a predetermined execution time and a process related to a free-running timer that generates a control time are performed.

After performing the timer-related processing, an input processing (S12) is performed. In this input processing, the coin identifying machine 3
6 coin signal and acceptor trouble signal,
Discharge sensor 51, first and second setting switches 63, 6
4. Acquire output signals from the installation state monitoring switch 67, the overflow switch 66, and the like. The acquired signal is edited into a predetermined format in the input editing process (S6).

Following this input processing, output processing (S13)
I do. This output processing is performed based on the editing result of the output editing processing (S5), and is output to the discharge solenoid 53, the ball stopping solenoid 47, the state notification unit 22, the ball number display unit 25, the coin discriminator 36, and the management device. On the other hand, it outputs necessary signals. Then, when the output processing has been performed, the timer interrupt processing ends.

Next, the above-described initialization processing (S1) will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 7, in this initialization processing, first, it is determined whether or not the initialization processing is executed due to power-on (S21). Here, if the processing is performed due to the power-on, the EEPROM 61 is checked (S22). If the power is not turned on, such as a reset, the processing shifts to the internal memory clearing processing (S24). After performing this check processing, the ball stopping solenoid initial setting processing (S23) is performed to set the closed state of the ball stopping solenoid 47. Here, ball stop solenoid 4
When the closed state of the ball stop 7 is set, a drive signal is supplied to the ball stopping solenoid 47 in the output processing (S13), and the ball stopping mechanism 32 is converted into an operating state. Subsequently, the contents stored in the RAM of the control unit 60 are temporarily cleared by an internal memory clearing process (S24), and an initial value is set by an initial setting process (S25). After performing the initial setting process, a backup data monitoring process (S26) is performed, and the process returns to the main process.

Next, the trouble monitoring process (S3) will be described in detail. Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the trouble monitoring process, FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the discharge error monitoring process in the trouble monitoring process, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining number payout process in the discharge error monitoring process, and FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing in the trouble monitoring processing.

In this trouble monitoring processing, first, a supply ball detection switch output monitoring processing (S30) is performed. In this replenishment ball detection switch output monitoring process, the switch signal from the replenishment ball detection switch 45 is referred to, and when the switch signal indicates that there is no ball, a replenishment ball shortage error flag is set and a replenishment ball shortage error is set. . Then, if an error is set, the flow shifts to an overflow switch output monitoring process (S31). If the switch signal indicates that there is a ball, the process proceeds to the overflow switch output monitoring process without setting the error flag.

Overflow switch output monitoring processing (S
In 31), the switch signal from the overflow switch 66 is referred to, and when this switch signal indicates that there is a ball, an overflow error flag is set to set an overflow error, and the output sensor output monitoring process (S3).
Go to 2). If the switch signal indicates that there is no ball, the process proceeds to the output sensor output monitoring process without setting the error flag.

In the discharge sensor output monitoring process (S32),
With reference to the signal from the discharge sensor 51, if this signal indicates that there is no ball, the discharge unit no ball error flag is set to set a discharge unit no ball error, and the process proceeds to the discharge error monitoring process (S33). If the signal indicates that there is a ball, the process proceeds to the discharge error monitoring process without setting the error flag.

In the discharge error monitoring process (S33), a process of monitoring the discharge of the loaned ball is performed. The discharge error monitoring process will be described later in detail.

In the discharge impropriety monitoring process (S34), abnormal discharge of the loaned ball during the non-discharge period, for example, discharge of the loaned ball due to the failure of the discharge solenoid 53 or improper action by an inexplicable player. It is determined whether or not the loaned ball has been ejected, and if abnormal ejection is found, an illegal ejection error flag is set to set an illegal ejection error. If an error has been set, the process proceeds to the acceptor trouble monitoring process (S35). If no abnormal discharge is found, the process proceeds to the acceptor trouble monitoring process without setting the error flag.

Acceptor trouble monitoring processing (S35)
Then, referring to the editing result of the input editing process (S6), if the reception of the acceptor trouble signal is recognized, the acceptor trouble flag is set, the acceptor trouble state is set, and the EEPROM abnormality monitoring process (S36)
Move to If the acceptor trouble signal has not been received, the EEP is set without setting the error flag.
The process proceeds to the ROM abnormality monitoring process.

In the EEPROM abnormality monitoring process (S36), the operation of the EEPROM 61 is checked, and if it is determined that the operation is abnormal, an EEPROM error flag is set to set an EEPROM error, and the installation state monitoring process (S37) is performed. Transition. If it is determined that the operation is normal, the process proceeds to the installation state monitoring process without setting the error flag.

In the installation state monitoring process (S37), the mounting state of the housing 21 (that is, the ball rental machine 3) with respect to the island equipment 2 is monitored, and when it is determined that the housing 21 has been removed from the mounting space of the island equipment 2. , An installation state error flag is set to set an installation state error, and the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing (S
38). Also, if there is no change in the mounting state,
The process proceeds to the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing without setting the error flag.

In the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing (S38),
It is determined whether the first ball discharging process has been performed after the main power is turned on. If the first ball discharging process has been performed, it is confirmed whether the ball stopping mechanism normal flag is set. here,
If the ball stopping mechanism normal flag is not set, the ball stopping mechanism error flag is set and the trouble control processing (S
Go to 39). On the other hand, if the ball stopping mechanism normal flag is set, the process proceeds to the trouble control processing without setting the ball stopping mechanism error flag. The ball stop mechanism abnormality monitoring process will be described later in detail.

In the trouble control process (S39), it is determined whether or not each of the above-mentioned errors has been set, based on the error flag. I do. And
During a predetermined error, the operation of the reset switch 62 is monitored, and when the reset switch 62 is operated, the error is released.

Next, the discharge error monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. In this discharge error monitoring process, first, it is determined whether an error has occurred by referring to the error flag (S41). If an error has occurred, the process returns from the discharge error monitoring process.
If no error has occurred, it is determined whether or not the remaining number has not been paid out (S42). In the setting of the remaining number unpaid, the discharging operation end timer times out in a state in which a smaller number of game balls (for example, 25) are discharged in a ball rental processing (S74) described later. When done. Then, when the remaining number unpaid is set, the remaining number payout process (S43) is executed, and when the remaining number unpaid is not set, the process returns from the discharge error monitoring process.

Here, the remaining number payout process (S43) will be described with reference to FIG. In this remaining number payout process,
First, it is determined whether or not the discharge weight timer is operating (S51). If not, the "open" state of the ball stopping solenoid 47 is set (S52). Here, when the open state of the ball stopping solenoid 47 is set, the ball stopping mechanism 32 is converted into a non-operating state in the output processing (S13). If you set the open state of the ball stop solenoid 47,
The unpaid number is set (S53), and the time-out time of the unpaid discharge operation timer is set (S54). Here, the time-out time of the unpaid discharge operation timer is set to a time sufficient for the ball discharge unit 30 to discharge the number of unpaid game balls. In this embodiment, it is set to 3 seconds.
After this time-up time is set, the unpaid discharge operation timer is started (S55), and the discharge solenoid 5
3 is excited (turned on) to form a state in which the game balls in the ball channel 50 can flow down (S56).

When the discharge solenoid 53 is excited, the detection signal from the discharge sensor 51 is monitored, and it is determined whether or not the number of unpaid game balls has been discharged (S57). Here, if the discharge is not completed, the monitoring is continued until the time of the payout discharge operation timer expires (S58), and if the discharge is completed, the discharge solenoid 53 is demagnetized (turned off) and the ball flow path 5 is turned off.
The game balls within 0 are stopped (S59), and the discharge wait timer is activated (S60). On the other hand, if the number of unpaid game balls has not been discharged even when the payout / discharge operation timer has expired, the discharge solenoid 53 is demagnetized (turned off) to stop the game balls in the ball flow path 50 (S61). ), A discharge error flag is set and a discharge error is set (S6).
2).

When the remaining number payout processing is completed, it is determined whether or not the unpaid number of game balls has been discharged in the remaining number payout processing (S44). In step S45, information on the number of discharge operations is acquired. This discharge operation count information indicates the number of times the ball discharge unit 30 has been operated since the main power was turned on. More specifically, the information is updated by +1 each time a unit lending ball corresponding to the credit “1” is discharged (for example, 25 as a prescribed discharge number). Note that this discharge operation count information is set to “0” immediately after the main power is turned on, and becomes “1” in conjunction with the execution of the first discharge operation.

When the discharge operation number information is obtained, it is determined whether or not the obtained discharge operation number information is a value “1”, that is, whether the discharge operation is the first discharge operation after the main power is turned on (S46). Here, if the value is “1” (first discharge operation), the ball stopping mechanism normal flag is set, and the process returns from the discharge error monitoring process. If the value is other than "1", the process returns from the discharge error monitoring process without setting the ball stopping mechanism normal flag.

Next, the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing (S38)
Will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing, first, the number of discharge operations is acquired (S61). Next, it is determined whether or not the acquired discharge operation count information is a value "1" (S62). If the value is "1" (first discharge operation), is the ball stopping mechanism normal flag set? Is determined (S63). Here, if the ball stopping mechanism normal flag is set, it is determined that the ball stopping mechanism 32 is operating normally, and the process returns from the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring processing. On the other hand, if the ball stopping mechanism normal flag has not been set, it is determined that the ball stopping mechanism 32 has an abnormality, the ball stopping mechanism error flag is set (S64), and a notification of the ball stopping mechanism abnormality error is notified. It is set (S65). When the error notification is set, the process returns from the ball stopping mechanism abnormality monitoring process.

Next, the ball lending process (S4) will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, in this ball lending process,
First, a coin insertion monitoring process (S71) is performed. In this coin insertion monitoring process, credit data is acquired, and based on the credit data, an output of a 500 yen acceptance inhibiting signal or a 100 yen acceptance inhibiting signal is set as necessary. Next, a 500 yen coin signal from the coin discriminator 36 or 10
The 0 yen coin signal is monitored. When a 500 yen coin signal is received, the value “5” is added to the acquired credit data. When a 100 yen coin signal is received, the value “1” is added to the acquired credit data. Is added. The credit data after the addition is backed up in the EEPROM 61.

After performing the coin insertion monitoring process, the ball lending condition monitoring process (S72) is performed. In the ball lending condition monitoring process, first, the credit data is referred to, and when the value of the credit data is “1” or more, a detection signal from the discharge sensor 51, a detection signal from the supply ball detection switch 45, and the like are referred to. For example, it is determined whether the ball lending machine 3 is in a state where ball lending is possible. Then, the process is branched based on the determination result (S73). If the ball can be lent, the ball lending discharge process (S74) is executed. If the ball cannot be lent, the ball lending discharge process is skipped. I do.

As shown in FIG. 13, the ball lending discharge process (S7)
In 4), the number of discharge operations is updated by +1 (S81).
The credit data is updated by -1 (S82), and the updated credit data is backed up in the EEPROM 61 (S83). Next, based on the set value, the specified emission number per credit “1” is set (S84). In this process, for example, the specified emission number “25” corresponding to “1” credit is set. After the specified discharge number is set, the time-up time of the discharge operation end timer is set (S85). Here, the time-up time of the discharge operation end timer is such that the specified number of game balls are discharged to the ball discharge unit
0 is set to a time sufficient to discharge. In this embodiment, it is set to 3 seconds. After this time-up time has been set, the discharge operation end timer is started (S86), and the discharge solenoid 53 is excited to activate the ball flow path 50.
A state is established in which the game balls within can flow down (S87).

When the discharge solenoid 53 is excited, the detection signal from the discharge sensor 51 is monitored, and it is determined whether a specified number of game balls have been discharged (S88). Here, if the discharge is not completed, the monitoring is continued until the discharge operation end timer times out (S89). If the discharge is completed, the discharge solenoid 53 is demagnetized and the game ball in the ball flow path 50 is demagnetized. Is stopped (S90), and the discharge wait timer is operated (S91). On the other hand, if the specified number of game balls have not been discharged even if the discharge operation end timer expires, the discharge solenoid 53 is demagnetized and the ball flow path 50 is released.
The game balls within are stopped (S92), the remaining number unpaid is set (S93), and the ball lending discharge process ends. The setting of the remaining number payout is referred to in the remaining number payout process (S43), and the unpaid game balls are discharged in the remaining number payout process.

In the above embodiment, the ball rental machine 3 provided with a game ball discharging mechanism has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the ball rental machine 3, but the pachinko machine 1
Can be applied to a ball discharging mechanism of a game machine represented by

Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the stopping mechanism 32 is provided in the middle of the supply ball supply path 31 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which the ball stopping mechanism 32 is provided in the middle of the discharge ball flow path 33. In this case, for example, a ball stop mechanism 32 is provided in the middle of the discharge ball flow path 33, and a stop ball detection switch (stop ball detection means) capable of detecting a game ball stopped by contacting the ball stop mechanism 32 is provided. Then, the game balls discharged from the ball discharging unit 30 are moved to the ball stopping mechanism 32.
When the stopped game ball is detected by the stopped ball detection switch, it is determined that the ball stopping mechanism 32 is functioning normally.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ball lending control device 34 generates a shortage state of the number of leased balls in conjunction with the first unit ball lending operation after the power is turned on, and eliminates the shortage state of the number of released balls. Although the remaining number payout process is performed in order to perform the process, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the first ball lending operation after the power is turned on is performed by a plurality of unit ball lending operations, an insufficient number of balls to be discharged state is generated in conjunction with the second and subsequent unit ball lending operations. Then, the ball lending control device 34 (insufficient state generating means, insufficient state eliminating means) may be operated. In this case, if the first ball lending operation after power-on is a ball lending operation based on the insertion of a 500 yen coin, the unit ball lending operation is repeated five times. Therefore, the ball lending control device 34 converts the ball stop solenoid 47 to the closed state immediately before shifting to the third unit ball lending operation or the fourth unit ball lending operation, and generates a shortage state of the number of released balls. . With such a configuration, a state in which the number of leased balls is insufficient occurs after the unit ball lending operation is performed several times, so that the player can be less likely to feel uncomfortable or untrustworthy.

[0069]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. According to the first aspect of the invention, the abnormality detection of the ball stopping mechanism is configured to be performed in conjunction with the ball discharging operation by the ball discharging device. Even if it does, this abnormality can be found without fail. Then, the detected abnormality can be reliably notified to the clerk of the game store or the like by the abnormality notification means. For this reason, even if the ball stopping mechanism is not used for a long period of time, the ball stopping mechanism can be maintained in an operable state, and the ball discharging device discharges an unexpected game ball due to a failure or the like. When this happens, the ball stopping mechanism can be reliably operated, and the amusement store can be prevented from suffering disadvantages.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the ball stopping mechanism is actuated, the ball discharging mechanism can discharge only the game balls having a number smaller than the specified number of discharges upstream of the ball discharging apparatus. The ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means is provided with a preliminary operating means for operating the ball stopping mechanism when the ball discharging apparatus is not operating, and a ball discharging apparatus for discharging the ball to the ball discharging apparatus while maintaining the operation state of the ball stopping mechanism by the preliminary operating means. An insufficiency state generating means for performing an operation to generate an insufficiency state; and an insufficiency state eliminating means for automatically eliminating the insufficiency state generated by the insufficiency state generating means. Since it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the ball stopping mechanism on the condition that the ball stopping mechanism has not been switched to the operating state, the operation check of the ball stopping mechanism can be automatically performed during the game ball payout process during business hours. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the burden on the clerk of the game store and the like.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is checked whether or not the ball stopping mechanism is functioning normally at the first ball ejection after the main power is turned on. Even if an error occurs, it can be immediately grasped that an abnormality has occurred. For this reason, a quick response is possible, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the gaming shop from being disadvantaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a ball lending machine installed in an island facility in a state where it is arranged next to a pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a ball rental machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main structure in the ball rental machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the ball rental machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of the ball lending control device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process performed in parallel with the main process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an initialization process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a trouble monitoring process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a discharge error monitoring process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a remaining number payout process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating ball stop mechanism abnormality monitoring.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a ball lending process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a ball lending discharge process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Island equipment 3 Ball rental machine 4 Machine frame 5 Front frame 6 Game area 7 Game board 8 Front glass 9 Glass frame 10 Upper plate 11 Openable panel 12 Ashtray 13 Lower plate 14 Launching operation handle 21 Housing for ball rental machine 22 Status Notification Unit 23 Coin Slot 24 Return Button 25 Ball Number Indicator 26 Nozzle Member 27 Return Port 30 Ball Discharge Unit 31 Supply Ball Supply Path 32 Ball Stopping Mechanism 33 Discharge Ball Downflow Path 34 Ball Rental Control Device 35 Installation Condition Monitoring Unit 36 coin discriminator 40 branch gutter 41 ball supply gutter 42 movable shutter 43 supply ball detection mechanism 44 supply ball detection member 45 supply ball detection switch 46 ball stop member 47 ball stop solenoid 50 ball flow path of ball discharge unit 51 discharge sensor 52 ball Locking member 53 Discharge solenoid 60 Control unit 61 EEPROM 62 Reset switch 63 1 setting switch 64 second setting switch 65 sales contact output 66 overflow switch 67 installed condition monitoring switch 68 7-segment substrate 69 relay board

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A ball discharge device provided in the middle of a ball down flow path to discharge a required number of game balls, and a down flow of game balls in the ball down flow path in a non-operation state, and a ball down flow in an operation state. A ball stopping mechanism having a ball stopping mechanism for forcibly stopping a game ball in a road, a ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the ball stopping mechanism in conjunction with a ball discharging operation by a ball discharging device, A game ball discharging mechanism comprising: a ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means for notifying the abnormality when the ball stopping mechanism abnormality is detected by the ball stopping mechanism abnormality detecting means. 2. The ball stopping mechanism is disposed upstream of the ball discharging device so that the ball discharging device can discharge only a smaller number of game balls when the ball stopping mechanism is actuated. The means includes a preliminary operating means for operating the ball stopping mechanism when the ball discharging apparatus is not operating, and a shortage state generated by causing the ball discharging apparatus to perform a ball discharging operation while maintaining the operating state of the ball stopping mechanism by the preliminary operating means. Shortage generating means for causing the ball stop mechanism to switch to the inactive state by the shortage eliminating means for automatically canceling the shortage generated by the shortage generating means. 2. The game ball discharging mechanism according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the ball stopping mechanism under the condition. 3. The pre-activation means activates a ball stopping mechanism every time the main power is turned on to forcibly stop a game ball in a ball downflow path. 3. The game ball discharging mechanism according to claim 2, wherein a shortage state is generated when the ball discharging device is operated for the first time later.